tass--2020-08-27--Doherty Institute conducts an independent study of SARS-CoV-2

BALTIMORE , Aug. 27 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Virus Network ( GVN ) , a coalition comprised of the world 's preeminent human and animal virologists from 55 Centers of Excellence and 10 Affiliates in 33 countries , announced that the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne , Australia released of a report on extensive tests independently confirming the Rega Medical Research Institute of KU Leuven , Belgium findings that a BIOPROTECT™ formulation by ViaClean Technologies eradicates SARS-CoV-2 ( the unique coronavirus that causes COVID-19 ) on surfaces and provides continuous residual viricidal activity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was made today by Dr. Christian Bréchot , President of the GVN .
The Doherty and Rega Institutes both used state-of-the-art high containment virology facilities to independently conduct extensive tests on a BIOPROTECT™ formulation to study its effects on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity on various surfaces .
The standard ASTM E1053 test methodology was adapted to assess SARS-CoV-2 viricidal efficacy of microbicides on environmental surfaces .
GVN scientists at the Doherty Institute under the direction of Prof. Damian Purcell , and at the Rega Institute under the direction of Prof. Johan Neyts , definitively demonstrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both reducing its ability to be infectious and by destroying its genomic material .
`` Our studies on numerous antiseptic agents for surfaces contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 show that the BIOPROTECT™ formulation 's long-lasting activity is far superior to conventional decontamination agents in general use , '' said Prof. Damian Purcell , Head of the Molecular Virology Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at The University of Melbourne .
The Doherty Institute 's report is accessible here .
The tests were conducted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' conditions .
In the wet test , SARS-CoV-2 was coated on stainless steel disks which were then treated with a wet solution of the BIOPROTECT™ formulation .
In the dry test , the BIOPROTECT™ formulation was first applied to stainless steel samples which , 46 days later , were then exposed to a high titer of SARS-CoV-2 .
Proving the longevity of the BIOPROTECT™ formulation on treated surfaces , tests revealed that the presence of the BIOPROTECT™ formulation maintained the ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 to negligible levels .
Furthermore , test results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the BIOPROTECT™ formulation averaged a 99.7 % inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus .
All tests conducted were designed to conform with the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) and equivalent standards of regulatory agencies in Europe and Australia , to ensure the acceptability and credibility of the results .
`` We tested BIOPROTECT™ formulation and found that it eliminated 99.7 % of the SARS-CoV-2 present , 46 days after the tested material was treated with BIOPROTECT™ formulation , '' said Dr. Johan Neyts , Professor of Virology at the Rega @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This product is unique and its long-lasting ability to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 far exceeds conventional disinfectants , which makes it very helpful in the battle against COVID-19 . ''
The results of the tests conducted by the Doherty and the Rega Institutes clearly demonstrate that BIOPROTECT™ eradicates SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and provides continuous residual antimicrobial protection for an extended period of time , '' said Dr. Bréchot .
`` It is clear that effective antimicrobials will be extremely important in containing the COVID-19 pandemic , given the time it will take to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapies .
In this context , we are not aware of any microbicide surface treatment that continuously prohibits the growth and surface transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 for an extended period of time .
This represents a significant breakthrough in inhibiting the spread of COVID-19 by preventing surfaces from being contaminated by the virus and stopping the spread of the virus through contact with contaminated surfaces .
Identifying and exploring innovative solutions , as well as fostering and facilitating collaboration between academic and industrial partners , be it large pharmaceutical firms or small biotech companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GVN can make a consequential contribution to the fight against COVID-19 . ''

BALTIMORE, Aug. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of the world's preeminent human and animal virologists from 55 Centers of Excellence and 10 Affiliates in 33 countries, announced that the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia released of a report on extensive tests independently confirming the Rega Medical Research Institute of KU Leuven, Belgium findings that a BIOPROTECT™ formulation by ViaClean Technologies eradicates SARS-CoV-2 (the unique coronavirus that causes COVID-19) on surfaces and provides continuous residual viricidal activity for more than six weeks. The announcement was made today by Dr. Christian Bréchot, President of the GVN.
The Doherty and Rega Institutes both used state-of-the-art high containment virology facilities to independently conduct extensive tests on a BIOPROTECT™ formulation to study its effects on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity on various surfaces. The standard ASTM E1053 test methodology was adapted to assess SARS-CoV-2 viricidal efficacy of microbicides on environmental surfaces. GVN scientists at the Doherty Institute under the direction of Prof. Damian Purcell, and at the Rega Institute under the direction of Prof. Johan Neyts, definitively demonstrated that the BIOPROTECT™ formulation eliminates SARS-CoV-2 by both reducing its ability to be infectious and by destroying its genomic material.
"Our studies on numerous antiseptic agents for surfaces contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 show that the BIOPROTECT™ formulation's long-lasting activity is far superior to conventional decontamination agents in general use," said Prof. Damian Purcell, Head of the Molecular Virology Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at The University of Melbourne. The Doherty Institute's report is accessible here.
The tests were conducted in both "wet" and "dry" conditions. In the wet test, SARS-CoV-2 was coated on stainless steel disks which were then treated with a wet solution of the BIOPROTECT™ formulation. In the dry test, the BIOPROTECT™ formulation was first applied to stainless steel samples which, 46 days later, were then exposed to a high titer of SARS-CoV-2. Proving the longevity of the BIOPROTECT™ formulation on treated surfaces, tests revealed that the presence of the BIOPROTECT™ formulation maintained the ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 to negligible levels. Furthermore, test results from Rega demonstrated that the disks pretreated with the BIOPROTECT™ formulation averaged a 99.7% inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. All tests conducted were designed to conform with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and equivalent standards of regulatory agencies in Europe and Australia, to ensure the acceptability and credibility of the results.
"We tested BIOPROTECT™ formulation and found that it eliminated 99.7% of the SARS-CoV-2 present, 46 days after the tested material was treated with BIOPROTECT™ formulation," said Dr. Johan Neyts, Professor of Virology at the Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven. "This product is unique and its long-lasting ability to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 far exceeds conventional disinfectants, which makes it very helpful in the battle against COVID-19."
The results of the tests conducted by the Doherty and the Rega Institutes clearly demonstrate that BIOPROTECT™ eradicates SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and provides continuous residual antimicrobial protection for an extended period of time," said Dr. Bréchot. "It is clear that effective antimicrobials will be extremely important in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, given the time it will take to implement mass vaccination and fully develop novel therapies. In this context, we are not aware of any microbicide surface treatment that continuously prohibits the growth and surface transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 for an extended period of time. This represents a significant breakthrough in inhibiting the spread of COVID-19 by preventing surfaces from being contaminated by the virus and stopping the spread of the virus through contact with contaminated surfaces. Identifying and exploring innovative solutions, as well as fostering and facilitating collaboration between academic and industrial partners, be it large pharmaceutical firms or small biotech companies, is one of several ways the GVN can make a consequential contribution to the fight against COVID-19."


tass--2020-08-27--Moscow blasts ‘groundless’ US decision on Russian research institutes

WASHINGTON , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow considers the United States ’ decision to add two research institutes of the Russian Defense Ministry and the State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology to its blacklist to be groundless and will ask for clarification from Washington , Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said answering reporters ’ questions .
The notice by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Department of Commerce argued that the US authorities had reason to suspect Russian research institutes of having links with the chemical and biological weapons program .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mentioned announcement of the US authorities .
It seems confusing to us .
Especially since no evidence were presented .
Familiar vague terms are used such as ‘ there is a reasonable cause to believe , '' Antonov said .
`` Furthermore , the fact was ignored that Russia ’ s full compliance with the respective Convention ’ s obligations regarding the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles was confirmed by the international community in 2017 represented by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) .
We would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding these groundless allegations , '' the embassy quotes him as saying on its Facebook page .
The diplomat recalled that `` today the United States remains the only possessor of the significant stockpiles of chemical warfare agents and delays their elimination under various pretexts . ''
`` We call upon the US side to stop searching problems where they do not exist and do its best to achieve chemical demilitarization as soon as possible , '' the ambassador said .
The US Department of Commerce earlier blacklisted the 33rd Central Research and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of the Russian Defense Ministry , as well as the Moscow State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology .
The notice specified that , in the case of the 48th Central Research Institute , restrictive measures will apply to all of its three facilities in Sergiev Posad , Yekaterinburg and the Kirov Region .
The document stated that the US authorities had reason to suspect the 33rd Central Research Institute of having links with the Russian chemical program and the chemical weapons test site .
It also alleged that the State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had links with the Russian chemical weapons program and the 48th Central Research Institute - with the Russian biological weapons program .

WASHINGTON, August 27. /TASS/. Moscow considers the United States’ decision to add two research institutes of the Russian Defense Ministry and the State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology to its blacklist to be groundless and will ask for clarification from Washington, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said answering reporters’ questions.
The notice by the Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Department of Commerce argued that the US authorities had reason to suspect Russian research institutes of having links with the chemical and biological weapons program.
"Yes, we certainly paid attention to the mentioned announcement of the US authorities. It seems confusing to us. Especially since no evidence were presented. Familiar vague terms are used such as ‘there is a reasonable cause to believe," Antonov said.
"Furthermore, the fact was ignored that Russia’s full compliance with the respective Convention’s obligations regarding the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles was confirmed by the international community in 2017 represented by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). We would like to receive some clarifications from our colleagues regarding these groundless allegations," the embassy quotes him as saying on its Facebook page.
The diplomat recalled that "today the United States remains the only possessor of the significant stockpiles of chemical warfare agents and delays their elimination under various pretexts."
"We call upon the US side to stop searching problems where they do not exist and do its best to achieve chemical demilitarization as soon as possible," the ambassador said.
Blacklist
The US Department of Commerce earlier blacklisted the 33rd Central Research and Testing Institute and the 48th Central Research Institute of the Russian Defense Ministry, as well as the Moscow State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology. The notice specified that, in the case of the 48th Central Research Institute, restrictive measures will apply to all of its three facilities in Sergiev Posad, Yekaterinburg and the Kirov Region.
The document stated that the US authorities had reason to suspect the 33rd Central Research Institute of having links with the Russian chemical program and the chemical weapons test site. It also alleged that the State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology had links with the Russian chemical weapons program and the 48th Central Research Institute - with the Russian biological weapons program.


tass--2020-08-27--Russia’s upgraded Mi-171Sh Storm to go on serial production in 2022

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 27 .
/TASS/ .
A serial production of Russia ’ s upgraded Mi-171Sh Storm military transport helicopter , which is armed with guided missiles , will start in two years , a senior official with Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant told TASS on Thursday .
`` The serial production of the modernized Mi-171Sh helicopter will begin in 2022 , '' Mikhail Karpushkin , a deputy head of the marketing , sales and maintenance department of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant , announced to TASS speaking on the sidelines of the Army-2020 forum in Russia .
The upgraded Mi-171Sh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time at the Army-2020 forum .
The aircraft features enhanced protection and displays unique striking capabilities .
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum opened on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces ’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and it runs through August 29 .
Some weapons are demonstrated at the Alabino training ground , the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region .
Representatives of about 100 countries were earlier reported to attend the forum .
Over 1,500 companies and enterprises are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advanced weapon systems are demonstrated in the static and dynamic shows at the Army-2020 forum .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 27. /TASS/. A serial production of Russia’s upgraded Mi-171Sh Storm military transport helicopter, which is armed with guided missiles, will start in two years, a senior official with Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant told TASS on Thursday.
"The serial production of the modernized Mi-171Sh helicopter will begin in 2022," Mikhail Karpushkin, a deputy head of the marketing, sales and maintenance department of the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant, announced to TASS speaking on the sidelines of the Army-2020 forum in Russia.
The upgraded Mi-171Sh Storm helicopter was displayed for the first time at the Army-2020 forum. The aircraft features enhanced protection and displays unique striking capabilities.
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum opened on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and it runs through August 29. Some weapons are demonstrated at the Alabino training ground, the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region. Representatives of about 100 countries were earlier reported to attend the forum.
Over 1,500 companies and enterprises are demonstrating about 28,000 exhibits. Almost 700 advanced weapon systems are demonstrated in the static and dynamic shows at the Army-2020 forum.


tass--2020-08-28--Lukashenko says there are no Russian soldiers in Belarus

MINSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
There are no Russian soldiers in Belarus as it is capable of ensuring @ @ @ @ @ by its own , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday .
Not a single @ @ @ @ @ our border .
We are able to manage on our own .
And we will @ @ @ @ @ anyone should he approach the western border of the Union State without any hesitation , @ @ @ @

MINSK, August 28. /TASS/. There are no Russian soldiers in Belarus as it is capable of ensuring its sovereignty and territorial integrity by its own, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Friday.
Not a single soldier from Russia has crossed our border. We are able to manage on our own. And we will be able to quieten down anyone should he approach the western border of the Union State without any hesitation," he said.


tass--2020-08-28--Russia to complete trials of smart munitions for latest artillery gun in 2020

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The trials of multi-functional projectiles for Russia ’ s latest Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery system will be completed this year , the press office of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer ( part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) told TASS on Friday .
`` The trials of ammunition with a multi-functional projectile will be completed in 2020 , '' the press office said .
The 2S38 ‘ Derivatsiya-PVO ’ anti-aircraft artillery system was unveiled at the Army-2018 international arms show .
The self-propelled surface-to-air artillery system is mounted on the chassis of the BMP-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a combat module with a 57mm automatic gun .
The gun is capable of firing smart munitions to fight air targets most effectively .
The Derivatsiya-PVO is primarily designated to fight drones , cruise missiles and aircraft weapons in the close-in zone .
The anti-aircraft artillery weapon is also capable of striking ground targets .
The Derivatsiya-PVO needs no radar station thanks to its opto-electronic guidance and reconnaissance system and the advanced fire control technology , which boosts its stealth properties : it can effectively spot targets in any conditions with the help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while staying invisible for the enemy .
In addition to the gun , the Derivatsiya-PVO is armed with a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKTM machine-gun with an ammunition load of 500 rounds to fight infantry .
A 9T260 transporter-loader vehicle has been created for the Derivatsiya-PVO to deliver several ammunition loads at a time and quickly reload the combat vehicle directly on the battlefield .
The Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery system rolled through Moscow ’ s Red Square for the first time during the Victory Parade on June 24 , 2020 .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The trials of multi-functional projectiles for Russia’s latest Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery system will be completed this year, the press office of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) told TASS on Friday.
"The trials of ammunition with a multi-functional projectile will be completed in 2020," the press office said.
The 2S38 ‘Derivatsiya-PVO’ anti-aircraft artillery system was unveiled at the Army-2018 international arms show. The self-propelled surface-to-air artillery system is mounted on the chassis of the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle and is outfitted with a combat module with a 57mm automatic gun.
The gun is capable of firing smart munitions to fight air targets most effectively. The Derivatsiya-PVO is primarily designated to fight drones, cruise missiles and aircraft weapons in the close-in zone. The anti-aircraft artillery weapon is also capable of striking ground targets.
The Derivatsiya-PVO needs no radar station thanks to its opto-electronic guidance and reconnaissance system and the advanced fire control technology, which boosts its stealth properties: it can effectively spot targets in any conditions with the help of 2S38 TV and thermal imaging channels, while staying invisible for the enemy.
In addition to the gun, the Derivatsiya-PVO is armed with a 7.62mm Kalashnikov PKTM machine-gun with an ammunition load of 500 rounds to fight infantry. A 9T260 transporter-loader vehicle has been created for the Derivatsiya-PVO to deliver several ammunition loads at a time and quickly reload the combat vehicle directly on the battlefield.
The Derivatsiya-PVO anti-aircraft artillery system rolled through Moscow’s Red Square for the first time during the Victory Parade on June 24, 2020.


tass--2020-08-28--Russia, US diplomats discuss cooperation in Arctic, regional topics

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Bilateral cooperation in the Arctic and a number of regional problems were in @ @ @ @ @ Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov and US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan , the @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` The sides discussed issues of Russian-US cooperation in the Arctic , including @ @ @ @ @ '' the ministry said .
`` The two diplomats noted the central role of the @ @ @ @ @ constructive agenda in the Arctic region . ''
The Russian side also confirmed its commitment @ @ @ @ @ the Arctic and stressed the importance of depoliticized cooperation within the Arctic Council .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of Russian-US cooperation on a number of regional matters , '' the ministry added .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Bilateral cooperation in the Arctic and a number of regional problems were in focus of a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov and US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
"The sides discussed issues of Russian-US cooperation in the Arctic, including within the Arctic Council," the ministry said. "The two diplomats noted the central role of the Arctic Council in forming a constructive agenda in the Arctic region."
The Russian side also confirmed its commitment to closer multilateral cooperation in the Arctic and stressed the importance of depoliticized cooperation within the Arctic Council. "The sides also discussed issues of Russian-US cooperation on a number of regional matters," the ministry added.


tass--2020-08-28--Belarus leader vows harsh response to sanctions

MINSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pledged that the sanctions imposed by certain countries will be met with a tough response , Belarusian BelTA news agency reports .
`` They got too self-indulgent and forgot what Belarus is .
They thought they could bend us over and scare us with tanks and missiles .
We will see who will scare who .
We will show them what sanctions are , '' he said .
Lukashenko expressed confidence that the country will survive sanctions , recalling that Belarus had already gone through such a period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive now .
The world has kind people in it .
Therefore , they shouldn ’ t threaten us , '' the leader added .
Earlier on Friday , Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek informed that the top diplomats of the European Union agreed the list of Belarusian officials who will have EU sanctions slapped on them .
The document is expected to be approved at an upcoming official event of the EU .
The sanction list can be expended if the situation in Belarus deteriorates further .
In turn , the Lithuanian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , including Lukashenko .
Vilnius claims that all these people were responsible for falsifying the recent presidential elections and unjustified use of force against protesters at rallies that ensued .
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured his reelection with 80.10 % of the votes , while his key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with 10.12 % She rejected the results and later fled to neighboring Lithuania .
Amid this background , the country plunged into mass protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the first few days , demonstrations were coupled with clashes with the police .
The recently created Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition is urging people to keep protesting .
Meanwhile , authorities say that unlawful rallies need to stop .

MINSK, August 28. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has pledged that the sanctions imposed by certain countries will be met with a tough response, Belarusian BelTA news agency reports.
"They got too self-indulgent and forgot what Belarus is. They thought they could bend us over and scare us with tanks and missiles. We will see who will scare who. We will show them what sanctions are," he said.
Lukashenko expressed confidence that the country will survive sanctions, recalling that Belarus had already gone through such a period. "We survived. And will survive now. The world has kind people in it. Therefore, they shouldn’t threaten us," the leader added.
Earlier on Friday, Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek informed that the top diplomats of the European Union agreed the list of Belarusian officials who will have EU sanctions slapped on them. The document is expected to be approved at an upcoming official event of the EU. The sanction list can be expended if the situation in Belarus deteriorates further.
In turn, the Lithuanian foreign ministry placed 118 officials on its list, including Lukashenko. Vilnius claims that all these people were responsible for falsifying the recent presidential elections and unjustified use of force against protesters at rallies that ensued.
Belarus held the presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko secured his reelection with 80.10% of the votes, while his key rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya came second with 10.12% She rejected the results and later fled to neighboring Lithuania. Amid this background, the country plunged into mass protests, as people challenged the official results. In the first few days, demonstrations were coupled with clashes with the police. The recently created Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition is urging people to keep protesting. Meanwhile, authorities say that unlawful rallies need to stop.


tass--2020-08-28--Russia studying foreign customers’ requests for advanced Orion combat drone

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is discussing with foreign customers their requests for the delivery of advanced Orion long-range reconnaissance and strike drones , Head of Russia ’ s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev told TASS at the Army-2020 forum on Friday .
`` The Orion evokes big interest .
The drone can stay in the air for a long time capable of reconnaissance and attack .
This is a competitive product .
The requests are being discussed and Rosoboronexport [ Russia ’ s state arms seller ] is carrying out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said .
In addition to the Orion drones proper , Russia is also ready to provide all the necessary infrastructure and training , he added .
`` Of course , you can ’ t operate it effectively without the required qualification .
No doubt , both training and some ground-based infrastructure will be provided , '' the head of Russia ’ s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation specified .
The Orion is a medium-altitude , long-duration unmanned aerial system with a maximum take-off weight of 1 tonne and a maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drone has a service ceiling of 7.5 km and its flight endurance is 24 hours with the standard payload .
It can develop a speed of up to 200 km/h .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 28. /TASS/. Russia is discussing with foreign customers their requests for the delivery of advanced Orion long-range reconnaissance and strike drones, Head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev told TASS at the Army-2020 forum on Friday.
"The Orion evokes big interest. The drone can stay in the air for a long time capable of reconnaissance and attack. This is a competitive product. The requests are being discussed and Rosoboronexport [Russia’s state arms seller] is carrying out substantial marketing work," the defense official said.
In addition to the Orion drones proper, Russia is also ready to provide all the necessary infrastructure and training, he added.
"Of course, you can’t operate it effectively without the required qualification. No doubt, both training and some ground-based infrastructure will be provided," the head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation specified.
The Orion is a medium-altitude, long-duration unmanned aerial system with a maximum take-off weight of 1 tonne and a maximum payload weight of 200 kg. The drone has a service ceiling of 7.5 km and its flight endurance is 24 hours with the standard payload. It can develop a speed of up to 200 km/h.


tass--2020-08-28--Size of Russia’s backup law enforcement unit set up to aid Belarus ‘reasonable’ — Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has remained tight-lipped about the exact number of Russian backup law enforcement officers that might be sent to Belarus if the situation deteriorates , noting that the number is `` rather reasonable . ''
`` It [ the backup law enforcement unit ] consists of three parts , which can halt extremist activity in the republic if an urgent need arises , '' Peskov told reporters on Friday .
`` I can not say anything about the weapons ; their number is rather reasonable , '' Peskov said when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how many officers form part of the unit .
Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that Russia ’ s backup law enforcement units will not be used in Belarus , and that the situation in Minsk will not deteriorate , Peskov added .
`` It is important to understand , and the president has stressed this , that this is a backup unit , there is no need to use it .
President Putin hopes that it will never be used .
And we hope that Belarus will not face such an urgent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spokesman expressed confidence that Russia ’ s readiness to send police units to Belarus would not affect the relations between both nations .
`` [ It won ’ t affect it ] in any way .
Russia wasn ’ t and isn ’ t interfering with Belarusian affairs , '' he asserted .
However , Peskov did not say whether Russia would be ready to aid the Belarusian population if there was a surge of violence from the side of the local law enforcement .
He dismissed such considerations as hypothetical .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ side could represent a threat to the Belarusian people .
The spokesman explained that the Belarusian government `` is not engaged in extremist activity . ''
When asked when the law enforcement unit might be used , Peskov noted that Putin had explained this in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel .
`` Read the words of the president once again , < … > he said it .
[ We are talking about ] a hypothetical threat of the situation getting out of control , when stability and existence of state governance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jeopardized , '' the Kremlin official stated .
On Thursday , Putin said in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel that Moscow had agreed to form a backup law enforcement unit on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s request .
Putin said that the unit would not be used `` unless extremist elements hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines , '' namely , unless they begin to `` torch houses , banks and to try seizing administrative buildings . ''

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has remained tight-lipped about the exact number of Russian backup law enforcement officers that might be sent to Belarus if the situation deteriorates, noting that the number is "rather reasonable."
"It [the backup law enforcement unit] consists of three parts, which can halt extremist activity in the republic if an urgent need arises," Peskov told reporters on Friday. "I cannot say anything about the weapons; their number is rather reasonable," Peskov said when asked what the unit is armed with and how many officers form part of the unit.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that Russia’s backup law enforcement units will not be used in Belarus, and that the situation in Minsk will not deteriorate, Peskov added.
"It is important to understand, and the president has stressed this, that this is a backup unit, there is no need to use it. President Putin hopes that it will never be used. And we hope that Belarus will not face such an urgent situation," the spokesman stated.
The spokesman expressed confidence that Russia’s readiness to send police units to Belarus would not affect the relations between both nations. "[It won’t affect it] in any way. Russia wasn’t and isn’t interfering with Belarusian affairs," he asserted.
However, Peskov did not say whether Russia would be ready to aid the Belarusian population if there was a surge of violence from the side of the local law enforcement. He dismissed such considerations as hypothetical. Peskov stressed that extremist activity from any side could represent a threat to the Belarusian people. The spokesman explained that the Belarusian government "is not engaged in extremist activity."
When asked when the law enforcement unit might be used, Peskov noted that Putin had explained this in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel. "Read the words of the president once again, <…> he said it. [We are talking about] a hypothetical threat of the situation getting out of control, when stability and existence of state governance bodies and people’s safety are jeopardized," the Kremlin official stated.
On Thursday, Putin said in an interview with Rossiya-1 TV channel that Moscow had agreed to form a backup law enforcement unit on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s request. Putin said that the unit would not be used "unless extremist elements hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines," namely, unless they begin to "torch houses, banks and to try seizing administrative buildings."


tass--2020-08-28--Merkel supports completion of Nord Stream 2 project

`` Our opinion is that the Nord Stream 2 must be completed , '' she said .
`` I consider unreasonable to link this economic project to the Navalny case , '' the Chancellor noted .
BERLIN , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is an economic project and it must be completed , German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a press conference on Friday .
The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , 93 % of Nord Stream 2 has been finished .
The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions .
On August 20 , a plane carrying Alexei Navalny made an emergency landing in Omsk after the Russian opposition figure had suddenly felt unwell in mid-flight .
Navalny was taken to the hospital in a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator .
On August 22 , he was taken to Germany for treatment at the Charite hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they had found signs of Navalny ’ s intoxication with substances from the cholinesterase inhibitors group , adding that the specific substance had not been identified .
German medics added that there is no threat to Navalny ’ s life ; however , there may be long-term consequences for his nervous system .
Meanwhile , doctors at the hospital in Omsk informed that no cholinesterase inhibitors had been found during the initial tests held in Russia .

"Our opinion is that the Nord Stream 2 must be completed," she said. "I consider unreasonable to link this economic project to the Navalny case," the Chancellor noted.
BERLIN, August 28. /TASS/. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is an economic project and it must be completed, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a press conference on Friday.
The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 93% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.
On August 20, a plane carrying Alexei Navalny made an emergency landing in Omsk after the Russian opposition figure had suddenly felt unwell in mid-flight. Navalny was taken to the hospital in a coma and was hooked up to a ventilator.
On August 22, he was taken to Germany for treatment at the Charite hospital. German doctors said on August 24 that they had found signs of Navalny’s intoxication with substances from the cholinesterase inhibitors group, adding that the specific substance had not been identified. German medics added that there is no threat to Navalny’s life; however, there may be long-term consequences for his nervous system. Meanwhile, doctors at the hospital in Omsk informed that no cholinesterase inhibitors had been found during the initial tests held in Russia.


tass--2020-08-28--US sanctions affect Russian scientists developing COVID-19 vaccine, diplomat says

Putin : Detention of Russian citizens in Belarus set up by Ukrainian and US intelligence According to the Russian president @ @ @ @ @ headed for Latin America and the Middle East for `` absolutely legal work ''

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Washington has slapped sanctions squarely against those Russian researchers and specialists who are working on the development of a vaccine to fight the coronavirus, said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday.
"We find it outrageous that three Russian scientific research institutes have been included on the American blacklist. A particularly disturbing fact is that these sanctions precisely affect those scientists and specialists who for the past couple of months have been tirelessly laboring on the development of a Russian vaccine against COVID-19. It is not clear how the American government is going to explain to its citizens this attempt to punish the people who are working successfully on a remedy against the disease, which has already taken the lives of over 180,000 US citizens," she noted.
The diplomat stated that these US sanctions may be an instrument of unfair competition. "We don’t believe that this is a step in the right direction in cooperating to fight the pandemic, the importance of which, we think, Washington cannot even deny. Once again one gets the impression that the run-of-the-mill use of sanctions is a tool of pressure to thrust forward one’s own companies’ interests - right now pharmaceutical ones - which mirrors the continued push of its own natural gas into the European market," she stressed.
The spokeswoman pointed out that Washington has attributed its actions to the fact that the scientific research institutions affected by the sanctions were allegedly involved in chemical and biological weapons programs, but these accusations are not backed by any evidence. She also mentioned that the entire Russian chemical arsenal had been eliminated back in 2017. "This is confirmed by the authorized international structure, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which includes 193 countries, among them the US. Russia continues to conscientiously carry out all of its responsibilities under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)," the diplomat added.
Circumvention of international documents
According to the spokeswoman, this decision by the American authorities casts doubt on the effectiveness and professionalism of the OPCW. "Let us reiterate that the CWC clearly indicates the mechanisms used to resolve contentious issues. Unfortunately, Washington for a while now prefers to act not within the framework of international agreements, but at its own discretion," the diplomat specified.
She pointed out that today the US remains the only member country of the CWC preserving its chemical weapons arsenal. "Moreover, various inventions are being patented in the US related to the use of full-fledged combat toxic substances, including nerve agents," she pointed out.
The spokeswoman added that US activity in the biomedical sphere both domestically and abroad is also highly questionable. "There are no grounds to assert that the activity of American biological labs fully complies with the provisions of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)," she continued.
As examples when US laboratories were engulfed in major international scandals, the spokeswoman shed light on the investigation of the 2001 anthrax attacks in the US, where a Fort Detrick researcher was involved, as well as the activity of the Richard G. Lugar Center for Public Health Research in Georgia.
"In order to resolve the issues related to the implementation of the CWC provisions, we consider it necessary to activate the mechanism of Article 5 of the Convention, according to which, member states should consult each other to resolve any issues regarding the CWC. Instead of using the pressure of sanctions, we suggest that the Americans sit down at the negotiating table and discuss all the accumulated issues in a bilateral format," the diplomat concluded.
Washington’s sanctions
The Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Department of Commerce has blacklisted the Russian Defense Ministry’s Central Research Institutes No. 33 and No. 48 (including its three locations in Sergiev Posad, Yekaterinburg, and the Kirov Region), as well as the State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology in Moscow.
The American authorities claim they sanctioned Central Research Institute No. 33 because it is allegedly involved in a "Russian chemical program and a chemical weapons testing facility," the State Scientific Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology, which allegedly participates in Russia’s "chemical weapons program.’ In addition, the US said it blacklisted Central Research Institute No. 48 for allegedly being part of "the Russian biological weapons program."


tass--2020-08-28--Russian tech firm to develop army flying vehicle for airborne operations

The Advanced Research Fund intends to use the cyclocopter called Cyclone to create a full-size flying passenger vehicle for Russia ’ s Defense Ministry by 2024 .
KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Advanced Research Fund unveiled the flight demonstrator of the country ’ s first cyclocopter at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Friday .
Cyclone Project Head from the Advanced Research Fund Grigory Makeich told TASS that the drone weighing 60 kg is already undergoing flight tests .
`` The task is to improve the automatic control system by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning to mount a hybrid engine to enable it to fly for over 60 minutes , '' he specified .
At the acceptance trials scheduled for February 2021 , the cyclocopter is due to demonstrate its advantages and stated characteristics , he said .
`` After that , we will switch to developing a larger vehicle capable of carrying up to six persons .
We are due to test a full-size rotor system for a large vehicle in a wind-tunnel facility until the end of the year .
And a full-size passenger cyclocopter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
The Russian military displayed interest in the new vehicle .
In particular , there are plans to create a ground- and deck-based cyclocopter for airborne operations , Makeich said .
The Advanced Research Fund initially set the task of looking for optimal solutions for developing flying vehicles .
Based on this assignment , scientists of the Institute of Thermophysics at the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and engineers of Autonomous Aerospace Systems - GeoService proposed creating a cyclocopter .
`` A cyclocopter has some advantages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low level of noise compared to a helicopter or a quadcopter .
Also , the cycloidal rotors allow changing the direction of the thrust vector by 360 degrees , which makes this vehicle highly maneuverable , '' Makeich said .
Russian specialists are developing the cyclocopter for its operation in urban conditions and in hard-to-access mountainous terrain .
It is capable of flying among obstacles , docking to vertical surfaces and also taking off from and landing on an inclined surface ( something that a helicopter or a quadcopter can not do ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection of its engines will help avoid the rotors ’ destruction when colliding with obstacles , the representative of the Advanced Research Fund said .
The 60 kg flight demonstrator can carry a payload of 10-20 kg .
`` Correspondingly , such cyclocopter drones will be capable of accomplishing assignments for the Defense Ministry , performing strike missions .
A machine-gun or unguided bombs can be mounted on the drone .
The cyclocopter can also carry out reconnaissance stealthily due to the low level of noise , '' Makeich said .
The Army-2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the territory of the Russian Armed Forces ’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and will run through August 29 .
Some weapons are being demonstrated at the Alabino training ground , the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region .
Representatives of about 100 countries are planning to attend the forum .
Over 1,500 companies and enterprises are demonstrating about 28,000 exhibits .
Almost 700 advanced weapon systems are being demonstrated in the static and dynamic shows at the Army-2020 forum .

The Advanced Research Fund intends to use the cyclocopter called Cyclone to create a full-size flying passenger vehicle for Russia’s Defense Ministry by 2024.
KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 28. /TASS/. Russia’s Advanced Research Fund unveiled the flight demonstrator of the country’s first cyclocopter at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on Friday.
Cyclone Project Head from the Advanced Research Fund Grigory Makeich told TASS that the drone weighing 60 kg is already undergoing flight tests. "The task is to improve the automatic control system by the end of the year. We are planning to mount a hybrid engine to enable it to fly for over 60 minutes," he specified.
At the acceptance trials scheduled for February 2021, the cyclocopter is due to demonstrate its advantages and stated characteristics, he said.
"After that, we will switch to developing a larger vehicle capable of carrying up to six persons. We are due to test a full-size rotor system for a large vehicle in a wind-tunnel facility until the end of the year. And a full-size passenger cyclocopter is due to be created by 2024," he said.
The Russian military displayed interest in the new vehicle. In particular, there are plans to create a ground- and deck-based cyclocopter for airborne operations, Makeich said.
Advantages of cycloidal rotors
The Advanced Research Fund initially set the task of looking for optimal solutions for developing flying vehicles. Based on this assignment, scientists of the Institute of Thermophysics at the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and engineers of Autonomous Aerospace Systems - GeoService proposed creating a cyclocopter.
"A cyclocopter has some advantages: it is compact and has a low level of noise compared to a helicopter or a quadcopter. Also, the cycloidal rotors allow changing the direction of the thrust vector by 360 degrees, which makes this vehicle highly maneuverable," Makeich said.
Russian specialists are developing the cyclocopter for its operation in urban conditions and in hard-to-access mountainous terrain. It is capable of flying among obstacles, docking to vertical surfaces and also taking off from and landing on an inclined surface (something that a helicopter or a quadcopter cannot do) while demonstrating high maneuverability. The peripheral protection of its engines will help avoid the rotors’ destruction when colliding with obstacles, the representative of the Advanced Research Fund said.
The 60 kg flight demonstrator can carry a payload of 10-20 kg. "Correspondingly, such cyclocopter drones will be capable of accomplishing assignments for the Defense Ministry, performing strike missions. A machine-gun or unguided bombs can be mounted on the drone. The cyclocopter can also carry out reconnaissance stealthily due to the low level of noise," Makeich said.
Army-2020 forum
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum opened on the territory of the Russian Armed Forces’ Patriot Congress and Exhibition Center near Moscow on August 23 and will run through August 29.
Some weapons are being demonstrated at the Alabino training ground, the Kubinka aerodrome and the Ashuluk practice range in the Astrakhan Region. Representatives of about 100 countries are planning to attend the forum.
Over 1,500 companies and enterprises are demonstrating about 28,000 exhibits. Almost 700 advanced weapon systems are being demonstrated in the static and dynamic shows at the Army-2020 forum.


tass--2020-08-28--Events in Belarus do not contribute to stability of Russian economy — Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The events in Belarus can not but have a negative impact on the @ @ @ @ @ ties between the two countries , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ raises concern of the authorities .
`` What is happening in Belarus clearly does not @ @ @ @ @ economic stability , rather the opposite .
Considering that together we participate in integration associations @ @ @ @ @ into account our Union State , of course , this issue raises concern , '' @ @ @ @ @ to the Kremlin official , Russia has `` a certain margin of safety of the @ @ @ @ @ possible to maintain all economic processes in a stable state and hedge risks . ''

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The events in Belarus cannot but have a negative impact on the Russian economy, given close ties between the two countries, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday. According to him, this raises concern of the authorities.
"What is happening in Belarus clearly does not contribute to economic development and economic stability, rather the opposite. Considering that together we participate in integration associations, the EAEU, taking into account our Union State, of course, this issue raises concern," Peskov told reporters.
According to the Kremlin official, Russia has "a certain margin of safety of the economy, which makes it possible to maintain all economic processes in a stable state and hedge risks."


tass--2020-08-28--Talks on refinancing Belarus state debt to Russia continue — Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/ TASS / .
The discussion of the issue of refinancing Belarus ' state debt @ @ @ @ @ financial authorities of the two countries , Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ question to our financial authorities , they are the ones who carry out contacts with @ @ @ @ @ continue , '' Peskov said .
Earlier , the Russian Finance Ministry reported that it @ @ @ @ @ to refinance the republic 's debt in the amount of $ 1 billion , if @ @ @ @ @ Minister of Finance Yuri Seliverstov reported that in total this year the country must pay @ @ @ @ @ foreign currency national debt , of which $ 2 billion had already been paid .
@ @ @ @ @ Finance of the republic , as of July 2020 , the external debt of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, August 28. / TASS /. The discussion of the issue of refinancing Belarus' state debt to Russia continue through the financial authorities of the two countries, Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
"I will leave this question to our financial authorities, they are the ones who carry out contacts with their Belarus colleagues. Contacts continue," Peskov said.
Earlier, the Russian Finance Ministry reported that it would consider Belarus's request to refinance the republic's debt in the amount of $1 billion, if it is submitted.
Belarusian Minister of Finance Yuri Seliverstov reported that in total this year the country must pay about $3.6 bln in foreign currency national debt, of which $2 billion had already been paid.
According to the Ministry of Finance of the republic, as of July 2020, the external debt of Belarus amounted to $18 billion.


tass--2020-08-28--Norwegian diplomat to be expelled from Russia didn’t violate any rules, Oslo says

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Norwegian diplomat who has been declared persona non grata by Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry did not violate rules and was occupied exclusively with diplomatic activity , the NRK TV and radio company stated on Friday citing Norway ’ s Foreign Ministry .
`` Our embassy in Moscow was informed by Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry that one of our diplomats had been declared persona non grata in Russia .
This is absolutely unfounded .
Our diplomat did not violate any rules and worked completely within the framework of diplomatic service , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Affairs Guri Solberg told NRK .
`` The deportation of a Russian diplomat from Norway is connected to the espionage investigation and is justified by the fact that he committed actions incompatible with his diplomatic role , '' she stated .
As Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry stated on Friday , Moscow expels one of the senior diplomats working at the Norwegian Embassy .
The diplomat must leave Russia in three days .
`` Due to the unfriendly step of the Norwegian government , which declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Russia Rune Resaland was summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry .
He was informed that as a tit-for-tat measure , a senior diplomat of the Norwegian Embassy had been declared persona non grata .
His accreditation in Russia will run out in three days .
This is the same time provided by the Norwegians for our staff member to leave , '' the ministry said .
On August 18 , the Norwegian Foreign Ministry reported that a Russian diplomat would be deported from Norway because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are incompatible with his role and status as a diplomat . ''
Later , Norway ’ s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed that Alexander Stekolshchikov , an employee of the Russian trade mission to Norway , was the Russian diplomat set to be expelled .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Norwegian diplomat who has been declared persona non grata by Russia’s Foreign Ministry did not violate rules and was occupied exclusively with diplomatic activity, the NRK TV and radio company stated on Friday citing Norway’s Foreign Ministry.
"Our embassy in Moscow was informed by Russia’s Foreign Ministry that one of our diplomats had been declared persona non grata in Russia. This is absolutely unfounded. Our diplomat did not violate any rules and worked completely within the framework of diplomatic service," spokeswoman for Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guri Solberg told NRK.
"The deportation of a Russian diplomat from Norway is connected to the espionage investigation and is justified by the fact that he committed actions incompatible with his diplomatic role," she stated.
As Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated on Friday, Moscow expels one of the senior diplomats working at the Norwegian Embassy. The diplomat must leave Russia in three days. "Due to the unfriendly step of the Norwegian government, which declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata on August 18, on August 28, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Russia Rune Resaland was summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry. He was informed that as a tit-for-tat measure, a senior diplomat of the Norwegian Embassy had been declared persona non grata. His accreditation in Russia will run out in three days. This is the same time provided by the Norwegians for our staff member to leave," the ministry said.
On August 18, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry reported that a Russian diplomat would be deported from Norway because allegedly "he has engaged in actions that are incompatible with his role and status as a diplomat." Later, Norway’s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed that Alexander Stekolshchikov, an employee of the Russian trade mission to Norway, was the Russian diplomat set to be expelled.


tass--2020-08-28--Putin hopes Russia’s law enforcement units won’t be used in Belarus — Kremlin

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that Russia ’ s backup law enforcement units will not be used in Belarus , and that the situation in Minsk will not deteriorate , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed reporters on Friday .
`` It is important to understand , and the president has stressed this , that this is a backup unit , there is no need to use it .
President Putin hopes that it will never be used .
And we hope that Belarus will not face such an urgent situation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send law enforcement reserve unit to Belarus won ’ t affect the relations between the two countries in any way , according to the Kremlin spokesman .
`` [ It won ’ t affect it ] in any way .
Russia wasn ’ t and isn ’ t interfering with Belarusian affairs , '' he told journalists .
On Thursday , Putin said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel that Moscow had agreed to form a backup law enforcement unit on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s request .
Putin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` unless extremist elements hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines , '' namely , unless they begin to `` torch houses , banks , to try seizing administrative buildings . ''

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that Russia’s backup law enforcement units will not be used in Belarus, and that the situation in Minsk will not deteriorate, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov informed reporters on Friday.
"It is important to understand, and the president has stressed this, that this is a backup unit, there is no need to use it. President Putin hopes that it will never be used. And we hope that Belarus will not face such an urgent situation," the spokesman stated.
Russia’s readiness to send law enforcement reserve unit to Belarus won’t affect the relations between the two countries in any way, according to the Kremlin spokesman.
"[It won’t affect it] in any way. Russia wasn’t and isn’t interfering with Belarusian affairs," he told journalists.
On Thursday, Putin said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel that Moscow had agreed to form a backup law enforcement unit on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s request. Putin said that the unit would not be used "unless extremist elements hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines," namely, unless they begin to "torch houses, banks, to try seizing administrative buildings."


tass--2020-08-28--Press review: Putin gears up to aid Lukashenko and US-Russian prisoner swap in the works

Kommersant : Lukashenko asks Putin for aid if protests get out of control Upon the request of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko , Russia has formed a backup law enforcement unit , which , according to Russian President Vladimir Putin , would not be used `` unless extremist elements hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines , '' namely , unless they begin to `` torch houses , banks , to try seizing administrative buildings . ''
Poland condemned Putin ’ s statements immediately , accusing Moscow of planning a `` military intervention under the false premise of restoring control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ undecided , not ready for radical steps .
The session of EU foreign ministers has shown that even the introduction of sanctions against Belarusian officials remains an undecided issue .
For her part , former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who considers herself the winner of the presidential election , and the Coordination Council set up by the Belarusian opposition , took a while to comment on Putin ’ s statement .
By the end of the day , the opposition published a statement , in which it criticized Lukashenko more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian side shows us that Lukashenko is weak , that he fears his own people and is not ready to listen to them , that he has to address another state for aid , '' member of the Coordination Council ’ s leadership Maria Kolesnikova informed Kommersant .
However , she noted that there would be no surge in anti-Russian slogans during protests : `` The Belarusian nation has a lot of respect for the Russian people .
It is Lukashenko who is trying to drive a wedge and cause a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he won ’ t succeed , '' she added .
`` The resolution of our own issues tops on the agenda .
On the other hand , there are no Belarusians who would want to abandon their friendship with Russia . ''
Belarusian political analyst Artyom Shraibman told Kommersant that the Belarusian opposition would not make any anti-Russian slogans .
`` With its statement , the Coordination Council counters the attempts of Lukashenko to label it anti-Russian and pro-Western .
This is a fight for control over the agenda .
Lukashenko wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition want it to remain domestic , '' the expert pointed out .
Izvestia : US-Russian prisoner swap might take place within one month A prisoner swap between Russia and the United States may be held in about a month , after both countries ’ diplomats agree on the details , Vladimir Zherebenkov , an attorney of jailed US national Paul Whelan , told Izvestia .
Whelan may be swapped for Russian nationals Konstantin Yaroshenko and Viktor Bout , who are serving prison sentences in the United States .
The Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release the Russian prisoners from jail due to the coronavirus pandemic .
However , the ministry has not officially confirmed to Izvestia that prisoner swap talks are underway .
A diplomatic source told Izvestia that Russia and the US had raised the issue of a prisoner exchange during several meetings , however , no final agreement on the conditions has been reached .
On the whole , the US does not object to the handover of Konstantin Yaroshenko , for example , the source noted .
Yaroshenko ’ s wife Viktoria told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been raised a while ago .
`` This has been discussed since the detention of Paul Whelan .
Of course , we would want this to happen , because we have been trying to get Konstantin back through all possible mechanisms for 10 years , and nothing has worked .
There is a lot of hope for the swap , for him to come back to Russia , '' she said .
According to Whelan ’ s defense , there is some positive progress on the prisoner swap issue .
`` Lawyers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the task of diplomats and intelligence services , '' Whelan ’ s attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov said .
`` There are some positive signals , of course .
Those issues have been discussed for a while , and I think everything will be fine .
Right now , they are discussing the procedure of a prisoner exchange and who will be swapped .
Russia would like to return two Russian nationals ( Konstantin Yaroshenko and Viktor Bout - Izvestia ) .
It is unclear so far whether the Americans will agree .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this depends on the effort of diplomats .
We can easily achieve this within a month , '' he informed .
The South China Sea is becoming a platform for a direct confrontation between Washington and Beijing , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
During recent drills , China launched ballistic missiles into the South China Sea , including one dubbed an `` aircraft-carrier killer . ''
The US responded by blacklisting 26 Chinese officials and companies involved in the construction of bases on disputed islands , stressing that America will continue to resist Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Mark Esper , both Beijing and Moscow present a challenge to Washington .
The US plans to deploy its forces in the Indo-Pacific region in such a way so that it can have the opportunity to counter both China and Russia , Esper said .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta asked Director of the Institute of the Far East at the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexei Maslov if Washington intends to counter China and Russia separately or if it expects a joint response .
`` This is a rather delicate game .
The US wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition in the world , represented by China and Russia .
In this sense , the enemy is strong and very dangerous .
However , in reality , China and Russia have different stances on the United States .
The launch of missiles by China shows that they are ready to counter the Americans .
Meanwhile , Russia has not shown any military aggression towards the US .
Secondly , there is no military-political alliance between Russia and China aimed at the United States .
The US is talking about some phantom that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the election , one of Trump ’ s slogans will be : the US must counter global communism in the face of China and any potential aggression from the side of China and Russia , '' the expert noted .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview on Thursday that Russia had passed the peak of economic difficulties , although oil prices `` could be a little higher . ''
However , IHS Markit predicts that the recovery of oil demand will depend on whether air travel can be fully restored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached .
Experts note that this will not happen until an effective COVID-19 vaccine is found , Nezavisimaya Gazeta informs .
Currently , the demand for oil hit 89 % compared to the corresponding period of 2019 .
In April , this figure reached 78 % .
However , this surge is temporary .
The recovery rate will slow down in the first quarter of 2021 , the analytics company suggests .
The demand will reach about 92-95 % of the first quarter of 2019 .
Reduced air travel represents one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oil market , IHS Markit noted , adding that the consumption of jet fuel only reached 50 % of last year ’ s level .
According to Chief Analyst of Alor Broker Alexei Antonov , the prognosis of IHS Markit is `` too optimistic . ''
`` Yes , it is likely that the second half of the year will be marked by a recovery , however , the economy will return to the pre-coronavirus levels no earlier than in two or three years , '' he predicted .
`` Reduced business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of hidden unemployment across the world will continue to cause lowered demand for petroleum products and oil , '' the expert told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
BCS Senior Analyst Vitaly Gromadin agrees that the production of a COVID-19 vaccine is a necessary condition for the full recovery of oil demand , especially with regards to jet fuel .
`` There is a risk of the second wave of the epidemic in the fall and the corresponding quarantine restrictions ( of a more reasonable nature , however , they may still deal a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Under this negative scenario , the threat of an oil reservoirs overflow may return , '' the expert warned .
Izvestia : Russian travel agencies lose half their revenue at height of 2020 season Russian travel agencies have lost half their revenue in 2020 compared to the similar period of 2019 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic , Izvestia reports , citing data on the industry ’ s numbers .
According to IT company Evotor , the revenue of Russian travel agencies during the high season ( July and the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of last year ’ s .
The average price of tours has been 5 % lower than last year ’ s in July and 8 % lower in August .
The company suggests that the drop in revenue is caused by the fact that Russian tourists had to pick domestic tourism destinations .
Many Russians prefer to travel around the country on their own , without the help of travel agencies .
According to Yandex Kassa , the turnover of online travel sales has plunged 70 % for one outlet , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower than last year .
However , the company noted a 135 % surge in hotel bookings , which shows that tourists have moved towards with planning their trips without the aid of travel agencies .
Moscow and St. Petersburg , the two Russian cities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic , have lost 50 % and 37 % of revenue compared to 2019 accordingly .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Kommersant: Lukashenko asks Putin for aid if protests get out of control Upon the request of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russia has formed a backup law enforcement unit, which, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, would not be used "unless extremist elements hiding behind political slogans cross certain lines," namely, unless they begin to "torch houses, banks, to try seizing administrative buildings." Poland condemned Putin’s statements immediately, accusing Moscow of planning a "military intervention under the false premise of restoring control." On the whole, Europe remains undecided, not ready for radical steps. The session of EU foreign ministers has shown that even the introduction of sanctions against Belarusian officials remains an undecided issue.
For her part, former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who considers herself the winner of the presidential election, and the Coordination Council set up by the Belarusian opposition, took a while to comment on Putin’s statement. By the end of the day, the opposition published a statement, in which it criticized Lukashenko more than the Russian leader. "The statement of the Russian side shows us that Lukashenko is weak, that he fears his own people and is not ready to listen to them, that he has to address another state for aid," member of the Coordination Council’s leadership Maria Kolesnikova informed Kommersant. However, she noted that there would be no surge in anti-Russian slogans during protests: "The Belarusian nation has a lot of respect for the Russian people. It is Lukashenko who is trying to drive a wedge and cause a fight between the nations. However, he won’t succeed," she added. "The resolution of our own issues tops on the agenda. On the other hand, there are no Belarusians who would want to abandon their friendship with Russia." Belarusian political analyst Artyom Shraibman told Kommersant that the Belarusian opposition would not make any anti-Russian slogans. "With its statement, the Coordination Council counters the attempts of Lukashenko to label it anti-Russian and pro-Western. This is a fight for control over the agenda. Lukashenko wants to make the agenda foreign, while the opposition want it to remain domestic," the expert pointed out. Izvestia: US-Russian prisoner swap might take place within one month A prisoner swap between Russia and the United States may be held in about a month, after both countries’ diplomats agree on the details, Vladimir Zherebenkov, an attorney of jailed US national Paul Whelan, told Izvestia. Whelan may be swapped for Russian nationals Konstantin Yaroshenko and Viktor Bout, who are serving prison sentences in the United States. The Russian Foreign Ministry is calling on the American authorities to release the Russian prisoners from jail due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the ministry has not officially confirmed to Izvestia that prisoner swap talks are underway.
Read also Espionage convict Paul Whelan not to appeal his sentence
A diplomatic source told Izvestia that Russia and the US had raised the issue of a prisoner exchange during several meetings, however, no final agreement on the conditions has been reached. On the whole, the US does not object to the handover of Konstantin Yaroshenko, for example, the source noted. Yaroshenko’s wife Viktoria told the paper that the prisoner swap issue had been raised a while ago. "This has been discussed since the detention of Paul Whelan. Of course, we would want this to happen, because we have been trying to get Konstantin back through all possible mechanisms for 10 years, and nothing has worked. There is a lot of hope for the swap, for him to come back to Russia," she said. According to Whelan’s defense, there is some positive progress on the prisoner swap issue. "Lawyers are not privy to such matters, this is the task of diplomats and intelligence services," Whelan’s attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov said. "There are some positive signals, of course. Those issues have been discussed for a while, and I think everything will be fine. Right now, they are discussing the procedure of a prisoner exchange and who will be swapped. Russia would like to return two Russian nationals (Konstantin Yaroshenko and Viktor Bout - Izvestia). It is unclear so far whether the Americans will agree. As for the date of the procedure, this depends on the effort of diplomats. We can easily achieve this within a month," he informed. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Washington sees Russia and China as a common enemy The South China Sea is becoming a platform for a direct confrontation between Washington and Beijing, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. During recent drills, China launched ballistic missiles into the South China Sea, including one dubbed an "aircraft-carrier killer." The US responded by blacklisting 26 Chinese officials and companies involved in the construction of bases on disputed islands, stressing that America will continue to resist Chinese expansion. According to US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, both Beijing and Moscow present a challenge to Washington.
The US plans to deploy its forces in the Indo-Pacific region in such a way so that it can have the opportunity to counter both China and Russia, Esper said. Nezavisimaya Gazeta asked Director of the Institute of the Far East at the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexei Maslov if Washington intends to counter China and Russia separately or if it expects a joint response. "This is a rather delicate game. The US wants to claim that there is some anti-American coalition in the world, represented by China and Russia. In this sense, the enemy is strong and very dangerous. However, in reality, China and Russia have different stances on the United States. The launch of missiles by China shows that they are ready to counter the Americans. Meanwhile, Russia has not shown any military aggression towards the US. Secondly, there is no military-political alliance between Russia and China aimed at the United States. The US is talking about some phantom that does not exist. In the run-up to the election, one of Trump’s slogans will be: the US must counter global communism in the face of China and any potential aggression from the side of China and Russia," the expert noted. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Oil industry won’t recover until effective COVID-19 vaccine found Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview on Thursday that Russia had passed the peak of economic difficulties, although oil prices "could be a little higher." However, IHS Markit predicts that the recovery of oil demand will depend on whether air travel can be fully restored and whether pre-pandemic economic activity can be reached. Experts note that this will not happen until an effective COVID-19 vaccine is found, Nezavisimaya Gazeta informs.
Read also Global economy may drop more than 5% in case of second pandemic wave
Currently, the demand for oil hit 89% compared to the corresponding period of 2019. In April, this figure reached 78%. However, this surge is temporary. The recovery rate will slow down in the first quarter of 2021, the analytics company suggests. The demand will reach about 92-95% of the first quarter of 2019. Reduced air travel represents one of the main negative factors stalling the recovery of the oil market, IHS Markit noted, adding that the consumption of jet fuel only reached 50% of last year’s level. According to Chief Analyst of Alor Broker Alexei Antonov, the prognosis of IHS Markit is "too optimistic." "Yes, it is likely that the second half of the year will be marked by a recovery, however, the economy will return to the pre-coronavirus levels no earlier than in two or three years," he predicted. "Reduced business activity and the drop in demand as a result of hidden unemployment across the world will continue to cause lowered demand for petroleum products and oil," the expert told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. BCS Senior Analyst Vitaly Gromadin agrees that the production of a COVID-19 vaccine is a necessary condition for the full recovery of oil demand, especially with regards to jet fuel. "There is a risk of the second wave of the epidemic in the fall and the corresponding quarantine restrictions (of a more reasonable nature, however, they may still deal a blow to the oil demand once again). Under this negative scenario, the threat of an oil reservoirs overflow may return," the expert warned. Izvestia: Russian travel agencies lose half their revenue at height of 2020 season Russian travel agencies have lost half their revenue in 2020 compared to the similar period of 2019 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Izvestia reports, citing data on the industry’s numbers. According to IT company Evotor, the revenue of Russian travel agencies during the high season (July and the first half of August) has been half that of last year’s. The average price of tours has been 5% lower than last year’s in July and 8% lower in August.


tass--2020-08-28--Kremlin hopes that Japan’s new PM will continue developing ties with Moscow

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin hopes that Shinzo Abe ’ s successor as Japanese prime minister will continue boosting ties between Moscow and Tokyo , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday .
He underlined that Abe and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have `` brilliant working relations , the Russian president appreciates it . ''
`` It is regrettable that Shinzo Abe decided to step down as Japanese prime minister .
We hope that his successor will continue developing the Russian-Japanese ties further , '' he added .
According to Peskov , Abe `` made an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bilateral relations , while his commitment to resolving all contentious issues , even the most complicated ones , solely through talks and furthering ties in the spheres of mutual interest are fully shared by the Russian president . ''
The spokesman added that the Kremlin wishes Abe `` a speedy recovery from the health condition he spoke about . ''
Shinzo Abe announced Friday his resignation as prime minister , citing health concerns .
He explained the decision , saying , `` A politician can not allow mistakes caused by his poor health @ @

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. The Kremlin hopes that Shinzo Abe’s successor as Japanese prime minister will continue boosting ties between Moscow and Tokyo, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday.
He underlined that Abe and Russian leader Vladimir Putin have "brilliant working relations, the Russian president appreciates it."
"It is regrettable that Shinzo Abe decided to step down as Japanese prime minister. We hope that his successor will continue developing the Russian-Japanese ties further," he added.
According to Peskov, Abe "made an invaluable contribution to the development of the bilateral relations, while his commitment to resolving all contentious issues, even the most complicated ones, solely through talks and furthering ties in the spheres of mutual interest are fully shared by the Russian president."
The spokesman added that the Kremlin wishes Abe "a speedy recovery from the health condition he spoke about."
Shinzo Abe announced Friday his resignation as prime minister, citing health concerns. He explained the decision, saying, "A politician cannot allow mistakes caused by his poor health."


tass--2020-08-28--Japan to continue seeking peace treaty with Russia, Abe says

TOKYO , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced that the government will continue pursuing efforts to strike a peace treaty with Russia even after his resignation , he told a press conference in Tokyo Friday , adding that he regrets not resolving this issue .
`` The issue of Japanese citizens ’ abduction by North Koreans , the issue of signing a peace treaty with Russia and the issue of amending the constitution are still unresolved , unfortunately .
We vowed to address these issues both on the government and the party levels .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ actively worked on under the new government as well , '' Abe noted .
`` I regret that we did not deal with the issue of abducted citizens as well as the peace treaty issue and constitutional amendments .
The fact that I step down without finishing this business breaks my heart , '' he added .
Shinzo Abe has led Japan as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party since December 2012 .
This month , he beat the previous record to become the longest-serving prime minister in Japan ’ s history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party are expected to take place in September .
Tradition holds that the prime minister ’ s office is normally assumed by the ruling party ’ s leader after a parliamentary vote .

TOKYO, August 28. /TASS/. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced that the government will continue pursuing efforts to strike a peace treaty with Russia even after his resignation, he told a press conference in Tokyo Friday, adding that he regrets not resolving this issue.
"The issue of Japanese citizens’ abduction by North Koreans, the issue of signing a peace treaty with Russia and the issue of amending the constitution are still unresolved, unfortunately. We vowed to address these issues both on the government and the party levels. I expect that these issues will be actively worked on under the new government as well," Abe noted. "I regret that we did not deal with the issue of abducted citizens as well as the peace treaty issue and constitutional amendments. The fact that I step down without finishing this business breaks my heart," he added.
Shinzo Abe has led Japan as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party since December 2012. This month, he beat the previous record to become the longest-serving prime minister in Japan’s history. Elections of a new leader of the party are expected to take place in September. Tradition holds that the prime minister’s office is normally assumed by the ruling party’s leader after a parliamentary vote.


tass--2020-08-28--Russia’s latest nuclear-powered subs to carry cruise missiles with range of over 4,000 km

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 885M multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines Voronezh and Vladivostok laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard on July 20 will carry upgraded Kalibr-M cruise missiles with a range of over 4,000 km , a source in the defense industry told TASS on the sidelines of the Army-2020 forum on Friday .
`` The new multi-purpose submarines will carry principally new Kalibr-M missiles with a firing range of over 4,000 km , '' the source said .
The new Kalibr-M cruise missiles will be capable of delivering either conventional high-explosive fragmentation or nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the source stressed , `` the new submarines will be better prepared for the mission of non-nuclear strategic deterrence compared to their predecessors . ''
The nuclear-powered submarines Vladivostok and Voronezh are expected to be put afloat in 2024 and 2025 and delivered to the Navy under the existing state armament program , i.e .
by the end of 2027 .
A contract for building Project 885M ( Yasen-M ) multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines was signed at the Army-2019 international arms show in the summer of 2019 .
The baseline Project 885 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Russia ’ s Northern Fleet in 2014 .
The upgraded Project 885M lead sub Kazan is set to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2020 .
Five Project 885M submarines are at various stages of their construction at the Sevmash Shipyard ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) .
Project 885/885M submarines are armed with Kalibr-PL and ( or ) Oniks cruise missiles and will eventually carry Tsirkon hypersonic missiles as their basic weapons .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 28. /TASS/. The Project 885M multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines Voronezh and Vladivostok laid down at the Sevmash Shipyard on July 20 will carry upgraded Kalibr-M cruise missiles with a range of over 4,000 km, a source in the defense industry told TASS on the sidelines of the Army-2020 forum on Friday.
"The new multi-purpose submarines will carry principally new Kalibr-M missiles with a firing range of over 4,000 km," the source said.
The new Kalibr-M cruise missiles will be capable of delivering either conventional high-explosive fragmentation or nuclear warheads to the target, he said.
As the source stressed, "the new submarines will be better prepared for the mission of non-nuclear strategic deterrence compared to their predecessors."
The nuclear-powered submarines Vladivostok and Voronezh are expected to be put afloat in 2024 and 2025 and delivered to the Navy under the existing state armament program, i.e. by the end of 2027.
A contract for building Project 885M (Yasen-M) multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarines was signed at the Army-2019 international arms show in the summer of 2019.
The baseline Project 885 lead nuclear-powered underwater cruiser Severodvinsk entered service with Russia’s Northern Fleet in 2014. The upgraded Project 885M lead sub Kazan is set to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2020.
Five Project 885M submarines are at various stages of their construction at the Sevmash Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation).
Project 885/885M submarines are armed with Kalibr-PL and (or) Oniks cruise missiles and will eventually carry Tsirkon hypersonic missiles as their basic weapons.


tass--2020-08-28--Belarusian human rights activists say 264 people detained in Minsk on August 27

MINSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian law enforcement officers detained 264 people in Minsk on Thursday , including several dozen journalists who covered an opposition rally on Independence Square , the Viasna human rights center said on Friday .
Media representatives , with the exception of a few people , were released .
Administrative protocols on their participation in an unauthorized event were drawn up against 4 journalists .
It is assumed that legal proceedings will be initiated against them as well as other individuals detained during the rally on Independence Square .
According to the human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal cases in the courts of Minsk ’ s Zavodskoi , Frunzensky and Sovetsky districts opened under Section 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offences ( `` Violation of the order of organizing or holding mass events '' ) .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10 % of the vote , whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who was considered to be his key rival , garnered 10.12 % of the ballot .
Subsequently , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls .
After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities .
In the early days they were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police .

MINSK, August 28. /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcement officers detained 264 people in Minsk on Thursday, including several dozen journalists who covered an opposition rally on Independence Square, the Viasna human rights center said on Friday.
Media representatives, with the exception of a few people, were released. Administrative protocols on their participation in an unauthorized event were drawn up against 4 journalists. It is assumed that legal proceedings will be initiated against them as well as other individuals detained during the rally on Independence Square.
According to the human rights center, there are more than 60 criminal cases in the courts of Minsk’s Zavodskoi, Frunzensky and Sovetsky districts opened under Section 23.34 of the Code of Administrative Offences ("Violation of the order of organizing or holding mass events").
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.10% of the vote, whereas Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who was considered to be his key rival, garnered 10.12% of the ballot. Subsequently, she refused to recognize the outcome of the polls. After the results of exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests flared up in downtown Minsk and other cities. In the early days they were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police.


tass--2020-08-28--Russia expels a senior diplomat at Norwegian embassy

MOSCOW , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia expels a senior diplomat working at the Norwegian Embassy .
The diplomat must leave Russia in three days , the Russian Foreign Ministry informed on Friday .
`` Due to the unfriendly step of the Norwegian government , which declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata on August 18 , on August 28 , Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Russia Rune Resaland has been summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry .
He has been informed that as a tit-for-tat measure , a senior diplomat of the Norwegian Embassy has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia will run out within three days .
This is the same time provided by the Norwegians for our employee to leave , '' the ministry said .
The Foreign Ministry also noted that the `` destructive policy '' of the Norwegian government has a negative effect on the atmosphere of bilateral relations .
Russia stressed that Oslo is solely to blame for the consequences of such a policy .
On August 19 , the Norwegian Foreign Ministry informed that a Russian diplomat would be deported from Norway `` because he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his role and status as a diplomat . ''
The ministry did not provide the diplomat ’ s name or position .
Norway ’ s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed later that Alexander Stekolshchikov , an employee of the Russian trade mission in Norway , is the Russian diplomat set to be expelled from Oslo over a spy scandal .

MOSCOW, August 28. /TASS/. Russia expels a senior diplomat working at the Norwegian Embassy. The diplomat must leave Russia in three days, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed on Friday.
"Due to the unfriendly step of the Norwegian government, which declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata on August 18, on August 28, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Russia Rune Resaland has been summoned by the Russian Foreign Ministry. He has been informed that as a tit-for-tat measure, a senior diplomat of the Norwegian Embassy has been declared persona non grata. His accreditation in Russia will run out within three days. This is the same time provided by the Norwegians for our employee to leave," the ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry also noted that the "destructive policy" of the Norwegian government has a negative effect on the atmosphere of bilateral relations. Russia stressed that Oslo is solely to blame for the consequences of such a policy.
On August 19, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry informed that a Russian diplomat would be deported from Norway "because he has engaged in actions that are incompatible with his role and status as a diplomat." The ministry did not provide the diplomat’s name or position.
Norway’s Verdens Gang newspaper claimed later that Alexander Stekolshchikov, an employee of the Russian trade mission in Norway, is the Russian diplomat set to be expelled from Oslo over a spy scandal.


tass--2020-08-28--Ukraine may join EU sanctions against Belarus, top diplomat says

`` We haven ’ t seen the EU sanctions yet but we support their [ EU ] approaches .
We ’ ll draw our conclusions when we ’ ll see these sanctions , '' the top diplomat said at a briefing on Friday .
According to the minister , the Ukrainian position is synchronized with the EU and the US partners .
`` We will work in a coordinated way to stabilize the situation in Belarus , '' the top diplomat emphasized .
`` Ukraine synchronizes its position regarding the situation in Belarus with the EU and the US .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ affairs of Belarus so that its people choose the path of development on their own , '' he said .
Yet the diplomat didn ’ t answer the question whether Kiev officially recognizes the presidential election in Belarus .
`` This has become some sort of a fetish .
The election results were announced by the Central Election Commission of Belarus .
But comprehensively the election results had significant flaws and do not correspond to the standards in this [ electoral ] sphere , '' the top diplomat noted .
He reiterated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election in Belarus .
He did reiterate that Ukraine `` is not planning to interfere in any way with Belarusian internal affairs . ''
`` We have never done so and we are not going to but we are ready to assist in settlement of this situation , '' the top diplomat said .
On Sunday , August 23 , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in an interview with Euronews stated that had he been in Alexander Lukashenko ’ s place he would have agreed to a repeat election .
Belarusian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus has no need in `` trite advice '' of the Ukrainian leadership and would like to find support and understanding .

"We haven’t seen the EU sanctions yet but we support their [EU] approaches. We’ll draw our conclusions when we’ll see these sanctions," the top diplomat said at a briefing on Friday.
According to the minister, the Ukrainian position is synchronized with the EU and the US partners. "We will work in a coordinated way to stabilize the situation in Belarus," the top diplomat emphasized. "Ukraine synchronizes its position regarding the situation in Belarus with the EU and the US. We do not interfere with the internal affairs of Belarus so that its people choose the path of development on their own," he said. Yet the diplomat didn’t answer the question whether Kiev officially recognizes the presidential election in Belarus.
"This has become some sort of a fetish. The election results were announced by the Central Election Commission of Belarus. But comprehensively the election results had significant flaws and do not correspond to the standards in this [electoral] sphere," the top diplomat noted. He reiterated that Ukraine supported the EU position regarding the presidential election in Belarus.
He did reiterate that Ukraine "is not planning to interfere in any way with Belarusian internal affairs." "We have never done so and we are not going to but we are ready to assist in settlement of this situation," the top diplomat said.
On Sunday, August 23, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in an interview with Euronews stated that had he been in Alexander Lukashenko’s place he would have agreed to a repeat election. Belarusian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Anatoly Glaz stated in response that Belarus has no need in "trite advice" of the Ukrainian leadership and would like to find support and understanding.
Diplomatic ties with Belarus


tass--2020-08-28--Belarus kicks off large-scale drills on western borders

MINSK , August 28 .
/TASS/ .
Large-scale tactical drills kicked off in the Grodno area in western Belarus , the republic ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Friday .
`` A comprehensive tactical exercise with a consolidated grouping of forces is running in the Grodno tactical area under the direction of the troop commander of the Western Operational Command .
The consolidated force grouping includes mechanized , armored , parachute , artillery and engineering units and also the teams of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems , '' the Defense Ministry reported on its Telegram channel .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maneuvers with a live-fire exercise and qualification special training measures .
Military pilots are accomplishing assignments for protecting the state border in the airspace while electronic warfare squads are conducting reconnaissance , the statement says .
The Belarusian Defense Ministry earlier announced that comprehensive tactical drills of a consolidated force grouping would take place on August 28-31 under the direction of the troop commander of the Western Operational Command .
A consolidated grouping of forces was set up to comprise airborne , motorized infantry , tank and artillery units , squads of unmanned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it specified .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier instructed the Defense Ministry to closely follow NATO forces ’ movements in Poland and Lithuania and put the troops on high alert on the country ’ s western borders , noting the escalation of tension in the region .
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin issued an order on August 19 to beef up the grouping of forces in the Grodno area with the battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers and with a squad of drones and air defense systems .

MINSK, August 28. /TASS/. Large-scale tactical drills kicked off in the Grodno area in western Belarus, the republic’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.
"A comprehensive tactical exercise with a consolidated grouping of forces is running in the Grodno tactical area under the direction of the troop commander of the Western Operational Command. The consolidated force grouping includes mechanized, armored, parachute, artillery and engineering units and also the teams of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems," the Defense Ministry reported on its Telegram channel.
The comprehensive drills include qualification firing and battalion-level maneuvers with a live-fire exercise and qualification special training measures. Military pilots are accomplishing assignments for protecting the state border in the airspace while electronic warfare squads are conducting reconnaissance, the statement says.
The Belarusian Defense Ministry earlier announced that comprehensive tactical drills of a consolidated force grouping would take place on August 28-31 under the direction of the troop commander of the Western Operational Command. A consolidated grouping of forces was set up to comprise airborne, motorized infantry, tank and artillery units, squads of unmanned aerial vehicles and electronic warfare systems, it specified.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko earlier instructed the Defense Ministry to closely follow NATO forces’ movements in Poland and Lithuania and put the troops on high alert on the country’s western borders, noting the escalation of tension in the region.
Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin issued an order on August 19 to beef up the grouping of forces in the Grodno area with the battalions of tactical missiles and multiple rocket launchers and with a squad of drones and air defense systems.