tass--2020-05-27--BRICS countries to hold competition of research projects on COVID-19 in June

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
BRICS member-states plan to hold a competition of research projects aimed at searching for solutions to overcome the consequences of the global coronavirus infection pandemic , with the best of them planned to receive financing for research works , press service of Russia ’ s Ministry of Science and Higher Education said in a statement on Wednesday .
Joint scientific projects were discussed during an online meeting of the managing committee on science , technologies and innovations of BRICS states and the BRICS working group on financing science , technologies and innovations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as organizations of BRICS countries that finance science , technologies and innovations , participated in the meeting .
`` The Russian side initiated holding a multisided interdisciplinary competition of BRICS research projects on the novel coronavirus infection , particularly on search for solutions to overcome the consequences of the global pandemic in the fields of healthcare , economy , social sciences , mental health and other areas of human life and activities .
BRICS states welcomed the initiative , '' the statement said .
It is planned that the competition will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research groups of BRICS countries will be able to start implementation of projects at the end of 2020 .
The Russian Foundation for Basic Research will act as a financing organization from the Russian side .
`` Today all eyes are on the scientific community , which is set to unite efforts through international scientific and technical cooperation .
In this respect it is gratifying to note that there exists a ready instrument for selecting and financing multisided scientific projects - the Framework program of BRICS in the field of science , technologies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mechanism will help implement large-scale researches on search for responses to global challenges , '' Russia ’ s coordinator of scientific , technical and innovative cooperation within BRCIS Victor Smirnov was quoted as saying .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. BRICS member-states plan to hold a competition of research projects aimed at searching for solutions to overcome the consequences of the global coronavirus infection pandemic, with the best of them planned to receive financing for research works, press service of Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education said in a statement on Wednesday.
Joint scientific projects were discussed during an online meeting of the managing committee on science, technologies and innovations of BRICS states and the BRICS working group on financing science, technologies and innovations. Representatives of relevant ministries, embassies, as well as organizations of BRICS countries that finance science, technologies and innovations, participated in the meeting.
"The Russian side initiated holding a multisided interdisciplinary competition of BRICS research projects on the novel coronavirus infection, particularly on search for solutions to overcome the consequences of the global pandemic in the fields of healthcare, economy, social sciences, mental health and other areas of human life and activities. BRICS states welcomed the initiative," the statement said.
It is planned that the competition will be announced in June 2020, whereas research groups of BRICS countries will be able to start implementation of projects at the end of 2020. The Russian Foundation for Basic Research will act as a financing organization from the Russian side.
"Today all eyes are on the scientific community, which is set to unite efforts through international scientific and technical cooperation. In this respect it is gratifying to note that there exists a ready instrument for selecting and financing multisided scientific projects - the Framework program of BRICS in the field of science, technologies and innovations. The use of that mechanism will help implement large-scale researches on search for responses to global challenges," Russia’s coordinator of scientific, technical and innovative cooperation within BRCIS Victor Smirnov was quoted as saying.


tass--2020-05-27--Russian banks approved 23,000 interest-free loans to support employment

In addition , banks transferred almost 150 bln rubles of debt as part of the `` credit holidays '' to organizations and individuals .
`` To date , banks have approved more than 23,000 loans worth 58 billion rubles ( $ 817 mln ) .
That means we have supported 800,000 jobs in the affected sectors , '' Reshetnikov said .
MOSCOW , May 27 .
/ TASS / .
Russian banks approved 23,000 interest-free loans to support employment totaling 58 bln rubles ( $ 817 mln ) , said the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
According to the Federal Tax Service , to date , more than 600,000 grants have been given to businesses in the amount of almost 32 bln rubles , which has allowed to support 2.6 mln jobs , said Reshetnikov .
In addition , a delay has been granted to small and medium-sized enterprises in submitting rent payments for 34,000 locations of state and municipal property , the minister added .
`` Despite the fact that most landlords behave responsibly , help out businesses , agree on a reduction in rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large part of landlords who are trying to squeeze all the juice out of the business , '' he said .
According to him , the possibility of terminating lease agreements without paying fines will significantly strengthen the position of small and medium-sized businesses .
The total amount of taxes and insurance contributions transferred was about 90 bln rubles , in the future , a one-year deferral will be granted for this amount .
Companies from affected sectors that do not fall into the SME category can apply for tax deferrals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We expect that from May to August another 50,000 enterprises will be able to take advantage of this delay , '' Reshetnikov said .

In addition, banks transferred almost 150 bln rubles of debt as part of the "credit holidays" to organizations and individuals.
"To date, banks have approved more than 23,000 loans worth 58 billion rubles ($817 mln). That means we have supported 800,000 jobs in the affected sectors," Reshetnikov said.
MOSCOW, May 27. / TASS /. Russian banks approved 23,000 interest-free loans to support employment totaling 58 bln rubles ($817 mln), said the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov during his speech at the State Duma on Wednesday.
According to the Federal Tax Service, to date, more than 600,000 grants have been given to businesses in the amount of almost 32 bln rubles, which has allowed to support 2.6 mln jobs, said Reshetnikov.
In addition, a delay has been granted to small and medium-sized enterprises in submitting rent payments for 34,000 locations of state and municipal property, the minister added.
"Despite the fact that most landlords behave responsibly, help out businesses, agree on a reduction in rent payments, on deferrals, there is a large part of landlords who are trying to squeeze all the juice out of the business,"he said. According to him, the possibility of terminating lease agreements without paying fines will significantly strengthen the position of small and medium-sized businesses.
The total amount of taxes and insurance contributions transferred was about 90 bln rubles, in the future, a one-year deferral will be granted for this amount.
Companies from affected sectors that do not fall into the SME category can apply for tax deferrals in a declarative manner, the minister said. "We expect that from May to August another 50,000 enterprises will be able to take advantage of this delay," Reshetnikov said.


tass--2020-05-27--Coronavirus activity in Russia to plummet in June, scientist says

`` The situation is generally not bad , and it will actively improve in early June .
I think that we will continue to actively contract the coronavirus during the first weeks of summer , and after that , the virus will be nowhere to be found , '' Filatov said .
MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Improvement of the coronavirus situation in Russia is expected in the first two weeks of June , Nikolay Filatov , Deputy Director of the Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums , told Komsomolskaya Pravda radio Wednesday .
He noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January-May 2019 was 5,563 , while during the same period of 2020 , it was 5,538 .
Besides , the scientist doubted the need to wear gloves .
`` Gloves do not protect from the coronavirus in any way , not even a little , not at all .
One can not contract the coronavirus infection through skin .
The virus also does not penetrate the eye mucous membrane , there were no cases of conjunctivitis among patients , '' the scientist noted .
To date , a total of 370,680 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 142,208 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,968 fatalities nationwide .

"The situation is generally not bad, and it will actively improve in early June. I think that we will continue to actively contract the coronavirus during the first weeks of summer, and after that, the virus will be nowhere to be found," Filatov said.
MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. Improvement of the coronavirus situation in Russia is expected in the first two weeks of June, Nikolay Filatov, Deputy Director of the Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Serums, told Komsomolskaya Pravda radio Wednesday.
He noted that the average daily fatality rate in Russia in January-May 2019 was 5,563, while during the same period of 2020, it was 5,538. Besides, the scientist doubted the need to wear gloves.
"Gloves do not protect from the coronavirus in any way, not even a little, not at all. One cannot contract the coronavirus infection through skin. The virus also does not penetrate the eye mucous membrane, there were no cases of conjunctivitis among patients," the scientist noted.
To date, a total of 370,680 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 142,208 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,968 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-05-27--Number of coronavirus cases in Portugal surpasses 31,200

According to the report , the number of deaths due to coronavirus in the country increased by 14 over the day , reaching 1,356 .
Over 18,300 people have recovered .
MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Portugal increased by 285 over the past day and reached 31,292 , the country 's Directorate-General of Health reported on Wednesday .
Portugal ’ s authorities began lifting restrictions on May 4 .
On Monday , Portugal began the second phase of easing restrictive measures .
In a favorable scenario , the third phase may begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,701,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 352,000 deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over 2,445,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 370,680 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 142,208 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 3,968 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

According to the report, the number of deaths due to coronavirus in the country increased by 14 over the day, reaching 1,356. Over 18,300 people have recovered.
MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Portugal increased by 285 over the past day and reached 31,292, the country's Directorate-General of Health reported on Wednesday.
Portugal’s authorities began lifting restrictions on May 4. On Monday, Portugal began the second phase of easing restrictive measures. In a favorable scenario, the third phase may begin on June 1.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,701,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 352,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,445,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 370,680 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 142,208 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 3,968 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-27--Russian border guards detain almost 4,000 North Korean poachers in Sea of Japan over year

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian border guards detained almost 4,000 North Korean fishermen for poaching in @ @ @ @ @ year or 14 times more than in the previous five years , First Deputy Director @ @ @ @ @ ( FSB ) , Head of Russia ’ s Border Guard Service Vladimir Kulishov told @ @ @ @ @ of countering in the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan the poaching activity of @ @ @ @ @ overly aggressive became especially pressing last year , '' he said in an interview with @ @ @ @ @ on May 28 and is timed for Russia ’ s Border Guards Day .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the situation , '' Kulishov said .
As the head of Russia ’ s Border @ @ @ @ @ 16 fishing vessels and 328 small-size craft flying the flag of North Korea with 3,754 @ @ @ @ @ fishing of marine bio-resources , which exceeds the aggregate figures for the previous five years @ @ @ @ @ with 260 poachers were detained from 2014 to 2018 ) . ''

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. The Russian border guards detained almost 4,000 North Korean fishermen for poaching in the Sea of Japan last year or 14 times more than in the previous five years, First Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Head of Russia’s Border Guard Service Vladimir Kulishov told TASS.
"The problem of countering in the Russian waters of the Sea of Japan the poaching activity of North Korean fishermen who were overly aggressive became especially pressing last year," he said in an interview with TASS that will be published on May 28 and is timed for Russia’s Border Guards Day.
"The measures taken helped remedy the situation," Kulishov said.
As the head of Russia’s Border Guard Service stated, "16 fishing vessels and 328 small-size craft flying the flag of North Korea with 3,754 poachers were detained for illegal fishing of marine bio-resources, which exceeds the aggregate figures for the previous five years (11 North Korean vessels with 260 poachers were detained from 2014 to 2018)."


tass--2020-05-27--Coronavirus cases in Belarus surge by almost 900 in past day

MINSK , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in Belarus grew by 897 in the past twenty-four hours to 38,956 and six patients died , the republic ’ s Health Ministry reported on Wednesday .
`` A total of 38,956 people with the positive test for COVID-19 have been registered .
Over the entire period of the infection ’ s spread on the territory of the country , 214 patients with some chronic illnesses and the identified coronavirus infection have died , '' the ministry said in a statement .
As of May 27 , 15,923 patients earlier diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been discharged from hospitals .
A total of 485,534 tests for the coronavirus infection have been conducted in Belarus , the statement says .
Belarus has not imposed any lockdown restrictions .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) insistently recommended that the Belarusian authorities enhance social distancing and give up mass events .
Nonetheless , Belarus held a large-scale military parade in Minsk on May 9 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War .
Currently , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the elections scheduled for August 9 .
Belarus has been daily registering about 900 and more new coronavirus cases over the past few weeks .
The republic ’ s Health Ministry has said that Belarus has been on the coronavirus plateau and the infection spread is expected to decline soon .

MINSK, May 27. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in Belarus grew by 897 in the past twenty-four hours to 38,956 and six patients died, the republic’s Health Ministry reported on Wednesday.
"A total of 38,956 people with the positive test for COVID-19 have been registered. Over the entire period of the infection’s spread on the territory of the country, 214 patients with some chronic illnesses and the identified coronavirus infection have died," the ministry said in a statement.
As of May 27, 15,923 patients earlier diagnosed with the novel coronavirus have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals. A total of 485,534 tests for the coronavirus infection have been conducted in Belarus, the statement says.
Belarus has not imposed any lockdown restrictions. The World Health Organization (WHO) insistently recommended that the Belarusian authorities enhance social distancing and give up mass events.
Nonetheless, Belarus held a large-scale military parade in Minsk on May 9 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War. Currently, a presidential campaign is underway in the republic, with the elections scheduled for August 9.
Belarus has been daily registering about 900 and more new coronavirus cases over the past few weeks. The republic’s Health Ministry has said that Belarus has been on the coronavirus plateau and the infection spread is expected to decline soon.


tass--2020-05-27--Putin: remote work to be useful and in demand after pandemic

`` Today much , very much is done in the remote mode .
When normal business activity restarts , this experience will undoubtedly be quite useful and in demand .
It must necessarily be used because we all know this well that such remote and distant format of work is convenient and is needed both by business and citizens , '' the Russian president said at a video conference on the Russian labor market .
NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The experience of working from home will remain in demand after the pandemic is over , Russian President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third of Russians prefer work at office to working from home , poll reveals In the president ’ s opinion , this primarily concerns young mothers , disabled people and residents of small towns where the choice of jobs is not as large as in megalopolises .
`` And in general , experts say that the economy of the future based on the digit will largely have distributed network nature when many people work remotely , including at home , '' the head of state added .
The Russian president asked the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards organizing the work process was being implemented in practice , what difficulties , including regulatory , companies and their staff were encountering in switching over to the remote work and also how to fine-tune the system .
Putin also suggested that all the participants in the video conference speak on bottlenecks in the system of labor relations and on required changes .
The Russian leader also drew attention to the current state of the labor market .
He stressed that much depended on the coordinated work of the heads of regions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I request you to act extremely responsibly and with full dedication .
This is a very important area of our work .
It is necessary to understand and look into the problems of every person who has applied for help , '' Putin said .

"Today much, very much is done in the remote mode. When normal business activity restarts, this experience will undoubtedly be quite useful and in demand. It must necessarily be used because we all know this well that such remote and distant format of work is convenient and is needed both by business and citizens," the Russian president said at a video conference on the Russian labor market.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 27. /TASS/. The experience of working from home will remain in demand after the pandemic is over, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
One third of Russians prefer work at office to working from home, poll reveals
In the president’s opinion, this primarily concerns young mothers, disabled people and residents of small towns where the choice of jobs is not as large as in megalopolises.
"And in general, experts say that the economy of the future based on the digit will largely have distributed network nature when many people work remotely, including at home," the head of state added.
The Russian president asked the video conference participants to report how this approach towards organizing the work process was being implemented in practice, what difficulties, including regulatory, companies and their staff were encountering in switching over to the remote work and also how to fine-tune the system.
Putin also suggested that all the participants in the video conference speak on bottlenecks in the system of labor relations and on required changes.
The Russian leader also drew attention to the current state of the labor market. He stressed that much depended on the coordinated work of the heads of regions, the Labor Ministry and employment services.
"I request you to act extremely responsibly and with full dedication. This is a very important area of our work. It is necessary to understand and look into the problems of every person who has applied for help," Putin said.


tass--2020-05-27--Moscow to reopen all retail, allow visiting parks on schedule from June 1

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin proposed Wednesday to restore operation of non-grocery stores and a portion of the service industry starting Monday , June 1 , while also proposing to allow walking in parks on schedule .
According to Sobyanin , Moscow authorities are ready to reopen all non-grocery retail .
As for the services industry , the mayor proposed to reopen organizations that do not involve prolonged contacts between people , such as repair shops and laundries .
The mayor is ready to reopen parks for visitors , but with certain restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed that will determine when residents of certain buildings would be allowed to go out for walks . ''
He did not provide any specifics regarding such schedule .
Moscow authorities will increase the volume of general medical aid in city hospitals , retooled for the coronavirus patients .
Almost half of all beds , reserved for the coronavirus patients are free already , and the number of severe COVID-19 cases reduced in the past two weeks by 40 % .
Moscow is ready for the Victory Parade which will take place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the capital is also ready for rehearsals which precede the parade itself .
Moscow authorities will send aid to other regions after the coronavirus situation in the capital is stabilized , Sobyanin announced , adding that medics and medical equipment will be sent to the Pskov and Vladimir regions .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin proposed Wednesday to restore operation of non-grocery stores and a portion of the service industry starting Monday, June 1, while also proposing to allow walking in parks on schedule.
What will reopen
According to Sobyanin, Moscow authorities are ready to reopen all non-grocery retail. As for the services industry, the mayor proposed to reopen organizations that do not involve prolonged contacts between people, such as repair shops and laundries.
Walking on schedule
The mayor is ready to reopen parks for visitors, but with certain restrictions. According to him "a schedule is needed that will determine when residents of certain buildings would be allowed to go out for walks." He did not provide any specifics regarding such schedule.
Medical aid
Moscow authorities will increase the volume of general medical aid in city hospitals, retooled for the coronavirus patients.
Almost half of all beds, reserved for the coronavirus patients are free already, and the number of severe COVID-19 cases reduced in the past two weeks by 40%.
Victory Parade
Moscow is ready for the Victory Parade which will take place on June 24 this year, Sobyanin confirmed, adding that the capital is also ready for rehearsals which precede the parade itself.
Aid to other regions
Moscow authorities will send aid to other regions after the coronavirus situation in the capital is stabilized, Sobyanin announced, adding that medics and medical equipment will be sent to the Pskov and Vladimir regions.


tass--2020-05-27--Russia develops test system to reveal specific immune response to COVID-19

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists of the Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology have developed @ @ @ @ @ specific immunity to the novel coronavirus .
This system makes it possible to determine the @ @ @ @ @ and to pick potential plasma donors to treat the coronavirus patients , Russian Health Ministry @ @ @ @ @ `` The Gamalei Center has developed a unique test system that reveals the specific immunity @ @ @ @ @ isolated viral receptor binding domain ( RBD ) , which characterizes the degree of the @ @ @ @ @ , which makes it possible not only to determine the stage of the disease but @ @ @ @ @ results to pick blood plasma donors for treatment of COVID-19 patients from the recovered ones @ @ @ @ @ .

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
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tass--2020-05-27--Explosion goes off in Syria’s Idlib along route of Turkish military convoy

ANKARA , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
An explosion went off in the Idlib de-escalation area in Syria , the @ @ @ @ @ reported on Wednesday .
Turkey will not launch major operation against militants in Idlib — @ @ @ @ @ as a Turkish military convoy was moving along the M4 highway , it said .
@ @ @ @ @ , without specifying , though , who suffered in the explosion .
An improvised roadside @ @ @ @ @ No terrorist grouping has claimed responsibility for the attack by now .

ANKARA, May 27. /TASS/. An explosion went off in the Idlib de-escalation area in Syria, the Turkish TV channel A Haber reported on Wednesday.
Turkey will not launch major operation against militants in Idlib — analyst
The bomb went off as a Turkish military convoy was moving along the M4 highway, it said.
The TV channel reported injuries, without specifying, though, who suffered in the explosion.
An improvised roadside bomb triggered the blast. No terrorist grouping has claimed responsibility for the attack by now.


tass--2020-05-27--Georgia yet to confirm invitation to visit Lugar Research Center — Russian senator

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Tbilisi has not officially confirmed the intention to welcome Russian experts to study the operations of Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research extended by the Georgian Foreign Ministry , member of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) , Russian envoy to talks with Georgia Grigory Karasin told TASS Wednesday .
`` There is always official exchange between states in the form of verbal notes or letters , appeals which are formulated in official letters and sent to the other side in hopes for a certain reaction .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any reaction to our latest request , '' he said .
Earlier on Wednesday , the Georgian Foreign Ministry announced readiness to invite Russian experts to inspect the activities of the research center but only within the jurisdiction of the UN Biological Weapons Convention mechanisms .
`` Being a responsible member of the UN Biological Weapons Convention , Georgia was ready in the past and will be ready in the future to welcome relevant Russian experts with access to laboratory infrastructure of corresponding security .
However , this visit can only take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement reads , underlining that the Russian experts will not be invited separately .
Moreover , the diplomatic agency also said that the laboratory is fully owned by Georgia and rejected the idea that its US partners play any roles or carry out any functions in the center .
`` Moreover , they can not perform any research independently , '' the ministry stressed .
The Russian senator recalled that Moscow officially submitted a request to visit Richard Lugar laboratory back in June 2019 but `` still has not received any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensitive issue , especially considering what is happening now in the world . ''
`` Therefore , we continue discussing this topic and will hope that the Georgian side will be considerate to the concerns all its neighbors , including Russia , have in view of this , '' Karasin explained .
He added that a personal meeting with Georgian prime minister ’ s special envoy for settling relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze can possibly be held in summer .
`` I would like to meet in person .
Video conference is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we maintain contact by phone quite regularly and discuss the most relevant topics .
I still hope that the meeting will be more possible in July-August , '' the Russian senator pointed out .
Russia has repeatedly expressed its concern over the work of the Georgia-based Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research .
Opened near Tbilisi ’ s international airport in 2011 under a US governmental program , the center specializes in the study of biological threats .
Georgia ’ s former State Security Minister Igor Giorgadze told reporters in late 2018 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was carrying out dangerous experiments and called on US President Donald Trump to investigate its activities .
Giorgadze claimed that US military and private contractors could be engaged in secret experiments on humans there .
Georgia dismissed these allegations as absurd while Moscow said it would request the lab-related documents from the United States .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. Tbilisi has not officially confirmed the intention to welcome Russian experts to study the operations of Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research extended by the Georgian Foreign Ministry, member of the Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament), Russian envoy to talks with Georgia Grigory Karasin told TASS Wednesday.
"There is always official exchange between states in the form of verbal notes or letters, appeals which are formulated in official letters and sent to the other side in hopes for a certain reaction. In fact, we are yet to receive any reaction to our latest request," he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Georgian Foreign Ministry announced readiness to invite Russian experts to inspect the activities of the research center but only within the jurisdiction of the UN Biological Weapons Convention mechanisms. "Being a responsible member of the UN Biological Weapons Convention, Georgia was ready in the past and will be ready in the future to welcome relevant Russian experts with access to laboratory infrastructure of corresponding security level. However, this visit can only take place in accordance with the convention mechanisms," the statement reads, underlining that the Russian experts will not be invited separately. Moreover, the diplomatic agency also said that the laboratory is fully owned by Georgia and rejected the idea that its US partners play any roles or carry out any functions in the center. "Moreover, they cannot perform any research independently," the ministry stressed.
The Russian senator recalled that Moscow officially submitted a request to visit Richard Lugar laboratory back in June 2019 but "still has not received any clear answer regarding this rather crucial and sensitive issue, especially considering what is happening now in the world." "Therefore, we continue discussing this topic and will hope that the Georgian side will be considerate to the concerns all its neighbors, including Russia, have in view of this," Karasin explained.
He added that a personal meeting with Georgian prime minister’s special envoy for settling relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze can possibly be held in summer. "I would like to meet in person. Video conference is no substitute to a face-to-face meeting, but we maintain contact by phone quite regularly and discuss the most relevant topics. I still hope that the meeting will be more possible in July-August," the Russian senator pointed out.
Russia has repeatedly expressed its concern over the work of the Georgia-based Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research. Opened near Tbilisi’s international airport in 2011 under a US governmental program, the center specializes in the study of biological threats. Georgia’s former State Security Minister Igor Giorgadze told reporters in late 2018 that he had evidence that the lab was carrying out dangerous experiments and called on US President Donald Trump to investigate its activities. Giorgadze claimed that US military and private contractors could be engaged in secret experiments on humans there. Georgia dismissed these allegations as absurd while Moscow said it would request the lab-related documents from the United States.


tass--2020-05-27--Putin, Finnish president discuss cooperation in fight against coronavirus pandemic

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto have discussed cooperation @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic in a phone call , the Kremlin press service said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ to meaningful cooperation between the two countries ’ agencies involved in combating the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ The two heads of state also touched upon matters concerning relations between Russia and Finland @ @ @ @ @ economic cooperation and the implementation of joint investment projects .
`` The parties exchanged views @ @ @ @ @ , including those related to the Arctic , and agreed that the two countries will @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Kremlin press service added .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto have discussed cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in a phone call, the Kremlin press service said in a statement.
"The parties pointed to meaningful cooperation between the two countries’ agencies involved in combating the coronavirus," the statement reads.
The two heads of state also touched upon matters concerning relations between Russia and Finland, focusing on trade and economic cooperation and the implementation of joint investment projects.
"The parties exchanged views on regional and global issues, including those related to the Arctic, and agreed that the two countries will maintain contact at various levels," the Kremlin press service added.


tass--2020-05-27--Up to 300,000 tourists expected to visit Russia’s Kaliningrad Region this summer

KALININGRAD , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The tourist flow to Russia ’ s Kaliningrad Region is expected to climb from 200,000 to 300,000 people this summer , according to preliminary estimates , the region ’ s Minister of Culture and Tourism Andrey Yermak told TASS on Wednesday , adding that the flow is projected to plunge two-thirds or even three-fourths when compared with 2019 when around 870,000 people visited the region , due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Last year ’ s tourist flow in the region reached around 870,000 people in summer months .
This year it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if we open on June 1 .
< ... > We project the summer season of 2020 at around 300,000 , probably 200,000 people , '' he said .
The minister explained that even if the tourist season starts on June 1 preparations will take time , with July , August and , probably , September if the weather is good , likely to be full-fledged summer season months .
Overall , the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Kaliningrad Region does not expect the tourist flow to the region to exceed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whereas last year 1,740 people visited the region .
Russian tourists are expected to come to the region this year , mainly guests targeting individual tours or family tours .
Neither the authorities , nor travel agencies themselves expect any foreign tourists in the region .
`` I think that all requests from foreign tourists , mostly from German tourists in our region , will be cancelled or postponed to next year , '' head of a regional association of tourist industry enterprises Tamara Toropova told TASS .

KALININGRAD, May 27. /TASS/. The tourist flow to Russia’s Kaliningrad Region is expected to climb from 200,000 to 300,000 people this summer, according to preliminary estimates, the region’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Andrey Yermak told TASS on Wednesday, adding that the flow is projected to plunge two-thirds or even three-fourths when compared with 2019 when around 870,000 people visited the region, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Last year’s tourist flow in the region reached around 870,000 people in summer months. This year it is going to be substantially lower even if we open on June 1. <...> We project the summer season of 2020 at around 300,000, probably 200,000 people," he said.
The minister explained that even if the tourist season starts on June 1 preparations will take time, with July, August and, probably, September if the weather is good, likely to be full-fledged summer season months. Overall, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Kaliningrad Region does not expect the tourist flow to the region to exceed 900,000 people by the end of 2020, whereas last year 1,740 people visited the region.
Russian tourists are expected to come to the region this year, mainly guests targeting individual tours or family tours. Neither the authorities, nor travel agencies themselves expect any foreign tourists in the region. "I think that all requests from foreign tourists, mostly from German tourists in our region, will be cancelled or postponed to next year," head of a regional association of tourist industry enterprises Tamara Toropova told TASS.


tass--2020-05-27--Volume of Hainan's oil and gas industry may exceed $140 bln

HAIKOU , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's oil and gas industry is constantly growing , and soon its volume in the structure of the annual gross regional product should exceed the trillion yuan mark ( more than $ 140 billion ) , stated the deputy of the National People 's Congress ( China 's highest legislative body ) Li Ping .
“ Over the past 18 years that I spent in the western part of the island , I have been able to observe how the local oil and gas industry has dynamically developed and significantly strengthened , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying .
“ Our province has become one of the Chinese regions where natural gas extraction is carried out most actively in the offshore fields .
Therefore , Hainan 's free trade zone has a reliable very eco-friendly energy base '' .
According to Li Ping , Hainan is not only increasing oil and gas production , but is also engaged in industrial processing in order to obtain various petroleum products , refining and transportation of energy , as well as their storage .
“ Our province has created an integrated industry chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hainan is engaged in everything from conducting survey work to regular deliveries , ” the official explained .
According to statistics , in January-April oil companies registered on Hainan produced 101,100 tonnes of oil ( an increase of 0.5 % year on year ) and 34 million cubic meters of natural gas ( an increase of 3.4 % ) .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .

HAIKOU, May 27. /TASS/. Hainan's oil and gas industry is constantly growing, and soon its volume in the structure of the annual gross regional product should exceed the trillion yuan mark (more than $140 billion), stated the deputy of the National People's Congress (China's highest legislative body) Li Ping.
“Over the past 18 years that I spent in the western part of the island, I have been able to observe how the local oil and gas industry has dynamically developed and significantly strengthened,” the Hainan Daily quoted him as saying. “Our province has become one of the Chinese regions where natural gas extraction is carried out most actively in the offshore fields. Therefore, Hainan's free trade zone has a reliable very eco-friendly energy base".
According to Li Ping, Hainan is not only increasing oil and gas production, but is also engaged in industrial processing in order to obtain various petroleum products, refining and transportation of energy, as well as their storage.
“Our province has created an integrated industry chain where there are no missing links. Hainan is engaged in everything from conducting survey work to regular deliveries,” the official explained.
According to statistics, in January-April oil companies registered on Hainan produced 101,100 tonnes of oil (an increase of 0.5% year on year) and 34 million cubic meters of natural gas (an increase of 3.4%).
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-05-27--Putin: coronavirus situation stabilizing in Moscow and across Russia

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The situation with the coronavirus spread in Moscow and across Russia is gradually stabilizing , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Wednesday .
Moscow ready for first and second stage of lifting coronavirus lockdown — sanitary doctor '' The situation in Moscow and across the country as a whole is , indeed , stabilizing .
Compared to the peak levels in early May , the number of identified coronavirus cases has halved while the volumes of tests are constantly growing , '' Putin said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , the number of coronavirus tests conducted daily grew twofold from late April to late May : from 25,000 to 50,000 .
Considerably more people are daily discharged from Moscow hospitals than new patients are admitted while the stock of free hospital beds stands at about 10,000 , Putin said .
`` I consider it extremely important that a part of hospital beds earlier repurposed for treating coronavirus patients is beginning to return to the regime of planned work to provide the necessary assistance to people with other illnesses that are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
According to him , Moscow managed to avert the worst coronavirus spread scenarios .
The head of state noted that the city created significant reserves of medical equipment and drugs , '' which , by the way , [ … ] other world megalopolises did not . ''
`` At least , they did not do it as timely as you did in Moscow , `` the president pointed out .
`` You made it having the worst case scenario in mind .
Fortunately , these scenarios have obviously been averted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president the recent improvement of the epidemiologic situation is a direct consequence of measures taken by the Moscow administration .
Putin noted the role of medical workers in fight against the epidemic , underscoring that they act professionally and selflessly .
`` Moscow medics , nurses and medical personnel in general have gained a unique experience of treatment and prevention of the coronavirus infection , '' the president said .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 27. /TASS/. The situation with the coronavirus spread in Moscow and across Russia is gradually stabilizing, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin on Wednesday.
Moscow ready for first and second stage of lifting coronavirus lockdown — sanitary doctor
"The situation in Moscow and across the country as a whole is, indeed, stabilizing. Compared to the peak levels in early May, the number of identified coronavirus cases has halved while the volumes of tests are constantly growing," Putin said.
According to the data cited by the president, the number of coronavirus tests conducted daily grew twofold from late April to late May: from 25,000 to 50,000. Considerably more people are daily discharged from Moscow hospitals than new patients are admitted while the stock of free hospital beds stands at about 10,000, Putin said.
"I consider it extremely important that a part of hospital beds earlier repurposed for treating coronavirus patients is beginning to return to the regime of planned work to provide the necessary assistance to people with other illnesses that are also serious and dangerous," the president said.
According to him, Moscow managed to avert the worst coronavirus spread scenarios.
The head of state noted that the city created significant reserves of medical equipment and drugs," which, by the way, […] other world megalopolises did not."
"At least, they did not do it as timely as you did in Moscow, " the president pointed out.
"You made it having the worst case scenario in mind. Fortunately, these scenarios have obviously been averted," Putin said.
According to the president the recent improvement of the epidemiologic situation is a direct consequence of measures taken by the Moscow administration.
Putin noted the role of medical workers in fight against the epidemic, underscoring that they act professionally and selflessly. "Moscow medics, nurses and medical personnel in general have gained a unique experience of treatment and prevention of the coronavirus infection," the president said.


tass--2020-05-27--Coronavirus situation in Moscow under control, says mayor

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin expressed his certainty that the coronavirus situation in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ adding that the city authorities control the situation .
`` In general , I must @ @ @ @ @ my opinion , have the situation [ in Moscow ] under control , and I @ @ @ @ @ keep improving despite all the ‘ buts , ’ despite the precautions , despite the @ @ @ @ @ I think , it will keep improving , '' he said during his online meeting @ @ @ @ @ On May 27 , Moscow registered the lowest daily coronavirus case growth since April 23 @ @ @ @ @ headquarters data , 2,140 cases were registered , bringing the spread rate from 1.7 % @ @ @ @ @ Since the beginning of the outbreak in the city , 171,443 people were diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ recovered , while 2,183 people died .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin expressed his certainty that the coronavirus situation in Moscow will now only improve, adding that the city authorities control the situation.
"In general, I must say that we, in my opinion, have the situation [in Moscow] under control, and I am certain that it will keep improving despite all the ‘buts,’ despite the precautions, despite the heightened readiness regime. But I think, it will keep improving," he said during his online meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
On May 27, Moscow registered the lowest daily coronavirus case growth since April 23. According to the operational headquarters data, 2,140 cases were registered, bringing the spread rate from 1.7% to record-low 1.3%. Since the beginning of the outbreak in the city, 171,443 people were diagnosed with COVID-19; 67,458 people have recovered, while 2,183 people died.


tass--2020-05-27--Embassy in Germany denies Russia’s involvement in 2015 cyberattacks on Bundestag

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Embassy in Germany denied allegations of Moscow ’ s involvement in 2015 cyberattacks on the Bundestag and believes that promotion of this topic is being used to divert attention from problems over the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Amid the coronavirus pandemic and related internal political and economic hardships , someone decided it would be nice to reveal the ‘ proof ’ of the Russian threat , '' the embassy said in a commentary for the DPA news agency , adding that `` unfortunately , instead of a political dialogue , instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of intelligence services and legal assistance of security agencies , the priority is given to the media and megaphone diplomacy . ''
The embassy underscored that when Russia expressed its readiness to discuss all issues with participation of the relevant agencies , the German side suddenly lost all interest .
Speaking in the Bundestag in May , German Chancellor Angela Merkel claimed that Germany wants to improve its relations with Russia , but a number of factors prevent this , including the 2015 cyberattack on the Bundestag , attributed to the Fancy Bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prosecutor General ’ s Office issued an international arrest warrant against Dmitry Badin , a Russian national , suspected of participation in the cyberattack .
The attack on the Bundestag networks began on April 30 , 2015 .
Many lawmakers received similar emails , sent from @ un.org addresses , pretending to be related to the United Nations .
The emails contained a hyperlink , which , upon clicking , downloaded malware to the system .
In a bid to stop the malware ’ s spread , German cybersecurity had to temporarily shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During the attack , over 16 gigabytes of data were stolen , including the lawmakers ’ emails .
Russia repeatedly denied its involvement in the hacker attacks .
No German agency has ever provided any proof for the media ’ s allegations of the cyber criminals ’ ties with Moscow .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. Russian Embassy in Germany denied allegations of Moscow’s involvement in 2015 cyberattacks on the Bundestag and believes that promotion of this topic is being used to divert attention from problems over the coronavirus pandemic.
"Amid the coronavirus pandemic and related internal political and economic hardships, someone decided it would be nice to reveal the ‘proof’ of the Russian threat," the embassy said in a commentary for the DPA news agency, adding that "unfortunately, instead of a political dialogue, instead of using diplomatic channels, instead of cooperation of intelligence services and legal assistance of security agencies, the priority is given to the media and megaphone diplomacy."
The embassy underscored that when Russia expressed its readiness to discuss all issues with participation of the relevant agencies, the German side suddenly lost all interest.
Speaking in the Bundestag in May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel claimed that Germany wants to improve its relations with Russia, but a number of factors prevent this, including the 2015 cyberattack on the Bundestag, attributed to the Fancy Bear hacker group. Earlier, German Public Prosecutor General’s Office issued an international arrest warrant against Dmitry Badin, a Russian national, suspected of participation in the cyberattack.
The attack on the Bundestag networks began on April 30, 2015. Many lawmakers received similar emails, sent from @un.org addresses, pretending to be related to the United Nations. The emails contained a hyperlink, which, upon clicking, downloaded malware to the system. In a bid to stop the malware’s spread, German cybersecurity had to temporarily shut off the entire Bundestag IT infrastructure. During the attack, over 16 gigabytes of data were stolen, including the lawmakers’ emails.
Russia repeatedly denied its involvement in the hacker attacks. No German agency has ever provided any proof for the media’s allegations of the cyber criminals’ ties with Moscow.


tass--2020-05-27--Russia to postpone SCO, BRICS summits — Kremlin

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) and the BRICS group , which were expected to take place in Russia in July , will be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic , the Kremlin press service said in a statement on Wednesday .
BRICS states could increase WHO funding due to US withdrawal of contributions , says expert '' Given the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions , the Organizing Committee responsible for making preparations for and handling Russia ’ s 2019-2020 chairmanship of the SCO and its 2020 BRICS chairmanship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg on July 21-23 , '' the statement reads .
According to the Kremlin press service , `` new dates for the summits will be set depending on the epidemiological situation in member countries and the world . ''
BRICS is made up of Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa .
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization , established in 2001 , brings together China , India , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Pakistan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Belarus , Iran and Mongolia are SCO observers , while Azerbaijan , Armenia , Cambodia , Nepal , Sri Lanka and Turkey are dialogue partners .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. The summits of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRICS group, which were expected to take place in Russia in July, will be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kremlin press service said in a statement on Wednesday.
BRICS states could increase WHO funding due to US withdrawal of contributions, says expert
"Given the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions, the Organizing Committee responsible for making preparations for and handling Russia’s 2019-2020 chairmanship of the SCO and its 2020 BRICS chairmanship has decided to postpone the BRICS summit and the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg on July 21-23," the statement reads.
According to the Kremlin press service, "new dates for the summits will be set depending on the epidemiological situation in member countries and the world."
BRICS is made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, established in 2001, brings together China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia are SCO observers, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey are dialogue partners.
Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-05-27--Poland reduces share of Russian gas from 77% to 60%

WARSAW , May 27 .
/TASS / .
The share of gas purchased in Russia has decreased in the Polish @ @ @ @ @ from 77 % to 60 % , according to CEO of Polish energy company PGNiG @ @ @ @ @ him , gas supplies from Russia still remain the main source for Poland ’ s @ @ @ @ @ this dependence is declining from 77 % in 2017 to the current 60 % , @ @ @ @ @ about 18 bln cubic meters of gas per year .
The country ’ s authorities @ @ @ @ @ Poland would not extend the long-term contract with Gazprom after its completion in 2022 .
@ @ @ @ @ Poland of up to 10 bln cubic meters of gas per year .
Warsaw declared @ @ @ @ @ possible to abandon Russian gas through the purchase of liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) @ @ @ @ @ the country from the United States and Qatar , as well as construction of the @ @ @ @ @ which should connect Poland with the Norwegian shelf through Denmark .

WARSAW, May 27. /TASS /. The share of gas purchased in Russia has decreased in the Polish energy market over four years from 77% to 60%, according to CEO of Polish energy company PGNiG Jerzy Kwiecinski.
According to him, gas supplies from Russia still remain the main source for Poland’s blue fuel. However, this dependence is declining from 77% in 2017 to the current 60%, Kwiecinski said.
Poland uses about 18 bln cubic meters of gas per year. The country’s authorities said several years ago that Poland would not extend the long-term contract with Gazprom after its completion in 2022. This agreement includes deliveries to Poland of up to 10 bln cubic meters of gas per year.
Warsaw declared that it has found it possible to abandon Russian gas through the purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is supplied to the country from the United States and Qatar, as well as construction of the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline, which should connect Poland with the Norwegian shelf through Denmark.


tass--2020-05-27--National economic recovery plan to be presented publicly — Kremlin

MOSCOW , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The national economic recovery plan will definitely not be presented in private but @ @ @ @ @ determined yet , press secretary of the Russian president , Dmitry Peskov told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ has not been determined yet .
Nothing to say in this regard .
However , @ @ @ @ @ held in private .
Nevertheless , I can not tell you about the exact format @ @ @ @ @ .
The cost of all economic support measures within the framework of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic aftermath totals 3.3 trillion rubles ( $ 46.5 bln ) as of @ @ @ @ @ Maxim Reshetnikov said earlier on Wednesday .
The majority of those measures are intended in @ @ @ @ @ and medium-sized businesses in the most affected sectors , the minister said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ sectors employing over 6 mln people .

MOSCOW, May 27. /TASS/. The national economic recovery plan will definitely not be presented in private but the format has not been determined yet, press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"The format has not been determined yet. Nothing to say in this regard. However, this certainly will not be held in private. Nevertheless, I cannot tell you about the exact format yet," Peskov said.
The cost of all economic support measures within the framework of Russia’s anti-crisis packages aimed at tackling the coronavirus pandemic aftermath totals 3.3 trillion rubles ($46.5 bln) as of today, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said earlier on Wednesday.
The majority of those measures are intended in the first instance for small and medium-sized businesses in the most affected sectors, the minister said, adding that totally there are 42 such sectors employing over 6 mln people.


tass--2020-05-27--China eyes simplifying investment projects approval on Hainan

HAIKOU , May 27 .
/TASS/ .
The deputies of the Chinese National People 's Congress ( NPC , the highest legislative body ) at the third session of the 13th convocation , which is being held in the capital of China , submitted for consideration a proposal to simplify as much as possible the approval procedures for new investment projects in China 's Hainan province , the Hainan Daily newspaper reported .
“ We propose to approve amendments to legislative acts and administrative rules , or begin pilot implementation of several reforms to maximize the simplification of the control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is also reasonable to make amendments to optimize the procedures for recognizing the status of foreign specialists and registration of international sea vessels , ” - said one of the NPC delegates at the session .
According to him , in the near future Hainan will need to modernize the legislative framework in order for it to fully include the goals and objectives of developing the regional free trade zone .
According to the article , among other initiatives the Hainan ’ s lawmakers have come up with are tax optimization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the development of a commercial space program , the simplification of cross-border trade , the introduction of smart technologies , the formation of a social trust system taking into account citizen ’ s law , increasing the role of sports in school education , improving the control mechanism for yachts and promoting projects of the Belt and Road Initiative .
The delegates also proposed separate amendments to three Chinese laws : on government bodies in the regions , penitentiary facilities and penalties in the form of fines for committed offenses .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NPC was originally supposed to open on March 5 .
However , due to the coronavirus pandemic , it was postponed till May 22 .
Chinese deputies will continue to discuss the prospects for the country 's sociol and economic development until May 28 , and also plan to approve new projects , including a resolution on the Hong Kong national security act .

HAIKOU, May 27. /TASS/. The deputies of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC, the highest legislative body) at the third session of the 13th convocation, which is being held in the capital of China, submitted for consideration a proposal to simplify as much as possible the approval procedures for new investment projects in China's Hainan province, the Hainan Daily newspaper reported.
“We propose to approve amendments to legislative acts and administrative rules, or begin pilot implementation of several reforms to maximize the simplification of the control system and decision making on foreign investments. It is also reasonable to make amendments to optimize the procedures for recognizing the status of foreign specialists and registration of international sea vessels,” - said one of the NPC delegates at the session. According to him, in the near future Hainan will need to modernize the legislative framework in order for it to fully include the goals and objectives of developing the regional free trade zone.
According to the article, among other initiatives the Hainan’s lawmakers have come up with are tax optimization in the implementation of duty free trade, the development of a commercial space program, the simplification of cross-border trade, the introduction of smart technologies, the formation of a social trust system taking into account citizen’s law, increasing the role of sports in school education, improving the control mechanism for yachts and promoting projects of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The delegates also proposed separate amendments to three Chinese laws: on government bodies in the regions, penitentiary facilities and penalties in the form of fines for committed offenses.
The third session of the 13th convocation of the NPC was originally supposed to open on March 5. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was postponed till May 22. Chinese deputies will continue to discuss the prospects for the country's sociol and economic development until May 28, and also plan to approve new projects, including a resolution on the Hong Kong national security act.


tass--2020-05-28--Envoy open to any format to discuss Russian experts’ visit to US-funded Georgia-based lab

`` We deliberated over this issue with him earlier , but so far no new request has come .
When it arrives , we ’ ll let you know .
As for the format - if we agree to an online arrangement , than we will have it online , if we opt for a phone conversation , then we will discuss this over the phone , '' Karasin told TASS .
MOSCOW , May 28./TASS/ .
Following his talks with Tbilisi , Russian envoy Grigory Karasin said on Thursday that he was set to discuss in any format a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research with Georgian prime minister ’ s special envoy for Russia Zurab Abashidze .
Earlier , Abashidze signaled that he was ready to discuss a visit by Russian experts at the Prague-format negotiations .
The Russian envoy told TASS on Wednesday that it would be held possibly in July or August .
Likewise on Wednesday , the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a comment , saying that Russian specialists should have access to all facilities of the Richard Lugar Center when visiting the lab .
The Russian diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntary assessment visits ’ of the dual-purpose microbiology lab advanced by certain Western countries had nothing to do with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development , Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction .
Russia has repeatedly raised alarm bells over the work of the Georgia-based Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research .
Opened near Tbilisi ’ s international airport in 2011 under a US governmental program , the center specializes in the study of biological threats .
Georgia ’ s former State Security Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had evidence confirming that the lab was carrying out dangerous experiments and called on US President Donald Trump to investigate the facility ’ s activities .
Giorgadze claimed that US military and private contractors could be engaged in secret experiments on humans there .
Georgia dismissed these allegations as absurd while Moscow said it would request documents related to the lab from the United States .

"We deliberated over this issue with him earlier, but so far no new request has come. When it arrives, we’ll let you know. As for the format - if we agree to an online arrangement, than we will have it online, if we opt for a phone conversation, then we will discuss this over the phone," Karasin told TASS.
MOSCOW, May 28./TASS/. Following his talks with Tbilisi, Russian envoy Grigory Karasin said on Thursday that he was set to discuss in any format a visit by Russian experts to the Georgia-based Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research with Georgian prime minister’s special envoy for Russia Zurab Abashidze.
Earlier, Abashidze signaled that he was ready to discuss a visit by Russian experts at the Prague-format negotiations. The Russian envoy told TASS on Wednesday that it would be held possibly in July or August.
Likewise on Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a comment, saying that Russian specialists should have access to all facilities of the Richard Lugar Center when visiting the lab.
The Russian diplomatic agency noted that the mechanism of ‘voluntary assessment visits’ of the dual-purpose microbiology lab advanced by certain Western countries had nothing to do with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction.
Richard Lugar Center
Russia has repeatedly raised alarm bells over the work of the Georgia-based Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research. Opened near Tbilisi’s international airport in 2011 under a US governmental program, the center specializes in the study of biological threats. Georgia’s former State Security Minister Igor Giorgadze told reporters in late 2018 that he had evidence confirming that the lab was carrying out dangerous experiments and called on US President Donald Trump to investigate the facility’s activities. Giorgadze claimed that US military and private contractors could be engaged in secret experiments on humans there. Georgia dismissed these allegations as absurd while Moscow said it would request documents related to the lab from the United States.


tass--2020-05-28--Russia, Qatar discussed global hydrocarbon markets situation, Syria, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani @ @ @ @ @ global hydrocarbon markets and the status of affairs in Syria in a telephone conversation , @ @ @ @ @ service said on Thursday .
`` Opinions were exchanged on key international topics , including @ @ @ @ @ hydrocarbon markets , '' the press service said .
`` Efficiency of efforts undertaken by @ @ @ @ @ independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian state was noted when discussing problems of the @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin said .
`` Importance of normalizing the humanitarian situation in this country was @ @ @ @ @ service added .

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani discussed the situation on the global hydrocarbon markets and the status of affairs in Syria in a telephone conversation, the Kremlin’s press service said on Thursday.
"Opinions were exchanged on key international topics, including the situation on the global hydrocarbon markets," the press service said.
"Efficiency of efforts undertaken by Russia for purposes of restoring independence and territorial integrity of the Syrian state was noted when discussing problems of the settlement in Syria," the Kremlin said. "Importance of normalizing the humanitarian situation in this country was stressed," the press service added.
Cooperation in coronavirus spread prevention


tass--2020-05-28--West continues to politicize human rights issues amid pandemic, says Russian envoy

MOSCOW , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
Western countries continue to politicize human rights issues amid the coronavirus pandemic in order to put pressure on unwanted regimes , Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva Gennady Gatilov told an online briefing on Thursday .
According to him , the pandemic has highlighted serious issues in the human rights field .
`` The virus of politicization is unfortunately still affecting international efforts to protect human rights .
Western countries continue attempts to use human rights as a tool to advance their political agenda , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian diplomat noted that the position of all countries needed to be taken into consideration in order to make sure that the United Nations system can effectively promote human rights .
`` Unfortunately , we don ’ t see such an approach to the activities of the United Nations ’ human rights bodies , but on the contrary , we can see attempts to take advantage of human rights issues to put pressure on the so-called unwanted regimes , '' Gatilov said .
He added that Russia would seek election to the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its priorities .
`` We are certainly prepared for reasonable changes approved by a broad consensus but we will take a cautious stance on the matter , taking into account the opinion of all members states , '' the Russian envoy emphasized .

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. Western countries continue to politicize human rights issues amid the coronavirus pandemic in order to put pressure on unwanted regimes, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva Gennady Gatilov told an online briefing on Thursday.
According to him, the pandemic has highlighted serious issues in the human rights field. "The virus of politicization is unfortunately still affecting international efforts to protect human rights. Western countries continue attempts to use human rights as a tool to advance their political agenda," Gatilov pointed out.
The senior Russian diplomat noted that the position of all countries needed to be taken into consideration in order to make sure that the United Nations system can effectively promote human rights. "Unfortunately, we don’t see such an approach to the activities of the United Nations’ human rights bodies, but on the contrary, we can see attempts to take advantage of human rights issues to put pressure on the so-called unwanted regimes," Gatilov said.
He added that Russia would seek election to the UN Human Rights Council in order to promote its priorities. "We are certainly prepared for reasonable changes approved by a broad consensus but we will take a cautious stance on the matter, taking into account the opinion of all members states," the Russian envoy emphasized.


tass--2020-05-28--Coronavirus deaths in Belgium rise by 31 over day

BRUSSELS , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus deaths in Belgium over the past day increased by 31 and reached 9,388 in total , the Ministry of Health announced on Thursday .
The number of coronavirus cases in Belgium over the past 24 hours rose by 257 and amounted to 57,849 .
The ministry confirmed that the downward trend in the pandemic ’ s development in the country continues .
Quarantine in Belgium was introduced on March 14 , after which educational , cultural , and public institutions closed and students were transferred to distance learning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the country .
Starting from May 4 , Belgium has been gradually lifting the quarantine , mandating the population to wear protective masks in public .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,807,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 357,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 2,510,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 379,051 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 150,993 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 4,142 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on @ @ @ @

BRUSSELS, May 28. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus deaths in Belgium over the past day increased by 31 and reached 9,388 in total, the Ministry of Health announced on Thursday.
The number of coronavirus cases in Belgium over the past 24 hours rose by 257 and amounted to 57,849. The ministry confirmed that the downward trend in the pandemic’s development in the country continues.
Quarantine in Belgium was introduced on March 14, after which educational, cultural, and public institutions closed and students were transferred to distance learning. The authorities banned mass events and trips around the country.
Starting from May 4, Belgium has been gradually lifting the quarantine, mandating the population to wear protective masks in public.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,807,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 357,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 2,510,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 379,051 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 150,993 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 4,142 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-28--Cabinet to allocate almost $155 mln for subsidies to Russian airports, says PM

MOSCOW , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s government will allocate almost 11 bln rubles ( $ 155 @ @ @ @ @ airports amid the pandemic , the prime minister said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ rubles will be allocated to supporting our airports , '' he said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ spent on wages and insurance contributions payment first of all . ''
The Transport Ministry @ @ @ @ @ aid to Russian airports amounting to 10.1 bln rubles ( $ 142 mln ) for @ @ @ @ @ After July , airlines and airports may require 30 bln rubles ( $ 422 mln @ @ @ @ @ Yevgeny Dietrich said earlier that the issue of allocation of additional funds would be considered @ @ @ @ @ of operations in the sector in May and June considering the possibilities of the federal @ @

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. Russia’s government will allocate almost 11 bln rubles ($155 mln) for aid to airports amid the pandemic, the prime minister said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
"Almost 11 bln rubles will be allocated to supporting our airports," he said, adding that "the funds should be spent on wages and insurance contributions payment first of all."
The Transport Ministry and Finance Ministry preliminarily agreed aid to Russian airports amounting to 10.1 bln rubles ($142 mln) for the period until July. After July, airlines and airports may require 30 bln rubles ($422 mln) more. Transport Minister Yevgeny Dietrich said earlier that the issue of allocation of additional funds would be considered taking into account the dynamics of operations in the sector in May and June considering the possibilities of the federal budget.


tass--2020-05-28--Countries need to make joint decision on removing sanctions, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
Countries need to make a joint decision on removing sanctions and Russia can @ @ @ @ @ take the first step , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` In this @ @ @ @ @ to make decisions simultaneously .
No country is likely to act alone .
It is @ @ @ @ @ do so , '' he said , when asked if Moscow planned to remove food @ @ @ @ @ officials ’ statements about the need to lift sanctions amid the coronavirus pandemic .
According @ @ @ @ @ , Western countries that tend to use sanctions in order to put pressure on others @ @ @ @ @ call for the removal of sanctions .
`` As we know , the proponents of @ @ @ @ @ restrictions have adopted an indifferent approach to the initiative , '' Peskov noted .

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. Countries need to make a joint decision on removing sanctions and Russia can’t be expected to take the first step, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"In this particular case, everyone needs to make decisions simultaneously. No country is likely to act alone. It is hardly possible and reasonable to do so," he said, when asked if Moscow planned to remove food restrictions in light of Russian officials’ statements about the need to lift sanctions amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Russian presidential spokesman, Western countries that tend to use sanctions in order to put pressure on others have ignored Russia’s call for the removal of sanctions. "As we know, the proponents of the language of sanctions and restrictions have adopted an indifferent approach to the initiative," Peskov noted.


tass--2020-05-28--Kremlin chides ‘regrettable’ EU ban on allies asking Russia for humanitarian aid

MOSCOW , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin regrets that a number of EU countries have been prohibited by their allies from asking Russia for assistance in the struggle against the coronavirus , Russian presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov told the media on Thursday .
`` The Kremlin reacts to this with regret .
True , we received such information long ago .
We know that in a number of European capitals the ambassadors of some countries insistently recommend the leaders of these countries to refrain by all means from cooperation with Russia in the field of humanitarian assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Some ambassadors defy the rules of diplomatic etiquette to demand the host countries reject the assistance that has been or is being provided , '' he said .
`` This is regrettable in principle and can cause regret and misunderstanding in particular at this no easy moment for the whole world , which on the contrary requires mutual assistance and mutual trust . ''
Earlier , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an article for the Chinese daily The Global Times that some Western countries were prohibited by their allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle against the coronavirus pandemic .
There have been absurd accusations that Russia wishes to use humanitarian and medical cooperation with the aim of enhancing its geopolitical influence , Lavrov said .

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. The Kremlin regrets that a number of EU countries have been prohibited by their allies from asking Russia for assistance in the struggle against the coronavirus, Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told the media on Thursday.
"The Kremlin reacts to this with regret. True, we received such information long ago. We know that in a number of European capitals the ambassadors of some countries insistently recommend the leaders of these countries to refrain by all means from cooperation with Russia in the field of humanitarian assistance and so on," Peskov said.
"Some ambassadors defy the rules of diplomatic etiquette to demand the host countries reject the assistance that has been or is being provided," he said. "This is regrettable in principle and can cause regret and misunderstanding in particular at this no easy moment for the whole world, which on the contrary requires mutual assistance and mutual trust."
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an article for the Chinese daily The Global Times that some Western countries were prohibited by their allies from seeking Russia's assistance in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic. There have been absurd accusations that Russia wishes to use humanitarian and medical cooperation with the aim of enhancing its geopolitical influence, Lavrov said.


tass--2020-05-28--No changes in plans to complete Nord Stream 2 construction — Kremlin

MOSCOW , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
Plans to complete construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline did not @ @ @ @ @ project are unfair competition , running counter to international laws , press secretary of the @ @ @ @ @ said on Thursday .
`` There have been no changes in plans for the Nord @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Our attitude to any sanction exercises is well known .
This attitude @ @ @ @ @ extremely negative .
We believe such aspirations are nothing but demonstration of unfair competition and @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov noted .
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline consists of two strings @ @ @ @ @ bln cubic meters each .
The pipeline , set to run from the Russian coast @ @ @ @ @ to the German shore , is expected to connect the Russian resource base with European @ @ @ @ @ cost of the Nord Stream 2 is estimated at 9.5 bln euro .

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. Plans to complete construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline did not change and sanctions against this project are unfair competition, running counter to international laws, press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
"There have been no changes in plans for the Nord Stream 2," Peskov said.
"Our attitude to any sanction exercises is well known. This attitude does not change and is extremely negative. We believe such aspirations are nothing but demonstration of unfair competition and actions contradicting the international law," Peskov noted.
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline consists of two strings having the capacity of 27.5 bln cubic meters each. The pipeline, set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea bed to the German shore, is expected to connect the Russian resource base with European customers. The total project cost of the Nord Stream 2 is estimated at 9.5 bln euro.


tass--2020-05-28--Kremlin rejects inaccurate data on high death rate among Russian medics from COVID-19

MOSCOW , May 28./TASS/ .
The Kremlin believes that data claiming a 'high ' COVID-19 death rate among medics in Russia is inaccurate and it will ask the Ministry of Health for comments , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday .
`` To the best of my knowledge , this is not so , '' he told journalists when asked to comment on media publications saying that the death rate among the medics in Russia was allegedly higher than in other countries .
`` But we will certainly ask the Ministry of Health to comment on that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he didn ’ t know what statistics were used to draw conclusions about a high death toll among the medics .
The Ministry of Health has official information in this respect , he stressed .
The ministry registers 101 fatalities among the medics as of now , earlier reports said .
Peskov also declined to comment on information about new methods of gathering statistics on illnesses and deaths from coronavirus , according to which the patients having no complaints and symptoms must not be factored in even if they test positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give its arguments , '' he said , asking the journalists to address their question to the ministry .
`` It would be wrong for non-professionals to comment on this , '' Peskov added .
To date , a total of 379,051 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 150,993 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 4,142 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, May 28./TASS/. The Kremlin believes that data claiming a 'high' COVID-19 death rate among medics in Russia is inaccurate and it will ask the Ministry of Health for comments, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday.
"To the best of my knowledge, this is not so," he told journalists when asked to comment on media publications saying that the death rate among the medics in Russia was allegedly higher than in other countries.
"But we will certainly ask the Ministry of Health to comment on that," he added.
The spokesman said he didn’t know what statistics were used to draw conclusions about a high death toll among the medics. The Ministry of Health has official information in this respect, he stressed. The ministry registers 101 fatalities among the medics as of now, earlier reports said.
Peskov also declined to comment on information about new methods of gathering statistics on illnesses and deaths from coronavirus, according to which the patients having no complaints and symptoms must not be factored in even if they test positive for COVID-19. "The Ministry of Health must give its arguments," he said, asking the journalists to address their question to the ministry.
"It would be wrong for non-professionals to comment on this," Peskov added.
To date, a total of 379,051 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 150,993 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 4,142 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-05-28--Russia considers using heavy drones to control Arctic borders

MOSCOW , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian industry considers developing heavy drones to control the border in Arctic regions , First Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service ( FSB ) , Border Guard Service Head Vladimir Kulishov told TASS on Thursday .
`` In the interests of carrying out border guard activity in remote Arctic areas and Far Eastern seas , medium- and heavy-class drones will be in demand in the medium-term perspective as they ensure the transmission of data on the border situation to large distances and are less dependent on weather conditions , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Russia ’ s Border Guards Day celebrated on May 28 .
`` In view of this , industrial enterprises are now exploring the possibility of manufacturing for us rotary-wing unmanned aircraft systems capable of taking off and landing both on aviation-capable border guard patrol vessels and on the coast , '' he said .
Unmanned aircraft systems are already available in Russia , the Border Guard Service head said .
`` Domestically-produced unmanned aircraft systems are actively used in protecting the state border , along with mobile tethered video surveillance aerostat systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sections and coordination of border patrols , '' he said .
Also , in 2019 the border guard troops received new multicopters capable of hovering over the designated terrain and operating both day and night , the Border Guard Service chief said .
`` The use of drones helps considerably boost the efficiency of protecting the state border in hard-to-access and remote areas and also in places of active illegal activity , '' he stressed .

MOSCOW, May 28. /TASS/. The Russian industry considers developing heavy drones to control the border in Arctic regions, First Deputy Director of the Federal Security Service (FSB), Border Guard Service Head Vladimir Kulishov told TASS on Thursday.
"In the interests of carrying out border guard activity in remote Arctic areas and Far Eastern seas, medium- and heavy-class drones will be in demand in the medium-term perspective as they ensure the transmission of data on the border situation to large distances and are less dependent on weather conditions," he said in an interview with TASS timed for Russia’s Border Guards Day celebrated on May 28.
"In view of this, industrial enterprises are now exploring the possibility of manufacturing for us rotary-wing unmanned aircraft systems capable of taking off and landing both on aviation-capable border guard patrol vessels and on the coast," he said.
Unmanned aircraft systems are already available in Russia, the Border Guard Service head said. "Domestically-produced unmanned aircraft systems are actively used in protecting the state border, along with mobile tethered video surveillance aerostat systems designated for distant control of remote border sections and coordination of border patrols," he said.
Also, in 2019 the border guard troops received new multicopters capable of hovering over the designated terrain and operating both day and night, the Border Guard Service chief said.
"The use of drones helps considerably boost the efficiency of protecting the state border in hard-to-access and remote areas and also in places of active illegal activity," he stressed.


tass--2020-05-28--Georgian envoy says ready to talk access of Russian experts to Richard Lugar Center

Georgia ’ s former State Security Minister Igor Giorgadze told reporters in late 2018 he had evidence that the lab was carrying out dangerous experiments on humans TBILISI , May 28 .
/TASS/ .
Georgian prime minister ’ s special envoy for settling relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze has announced that he is ready to discuss issuing permits for Russian experts to visit Georgia ’ s Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research with member of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) , Russian envoy to talks with Georgia Grigory Karasin .
`` We have repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signatory to the UN Biological Weapons Convention , is ready to welcome Russian experts in [ Richard ] Lugar laboratory , however , they must be people who have clearance to the relevant lab infrastructure , '' he told TASS Thursday .
`` We are ready to welcome experts within the convention mechanisms ’ framework and not on the bilateral level .
Of course , if he [ Karasin — TASS ] is going to ask questions regarding this topic , I am ready to discuss it with him and reiterate that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laboratory , '' he added .
Abashidze noted that the specific date for the meeting with Karasin is not determined yet .
It is preliminarily scheduled for July-August .
`` Our meeting depends on the coronavirus pandemic , '' the special envoy concluded .
On Wednesday , the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a comment , saying that Russian specialists should have access to all facilities of the Richard Lugar Center when visiting the lab .
The Russian diplomatic agency noted that the mechanism of ‘ voluntary assessment visits ’ to microbiology lab of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has nothing to do with the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development , Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction.· Russia has repeatedly expressed its concern over the work of the Georgia-based Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research .
Opened near Tbilisi ’ s international airport in 2011 under a US governmental program , the center specializes in the study of biological threats .
Georgia ’ s former State Security Minister Igor Giorgadze told reporters in late 2018 he had evidence confirming that the lab was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US President Donald Trump to investigate its activities .
Giorgadze claimed that US military and private contractors could be engaged in secret experiments on humans there .
Georgia dismissed these allegations as absurd while Moscow said it would request the lab-related documents from the United States .

Georgia’s former State Security Minister Igor Giorgadze told reporters in late 2018 he had evidence that the lab was carrying out dangerous experiments on humans
TBILISI, May 28. /TASS/. Georgian prime minister’s special envoy for settling relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze has announced that he is ready to discuss issuing permits for Russian experts to visit Georgia’s Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research with member of the Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament), Russian envoy to talks with Georgia Grigory Karasin.
Read also Georgia yet to confirm invitation to visit Lugar Research Center — Russian senator
"We have repeatedly said that Georgia, being a responsible signatory to the UN Biological Weapons Convention, is ready to welcome Russian experts in [Richard] Lugar laboratory, however, they must be people who have clearance to the relevant lab infrastructure," he told TASS Thursday. "We are ready to welcome experts within the convention mechanisms’ framework and not on the bilateral level. Of course, if he [Karasin — TASS] is going to ask questions regarding this topic, I am ready to discuss it with him and reiterate that we are ready to receive experts in the laboratory," he added.
Read also US labs in third countries may be developing pathogenic agents — diplomat
Abashidze noted that the specific date for the meeting with Karasin is not determined yet. It is preliminarily scheduled for July-August. "Our meeting depends on the coronavirus pandemic," the special envoy concluded. Russia’s position
Read also US refusal to ensure transparency of lab activities raises questions — Lavrov