tass--2020-07-14--Russia’s Roscosmos to develop new Angara-A5V launch vehicle no later than 2025

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos will develop an Angara-A5V new heavy carrier rocket no later than 2025 , Roscosmos said on its Twitter on Tuesday .
`` Following the results of a meeting in Voronezh , [ Roscosmos Chief ] Dmitry Rogozin set the workforce of the Chemical Automatics Design Bureau the task to speed up work on creating next-generation rocket engines based on hydrogen and methane .
The aim is to develop an Angara-A5V enhanced heavy-class rocket no later than 2025 , '' the statement says .
Roscosmos announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amended state contract on the ‘ Amur ’ experimental design work envisaged upgrading the Angara carrier rocket and studying the option of developing reusable rocket stages .
In particular , the changes envisage developing the Angara-A5M as the upgraded version of the Angara-A5 rocket and the conceptual design of the Angara-A5V increased lifting capacity vehicle ( with the oxygen-hydrogen third stage ) .
Also , an option will be considered to develop the Angara-A5VM carrier rocket with reusable stages , Roscosmos specified .
The Angara is a series of next-generation Russian space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes .
The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components .
So far , Russia has carried out only two Angara launches , both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport : a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its heavy version lifted off in December 2014 .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos will develop an Angara-A5V new heavy carrier rocket no later than 2025, Roscosmos said on its Twitter on Tuesday.
"Following the results of a meeting in Voronezh, [Roscosmos Chief] Dmitry Rogozin set the workforce of the Chemical Automatics Design Bureau the task to speed up work on creating next-generation rocket engines based on hydrogen and methane. The aim is to develop an Angara-A5V enhanced heavy-class rocket no later than 2025," the statement says.
Roscosmos announced on June 30 that a new version of the amended state contract on the ‘Amur’ experimental design work envisaged upgrading the Angara carrier rocket and studying the option of developing reusable rocket stages.
In particular, the changes envisage developing the Angara-A5M as the upgraded version of the Angara-A5 rocket and the conceptual design of the Angara-A5V increased lifting capacity vehicle (with the oxygen-hydrogen third stage). Also, an option will be considered to develop the Angara-A5VM carrier rocket with reusable stages, Roscosmos specified.
The Angara is a series of next-generation Russian space rockets. It consists of light, medium and heavy carrier rockets with a lifting capacity of up to 37.5 tonnes. The new family of rockets uses environmentally-friendly propellant components. So far, Russia has carried out only two Angara launches, both of them from the Plesetsk spaceport: a light Angara-1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and its heavy version lifted off in December 2014.


tass--2020-07-14--Gazprom Armenia reports damaged pipeline near border with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN , July 14 .
/TASS./ Gazprom Armenia , a subsidiary of Russia ’ s Gazprom , has informed on Tuesday that gas pipelines have been damaged near the border with Azerbaijan , Due to the incident , the supply of gas to three border settlements has been halted , the company ’ s press service stated .
`` As a result of a force-majeure on July 13 , ground-based gas pipelines have been damaged , which caused a halt in the supply of gas to the settlements of Nerkin Karmiraghbyur , Aygepar and partly to the settlement of Chinari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company informed .
On July 12 , the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to attack the republic ’ s positions in the direction of Tovuz on the border using artillery .
According to the ministry , the attacks have continued during the night .
Baku informed that eleven Azerbaijani troops had been killed since clashes had begun .
For its part , the Armenian Defense Ministry informed that two police officers and three military officers had been injured after an attack on the border with Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after an attempted breach from the side of Afghanistan .
On Monday , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the escalation of tensions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov , calling on both sides to establish a ceasefire .
On Tuesday , UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also called on both conflict sides to stop the clashes and to begin de-escalation of the conflict .
Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed border region between Armenia and Azerbaijan , sought independence from Azerbaijan at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a war between Azerbaijan and Armenia that claimed the lives of 25,000-30,000 people between 1988 and 1994 .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been going on since 1992 .
Russia , the US and France are co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) that acts as a mediator in resolving the crisis .
The group also includes Azerbaijan , Armenia , Belarus , Germany , Italy , Portugal , the Netherlands , Sweden , Finland and Turkey .

YEREVAN, July 14. /TASS./ Gazprom Armenia, a subsidiary of Russia’s Gazprom, has informed on Tuesday that gas pipelines have been damaged near the border with Azerbaijan, Due to the incident, the supply of gas to three border settlements has been halted, the company’s press service stated.
"As a result of a force-majeure on July 13, ground-based gas pipelines have been damaged, which caused a halt in the supply of gas to the settlements of Nerkin Karmiraghbyur, Aygepar and partly to the settlement of Chinari in the Tavush Province," the company informed.
On July 12, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry informed of an attempt by the Armenian Armed Forces to attack the republic’s positions in the direction of Tovuz on the border using artillery. According to the ministry, the attacks have continued during the night. Baku informed that eleven Azerbaijani troops had been killed since clashes had begun.
For its part, the Armenian Defense Ministry informed that two police officers and three military officers had been injured after an attack on the border with Azerbaijan, adding that border tensions have escalated after an attempted breach from the side of Azerbaijan.
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the escalation of tensions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border with his colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov, calling on both sides to establish a ceasefire.
On Tuesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also called on both conflict sides to stop the clashes and to begin de-escalation of the conflict.
Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed border region between Armenia and Azerbaijan, sought independence from Azerbaijan at the end of the 1980s, which resulted in a war between Azerbaijan and Armenia that claimed the lives of 25,000-30,000 people between 1988 and 1994.
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been going on since 1992. Russia, the US and France are co-chairs of the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that acts as a mediator in resolving the crisis. The group also includes Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Turkey.


tass--2020-07-14--Nornickel plans to have modern system to monitor permafrost

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Nornickel ( a metals giant Norilsk Nickel ) will make a modern system to monitor conditions of the permafrost , the company ’ s Vice President on Ecology and Environment Andrei Bugrov said on Tuesday .
Over 21,000 cubic meters of petroleum products spilled at the Thermal Power Plant No .
3 of the Norilsk and Taimyr Energy Company ( a part of Nornickel ) on May 29 after the concrete foundation of a fuel storage tank sank , causing the fuel facility ’ s collapse .
Experts say the accident could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the soil got warmer .
`` The main problem , in addition to the work to minimize the damage , is the permafrost ’ s conditions and the hazardous industrial facilities built on it , '' the company ’ s representative said during a roundtable at Russia ’ s Civic Chamber , which was devoted to the oil spill in Norilsk .
`` The company has organized inspections , and we have closed down a few facilities .
< … > The Diagnosis Center at the Polar Division will be expanded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to monitor the frozen soil , using advance methods .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Nornickel (a metals giant Norilsk Nickel) will make a modern system to monitor conditions of the permafrost, the company’s Vice President on Ecology and Environment Andrei Bugrov said on Tuesday.
Over 21,000 cubic meters of petroleum products spilled at the Thermal Power Plant No. 3 of the Norilsk and Taimyr Energy Company (a part of Nornickel) on May 29 after the concrete foundation of a fuel storage tank sank, causing the fuel facility’s collapse. Experts say the accident could have been caused by the global climate changes as the soil got warmer.
"The main problem, in addition to the work to minimize the damage, is the permafrost’s conditions and the hazardous industrial facilities built on it," the company’s representative said during a roundtable at Russia’s Civic Chamber, which was devoted to the oil spill in Norilsk. "The company has organized inspections, and we have closed down a few facilities. <…> The Diagnosis Center at the Polar Division will be expanded. We shall work on a modern system to monitor the frozen soil, using advance methods.".


tass--2020-07-14--Post-Soviet security bloc concerned by clashes on Armenian-Azeri border

`` The CSTO Secretariat expresses serious concerns about the deterioration on the Armenian-Azeri border that emerged on July 12 after an armed clash between armed forces units of Armenia and Azerbaijan , particularly with the use of heavy hardware , that led to victims and injuries , '' the statement reads .
It is noted , `` the situation emerging does not facilitate normalization of the situation along the border of the two neighboring states , one of which - the Republic of Armenia - is a CSTO member state , and shows that there are violations of the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Armenia and Azerbaijan . ''
MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) active on the post-Soviet space has expressed serious concerns about the deterioration on the Armenian-Azeri border , the organization said via its website Tuesday .
The Secretariat underlined `` the need to immediately restore the ceasefire in the CSTO zone of responsibility '' and highlighted the fact that the Council of the Collective Security and the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers `` repeatedly urged the sides to achieve settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and refrain from provocations to avoid escalation of tensions . ''
On July 12 , Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry reported of the attempt of the Armenian armed forces units to attack the positions of Azerbaijan ’ s army in the Tovuz direction of the border using artillery .
According to the agency , the clashes continued overnight , with four Azerbaijani servicemen killed as a result of the clashes , and four wounded .
In turn , the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that the border situation was aggravated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Azerbaijan .
According to the information of the Armenian military , two policemen and three servicemen sustained light wounds .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday discussed in a phone call the escalation of the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border with the top diplomats of Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov and urged the conflicting sides to immediate ceasefire and the show of restraint .
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also addressed Armenia and Azerbaijan on Tuesday urging the sides to stop the clashes and to begin to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , ( a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was primarily populated by Armenians ) broke out in February of 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"The CSTO Secretariat expresses serious concerns about the deterioration on the Armenian-Azeri border that emerged on July 12 after an armed clash between armed forces units of Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly with the use of heavy hardware, that led to victims and injuries," the statement reads. It is noted, "the situation emerging does not facilitate normalization of the situation along the border of the two neighboring states, one of which - the Republic of Armenia - is a CSTO member state, and shows that there are violations of the ceasefire agreements reached at the level of leadership of Armenia and Azerbaijan."
MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. The Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) active on the post-Soviet space has expressed serious concerns about the deterioration on the Armenian-Azeri border, the organization said via its website Tuesday.
The Secretariat underlined "the need to immediately restore the ceasefire in the CSTO zone of responsibility" and highlighted the fact that the Council of the Collective Security and the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers "repeatedly urged the sides to achieve settlement of conflict situations solely by peaceful means and refrain from provocations to avoid escalation of tensions."
On July 12, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported of the attempt of the Armenian armed forces units to attack the positions of Azerbaijan’s army in the Tovuz direction of the border using artillery. According to the agency, the clashes continued overnight, with four Azerbaijani servicemen killed as a result of the clashes, and four wounded. In turn, the press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that the border situation was aggravated after a breakthrough attempt on the part of Azerbaijan. According to the information of the Armenian military, two policemen and three servicemen sustained light wounds.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday discussed in a phone call the escalation of the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border with the top diplomats of Armenia and Azerbaijan Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Elmar Mammadyarov and urged the conflicting sides to immediate ceasefire and the show of restraint. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres also addressed Armenia and Azerbaijan on Tuesday urging the sides to stop the clashes and to begin to de-escalate the conflict.
The conflict between neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, (a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up but was primarily populated by Armenians) broke out in February of 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijani Soviet Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 in the format of the so-called OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-07-14--Serbia’s coronavirus cases reach 18,842, death toll climbs to 418

BELGRADE , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 203 in the past 24 hours to reach 18,842 , while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 418 , Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar said Tuesday .
`` Over the past 24 hours , 8,659 people were tested for the virus , 203 of them were hospitalized .
In a single day , 13 more patients died , while 170 people are put on ventilators , '' the minister noted .
On Monday , the ministry reported 279 new infections .
More than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , while 507,002 people were tested nationwide .
Currently , 20 cities and municipalities across Serbia imposed a state of emergency .
According to medical workers , the second wave in the country is distinguished by severe symptoms and a large number of younger people among those who contracted the virus .
Doctors also note that mass rallies that broke out in Serbia on July 7 worsened the epidemiological situation .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 13,265,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 576,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,730,800 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BELGRADE, July 14. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Serbia increased by 203 in the past 24 hours to reach 18,842, while the number of coronavirus-related fatalities climbed to 418, Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar said Tuesday.
"Over the past 24 hours, 8,659 people were tested for the virus, 203 of them were hospitalized. In a single day, 13 more patients died, while 170 people are put on ventilators," the minister noted.
On Monday, the ministry reported 279 new infections. More than 4,000 people are hospitalized with coronavirus across the country, while 507,002 people were tested nationwide.
Currently, 20 cities and municipalities across Serbia imposed a state of emergency. According to medical workers, the second wave in the country is distinguished by severe symptoms and a large number of younger people among those who contracted the virus. Doctors also note that mass rallies that broke out in Serbia on July 7 worsened the epidemiological situation.
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 13,265,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 576,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,730,800 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-14--Number of coronavirus cases in Africa exceeds 600,000, reports WHO

PRETORIA , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
More than 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours , with the overall number of such cases has neared 610,000 .
The number of coronavirus-related deaths has exceeded 13,000 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday .
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 609,888 , with 15,603 cases confirmed during the past day .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 13,474 , with 756 fatalities registered during the day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa ’ s coronavirus cases - 287,796 , with 4,172 fatalities .
Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 3,935 and 83,001 cases , respectively .
As many as 1,018 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases ( 33,153 cases and 744 fatalities ) .
Next is Ghana ( 24,988 cases and 139 deaths ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 13,265,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 576,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,730,800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the globe .

PRETORIA, July 14. /TASS/. More than 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past 24 hours, with the overall number of such cases has neared 610,000. The number of coronavirus-related deaths has exceeded 13,000, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday.
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 609,888, with 15,603 cases confirmed during the past day. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 13,474, with 756 fatalities registered during the day. As many as 305,000 patients have recovered.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases - 287,796, with 4,172 fatalities. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 3,935 and 83,001 cases, respectively. As many as 1,018 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases (33,153 cases and 744 fatalities). Next is Ghana (24,988 cases and 139 deaths).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 13,265,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 576,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,730,800 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-14--New infrastructure and investments in IT: what new Arctic regions expect

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
A few districts in the North-West may join the Russian Arctic zone , and this change will favor their transport , tourism and investment systems , local authorities told TASS , stressing the incentives for the Arctic residents would be helpful to develop the sectors , which formerly investors would not want to consider .
The State Duma has adopted in the second reading addendums to a bill , which expands the Arctic zone by eight districts and cities in the North-West .
`` Expanding of the Arctic zone is favorable for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development aspect , '' press service of the Arkhangelsk Region ’ s government told TASS .
`` Investors will be supported in the Arctic zone , and business residents will enjoy incentives in federal , regional , and local taxes ; the Russian government will offer other measures of support . ''
The territories , which want to join the Arctic zone , are ready to develop investment projects in natural resources : gas , coal and stone .
The new status will guarantee to investors new benefits and preferences , which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bills on incentives , new preferences would be offered to projects , where investments would be at least 10 million rubles ( $ 141,400 ) .
Businesses will use special tax rates .
For example , the Arkhangelsk Region plans a new wood processing complex .
The project ’ s investments are forecasted at 28.3 billion rubles ( $ 400 million ) , the complex will offer 2,200 jobs .
Along with development of the Belkomur railway ’ s northern passage , where investments are 104.5 billion rubles ( $ 1.5 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the North ’ s forest resources ( up to 9 million cubic meters ) , will offer better transport connection and inter-regional social and economic integration .
Inta , a city with the population of 27,000 , awaits a new status , as the Intaugol plant ( coal producer ) is being closed .
The local authorities hope for development of a promising gas project .
In 2020 , the developing company will drill five wells to confirm the deposit .
The investments are estimated at 2,500 billion rubles ( $ 35.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 65 billion rubles ( $ 919 million ) .
The gas producing company owns 13 licensed areas in the Timano-Pechorsky oil and gas province , where reserves are forecasted at more than 59.4 bcm , and the general resource estimation is over 500 billion cubic meters .
Karelia ’ s authorities hope for new plants in stone production and processing .
`` We are sure the new incentives would be attractive for investors in implementation of big projects in mining of iron ore , of construction stone for production of crushed stone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sand and sand-gravel mix , as well as in organization of processing facilities near the mining areas .
Supplies of gravel from Karelia for investment projects in neighboring Arctic regions will continue , '' Karelia ’ s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rodionov told TASS .
Experts say , the bigger Arctic zone will improve the transport system inside the country , and , on the other hand , will boost development of major logistics projects , which will use the beneficial geographical position of the North-Western territories .
For Usinsk in Komi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means an option to make easier access by regional and federal transport routes , to have new jobs , and thus to improve living conditions .
The only road , which leads nowadays to the Kalevala Region , is in a poor condition , besides , the region does not have a railway line , the region ’ s official Valentina Vulavtseva said .
`` The regional 150 km of the road Kem - Konka is the only connection with Karelia ’ s capital , and with all transport hubs , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring in food and fuel .
If the road ’ s quality improves , businesses will develop easier . ''
Kostomuksha ’ s officials hope to upgrade the Lyuttya border-crossing station on the road to Finland and to organize a logistics hub there .
`` We already eye a renovation project so that to serve more passengers , and in future we plan to build a logistics hub in Kostomuksha .
Thus we shall participate in tourist projects , which use a transport corridor across Finland and Kistomuksha on the way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Mayor Anna Bendikova said .
Usinsk ( in Komi ) plans to develop tourism with ethnic coloring .
The regional authorities plan facilities for winter sports , as the region remains under the snow blanket for nine months .
`` Komi ’ s culture is unique and it will be another direction of the Arctic tourism , '' Nikolai Tatayev said .
The Arkhangelsk Region plans to organize the Golubino landscape and culture park with a new tourist complex , fisher village , an agro-tourism farm , museums and crafts shops .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ jump by 40 % .
As soon as the decision to expand the Arctic zone is formalized , the local authorities are ready to begin working with potential investors .
Karelia may organize a regional managing company , which would give a hand to the Far East ’ s Agency for Attracting Investments and Supporting Export by undertaking certain responsibilities in the region .
Among existing projects , the region considers organization of data centers and network projects in Kostomuksha .
Many northern territories experience a shortage of qualified labor force , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not require many personnel , is an option to develop the regions .
`` In the north , it is most complicated to offer professionals for big investment projects .
< … > Unemployment in Kostomuksha is low presently , and our company Karelsky Okatysh ( a part of Severstal ) , despite rather attractive wages or social conditions , also experiences a shortage of certain specialists .
< … > But we may focus on projects , where we do not need many employees , like in the IT sector , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. A few districts in the North-West may join the Russian Arctic zone, and this change will favor their transport, tourism and investment systems, local authorities told TASS, stressing the incentives for the Arctic residents would be helpful to develop the sectors, which formerly investors would not want to consider.
The State Duma has adopted in the second reading addendums to a bill, which expands the Arctic zone by eight districts and cities in the North-West.
"Expanding of the Arctic zone is favorable for the region first of all in the economic development aspect," press service of the Arkhangelsk Region’s government told TASS. "Investors will be supported in the Arctic zone, and business residents will enjoy incentives in federal, regional, and local taxes; the Russian government will offer other measures of support."
Development of natural resources
The territories, which want to join the Arctic zone, are ready to develop investment projects in natural resources: gas, coal and stone. The new status will guarantee to investors new benefits and preferences, which they await to launch new projects.
According to bills on incentives, new preferences would be offered to projects, where investments would be at least 10 million rubles ($141,400). Businesses will use special tax rates.
For example, the Arkhangelsk Region plans a new wood processing complex. The project’s investments are forecasted at 28.3 billion rubles ($400 million), the complex will offer 2,200 jobs. Along with development of the Belkomur railway’s northern passage, where investments are 104.5 billion rubles ($1.5 billion), the project will open access to the North’s forest resources (up to 9 million cubic meters), will offer better transport connection and inter-regional social and economic integration.
Inta, a city with the population of 27,000, awaits a new status, as the Intaugol plant (coal producer) is being closed. The local authorities hope for development of a promising gas project. In 2020, the developing company will drill five wells to confirm the deposit. The investments are estimated at 2,500 billion rubles ($35.4 million), and the gross budget is 65 billion rubles ($919 million). The gas producing company owns 13 licensed areas in the Timano-Pechorsky oil and gas province, where reserves are forecasted at more than 59.4 bcm, and the general resource estimation is over 500 billion cubic meters.
Karelia’s authorities hope for new plants in stone production and processing.
"We are sure the new incentives would be attractive for investors in implementation of big projects in mining of iron ore, of construction stone for production of crushed stone, block stone, natural facing stone, sand and sand-gravel mix, as well as in organization of processing facilities near the mining areas. Supplies of gravel from Karelia for investment projects in neighboring Arctic regions will continue," Karelia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rodionov told TASS.
Tourism and transport
Experts say, the bigger Arctic zone will improve the transport system inside the country, and, on the other hand, will boost development of major logistics projects, which will use the beneficial geographical position of the North-Western territories. For Usinsk in Komi and for Karelia’s Kelevala it means an option to make easier access by regional and federal transport routes, to have new jobs, and thus to improve living conditions. The only road, which leads nowadays to the Kalevala Region, is in a poor condition, besides, the region does not have a railway line, the region’s official Valentina Vulavtseva said.
"The regional 150 km of the road Kem - Konka is the only connection with Karelia’s capital, and with all transport hubs," she said. "We use this road to bring in food and fuel. If the road’s quality improves, businesses will develop easier."
Kostomuksha’s officials hope to upgrade the Lyuttya border-crossing station on the road to Finland and to organize a logistics hub there. "We already eye a renovation project so that to serve more passengers, and in future we plan to build a logistics hub in Kostomuksha. Thus we shall participate in tourist projects, which use a transport corridor across Finland and Kistomuksha on the way to Belomorsk and Kem," Kostomuksha’s Mayor Anna Bendikova said.
Usinsk (in Komi) plans to develop tourism with ethnic coloring. The regional authorities plan facilities for winter sports, as the region remains under the snow blanket for nine months. "Komi’s culture is unique and it will be another direction of the Arctic tourism," Nikolai Tatayev said.
The Arkhangelsk Region plans to organize the Golubino landscape and culture park with a new tourist complex, fisher village, an agro-tourism farm, museums and crafts shops. The number of visitors is forecasted to jump by 40%.
Ready to go
As soon as the decision to expand the Arctic zone is formalized, the local authorities are ready to begin working with potential investors. Karelia may organize a regional managing company, which would give a hand to the Far East’s Agency for Attracting Investments and Supporting Export by undertaking certain responsibilities in the region.
Among existing projects, the region considers organization of data centers and network projects in Kostomuksha. Many northern territories experience a shortage of qualified labor force, and development of IT projects, which do not require many personnel, is an option to develop the regions.
"In the north, it is most complicated to offer professionals for big investment projects. <…> Unemployment in Kostomuksha is low presently, and our company Karelsky Okatysh (a part of Severstal), despite rather attractive wages or social conditions, also experiences a shortage of certain specialists. <…> But we may focus on projects, where we do not need many employees, like in the IT sector," Anna Bendikova (from Kostomuksha) said.


tass--2020-07-14--Russian fighters shadow Norwegian and US spy planes over Barents and Black Seas

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion @ @ @ @ @ Sea and US Navy and Air Force P-8A Poseidon and RC-135 spy aircraft and a @ @ @ @ @ Black Sea , Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center reported on Tuesday .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ targets over the Barents and Black Sea flying towards the Russian state border on July @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Fighter jets from the air defense quick reaction alert forces of the Northern @ @ @ @ @ District were scrambled to identify and intercept the targets , '' the Center said .
@ @ @ @ @ reconnaissance aircraft at a safe distance and the flights proceeded in compliance with the international @ @ @ @ @ , Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center stressed .
`` After the reconnaissance aircraft @ @ @ @ @ s state border , the Russian fighters returned to their airfields , '' the Center @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s state border were allowed , it stressed .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. Russian fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a Norwegian Air Force P-3C Orion reconnaissance plane over the Barents Sea and US Navy and Air Force P-8A Poseidon and RC-135 spy aircraft and a MQ-9A Reaper drone over the Black Sea, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Tuesday.
Russian airspace control systems detected air targets over the Barents and Black Sea flying towards the Russian state border on July 14, the statement says.
"Fighter jets from the air defense quick reaction alert forces of the Northern Fleet and the Southern Military District were scrambled to identify and intercept the targets," the Center said.
The Russian fighters shadowed the reconnaissance aircraft at a safe distance and the flights proceeded in compliance with the international rules of using the airspace, Russia’s National Defense Control Center stressed.
"After the reconnaissance aircraft moved away from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighters returned to their airfields," the Center said.
No violations of Russia’s state border were allowed, it stressed.


tass--2020-07-14--World changed more in six months due to pandemic than in 30 years, says Serbian politician

MOSCOW , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
The world changed more in the past six months because of the coronavirus pandemic than in the past 30 years , Director of the Serbian Office for Kosovo and Metohija and Vice President of the Serbian Progressive Party Marko Djuric said on Tuesday .
`` Geopolitical relations underwent more drastic changes because of the coronavirus in the past 7-8 months than in the past 20-30 years , '' he said at an international interparty round table on security cooperation amid the coronavirus pandemic organized by the United Russia political party .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and geopolitical landscape . ''
According to the Serbian politician , it remains to be seen which countries will be most affected by the pandemic and which , on the contrary , will increase their economic capacity .
`` In the past few months , Russia and China demonstrated how countries ’ organized measures can help combat the crisis , '' he stressed .
`` They improved their international relations based on the principles of humanism and solidarity , they showed how to fight common evil . ''
According to the politician , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global stability and international law .
He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been able to solidify Russia ’ s positions in the world and maintain the balance of power in a difficult situation .
`` Two countries ( Russia and China - TASS ) became the island of stability in that chaos , '' Djuric stressed .
For its part , Serbia will uphold values based on the principles of a common home , not racial intolerance .
`` Serbia will remain < … > committed to Europe ’ s multiculturalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future , '' he said .
The Serbian politician also pointed out that the pandemic had exacerbated such a dangerous phenomenon as the campaign to spread false news that can destabilize entire states .
The recent events in Belgrade are an example to this effect , he noted , referring to the protests against the government ’ s plans to re-impose a curfew due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases .
At the end of his speech , the politician noted that the Serbian Progressive Party would always support Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries for the assistance provided to Serbia in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak .

MOSCOW, July 14. /TASS/. The world changed more in the past six months because of the coronavirus pandemic than in the past 30 years, Director of the Serbian Office for Kosovo and Metohija and Vice President of the Serbian Progressive Party Marko Djuric said on Tuesday.
"Geopolitical relations underwent more drastic changes because of the coronavirus in the past 7-8 months than in the past 20-30 years," he said at an international interparty round table on security cooperation amid the coronavirus pandemic organized by the United Russia political party. "We saw profound changes that affected the economic and geopolitical landscape." According to the Serbian politician, it remains to be seen which countries will be most affected by the pandemic and which, on the contrary, will increase their economic capacity.
"In the past few months, Russia and China demonstrated how countries’ organized measures can help combat the crisis," he stressed. "They improved their international relations based on the principles of humanism and solidarity, they showed how to fight common evil."
According to the politician, Russia remains one of the pillars of global stability and international law. He noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been able to solidify Russia’s positions in the world and maintain the balance of power in a difficult situation. "Two countries (Russia and China - TASS) became the island of stability in that chaos," Djuric stressed.
For its part, Serbia will uphold values based on the principles of a common home, not racial intolerance. "Serbia will remain <…> committed to Europe’s multiculturalism, and we will always promote that in the future," he said.
The Serbian politician also pointed out that the pandemic had exacerbated such a dangerous phenomenon as the campaign to spread false news that can destabilize entire states. The recent events in Belgrade are an example to this effect, he noted, referring to the protests against the government’s plans to re-impose a curfew due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases.
At the end of his speech, the politician noted that the Serbian Progressive Party would always support Russia and China. He also thanked these countries for the assistance provided to Serbia in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak.


tass--2020-07-14--Russian Embassy says Latvia joined USSR legitimately

RIGA , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Embassy of Russia in Latvia reminded Tuesday that the Baltic Republic joined the USSR legally .
This statement was criticized by the Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics .
`` One of the steps of the Latvian leadership towards the legitimate accession to the USSR was the snap elections of the Sejm [ the parliament ] of July 14-15 , 1940 , attended en masse by various layers of the society , '' the Embassy wrote in its Facebook post , accompanied with a photo of the queue for the voting station number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morning of July 14 , 1940 , citizens of Latvia , including organized columns of Latvian soldiers , went to the voting stations , willing to vote in favor of the new communist regime .
The streets were decorated by Latvian flags , this was a holiday , a nationwide plebiscite , '' the embassy said , publishing another photo .
These publications were harshly criticized by Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics .
He said in his Twitter that the `` elections '' `` took place in the occupied Soviet Latvia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Riga repeatedly called on Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union to acknowledge the fact of occupation .
Several years ago , Latvia , Lithuania and Estonia signed a joint declaration of intent to fight for retributions together caused by the Soviet occupation .
Ministers of justice of Estonia and Latvia published a joint statement , in which they urged to remember the period when the republics were parts of the Soviet Union and pointed out that retributions could be demanded from Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier that `` Russia will not accept any allegations of occupation of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union , as well as the absurd and ungrounded legal and historic groundwork that forms the nature of claims against Russia , especially of the monetary kind . ''
Meanwhile , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia does not agree with the term `` occupation '' towards the Baltic States ’ time within the Soviet Union and it does not consider it possible to speak about any kind of compensations .

RIGA, July 14. /TASS/. The Embassy of Russia in Latvia reminded Tuesday that the Baltic Republic joined the USSR legally. This statement was criticized by the Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics.
"One of the steps of the Latvian leadership towards the legitimate accession to the USSR was the snap elections of the Sejm [the parliament] of July 14-15, 1940, attended en masse by various layers of the society," the Embassy wrote in its Facebook post, accompanied with a photo of the queue for the voting station number 1 in Riga.
"Early on the morning of July 14, 1940, citizens of Latvia, including organized columns of Latvian soldiers, went to the voting stations, willing to vote in favor of the new communist regime. The streets were decorated by Latvian flags, this was a holiday, a nationwide plebiscite," the embassy said, publishing another photo.
These publications were harshly criticized by Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics. He said in his Twitter that the "elections" "took place in the occupied Soviet Latvia in violation of the Constitution."
Absurd allegations
Previously, Riga repeatedly called on Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union to acknowledge the fact of occupation. Several years ago, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia signed a joint declaration of intent to fight for retributions together caused by the Soviet occupation. Ministers of justice of Estonia and Latvia published a joint statement, in which they urged to remember the period when the republics were parts of the Soviet Union and pointed out that retributions could be demanded from Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier that "Russia will not accept any allegations of occupation of the Baltic States by the Soviet Union, as well as the absurd and ungrounded legal and historic groundwork that forms the nature of claims against Russia, especially of the monetary kind."
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia does not agree with the term "occupation" towards the Baltic States’ time within the Soviet Union and it does not consider it possible to speak about any kind of compensations.


tass--2020-07-14--Mayor of France’s Nice praises cooperation with Russia on fighting terrorism

PARIS , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Christian Estrosi , Mayor of France ’ s Nice , praised cooperation between Russia and France on fighting terrorism and the Russian contribution to the upholding of the international security .
According to the message , published by the Russian Embassy Tuesday , the Mayor made his remark during the annual mourning ceremony in remembrance of the 2016 terror attack victims .
`` A mourning ceremony in remembrance of the victims of the 2016 terror attack , which took lives of 86 people , including two Russians , took place in Nice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The ceremony was attended by Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov and Stanislav Oransky , head of the Russian Consular Agency in Villefranche-sur-Mer , as well as by the relatives of the victims of the attack . ''
According to the Embassy , the Mayor of Nice expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for attendance of the ceremony and `` highly praised the cooperation between the Russian Federation and the French Republic in fighting terrorism and the contribution of the Russian state to the upholding of the international security . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ French Riviera anticipates restoration of air service with Russia and the return of Russian tourists , '' the Embassy added .
On July 14 , 2016 , a rig rammed into the crowd at Nice ’ s Promenade des Anglais , where thousands of people gathered to celebrate the Bastille Day , the national day of France .
The rig took lives of 86 people and injured 458 .
The attack was conducted by Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel from Tunisia .
The attacker was eliminated by the police after they managed to stop the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlawed in Russia and many other nations , took responsibility for the attack , who declared the attacker `` its soldier .
`` .

PARIS, July 14. /TASS/. Christian Estrosi, Mayor of France’s Nice, praised cooperation between Russia and France on fighting terrorism and the Russian contribution to the upholding of the international security. According to the message, published by the Russian Embassy Tuesday, the Mayor made his remark during the annual mourning ceremony in remembrance of the 2016 terror attack victims.
"A mourning ceremony in remembrance of the victims of the 2016 terror attack, which took lives of 86 people, including two Russians, took place in Nice on July 14," the Embassy said. "The ceremony was attended by Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov and Stanislav Oransky, head of the Russian Consular Agency in Villefranche-sur-Mer, as well as by the relatives of the victims of the attack."
According to the Embassy, the Mayor of Nice expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador for attendance of the ceremony and "highly praised the cooperation between the Russian Federation and the French Republic in fighting terrorism and the contribution of the Russian state to the upholding of the international security."
"The Mayor also underscored that the French Riviera anticipates restoration of air service with Russia and the return of Russian tourists," the Embassy added.
The tragedy in Nice
On July 14, 2016, a rig rammed into the crowd at Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, where thousands of people gathered to celebrate the Bastille Day, the national day of France. The rig took lives of 86 people and injured 458. The attack was conducted by Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel from Tunisia. The attacker was eliminated by the police after they managed to stop the vehicle.
The Islamic State terror group, outlawed in Russia and many other nations, took responsibility for the attack, who declared the attacker "its soldier.".


tass--2020-07-14--Hainan duty free sales following new quota rules 'exceed expectations', say authorities

HAIKOU , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities have noted an unprecedented increase in demand for goods in Hainan 's duty free stores following the new rule of increasing the quota for purchases and will further develop the local consumer market , taking into account best international experience , stated head of the department of statistical analysis of China 's General Administration of Customs Li Kuiwen .
`` The results of an increase in the quota [ allowing one purchase per person from 30,000 to 100,000 ( from $ 4,200 to $ 14,200 ) — TASS ] on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On the very first day [ July 1 ] of the rule 's entering into force , such popular goods as cosmetics , mobile phones and alcohol were almost completely out of stock , '' he said at a briefing .
`` We will take into account the best international management experience and promote Hainan 's free trade port development '' .
The official noted that new measures to remove restrictions on the nomenclature and quantity of goods sold on the island duty free were taken very well by tourists .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ > Thus , the authorities were able to fully satisfy consumer demand among visitors who enjoy shopping , '' said Li Kuiwen .
At the same time , he clarified that the customs office intends to tackle resellers , sales agents and smugglers trying to cash in on the benefits of duty free trade .
“ We will take into account the system of social rating of persons violating duty free rules and reselling , providing agent services for the purchase of goods , or caught smuggling .
They will be deprived of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for three years , ” the head of the department explained .
Li Kuiwen recalled that the identified smugglers `` will be held accountable in accordance with criminal law . ''
According to the official , currently the main task is to constantly increase Hainan 's openness , while at the same time ensuring effective measures of socio-economic control .
According to statistics , on July 1-7 ( during the first week of the new rules ) sales at Hainan duty free shops exceeded 450 million yuan ( about $ 64.34 million ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was spent on cosmetics , jewelry and watches .
There are four duty free stores in the province : two of them are located in Haikou , the rest — in Sanya ( in the south ) and Boao ( east of the island ) .
A pilot program to boost consumption on Hainan was launched in 2011 .

HAIKOU, July 14. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities have noted an unprecedented increase in demand for goods in Hainan's duty free stores following the new rule of increasing the quota for purchases and will further develop the local consumer market, taking into account best international experience, stated head of the department of statistical analysis of China's General Administration of Customs Li Kuiwen.
"The results of an increase in the quota [allowing one purchase per person from 30,000 to 100,000 (from $ 4,200 to $ 14,200) — TASS] on duty free purchases exceeded all our expectations. On the very first day [July 1] of the rule's entering into force, such popular goods as cosmetics, mobile phones and alcohol were almost completely out of stock," he said at a briefing. "We will take into account the best international management experience and promote Hainan's free trade port development".
The official noted that new measures to remove restrictions on the nomenclature and quantity of goods sold on the island duty free were taken very well by tourists. "They praised this innovation. <...> Thus, the authorities were able to fully satisfy consumer demand among visitors who enjoy shopping," said Li Kuiwen.
At the same time, he clarified that the customs office intends to tackle resellers, sales agents and smugglers trying to cash in on the benefits of duty free trade. “We will take into account the system of social rating of persons violating duty free rules and reselling, providing agent services for the purchase of goods, or caught smuggling. They will be deprived of the opportunity to use duty free services for three years,” the head of the department explained.
Li Kuiwen recalled that the identified smugglers "will be held accountable in accordance with criminal law." According to the official, currently the main task is to constantly increase Hainan's openness, while at the same time ensuring effective measures of socio-economic control.
According to statistics, on July 1-7 (during the first week of the new rules) sales at Hainan duty free shops exceeded 450 million yuan (about $ 64.34 million). Approximately 77% of this amount was spent on cosmetics, jewelry and watches. There are four duty free stores in the province: two of them are located in Haikou, the rest — in Sanya (in the south) and Boao (east of the island). A pilot program to boost consumption on Hainan was launched in 2011.


tass--2020-07-14--Kazakhstan thanks Russia for help in fighting coronavirus

`` We are grateful to our friends from Russia for providing humanitarian assistance to us .
A large group of Russian medical workers arrived in Kazakhstan to help our doctors .
They are communicating with the media and giving advice , '' he pointed out .
NUR-SULTAN , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan is grateful for Russia ’ s help in combatting the coronavirus , Arman Kyrykbayev , the secretary of the country 's ruling party Nur Otan , said during an international inter-party roundtable on security cooperation amid the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday .
Kyrykbayev also commented on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev , titled Security Cooperation During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic , which had been published in Russia in Global Affairs magazine .
The party secretary supported Medvedev ’ s idea that countries needed to work together to overcome the crisis that was affecting all areas of life .
Kyrykbayev emphasized that readiness for meaningful cooperation was one of Kazakhstan ’ s main principles .
`` We believe that this is the only way for countries to put an end to the crisis , '' he added .
Kyrykbayev also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure cyber security in the current situation .
`` It is a serious issue that we will have to resolve , '' Kyrykbayev said , adding that Kazakhstan was ready for cooperation .

"We are grateful to our friends from Russia for providing humanitarian assistance to us. A large group of Russian medical workers arrived in Kazakhstan to help our doctors. They are communicating with the media and giving advice," he pointed out.
NUR-SULTAN, July 14. /TASS/. Kazakhstan is grateful for Russia’s help in combatting the coronavirus, Arman Kyrykbayev, the secretary of the country's ruling party Nur Otan, said during an international inter-party roundtable on security cooperation amid the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday.
Kyrykbayev also commented on an article by Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, titled Security Cooperation During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic, which had been published in Russia in Global Affairs magazine. The party secretary supported Medvedev’s idea that countries needed to work together to overcome the crisis that was affecting all areas of life. Kyrykbayev emphasized that readiness for meaningful cooperation was one of Kazakhstan’s main principles.
"We believe that this is the only way for countries to put an end to the crisis," he added. Kyrykbayev also stressed that it was particularly important to ensure cyber security in the current situation.
"It is a serious issue that we will have to resolve," Kyrykbayev said, adding that Kazakhstan was ready for cooperation.


tass--2020-07-14--Hainan to offer temporary residence permit to highly qualified personnel

HAIKOU , July 14 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan will provide highly qualified foreign specialists and their families with a temporary residence permit of up to five years or a permanent residence permit , announced the island 's office for international economic development .
In particular , according to official statement , specialists in the field of high technology and management , whose knowledge and skills are necessary in key areas of Hainan 's economic development , will be eligible .
In order to obtain a residence permit , they will need a recommendation from the provincial human resources department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ permit will also be granted to their spouses and underage children .
Moreover , residence permits on Hainan can be obtained by foreign entrepreneurs who have been investing for three years in innovative enterprises in the province and have complied with fiscal laws , as well as other persons who have worked continuously on the island for four years and paid income tax to the local treasury .
A temporary residence permit is available for foreign staff who work in caring for the sick and elderly , as well as technical specialists .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work in the island 's first-class hotels and medical workers for the pilot zone of international medical tourism Boao Lecheng .
Also , patients undergoing treatment on the island , as well as family members accompanying them , are eligible for a temporary residence .
Another category of foreign citizens who can apply is Chinese universities ' graduates who are planning to work in an innovative business on Hainan .
The temporary residence permit 's validity is limited by the term of an employee ’ s contract or the duration of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to intensify the activities of strategically important enterprises of Hainan 's free trade port , the local authorities established a preferential income tax for specialists in demand , including foreign highly qualified personnel , with a maximum rate of 15 % .
The preferential tax rate will be maintained until the end of 2024 .
It is expected to boost the development of a number of industries important for the provincial economy , which the central government in Beijing plans to turn into an analogue of Singapore and the South Korean island of @ @

HAIKOU, July 14. /TASS/. Hainan will provide highly qualified foreign specialists and their families with a temporary residence permit of up to five years or a permanent residence permit, announced the island's office for international economic development.
In particular, according to official statement, specialists in the field of high technology and management, whose knowledge and skills are necessary in key areas of Hainan's economic development, will be eligible. In order to obtain a residence permit, they will need a recommendation from the provincial human resources department. If the application is approved, a permit will also be granted to their spouses and underage children.
Moreover, residence permits on Hainan can be obtained by foreign entrepreneurs who have been investing for three years in innovative enterprises in the province and have complied with fiscal laws, as well as other persons who have worked continuously on the island for four years and paid income tax to the local treasury.
A temporary residence permit is available for foreign staff who work in caring for the sick and elderly, as well as technical specialists. In particular, Hainan welcomes professional chefs to work in the island's first-class hotels and medical workers for the pilot zone of international medical tourism Boao Lecheng. Also, patients undergoing treatment on the island, as well as family members accompanying them, are eligible for a temporary residence. Another category of foreign citizens who can apply is Chinese universities' graduates who are planning to work in an innovative business on Hainan. The temporary residence permit's validity is limited by the term of an employee’s contract or the duration of a patient’s treatment.
In order to intensify the activities of strategically important enterprises of Hainan's free trade port, the local authorities established a preferential income tax for specialists in demand, including foreign highly qualified personnel, with a maximum rate of 15%. The preferential tax rate will be maintained until the end of 2024. It is expected to boost the development of a number of industries important for the provincial economy, which the central government in Beijing plans to turn into an analogue of Singapore and the South Korean island of Jeju.


tass--2020-07-15--Demand for purchase of country houses in Russia grows by 77% after self-isolation

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/ TASS / .
The demand for the purchase of suburban real estate in Russia grew by 77 % in early July 2020 after the lifting of most of the restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic , according to the Avito Real Estate portal data released on Wednesday .
Up to 40 % of restaurants and hotels in Moscow may go to new owners due to coronavirus '' At the beginning of the quarantine in April and May 2020 , there was a boom in demand for rental cottages , which exceeded 3.2 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abolition of the self-isolation regime , the purchase of suburban real estate became the highest priority format - interest in acquiring such housing in property increased by 77.7 % year-on-year `` the study said .
At the same time , demand for rental country houses also increased by 35 % .
The interest of Russians in suburban real estate also affected prices .
So , in Q2 2020 , houses and cottages for long-term rent went up by about a third .
The average cost per month of living in a house reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 80,000 rubles ( $ 1129 ) in a cottage .
The rental of cottages has risen in price by almost 18 % , up to 20,000 rubles ( $ 281.3 ) , town houses - by 10 % , up to 50,000 rubles ( $ 705.5 ) per month .
According to Avito Real Estate , the most expensive cottages are sold in the Moscow Region ( average cost of almost 12 mln rubles ( $ 169,000 ) , the Leningrad Region ( almost 10 mln rubles ( $ 141,107 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and the Crimea ( 7.8 mln rubles ) .
The lowest cost of cottages for sale was recorded in the Rostov region ( 3.1 mln rubles ) , Bashkiria ( 4.5 mln rubles ) , Tatarstan ( almost 5 mln rubles ) , Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions ( 5 mln rubles ) .
`` The desire of Russians to live in their own home and not abandon comfortable infrastructure may affect the revision of developers ' approaches to future projects .
So far , developers are still skeptical about the growing trend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming months .
If it proves its worth , then we will see a change on the real estate market , and the focus may shift slightly in favor of suburban housing , `` said Dmitry Alekseev , head of the primary and suburban real estate Avito Real Estate .

MOSCOW, July 15. / TASS /. The demand to buy country homes in the suburbs in Russia climbed 77% in early July 2020 after most of the restrictions imposed over the coronavirus pandemic had been lifted, according to data from the Avito Real Estate portal released on Wednesday.
Up to 40% of restaurants and hotels in Moscow may go to new owners due to coronavirus
"At the beginning of the quarantine in April and May 2020, there was a boom in demand for rental cottages, which exceeded 3.2 times the pre-crisis figures, and after the abolition of the self-isolation regime, the purchase of suburban real estate became the highest priority format - interest in acquiring such housing in property increased by 77.7% year-on-year " the study said.
At the same time, demand for rental country houses also increased by 35%. The interest of Russians in suburban real estate also affected prices. So, in Q2 2020, houses and cottages for long-term rent went up by about a third. The average cost per month of living in a house reached 20,000 rubles ($281.3), and 80,000 rubles ($1129) in a cottage. The rental of cottages has risen in price by almost 18%, up to 20,000 rubles ($281.3), town houses - by 10%, up to 50,000 rubles ($705.5) per month.
According to Avito Real Estate, the most expensive cottages are sold in the Moscow Region (average cost of almost 12 mln rubles ($169,000), the Leningrad Region (almost 10 mln rubles ($141,107), the Tomsk Region (8.2 mln rubles) and the Crimea (7.8 mln rubles) . The lowest cost of cottages for sale was recorded in the Rostov region (3.1 mln rubles), Bashkiria (4.5 mln rubles), Tatarstan (almost 5 mln rubles), Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions (5 mln rubles).
"The desire of Russians to live in their own home and not abandon comfortable infrastructure may affect the revision of developers' approaches to future projects. So far, developers are still skeptical about the growing trend and will look at it in the coming months. If it proves its worth, then we will see a change on the real estate market, and the focus may shift slightly in favor of suburban housing, "said Dmitry Alekseev, head of the primary and suburban real estate Avito Real Estate.


tass--2020-07-15--Russia experiencing surge in coronavirus recoveries, as numbers surpass 70%

MOSCOW , July 15./TASS/ .
The share of coronavirus patients who have already recovered has exceeded 70 % , making up 523,249 cases , according to data from the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
A month ago , the share of recoveries was 53 % , or 284,539 patients .
As many as 10,424 patients were discharged from hospitals across Russia over the past 24 hours , a record high number since June 24 .
The number of new infections grew by 6,422 ( 0.9 % ) to 746,369 .
It has been rising by less than one percent a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coefficient of the spread of COVID-19 is lower than one for the first time since July 10 .
The number of active cases has declined to 211,350 ( 28.3 % of all cases ) , according to the crisis center .
This is the lowest figure in almost two months , since May 16 .
On Wednesday , the crisis center reported 156 fatalities .
Overall , 11,770 people have died from coronavirus in Russia , or 1.58 % of all cases .
However , this information from the crisis center does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since it does not factor in the specified mortality figures given by the authorities earlier .
As of now , the statistics for April and May have been finalized , under which the death rate ranged between 2.3 % and 3.8 % depending on the methods of calculation , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova reported .
On Monday , the Moscow authorities said that coronavirus-related mortalities in the Russian capital came to 3,408 that is 35 % lower than the previous month ’ s 5,260 deaths .
`` COVID-19 was the key or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases ( 92 % ) , '' they reported .
According to their figures , 10,229 Moscow residents had died between April and June , and in 5,001 of those fatalities , coronavirus was the main cause of death .
Thus , the mortality rate was between 2.3 % to 4.6 % , TASS calculated .
Moscow reported 628 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , bringing them overall to 231,270 infections .
The share of the patients who have recovered is higher than across the country - 72.56 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60,000 for the first time since May 2 .
The capital , which was the hardest hit by the epidemic , has accounted for only about ten percent of all coronavirus cases across Russia since June 30 .
Its share in the overall number of confirmed cases has declined to 31 % .
According to calculations by TASS , the most infections are reported in Central Russia - 24 % on Wednesday , with Moscow included in the data .
However , in early July , it was over 29 % , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
The Volga Region ranks second ( 16 % ) , while Siberia and Urals are the third and fourth hardest hit regions ( 15.5 % and 15.4 % accordingly .
An outbreak of coronavirus persists in the Altai Region , and the figures are also high in the Irkutsk , Novosibirsk , Omsk and Krasnoyarsk Regions .
As for the Urals , the number of COVID-19 cases is equally high throughout all its areas .
Meanwhile , both regions are also showing a high pace of recoveries - 57 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siberia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 13,477,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 581,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 7,870,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, July 15./TASS/. The share of coronavirus patients who have already recovered has exceeded 70%, making up 523,249 cases, according to data from the anti-coronavirus crisis center.
A month ago, the share of recoveries was 53%, or 284,539 patients. As many as 10,424 patients were discharged from hospitals across Russia over the past 24 hours, a record high number since June 24.
The number of new infections grew by 6,422 (0.9%) to 746,369. It has been rising by less than one percent a day for the past nine days. The coefficient of the spread of COVID-19 is lower than one for the first time since July 10. The number of active cases has declined to 211,350 (28.3% of all cases), according to the crisis center. This is the lowest figure in almost two months, since May 16.
Deaths
On Wednesday, the crisis center reported 156 fatalities. Overall, 11,770 people have died from coronavirus in Russia, or 1.58% of all cases. However, this information from the crisis center does not provide a full and complete picture, since it does not factor in the specified mortality figures given by the authorities earlier.
As of now, the statistics for April and May have been finalized, under which the death rate ranged between 2.3% and 3.8% depending on the methods of calculation, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova reported.
On Monday, the Moscow authorities said that coronavirus-related mortalities in the Russian capital came to 3,408 that is 35% lower than the previous month’s 5,260 deaths. "COVID-19 was the key or an associated cause of death in 3,408 cases (92%)," they reported.
According to their figures, 10,229 Moscow residents had died between April and June, and in 5,001 of those fatalities, coronavirus was the main cause of death. Thus, the mortality rate was between 2.3% to 4.6%, TASS calculated.
Moscow and other Russian regions
Moscow reported 628 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, bringing them overall to 231,270 infections. The share of the patients who have recovered is higher than across the country - 72.56%. The number of active cases is below 60,000 for the first time since May 2.
The capital, which was the hardest hit by the epidemic, has accounted for only about ten percent of all coronavirus cases across Russia since June 30. Its share in the overall number of confirmed cases has declined to 31%.
According to calculations by TASS, the most infections are reported in Central Russia - 24% on Wednesday, with Moscow included in the data. However, in early July, it was over 29%, while a month ago it amounted to 40.5%.
The Volga Region ranks second (16%), while Siberia and Urals are the third and fourth hardest hit regions (15.5% and 15.4% accordingly. An outbreak of coronavirus persists in the Altai Region, and the figures are also high in the Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Omsk and Krasnoyarsk Regions. As for the Urals, the number of COVID-19 cases is equally high throughout all its areas.
Meanwhile, both regions are also showing a high pace of recoveries - 57% in the Urals and about 60% in Siberia.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 13,477,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 581,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 7,870,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-07-15--Humanitarian aid from Russia arrives in Nur-Sultan medical organizations

`` Today the single distributor has already delivered 2,790 sets of protective suits and 21,850 protective masks to the medical institutions of Nur-Sultan .
This individual protective gear will be used to equip the capital ’ s healthcare workers involved in a fight against the coronavirus infection , '' the statement said .
NUR-SULTAN , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Drugs and individual protective gear delivered to Kazakhstan as humanitarian aid from Russia have arrived in the medical organizations of Nur-Sultan , the press service of Kazakhstan ’ s single pharmaceutical distributor SK-Pharmacy reported on Wednesday .
Additionally , kits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Russia were sent overland to all regions of Kazakhstan .
`` Hospitals will receive 236 packages of the Favipiravir drug which was recently included in the clinical protocol for treatment of the coronavirus infection .
On July 14 , the single distributor completed the purchasing procedures for this drug .
By the end of July , the SK-Pharmacy ’ s warehouses will receive 700,000 pills of this drug which will be immediately delivered to the country ’ s medical organizations in order to treat patients with the coronavirus infection , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a special flight of Russia ’ s Emergencies Ministry with humanitarian aid - protective masks , sets of protective suits , and pharmaceuticals , - arrived in Nur-Sultan .
Additionally , a total of 55 Russian doctors arrived in Nur-Sultan and Alma-Ata to provide consultative and practical assistance to Kazakhstani specialists in the fight against the coronavirus infection The state of emergency due to the spread of the coronavirus was declared in Kazakhstan from March 16 to May 11 , although later the quarantine measures in the republic ’ s various regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiological situation the authorities decided to introduce a number of additional quarantine restrictions for fourteen days starting on July 5 .
On July 14 , Kazakhstani authorities extended the quarantine regime until August 2 .

"Today the single distributor has already delivered 2,790 sets of protective suits and 21,850 protective masks to the medical institutions of Nur-Sultan. This individual protective gear will be used to equip the capital’s healthcare workers involved in a fight against the coronavirus infection," the statement said.
NUR-SULTAN, July 15. /TASS/. Drugs and individual protective gear delivered to Kazakhstan as humanitarian aid from Russia have arrived in the medical organizations of Nur-Sultan, the press service of Kazakhstan’s single pharmaceutical distributor SK-Pharmacy reported on Wednesday.
Additionally, kits with individual protective gear and drugs delivered from Russia were sent overland to all regions of Kazakhstan.
"Hospitals will receive 236 packages of the Favipiravir drug which was recently included in the clinical protocol for treatment of the coronavirus infection. On July 14, the single distributor completed the purchasing procedures for this drug. By the end of July, the SK-Pharmacy’s warehouses will receive 700,000 pills of this drug which will be immediately delivered to the country’s medical organizations in order to treat patients with the coronavirus infection," the press service specified.
On July 8, a special flight of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry with humanitarian aid - protective masks, sets of protective suits, and pharmaceuticals, - arrived in Nur-Sultan. Additionally, a total of 55 Russian doctors arrived in Nur-Sultan and Alma-Ata to provide consultative and practical assistance to Kazakhstani specialists in the fight against the coronavirus infection
The state of emergency due to the spread of the coronavirus was declared in Kazakhstan from March 16 to May 11, although later the quarantine measures in the republic’s various regions still remained. Due to the worsening epidemiological situation the authorities decided to introduce a number of additional quarantine restrictions for fourteen days starting on July 5. On July 14, Kazakhstani authorities extended the quarantine regime until August 2.


tass--2020-07-15--Russia starts supplying lung ventilators overseas again

US donation of ventilators to Russia great example of partnership , says Russian diplomat MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ supplies of lung ventilators , Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ lung ventilators abroad again , '' the minister said .
Awarded government contracts on lung @ @ @ @ @ close to completion now , he added .

US donation of ventilators to Russia great example of partnership, says Russian diplomat
MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russia has resumed overseas supplies of lung ventilators, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said on Wednesday.
"We started delivering lung ventilators abroad again," the minister said. Awarded government contracts on lung ventilators and thermal imagers are close to completion now, he added.


tass--2020-07-15--Russian PM points to improving coronavirus situation

`` The situation is improving , the infection is past its peak , '' he said .
According to Mishustin , Russia ’ s coronavirus growth rate did not exceed 1 % in the past 24 hours .
MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
The peak of the coronavirus outbreak in Russia has passed and the situation is improving , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting of the Coordination Center for Coronavirus Response on Wednesday .
The prime minister pointed out that the situation makes it possible `` to hold meetings on the epidemiological situation less often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings of the Coordination Council almost every day but now weekly meetings are enough to resolve all pressing issues , '' he noted .
At the same time , in Mishustin ’ s words , `` now is not the time to relax , we need to continue to monitor the situation , detect the sick and promptly provide them with treatment . ''
According to the prime minister , it particularly concerns Russia ’ s regions , where lockdown restrictions are being gradually eased .
`` We need to keep safety measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send medical teams to the regions that don ’ t have enough capacity to fight the infection , like it was in Dagestan , for instance , '' Mishustin emphasized .

"The situation is improving, the infection is past its peak," he said. According to Mishustin, Russia’s coronavirus growth rate did not exceed 1% in the past 24 hours.
MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. The peak of the coronavirus outbreak in Russia has passed and the situation is improving, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting of the Coordination Center for Coronavirus Response on Wednesday.
The prime minister pointed out that the situation makes it possible "to hold meetings on the epidemiological situation less often." "We used to hold meetings of the Coordination Council almost every day but now weekly meetings are enough to resolve all pressing issues," he noted.
At the same time, in Mishustin’s words, "now is not the time to relax, we need to continue to monitor the situation, detect the sick and promptly provide them with treatment." According to the prime minister, it particularly concerns Russia’s regions, where lockdown restrictions are being gradually eased. "We need to keep safety measures in mind. We will continue to send medical teams to the regions that don’t have enough capacity to fight the infection, like it was in Dagestan, for instance," Mishustin emphasized.


tass--2020-07-15--Up to 40% of restaurants and hotels in Moscow may go to new owners

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/ TASS / .
About 40 % of the restaurant and hotel business in Moscow may be transferred to new owners due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic , the Moscow Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs Tatyana Mineeva told TASS on Wednesday .
`` If we talk about the hospitality industry , in particular the restaurant and hotel business , it is expected that up to 40 % of the business will not survive .
It does n't mean that it will die off , it just means that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue with it .
For example , in shopping centers restaurants can go to the owners of these shopping malls , '' she said .
This forecast is due to the fact that the demand expected by restaurateurs after lifting restrictive measures was not too high and would not allow compensating for losses , the business ombudswoman explained .
In addition , the owners of the opened summer verandas understand that this does not bring high earnings .
`` They tried to open , but at the end of the year they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrepreneurs is as such , '' she added .
The hotel business in Moscow is seeing the closure of small hotels due to the lack of guests and the loss of foreign tourists due to the closure of borders between the Russian Federation and a number of countries , Mineeva noted .
She added that she did not rule out that such changes in the hospitality industry could lead to a decrease in the quality of services provided by the new owners .

MOSCOW, July 15. / TASS /. About 40% of the restaurant and hotel business in Moscow may be transferred to new owners due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the Moscow Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs Tatyana Mineeva told TASS on Wednesday.
"If we talk about the hospitality industry, in particular the restaurant and hotel business, it is expected that up to 40% of the business will not survive. It doesn't mean that it will die off, it just means that the current owners will not be able to continue with it. For example, in shopping centers restaurants can go to the owners of these shopping malls," she said.
This forecast is due to the fact that the demand expected by restaurateurs after lifting restrictive measures was not too high and would not allow compensating for losses, the business ombudswoman explained. In addition, the owners of the opened summer verandas understand that this does not bring high earnings. "They tried to open, but at the end of the year they are likely to close. The mood of entrepreneurs is as such," she added.
The hotel business in Moscow is seeing the closure of small hotels due to the lack of guests and the loss of foreign tourists due to the closure of borders between the Russian Federation and a number of countries, Mineeva noted. She added that she did not rule out that such changes in the hospitality industry could lead to a decrease in the quality of services provided by the new owners.


tass--2020-07-15--Belarus presidential candidates release income declarations

MINSK .
July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Income declarations of five Belarusian presidential candidates were published Wednesday in the Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ .
Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s declaration shows that his income for 2019 consisted @ @ @ @ @ reached 117,068 Belarusian rubles ( $ 48,800 ) .
The document also showed that Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ , cars or shares .
Lukashenko ’ s wife Galina Lukashenko earned 5,560 Belarusian rubles @ @ @ @ @ pensions and share revenues .
She has a house to her name , a part @ @ @ @ @ shares of the Shklov butter factory .
Belarus will hold the presidential election on August @ @ @ @ @ the national Central Election Commission convened for a meeting to register five candidates , while @ @ @ @ @ .

MINSK. July 15. /TASS/. Income declarations of five Belarusian presidential candidates were published Wednesday in the Belarusian leader administration’s newspaper.
Incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko’s declaration shows that his income for 2019 consisted solely of his salary and reached 117,068 Belarusian rubles ($48,800). The document also showed that Lukashenko does not have any properties, cars or shares.
Lukashenko’s wife Galina Lukashenko earned 5,560 Belarusian rubles ($2,300) as pensions and share revenues. She has a house to her name, a part of a house and 56 shares of the Shklov butter factory.
Belarus will hold the presidential election on August 9. On Tuesday, the national Central Election Commission convened for a meeting to register five candidates, while two people were refused registration.


tass--2020-07-15--Airlines receive no notification from Russian Transport Ministry on flights to Turkey

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian airlines have not received any notifications from the Transport Ministry on resumption of flights between Russia and Turkey starting July 15 yet , a source in one of air carriers told TASS .
Turkish Airlines to start flying to six Russian cities on August 1 '' We have not received any information from the Transport Ministry , '' he said when asked a respective question .
Earlier on Wednesday the Anadolu Agency reported with reference to Turkey ’ s Transport Ministry that Ankara and Moscow had agreed to resume flights between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Transport Ministry , nor the aviation watchdog have provided any commentaries yet .
Turkish Airlines , the national flag carrier airline of Turkey , announced plans earlier this week to start performing 14 flights per week to Moscow starting August 1 , and later - to resume flights to Russian regions .
Russia fully closed air service with other countries , except flights to bring back Russian nationals , freight and mail carriage flights , at the end of March on the back of the coronavirus pandemic .
Regular and charter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 27 .
The Turkish authorities decided to suspend international and domestic flights in response to the novel coronavirus spread at the end of March .

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russian airlines have not received any notifications from the Transport Ministry on resumption of flights between Russia and Turkey starting July 15 yet, a source in one of air carriers told TASS.
Turkish Airlines to start flying to six Russian cities on August 1
"We have not received any information from the Transport Ministry," he said when asked a respective question.
Earlier on Wednesday the Anadolu Agency reported with reference to Turkey’s Transport Ministry that Ankara and Moscow had agreed to resume flights between the countries starting July 15. Neither Russia’s Transport Ministry, nor the aviation watchdog have provided any commentaries yet.
Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier airline of Turkey, announced plans earlier this week to start performing 14 flights per week to Moscow starting August 1, and later - to resume flights to Russian regions.
Russia fully closed air service with other countries, except flights to bring back Russian nationals, freight and mail carriage flights, at the end of March on the back of the coronavirus pandemic. Regular and charter international flights have been fully suspended since March 27.
The Turkish authorities decided to suspend international and domestic flights in response to the novel coronavirus spread at the end of March.


tass--2020-07-15--Kremlin says situation with Belarusian election domestic affair

MOSCOW , July 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is not going to meddle in the situation around the Belarusian presidential election since this is the republic ’ s internal affair , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
Speaking on the Kremlin ’ s stance on the situation around the Belarusian presidential election , the Russian presidential spokesman stressed : `` This is Belarusian domestic affair , our approach here remains unchanged . ''
The Belarusian presidential election is not related to the Union State of Russia and Belarus , Peskov said .
`` We are really closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to our Union State , but this election concerns Belarusian sovereignty and we won ’ t meddle there , '' Peskov stated .
Earlier the Belarusian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case into July 14 events in Minsk over public order violations .
According to the republic ’ s Interior Ministry , law enforcement agencies on Tuesday detained more than 250 people in various Belarusian regions .
Human rights activists say more than 200 people were detained in Minsk at a rally in support of Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo , who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election in Belarus is scheduled for August 9 .
The country ’ s Central Election Commission registered five presidential candidates , including incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko .

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russia is not going to meddle in the situation around the Belarusian presidential election since this is the republic’s internal affair, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
Speaking on the Kremlin’s stance on the situation around the Belarusian presidential election, the Russian presidential spokesman stressed: "This is Belarusian domestic affair, our approach here remains unchanged."
The Belarusian presidential election is not related to the Union State of Russia and Belarus, Peskov said. "We are really closer to each other than other countries due to our Union State, but this election concerns Belarusian sovereignty and we won’t meddle there," Peskov stated.
Earlier the Belarusian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case into July 14 events in Minsk over public order violations. According to the republic’s Interior Ministry, law enforcement agencies on Tuesday detained more than 250 people in various Belarusian regions. Human rights activists say more than 200 people were detained in Minsk at a rally in support of Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo, who were denied registration as presidential candidates.
Presidential election in Belarus is scheduled for August 9. The country’s Central Election Commission registered five presidential candidates, including incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko.


tass--2020-07-15--First robotic taxis can start working in Moscow in 2024

`` If we efficiently start implementing the plan we are developing on the basis of our stakeholder authorities and key @ @ @ @ @ Transport Ministry , the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade , then @ @ @ @ @ year of 2024 is the period when we can launch driverless taxis in a certain @ @ @ @ @ , '' the official said .
Over one hundred robotic cars of the technology company @ @ @ @ @ Moscow but vehicles must be with drivers at the same time .
In 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ was launched in Moscow and Tatarstan .
The list of regions with tests underway has @ @ @ @ @ .

"If we efficiently start implementing the plan we are developing on the basis of our stakeholder authorities and key companies - these are the Transport Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, then, I believe, the year of 2024 is the period when we can launch driverless taxis in a certain regime, as I believe," the official said.
Over one hundred robotic cars of the technology company Yandex are now tested in Moscow but vehicles must be with drivers at the same time.
In 2018, the experiment on robotic cars was launched in Moscow and Tatarstan. The list of regions with tests underway has been recently expanded to thirteen.