tass--2020-07-24--US offers to form new alliance of states to counter China - Pompeo

NEW YORK , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The USA is offering to create a new alliance of like-minded states to counter China , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday during a speech at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in California .
`` This isn ’ t about containment .
It ’ s about a complex new challenge we ’ ve never faced before , '' he said , talking about China ’ s activity .
`` We can ’ t face this challenge alone .
The UN , NATO , the G7 , the G20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military power is surely enough to meet this challenge , if directed properly , '' Pompeo continued .
`` Maybe it ’ s time for a new grouping of like-minded nations ... a new alliance of democracies , '' the US Secretary of State noted .
`` We have the tools .
Now we need the will . ''
`` If the free world doesn ’ t change Communist China , Communist China will change us .
There can be no return to past practices just because they ’ re comfortable , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Chinese Foreign Ministry , on Tuesday , Washington demanded that Beijing shut down its diplomatic mission in Houston .
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin blasted this move by the US as a provocation that violates the norms of international law and the principles of bilateral relations , along with the consular agreement between both states .
The spokesperson added that China would take decisive countermeasures if the US does not waive this demand .
On Tuesday , Pompeo accused China of trying to steal US intellectual property with the aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in London , Pompeo stated that the US wishes to form an international coalition to counter the threats coming from China .

NEW YORK, July 24. /TASS/. The USA is offering to create a new alliance of like-minded states to counter China, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday during a speech at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in California.
"This isn’t about containment. It’s about a complex new challenge we’ve never faced before," he said, talking about China’s activity. "We can’t face this challenge alone. The UN, NATO, the G7, the G20, our combined economic, diplomatic, and military power is surely enough to meet this challenge, if directed properly," Pompeo continued.
"Maybe it’s time for a new grouping of like-minded nations... a new alliance of democracies," the US Secretary of State noted. "We have the tools. Now we need the will."
"If the free world doesn’t change Communist China, Communist China will change us. There can be no return to past practices just because they’re comfortable, or convenient," Pompeo said.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday, Washington demanded that Beijing shut down its diplomatic mission in Houston. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin blasted this move by the US as a provocation that violates the norms of international law and the principles of bilateral relations, along with the consular agreement between both states. The spokesperson added that China would take decisive countermeasures if the US does not waive this demand.
On Tuesday, Pompeo accused China of trying to steal US intellectual property with the aid of Chinese state companies. During a joint press conference with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in London, Pompeo stated that the US wishes to form an international coalition to counter the threats coming from China.


tass--2020-07-23--Hainan Airlines to launch direct flight from Hainan's Boao to Beijing

HAIKOU , July 23 .
/TASS/ .
China 's Hainan Airlines on July 28 will launch a new direct air route between Beijing and the small town of Boao in the eastern part of the Island of Hainan where the Economic Forum for Asia is held annually , according to www.hinews.cn .
According to the news outlet , flights are planned to be carried out daily in both directions .
The flight will last four hours .
The new transport corridor is expected to significantly reduce the load on two key international airports in the region — Meilan ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the province ) and Phoenix ( Sanya , the south of Hainan ) .
According to the press service of the air carrier , on the occasion of the new flight , a promotion has been launched until August 31 : each of the passengers who bought tickets online has the right to receive a coupon — a cash equivalent in the amount of 2,880 yuan ( about $ 410 at the current exchange rate ) .
It can be used when shopping at a duty free store in Boao on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international forums are regularly held .
Tickets for the first flights along the new route will be sold at reduced prices .
A spokesperson for Hainan Airlines clarified that the company has teamed up with Evergrande International Hospital , located in Boao , and is actively involved in the government 's program to promote medical tourism .
This wellness center offers free breast cancer diagnostics to all women on board .
The promotion will be valid until August 8 , 2021 The airport , where flights from Beijing will arrive , is located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 km from Boao , easily accessible by bus or taxi .
The runway of this airport is 3,200meters long , it is suitable for large passenger aircraft such as Boeing 747 ( Boeing-747 ) and Airbus A340 ( Airbus A340 ) .

HAIKOU, July 23. /TASS/. China's Hainan Airlines on July 28 will launch a new direct air route between Beijing and the small town of Boao in the eastern part of the Island of Hainan where the Economic Forum for Asia is held annually, according to www.hinews.cn.
According to the news outlet, flights are planned to be carried out daily in both directions. The flight will last four hours. The new transport corridor is expected to significantly reduce the load on two key international airports in the region — Meilan (the administrative center of Haikou, the north of the province) and Phoenix (Sanya, the south of Hainan).
According to the press service of the air carrier, on the occasion of the new flight, a promotion has been launched until August 31: each of the passengers who bought tickets online has the right to receive a coupon — a cash equivalent in the amount of 2,880 yuan (about $ 410 at the current exchange rate). It can be used when shopping at a duty free store in Boao on the small island of Dongyu Dao, where international forums are regularly held.
Tickets for the first flights along the new route will be sold at reduced prices. A spokesperson for Hainan Airlines clarified that the company has teamed up with Evergrande International Hospital, located in Boao, and is actively involved in the government's program to promote medical tourism. This wellness center offers free breast cancer diagnostics to all women on board. The promotion will be valid until August 8, 2021
The airport, where flights from Beijing will arrive, is located in the small town of Zhongyuan, 15 km from Boao, easily accessible by bus or taxi. The runway of this airport is 3,200meters long, it is suitable for large passenger aircraft such as Boeing 747 (Boeing-747) and Airbus A340 (Airbus A340).


tass--2020-07-23--Number of companies' headquarters in Hainan's Haikou reached 27 in 2019

HAIKOU , July 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of companies ' headquarters in the Chinese city of Haikou , the administrative center of Hainan , increased to 27 in 2029 .
According to Xinhua , about 65 % of the headquarters of all companies on the island are located there .
`` Haikou will continue to better the business climate , develop the city 's comprehensive service functions , '' the agency quotes Haikou Deputy Mayor Wang Lei as saying .
`` We will make efforts to develop and attract regional headquarters or branches of leading enterprises in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the matter concerns companies `` in the spheres of modern services , high technologies and tourism . ''
According to official statistics , in 2019 , the total operating income of the 27 headquarters of Haikou companies amounted to 41.7 billion yuan ( about $ 5.9 billion ) .
Tax revenues to the Chinese treasury from their business activities in the past year exceeded 2.8 billion yuan ( about $ 400 million ) , in the first half of 2020 , 1.149 billion yuan in taxes ( about $ 164 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

HAIKOU, July 23. /TASS/. The number of companies' headquarters in the Chinese city of Haikou, the administrative center of Hainan, increased to 27 in 2029. According to Xinhua, about 65% of the headquarters of all companies on the island are located there.
"Haikou will continue to better the business climate, develop the city's comprehensive service functions," the agency quotes Haikou Deputy Mayor Wang Lei as saying. "We will make efforts to develop and attract regional headquarters or branches of leading enterprises in China and other countries." The official said that the matter concerns companies "in the spheres of modern services, high technologies and tourism."
According to official statistics, in 2019, the total operating income of the 27 headquarters of Haikou companies amounted to 41.7 billion yuan (about $ 5.9 billion). Tax revenues to the Chinese treasury from their business activities in the past year exceeded 2.8 billion yuan (about $ 400 million), in the first half of 2020, 1.149 billion yuan in taxes (about $ 164 million) were paid.
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.


tass--2020-07-25--OSCE Minsk Group calls on Baku, Yerevan to get prepared for conflict settlement talks

VIENNA , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) has called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to use the lull to get prepared for talks on ways to settle the conflict .
In their statement released on Friday , the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs ( Igor Popov of Russia , St·phane Visconti of France , and Andrew Schofer of the United States ) and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office ( PRCIO ) Andrzej Kasprzyk hailed the relative stability along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border that has been in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal to the sides to take advantage of the current reduction in active hostilities to prepare for serious substantive negotiations to find a comprehensive solution to the conflict .
The Co-Chairs stress once more that refraining from provocative statements and actions , including threats or perceived threats to civilians or to critical infrastructure , is essential during this delicate period , '' the statement reads .
`` The Co-Chairs note that recent public statements criticizing the joint efforts of the co-chairing countries , and/or seeking unilaterally to establish new `` conditions '' or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not conducive to resuming a constructive dialogue .
The Co-Chairs reiterate that political will to achieve a lasting peaceful settlement is best demonstrated by refraining from maximalist positions , adhering strictly to the ceasefire , and abstaining from provocative statements and actions , '' the document says .
The co-chairs also hailed stronger international consensus `` calling for de-escalation and a swift return to negotiations in good faith without conditions . ''
The Minsk Group reiterated that the principles and elements committed to paper in the co-chairs ’ statement of March 9 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mediation efforts .
`` The Co-Chairs are prepared to meet with the leaders or their designees at any time .
The Co-Chairs also emphasize that OSCE monitors should return to the region as soon as possible , '' the co-chairs stressed .
The OSCE Minsk Group is mediating the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh .
The co-chairs and the personal representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office maintain contacts with the representatives of the conflicting parties .
In mid-July , the OSCE Minsk Group called for the redeployment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon as such a possibility emerged .
The OSCE monitors were tasked to monitor the observance of the ceasefire reached by Baku and Yerevan in 1994 .
These missions were suspended in April 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12 , when Azerbaijan said that the Armenian army had tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions with use of artillery systems .
Armenia , in turn , said the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan ’ s attempted attack .
Baku has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yerevan said four Armenian soldiers had been killed and ten more were wounded .
The situation on the border has been relatively calm since July 17 , according to the sides .
However , earlier on Friday Azerbaijan ’ s defense ministry reported 45 shelling attacks on its positions near the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and on the border with Armenia .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

VIENNA, July 24. /TASS/. The Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has called on Azerbaijan and Armenia to use the lull to get prepared for talks on ways to settle the conflict.
In their statement released on Friday, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs (Igor Popov of Russia, St·phane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States) and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (PRCIO) Andrzej Kasprzyk hailed the relative stability along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border that has been in place since July 16.
"The Co-Chairs appeal to the sides to take advantage of the current reduction in active hostilities to prepare for serious substantive negotiations to find a comprehensive solution to the conflict. The Co-Chairs stress once more that refraining from provocative statements and actions, including threats or perceived threats to civilians or to critical infrastructure, is essential during this delicate period," the statement reads.
"The Co-Chairs note that recent public statements criticizing the joint efforts of the co-chairing countries, and/or seeking unilaterally to establish new "conditions" or changes to the settlement process format are not conducive to resuming a constructive dialogue. The Co-Chairs reiterate that political will to achieve a lasting peaceful settlement is best demonstrated by refraining from maximalist positions, adhering strictly to the ceasefire, and abstaining from provocative statements and actions," the document says.
The co-chairs also hailed stronger international consensus "calling for de-escalation and a swift return to negotiations in good faith without conditions."
The Minsk Group reiterated that the principles and elements committed to paper in the co-chairs’ statement of March 9, 2019 continue to be the basis of their mediation efforts. "The Co-Chairs are prepared to meet with the leaders or their designees at any time. The Co-Chairs also emphasize that OSCE monitors should return to the region as soon as possible," the co-chairs stressed.
OSCE Minsk Group mediation efforts
The OSCE Minsk Group is mediating the settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. The co-chairs and the personal representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office maintain contacts with the representatives of the conflicting parties.
In mid-July, the OSCE Minsk Group called for the redeployment of OSCE monitors to the conflict area as soon as such a possibility emerged. The OSCE monitors were tasked to monitor the observance of the ceasefire reached by Baku and Yerevan in 1994. These missions were suspended in April 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Conflict escalation
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12, when Azerbaijan said that the Armenian army had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions with use of artillery systems. Armenia, in turn, said the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted attack. Baku has reported the death of twelve servicemen. Yerevan said four Armenian soldiers had been killed and ten more were wounded.
The situation on the border has been relatively calm since July 17, according to the sides. However, earlier on Friday Azerbaijan’s defense ministry reported 45 shelling attacks on its positions near the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and on the border with Armenia.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-25--WHO reports one-day surge in coronavirus cases by over 284,000

GENEVA , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
More than 284,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , exceeding 15.29 million , while the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by almost 10,000 to near 629,000 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Friday .
As of 11.00 Moscow time on July 24 , as many as 15,296,926 novel coronavirus cases and 628,903 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 284,196 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 247,225 new cases and 7,097 fatalities were documented throughout the world .
The WHO statistics are based on officially confirmed data provided by countries .
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 8,121,700 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 173,87 and the number of deaths - by 7,663 to top 325,625 .
The number of confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,170,382 and the number of fatalities is 209,421 .
In the past 24 hours , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of deaths went up by 451 .
South East Asia has 1,625,564 cases and 38,111 fatalities .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 54,247 and the number of deaths - by 908 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases is registered in the United States ( 3,938,094 ) , followed by Brazil ( 2,227,514 ) , India ( 1,287,945 ) , Russia ( 800,849 ) , South Africa ( 408,052 ) , Peru ( 366,550 ) , Mexico ( 362,274 ) , Chile ( 338,759 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and Iran ( 284,034 ) .
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 .

GENEVA, July 24. /TASS/. More than 284,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, exceeding 15.29 million, while the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by almost 10,000 to near 629,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
As of 11.00 Moscow time on July 24, as many as 15,296,926 novel coronavirus cases and 628,903 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 284,196 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 9,753.
The day before, 247,225 new cases and 7,097 fatalities were documented throughout the world. The WHO statistics are based on officially confirmed data provided by countries.
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 8,121,700. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 173,87 and the number of deaths - by 7,663 to top 325,625. The number of confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,170,382 and the number of fatalities is 209,421. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew, by 22,522 and the number of deaths went up by 451.
South East Asia has 1,625,564 cases and 38,111 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 54,247 and the number of deaths - by 908.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases is registered in the United States (3,938,094), followed by Brazil (2,227,514), India (1,287,945), Russia (800,849), South Africa (408,052), Peru (366,550), Mexico (362,274), Chile (338,759), the United Kingdom (297,150), and Iran (284,034).
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.


tass--2020-07-25--Coronavirus testing to surge in Moscow after international flights resumed

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Testing for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus will increase in Moscow after foreign travel restarts , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a televised interview on Rossiya ’ 24 channel on Friday .
Vaccination against coronavirus infection to be free of charge in Moscow — mayor '' Today , about 50,000 people applied for a test , it is a lot .
I think that it will be gradually growing , as many will be returning from abroad and they will have to undergo testing , '' Sobyanin said .
The mayor added that after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the number of confirmed cases was on the rise , but in general , Moscow sees a lower COVID-19 morbidity rate .
On July 16 , Moscow started mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 , offering free polymerase chain reaction tests ( or PCR tests ) to adults and children at 207 outpatient clinics .
To date , 800,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 588,774 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 13,046 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Testing for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus will increase in Moscow after foreign travel restarts, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a televised interview on Rossiya’24 channel on Friday.
Vaccination against coronavirus infection to be free of charge in Moscow — mayor
"Today, about 50,000 people applied for a test, it is a lot. I think that it will be gradually growing, as many will be returning from abroad and they will have to undergo testing," Sobyanin said.
The mayor added that after the tests were made available at clinics, the number of confirmed cases was on the rise, but in general, Moscow sees a lower COVID-19 morbidity rate.
On July 16, Moscow started mass testing for SARS-CoV-2, offering free polymerase chain reaction tests (or PCR tests) to adults and children at 207 outpatient clinics.
To date, 800,849 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 588,774 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 13,046 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-25--Erdogan orders Ayasofya mosque to be open for worship 24 hours a day

ISTANBUL , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the Hagia Sophia converted into a mosque to be open round-the-clock for Muslim worship starting on July 24 , Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said .
`` Mr. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued an order that Ayasofya stays open for worship 24 hours a day .
The Ayasofya mosque will be constantly open .
We are thankful to our president , '' he wrote on his Twitter page on Friday .
Earlier in the day , Namaz was prayed for the first time since 1934 in Hagia Sophia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Turkey ’ s government and Grand National Assembly ( parliament ) attended the Friday prayers .
On July 10 , the Turkish Council of State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ’ s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia Sophia with its museum status .
Later in the day , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship .
Local Orthodox Churches , including the Russian Orthodox Church , voiced their regret over the decision , along with UNESCO .
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 537 AD by a decree from then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium .
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 , the cathedral was converted into a mosque .
In 1935 , following the decree of the Turkish government signed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk , the founder of the modern Turkish state , the building was opened as a museum .
White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed .
In 1985 , the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

ISTANBUL, July 24. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the Hagia Sophia converted into a mosque to be open round-the-clock for Muslim worship starting on July 24, Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya said.
"Mr. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued an order that Ayasofya stays open for worship 24 hours a day. The Ayasofya mosque will be constantly open. We are thankful to our president," he wrote on his Twitter page on Friday.
Earlier in the day, Namaz was prayed for the first time since 1934 in Hagia Sophia. Alongside the Turkish president, members of Turkey’s government and Grand National Assembly (parliament) attended the Friday prayers.
On July 10, the Turkish Council of State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia Sophia with its museum status. Later in the day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship. Local Orthodox Churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, voiced their regret over the decision, along with UNESCO.
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument. The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the cathedral was converted into a mosque. In 1935, following the decree of the Turkish government signed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish state, the building was opened as a museum. White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed. In 1985, the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.


tass--2020-07-25--Russia to resume regular and chartered flights to UK, Turkey, Tanzania

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will resume regular and chartered air service with the United Kingdom , Turkey , and Tanzania , Russia ’ s Air Transport Agency said on Friday .
`` Flights will be performed by Russian and foreign air carriers on the regular and chartered basis , '' the agency said , adding that upper limits on the number arriving passengers have been cancelled .
The agency warned however that air carriers and passengers will be obliged to observe anti-coronavirus recommendations of Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog .
Meanwhile , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions , imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic , on Turkish , Tanzanian and UK nationals .
`` The document explains that visas will be issued and invitations processed for citizens of the above mentioned states , '' says the resolution published on the government ’ s site .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said earlier on Friday that Russia would resume international air service from August 1 .
At first , international flights will be performed from Moscow , St. Petersburg , and Rostov-on-Don .
According to Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom , Turkey , and Tnazania .
London will be the only British destination so far .
As for Turkey , from August 1 , flight will be performed to Ankara and Istanbul , and to Antalya , Bodrum , and Dalaman from August 10 .
Flights , according to Golikova , will be resumed on conditions of reciprocity .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russia will resume regular and chartered air service with the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Tanzania, Russia’s Air Transport Agency said on Friday.
"Flights will be performed by Russian and foreign air carriers on the regular and chartered basis," the agency said, adding that upper limits on the number arriving passengers have been cancelled.
The agency warned however that air carriers and passengers will be obliged to observe anti-coronavirus recommendations of Russia’s sanitary watchdog.
Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a resolution that relaxes entry restrictions, imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic, on Turkish, Tanzanian and UK nationals.
"The document explains that visas will be issued and invitations processed for citizens of the above mentioned states," says the resolution published on the government’s site.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said earlier on Friday that Russia would resume international air service from August 1. At first, international flights will be performed from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Rostov-on-Don. According to Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova, flights will be partially resumed to the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Tnazania. London will be the only British destination so far. As for Turkey, from August 1, flight will be performed to Ankara and Istanbul, and to Antalya, Bodrum, and Dalaman from August 10. Flights, according to Golikova, will be resumed on conditions of reciprocity.


tass--2020-07-25--Vaccination against coronavirus infection to be free of charge in Moscow — mayor

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Vaccination against the coronavirus infection in Moscow will be free of charge , @ @ @ @ @ Sobyanin said on Friday .
`` As soon as it ( a vaccine - TASS @ @ @ @ @ will launch an inoculation campaign , '' he said in an interview with the Vesti @ @ @ @ @ television channel .
`` Vaccination will be free at all out-patient medical establishments . ''
@ @ @ @ @ against season flu to avoid two autumn-time epidemics simultaneously .
`` A lot of work @ @ @ @ @ We are getting prepared for that , '' he added .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Vaccination against the coronavirus infection in Moscow will be free of charge, Moscow’s Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said on Friday.
"As soon as it (a vaccine - TASS) is available, we will launch an inoculation campaign," he said in an interview with the Vesti news program on the Rossiya-1 television channel. "Vaccination will be free at all out-patient medical establishments."
He also called for vaccinating against season flu to avoid two autumn-time epidemics simultaneously. "A lot of work is to be done. We are getting prepared for that," he added.


tass--2020-07-24--Final rehearsals Navy Day naval parades take place in St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad Region

KALININGRAD , ST. PETERSBURG , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The final rehearsal for the Main naval parade which will @ @ @ @ @ , took place in water territories of St. Petersburg and Kronstadt , Russian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ total of 46 military ships , submarines , vessels and boats of various classes took @ @ @ @ @ .
[ … ] The share of new-generation ships in the parade increased , compared @ @ @ @ @ press service said .
The parade was also joined by Navy aviation planes and helicopters @ @ @ @ @ total .

KALININGRAD, ST. PETERSBURG, July 24. /TASS/. The final rehearsal for the Main naval parade which will take place on July 26, took place in water territories of St. Petersburg and Kronstadt, Russian Ministry of Defense announced.
"A total of 46 military ships, submarines, vessels and boats of various classes took part in the general rehearsal. […] The share of new-generation ships in the parade increased, compared to 2019," the press service said.
The parade was also joined by Navy aviation planes and helicopters - more than 40 units total.


tass--2020-07-24--Putin always keeps his word, France’s ex-President Sarkozy says

PARIS , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy , who led the republic between 2007 and 2012 , considers Russian leader Vladimir Putin a man , dedicated to his word , Sarkozy wrote in his memoirs , published in Paris Friday .
`` He is easy to talk to , '' Sarkozy disclosed in his book , The Time of Tempests ( Le Temps de temp·tes , Tome 1 , Editions de l'Observatoire , 2020 ) .
`` He listens attentively , extremely polite , accessible , sympathetic , and keen to smile .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his beliefs , but he can change his position if he is convinced of something . ''
According to Sarkozy , `` it is very important and very difficult to win Putin ’ s trust , but , as soon as this happens , he becomes a different interlocutor . ''
`` He always keeps the word once given , '' the former President , who repeatedly had to negotiate with Putin , wrote .
`` Most of all , he hates double standards , especially in his communication with the press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be nice with Putin tet-a-tet , and then criticize him behind his back ; it is also impossible to force him to do something . ''
The Russian leader `` is ready to admit disagreements and never holds grudge over it , '' Sarkozy writes .
`` He clearly understands that you have a red line that you will not cross , if you , in return , agree that he also has boundaries that he will not cross either , '' the politician explained .
The Russian President `` treats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistrust ; he values deeds , which he does not forget , both good and bad , and especially if he thinks he has been betrayed .
`` .

PARIS, July 24. /TASS/. Former President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, who led the republic between 2007 and 2012, considers Russian leader Vladimir Putin a man, dedicated to his word, Sarkozy wrote in his memoirs, published in Paris Friday.
"He is easy to talk to," Sarkozy disclosed in his book, The Time of Tempests (Le Temps de temp·tes, Tome 1, Editions de l'Observatoire, 2020 ). "He listens attentively, extremely polite, accessible, sympathetic, and keen to smile. He is exceptionally devoted to his friends and his beliefs, but he can change his position if he is convinced of something."
According to Sarkozy, "it is very important and very difficult to win Putin’s trust, but, as soon as this happens, he becomes a different interlocutor."
"He always keeps the word once given," the former President, who repeatedly had to negotiate with Putin, wrote. "Most of all, he hates double standards, especially in his communication with the press."
According to Sarkozy, "one cannot be nice with Putin tet-a-tet, and then criticize him behind his back; it is also impossible to force him to do something."
The Russian leader "is ready to admit disagreements and never holds grudge over it," Sarkozy writes.
"He clearly understands that you have a red line that you will not cross, if you, in return, agree that he also has boundaries that he will not cross either," the politician explained. The Russian President "treats randomly said words and empty promises with mistrust; he values deeds, which he does not forget, both good and bad, and especially if he thinks he has been betrayed.".


tass--2020-07-24--UNESCO receives no guarantees of Hagia Sophia preservation from Turkey

PARIS , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) has not yet been notified by Turkey of the required guarantees that Hagia Sophia will be preserved after being converted from a museum into a mosque , UNESCO ’ s press office told TASS on Friday .
`` We have not received full information yet .
Access to the cathedral is among a variety of issues , including the preservation of structural integrity and interior elements , management methods and others , '' the spokesperson explained adding that UNESCO would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible concerning the preservation of that cultural site .
The decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia museum will be discussed at a next session of the World Heritage Committee , which comprises representatives of 21 member states , including Russia .
Initially , the session was scheduled to take place in Fuzhou , China by the end of 2020 .
Nevertheless , the press service promised to announce the date later , `` depending on the circumstances , especially due to a changing situation with COVID-19 pandemic . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia without preliminary dialogue .
We reiterate our concern about a potential impact of this decision on the universal value of that site and call again for an immediate dialogue , '' the press office said when asked to comment on Namaz prayed there on Friday morning , for the first time since 1934 .
Earlier , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , who joined the Friday worship , said that the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism would carry out restoration work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and interiors . ''
Erdogan did not elaborate on what types of work would be done .
He pointed out that after the refurbishment , Turkey `` will have a more valuable Ayasofya . ''
Moreover , the Turkish president emphasized that the restart of Moslem worship in Hagia Sophia `` is a milestone , historic event , '' and that `` Ayasofya has finally returned to its original '' status .
On July 10 , the Turkish Council of State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ’ s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the day , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship .
Local Orthodox Churches , including the Russian Orthodox Church , voiced their regret over the decision , along with UNESCO .
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument .
The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium .
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 , the cathedral was converted into a mosque .
In 1935 , following the decree of the Turkish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the founder of the modern Turkish state , the building was opened as a museum .
White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed .
In 1985 , the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

PARIS, July 24. /TASS/. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has not yet been notified by Turkey of the required guarantees that Hagia Sophia will be preserved after being converted from a museum into a mosque, UNESCO’s press office told TASS on Friday.
"We have not received full information yet. Access to the cathedral is among a variety of issues, including the preservation of structural integrity and interior elements, management methods and others," the spokesperson explained adding that UNESCO would do its utmost to gather as much information as possible concerning the preservation of that cultural site.
The decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia museum will be discussed at a next session of the World Heritage Committee, which comprises representatives of 21 member states, including Russia. Initially, the session was scheduled to take place in Fuzhou, China by the end of 2020. Nevertheless, the press service promised to announce the date later, "depending on the circumstances, especially due to a changing situation with COVID-19 pandemic."
"UNESCO expressed its deepest regret for Turkey’s decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia without preliminary dialogue. We reiterate our concern about a potential impact of this decision on the universal value of that site and call again for an immediate dialogue," the press office said when asked to comment on Namaz prayed there on Friday morning, for the first time since 1934.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who joined the Friday worship, said that the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism would carry out restoration work on Hagia Sophia’s "both exteriors and interiors." Erdogan did not elaborate on what types of work would be done. He pointed out that after the refurbishment, Turkey "will have a more valuable Ayasofya." Moreover, the Turkish president emphasized that the restart of Moslem worship in Hagia Sophia "is a milestone, historic event," and that "Ayasofya has finally returned to its original" status.
On July 10, the Turkish Council of State invalidated Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s 1934 decree that had bestowed Hagia Sophia with its museum status. Later in the day, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed an order declaring Hagia Sophia open for Muslim worship. Local Orthodox Churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, voiced their regret over the decision, along with UNESCO.
Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine-era architectural monument. The cathedral was constructed between 532 and 537 AD by a decree from then Emperor Justinian I of Byzantium. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the cathedral was converted into a mosque. In 1935, following the decree of the Turkish government signed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish state, the building was opened as a museum. White plaster covering Christian mosaics and murals was removed. In 1985, the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.


tass--2020-07-24--Chinese, Russian diplomats discuss joint efforts against misinformation

BEIJING , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying and her Russian counterpart Maria Zakharova discussed the coordination of bilateral efforts to combat fake news , via a video call on Friday , the Chinese Foreign Ministry said .
Both diplomats `` noted the importance of accurate use of facts and compliance with legal and ethical standards , '' the Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
They highlighted the importance of creating `` a fairer , sincerer and more tolerant atmosphere to shape global public opinion . ''
Hua Chunying and Maria Zakharova agreed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries , `` guided by ideological and political considerations , were involved in falsification , distortion of historic realities , and also lashed out at other states ’ social systems and paths of development . ''
Thus , as the statement stresses , `` obstacles were created to a mutual understanding in the international arena . ''
The two diplomats touched upon the risk of the so-called presumption of guilt , when based on double standards , certain political forces infringe on sovereignty of others through interfering .
`` China and Russia are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop bilateral relations of a comprehensive partnership .
Both countries aim to cooperate with other nations to battle misinformation , '' the statement stressed .

BEIJING, July 24. /TASS/. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying and her Russian counterpart Maria Zakharova discussed the coordination of bilateral efforts to combat fake news, via a video call on Friday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
Both diplomats "noted the importance of accurate use of facts and compliance with legal and ethical standards," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. They highlighted the importance of creating "a fairer, sincerer and more tolerant atmosphere to shape global public opinion."
Hua Chunying and Maria Zakharova agreed that amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, certain countries, "guided by ideological and political considerations, were involved in falsification, distortion of historic realities, and also lashed out at other states’ social systems and paths of development." Thus, as the statement stresses, "obstacles were created to a mutual understanding in the international arena."
The two diplomats touched upon the risk of the so-called presumption of guilt, when based on double standards, certain political forces infringe on sovereignty of others through interfering.
"China and Russia are major powers that pursue responsible policies and develop bilateral relations of a comprehensive partnership. Both countries aim to cooperate with other nations to battle misinformation," the statement stressed.


tass--2020-07-24--No documents on COVID tests to be required from arriving in Turkey, says Russian embassy

`` People arriving in Turkey will not be mandatory tested for the novel coronavirus at Turkish airports .
Neither will they be required to have a document about such tests .
At the same time , according to media reports , diagnostic centers will be organized at the country ’ s big airports ( in Antalya , Dalaman , Izmir , Istanbul ) , where all those willing will be able to undergo coronavirus tests on a paid basis ( 15 euro ) , '' it wrote on its Facebook account .
MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to have documents certifying negative coronavirus test results , the Russian embassy in Turkey said on Friday .
According to the Russian embassy , the Turkish authorities have elaborated an algorithm of sanitary measures for receiving foreign tourists .
`` Thus , during the flight , passengers will be required to fill in an inquiry containing personal data , the seat number , the address in Turkey , contact data , and data on symptoms .
Passengers will be notified about the COVID-19 data .
In case any of the passengers demonstrate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out onboard the plane , '' the embassy said .
Before passport control upon landing , all passengers will have their body temperature measures .
In case a passenger has a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius , he or she will have to undergo an additional examination .
If a coronavirus case is confirmed , the passenger will be placed either under quarantine or in isolation at a hospital for further examination .
`` In case a passenger diagnosed with the coronavirus infection , data on all those who were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those occupying seats within two meters of the infected person ) will be immediately conveyed to the health authorities , '' the embassy said , adding that these people will be placed under 14-day quarantine or isolation .
Earlier on Friday , Russia ’ s government passed a decision to resume international air service , which was suspended in late March amid the coronavirus pandemic , from August 1 .
Flights will be performed to and from the United Kingdom , Tanzania , and Turkey .

"People arriving in Turkey will not be mandatory tested for the novel coronavirus at Turkish airports. Neither will they be required to have a document about such tests. At the same time, according to media reports, diagnostic centers will be organized at the country’s big airports (in Antalya, Dalaman, Izmir, Istanbul), where all those willing will be able to undergo coronavirus tests on a paid basis (15 euro)," it wrote on its Facebook account.
MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Foreign tourists arriving in Turkey will not be required to have documents certifying negative coronavirus test results, the Russian embassy in Turkey said on Friday.
According to the Russian embassy, the Turkish authorities have elaborated an algorithm of sanitary measures for receiving foreign tourists. "Thus, during the flight, passengers will be required to fill in an inquiry containing personal data, the seat number, the address in Turkey, contact data, and data on symptoms. Passengers will be notified about the COVID-19 data. In case any of the passengers demonstrate COVID-19 symptoms, corresponding procedures will be carried out onboard the plane," the embassy said.
Before passport control upon landing, all passengers will have their body temperature measures. In case a passenger has a temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius, he or she will have to undergo an additional examination. If a coronavirus case is confirmed, the passenger will be placed either under quarantine or in isolation at a hospital for further examination.
"In case a passenger diagnosed with the coronavirus infection, data on all those who were in close contact with him or her (those occupying seats within two meters of the infected person) will be immediately conveyed to the health authorities," the embassy said, adding that these people will be placed under 14-day quarantine or isolation.
Earlier on Friday, Russia’s government passed a decision to resume international air service, which was suspended in late March amid the coronavirus pandemic, from August 1. Flights will be performed to and from the United Kingdom, Tanzania, and Turkey.


tass--2020-07-24--Yerevan, Baku should refrain from reckless steps, Medvedev says

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Deputy Chairman of Russia ’ s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called on Yerevan @ @ @ @ @ reckless steps , he wrote on VK social network on Friday .
`` We considered @ @ @ @ @ to some counties taking into consideration the coronavirus-related problems , discussed the relations of the @ @ @ @ @ , including Armenia and Azerbaijan , in the light of the ongoing escalation on the @ @ @ @ @ Yerevan and Baku should refrain from reckless actions , '' his post says .
Tensions @ @ @ @ @ ’ border on July 12 .
Azerbaijan reported that Armenia ’ s Armed Forces had @ @ @ @ @ on its positions with the use of artillery systems , whereas Armenia said that the @ @ @ @ @ aggravated after Azerbaijan ’ s attempted assault .
Baku said that its twelve service members @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Yerevan reported that four troops had been killed and ten more wounded .
@ @ @ @ @ the situation on the border has been relatively calm since July 17 .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called on Yerevan and Baku to refrain from reckless steps, he wrote on VK social network on Friday.
"We considered the resumption of air travel to some counties taking into consideration the coronavirus-related problems, discussed the relations of the Russian Federation with CIS countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, in the light of the ongoing escalation on the border of those republics. Yerevan and Baku should refrain from reckless actions," his post says.
Conflict on Armenian-Azerbaijani border
Tensions escalated on the two countries’ border on July 12. Azerbaijan reported that Armenia’s Armed Forces had tried to launch an attack on its positions with the use of artillery systems, whereas Armenia said that the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted assault. Baku said that its twelve service members had been killed since last Sunday. Yerevan reported that four troops had been killed and ten more wounded. According to both sides, the situation on the border has been relatively calm since July 17.


tass--2020-07-24--Russia to forge ties with China for the sake of global peace, stability

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow will continue cementing relations with Beijing as they are a fundamental factor for stability and security in the world , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Friday .
`` We view [ US Secretary of State ] Mike Pompeo ’ s words about a possibility to drag Moscow into the US campaign against China as another naive attempt to complicate the Russian-Chinese partnership and to drive a wedge in the friendly ties between Russia and China .
We will be strengthening cooperation with the People ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a crucial factor for stabilization in the world , '' Zakharova said .
The diplomat highlighted `` the defiant tone of Pompeo ’ s remarks which , regrettably , have become customary for the US foreign policy ’ s vocabulary of rudeness towards China , its public and political system and the country ’ s leadership . ''
Zakharova pointed out that `` not only do the tensions provoked by Washington in relations with Beijing do harm to the United States and China , but also they seriously complicate the international situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and they play a major part in world affairs .
Alongside other five members , they bear a special responsibility for maintaining global security , '' the diplomat noted .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Moscow will continue cementing relations with Beijing as they are a fundamental factor for stability and security in the world, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Friday.
"We view [US Secretary of State] Mike Pompeo’s words about a possibility to drag Moscow into the US campaign against China as another naive attempt to complicate the Russian-Chinese partnership and to drive a wedge in the friendly ties between Russia and China. We will be strengthening cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, which we view as a crucial factor for stabilization in the world," Zakharova said.
The diplomat highlighted "the defiant tone of Pompeo’s remarks which, regrettably, have become customary for the US foreign policy’s vocabulary of rudeness towards China, its public and political system and the country’s leadership."
Zakharova pointed out that "not only do the tensions provoked by Washington in relations with Beijing do harm to the United States and China, but also they seriously complicate the international situation in general."
"Those two countries are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and they play a major part in world affairs. Alongside other five members, they bear a special responsibility for maintaining global security," the diplomat noted.


tass--2020-07-24--Expert: Developed infrastructures, incentives may attract medical professionals to Arctic

MOSCOW , July 23 .
/TASS/ .
Stimulating financial bonuses for medical professionals , who want to move to work in the Arctic , housing and infrastructures are solutions to satisfy the Arctic zone ’ s demand for qualified specialists , experts told TASS .
Earlier , Deputy Prime Minister and the president ’ s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev asked the Healthcare Ministry to draft federal compensation for doctors and medical assistants , who come to work in the Arctic zone .
The compensation could be between 1.5 and 3 million rubles ( $ 21,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professionals , who say they want to come to work in Chukotka , are people with big experience , Chukotka ’ s head of the healthcare department , Tuyana Baneyeva , told TASS .
Though in Chukotka there are 63 medical professionals per 10,000 people ( the requirement is 69 per 10,000 ) , the region still lacks specialists in certain directions .
Officials say just money is not sufficient , as regions should be able to offer housing .
`` It is not just money , what matters is developed infrastructures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the youth .
First of all , territories should follow a complex approach to development , which should be supported by the federal budget .
A few years ago , we surveyed students why they do not want to work in villages .
We expected they would say - low wages and so forth .
Nothing of the kind .
The first position took the problem of professional isolation - a doctor has no one around to address for help , with whom to discuss treatments , '' the Arkhangelsk Medical University ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional isolation could be settled by telemedicine , the comfortable living infrastructures are almost impossible without federal investments , she continued .
`` The second position [ in the survey results ] was taken by infrastructures .
The graduates are young people , they need to communicate , to meet , to find a spouse .
Not every village has youth centers or clubs .
Our distances are colossal , and communication and the Internet connection often leave much to be desired , '' the rector of Russia ’ s only Arctic medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Yamalo-Nenets Region pointed to a shortage of skilled doctors in narrow directions .
`` Financial support is extremely important , but there are reasons , which stop medical professionals from coming : the complicated climate conditions , problems with transport , and big distances to the mainland , '' experts said .
To some regions , medical professionals come under federal programs , which offer certain incentives - Country Doctor and Country Medical Assistant , where doctors are paid 1 million rubles ( $ 14,000 ) and must remain working there for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer own benefits for medics , like bonuses of 500,000 ( $ 7,000 ) for doctors and 150,000 ( $ 2,000 ) for medical assistants in the Krasnoyarsk Region , as well as reimbursed accommodation expenses .
Children ’ s doctor Antonina Kurochkina moved to Norilsk from Bashkiria a year ago .
`` Such programs make changing places much easier .
Everything , promised in the program , has been fulfilled : they have reimbursed my expenses for coming here and for bringing the luggage , I was given accommodation , bonuses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed , '' she said , adding she is satisfied with the new place of work .
In May , Yugra ’ s government decided to double one-time bonuses for doctors and medical assistants , who will work in villages , thus hoping another 130 doctors will agree to work there .
Chukotka also has increased the payments , Tuyana Baneyeva said , adding the region hoped to welcome another 20 medical professionals before the year ended .
In 2018 , the Murmansk Region began the Arctic Doctor program , under which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work in the Arctic zone .
`` Under the program they receive 2 million rubles ( $ 28,000 ) : 500,000 rubles ( $ 7,000 ) in the first and second years , and one million after the fifth year of work .
At the same time , a doctor may participate additionally in other programs , like , for example , to take a mortgage to buy own housing .
In this case , the regional budget compensates for 50 % of the initial payment - for a family of four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 28,000 ) , '' the Murmansk Region ’ s official Nataliya Kolesnikova told TASS .
Over 2018-2019 , Murmansk , Severomorsk and Apatity welcomed 32 doctors .
To come and stay Anyway , regional measures of support are quite effective in attracting qualified specialists .
A radiologist in Surgut Andrei Deinichenko and his wife have moved to the region from sunny Volgograd .
`` We came here under the Country Doctor program , signed papers for five years .
Now is 18 months to go , but my wife and I plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GP , and I am a radiologist .
Each of us has been paid 1 million rubles ( $ 14,000 ) .
We ’ ve used the money to buy a flat .
We have never regretted we have come here , '' he said .
The doctor says , wages and conditions for doctors are better in the North .
Besides , making career is easier at a small medical institution .
`` In the Surgut District we began working as medical assistants , and later on have been working as doctors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I like working in the town , as at a small institution you know patients better , and they know us better , '' the doctor said .

MOSCOW, July 23. /TASS/. Stimulating financial bonuses for medical professionals, who want to move to work in the Arctic, housing and infrastructures are solutions to satisfy the Arctic zone’s demand for qualified specialists, experts told TASS.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and the president’s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev asked the Healthcare Ministry to draft federal compensation for doctors and medical assistants, who come to work in the Arctic zone. The compensation could be between 1.5 and 3 million rubles ($21,000 and $42,000).
Not just money
Most medical professionals, who say they want to come to work in Chukotka, are people with big experience, Chukotka’s head of the healthcare department, Tuyana Baneyeva, told TASS. Though in Chukotka there are 63 medical professionals per 10,000 people (the requirement is 69 per 10,000), the region still lacks specialists in certain directions. Officials say just money is not sufficient, as regions should be able to offer housing.
"It is not just money, what matters is developed infrastructures. Available kindergartens, schools, infrastructures for the youth. First of all, territories should follow a complex approach to development, which should be supported by the federal budget. A few years ago, we surveyed students why they do not want to work in villages. We expected they would say - low wages and so forth. Nothing of the kind. The first position took the problem of professional isolation - a doctor has no one around to address for help, with whom to discuss treatments," the Arkhangelsk Medical University’s Rector Lubov Gorbatova said.
While professional isolation could be settled by telemedicine, the comfortable living infrastructures are almost impossible without federal investments, she continued. "The second position [in the survey results] was taken by infrastructures. The graduates are young people, they need to communicate, to meet, to find a spouse. Not every village has youth centers or clubs. Our distances are colossal, and communication and the Internet connection often leave much to be desired," the rector of Russia’s only Arctic medical university said.
The healthcare department in the Yamalo-Nenets Region pointed to a shortage of skilled doctors in narrow directions. "Financial support is extremely important, but there are reasons, which stop medical professionals from coming: the complicated climate conditions, problems with transport, and big distances to the mainland," experts said.
Regional experience
To some regions, medical professionals come under federal programs, which offer certain incentives - Country Doctor and Country Medical Assistant, where doctors are paid 1 million rubles ($14,000) and must remain working there for a few years. Besides, regions offer own benefits for medics, like bonuses of 500,000 ($7,000) for doctors and 150,000 ($2,000) for medical assistants in the Krasnoyarsk Region, as well as reimbursed accommodation expenses.
Children’s doctor Antonina Kurochkina moved to Norilsk from Bashkiria a year ago. "Such programs make changing places much easier. Everything, promised in the program, has been fulfilled: they have reimbursed my expenses for coming here and for bringing the luggage, I was given accommodation, bonuses, and I have the wage we had agreed," she said, adding she is satisfied with the new place of work.
In May, Yugra’s government decided to double one-time bonuses for doctors and medical assistants, who will work in villages, thus hoping another 130 doctors will agree to work there. Chukotka also has increased the payments, Tuyana Baneyeva said, adding the region hoped to welcome another 20 medical professionals before the year ended.
In 2018, the Murmansk Region began the Arctic Doctor program, under which the benefits are payable to medical professionals coming to work in the Arctic zone.
"Under the program they receive 2 million rubles ($28,000): 500,000 rubles ($7,000) in the first and second years, and one million after the fifth year of work. At the same time, a doctor may participate additionally in other programs, like, for example, to take a mortgage to buy own housing. In this case, the regional budget compensates for 50% of the initial payment - for a family of four it may be 2 million rubles ($28,000)," the Murmansk Region’s official Nataliya Kolesnikova told TASS. Over 2018-2019, Murmansk, Severomorsk and Apatity welcomed 32 doctors.
To come and stay
Anyway, regional measures of support are quite effective in attracting qualified specialists. A radiologist in Surgut Andrei Deinichenko and his wife have moved to the region from sunny Volgograd. "We came here under the Country Doctor program, signed papers for five years. Now is 18 months to go, but my wife and I plan to stay here. She is a GP, and I am a radiologist. Each of us has been paid 1 million rubles ($14,000). We’ve used the money to buy a flat. We have never regretted we have come here," he said.
The doctor says, wages and conditions for doctors are better in the North. Besides, making career is easier at a small medical institution. "In the Surgut District we began working as medical assistants, and later on have been working as doctors. Now I run a department. I like working in the town, as at a small institution you know patients better, and they know us better," the doctor said.


tass--2020-07-24--Human rights ombudswoman calls on Armenians, Azerbaijanis to resolve disputes peacefully

`` I am extremely worried over media reports about clashes between Azerbaijanis and Armenians in Moscow , '' she said in a statement released by her press service on Friday .
The ombudswoman calls on all those involved in such conflicts `` to resolve their disputes within the framework of existing legal mechanisms . ''
She expressed readiness to pool efforts with her counterparts , human rights ombudspersons , in Azerbaijan and Armenia `` to take urgent measures to protect rights and freedoms of their compatriots . ''
`` Instigating hatred and physical violence on grounds of ethnic identify are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermine the basics of human rights and freedoms committed to paper in international universal and regionals laws and are fraught with mass violations and can lead to irreparable losses , '' Moskalkova said .
A criminal case was opened in Moscow on Friday following a mass brawl between Azerbaijan and Armenia natives in Moscow ’ s southeastern suburb .
More than 25 people were detained on hooliganism and banditry charges , a spokesman form Moscow ’ s police told TASS .
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12 , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to attack Azerbaijan ’ s positions with use of artillery systems .
Armenia , in turn , said the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan ’ s attempted attack .
Baku has reported the death of twelve servicemen .
Yerevan said four Armenian soldiers had been killed and ten more were wounded .
On July 18 , both sides reported that the situation on the border was relatively calm .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"I am extremely worried over media reports about clashes between Azerbaijanis and Armenians in Moscow," she said in a statement released by her press service on Friday.
The ombudswoman calls on all those involved in such conflicts "to resolve their disputes within the framework of existing legal mechanisms." She expressed readiness to pool efforts with her counterparts, human rights ombudspersons, in Azerbaijan and Armenia "to take urgent measures to protect rights and freedoms of their compatriots."
"Instigating hatred and physical violence on grounds of ethnic identify are inadmissible in any civilized society as they undermine the basics of human rights and freedoms committed to paper in international universal and regionals laws and are fraught with mass violations and can lead to irreparable losses," Moskalkova said.
A criminal case was opened in Moscow on Friday following a mass brawl between Azerbaijan and Armenia natives in Moscow’s southeastern suburb. More than 25 people were detained on hooliganism and banditry charges, a spokesman form Moscow’s police told TASS.
The situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border escalated on July 12, when Azerbaijan said that the Armenian army had tried to attack Azerbaijan’s positions with use of artillery systems. Armenia, in turn, said the situation on the border had aggravated after Azerbaijan’s attempted attack. Baku has reported the death of twelve servicemen. Yerevan said four Armenian soldiers had been killed and ten more were wounded.
On July 18, both sides reported that the situation on the border was relatively calm.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-24--Investors apply for $370 million to support Arctic infrastructures

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Investors applied for 26.6 billion rubles ( $ 370 million ) of federal incentives for organization of infrastructures for Arctic projects , press service of the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic told TASS on Friday .
`` Investors have applied for 26.6 billion rubles ( $ 370 million ) for infrastructures , '' the press service said .
The ministry has received applications for support of 13 projects , where investments make 212.5 billion rubles ( $ 2.9 billion ) .
However , only seven of them answer the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investments are 187 billion rubles ( $ 2.6 billion ) , and they will offer 5,000 jobs .
The applications will be analyzed by a state commission , which will make final decisions regarding state support for the projects .
According to the law , inked by the president , any business , registered in the Arctic , which plans a new investment project or a new business with investments of at least 1 million rubles ( $ 13,900 ) , may be granted the status of the Russian Arctic zone ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-tax benefits .

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Investors applied for 26.6 billion rubles ($370 million) of federal incentives for organization of infrastructures for Arctic projects, press service of the Ministry for Development of the Far East and Arctic told TASS on Friday.
"Investors have applied for 26.6 billion rubles ($370 million) for infrastructures," the press service said.
The ministry has received applications for support of 13 projects, where investments make 212.5 billion rubles ($2.9 billion). However, only seven of them answer the criteria and may receive preferences. Their investments are 187 billion rubles ($2.6 billion), and they will offer 5,000 jobs. The applications will be analyzed by a state commission, which will make final decisions regarding state support for the projects.
According to the law, inked by the president, any business, registered in the Arctic, which plans a new investment project or a new business with investments of at least 1 million rubles ($13,900), may be granted the status of the Russian Arctic zone’s resident and thus enjoy certain tax and non-tax benefits.


tass--2020-07-24--Vektor Center granted permit for anti-coronavirus vaccine clinical tests

MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology has been granted a @ @ @ @ @ permit for clinical tests of its anti-coronavirus vaccine , Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog said @ @ @ @ @ July 24 , the Vektor Center of the Russian consumer rights oversight authority was granted @ @ @ @ @ of its vaccine .
First volunteers will be inoculated on July 27 , '' it @ @ @ @ @ oversight authority ’ s chief Anna Popova said earlier Vektor had successfully finished pre-clinical tests @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. The Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology has been granted a Russian health ministry’s permit for clinical tests of its anti-coronavirus vaccine, Russia’s sanitary watchdog said on Friday.
"On July 24, the Vektor Center of the Russian consumer rights oversight authority was granted a permit for clinical tests of its vaccine. First volunteers will be inoculated on July 27," it said.
Russian consumer rights oversight authority’s chief Anna Popova said earlier Vektor had successfully finished pre-clinical tests of an anti-coronavirus vaccine.


tass--2020-07-24--Ukrainian opposition used 2014 ‘maidan’ protesters as extras to seize power - ex-lawmaker

KIEV , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Former lawmaker of Ukraine ’ s Verkhovna Rada David Zhvania said in his YouTube address that former President Pyotr Poroshenko and his entourage conducted a coup in 2014 , using participants of the `` Euromaidan '' as a extras for seizure of power .
`` I respect those people who were at the ‘ maidan ’ then .
They fought for their beliefs - this is worth of respect .
It is not their fault that we used them as extras to seize power , where ‘ us ’ are me , Pyotr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vitaliy Klichko and other opposition leaders , '' Zhvania said .
According to the ex-lawmaker , the opposition initially sought to receive only a part of the authority , but later decided to remove then-President Viktor Yanukovich from office .
But first , they needed to remove then-Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov `` so that he could not serve as acting president , '' Zhvania explained .
`` In January 2014 , we already felt the weakness of the authorities and embarked on total ousting of the President .
We were completely confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we kept inflating his fear for his safety .
We intimidated him , '' Zhvania noted .
Following Azarov ’ s resignation , the opposition stopped taking Yanukovich into account and engaging in any negotiations with him '' We wanted to get everything , to conduct a coup d ’ etat .
And we did it , '' Zhvania said .
The former lawmaker and Poroshenko ’ s close associate addressed Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova , claiming that he is ready to testify against himself and other politicians , involved in the coup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying that he is scared that Poroshenko may order his assassination .
In his initial video , uploaded to YouTube on July 22 , Zhvania claimed that Poroshenko bribed a European Union official for his support at the 2014 presidential elections .
Zhvania claims that he himself , along with Pavel Klimkin - who was an ambassador to Germany in 2014 , and later headed the Foreign Ministry - participated in handover of `` 5 million euro for one then-senior European official through the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany , in bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as presidential candidate . ''
The former lawmaker also disclosed how exactly Poroshenko and his accomplices , whom he called a criminal group , came to power in 2014 .
According to Zhvania , all of them sought to seize power for personal enrichment .
`` We funded the ‘ maidan , ’ we fueled the protest sentiments in the media , we thwarted the authorities ’ peaceful initiatives , we conducted secret negotiations with the [ Yanukovich ’ s ] Party of Regions lawmakers , we engaged in negotiations with foreign embassies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Poroshenko of massive corruption during his tenure as a president .
`` During his time in power , Poroshenko received approximately $ 4 billion by corruption , '' the ex-lawmaker said .
Zhvania was a Rada lawmaker from the 4th to the 7th convocation ; he headed the Committee on state building and self-governance between 2012 and 2014 .
Between February and September of 2005 , he was the Minister of Emergency Situation in the government of Yuliya Timoshenko .
Ealier , Zhvania also made an explosive statement that poisoning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

KIEV, July 24. /TASS/. Former lawmaker of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada David Zhvania said in his YouTube address that former President Pyotr Poroshenko and his entourage conducted a coup in 2014, using participants of the "Euromaidan" as a extras for seizure of power.
"I respect those people who were at the ‘maidan’ then. They fought for their beliefs - this is worth of respect. It is not their fault that we used them as extras to seize power, where ‘us’ are me, Pyotr Poroshenko, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, Alexander Turchinov, Vitaliy Klichko and other opposition leaders," Zhvania said.
According to the ex-lawmaker, the opposition initially sought to receive only a part of the authority, but later decided to remove then-President Viktor Yanukovich from office. But first, they needed to remove then-Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov "so that he could not serve as acting president," Zhvania explained.
"In January 2014, we already felt the weakness of the authorities and embarked on total ousting of the President. We were completely confident then that Yanukovich will flee. And we kept inflating his fear for his safety. We intimidated him," Zhvania noted.
Following Azarov’s resignation, the opposition stopped taking Yanukovich into account and engaging in any negotiations with him
"We wanted to get everything, to conduct a coup d’etat. And we did it," Zhvania said.
The former lawmaker and Poroshenko’s close associate addressed Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova, claiming that he is ready to testify against himself and other politicians, involved in the coup. Zhvania asked to guarantee his safety, saying that he is scared that Poroshenko may order his assassination.
In his initial video, uploaded to YouTube on July 22, Zhvania claimed that Poroshenko bribed a European Union official for his support at the 2014 presidential elections.
5 mln euro to bribe European officials
Zhvania claims that he himself, along with Pavel Klimkin - who was an ambassador to Germany in 2014, and later headed the Foreign Ministry - participated in handover of "5 million euro for one then-senior European official through the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany, in bid to ensure EU’s support of Poroshenko as presidential candidate."
The former lawmaker also disclosed how exactly Poroshenko and his accomplices, whom he called a criminal group, came to power in 2014. According to Zhvania, all of them sought to seize power for personal enrichment.
"We funded the ‘maidan,’ we fueled the protest sentiments in the media, we thwarted the authorities’ peaceful initiatives, we conducted secret negotiations with the [Yanukovich’s] Party of Regions lawmakers, we engaged in negotiations with foreign embassies," Zhvania confessed.
He also accused Poroshenko of massive corruption during his tenure as a president.
"During his time in power, Poroshenko received approximately $4 billion by corruption," the ex-lawmaker said.
Zhvania was a Rada lawmaker from the 4th to the 7th convocation; he headed the Committee on state building and self-governance between 2012 and 2014. Between February and September of 2005, he was the Minister of Emergency Situation in the government of Yuliya Timoshenko.
Ealier, Zhvania also made an explosive statement that poisoning of the 2004 Presidential Candidate Viktor Yuschenko was fake.


tass--2020-07-24--Cabinet of Ministers earmarks over $2 mln to help Kyrgyzstan fight COVID-19

`` In order to provide in July of 2020 urgent humanitarian aid to the population of the Kyrgyz Republic in fighting the coronavirus infection , budgetary allocations in the amount of up to 150 mln rubles from the state reserve fund are to be apportioned to the Emergencies Ministry of Russia in 2020 to cover the expenses of purchasing pharmaceuticals , individual protective gear , and medical products , and up to 14 mln 523,000 rubles are designated to cover the expenses on the delivery of these items as well as Russian medical specialists to the Kyrgyz Republic , taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severity of the situation due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection on the territory of this republic , '' the statement said .
MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian government has earmarked almost 165 mln ( $ 2.2 mln ) for the Emergencies Ministry to render help to Kyrgyzstan in fighting the coronavirus infection .
The corresponding directive was published on Friday on the official website of legal information .
The directive also notes that the Emergencies Ministry is instructed to purchase and deliver the pharmaceuticals , individual protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as ensure the transportation of Russian medical experts to Kyrgyzstan .
Additionally , the document stresses that travel expenses of the Ministry ’ s staff connected with the delivery of humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan should be realized in the amount of up to 12,700 rubles , the equivalent of $ 178 , from the budgetary allocations provided for the Emergencies Ministry .
The Emergencies Ministry will have to present a report on implementation of this directive before February 1 , 2021 .
The epidemiologic situation in Kyrgyzstan has escalated at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two dozen Russian military medics have arrived already with the appropriate equipment , as well as almost 50 doctors from Moscow and Bashkortostan .
On Saturday a special flight of the Emergencies Ministry will deliver to the Central Asian nation humanitarian aid consisting of medical equipment , pharmaceuticals , and individual protective gear .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , the Russian Federation has also voluntarily supplied Kyrgyzstan with test-systems allowing to conduct almost 110,000 tests for the detection of the coronavirus infection .
According to the latest data , in Kyrgyzstan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and community-acquired pneumonia ( which in the republic is considered a complication after the infection ) have been detected with 1,211 fatalities .
Over 2,580 healthcare workers are among the infected .

"In order to provide in July of 2020 urgent humanitarian aid to the population of the Kyrgyz Republic in fighting the coronavirus infection, budgetary allocations in the amount of up to 150 mln rubles from the state reserve fund are to be apportioned to the Emergencies Ministry of Russia in 2020 to cover the expenses of purchasing pharmaceuticals, individual protective gear, and medical products, and up to 14 mln 523,000 rubles are designated to cover the expenses on the delivery of these items as well as Russian medical specialists to the Kyrgyz Republic, taking into account the partial decrease in the severity of the situation due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection on the territory of this republic," the statement said.
MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russian government has earmarked almost 165 mln ($2.2 mln) for the Emergencies Ministry to render help to Kyrgyzstan in fighting the coronavirus infection. The corresponding directive was published on Friday on the official website of legal information.
The directive also notes that the Emergencies Ministry is instructed to purchase and deliver the pharmaceuticals, individual protective gear, and medical products, as well as ensure the transportation of Russian medical experts to Kyrgyzstan. Additionally, the document stresses that travel expenses of the Ministry’s staff connected with the delivery of humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan should be realized in the amount of up to 12,700 rubles, the equivalent of $178, from the budgetary allocations provided for the Emergencies Ministry.
The Emergencies Ministry will have to present a report on implementation of this directive before February 1, 2021.
The epidemiologic situation in Kyrgyzstan has escalated at the end of June. To assist the republic two dozen Russian military medics have arrived already with the appropriate equipment, as well as almost 50 doctors from Moscow and Bashkortostan. On Saturday a special flight of the Emergencies Ministry will deliver to the Central Asian nation humanitarian aid consisting of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and individual protective gear. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Russian Federation has also voluntarily supplied Kyrgyzstan with test-systems allowing to conduct almost 110,000 tests for the detection of the coronavirus infection.
According to the latest data, in Kyrgyzstan over 31,000 cases of the coronavirus infection and community-acquired pneumonia (which in the republic is considered a complication after the infection) have been detected with 1,211 fatalities. Over 2,580 healthcare workers are among the infected.


tass--2020-07-24--Russia says satellite tests created no threats in outer space

MOSCOW , June 24 .
/TASS/ .
The tests of a satellite held by Russia ’ s Defense Ministry in mid-July created no threats for other space vehicles and violated no principles of international law , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Friday .
Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry thus commented on statements by US and UK officials over the Russian satellite ’ s tests .
`` The tests held by the Defense Ministry of Russia on July 15 this year created no threats for other space vehicles and , most importantly , violated no norms or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement says .
`` According to the information of our Defense Ministry , the Russian inspector-satellite inspected a Russian space vehicle at a close distance using the small satellite ’ s specialized equipment .
As a result , valuable information on the technical condition of the inspected object was obtained and transmitted to ground-based control systems , '' according to the statement .
The Foreign Ministry thus commented on the statements by US and UK officials `` on the tests of a satellite allegedly with the characteristics of a weapon held by Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such statements were made by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea , US Space Force Commander John Raymond , US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Ford and Head of the UK ’ s Space Directorate Harvey Smith .
US and UK representatives are trying to discredit with their statements Russia ’ s initiatives on preventing an arms race in outer space , the ministry said .
`` We consider this as another anti-Russian move , as part of a Washington-initiated purposeful information campaign for discrediting the Russian space activity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race in outer space , '' the Foreign Ministry stressed .
`` American and British representatives are again trying to present the situation in a distorted form to distract the attention of the international public from real threats in outer space , justify the steps they are taking to deploy weapons in outer space and secure additional financing for these purposes , '' the ministry pointed out .
`` Naturally , they keep silent about their own efforts in the field of military space , including the implementation of the programs of possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-satellite means , '' the statement says .
As Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry pointed out , the time chosen for these comments - ahead of a Russian-US meeting of experts on space security on July 27 in Vienna - raises big questions .
`` It is not clear what goal the US colleagues are pursuing .
We would want to hope that they are not trying in this way to pre-determine the tonality and the results of the meeting and complicate the process of developing a bilateral dialogue on space issues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so important for the entire international community , '' the ministry added .
Russia continues to adhere to its commitments for the non-discriminatory use and exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes , the ministry stressed .
`` In this regard , the initiatives we are promoting for preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space , which , incidentally , are supported by a majority of UN member states , are acquiring a decisive role , '' Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry added .
This refers to the initiatives on working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on preventing an arms race in outer space based on the Russian-Chinese draft agreement on the prevention of weapons deployment in space , the use of force or the threat of force in relation to space objects , and also on globalizing the political commitment not to be the first to place weapons in outer space , the ministry explained .
Russia is ready to discuss space issues with the United States and Great Britain , the ministry stressed .
Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry also urged American and British colleagues `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating table and get down to specific and substantive work instead of some propagandistic disinformation campaigns . ''
`` We confirm our readiness for discussing the entire range of space activity problems with the participation of representatives of interested agencies and organizations , '' the ministry stressed .

MOSCOW, June 24. /TASS/. The tests of a satellite held by Russia’s Defense Ministry in mid-July created no threats for other space vehicles and violated no principles of international law, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Friday.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry thus commented on statements by US and UK officials over the Russian satellite’s tests.
"The tests held by the Defense Ministry of Russia on July 15 this year created no threats for other space vehicles and, most importantly, violated no norms or principles of international law," the statement says.
"According to the information of our Defense Ministry, the Russian inspector-satellite inspected a Russian space vehicle at a close distance using the small satellite’s specialized equipment. As a result, valuable information on the technical condition of the inspected object was obtained and transmitted to ground-based control systems," according to the statement.
The Foreign Ministry thus commented on the statements by US and UK officials "on the tests of a satellite allegedly with the characteristics of a weapon held by Russia on July 15." Specifically, such statements were made by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea, US Space Force Commander John Raymond, US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Ford and Head of the UK’s Space Directorate Harvey Smith.
US and UK representatives are trying to discredit with their statements Russia’s initiatives on preventing an arms race in outer space, the ministry said.
"We consider this as another anti-Russian move, as part of a Washington-initiated purposeful information campaign for discrediting the Russian space activity and our peaceful initiatives for preventing an arms race in outer space," the Foreign Ministry stressed.
"American and British representatives are again trying to present the situation in a distorted form to distract the attention of the international public from real threats in outer space, justify the steps they are taking to deploy weapons in outer space and secure additional financing for these purposes," the ministry pointed out.
"Naturally, they keep silent about their own efforts in the field of military space, including the implementation of the programs of possibly involving inspector satellites and repair satellites as anti-satellite means," the statement says.
As Russia’s Foreign Ministry pointed out, the time chosen for these comments - ahead of a Russian-US meeting of experts on space security on July 27 in Vienna - raises big questions.
"It is not clear what goal the US colleagues are pursuing. We would want to hope that they are not trying in this way to pre-determine the tonality and the results of the meeting and complicate the process of developing a bilateral dialogue on space issues and strategic stability as a whole, which is so important for the entire international community," the ministry added.
Russia’s adherence to its commitments
Russia continues to adhere to its commitments for the non-discriminatory use and exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes, the ministry stressed.
"In this regard, the initiatives we are promoting for preventing the deployment of weapons in outer space, which, incidentally, are supported by a majority of UN member states, are acquiring a decisive role," Russia’s Foreign Ministry added.
This refers to the initiatives on working out a multilateral and legally binding treaty on preventing an arms race in outer space based on the Russian-Chinese draft agreement on the prevention of weapons deployment in space, the use of force or the threat of force in relation to space objects, and also on globalizing the political commitment not to be the first to place weapons in outer space, the ministry explained.
Professionalism instead of disinformation campaigns
Russia is ready to discuss space issues with the United States and Great Britain, the ministry stressed.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry also urged American and British colleagues "to display professionalism and sit down to a negotiating table and get down to specific and substantive work instead of some propagandistic disinformation campaigns."
"We confirm our readiness for discussing the entire range of space activity problems with the participation of representatives of interested agencies and organizations," the ministry stressed.


tass--2020-07-24--Russian air transport authority to notify other countries on resumption of int’l flights

`` In compliance with the government resolutions , the Air Transport Agency will notify air companies and airports in line with the established procedures .
Apart from that , it will inform air transport authorities of the corresponding countries , '' it said .
MOSCOW , July 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Air Transport Agency said on Friday it will notify air companies , airports and other countries ’ authorities about the resumption of flights from Russia .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said earlier on Friday that Russia would resume international air service from August 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ performed from Moscow , St. Petersburg , and Rostov-on-Don .
According to Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova , flights will be partially resumed to the United Kingdom , Turkey , and Tnazania .
London will be the only British destination so far .
As for Turkey , from August 1 , flight will be performed to Ankara and Istanbul , and to Antalya , Bodrum , and Dalaman from August 10 .
Flights , according to Golikova , will be resumed on conditions of reciprocity .
Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh said that Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notify air companies about the resumption of international flights later in the day .
Air carriers will be able to begin selling tickets soon , he added .
Russia suspended international air service in late March amid the novel coronavirus pandemic .

"In compliance with the government resolutions, the Air Transport Agency will notify air companies and airports in line with the established procedures. Apart from that, it will inform air transport authorities of the corresponding countries," it said.
MOSCOW, July 24. /TASS/. Russia’s Air Transport Agency said on Friday it will notify air companies, airports and other countries’ authorities about the resumption of flights from Russia.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said earlier on Friday that Russia would resume international air service from August 1. At first, international flights will be performed from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Rostov-on-Don. According to Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova, flights will be partially resumed to the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Tnazania. London will be the only British destination so far. As for Turkey, from August 1, flight will be performed to Ankara and Istanbul, and to Antalya, Bodrum, and Dalaman from August 10. Flights, according to Golikova, will be resumed on conditions of reciprocity.
Transport Minister Yevgeny Ditrikh said that Russia’s Air Transport Agency is to notify air companies about the resumption of international flights later in the day. Air carriers will be able to begin selling tickets soon, he added.
Russia suspended international air service in late March amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.