tass--2020-06-05--Russia’s health ministry sends medics to Kamchatka to help combat coronavirus infection

VOLGINSKY VILLAGE /Vladimir region/ , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s health ministry has seconded a team of @ @ @ @ @ the Far East to help treat coronavirus patients , Deputy Health Minister Viktor Fisenko told @ @ @ @ @ ’ s authorities have asked to send more medics to the region to help combat @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Prime Minister and the president ’ s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District @ @ @ @ @ ministry and the sanitary watchdog to analyze the situation in Kamchatka .
`` Specialists from @ @ @ @ @ s institutions , who have experience in treating patients with the coronavirus infection , have @ @ @ @ @ local doctors , '' Fisenko said .

VOLGINSKY VILLAGE /Vladimir region/, June 5. /TASS/. Russia’s health ministry has seconded a team of highly-qualified specialists to Kamchatka in the Far East to help treat coronavirus patients, Deputy Health Minister Viktor Fisenko told TASS on Friday.
Kamchatka’s authorities have asked to send more medics to the region to help combat the coronavirus infection. Russian Deputy Prime Minister and the president’s envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev instructed the health ministry and the sanitary watchdog to analyze the situation in Kamchatka.
"Specialists from the Russian health ministry’s institutions, who have experience in treating patients with the coronavirus infection, have departed for Kamchatka to help local doctors," Fisenko said.


tass--2020-06-05--Russian Direct Investment Fund invested about $2.9 bln into projects from year-start

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) invested about 200 bln rubles @ @ @ @ @ into various projects within five months of 2020 , RDIF chief Kirill Dmitriev said on @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin .
`` We will continue proactive investments into the Russian infrastructure , @ @ @ @ @ partners .
We invested 365 bln rubles ( $ 5.3 bln ) with partners last @ @ @ @ @ rubles ( $ 2.9 bln ) already over 5 months of this year , more @ @ @ @ @ .
We will do this together with the infrastructural fund of the Finance Ministry that @ @ @ @ @ together with other funds of Russia , '' Dmitriev said .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) invested about 200 bln rubles ($2.9 bln) into various projects within five months of 2020, RDIF chief Kirill Dmitriev said on Friday at the meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
"We will continue proactive investments into the Russian infrastructure, including together with our leading partners. We invested 365 bln rubles ($5.3 bln) with partners last year, and 200 bln rubles ($2.9 bln) already over 5 months of this year, more than in the last year. We will do this together with the infrastructural fund of the Finance Ministry that you have approved, and together with other funds of Russia," Dmitriev said.


tass--2020-06-05--Putin satisfied with work of Russian Direct Investment Fund

NOVO-OGAREVO , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a positive assessment to work of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) , particularly on development of a coronavirus test system .
`` I know you have get involved in this work [ coronavirus control-TASS ] together with partners , including Japan ’ s ones , and developed a fairly efficient test system , '' the head of state said at the meeting with Kirill Dmitriev , the chief executive of RDIF .
The Russian-Japanese coronavirus diagnostics system EMG , developed with RDIF participation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in half an hour .
The system is proactively used in Russian hospitals , laboratories and industrial enterprises .
RDIF was founded in 2011 .
`` You invested 1.9 trillion rubles ( $ 27.7 bln ) into the national economy over the period , including 1.7 trillion [ rubles ] ( $ 24.8 bln ) at the expense of banks and investors ; this is a good ratio , '' the President said .
`` Investors take part in these projects because RDIF manages to create very favorable conditions of investments and good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Profit from such projects is fairly significant , the head of state added .

NOVO-OGAREVO, June 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a positive assessment to work of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), particularly on development of a coronavirus test system.
"I know you have get involved in this work [coronavirus control-TASS] together with partners, including Japan’s ones, and developed a fairly efficient test system," the head of state said at the meeting with Kirill Dmitriev, the chief executive of RDIF.
The Russian-Japanese coronavirus diagnostics system EMG, developed with RDIF participation, makes it possible to get the result in half an hour. The system is proactively used in Russian hospitals, laboratories and industrial enterprises.
RDIF was founded in 2011. "You invested 1.9 trillion rubles ($27.7 bln) into the national economy over the period, including 1.7 trillion [rubles] ($24.8 bln) at the expense of banks and investors; this is a good ratio," the President said.
"Investors take part in these projects because RDIF manages to create very favorable conditions of investments and good payback for them," Putin said. Profit from such projects is fairly significant, the head of state added.


tass--2020-06-05--Serbia’s coronavirus cases reach 11,667

Serbia’s coronavirus cases reach 11,667

Over the past 24 hours , one person died from the virus-related causes .
In a single day , 4,795 people were tested for the virus .
The number of newly confirmed infections doubles , as Thursday ’ s figures showed 48 new infections .
BELGRADE , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 96 in the past 24 hours to reach 11,667 , while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 247 , the national health ministry said Friday .
This week in photos : Crew Dragon liftoff , unity during US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Overall , 390 people are taken to hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus , while more than 265,000 people were tested nationwide .
Serbia reported its first coronavirus case on March 23 .
According to Serbian epidemiologist and a member of the national anti-coronavirus crisis center Predrag Kon , Serbia is coming out of the COVID-19 epidemic and is entering the phase of sporadic outbreaks .
Earlier , Serbia asked Russia for help to fight the epidemic .
Between April 3 and May 18 , a Russian unit fully disinfected medical facilities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serbia , disinfecting 376 buildings and constructions .
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 .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 6,714,300 people have been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported .
In addition , so far , over 3,261,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

Over the past 24 hours, one person died from the virus-related causes. In a single day, 4,795 people were tested for the virus. The number of newly confirmed infections doubles, as Thursday’s figures showed 48 new infections.
BELGRADE, June 5. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 96 in the past 24 hours to reach 11,667, while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 247, the national health ministry said Friday.
This week in photos: Crew Dragon liftoff, unity during US unrest, Covid patient by the sea
Overall, 390 people are taken to hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus, while more than 265,000 people were tested nationwide.
Serbia reported its first coronavirus case on March 23. According to Serbian epidemiologist and a member of the national anti-coronavirus crisis center Predrag Kon, Serbia is coming out of the COVID-19 epidemic and is entering the phase of sporadic outbreaks.
Earlier, Serbia asked Russia for help to fight the epidemic. Between April 3 and May 18, a Russian unit fully disinfected medical facilities in more than 40 cities and towns across Serbia, disinfecting 376 buildings and constructions.
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.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 6,714,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 393,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 3,261,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-05--Russia to respond adequately to expulsion of two diplomats from Czech Republic

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will respond adequately to the expulsion of two employees of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday .
It was `` dishonest and inappropriate '' @ @ @ @ @ make such an unfriendly step , the ministry said .
`` The Czech authorities have @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Czech relations , without any grounds , '' it noted .
`` Prague ’ s @ @ @ @ @ an adequate response , moreover they will be reckoned with while developing Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .
Such provocations should be answered for . ''
The Czech media reported back in @ @ @ @ @ the Czech special services , that a Russian national holding a diplomatic passport had allegedly @ @ @ @ @ , a highly potent toxin .
The man allegedly headed to the Russian embassy and @ @ @ @ @ for several Czech municipal politicians who had been behind the dismantling of the monument to @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Russia will respond adequately to the expulsion of two employees of the Russian Culture Center in Prague, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
It was "dishonest and inappropriate" of the Czech side to make such an unfriendly step, the ministry said. "The Czech authorities have done serious damage to the Russian-Czech relations, without any grounds," it noted. "Prague’s actions will be followed by an adequate response, moreover they will be reckoned with while developing Russia’s policy towards the Czech Republic. Such provocations should be answered for."
The Czech media reported back in April, citing sources in the Czech special services, that a Russian national holding a diplomatic passport had allegedly arrived in Prague carrying ricin, a highly potent toxin. The man allegedly headed to the Russian embassy and the poison could be meant for several Czech municipal politicians who had been behind the dismantling of the monument to Soviet Marshal Konev.


tass--2020-06-05--Possible to maintain inflation in Russia within plan, Putin says

NOVO-OGAREVO , June 5 .
/ TASS / .
Inflation in Russia can be kept within the declared parameters , @ @ @ @ @ it is `` not dramatic , '' said Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting @ @ @ @ @ Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev on Friday .
`` Inflation is @ @ @ @ @ we announced earlier , the unemployment rate has grown , but not as dramatically as @ @ @ @ @ '' President Putin said .
`` We are able to maintain the macroeconomics in working @ @ @ @ @ , high-quality level , '' President Putin said , commenting on Kirill Dmitriev 's words @ @ @ @ @ and does not seek to isolate itself .
Putin added that such indicators provide grounds @ @ @ @ @ with the RDIF .

NOVO-OGAREVO, June 5. / TASS /. Inflation in Russia can be kept within the declared parameters, unemployment is growing, but it is "not dramatic," said Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev on Friday.
"Inflation is staying within the parameters that we announced earlier, the unemployment rate has grown, but not as dramatically as in some other countries," President Putin said.
"We are able to maintain the macroeconomics in working order at a very good, high-quality level," President Putin said, commenting on Kirill Dmitriev's words that continues international cooperation, and does not seek to isolate itself.
Putin added that such indicators provide grounds for partners to continue working with the RDIF.


tass--2020-06-05--Soil subsidence became cause of tank’s loss of containment

`` According to available data , the preliminary cause of containment loss by the diesel fuel tank was subsidence of soil and the concrete platform on it , '' the spokesman said .
MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Soil subsidence became the cause of loss of containment by the tank with oil products in Norilsk , official spokesman of the Office of General Prosecutor Andrei Ivanov told reporters .
Russia ’ s General Prosecutor Igor Krasnov ordered to inspect particularly hazardous facilities located in permafrost areas after the accident , Ivanov said .
`` For the purpose preventing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites located on the areas exposed to permafrost melting , General Prosecutor Igor Krasnov ordered regional prosecutors and environment protection prosecutors to perform a comprehensive inspection of such facilities , '' he added .
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of the combined heat and power plant CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29 .
A motor vehicle drove into the fuel spill then , causing the fire outbreak .
Over 21,000 tonnes of fuel were spilled in total .
The petroleum products spill has been localized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been gathered , Russian Emercom told TASS earlier on Friday .

"According to available data, the preliminary cause of containment loss by the diesel fuel tank was subsidence of soil and the concrete platform on it," the spokesman said.
MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Soil subsidence became the cause of loss of containment by the tank with oil products in Norilsk, official spokesman of the Office of General Prosecutor Andrei Ivanov told reporters.
Russia’s General Prosecutor Igor Krasnov ordered to inspect particularly hazardous facilities located in permafrost areas after the accident, Ivanov said.
"For the purpose preventing reoccurrence of such situation at particularly hazardous sites located on the areas exposed to permafrost melting, General Prosecutor Igor Krasnov ordered regional prosecutors and environment protection prosecutors to perform a comprehensive inspection of such facilities," he added.
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of the combined heat and power plant CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29. A motor vehicle drove into the fuel spill then, causing the fire outbreak. Over 21,000 tonnes of fuel were spilled in total.
The petroleum products spill has been localized and more than 200 tonnes of fuel have been gathered, Russian Emercom told TASS earlier on Friday.


tass--2020-06-05--Over $8 mln worth of coronavirus tests supplied from South Korea to Russia

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
South Korea supplied to Russia over $ 8 mln worth of tests for @ @ @ @ @ period from January to April , South Korea ’ s Ambassador to Russia Lee Sok-bae @ @ @ @ @ South Korea supplies testing kits for COVID-19 to Russia .
This year , in a @ @ @ @ @ , exports of South Korean testing kits amounted to 8.27 million US dollars .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ ’ s partner nations in terms of exports of testing systems , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ Korea is supplying diagnostics kits and medical equipment to Russian regions .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ kits by South Korean companies operating in Russia as assistance to Russian regions , '' @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. South Korea supplied to Russia over $8 mln worth of tests for the novel coronavirus in a period from January to April, South Korea’s Ambassador to Russia Lee Sok-bae said on Friday.
"South Korea supplies testing kits for COVID-19 to Russia. This year, in a period from January to April, exports of South Korean testing kits amounted to 8.27 million US dollars. Russia ranks eighth among South Korea’s partner nations in terms of exports of testing systems, he said.
Apart from that, South Korea is supplying diagnostics kits and medical equipment to Russian regions. "There are examples of supplying diagnostic test kits by South Korean companies operating in Russia as assistance to Russian regions," the diplomat explained.


tass--2020-06-05--Putin says essential to enshrine animal rights protection in Russian constitution

NOVO-OGARYOVO , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is certain that articles of responsible treatment of animals @ @ @ @ @ Russian constitution as manifestation of civility .
This issue was raised Friday by Paralympic athlete @ @ @ @ @ s Civic Chamber Sergei Burlakov at a video conference meeting held by Putin with ecologists @ @ @ @ @ Burlakov lauded this idea to amend constitution by adding animal right protections as a necessary @ @ @ @ @ agreed with him .
`` As you just underlined , it is a highly needed @ @ @ @ @ these norms which will let us feel civilized in the basic law , '' the @ @ @

NOVO-OGARYOVO, June 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is certain that articles of responsible treatment of animals should be enshrined in the Russian constitution as manifestation of civility.
This issue was raised Friday by Paralympic athlete and member of Russia’s Civic Chamber Sergei Burlakov at a video conference meeting held by Putin with ecologists and animal rights activists. Burlakov lauded this idea to amend constitution by adding animal right protections as a necessary and timely decision. Putin agreed with him.
"As you just underlined, it is a highly needed and necessary thing to enshrine these norms which will let us feel civilized in the basic law," the president said.


tass--2020-06-05--Russian Northern Fleet tracking French guided missile frigate Aquitaine in Barents Sea

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Northern Fleet forces are tracking the movements of the French Navy @ @ @ @ @ Aquitaine that entered the Barents Sea , Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center reported @ @ @ @ @ Northern Fleet ’ s forces and capabilities have started to track the movements of the @ @ @ @ @ missile frigate Aquitaine that entered the Barents Sea on June 5 , 2020 , '' @ @ @ @ @ ’ s National Defense Control Center announced in early May that the Northern Fleet ’ @ @ @ @ @ US destroyers Donald Cook , Porter and Roosevelt that had entered the Barents Sea .
@ @ @ @ @ of the Russian General Staff ’ s Main Operations Department Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoi slammed as @ @ @ @ @ these NATO warships in the Barents Sea , which practiced , among other things , @ @ @ @ @ of Russia and intercepting Russian ballistic missiles .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. The Russian Northern Fleet forces are tracking the movements of the French Navy’s guided missile frigate Aquitaine that entered the Barents Sea, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Friday.
"The Northern Fleet’s forces and capabilities have started to track the movements of the French Navy’s guided missile frigate Aquitaine that entered the Barents Sea on June 5, 2020," the statement says.
Russia’s National Defense Control Center announced in early May that the Northern Fleet’s forces started tracking the US destroyers Donald Cook, Porter and Roosevelt that had entered the Barents Sea.
On June 1, Chief of the Russian General Staff’s Main Operations Department Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoi slammed as a provocation the drills of these NATO warships in the Barents Sea, which practiced, among other things, striking targets on the territory of Russia and intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.


tass--2020-06-05--Putin says nature is Russia’s national treasure, should be protected

NOVO-OGARYOVO , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s nature is its national asset which should be preserved for future generations , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a video conference meeting with ecologists and animal right activists .
According to him , environment and ecological problems have always been and will always be the most sensible and important for society .
Putin also underlined that many citizens ’ constitutional amendment initiatives included calls to protect nature and treat animals in a humane way as well as develop a system of ecological education .
`` I fully support this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our national treasure in full meaning of this word , about our pride and duty to this and future generations , '' Putin noted .
`` We must and will save it all for them , for future generations on all of our big planet , but it is also very important for us to preserve the unique richness of natural resources , flora and fauna of our country , Russia , '' the president said .
He concluded that opinions of people and interests of society in environment and preservation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Putin also extended congratulations to the meeting participants on the occasion of Ecologist Day celebrated in Russia on June 5 .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, June 5. /TASS/. Russia’s nature is its national asset which should be preserved for future generations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a video conference meeting with ecologists and animal right activists.
According to him, environment and ecological problems have always been and will always be the most sensible and important for society. Putin also underlined that many citizens’ constitutional amendment initiatives included calls to protect nature and treat animals in a humane way as well as develop a system of ecological education.
"I fully support this principled position. We are talking about our national treasure in full meaning of this word, about our pride and duty to this and future generations," Putin noted. "We must and will save it all for them, for future generations on all of our big planet, but it is also very important for us to preserve the unique richness of natural resources, flora and fauna of our country, Russia," the president said. He concluded that opinions of people and interests of society in environment and preservation of the biodiversity "should remain an unconditional priority."
Putin also extended congratulations to the meeting participants on the occasion of Ecologist Day celebrated in Russia on June 5.


tass--2020-06-05--Russia’s air and missile defense forces repel notional air strike on Moscow in drills

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Aerospace Force ’ s special-purpose air and missile defense troops repelled a notional enemy ’ s air strike against Moscow in drills , making 30 notional missile launches , the Defense Ministry of Russia reported on Friday .
`` During the check , the quick reaction alert units of radio-technical and anti-aircraft missile regiments of the Aerospace Force ’ s air and missile defense large unit timely detected and notionally fired at all the designated targets , '' the ministry said .
The drills involved the combat teams of S-400 ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surface-to-air missile systems and Pantsyr-S anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers , which performed over 30 notional launches , the ministry specified .
During the drills , Su-35S , Su-34 and Su-30SM aircraft and Mi-24P helicopters simulated the notional enemy ’ s reconnaissance planes and drones , the statement says .
The combat readiness check of the air defense quick reaction alert forces involved over 40 combat teams of the anti-aircraft missile and radio-technical personnel of the Aerospace Force ’ s air and missile defense large unit , the ministry specified .
`` During the check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quick reaction alert forces and capabilities of the air defense troops of the Western Military District were practiced , '' the ministry added .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. The Russian Aerospace Force’s special-purpose air and missile defense troops repelled a notional enemy’s air strike against Moscow in drills, making 30 notional missile launches, the Defense Ministry of Russia reported on Friday.
"During the check, the quick reaction alert units of radio-technical and anti-aircraft missile regiments of the Aerospace Force’s air and missile defense large unit timely detected and notionally fired at all the designated targets," the ministry said.
The drills involved the combat teams of S-400 ‘Triumf’ and S-300 ‘Favorit’ surface-to-air missile systems and Pantsyr-S anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers, which performed over 30 notional launches, the ministry specified.
During the drills, Su-35S, Su-34 and Su-30SM aircraft and Mi-24P helicopters simulated the notional enemy’s reconnaissance planes and drones, the statement says.
The combat readiness check of the air defense quick reaction alert forces involved over 40 combat teams of the anti-aircraft missile and radio-technical personnel of the Aerospace Force’s air and missile defense large unit, the ministry specified.
"During the check, the issues of inter-operability with the quick reaction alert forces and capabilities of the air defense troops of the Western Military District were practiced," the ministry added.


tass--2020-06-05--Putin promises state support to ecological projects

NOVO-OGARYOVO , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has provided assurances that ecological projects will receive government backing .
`` Undeniably , your activity should receive and will receive constant and invested backing from state bodies and businesses .
I would like to draw specific attention of heads of regions to this as well as relevant agencies , heads of businesses and organizations irrespective of what kind of properties they own , '' the leader said at a meeting with ecologists and animal right activists .
Putin particularly highlighted the fact that everyone who attended the meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of energy and sincere commitment .
`` This again proves that overwhelming majority of people who dedicated themselves to protecting nature do this because it ’ s their calling .
This is always the best example to emulate in the future to other citizens , children , the youth , it is a reason to join numerous environmental volunteer and non-profit initiatives , '' Putin stressed .
He underlined that the projects presented at the meeting `` are precisely what is called responsible ecological culture . ''
The Russian leader recalled that Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of developing new territories and creating new industrial centers were achieved no matter the cost .
`` As a result , the mistakes made then , sometimes in the last century and this century , literally poison people ’ s lives and nature , '' Putin recognized .
He lamented that modern Russia sometimes show such consumerism .
`` This still happens and not rarely , unfortunately , '' he said , noting that this approach is very dangerous and leads nowhere .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, June 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has provided assurances that ecological projects will receive government backing.
"Undeniably, your activity should receive and will receive constant and invested backing from state bodies and businesses. I would like to draw specific attention of heads of regions to this as well as relevant agencies, heads of businesses and organizations irrespective of what kind of properties they own," the leader said at a meeting with ecologists and animal right activists.
Putin particularly highlighted the fact that everyone who attended the meeting spoke about their projects with a lot of energy and sincere commitment. "This again proves that overwhelming majority of people who dedicated themselves to protecting nature do this because it’s their calling. This is always the best example to emulate in the future to other citizens, children, the youth, it is a reason to join numerous environmental volunteer and non-profit initiatives," Putin stressed.
He underlined that the projects presented at the meeting "are precisely what is called responsible ecological culture."
The Russian leader recalled that Russia had a period in history when goals of developing new territories and creating new industrial centers were achieved no matter the cost. "As a result, the mistakes made then, sometimes in the last century and this century, literally poison people’s lives and nature," Putin recognized. He lamented that modern Russia sometimes show such consumerism. "This still happens and not rarely, unfortunately," he said, noting that this approach is very dangerous and leads nowhere.


tass--2020-06-05--Aerosmith’s concert in Moscow rescheduled for 2021 due to pandemic

`` Aerosmith is and always will be a band for the fans , of the fans and by the fans .
It is for this reason that we have made the decision to reschedule our European Tour to Summer 2021 , in an effort to keep the focus on the health and well-being of everyone during this unprecedented time , '' according to the band ’ s statement the concert agency cited on its Facebook page .
MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The concert of legendary American rock band Aerosmith in Moscow set for July 30 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2021 , due to the coronavirus pandemic , SAV Entertainment concert agency announced on Facebook on Friday .
The agency added that the earlier bought tickets will remain valid for the new date .
The show in Moscow will be held at the VTB Arena stadium .
Aerosmith ’ s 2020 European tour was to mark the group ’ s 50th anniversary .
The last time the American rockers played in Moscow was in the spring of 2017 as part of their Aero-Vederci Baby !
Tour ( the name combined the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with `` arrivederci , '' an Italian word for `` goodbye , '' hinting that it was a farewell tour ) .
Aerosmith was formed in Boston , Massachusetts in 1970 .
The group consists of Steven Tyler on vocals , Joe Perry on guitar , Tom Hamilton on bass , Joey Kramer on drums and Brad Whitford on guitar .
Their style , which is rooted in blues-based hard rock and incorporates elements of pop rock , heavy metal and rhythm and blues has inspired many rock artists .
Over their 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The latest one titled `` Music from Another Dimension ! ''
was released in 2012 .
Aerosmith is known as the best-selling American rock band of all time , having sold more than 150 million records worldwide , including over 70 million in the United States alone .
The band won four Grammy Awards .
The group has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and put both on Rolling Stone 's and VH1 's lists of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time .

"Aerosmith is and always will be a band for the fans, of the fans and by the fans. It is for this reason that we have made the decision to reschedule our European Tour to Summer 2021, in an effort to keep the focus on the health and well-being of everyone during this unprecedented time," according to the band’s statement the concert agency cited on its Facebook page.
MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. The concert of legendary American rock band Aerosmith in Moscow set for July 30, 2020, has been rescheduled for May 29, 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic, SAV Entertainment concert agency announced on Facebook on Friday.
The agency added that the earlier bought tickets will remain valid for the new date. The show in Moscow will be held at the VTB Arena stadium.
Aerosmith’s 2020 European tour was to mark the group’s 50th anniversary.
The last time the American rockers played in Moscow was in the spring of 2017 as part of their Aero-Vederci Baby! Tour (the name combined the first part of the band’s name with "arrivederci," an Italian word for "goodbye," hinting that it was a farewell tour).
Aerosmith was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970. The group consists of Steven Tyler on vocals, Joe Perry on guitar, Tom Hamilton on bass, Joey Kramer on drums and Brad Whitford on guitar. Their style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock and incorporates elements of pop rock, heavy metal and rhythm and blues has inspired many rock artists.
Over their 50 years, they have recorded 15 albums. The latest one titled "Music from Another Dimension!" was released in 2012.
Aerosmith is known as the best-selling American rock band of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide, including over 70 million in the United States alone. The band won four Grammy Awards.
The group has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and put both on Rolling Stone's and VH1's lists of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.


tass--2020-06-05--South Korea hopes to resume visa-free travels with Russia after pandemic, envoy says

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
South Korea hopes to resume visa-free travels with Russia when the coronavirus pandemic is over , South Korea ’ s Ambassador to Russia Lee Sok-bae said on Friday .
`` I am convinced that South Korea and Russia will cope with the coronavirus infection threat successfully and nationals of the two countries will soon be able to visit our countries visa-free , '' he said in an interview with Russian agencies .
He noted however that so far it is difficult to say when the agreement on abandonment of visas is resumed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ travels back in force we must overcome the threat of the coronavirus infection spread .
Apart from that , bilateral consultations between the South Korean and Russian authorities are needed , '' he added .
According to the South Korean diplomat , the two countries will resume air service after the sanitary and epidemic situation stabilizes .
Lee Sok-bae stressed that Moscow and Seoul had maintained close contacts and swiftly helped each other to repatriate their nationals amid the pandemic , which `` strengthened cooperation and built up mutual trust . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights ( four flights from Seoul to Moscow and back and two flights from Seoul to Vladivostok and back ) and helped our nationals to return home safely .
Russian nationals used these flights as well , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. South Korea hopes to resume visa-free travels with Russia when the coronavirus pandemic is over, South Korea’s Ambassador to Russia Lee Sok-bae said on Friday.
"I am convinced that South Korea and Russia will cope with the coronavirus infection threat successfully and nationals of the two countries will soon be able to visit our countries visa-free," he said in an interview with Russian agencies.
He noted however that so far it is difficult to say when the agreement on abandonment of visas is resumed. "To have the agreement on visa-free travels back in force we must overcome the threat of the coronavirus infection spread. Apart from that, bilateral consultations between the South Korean and Russian authorities are needed," he added.
According to the South Korean diplomat, the two countries will resume air service after the sanitary and epidemic situation stabilizes.
Lee Sok-bae stressed that Moscow and Seoul had maintained close contacts and swiftly helped each other to repatriate their nationals amid the pandemic, which "strengthened cooperation and built up mutual trust." "Thus, South Korea organized six special flights (four flights from Seoul to Moscow and back and two flights from Seoul to Vladivostok and back) and helped our nationals to return home safely. Russian nationals used these flights as well," he noted.


tass--2020-06-05--This week in photos: Crew Dragon liftoff, unity during US unrest, Covid patient by the sea

Russia ’ s presence at G7 summit in USA will help solve various issues , says Trump Last week , @ @ @ @ @ summit set to take place in the USA would be moved from late June to @ @ @ @ @ plans to invite Russia , South Korea , Australia and India

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Crew Dragon spacecraft launched on NASAs SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley onboard, at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA, May 30 © Bill Ingalls/NASA via Getty Images
US President Donald Trump walking past police in Lafayette Park after his visit to St. John's Church, in Washington, USA, June 1 © AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
A protester and a police officer shaking hands in the middle of a standoff during a solidarity rally calling for justice over the death of George Floyd in New York, USA, June 2. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25 © AP Photo/Wong Maye-E
George Floyd's casket carried to a hearse after a memorial service for Floyd at North Central University, in Minneapolis, USA, June 4. Floyd died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on May 25 © AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews
Police officers and a man staging a one-person protest over the killing of a Yekaterinburg resident who resisted Russian National Guard officers' attempts to arrest him, by the offices of the Moscow Branch of the Russian Interior Ministry in Petrovka Street, Moscow, Russia, June 2. A sign reads "Every day is a feast of ultraviolence #RussianLivesMatter" © Artyom Geodakyan/TASS
A priest measuring the body temperature of believers ahead of a liturgy at St George Cathedral in the village of Nakhabino, Moscow region, Russia, June 3. Religious institutions opened for public in Moscow Region © Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS
The seating area of the Berliner Ensemble theater showing gaps of removed seats due to coronavirus measures in Berlin, Germany, June 3. Preparations for a step by step reopening of the Berliner Ensemble theater are running. For providing distance between spectators, numerous seats have been removed. From June 10, a couple of theater performances are going to be presented open air in the yard of the Berliner Ensemble theater © EPA-EFE/CLEMENS BILAN
A medical worker in an intensive care unit at a temporary medical facility established for COVID-19 patients at Moscow City Clinical Hospital No 15 (Filatov Hospital), Moscow, Russia, June 1 © Sergei Bobylev/TASS
Spotted seal pups nursed back to health at the Tyulen [Seal] rehabilitation center and released into the wild on a coast of Zheltukhina Island in the Peter the Great Gulf, Primorsky territory, Russia, May 31 © Yuri Smityuk/TASS Host Photo Agency
The site of a collapsed railway bridge between the village of Molochny and the town of Kola, Murmansk region, Russia, June 3. The flooded Kola River undermined a pillar and caused the collapse of the bridge © Lev Fedoseyev/TASS
Seagulls hunting pearl mullets, a fish species living in Lake Van region in Van, Turkey, June 2 © Ali Ihsan Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Hospital patient is taken to the seaside by intensive health care staff outside the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, Spain, June 03 © David Ramos/Getty Images


tass--2020-06-05--Norilsk Nickel to pay emergency relief costs, says Putin

NOVO-OGAREVO , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Norilsk Nickel will rightfully pay all costs of compensating damages from petroleum products @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the meeting with environmentalists and animal activists .
@ @ @ @ @ that the company is ready to pay for all these activities from its funds , @ @ @ @

NOVO-OGAREVO, June 5. /TASS/. Norilsk Nickel will rightfully pay all costs of compensating damages from petroleum products spill in Norilsk, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the meeting with environmentalists and animal activists.
"This is certainly proper that the company is ready to pay for all these activities from its funds," Putin said.


tass--2020-06-05--Russian Black Sea Fleet ships hold air defense drills

SEVASTOPOL , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Kasimov , Muromets and Yeisk @ @ @ @ @ their maritime deployment , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ , the anti-submarine naval strike group set off for its return to the home base @ @ @ @ @ of searching for a submarine .
During the sea transit , the crews of the @ @ @ @ @ detected a notional enemy ’ s aircraft , '' the press office said in a @ @ @ @ @ two Su-30SM fighters from the Black Sea Fleet ’ s naval aviation simulated the imaginary @ @ @ @ @ During the drills , the pilots were tasked with conducting reconnaissance , detecting a group @ @ @ @ @ practicing notional missile and bomb strikes against the targets , the statement says .

SEVASTOPOL, June 5. /TASS/. The crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Kasimov, Muromets and Yeisk held air defense drills during their maritime deployment, the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
"Under the drills’ scenario, the anti-submarine naval strike group set off for its return to the home base after accomplishing the assigned missions of searching for a submarine. During the sea transit, the crews of the shipborne air defense combat posts detected a notional enemy’s aircraft," the press office said in a statement.
The crews of two Su-30SM fighters from the Black Sea Fleet’s naval aviation simulated the imaginary enemy’s aircraft. During the drills, the pilots were tasked with conducting reconnaissance, detecting a group of ships at sea and practicing notional missile and bomb strikes against the targets, the statement says.


tass--2020-06-05--Prague’s expulsion of Russian diplomats meant to save face in voters’ eyes — official

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Prague ’ s decision to expel Russian diplomats is obviously meant to save its face in the eyes of voters , Mikhail Bryukhanov , a deputy chief of Russia ’ s Federal Agency for the Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States , Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation , told TASS on Friday .
Prague has `` released this story into the public realm without any grounds for that , '' he noted .
`` It is impossible to ignore what has been said in public .
It [ the expulsion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erroneous decision . ''
`` This way they are seeking to save the face in the eyes of voters .
I can see no other grounds for that , '' he added .
Meanwhile , according to the official , the agency has no reasons to doubt the reliability of its employees who have been expelled from the Czech Republic .
`` They will return to Moscow .
We will take a decision after considering all the facts .
So far , we have no reasons not to trust our employees or to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side has not provided any convincing evidence to share their position , '' he stressed .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Prague’s decision to expel Russian diplomats is obviously meant to save its face in the eyes of voters, Mikhail Bryukhanov, a deputy chief of Russia’s Federal Agency for the Affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation, told TASS on Friday.
Prague has "released this story into the public realm without any grounds for that," he noted. "It is impossible to ignore what has been said in public. It [the expulsion of Russian diplomats] is yet another erroneous decision." "This way they are seeking to save the face in the eyes of voters. I can see no other grounds for that," he added.
Meanwhile, according to the official, the agency has no reasons to doubt the reliability of its employees who have been expelled from the Czech Republic. "They will return to Moscow. We will take a decision after considering all the facts. So far, we have no reasons not to trust our employees or to accuse them of anything. The Czech side has not provided any convincing evidence to share their position," he stressed.


tass--2020-06-05--‘Poison plot’ against Prague politicians was pure fabrication, admits Czech PM

According to the Czech prime minister , the bogus story was spread by one of the Russian diplomatic mission staffers as part of the internal strife PRAGUE , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Czech media reports about a Russian diplomat allegedly bringing in ricin , a poisonous substance , to the country amid the scandal that ensued after Prague authorities made the decision to dismantle the monument to Soviet Union Marshal Ivan Konev have proved to be completely fabricated , Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis acknowledged Friday .
According to him , this scandalous story that has never been proven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the inside strife between employees of the Russian [ diplomatic ] mission in Prague . ''
`` One of them deliberately sent fabricated information about the planned attack on Czech politicians to our Information Security Service , '' Babis claimed .
According to the prime minister , the actions of this person led to `` further complications in the Czech-Russian relations . ''
The prime minister believes that this staffer bears responsibility for `` inflicting damage to Russia ’ s good name in the Czech Republic . ''
The politician cited this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this conflict from the country .
`` Two employees of the Russian embassy in the Czech Republic were declared personae non gratae , '' he noted .
`` [ The Czech Republic is interested ] in good relations with all countries but we are a sovereign state and will not allow any actions like this on our territory , '' he concluded .
TASS currently does not have an official response from the Russian embassy in Prague .
In April , Czech media reported that a Russian diplomat had allegedly delivered ricin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was a part of an operation to poison Prague city officials linked to the demolition of the Konev monument .
Commenting on the media reports , Babis said that he wonders himself if these accusations can be real , while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov slammed these claims as unimaginable because no one `` of sound mind '' could believe such fantasies .

According to the Czech prime minister, the bogus story was spread by one of the Russian diplomatic mission staffers as part of the internal strife
Read also Russian embassy in Czech Republic slams decision to expel Russian diplomats as provocation
PRAGUE, June 5. /TASS/. Czech media reports about a Russian diplomat allegedly bringing in ricin, a poisonous substance, to the country amid the scandal that ensued after Prague authorities made the decision to dismantle the monument to Soviet Union Marshal Ivan Konev have proved to be completely fabricated, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis acknowledged Friday.
Read also Russian embassy sends note to Czech Foreign Ministry over allegations in Czech media
According to him, this scandalous story that has never been proven by anything or anyone emerged "because of the inside strife between employees of the Russian [diplomatic] mission in Prague." "One of them deliberately sent fabricated information about the planned attack on Czech politicians to our Information Security Service," Babis claimed. According to the prime minister, the actions of this person led to "further complications in the Czech-Russian relations." The prime minister believes that this staffer bears responsibility for "inflicting damage to Russia’s good name in the Czech Republic." The politician cited this reason to expel the staffers engaged in this conflict from the country. "Two employees of the Russian embassy in the Czech Republic were declared personae non gratae," he noted.
Read also Kremlin prefers Soviet Marshal Konev monument to be restored in Czech Republic or Russia


tass--2020-06-05--Kaliningrad Amber Plant to sell up to 450 tonnes of amber in 2020

KALININGRAD , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Sales of the Kaliningrad Amber Plant ( controlled by Rostec state corporation ) @ @ @ @ @ ’ s biggest enterprise involved in industrial amber mining , are planned at 450 tonnes @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Zatsepin told TASS on Friday .
In 2019 , the plant sold 467.9 tonnes @ @ @ @ @ rubles ( $ 44 mln ) , an increase of 21 % compared with 2018 @ @ @ @ @ sales at 400-450 tonnes in 2020 .
Same as in 2019 , sales will be @ @ @ @ @ , '' Zatsepin said , adding that 60 % of amber produced by the plant @ @ @ @ @ .
Large jewelry companies are the main foreign buyers , Director General said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the issue of diversifying its target markets .
As of today , negotiations are underway @ @ @ @ @ countries , as well as Middle Eastern states , '' he said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ 400 tonnes this year .

KALININGRAD, June 5. /TASS/. Sales of the Kaliningrad Amber Plant (controlled by Rostec state corporation), which is the world’s biggest enterprise involved in industrial amber mining, are planned at 450 tonnes for 2020, Director General Mikhail Zatsepin told TASS on Friday.
In 2019, the plant sold 467.9 tonnes of amber worth 3.03 bln rubles ($44 mln), an increase of 21% compared with 2018.
"We project amber sales at 400-450 tonnes in 2020. Same as in 2019, sales will be conducted through holding organized trading," Zatsepin said, adding that 60% of amber produced by the plant is purchased by Russian buyers.
Large jewelry companies are the main foreign buyers, Director General said. "The plant is actively addressing the issue of diversifying its target markets. As of today, negotiations are underway on amber sales to Asian-Pacific countries, as well as Middle Eastern states," he said, adding that amber production is planned at 400 tonnes this year.


tass--2020-06-05--Probe on site of Russia’s oil spill in Norilsk to complete June 26

`` We are currently probing [ the situation ] and an unscheduled check of the facilities is conducted .
On [ June ] 26 , we will complete the probe , upon its results we will make a decision , review the company ’ s actions and calculate the damage inflicted on the environment , '' she said as a video conference meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and ecologists and animal right activists .
MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The probe at the central heating and power plant in Norilsk where an oil spill occurred will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s environment protection watchdog Svetlana Radionova said Friday .
According to her , the damage can account to billions of rubles .
`` We intend to strictly regulate the actions to bring everything back to a state it should be , '' Radionova noted .
Over 21,000 cubic meters of petroleum products spilled at the Thermal Power Plant No .
3 of the Norilsk and Taimyr Energy Company ( part of the metals giant Norilsk Nickel ) on May 29 after the concrete foundation of a fuel storage tank sank , causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fuel spilled into the ground on an area of 180,000 square meters and also in local rivers , contaminating the territory and causing damage to the environment .
Radionova said on June 3 that the maximum permissible concentrations of contaminants in the water bodies in Norilsk were exceeded by several dozen thousand times .
About 6,000 tonnes of petroleum products leaked into the soil and about 15,000 tonnes into local rivers , she specified .
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the decision to introduce a federal state of emergency in Norilsk .

"We are currently probing [the situation] and an unscheduled check of the facilities is conducted. On [June] 26, we will complete the probe, upon its results we will make a decision, review the company’s actions and calculate the damage inflicted on the environment," she said as a video conference meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and ecologists and animal right activists.
MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. The probe at the central heating and power plant in Norilsk where an oil spill occurred will be completed June 26, head of Russia’s environment protection watchdog Svetlana Radionova said Friday.
According to her, the damage can account to billions of rubles. "We intend to strictly regulate the actions to bring everything back to a state it should be," Radionova noted.
Over 21,000 cubic meters of petroleum products spilled at the Thermal Power Plant No. 3 of the Norilsk and Taimyr Energy Company (part of the metals giant Norilsk Nickel) on May 29 after the concrete foundation of a fuel storage tank sank, causing the fuel facility’s collapse. The fuel spilled into the ground on an area of 180,000 square meters and also in local rivers, contaminating the territory and causing damage to the environment.
Radionova said on June 3 that the maximum permissible concentrations of contaminants in the water bodies in Norilsk were exceeded by several dozen thousand times.
About 6,000 tonnes of petroleum products leaked into the soil and about 15,000 tonnes into local rivers, she specified. Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the decision to introduce a federal state of emergency in Norilsk.


tass--2020-06-05--Russian embassy in Czech Republic slams decision to expel Russian diplomats as provocation

PRAGUE , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian embassy in Prague is deeply disappointed over the decision of the Czech government to expel two employees of the Russian diplomatic mission in the country , slamming it as a fabricated provocation .
The embassy published a corresponding statement on Facebook on Friday .
`` This is a fabricated provocation .
This unfriendly step which was based from the start on unfounded accusations of the media shows that Prague has no desire to normalize the Russian-Czech relations that have deteriorated recently through no fault of ours , '' the embassy said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such an approach of our Czech partners that are leaving less and less space for constructive dialogue , '' the diplomats added .
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said in Prague on Friday that two staffers of the Russian embassy in the Czech Republic had been declared personae non gratae .
The Czech media reported earlier , citing sources in the Czech special services , that in early April , a Russian national holding a diplomatic passport had allegedly arrived in Prague carrying ricin , a highly potent toxin .
The man allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poison that could be aimed for several Czech municipal politicians .
Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek stated that the Foreign Ministry had tried to resolve the issue discreetly through diplomatic means , however its attempts failed .
He stressed that Prague had no other choice but to declare two Russian diplomats personae non gratae .
The Czech government understands that Russia is likely to provide a tit-for-tat response , Petricek admitted .

PRAGUE, June 5. /TASS/. The Russian embassy in Prague is deeply disappointed over the decision of the Czech government to expel two employees of the Russian diplomatic mission in the country, slamming it as a fabricated provocation. The embassy published a corresponding statement on Facebook on Friday.
"This is a fabricated provocation. This unfriendly step which was based from the start on unfounded accusations of the media shows that Prague has no desire to normalize the Russian-Czech relations that have deteriorated recently through no fault of ours," the embassy said. "We are deeply disappointed by such an approach of our Czech partners that are leaving less and less space for constructive dialogue," the diplomats added.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said in Prague on Friday that two staffers of the Russian embassy in the Czech Republic had been declared personae non gratae.
The Czech media reported earlier, citing sources in the Czech special services, that in early April, a Russian national holding a diplomatic passport had allegedly arrived in Prague carrying ricin, a highly potent toxin. The man allegedly headed to the Russian embassy with the poison that could be aimed for several Czech municipal politicians.
Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek stated that the Foreign Ministry had tried to resolve the issue discreetly through diplomatic means, however its attempts failed. He stressed that Prague had no other choice but to declare two Russian diplomats personae non gratae. The Czech government understands that Russia is likely to provide a tit-for-tat response, Petricek admitted.


tass--2020-06-05--Asteroid approaching Earth poses no serious danger, Roscosmos says

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Asteroid 163348 ( 2002 NN4 ) will approach Earth on Saturday but is @ @ @ @ @ Russian space corporation Roscosmos told TASS Friday .
`` According to information we have , @ @ @ @ @ and Asteroid 163348 ( 2002 NN4 ) will be 5.09 million kilometers , '' the @ @ @ @ @ would be closer than the distance that asteroid 52768 ( 1998 OR2 ) reached in @ @ @ @ @ 6 million kilometers ) .
According to Roscosmos , `` this distance is too large @ @ @ @ @ danger .
The space corporation underscored that the scientists watch such objects closely , and @ @ @ @ @ very unlikely here . ''
Earlier , NASA reported that asteroid 163348 ( 2002 NN4 @ @ @ @ @ 250 and 570 meters will approach Earth by 5.1 million kilometers and pass by at @ @ @ @ @ per second on June 6 .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Asteroid 163348 (2002 NN4) will approach Earth on Saturday but is unlikely to hit it, Russian space corporation Roscosmos told TASS Friday.
"According to information we have, the minimal distance between Earth and Asteroid 163348 (2002 NN4) will be 5.09 million kilometers," the state corporation said. This would be closer than the distance that asteroid 52768 (1998 OR2) reached in late April 2020 (about 6 million kilometers).
According to Roscosmos, "this distance is too large to speak about any serious danger. The space corporation underscored that the scientists watch such objects closely, and therefore "various surprises are very unlikely here."
Earlier, NASA reported that asteroid 163348 (2002 NN4) with a diameter between 250 and 570 meters will approach Earth by 5.1 million kilometers and pass by at the speed of 11.1 kilometers per second on June 6.


tass--2020-06-05--Germany, EU should mull response to US measures on Nord Stream 2, says Bundestag official

BERLIN , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Germany and the EU should consider response to US plans to expand sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline , Klaus Ernst , head of the Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy , told TASS .
`` If this does not stop , then we will need to consider serious protective measures .
For example , penalties for natural gas from the United States are possible , '' he said .
According to Ernst , US actions in this matter should be `` no longer understood as an act of friendship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty of Germany and the EU . ''
On Thursday , a group of US senators submitted a bill that would expand the US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline .
According to Bloomberg news agency , the new sanctions target the insurance companies that work with the two Russian vessels , the Akademik Cherskiy and Fortuna , on the completion of the project .
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea bed to the German shore through the exclusive economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Russia , Finland , Sweden , Denmark , and Germany , thus bypassing transit countries of Ukraine , Belarus , Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic states .
Each of the pipeline ’ s two stretches will have a capacity of 27.5 bln cubic meters .
Gazprom 's European partners in the project are Germany ’ s Wintershall and Uniper , Austria ’ s OMV , France ’ s Engie and Royal Dutch Shell .
The Switzerland-based Allseas , which laid pipes for the Nord Stream 2 , suspended its pipelay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project due to the threat of the US ’ sanctions in late December 2019 .
Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Alexei Miller said earlier that the construction would be completed by its own efforts .
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that the construction of the gas pipeline may be finalized using the ship-laying vessel ‘ Akademik Cherskiy ’ .
The project is 93 % completed to date .
In January , President Vladimir Putin said that the construction would be completed and the gas pipeline would be launched before the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of next year .

BERLIN, June 5. /TASS/. Germany and the EU should consider response to US plans to expand sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, Klaus Ernst, head of the Bundestag Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy, told TASS.
"If this does not stop, then we will need to consider serious protective measures. For example, penalties for natural gas from the United States are possible," he said.
According to Ernst, US actions in this matter should be "no longer understood as an act of friendship, but they constitute interference in the sovereignty of Germany and the EU."
On Thursday, a group of US senators submitted a bill that would expand the US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. According to Bloomberg news agency, the new sanctions target the insurance companies that work with the two Russian vessels, the Akademik Cherskiy and Fortuna, on the completion of the project.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea bed to the German shore through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of five countries — Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, thus bypassing transit countries of Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic states. Each of the pipeline’s two stretches will have a capacity of 27.5 bln cubic meters. Gazprom's European partners in the project are Germany’s Wintershall and Uniper, Austria’s OMV, France’s Engie and Royal Dutch Shell.
The Switzerland-based Allseas, which laid pipes for the Nord Stream 2, suspended its pipelay activities and withdrew vessels involved in the project due to the threat of the US’ sanctions in late December 2019.
Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Alexei Miller said earlier that the construction would be completed by its own efforts. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that the construction of the gas pipeline may be finalized using the ship-laying vessel ‘Akademik Cherskiy’. The project is 93% completed to date.
In January, President Vladimir Putin said that the construction would be completed and the gas pipeline would be launched before the end of this year or in the first quarter of next year.


tass--2020-06-05--Coronavirus vaccine refusal to have dire effects, says WHO representative to Russia

The envoy pointed to the risk of putting the responsibility on others : some think they will not have to get vaccinated once everybody around has been through this procedure MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
People ’ s refusal to undergo vaccination against the coronavirus , should an available vaccine be created , may have dire effects and reduce to nothing the success achieved in the struggle against the pandemic , the World Health Organization ’ s representative to Russia , Melita Vujnovic , told TASS .
`` Such a sentiment reflects common reluctance of some people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , when asked about the reasons behind the skepticism many people express over the possibility of mass vaccination against the coronavirus .
`` Such a refusal in a situation where the vaccine will be easily available is fraught with the risk of reversing the progress that has been achieved in the struggle against the diseases that the vaccines prevent , '' Vujnovic said .
She stressed that inoculation was one of the most effective and safest means of disease prevention .
`` Currently it helps prevent 2-3 million deaths a year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ save 1.5 million more lives , '' she said .
In the meantime , some negative trends are observed in certain countries where measles cases became more common again after almost complete eradication .
People refuse vaccines for various reasons , such as `` carelessness or lack of trust or access to vaccination services , '' Vujnovic said .
Also , she pointed to the risk of putting the responsibility on others : some think they will not have to get vaccinated once everybody around has been through this procedure .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population .
The corresponding behavioral aspects should be studied , '' she said .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 6,714,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 393,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 3,261,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 449,834 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 212,680 patients having recovered from the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,528 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

The envoy pointed to the risk of putting the responsibility on others: some think they will not have to get vaccinated once everybody around has been through this procedure
MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. People’s refusal to undergo vaccination against the coronavirus, should an available vaccine be created, may have dire effects and reduce to nothing the success achieved in the struggle against the pandemic, the World Health Organization’s representative to Russia, Melita Vujnovic, told TASS.
Read also WHO envoy hails Moscow authorities’ measures to combat coronavirus
"Such a sentiment reflects common reluctance of some people to participate in the vaccination," she said, when asked about the reasons behind the skepticism many people express over the possibility of mass vaccination against the coronavirus. "Such a refusal in a situation where the vaccine will be easily available is fraught with the risk of reversing the progress that has been achieved in the struggle against the diseases that the vaccines prevent," Vujnovic said.
Read also World to exist in new reality until vaccine against coronavirus is made, says Seoul mayor
She stressed that inoculation was one of the most effective and safest means of disease prevention. "Currently it helps prevent 2-3 million deaths a year. If used globally, vaccination might help save 1.5 million more lives," she said. In the meantime, some negative trends are observed in certain countries where measles cases became more common again after almost complete eradication. People refuse vaccines for various reasons, such as "carelessness or lack of trust or access to vaccination services," Vujnovic said. Also, she pointed to the risk of putting the responsibility on others: some think they will not have to get vaccinated once everybody around has been through this procedure.
Read also Russia’s Defense Ministry selects volunteers for coronavirus vaccine tests


tass--2020-06-05--Zvezda Shipyard starts building Aframax type tanker

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Zvezda Shipyard initiated construction of an Aframax type tanker for the Russian shipping @ @ @ @ @ the sixth tanker with its keel laid in the shipyard , the Russian oil producer @ @ @ @ @ The orders portfolio of Zvezda includes a series of 12 Aframax class tankers .
Four @ @ @ @ @ construction .
The lead ship has already been launched and undergoes harbor acceptance tests .
@ @ @ @ @ of 114,000 tonnes , length of 250 meters and width of 44 meters will be @ @ @ @ @ type built in Russia .
Zvezda Shipyard is developed by the consortium of Rosneft , @ @ @ @ @ provides the pilot load for the shipyard , having posted the order for 28 vessels @

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Zvezda Shipyard initiated construction of an Aframax type tanker for the Russian shipping company Sovcomflot. This is the sixth tanker with its keel laid in the shipyard, the Russian oil producer Rosneft says on Friday.
The orders portfolio of Zvezda includes a series of 12 Aframax class tankers. Four of them are currently under construction. The lead ship has already been launched and undergoes harbor acceptance tests.
Aframax tankers with the deadweight of 114,000 tonnes, length of 250 meters and width of 44 meters will be the first vessels of this type built in Russia.
Zvezda Shipyard is developed by the consortium of Rosneft, Rosneftegaz and Gazprombank. Rosneft provides the pilot load for the shipyard, having posted the order for 28 vessels.


tass--2020-06-05--Russian Foreign Ministry hopes for strengthening stability in Burundi after election

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia expects further strengthening of internal political stability and economy in Burundi after @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry said in a statement published Friday .
`` Moscow expects further progress of @ @ @ @ @ path of strengthening of internal political stability , development of the national economy and resolution @ @ @ @ @ '' the Ministry said .
According to the Foreign Ministry , observers from the African @ @ @ @ @ representatives of diplomatic missions of Tanzania , Egypt , China , Kenya , South Africa @ @ @ @ @ Republic of the Congo recognized the election results .
No serious violations that could affect @ @ @ @ @ were registered .
According to Burundi 's Constitutional Court , the May 20 presidential election @ @ @ @ @ , the secretary general of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy - @ @ @ @ @ Democracy political party , who secured 68.7 % of the votes .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Russia expects further strengthening of internal political stability and economy in Burundi after the presidential election, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement published Friday.
"Moscow expects further progress of the Burundi society on the path of strengthening of internal political stability, development of the national economy and resolution of pressing social issues," the Ministry said.
According to the Foreign Ministry, observers from the African Union, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions of Tanzania, Egypt, China, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo recognized the election results. No serious violations that could affect the will of the people were registered.
According to Burundi's Constitutional Court, the May 20 presidential election was won by Evariste Ndayishimiye, the secretary general of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Forces for the Defense of Democracy political party, who secured 68.7% of the votes.


tass--2020-06-05--Hot weather does not reduce COVID-19 infection risk, says WHO representative

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Hot and sunny days do not decrease the risk of the coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ in Russia Melita Vujnovic told TASS Friday .
`` The data we have indicate that @ @ @ @ @ of how sunny or hot the weather is .
The countries with hot climate report @ @ @ @ @ '' she underscored .
According to Vujnovic , basic rules of hygiene must be observed @ @ @ @ @ a bid to prevent the infection , which include frequent and thorough washing of hands @ @ @ @ @ mouth and nose .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Hot and sunny days do not decrease the risk of the coronavirus infection, World Health Organization representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told TASS Friday.
"The data we have indicate that COVID-19 could be contracted regardless of how sunny or hot the weather is. The countries with hot climate report COVID-19 cases as well," she underscored.
According to Vujnovic, basic rules of hygiene must be observed regardless of the weather in a bid to prevent the infection, which include frequent and thorough washing of hands and not touching eyes, mouth and nose.


tass--2020-06-05--Bank of Russia sees signs of continuing decline in economic activity

Fuel that spilled from power plant in Norilsk did not reach Kara Sea — official A total of 252 people @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath of the spill

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
Read more


tass--2020-06-05--Czech Republic declares two Russian embassy staffers personae non gratae

Russian embassy sends note to Czech Foreign Ministry over allegations in Czech media PRAGUE , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ embassy in the Czech Republic have been declared personae non gratae , Czech Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` Two employees of the Russian embassy in the Czech Republic were declared @ @ @ @ @ he noted .

Russian embassy sends note to Czech Foreign Ministry over allegations in Czech media
PRAGUE, June 5. /TASS/. Two staffers of the Russian embassy in the Czech Republic have been declared personae non gratae, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said in Prague Friday.
"Two employees of the Russian embassy in the Czech Republic were declared personae non gratae," he noted.


tass--2020-06-05--Number of coronavirus cases in Belarus rises by 887, six die

The number of recoveries has been exceeding newly confirmed cases for three days running , however , there is no steady declining trend as yet .
MINSK , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Belarus increased by 887 in the past 24 hours to reach 46,868 , while six more patients died from coronavirus-related causes , the national Health Ministry said Friday .
`` There are 46,868 people who tested positive for coronavirus .
Over the whole period of the infection spread in the country , 259 patients with a number of chronic health conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22,066 people recovered , '' the statement reads .
Since late February when the outbreak began , Belarus conducted 597,013 coronavirus tests .
At the same time , the Health Ministry has not revealed statistics by region for a few weeks now .
Belarus never imposed quarantine or lockdown measures to combat and curb the spread of coronavirus .
At the same time , Belarus is advancing a presidential election campaign with the election scheduled for August 9 .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) experts explicitly recommended that Belarusian authorities impose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , avoiding crowds , adding that Belarus is among top 5 European countries by newly confirmed coronavirus cases in the past two weeks .
The European Union recently approved a list of nations cleared to enter the union for tourist , business and other purposes starting from early June 2020 .
Belarusians did not make the list as Brussels believe that the country ’ s epidemiological situation is unfavorable .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 6,714,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 393,400 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 3,261,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

The number of recoveries has been exceeding newly confirmed cases for three days running, however, there is no steady declining trend as yet.
MINSK, June 5. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Belarus increased by 887 in the past 24 hours to reach 46,868, while six more patients died from coronavirus-related causes, the national Health Ministry said Friday.
"There are 46,868 people who tested positive for coronavirus. Over the whole period of the infection spread in the country, 259 patients with a number of chronic health conditions and identified coronavirus infections died, while 22,066 people recovered," the statement reads.
Since late February when the outbreak began, Belarus conducted 597,013 coronavirus tests. At the same time, the Health Ministry has not revealed statistics by region for a few weeks now.
Belarus never imposed quarantine or lockdown measures to combat and curb the spread of coronavirus. At the same time, Belarus is advancing a presidential election campaign with the election scheduled for August 9. The World Health Organization (WHO) experts explicitly recommended that Belarusian authorities impose stricter social distancing and ban mass events, avoiding crowds, adding that Belarus is among top 5 European countries by newly confirmed coronavirus cases in the past two weeks. The European Union recently approved a list of nations cleared to enter the union for tourist, business and other purposes starting from early June 2020. Belarusians did not make the list as Brussels believes that the country’s epidemiological situation is unfavorable.
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.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 6,714,300 people have been infected worldwide and more than 393,400 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 3,261,200 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-06-05--WHO envoy hails Moscow authorities’ measures to combat coronavirus

MOSCOW , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
Restrictions imposed by the Moscow authorities in order to combat the spread of @ @ @ @ @ be effective , World Health Organization ( WHO ) Representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told @ @ @ @ @ took even tougher measures than Russia and Moscow .
The federal and city authorities are @ @ @ @ @ on the assessment of risks and the epidemiological situation .
The growth rate is declining @ @ @ @ @ measures are effective provided that people comply with them , '' she said .

MOSCOW, June 5. /TASS/. Restrictions imposed by the Moscow authorities in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus have proved to be effective, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told TASS.
"Some countries took even tougher measures than Russia and Moscow. The federal and city authorities are making decisions on restrictions based on the assessment of risks and the epidemiological situation. The growth rate is declining, which shows that these measures are effective provided that people comply with them," she said.


tass--2020-06-05--Putin orders to establish full control over emergency in Norilsk

NOVO-OGAREVO , June 5 .
/TASS/ .
The situation with the petroleum products spill in Norilsk should be under total control and causes should be found out uncompromisingly , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday .
`` I ask all the agencies that should be directly involved in this work , certainly the Ministry of Emergencies , to establish full special control over the situation , '' the president said at the meeting with environmentalists and animal activities .
`` Definitely , causes should be identified and damages should be assessed thoroughly and uncompromisingly , objectively , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s environmental watchdog check thoroughly all storage facilities for oil products in the country .
`` I ask Russia ’ s Federal Supervision Service for Natural Resources Management to analyze thoroughly the condition of similar facilities across the entire country and organize checks , if necessary , including involving emergencies ministry specialists and law enforcers , '' he said at a meeting with ecologists and animal rights activists .
He also demanded the cabinet draft amendments to the environment protection laws to prevent environmental emergencies like the oil spill in Norilsk .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the current parliamentary session .
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of the combined heat and power plant CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29 .
A motor vehicle drove into the fuel spill , causing fire outbreak .
Over 21,000 tonnes of fuel escaped in total .
The petroleum products leakage has been localized and more than 200 tonnes of fuel have been gathered , Russian Emercom told TASS earlier on Friday .

NOVO-OGAREVO, June 5. /TASS/. The situation with the petroleum products spill in Norilsk should be under total control and causes should be found out uncompromisingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
"I ask all the agencies that should be directly involved in this work, certainly the Ministry of Emergencies, to establish full special control over the situation," the president said at the meeting with environmentalists and animal activities. "Definitely, causes should be identified and damages should be assessed thoroughly and uncompromisingly, objectively," he added.
Putin also demanded Russia’s environmental watchdog check thoroughly all storage facilities for oil products in the country.
"I ask Russia’s Federal Supervision Service for Natural Resources Management to analyze thoroughly the condition of similar facilities across the entire country and organize checks, if necessary, including involving emergencies ministry specialists and law enforcers," he said at a meeting with ecologists and animal rights activists.
He also demanded the cabinet draft amendments to the environment protection laws to prevent environmental emergencies like the oil spill in Norilsk. He stressed that it should be done by the end of the current parliamentary session.
The loss of containment of the diesel fuel tank occurred on the territory of the combined heat and power plant CHPP-3 in Norilsk on May 29. A motor vehicle drove into the fuel spill, causing fire outbreak. Over 21,000 tonnes of fuel escaped in total.
The petroleum products leakage has been localized and more than 200 tonnes of fuel have been gathered, Russian Emercom told TASS earlier on Friday.


tass--2020-06-06--Moscow region’s coronavirus cases near 43,500

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
Another 758 coronavirus cases were identified in the Moscow region in the past @ @ @ @ @ total to 43,478 , the regional coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ 758 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Moscow region .
The total number has @ @ @ @ @ statement reads .
The regional death toll has climbed to 557 , a total of @ @ @ @ @ To date , a total of 458,689 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 5.725 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. Another 758 coronavirus cases were identified in the Moscow region in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 43,478, the regional coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Saturday.
"As many as 758 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Moscow region. The total number has reached 43,478," the statement reads.
The regional death toll has climbed to 557, a total of 10,924 patients have recovered.
To date, a total of 458,689 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 221,388 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 5.725 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-06-06--Senior Russian diplomat highlights need to restore military contacts with NATO

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
The need to restore working contacts between Moscow and NATO is clear as never before , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with TASS .
`` Today , the need to restore working contacts on the military track , which were cut by NATO , is clear as never before .
However , there has been no progress on the matter , '' he pointed out .
According to Grushko , NATO failed to give a meaningful response to Russia ’ s initiatives aimed at improving the military security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from the line of contact between Russia and NATO and improving mechanisms designed to prevent military incidents and avoid misunderstandings .
When commenting on NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu ’ s statement that Russia had not responded to a proposal to hold a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council , Grushko noted that such meetings `` are held not when someone calls for it but when all member countries reach an agreement . ''
`` There is no such agreement at the moment , '' he said , adding : `` There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO has suspended all cooperation with Russia .
We believe that a Russia-NATO Council meeting should be called when there is a possibility of making a real contribution to efforts to improve the military security situation in Europe , '' Grushko stressed .
The Russian deputy foreign minister said that NATO wanted the council to discuss the situation in Ukraine but it was pointless because NATO did not have a role in resolving the domestic conflict in Ukraine .
He added that NATO countries regularly participated in debates on the issue within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
`` Besides , France and Germany are part of the Normandy Four group and they clearly keep their allies informed , '' Grushko noted .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. The need to restore working contacts between Moscow and NATO is clear as never before, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said in an interview with TASS.
"Today, the need to restore working contacts on the military track, which were cut by NATO, is clear as never before. However, there has been no progress on the matter," he pointed out.
According to Grushko, NATO failed to give a meaningful response to Russia’s initiatives aimed at improving the military security situation in Europe by moving military drills away from the line of contact between Russia and NATO and improving mechanisms designed to prevent military incidents and avoid misunderstandings.
When commenting on NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu’s statement that Russia had not responded to a proposal to hold a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council, Grushko noted that such meetings "are held not when someone calls for it but when all member countries reach an agreement." "There is no such agreement at the moment," he said, adding: "There is no positive agenda for the Russia-NATO Council because NATO has suspended all cooperation with Russia. We believe that a Russia-NATO Council meeting should be called when there is a possibility of making a real contribution to efforts to improve the military security situation in Europe," Grushko stressed.
The Russian deputy foreign minister said that NATO wanted the council to discuss the situation in Ukraine but it was pointless because NATO did not have a role in resolving the domestic conflict in Ukraine. He added that NATO countries regularly participated in debates on the issue within the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). "Besides, France and Germany are part of the Normandy Four group and they clearly keep their allies informed," Grushko noted.


tass--2020-06-06--PM highlights rising global interest in Russian language

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people interested in studying the Russian language is growing across @ @ @ @ @ Minister Mikhail Mishustin said in a statement on Russian Language Day .
`` Please accept @ @ @ @ @ Language Day , '' he said , addressing the Russian people .
`` It brings @ @ @ @ @ and beyond .
Russian is one of the richest languages in the world , it @ @ @ @ @ great culture , diplomacy , international and inter-ethnic communication .
The number of those interested @ @ @ @ @ the world every year as people wish to read Chekhov , Dostoevsky and Tolstoy in @ @ @ @ @ about our country , its history and traditions , '' the prime minister pointed out @ @ @ @ @ established by the United Nations in 2010 , is celebrated on June 6 , which @ @ @ @ @ poet Alexander Pushkin ( 1799-1837 ) .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. The number of people interested in studying the Russian language is growing across the world, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said in a statement on Russian Language Day.
"Please accept my warmest greetings on Russian Language Day," he said, addressing the Russian people. "It brings together our compatriots in Russia and beyond. Russian is one of the richest languages in the world, it is the language of a great culture, diplomacy, international and inter-ethnic communication. The number of those interested in studying Russian increases across the world every year as people wish to read Chekhov, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy in the original and learn more about our country, its history and traditions," the prime minister pointed out.
Russian Language Day, established by the United Nations in 2010, is celebrated on June 6, which marks the birthday of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837).


tass--2020-06-06--Intelligence chief slams Czech authorities’ move to expel Russian diplomats as provocation

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Czech authorities ’ decision to expel two Russian diplomats is a provocation @ @ @ @ @ unanswered , Russian Foreign Intelligence Service ( SVR ) Director Sergei Naryshkin told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ will be taken but generally speaking , it was a vile and heinous provocation on @ @ @ @ @ authorities , '' he said .
On June 5 , the Czech Foreign Ministry notified @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision to expel two embassy workers .
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis earlier @ @ @ @ @ non grata .
According to him , reports of a Russian diplomat bringing ricin poison @ @ @ @ @ followed the demolition of a monument dedicated to WWII Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev in Prague @ @ @ @ @ fake .
Babis alleged that a Russian embassy employee had provided counterintelligence services with false @ @ @ @ @ attack on Czech politicians , raising tensions between the two countries .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. The Czech authorities’ decision to expel two Russian diplomats is a provocation that won’t go unanswered, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergei Naryshkin told reporters on Saturday.
"Retaliatory measures will be taken but generally speaking, it was a vile and heinous provocation on the part of the Czech authorities," he said.
On June 5, the Czech Foreign Ministry notified the Russian embassy of Prague’s decision to expel two embassy workers. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis earlier declared the two diplomats personae non grata. According to him, reports of a Russian diplomat bringing ricin poison into the country, which followed the demolition of a monument dedicated to WWII Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev in Prague, turned out to be fake. Babis alleged that a Russian embassy employee had provided counterintelligence services with false information about a planned poison attack on Czech politicians, raising tensions between the two countries.


tass--2020-06-06--Over 324 tonnes of spilled fuel cleaned up in Russia’s Norilsk

NORILSK , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
Over 324 tonnes of diesel fuel that spilled out of a power station @ @ @ @ @ have been cleaned up , a source in the regional crisis center told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ tonnes of spilled fuel were cleaned up as of the morning on June 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ of fuel were pumped out of the river Ambarnaya , '' he said .
In @ @ @ @ @ sorbents to dispose of over 14,000 square meters of fuel-contaminated soil .
`` Efforts continue @ @ @ @ @ '' the source said .
On May 29 , a fuel tank at a power @ @ @ @ @ Energy Company ( part of the Nornickel Group ) collapsed and leaked more than 21,000 @ @ @ @ @ , contaminating 180,000 square meters of soil and local water bodies .

NORILSK, June 6. /TASS/. Over 324 tonnes of diesel fuel that spilled out of a power station in Russia’s Norilsk have been cleaned up, a source in the regional crisis center told TASS on Saturday.
"Over 324 tonnes of spilled fuel were cleaned up as of the morning on June 6. In particular, 96 tonnes of fuel were pumped out of the river Ambarnaya," he said.
In addition, response teams used sorbents to dispose of over 14,000 square meters of fuel-contaminated soil. "Efforts continue to collect oil products," the source said.
On May 29, a fuel tank at a power plant belonging to the Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company (part of the Nornickel Group) collapsed and leaked more than 21,000 cubic meters of oil products, contaminating 180,000 square meters of soil and local water bodies.


tass--2020-06-06--Russia’s coronavirus reproduction rate drops to 0.97

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus reproduction rate has dropped to 0.97 , according to @ @ @ @ @ data from the national anti-coronavirus crisis center .
Moscow ’ s coronavirus reproduction rate has @ @ @ @ @ Friday , the rate was 0.98 in Russia and 0.83 in Moscow .
Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ number of coronavirus patients and the coronavirus reproduction rate below also 1 include Dagestan ( @ @ @ @ @ region ( 0.97 ) .
The rate stands at 1 in St. Petersburg , as @ @ @ @ @ and Rostov regions .
The coronavirus reproduction rate indicates the average number of people one @ @ @ @ @ According to the Russian consumer watchdog , when the rate is equal to or below @ @ @ @ @ start to ease restrictions , provided there are enough vacant hospital beds .
Once the @ @ @ @ @ a region can enter the second phase of reopening , and when the rate falls @ @ @ @ @ phase can begin .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus reproduction rate has dropped to 0.97, according to a TASS analysis based on data from the national anti-coronavirus crisis center.
Moscow’s coronavirus reproduction rate has fallen to 0.81. On Friday, the rate was 0.98 in Russia and 0.83 in Moscow.
Russia’s regions with a large number of coronavirus patients and the coronavirus reproduction rate below also 1 include Dagestan (0.98) and the Kaluga region (0.97). The rate stands at 1 in St. Petersburg, as well as in the Tula and Rostov regions.
The coronavirus reproduction rate indicates the average number of people one sick person can infect. According to the Russian consumer watchdog, when the rate is equal to or below 1, a region can start to ease restrictions, provided there are enough vacant hospital beds. Once the rate drops below 0.8, a region can enter the second phase of reopening, and when the rate falls below 0.5, the third phase can begin.


tass--2020-06-06--Russian watchdog says 314,000 people remain under medical observation over coronavirus

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 314,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the @ @ @ @ @ for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Saturday @ @ @ @ @ 314,000 people remain under medical observation in Russia , '' the statement reads .
According @ @ @ @ @ than 12.3 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country so far with 335,000 @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. As many as 314,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the coronavirus, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Saturday.
"As many as 314,000 people remain under medical observation in Russia," the statement reads.
According to the watchdog, more than 12.3 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country so far with 335,000 tests carried out in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-06-06--Russia’s coronavirus cases pass 458,000

Russia’s coronavirus cases pass 458,000

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 8,855 to 458,689 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
According to the center , the daily coronavirus growth rate remains at 2 % .
There are currently 231,576 active cases in the country .
Another 1,992 coronavirus patients have been identified in Moscow , 758 in the Moscow region , 347 in St. Petersburg , 321 in the Nizhny Novgorod region and 249 in the Sverdlovsk region .
Russia ’ s coronavirus death toll rose by 197 to 5,725 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 144 deaths were recorded the day before .
According to the crisis center , 58 fatalities were reported in Moscow , 55 in St. Petersburg , 18 in the Moscow region , ten in Dagestan and six in the Nizhny Novgorod region .
Another 33 Russian regions recorded between one and three new deaths in the past day .
The number of coronavirus recoveries in Russia rose by 8,708 in the past day , reaching 221,338 .
According to the center , the national coronavirus recovery rate stands at 48.3 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hospitals in Moscow in the past day , 532 in the Moscow region , 386 in St. Petersburg , 331 in North Ossetia and 215 in Tatarstan .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 8,855 to 458,689, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
According to the center, the daily coronavirus growth rate remains at 2%.
There are currently 231,576 active cases in the country.
Another 1,992 coronavirus patients have been identified in Moscow, 758 in the Moscow region, 347 in St. Petersburg, 321 in the Nizhny Novgorod region and 249 in the Sverdlovsk region.
The number of deaths
Russia’s coronavirus death toll rose by 197 to 5,725 in the past 24 hours.
As many as 144 deaths were recorded the day before.
According to the crisis center, 58 fatalities were reported in Moscow, 55 in St. Petersburg, 18 in the Moscow region, ten in Dagestan and six in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Another 33 Russian regions recorded between one and three new deaths in the past day.
The number of coronavirus recoveries
The number of coronavirus recoveries in Russia rose by 8,708 in the past day, reaching 221,338.
According to the center, the national coronavirus recovery rate stands at 48.3%.
As many as 3,073 patients were discharged from hospitals in Moscow in the past day, 532 in the Moscow region, 386 in St. Petersburg, 331 in North Ossetia and 215 in Tatarstan.


tass--2020-06-06--Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries top 100,000

MOSCOW , June 6 .
/TASS/ .
Another 3,073 coronavirus recoveries have been recorded in Moscow , bringing the total @ @ @ @ @ Anastasiya Rakova said on Saturday .
`` The number of recoveries keeps growing .
As @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours .
The total number of recoveries has reached 100,431 , @ @ @ @ @ Recovered coronavirus patients aged between 18 and 55 are invited to donate blood plasma , @ @ @ @ @ have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , Hepatitis B and C. '' The @ @ @ @ @ have recovered from the coronavirus can also become social volunteers to help those who are @ @ @ @ @ '' Rakova added .

MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. Another 3,073 coronavirus recoveries have been recorded in Moscow, bringing the total to 100,431, Deputy Mayor Anastasiya Rakova said on Saturday.
"The number of recoveries keeps growing. As many as 3,073 patients recovered in the past 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has reached 100,431," she pointed out.
Recovered coronavirus patients aged between 18 and 55 are invited to donate blood plasma, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
"The city’s residents who have recovered from the coronavirus can also become social volunteers to help those who are being treated at home," Rakova added.