tass--2020-07-15--Press review: Moscow slams politicizing Syria aid and combat rages on Azeri-Armenia border

Gatilov pointed out that `` the Americans and their allies actively seek to take advantage of the humanitarian issue to achieve their own political goals in Syria . ''
`` The goal is , in fact , to undermine the country ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity , particularly through creating political and economic preferences for areas not controlled by Damascus .
It is well known that militants from anti-government groups are in charge there , '' the envoy specified .
Similarly , Gatilov noted that the West ignores the fact that domestic humanitarian routes to northeastern Syria have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By pursuing such a policy , the West clearly seeks to continue providing support to militants active in areas that the country ’ s legitimate government doesn ’ t control , with an eye on annexing these territories .
Illegal unilateral sanctions are being used as a tool to achieve this goal as they continue to worsen the living conditions of Syrians , '' the diplomat said .
He emphasized that Russia would steadily oppose that politicized agenda , which ran counter to the United Nations Charter .
However , it doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to boost humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people .
`` If our Western colleagues really want to help Syrians living in areas not controlled by the government , then they should facilitate domestic humanitarian aid activities .
The Syrian authorities are ready for meaningful work like that , '' the Russian envoy concluded .
The clashes that broke out on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan on July 12 are still raging on .
Russia has called on both parties to exercise restraint and expressed its willingness to act as a mediator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MGIMO University 's Caucasian Studies Center Nikolai Silayev pointed out that this is the biggest military engagement since April 2016 .
According to him , the 2018 change of government in Armenia was expected to have a positive impact on the negotiation process , but now the situation is going back to square one .
The expert noted that it was important for Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region to maintain the status quo as Azerbaijan had lost control of Karabakh almost 30 years ago .
In contrast , Baku seeks to make sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status quo .
Out of the two options Azerbaijan had , it chose military tensions over talks .
However , people get used even to constant military strife , so Baku has to send stronger signals , Silayev explained .
`` The fact that the incident took place on the very border between Azerbaijan and Armenia , and not in Karabakh points to a stronger signal .
Instead of Karabakh , it concerns Armenia , which is in a military and political alliance with Russia and is a member of the Collective Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he noted .
However , Silayev believes that the CSTO will avoid getting dragged into the quagmire .
`` On the other hand , unlike other mediators - the US and France , the co-chairs of the [ OSCE ] Minsk Group - Russia maintains trust-based relations with both parties .
This balanced approach makes it possible for Russia to act as a mediator .
Combat activities ended in April 2016 after a Moscow-hosted meeting between the two countries ’ chiefs of the general staff , '' the expert emphasized .
Izvestia : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason to maintain nuke deal This July 15 marks five years since Iran , Russia , China , France , Germany , the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) , which limited the development of Iran 's nuclear program in exchange for the gradual removal of sanctions imposed on the country by the UN Security Council , Izvestia writes .
Moscow believes that it would be unreasonable to amend the JCPOA or sign a new deal , Russian Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to come into force for real so that it can demonstrate its full potential .
However , it has not happened yet because of the unilateral US withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018 .
I am sure that if Washington refrained from this unconstructive move , the plan would have led to the desired result , '' the ambassador stressed , adding that Russia urged its `` Iranian friends to exercise restraint . ''
Meanwhile , Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali told the paper that Tehran saw no use in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envoy , the agreement was supposed to be beneficial to all parties but given the US move to undermine the deal , there is no benefit in sight .
A meeting between the remaining participants seems necessary in such a situation , but no agreement has been reached on that matter yet , Jalali noted .
Although the JCPOA has been in a state of lethargy for two years , the mechanism continues to operate de-jure .
The so-called arms embargo will expire in October and restrictions on Iran ’ s purchase and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andrei Baklitsky , an analyst with the Institute for International Studies at Moscow State Institute of International Relations believes that the move to extend or end the embargo has a more symbolic meaning , but it will give each of the parties a chance to score political points .
The political commentator explained that it was crucial for Iran to show its ability to achieve foreign policy goals and resist US pressure .
As for Washington , it seeks to prove that Iran won ’ t get any advantages .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential elections that will take place in the US in November 2020 and in Iran in 2021 .
The International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) has trimmed its economic forecasts for Middle East and North African nations due to the coronavirus pandemic and a drop in oil prices .
According to a recent IMF report , the crisis may lead to an increase in anti-government sentiment in the region , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
Even before the coronavirus crisis broke out , the IMF ’ s forecasts for some of the countries of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fund ’ s winter report on the economic situation of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations said that their financial well-being might dry up in 15 years .
Experts explained that declining oil demand was one of the main reasons .
Now , the situation has significantly deteriorated , particularly in social terms .
Senior Researcher at Higher School of Economics Alisa Shishkina points out , however , that as a rule , there is no direct link between the sluggish figures of economic development and protests in Arab countries .
`` If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GDP , poverty and unemployment levels , we will see that countries involved in the Arab Spring were in a situation similar to that of some European nations , '' the analyst noted .
`` It was not the unemployment factor on its own , but youth unemployment that was the reason behind protests , particularly unemployment among young people with university degrees , who were dissatisfied with their social standing , '' she emphasized .
`` If countries fail to clarify their approach to the labor market , unemployment and education amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reshape existing educational programs , then I think that the forecast will come true and we will see a new round of protest activities in the coming 20 years , '' Shishkina predicted .
`` On the whole , the trend for population growth , job cuts and the education system ’ s collapse makes the latest IMF forecast look credible , '' the expert pointed out .
Vedomosti : Russians ready to travel to the office less often The actual number of Russians who moved to remote work amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official figures , Vedomosti wrote , citing a poll conducted by the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration ( RANEPA ) Institute of Social Analysis and Forecasting .
According to Labor Minister Anton Kotyakov , the rate stood at 11 % , while the poll showed that it was 43 % .
Most of those who moved to telecommuting are college-educated employees .
Personnel with university degrees are capable of assuming more responsibilities , managers trust them better and are more willing to let them work remotely , said Yevgenia Tudaletskaya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dubbed No Office No Problem .
At the same time , only 37 % of workers had their move to telecommuting documented officially .
`` Russia ’ s Labor Code poorly regulates issues related to remote working , '' Ancor Operations Management Vice President Alexey Mironov pointed out .
The lack of regulations led to an increased workload on remote workers .
In particular , half of those surveyed pointed to extended working hours .
Another 25 % said that their managers had failed to organize the working process properly .
As many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn , noted that personnel performance had declined and only six percent highlighted improvements .
`` The lack of a culture of teleworking is the reason , '' Tudaletskaya emphasized .
`` Employers are afraid of losing control and start investing in numerous controlling tools .
As a result , employees work more because they have to write additional reports , '' she explained .
In a situation like this , only one in ten respondents said they were ready to work from home .
Many found a combined pattern the most attractive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to the office on a regular basis .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: Russia opposes West’s bid to politicize aid to Syria, envoy says Western countries continue to cite the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to block Damascus' efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to northwestern Syria, Russian Permanent Envoy to the United Nations Office in Geneva Gennady Gatilov told Izvestia. According to him, the West fears that the Syrians delivering humanitarian supplies will also bring COVID-19 to Idlib. However, when it comes to a cross-border mechanism promoted by Germany and Belgium, the pandemic threat seems to fade away.
Read also UN Security Council extends trans-border aid to Syria on fifth try
Gatilov pointed out that "the Americans and their allies actively seek to take advantage of the humanitarian issue to achieve their own political goals in Syria." "The goal is, in fact, to undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly through creating political and economic preferences for areas not controlled by Damascus. It is well known that militants from anti-government groups are in charge there," the envoy specified. Similarly, Gatilov noted that the West ignores the fact that domestic humanitarian routes to northeastern Syria have been operating steadily for six months. "By pursuing such a policy, the West clearly seeks to continue providing support to militants active in areas that the country’s legitimate government doesn’t control, with an eye on annexing these territories. Illegal unilateral sanctions are being used as a tool to achieve this goal as they continue to worsen the living conditions of Syrians," the diplomat said. He emphasized that Russia would steadily oppose that politicized agenda, which ran counter to the United Nations Charter. However, it doesn’t mean that Moscow will obstruct efforts to boost humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people. "If our Western colleagues really want to help Syrians living in areas not controlled by the government, then they should facilitate domestic humanitarian aid activities. The Syrian authorities are ready for meaningful work like that," the Russian envoy concluded. Vedomosti: Fighting continues to rage along Azerbaijan-Armenia border The clashes that broke out on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan on July 12 are still raging on. Russia has called on both parties to exercise restraint and expressed its willingness to act as a mediator, Vedomosti wrote.
Read also Kremlin concerned by clashes on Azeri-Armenian border
Senior Research Fellow from MGIMO University's Caucasian Studies Center Nikolai Silayev pointed out that this is the biggest military engagement since April 2016. According to him, the 2018 change of government in Armenia was expected to have a positive impact on the negotiation process, but now the situation is going back to square one. The expert noted that it was important for Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region to maintain the status quo as Azerbaijan had lost control of Karabakh almost 30 years ago. In contrast, Baku seeks to make sure that no one gets used to the status quo. Out of the two options Azerbaijan had, it chose military tensions over talks. However, people get used even to constant military strife, so Baku has to send stronger signals, Silayev explained. "The fact that the incident took place on the very border between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and not in Karabakh points to a stronger signal. Instead of Karabakh, it concerns Armenia, which is in a military and political alliance with Russia and is a member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization [CSTO]," he noted. However, Silayev believes that the CSTO will avoid getting dragged into the quagmire. "On the other hand, unlike other mediators - the US and France, the co-chairs of the [OSCE] Minsk Group - Russia maintains trust-based relations with both parties. This balanced approach makes it possible for Russia to act as a mediator. Combat activities ended in April 2016 after a Moscow-hosted meeting between the two countries’ chiefs of the general staff," the expert emphasized. Izvestia: Five years on, Iran sees no reason to maintain nuke deal This July 15 marks five years since Iran, Russia, China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limited the development of Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the gradual removal of sanctions imposed on the country by the UN Security Council, Izvestia writes.
Read also Pressure on Iran runs counter to claims of commitment to nuclear deal — Russian diplomat
Moscow believes that it would be unreasonable to amend the JCPOA or sign a new deal, Russian Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan told the newspaper. "The agreement needs to come into force for real so that it can demonstrate its full potential. However, it has not happened yet because of the unilateral US withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018. I am sure that if Washington refrained from this unconstructive move, the plan would have led to the desired result," the ambassador stressed, adding that Russia urged its "Iranian friends to exercise restraint." Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali told the paper that Tehran saw no use in maintaining the JCPOA. According to the envoy, the agreement was supposed to be beneficial to all parties but given the US move to undermine the deal, there is no benefit in sight. A meeting between the remaining participants seems necessary in such a situation, but no agreement has been reached on that matter yet, Jalali noted. Although the JCPOA has been in a state of lethargy for two years, the mechanism continues to operate de-jure. The so-called arms embargo will expire in October and restrictions on Iran’s purchase and sale of any weapons will be lifted. Andrei Baklitsky, an analyst with the Institute for International Studies at Moscow State Institute of International Relations believes that the move to extend or end the embargo has a more symbolic meaning, but it will give each of the parties a chance to score political points. The political commentator explained that it was crucial for Iran to show its ability to achieve foreign policy goals and resist US pressure. As for Washington, it seeks to prove that Iran won’t get any advantages. However, the situation is complicated by the upcoming presidential elections that will take place in the US in November 2020 and in Iran in 2021. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Middle East to face brewing protest sentiment The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has trimmed its economic forecasts for Middle East and North African nations due to the coronavirus pandemic and a drop in oil prices. According to a recent IMF report, the crisis may lead to an increase in anti-government sentiment in the region, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. Even before the coronavirus crisis broke out, the IMF’s forecasts for some of the countries of the region were far from optimistic. The fund’s winter report on the economic situation of the Gulf Cooperation Council nations said that their financial well-being might dry up in 15 years. Experts explained that declining oil demand was one of the main reasons. Now, the situation has significantly deteriorated, particularly in social terms. Senior Researcher at Higher School of Economics Alisa Shishkina points out, however, that as a rule, there is no direct link between the sluggish figures of economic development and protests in Arab countries. "If we look at indicators such as the GDP, poverty and unemployment levels, we will see that countries involved in the Arab Spring were in a situation similar to that of some European nations," the analyst noted. "It was not the unemployment factor on its own, but youth unemployment that was the reason behind protests, particularly unemployment among young people with university degrees, who were dissatisfied with their social standing," she emphasized. "If countries fail to clarify their approach to the labor market, unemployment and education amid the current crisis, as well as reshape existing educational programs, then I think that the forecast will come true and we will see a new round of protest activities in the coming 20 years," Shishkina predicted. "On the whole, the trend for population growth, job cuts and the education system’s collapse makes the latest IMF forecast look credible," the expert pointed out. Vedomosti: Russians ready to travel to the office less often The actual number of Russians who moved to remote work amid the coronavirus pandemic has turned out to be higher than official figures, Vedomosti wrote, citing a poll conducted by the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) Institute of Social Analysis and Forecasting. According to Labor Minister Anton Kotyakov, the rate stood at 11%, while the poll showed that it was 43%.


tass--2020-07-15--Putin to take part in keel-laying ceremony for warships in Crimea July 16

Russian shipbuilders to lay down four warships , two submarines on July 16 MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ take part in the keel-laying ceremony for warships in Crimea ’ s Kerch on July @ @ @ @ @ Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
`` The president will work in Crimea tomorrow .
@ @ @ @ @ the keel-laying ceremony for warships , '' Peskov said .
He explained that the ceremony @ @ @ @ @ Zaliv shipyard in Kerch .

Russian shipbuilders to lay down four warships, two submarines on July 16
MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in the keel-laying ceremony for warships in Crimea’s Kerch on July 16, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"The president will work in Crimea tomorrow. He will take part in the keel-laying ceremony for warships," Peskov said. He explained that the ceremony would take place at the Zaliv shipyard in Kerch.


tass--2020-07-15--COVID-19 vaccine trials show it is safe and well tolerated, says Defense Ministry

`` The available data based on laboratory and instrumental research makes it possible to say that the vaccine is safe and well tolerated , '' the ministry said .
MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
The vaccine tested at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital is safe and well tolerated , the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Wednesday .
Eighteen volunteers took part in the vaccine trials .
Their vital signs were within normal limits for 28 days after the vaccination .
No adverse events , complaints about health , complications or side effects were recorded , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry , on the 42nd day after the first vaccination , volunteers will have to return to the hospital for the final medical examination and diagnostics .
In early June , the Russian Defense Ministry said that two groups of volunteers had been selected for clinical trials of the vaccine .
The first group included military servicemen , while the second one is comprised of civilians .
The experiment is being conducted by the Russian Defense Ministry in collaboration with the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology .
The group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including five women .
There are also 10 medical workers among them .
On June 30 , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that research on a new coronavirus vaccine should be completed by the end of July .

"The available data based on laboratory and instrumental research makes it possible to say that the vaccine is safe and well tolerated," the ministry said.
MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. The vaccine tested at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital is safe and well tolerated, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Wednesday.
Eighteen volunteers took part in the vaccine trials. Their vital signs were within normal limits for 28 days after the vaccination. No adverse events, complaints about health, complications or side effects were recorded, the ministry noted.
According to the Defense Ministry, on the 42nd day after the first vaccination, volunteers will have to return to the hospital for the final medical examination and diagnostics.
In early June, the Russian Defense Ministry said that two groups of volunteers had been selected for clinical trials of the vaccine. The first group included military servicemen, while the second one is comprised of civilians. The experiment is being conducted by the Russian Defense Ministry in collaboration with the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.
The group of military servicemen consists of 50 people, including five women. There are also 10 medical workers among them.
On June 30, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that research on a new coronavirus vaccine should be completed by the end of July.


tass--2020-07-15--Russia to start designing Vostochny spaceport infrastructure for crewed launches

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will start work in early 2021 to design ground infrastructure for launching cosmonauts from the Vostochny spaceport , Deputy CEO of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos for Capital Construction Yuri Roslyak told TASS on Wednesday .
Work on launch complex for super-heavy carrier rocket at Vostochny to start in 2022 '' From January 2021 , the work on its design will just begin , '' the deputy chief executive said .
Roscosmos plans to build cosmonaut pre-flight training compounds and also systems for their search and rescue in 2021-2024 , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not be named yet , '' he added .
Roscosmos drew up the list of ground-based space infrastructure for crewed programs in 2018 .
`` Currently , the structure of ground-based space infrastructure facilities for next-generation crewed spacecraft has been specified , considering the intended amount of capital investment from 2021 , '' Roslyak said .
Russia is developing the Oryol next-generation crewed spacecraft for its use under the lunar program .
Its first crewless flight is scheduled for 2023 from the Vostochny spaceport .
The first crewed flight is planned for @ @

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russia will start work in early 2021 to design ground infrastructure for launching cosmonauts from the Vostochny spaceport, Deputy CEO of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos for Capital Construction Yuri Roslyak told TASS on Wednesday.
Work on launch complex for super-heavy carrier rocket at Vostochny to start in 2022
"From January 2021, the work on its design will just begin," the deputy chief executive said.
Roscosmos plans to build cosmonaut pre-flight training compounds and also systems for their search and rescue in 2021-2024, he said. "The exact number of structures cannot be named yet," he added.
Roscosmos drew up the list of ground-based space infrastructure for crewed programs in 2018. "Currently, the structure of ground-based space infrastructure facilities for next-generation crewed spacecraft has been specified, considering the intended amount of capital investment from 2021," Roslyak said.
Russia is developing the Oryol next-generation crewed spacecraft for its use under the lunar program. Its first crewless flight is scheduled for 2023 from the Vostochny spaceport. The first crewed flight is planned for 2025.


tass--2020-07-15--Russia reports over 6,400 new COVID-19 cases

According to the crisis center , in the past nine days the daily growth rate did not exceed 0.9 % @ @ @ @ @ .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 6,422 in the past day @ @ @ @ @ anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up @ @ @ @ @ day — WHO Some 628 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Moscow , 264 in @ @ @ @ @ the Sverdlovsk Region , 251 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and 246 in the Altai @ @ @ @ @ rate in the past day was recorded in Moscow ( 0,3 % ) , the @ @ @ @ @ ) , North Ossetia ( 0,4 % ) , Sevastopol ( 0,4 % ) , @ @ @ @ @ , Dagestan ( 0,5 % ) and the Kaliningrad Region ( 0,5 % ) .
@ @ @ @ @ people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia .

According to the crisis center, in the past nine days the daily growth rate did not exceed 0.9%.
MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 6,422 in the past day, reaching 746,369, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 196,000 in past day — WHO
Some 628 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Moscow, 264 in St. Petersburg, 263 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 251 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and 246 in the Altai Region.
The lowest growth rate in the past day was recorded in Moscow (0,3%), the Moscow Region (0,3%), North Ossetia (0,4%), Sevastopol (0,4%), Ingushetia (0,5%), Dagestan (0,5%) and the Kaliningrad Region (0,5%).
To date, some 211,350 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia.


tass--2020-07-15--Number of vacancies in Russian small businesses up by 20% in June

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/ TASS / .
The number of vacancies in small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs @ @ @ @ @ increased by 20 % year-on-year , according to the research data released on Wednesday by @ @ @ @ @ on the activity of employers after the end of self-isolation .
`` The total number @ @ @ @ @ entrepreneurs at hh.ru in June was 20 % higher than last year , '' according @ @ @ @ @ to analysts , in June small businesses posted 146,500 vacancies , which is 47 % @ @ @ @ @ and 9 % higher than March .
Jobs from medium-sized businesses exceeded 33,300 ( + @ @ @ @ @ + 1 % by March ) .
Individual entrepreneurs placed over 10,000 vacancies ( + @ @ @ @ @ + 16 % by March )

MOSCOW, July 15. / TASS /. The number of vacancies in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Russia in June increased by 20% year-on-year, according to the research data released on Wednesday by the online recruiting platform hh.ru on the activity of employers after the end of self-isolation.
"The total number of vacancies from SMEs and entrepreneurs at hh.ru in June was 20% higher than last year," according to the study.
According to analysts, in June small businesses posted 146,500 vacancies, which is 47% higher than the May figure and 9% higher than March. Jobs from medium-sized businesses exceeded 33,300 (+ 46% by May, + 1% by March). Individual entrepreneurs placed over 10,000 vacancies (+ 72% by May, + 16% by March)


tass--2020-07-15--China proposes to include four Sanya's spots in top agricultural tourism rating

HAIKOU , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities proposed to include in the list of the best places of national agrarian tourism four settlements located in the administrative-territorial subordination of the city of Sanya in the southern province of Hainan .
This was reported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the country .
As noted in a widespread statement , the official nationwide list of rural locations for a comfortable stay , it was decided to expand for the first time since July last year .
This week , the PRC State Committee for Development and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hainan sights there , of which half are on the outskirts of Sanya .
According to the officials , the villages of Bohou , Damao , Wanpo and Wenmen may be on the priority list .
Among the attractions that tourists can see there are banyan woods known for their trees with rich spreads .
Moreover , the tourists can learn the thousand-year-old traditions of ethnic minorities living nearby , enjoy tropical landscapes in places located at a relatively short distance from the central part of Sanya .
One of the important advantages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get relaxed , is good transport accessibility .
Tourism plays an extremely important role in Hainan 's economic development , about 60 % of the gross regional product of which falls on the services sector .
In 2019 , the flow of tourists visiting the island grew by 9 % exceeding 83 million people .
They spent about 105 billion yuan ( about $ 15 billion ) on the island .
Over 12 months , more than 1 million foreign tourists visited the province - that is by 20 % more than in @ @

HAIKOU, July 15. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities proposed to include in the list of the best places of national agrarian tourism four settlements located in the administrative-territorial subordination of the city of Sanya in the southern province of Hainan. This was reported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the country.
As noted in a widespread statement, the official nationwide list of rural locations for a comfortable stay, it was decided to expand for the first time since July last year. This week, the PRC State Committee for Development and Reform adopted an initiative to introduce 16 Hainan sights there, of which half are on the outskirts of Sanya.
According to the officials, the villages of Bohou, Damao, Wanpo and Wenmen may be on the priority list. Among the attractions that tourists can see there are banyan woods known for their trees with rich spreads. Moreover, the tourists can learn the thousand-year-old traditions of ethnic minorities living nearby, enjoy tropical landscapes in places located at a relatively short distance from the central part of Sanya. One of the important advantages of these places, where one can get relaxed, is good transport accessibility.
Tourism plays an extremely important role in Hainan's economic development, about 60% of the gross regional product of which falls on the services sector. In 2019, the flow of tourists visiting the island grew by 9% exceeding 83 million people. They spent about 105 billion yuan (about $ 15 billion) on the island. Over 12 months, more than 1 million foreign tourists visited the province - that is by 20% more than in 2018.


tass--2020-07-15--Novosibirsk scientists are first in Russia to obtain COVID-19-neutralizing antibodies

NOVOSIBIRSK , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Staff of the immunogenetics laboratory of the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk were the first in Russia to obtain the antibodies which neutralize the coronavirus .
The further development of this work will serve as a basis for creation of the specific COVID-19 therapeutic and prevention tools , executive secretary of the anti-coronavirus working group at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Olga Dorokhova told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The Novosibirsk research center was the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to COVID-19 .
To this end , blood samples of donors who have had COVID-19 were used as well as a unique technology to sort single B-lymphocytes ( blood cells responsible for the immunity formation - TASS ) .
The antibodies obtained are capable of blocking the interaction of the virus and the АСЕ2 cellular receptor ( a protein built into cellular membrane ) and thus prevent its infiltration of the target cells , '' she explained .
According to the executive secretary , the further development of the research will allow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prevention .
Additionally , the results obtained will serve as a material to study the particulars of the protective immunity to the coronavirus infection and will be useful when adjusting the vaccines .
Immunogenetics lab of the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences creates molecular diagnostic tools and therapy tools for human diseases .
The institute , created in 2011 , is one of the newest ones at the Siberian Branch .
It conducts research in the spheres of immunogenetics and cell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ studies of the genome of the indigenous people of Siberia .

NOVOSIBIRSK, July 15. /TASS/. Staff of the immunogenetics laboratory of the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Novosibirsk were the first in Russia to obtain the antibodies which neutralize the coronavirus. The further development of this work will serve as a basis for creation of the specific COVID-19 therapeutic and prevention tools, executive secretary of the anti-coronavirus working group at the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Olga Dorokhova told TASS on Wednesday.
"The Novosibirsk research center was the first in Russia to obtain the functioning antibodies to COVID-19. To this end, blood samples of donors who have had COVID-19 were used as well as a unique technology to sort single B-lymphocytes (blood cells responsible for the immunity formation - TASS). The antibodies obtained are capable of blocking the interaction of the virus and the АСЕ2 cellular receptor (a protein built into cellular membrane) and thus prevent its infiltration of the target cells," she explained.
According to the executive secretary, the further development of the research will allow the scientists to create COVID-19-specific tools of therapy and prevention. Additionally, the results obtained will serve as a material to study the particulars of the protective immunity to the coronavirus infection and will be useful when adjusting the vaccines.
Immunogenetics lab of the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences creates molecular diagnostic tools and therapy tools for human diseases. The institute, created in 2011, is one of the newest ones at the Siberian Branch. It conducts research in the spheres of immunogenetics and cell technologies. Additionally, the institute conducts studies of the genome of the indigenous people of Siberia.


tass--2020-07-15--China to impose sanctions on US citizens, organizations after Trump’s executive order

BEIJING , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Beijing will impose sanctions on US individuals and organizations after US President Donald Trump had signed an executive order on sanctions over Hong Kong , the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday .
`` We are forced to impose sanctions to protect our own national interests .
Those measures will affect both individuals and organizations , '' the ministry said in a statement , posted on its website .
The statement says that Washington ’ s unilateral actions contradict basic principles of the international law .
`` This constitutes a flagrant interference into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s domestic issues .
We express strong discontent and resolute protest over the matter , '' the foreign ministry said .
In line with the statement , Beijing will firmly defend its sovereignty , national security and stability .
‘ China insists that the United States fix the mistakes it had made and stop short of implementing the Hong Kong bill .
< ... > If this does not happen , harsh retaliatory measures will follow , '' the document says .
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the situation in Hong Kong , and an executive order on cancelling US trade and economic preferences for this special administrative region of China .
Among other measures , the sanctions envisage asset freeze of certain Chinese individuals on the US territory .
On June 30 , the Chinese lawmakers adopted a law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong .
This legislative act seeks to prevent such actions as separatism , terrorism , undermining of the central power and conspiracy with foreign anti-Chinese powers .
Special agencies are formed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hong Kong administration .
Such development sparked criticism from certain Western nations , who believe that it violates the Hong Kong autonomy .

BEIJING, July 15. /TASS/. Beijing will impose sanctions on US individuals and organizations after US President Donald Trump had signed an executive order on sanctions over Hong Kong, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
"We are forced to impose sanctions to protect our own national interests. Those measures will affect both individuals and organizations," the ministry said in a statement, posted on its website.
The statement says that Washington’s unilateral actions contradict basic principles of the international law.
"This constitutes a flagrant interference into the affairs of Hong Kong and into China’s domestic issues. We express strong discontent and resolute protest over the matter," the foreign ministry said.
In line with the statement, Beijing will firmly defend its sovereignty, national security and stability.
‘China insists that the United States fix the mistakes it had made and stop short of implementing the Hong Kong bill. <...> If this does not happen, harsh retaliatory measures will follow," the document says.
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he signed a bill on sanctions against China due to the situation in Hong Kong, and an executive order on cancelling US trade and economic preferences for this special administrative region of China. Among other measures, the sanctions envisage asset freeze of certain Chinese individuals on the US territory.
On June 30, the Chinese lawmakers adopted a law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong. This legislative act seeks to prevent such actions as separatism, terrorism, undermining of the central power and conspiracy with foreign anti-Chinese powers. Special agencies are formed in Hong Kong that are not subordinate to the Hong Kong administration. Such development sparked criticism from certain Western nations, who believe that it violates the Hong Kong autonomy.


tass--2020-07-15--HDR Global Trading announces new holding structure, 100x Group

MAHE , Seychelles , July 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HDR Global Trading Limited ( `` HDR '' ) , the company behind leading cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform , BitMEX , announces the creation of a new holding company structure , 100x .
Building on the success of BitMEX , the new 100x holding company structure will pursue a broader vision to reshape the modern digital financial system into one which is inclusive and empowering .
100x will become the holding structure for HDR and all their other assets , including the BitMEX platform .
This new structure provides the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incubate and pursue new opportunities and investments , whilst remaining committed to enhancing BitMEX 's leadership position in the cryptocurrency exchange market .
The BitMEX platform , brand and legal structure remain unchanged and the Group will continue to invest in growing the BitMEX platform .
The team behind BitMEX created the XBTUSD Perpetual Swap , which has become the most traded cryptocurrency product of all time .
Today the Group employs over 200 people globally including a team of world-leading developers , engineers , financial products specialists and compliance experts .
Arthur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said , `` Financial services play a crucial role in our everyday lives and in the global economy .
Yet , in this digital age , financial services remain too slow and too complicated to transform .
We are setting out to change the status quo and reshape the modern digital financial system into one which is more inclusive , and empowering . ''
The 100x Group is led by HDR 's founders , Arthur Hayes , Ben Delo and Sam Reed .
They are also joined by recently appointed Non-Executive Chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wong , Non-Executive Chairman of 100x , added , `` BitMEX remains central to the ongoing success of our business , and we will continue to invest in the platform to maintain and grow our leadership position .
But our ambitions do n't stop there .
With the knowledge , experience and resources of 100x , we have great confidence in our ability to make a positive and long-lasting impact on the development of the digital financial ecosystem of the future . ''
100x Group explores , incubates and pursues opportunities and investments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reshape the modern digital financial system into one which is inclusive and empowering .
It has been created by the founders of HDR Global Trading , the company behind the cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform , BitMEX .

MAHE, Seychelles, July 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HDR Global Trading Limited ("HDR"), the company behind leading cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform, BitMEX, announces the creation of a new holding company structure, 100x.
Building on the success of BitMEX, the new 100x holding company structure will pursue a broader vision to reshape the modern digital financial system into one which is inclusive and empowering. 100x will become the holding structure for HDR and all their other assets, including the BitMEX platform.
This new structure provides the Group with more freedom to explore, incubate and pursue new opportunities and investments, whilst remaining committed to enhancing BitMEX's leadership position in the cryptocurrency exchange market. The BitMEX platform, brand and legal structure remain unchanged and the Group will continue to invest in growing the BitMEX platform.
The team behind BitMEX created the XBTUSD Perpetual Swap, which has become the most traded cryptocurrency product of all time. Today the Group employs over 200 people globally including a team of world-leading developers, engineers, financial products specialists and compliance experts.
Arthur Hayes, Co-Founder and CEO of 100x, said, "Financial services play a crucial role in our everyday lives and in the global economy. Yet, in this digital age, financial services remain too slow and too complicated to transform. We are setting out to change the status quo and reshape the modern digital financial system into one which is more inclusive, and empowering."
The 100x Group is led by HDR's founders, Arthur Hayes, Ben Delo and Sam Reed. They are also joined by recently appointed Non-Executive Chairman, Dr David Wong.
Dr David Wong, Non-Executive Chairman of 100x, added, "BitMEX remains central to the ongoing success of our business, and we will continue to invest in the platform to maintain and grow our leadership position. But our ambitions don't stop there. With the knowledge, experience and resources of 100x, we have great confidence in our ability to make a positive and long-lasting impact on the development of the digital financial ecosystem of the future."
About 100x Group
100x Group explores, incubates and pursues opportunities and investments, as part of its mission to reshape the modern digital financial system into one which is inclusive and empowering. It has been created by the founders of HDR Global Trading, the company behind the cryptocurrency derivatives trading platform, BitMEX.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1214236/100x_logo_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Edelman, bitmex@edelman.com, +852-9133-4988/+852-2837-4704


tass--2020-07-15--2020 DIGIX GLOBAL AI CHALLENGE Motivates Students Innovation

SHENZHEN , China , July 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- University students from across the world are being invited to put their AI algorithm skills to the test on a global stage at the 2020 DIGIX GLOBAL AI CHALLENGE , which launched on 8th July .
The global rollout of the contest by Huawei will see teams of university students explore and create solutions to challenges facing the AI industry , deciding the next generation of experts in AI and algorithm .
Commenting on the launch , Zhang Ping'an , President of Consumer Cloud Service , Huawei Consumer Business Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developers already creating for the HMS Ecosystem , we want to nurture the talent of the future to ensure the incredible innovation in AI continues .
The challenges set in the contest are linked to daily life , and the student competitors will be able to join us on our journey to create a fully connected , intelligent world . ''
Participating teams will firstly be divided to compete in one or two competition tracks , Machine Learning or Computer Vision , and the preliminary round will see Competition Results submitted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The highest scoring 15 teams from each track will then come together for an exciting elite final , where the finalists will be constantly optimizing the algorithm in a sprint to the finish line – putting the winning teams firmly on the map as the future experts in the field .
Prizes and further benefits of the contest include : • Learning opportunities from leading AI and algorithm experts and centers from across the world as the jury of the competition • The chance to kick start their career in the world of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shining-Star Program .
• USD $ 158,000 prize pot includes $ 30,000 for first place , $ 15,000 for second place and $ 10,000 for third place , $ 2,000 for honorable mention .
To celebrate the Opening Ceremony of 2020 DIGIX AI GLOBAL CHALLENGE , Huawei hosted a live virtual event on Wednesday 8th July at 9:00am UTC+1 to showcase what 's in store for participating student teams , and welcome guest lectures from institutes and AI experts across the world .
Almost 20 global AI and algorithm professors have been invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , providing professional guidance for participants .
Expert Consultant including Zhi-Hua Zhou , Professor at Nanjing University , Foreign member of the Academy of Europe , Pascal Van Hentenryck , Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology , Program Co-Chair of AAAI 2019 and Giuseppe De Giacomo , Professor at Univ .
Roma `` La Sapienza '' , Program Chair of ECAI 2020 .
How to take part To enter , participants will need to register as HUAWEI Developers via the website , https : //developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/ , and sign up as an individual or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members via the 2020 DIGIX GLOBAL AI CHALLENGE website , by 20th September 2020 - https : //developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/activity/digixActivity/digixdetail/101592649207348035 .
The competition will consist of two stages : • Registration & preliminary round ( July 8th-September 20th ) : teams will participate in one or two competition tracks .
• Elite Final ( late October ) : top 15 teams from each of the preliminary competition tracks will qualify for the final round , where AI experts from across the world will participate in the review .

SHENZHEN, China, July 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- University students from across the world are being invited to put their AI algorithm skills to the test on a global stage at the 2020 DIGIX GLOBAL AI CHALLENGE, which launched on 8th July.
The global rollout of the contest by Huawei will see teams of university students explore and create solutions to challenges facing the AI industry, deciding the next generation of experts in AI and algorithm.
Commenting on the launch, Zhang Ping'an, President of Consumer Cloud Service, Huawei Consumer Business Group said: "With millions of talented developers already creating for the HMS Ecosystem, we want to nurture the talent of the future to ensure the incredible innovation in AI continues. The challenges set in the contest are linked to daily life, and the student competitors will be able to join us on our journey to create a fully connected, intelligent world."
Participating teams will firstly be divided to compete in one or two competition tracks, Machine Learning or Computer Vision, and the preliminary round will see Competition Results submitted by the global participants ranked in real time. The highest scoring 15 teams from each track will then come together for an exciting elite final, where the finalists will be constantly optimizing the algorithm in a sprint to the finish line – putting the winning teams firmly on the map as the future experts in the field.
Prizes and further benefits of the contest include:
Learning opportunities from leading AI and algorithm experts and centers from across the world as the jury of the competition
Global promotion opportunities for the winning teams
The chance to kick start their career in the world of AI and data as part of Huawei Shining-Star Program.
USD $158,000 prize pot includes $30,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place, $2,000 for honorable mention.
To celebrate the Opening Ceremony of 2020 DIGIX AI GLOBAL CHALLENGE, Huawei hosted a live virtual event on Wednesday 8th July at 9:00am UTC+1 to showcase what's in store for participating student teams, and welcome guest lectures from institutes and AI experts across the world. Almost 20 global AI and algorithm professors have been invited to be the jury of the contest, providing professional guidance for participants.
Expert Consultant including Zhi-Hua Zhou, Professor at Nanjing University, Foreign member of the Academy of Europe, Pascal Van Hentenryck, Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, Program Co-Chair of AAAI 2019 and Giuseppe De Giacomo, Professor at Univ. Roma "La Sapienza", Program Chair of ECAI 2020.
How to take part
To enter, participants will need to register as HUAWEI Developers via the website, https://developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/, and sign up as an individual or as a team of up to three members via the 2020 DIGIX GLOBAL AI CHALLENGE website, by 20th September 2020 - https://developer.huawei.com/consumer/en/activity/digixActivity/digixdetail/101592649207348035.
The competition will consist of two stages:
Registration & preliminary round (July 8th-September 20th): teams will participate in one or two competition tracks.
round (July 8th-September 20th): teams will participate in one or two competition tracks. Elite Final (late October): top 15 teams from each of the preliminary competition tracks will qualify for the final round, where AI experts from across the world will participate in the review.
CONTACT: Yiwen Zhu, zhuyiwen3@huawei.com


tass--2020-07-15--Head of Jehovah's Witnesses cell in Siberian city detained on extremism charges

TOMSK , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
A resident of Seversk , a closed town in Siberia ’ s Tomsk Region , has been detained on suspicion of setting up a cell of Jehovah 's Witnesses religious group ( recognized as extremist in Russia ) .
According to investigators , the man and a group of other individuals organized meetings in 2017-2020 , disseminated extremist literature and recruited new members , the Russian Investigative Committee ’ s press service said .
`` Investigators of the Russian Investigative Committee in the Tomsk Region based on the case files of the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Tomsk Region opened a criminal case into organizing the activities of an extremist organization in the city of Seversk ( Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code ) .
The alleged organizer of the extremist organization ’ s activities was detained .
He has been charged , the issue of choosing a restriction measure against him is being decided , `` the statement said .
A search of his apartment is underway and investigators are questioning the witnesses .
Jehovah ’ s Witnesses is an international religious organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Christian faith and provides special interpretations of many commonly accepted notions .
In August 2017 , the Russian Justice Ministry included Jehovah ’ s Witnesses and its 395 local religious branches to the list of organizations outlawed in the country .
The Russian Supreme Court satisfied the claim of the Justice Ministry to shut down the organization on April 20 , 2017 .

TOMSK, July 15. /TASS/. A resident of Seversk, a closed town in Siberia’s Tomsk Region, has been detained on suspicion of setting up a cell of Jehovah's Witnesses religious group (recognized as extremist in Russia).
According to investigators, the man and a group of other individuals organized meetings in 2017-2020, disseminated extremist literature and recruited new members, the Russian Investigative Committee’s press service said.
"Investigators of the Russian Investigative Committee in the Tomsk Region based on the case files of the Federal Security Service and the Internal Affairs Ministry in the Tomsk Region opened a criminal case into organizing the activities of an extremist organization in the city of Seversk (Part 1 of Article 282.2 of the Russian Criminal Code). The alleged organizer of the extremist organization’s activities was detained. He has been charged, the issue of choosing a restriction measure against him is being decided, " the statement said.
A search of his apartment is underway and investigators are questioning the witnesses.
Jehovah’s Witnesses is an international religious organization that supports offbeat views on the essence of the Christian faith and provides special interpretations of many commonly accepted notions. In August 2017, the Russian Justice Ministry included Jehovah’s Witnesses and its 395 local religious branches to the list of organizations outlawed in the country. The Russian Supreme Court satisfied the claim of the Justice Ministry to shut down the organization on April 20, 2017.


tass--2020-07-15--Presidential election campaign kicks off in Belarus

MINSK , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
The nationwide campaign race leading up to the August 9 presidential election in Belarus kicked off on Wednesday .
On Tuesday , the country ’ s Central Election Commission ( CEC ) registered five candidates .
They are to submit their campaign platforms to the media selected by CEC until July 19 .
The registered candidates are incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko , Chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Hramada party Sergei Cherechen , ex-lawmaker Anna Kanopatskaya , Co-Chairman of the Tell the Truth movement Andrei Dmitriev and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , whose husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions `` that grossly violate public order . ''
Two applicants , including ex-head of Belgazprombank Viktor Babariko who is under arrest , were denied registration .
The candidates are entitled to make a speech on state TV and radio .
However , the incumbent president has already rejected the opportunity .
Also , candidates and/or their representatives can take part in public debates .
The election campaign will continue until August 8 .
Between August 4 and 8 , early voting will be held .
The main election date is August 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should take place within two weeks , or until August 23 .
According to the CEC , more than 1.9 million signatures were collected in support of the country ’ s incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , who has been at the helm of the country for the past 26 years .
In 2015 , he received 83.5 % of the vote in his support .
Earlier , Lukashenko said he was committed to maintaining peace in his country and avoiding political turmoil similar to Ukraine .
He also pledged to save everything that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .
In addition to Lukashenko , the Central Election Commission registered Sergei Cherechen , the Chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Hramada party , as a presidential candidate .
More than 143,000 valid signatures have been collected in his support , with the necessary 100,000-signature threshold .
Cherechen has led the party since 2018 .
During the CEC session , Cherechen said : `` Just like many other citizens of our country , we expected a slightly different [ electoral ] process .
As far as the current situation is concerned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another registered candidate is former member of the lower house of the Belarusian parliament Anna Kanopatskaya who has secured more than 146,000 signatures .
`` I really hope that the elections will be fair and transparent and will be held in accordance with OSCE standards , which will become a step for Belarus towards the European Union , '' she said .
Prior to the registration , Kanopatskaya said she `` does not trade in the country ’ s sovereignty . ''
She added that she was ready to team up with any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this stage I see no candidate to team up with . ''
One more candidate is Co-Chairman of the Tell the Truth movement Andrei Dmitriev who secured the support of 106,000 voters .
Together with other politicians , Dmitriev founded the Tell the Truth social movement in 2009 .
According to him , `` the absolute majority of Belarusians want to choose a new president . ''
`` This is no longer a campaign for candidate Dmitriev , this is a campaign of solidarity for everyone who thinks that Belarus needs a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was likewise registered as a candidate .
More than 105,000 valid signatures have been collected in her support .
Sergei Tikhanovsky who is the head of his wife Svetlana ’ s initiative group , was arrested in the case of organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order .
During the CEC session , Tikhanovskaya said : `` I hope for changes this year , for very big changes . ''
The Central Election Commission refused to register two applicants .
One of them is ex-head of Hi-Tech Park Valery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strong rivals of the current head of state .
Tsepkalo was not registered because of the insufficient number of signatures for becoming a presidential nominee .
Slightly more than 78,000 signatures collected in his support were recognized as valid , while the minimum threshold is 100,000 signatures .
The CEC also decided to deny registration to ex-head of Belgazprombank Viktor Babariko who is under arrest due to `` contradictory data presented in the declaration '' and violation of requirements `` regarding the participation of foreign organizations and citizens in financing the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' According to the information provided by the Minsk City Court , Babariko is charged under three sections of the Criminal Code , including the legalization of funds obtained by criminal means , tax evasion and bribery .
Unauthorized mass events , accompanied by mass detentions and arrests , took place in the capital Minsk and any other cities as candidates collected signatures in their support .
According to Belarusian human rights activites , about 700 people were detained , and 24 of them were recognized by the rights community as political prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrests and fines .
The protests subsided noticeably as the registration began , with sporadic solidarity rallies failing to gain momentum and grow into mass events .
Analysts explain this by a harsh police response on one hand and the lack of pretexts for expressing discontent on the other .
Observers think that rallies in support of Tsepkalo and Babariko will resume .
Their campaign headquarters already announced they would challenge the denial of registration in court .

MINSK, July 15. /TASS/. The nationwide campaign race leading up to the August 9 presidential election in Belarus kicked off on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the country’s Central Election Commission (CEC) registered five candidates. They are to submit their campaign platforms to the media selected by CEC until July 19.
The registered candidates are incumbent Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Hramada party Sergei Cherechen, ex-lawmaker Anna Kanopatskaya, Co-Chairman of the Tell the Truth movement Andrei Dmitriev and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, whose husband was arrested in the case of organizing actions "that grossly violate public order." Two applicants, including ex-head of Belgazprombank Viktor Babariko who is under arrest, were denied registration.
The candidates are entitled to make a speech on state TV and radio. However, the incumbent president has already rejected the opportunity. Also, candidates and/or their representatives can take part in public debates.
The election campaign will continue until August 8. Between August 4 and 8, early voting will be held. The main election date is August 9. A runoff, if necessary, should take place within two weeks, or until August 23.
Lukashenko's sixth campaign
According to the CEC, more than 1.9 million signatures were collected in support of the country’s incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, who has been at the helm of the country for the past 26 years.
In 2015, he received 83.5% of the vote in his support. Earlier, Lukashenko said he was committed to maintaining peace in his country and avoiding political turmoil similar to Ukraine. He also pledged to save everything that was achieved during his previous years in office.
Registered candidates
In addition to Lukashenko, the Central Election Commission registered Sergei Cherechen, the Chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Hramada party, as a presidential candidate. More than 143,000 valid signatures have been collected in his support, with the necessary 100,000-signature threshold. Cherechen has led the party since 2018. During the CEC session, Cherechen said: "Just like many other citizens of our country, we expected a slightly different [electoral] process. As far as the current situation is concerned, I simply have no words."
Another registered candidate is former member of the lower house of the Belarusian parliament Anna Kanopatskaya who has secured more than 146,000 signatures. "I really hope that the elections will be fair and transparent and will be held in accordance with OSCE standards, which will become a step for Belarus towards the European Union," she said. Prior to the registration, Kanopatskaya said she "does not trade in the country’s sovereignty." She added that she was ready to team up with any candidate with similar views, but "at this stage I see no candidate to team up with."
One more candidate is Co-Chairman of the Tell the Truth movement Andrei Dmitriev who secured the support of 106,000 voters. Together with other politicians, Dmitriev founded the Tell the Truth social movement in 2009. According to him, "the absolute majority of Belarusians want to choose a new president." "This is no longer a campaign for candidate Dmitriev, this is a campaign of solidarity for everyone who thinks that Belarus needs a new president," he said.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya was likewise registered as a candidate. More than 105,000 valid signatures have been collected in her support. Sergei Tikhanovsky who is the head of his wife Svetlana’s initiative group, was arrested in the case of organizing and preparing actions that grossly violate public order. During the CEC session, Tikhanovskaya said: "I hope for changes this year, for very big changes."
Registration denied
The Central Election Commission refused to register two applicants. One of them is ex-head of Hi-Tech Park Valery Tsepkalo who was previously considered one of the strong rivals of the current head of state. Tsepkalo was not registered because of the insufficient number of signatures for becoming a presidential nominee. Slightly more than 78,000 signatures collected in his support were recognized as valid, while the minimum threshold is 100,000 signatures.
The CEC also decided to deny registration to ex-head of Belgazprombank Viktor Babariko who is under arrest due to "contradictory data presented in the declaration" and violation of requirements "regarding the participation of foreign organizations and citizens in financing the election campaign or any participation in it."
According to the information provided by the Minsk City Court, Babariko is charged under three sections of the Criminal Code, including the legalization of funds obtained by criminal means, tax evasion and bribery.
Unauthorized mass events, accompanied by mass detentions and arrests, took place in the capital Minsk and any other cities as candidates collected signatures in their support. According to Belarusian human rights activites, about 700 people were detained, and 24 of them were recognized by the rights community as political prisoners. More than 300 people faced administrative arrests and fines.
The protests subsided noticeably as the registration began, with sporadic solidarity rallies failing to gain momentum and grow into mass events. Analysts explain this by a harsh police response on one hand and the lack of pretexts for expressing discontent on the other.
Observers think that rallies in support of Tsepkalo and Babariko will resume. Their campaign headquarters already announced they would challenge the denial of registration in court.


tass--2020-07-15--Trump signs executive order to impose sanctions over Hong Kong

WASHINGTON , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose sanctions over the situation in Hong Kong .
The document , released by the White House on Tuesday , freezes `` all property and interests in property that are in the United States '' of foreign citizens , who , according to the US government , `` have been involved , directly or indirectly , in the coercing , arresting , detaining , or imprisoning of individuals '' under the Hong Kong national security bill or were involved `` in developing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The asset freeze is also envisaged for individuals involved in actions or policies `` that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Hong Kong , '' `` threaten the peace , security , stability , or autonomy of Hong Kong . ''
It also targets those involved in media censorship , arbitrary arrests , torture and other human rights violations .
The executive order also envisages cancellation of US trade and economic preferences for Hong Kong .
It also indicates US intention to suspend several intergovernmental agreements , including on extradition of criminals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers adopted a law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong .
This legislative act seeks to prevent such actions as separatism , terrorism , undermining of the central power and conspiracy with foreign anti-Chinese powers .
Special agencies are formed in Hong Kong that are not subordinate to the Hong Kong administration .
Such development sparked criticism from certain Western nations , who believe that it violates the Hong Kong autonomy .

WASHINGTON, July 15. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to impose sanctions over the situation in Hong Kong.
The document, released by the White House on Tuesday, freezes "all property and interests in property that are in the United States" of foreign citizens, who, according to the US government, "have been involved, directly or indirectly, in the coercing, arresting, detaining, or imprisoning of individuals" under the Hong Kong national security bill or were involved "in developing, adopting, or implementing" the legislation.
The asset freeze is also envisaged for individuals involved in actions or policies "that undermine democratic processes or institutions in Hong Kong," "threaten the peace, security, stability, or autonomy of Hong Kong." It also targets those involved in media censorship, arbitrary arrests, torture and other human rights violations.
The executive order also envisages cancellation of US trade and economic preferences for Hong Kong.
It also indicates US intention to suspend several intergovernmental agreements, including on extradition of criminals.
On June 30, the Chinese lawmakers adopted a law on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong. This legislative act seeks to prevent such actions as separatism, terrorism, undermining of the central power and conspiracy with foreign anti-Chinese powers. Special agencies are formed in Hong Kong that are not subordinate to the Hong Kong administration. Such development sparked criticism from certain Western nations, who believe that it violates the Hong Kong autonomy.


tass--2020-07-15--Russian health minister, US ambassador discuss COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko and US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan have held a working meeting to discuss the novel coronavirus pandemic and efforts to develop a vaccine against the disease , the Russian Health Ministry ’ s press service said .
The sides discussed the novel coronavirus infection ’ s spread in Russia and the United States , peculiarities of the situation in certain regions of the two countries and issues of providing timely and professional assistance to novel coronavirus patients .
The Russian health minister suggested holding a video conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share experience .
The sides also discussed the development of novel coronavirus vaccines and other medicines to prevent and treat infectious diseases in Russia and the United States .
`` Although the novel coronavirus mortality in Russia is low , every human life matters to us , and we would like to increase our knowledge to make those figures even lower , '' the statement quoted Murashko as saying .
The sides also thanked each other for humanitarian assistance .
In April , Russia sent a batch of medical goods to the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a batch of 200 ventilators to Russia .
`` The US ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Russian side for providing medical equipment at the initial stages of the novel coronavirus outbreak in the United States .
< ... > Mikhail Murashko , in turn , thanked the American colleagues for the batch of lung ventilators , which had been donated to Russia and will be used in Russian regions , '' the statement says .

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko and US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan have held a working meeting to discuss the novel coronavirus pandemic and efforts to develop a vaccine against the disease, the Russian Health Ministry’s press service said.
The sides discussed the novel coronavirus infection’s spread in Russia and the United States, peculiarities of the situation in certain regions of the two countries and issues of providing timely and professional assistance to novel coronavirus patients.
The Russian health minister suggested holding a video conference of experts from the two states to share experience.
The sides also discussed the development of novel coronavirus vaccines and other medicines to prevent and treat infectious diseases in Russia and the United States.
"Although the novel coronavirus mortality in Russia is low, every human life matters to us, and we would like to increase our knowledge to make those figures even lower," the statement quoted Murashko as saying.
The sides also thanked each other for humanitarian assistance. In April, Russia sent a batch of medical goods to the US, and afterwards, the US delivered a batch of 200 ventilators to Russia.
"The US ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Russian side for providing medical equipment at the initial stages of the novel coronavirus outbreak in the United States. <...> Mikhail Murashko, in turn, thanked the American colleagues for the batch of lung ventilators, which had been donated to Russia and will be used in Russian regions," the statement says.


tass--2020-07-15--Central Russian court places members of Jehovah’s Witnesses in custody until September

VORONEZH , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Leninsky District Court in the Central Russian city of Voronezh ruled to place in custody until September members of the Jehovah ’ s Witnesses religious organization , outlawed in Russia , the court ’ s press service said on Tuesday .
`` The court has chosen a pretrial custody for 1 month and 22 days , or until 03.09.2020 < ... > as a measure of pretrial restraint for the individuals suspected of extremist activity , '' the statement says .
As part of the case , ten people are suspected of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tsentralnaya , Voronezh.
’ The organization , active in Voronezh and surrounding districts , is a part of the Administrative Center of Jehovah ’ s Witnesses , earlier deemed extremist and outlawed by the Russian Supreme Court .
The suspects are aged between 24 and 56 .
They were detained after more than 110 searches , during which large amounts of books and other prohibited printing works were seized .
On April 20 , 2017 , the Russian Supreme Court declared Jehovah ’ s Witnesses and all affiliated regional organizations an extremist organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlawed in Russia .

VORONEZH, July 15. /TASS/. The Leninsky District Court in the Central Russian city of Voronezh ruled to place in custody until September members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious organization, outlawed in Russia, the court’s press service said on Tuesday.
"The court has chosen a pretrial custody for 1 month and 22 days, or until 03.09.2020 <...> as a measure of pretrial restraint for the individuals suspected of extremist activity," the statement says.
As part of the case, ten people are suspected of running a local religious organization headlined ‘Tsentralnaya, Voronezh.’ The organization, active in Voronezh and surrounding districts, is a part of the Administrative Center of Jehovah’s Witnesses, earlier deemed extremist and outlawed by the Russian Supreme Court.
The suspects are aged between 24 and 56. They were detained after more than 110 searches, during which large amounts of books and other prohibited printing works were seized.
On April 20, 2017, the Russian Supreme Court declared Jehovah’s Witnesses and all affiliated regional organizations an extremist organization. The organization’s activities are outlawed in Russia.


tass--2020-07-15--Russian private firm MTKS to make four prototypes of reusable spacecraft for $136 mln

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian private company MTKS will make four prototypes of the Argo reusable spacecraft at the price of $ 136 million , the company ’ s board chairman Sergei Sopov told TASS .
`` The cost of creating four prototypes is $ 136 million .
This includes manufacturing , stand-alone tests and all pre-launch works .
The cost of the launch itself is not included into the fee , '' Sopov said .
The main function of Argo is to deliver supplies to an orbital station .
The Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methane-powered reusable rocket is being considered as a possible delivery vehicle for the spacecraft in the future .
Earlier , Sopov said 58 % of Argo will be made of composite materials .
Some of the spacecraft ’ s components will be manufactured at a plant built in the Central Russian city of Voronezh in 2019 .
The spacecraft has a cargo module of 11 cubic meters .
Its diameter is 4.1 meters , height - 5.6 meters , total weight - 11.5 tonnes .
It can deliver two tonnes of cargo to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the earth .
The spacecraft can spend up to 300 in space as part of an orbital station , or one month in an autonomous flight .
It can be reused at least 20 times .

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. A Russian private company MTKS will make four prototypes of the Argo reusable spacecraft at the price of $136 million, the company’s board chairman Sergei Sopov told TASS.
"The cost of creating four prototypes is $136 million. This includes manufacturing, stand-alone tests and all pre-launch works. The cost of the launch itself is not included into the fee," Sopov said.
The main function of Argo is to deliver supplies to an orbital station. The Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket will be used during initial trials, while Soyuz-SPG methane-powered reusable rocket is being considered as a possible delivery vehicle for the spacecraft in the future. Earlier, Sopov said 58% of Argo will be made of composite materials. Some of the spacecraft’s components will be manufactured at a plant built in the Central Russian city of Voronezh in 2019.
The spacecraft has a cargo module of 11 cubic meters. Its diameter is 4.1 meters, height - 5.6 meters, total weight - 11.5 tonnes. It can deliver two tonnes of cargo to the orbit and bring one tonne back to the earth. The spacecraft can spend up to 300 in space as part of an orbital station, or one month in an autonomous flight. It can be reused at least 20 times.


tass--2020-07-15--Strong winds disrupt power supplies to nearly 150 communities near Moscow

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Power supplies in almost 150 towns and villages near the Russian capital Moscow @ @ @ @ @ winds on Tuesday night , an emergency source told TASS .
`` Due to unfavorable @ @ @ @ @ were disrupted to 147 populated areas with a total population of 8,200 people .
Strong @ @ @ @ @ one car was damaged , '' the source said .
Airports of Domodedovo , Zhukovsky @ @ @ @ @ normal regime despite bad weather , the source said .
Earlier , the Moscow Region @ @ @ @ @ rains , thunderstorms and gusts of wind of about 15-20 mph are expected late on @ @ @ @ @ told TASS that in Moscow , winds toppled more than 20 trees in various districts @ @ @ @ @ damaging about 10 cars .
No casualties were reported .

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Power supplies in almost 150 towns and villages near the Russian capital Moscow have been disrupted by strong winds on Tuesday night, an emergency source told TASS.
"Due to unfavorable weather conditions, electricity supplies were disrupted to 147 populated areas with a total population of 8,200 people. Strong winds toppled 51 trees, one car was damaged," the source said.
Airports of Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo are working in normal regime despite bad weather, the source said.
Earlier, the Moscow Region emergencies service warned that heavy rains, thunderstorms and gusts of wind of about 15-20 mph are expected late on July 14.
Another source told TASS that in Moscow, winds toppled more than 20 trees in various districts of the Russian capital, damaging about 10 cars. No casualties were reported.


tass--2020-07-15--Belarusian, foreign reporters detained while covering rallies in Minsk

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
At least eight Belarusian and foreign media journalists covering an unsanctioned rally in the capital Minsk were briefly detained by police on Tuesday , the Belarusian Association of Journalists said on its website .
According to the association , police detained journalists of Euroradio , the tut.by web portal , the Belsat TV channel , BBC and the Belarusian office of Radio Liberty .
All reporters have already been released .
The unregistered human rights center Vesna said more than 180 people were detained during the rally in the Belarusian capital .
Detentions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pruzhany , Gomel , Brest , Soligorsk , Bobruisk , Stolbtsy and Grodno .
People took to the streets of Minsk on Tuesday evening to show solidarity after the country ’ s Central Election Commission refused to register Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo as presidential candidates .
Police used loudspeakers to warn the rally participants about administrative responsibility for taking part in unsanctioned rallies .
Presidential elections in Belarus are scheduled for August 9 .
The country ’ s Central Election Commission registered five people as presidential candidates , including incumbent President Alexander @ @

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. At least eight Belarusian and foreign media journalists covering an unsanctioned rally in the capital Minsk were briefly detained by police on Tuesday, the Belarusian Association of Journalists said on its website.
According to the association, police detained journalists of Euroradio, the tut.by web portal, the Belsat TV channel, BBC and the Belarusian office of Radio Liberty. All reporters have already been released.
The unregistered human rights center Vesna said more than 180 people were detained during the rally in the Belarusian capital. Detentions also took place in the cities of Pruzhany, Gomel, Brest, Soligorsk, Bobruisk, Stolbtsy and Grodno.
People took to the streets of Minsk on Tuesday evening to show solidarity after the country’s Central Election Commission refused to register Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo as presidential candidates. Police used loudspeakers to warn the rally participants about administrative responsibility for taking part in unsanctioned rallies.
Presidential elections in Belarus are scheduled for August 9. The country’s Central Election Commission registered five people as presidential candidates, including incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko.


tass--2020-07-14--Armenia awaits Post-Soviet bloc’s constructive reaction to border clashes with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia expects member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) to express a constructive stance in relation to the escalation of tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Tuesday during a meeting with Belarusian Ambassador to Armenia Igor Nazaryuk .
“ Prime Minister Pashinyan has stressed the importance of open dialogue and cooperation based on trust within common integration organizations – the CSTO and the EAEU , ” the Armenian government ’ s press service informed .
The press service added that Pashinyan had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the talks with the ambassador , “ stressing the importance of a constructive stance of CSTO partner states on this issue.
” The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border On July 12 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to attack the republic ’ s positions in the direction of Tovuz on the border using artillery .
According to the ministry , the attacks have continued during the night .
Baku informed that eleven Azerbaijani troops had been killed since clashes had begun .
For its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 4 casualties and added that border tensions had escalated after an attempted breach from the side of Afghanistan .
On Monday , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the escalation of tensions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov , calling on both sides to establish a ceasefire .
On Tuesday , UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also called on both conflict sides to stop the clashes and to begin the de-escalation of the conflict .
Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed border region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Azerbaijan at the end of the 1980s , which resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Armenia that claimed the lives of 25,000-30,000 people between 1988 and 1994 .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been going on since 1992 .
Russia , the US and France are co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) that acts as a mediator in resolving the crisis .
The group also includes Azerbaijan , Armenia , Belarus , Germany , Italy , Portugal , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

YEREVAN, July 14. /TASS/. Armenia expects member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to express a constructive stance in relation to the escalation of tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Tuesday during a meeting with Belarusian Ambassador to Armenia Igor Nazaryuk.
“Prime Minister Pashinyan has stressed the importance of open dialogue and cooperation based on trust within common integration organizations – the CSTO and the EAEU,” the Armenian government’s press service informed.
The press service added that Pashinyan had mentioned the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border during the talks with the ambassador, “stressing the importance of a constructive stance of CSTO partner states on this issue.”
The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border
On July 12, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to attack the republic’s positions in the direction of Tovuz on the border using artillery. According to the ministry, the attacks have continued during the night. Baku informed that eleven Azerbaijani troops had been killed since clashes had begun.
For its part, the Armenian Defense Ministry informed of 4 casualties and added that border tensions had escalated after an attempted breach from the side of Azerbaijan.
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the escalation of tensions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov, calling on both sides to establish a ceasefire. On Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also called on both conflict sides to stop the clashes and to begin the de-escalation of the conflict.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed border region between Armenia and Azerbaijan, sought independence from Azerbaijan at the end of the 1980s, which resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Armenia that claimed the lives of 25,000-30,000 people between 1988 and 1994. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been going on since 1992. Russia, the US and France are co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that acts as a mediator in resolving the crisis. The group also includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Turkey.


tass--2020-07-14--Minsk, Moscow ink deal on Russian oil supplies

MINSK , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
An agreement on conditions of Russian oil supplies to Belarus was signed in @ @ @ @ @ between prime ministers of the two countries , Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko told @ @ @ @ @ documents were signed today .
These are two protocols to the intergovernmental agreement on construction @ @ @ @ @ plant .
A separate agreement governing the condition of energy resources supplies , oil in @ @ @ @ @ of Belarus , ” Golovchenko said , cited in Facebook by press secretary of the @ @ @ @ @ The Belarusian Prime Minister did not detail the agreement on energy resources .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ commercial ones .
This is a technical agreement governing matters of payment for supplies of @ @ @ @ @ said .

MINSK, July 14. /TASS/. An agreement on conditions of Russian oil supplies to Belarus was signed in Moscow on Tuesday after negotiations between prime ministers of the two countries, Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko told reporters.
"Three international documents were signed today. These are two protocols to the intergovernmental agreement on construction of the Belarusian nuclear power plant. A separate agreement governing the condition of energy resources supplies, oil in particular, to the Republic of Belarus,” Golovchenko said, cited in Facebook by press secretary of the prime minister Alexandra Isaeva.
The Belarusian Prime Minister did not detail the agreement on energy resources. “This issue is more related to commercial ones. This is a technical agreement governing matters of payment for supplies of energy resources,” he said.


tass--2020-07-14--North-Caucasus Federal University creates recognition system for satellites in Far North

July , 14 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists at the North-Caucasus Federal University have developed a system for recognizing their own and foreign spacecraft which is used to control objects in the Far North .
The developments will help to avoid emergency situations and possible environmental disasters , the university ’ s press service told TASS .
In the Far North , low-orbit satellite communications systems are used .
They help to ensure the operation of automated remote control systems for oil and gas fields .
The number of countries and companies using spacecraft and low-orbit satellites for this purpose is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over-control .
`` This can lead to an emergency .
Moreover , if the remote site management system is violated , that is , there is a high chance of an environmental disaster < ... > In order to prevent such situation , a group of scientists led by Igor Kalmykov , professor at the Department of Information Security of Automated Systems at NCFU , suggests using an identification low-orbit satellite communications system .
This system must check the status of the spacecraft before starting a communication session , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocol that has high resistance to the selection and simulation of the signal of their satellites , as well as a higher recognition rate .
According to the research results , the scientists received three patents for the invention .
The work is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research .

July, 14. /TASS/. Scientists at the North-Caucasus Federal University have developed a system for recognizing their own and foreign spacecraft which is used to control objects in the Far North. The developments will help to avoid emergency situations and possible environmental disasters, the university’s press service told TASS.
In the Far North, low-orbit satellite communications systems are used. They help to ensure the operation of automated remote control systems for oil and gas fields. The number of countries and companies using spacecraft and low-orbit satellites for this purpose is constantly growing, which creates the danger of over-control.
"This can lead to an emergency. Moreover, if the remote site management system is violated, that is, there is a high chance of an environmental disaster <...> In order to prevent such situation, a group of scientists led by Igor Kalmykov, professor at the Department of Information Security of Automated Systems at NCFU, suggests using an identification low-orbit satellite communications system. This system must check the status of the spacecraft before starting a communication session," the statement reads.
Scientists have developed an authentication protocol that has high resistance to the selection and simulation of the signal of their satellites, as well as a higher recognition rate. According to the research results, the scientists received three patents for the invention. The work is supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research.


tass--2020-07-16--Tourist zone planned in Don delta

Tourist zone planned in Don delta

ROSTOV-ON-DON , July 16 .
/ TASS / .
The creation of a full-fledged tourist and recreational zone in the Don delta will in the near future become one of the priority areas of work for the administration of the Rostov region , the Region 's governor Vasily Golubev told TASS on Thursday .
`` Thanks to the city of Azov entering a specific federal project , which provides for the comprehensive restoration of historical sites , in the near future one of the priority tourist directions of the region will be the creation of a full-fledged tourist and recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Golubev said .
Taganrog also claims the role of a tourist cluster in the region , which is included in the interregional tourist project `` The Golden Ring of the Bosporus Kingdom '' .
The head of the region recalled that the Federal Agency for Tourism included it in the Top-10 priority tourist routes in Russia .
According to Golubev , the spread of the coronavirus and the restrictive measures that the authorities were forced to introduce have made serious adjustments to the plans for the development of the region 's tourism industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provision of hotel services was resumed in the region .
At the same time , the work of catering remains largely limited .
`` However , we understand that epidemic restrictions are a temporary phenomenon .
Moreover , in the future they can even have a positive impact , ensuring the redistribution of the structure of tourist flows in favor of domestic tourism , '' said Golubev .
`` In order for the region to be ready not only to receive guests , but also providing them with quality services , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the industry.
`` Speaking about the support of the tourism industry , he noted that investors who are ready to invest in the development of tourism infrastructure have the right to claim tax benefits , and for the entire payback period of the investment project .
The tax rate on property of organizations for them will be half of the total rate of 2.2 % , and a preferential offer is provided for the tax on profit of organizations .
As the Governor noted , despite the difficulties of recent months , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects on tourism .
The largest of them are the construction of the Marriott Courtyard hotel complex ( investment volume - 1.2 bln rubles ) and the international Congress Center Hyatt Regency Rostov Don-Plaza ( 8.85 bln rubles ) .
In February 2018 , the Rostov Region adopted a law `` On Tourism in the Rostov Region '' .
The document made it possible to channel funds from the regional budget to support travel agencies , as well as municipalities that develop routes and organize tours within the region .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as one of the priority areas of activity of regional and municipal authorities .
The possibility of creating independent state programs for the development of tourism and support for the subjects of the tourism industry is provided .
The tourist route `` The Golden Ring of the Bosporus Kingdom '' unites the sights of the ancient era in the Rostov Region , Krasnodar Region , Crimea and Sevastopol .
These are the surviving objects of the ancient period , thematic museums , excavation sites , as well as modern centers of wine tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreigners ; tourists from Austria , Slovenia , Japan and Germany have already visited the locations .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, July 16. / TASS /. The creation of a full-fledged tourist and recreational zone in the Don delta will in the near future become one of the priority areas of work for the administration of the Rostov region, the Region's governor Vasily Golubev told TASS on Thursday.
"Thanks to the city of Azov entering a specific federal project, which provides for the comprehensive restoration of historical sites, in the near future one of the priority tourist directions of the region will be the creation of a full-fledged tourist and recreational zone in the Don delta," Golubev said.
Taganrog also claims the role of a tourist cluster in the region, which is included in the interregional tourist project "The Golden Ring of the Bosporus Kingdom". The head of the region recalled that the Federal Agency for Tourism included it in the Top-10 priority tourist routes in Russia.
According to Golubev, the spread of the coronavirus and the restrictive measures that the authorities were forced to introduce have made serious adjustments to the plans for the development of the region's tourism industry. Only on July 6, the provision of hotel services was resumed in the region. At the same time, the work of catering remains largely limited. "However, we understand that epidemic restrictions are a temporary phenomenon. Moreover, in the future they can even have a positive impact, ensuring the redistribution of the structure of tourist flows in favor of domestic tourism," said Golubev. "In order for the region to be ready not only to receive guests, but also providing them with quality services, we have developed a number of measures to support the industry. "
Speaking about the support of the tourism industry, he noted that investors who are ready to invest in the development of tourism infrastructure have the right to claim tax benefits, and for the entire payback period of the investment project. The tax rate on property of organizations for them will be half of the total rate of 2.2%, and a preferential offer is provided for the tax on profit of organizations.
As the Governor noted, despite the difficulties of recent months, the region continues to implement a number of projects on tourism. The largest of them are the construction of the Marriott Courtyard hotel complex (investment volume - 1.2 bln rubles) and the international Congress Center Hyatt Regency Rostov Don-Plaza (8.85 bln rubles).
In February 2018, the Rostov Region adopted a law "On Tourism in the Rostov Region". The document made it possible to channel funds from the regional budget to support travel agencies, as well as municipalities that develop routes and organize tours within the region. In addition, the law defines the development of tourism as one of the priority areas of activity of regional and municipal authorities. The possibility of creating independent state programs for the development of tourism and support for the subjects of the tourism industry is provided.
The tourist route "The Golden Ring of the Bosporus Kingdom" unites the sights of the ancient era in the Rostov Region, Krasnodar Region, Crimea and Sevastopol. These are the surviving objects of the ancient period, thematic museums, excavation sites, as well as modern centers of wine tourism. The route is very popular among foreigners; tourists from Austria, Slovenia, Japan and Germany have already visited the locations.