tass--2020-05-29--Optimization of Business Environment Stimulates the Recovery of the Economy in Changsha

CHANGSHA , China , May 29 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Changsha , the capital city of Central China 's Hunan province , issued multiple policies on optimization of business environment to stimulate a strong economic and social recovery .
According to Changsha Business Environment Optimization Coordination Center , since the year of 2019 , Liuyang city ( under the jurisdiction of Changsha city ) has released a number of supportive policies , such as `` Twelve Measures on Optimizing Enterprise Services of Liuyang '' and `` Implementation Opinions on Advancing Economic Development on Night-time , Rural and Network Scale '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Changsha `` is planned to be implemented on June 1st , 2020 .
Enterprises ' enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship has been stimulated significantly , thanks to these favorable policies .
Hunan Yanjin Puzi Holding Co. , Ltd. ( Yanjin Puzi ) , with its headquarter in Liuyang , is a listed company specializing in research , development , production and sales of leisure snacks .
It has enjoyed a reputation as `` the first enterprise in self-producing leisure snacks in China '' .
`` From a small candied fruit workshop with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large-scale listed enterprise in food industry today , the brand 'Yanjin Puzi ' has been popularized from Changsha to the whole nation , even to the whole world .
We can not reach so far without the favorable business environment of Changsha , '' the Chairman of Yanjin Puzi , Zhang Xuewu said .
The financial report shows that Yanjin Puzi has reached 464 million revenues and 57.2 million net profit in the first quarter of 2020 , increasing 35.43 % and 100.8 % respectively quarter-on-quarter .
From January 2nd to May 15th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much as 151 % .
The `` Double-Channel Reform '' in Yuhua district , Changsha , has enabled the procedures including processing of license , taxation , social insurance , official seals and account-opening to be handled within 2 hours .
Since the implementation of the policy of `` zero-meeting '' acceptance , `` zero-threshold '' audit and `` zero-cost '' certification , 3,275 new enterprises have been established , seeing a growth of 31.3 % year-on-year .
The total number of market entities in Yuhua district ranked first among China 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as one of the top 100 national investment potential regions in 2019 .
As one of the three critical parks in China ( Changsha ) Cross Border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone , Changsha Huanghua Comprehensive Bonded Zone has been proactively supporting cross border e-commerce and firmly increasing `` 1210 '' imported bonded e-commerce business values .
Since March , 2020 , a great increase has been witnessed in imported products like fresh aquatic products , daily chemicals , high-tech and mechanical and electrical products in Changsha , under the impetus of domestic demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ltd .
has set up its nationwide largest bonded warehouse in Huanghua Comprehensive Bonded Zone ; more than 50 % products of China are shipped from here .
From January 1st to May 21st , 2020 , ordering numbers exceeded 870,000 , and import and export volume reached nearly 300 million , which marked a 5.1 times of growth of annual total volume and a 2.4 times of growth of import and export volume in 2019 .
Another cross border e-commerce named Changsha Fengmai Cross Border E-commerce Co. , Ltd. is mainly engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Russia via Erenhot three times a week by air .
By May 25th , over 3.3 million orders , with a total value of US $ 22 million have been sent to Russia .
With the end of the epidemic , two more shifts will be added to this route once a week .
In order to effectively mitigate the impact of the epidemic and to support the development of freight routes , Huanghua Airport Customs has further simplified the speed-up process and shortened the clearance time .
The `` 24-hour Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` zero-latency '' .
This year , international freight routes from Changsha to North America , European , Africa and other regions will be open .
Link : http : //asianetnews.net/view-attachment ?
attach-id=364390 Caption : The manufacturing shop of Hunan Yanjin Puzi Holding Co. , Ltd .

CHANGSHA, China, May 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Changsha, the capital city of Central China's Hunan province, issued multiple policies on optimization of business environment to stimulate a strong economic and social recovery.
According to Changsha Business Environment Optimization Coordination Center, since the year of 2019, Liuyang city (under the jurisdiction of Changsha city) has released a number of supportive policies, such as "Twelve Measures on Optimizing Enterprise Services of Liuyang" and "Implementation Opinions on Advancing Economic Development on Night-time, Rural and Network Scale". "Regulations on Optimizing Business Environment of Changsha " is planned to be implemented on June 1st, 2020. Enterprises' enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship has been stimulated significantly, thanks to these favorable policies.
Hunan Yanjin Puzi Holding Co., Ltd. (Yanjin Puzi), with its headquarter in Liuyang, is a listed company specializing in research, development, production and sales of leisure snacks. It has enjoyed a reputation as "the first enterprise in self-producing leisure snacks in China". "From a small candied fruit workshop with less than 10 workers, to a large-scale listed enterprise in food industry today, the brand 'Yanjin Puzi' has been popularized from Changsha to the whole nation, even to the whole world. We cannot reach so far without the favorable business environment of Changsha," the Chairman of Yanjin Puzi, Zhang Xuewu said.
The financial report shows that Yanjin Puzi has reached 464 million revenues and 57.2 million net profit in the first quarter of 2020, increasing 35.43% and 100.8% respectively quarter-on-quarter. From January 2nd to May 15th, the stock price has risen by as much as 151%.
The "Double-Channel Reform" in Yuhua district, Changsha, has enabled the procedures including processing of license, taxation, social insurance, official seals and account-opening to be handled within 2 hours. Since the implementation of the policy of "zero-meeting" acceptance, "zero-threshold" audit and "zero-cost" certification, 3,275 new enterprises have been established, seeing a growth of 31.3% year-on-year. The total number of market entities in Yuhua district ranked first among China's central provincial capitals, thus being rated as one of the top 100 national investment potential regions in 2019.
As one of the three critical parks in China (Changsha) Cross Border E-commerce Comprehensive Pilot Zone, Changsha Huanghua Comprehensive Bonded Zone has been proactively supporting cross border e-commerce and firmly increasing "1210" imported bonded e-commerce business values. Since March, 2020, a great increase has been witnessed in imported products like fresh aquatic products, daily chemicals, high-tech and mechanical and electrical products in Changsha, under the impetus of domestic demand.
Changsha Cross Endless E-commerce Co.,Ltd. has set up its nationwide largest bonded warehouse in Huanghua Comprehensive Bonded Zone; more than 50% products of China are shipped from here. From January 1st to May 21st, 2020, ordering numbers exceeded 870,000, and import and export volume reached nearly 300 million, which marked a 5.1 times of growth of annual total volume and a 2.4 times of growth of import and export volume in 2019.
Another cross border e-commerce named Changsha Fengmai Cross Border E-commerce Co., Ltd. is mainly engaged in Russia business. Products are shipped to Russia via Erenhot three times a week by air. By May 25th, over 3.3 million orders, with a total value of US$22 million have been sent to Russia. With the end of the epidemic, two more shifts will be added to this route once a week.
In order to effectively mitigate the impact of the epidemic and to support the development of freight routes, Huanghua Airport Customs has further simplified the speed-up process and shortened the clearance time. The "24-hour Green Channel" provides opportunities for "zero-waiting" and "zero-latency". This year, international freight routes from Changsha to North America, European, Africa and other regions will be open.
Image Attachments Links:
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=364390
Caption: The manufacturing shop of Hunan Yanjin Puzi Holding Co., Ltd.
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=364396
Caption: Xianing port area in Changsha new port
CONTACT: Mr. Yu, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-05-29--Moldovan president to attend Victory Parade in Moscow despite pandemic restrictions

CHISINAU , May 29 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s President Igor Dodon has said that he will go to @ @ @ @ @ on June 24 despite the quarantine imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The decision @ @ @ @ @ is correct .
This year we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the victory in @ @ @ @ @ We are obliged to remember and respect our history .
Those who do not remember @ @ @ @ @ , '' Dodon said in the latest edition of the project President Answers in the @ @ @ @ @ that the mandatory quarantine upon returning to Moldova was canceled for those making business trips @ @ @ @ @ of the disease after the return .

CHISINAU, May 29. /TASS/. Moldova’s President Igor Dodon has said that he will go to Moscow for the Victory Parade on June 24 despite the quarantine imposed amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"The decision to hold the Victory Parade is correct. This year we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. We are obliged to remember and respect our history. Those who do not remember their past have no future," Dodon said in the latest edition of the project President Answers in the social networks.
He stressed that the mandatory quarantine upon returning to Moldova was canceled for those making business trips abroad and having no symptoms of the disease after the return.


tass--2020-05-30--Moscow region’s coronavirus cases pass 38,200

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in the Moscow region rose by 735 to 38,238 in the past 24 hours , the regional coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday .
`` Another 735 coronavirus cases have been identified in the Moscow region .
The total number of cases has reached 38,238 , '' the statement reads .
The region ’ s death toll has climbed to 424 , while 7,720 coronavirus patients have recovered .
Moscow recorded 2,367 new coronavirus cases and 3,599 recoveries in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
As many as 78,324 coronavirus patients ( 44 % ) have recovered in the city .
Moscow ’ s daily coronavirus growth rate stands at 1.3 % .
The number of daily recoveries surpassed new cases for the sixth day in a row .
Moscow has so far identified 178,196 coronavirus cases .
There are currently 97,464 active cases in the city .
As many as 78 coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past day , the highest daily number so far .
The Moscow region ’ s authorities declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 13 , the region went on lockdown on March 29 .
The easing of restrictions began on May 23 .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in the Moscow region rose by 735 to 38,238 in the past 24 hours, the regional coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Telegram on Saturday.
"Another 735 coronavirus cases have been identified in the Moscow region. The total number of cases has reached 38,238," the statement reads.
The region’s death toll has climbed to 424, while 7,720 coronavirus patients have recovered.
Moscow recorded 2,367 new coronavirus cases and 3,599 recoveries in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
As many as 78,324 coronavirus patients (44%) have recovered in the city.
Moscow’s daily coronavirus growth rate stands at 1.3%. The number of daily recoveries surpassed new cases for the sixth day in a row. Moscow has so far identified 178,196 coronavirus cases.
There are currently 97,464 active cases in the city.
As many as 78 coronavirus patients died in Moscow in the past day, the highest daily number so far.
The Moscow region’s authorities declared a high alert for the coronavirus on March 13, the region went on lockdown on March 29. The easing of restrictions began on May 23.


tass--2020-05-30--Russia’s coronavirus cases near 400,000

Russia’s coronavirus cases near 400,000

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 8,952 to 396,575 in the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
That said , the total number of cases has increased by 2.3 % .
At the same time , the number of coronavirus recoveries has risen by 8,212 ( 5.1 % ) to 167,469 .
Another 735 cases have been confirmed in the Moscow region , 365 in St. Petersburg , 289 in the Nizhny Novgorod , 261 in the Sverdlovsk region , 167 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , 158 in the Arkhangelsk region , 154 in the Volgograd region , 152 in the Rostov region , 150 in the Chelyabinsk region , 136 in the Krasnoyarsk region , 126 in Dagestan , 114 in the Sakha region , 109 in the Novosibirsk region , 107 in the Tula region and 105 in the Bryansk region .
A total of 387 people were discharged from hospitals in the Moscow region in the past 24 hours , 260 in St. Petersburg , 171 in the Nizhny Novgorod region , 160 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , 145 in the Sverdlovsk region , 118 in the Vladimir region , 115 in the Krasnodar region , 111 in the Leningrad region , 106 in the Tula region , 105 in the Kaluga region , 103 in the Bryansk region , another 103 in Tatarstan , and 102 in the Primorsky region .
Russia ’ s coronavirus death toll rose by 181 to 4,555 in the past day , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
As many as 232 coronavirus deaths were reported on Friday , the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As many as 25 deaths were recorded in Dagestan in the past day , 24 in the Moscow region and 13 in St. Petersburg .
The Nizhny Novgorod , Smolensk and Krasnoyarsk regions reported four coronavirus deaths each .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia rose by 8,952 to 396,575 in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
That said, the total number of cases has increased by 2.3%. At the same time, the number of coronavirus recoveries has risen by 8,212 (5.1%) to 167,469.
Another 735 cases have been confirmed in the Moscow region, 365 in St. Petersburg, 289 in the Nizhny Novgorod, 261 in the Sverdlovsk region, 167 in the Khanty-Mansiysk region, 162 in the Irkutsk region, 158 in the Arkhangelsk region, 154 in the Volgograd region, 152 in the Rostov region, 150 in the Chelyabinsk region, 136 in the Krasnoyarsk region, 126 in Dagestan, 114 in the Sakha region, 109 in the Novosibirsk region, 107 in the Tula region and 105 in the Bryansk region.
A total of 387 people were discharged from hospitals in the Moscow region in the past 24 hours, 260 in St. Petersburg, 171 in the Nizhny Novgorod region, 160 in North Ossetia, 148 in the Murmansk region, 145 in the Sverdlovsk region, 118 in the Vladimir region, 115 in the Krasnodar region, 111 in the Leningrad region, 106 in the Tula region, 105 in the Kaluga region, 103 in the Bryansk region, another 103 in Tatarstan, and 102 in the Primorsky region.
Death toll
Russia’s coronavirus death toll rose by 181 to 4,555 in the past day, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
As many as 232 coronavirus deaths were reported on Friday, the highest number since the beginning of the outbreak.
As many as 25 deaths were recorded in Dagestan in the past day, 24 in the Moscow region and 13 in St. Petersburg. The Nizhny Novgorod, Smolensk and Krasnoyarsk regions reported four coronavirus deaths each.


tass--2020-05-30--Russian watchdog says 307,000 people remain under medical observation over coronavirus

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 307,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the @ @ @ @ @ for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ 307,000 people remain under medical observation in Russia , '' the statement reads .
According @ @ @ @ @ than 10.3 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country so far with 315,000 @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. As many as 307,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the coronavirus, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Saturday.
"As many as 307,000 people remain under medical observation in Russia," the statement reads.
According to the watchdog, more than 10.3 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country so far with 315,000 tests carried out in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-05-30--Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries exceed 78,000

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has recorded another 3,599 coronavirus recoveries , Deputy Mayor Anastasiya Rakova said @ @ @ @ @ many as 3,599 patients recovered in the past 24 hours .
The total number of @ @ @ @ @ '' she pointed out .
According to Rakova , additional tests are conducted to confirm @ @ @ @ @ to remain under medical observation receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital .
Recovered @ @ @ @ @ and 55 are invited to donate blood plasma , provided they don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ for HIV , Hepatitis B and C .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. Moscow has recorded another 3,599 coronavirus recoveries, Deputy Mayor Anastasiya Rakova said on Saturday.
"As many as 3,599 patients recovered in the past 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has reached 78,324," she pointed out.
According to Rakova, additional tests are conducted to confirm recoveries. Patients who need to remain under medical observation receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital.
Recovered coronavirus patients aged between 18 and 55 are invited to donate blood plasma, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-05-30--Ex-German chancellor emphasizes need to review sanctions amid pandemic

BERLIN , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Pursuing the path of sanctions is wrong amid the coronavirus pandemic , where there is a need to revive the global economy , former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said in an exclusive interview with TASS .
`` It will be difficult to offset the huge economic losses the world has suffered , '' said Schroeder , who served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005 .
According to him , `` given the current situation on the global market , where there is a need to facilitate the economic recovery , the path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one . ''
Schroeder pointed out that Russia needed to boost the national economy amid the pandemic .
`` The [ Russian ] government has taken measures to get things on the right track , '' he noted .
`` Some weaknesses in the health care system can be seen at the moment .
I think that the president and the government will address them as soon as possible , '' the ex-German chancellor said .
`` However , I would like to reiterate that given the current situation , sanctions need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2014 , the European Union began to impose sanctions on Moscow over the situation in Ukraine and Crimea ’ s reunification with Russia .
Economic restrictions were introduced , some Russian officials were barred from entering the EU , their assets were frozen .
In response , Russia banned the import of a number of food products from EU countries .

BERLIN, May 30. /TASS/. Pursuing the path of sanctions is wrong amid the coronavirus pandemic, where there is a need to revive the global economy, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said in an exclusive interview with TASS.
"It will be difficult to offset the huge economic losses the world has suffered," said Schroeder, who served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005.
According to him, "given the current situation on the global market, where there is a need to facilitate the economic recovery, the path of mutual sanctions is indeed a wrong one."
Schroeder pointed out that Russia needed to boost the national economy amid the pandemic. "The [Russian] government has taken measures to get things on the right track," he noted. "Some weaknesses in the health care system can be seen at the moment. I think that the president and the government will address them as soon as possible," the ex-German chancellor said. "However, I would like to reiterate that given the current situation, sanctions need to be reviewed," he concluded.
In 2014, the European Union began to impose sanctions on Moscow over the situation in Ukraine and Crimea’s reunification with Russia. Economic restrictions were introduced, some Russian officials were barred from entering the EU, their assets were frozen. In response, Russia banned the import of a number of food products from EU countries.


tass--2020-05-30--Ex-German chancellor calls for resolving differences with Russia through dialogue

BERLIN , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Political differences between the European Union and Russia can only be resolved through @ @ @ @ @ Gerhard Schroeder said in an exclusive interview with TASS .
`` Federal Chancellor [ Angela @ @ @ @ @ president hold conversations on a regular basis , '' said Schroeder , who served as @ @ @ @ @ 2005 .
`` I am sure that we can resolve political differences only through dialogue @ @ @ @ @ `` This is why it is important to continue such discussions .
We need cooperation @ @ @ @ @ European Union and Russia , '' Schroeder pointed out .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said @ @ @ @ @ to give a new impetus to relations with Moscow during Germany ’ s EU presidency @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , but sanctions needed to remain in place until there was progress in the @ @ @

BERLIN, May 30. /TASS/. Political differences between the European Union and Russia can only be resolved through dialogue, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said in an exclusive interview with TASS.
"Federal Chancellor [Angela] Merkel and the Russian president hold conversations on a regular basis," said Schroeder, who served as German Chancellor from 1998 to 2005.
"I am sure that we can resolve political differences only through dialogue," he added. "This is why it is important to continue such discussions. We need cooperation, not confrontation between the European Union and Russia," Schroeder pointed out.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that Berlin planned to give a new impetus to relations with Moscow during Germany’s EU presidency in the second half of 2020, but sanctions needed to remain in place until there was progress in the Minsk process.


tass--2020-05-30--Snowden’s residence permit automatically extended until June 15

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The residence permit of former NSA contractor Edward Snowden , who is staying in Russia , has been automatically extended until July 15 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and Russia ’ s measures to curb the infection , a law enforcement source told TASS .
Snowden ’ s residence permit expired on April 30 .
He submitted all documents for its extension in mid-March .
In late March , the Russian Interior Ministry decided to automatically extend residence permits for all holders .
`` Due to anti-coronavirus measures , Snowden , just like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this document automatically extended until June 15 .
Therefore , his residence permit remains valid .
Later , a decision will be made about whether it should be extended by three more years upon Snowden ’ s request and in line with the current legislation , '' the source said .
Meanwhile , Snowden ’ s lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told TASS that his client stays in home and observes the self-isolation regime .
`` There is nothing we can say as long as self-isolation remains in place .
We are all staying home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Snowden leaked information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services , including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders .
Fleeing from prosecution , Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries , including Russia .
On August 1 , 2014 , he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years , which was later extended for another three years .
In February , Kucherena announced that Snowden ’ s residence permit in Russia would expire in April and the paperwork was underway to extend it .
On April 16 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the United States , Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act .
He may face up to ten years in prison on each of the counts .
The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. The residence permit of former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who is staying in Russia, has been automatically extended until July 15 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s measures to curb the infection, a law enforcement source told TASS.
Snowden’s residence permit expired on April 30. He submitted all documents for its extension in mid-March. In late March, the Russian Interior Ministry decided to automatically extend residence permits for all holders.
"Due to anti-coronavirus measures, Snowden, just like all other residence permit holders, had this document automatically extended until June 15. Therefore, his residence permit remains valid. Later, a decision will be made about whether it should be extended by three more years upon Snowden’s request and in line with the current legislation," the source said.
Meanwhile, Snowden’s lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told TASS that his client stays in home and observes the self-isolation regime.
"There is nothing we can say as long as self-isolation remains in place. We are all staying home," he said.
In 2013, Snowden leaked information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services, including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders. Fleeing from prosecution, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia. On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years. In February, Kucherena announced that Snowden’s residence permit in Russia would expire in April and the paperwork was underway to extend it. On April 16, he said the request had been filed.
In the United States, Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He may face up to ten years in prison on each of the counts. The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security.


tass--2020-05-30--Russia has over 177,000 beds for COVID-19 patients — deputy premier

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
More than 177,000 beds for patients diagnosed with novel coronavirus , including 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ have been created in Russia , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said .
`` At @ @ @ @ @ began , we had approximately 40,000 beds ready to accept patients , but today , @ @ @ @ @ Russian regions , the network currently created on the territory of the Russian Federation comprises @ @ @ @ @ including 25,000 in intensive care , '' she said .
On March 11 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 5,807,100 people have @ @ @ @ @ than 357,800 deaths have been reported .
To date , a total of 387,623 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Russia , with 159,227 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. More than 177,000 beds for patients diagnosed with novel coronavirus, including 25,000 in intensive care units, have been created in Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.
"At the time when the outbreak began, we had approximately 40,000 beds ready to accept patients, but today, thanks to efforts of all Russian regions, the network currently created on the territory of the Russian Federation comprises over 177,000 hospital beds, including 25,000 in intensive care," she said.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 5,807,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 357,800 deaths have been reported.
To date, a total of 387,623 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 159,227 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 4,374 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-30--Jailed US national Whelan received all medical assistance immediately — Moscow

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Paul Whelan , a US national held at a Russian detention facility on espionage charges , was examined by doctors immediately after he complained about health problems , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` On the evening of May 27 , Whelan complained of noticeable worsening of health to the Lefortovo detention facility ’ s administration .
Immediately after being examined by doctors of the medical unit , he was sent to the Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Aid , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
`` Early next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which he had earlier rejected . ''
On May 29 , Whelan returned to the pretrial detention facility , where he is receiving the necessary post-surgical medical aid .
`` Diplomatic missions of the countries where Whelan has citizenship were informed about the surgery .
On May 29 , he held a phone conversation with the US embassy , '' the ministry said .
`` We would like to note that Whelan received immediate medical assistance , unlike our citizens serving sentences in US prisons , who have to wait for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Earlier , Whelan ’ s attorney Olga Karlova informed TASS that her client had undergone an inguinal hernia surgery .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars .
Whelan denies all charges .
His defense insists that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s activity in Russia was of a strictly humanitarian nature .
The court will pronounce Whelan ’ s sentence on June 15 .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. Paul Whelan, a US national held at a Russian detention facility on espionage charges, was examined by doctors immediately after he complained about health problems, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"On the evening of May 27, Whelan complained of noticeable worsening of health to the Lefortovo detention facility’s administration. Immediately after being examined by doctors of the medical unit, he was sent to the Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Aid," the Foreign Ministry said. "Early next day, Whelan underwent a minor surgery, which he had earlier rejected."
On May 29, Whelan returned to the pretrial detention facility, where he is receiving the necessary post-surgical medical aid.
"Diplomatic missions of the countries where Whelan has citizenship were informed about the surgery. On May 29, he held a phone conversation with the US embassy," the ministry said.
"We would like to note that Whelan received immediate medical assistance, unlike our citizens serving sentences in US prisons, who have to wait for it for a long time," it said.
Earlier, Whelan’s attorney Olga Karlova informed TASS that her client had undergone an inguinal hernia surgery.
US citizen Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission. A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars.
Whelan denies all charges. His defense insists that the case is fabricated, while Whelan’s activity in Russia was of a strictly humanitarian nature. The court will pronounce Whelan’s sentence on June 15.


tass--2020-05-30--Ruble strengthens against US dollar, euro in May

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian ruble strengthened 6.1 % against the US dollar and 4.5 % @ @ @ @ @ , according to Moscow Stock Exchange ( MSE ) data .
Dollar traded at 70.14 @ @ @ @ @ - at 77.93 rubles .
This is the second consecutive month of the Russian national @ @ @ @ @ the losses , caused by the economic downturn in March .
However , in January-May @ @ @ @ @ 8.8 % against the US dollar and 9 % against euro .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. The Russian ruble strengthened 6.1% against the US dollar and 4.5% against the euro in May, according to Moscow Stock Exchange (MSE) data.
Dollar traded at 70.14 rubles on MSE, euro - at 77.93 rubles.
This is the second consecutive month of the Russian national currency’s growth following the losses, caused by the economic downturn in March. However, in January-May, the Russian ruble weakened 8.8% against the US dollar and 9% against euro.


tass--2020-05-30--Events in Minnesota expose human rights problems in US — Russian foreign ministry

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The unrest in Minnesota demonstrates that serious human rights problems have accumulated in the United States , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday .
`` This incident is not the first in the string of incidents exposing lawlessness and unjustified violence by ‘ guardians of law and order ’ in the United States , '' the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement .
`` Such high-profile crimes are being committed by US police officers too often .
The US has evidently accumulated endemic problems in the human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thoroughly investigate the incident .
`` We call upon the US authorities to return to fulfillment of international obligations , to bring its national legislation into accordance with basic UN principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officers , and , of course , to thoroughly investigate the murder of George Floyd , '' the ministry said .
In the past years , the United States has seen a series of incidents , in which police officers killed unarmed civilians .
Those incidents often triggered large-scale unrests in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those incidents , mass protests and unrests broke out in Minnesota and several other US states after a video of George Floyd ’ s May 25 detention was posted online .
Floyd , a black man , suspected of paying with fake money at a local shop , was handcuffed by a white police officer , who put him to the ground and pressed his knee firmly against the man ’ s neck .
Floyd pleaded that he can not breathe , but police paid no attention to that .
Shortly after , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers who arrested him were sacked on May 26 .
One of them - Derek Chauvin , the officer who had his knee on Floyd - was arrested on Friday afternoon and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter .
Protests to demand justice for Floyd , which began in Minneapolis on May 26 , grew into clashes with police , shop looting and arsons .
The state of emergency has been declared in the city .
Minnesota 's National Guard was called to step in to `` help provide security and restore @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. The unrest in Minnesota demonstrates that serious human rights problems have accumulated in the United States, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
"This incident is not the first in the string of incidents exposing lawlessness and unjustified violence by ‘guardians of law and order’ in the United States," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. "Such high-profile crimes are being committed by US police officers too often. The US has evidently accumulated endemic problems in the human rights sphere."
Moscow called upon Washington to thoroughly investigate the incident.
"We call upon the US authorities to return to fulfillment of international obligations, to bring its national legislation into accordance with basic UN principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officers, and, of course, to thoroughly investigate the murder of George Floyd," the ministry said.
In the past years, the United States has seen a series of incidents, in which police officers killed unarmed civilians. Those incidents often triggered large-scale unrests in the country.
In the latest of those incidents, mass protests and unrests broke out in Minnesota and several other US states after a video of George Floyd’s May 25 detention was posted online. Floyd, a black man, suspected of paying with fake money at a local shop, was handcuffed by a white police officer, who put him to the ground and pressed his knee firmly against the man’s neck. Floyd pleaded that he cannot breathe, but police paid no attention to that. Shortly after, Floyd died in hospital. The four police officers who arrested him were sacked on May 26. One of them - Derek Chauvin, the officer who had his knee on Floyd - was arrested on Friday afternoon and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Protests to demand justice for Floyd, which began in Minneapolis on May 26, grew into clashes with police, shop looting and arsons. The state of emergency has been declared in the city. Minnesota's National Guard was called to step in to "help provide security and restore safety.".


tass--2020-05-30--Minneapolis imposes mandatory curfew amid unrest — decree

NEW YORK , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
A curfew was imposed in the US cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul amid the ongoing unrest , sparked by the death of George Floyd .
`` Mayor Frey has issued Emergency Regulation No .
2020-2-1 which imposes a curfew throughout the City of Minneapolis beginning at 8 p.m. tonight ( Fri. , May 29 ) and extends through the weekend , '' a decree by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says .
The curfew will be in place from 20:00 to 06.00 on Saturday and Sunday .
Violators will be punished with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prison term of at least 90 days .
Similar measures were introduced in the nearby city of St. Paul , where protests also took place .
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter declared a state of local emergency Friday and announced the curfew from 20:00 to 06.00 on Saturday and Sunday .
In his words , the curfew will not apply to journalists and those who have to return home at nighttime .
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he had requested the US Department of Justice to expedite the investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his condolences to the victim ’ s family .
`` We have peaceful protesters and support the rights for peaceful protesters — we ca n't allow a situation like happened in Minneapolis to descend further into lawlessness , anarchy and chaos , '' Trump added .
He also said that that `` looters '' should not be allowed to `` drown out peaceful protesters . ''
Meanwhile , the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) requested witnesses to submit photos and videos that can clarify the circumstances of Floyd ’ s detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Division of the FBI has a website now available where citizens can send digital media in support of the federal civil rights investigation into the May 25 , 2020 death of George Floyd in South Minneapolis , '' FBI said .
`` Citizens who were in the area before , during , or after the incident are urged to post any information , photos , or videos that could be relevant to the case . ''
Mass protests and unrests broke out in Minnesota and several other US states after a video of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was posted online .
Floyd , a black man , suspected of paying with fake money at a local shop , was handcuffed by a white police officer , who put him to the ground and pressed his knee firmly against the man ’ s neck .
Floyd pleaded that he can not breathe , but police paid no attention to that .
Shortly after , Floyd died in hospital .
The four police officers who arrested him were sacked on May 26 .
One of them - Derek Chauvin , the officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was arrested on Friday afternoon and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter .
Protests to demand justice for Floyd , which began in Minneapolis on May 26 , grew into clashes with police , shop looting and arsons .
The state of emergency has been declared in the city .
Minnesota 's governor activated the state 's National Guard to `` help provide security and restore safety .
`` .

NEW YORK, May 30. /TASS/. A curfew was imposed in the US cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul amid the ongoing unrest, sparked by the death of George Floyd.
"Mayor Frey has issued Emergency Regulation No. 2020-2-1 which imposes a curfew throughout the City of Minneapolis beginning at 8 p.m. tonight (Fri., May 29) and extends through the weekend," a decree by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says.
The curfew will be in place from 20:00 to 06.00 on Saturday and Sunday. Violators will be punished with a fine of at least $1,000 and prison term of at least 90 days.
Similar measures were introduced in the nearby city of St. Paul, where protests also took place. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter declared a state of local emergency Friday and announced the curfew from 20:00 to 06.00 on Saturday and Sunday.
In his words, the curfew will not apply to journalists and those who have to return home at nighttime.
US Government’s response
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he had requested the US Department of Justice to expedite the investigation into George Floyd’s death and expressed his condolences to the victim’s family.
"We have peaceful protesters and support the rights for peaceful protesters — we can't allow a situation like happened in Minneapolis to descend further into lawlessness, anarchy and chaos," Trump added.
He also said that that "looters" should not be allowed to "drown out peaceful protesters."
Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) requested witnesses to submit photos and videos that can clarify the circumstances of Floyd’s detention and subsequent death.
"The Minneapolis Division of the FBI has a website now available where citizens can send digital media in support of the federal civil rights investigation into the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd in South Minneapolis," FBI said. "Citizens who were in the area before, during, or after the incident are urged to post any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to the case."
Mass protests and unrests broke out in Minnesota and several other US states after a video of George Floyd’s May 25 detention was posted online. Floyd, a black man, suspected of paying with fake money at a local shop, was handcuffed by a white police officer, who put him to the ground and pressed his knee firmly against the man’s neck. Floyd pleaded that he cannot breathe, but police paid no attention to that. Shortly after, Floyd died in hospital. The four police officers who arrested him were sacked on May 26. One of them - Derek Chauvin, the officer who had his knee on Floyd - was arrested on Friday afternoon and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Protests to demand justice for Floyd, which began in Minneapolis on May 26, grew into clashes with police, shop looting and arsons. The state of emergency has been declared in the city. Minnesota's governor activated the state's National Guard to "help provide security and restore safety.".


tass--2020-05-30--Passes, other itinerary documents cancelled in 15 Russian regions

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Passes , certificates and other itinerary documents introduced to limit people ’ s movements amid the novel coronavirus pandemic have already been cancelled in 15 out of the 48 Russian regions that had introduced them .
Therefore , movement restrictions imposed by regional authorities remain in place in 33 Russian regions as of Friday evening , including Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region , which account for the majority of all cases .
Novel coronavirus cases have been registered in every administrative region of Russia .
In all of them , self-isolation was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the form of a recommendation .
Some regions , including the Crimean city of Sevastopol and the Far Eastern island of Sakhalin , have restricted entry of people from other regions .
At the same time , some Russian regions ease restrictions imposed to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak , allowing residents to walk outdoors and opening parks and stores selling non-essential goods .
Some regions , where the novel coronavirus situation is relatively favorable - such as Crimea , the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad and the northern region of Murmansk have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone except people aged over 65 and people with chronic conditions .
To date , a total of 387,623 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 159,257 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 4,374 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. Passes, certificates and other itinerary documents introduced to limit people’s movements amid the novel coronavirus pandemic have already been cancelled in 15 out of the 48 Russian regions that had introduced them.
Therefore, movement restrictions imposed by regional authorities remain in place in 33 Russian regions as of Friday evening, including Moscow and the Nizhny Novgorod region, which account for the majority of all cases.
Novel coronavirus cases have been registered in every administrative region of Russia. In all of them, self-isolation was ordered either as an obligatory measure or in the form of a recommendation.
Some regions, including the Crimean city of Sevastopol and the Far Eastern island of Sakhalin, have restricted entry of people from other regions.
At the same time, some Russian regions ease restrictions imposed to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak, allowing residents to walk outdoors and opening parks and stores selling non-essential goods.
Some regions, where the novel coronavirus situation is relatively favorable - such as Crimea, the Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad and the northern region of Murmansk have already cancelled the obligatory self-isolation regime for everyone except people aged over 65 and people with chronic conditions.
To date, a total of 387,623 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 159,257 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 4,374 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-30--US to restrict entry for Chinese postgraduates, scientists — White House

WASHINGTON , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation to suspend entry as non-immigrants for certain students and researchers from China , according to the document , released by the White House on Friday .
`` The PRC [ People ’ s Republic of China ] authorities use some Chinese students , mostly post-graduate students and post-doctorate researchers , to operate as non-traditional collectors of intellectual property , '' reads the document , posted on the White House ’ s website .
The suspension will affect Chinese students and researchers , `` who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PLA [ People ’ s Liberation Army of China ] . ''
`` In light of the above , I have determined that the entry of certain nationals of the PRC seeking to enter the United States pursuant to an F or J visa to study or conduct research in the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States , '' Trump said in the proclamation .
At the same time , the US Secretary of State was tasked with deciding on whether to annul the visas of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under an F or J visa and fall under the proclamation ’ s criteria .
In a statement issued later , the White House assured that the move would `` not affect students who come to the United States for legitimate reasons . ''
Relations between the United States and China aggravated against the backdrop of the novel coronavirus pandemic .
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Beijing concealed information about the epidemic at an early stage and failed to prevent the infection from spreading outside the country ’ s borders .
The Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition , Washington heavily criticized China ’ s plans to adopt a national security legislation for Hong Kong .
Chinese Foreign Ministry ’ s official spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that the Chinese government will take all the necessary counter-measures if Washington continues to interfere into domestic affairs of China and its special administrative region .

WASHINGTON, May 30. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump on Friday signed a proclamation to suspend entry as non-immigrants for certain students and researchers from China, according to the document, released by the White House on Friday.
"The PRC [People’s Republic of China] authorities use some Chinese students, mostly post-graduate students and post-doctorate researchers, to operate as non-traditional collectors of intellectual property," reads the document, posted on the White House’s website.
The suspension will affect Chinese students and researchers, "who are or have been associated with the PLA [People’s Liberation Army of China]."
"In light of the above, I have determined that the entry of certain nationals of the PRC seeking to enter the United States pursuant to an F or J visa to study or conduct research in the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States," Trump said in the proclamation.
At the same time, the US Secretary of State was tasked with deciding on whether to annul the visas of those who already arrived to the United States under an F or J visa and fall under the proclamation’s criteria.
In a statement issued later, the White House assured that the move would "not affect students who come to the United States for legitimate reasons."
Relations between the United States and China aggravated against the backdrop of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Beijing concealed information about the epidemic at an early stage and failed to prevent the infection from spreading outside the country’s borders. The Chinese government rejected all those claims.
In addition, Washington heavily criticized China’s plans to adopt a national security legislation for Hong Kong. Chinese Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Friday that the Chinese government will take all the necessary counter-measures if Washington continues to interfere into domestic affairs of China and its special administrative region.


tass--2020-05-30--Most of UN Security Council members rejected US, UK idea to discuss Hong Kong — diplomat

UNITED NATIONS , May 29 .
/TASS/ .
The majority of states members of the UN Security Council ( UNSC ) did not support an attempt by the United States and the United Kingdom to discuss the Hong Kong national security bill , First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said .
`` The USUN and UKUN_NewYork raised the issue of HongKong at the AOB [ Any Other Business ] of UNSC today , '' he wrote on Twitter .
`` This awkward move was not supported by clear majority of Council members : divisive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with intl peace & security shouldn ’ t be brought up in SC . ''
`` Our US colleagues failed to answer legitimate questions of how their appeals to calm to protesters in Minneapolis are coherent with the inciting of protesters in HongKong , '' the Russian diplomat continued .
`` Why US denies China ’ s right to restore peace & order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home ? ''
On Thursday , the Chinese parliament adopted a resolution to prepare a bill on national security in Hong Kong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will help to maintain law and order in this special administrative region with greater efficiency .
Local authorities supported the initiative , saying that it would not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong .
However , Western countries and supporters of the Hong Kong opposition slammed the initiative as an end to the ‘ one country - two systems ’ principle , which vests the region with a special status .

UNITED NATIONS, May 29. /TASS/. The majority of states members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) did not support an attempt by the United States and the United Kingdom to discuss the Hong Kong national security bill, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said.
"The USUN and UKUN_NewYork raised the issue of HongKong at the AOB [Any Other Business] of UNSC today," he wrote on Twitter. "This awkward move was not supported by clear majority of Council members: divisive, biased issues which have nothing to do with intl peace & security shouldn’t be brought up in SC."
"Our US colleagues failed to answer legitimate questions of how their appeals to calm to protesters in Minneapolis are coherent with the inciting of protesters in HongKong," the Russian diplomat continued. "Why US denies China’s right to restore peace & order in HK while brutally dispersing crowds at home?"
On Thursday, the Chinese parliament adopted a resolution to prepare a bill on national security in Hong Kong, which, in Beijing’s opinion, will help to maintain law and order in this special administrative region with greater efficiency.
Local authorities supported the initiative, saying that it would not affect the legitimate rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. However, Western countries and supporters of the Hong Kong opposition slammed the initiative as an end to the ‘one country - two systems’ principle, which vests the region with a special status.


tass--2020-05-30--US authorities to limit US investment into Chinese companies — Trump

WASHINGTON , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The US administration will take measures to limit US investment into certain Chinese @ @ @ @ @ Trump said in a speech aired by the White House on Friday .
According to @ @ @ @ @ order to protect US investors and the country ’ s financial system , he instructed @ @ @ @ @ review `` differing practices of Chinese companies listed on US markets . ''
`` Investment @ @ @ @ @ their clients to the hidden and undue risks associated with financing Chinese companies that do @ @ @ @ @ rules , '' he said , adding that US citizens are entitled to `` fairness @ @ @ @ @ the US-Chinese were deteriorating , the US government took a series of measures to reduce @ @ @ @ @ in US high-tech industries .

WASHINGTON, May 30. /TASS/. The US administration will take measures to limit US investment into certain Chinese companies, US President Donald Trump said in a speech aired by the White House on Friday.
According to the US leader, in order to protect US investors and the country’s financial system, he instructed a special working group to review "differing practices of Chinese companies listed on US markets."
"Investment firms should not be subjecting their clients to the hidden and undue risks associated with financing Chinese companies that do not play by the same rules," he said, adding that US citizens are entitled to "fairness and transparencies."
As the US-Chinese were deteriorating, the US government took a series of measures to reduce the role of Chinese companies in US high-tech industries.


tass--2020-05-31--United States launched first manned spacecraft to ISS after nine-year break

NEW YORK , May 31 .
/TASS/ .
The United States made the first launch of the manned spacecraft to @ @ @ @ @ ISS ) after the nine-year break .
The Crew Dragon spacecraft with Doug Hurley and @ @ @ @ @ launched using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 22.22 pm Moscow time on May 30 @ @ @ @ @ Docking of the spacecraft with ISS is scheduled on May 31 at 17.27 pm Moscow @ @ @ @ @ cargo spacecraft captured by the remotely operated manipulator after the rendezvous , the Crew Dragon @ @ @ @ @ docking system .
Astronauts will test the manual control system of the spacecraft at the @ @ @ @ @ National Aeronautics and Space Administration stopped manned flights in 2011 after completion of the Space @ @ @ @ @ delivered to ISS since then by Russian Soyuz spacecraft .

NEW YORK, May 31. /TASS/. The United States made the first launch of the manned spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) after the nine-year break.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft with Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on board was launched using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 22.22 pm Moscow time on May 30 from the Cape Canaveral.
Docking of the spacecraft with ISS is scheduled on May 31 at 17.27 pm Moscow time. Unlike the Dragon cargo spacecraft captured by the remotely operated manipulator after the rendezvous, the Crew Dragon is equipped with the automatic docking system. Astronauts will test the manual control system of the spacecraft at the rendezvous stage.
The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration stopped manned flights in 2011 after completion of the Space Shuttle program. Astronauts were delivered to ISS since then by Russian Soyuz spacecraft.


tass--2020-05-31--Russia to lose money from astronauts’ delivery to ISS after Crew Dragon launch - expert

MOSCOW , May 31 .
/TASS/ .
The only minus for Russia in connection with the launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft is that the country will not receive money from NASA for delivery of US astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station ( ISS ) , Academician of the Russian Academy of Cosmonautics named after Tsiolkovsky Igor Marinin told TASS .
The Crew Dragon spacecraft with Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on board was launched using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 22.22 pm Moscow time on May 30 from the Cape Canaveral , Florida .
Docking with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` A small downside is that we will use certain money paid by us to the US for the delivery of their astronauts to ICC using Soyuz-MC spacecraft and cargo on Progress spacecraft .
However , these amounts of money are fundamentally not planned because the US was to start flying to ISS on their spacecraft and abandon Soyuz spacecraft as early as four years ago .
That is why the whole our space program is funded by the government , with taking these extra money into consideration , '' the expert said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US has certain upsides for Russia , Marinin said .
`` We can now increase our crew at ICS .
The launch of the multifunctional laboratory module Nauka [ Science - TASS ] to ISS is planned in 2021 and we will able to increase our crew in the station to three individuals , '' the expert said .
Russia will be also able to hold talks with our countries on flights of tourists and professional astronauts to ICS , he added .

MOSCOW, May 31. /TASS/. The only minus for Russia in connection with the launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft is that the country will not receive money from NASA for delivery of US astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS), Academician of the Russian Academy of Cosmonautics named after Tsiolkovsky Igor Marinin told TASS.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft with Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on board was launched using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 22.22 pm Moscow time on May 30 from the Cape Canaveral, Florida. Docking with ISS is scheduled on May 31.
"A small downside is that we will use certain money paid by us to the US for the delivery of their astronauts to ICC using Soyuz-MC spacecraft and cargo on Progress spacecraft. However, these amounts of money are fundamentally not planned because the US was to start flying to ISS on their spacecraft and abandon Soyuz spacecraft as early as four years ago. That is why the whole our space program is funded by the government, with taking these extra money into consideration," the expert said.
Availability of the manned spacecraft with the US has certain upsides for Russia, Marinin said. "We can now increase our crew at ICS. The launch of the multifunctional laboratory module Nauka [Science - TASS] to ISS is planned in 2021 and we will able to increase our crew in the station to three individuals," the expert said. Russia will be also able to hold talks with our countries on flights of tourists and professional astronauts to ICS, he added.


tass--2020-05-31--Crew Dragon’s flight to open new opportunities for global space industry - expert

MOSCOW , May 31 .
/TASS/ .
The flight of the new Crew Dragon crew vehicle of SpaceX Company will @ @ @ @ @ global space exploration program , Executive Director of the Russian space agency Roscosmos Sergei Krikalev @ @ @ @ @ a new phase in the global manned program , the program of the International Space @ @ @ @ @ the destination for this spacecraft .
This is because new opportunities and new reserves appear @ @ @ @ @ confident that the success of this mission will provide us with extra opportunities to benefit @ @ @ @ @ , '' Krikalev said .
The Crew Dragon has already made flights to the International @ @ @ @ @ unmanned version , the top manager said .
The new manned flight is an important @ @ @ @ @ program , Krikalev added .
The Crew Dragon spacecraft with Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken @ @ @ @ @ the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 22.22 pm Moscow time on May 30 from the @ @ @ @ @ ISS is scheduled on May 31 .

MOSCOW, May 31. /TASS/. The flight of the new Crew Dragon crew vehicle of SpaceX Company will open further opportunities for the global space exploration program, Executive Director of the Russian space agency Roscosmos Sergei Krikalev said.
"This opens a new phase in the global manned program, the program of the International Space Station (ISS), the destination for this spacecraft. This is because new opportunities and new reserves appear with us and I am confident that the success of this mission will provide us with extra opportunities to benefit the whole international space program," Krikalev said.
The Crew Dragon has already made flights to the International Space Station but in the unmanned version, the top manager said. The new manned flight is an important event for the global astronaut program, Krikalev added.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft with Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on board was launched using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 22.22 pm Moscow time on May 30 from the Cape Canaveral. Docking with ISS is scheduled on May 31.


tass--2020-05-31--Russian Travel Industry Union not expecting price hikes for tours in 2020

MOSCOW , May 31 .
/TASS/ .
There will be no price hike for package tours and routes in 2020 , Vice President of the Russian Travel Industry Union Yuri Barzykin said in an interview with the Zvezda TV Channel .
`` Will the package tours and routes become more expensive this year ?
No , they will not be more costly , '' he said .
The domestic tourist traffic will recover by August in absence of the second wave of the coronavirus spread , Barzykin said .
`` However , according to estimates of specialists , the traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 % to 50 % , although the outbound tourism will not operate , '' he added .
Individual openings will take place on the outbound tourism market by August and by fall , the expert said .
`` Most probably , this will be the Mediterranean Region and Turkey , '' he noted .
`` I believe Europe will start opening for us by the end of the year , by the Alpine skiing season .
Losses will also be huge but the outbound market will start recovering by the year-end , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ of the tourist market ] will take from 12 to 18 months in general terms , '' he added .

MOSCOW, May 31. /TASS/. There will be no price hike for package tours and routes in 2020, Vice President of the Russian Travel Industry Union Yuri Barzykin said in an interview with the Zvezda TV Channel.
"Will the package tours and routes become more expensive this year? No, they will not be more costly," he said.
The domestic tourist traffic will recover by August in absence of the second wave of the coronavirus spread, Barzykin said. "However, according to estimates of specialists, the traffic will decline on the domestic market from 30% to 50%, although the outbound tourism will not operate," he added.
Individual openings will take place on the outbound tourism market by August and by fall, the expert said. "Most probably, this will be the Mediterranean Region and Turkey," he noted. "I believe Europe will start opening for us by the end of the year, by the Alpine skiing season. Losses will also be huge but the outbound market will start recovering by the year-end," Barzykin said.
"The recovery [of the tourist market] will take from 12 to 18 months in general terms," he added.


tass--2020-05-30--WHO reports single-day increase in coronavirus cases by over 116,000

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
More than 116,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , with the overall number of such cases surpassing 5.8 million and the coronavirus-related fatalities increasing by over 5,000 to surpass 362,000 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Saturday .
As of 11.00 Moscow time on May 30 , as many as 5,817,385 novel coronavirus cases and 362,705 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 116,048 in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 5,017 .
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries .
The day before , the organization reported 107,740 new cases and 4,354 deaths all over the world .
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 2,677,500 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 64,408 and the number of deaths - by 3,396 and reached 154,608 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,122,350 and the number of fatalities is 179,353 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases grew by 19,776 and the number of deaths went up by 975 .
The East Mediterranean region has 489,921 cases and 12,078 fatalities as of May 27 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 14,502 and the number of deaths - by 245 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was registered in the United States ( 1,694,864 ) , followed by Brazil ( 338,238 ) , Russia ( 396,575 ) , the United Kingdom ( 271,226 ) , Spain ( 238,936 ) , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , India ( 173,763 ) , Turkey ( 162,120 ) , and Iran ( 146,668 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic @

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. More than 116,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases surpassing 5.8 million and the coronavirus-related fatalities increasing by over 5,000 to surpass 362,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Saturday.
As of 11.00 Moscow time on May 30, as many as 5,817,385 novel coronavirus cases and 362,705 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 116,048 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,017. The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries. The day before, the organization reported 107,740 new cases and 4,354 deaths all over the world.
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 2,677,500. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 64,408 and the number of deaths - by 3,396 and reached 154,608. The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,122,350 and the number of fatalities is 179,353. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 19,776 and the number of deaths went up by 975.
The East Mediterranean region has 489,921 cases and 12,078 fatalities as of May 27. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 14,502 and the number of deaths - by 245.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was registered in the United States (1,694,864), followed by Brazil (338,238), Russia (396,575), the United Kingdom (271,226), Spain (238,936), Italy (232,248), Germany (181,196), India (173,763), Turkey (162,120), and Iran (146,668).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-05-30--Moscow registers 69 coronavirus-related deaths in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Sixty-nine more coronavirus patients have died in Moscow over the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ said on Saturday .
`` In Moscow , 69 patients have passed away .
They @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for coronavirus , '' the center said .
A total of 2,477 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ in the Russian capital so far .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - @ @ @ @ @ corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. Sixty-nine more coronavirus patients have died in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"In Moscow, 69 patients have passed away. They suffered from confirmed pneumonia and tested positive for coronavirus," the center said.
A total of 2,477 confirmed coronavirus deaths have been registered in the Russian capital so far.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-05-30--Malta seizes shipment of Libyan banknotes in breach of international law - Goznak

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Malta ’ s customs seized the consignment of Libyan Central Bank ’ s @ @ @ @ @ breach of international law , and it is not legal to brand them counterfeit , @ @ @ @ @ factory said in a statement on Saturday .
`` In September 2019 , the Maltese @ @ @ @ @ the banknotes belonging to Libya ’ s Central Bank in the breach of the norms @ @ @ @ @ the statement says .
Goznak pointed out that the banknotes manufactured for that shipment were @ @ @ @ @ previous banknotes and therefore , have visual differences compared to those .
`` The samples @ @ @ @ @ by representatives of Libya ’ s Central Bank in the course of an established procedure @ @ @ @ @ ‘ forged ’ used in relation to those banknotes is unfounded and illegal , '' @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. Malta’s customs seized the consignment of Libyan Central Bank’s banknotes in 2019 in the breach of international law, and it is not legal to brand them counterfeit, Russia’s Goznak printing factory said in a statement on Saturday.
"In September 2019, the Maltese customs detained the cargo with the banknotes belonging to Libya’s Central Bank in the breach of the norms of international law," the statement says.
Goznak pointed out that the banknotes manufactured for that shipment were a modified series of the previous banknotes and therefore, have visual differences compared to those.
"The samples of those banknotes were approved by representatives of Libya’s Central Bank in the course of an established procedure. Therefore, the definition ‘forged’ used in relation to those banknotes is unfounded and illegal," the statement said.


tass--2020-05-30--Coronavirus cases surpass 6 mln globally

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of the novel coronavirus cases has surpassed six million worldwide , according to TASS estimates based on the governments ’ official statements along with the conclusions made by experts and the media in the affected countries .
According to the latest data , as many as 6,002,403 people have been infected .
Of those , 366,674 ( or 6.11 % ) died .
The cases have doubled approximately for a month , as the threshold of three million was passed on April 27 .
The United States sits at the top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
According to the New York Times ’ estimates , the country has registered 1,767,600 cases , with the 5.84 % death tally ( or 103,300 fatalities ) .
Brazil comes in second with 469,510 cases and 27,944 fatalities ( or 5.59 % ) .
Russia is in third place ( 396,575 cases and 4,555 deaths , or 1,15 % ) .
Nevertheless , the situation differs considerably concerning the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 of population .
Qatar and San Marino are ranked first , as nearly 2 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by small nations with a relatively low number of cases , like the Vatican ( 12 cases ) and Andorra ( 764 cases ) .
The US is ranked 8th , Russia 28th , and Brazil 35th .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. The number of the novel coronavirus cases has surpassed six million worldwide, according to TASS estimates based on the governments’ official statements along with the conclusions made by experts and the media in the affected countries.
According to the latest data, as many as 6,002,403 people have been infected. Of those, 366,674 (or 6.11%) died. The cases have doubled approximately for a month, as the threshold of three million was passed on April 27.
The United States sits at the top, accounting for a third of all cases. According to the New York Times’ estimates, the country has registered 1,767,600 cases, with the 5.84% death tally (or 103,300 fatalities). Brazil comes in second with 469,510 cases and 27,944 fatalities (or 5.59%). Russia is in third place (396,575 cases and 4,555 deaths, or 1,15%).
Nevertheless, the situation differs considerably concerning the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 of population. Qatar and San Marino are ranked first, as nearly 2% of population have been infected. They are followed by small nations with a relatively low number of cases, like the Vatican (12 cases) and Andorra (764 cases). The US is ranked 8th, Russia 28th, and Brazil 35th.


tass--2020-05-30--Pompeo says Whelan accused of spying in Russia was denied necessary medical treatment

WASHINGTON , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the Russian authorities on Saturday to free Paul Whelan , accused of spying against Russia , claiming that the US national had been denied timely medical treatment .
`` It is unacceptable that Paul Whelan has been denied necessary medical treatment until his condition became dire .
We demand Paul ’ s release , '' Pompeo wrote on his Twitter page .
Earlier , Whelan ’ s attorney Olga Karlova informed TASS that her client had undergone an inguinal hernia surgery .
The Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately after he had complained about health problems .
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that on the evening of May 27 , Whelan complained of worsening of his health .
Immediately after being examined by doctors , he was rushed to the Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Aid .
`` In early hours of the next day , Whelan underwent a minor surgery , which he had earlier rejected , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed .
On May 29 , Whelan was returned to the pretrial detention center , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars .
Whelan denies all charges .
His defense insists that the case is fabricated , while Whelan ’ s activity in Russia was of a strictly humanitarian nature .
The court will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 .

WASHINGTON, May 30. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged the Russian authorities on Saturday to free Paul Whelan, accused of spying against Russia, claiming that the US national had been denied timely medical treatment.
"It is unacceptable that Paul Whelan has been denied necessary medical treatment until his condition became dire. We demand Paul’s release," Pompeo wrote on his Twitter page.
Earlier, Whelan’s attorney Olga Karlova informed TASS that her client had undergone an inguinal hernia surgery. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Whelan was examined by doctors immediately after he had complained about health problems. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that on the evening of May 27, Whelan complained of worsening of his health. Immediately after being examined by doctors, he was rushed to the Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Aid. "In early hours of the next day, Whelan underwent a minor surgery, which he had earlier rejected," the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed. On May 29, Whelan was returned to the pretrial detention center, where he is receiving the necessary medical aid.
US citizen Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, was detained by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission. A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of up to 20 years behind bars.
Whelan denies all charges. His defense insists that the case is fabricated, while Whelan’s activity in Russia was of a strictly humanitarian nature. The court will pronounce Whelan’s sentence on June 15.


tass--2020-05-30--Two gunmen killed in counterterrorism operation in Ingushetia

MAGAS , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Two gunmen have been neutralized in a counterterrorism operation in Sunzha , a town in the Russian North Caucasus region of Ingushetia , a source with the regional law enforcement bodies told TASS on Saturday .
`` Two gunmen have been eliminated .
The operation is over , '' the source said .
The two gunmen who were killed had plotted acts of terror , the National Antiterrorism Committee ( NAC ) told TASS on Saturday .
`` According to the intelligence , the neutralized bandits , who have been identified , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the republic , '' the NAC said .
The gunmen were sealed off in a building on the outskirts of Sunzha during the counterterrorism operation .
`` The hiding in the building gunmen were offered to lay down arms and to surrender .
In response , they opened fire on the law enforcement officers .
Two gunmen were neutralized in the exchange of fire , '' the NAC said .
Arms , ammunition and an improvised bomb were found at the site .
The search of the scene is underway .
Neither law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation .
A source reported earlier in the day that the active phase of the counterterrorism operation against gunmen had ended .
Firefighting efforts were underway to extinguish the fire in a building set ablaze by the exchange of fire .

MAGAS, May 30. /TASS/. Two gunmen have been neutralized in a counterterrorism operation in Sunzha, a town in the Russian North Caucasus region of Ingushetia, a source with the regional law enforcement bodies told TASS on Saturday.
"Two gunmen have been eliminated. The operation is over," the source said.
The two gunmen who were killed had plotted acts of terror, the National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) told TASS on Saturday.
"According to the intelligence, the neutralized bandits, who have been identified, were planning to commit some terrorism-related crimes in the republic," the NAC said.
The gunmen were sealed off in a building on the outskirts of Sunzha during the counterterrorism operation.
"The hiding in the building gunmen were offered to lay down arms and to surrender. In response, they opened fire on the law enforcement officers. Two gunmen were neutralized in the exchange of fire," the NAC said.
Arms, ammunition and an improvised bomb were found at the site. The search of the scene is underway.
Neither law enforcers nor civilians were hurt in the operation.
A source reported earlier in the day that the active phase of the counterterrorism operation against gunmen had ended. Firefighting efforts were underway to extinguish the fire in a building set ablaze by the exchange of fire.


tass--2020-05-30--US Department of State statements are counterfeit, not dinars seized in Malta - ministry

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
The statements released by the US Department of State about the production of `` counterfeit '' Libyan dinars by the Russian Goznak printing factory are untenable , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday .
`` Those are not Libyan dinars that are forged but the American statements .
Russia persistently insists that there is no alternative to a political solution within the framework of broad intra-Libyan dialogue and [ calls for ] the strict compliance with the resolutions adopted by the international community on Libya , '' the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that dinars printed by Russia 's Goznak needed to ensure sustainable operation of Libya 's economy and were printed under the 2015 contract approved by the Libyan parliament .
`` The contract to print Libyan dinar banknotes was signed in 2015 by the Goznak company ( the Russian printing factory - TASS ) and the head of Libya ’ s Central Bank , and approved by Libya ’ s House of Representatives ( parliament ) .
The Libyan side transferred a required prepayment .
Implementing its contractual obligation , the Russian company shipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city of Tobruk for the Central Bank .
Along with this , we proceed from the fact that the above-mentioned money is needed to provide the sustainable functioning of the entire Libyan economy , '' the ministry said .
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that currently , two Central Banks operate in Libya amid the de-facto diarchy in the country - in Tripoli hosting the Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj and in Benghazi .
The ministry explained that the head of Benghazi-based Central Bank had been appointed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libyan parliament , and had the necessary international legitimacy .
Apart from that , the Russian Foreign Ministry supported the proposal put forward by Speaker of Libya ’ s House of Representatives Aqila Saleh on April 23 to immediately stop fighting and step up intra-Libyan talks .
`` We believe that its ( the proposal ’ s - TASS ) provisions could lay the foundation for the nationwide Libyan consensus under the UN auspices , '' the ministry stressed .
On May 26 , Malta announced a seizure of forged Libyan dinar banknotes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been allegedly printed by Russia ’ s Goznak printing factory .
On Saturday , the US Department of State praised the Maltese authorities for that action .

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. The statements released by the US Department of State about the production of "counterfeit" Libyan dinars by the Russian Goznak printing factory are untenable, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
"Those are not Libyan dinars that are forged but the American statements. Russia persistently insists that there is no alternative to a political solution within the framework of broad intra-Libyan dialogue and [calls for] the strict compliance with the resolutions adopted by the international community on Libya," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry added that dinars printed by Russia's Goznak needed to ensure sustainable operation of Libya's economy and were printed under the 2015 contract approved by the Libyan parliament.
"The contract to print Libyan dinar banknotes was signed in 2015 by the Goznak company (the Russian printing factory - TASS) and the head of Libya’s Central Bank, and approved by Libya’s House of Representatives (parliament). The Libyan side transferred a required prepayment. Implementing its contractual obligation, the Russian company shipped a cargo with printed Libyan banknotes to the city of Tobruk for the Central Bank. Along with this, we proceed from the fact that the above-mentioned money is needed to provide the sustainable functioning of the entire Libyan economy," the ministry said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry added that currently, two Central Banks operate in Libya amid the de-facto diarchy in the country - in Tripoli hosting the Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj and in Benghazi. The ministry explained that the head of Benghazi-based Central Bank had been appointed by the House of Representatives, the nationally elected Libyan parliament, and had the necessary international legitimacy.
Apart from that, the Russian Foreign Ministry supported the proposal put forward by Speaker of Libya’s House of Representatives Aqila Saleh on April 23 to immediately stop fighting and step up intra-Libyan talks.
"We believe that its (the proposal’s - TASS) provisions could lay the foundation for the nationwide Libyan consensus under the UN auspices," the ministry stressed.
On May 26, Malta announced a seizure of forged Libyan dinar banknotes worth $1.1 billion, which had been allegedly printed by Russia’s Goznak printing factory. On Saturday, the US Department of State praised the Maltese authorities for that action.


tass--2020-05-30--Too late to deal with New START extension after US presidential election - diplomat

MOSCOW , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
It would be very late to deal with the extension of the Russian-US Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms , known as the New START Treaty , after the day of US presidential election , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the National Interest published on Saturday .
`` I have no idea how things will unfold in relation to the forthcoming election in the US .
No predictions , no expectations .
I do think , though , that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any administration—including the second Trump administration if he is reelected—to deal with the issue of a new START extension after the day of elections in America , '' Ryabkov said .
`` I think more broadly that the current , almost one-hundred percent watertight anti-Russian bipartisan consensus in the US doesn ’ t promise much good for this relationship for the future , irrespective of who wins the next election , '' the high-ranking diplomat added .
`` My view on this is that chances for the new START Treaty to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I think that on February 5 , 2021 , this treaty will just lapse , and it will end .
We will have no START as of February 6 , 2021 , '' Ryabkov said .
The approach of Obama and Trump administrations Ryabkov also said that he could draw no distinction , concerning the policy toward Russia , between the administrations of incumbent President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama .
`` No , I see no lines anywhere .
I see no distinction , as you have described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the previous administration and this one , '' the high-ranking diplomat said when asked if he could draw a distinction between President Trump and his administration or he saw them as aligned in their approach toward Russia .
According to Ryabkov , he does not know who drives US policy toward Russia - either Trump or his advisers .
`` We welcome any signal from the Americans , including from the President himself in favor of improvement , in favor of going along , and we are prepared to bear our share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ryabkov noted that the Trump administration is obsessed with the China issue and tries to bring it up while discussing every single international issue .
Ryabkov has pointed out that not only is the US rhetoric on China joining the US-Russia Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( known as the New START Treaty ) driven by security considerations , but it is `` much broader , deeper , and it ’ s by far more multifaceted than anything that relates to arms control as such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the US administration is obsessed with the issue , and it tries to introduce ‘ Chinese discourse ’ into every single international issue at the table , '' the high-ranking diplomat said .
He added that the United States uses every single area to pressure China `` in a most energetic and most forceful manner . ''
`` I think it clearly entails a further growth of uncertainty in international relations .
I still hope though that at some point , the natural instinct to talk and agree and conclude deals will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squeeze something out of others—not only China , but Russia and others who tend to follow their independent policy from America , '' Ryabkov explained .
When asked whether the US stance toward Russia helps to promote a Russia-China rapprochement , Ryabkov pointed out that the external impact on Russia does not affect the relationships with other countries .
`` Our own calculations and conclusions are less related to what America is doing than to many , many other things .
And we cherish our close and friendly relations with China .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnership in different areas , and we intend to develop it further , '' the Russian deputy foreign minister stressed .
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( the New START Treaty ) entered into force on February 5 , 2011 .
The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs , deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers , and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers , SLBM launchers and strategic bombers .
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years , until 2021 , unless it is replaced before that date by a subsequent agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms .
It can also be extended for no longer than 5 years ( that is , until 2026 ) by the parties ’ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 30. /TASS/. It would be very late to deal with the extension of the Russian-US Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, known as the New START Treaty, after the day of US presidential election, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with the National Interest published on Saturday.
"I have no idea how things will unfold in relation to the forthcoming election in the US. No predictions, no expectations. I do think, though, that it would be very late in the process for any administration—including the second Trump administration if he is reelected—to deal with the issue of a new START extension after the day of elections in America," Ryabkov said.
"I think more broadly that the current, almost one-hundred percent watertight anti-Russian bipartisan consensus in the US doesn’t promise much good for this relationship for the future, irrespective of who wins the next election," the high-ranking diplomat added.
"My view on this is that chances for the new START Treaty to be sustained are rapidly moving close to zero, and I think that on February 5, 2021, this treaty will just lapse, and it will end. We will have no START as of February 6, 2021," Ryabkov said.
The approach of Obama and Trump administrations
Ryabkov also said that he could draw no distinction, concerning the policy toward Russia, between the administrations of incumbent President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama.
"No, I see no lines anywhere. I see no distinction, as you have described. Moreover, I see no distinction between the previous administration and this one," the high-ranking diplomat said when asked if he could draw a distinction between President Trump and his administration or he saw them as aligned in their approach toward Russia.
According to Ryabkov, he does not know who drives US policy toward Russia - either Trump or his advisers.
"We welcome any signal from the Americans, including from the President himself in favor of improvement, in favor of going along, and we are prepared to bear our share in this," he emphasized.
China-related topics
Ryabkov noted that the Trump administration is obsessed with the China issue and tries to bring it up while discussing every single international issue.
Ryabkov has pointed out that not only is the US rhetoric on China joining the US-Russia Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (known as the New START Treaty) driven by security considerations, but it is "much broader, deeper, and it’s by far more multifaceted than anything that relates to arms control as such."
"On China, I think the US administration is obsessed with the issue, and it tries to introduce ‘Chinese discourse’ into every single international issue at the table," the high-ranking diplomat said.
He added that the United States uses every single area to pressure China "in a most energetic and most forceful manner."
"I think it clearly entails a further growth of uncertainty in international relations. I still hope though that at some point, the natural instinct to talk and agree and conclude deals will prevail rather than this ongoing effort to squeeze something out of others—not only China, but Russia and others who tend to follow their independent policy from America," Ryabkov explained.
When asked whether the US stance toward Russia helps to promote a Russia-China rapprochement, Ryabkov pointed out that the external impact on Russia does not affect the relationships with other countries.
"Our own calculations and conclusions are less related to what America is doing than to many, many other things. And we cherish our close and friendly relations with China. We do regard this as a comprehensive strategic partnership in different areas, and we intend to develop it further," the Russian deputy foreign minister stressed.
New START Treaty
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the New START Treaty) entered into force on February 5, 2011. The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and strategic bombers, as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers, and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers and strategic bombers.
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years, until 2021, unless it is replaced before that date by a subsequent agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms. It can also be extended for no longer than 5 years (that is, until 2026) by the parties’ mutual consent.


tass--2020-05-30--Active phase of counterterrorism operation ends in Ingushetia - source

MAGAS , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
An active phase of the counterterrorism operation against gunmen in Sunzha , a @ @ @ @ @ Caucasus region of Ingushetia , has ended , a source with the law enforcement agencies @ @ @ @ @ `` The active phase is over .
There is no exchange of fire , '' @ @ @ @ @ efforts are underway to extinguish the fire in a building set ablaze by the fighting @

MAGAS, May 30. /TASS/. An active phase of the counterterrorism operation against gunmen in Sunzha, a town in the Russian North Caucasus region of Ingushetia, has ended, a source with the law enforcement agencies told TASS on Saturday.
"The active phase is over. There is no exchange of fire," the source said.
Firefighting efforts are underway to extinguish the fire in a building set ablaze by the fighting.


tass--2020-05-30--Counter-terrorism operation launched in Russia’s Ingushetia - crisis center

MAGAS , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
A counter-terrorism operation has been launched in the town of Sunzha in Russia @ @ @ @ @ of Ingushetia , the regional crisis center said on Saturday .
According to the center @ @ @ @ @ branch of the Federal Security Service ( FSB ) Major General Chernyshev ordered to launch @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with Articles 11 and 12 of Russia ’ s law `` On Combating @ @ @ @ @ prevent terrorist attacks and terrorism-related crimes .
The center added that the situation was under @ @ @ @ @ be provided later .
Meanwhile , a regional law enforcement source told TASS that a @ @ @ @ @ the town .

MAGAS, May 30. /TASS/. A counter-terrorism operation has been launched in the town of Sunzha in Russia’s North Caucasus region of Ingushetia, the regional crisis center said on Saturday.
According to the center, Head of the regional branch of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Major General Chernyshev ordered to launch a counter-terrorism operation in Sunzha in accordance with Articles 11 and 12 of Russia’s law "On Combating Terrorism" in order to prevent terrorist attacks and terrorism-related crimes.
The center added that the situation was under control, further information would be provided later.
Meanwhile, a regional law enforcement source told TASS that a firefight was going on in the town.


tass--2020-05-30--Clinical trials of coronavirus vaccine to begin within two weeks - Russian health minister

UFA , May 30 .
/TASS/ .
Clinical trials of a coronavirus vaccine are expected to begin within the next @ @ @ @ @ Minister Mikhail Murashko said , addressing a conference on treating cancer amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ to create vaccines are underway on at least five tracks , '' he pointed out @ @ @ @ @ keep in mind that drugs used to prevent infections must be safe .
Trials continue @ @ @ @ @ clinical trials within the next two weeks , '' Murashko added .
Russian Deputy Prime @ @ @ @ @ that 47 coronavirus vaccines were in the works in the country .
Director of Russia @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg , in turn , said that a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Russia in August .

UFA, May 30. /TASS/. Clinical trials of a coronavirus vaccine are expected to begin within the next two weeks, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said, addressing a conference on treating cancer amid the coronavirus pandemic on Saturday.
"Efforts to create vaccines are underway on at least five tracks," he pointed out. "We need to keep in mind that drugs used to prevent infections must be safe. Trials continue and we plan to launch clinical trials within the next two weeks," Murashko added.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said earlier that 47 coronavirus vaccines were in the works in the country. Director of Russia’s Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg, in turn, said that a coronavirus vaccine could be registered in Russia in August.