tass--2020-08-23--Over 40% Russians ready to undergo coronavirus vaccination — pollster

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
More than 40 % Russians are ready to get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus with Russia ’ s Sputnik V vaccine , the Russian Public Opinion Research Center VTsIOM ’ s head , Valery Fedorov , said .
`` Russia ’ s new vaccine Sputnik V : Are we ready to get vaccinated or not ?
42 % say `` yes , most likely . ''
52 % - no we won ’ t , '' he said on Saturday .
According to the VTsIOM survey , almost 60 % of Russians expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
`` Will there be the second wave .
Only 30 % of the respondents believe it is not likely to happen .
The majority - 58 % think that it will .
Moreover , their number grew significantly in the past month , from 52 % to 58 % , '' Fedorov said .
The survey was conducted among 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , about 23 million people have been infected worldwide and approximately 780,000 of them died .
To date , 951,897 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 16,310 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .
The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund said earlier more than 20 countries had already applied for supplies of one billion doses of the new vaccine .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. More than 40% Russians are ready to get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus with Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, the Russian Public Opinion Research Center VTsIOM’s head, Valery Fedorov, said.
"Russia’s new vaccine Sputnik V: Are we ready to get vaccinated or not? 42% say "yes, most likely." 52% - no we won’t," he said on Saturday.
According to the VTsIOM survey, almost 60% of Russians expect the second wave of the pandemic in Russia.
"Will there be the second wave. Only 30% of the respondents believe it is not likely to happen. The majority - 58% think that it will. Moreover, their number grew significantly in the past month, from 52% to 58%," Fedorov said.
The survey was conducted among 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, about 23 million people have been infected worldwide and approximately 780,000 of them died. To date, 951,897 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 16,310 fatalities nationwide.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines. The Russian Direct Investment Fund said earlier more than 20 countries had already applied for supplies of one billion doses of the new vaccine.


tass--2020-08-23--Senior Kremlin official praises Russian healthcare for saving lives during pandemic

SOLNECHNOGORSK /Moscow Region/ , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian doctors excelled their foreign counterpart in saving lives during the novel coronavirus pandemic , First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko said .
`` During this epidemic of the coronaviurs , which , I hope , is nearing its end , Russia emerged victorious from the point of view of lives saved , '' Kiriyenko said during a youth forum on Saturday .
The Kremlin official went on to say that prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic , the attitude to Russian healthcare was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But then a major challenge emerged , and I ’ m absolutely convinced that Russia coped with it in a much more efficient way .
Human lives that were saved are the main criterion for me in this regard .
From the point of view of lives saved , Russia , of course , demonstrated outstanding results , '' he said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , about 23 million people have been infected worldwide and approximately 780,000 of them died .
To date , 951,897 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 16,310 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

SOLNECHNOGORSK /Moscow Region/, August 23. /TASS/. Russian doctors excelled their foreign counterpart in saving lives during the novel coronavirus pandemic, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko said.
"During this epidemic of the coronaviurs, which, I hope, is nearing its end, Russia emerged victorious from the point of view of lives saved," Kiriyenko said during a youth forum on Saturday.
The Kremlin official went on to say that prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the attitude to Russian healthcare was skeptical both domestically and worldwide.
"But then a major challenge emerged, and I’m absolutely convinced that Russia coped with it in a much more efficient way. Human lives that were saved are the main criterion for me in this regard. From the point of view of lives saved, Russia, of course, demonstrated outstanding results," he said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, about 23 million people have been infected worldwide and approximately 780,000 of them died. To date, 951,897 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 767,477 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 16,310 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-24--US Deputy Secretary of State Biegun to visit Russia, Lithuania, Ukraine on Aug 24-27

WASHINGTON , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will visit Russia , Lithuania and Ukraine on August 24-27 , the US State Department ’ s press service informed on Sunday .
`` Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun will travel to Vilnius , Lithuania ; Moscow , Russia ; Kyiv , Ukraine August 24-27 to meet with senior government leaders to discuss a range of regional and international issues , '' the message informs .
`` Deputy Secretary Biegun will travel to Vienna , Austria August 27 to meet with counterparts at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( OSCE ) to discuss issues related to regional security and human rights , '' the press service added .
On Saturday , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov informed TASS that Biegun would visit Moscow next week , adding that Russian and US diplomats plan to discuss the situation in Belarus .
Besides , Russia plans to exchange opinions on bilateral issues .
The Russian Foreign Ministry also informed TASS that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Biegun is in the works .
For its part , Reuters news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya ’ s team , that she plans to meet with Biegun on August 24 in Lithuania .
On August 9 , Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991 .
According to the final results of Sunday ’ s voting , the incumbent president , Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.12 % of votes .
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .

WASHINGTON, August 24. /TASS/. US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun will visit Russia, Lithuania and Ukraine on August 24-27, the US State Department’s press service informed on Sunday.
"Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun will travel to Vilnius, Lithuania; Moscow, Russia; Kyiv, Ukraine August 24-27 to meet with senior government leaders to discuss a range of regional and international issues," the message informs.
"Deputy Secretary Biegun will travel to Vienna, Austria August 27 to meet with counterparts at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to discuss issues related to regional security and human rights," the press service added.
On Saturday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov informed TASS that Biegun would visit Moscow next week, adding that Russian and US diplomats plan to discuss the situation in Belarus. Besides, Russia plans to exchange opinions on bilateral issues. The Russian Foreign Ministry also informed TASS that a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Biegun is in the works.
For its part, Reuters news agency informed, citing former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya’s team, that she plans to meet with Biegun on August 24 in Lithuania.
On August 9, Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991. According to the final results of Sunday’s voting, the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes.
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were made public. Rallies continue to this day.


tass--2020-08-24--Eleven people detained near Belarusian embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Eleven people have been detained near the Belarusian Embassy in Moscow , a @ @ @ @ @ informed TASS on Sunday .
`` Eleven people who came to take part in the @ @ @ @ @ protests in Minsk have been detained by the police , '' the source said .
@ @ @ @ @ in the action of solidarity near the embassy .
Activists of Russia ’ s National @ @ @ @ @ , carrying Belarusian national flags and singing Soviet songs .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Eleven people have been detained near the Belarusian Embassy in Moscow, a source in the law enforcement informed TASS on Sunday.
"Eleven people who came to take part in the action of solidarity with the protests in Minsk have been detained by the police," the source said.
About 200 people took part in the action of solidarity near the embassy. Activists of Russia’s National Liberation Movement were also present, carrying Belarusian national flags and singing Soviet songs.


tass--2020-08-23--Ten more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day - crisis center

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Ten more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 4,740 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 4,741 .
The coronavirus situation in Moscow , which was the most serious in @ @ @ @ @ .
By today , Moscow has reported more than 257,100 confirmed coronavirus cases .
More @ @ @ @ @ .
A campaign of voluntary testing for coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 770,639 patients having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ latest data indicates 16,383 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Ten more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 4,740, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday.
"Ten coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 4,741.
The coronavirus situation in Moscow, which was the most serious in Russia, has visibly stabilized. By today, Moscow has reported more than 257,100 confirmed coronavirus cases. More than 204,700 patients have recovered. A campaign of voluntary testing for coronavirus antibodies is underway in the capital city.
To date, 956,749 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 770,639 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 16,383 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-23--No one detained during opposition protests in Minsk on Sunday - interior ministry

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
No one was detained during opposition protests in Minsk on Sunday , Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS .
`` No one was detained in Minsk .
No emergencies were reported .
General information about the situation in the country will be summed up by Monday morning , '' she said .
According to Chemodanova , it is difficult to say how many people took part in Sunday ’ s opposition March of New Belarus .
`` People were moving about the city , in large groups .
There was no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On August 9 , Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991 .
According to the final results of Sunday ’ s voting , the incumbent president , Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.12 % of votes .
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were made public .
As a result , some 7,000 people were detained , dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rallies continue to this day .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. No one was detained during opposition protests in Minsk on Sunday, Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS.
"No one was detained in Minsk. No emergencies were reported. General information about the situation in the country will be summed up by Monday morning," she said.
According to Chemodanova, it is difficult to say how many people took part in Sunday’s opposition March of New Belarus. "People were moving about the city, in large groups. There was no single venue," she explained.
On August 9, Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991. According to the final results of Sunday’s voting, the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes.
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were made public. As a result, some 7,000 people were detained, dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were injured in the first days of protests. Rallies continue to this day.


tass--2020-08-23--Lukashenko thanks law enforcers protecting his residence - agency

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko came out of his residence in Minsk , the @ @ @ @ @ the law enforcers protecting the building , BelTA news agency said on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ great !
, '' he said to hear `` We will be with you till @ @ @ @ @ .
Later , Lukashenko ’ s press secretary Natalia Eismont said in an interview with @ @ @ @ @ the president had been working at his residence throughout the whole day , controlling the @ @ @ @ @ .
He flew over the city aboard a helicopter and came out to `` those @ @ @ @ @ to thank them , she said .
Earlier in the day , protesters came up @ @ @ @ @ residence but were stopped by riot police .
The demonstrators opted not to come close @ @ @ @ @ stopped several meters off them chanting `` Go Away ! ''
slogans .
Later , @ @ @ @ @ back to the center of the city .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko came out of his residence in Minsk, the Independence Palace, and thanked the law enforcers protecting the building, BelTA news agency said on Sunday.
"Thank you! You are great!," he said to hear "We will be with you till the end" in response.
Later, Lukashenko’s press secretary Natalia Eismont said in an interview with the ONT television channel that the president had been working at his residence throughout the whole day, controlling the situation amid the opposition protests. He flew over the city aboard a helicopter and came out to "those who protected the building" to thank them, she said.
Earlier in the day, protesters came up to the president’s residence but were stopped by riot police. The demonstrators opted not to come close to the law enforcers and stopped several meters off them chanting "Go Away!" slogans. Later, most of the protesters marched back to the center of the city.


tass--2020-08-23--Lukashenko’s spokesperson says he worked all day at his residence amid protests

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko worked the whole day at his residence in Minsk , the Independence Palace , and was in control of the situation , his press secretary Natalia Eismont said on Sunday .
`` The president worked the whole day at the situation center of the Independence Palace , controlling the situation , including when the so-called demonstrators ventured , so to say , a kind of storm of the building in the evening , '' she said in an interview with the ONT television channel .
`` At these time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building .
But the protesters did not have courage enough : people soon turned away and ran in the opposite direction . ''
According to Eismont , the president flew over the territory of the opposition rallies onboard a helicopter along with his son Nikolai and after he returned to the residence he came out to `` those who protected the building '' to thank them .
`` As he promised , the president never ran away whatever some bloggers might have said .
< … > Children were also with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still working at his residence , '' she added .
The opposition rally began at 14:00 local time .
After a two-hour peaceful action , tens of thousands of demonstrators marched to the Hero City Minsk monument located two kilometers of the Independence Square .
After a short rally , some of the demonstrators marched to the State Flag Square and the presidential residence .
Others returned to the Independence Square to leave the square shortly after .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko worked the whole day at his residence in Minsk, the Independence Palace, and was in control of the situation, his press secretary Natalia Eismont said on Sunday.
"The president worked the whole day at the situation center of the Independence Palace, controlling the situation, including when the so-called demonstrators ventured, so to say, a kind of storm of the building in the evening," she said in an interview with the ONT television channel. "At these time, the head of state was inside the building. But the protesters did not have courage enough: people soon turned away and ran in the opposite direction."
According to Eismont, the president flew over the territory of the opposition rallies onboard a helicopter along with his son Nikolai and after he returned to the residence he came out to "those who protected the building" to thank them.
"As he promised, the president never ran away whatever some bloggers might have said. <…> Children were also with him. <…> The president is still working at his residence," she added.
The opposition rally began at 14:00 local time. After a two-hour peaceful action, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched to the Hero City Minsk monument located two kilometers of the Independence Square. After a short rally, some of the demonstrators marched to the State Flag Square and the presidential residence. Others returned to the Independence Square to leave the square shortly after.


tass--2020-08-23--Opposition rally on Minsk’s Independence Square over

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
A mass protest rally has finished on Minsk ’ s central Independence Square @ @ @ @ @ the police are leaving the square , a TASS correspondent reported from the site .
@ @ @ @ @ 14:00 local time .
After a two-hour peaceful action , tens of thousands of demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ Minsk monument located two kilometers of the Independence Square .
After a short rally , @ @ @ @ @ to the State Flag Square and the presidential residence .
Others returned to the Independence @ @

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. A mass protest rally has finished on Minsk’s central Independence Square. Both the demonstrators and the police are leaving the square, a TASS correspondent reported from the site.
The opposition rally began at 14:00 local time. After a two-hour peaceful action, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched to the Hero City Minsk monument located two kilometers of the Independence Square. After a short rally, some of the demonstrators marched to the State Flag Square and the presidential residence. Others returned to the Independence Square.


tass--2020-08-23--Russia’s Chumakov Center applies for clinical tests of its anti-coronavirus vaccine

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products at the Russian Academy of Sciences has filed an application for a Russian health ministry ’ s permit for clinical tests of its anti-coronavirus vaccine , Aidar Ishmukhametov , the Center ’ s director general , told TASS on Sunday .
`` Today we referred to the Russian health ministry all necessary documents for clinical tests of a vaccine against COVID-19 .
We are waiting for a permit for the tests and hope to complete clinical trials in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 people in the trial .
It will meet the requirements of the World Health Organization and other international regulators , '' he said .
According to earlier reports , the Chumakov Center successfully completed preclinical tests of its whole-virion vaccine against the coronavirus infection .
Whole-virion vaccines are based either on artificially weakened viruses incapable of causing a disease or killed ( inactivated ) viruses .
`` Preclinical tests of our vaccine have proved that a sustainable immune response is developed .
After clinical trials are successfully over , mass production of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November .
It will be a liquid vaccine to be inoculated two times with a 14-day interval , '' he added .
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products was created on the basis of the Institute of Poliomyelitis and Virus Encephalitis of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences .
Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Chumakov was the Institute ’ s founder and first director ( until 1972 ) .
Today the Chumakov Center is a leading world research organization in the @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products at the Russian Academy of Sciences has filed an application for a Russian health ministry’s permit for clinical tests of its anti-coronavirus vaccine, Aidar Ishmukhametov, the Center’s director general, told TASS on Sunday.
"Today we referred to the Russian health ministry all necessary documents for clinical tests of a vaccine against COVID-19. We are waiting for a permit for the tests and hope to complete clinical trials in October. We plan to involve more than 3,000 people in the trial. It will meet the requirements of the World Health Organization and other international regulators," he said.
According to earlier reports, the Chumakov Center successfully completed preclinical tests of its whole-virion vaccine against the coronavirus infection. Whole-virion vaccines are based either on artificially weakened viruses incapable of causing a disease or killed (inactivated) viruses.
"Preclinical tests of our vaccine have proved that a sustainable immune response is developed. After clinical trials are successfully over, mass production of our vaccine can be organized already in November. It will be a liquid vaccine to be inoculated two times with a 14-day interval," he added.
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products was created on the basis of the Institute of Poliomyelitis and Virus Encephalitis of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Chumakov was the Institute’s founder and first director (until 1972).
Today the Chumakov Center is a leading world research organization in the sphere of medical virology.


tass--2020-08-23--11 people detained near Belarusian embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Eleven people have been detained near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow , a @ @ @ @ @ agencies told TASS on Sunday .
`` The police detained eleven people who took part @ @ @ @ @ with the Minsk protests , '' the source said , adding that these people were @ @ @ @ @ in central Moscow .

MOSCOW, August 23. /TASS/. Eleven people have been detained near the Belarusian embassy in Moscow, a source in the law enforcement agencies told TASS on Sunday.
"The police detained eleven people who took part in the rally of solidarity with the Minsk protests," the source said, adding that these people were taken to a police station in central Moscow.


tass--2020-08-23--Lukashenko flies to his Minsk residence in bulletproof vest with submachine gun in hands

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Sunday evening arrived by a helicopter at his @ @ @ @ @ protest rally was held in the vicinity , as follows from a video posted by @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko ’ s press service .
The video features Lukashenko , wearing a bulletproof jacket @ @ @ @ @ without a loading case , getting out of the helicopter and walking to his residence @ @ @ @ @ by armed body guards .
He asked them , `` There aren ’ t anybody @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
Earlier in the day , protesters came close to Lukashenko ’ s residence @ @ @ @ @ Away ! ''
They were stopped by riot police and set off back to the @ @ @ @ @ time later .
At a certain moment , a helicopter was seen flying over the @ @ @ @ @ residence ’ s territory .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Sunday evening arrived by a helicopter at his residence in Minsk when a protest rally was held in the vicinity, as follows from a video posted by a Telegram channel close to Lukashenko’s press service.
The video features Lukashenko, wearing a bulletproof jacket and holding a Kalashnikov gun without a loading case, getting out of the helicopter and walking to his residence. The president was met by armed body guards. He asked them, "There aren’t anybody out there, are there?"
Earlier in the day, protesters came close to Lukashenko’s residence chanting the slogans "Go Away!" They were stopped by riot police and set off back to the center of the city some time later.
At a certain moment, a helicopter was seen flying over the protesters and landing on the residence’s territory.


tass--2020-08-23--Protesters move away from Lukashenko’s residence heading for central Minsk

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Protesters , who have held several mass rallies in various part of the @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , approached President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s residence while walking to the State @ @ @ @ @ correspondent reported from the site .
However they were stopped by riot police forces .
@ @ @ @ @ come closer to the police cordons and stopped several meters off them chanting the slogan @ @ @ @ @ After some time , most of the demonstrators set off back to the center of @ @ @ @ @ certain moment , a civil helicopter flew over the protesters and landed on the residence @ @ @ @ @ Sunday evening , problems with the internet were reported in the capital city .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Protesters, who have held several mass rallies in various part of the Belarusian capital city of Minsk on Sunday, approached President Alexander Lukashenko’s residence while walking to the State Flag Square, a TASS correspondent reported from the site.
However they were stopped by riot police forces. The demonstrators opted not to come closer to the police cordons and stopped several meters off them chanting the slogan "Go away!"
After some time, most of the demonstrators set off back to the center of the city.
At a certain moment, a civil helicopter flew over the protesters and landed on the residence’s territory.
By Sunday evening, problems with the internet were reported in the capital city.


tass--2020-08-23--Belarus’ coordination council insists on returning to 1994 constitution

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus ’ opposition coordination council insists the country return to the 1994 constitution , which set the upper limit of presidential terms , Pavel Latushko , a member of the council , said during a mass protest rally in Minsk on Sunday .
`` We insist on a national referendum on that matter , '' he stressed .
He recalled that former presidential candidates had already applied to the country ’ s Supreme Court to recognize the August 9 presidential polls as invalid .
He also called for forming initiative groups to recall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives , or the lower parliament house , and lawmakers of local legislatures .
According to Latushko , the coordination council plans to demand resignation of the interior ministry ’ s top officials for not opening criminal cases on the 700 cases of the use of force by the police against civilians who have turned to the Investigative Committee with complaints .
Sergei Dylevsky , another member of the council who represents the strike committee of the Minsk Tractor Plant , also addressed the protesters and called on workers of industrial enterprises to @ @ @

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Belarus’ opposition coordination council insists the country return to the 1994 constitution, which set the upper limit of presidential terms, Pavel Latushko, a member of the council, said during a mass protest rally in Minsk on Sunday.
"We insist on a national referendum on that matter," he stressed.
He recalled that former presidential candidates had already applied to the country’s Supreme Court to recognize the August 9 presidential polls as invalid.
He also called for forming initiative groups to recall all the members of the House of Representatives, or the lower parliament house, and lawmakers of local legislatures.
According to Latushko, the coordination council plans to demand resignation of the interior ministry’s top officials for not opening criminal cases on the 700 cases of the use of force by the police against civilians who have turned to the Investigative Committee with complaints.
Sergei Dylevsky, another member of the council who represents the strike committee of the Minsk Tractor Plant, also addressed the protesters and called on workers of industrial enterprises to continue strikes.


tass--2020-08-23--OSCE should have sent its observers to Belarusian elections - Lavrov

SOLNECHNOGORSK /Moscow region/ , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Lukashenko ’ s invitation to send observers to the presidential elections in Belarus , @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday .
According to Lavrov , the OSCE refused to send observers to @ @ @ @ @ been received in violation of time limits .
`` With no observers the West brands @ @ @ @ @ would be very difficult to persuade anyone that the results of the presidential polls were @ @ @ @ @ were announced , '' he said at a nationwide youth forum Territory of Senses .
@ @ @ @ @ prove that President Lukashenko lost these elections without accepting his invitation .
This possibility was @ @ @ @ @ should not have done that .
It was a big mistake . ''
He noted @ @ @ @ @ of Independent States ( CIS ) , the CIS Parliamentary Assembly and some of the @ @ @ @ @ no serious violations capable of impacting the elections outcome . ''

SOLNECHNOGORSK /Moscow region/, August 23. /TASS/. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) should have accepted Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s invitation to send observers to the presidential elections in Belarus, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Sunday.
According to Lavrov, the OSCE refused to send observers to Belarus saying the invitation had been received in violation of time limits.
"With no observers the West brands as independent present, it would be very difficult to persuade anyone that the results of the presidential polls were exactly converse to those that were announced," he said at a nationwide youth forum Territory of Senses. "It is impossible to prove that President Lukashenko lost these elections without accepting his invitation. This possibility was ignored. I think they should not have done that. It was a big mistake."
He noted that observers from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the CIS Parliamentary Assembly and some of the CIS nations had reported "no serious violations capable of impacting the elections outcome."


tass--2020-08-23--Minsk needs no advice from Ukrainian leaders - Belarusian diplomat

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus doesn ’ t need `` threadbare advice '' from the Ukrainian leadership but want rather to feel support and understanding , the Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman said on Sunday , commenting on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ’ s recent statements .
`` You know , Ukraine is a brotherly country for us and the Ukrainian people is a brotherly nation for the Belarusians .
So , of course , at this difficult for our country moment we would like to feel some sort of support or , at least , understanding , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Today , we don ’ t need any , that ’ s true , '' Belarusian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Anatoly Glaz told BelTA .
The Belarusian diplomat noted that Kiev should better look at its own history where political experiments had yielded results absolutely different from what people had expected .
`` When we look back at Ukraine ’ s recent history , well , they do have quite an experience in certain issues .
But the results of these political experiments can hardly convince the Ukrainians , and not only them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moreover , we think the Ukrainian leadership will have a lot of more important everyday problems to address inside the country for years to come rather than giving advice to the neighbor , '' he said .

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Belarus doesn’t need "threadbare advice" from the Ukrainian leadership but want rather to feel support and understanding, the Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman said on Sunday, commenting on Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent statements.
"You know, Ukraine is a brotherly country for us and the Ukrainian people is a brotherly nation for the Belarusians. So, of course, at this difficult for our country moment we would like to feel some sort of support or, at least, understanding, rather than hear threadbare advice from everywhere. Today, we don’t need any, that’s true," Belarusian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Anatoly Glaz told BelTA.
The Belarusian diplomat noted that Kiev should better look at its own history where political experiments had yielded results absolutely different from what people had expected. "When we look back at Ukraine’s recent history, well, they do have quite an experience in certain issues. But the results of these political experiments can hardly convince the Ukrainians, and not only them, that they were right and useful. Moreover, we think the Ukrainian leadership will have a lot of more important everyday problems to address inside the country for years to come rather than giving advice to the neighbor," he said.


tass--2020-08-23--Protesters in Minsk moving from Independence Square to Hotel Planeta

MINSK , August 23 .
/TASS/ .
Tens of thousands of protesters are moving from Minsk ’ s central Independence @ @ @ @ @ the Hero City Minsk monument , the venue of another rally .
According to a @ @ @ @ @ rally on the Independence Square is over .
It lasted for more than two hours @ @ @ @ @ Hotel Planeta located some two kilometers of the square .
Traffic along the adjacent streets @ @ @

MINSK, August 23. /TASS/. Tens of thousands of protesters are moving from Minsk’s central Independence Square towards Hotel Planeta near the Hero City Minsk monument, the venue of another rally.
According to a TASS correspondent, the opposition rally on the Independence Square is over. It lasted for more than two hours. People are moving towards Hotel Planeta located some two kilometers of the square. Traffic along the adjacent streets is blocked.


tass--2020-08-24--Russian military distribute food packages among refugees in Syrian Latakia

LATAKIA /Syria/ , August 24./TASS/ .
Russian military from the Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria have distributed food packages among the inhabitants of a refugee center in Latakia , a senior officer from the reconciliation center , Alexey Patsenko , told journalists on Monday .
`` This facility is a three-story building , a former spots school .
Now , it is a center for refugees , '' he said , adding that a humanitarian action of the reconciliation center was underway on Monday .
The packages include essential food - cereals , canned food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are three such centers in Latakia , Patesnko said , adding that they are mainly accommodating refugees from Idlib governorate .
Living conditions there are better than in refugee camps , since they have running water and light .
Meanwhile , Russian military are trying to solve one more household problem for the refugees - to supply the centers with gas cylinders for cooking .
`` Judging by our surveys , they have problems with gas since a gas cylinder costs about 70,000 [ Syrian ] pounds ( about $ 67 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are now looking into supplying these families with cylinders , which they can then replenish by themselves , '' the center ’ s officer said .
According to updated reports from the reconciliation center , the Russian side has organized and carried out about 2,500 humanitarian and charity actions , Syrian nationals have received over 4,000 tonnes of food , water and essentials .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

LATAKIA /Syria/, August 24./TASS/. Russian military from the Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria have distributed food packages among the inhabitants of a refugee center in Latakia, a senior officer from the reconciliation center, Alexey Patsenko, told journalists on Monday.
"This facility is a three-story building, a former spots school. Now, it is a center for refugees," he said, adding that a humanitarian action of the reconciliation center was underway on Monday.
The packages include essential food - cereals, canned food, tea, sugar and flour. There are three such centers in Latakia, Patesnko said, adding that they are mainly accommodating refugees from Idlib governorate. Living conditions there are better than in refugee camps, since they have running water and light. Meanwhile, Russian military are trying to solve one more household problem for the refugees - to supply the centers with gas cylinders for cooking.
"Judging by our surveys, they have problems with gas since a gas cylinder costs about 70,000 [Syrian] pounds (about $67), and not every family can afford this. We are now looking into supplying these families with cylinders, which they can then replenish by themselves," the center’s officer said.
According to updated reports from the reconciliation center, the Russian side has organized and carried out about 2,500 humanitarian and charity actions, Syrian nationals have received over 4,000 tonnes of food, water and essentials.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-08-24--Russia achieves certain success in helping China set up its missile attack warning system

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has started work on some elements of the Chinese missile attack warning system and has achieved certain success in this area , Chief Designer of Russia ’ s missile attack warning system , CEO of Vimpel Company Sergei Boyev told TASS at the Army-2020 forum on Monday .
`` Today we are carrying out work in a whole number of areas , on the elements [ of the system ] under the contracts signed , in particular , in the area of space control .
There are certain successes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replying to a question about the work on China ’ s missile attack warning system .
However , it is early to speak about creating a full-fledged system , he said .
`` Cooperation is proceeding in a planned manner and all that relates to more specific things will be understandable at the next stage when the preliminary studies are complete and assessments are given , '' the chief designer said .
The pace of the work was affected by the restrictions introduced over the coronavirus pandemic and that is why it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of completing the work on creating this system , he said .
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in December 2019 that Russia was helping China to develop its national missile attack warning system .
The Russian leader said that the system would radically increase China ’ s defense capabilities because only the United States and Russia had such systems today .
The Russian missile attack warning system is designed to warn about attacks on state and military command centers and provides data for Moscow ’ s anti-ballistic missile defense , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities .
The system comprises the ground and space-based echelons .
The ground-based component consists of a network of radar stations and is capable of detecting missiles in their flight path at a distance of up to 6,000 km .
The space-based echelon comprises satellites that can detect launches of ballistic missiles from the territory of any state in real time .

KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 24. /TASS/. Russia has started work on some elements of the Chinese missile attack warning system and has achieved certain success in this area, Chief Designer of Russia’s missile attack warning system, CEO of Vimpel Company Sergei Boyev told TASS at the Army-2020 forum on Monday.
"Today we are carrying out work in a whole number of areas, on the elements [of the system] under the contracts signed, in particular, in the area of space control. There are certain successes, certain results," Boyev said, replying to a question about the work on China’s missile attack warning system.
However, it is early to speak about creating a full-fledged system, he said.
"Cooperation is proceeding in a planned manner and all that relates to more specific things will be understandable at the next stage when the preliminary studies are complete and assessments are given," the chief designer said.
The pace of the work was affected by the restrictions introduced over the coronavirus pandemic and that is why it is now difficult to give the specific timeframe of completing the work on creating this system, he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in December 2019 that Russia was helping China to develop its national missile attack warning system. The Russian leader said that the system would radically increase China’s defense capabilities because only the United States and Russia had such systems today.
Russia’s missile attack warning system
The Russian missile attack warning system is designed to warn about attacks on state and military command centers and provides data for Moscow’s anti-ballistic missile defense, as well as information on space objects for space control facilities.
The system comprises the ground and space-based echelons. The ground-based component consists of a network of radar stations and is capable of detecting missiles in their flight path at a distance of up to 6,000 km.
The space-based echelon comprises satellites that can detect launches of ballistic missiles from the territory of any state in real time.


tass--2020-08-24--Russia’s upgraded Tu-95MSM strategic bomber to carry 8 missiles instead of four

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s heavily upgraded Tupolev Tu-95MSM strategic missile-carrying bomber will be capable of carrying eight missiles instead of four and has received new flight control and navigation and communications systems , CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation ( UAC ) Yuri Slyusar said in an interview with the Zvezda TV Channel on Monday .
During its heavy upgrade , the Tu-95MSM received new weapons and aircraft control systems , flight control and navigation equipment , an onboard communications suite , a radar and data recording equipment .
The upgrade will allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its combat employment .
`` A possibility has appeared to carry eight instead of four missiles , i.e .
to increase its weapon payload two-fold and extend the aircraft ’ s service life considerably , '' the UAC chief said .
The UAC head told Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on August 23 that the flight tests of the first prototype of the heavily upgraded Tu-95MSM strategic missile-carrying bomber had begun in Russia .
The Tu-95MSM performed its debut flight at the aerodrome of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aircraft was piloted by the crew under the command of test pilot of the Zhukovskaya flight testing base , a subsidiary of the Tupolev Aircraft Company , Andrei Voropayev .
The flight proceeded in the normal mode at an altitude of 9,000 meters and lasted 2 hours and 33 minutes .
The systems and equipment operated without a hitch .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Russia’s heavily upgraded Tupolev Tu-95MSM strategic missile-carrying bomber will be capable of carrying eight missiles instead of four and has received new flight control and navigation and communications systems, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yuri Slyusar said in an interview with the Zvezda TV Channel on Monday.
During its heavy upgrade, the Tu-95MSM received new weapons and aircraft control systems, flight control and navigation equipment, an onboard communications suite, a radar and data recording equipment. The upgrade will allow the strategic bomber to boost the efficiency of its combat employment.
"A possibility has appeared to carry eight instead of four missiles, i.e. to increase its weapon payload two-fold and extend the aircraft’s service life considerably," the UAC chief said.
The UAC head told Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the Army-2020 international military and technical forum on August 23 that the flight tests of the first prototype of the heavily upgraded Tu-95MSM strategic missile-carrying bomber had begun in Russia.
The Tu-95MSM performed its debut flight at the aerodrome of the Beriev Aircraft Plant in Taganrog. The aircraft was piloted by the crew under the command of test pilot of the Zhukovskaya flight testing base, a subsidiary of the Tupolev Aircraft Company, Andrei Voropayev. The flight proceeded in the normal mode at an altitude of 9,000 meters and lasted 2 hours and 33 minutes. The systems and equipment operated without a hitch.


tass--2020-08-24--Lukashenko needs to delegate some of his powers to government, parliament — expert

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko needs to delegate some of his power to the government and parliament in order to calm down protests in the country , Deputy Director of the Institute for CIS Countries Vladimir Zharikhin told TASS on Monday .
`` If Lukashenko eventually fulfills his promise to strengthen the role of parliament and the government and delegates some of the presidential powers to the government , he can remove many of the reasons for public discontent .
Few people even among opposition activists refuse to recognize Lukashenko ’ s past positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling behind the times , '' the expert pointed out .
According to him , if Lukashenko chooses to rely on threats and the use of force , there is a risk that the situation will take a turn similar to the Venezuelan crisis .
Zharikhin pointed out that a color revolution had failed in Belarus for external and internal reasons .
`` There is no constructive alternative to the Lukashenko regime , particularly as far as the economy is concerned because everyone understands that [ Belarus ] can ’ t do without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ external reason is that the European Union showed little enthusiasm in supporting protesters .
`` When it was about Ukraine , the Europeans wanted to separate it from Russia and the Americans wanted to turn Ukraine into an anti-Russian country and a source of threats to European security in order to create problems not only for Russia but also for the European Union .
The Europeans have realized it and this is why even though they could want Lukashenko to step down , they don ’ t want it happen the way it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European security , '' the expert emphasized .
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9 .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s data , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1 % of the vote , while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who garnered 10.12 % , is currently in Lithuania .
Protests erupted in the country 's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote , leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers .
According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry , over 6,000 people were detained , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered injuries .
Attempts to organize strikes at several Belarusian plants were made .
Rallies to support Lukashenko later emerged in Minsk and other Belarusian cities .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko needs to delegate some of his power to the government and parliament in order to calm down protests in the country, Deputy Director of the Institute for CIS Countries Vladimir Zharikhin told TASS on Monday.
"If Lukashenko eventually fulfills his promise to strengthen the role of parliament and the government and delegates some of the presidential powers to the government, he can remove many of the reasons for public discontent. Few people even among opposition activists refuse to recognize Lukashenko’s past positive contribution, he is mostly criticized for falling behind the times," the expert pointed out.
According to him, if Lukashenko chooses to rely on threats and the use of force, there is a risk that the situation will take a turn similar to the Venezuelan crisis.
Zharikhin pointed out that a color revolution had failed in Belarus for external and internal reasons. "There is no constructive alternative to the Lukashenko regime, particularly as far as the economy is concerned because everyone understands that [Belarus] can’t do without Russia," he noted. The external reason is that the European Union showed little enthusiasm in supporting protesters.
"When it was about Ukraine, the Europeans wanted to separate it from Russia and the Americans wanted to turn Ukraine into an anti-Russian country and a source of threats to European security in order to create problems not only for Russia but also for the European Union. The Europeans have realized it and this is why even though they could want Lukashenko to step down, they don’t want it happen the way it did in Ukraine because it would undermine European security," the expert emphasized.
Belarus held its presidential election on August 9. According to the Central Election Commission’s data, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko received 80.1% of the vote, while Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who garnered 10.12%, is currently in Lithuania. Protests erupted in the country's capital of Minsk and several other cities following the presidential vote, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. According to the Belarusian Interior Ministry, over 6,000 people were detained, as dozens of police officers and demonstrators suffered injuries. Attempts to organize strikes at several Belarusian plants were made. Rallies to support Lukashenko later emerged in Minsk and other Belarusian cities.


tass--2020-08-24--Russia’s latest S-500 air defense system enters state trials

The top brass said earlier that the commencement of S-500 serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025 KUBINKA /Moscow Region/ , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s latest S-500 anti-aircraft missile system has entered state trials , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said at the Army-2020 forum on Monday .
`` The fact is that state trials have begun and today the S-500 configuration , its simplified configuration is already available and work is underway to purchase parts for its serial production , '' the deputy prime minister said .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had held the trials of the world ’ s unrivaled surface-to-air missiles for the latest S-500 air defense system last year .
The deputy defense minister said in December 2019 that the preliminary tests of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system would begin in 2020 and the commencement of its serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025 .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that the deliveries of the latest S-500 surface-to-air missile systems to the troops would begin in 2020 .
Russia has been training specialists to learn to operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Aerospace Force in Tver since 2017 .
Russia is developing the S-500 with a view to its operation in the next 25 years .
As the Western media reported , the new Russian missile system struck the target at a range of 481.2 km or 80 km more compared to any existing missile system .

The top brass said earlier that the commencement of S-500 serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025
KUBINKA /Moscow Region/, August 24. /TASS/. Russia’s latest S-500 anti-aircraft missile system has entered state trials, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said at the Army-2020 forum on Monday. "The fact is that state trials have begun and today the S-500 configuration, its simplified configuration is already available and work is underway to purchase parts for its serial production," the deputy prime minister said.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in February that military specialists had held the trials of the world’s unrivaled surface-to-air missiles for the latest S-500 air defense system last year. The deputy defense minister said in December 2019 that the preliminary tests of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system would begin in 2020 and the commencement of its serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025.


tass--2020-08-24--Omsk medic who treated Alexei Navalny reports threats against him

`` I received several dozen threats of physical nature [ in the social media ] - against me personally , against my family , my children .
This did not affect anything , we treated a man , and these [ threats ] were not his guilt , '' he told journalists Monday .
OMSK , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Anatoly Kalinichenko , deputy chief medical officer at Omsk ’ s Emergency Hospital No .
1 , where Russian blogger Alexei Navalny was hospitalized recently , claimed that he received threats against him .
The hospital ’ s Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while he did not receive any threats personally , his office received over 1,000 phone calls in about two days .
The excitement around Navalny ’ s condition disrupted normal functioning of the hospital , he underscored .
`` There were very many people , the ambulance sometimes had hard time getting through , everything was blocked .
They filmed patients , brought in by the ambulance , which is unacceptable under any circumstances , '' the chief medic said .
Navalny was hospitalized on August 20 after his state rapidly deteriorated aboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow .
He remained in a coma plugged to a ventilator .
Early on August 22 , he was transferred to Germany for treatment .

"I received several dozen threats of physical nature [in the social media] - against me personally, against my family, my children. This did not affect anything, we treated a man, and these [threats] were not his guilt," he told journalists Monday.
OMSK, August 24. /TASS/. Anatoly Kalinichenko, deputy chief medical officer at Omsk’s Emergency Hospital No. 1, where Russian blogger Alexei Navalny was hospitalized recently, claimed that he received threats against him.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Alexander Murakhovsky said that, while he did not receive any threats personally, his office received over 1,000 phone calls in about two days.
The excitement around Navalny’s condition disrupted normal functioning of the hospital, he underscored.
"There were very many people, the ambulance sometimes had hard time getting through, everything was blocked. They filmed patients, brought in by the ambulance, which is unacceptable under any circumstances," the chief medic said.
Navalny was hospitalized on August 20 after his state rapidly deteriorated aboard a plane en route from Tomsk to Moscow. He remained in a coma plugged to a ventilator. Early on August 22, he was transferred to Germany for treatment.


tass--2020-08-24--Putin had no role in decision-making on Navalny’s transfer to Germany, Kremlin says

`` No , this is entirely not a president ’ s prerogative , '' Peskov said , answering a question whether Putin took part in negotiations or decision-making on Navalny ’ s transfer to Germany for treatment .
According to the spokesman , `` it was an entirely medical decision , tied to the patient ’ s health condition . ''
MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian authorities provided all permissions to transfer blogger Alexey Navalny from Omsk to Berlin very fast , this matter did not require President Vladimir Putin ’ s intervention , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no reason for international negotiations ; I can only say that , without doubt , in this case , our relevant authorities did everything very fast , very quickly : all permissions concerning flight formalities were provided very fast and without any obstruction , as soon as the medics ruled the patient ’ s transfer safe , '' Peskov said .
Commenting on reports about the alleged surveillance over Navalny , Peskov noted that he is unaware how reliable these reports are .
`` Citing [ anonymous ] sources always makes credibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spokesman said .
In general , Peskov redirected this question to the intelligence agencies .
`` Of course , some tracking measures towards some people can not and should not be negotiated with any state bodies , let alone the president ’ s administration .
This is a prerogative of intelligence agencies .
It is only possible to check the credibility of these reports [ about surveillance over Navalny ] in those agencies , '' the spokesman underscored .
On August 20 , Navalny ’ s plane en route from Tomsk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the blogger ’ s rapidly deteriorated medical state .
Navalny was hospitalized ; he was in coma and plugged to a ventilator .
Early on August 22 , he was transferred to Germany for treatment .

"No, this is entirely not a president’s prerogative," Peskov said, answering a question whether Putin took part in negotiations or decision-making on Navalny’s transfer to Germany for treatment. According to the spokesman, "it was an entirely medical decision, tied to the patient’s health condition."
MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Russian authorities provided all permissions to transfer blogger Alexey Navalny from Omsk to Berlin very fast, this matter did not require President Vladimir Putin’s intervention, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Monday.
"There is no reason for international negotiations; I can only say that, without doubt, in this case, our relevant authorities did everything very fast, very quickly: all permissions concerning flight formalities were provided very fast and without any obstruction, as soon as the medics ruled the patient’s transfer safe," Peskov said.
Commenting on reports about the alleged surveillance over Navalny, Peskov noted that he is unaware how reliable these reports are.
"Citing [anonymous] sources always makes credibility of the information only partial," the spokesman said.
In general, Peskov redirected this question to the intelligence agencies.
"Of course, some tracking measures towards some people cannot and should not be negotiated with any state bodies, let alone the president’s administration. This is a prerogative of intelligence agencies. It is only possible to check the credibility of these reports [about surveillance over Navalny] in those agencies," the spokesman underscored.
On August 20, Navalny’s plane en route from Tomsk to Moscow conducted an emergency landing in Omsk due to the blogger’s rapidly deteriorated medical state. Navalny was hospitalized; he was in coma and plugged to a ventilator. Early on August 22, he was transferred to Germany for treatment.


tass--2020-08-24--Russia testing remotely piloted mode in Su-57 fifth-generation fighter’s trials

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is testing the option of the remotely piloted mode in the trials of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter , CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation ( UAC ) Yuri Slyusar said in an interview with the Zvezda TV Channel on Monday .
`` Indeed , we are considering the options of the remotely piloted mode on many platforms and , of course , such work is being carried out on the Su-57 , '' the chief executive said .
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials , is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment , including a powerful onboard computer ( the so-called electronic second pilot ) , the radar system spread across its body and some other innovations , in particular , armament placed inside its fuselage .
The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29 , 2010 .
Compared to its predecessors , the Su-57 combines the functions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter ’ s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature .
The plane ’ s armament will include , in particular , hypersonic missiles .
The fifth-generation fighter jet has been successfully tested in combat conditions in Syria .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Russia is testing the option of the remotely piloted mode in the trials of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yuri Slyusar said in an interview with the Zvezda TV Channel on Monday.
"Indeed, we are considering the options of the remotely piloted mode on many platforms and, of course, such work is being carried out on the Su-57," the chief executive said.
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and naval targets. The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials, is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment, including a powerful onboard computer (the so-called electronic second pilot), the radar system spread across its body and some other innovations, in particular, armament placed inside its fuselage.
The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Compared to its predecessors, the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter’s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature.
The plane’s armament will include, in particular, hypersonic missiles. The fifth-generation fighter jet has been successfully tested in combat conditions in Syria.


tass--2020-08-24--Persecution of Belarus’ opposition limits possibilities for dialogue, says activist

`` Law enforcers ’ actions against the coordination council members , as well as the fact that a criminal case was opened following the establishment of the coordination council , will limit the council ’ s possibilities and dialogue [ with the authorities ] , '' he said .
According to Latushko , the council ’ s mission is to establish dialogue between society and the authorities to find a way out of the current political turmoil .
He drew attention to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ’ s recent words about the importance of dialogue in Belarusian society .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign policy chief also stressed the importance of using the coordination council as an instrument for establishing such dialogue , he noted .
`` It means that such actions of the authorities will limit the council ’ s possibilities , '' he explained .
The establishment of the opposition coordination council was initiated on August 14 by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who scored 10.12 % of votes at the August 9 presidential polls in Belarus .
She did not recognize the voting results indicating incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s landslide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tikhanovskaya left Belarus in the small hours on August 11 and is now staying in Lithuania .
According to the opposition headquarters , the council will include 70 members and will be tasked to ensure peaceful transfer of power in the country .
Following the council ’ s establishment , the Belarusian Prosecutor General ’ s Office on Thursday opened a criminal case on charges of calls for power seizure .
Two of the council presidium ’ s seven members , Maxim Znak and Sergei Dylevsky , were summoned to the Investigative Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one more council ’ s presidium member , Lilia Vlasova , was also summoned to the Investigative Committee .

"Law enforcers’ actions against the coordination council members, as well as the fact that a criminal case was opened following the establishment of the coordination council, will limit the council’s possibilities and dialogue [with the authorities]," he said.
According to Latushko, the council’s mission is to establish dialogue between society and the authorities to find a way out of the current political turmoil. He drew attention to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recent words about the importance of dialogue in Belarusian society. Apart from that, the European Union foreign policy chief also stressed the importance of using the coordination council as an instrument for establishing such dialogue, he noted. "It means that such actions of the authorities will limit the council’s possibilities," he explained.
The establishment of the opposition coordination council was initiated on August 14 by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who scored 10.12% of votes at the August 9 presidential polls in Belarus. She did not recognize the voting results indicating incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko’s landslide victory with 80.10% of votes. Tikhanovskaya left Belarus in the small hours on August 11 and is now staying in Lithuania. According to the opposition headquarters, the council will include 70 members and will be tasked to ensure peaceful transfer of power in the country. Following the council’s establishment, the Belarusian Prosecutor General’s Office on Thursday opened a criminal case on charges of calls for power seizure. Two of the council presidium’s seven members, Maxim Znak and Sergei Dylevsky, were summoned to the Investigative Committee for questioning. According to later reports, one more council’s presidium member, Lilia Vlasova, was also summoned to the Investigative Committee.


tass--2020-08-24--Putin says unemployment is one of key problems in Russia

Russia managed to stave off explosion of unemployment , says Putin NOVO-OGAREVO , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Unemployment remains @ @ @ @ @ , President Vladimir Putin said on Monday at the meeting with Governor of the Rostov @ @ @ @ @ Clearly this [ the unemployment rate ] is one of key problems in the country @ @ @ @ @ , '' the head of state said .
Putin recommended Golubev `` paying attention to @ @ @ @ @ Rostov is a developed region in the industrial aspect and as regards opportunities for agriculture @ @

Russia managed to stave off explosion of unemployment, says Putin
NOVO-OGAREVO, August 24. /TASS/. Unemployment remains one of main Russian problems, President Vladimir Putin said on Monday at the meeting with Governor of the Rostov Region Vasily Golubev.
"Clearly this [the unemployment rate] is one of key problems in the country; this is absolutely obvious," the head of state said.
Putin recommended Golubev "paying attention to the labor market, although Rostov is a developed region in the industrial aspect and as regards opportunities for agriculture."


tass--2020-08-24--Belarus’ opposition council members detained on charges of organizing unauthorized rally

`` Riot police accused them of organizing an unauthorized rally and took away in a prison van , '' the post reads .
The two were detained on Monday morning near the Minsk Tractor Plant where they had arrived `` to speak with the workers on strike and a deputy director in charge of ideological work . ''
MINSK , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Two members of Belarus ’ opposition coordination council , Olga Kovalkova and Sergei Dylevsky , were detained on Monday on charges of organizing an unauthorized rally , as follows from a post on Kovalkova ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Spokeswoman Natalia Ganusevich told TASS Kovalkova and Dylevsky had been detained as part of an administrative offence case .
She did not specify details of the case .
Earlier on Monday , the Belsat television channel posted a video on its Telegram channel featuring the moment of Dylevsky ’ s and Kovalkova ’ s detention when they were being placed in a prison van by police officers .
On August 9 , Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991 .
According to the final results of Sunday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Lukashenko , won 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , scored 10.12 % of votes .
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were made public .
As a result , some 7,000 people were detained , dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were injured during the first days of protests .
Some Belarusian enterprises tried to organize strikes demanding elections be recognized as invalid .
The opposition set up a coordination council for peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s supporters also began to organize rallies in Minsk .

"Riot police accused them of organizing an unauthorized rally and took away in a prison van," the post reads. The two were detained on Monday morning near the Minsk Tractor Plant where they had arrived "to speak with the workers on strike and a deputy director in charge of ideological work."
MINSK, August 24. /TASS/. Two members of Belarus’ opposition coordination council, Olga Kovalkova and Sergei Dylevsky, were detained on Monday on charges of organizing an unauthorized rally, as follows from a post on Kovalkova’s Facebook account.
Meanwhile, Minsk Police Spokeswoman Natalia Ganusevich told TASS Kovalkova and Dylevsky had been detained as part of an administrative offence case. She did not specify details of the case.
Earlier on Monday, the Belsat television channel posted a video on its Telegram channel featuring the moment of Dylevsky’s and Kovalkova’s detention when they were being placed in a prison van by police officers.
On August 9, Belarus held its sixth presidential election since declaring independence in 1991. According to the final results of Sunday’s voting, the incumbent president, Alexander Lukashenko, won 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, scored 10.12% of votes.
Mass protests and clashes with police took place in Minsk and other Belarusian cities after exit poll results were made public. As a result, some 7,000 people were detained, dozens of law enforcers and demonstrators were injured during the first days of protests. Some Belarusian enterprises tried to organize strikes demanding elections be recognized as invalid. The opposition set up a coordination council for peaceful transfer of power. Later, Lukashenko’s supporters also began to organize rallies in Minsk.


tass--2020-08-24--Africa’s coronavirus recoveries reach 899,000, WHO reports

PRETORIA , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The total number of coronavirus cases in African countries rose by 10,889 to 1,178,737 in the past day , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Monday According to the WHO , Africa ’ s coronavirus recoveries have reached 899,00 and the death toll has climbed to 27,601 .
South Africa accounts for the majority of cases ( 607,045 ) and fatalities ( 12,987 ) .
Egypt has so far reported 97,237 cases and 5,243 deaths .
The coronavirus death toll stands at 1,424 in Algeria .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed 51,905 coronavirus cases and 997 deaths , Ghana has recorded 43,325 cases and 261 deaths .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

PRETORIA, August 24. /TASS/. The total number of coronavirus cases in African countries rose by 10,889 to 1,178,737 in the past day, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Monday
According to the WHO, Africa’s coronavirus recoveries have reached 899,00 and the death toll has climbed to 27,601.
South Africa accounts for the majority of cases (607,045) and fatalities (12,987). Egypt has so far reported 97,237 cases and 5,243 deaths. The coronavirus death toll stands at 1,424 in Algeria.
In the sub-Saharan region, Nigeria has confirmed 51,905 coronavirus cases and 997 deaths, Ghana has recorded 43,325 cases and 261 deaths.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-08-24--Protest propaganda popped: Belarusian helicopters thwart balloon stunt sent from Lithuania

MINSK , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian Defense Ministry has prevented balloons with anti-government symbols , launched from @ @ @ @ @ into the country ’ s airspace , the ministry said in a statement on Telegram @ @ @ @ @ force and air defense alert units thwarted a provocation staged by the republic of Lithuania @ @ @ @ @ the Oshmyansky district at about 7:30 pm on August 23 , '' the statement reads @ @ @ @ @ eight balloons carrying anti-government symbols was launched from the neighboring territory .
Mi-24 helicopters from @ @ @ @ @ stopped their flight without using weapons , '' the ministry added .

MINSK, August 24. /TASS/. The Belarusian Defense Ministry has prevented balloons with anti-government symbols, launched from Lithuania, from illegitimately crossing into the country’s airspace, the ministry said in a statement on Telegram on Monday.
"Air force and air defense alert units thwarted a provocation staged by the republic of Lithuania near the Volkovshchina settlement in the Oshmyansky district at about 7:30 pm on August 23," the statement reads. "A group of eight balloons carrying anti-government symbols was launched from the neighboring territory. Mi-24 helicopters from the air defense alert units stopped their flight without using weapons," the ministry added.


tass--2020-08-24--Kremlin hopes wave of violence in Belarus to be avoided

MOSCOW , August 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow notes that the Belarusian protesters ’ actions do not lead to clashes with the law enforcement , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday , expressing hope that clashes will also be avoided in the future .
Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own - Lavrov '' So far , we note that no provocation from the protesters took place .
We note that the law enforcement agencies perform their duties correctly .
[ … ] We hope that any provocations in this regard will be successfully avoided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peskov told journalists .
The spokesman noted that various rallies in Belarus do not lead to riots .
`` Consecutively , there is no need for any harsh measures from the law enforcement , '' he said .
Peskov also said that Russia is not in talks with the Belarusian opposition ’ s coordination council .
`` No , we have no channels of contacts .
No talks are underway , '' Peskov said , while answering media questions if Moscow tried to establish contacts with the oppositional forces in Belarus .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Belarus , but Kremlin has no intention to meddle in the situation in the neighboring country , according to the Kremlin spokesman .
`` Of course , we prefer those politicians in Belarus who advocate consistent movement towards allied relations , who advocate mutually beneficial partnership between our two brotherly nations , '' he said .
In the meantime , the spokesman underscored that making any contacts with the opposition would fall into meddling in Belarus ’ s internal affairs category in any case .
`` We criticize those who do it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not going to do it ourselves .
At least , not now , during this so-called ‘ hot phase ’ , '' he said .
According to Peskov , Belarus ’ opposition has scant intentions to maintain friendly ties with Russia .
`` We saw some texts , some text drafts which were accessible in the media outlets , they are still accessible where the intentions to continue friendly relations were declared in the least degree , '' the spokesman said answering a reporter ’ s question whether there are those among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views .
The Kremlin representative noted that the Coordination council of the Belarusian opposition is a somewhat informal structure and its `` position on various issues is mobile , it changes . ''
`` There is no clear position , thus it is difficult for us to make a judgement in this case , '' he added .
The spokesman refused to comment on the actions of security structures during rallies in Belarus .
`` This is the internal affair of Belarus , we are not going to interfere , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment on the footage of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arriving at his residence in a bulletproof vest carrying a machine gun .
`` I will not answer this question , '' the Kremlin representative said .

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. Moscow notes that the Belarusian protesters’ actions do not lead to clashes with the law enforcement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, expressing hope that clashes will also be avoided in the future.
Belarusians can cope with the situation in the country on their own - Lavrov
"So far, we note that no provocation from the protesters took place. We note that the law enforcement agencies perform their duties correctly. […] We hope that any provocations in this regard will be successfully avoided and prevented in the future," Peskov told journalists.
The spokesman noted that various rallies in Belarus do not lead to riots.
"Consecutively, there is no need for any harsh measures from the law enforcement," he said.
Peskov also said that Russia is not in talks with the Belarusian opposition’s coordination council.
"No, we have no channels of contacts. No talks are underway," Peskov said, while answering media questions if Moscow tried to establish contacts with the oppositional forces in Belarus.
Moscow prefers politicians that advocate cooperation between Russia and Belarus, but Kremlin has no intention to meddle in the situation in the neighboring country, according to the Kremlin spokesman.
"Of course, we prefer those politicians in Belarus who advocate consistent movement towards allied relations, who advocate mutually beneficial partnership between our two brotherly nations," he said.
In the meantime, the spokesman underscored that making any contacts with the opposition would fall into meddling in Belarus’s internal affairs category in any case.
"We criticize those who do it, we consider it wrong and we are not going to do it ourselves. At least, not now, during this so-called ‘hot phase’," he said.
According to Peskov, Belarus’ opposition has scant intentions to maintain friendly ties with Russia.
"We saw some texts, some text drafts which were accessible in the media outlets, they are still accessible where the intentions to continue friendly relations were declared in the least degree," the spokesman said answering a reporter’s question whether there are those among the Belarusian opposition who expresses serious anti-Russian views.
The Kremlin representative noted that the Coordination council of the Belarusian opposition is a somewhat informal structure and its "position on various issues is mobile, it changes." "There is no clear position, thus it is difficult for us to make a judgement in this case," he added.
The spokesman refused to comment on the actions of security structures during rallies in Belarus. "This is the internal affair of Belarus, we are not going to interfere," he said.
The Kremlin spokesman also declined to comment on the footage of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arriving at his residence in a bulletproof vest carrying a machine gun. "I will not answer this question," the Kremlin representative said.