tass--2020-08-06--Ukraine requests extradition of Russians earlier detained in Belarus

KIEV , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has submitted a request to Belarus on extraditing Russians earlier detained by @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Kuleba said on Thursday , noting that no response has been given so far @ @ @ @ @ agencies have already started dialogue with their Belarusian colleagues < ... > .
We sent @ @ @ @ @ the detained Russians ] over to Ukraine , '' Kuleba said .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ been received so far but Kiev was satisfied with the level of cooperation with Minsk @ @ @ @ @ reiterated Kiev 's position of considering some detained Russians its citizens .
On Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ , Vladimir Zelensky and Alexander Lukashenko , discussed the detention of the group of Russian @ @ @ @ @ said the law enforcement agencies would cooperate on the issue in the framework of international @ @ @ @ @ Kiev .

KIEV, August 6. /TASS/. Ukraine has submitted a request to Belarus on extraditing Russians earlier detained by Minsk, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on Thursday, noting that no response has been given so far.
"Our law enforcement agencies have already started dialogue with their Belarusian colleagues <...>. We sent a request on handing [the detained Russians] over to Ukraine," Kuleba said.
According to the minister, no response has been received so far but Kiev was satisfied with the level of cooperation with Minsk on that issue. Kuleba reiterated Kiev's position of considering some detained Russians its citizens.
On Wednesday, the Ukrainian and Belarusian presidents, Vladimir Zelensky and Alexander Lukashenko, discussed the detention of the group of Russian citizens. The Belarusian leader said the law enforcement agencies would cooperate on the issue in the framework of international agreements signed between Moscow and Kiev.
Russians’ detention in Belarus


tass--2020-08-06--Russian Navy ship holds mine countermeasures exercise in Mediterranean Sea

SEVASTOPOL , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s minesweeper Vice-Admiral Zakharyin operating within the Russian Navy ’ s Mediterranean permanent taskforce practiced mine countermeasures in drills , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` During the exercise , the crew searched for mines in the designated maritime area , using various types of contact and non-contact sweeps .
The sailors held drills for ship damage control , air and anti-saboteur defense of the ship during its sea transit and anchorage in an unsafe roadstead , '' the press office said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zakharyin has been operating within the Russian Navy ’ s Mediterranean Squadron since June .
The Soviet Navy ’ s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present .
The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period .
Its main rival was the US Navy ’ s 6th Fleet .
The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31 , 1992 , a year after the disintegration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce .
Russia ’ s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations , including warding off threats to Russia ’ s national and military security .

SEVASTOPOL, August 6. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s minesweeper Vice-Admiral Zakharyin operating within the Russian Navy’s Mediterranean permanent taskforce practiced mine countermeasures in drills, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"During the exercise, the crew searched for mines in the designated maritime area, using various types of contact and non-contact sweeps. The sailors held drills for ship damage control and air and anti-saboteur defense of the ship during its sea transit and anchorage in an unsafe roadstead," the press office said in a statement.
The seagoing minesweeper Vice-Admiral Zakharyin has been operating within the Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron since June.
Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron
The Soviet Navy’s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present. The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period. Its main rival was the US Navy’s 6th Fleet. The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31, 1992, a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
In 2013, Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce. Russia’s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations, including warding off threats to Russia’s national and military security.


tass--2020-08-06--Lukashenko invites Russian, Ukrainian prosecutors to deal with Russians’ affair

MINSK , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has handed down instructions to invite the Russian and Ukrainian prosecutor generals to sort out the case of Russian nationals detained in Belarus , the BelTA news agency reported .
The prosecutor generals of the three countries need to `` sit down together '' and `` make a decision on these guys based on our legislation and international laws , '' the Belarusian leader said at a meeting on ensuring security during the presidential election campaign .
Lukashenko suggested that the three prosecutor generals should study international agreements and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are also multilateral ones and our laws , '' he added .
`` The Investigative Committee ’ s chairman and the State Security Committee will present the latest information from investigators , '' the Belarusian president noted .
Lukashenko added that the Russians ’ detention had been discussed in his telephone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on August 5 .
`` The media have reported about it .
My position is unequivocal : there are Belarusian laws , and they committed offences on Belarusian territory .
We know everything that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
There is no need to threaten Minsk with consequences that the detained Russians ’ case might entail , Belarusian President Alexander Lukahsenko stressed .
`` We will solve this problem .
No need to politicize it .
We don ’ t need any political or economic drama .
There is also no need to threaten us with consequences or make us fear the Americans and NATO .
It was neither NATO nor the Americans that sent 33 men here , for that matter , '' Lukashenko stated .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guided by law when dealing with the case .
`` We will act based on laws and , which is important , humanity .
Laws don ’ t cover everything , so we need to take the human aspect into account as well , '' the BelTA news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stated that he won ’ t allow to `` light a bonfire '' in downtown Minsk on August 9 , the primary day of the presidential election .
`` It is clear that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is underway but it won ’ t be superfluous , considering the experience to date , to evaluate the current situation yet again , and , if necessary , work out additional measures to ensure security for the near future , '' he said on Thursday .
According to him , the authorities won ’ t tolerate a `` maidan '' in downtown Minsk .
`` Some are still calling people to come to `` maidan '' on August 9-10 .
God forbid we light a bonfire in downtown Minsk and toss charred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allow this and we won ’ t , '' the Belarusian state news agency BelTA quoted his words .
The president also stressed that `` everybody who were insulting and intimidating the government employees , the military , members of the election commissions , workers of the vertical of power , should be held accountable in accordance with the Belarusian legislation and constitution . ''
According to him , the government `` has enough resources to defend the state workers who today are working for the country practically for free , without @ @ @

MINSK, August 6. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has handed down instructions to invite the Russian and Ukrainian prosecutor generals to sort out the case of Russian nationals detained in Belarus, the BelTA news agency reported.
The prosecutor generals of the three countries need to "sit down together" and "make a decision on these guys based on our legislation and international laws," the Belarusian leader said at a meeting on ensuring security during the presidential election campaign.
Lukashenko suggested that the three prosecutor generals should study international agreements and agreements with Russia and Ukraine. "There are also multilateral ones and our laws," he added. "The Investigative Committee’s chairman and the State Security Committee will present the latest information from investigators," the Belarusian president noted.
Lukashenko added that the Russians’ detention had been discussed in his telephone call with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on August 5. "The media have reported about it. My position is unequivocal: there are Belarusian laws, and they committed offences on Belarusian territory. We know everything that our investigative committee has found out," he said.
There is no need to threaten Minsk with consequences that the detained Russians’ case might entail, Belarusian President Alexander Lukahsenko stressed.
"We will solve this problem. No need to politicize it. We don’t need any political or economic drama. There is also no need to threaten us with consequences or make us fear the Americans and NATO. It was neither NATO nor the Americans that sent 33 men here, for that matter," Lukashenko stated. According to him, the Belarusian authorities will be guided by law when dealing with the case. "We will act based on laws and, which is important, humanity. Laws don’t cover everything, so we need to take the human aspect into account as well," the BelTA news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying.
Preventing a 'maidan'
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has stated that he won’t allow to "light a bonfire" in downtown Minsk on August 9, the primary day of the presidential election.
"It is clear that the election has started, the early voting is underway but it won’t be superfluous, considering the experience to date, to evaluate the current situation yet again, and, if necessary, work out additional measures to ensure security for the near future," he said on Thursday.
According to him, the authorities won’t tolerate a "maidan" in downtown Minsk. "Some are still calling people to come to "maidan" on August 9-10. God forbid we light a bonfire in downtown Minsk and toss charred wood all over Minsk. We cannot allow this and we won’t," the Belarusian state news agency BelTA quoted his words.
The president also stressed that "everybody who were insulting and intimidating the government employees, the military, members of the election commissions, workers of the vertical of power, should be held accountable in accordance with the Belarusian legislation and constitution." According to him, the government "has enough resources to defend the state workers who today are working for the country practically for free, without compensation."
Russians’ detention


tass--2020-08-06--Russia records 5,267 coronavirus cases in 24 hours

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia recorded 5,267 new coronavirus cases in the past day and the total caseload in the country reached 871,894 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday .
Of these , 684 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Moscow , 183 - in the Svedlovsk Region , 160 - in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region , 159 - in the Moscow Region and 159 - in St. Petersburg .
According to the crisis center , the daily growth rate was estimated at 0.6 % .The lowest daily growth rate was registered in the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kabardino-Balkarian Republic ( 0.2 % ) , North Ossetia ( 0.2 % ) , Moscow ( 0.3 % ) , the Tyva Republic ( 0.3 % ) , the Karachay-Circassian Region ( 0.3 % ) , the Kaluga , Bryansk , Smolensk and Lipetsk regions ( 0.3 % ) and the Trans-Baikal Region ( 0.3 % ) .
Currently , some 180,931 people are receiving treatment for the coronavirus infection .
The number of coronavirus patients recovered over the past 24 hours has increased by 7,331 taking the total to 676,357 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Having recovered , 1,254 patients were discharged in Moscow , 343 - in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region , 340 - in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area , 339 - in the Irkutsk Region and 291 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region over the past 24 hours .
The share of recoveries makes up approximately 77.6 % of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia .
The number of coronavirus deaths in Russia rose by 116 in the past 24 hours , down from 139 the day before , bringing the total to 14,606 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Of these , 16 fatalities were registered in St. Petersburg , 13 - in Moscow , nine - in the Irkutsk Region , seven - in the Novosibirsk and Sverdlovsk regions each , and five fatalities - in the Tula Region while in 35 Russian regions the number of fatalities has not exceeded four .
According to the crisis center , 1.68 % of coronavirus patients have died in the country .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. Russia recorded 5,267 new coronavirus cases in the past day and the total caseload in the country reached 871,894, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday. Of these, 684 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Moscow, 183 - in the Svedlovsk Region, 160 - in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region, 159 - in the Moscow Region and 159 - in St. Petersburg.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth rate was estimated at 0.6%.The lowest daily growth rate was registered in the Moscow Region (0.2%), the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (0.2%), North Ossetia (0.2%), Moscow (0.3%), the Tyva Republic (0.3%), the Karachay-Circassian Region (0.3%), the Kaluga, Bryansk, Smolensk and Lipetsk regions (0.3%) and the Trans-Baikal Region (0.3%).
Currently, some 180,931 people are receiving treatment for the coronavirus infection.
The number of coronavirus patients recovered over the past 24 hours has increased by 7,331 taking the total to 676,357, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday. Having recovered, 1,254 patients were discharged in Moscow, 343 - in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, 340 - in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, 339 - in the Irkutsk Region and 291 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region over the past 24 hours.
The share of recoveries makes up approximately 77.6% of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia.
The number of coronavirus deaths in Russia rose by 116 in the past 24 hours, down from 139 the day before, bringing the total to 14,606, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday. Of these, 16 fatalities were registered in St. Petersburg, 13 - in Moscow, nine - in the Irkutsk Region, seven - in the Novosibirsk and Sverdlovsk regions each, and five fatalities - in the Tula Region while in 35 Russian regions the number of fatalities has not exceeded four.
According to the crisis center, 1.68% of coronavirus patients have died in the country.


tass--2020-08-06--Moscow records another 1,254 coronavirus recoveries

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus recoveries in Moscow rose by 1,254 to 186,223 in @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Anastasia Rakova said on Thursday .
WHO reports one-day surge in coronavirus cases by @ @ @ @ @ of recoveries keeps growing .
As many as 1,254 patients recovered in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ of recoveries has reached 186,223 , '' she pointed out .
According to Rakova , @ @ @ @ @ under medical observation receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital .
Recovered coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ are invited to donate blood plasma , provided they don ’ t have chronic illnesses @ @ @ @ @ and Hepatitis B and C .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus recoveries in Moscow rose by 1,254 to 186,223 in the past day, Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova said on Thursday.
WHO reports one-day surge in coronavirus cases by over 206,000
"The number of recoveries keeps growing. As many as 1,254 patients recovered in the past 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has reached 186,223," she pointed out.
According to Rakova, patients who need to remain under medical observation receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital.
Recovered coronavirus patients aged between 18 and 55 are invited to donate blood plasma, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV and Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-08-06--Record growth of COVID-19 infections registered in Ukraine for two days in a row

KIEV , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Healthcare workers in Ukraine have registered over the past 24 hours 1,318 cases @ @ @ @ @ which is 3.7 % more than the previous record high of 1,271 infections seen the @ @ @ @ @ s National Security and Defense Council reported on Thursday .
According to its data , @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , which is almost 30 % more than the previous day @ @ @ @ @ Since the beginning of the pandemic in Ukraine 76,808 cases of the coronavirus infection were @ @ @ @ @ 1,819 fatalities .

KIEV, August 6. /TASS/. Healthcare workers in Ukraine have registered over the past 24 hours 1,318 cases of the coronavirus infection, which is 3.7% more than the previous record high of 1,271 infections seen the day before, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council reported on Thursday.
According to its data, there were 31 fatalities over the past 24 hours, which is almost 30% more than the previous day when 24 people died.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in Ukraine 76,808 cases of the coronavirus infection were recorded with 41,527 recoveries and 1,819 fatalities.


tass--2020-08-06--Russian Emergencies Ministry sends another plane to Beirut

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Emergencies Ministry ’ s Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft carrying the ministry ’ s experts has departed for Beirut , a spokesperson told TASS on Thursday .
`` An Il-76 plane , which returned from Lebanon the night before , has once again left for Beirut , carrying rescue workers from the Centrospas group and special equipment , '' the spokesperson said .
This is the fourth flight heading to Lebanon to help deal with the aftermath of Tuesday ’ s explosion .
Over 100 Russian rescue workers and doctors have already arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has delivered a 50-bed makeshift hospital to the country that will be deployed at Beirut ’ s Rafic Hariri Stadium .
A powerful blast rocked the Lebanese capital ’ s port area on August 4 .
Shockwaves from the explosion destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars .
Local authorities say that the blast was caused by the detonation of 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate , seized by customs officials in 2014 .
According to the latest data , the explosion killed 137 people and left about 5,000 injured , while dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency has been declared in Beirut .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. The Russian Emergencies Ministry’s Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft carrying the ministry’s experts has departed for Beirut, a spokesperson told TASS on Thursday.
"An Il-76 plane, which returned from Lebanon the night before, has once again left for Beirut, carrying rescue workers from the Centrospas group and special equipment," the spokesperson said. This is the fourth flight heading to Lebanon to help deal with the aftermath of Tuesday’s explosion.
Over 100 Russian rescue workers and doctors have already arrived in Beirut. In addition, Russia has delivered a 50-bed makeshift hospital to the country that will be deployed at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri Stadium.
A powerful blast rocked the Lebanese capital’s port area on August 4. Shockwaves from the explosion destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars. Local authorities say that the blast was caused by the detonation of 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, seized by customs officials in 2014.
According to the latest data, the explosion killed 137 people and left about 5,000 injured, while dozens are missing. A two-week state of emergency has been declared in Beirut.


tass--2020-08-06--Aeroflot to cancel part of previously scheduled international flights until August 31

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Aeroflot Airlines will extend until August 31 the cancellation of flights to more than 80 foreign cities due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation there , the airline said in a statement .
`` Aeroflot announces the forced cancellation of some of its regular international flights for the period until August 31 .
The decision to adjust the program of international flights was made taking into account the current epidemiological restrictions in the countries of destination , '' the airline said .
The list includes more than 80 cities Russia has not yet resumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already resumed air services with ( Tanzania , Turkey and the UK ) were not included in the list .
Meanwhile , Zurich has been put on the list , although flights to that city were allowed from August 15 .
The airline specified that passengers who purchased tickets before May 1 , and with the date of the planned trip until August 31 , will be able to get a voucher for the ticket .
`` Passengers who purchased tickets to the listed destinations after May 1 , 2020 on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center will receive a refund for canceled flights automatically in accordance with the form of payment , '' the company added .
The airline canceled flights to the following cities : Aktau , Aktobe , Alicante , Almaty , Amsterdam , Atyrau , Athens , Baku , Bangkok , Barcelona , Beirut , Berlin , Bishkek , Bologna , Brussels , Budapest , Burgas , Bukhara , Bucharest , Valencia , Warsaw , Washington , Vienna , Venice , Verona , Vilnius , Havana , Hamburg , Hannover , Hong Kong , Guangzhou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dusseldorf , Yerevan , Zagreb , Heraklion , Karaganda , Chisinau , Copenhagen , Kostanay , Kyzylorda , Larnaca , Lyon , Lisbon , Los Angeles , Ljubljana , Madrid , Miami , Malaga , Marseille , Milan , Munich , Naples , Nice , Nur-Sultan , New York , Oslo , Osh , Palma de Mallorca , Paris , Beijing , Prague , Phuket , Riga , Rome , Rimini , Thessaloniki , Samarkand , Sofia , Split , Stockholm , Tallinn , Tashkent , Tel Aviv , Tenerife , Tokyo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helsinki , Ho Chi Minh City , Zurich , Shanghai , Stuttgart and Shymkent .
In April , Aeroflot suspended international sales until August 1 amid the coronavirus pandemic .
At the same time , the company announced that the ban would be in effect until `` there is certainty about the resumption of international air traffic . ''
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , Russia closed all international passenger flights in March , and partial resumption of flights began on August 1 .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. Aeroflot Airlines will extend until August 31 the cancellation of flights to more than 80 foreign cities due to the unfavorable epidemiological situation there, the airline said in a statement.
"Aeroflot announces the forced cancellation of some of its regular international flights for the period until August 31. The decision to adjust the program of international flights was made taking into account the current epidemiological restrictions in the countries of destination," the airline said.
The list includes more than 80 cities Russia has not yet resumed air traffic with.
The countries Russia has already resumed air services with (Tanzania, Turkey and the UK) were not included in the list.
Meanwhile, Zurich has been put on the list, although flights to that city were allowed from August 15. The airline specified that passengers who purchased tickets before May 1, and with the date of the planned trip until August 31, will be able to get a voucher for the ticket.
"Passengers who purchased tickets to the listed destinations after May 1, 2020 on the airline's website or at the contact center will receive a refund for canceled flights automatically in accordance with the form of payment," the company added.
The airline canceled flights to the following cities: Aktau, Aktobe, Alicante, Almaty, Amsterdam, Atyrau, Athens, Baku, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beirut, Berlin, Bishkek, Bologna, Brussels, Budapest, Burgas, Bukhara, Bucharest, Valencia, Warsaw, Washington, Vienna, Venice, Verona, Vilnius, Havana, Hamburg, Hannover, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Delhi, Dresden, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Yerevan, Zagreb, Heraklion, Karaganda, Chisinau, Copenhagen, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Larnaca, Lyon, Lisbon, Los Angeles, Ljubljana, Madrid, Miami, Malaga, Marseille, Milan, Munich, Naples, Nice, Nur-Sultan, New York, Oslo, Osh, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Beijing, Prague, Phuket, Riga, Rome, Rimini, Thessaloniki, Samarkand, Sofia, Split, Stockholm, Tallinn, Tashkent, Tel Aviv, Tenerife, Tokyo, Ulan Bator, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Helsinki, Ho Chi Minh City, Zurich, Shanghai, Stuttgart and Shymkent.
In April, Aeroflot suspended international sales until August 1 amid the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, the company announced that the ban would be in effect until "there is certainty about the resumption of international air traffic."
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Russia closed all international passenger flights in March, and partial resumption of flights began on August 1.


tass--2020-08-06--Lavrov emphasizes need to rule out possibility of nuclear war

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
There is a need to rule out the possibility of a nuclear war , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a message to the participants of a memorial ceremony in Hiroshima on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing .
According to Lavrov , `` as a nuclear-weapon state , Russia recognizes its responsibility for international security , and global and regional stability . ''
`` We are aware of the impact that the use of nuclear weapons may have .
Our country pursues a policy of peace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian top diplomat pointed out .
`` Today , we note with great concern the degradation of the international arms control system , denunciation of treaties , disregard of the principles of undiminished security of States , and a significant increase in nuclear risks .
There has been an alarming shift in doctrinal military and political policies towards the idea that it is acceptable to employ nuclear weapons as a means of warfare , '' Lavrov added .
`` We need to eliminate the risk of military confrontation between the nuclear powers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war .
We firmly believe that such a war can not be won and must never be unleashed .
We suggest that all nuclear powers officially confirm their commitment to this tenet , '' the Russian foreign minister stated .
He went on to say that Moscow reaffirmed its `` commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and , in this connection , call for extension of the START Treaty . ''
`` In the face of the dismantlement of the INF Treaty by the United States , Russia unilaterally undertook not to deploy ground-launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region of the world until relevant US-made weapons are deployed there , '' he said .
`` It is crucially important to hold a substantive discussion on the issues that have to be dealt with in order to create favorable conditions for further movement towards nuclear disarmament , '' Lavrov noted , adding : `` These issues include the deployment of a global missile defense system by the United States , development of high-precision non-nuclear strategic offensive arms , weaponization of outer space and cyberspace , and the United States ' refusal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top diplomat also said that `` an impartial analysis of what happened in August 1945 confirms that the world ’ s leading capitals could not but realize that World War II was really coming to an end . ''
According to him , `` the Soviet offensive in the Far East , as part of the agreements between the Allies , not only liberated China and Korea , but also took away Japan ’ s motivation to continue military operations .
In that situation , atomic bombings by the United States were in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational test of nuclear weapons on civilians .
The United States was the first and only country to use this type of weapons of mass destruction , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` Soviet representatives were among the first foreign observers to visit the site of the tragedy and collect detailed materials that were submitted to the leadership of the country .
This and other information on the results of the study into the consequences of nuclear explosions in Japan was subsequently made public and presented to the wider international community .
We would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respect to historical truth and ensuring transparency with regard to those events , '' the Russian foreign minister emphasized .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. There is a need to rule out the possibility of a nuclear war, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a message to the participants of a memorial ceremony in Hiroshima on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing.
According to Lavrov, "as a nuclear-weapon state, Russia recognizes its responsibility for international security, and global and regional stability." "We are aware of the impact that the use of nuclear weapons may have. Our country pursues a policy of peace and non-confrontation in international affairs," the Russian top diplomat pointed out.
"Today, we note with great concern the degradation of the international arms control system, denunciation of treaties, disregard of the principles of undiminished security of States, and a significant increase in nuclear risks. There has been an alarming shift in doctrinal military and political policies towards the idea that it is acceptable to employ nuclear weapons as a means of warfare," Lavrov added.
"We need to eliminate the risk of military confrontation between the nuclear powers and rule out the possibility of a nuclear war. We firmly believe that such a war cannot be won and must never be unleashed. We suggest that all nuclear powers officially confirm their commitment to this tenet," the Russian foreign minister stated.
He went on to say that Moscow reaffirmed its "commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and, in this connection, call for extension of the START Treaty." "In the face of the dismantlement of the INF Treaty by the United States, Russia unilaterally undertook not to deploy ground-launched intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in any given region of the world until relevant US-made weapons are deployed there," he said.
"It is crucially important to hold a substantive discussion on the issues that have to be dealt with in order to create favorable conditions for further movement towards nuclear disarmament," Lavrov noted, adding: "These issues include the deployment of a global missile defense system by the United States, development of high-precision non-nuclear strategic offensive arms, weaponization of outer space and cyberspace, and the United States' refusal to ratify the CTBT."
The Russian top diplomat also said that "an impartial analysis of what happened in August 1945 confirms that the world’s leading capitals could not but realize that World War II was really coming to an end." According to him, "the Soviet offensive in the Far East, as part of the agreements between the Allies, not only liberated China and Korea, but also took away Japan’s motivation to continue military operations. In that situation, atomic bombings by the United States were in fact a show of force and an operational test of nuclear weapons on civilians. The United States was the first and only country to use this type of weapons of mass destruction," Lavrov stressed.
"Soviet representatives were among the first foreign observers to visit the site of the tragedy and collect detailed materials that were submitted to the leadership of the country. This and other information on the results of the study into the consequences of nuclear explosions in Japan was subsequently made public and presented to the wider international community. We would expect others to follow suit, showing respect to historical truth and ensuring transparency with regard to those events," the Russian foreign minister emphasized.


tass--2020-08-06--Media: China successfully tests typhoon tracking drone on Hainan

HAIKOU , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
China has successfully conducted the country 's first test of an unmanned aerial vehicle ( UAV ) for the integrated observation of typhoons .
The fully automated mini-plane was launched from Hainan 's Boao Airport , according to China Central Television ( CCTV ) .
The Ilun-10 drone , equipped for meteorological observations , gained an altitude of 10,000 meters .
The device dropped 30 probes into the Sinlaku typhoon area , after which the millimeter-wave radar scanned the atmospheric phenomenon .
The obtained data helped specialists to determine the location of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get its three-dimensional model .
The study also involved meteorological satellites and unmanned surface vehicles .
Since sea surface observations are limited , the Chinese Meteorological Office launched the Haiyan ( Petrel ) project in 2018 to monitor sea weather conditions using UAVs .
The launch of a drone to monitor the typhoon was part of this program .
Typhoon Sinlaku formed on July 31 off the coast of the Philippines .
On the way to the west , it affected the southern provinces of China , Hainan , Guangdong , Guangxi Zhuang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of Thailand .
Typhoons cause China an economic loss of about 29.5 billion yuan ( about $ 4.2 billion ) annually .

HAIKOU, August 6. /TASS/. China has successfully conducted the country's first test of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the integrated observation of typhoons. The fully automated mini-plane was launched from Hainan's Boao Airport, according to China Central Television (CCTV).
The Ilun-10 drone, equipped for meteorological observations, gained an altitude of 10,000 meters. The device dropped 30 probes into the Sinlaku typhoon area, after which the millimeter-wave radar scanned the atmospheric phenomenon. The obtained data helped specialists to determine the location of the typhoon center, as well as to get its three-dimensional model. The study also involved meteorological satellites and unmanned surface vehicles.
Since sea surface observations are limited, the Chinese Meteorological Office launched the Haiyan (Petrel) project in 2018 to monitor sea weather conditions using UAVs. The launch of a drone to monitor the typhoon was part of this program.
Typhoon Sinlaku formed on July 31 off the coast of the Philippines. On the way to the west, it affected the southern provinces of China, Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as the territory of Thailand.
Typhoons cause China an economic loss of about 29.5 billion yuan (about $ 4.2 billion) annually.


tass--2020-08-06--Over 7,700 coronavirus cases confirmed in Peru in past day

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
As many as 7,734 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Peru @ @ @ @ @ bringing the overall number of such cases up to over 447,000 , the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` As of August 5 , 2020 , the number of confirmed coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ '' the ministry said .
The death toll from the coronavirus infection has risen to @ @ @ @ @ 306,430 patients have recovered .
In mid-March , Peru ’ s President Martin Vizcarra declared @ @ @ @ @ a strict quarantine .
Later , a curfew was imposed in the country .
In @ @ @ @ @ to lift the coronavirus lockdowns .
The president however calls on people to observe sanitary @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. /TASS/. As many as 7,734 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Peru in the past day, bringing the overall number of such cases up to over 447,000, the country’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
"As of August 5, 2020, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases stands at 447,624," the ministry said.
The death toll from the coronavirus infection has risen to 20,228. A total of 306,430 patients have recovered.
In mid-March, Peru’s President Martin Vizcarra declared an emergency situation and imposed a strict quarantine. Later, a curfew was imposed in the country.
In May, the authorities began to lift the coronavirus lockdowns. The president however calls on people to observe sanitary rules and be cautious.


tass--2020-08-06--Over 245,000 people remain under medical observation over coronavirus in Russia

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
More than 245,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ entry for short trips to Russia for foreigners '' As many as 245,379 people remain @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement reads .
According to the watchdog , more than 29.7 mln @ @ @ @ @ in the country so far with 283,000 tests carried out in the past 24 hours @

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. More than 245,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the coronavirus, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Thursday.
Cabinet lifts restrictions on visa-free entry for short trips to Russia for foreigners
"As many as 245,379 people remain under medical observation in Russia," the statement reads.
According to the watchdog, more than 29.7 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country so far with 283,000 tests carried out in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-08-06--Daily tally of confirmed coronavirus cases in Argentina sees record of over 7,000

According to the country ’ s Health Ministry , the overall number of coronavirus cases stands at 220,682 .
Most @ @ @ @ @ 4,676 ) were registered in Buenos Aires Province and the capital city ( 1,467 ) @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-related deaths were recorded during the day , pushing the death toll to 4,106 .
@ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Argentina on March 3 .
Quarantine was imposed in the country on March @ @ @ @ @ to mitigate the lockdowns in most of the provinces from June 4 .
However quarantine @ @ @ @ @ city and its suburbs at least until August 16 .

According to the country’s Health Ministry, the overall number of coronavirus cases stands at 220,682. Most of the new cases (4,676) were registered in Buenos Aires Province and the capital city (1,467).
As many as 127 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded during the day, pushing the death toll to 4,106.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Argentina on March 3. Quarantine was imposed in the country on March 20. The authorities began to mitigate the lockdowns in most of the provinces from June 4. However quarantine was extended in the capital city and its suburbs at least until August 16.


tass--2020-08-06--Turkish Health Ministry refutes media allegations about COVID outbreaks in resort areas

ANKARA , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey ’ s Health Ministry has refuted media allegations about coronavirus outbreaks in @ @ @ @ @ `` Reports about coronavirus outbreaks in Turkey ’ s resort regions are not true .
@ @ @ @ @ registered only in Ankara , Diyarbakir , Gaziantep , Konya , and Istanbul , '' @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
A number of Russian mass media outlets reported earlier citing Turkish Health @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus infection had been registered in the country ’ s resort areas .
@ @ @ @ @ the situation in the country in general .
On Wednesday , Koca expressed hope that @ @ @ @ @ holiday last week would not entail a surge in the coronavirus cases .
The first @ @ @ @ @ Turkey on March 10 .
By now , the coronavirus tally exceeds 236,000 cases .
@ @ @ @ @ have died , and 219,506 have recovered .

ANKARA, August 6. /TASS/. Turkey’s Health Ministry has refuted media allegations about coronavirus outbreaks in the country's resorts.
"Reports about coronavirus outbreaks in Turkey’s resort regions are not true. Growths of new cases were registered only in Ankara, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, Konya, and Istanbul," a ministry spokesperson told TASS on Thursday.
A number of Russian mass media outlets reported earlier citing Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca that outbreaks of the coronavirus infection had been registered in the country’s resort areas. The minister however spoke about the situation in the country in general.
On Wednesday, Koca expressed hope that celebrations of the Kurban Bayram holiday last week would not entail a surge in the coronavirus cases.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Turkey on March 10. By now, the coronavirus tally exceeds 236,000 cases. As many as 5,784 patients have died, and 219,506 have recovered.


tass--2020-08-06--Third plane of Russian emergencies ministry heads to Beirut hit by powerful blast

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
A third plane of the Russian emergencies ministry has taken off for Beirut , rocked by a huge blast on Tuesday , after a stopover in Saratov , the ministry ’ s press service said on Thursday .
`` At 04:53 Moscow time on August 6 , an Il-76 plane took off from Saratov for Lebanon , '' it said , specifying that the plane was carrying 15 specialists from Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog and equipment for organizing a laboratory for conducting tests for the novel coronavirus infection .
On Wednesday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescuers , doctors and psychologists - arrived in Beirut .
The Russian emergencies ministry ’ s planes also brought an airmobile hospital .
Two more flight are be performed to Beirut to bring more Russian specialists .
According to Sergei Vorontsov , the chief of the ministry ’ s taskforce , Russia may send more rescuers to the area .
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy ’ s base on August 4 , sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital .
The shockwave destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Local authorities say the blast was caused by the detonation of 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate , stored in the port after being confiscated by the customs services in 2015 .
According to latest updates , at least 137 people were killed and about 5,000 were injured .
Dozens are still missing .
Over 300,000 people were left homeless .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. A third plane of the Russian emergencies ministry has taken off for Beirut, rocked by a huge blast on Tuesday, after a stopover in Saratov, the ministry’s press service said on Thursday.
"At 04:53 Moscow time on August 6, an Il-76 plane took off from Saratov for Lebanon," it said, specifying that the plane was carrying 15 specialists from Russia’s sanitary watchdog and equipment for organizing a laboratory for conducting tests for the novel coronavirus infection.
On Wednesday evening, more than 100 Russian specialists - rescuers, doctors and psychologists - arrived in Beirut. The Russian emergencies ministry’s planes also brought an airmobile hospital.
Two more flight are be performed to Beirut to bring more Russian specialists. According to Sergei Vorontsov, the chief of the ministry’s taskforce, Russia may send more rescuers to the area.
A powerful blast rocked the Beirut seaport area near the Lebanese Navy’s base on August 4, sending a shockwave through residential neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital. The shockwave destroyed and damaged dozens of buildings and cars. Local authorities say the blast was caused by the detonation of 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, stored in the port after being confiscated by the customs services in 2015.
According to latest updates, at least 137 people were killed and about 5,000 were injured. Dozens are still missing. Over 300,000 people were left homeless.


tass--2020-08-06--US Department of State’s report geared to silence Russia’s cooperation proposals - embassy

WASHINGTON , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The US Department of State ’ s report on `` Russia ’ s disinformation and propaganda ecosystem '' is an attempt to silence Moscow ’ s proposals to resume cooperation in key areas , the Russian embassy in the United States said on Wednesday .
`` The above mentioned report is an attempt to silence Russian official proposals to resume cooperation in key areas on which the security of the entire world depends , '' the embassy wrote on its Facebook account , commenting on the report of the U.S. Department of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` Pillars of Russia ’ s Disinformation and Propaganda Ecosystem . ''
According to the Russian embassy , this report is obviously geared to discredit alternative information sources .
`` The U.S. State Department is not very fond of the existence of alternative sources of information .
Serious resources are employed to discredit them .
Any voice that contradicts Washington is dubbed `` disinformation '' in the service of the `` Kremlin '' and Russian intelligence , '' it said .
The US report `` runs into absurd , '' Russian diplomats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State assigned LDPR leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky and the private radio station Govorit Moskva as `` Official Government Communications . ''
`` If this serves as the pinnacle of the entire structure , so carefully built by our American colleagues , then it seemingly looks like a house of cards , '' the commentary reads .
`` Russian and foreign media outlets that dare to criticize the United States should bear in mind that they can and almost certainly will become the subject of thorough scrutiny .
Their accounts in American social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no explanation . ''
In its Special Report Pillars of Russia ’ s Disinformation and Propaganda Ecosystem , the GEC claims that Russia is key threat in terms of disinformation and propaganda .
According to the report , this `` ecosystem '' involves official government channels , state-run mass media , proxy-resources , and social network .
The Russian authorities , as follows from the report , are responsible for the development of such tactics and platforms as part of their approach to the use of information as a weapon .
Russia repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in misinformation .
Thus , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the recent allegations that Russia and China were propagating misinformation about the coronavirus infection were yet another manifestation of the West ’ s Russophobia and Sinophobia .

WASHINGTON, August 6. /TASS/. The US Department of State’s report on "Russia’s disinformation and propaganda ecosystem" is an attempt to silence Moscow’s proposals to resume cooperation in key areas, the Russian embassy in the United States said on Wednesday.
"The above mentioned report is an attempt to silence Russian official proposals to resume cooperation in key areas on which the security of the entire world depends," the embassy wrote on its Facebook account, commenting on the report of the U.S. Department of State Global Engagement Center (GEC) about the "Pillars of Russia’s Disinformation and Propaganda Ecosystem."
According to the Russian embassy, this report is obviously geared to discredit alternative information sources. "The U.S. State Department is not very fond of the existence of alternative sources of information. Serious resources are employed to discredit them. Any voice that contradicts Washington is dubbed "disinformation" in the service of the "Kremlin" and Russian intelligence," it said.
The US report "runs into absurd," Russian diplomats noted. Thus, the US Department of State assigned LDPR leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky and the private radio station Govorit Moskva as "Official Government Communications."
"If this serves as the pinnacle of the entire structure, so carefully built by our American colleagues, then it seemingly looks like a house of cards," the commentary reads. "Russian and foreign media outlets that dare to criticize the United States should bear in mind that they can and almost certainly will become the subject of thorough scrutiny. Their accounts in American social media are at risk of being suspended with no explanation."
In its Special Report Pillars of Russia’s Disinformation and Propaganda Ecosystem, the GEC claims that Russia is key threat in terms of disinformation and propaganda. According to the report, this "ecosystem" involves official government channels, state-run mass media, proxy-resources, and social network. The Russian authorities, as follows from the report, are responsible for the development of such tactics and platforms as part of their approach to the use of information as a weapon.
Russia repeatedly denied Western media allegations that it indulges in misinformation. Thus, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the recent allegations that Russia and China were propagating misinformation about the coronavirus infection were yet another manifestation of the West’s Russophobia and Sinophobia.


tass--2020-08-07--Experts: Terminating New START Treaty could mean global nuclear disaster

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Terminating the New START Treaty ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) could enable the United States to build up strategic weapons uncontrollably and bring the global security to the brink of disaster , Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces ' General Staff , Major General Andrey Sterlin and a leading researcher at the Center for Military Strategic Research of the General Staff ’ s Military Academy Alexander Khryapin wrote in an article for Krasnaya Zvezda .
The experts emphasized that the Treaty , which expires on February 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in force in the international security and arms control system , but the United States announced their refusal to extend it .
`` If the New START Treaty is terminated , the military-political situation will become significantly more complicated , since , in the absence of restrictive treaty norms , the United States may uncontrollably build up its strategic arms .
We emphasize that this is an extremely dangerous path , because once again , like in the second half the 20th century , peace will balance on the brink of a global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the article , the fate of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty ( CTBT ) will remain a big question .
`` Terminating the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons may become the trigger that would lead to a nuclear arms race around the world and an increase in the number of countries possessing nuclear weapons , '' the experts wrote .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Terminating the New START Treaty (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) could enable the United States to build up strategic weapons uncontrollably and bring global security to the brink of disaster, Head of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces' General Staff, Major General Andrey Sterlin and a leading researcher at the Center for Military Strategic Research of the General Staff’s Military Academy Alexander Khryapin wrote in an article for Krasnaya Zvezda.
The experts emphasized that the Treaty, which expires on February 5, 2021, is the last agreement in force in the international security and arms control system, but the United States announced their refusal to extend it.
"If the New START Treaty is terminated, the military-political situation will become significantly more complicated, since, in the absence of restrictive treaty norms, the United States may uncontrollably build up its strategic arms. We emphasize that this is an extremely dangerous path, because once again, like in the second half the 20th century, peace will balance on the brink of a global nuclear catastrophe," the article said.
According to the article, the fate of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) will remain a big question. "Terminating the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons may become the trigger that would lead to a nuclear arms race around the world and an increase in the number of countries possessing nuclear weapons," the experts wrote.


tass--2020-08-07--WHO: over 259,000 coronavirus cases detected globally in 24 hours

GENEVA , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 18.61 mln , increasing by more than 259,000 people in 24 hours .
According to data released by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , the number of deaths increased by more than 6,000 and exceeded 702,000 .
Thus , 18,614,177 infected and 702,642 deaths were registered globally .
The number of infected increased by 259,344 per day , the number of deaths increased by 6,488 .
The day before , 206,709 cases and 5,116 deaths were reported .
The organization ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed information on cases of infection and death provided by states .
The North and South America region ranks first in terms of the number of cases - 9,981,204 .
Over the day , this figure increased by 139,362 .
The number of deaths increased by 4,074 and reached 372,008 .
In the European Region , 3,477,225 infected and 215,168 deaths were registered .
In 24 hours , the number of infected people increased by 25,178 , 430 people died .
The third place in the number of people infected in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia .
The number of cases in the region reached 2,360,721 , 49,572 deaths were reported .
Over the day , the number of cases rose by 61,288 , deaths - by 1,003 .
The United States has the biggest number of cases - 4,728,239 , followed by Brazil ( 2,801,921 ) , India ( 1,964,536 ) , Russia ( 871,894 ) , South Africa ( 529,877 ) , Mexico ( 449,961 ) , Peru ( 439,890 ) , Chile ( 364 723 ) , Colombia ( 334 979 ) , and Iran @ @ @ @ @

GENEVA, August 7. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 18.61 mln, increasing by more than 259,000 people in 24 hours. According to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths increased by more than 6,000 and exceeded 702,000.
Thus, 18,614,177 infections and 702,642 deaths were registered globally. The number of the infected increased by 259,344 per day, the number of deaths soared by 6,488.
The day before, 206,709 cases and 5,116 deaths were reported. The organization’s statistics take into account only officially confirmed information on cases of infection and death provided by states.
The North and South American continent ranks first in terms of the number of cases - 9,981,204. Over the day, this figure surged by 139,362. The number of deaths increased by 4,074 to 372,008. In the European Region, 3,477,225 infections and 215,168 deaths were registered. In 24 hours, the number of the infected increased by 25,178, with 430 deaths.
The third place in the number of people infected globally is occupied by Southeast Asia. The number of cases there reached 2,360,721, with 49,572 fatalities. Over the day, the number of cases rose by 61,288, with 1,003 fatalities.
The United States has the biggest number of cases - 4,728,239, followed by Brazil (2,801,921), India (1,964,536), Russia (871,894), South Africa (529,877), Mexico (449,961), Peru (439,890) , Chile (364 723), Colombia (334,979), and Iran (317,483).


tass--2020-08-07--Twitter must remain objective in labeling accounts - Russian lawmaker

MOSCOW , August 7 .
/TASS/ .
Twitter must adhere to the principle of objectivity and fairness in labeling accounts , which already raises questions , Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky told TASS .
`` If Twitter introduces such labeling , then decisions about its application to certain accounts must be objective and fair .
We have no intention of interfering with the policies of this microblogging network , but at the same time it must not turn into pigeonholing '' , he said .
In the lawmaker ’ s opinion , `` such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users that the information published by a particular account actually comes from the government of a particular country . ''
`` The question is what should be done with some Western media , which position themselves as independent , but in fact promote the agenda of very specific political circles ? ''
Slutsky added .
According to Twitter ’ s statement , `` Labels on state-affiliated media accounts provide additional context about accounts that are controlled by certain official representatives of governments , state-affiliated media entities and individuals closely associated with those entities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profile page of a Twitter account and on its Tweets .
`` Labels contain information about the country the account is affiliated with and whether it is operated by a government representative or state-affiliated media entity , '' Twitter said .

MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. Twitter must adhere to the principle of objectivity and fairness in labeling accounts, which already raises questions, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky told TASS.
"If Twitter introduces such labeling, then decisions about its application to certain accounts must be objective and fair. We have no intention of interfering with the policies of this microblogging network, but at the same time it must not turn into pigeonholing", he said. In the lawmaker’s opinion, "such labeling should serve as a guarantee for users that the information published by a particular account actually comes from the government of a particular country."
"The question is what should be done with some Western media, which position themselves as independent, but in fact promote the agenda of very specific political circles?" Slutsky added.
According to Twitter’s statement, "Labels on state-affiliated media accounts provide additional context about accounts that are controlled by certain official representatives of governments, state-affiliated media entities and individuals closely associated with those entities." The label appears on the profile page of a Twitter account and on its Tweets. "Labels contain information about the country the account is affiliated with and whether it is operated by a government representative or state-affiliated media entity," Twitter said.


tass--2020-08-07--First patients admitted to Russian airmobile hospital in Beirut - center

BEIRUT , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Doctors of the airmobile hospital of the Russian Emergencies Ministry have examined 13 @ @ @ @ @ of its work , the crisis center told TASS on Thursday .
`` Doctors have @ @ @ @ @ necessary treatment .
Tests for coronavirus have been carried out as well , '' the @ @ @ @ @ 4 , a powerful blast ripped through Beirut ’ s port located near the Lebanese @ @ @ @ @ shockwave that either destroyed or damaged dozens of houses and cars and shattered glass throughout @ @ @ @ @ 300,000 people have been left homeless .
The death toll has risen to 137 so @ @ @ @ @ were injured and dozens are reported missing .
According to Lebanon ’ s Interior Ministry @ @ @ @ @ tonnes of ammonium nitrate , which was seized by the customs service back in 2014 @ @ @ @ @ A two-week state of emergency is in place in Lebanon ’ s capital , which @ @ @ @ @ .

BEIRUT, August 6. /TASS/. Doctors of the airmobile hospital of the Russian Emergencies Ministry have examined 13 patients on the first day of its work, the crisis center told TASS on Thursday.
"Doctors have examined 13 patients who received necessary treatment. Tests for coronavirus have been carried out as well," the center said.
On August 4, a powerful blast ripped through Beirut’s port located near the Lebanese naval base and generated a shockwave that either destroyed or damaged dozens of houses and cars and shattered glass throughout the city. More than 300,000 people have been left homeless. The death toll has risen to 137 so far. About 5,000 people were injured and dozens are reported missing.
According to Lebanon’s Interior Ministry, the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which was seized by the customs service back in 2014, caused the explosion. A two-week state of emergency is in place in Lebanon’s capital, which was declared a disaster-stricken city.


tass--2020-08-07--Lukashenko says Kiev will never be attacked from Belarus

KIEV , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Ukrainian capital will never be attacked by any forces from the Belarusian territory , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon Thursday .
During the interview , the reporter recalled about Lukashenko ’ s meeting with acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov in Pripyat back in the day .
`` The main question that he had , the one that was not needed completely , a silly question , because it was not on the table at all .
He indeed asked me , ‘ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of your Union [ State ] obligations in south Belarus and might attack Kiev from the north.
’ He told me , ‘ You do understand that we will not withstand it.
’ I cut him off and said , `` Sasha , this will never happen that some forces attack Kiev from the Belarusian territory .
Never , '' the leader underlined .
Lukashenko also denied claims that he promised Turchinov to notify him about a strike .
`` No , that didn ’ t happen .
I wouldn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no need ever .
I still say this now , '' he added .
When asked a clarifying question , Lukashenko reassured that only Belarusian border control officers will guard the Belarusian borders .
`` [ Russian will ] never [ arrive in Ukraine from Belarus ] , even more so with any weapons , '' he said .
`` I have borders inside , they are mine .
Only I will protect my border .
Not Russians , whoever they are , not Americans and not the French .
Only we , @ @ @ @

KIEV, August 6. /TASS/. The Ukrainian capital will never be attacked by any forces from the Belarusian territory, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon Thursday.
During the interview, the reporter recalled about Lukashenko’s meeting with acting Ukrainian President Alexander Turchinov in Pripyat back in the day. "The main question that he had, the one that was not needed completely, a silly question, because it was not on the table at all. He indeed asked me, ‘We have information that the Russians will deploy units as part of your Union [State] obligations in south Belarus and might attack Kiev from the north.’ He told me, ‘You do understand that we will not withstand it.’ I cut him off and said, "Sasha, this will never happen that some forces attack Kiev from the Belarusian territory. Never," the leader underlined.
Lukashenko also denied claims that he promised Turchinov to notify him about a strike. "No, that didn’t happen. I wouldn’t have warned him because there was no need ever. I still say this now," he added.
When asked a clarifying question, Lukashenko reassured that only Belarusian border control officers will guard the Belarusian borders. "[Russian will] never [arrive in Ukraine from Belarus], even more so with any weapons," he said. "I have borders inside, they are mine. Only I will protect my border. Not Russians, whoever they are, not Americans and not the French. Only we," he noted.


tass--2020-08-07--Moscow's death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases rises by 12 to 4,546

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 12 in Moscow over the past 24 hours , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday .
`` Twelve patients have passed away in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection , '' the center informed .
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has topped 4,546 in Moscow .
As of August 6 , Moscow confirmed more than 245,000 coronavirus cases , while nearly 186,300 patients have recovered from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 18.8 million people have been infected worldwide and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , 871,894 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 676,357 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 14,606 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 12 in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday.
"Twelve patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection," the center informed.
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has topped 4,546 in Moscow. As of August 6, Moscow confirmed more than 245,000 coronavirus cases, while nearly 186,300 patients have recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 18.8 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 707,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, 871,894 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 676,357 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 14,606 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-07--Belarus leader rejects idea he is prepping youngest son to succeed him

KIEV , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has revealed that he would not want to see @ @ @ @ @ president and is not preparing him to be his successor , he said in an @ @ @ @ @ Gordon Thursday .
Answering the reporter ’ s question whether he would like Nikolai to @ @ @ @ @ , Lukashenko said , `` No , no .
My Kolya ( short for Nikolai @ @ @ @ @ to ever be president . ''
He also stressed that he wouldn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ sometimes talk < … > , my middle son is doing sports , the eldest @ @ @ @ @ Olympic Committee < … > , while Kolya , especially when he travelled with me @ @ @ @ @ visited all meetings with people , I noticed , he became a different child .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Not for the world , '' he said .

KIEV, August 6. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has revealed that he would not want to see his youngest son Nikolai as president and is not preparing him to be his successor, he said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon Thursday.
Answering the reporter’s question whether he would like Nikolai to assume the office of president, Lukashenko said, "No, no. My Kolya (short for Nikolai - TASS) is unlikely to ever be president."
He also stressed that he wouldn’t want it either. "We sometimes talk <…>, my middle son is doing sports, the eldest son is in the National Olympic Committee <…>, while Kolya, especially when he travelled with me during the election campaign and visited all meetings with people, I noticed, he became a different child. He saw all this dirt. Not for the world," he said.


tass--2020-08-07--Direct extradition of Russians detained in Belarus to Ukraine not on the table - leader

KIEV , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has revealed that he is not considering extraditing Russian citizens detained in the country in as Kiev requests .
`` I have never even contemplated it , and I don ’ t think I will , '' he said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon Thursday .
`` We have international agreements with Russia and Ukraine .
The crux of the matter is that prosecutors general in Ukraine , Belarus and Russia are maintaining contacts .
They are working to have a clear picture . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilt is determined .
While the country that wants these people extradited should prove they are guilty , '' the leader added .
Yesterday , Ukrainian and Belarusian Presidents Vladimir Zelensky and Alexander Lukashenko discussed the issue of a group of detained Russian citizens .
The Belarusian leader revealed that law enforcement agencies will cooperate on that issue in the framework of international agreements signed with Moscow and Kiev .
Later , Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba told a briefing that Ukraine had already sent a request to Belarus to hand over some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he noted , that no response had been received yet .
On Thursday , the Ukrainian Prosecutor General ’ s office announced that Kiev is drafting an official request to extradite 28 people detained in the country .
Minsk announced that 33 Russian citizens were detained in Belarus on July 29 , they are accused of planning a terror attack .
Delivering an address to the nation and parliament Tuesday , Lukashenko said that the Russians were sent to Belarus intentionally .
It is known that the Belarusian side communicated the list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top Ukrainian diplomat underlined that Kiev acknowledges that the list can contain holders of different passports , including Ukrainian .
In this case , Kiev will regard them as their citizens .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov , meanwhile , pointed out that Moscow does not recognize Ukrainian citizenship of some Russians .
Moreover , he noted , `` these Russian citizens < … > had a stopover on their way to another country , their stay is not in any way connected to Belarus or Belarusian affairs . ''
Peskov clarified that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security company .

KIEV, August 6. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has revealed that he is not considering extraditing Russian citizens detained in the country in as Kiev requests.
"I have never even contemplated it, and I don’t think I will," he said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon Thursday. "We have international agreements with Russia and Ukraine. The crux of the matter is that prosecutors general in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia are maintaining contacts. They are working to have a clear picture."
"No one is extraditing anyone until the guilt is determined. While the country that wants these people extradited should prove they are guilty," the leader added.
Yesterday, Ukrainian and Belarusian Presidents Vladimir Zelensky and Alexander Lukashenko discussed the issue of a group of detained Russian citizens. The Belarusian leader revealed that law enforcement agencies will cooperate on that issue in the framework of international agreements signed with Moscow and Kiev.
Later, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba told a briefing that Ukraine had already sent a request to Belarus to hand over some Russians who were detained previously. However, he noted, that no response had been received yet. On Thursday, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s office announced that Kiev is drafting an official request to extradite 28 people detained in the country.
Detained Russians
Minsk announced that 33 Russian citizens were detained in Belarus on July 29, they are accused of planning a terror attack. Delivering an address to the nation and parliament Tuesday, Lukashenko said that the Russians were sent to Belarus intentionally.
It is known that the Belarusian side communicated the list of detainees to Ukraine. Earlier, the top Ukrainian diplomat underlined that Kiev acknowledges that the list can contain holders of different passports, including Ukrainian. In this case, Kiev will regard them as their citizens.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, pointed out that Moscow does not recognize Ukrainian citizenship of some Russians. Moreover, he noted, "these Russian citizens <…> had a stopover on their way to another country, their stay is not in any way connected to Belarus or Belarusian affairs." Peskov clarified that the detainees are employees of a private security company.


tass--2020-08-07--Russian forces in Syria retain the right of repelling militants’ attacks - Russian center

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The command of Russian forces in Syria reserves the right to retaliate if militants launch attacks against Russian , Syrian troops and civilians , Alexander Shcherbitsky , chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria , said on Thursday .
According to the military official , terrorists open fire on the Syrian government forces and make attempts to attack the Russian airbase Hmeymim , using unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range multiple rocket launchers .
`` In accordance with the agreements , we reserve the right to retaliate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jeopardize the lives of Russian and Syrian service members along with the civilian population in the areas adjacent to the de-escalation zone , '' Shcherbitsky said .
According to Shcherbitsky , the command of the Russian force in Syria and the Syrian Armed Forces are forced to take action to neutralize the terrorist threat .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .
A tense situation is observed in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone , but due to the Turkish side ’ s inability to set up a security corridor , a regular Russian-Turkish patrol mission has been postponed , Alexander Shcherbitsky , chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria , said on Thursday .
`` Tensions are escalating in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps to destroy gangs along the M4 highway .
However , the Turkish side has been unable to set up a security corridor .
As a result , a regular Russian-Turkish patrolling mission is being constantly put off , '' Shcherbitsky said .
He pointed out that the Russian military expects Turkey to step up measures aimed at destroying terrorists , ensuring security of joint patrols and implementing the Russian-Turkish memorandum of March 6 , 2020 .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. The command of Russian forces in Syria reserves the right to retaliate if militants launch attacks against Russian, Syrian troops and civilians, Alexander Shcherbitsky, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said on Thursday.
According to the military official, terrorists open fire on the Syrian government forces and make attempts to attack the Russian airbase Hmeymim, using unmanned aerial vehicles and long-range multiple rocket launchers.
"In accordance with the agreements, we reserve the right to retaliate to militants of terrorist groups whose actions might jeopardize the lives of Russian and Syrian service members along with the civilian population in the areas adjacent to the de-escalation zone," Shcherbitsky said.
According to Shcherbitsky, the command of the Russian force in Syria and the Syrian Armed Forces are forced to take action to neutralize the terrorist threat.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.
Tensions escalating
A tense situation is observed in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone, but due to the Turkish side’s inability to set up a security corridor, a regular Russian-Turkish patrol mission has been postponed, Alexander Shcherbitsky, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said on Thursday.
"Tensions are escalating in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone. Turkey’s command is taking certain steps to destroy gangs along the M4 highway. However, the Turkish side has been unable to set up a security corridor. As a result, a regular Russian-Turkish patrolling mission is being constantly put off," Shcherbitsky said.
He pointed out that the Russian military expects Turkey to step up measures aimed at destroying terrorists, ensuring security of joint patrols and implementing the Russian-Turkish memorandum of March 6, 2020.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-08-06--Belarusian president says union state with Russia impossible

KIEV , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
It is not possible now to create a union state of Belarus and @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon on Thursday .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Even if I agreed to the reunification on the most favorable terms @ @ @ @ @ of Belarus would not accept it .
The nation is not ready for this and @ @ @ @ @ people are overripe , '' he noted .
`` It was possible 20 or 25 @ @ @ @ @ Union collapsed , '' Lukashenko believes .
`` But not now , '' he stated @

KIEV, August 6. /TASS/. It is not possible now to create a union state of Belarus and Russia, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon on Thursday.
"It is impossible," Lukashenko said. "Even if I agreed to the reunification on the most favorable terms for Belarus, the people of Belarus would not accept it. The nation is not ready for this and will never be. The people are overripe," he noted.
"It was possible 20 or 25 years ago when the Soviet Union collapsed," Lukashenko believes. "But not now," he stated.


tass--2020-08-06--Ukraine to request extradition of 28 detainees by Belarus

KIEV , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev is drafting an official request for Minsk to extradite 28 men detained @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Prosecutor General ’ s Office said on Thursday .
Lukashenko : US passport @ @ @ @ @ Belarus ahead of election The issue was raised during a phone conversation between Ukrainian Prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian counterpart Alexander Konyuk .
`` Irina Venediktova reassured the Belarusian counterpart of the Prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ s intention to request the extradition of 28 people - among them are nine Ukrainians @ @ @ @ @ the Belarusian law enforcement agencies on July 29 , '' the press service said in @ @ @

KIEV, August 6. /TASS/. Kiev is drafting an official request for Minsk to extradite 28 men detained earlier in Belarus, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said on Thursday.
Lukashenko: US passport holders among those detained in Belarus ahead of election
The issue was raised during a phone conversation between Ukrainian Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova and her Belarusian counterpart Alexander Konyuk.
"Irina Venediktova reassured the Belarusian counterpart of the Prosecutor General’s Office’s intention to request the extradition of 28 people - among them are nine Ukrainians, who were detained by the Belarusian law enforcement agencies on July 29," the press service said in a statement.


tass--2020-08-06--Lukashenko says he regards Putin as his elder brother

`` I regard Putin as my elder brother , and I sincerely believe that he is my brother , '' Lukashenko told Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon in a TV interview .
`` Not in the sense one in command as a senior and the other is junior .
He is really like an elder brother in terms of age and [ political ] weight… An elder brother ’ s role is to help , support and advise .
Not to make you stumble , but to provide support . ''
Lukashenko acknowledged that certain tensions in his relationship with Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are certain tensions , because both of us are persons of strong character , if you don ’ t mind my saying so , '' Lukashenko said .
He stressed that he had never experienced pressure from the Russian leader , though .
`` He has never made attempts to put pressure on me .
He ’ s been well aware that this would be totally useless , '' Lukashenko said .
`` I will always agree to compromise , but when it concerns the country , or if I see that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable to me . ''
Lukashenko said that although he also regarded Putin as his friend , some of their discussions might turn very emotional from time to time .
`` We are very good friends despite the rifts that may occur .
I hope that we remain friends in the sense that I am free to say everything that I believe must be said .
Just as the other way round , '' Lukashenko said .
`` We may even drop a strong word in once in a while in a manly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any yelling .
I mind my manners in this respect , and Putin is not in the habit of every raising his voice at all . ''

"I regard Putin as my elder brother, and I sincerely believe that he is my brother," Lukashenko told Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon in a TV interview. "Not in the sense one in command as a senior and the other is junior. He is really like an elder brother in terms of age and [political] weight… An elder brother’s role is to help, support and advise. Not to make you stumble, but to provide support."
Lukashenko acknowledged that certain tensions in his relationship with Putin did exist.
"Yes, there are certain tensions, because both of us are persons of strong character, if you don’t mind my saying so," Lukashenko said.
He stressed that he had never experienced pressure from the Russian leader, though.
"He has never made attempts to put pressure on me. He’s been well aware that this would be totally useless," Lukashenko said. "I will always agree to compromise, but when it concerns the country, or if I see that it is not fair, it will be unacceptable to me."
Lukashenko said that although he also regarded Putin as his friend, some of their discussions might turn very emotional from time to time.
"We are very good friends despite the rifts that may occur. I hope that we remain friends in the sense that I am free to say everything that I believe must be said. Just as the other way round," Lukashenko said. "We may even drop a strong word in once in a while in a manly talk. But there has never been any yelling. I mind my manners in this respect, and Putin is not in the habit of every raising his voice at all."


tass--2020-08-06--Yandex starts regular tests of self-driving cars in US

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Yandex has initiated tests of self-driving cars on a regular basis in Ann @ @ @ @ @ company ’ s press service told TASS on Thursday .
Yandex to launch 100 new @ @ @ @ @ Russia and US in 2020 '' Yandex ’ self-driving cars have started moving in Ann @ @ @ @ @ United States .
This is the second test ground outside Russia , complementing Tel Aviv @ @ @ @ @ robotic cars can be seen on Ann Arbor ’ s roads , including the fourth @ @ @ @ @ Sonata car , presented in early June 2020 , '' the press service says .
@ @ @ @ @ be on roads without being driven by testing engineers , so trials in Ann Arbor @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s experience , the press service added .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. Yandex has initiated tests of self-driving cars on a regular basis in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company’s press service told TASS on Thursday.
Yandex to launch 100 new self-driving cars on roads in Russia and US in 2020
"Yandex’ self-driving cars have started moving in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the United States. This is the second test ground outside Russia, complementing Tel Aviv in Israel. Yandex’ robotic cars can be seen on Ann Arbor’s roads, including the fourth generation based on the Hyundai Sonata car, presented in early June 2020," the press service says.
Michigan allows robotic cars to be on roads without being driven by testing engineers, so trials in Ann Arbor will make possible to broaden the company’s experience, the press service added.


tass--2020-08-06--Lukashenko says he has never experienced pressure from Putin

Press review : Who is behind the deadly blast in Beirut and Lukashenko rails against Moscow Top stories in the @ @ @ @ @ August 5

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tass--2020-08-06--Russian dog handlers sifting through rubble in Beirut port

BEIRUT , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian dog handlers and their dogs from the Russian Emergency Ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ in debris at Beirut port rocked by a powerful explosion recently , TASS reports .
@ @ @ @ @ in the port ruins looking for possible survivors buried under the rubble .
Russian specialists @ @ @ @ @ expertise in working at earthquake sites , the Emergency Ministry reported earlier .

BEIRUT, August 6. /TASS/. Russian dog handlers and their dogs from the Russian Emergency Ministry’s Tsentrospas unit have begun working in debris at Beirut port rocked by a powerful explosion recently, TASS reports.
A few groups will work in the port ruins looking for possible survivors buried under the rubble. Russian specialists and their dogs have enormous expertise in working at earthquake sites, the Emergency Ministry reported earlier.


tass--2020-08-06--Another 86 volunteers to be inoculated with vaccine by Vektor during stage two of trials

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Another 86 volunteers will be inoculated with the vaccine against the novel coronavirus developed by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology during the second stage of clinical trials , the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing told TASS on Thursday .
`` During the placebo-controlled second stage it is planned to introduce 86 volunteers to clinical trials , 43 of them will receive placebo , '' the statement said .
Currently the coronavirus vaccine has been administered to four volunteers out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be vaccinated on August 8 .
Then after three days the vaccine will be administered to nine more people .
Within the framework of the first stage of clinical trials the use of placebo is not provisioned , the press service explained .
The sanitary watchdog also noted that all volunteers inoculated with the EpiVacCorona vaccine are in good health .
No complications or complaints have been recorded .
Earlier the sanitary watchdog reported that on July 24 , the Vektor Research Center obtained the Healthcare Ministry ’ s permit to conduct clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27 .
Five volunteers aged 18-30 participate in the first stage of clinical trials .
They enter the study in turns , in the `` stop-time '' regime with 72-hour intervals .

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. Another 86 volunteers will be inoculated with the vaccine against the novel coronavirus developed by the Vektor State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology during the second stage of clinical trials, the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing told TASS on Thursday.
"During the placebo-controlled second stage it is planned to introduce 86 volunteers to clinical trials, 43 of them will receive placebo," the statement said.
Currently the coronavirus vaccine has been administered to four volunteers out of five. The fifth one will be vaccinated on August 8. Then after three days the vaccine will be administered to nine more people. Within the framework of the first stage of clinical trials the use of placebo is not provisioned, the press service explained.
The sanitary watchdog also noted that all volunteers inoculated with the EpiVacCorona vaccine are in good health. No complications or complaints have been recorded.
Earlier the sanitary watchdog reported that on July 24, the Vektor Research Center obtained the Healthcare Ministry’s permit to conduct clinical trials of the vaccine on volunteers. The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27. Five volunteers aged 18-30 participate in the first stage of clinical trials. They enter the study in turns, in the "stop-time" regime with 72-hour intervals.


tass--2020-08-06--Indian astronauts to complete training at Russia’s Gagarin Center in early 2021

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
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tass--2020-08-06--Online retailer Ozon, car dealer Avtomir to launch first online car sales via marketplace

`` Avtomir and Ozon are launching a joint project to sell cars in the ozon.ru online store .
Initially , Avtomir will be presented at Ozon by 14 car brands , including about 100 different models and modifications : Citroen , Ford , Haval , Hyundai , Geely , Kia , Mazda , Mitsubishi , Nissan , Peugeot , Renault , Skoda , Suzuki and Volkswagen , '' the company said .
MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Avtomir car dealer and the Ozon online retailer are launching the first car sales through a marketplace in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch stage , sales of new cars will be carried out in Moscow and the Moscow region .
In this case , Ozon will act as a `` showcase , '' while Avtomir will remain in charge of the execution of orders , including the transfer of the car to the client .
Having chosen the car he likes from the list , a potential buyer can reserve it on the website by filling out the electronic application form .
If the seller confirms the status that the car is free and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale must take place according to the terms of the advertising offer reflected on the Ozon page .
`` Thus , the uniqueness of the project lies in the fact that the sale of cars will take place at a fixed price for the buyer , '' a representative of Avtomir said .
`` Our customers are happy to buy on our site not only consumer goods , household goods , books , but also auto goods - it is obvious that among our millions of loyal customers there are many motorists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car sales takes the site to a new level - now we give our clients the opportunity , without leaving home , to choose a car of the required configuration and , since a real car is booked for their order , they can be completely sure that they will receive exactly what they have chosen at a fixed price , '' head of business development in Ozon Anna Karpova said as quoted by the press service of the online retailer .
The Avtomir group of companies is one of the largest players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealer portfolio includes 20 car brands : Audi , Infiniti , Nissan , Mazda , Toyota , Volkswagen , Skoda , Hyundai , KIA , Suzuki , Ford , Mitsubishi , Peugeot , Datsun , Renault , Citroen , Lada , Haval , Geely , Chevrolet Niva .

"Avtomir and Ozon are launching a joint project to sell cars in the ozon.ru online store. Initially, Avtomir will be presented at Ozon by 14 car brands, including about 100 different models and modifications: Citroen, Ford, Haval, Hyundai, Geely, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, Suzuki and Volkswagen," the company said.
MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. The Avtomir car dealer and the Ozon online retailer are launching the first car sales through a marketplace in Russia, the car dealer said.
At the launch stage, sales of new cars will be carried out in Moscow and the Moscow region.
In this case, Ozon will act as a "showcase," while Avtomir will remain in charge of the execution of orders, including the transfer of the car to the client.
Having chosen the car he likes from the list, a potential buyer can reserve it on the website by filling out the electronic application form. If the seller confirms the status that the car is free and is "on sale", then the sale must take place according to the terms of the advertising offer reflected on the Ozon page.
"Thus, the uniqueness of the project lies in the fact that the sale of cars will take place at a fixed price for the buyer," a representative of Avtomir said.
"Our customers are happy to buy on our site not only consumer goods, household goods, books, but also auto goods - it is obvious that among our millions of loyal customers there are many motorists, real or potential. The launch of car sales takes the site to a new level - now we give our clients the opportunity, without leaving home, to choose a car of the required configuration and, since a real car is booked for their order, they can be completely sure that they will receive exactly what they have chosen at a fixed price," head of business development in Ozon Anna Karpova said as quoted by the press service of the online retailer.
The Avtomir group of companies is one of the largest players in the Russian car market. Its dealer portfolio includes 20 car brands: Audi, Infiniti, Nissan, Mazda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Skoda, Hyundai, KIA, Suzuki, Ford, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Datsun, Renault, Citroen, Lada, Haval, Geely, Chevrolet Niva.


tass--2020-08-06--Russia welcomes US plans to reduce troop size in Afghanistan to 4,000

MOSCOW , August 6 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow welcomes Washington ’ s plans to reduce the number of US troops @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Department of Information and Press Alexei @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
`` We welcome Washington ’ s intention to reduce the number of @ @ @ @ @ ‘ anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 ’ , '' he said in response to a @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 6. /TASS/. Moscow welcomes Washington’s plans to reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan to 4,000, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information and Press Alexei Zaitsev said at a briefing on Thursday.
"We welcome Washington’s intention to reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan to ‘anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000’," he said in response to a TASS question.