tass--2020-06-08--Twitter account of Iranian embassy in Russia still blocked

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
Twitter has not yet unblocked the account of the Iranian embassy in Russia @ @ @ @ @ an embassy spokesperson told TASS on Monday .
`` We have sent numerous requests to @ @ @ @ @ was blocked .
But , as of today , it is still blocked , '' @ @ @ @ @ that the situation is being tackled by the Iranian Foreign Ministry as Twitter has blocked @ @ @ @ @ in a range of other countries .
Iran ’ s embassy in Moscow said earlier @ @ @ @ @ account , as well as accounts of Iran ’ s embassies in a number of @ @ @ @ @ , Jerusalem Day , marked in the Muslim world .

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. Twitter has not yet unblocked the account of the Iranian embassy in Russia, despite numerous requests, an embassy spokesperson told TASS on Monday.
"We have sent numerous requests to the company after the account was blocked. But, as of today, it is still blocked," the interlocutor said, adding that the situation is being tackled by the Iranian Foreign Ministry as Twitter has blocked the accounts of Iranian embassies in a range of other countries.
Iran’s embassy in Moscow said earlier that Twitter had blocked its account, as well as accounts of Iran’s embassies in a number of other countries on May 22, Jerusalem Day, marked in the Muslim world.


tass--2020-06-08--Moscow special economic zone joins World Organization of Free Zones

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Technopolis Moscow special economic zone ( SEZ ) has joined the World Free Zones Organization , according to the information on the Moscow Mayor ’ s website .
`` Today , the World Organization of Free Zones includes more than 50,000 companies from 126 countries .
The Russian special economic zone is included in it for the first time and will now get a vote at the annual World FZO General Assembly and the opportunity to represent the interests of Moscow and the country .
This status will allow residents of Technopolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exemptions to increase export volumes and attract investors from other countries for the implementation of Russian projects , '' Deputy Mayor Vladimir Efimov said as quoted by the statement .
According to Alexander Prokhorov , head of the capital ’ s department for investment and industrial policy of the city , Technopolis Moscow is the second Russian member of the organization after the Federal Agency for Management of Special Economic Zones .
`` Such interaction and support for enterprises for the search for new investors from around the world is especially important today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry that suffered from the pandemic and the regime of time restrictions , '' Prokhorov said as quoted by the press release .
The Technopolis Moscow special economic zone includes five sites with a total area of 206.8 hectares .
More than 140 high-tech companies are presented at that territory , including 69 residents .
The World Organization of Free Zones was founded in Geneva in 2014 , its head office is located in Dubai .
This is the only organization in the world that unites free zones , industrial parks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
It aims to assist investors in choosing investment sites around the world , as well as to support and develop this tool through the exchange of experience and knowledge between participants .

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. The Technopolis Moscow special economic zone (SEZ) has joined the World Free Zones Organization, according to the information on the Moscow Mayor’s website.
"Today, the World Organization of Free Zones includes more than 50,000 companies from 126 countries. The Russian special economic zone is included in it for the first time and will now get a vote at the annual World FZO General Assembly and the opportunity to represent the interests of Moscow and the country. This status will allow residents of Technopolis Moscow along with other tax and customs exemptions to increase export volumes and attract investors from other countries for the implementation of Russian projects," Deputy Mayor Vladimir Efimov said as quoted by the statement.
According to Alexander Prokhorov, head of the capital’s department for investment and industrial policy of the city, Technopolis Moscow is the second Russian member of the organization after the Federal Agency for Management of Special Economic Zones.
"Such interaction and support for enterprises for the search for new investors from around the world is especially important today - during the period of recovery of the industry that suffered from the pandemic and the regime of time restrictions," Prokhorov said as quoted by the press release.
The Technopolis Moscow special economic zone includes five sites with a total area of 206.8 hectares. More than 140 high-tech companies are presented at that territory, including 69 residents.
The World Organization of Free Zones was founded in Geneva in 2014, its head office is located in Dubai. This is the only organization in the world that unites free zones, industrial parks, as well as special zones around the world. It aims to assist investors in choosing investment sites around the world, as well as to support and develop this tool through the exchange of experience and knowledge between participants.


tass--2020-06-08--Brent futures fall below $41/bbl

Brent futures fall below $41/bbl

Brent crude jumps over $ 43 per barrel for first time since March MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ in August 2020 dropped by 3.2 % to $ 40.96 a barrel on the London-based @ @ @ @ @ prices go down , although OPEC+ ministers agreed to support the historically large oil production @ @ @ @ @ July .

Brent crude jumps over $43 per barrel for first time since March
MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. Brent oil futures with delivery in August 2020 dropped by 3.2% to $40.96 a barrel on the London-based ICE on Monday.
WTI oil futures lost 3.9% and declined to $38.26 a barrel.
Oil prices go down, although OPEC+ ministers agreed to support the historically large oil production cuts until the end of July.


tass--2020-06-08--Russian agency challenges Prague’s ‘contradicting’ statements over expelled envoys

`` There is no logic whatsoever in this story .
Statements by Czech members of political circles and government agencies have been contradicting each other , '' he noted .
MOSCOW , June 8./TASS/ .
Statements from Czech officials concerning the two Russian diplomats that had been recently expelled from Prague are conflicting , Deputy Head of Russia ’ s Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs , Compatriots Living Abroad , and International Humanitarian Cooperation Mikhail Bryukhanov told Russia-1 television on Monday .
Bryukhanov reiterated that Czech Minister of the Interior Jan Hamacek had stated that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal activity by any Russian diplomat .
`` After that they cite some ‘ secrecy ’ and present us with their own version that somebody had been making denunciations , which is why both [ diplomats ] were expelled .
Pardon me , colleagues , but where is the logic ?
The intelligence service must have been glad if someone was making denunciations .
Why the expulsion ?
Ok , read , study and analyze… Very odd actions , '' he added .
Bryukhanov noted that the dispute erupted back in April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Respekt magazine claiming that a certain Russian diplomat had arrived in Prague with toxins .
`` The Czech Republic got alarmed back then that the story leaking from the intelligence service became publicly available , and turned into a hot topic that was widely talked about .
As I understand , the authorities had no plans to make it public , '' he said .
`` My impression is that they had no intention whatsoever .
Everything was unfolding very spontaneously , with a scandal and in favor of some third party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity a plan , '' he stressed .
On June 5 , the Czech Foreign Ministry notified the Russian embassy of Prague ’ s decision to expel two embassy employees .
Before that , Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis told a news conference that two Russian diplomats had been declared personae-non-grata .
According to him , media reports of a Russian diplomat bringing ricin , a highly potent toxin , into the country , which was allegedly meant for those behind the demolition of the monument to WWII Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total fabrication .
Babis said the ricin scandal followed a false signal from a Russian embassy employee to the Czech counterintelligence services about an alleged plot against some Czech officials , raising tensions between the two countries .
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that Prague ’ s actions would be met with an adequate response and that those moves would be taken into account when Moscow charts its foreign policy towards the Czech Republic .

"There is no logic whatsoever in this story. Statements by Czech members of political circles and government agencies have been contradicting each other," he noted.
MOSCOW, June 8./TASS/. Statements from Czech officials concerning the two Russian diplomats that had been recently expelled from Prague are conflicting, Deputy Head of Russia’s Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation Mikhail Bryukhanov told Russia-1 television on Monday.
Bryukhanov reiterated that Czech Minister of the Interior Jan Hamacek had stated that the Czech intelligence services had no evidence of illegal activity by any Russian diplomat. "After that they cite some ‘secrecy’ and present us with their own version that somebody had been making denunciations, which is why both [diplomats] were expelled. Pardon me, colleagues, but where is the logic? The intelligence service must have been glad if someone was making denunciations. Why the expulsion? Ok, read, study and analyze… Very odd actions," he added.
Bryukhanov noted that the dispute erupted back in April, with a Czech intelligence leak to the Respekt magazine claiming that a certain Russian diplomat had arrived in Prague with toxins. "The Czech Republic got alarmed back then that the story leaking from the intelligence service became publicly available, and turned into a hot topic that was widely talked about. As I understand, the authorities had no plans to make it public," he said.
"My impression is that they had no intention whatsoever. Everything was unfolding very spontaneously, with a scandal and in favor of some third party. It is very difficult to call this activity a plan," he stressed.
On June 5, the Czech Foreign Ministry notified the Russian embassy of Prague’s decision to expel two embassy employees. Before that, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis told a news conference that two Russian diplomats had been declared personae-non-grata. According to him, media reports of a Russian diplomat bringing ricin, a highly potent toxin, into the country, which was allegedly meant for those behind the demolition of the monument to WWII Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev in Prague, turned out to be a total fabrication. Babis said the ricin scandal followed a false signal from a Russian embassy employee to the Czech counterintelligence services about an alleged plot against some Czech officials, raising tensions between the two countries.
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that Prague’s actions would be met with an adequate response and that those moves would be taken into account when Moscow charts its foreign policy towards the Czech Republic.


tass--2020-06-08--Russian Black Sea Fleet ships hold air defense drills in Sevastopol and Novorossiysk

SEVASTOPOL , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s shipborne air defense teams held drills at @ @ @ @ @ and Novorossiysk , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` During @ @ @ @ @ of shipborne combat posts detected and identified targets while air defense teams notionally destroyed the @ @ @ @ @ ’ air defense weapons after the air targets came within the destruction distance , '' @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
The drills involved about 20 ships staying at the Black Sea Fleet @ @ @ @ @ of aircraft of the Black Sea Fleet ’ s naval aviation and air defense forces @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Air Force and air defense troops were involved in the drills to create @ @ @ @ @ the statement says .

SEVASTOPOL, June 8. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s shipborne air defense teams held drills at the naval bases of Sevastopol and Novorossiysk, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
"During the exercise, the teams of shipborne combat posts detected and identified targets while air defense teams notionally destroyed the enemy aviation with the ships’ air defense weapons after the air targets came within the destruction distance," the press office said in a statement.
The drills involved about 20 ships staying at the Black Sea Fleet naval bases. The crews of aircraft of the Black Sea Fleet’s naval aviation and air defense forces and the Southern Military District’s Air Force and air defense troops were involved in the drills to create the tactical battle scene, the statement says.


tass--2020-06-08--Over 1.3 million people donated their blood in Russia in 2019

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
More than one million people donated their blood and its components in 2019 , the press service of Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency said on Monday .
`` Today , Russia is one of the world ’ s leaders in terms of blood donation .
In 2019 alone , more than 1.3 million people donated their blood and its components .
Notable , the majority of blood donors in Russia - 99.6 % - do it without compensation , '' it said .
The agency stressed that it became possible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ components during the novel coronavirus infection .
`` During the pandemic , the number of blood donors has decreased by less than one percent ( 0.7 % ) , '' the press service quoted the agency chief , Veronika Skvortsova , as saying .
According to Skvortsova , promotion of voluntary blood donation can be seen as promotion of healthy lifestyles because all those who want to donate their blood undergo comprehensive medical examination .
A nationwide Blood Donor Week started in Russia on June 8 .
It is timed to World Blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 14 since 2005 .

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. More than one million people donated their blood and its components in 2019, the press service of Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency said on Monday.
"Today, Russia is one of the world’s leaders in terms of blood donation. In 2019 alone, more than 1.3 million people donated their blood and its components. Notable, the majority of blood donors in Russia - 99.6% - do it without compensation," it said.
The agency stressed that it became possible to avoid shortages of donated blood and its components during the novel coronavirus infection. "During the pandemic, the number of blood donors has decreased by less than one percent (0.7%)," the press service quoted the agency chief, Veronika Skvortsova, as saying.
According to Skvortsova, promotion of voluntary blood donation can be seen as promotion of healthy lifestyles because all those who want to donate their blood undergo comprehensive medical examination.
A nationwide Blood Donor Week started in Russia on June 8. It is timed to World Blood Donor Day, which has been marked on June 14 since 2005.


tass--2020-06-08--Russia’s top brass inks deal on 20 Su-34 frontline bombers

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry has signed a three-year contract on receiving about 20 Sukhoi Su-34 frontline bombers , a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Monday .
`` Last week , a contract was signed between the Defense Ministry and the Sukhoi Aircraft Company on building about 20 Su-34 frontline bombers , '' the source said .
The contract involves standard Su-34 aircraft with certain alterations based on the experience of the operation of several dozen bombers of this type earlier purchased for the troops , the source said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgraded Su-34M planes `` is expected to be signed in 2021 , '' the source added .
The Su-34 multirole supersonic fighter-bomber is designated to effectively strike enemy ground and air targets day and night in any weather conditions .
The Su-34 carries long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air missile armament with the multi-channel employment capability .
The Su-34 has an operating range of 4,000 km , can develop a maximum speed of 1,900 km/h and is capable of carrying a weapon payload of up to 8 tonnes .
The Su-34 is half as noisy @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry has signed a three-year contract on receiving about 20 Sukhoi Su-34 frontline bombers, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Monday.
"Last week, a contract was signed between the Defense Ministry and the Sukhoi Aircraft Company on building about 20 Su-34 frontline bombers," the source said.
The contract involves standard Su-34 aircraft with certain alterations based on the experience of the operation of several dozen bombers of this type earlier purchased for the troops, the source said.
A contract on the purchase of upgraded Su-34M planes "is expected to be signed in 2021," the source added.
The Su-34 multirole supersonic fighter-bomber is designated to effectively strike enemy ground and air targets day and night in any weather conditions.
The Su-34 carries long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air missile armament with the multi-channel employment capability. The Su-34 has an operating range of 4,000 km, can develop a maximum speed of 1,900 km/h and is capable of carrying a weapon payload of up to 8 tonnes. The Su-34 is half as noisy as earlier models.


tass--2020-06-08--Advanced nuclear-powered sub to enter service with Russia’s Navy on June 12 — source

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
The improved Project 955A ( Borei-A ) lead nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir will enter service with the Northern Fleet ’ s 31st submarine division on June 12 , a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Monday .
Advanced nuclear-powered sub Knyaz Vladimir to be delivered to Russian Navy by late June '' The ceremony of raising the flag aboard the Knyaz Vladimir that will signify the underwater cruiser ’ s official inclusion in the Fleet ’ s combat structure is scheduled for June 12 .
The submarine will operate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said .
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet .
Currently , the Project 955 ( Borei ) lead submarine Yuri Dolgoruky and also the Project 667BDRM ( Delfin-class ) subs developed during the Soviet period are operational in the 31st division of submarine forces .
The nuclear-powered submarine completed its state trials in late 2019 but the sub ’ s delivery to the Navy was delayed over faults revealed .
After the faults were removed , the underwater cruiser held final trials in the White Sea on May 12-21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sub ’ s acceptance/delivery certificate was signed on May 28 .
The Knyaz Vladimir is the improved Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruiser , which represents the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy .
It was floated out in November 2017 .
According to the data of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , the sub Knyaz Vladimir is less noisy and features improved maneuvering , depth and armament control systems .
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles .
They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes @

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. The improved Project 955A (Borei-A) lead nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir will enter service with the Northern Fleet’s 31st submarine division on June 12, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Monday.
Advanced nuclear-powered sub Knyaz Vladimir to be delivered to Russian Navy by late June
"The ceremony of raising the flag aboard the Knyaz Vladimir that will signify the underwater cruiser’s official inclusion in the Fleet’s combat structure is scheduled for June 12. The submarine will operate in the 31st submarine division," the source said.
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet.
Currently, the Project 955 (Borei) lead submarine Yuri Dolgoruky and also the Project 667BDRM (Delfin-class) subs developed during the Soviet period are operational in the 31st division of submarine forces.
The nuclear-powered submarine completed its state trials in late 2019 but the sub’s delivery to the Navy was delayed over faults revealed. After the faults were removed, the underwater cruiser held final trials in the White Sea on May 12-21 and then returned to Severodvinsk. The sub’s acceptance/delivery certificate was signed on May 28.
The Knyaz Vladimir is the improved Project 955A strategic missile-carrying underwater cruiser, which represents the fourth generation of nuclear-powered subs built for the Russian Navy. It was floated out in November 2017. According to the data of Russia’s Defense Ministry, the sub Knyaz Vladimir is less noisy and features improved maneuvering, depth and armament control systems.
All Borei-class submarines can carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles. They are also furnished with 533mm torpedo tubes.


tass--2020-06-08--Russia’s Transport Ministry believes it is too early for resuming international flights

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
It is too early to talk about resuming international flights , this issue @ @ @ @ @ domestic air travel is ensured , press service of the Russian Ministry of Transport told @ @ @ @ @ It is too early to set a date for resuming international flights by Russian airlines @ @ @ @ @ the future , flights from Russia to other countries will be resumed .
However , @ @ @ @ @ solved first .
We can talk about resuming international flights when we see results of @ @ @ @ @ ensuring safe travel of Russians to vacation spots within our country , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ of Transport noted that now it is necessary `` to gradually set up air transportation @ @ @ @ @ with all measures to counter the spread of COVID-19 '' .

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. It is too early to talk about resuming international flights, this issue will become relevant after safe domestic air travel is ensured, press service of the Russian Ministry of Transport told reporters on Monday.
"It is too early to set a date for resuming international flights by Russian airlines. Of course, in the future, flights from Russia to other countries will be resumed. However, other tasks need to be solved first. We can talk about resuming international flights when we see results of the transport and tourism industry ensuring safe travel of Russians to vacation spots within our country," the press service said.
The Ministry of Transport noted that now it is necessary "to gradually set up air transportation within the country in compliance with all measures to counter the spread of COVID-19".


tass--2020-06-08--Baltic Fleet monitors Baltops 2020 exercise

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Baltic Fleet is monitoring the Baltops exercise the United States and European @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s national defense command center told the media .
`` The Baltic Fleet @ @ @ @ @ Baltops 2020 , which the United States and European countries are holding in the southern @ @ @ @ @ Baltic Sea on June 7-19 , '' the news release runs .
Participating in the @ @ @ @ @ NATO countries and two partner states - Sweden and Finland .
Up to 3,000 men @ @ @ @ @ 28 planes and helicopters are involved .
The exercise has been held annually in June @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. The Baltic Fleet is monitoring the Baltops exercise the United States and European countries began on Sunday, Russia’s national defense command center told the media.
"The Baltic Fleet is monitoring the naval exercise Baltops 2020, which the United States and European countries are holding in the southern and central parts of the Baltic Sea on June 7-19," the news release runs.
Participating in the Baltops 2020 exercise are 17 NATO countries and two partner states - Sweden and Finland. Up to 3,000 men, 28 ships, and 28 planes and helicopters are involved. The exercise has been held annually in June since 1972.


tass--2020-06-08--Italy’s Cassation Court confirms extradition of Russian national Korshunov

ROME , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Supreme Court of Cassation of Italy confirmed the sentence of the Appellate Court regarding extradition of Alexander Korshunov , business development director of Russia ’ s United Engine Corporation ( UEC ) , to the US , lawyer Domenico Caiazza told journalists Monday .
`` The Court of Cassation confirmed extradition to the US .
We expect publication of the protocol , '' the lawyer said .
`` After that , the Justice Minister [ of Italy ] must decide where [ Korshunov ] will be extradited — to the US or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the hearing took place on May 21 .
Korshunov was arrested on August 30 in the airport of Naples , over an international order , issued by the US .
The US authorities accuse him of conspiracy aiming to steal commercial secrets from a US aviation company .
Simultaneously , Russian authorities also demand extradition of Korshunov , accusing him of fraud and theft .
Korshunov , who is currently in Italy under house arrest , agreed to be extradited to Russia .
In this case , the Minister of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the extradition .
The Korshunov case revolves around the PD-14 plane engine , developed for the MC-21-300 plane in a cooperation of the UEC companies , utilizing a number of newest technologies and materials , including the composite ones .
The first mass-produced PD-14 engine is expected in 2020-2021 .
Besides Korshunov , an Italian national named Maurizio Paolo Bianchi is a defendant in the case .
According to the US authorities , he previously held a senior office in a GE Aviation subsidiary and supervised business in China , Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aernova , which provided consultations to Russia .
Commenting on apprehensions of Russian nationals in third countries on US requests , President Vladimir Putin called it `` very bad practice that is probably connected to competition . ''
According to the Italian lawyers , US accuses foreign nationals of alleged crimes they conduct in third countries — France and Italy — where they are not considered to be crimes , and where no criminal prosecution has been initiated against them , creating a `` jurisdiction defect . ''

ROME, June 8. /TASS/. The Supreme Court of Cassation of Italy confirmed the sentence of the Appellate Court regarding extradition of Alexander Korshunov, business development director of Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), to the US, lawyer Domenico Caiazza told journalists Monday.
"The Court of Cassation confirmed extradition to the US. We expect publication of the protocol," the lawyer said. "After that, the Justice Minister [of Italy] must decide where [Korshunov] will be extradited — to the US or to Russia," the lawyer said, adding that the hearing took place on May 21.
Korshunov was arrested on August 30 in the airport of Naples, over an international order, issued by the US. The US authorities accuse him of conspiracy aiming to steal commercial secrets from a US aviation company. Simultaneously, Russian authorities also demand extradition of Korshunov, accusing him of fraud and theft. Korshunov, who is currently in Italy under house arrest, agreed to be extradited to Russia. In this case, the Minister of Justice is to take the final decision on the extradition.
The Korshunov case
The Korshunov case revolves around the PD-14 plane engine, developed for the MC-21-300 plane in a cooperation of the UEC companies, utilizing a number of newest technologies and materials, including the composite ones. The first mass-produced PD-14 engine is expected in 2020-2021.
Besides Korshunov, an Italian national named Maurizio Paolo Bianchi is a defendant in the case. According to the US authorities, he previously held a senior office in a GE Aviation subsidiary and supervised business in China, Russia and Asia, before joining Italy’s Aernova, which provided consultations to Russia.
Commenting on apprehensions of Russian nationals in third countries on US requests, President Vladimir Putin called it "very bad practice that is probably connected to competition."
According to the Italian lawyers, US accuses foreign nationals of alleged crimes they conduct in third countries — France and Italy — where they are not considered to be crimes, and where no criminal prosecution has been initiated against them, creating a "jurisdiction defect."


tass--2020-06-08--Turkey acquires Russian S-400 missile systems for designated operation

MOSCOW , June 8 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Turkey is acquiring Russian-made S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to use them in accordance with their designation , Head of Turkey ’ s Defense Industry Ismail Demir said in a live broadcast of the Turkish NTV television channel on Monday .
`` As we have always said , if some system is purchased , this is done for its operation [ according to its designation ] .
That ’ s it .
As for putting the systems into operation , the world has passed a certain stage and the pace of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All this has affected the deployment of S-400s , '' he said , commenting on the discussion ongoing in Turkey that S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems may not be activated and put on combat duty .
Ankara and Moscow continue negotiations on further implementing the contract on the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems , he said .
As the Turkish defense industry head said , the parties reached `` an agreement in principle on the delivery of the second [ regiment ] set , '' while the roadmap of the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of technologies and joint production . ''
Touching upon Turkey ’ s talks with the United States on the purchase of Patriot air defense systems , he said that Ankara `` is ready to continue work upon receiving specific proposals but this issue has not gone any further . ''
Turkey continues talks with France and Italy on the prospects of buying and jointly producing air defense missile systems , Demir said .
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under the contract , Ankara received a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems ( two battalions ) .
The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side .
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia .
The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12 , 2019 .
Turkey ’ s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States and NATO as a whole .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to make Turkey give up the Russian air defense systems .
As Turkey has not yielded to the pressure and has said that it will not give up the S-400 systems , Washington has excluded Ankara from the US program of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber .
The United States is also threatening Turkey with unilateral sanctions over the purchase of S-400 air defense systems but is in no hurry to take these steps out of fear of further worsening relations with a major NATO ally while Ankara warns it will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Head of Russia ’ s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev said on June 2 that Russia and Turkey are at an advanced stage of their talks on the delivery of the second regiment set of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara , The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km .

MOSCOW, June 8. /TASS/. /TASS/. Turkey is acquiring Russian-made S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to use them in accordance with their designation, Head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Ismail Demir said in a live broadcast of the Turkish NTV television channel on Monday.
"As we have always said, if some system is purchased, this is done for its operation [according to its designation]. That’s it. As for putting the systems into operation, the world has passed a certain stage and the pace of work has slowed and trips have been limited. All this has affected the deployment of S-400s," he said, commenting on the discussion ongoing in Turkey that S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems may not be activated and put on combat duty.
Ankara and Moscow continue negotiations on further implementing the contract on the delivery of S-400 air defense missile systems, he said.
As the Turkish defense industry head said, the parties reached "an agreement in principle on the delivery of the second [regiment] set," while the roadmap of the deal includes the issues of "the transfer of technologies and joint production."
Touching upon Turkey’s talks with the United States on the purchase of Patriot air defense systems, he said that Ankara "is ready to continue work upon receiving specific proposals but this issue has not gone any further."
Turkey continues talks with France and Italy on the prospects of buying and jointly producing air defense missile systems, Demir said.
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara. Under the contract, Ankara received a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems (two battalions). The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side.
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia. The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12, 2019.
Turkey’s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States and NATO as a whole. The United States is not abandoning its attempts to make Turkey give up the Russian air defense systems.
As Turkey has not yielded to the pressure and has said that it will not give up the S-400 systems, Washington has excluded Ankara from the US program of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber.
The United States is also threatening Turkey with unilateral sanctions over the purchase of S-400 air defense systems but is in no hurry to take these steps out of fear of further worsening relations with a major NATO ally while Ankara warns it will not leave the imposition of these restrictions unanswered.
Head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev said on June 2 that Russia and Turkey are at an advanced stage of their talks on the delivery of the second regiment set of S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara,
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-06-09--Secret info leak to the media Prague’s problem, says Czech president’s office

PRAGUE , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
Secret information leaks from state bodies to the media are a problem that needs to be solved in the Czech Republic , President Milos Zeman ’ s spokesman Jirzi Ovczaczek told Prague ’ s Radio Z Monday .
Commenting on the expulsion of the two Russian diplomats following the late April publication of fake news about a ‘ poison plot ’ in the Prague-based Respekt weekly , Zeman ’ s spokesman said that the publication of secret intelligence made it impossible to `` calmly investigate the case . ''
`` We have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ state ] authorities to the media , '' he said .
`` This problem needs to be sorted out . ''
`` We would not have found ourselves in this situation otherwise , '' he added .
`` I would like to underscore that President [ Zeman ] is fully informed about the entire situation .
It appears that the decision [ to expel the diplomats ] was the only possible one , '' Ovczaczek emphasized .
On June 5 , the Russian Embassy in Prague received a note from the Czech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two diplomatic employees .
Earlier , Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis announced that the two diplomats were declared personae-non-gratae during an emergency press conference .
According to Prime Minster Babis , media reports alleging that a Russian diplomat brought a highly potent toxin known as ricin to Prague in a bid to poison Czech politicians over the dismantling of the memorial to Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev , were complete fabrications .
The premier claimed that one of the expelled diplomats deliberately sent out bogus information to the intelligence authorities of an alleged plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this individual ’ s actions had led to `` further complications in Russian-Czech relations . ''
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the Prague ’ s actions would be met with an adequate response and this would be taken into account when Moscow charts its future foreign policy regarding the Czech Republic .

PRAGUE, June 9. /TASS/. Secret information leaks from state bodies to the media are a problem that needs to be solved in the Czech Republic, President Milos Zeman’s spokesman Jirzi Ovczaczek told Prague’s Radio Z Monday.
Commenting on the expulsion of the two Russian diplomats following the late April publication of fake news about a ‘poison plot’ in the Prague-based Respekt weekly, Zeman’s spokesman said that the publication of secret intelligence made it impossible to "calmly investigate the case."
"We have a problem of leaks of information from various [state] authorities to the media," he said. "This problem needs to be sorted out."
"We would not have found ourselves in this situation otherwise," he added.
"I would like to underscore that President [Zeman] is fully informed about the entire situation. It appears that the decision [to expel the diplomats] was the only possible one," Ovczaczek emphasized.
On June 5, the Russian Embassy in Prague received a note from the Czech Foreign Ministry, declaring the expulsion of two diplomatic employees. Earlier, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis announced that the two diplomats were declared personae-non-gratae during an emergency press conference.
According to Prime Minster Babis, media reports alleging that a Russian diplomat brought a highly potent toxin known as ricin to Prague in a bid to poison Czech politicians over the dismantling of the memorial to Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev, were complete fabrications. The premier claimed that one of the expelled diplomats deliberately sent out bogus information to the intelligence authorities of an alleged plot against Czech politicians. Babis stressed that this individual’s actions had led to "further complications in Russian-Czech relations."
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that the Prague’s actions would be met with an adequate response and this would be taken into account when Moscow charts its future foreign policy regarding the Czech Republic.


tass--2020-06-09--Fuel spilled near Norilsk will not reach Kara Sea, expert says

NOVOSIBIRSK , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
Oil products spilled near Norilsk will dissolve in water , rather than penetrate the Kara Sea , head of the water ecology laboratory of the Water and Environmental Problems Institute Vladimir Kirillov said on Tuesday in the TASS press center .
`` The total limit value override is significant and will the river handle it ?
I believe it will cope with that , '' Kirillov said .
`` Diesel fuel that penetrated these water basins is a soluble fraction quickly carried by the stream .
It will partly settle on the bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a long time .
The distance from the [ Lake ] Pyasino to the Kara Sea is 800 km ; it [ the pollution - TASS ] will not reach ; there will be the dilution , '' the expert said .
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of the combined heat and power plant CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29 .
About 21,000 tonnes of fuel were spilled in total on the area of 180,000 square meters of soil and penetrated water objects , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

NOVOSIBIRSK, June 9. /TASS/. Oil products spilled near Norilsk will dissolve in water, rather than penetrate the Kara Sea, head of the water ecology laboratory of the Water and Environmental Problems Institute Vladimir Kirillov said on Tuesday in the TASS press center.
"The total limit value override is significant and will the river handle it? I believe it will cope with that," Kirillov said. "Diesel fuel that penetrated these water basins is a soluble fraction quickly carried by the stream. It will partly settle on the bottom and this will be the secondary contamination for a long time. The distance from the [Lake] Pyasino to the Kara Sea is 800 km; it [the pollution - TASS] will not reach; there will be the dilution," the expert said.
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of the combined heat and power plant CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29. About 21,000 tonnes of fuel were spilled in total on the area of 180,000 square meters of soil and penetrated water objects, causing pollution and damage to the environment.


tass--2020-06-09--Defense contractor to deliver 3 regiments of S-400 systems to Russian troops by 2023

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer will deliver three regiments of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile systems and four sets of S-350 ‘ Vityaz ’ battlefield air defense launchers to the Russian troops by 2023 under new contracts signed with the Defense Ministry , the company ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The Almaz-Antey Group and the Defense Ministry of Russia have signed contracts for the delivery of three regiments of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ surface-to-air missile systems and four sets of S-350 ‘ Vityaz ’ anti-aircraft missile launchers .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Armed Forces no later than 2023 , '' the press office said in a statement .
Russia ’ s S-400 Triumf ( NATO reporting name : SA-21 Growler ) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ surface-to-air missile system has been developed by the Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer for battlefield air defense and is capable of striking targets within a maximum radius of 60 km and at a maximum altitude of 30 km .
The S-350 is designated to fight both aerodynamic and ballistic targets .
An S-350 launcher carries 12 surface-to-air missiles .

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. The Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer will deliver three regiments of S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile systems and four sets of S-350 ‘Vityaz’ battlefield air defense launchers to the Russian troops by 2023 under new contracts signed with the Defense Ministry, the company’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"The Almaz-Antey Group and the Defense Ministry of Russia have signed contracts for the delivery of three regiments of S-400 ‘Triumf’ surface-to-air missile systems and four sets of S-350 ‘Vityaz’ anti-aircraft missile launchers. All the hardware will be handed over to the Russian Armed Forces no later than 2023," the press office said in a statement.
Russia’s S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming.
The S-350 ‘Vityaz’ surface-to-air missile system has been developed by the Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer for battlefield air defense and is capable of striking targets within a maximum radius of 60 km and at a maximum altitude of 30 km. The S-350 is designated to fight both aerodynamic and ballistic targets. An S-350 launcher carries 12 surface-to-air missiles.


tass--2020-06-09--Israel’s annexation of Palestinian territories to deep-six two-state solution — diplomat

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
Israel ’ s plans to annex parts of occupied Palestinian territories will shut the door on the two-state solution and may provoke another round of violence in the region , Russian Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview for Egypt-based Al-Ahram newspaper , also published on the Russian Foreign Ministry 's website Tuesday .
According to the envoy , it is possible that in the near future , `` the new coalition government of Israel will commence practical steps on implementation '' of statements regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the West Bank .
`` We believe that such a development may be highly dangerous .
We agree with estimations and warnings on this issue , reflected in the latest resolutions of the Arab League on the matter , '' the senior diplomat said .
`` We believe that annexation of part of the Palestinian territories by Israel would not only shut the door on the two-state solution , but would also most likely cause a new round of violence in Palestine , and pique already acute discontent of the Arab streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underscored that Russia ’ s principled position in favor of the two-state solution of the Palestinian question grounded on universally recognized international legal basis remains unchanged .
`` Meanwhile , it is imperative to push for immediate resumption of direct talks between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides under the UN aegis to resolve all questions regarding the final status and to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement , based on UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative , '' he added .
`` We are certain that restoration of Palestinian unity based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important prerequisite for launch of the full-scale peace process , '' Bogdanov said .
He also noted `` concerted efforts , taken by the Egyptian authorities on this issue . ''

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. Israel’s plans to annex parts of occupied Palestinian territories will shut the door on the two-state solution and may provoke another round of violence in the region, Russian Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview for Egypt-based Al-Ahram newspaper, also published on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website Tuesday.
According to the envoy, it is possible that in the near future, "the new coalition government of Israel will commence practical steps on implementation" of statements regarding extension of the Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank.
"We believe that such a development may be highly dangerous. We agree with estimations and warnings on this issue, reflected in the latest resolutions of the Arab League on the matter," the senior diplomat said.
"We believe that annexation of part of the Palestinian territories by Israel would not only shut the door on the two-state solution, but would also most likely cause a new round of violence in Palestine, and pique already acute discontent of the Arab streets," Bogdanov said.
The envoy underscored that Russia’s principled position in favor of the two-state solution of the Palestinian question grounded on universally recognized international legal basis remains unchanged.
"Meanwhile, it is imperative to push for immediate resumption of direct talks between the Israeli and the Palestinian sides under the UN aegis to resolve all questions regarding the final status and to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement, based on UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative," he added.
"We are certain that restoration of Palestinian unity based on the Palestine Liberation Organization platform is an important prerequisite for launch of the full-scale peace process," Bogdanov said.
He also noted "concerted efforts, taken by the Egyptian authorities on this issue."


tass--2020-06-09--Senior Russian diplomat, US envoy discuss coordination in settling regional conflicts

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and US Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday bilateral cooperation and interaction in ironing out regional conflicts .
`` During the conversation @ @ @ @ @ the issues of bilateral cooperation at international venues as well as coordinating efforts of our @ @ @ @ @ regional conflicts , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
The phone @ @ @ @ @ US side ’ s initiative .

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and US Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan discussed over the phone on Tuesday bilateral cooperation and interaction in ironing out regional conflicts.
"During the conversation major focus was made on the issues of bilateral cooperation at international venues as well as coordinating efforts of our countries in contributing to settling regional conflicts," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The phone conversation was held at the US side’s initiative.


tass--2020-06-09--Putin not scheduled to hold phone conversation with Erdogan — Kremlin

`` No , today there are no such plans .
Today there are no plans to hold a conversation with @ @ @ @ @ as you know they have very close contacts .
If needed , they can be @ @ @ @ @ Peskov said , answering a question on the plans to discuss the Libyan crisis with @ @ @ @ @ comment on Erdogan ’ s statement that he could discuss Libya with Putin , the @ @ @ @ @ conversation would take place as soon as it was arranged .
The Turkish president said @ @ @ @ @ rule out talks with the Russian leader on the situation in Libya .
According to @ @ @ @ @ US President Donald Trump a new stage in US-Turkish relations could begin regarding the transition @ @ @ @ @ also said a deal on a range of issues had been achieved .

"No, today there are no such plans. Today there are no plans to hold a conversation with the Turkish leader, but as you know they have very close contacts. If needed, they can be arranged very swiftly," Peskov said, answering a question on the plans to discuss the Libyan crisis with the Turkish president.
In comment on Erdogan’s statement that he could discuss Libya with Putin, the Kremlin spokesman noted that this conversation would take place as soon as it was arranged.
The Turkish president said on Monday he did not rule out talks with the Russian leader on the situation in Libya. According to him, after talks with US President Donald Trump a new stage in US-Turkish relations could begin regarding the transition process in Libya. He also said a deal on a range of issues had been achieved.


tass--2020-06-09--Moscow not easing restrictions too quickly, Kremlin says

`` Why do you say that it is happening too quickly ?
Some restrictions remain in place and others will be removed within one to two weeks .
It ’ s not a complete waiver of restrictions , '' Peskov said , commenting on Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin ’ s decision to lift restrictions .
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that regional heads made decisions concerning coronavirus lockdowns based on expert opinions .
When asked if the Moscow Mayor ’ s Office had discussed the move with the Kremlin , Peskov noted that `` it is about the powers that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` In this particular case , Sergei Sobyanin used these powers and made a decision , taking the situation into account , '' the Kremlin spokesman added .
According to him , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the beginning of the outbreak that `` the regional heads should exercise these powers in close coordination with the government crisis-center . ''
`` This is what has been done , '' Peskov stressed , confirming that `` it was the regional head ’ s decision . ''
The Russian presidential spokesman also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the easing of restrictions could lead to an increase in infections .
`` There are doctors who welcome the move , while others have a different opinion .
Naturally , a regional head makes decisions based on expert views , '' Peskov concluded .
Self-isolation rules , travel permits and walking schedules were waived in Moscow on June 9 .
Hair and beauty salons , photo studios , vet clinics and recruitment agencies have reopened , people were allowed to visit cemeteries .
Public organizations , film studios and research institutions have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concert halls and circuses were allowed to hold rehearsals .
More restrictions are expected to be lifted within the next two weeks .

"Why do you say that it is happening too quickly? Some restrictions remain in place and others will be removed within one to two weeks. It’s not a complete waiver of restrictions," Peskov said, commenting on Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s decision to lift restrictions.
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that regional heads made decisions concerning coronavirus lockdowns based on expert opinions.
When asked if the Moscow Mayor’s Office had discussed the move with the Kremlin, Peskov noted that "it is about the powers that have been provided to the regional heads."
"In this particular case, Sergei Sobyanin used these powers and made a decision, taking the situation into account," the Kremlin spokesman added. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the beginning of the outbreak that "the regional heads should exercise these powers in close coordination with the government crisis-center." "This is what has been done," Peskov stressed, confirming that "it was the regional head’s decision."
The Russian presidential spokesman also said that some infectious disease doctors believed that the easing of restrictions could lead to an increase in infections. "There are doctors who welcome the move, while others have a different opinion. Naturally, a regional head makes decisions based on expert views," Peskov concluded.
Self-isolation rules, travel permits and walking schedules were waived in Moscow on June 9. Hair and beauty salons, photo studios, vet clinics and recruitment agencies have reopened, people were allowed to visit cemeteries. Public organizations, film studios and research institutions have resumed normal operations, while theaters, concert halls and circuses were allowed to hold rehearsals. More restrictions are expected to be lifted within the next two weeks.


tass--2020-06-09--Russia, Egypt postpone joint humanitarian events to Q4 2020 over pandemic

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Egypt have postponed events of the Year of Humanitarian Cooperation to the last quarter of 2020 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Some of the events will be held next year , Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview with Egypt ’ s newspaper Al-Ahram .
`` 2020 was declared the Year of Humanitarian Cooperation between Russia and Egypt .
But because of the novel coronavirus pandemic , it was agreed with the Egyptian side to postpone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth quarter of the current year , with a prolongation to 2021 , '' he said .
Russian and Egyptian Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi agreed in 2018 to declare 2020 the Cross Year of Humanitarian Cooperation between the two countries .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 7,210,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 408,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 3,550,900 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. Russia and Egypt have postponed events of the Year of Humanitarian Cooperation to the last quarter of 2020 because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Some of the events will be held next year, Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview with Egypt’s newspaper Al-Ahram.
"2020 was declared the Year of Humanitarian Cooperation between Russia and Egypt. But because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, it was agreed with the Egyptian side to postpone the Year’s program events to the fourth quarter of the current year, with a prolongation to 2021," he said.
Russian and Egyptian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi agreed in 2018 to declare 2020 the Cross Year of Humanitarian Cooperation between the two countries.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 7,210,900 people have been infected worldwide and more than 408,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 3,550,900 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-09--US takes no anti-epidemic measures in Rukban refugee camp — Russian-Syrian statement

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has not taken any measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the Rukban refugee camp it controls in Syria , the Russian and Syrian inter-departmental coordination centers said in a joint statement on Tuesday .
`` The United States , which occupies the 55-kilometer zone Al-Tanf , has not taken any anti-epidemic measures in order to prevent the proliferation of the novel coronavirus infection in the camp .
The lack of proper medical aid , individual protection gear , testing and barrier measures , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a surge in COVID-19 infection rates , '' the statement says .
Such indifferent attitude by the US side causes surprise , the Russian and Syrian centers said , because the United States , where COVID-19 infection and mortality rates are the world ’ s highest , `` is fully aware of the risks of this infection to human health but at the same time remains an indifferent spectator to what is happening in Rukban . ''
`` We believe that in the current situation there can be only one solution of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its dissolution and elimination .
The Syrian government has arranged all crucial quarantine measures at the reception area Al Waha to ensure the safe return of refugees to their homes , '' the statement runs .
The anti-epidemic measures taken in the areas controlled by the Syrian government have helped identify 141 coronavirus cases .
Fifty-eight patients have recovered .
The Russian and Syrian coordination centers acknowledged that the quarantine restrictions imposed amid the pandemic have objectively slowed down the return of Syrian refugees to their homes , but their number still keeps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million .
The joint statement issued by the inter-departmental coordination centers was signed by the head of the Russian coordination center for the repatriation of Syrian refugees , chief of Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center Mikhail Mizintsev and chief of the Syrian coordination center for the repatriation of refugees , Local Administration Minister Hussein Makhlouf .

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. The United States has not taken any measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the Rukban refugee camp it controls in Syria, the Russian and Syrian inter-departmental coordination centers said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
"The United States, which occupies the 55-kilometer zone Al-Tanf, has not taken any anti-epidemic measures in order to prevent the proliferation of the novel coronavirus infection in the camp. The lack of proper medical aid, individual protection gear, testing and barrier measures, as well as congestion and poor sanitary conditions may cause a surge in COVID-19 infection rates," the statement says.
Such indifferent attitude by the US side causes surprise, the Russian and Syrian centers said, because the United States, where COVID-19 infection and mortality rates are the world’s highest, "is fully aware of the risks of this infection to human health but at the same time remains an indifferent spectator to what is happening in Rukban."
"We believe that in the current situation there can be only one solution of the Rukban refugee camp’s problems — its dissolution and elimination. The Syrian government has arranged all crucial quarantine measures at the reception area Al Waha to ensure the safe return of refugees to their homes," the statement runs.
The anti-epidemic measures taken in the areas controlled by the Syrian government have helped identify 141 coronavirus cases. Fifty-eight patients have recovered. The Russian and Syrian coordination centers acknowledged that the quarantine restrictions imposed amid the pandemic have objectively slowed down the return of Syrian refugees to their homes, but their number still keeps growing. Currently it stands at 2.144 million.
The joint statement issued by the inter-departmental coordination centers was signed by the head of the Russian coordination center for the repatriation of Syrian refugees, chief of Russia’s National Defense Control Center Mikhail Mizintsev and chief of the Syrian coordination center for the repatriation of refugees, Local Administration Minister Hussein Makhlouf.


tass--2020-06-09--Face masks should remain mandatory until vaccination begins, expert says

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
Face masks should remain mandatory until coronavirus vaccination begins , Russian Heart Failure @ @ @ @ @ the Hospital Therapy Department No .
1 at Moscow State Medical University Professor Yuri Belenkov @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` I can see that about 60 % of Moscow resident have @ @ @ @ @ would like to point out that today ’ s easing of restrictions does not concern @ @ @ @ @ .
I believe that the most reasonable thing to do is to keep wearing masks @ @ @ @ @ , '' the expert pointed out .
According to Belenkov , if people abide by @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus waves will be much smaller .
To date , 485,253 coronavirus cases have been @ @ @ @ @ 242,397 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 6,142 @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. Face masks should remain mandatory until coronavirus vaccination begins, Russian Heart Failure Society President and head of the Hospital Therapy Department No. 1 at Moscow State Medical University Professor Yuri Belenkov told an online press conference on Tuesday.
"I can see that about 60% of Moscow resident have stopped wearing masks. I would like to point out that today’s easing of restrictions does not concern mask wearing and social distancing. I believe that the most reasonable thing to do is to keep wearing masks until a vaccination campaign begins," the expert pointed out.
According to Belenkov, if people abide by precautionary measures, the next coronavirus waves will be much smaller.
To date, 485,253 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 242,397 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 6,142 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-09--Press review: Moscow lifts most coronavirus restrictions and Democrats seek police reform

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has lifted most restrictions imposed on city residents due to the coronavirus pandemic , including self-isolation rules and digital travel permits .
Hair salons will reopen on June 9 , sidewalk cafes , museums and dental clinics on June 16 , and restaurants and gyms on June 23 .
However , the wearing of face masks and gloves in public remains mandatory .
The mayor attributed the move to a downward trend in coronavirus cases .
Experts consider it to be a political decision stemming from lockdown fatigue , Kommersant writes .
Moscow still records about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s coronavirus reproduction rate stood at 0.93 on June 8 , which , according to the national consumer watchdog ’ s guidelines , does not make it possible to ease restrictions on such a large scale .
`` We are focused on the number of severe cases and fatalities , and there has been a decline in figures , and the trend is positive , '' a source in the Moscow Mayor ’ s Office explained .
In addition , doctors have learned to cope with their workload and there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Vinogradov believes that the Moscow authorities ’ decision came in response `` to the strong lockdown fatigue that engulfed society . ''
`` It seems , the authorities were unable to contain the people eager to have their freedom back .
A vote on the constitutional amendments will take place soon , while the popularity of the lockdown measures has plummeted .
In the beginning , people tended to abide by them and approve of them , but now people are fed up and may have grievances against the authorities , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that the Moscow mayor ’ s decision was `` largely political . ''
`` The political aspect coming from the pressure on the part of the federal government , which has been inclined to remove restrictions , has impacted the mayor 's decision and sped things up .
However , there were all indications that that restrictions would have been lifted on June 14 , '' Vinogradov added .
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph Biden has visited Houston , Texas , to meet with the family of George Floyd , an African American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sparked large-scale nationwide protests .
Meanwhile , Biden ’ s fellow Democrats have unveiled a major police reform initiative , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
A bill dubbed Justice in Policing Act of 2020 contains a set of measures aimed at reducing police misconduct against people taken into custody .
It particularly overturns the so-called qualified immunity , which means that public officials ca n't be sued for actions they take in their official capacity .
For instance , the qualified immunity concept makes it possible to dismiss lawsuits against police officers who kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will depend on Republicans whether the bill will be passed .
Republicans are the minority in the House but control the Senate .
However , the party ’ s position is still unclear .
According to Director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for United States Studies at Moscow State University Yuri Rogulev , `` it is Republican voters that strongly support the idea of using tough methods to quell the unrest . ''
`` When highlighting the need to ensure law and order , Trump addresses his voters first and foremost , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep in mind is that most police unions in the United States tend to support the Republicans rather than the Democrats .
They are unlikely to meet the move to overturn qualified immunity with enthusiasm .
That said , a serious debate on police reform is expected to take place in Congress in the near future .
Meanwhile , Biden ’ s approval rating is on the rise .
He managed to extend his lead over Trump in May , though not enough to become the clear-cut favorite to win the presidential election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way of Haftar ’ s enemies Egypt has raised the stakes in the Libyan conflict .
Eyewitnesses say that at least 18 Egyptian Abrams tanks have been deployed to the border .
Cairo , a patron of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar , earlier unveiled a peace initiative , which was rejected by Libya ’ s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
The blueprint was presented following talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Aguila Saleh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives based in the country ’ s east .
It provides for the equal representation of Libya ’ s three historical regions in high-level government agencies , the development and approval of a permanent constitution and a move to hold general elections in order to ensure unity and territorial integrity .
The initiative was not discussed with the GNA , whose forces are still carrying out an offensive against the LNA .
`` Egypt tried to avoid direct large-scale intervention in Libya when providing assistance to Haftar in recent years , because Cairo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other problems , '' military expert Yuri Lyamin explained .
`` However , as far as efforts to ensure security along its western borders go , it is important for Egypt to help the LNA get control over eastern Libya .
That said , the deployment of troops to the border is probably a signal to the GNA and Turkey to put an end to their offensive , '' the expert added .
If they don ’ t do that , Egypt may take more serious steps , he added .
`` On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that after Haftar ’ s defeat in the battle of Tripoli , his allies seek to draw a line between the areas that the GNA and the LNA control , '' Lyamin pointed out .
`` At the same time , the GNA , supported by Turkey , is trying to fully benefit from its Tripoli victory and move as further forward as possible , '' the analyst said .
Izvestia : Germany ready to respond to US steps against Nord Stream 2 Berlin considers Washington ’ s extraterritorial sanctions against the Nord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German lawmakers told Izvestia that if the US continued attempts to bring the project down , Berlin will have to develop retaliatory measures .
As much as 94 % of the work on Nord Stream 2 has been completed and Russia is confident that it will be launched by the end of 2020 .
According to media reports , US senators have come up with a new bill that could be included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act .
The new measures will target the Akademik Chersky and Fortuna pipe-laying vessels that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking the place of Switzerland ’ s Allseas company that withdrew from the project out of fear of US sanctions .
American senators claim that Nord Stream 2 poses a threat to US national security and the energy independence of Europe and Ukraine .
The United States ' threat of extraterritorial sanctions can not be seen as a friendly act , it is an infringement on the sovereignty of Germany and the European Union , said Chairman of the German Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy Klaus Ernst , who represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if the US continues to pursue this policy , Berlin will have to consider serious measures to protect itself , including penalty tariffs on US gas .
However , German lawmakers are sure that possible US sanctions will not prevent the pipeline 's completion .
US plans to impose sanctions only show that in Washington ’ s opinion , Russia is capable of completing the project on its own , member of the Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy Timon Gremmels pointed out .
Member of the European Parliament Committee on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in turn , noted that the US sanctions were a sign of unacceptable interference in Europe ’ s energy and trade policy .
Russia plans to launch another National Project focused on the tourism industry , head of the All-Russian Non-Governmental Organization Opora Rossii Alexander Kalinin said .
The project will be aimed at boosting tourist flows and the industry 's revenues .
To achieve this goal , the government is eyeing measures to co-fund the expenditures of tour operators , reduce travel costs and introduce e-visas , Izvestia wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national project on domestic and inbound tourism .
Given the situation on foreign markets and the fact that Russians are not allowed to travel overseas at the moment , this is highly relevant , '' Kalinin pointed out .
A national project aimed at supporting the industry would indeed be important , BCS Premier Investment Strategist Alexander Bakhtin noted .
Lower travel costs and the introduction of digital services , including e-visas , can have a significantly positive impact on domestic travel , he added .
The tourism industry has a strong multiplicative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism agencies , hotels and ticket companies , turns into a ruble and a half spent at the travel destination , Freedom Finance analyst Valery Yemelyanov said .
Russia 's plans are in line with global trends because other countries , including Spain and Japan , are taking similar steps to boost domestic tourism .
As for foreign visitors , easy visa processes are crucial .
Electronic document management and easy entry requirements can help attract up to three mln more tourists to Russia every year , Yemelyanov emphasized .
TASS is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press reviews .

Kommersant: Moscow mayor lifts most coronavirus restrictions
Read also Number of working enterprises in Moscow up to 54% as restrictions lifted
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has lifted most restrictions imposed on city residents due to the coronavirus pandemic, including self-isolation rules and digital travel permits. Hair salons will reopen on June 9, sidewalk cafes, museums and dental clinics on June 16, and restaurants and gyms on June 23. However, the wearing of face masks and gloves in public remains mandatory. The mayor attributed the move to a downward trend in coronavirus cases. Experts consider it to be a political decision stemming from lockdown fatigue, Kommersant writes. Moscow still records about 2,000 new cases every day. The city’s coronavirus reproduction rate stood at 0.93 on June 8, which, according to the national consumer watchdog’s guidelines, does not make it possible to ease restrictions on such a large scale. "We are focused on the number of severe cases and fatalities, and there has been a decline in figures, and the trend is positive," a source in the Moscow Mayor’s Office explained. In addition, doctors have learned to cope with their workload and there are enough vacant hospital beds. Political scientist Mikhail Vinogradov believes that the Moscow authorities’ decision came in response "to the strong lockdown fatigue that engulfed society." "It seems, the authorities were unable to contain the people eager to have their freedom back. A vote on the constitutional amendments will take place soon, while the popularity of the lockdown measures has plummeted. In the beginning, people tended to abide by them and approve of them, but now people are fed up and may have grievances against the authorities," political scientist Alexei Makarkin pointed out, adding that the Moscow mayor’s decision was "largely political." "The political aspect coming from the pressure on the part of the federal government, which has been inclined to remove restrictions, has impacted the mayor's decision and sped things up. However, there were all indications that that restrictions would have been lifted on June 14," Vinogradov added. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Democrats unveil revolutionary bill to reform policing
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joseph Biden has visited Houston, Texas, to meet with the family of George Floyd, an African American whose killing in police custody in Minneapolis sparked large-scale nationwide protests. Meanwhile, Biden’s fellow Democrats have unveiled a major police reform initiative, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. A bill dubbed Justice in Policing Act of 2020 contains a set of measures aimed at reducing police misconduct against people taken into custody. It particularly overturns the so-called qualified immunity, which means that public officials can't be sued for actions they take in their official capacity. For instance, the qualified immunity concept makes it possible to dismiss lawsuits against police officers who kill and wound people resisting arrest. It will depend on Republicans whether the bill will be passed. Republicans are the minority in the House but control the Senate. However, the party’s position is still unclear. According to Director of the Franklin Roosevelt Foundation for United States Studies at Moscow State University Yuri Rogulev, "it is Republican voters that strongly support the idea of using tough methods to quell the unrest." "When highlighting the need to ensure law and order, Trump addresses his voters first and foremost," the expert added. Another thing to keep in mind is that most police unions in the United States tend to support the Republicans rather than the Democrats. They are unlikely to meet the move to overturn qualified immunity with enthusiasm. That said, a serious debate on police reform is expected to take place in Congress in the near future. Meanwhile, Biden’s approval rating is on the rise. He managed to extend his lead over Trump in May, though not enough to become the clear-cut favorite to win the presidential election. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Egyptian tanks block the way of Haftar’s enemies
Egypt has raised the stakes in the Libyan conflict. Eyewitnesses say that at least 18 Egyptian Abrams tanks have been deployed to the border. Cairo, a patron of the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, earlier unveiled a peace initiative, which was rejected by Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA), Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. The blueprint was presented following talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Aguila Saleh, President of the Libyan House of Representatives based in the country’s east. It provides for the equal representation of Libya’s three historical regions in high-level government agencies, the development and approval of a permanent constitution and a move to hold general elections in order to ensure unity and territorial integrity. The initiative was not discussed with the GNA, whose forces are still carrying out an offensive against the LNA. "Egypt tried to avoid direct large-scale intervention in Libya when providing assistance to Haftar in recent years, because Cairo has to deal with a lot of other problems," military expert Yuri Lyamin explained. "However, as far as efforts to ensure security along its western borders go, it is important for Egypt to help the LNA get control over eastern Libya. That said, the deployment of troops to the border is probably a signal to the GNA and Turkey to put an end to their offensive," the expert added. If they don’t do that, Egypt may take more serious steps, he added. "On the whole, I get the impression that after Haftar’s defeat in the battle of Tripoli, his allies seek to draw a line between the areas that the GNA and the LNA control," Lyamin pointed out. "At the same time, the GNA, supported by Turkey, is trying to fully benefit from its Tripoli victory and move as further forward as possible," the analyst said. Izvestia: Germany ready to respond to US steps against Nord Stream 2
Read also Germany rejects US extraterritorial sanctions against Nord Stream 2
Berlin considers Washington’s extraterritorial sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to be unacceptable. German lawmakers told Izvestia that if the US continued attempts to bring the project down, Berlin will have to develop retaliatory measures. As much as 94% of the work on Nord Stream 2 has been completed and Russia is confident that it will be launched by the end of 2020. According to media reports, US senators have come up with a new bill that could be included in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The new measures will target the Akademik Chersky and Fortuna pipe-laying vessels that are supposed to complete the construction work, taking the place of Switzerland’s Allseas company that withdrew from the project out of fear of US sanctions. American senators claim that Nord Stream 2 poses a threat to US national security and the energy independence of Europe and Ukraine. The United States' threat of extraterritorial sanctions cannot be seen as a friendly act, it is an infringement on the sovereignty of Germany and the European Union, said Chairman of the German Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy Klaus Ernst, who represents the Left Party. According to him, if the US continues to pursue this policy, Berlin will have to consider serious measures to protect itself, including penalty tariffs on US gas. However, German lawmakers are sure that possible US sanctions will not prevent the pipeline's completion. US plans to impose sanctions only show that in Washington’s opinion, Russia is capable of completing the project on its own, member of the Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy Timon Gremmels pointed out. Member of the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy Markus Pieper, in turn, noted that the US sanctions were a sign of unacceptable interference in Europe’s energy and trade policy. Izvestia: Russia to bolster domestic tourism industry


tass--2020-06-09--Russian Northern Fleet warships kick off anti-submarine warfare drills in Barents Sea

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ’ s search and strike group kicked off drills in the Barents Sea to search for and eliminate a notional enemy ’ s nuclear-powered submarine , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The drills are running at the Fleet ’ s combat training naval ranges .
One of the multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines is acting against the surface forces .
Its crew faces the opposite tasks : an attack by a group of a notional enemy ’ s surface ships , '' the press office said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s hunter-killer force comprises the small anti-submarine warfare ships Brest , Snezhnogorsk and Yunga .
They are supported by Il-38 anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the air .
`` The ships ’ crews are practicing joint maneuvering and searching for a nuclear-powered submarine , dodging a torpedo attack and delivering a retaliatory strike .
At the final stage of the drills , the anti-submarine warfare force will accomplish combat exercises with torpedo weapons , '' the statement reads .
The Northern Fleet ’ s maneuvers are running as part of large-scale drills of all-arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic against a potential enemy ’ s attack .
At various stages of the naval exercise , up to 20 warships , submarines and support vessels are accomplishing tasks in the Barents Sea .
The drills will run amid the deployment of the French Navy ’ s guided missile frigate Aquitaine to the Barents Sea on June 5 .
Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center earlier announced that the Northern Fleet ’ s forces were tracking the movements of the French frigate in the Barents Sea .

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet’s search and strike group kicked off drills in the Barents Sea to search for and eliminate a notional enemy’s nuclear-powered submarine, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"The drills are running at the Fleet’s combat training naval ranges. One of the multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines is acting against the surface forces. Its crew faces the opposite tasks: an attack by a group of a notional enemy’s surface ships," the press office said in a statement.
The Fleet’s hunter-killer force comprises the small anti-submarine warfare ships Brest, Snezhnogorsk and Yunga. They are supported by Il-38 anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the air.
"The ships’ crews are practicing joint maneuvering and searching for a nuclear-powered submarine, dodging a torpedo attack and delivering a retaliatory strike. At the final stage of the drills, the anti-submarine warfare force will accomplish combat exercises with torpedo weapons," the statement reads.
The Northern Fleet’s maneuvers are running as part of large-scale drills of all-arms force groupings to defend sea lanes in the Arctic against a potential enemy’s attack. At various stages of the naval exercise, up to 20 warships, submarines and support vessels are accomplishing tasks in the Barents Sea.
The drills will run amid the deployment of the French Navy’s guided missile frigate Aquitaine to the Barents Sea on June 5. Russia’s National Defense Control Center earlier announced that the Northern Fleet’s forces were tracking the movements of the French frigate in the Barents Sea.


tass--2020-06-09--Half of coronavirus patients recover in Russia

According to the crisis center , half of the country 's coronavirus patients have recovered .
MOSCOW , June 9 @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus recoveries in Russia rose by 11,709 to 242,397 in the past day , @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
As many as 818 patients were discharged from hospitals in the Nizhny @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , 641 in the Moscow region , 241 in the Krasnoyarsk region , @ @ @ @ @ and 186 in St. Petersburg .
Russia ’ s coronavirus death toll has increased by @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s coronavirus mortality rate stands at 1.2 % .
Forty-one patients died in @ @ @ @ @ day , 12 in the Moscow region , five in the Nizhny Novgorod region and @ @ @ @ @ .
The Ivanovo , Tver , Rostov , Samara and Sverdlovsk regions reported three fatalities @ @

According to the crisis center, half of the country's coronavirus patients have recovered.
MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus recoveries in Russia rose by 11,709 to 242,397 in the past day, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
As many as 818 patients were discharged from hospitals in the Nizhny Novgorod region in the past 24 hours, 641 in the Moscow region, 241 in the Krasnoyarsk region, 222 in the Sverdlovsk region and 186 in St. Petersburg.
Russia’s coronavirus death toll has increased by 171 to 6,142. The country’s coronavirus mortality rate stands at 1.2%.
Forty-one patients died in St. Petersburg in the past day, 12 in the Moscow region, five in the Nizhny Novgorod region and four in the Vladimir region. The Ivanovo, Tver, Rostov, Samara and Sverdlovsk regions reported three fatalities each.


tass--2020-06-09--Russian envoy blasts ‘fabricated’ allegations of Wagner Group’s presence in Libya

MOSCOW , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
The claims that members of the Wagner Group private military company are present in Libya are based on fabricated data , Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview with Egypt ’ s Al-Ahram daily .
`` Such claims are often based on doubtful sources , which have direct interest in supporting Haftar ’ s opponents .
It ’ s impossible to prove the credibility of a whole number of facts , '' Bogdanov said .
`` Information spread by some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department , that the Wagner Group ’ s members are present in Libya and participate in combat actions on the side of the Libyan National Army of Khalifa Haftar , largely relies on fabricated data and is aimed at discrediting Russia ’ s policy on Libya , '' Bogdanov said .
`` A lot of data , especially concerning the above mentioned Russian citizens , are simply unfounded .
In fact , people , who are allegedly fighting in Libya , did not leave our country .
It ’ s noteworthy that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ database Mirotvorets , '' the high-ranking diplomat said .
According to Bogdanov , military equipment that has long been operational in Libya is misrepresented by some sources as new Russian supplies .
`` A bulk of wrong data or deliberate falsifications has to do with military goods , '' he stressed .
There are currently two governments in Libya : the internationally recognized Government of National Accord headed by Fayez al-Sarraj , which is headquartered in the country ’ s capital of Tripoli , and Abdullah al-Thani ’ s cabinet based in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
For more than a year , two rival forces have been fighting for the country ’ s key city after on April 4 , 2019 Haftar launched an offensive on Tripoli with the goal , as he said , to free the capital from terrorists .
On January 19 , the German capital of Berlin hosted an international conference on resolving the Libyan crisis at the level of the heads of state and government , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participants urged a ceasefire , pledged to refrain from intervention in Libya ’ s affairs , proposed the creation of a single government and launch of reforms for the sake of restoring statehood , ruined after NATO ’ s intervention nearly ten years ago .
The second round of intra-Libyan talks in Geneva , which ended on February 23 , yielded a draft ceasefire agreement , which has not been fulfilled so far .

MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. The claims that members of the Wagner Group private military company are present in Libya are based on fabricated data, Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview with Egypt’s Al-Ahram daily.
"Such claims are often based on doubtful sources, which have direct interest in supporting Haftar’s opponents. It’s impossible to prove the credibility of a whole number of facts," Bogdanov said.
"Information spread by some foreign sources, including the US State Department, that the Wagner Group’s members are present in Libya and participate in combat actions on the side of the Libyan National Army of Khalifa Haftar, largely relies on fabricated data and is aimed at discrediting Russia’s policy on Libya," Bogdanov said.
"A lot of data, especially concerning the above mentioned Russian citizens, are simply unfounded. In fact, people, who are allegedly fighting in Libya, did not leave our country. It’s noteworthy that the lists were copied from the odious Ukrainian database Mirotvorets," the high-ranking diplomat said.
According to Bogdanov, military equipment that has long been operational in Libya is misrepresented by some sources as new Russian supplies. "A bulk of wrong data or deliberate falsifications has to do with military goods," he stressed.
Libya crisis
There are currently two governments in Libya: the internationally recognized Government of National Accord headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, which is headquartered in the country’s capital of Tripoli, and Abdullah al-Thani’s cabinet based in the country’s east, which has the support of the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. For more than a year, two rival forces have been fighting for the country’s key city after on April 4, 2019 Haftar launched an offensive on Tripoli with the goal, as he said, to free the capital from terrorists.
On January 19, the German capital of Berlin hosted an international conference on resolving the Libyan crisis at the level of the heads of state and government, including Russia. In the final document the participants urged a ceasefire, pledged to refrain from intervention in Libya’s affairs and proposed the creation of a single government and launch of reforms for the sake of restoring statehood, ruined after NATO’s intervention nearly ten years ago.
The second round of intra-Libyan talks in Geneva, which ended on February 23, yielded a draft ceasefire agreement, which has not been fulfilled so far.


tass--2020-06-09--China unveils details of Hainan's free port development

HAIKOU , June 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities presented the key aspects of creating Hianan 's free trade port and the scheme of its development dubbed `` 6+1+ 4 '' , stated the message of the State Committee for Development and Reform published on the Chinese State Council 's press service website on Monday .
The numbers in the scheme reflect one of the key aspects of the “ General Program for the Establishment of Hainan 's Free Port ” unveiled by the government on June 1 .
In particular , “ 6 ” implies six main points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promotion of trade freedoms , investment , transportation , financial and human capital flows , as well as a safe and orderly data flow .
According to the state plan , a regime of liberalization and favorable treatment with zero customs duties will operate here for trade in goods , and a policy of full market access and permission to conduct business activities will be in place for trade in services .
`` 1 '' stands for the creation of an integrated and modern production system based on the advantages and characteristics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese authorities plan to focus on the active development of tourism , the modern service industry and the high-tech .
`` 4 '' indicates the formation of four socio-political mechanisms within which the Hainan 's port will operate .
These are systems of effective public administration , the rule of law , liberal taxation , and the prevention of socio-economic risks , including those related to environment and health .
The government said that the port project will be implemented in two stages .
By 2025 , the Chinese authorities plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and investment on Hainan — this period of preparations the government sees as `` laying the foundation . ''
By 2035 , six key points of the liberalization policy should be fully implemented .
The program of the party and the State Council emphasizes that it is necessary to create a strong and influential high-level international free port on the Island of Hainan .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, June 9. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities presented the key aspects of creating Hianan's free trade port and the scheme of its development dubbed "6+1+ 4", stated the message of the State Committee for Development and Reform published on the Chinese State Council's press service website on Monday .
The numbers in the scheme reflect one of the key aspects of the “General Program for the Establishment of Hainan's Free Port” unveiled by the government on June 1. In particular, “6” implies six main points of the port's openness policy: promotion of trade freedoms, investment, transportation, financial and human capital flows, as well as a safe and orderly data flow. According to the state plan, a regime of liberalization and favorable treatment with zero customs duties will operate here for trade in goods, and a policy of full market access and permission to conduct business activities will be in place for trade in services.
"1" stands for the creation of an integrated and modern production system based on the advantages and characteristics of this tropical island. In particular, the Chinese authorities plan to focus on the active development of tourism, the modern service industry and the high-tech.
"4" indicates the formation of four socio-political mechanisms within which the Hainan's port will operate. These are systems of effective public administration, the rule of law, liberal taxation, and the prevention of socio-economic risks, including those related to environment and health.
The government said that the port project will be implemented in two stages. By 2025, the Chinese authorities plan to build a basic system of free trade and investment on Hainan — this period of preparations the government sees as "laying the foundation." By 2035, six key points of the liberalization policy should be fully implemented. The program of the party and the State Council emphasizes that it is necessary to create a strong and influential high-level international free port on the Island of Hainan.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.