tass--2020-07-05--Moscow's death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases rises by 24 to 3,953

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Another 24 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus , died in Moscow over the past 24 hours , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
`` Twenty-four patients have passed away in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection , '' the center informed .
To date , a total of 3,953 deaths from confirmed COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , have been registered in the Russian capital .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 224,200 cases , with nearly 156,500 patients having recovered from the illness .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected worldwide and about 525,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 6,172,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 674,515 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 446,879 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 10,027 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Another 24 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, died in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"Twenty-four patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection," the center informed.
To date, a total of 3,953 deaths from confirmed COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, have been registered in the Russian capital. As of July 4, Moscow registered over 224,200 cases, with nearly 156,500 patients having recovered from the illness.
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 11,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and about 525,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 6,172,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 674,515 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 446,879 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 10,027 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-05--Iran triggered nuclear deal’s dispute resolution mechanism six times — top diplomat

TEHRAN , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Iran made at least six attempts to launch the dispute resolution mechanism ( @ @ @ @ @ Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Islamic Republic ’ s nuclear program @ @ @ @ @ Javad Zarif said on Twitter on Saturday .
`` Do n't believe the hype : @ @ @ @ @ at least 6 occasions , '' he said , adding that these measures were taken @ @ @ @ @ the United States and E3 ( UK , Germany , France ) .
The Iranian @ @ @ @ @ that Zarif had sent a letter to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security @ @ @ @ @ UK , Germany and France for failing to honor their obligations under the nuclear deal @ @ @ @ @ Ministry ’ s official spokesman Abbas Mousavi , the minister said in his letter that @ @ @ @ @ current Iran-IAEA relations runs counter to the provisions of the nuclear deal and might have @ @ @ @ @ existing cooperation .
`` .

TEHRAN, July 4. /TASS/. Iran made at least six attempts to launch the dispute resolution mechanism (DRM) of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter on Saturday.
"Don't believe the hype: Iran triggered JCPOA DRM on at least 6 occasions," he said, adding that these measures were taken due to violations committed by the United States and E3 (UK, Germany, France).
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Zarif had sent a letter to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, criticizing UK, Germany and France for failing to honor their obligations under the nuclear deal. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry’s official spokesman Abbas Mousavi, the minister said in his letter that "any interference into the current Iran-IAEA relations runs counter to the provisions of the nuclear deal and might have a negative impact on the existing cooperation.".


tass--2020-07-04--WHO reports single-day increase in coronavirus cases by over 212,000

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
More than 212,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , surpassing 10.9 million , while the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by over 5,000 to over 523,000 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Saturday .
As of 11.00 Moscow time on July 4 , as many as 10,922,324 novel coronavirus cases and 523,011 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 212,326 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are based on officially confirmed data from the countries .
The day before , the organization reported 175,723 new cases and 5,032 deaths throughout the world .
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,575,482 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 129,772 and the number of deaths - by 3,392 to top 259,094 .
The number of confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,757,556 and the number of fatalities is 199,510 .
In the past 24 hours , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the number of deaths went up by 565 .
The East Mediterranean region has 1,135,604 cases and 26,521 fatalities .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 20,043 and the number of deaths - by 493 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was registered in the United States ( 2,724,433 ) , followed by Brazil ( 1,496,858 ) , Russia ( 674,515 ) , India ( 648,315 ) , Peru ( 292,004 ) , Chile ( 288,089 ) , the United Kingdom ( 284,280 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 241,184 ) , and Mexico ( 238,511 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. More than 212,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, surpassing 10.9 million, while the coronavirus-related fatalities increased by over 5,000 to over 523,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Saturday.
As of 11.00 Moscow time on July 4, as many as 10,922,324 novel coronavirus cases and 523,011 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 212,326 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,134. The WHO statistics are based on officially confirmed data from the countries. The day before, the organization reported 175,723 new cases and 5,032 deaths throughout the world.
South and North America account for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 5,575,482. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 129,772 and the number of deaths - by 3,392 to top 259,094. The number of confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 2,757,556 and the number of fatalities is 199,510. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew, by 19,694 and the number of deaths went up by 565.
The East Mediterranean region has 1,135,604 cases and 26,521 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 20,043 and the number of deaths - by 493.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was registered in the United States (2,724,433), followed by Brazil (1,496,858), Russia (674,515), India (648,315), Peru (292,004), Chile (288,089), the United Kingdom (284,280), Spain (250,545), Italy (241,184), and Mexico (238,511).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-07-04--Africa confirms nearly 445,000 coronavirus cases

PRETORIA , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
African nations have seen a single-day spike in coronavirus cases by 29,609 to 44,983 .
The number of coronavirus-related deaths has risen by 224 to 10,847 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Saturday .
According to the office , 214,000 patients have recovered from COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of coronavirus cases across Africa - 177,124 , with 2,952 fatalities .
The highest death toll - 3,201 - is reported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is second to South Africa ( 27 , 564 cases and 628 deaths ) , followed by Ghana ( 18,892 cases and 117 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 11 million people have been infected worldwide and about 525,000 deaths have been reported .

PRETORIA, July 4. /TASS/. African nations have seen a single-day spike in coronavirus cases by 29,609 to 44,983. The number of coronavirus-related deaths has risen by 224 to 10,847, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Saturday.
According to the office, 214,000 patients have recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. South Africa accounts for the biggest number of coronavirus cases across Africa - 177,124, with 2,952 fatalities. The highest death toll - 3,201 - is reported by Egypt. Algeria has registered 937 deaths from the coronavirus.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is second to South Africa (27, 564 cases and 628 deaths), followed by Ghana (18,892 cases and 117 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 11 million people have been infected worldwide and about 525,000 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-07-04--Russia remains committed to nuclear test ban - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia remains committed to the ban on nuclear tests and continues to implement the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty despite the fact that the treaty has not come into force , the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s press office said on Saturday commenting on the United States ’ 2020 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control , Nonproliferation , and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments ( Compliance Report ) .
The Foreign Ministry pointed out that `` the US allegations that Russia allegedly violated the nuclear testing moratorium by conducting nuclear experiments inconsistent with the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ substantiated by evidence . ''
`` Along with this , Americans admit that they know neither about the number of those experiments in 2019 nor about whether they were conducted or not .
We underline that in accordance with its international commitments , Russia should not follow any ‘ US standards ’ in the nuclear testing field , '' the ministry added .
`` We officially confirm that Russia remains strictly committed to the nuclear testing moratorium and continues to implement the provisions of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty with regards to the nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that the treaty has not come into force , '' the ministry stressed .
`` Unlike the United States , we ratified it 20 years ago and have been implementing with success .
Along with this , we proceed from the assumption that any disagreements on criteria for compliance with relevant commitments can and should be settled within the framework of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty after it comes into force , '' the statement says .
`` As long as the United States has not ratified this treaty , we think it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s representatives the issue of compliance with that nuclear testing ban , '' it emphasizes .
The Foreign Ministry pointed out that `` the insinuations seem to have been brought up so as to distract attention from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty . ''
The ministry noted that `` the US placed the treaty on the verge of total collapse by renouncing its ratification . ''
`` Washington appears to be preparing the world that the voluntary nuclear testing moratorium , which is still in effect in the US , will be abandoned and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty will be totally dismantled , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
Apart from that , the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that `` on absolutely false 'messages ' are based the allegations about Russia ’ s alleged non-compliance with the Treaty on the Limitation of Underground Nuclear Weapon Tests ( known as the Threshold Test Ban Treaty ) signed by the Soviet Union and the United States in 1974 .
Under the treaty , the sides should inform each other about the nuclear tests .
`` .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Russia remains committed to the ban on nuclear tests and continues to implement the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty despite the fact that the treaty has not come into force, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s press office said on Saturday commenting on the United States’ 2020 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments (Compliance Report).
The Foreign Ministry pointed out that "the US allegations that Russia allegedly violated the nuclear testing moratorium by conducting nuclear experiments inconsistent with the US ‘zero-yield’ standard are not expectedly substantiated by evidence."
"Along with this, Americans admit that they know neither about the number of those experiments in 2019 nor about whether they were conducted or not. We underline that in accordance with its international commitments, Russia should not follow any ‘US standards’ in the nuclear testing field," the ministry added.
"We officially confirm that Russia remains strictly committed to the nuclear testing moratorium and continues to implement the provisions of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty with regards to the nuclear testing ban, in spite of the fact that the treaty has not come into force," the ministry stressed.
"Unlike the United States, we ratified it 20 years ago and have been implementing with success. Along with this, we proceed from the assumption that any disagreements on criteria for compliance with relevant commitments can and should be settled within the framework of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty after it comes into force," the statement says.
"As long as the United States has not ratified this treaty, we think it counterproductive to discuss with that country’s representatives the issue of compliance with that nuclear testing ban," it emphasizes.
The Foreign Ministry pointed out that "the insinuations seem to have been brought up so as to distract attention from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty." The ministry noted that "the US placed the treaty on the verge of total collapse by renouncing its ratification."
"Washington appears to be preparing the world that the voluntary nuclear testing moratorium, which is still in effect in the US, will be abandoned and, as a consequence, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty will be totally dismantled," the Foreign Ministry said.
Apart from that, the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that "on absolutely false 'messages' are based the allegations about Russia’s alleged non-compliance with the Treaty on the Limitation of Underground Nuclear Weapon Tests (known as the Threshold Test Ban Treaty) signed by the Soviet Union and the United States in 1974. Under the treaty, the sides should inform each other about the nuclear tests.".


tass--2020-07-04--North Korea respects Russians’ choice in voting on constitution amendments - ministry

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
North Korea respects the decision of the Russians to support amendments to their @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its site on Saturday .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ s nationwide vote on amendments to the Constitution was a success and we respect the @ @ @ @ @ Russia , '' the statement says .
The North Korean Foreign Ministry noted the importance @ @ @ @ @ economic and political situation in Russia as well as for the protection of its sovereignty @ @ @ @ @ nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian constitution was held from June 25 through July @ @ @ @ @ day .
The voting period was extended to reduce coronavirus infection risks .
The amendments @ @ @ @ @ more than 50 % of the voters , but the voter turnout had not been @ @ @ @ @ Central Election Commission , the changes won support of 77.92 % of voters , while @ @ @ @ @ The final voter turnout was 67.97 % .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. North Korea respects the decision of the Russians to support amendments to their constitution, the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its site on Saturday.
"We are delighted that Russia’s nationwide vote on amendments to the Constitution was a success and we respect the choice of the people of Russia," the statement says.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry noted the importance of the vote for the economic and political situation in Russia as well as for the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The nationwide voting on amendments to the Russian constitution was held from June 25 through July 1, the official voting day. The voting period was extended to reduce coronavirus infection risks. The amendments were to be supported by more than 50% of the voters, but the voter turnout had not been set. According to the Central Election Commission, the changes won support of 77.92% of voters, while 22.27% were against. The final voter turnout was 67.97%.


tass--2020-07-04--Diplomat slams London court’s ‘outrageous’ ruling to give Guaido access to Venezuelan gold

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
It is outrageous that the High Court in London ruled to recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela ’ s `` interim president '' and give him access to the country ’ s gold reserves stored in the Bank of England , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday .
`` We are concerned that the High Court in London ruled to recognize Juan Guaido as ‘ interim president of Venezuela ’ and to grant him access to the gold reserves stored in the Bank of England , '' the diplomat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying .
`` The judgement ruling is outrageous .
As far as can be understood from the words of High Court judge Nigel Teare , the London court did not even attempt to give a legal assessment to Guaido ’ s claims , but just echoed the stance of the British executive branch of power that had previously ‘ unequivocally recognized ’ Guaido as ‘ the constitutional interim president of Venezuela ’ and that ‘ there can not be two Presidents of Venezuela ’ , '' she said .
`` It appears obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts ’ independence is effective as long as the judges ’ position is consistent with that of the government , '' she added .
Zakharova pointed out that Russia would study legal arguments of the London High Court with huge interest , `` but it seems that there are not any such arguments . ''
`` British law stays mum when political expediency is at stake , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said .
`` In violation of some principles and norms of international law , such as non-interference in internal affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state property immunity , one state actually ended up alienating the property of another state with the aim to back up anti-constitution coup in that state . ''
Earlier , the High Court in London ruled to recognize Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela , denying incumbent President Nicolas Maduro access to the Venezuelan gold stored in the Bank of England .
The court handed down a judgment ruling in a lawsuit filed by Venezuela ’ s Central Bank against the Bank of England to recover control over $ 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British capital .
According to Zakharova , certain European countries are attempting to obstruct rapprochement between the Venezuelan opposition and the government .
The steps taken by some European countries against Caracas lead to an impasse , she added .
`` The European Union has approved a package of sanctions against a group of the country ’ s politicians , including from the opposition camp , who call for a constructive dialogue with the authorities .
It is important that the efforts of the foreign ministers of Venezuela and the EU helped , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the diplomatic crisis , '' Zakharova recalled .
`` Not only do the steps taken in European capitals facilitate this , they pose a risk of bringing the situation to a standstill .
Their initiators admit their own defeat and a lack of ideas on the track of Venezuelan settlement .
The goal remains the same of making ‘ toxic ’ any rapprochement between the opposition and Chavists and to prevent the conflicting sides from finding common ground , '' she added .
Zakharova underscored that even in the dire circumstances caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of Venezuela were striving to find a civilized political solution .
`` They will be provided with this opportunity , under the current legislation , on December 6 to elect a new parliament , and then - also within the constitutional timeframe - to reinstate the mandate of the current head of state .
A wider circle of political forces demonstrates their readiness to participate in the pre-election events , '' she noted .
`` This trend should be overwhelmingly supported , without trying to torpedo it for the benefit of destructively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a successful election might be equal to stepping down from the stage of politics , '' the diplomat added .
Russia will continue to support Venezuela ’ s constructive political forces in their aspiration to overcome differences peacefully through nationwide dialogue , she said .
Moscow calls on all responsible members of the world to prioritize the principles of goodwill and humanism , to contribute maximum so that a favorable atmosphere for national dialogue could be created in Venezuela , the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman concluded .
The political situation in Venezuela aggravated after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and speaker of the National Assembly , whose appointment to that position had been cancelled by the country ’ s Supreme Court , had declared himself interim president at a rally in the country ’ s capital , Caracas , on January 23 , 2019 .
The United States recognized him as an interim president , and the countries of the Lima Group ( excluding Mexico ) , the Organization of American States , and most of the European Union nations followed suit .
Venezuela 's incumbent President Nicolas Maduro blasted the move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic ties with the United States .
Russia , Belarus , Iran , China , Cuba , Nicaragua , Syria , and Turkey voiced support for Maduro .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. On Saturday, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova castigated a ruling by the High Court in London - branding it outrageous - to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s "interim president" and give him access to the country’s gold reserves stored in the Bank of England.
"We are concerned that the High Court in London ruled to recognize Juan Guaido as ‘interim president of Venezuela’ and to grant him access to the gold reserves stored in the Bank of England," the diplomat said cited by the Foreign Ministry as saying.
"The judgement ruling is outrageous. As far as can be understood from the words of High Court judge Nigel Teare, the London court did not even attempt to give a legal assessment to Guaido’s claims, but just echoed the stance of the British executive branch of power that had previously ‘unequivocally recognized’ Guaido as ‘the constitutional interim president of Venezuela’ and that ‘there cannot be two Presidents of Venezuela’," she said.
"It appears obvious that in the United Kingdom, the courts’ independence is effective as long as the judges’ position is consistent with that of the government," she added.
Zakharova pointed out that Russia would study legal arguments of the London High Court with huge interest, "but it seems that there are not any such arguments."
"British law stays mum when political expediency is at stake," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said. "In violation of some principles and norms of international law, such as non-interference in internal affairs, respect for sovereignty and for the state property immunity, one state actually ended up alienating the property of another state with the aim to back up anti-constitution coup in that state."
Earlier, the High Court in London ruled to recognize Juan Guaido as the constitutional interim president of Venezuela, denying incumbent President Nicolas Maduro access to the Venezuelan gold stored in the Bank of England. The court handed down a judgment ruling in a lawsuit filed by Venezuela’s Central Bank against the Bank of England to recover control over $1 billion of its gold held in the British capital.
EU against rapprochement
According to Zakharova, certain European countries are attempting to obstruct rapprochement between the Venezuelan opposition and the government. The steps taken by some European countries against Caracas lead to an impasse, she added.
"The European Union has approved a package of sanctions against a group of the country’s politicians, including from the opposition camp, who call for a constructive dialogue with the authorities. It is important that the efforts of the foreign ministers of Venezuela and the EU helped, however, to avoid any further escalation of the diplomatic crisis," Zakharova recalled.
"Not only do the steps taken in European capitals facilitate this, they pose a risk of bringing the situation to a standstill. Their initiators admit their own defeat and a lack of ideas on the track of Venezuelan settlement. The goal remains the same of making ‘toxic’ any rapprochement between the opposition and Chavists and to prevent the conflicting sides from finding common ground," she added.
Call for humanism
Zakharova underscored that even in the dire circumstances caused by sanctions and the pandemic, the people of Venezuela were striving to find a civilized political solution.
"They will be provided with this opportunity, under the current legislation, on December 6 to elect a new parliament, and then - also within the constitutional timeframe - to reinstate the mandate of the current head of state. A wider circle of political forces demonstrates their readiness to participate in the pre-election events," she noted.
"This trend should be overwhelmingly supported, without trying to torpedo it for the benefit of destructively minded radicals, as for them, a successful election might be equal to stepping down from the stage of politics," the diplomat added.
Russia will continue to support Venezuela’s constructive political forces in their aspiration to overcome differences peacefully through nationwide dialogue, she said. Moscow calls on all responsible members of the world to prioritize the principles of goodwill and humanism, to contribute maximum so that a favorable atmosphere for national dialogue could be created in Venezuela, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman concluded.
The political situation in Venezuela aggravated after Juan Guaido, a Venezuelan opposition leader and speaker of the National Assembly, whose appointment to that position had been cancelled by the country’s Supreme Court, had declared himself interim president at a rally in the country’s capital, Caracas, on January 23, 2019. The United States recognized him as an interim president, and the countries of the Lima Group (excluding Mexico), the Organization of American States, and most of the European Union nations followed suit. Venezuela's incumbent President Nicolas Maduro blasted the move as an attempted coup and announced cutting diplomatic ties with the United States. Russia, Belarus, Iran, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Syria, and Turkey voiced support for Maduro.


tass--2020-07-04--Russia urges partners to Iran nuclear deal to seek solutions without emergency measures

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has called on the signatories to the Iran nuclear deal to seek solutions to the crisis without resorting to emergency measures , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday .
`` Russia ’ s fundamental position is that any questions arising during the implementation of the JCPOA ( the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ) should be resolved within the Joint Commission .
Nevertheless , it is better to do it without resorting to emergency measures and without putting the process of looking for solutions under artificial time pressure , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points out that it is crucial `` to be guided by those lofty goals enshrined in the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 of the United Nations Security Council '' despite problems and disagreements and to try to communicate .
The ministry says that Iran is unhappy about how the European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal remain committed .
According to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif , Tehran calls for the issue to be considered at the Joint Commission within the framework of procedures stipulated in Paragraph 36 of the JCPOA .
The Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since May 2018 , after the United States ’ unilateral pullout .
Washington renounced its commitments under the deal then , and reinstated and tightened unilateral sanctions against Teheran in defiance of Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council .
The JCPOA , also known as the Iran nuclear deal , was signed between Iran , the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council ( Russia , the United Kingdom , China , the United States and France ) and Germany in 2015 .
Under the deal , Iran undertook to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under total control of the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) in exchange of abandonment of the sanctions imposed previously by the United Nations Security Council , the European Union and the United States over its nuclear program .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Russia has called on the signatories to the Iran nuclear deal to seek solutions to the crisis without resorting to emergency measures, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
"Russia’s fundamental position is that any questions arising during the implementation of the JCPOA (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) should be resolved within the Joint Commission. Nevertheless, it is better to do it without resorting to emergency measures and without putting the process of looking for solutions under artificial time pressure," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Moscow points out that it is crucial "to be guided by those lofty goals enshrined in the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 of the United Nations Security Council" despite problems and disagreements and to try to communicate.
The ministry says that Iran is unhappy about how the European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal remain committed. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, Tehran calls for the issue to be considered at the Joint Commission within the framework of procedures stipulated in Paragraph 36 of the JCPOA.
The Iran nuclear deal has been constantly facing problems since May 2018, after the United States’ unilateral pullout. Washington renounced its commitments under the deal then, and reinstated and tightened unilateral sanctions against Teheran in defiance of Resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council.
The JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed between Iran, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (Russia, the United Kingdom, China, the United States and France) and Germany in 2015. Under the deal, Iran undertook to curb its nuclear activities and place them under total control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in exchange of abandonment of the sanctions imposed previously by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the United States over its nuclear program.


tass--2020-07-04--Diplomat: EU members seek to poison rapprochement between Venezuelan gov’t, opposition

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Certain European countries seek to make any rapprochement between the Venezuelan opposition and @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday .
`` The European Union @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against a group of the country ’ s politicians , including from the opposition @ @ @ @ @ a constructive dialogue with the authorities .
It is important that the efforts of the @ @ @ @ @ the EU helped , however , to avoid any further escalation of the diplomatic crisis @ @ @ @ @ `` Not only do the steps taken in European capitals facilitate this , they pose @ @ @ @ @ situation to a standstill .
Their initiators admit their own defeat and a lack of @ @ @ @ @ Venezuelan settlement .
The goal remains the same of making ‘ toxic ’ any rapprochement @ @ @ @ @ and to prevent the conflicting sides from finding common ground , '' she added .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Certain European countries seek to make any rapprochement between the Venezuelan opposition and the government "toxic", Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Saturday.
"The European Union has passed a package of sanctions against a group of the country’s politicians, including from the opposition camp, who call for a constructive dialogue with the authorities. It is important that the efforts of the foreign ministers of Venezuela and the EU helped, however, to avoid any further escalation of the diplomatic crisis," Zakharova recalled.
"Not only do the steps taken in European capitals facilitate this, they pose a risk of bringing the situation to a standstill. Their initiators admit their own defeat and a lack of ideas on the track of Venezuelan settlement. The goal remains the same of making ‘toxic’ any rapprochement between the opposition and Chavists and to prevent the conflicting sides from finding common ground," she added.


tass--2020-07-04--Russia hammering out UN P5 summit agenda, says senior diplomat

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow continues to make diplomatic efforts to draw up the agenda of a @ @ @ @ @ Council ’ s five permanent members , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS @ @ @ @ @ continue our diplomatic efforts in order to draw up a generally acceptable agenda for that @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have submitted appropriate proposals to other partners in the P5 , and @ @ @ @ @ reaction . ''
Speaking at the World Holocaust Forum on January 23 , Russian President @ @ @ @ @ summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020 .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ said that the five UN Security Council permanent members were looking at making a contribution @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
He explained that , in order to do so , these nations @ @ @ @ @ videoconference and were agreeing its date .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a videoconference @ @ @ @ @ hoped it would possible to hold the summit before the end of September .

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Moscow continues to make diplomatic efforts to draw up the agenda of a summit of the UN Security Council’s five permanent members, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Saturday.
"We continue our diplomatic efforts in order to draw up a generally acceptable agenda for that event," he said. "We have submitted appropriate proposals to other partners in the P5, and we are waiting for their reaction."
Speaking at the World Holocaust Forum on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested organizing a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier said that the five UN Security Council permanent members were looking at making a contribution to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. He explained that, in order to do so, these nations had agreed to organize a videoconference and were agreeing its date.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at a videoconference on June 25 that he hoped it would possible to hold the summit before the end of September.


tass--2020-07-05--Constitutional amendments will enable Russia to avoid Soviet Union’s mistakes - Putin

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
The right of the republics to withdraw from the Soviet Union was a time bomb and Russia should avoid such mistakes , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin on Rossiya-1 TV channel on Sunday .
According to Putin , the Soviet Constitution included a thesis of Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin that the republics should be given the right to pull out from the USSR .
`` This is a time bomb laid back in 1922 when the Soviet Union was established , '' Putin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other Soviet Constitutions of 1924 , 1936 and 1977 .
`` Certainly , we should avoid these things , '' Putin said .
`` I am absolutely convinced that we are doing the right thing when passing amendments to the current Constitution .
They will strengthen our statehood and create conditions for consistent development of our country for dozens of years to come , '' the Russian leader said .
The procedure of the republics ’ withdrawal from the Soviet Union was not regulated , Putin stressed .
`` The question arises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a republic joined the Soviet Union , but amassed into its `` baggage '' a huge number of Russian lands , traditional Russian historic territories and then suddenly decided to leave the Union , '' the Russian leader said .
`` Then , it should leave like when it came rather than drag `` gifts '' from the Russian people .
Nothing of this was written down , '' Putin said .
On Friday , the Central Election Commission confirmed the outcome of the nationwide vote on amending the Russian Constitution .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters backed the amendments to Russia ’ s key law , while 21.27 % opposed them .
One of the amendments includes a ban on the alienation of Russian territories .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. The right of the republics to withdraw from the Soviet Union was a time bomb and Russia should avoid such mistakes, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Moscow. Kremlin. Putin on Rossiya-1 TV channel on Sunday.
According to Putin, the Soviet Constitution included a thesis of Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin that the republics should be given the right to pull out from the USSR. "This is a time bomb laid back in 1922 when the Soviet Union was established," Putin said, stressing that this right was included in other Soviet Constitutions of 1924, 1936 and 1977. "Certainly, we should avoid these things," Putin said.
"I am absolutely convinced that we are doing the right thing when passing amendments to the current Constitution. They will strengthen our statehood and create conditions for consistent development of our country for dozens of years to come," the Russian leader said.
The procedure of the republics’ withdrawal from the Soviet Union was not regulated, Putin stressed. "The question arises: [what to do] if a republic joined the Soviet Union, but amassed into its "baggage" a huge number of Russian lands, traditional Russian historic territories and then suddenly decided to leave the Union," the Russian leader said. "Then, it should leave like when it came rather than drag "gifts" from the Russian people. Nothing of this was written down," Putin said.
On Friday, the Central Election Commission confirmed the outcome of the nationwide vote on amending the Russian Constitution. According to the document, 77.92% of voters backed the amendments to Russia’s key law, while 21.27% opposed them. One of the amendments includes a ban on the alienation of Russian territories.


tass--2020-07-05--Austrian investigators say Russian asylum seeker shot dead in contract killing

VIENNA , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Austria ’ s investigators believe that the murder of an asylum seeker from @ @ @ @ @ capital Vienna was a contract killing , OE24 news portal reported citing sources in law @ @ @ @ @ The killed man and the detained person could be natives of Russia ’ s North @ @ @ @ @ Police declined to confirm this .
Earlier , the Austrian police told TASS that a @ @ @ @ @ citizen of Russia , was killed .
The suspected perpetrator , who is also a @ @ @ @ @ detained in the Austrian city of Linz .
A spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in @ @ @ @ @ n't received any requests in connection with the incident .
The diplomats are verifying the @ @ @ @ @ the case .

VIENNA, July 5. /TASS/. Austria’s investigators believe that the murder of an asylum seeker from Russia in Gerasdorf near the capital Vienna was a contract killing, OE24 news portal reported citing sources in law enforcement agencies on Sunday.
The killed man and the detained person could be natives of Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Chechnya. Police declined to confirm this.
Earlier, the Austrian police told TASS that a 43-year-old asylum seeker, a citizen of Russia, was killed. The suspected perpetrator, who is also a Russian citizen, was subsequently detained in the Austrian city of Linz.
A spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Vienna told TASS it hadn't received any requests in connection with the incident. The diplomats are verifying the report and plan to investigate the case.


tass--2020-07-05--Putin congratulates Trump on US Independence Day - Kremlin

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his US counterpart Donald Trump on Independence Day @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday .
`` Yes .
The congratulatory telegram was @ @ @ @ @ TASS when asked if Putin had congratulated Trump on Independence Day .
This year the @ @ @ @ @ of the national holiday commemorating America ’ s declaration of independence from the British Empire @ @ @ @ @ .
On occasion of the holiday , Washington D.C. hosted an air parade including both @ @ @ @ @ of air construction , starting from World War II , and modern aircraft .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his US counterpart Donald Trump on Independence Day marked on July 4, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday.
"Yes. The congratulatory telegram was sent," Peskov told TASS when asked if Putin had congratulated Trump on Independence Day.
This year the US held the 244th celebration of the national holiday commemorating America’s declaration of independence from the British Empire on July 4, 1776.
On occasion of the holiday, Washington D.C. hosted an air parade including both historic planes of various epochs of air construction, starting from World War II, and modern aircraft.


tass--2020-07-05--Over 450,000 recover from coronavirus in Russia - crisis center

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Some 3,871 COVID-19 patients were discharged in the past day in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ recoveries reached 450,750 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ number of recoveries exceeded 66.2 % of all coronavirus cases in Russia .
Some 561 @ @ @ @ @ , 492 in the Moscow Region , 248 in St. Petersburg , 175 in the @ @ @ @ @ in the Sverdlovsk Region .
Russia ’ s coronavirus death toll climbed by 134 in @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the crisis center , some 1.49 % of all coronavirus patients died @ @ @ @ @ past day some 42 patients died in St. Petersburg , 24 in Moscow , 11 @ @ @ @ @ 7 in the Novosibirsk Region , 5 in the Sverdlovsk Region , 4 in the @ @ @ @ @ Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and in 20 other regions the number of fatalities did not exceed @ @

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Some 3,871 COVID-19 patients were discharged in the past day in Russia, and the total number of recoveries reached 450,750, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday.
According to the crisis center, the total number of recoveries exceeded 66.2% of all coronavirus cases in Russia.
Some 561 patients were discharged in Moscow, 492 in the Moscow Region, 248 in St. Petersburg, 175 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and 145 in the Sverdlovsk Region.
Russia’s coronavirus death toll climbed by 134 in the past day to 10,161. According to the crisis center, some 1.49% of all coronavirus patients died in Russia.
In the past day some 42 patients died in St. Petersburg, 24 in Moscow, 11 in the Moscow Region, 7 in the Novosibirsk Region, 5 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 4 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and in 20 other regions the number of fatalities did not exceed 3.


tass--2020-07-05--Russia records over 6,700 COVID-19 cases in the past day - crisis center

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Some 6,736 new daily coronavirus cases were confirmed in Russia and over the @ @ @ @ @ growth has been less than 7,000 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ , the total number of COVID-19 cases reached 681,251 .
Over the past six days @ @ @ @ @ not exceed 1 % .
Some 650 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ , 275 in St. Petersburg , 272 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and 266 in @ @ @ @ @ lowest daily growth rate in cases was recorded in the Chukotka Autonomous Region , in @ @ @ @ @ , North Ossetia , the Jewish Autonomous Region and the Chechen Republic A total of @ @ @ @ @ are currently ill in Russia .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Some 6,736 new daily coronavirus cases were confirmed in Russia and over the past 10 days the daily growth has been less than 7,000, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Sunday.
According to the crisis center, the total number of COVID-19 cases reached 681,251. Over the past six days the daily growth rate did not exceed 1%.
Some 650 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Moscow, 287 in the Moscow Region, 275 in St. Petersburg, 272 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and 266 in the Sverdlovsk Region.
The lowest daily growth rate in cases was recorded in the Chukotka Autonomous Region, in Moscow, the Moscow Region, North Ossetia, the Jewish Autonomous Region and the Chechen Republic
A total of 220,340 people diagnoses with COVID-19 are currently ill in Russia.


tass--2020-07-05--Russia conducts over 21 mln COVID-19 tests, sanitary watchdog says

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists have carried out more than 21 mln tests for the novel coronavirus , the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday .
`` More than 21 mln tests for the coronavirus have been conducted in Russia , '' the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported .
Over the past day 317,000 tests were carried out .
On July 2 , the sanitary watchdog reported that the number of conducted tests exceeded 20 mln .
According to the watchdog , some 280,300 people remain under medical supervision in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 11,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 525,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 674,515 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 446,879 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 10,027 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Russian specialists have carried out more than 21 mln tests for the novel coronavirus, the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday.
"More than 21 mln tests for the coronavirus have been conducted in Russia," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported. Over the past day 317,000 tests were carried out.
On July 2, the sanitary watchdog reported that the number of conducted tests exceeded 20 mln.
According to the watchdog, some 280,300 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection.
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 11,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 525,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, 674,515 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 446,879 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 10,027 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-05--Protestors tear down monument to Christopher Columbus in Baltimore

WASHINGTON , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
A group of protesters tore down a monument to Christopher Columbus near the Little Italy district of Baltimore ( Maryland ) and tossed it into the city ’ s Inner Harbor as the United States celebrated the Independence Day , The Baltimore Sun newspaper reported .
`` A crowd of shouting protesters yanked down the Christopher Columbus statue near Little Italy , dragged it to the edge of Baltimore ’ s Inner Harbor and rolled it with a splash into the water as fireworks went off around the city on the night of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper said .
This monument , installed in 1984 , is not the only one in the city .
Another statue , located in the Herring Run Park , is believed to be the country ’ s oldest .
So far , it has been spared by protestors .
Mass protests and unrest began in many parts of the United States following the death of Afro-American George Floyd .
During his arrest on May 25 the police used excessive force .
All four officers who participated in that operation were dismissed and faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was commissioned to help local law enforcers restore order .
Nighttime curfew had to be imposed in about 40 cities , including Washington and New York .
Later , protesters in some US cities started taking down monuments to historic personalities , including to the leaders of Confederate States of America that united southern slave-owning states during the US Civil War ( 1861-1865 ) .
Moreover , a few statues of Christopher Columbus , an Italian navigator who is known for discovering America , were pulled down as well .

WASHINGTON, July 5. /TASS/. A group of protesters tore down a monument to Christopher Columbus near the Little Italy district of Baltimore (Maryland) and tossed it into the city’s Inner Harbor as the United States celebrated the Independence Day, The Baltimore Sun newspaper reported.
"A crowd of shouting protesters yanked down the Christopher Columbus statue near Little Italy, dragged it to the edge of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and rolled it with a splash into the water as fireworks went off around the city on the night of the Fourth of July," the paper said.
This monument, installed in 1984, is not the only one in the city. Another statue, located in the Herring Run Park, is believed to be the country’s oldest. So far, it has been spared by protestors.
Mass protests and unrest began in many parts of the United States following the death of Afro-American George Floyd. During his arrest on May 25 the police used excessive force. All four officers who participated in that operation were dismissed and faced official charges. The US National Guard was commissioned to help local law enforcers restore order. Nighttime curfew had to be imposed in about 40 cities, including Washington and New York.
Later, protesters in some US cities started taking down monuments to historic personalities, including to the leaders of Confederate States of America that united southern slave-owning states during the US Civil War (1861-1865). Moreover, a few statues of Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator who is known for discovering America, were pulled down as well.


tass--2020-07-05--Range of Russian EMP weapons increased to 10 km — sources

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
The range of Russia ’ s prospective EMP ( electromagnetic pulse ) cannons , which use a powerful beam of electromagnetic energy to destroy enemy targets , has been increased to 10 km , two defense industry sources told TASS on Sunday .
`` The trials of EMP weapons have been under way since 2015 .
The latest firing of EMP cannons took place this spring .
At present , the average range of EMP cannons against aerial targets is 7-8 km , with the maximum of 10 km , '' one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of such weapons was previously estimated at 1-2 km .
The other source told TASS that `` airborne targets can be destroyed at the distance of 10 km , because their on-board equipment burns down . ''
According to the source , an electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately , travelling with the speed of light .
Both sources said that during trials , EMP cannons were used to destroy various equipment on the ground and were also efficient against unmanned aerial vehicles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main problem of such weaponry is that it needs lots of energy to strike , and , therefore , creating a mobile EMP system is hardly possible in the near future .
The sources said that EMP weaponry should be distinguished from radioelectronic warfare systems .
While radioelectronic warfare systems can jam electronics at a distance of several hundred kilometers , they are way less powerful and do not knock out the equipment .
EMP cannons , on the contrary , physically destroy electronics beyond repair .
At the time of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially confirm the information , provided by the sources .
EMP cannons generate an ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic beam , heating up the target to critical temperatures within a fraction of a second .
Such weapons are expected to be installed at the unmanned version of Russia ’ s prospective sixth-generation fighter jet .
EMP cannons are unfit for manned aircraft , because high-level EMP signals can be harmful for the pilot .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. The range of Russia’s prospective EMP (electromagnetic pulse) cannons, which use a powerful beam of electromagnetic energy to destroy enemy targets, has been increased to 10 km, two defense industry sources told TASS on Sunday.
"The trials of EMP weapons have been under way since 2015. The latest firing of EMP cannons took place this spring. At present, the average range of EMP cannons against aerial targets is 7-8 km, with the maximum of 10 km," one of the sources said, adding that the range of such weapons was previously estimated at 1-2 km.
The other source told TASS that "airborne targets can be destroyed at the distance of 10 km, because their on-board equipment burns down." According to the source, an electromagnetic pulse lasts a fraction of a second and reaches the target almost immediately, travelling with the speed of light.
Both sources said that during trials, EMP cannons were used to destroy various equipment on the ground and were also efficient against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). They also said that the main problem of such weaponry is that it needs lots of energy to strike, and, therefore, creating a mobile EMP system is hardly possible in the near future.
The sources said that EMP weaponry should be distinguished from radioelectronic warfare systems. While radioelectronic warfare systems can jam electronics at a distance of several hundred kilometers, they are way less powerful and do not knock out the equipment. EMP cannons, on the contrary, physically destroy electronics beyond repair.
At the time of the publication, TASS has been unable to officially confirm the information, provided by the sources.
EMP cannons generate an ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic beam, heating up the target to critical temperatures within a fraction of a second.
Such weapons are expected to be installed at the unmanned version of Russia’s prospective sixth-generation fighter jet. EMP cannons are unfit for manned aircraft, because high-level EMP signals can be harmful for the pilot.


tass--2020-07-05--US protests subside, but it’s too early to say they are over - Russian expert

MOSCOW , July 4 .
/TASS/ .
Although the current protests in the United States subsided lately , it ’ s too early to say they are over as their root causes remain in place , Director-General of the Russian International Affairs Council Andrei Kortunov told TASS .
`` Naturally , it would be too early to say that the protest movement is over , because the root causes remain in place .
Those causes , in fact , are social rather than racial .
Those are the issues of social inequality , polarization , fragmentation of the US society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle which is now under way there , '' he said .
`` Although the street protest activity has subsided , some new incidents can not be ruled out - possibly in other forms and with different participants - because the problems remain unsolved , '' he said .
`` Saying that the issue has been dealt with would be premature at best . ''
In Kortunov ’ s opinion , it would be too early to make any predictions on the outcome of the protests , because `` a lot depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day of presidential election in the United States ] . ''
The analyst said that the protest movement might become a yet another dividing line in the ongoing election campaign .
`` The left will become even more leftist , the right - even more rightist .
Regretfully , the rift in the US society is most likely going to deepen , for the time being , '' he added .
`` If [ Joseph ] Biden wins , we might see a revival of some principles of Barack Obama ’ s social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , apparently , greater tax burden on the rich .
In other words , the national wealth will be redistributed for the benefit of the most vulnerable social groups .
This will have its negative consequences , most likely in the form of problems at financial markets , and , possibly , with the economic growth , '' the analyst said .
He went on to say that if Donald Trump is re-elected , the US administration is most likely to continue his current policies .
`` They commit themselves to economic growth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and his team , is expected to mitigate social problems , because ‘ the rising tide lifts all boats , ’ '' Kortunov said .
He went on to say that Trump and Biden are fighting to win the support of about 20 % of Americans , who have no clear political preferences .
`` They can support the Republicans and the Democrats , depending on the situation and on how they evaluate certain measures taken by the country ’ s leadership , '' the expert said .
`` To a certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support of this intermediary group . ''
`` Of course , the protests , the coronavirus and the economic crisis made things more difficult for Trump and reduced his chance of being re-elected , but , at the same time , it would be too early to ‘ put Trump out of commission , ’ so to speak .
Still , everything can change , '' he continued .
`` The incumbent president always has a huge number of levers , which he can use to turn the tide for his benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponent , to put it mildly , is far from being the most charismatic politician ever , and has lots of vulnerable spots , '' Kortunov said .
`` Yes , the balance of forces has shifted , but I would not speak of Trump ’ s defeat in November with certainty . ''
Mass protests and unrest began in many parts of the United States following the death of Afro-American George Floyd .
During his arrest on May 25 the police used excessive force .
All four officers who participated in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The US National Guard was commissioned to help local law enforcers restore order .
Nighttime curfew had to be imposed in about 40 cities , including Washington and New York .
Later , protesters in some US cities started taking down monuments to historic personalities , including to the leaders of Confederate States of America that united southern slave-owning states during the US Civil War ( 1861-1865 ) .
Moreover , a few statues of Christopher Columbus , an Italian navigator who is known for discovering America , were pulled down as @ @

MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. Although the current protests in the United States subsided lately, it’s too early to say they are over as their root causes remain in place, Director-General of the Russian International Affairs Council Andrei Kortunov told TASS.
"Naturally, it would be too early to say that the protest movement is over, because the root causes remain in place. Those causes, in fact, are social rather than racial. Those are the issues of social inequality, polarization, fragmentation of the US society, which is reflected in the political struggle which is now under way there," he said.
"Although the street protest activity has subsided, some new incidents cannot be ruled out - possibly in other forms and with different participants - because the problems remain unsolved," he said. "Saying that the issue has been dealt with would be premature at best."
In Kortunov’s opinion, it would be too early to make any predictions on the outcome of the protests, because "a lot depends on what happens on November 3 [the day of presidential election in the United States]."
The analyst said that the protest movement might become a yet another dividing line in the ongoing election campaign.
"The left will become even more leftist, the right - even more rightist. Regretfully, the rift in the US society is most likely going to deepen, for the time being," he added.
"If [Joseph] Biden wins, we might see a revival of some principles of Barack Obama’s social policy: greater social benefits, and, apparently, greater tax burden on the rich. In other words, the national wealth will be redistributed for the benefit of the most vulnerable social groups. This will have its negative consequences, most likely in the form of problems at financial markets, and, possibly, with the economic growth," the analyst said.
He went on to say that if Donald Trump is re-elected, the US administration is most likely to continue his current policies.
"They commit themselves to economic growth, which, in the opinion of Trump and his team, is expected to mitigate social problems, because ‘the rising tide lifts all boats,’" Kortunov said.
He went on to say that Trump and Biden are fighting to win the support of about 20% of Americans, who have no clear political preferences.
"They can support the Republicans and the Democrats, depending on the situation and on how they evaluate certain measures taken by the country’s leadership," the expert said. "To a certain extent, Trump appears to have lost the support of this intermediary group."
"Of course, the protests, the coronavirus and the economic crisis made things more difficult for Trump and reduced his chance of being re-elected, but, at the same time, it would be too early to ‘put Trump out of commission,’ so to speak. Still, everything can change," he continued.
"The incumbent president always has a huge number of levers, which he can use to turn the tide for his benefit, especially given the fact that his opponent, to put it mildly, is far from being the most charismatic politician ever, and has lots of vulnerable spots," Kortunov said. "Yes, the balance of forces has shifted, but I would not speak of Trump’s defeat in November with certainty."
Mass protests and unrest began in many parts of the United States following the death of Afro-American George Floyd. During his arrest on May 25 the police used excessive force. All four officers who participated in that operation were dismissed and faced official charges. The US National Guard was commissioned to help local law enforcers restore order. Nighttime curfew had to be imposed in about 40 cities, including Washington and New York.
Later, protesters in some US cities started taking down monuments to historic personalities, including to the leaders of Confederate States of America that united southern slave-owning states during the US Civil War (1861-1865). Moreover, a few statues of Christopher Columbus, an Italian navigator who is known for discovering America, were pulled down as well.


tass--2020-07-05--US will soon defeat radical left inside the country — Trump

WASHINGTON , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
The United States , which defeated Communism and Nazism in the past , is now facing the challenge of defeating the `` radical left '' on the domestic arena , US President Donald Trump said .
In his speech during 2020 Salute to America on the occasion of the US Independence Day , the US leader praised ‘ American heroes , ’ who `` defeated the Nazis , dethroned the Fascists , toppled the Communists , saved American values . ''
`` We are now in the process of defeating the radical left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agitators , the looters , and people who in many instances have absolutely no clue what they are doing , '' he said .
Mass protests and riots sparked in many US states following the death of African American George Floyd .
He died in hospital after a police officer used a choke hold during his arrest in Minneapolis , Minnesota , on May 25 .
All four involved police officers were fired and charged .
The US National Guard was deployed to ensure order .
A curfew was imposed in nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York .
On several occasions , Trump referred to the protesters as ‘ anarchists ’ and ‘ terrorists.
’ Besides , the president has repeatedly described his political opponents from the Democratic Party as ‘ radical left.
’ .

WASHINGTON, July 5. /TASS/. The United States, which defeated Communism and Nazism in the past, is now facing the challenge of defeating the "radical left" on the domestic arena, US President Donald Trump said.
In his speech during 2020 Salute to America on the occasion of the US Independence Day, the US leader praised ‘American heroes,’ who "defeated the Nazis, dethroned the Fascists, toppled the Communists, saved American values."
"We are now in the process of defeating the radical left, the Marxists, the anarchists, the agitators, the looters, and people who in many instances have absolutely no clue what they are doing," he said.
Mass protests and riots sparked in many US states following the death of African American George Floyd. He died in hospital after a police officer used a choke hold during his arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25. All four involved police officers were fired and charged. The US National Guard was deployed to ensure order. A curfew was imposed in nearly 40 cities, including Washington D.C. and New York.
On several occasions, Trump referred to the protesters as ‘anarchists’ and ‘terrorists.’ Besides, the president has repeatedly described his political opponents from the Democratic Party as ‘radical left.’.


tass--2020-07-06--Brazil reports more than 1.6 million coronavirus cases - ministry

RIO DE JANEIRO , July 6 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Brazil increased by 26,051 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 1,603,055 , the national health ministry ’ s data published Sunday shows .
Over the past 24 hours , 602 coronavirus-related fatalities were recorded , while 64,867 total deaths are identified in Brazil , and more than 906,000 patients recovered from the virus .
The southeastern region of Brazil is the epicenter of the infection , which includes the states of Sao Paulo , Rio de Janeiro , Espirito Santo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 553,000 infections and 29,750 deaths recorded there .
Brazil ’ s northeast remains the second most-affected region , as its nine states have almost 547,000 infections and 20,957 coronavirus-related fatalities .
Brazil reported its first coronavirus case on February 26 and is second on the list of hardest-hit countries in the world in both infections and deaths after the United States .
The national health ministry earlier forecast that the situation would stabilize by July , while the infection rates would slow down in August to subside by September .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus deaths plateaued in June .
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 .

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Brazil increased by 26,051 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 1,603,055, the national health ministry’s data published Sunday shows.
Over the past 24 hours, 602 coronavirus-related fatalities were recorded, while 64,867 total deaths are identified in Brazil, and more than 906,000 patients recovered from the virus.
The southeastern region of Brazil is the epicenter of the infection, which includes the states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais. There are more than 553,000 infections and 29,750 deaths recorded there. Brazil’s northeast remains the second most-affected region, as its nine states have almost 547,000 infections and 20,957 coronavirus-related fatalities.
Brazil reported its first coronavirus case on February 26 and is second on the list of hardest-hit countries in the world in both infections and deaths after the United States. The national health ministry earlier forecast that the situation would stabilize by July, while the infection rates would slow down in August to subside by September. According to the agency, the country’s coronavirus deaths plateaued in June.
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.


tass--2020-07-06--Russia’s St. Petersburg reopens museums, exhibition hall, gyms on July 6

ST. PETERSBURG , July 6 .
/TASS/ .
The temporary ban on visits to museums , exhibition halls , swimming pools and gyms is lifted in St. Petersburg in July 6 as part of gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions , the city government changed its relevant order .
`` To organize the access of visitors to state museums and state cultural exhibition facilities .
< … > To organize access of visitors to swimming pools , gyms , '' the document reads .
Personal protective equipment should be worn by both employees and customers .
Visitor flows should not merge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different points .
St. Petersburg started easing coronavirus restrictions on June 1 , but public gatherings are still banned in the city , while people are still required to wear masks and gloves in public spaces and public transport .
As of July 5 , St. Petersburg revealed 25,536 coronavirus infections , it is ranked third among most hit Russian regions after Moscow and the Moscow Region .
Moreover , 19,994 people recovered from the virus and 1,345 died .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

ST. PETERSBURG, July 6. /TASS/. The temporary ban on visits to museums, exhibition halls, swimming pools and gyms is lifted in St. Petersburg in July 6 as part of gradual easing of coronavirus restrictions, the city government changed its relevant order.
"To organize the access of visitors to state museums and state cultural exhibition facilities. <…> To organize access of visitors to swimming pools, gyms," the document reads.
Personal protective equipment should be worn by both employees and customers. Visitor flows should not merge, people should enter and exit through different points.
St. Petersburg started easing coronavirus restrictions on June 1, but public gatherings are still banned in the city, while people are still required to wear masks and gloves in public spaces and public transport.
As of July 5, St. Petersburg revealed 25,536 coronavirus infections, it is ranked third among most hit Russian regions after Moscow and the Moscow Region. Moreover, 19,994 people recovered from the virus and 1,345 died.
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.


tass--2020-07-06--Aeroflot repatriation flight with Russians onboard leave New York for Moscow

NEW YORK , July 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian nationals who wished to return home have left New York for Moscow Sunday aboard a repatriation flight operated by Aeroflot Russian Airlines , John F. Kennedy International Airport website shows .
The airport ’ s online schedule shows that SU103 flight left and is expected to land in Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:13 Moscow time .
The Russian embassy in the US earlier noted that citizens residing across Russia could check in for the flight .
On April 3 , Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov revealed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communicated their intentions to leave for Russia to diplomats amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Later , Aeroflot organized a number of repatriation flights from the US to Russia , taking off from New York , Los Angeles and Miami .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

NEW YORK, July 6. /TASS/. Russian nationals who wished to return home have left New York for Moscow Sunday aboard a repatriation flight operated by Aeroflot Russian Airlines, John F. Kennedy International Airport website shows.
The airport’s online schedule shows that SU103 flight left and is expected to land in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 11:13 Moscow time.
As Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov noted in a statement published via Facebook, this is "the twelfth repatriation flight for Russian citizens stuck in the US amid the pandemic." "391 people registered for the flight, including 21 babies," the envoy said. Antonov stressed that the embassy diplomats put in the effort to include on the flight list 52 people who required urgent repatriation for humanitarian reasons," including "people in difficult life situations, retired and disabled people."
"Today, one student whose studying and accommodation terms ran out is coming home as well as one schoolchild who travelled to the US for an ‘educational exchange’ program," he added.
The Russian embassy in the US earlier noted that citizens residing across Russia could check in for the flight.
On April 3, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov revealed that more than 2,000 Russians stranded in America communicated their intentions to leave for Russia to diplomats amid the coronavirus pandemic. Later, Aeroflot organized a number of repatriation flights from the US to Russia, taking off from New York, Los Angeles and Miami.
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.


tass--2020-07-06--Trump to hold second campaign rally since pandemic began

WASHINGTON , July 6 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in Portsmouth , New Hampshire , Trump ’ s re-election campaign headquarters said in a statement Sunday .
The White House occupant postponed all campaign events when the pandemic hit the country .
However , Trump convened his supporters in Tulsa , Oklahoma on June 20 after a lengthy break .
The New Hampshire rally will be the second after the US introduced epidemiological restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus .
Rally organizers strongly recommended that all attendees wear face masks to minimize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be ample access to hand sanitizer and all attendees will be provided a face mask that they are strongly encouraged to wear , '' the statement says .
Earlier , CNN reported that Trump was telling his backers that it was up to them whether to wear masks ahead of the Tulsa rally , and many of his supporters opted not to .
According to Johns Hopkins University , the US has identified more than 2.85 million coronavirus infections , while almost 130,000 people died from the virus .
In late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

WASHINGTON, July 6. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump will hold a campaign rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Trump’s re-election campaign headquarters said in a statement Sunday.
The White House occupant postponed all campaign events when the pandemic hit the country. However, Trump convened his supporters in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 20 after a lengthy break. The New Hampshire rally will be the second after the US introduced epidemiological restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Rally organizers strongly recommended that all attendees wear face masks to minimize transmission risks, adding that "there will be ample access to hand sanitizer and all attendees will be provided a face mask that they are strongly encouraged to wear," the statement says.
Earlier, CNN reported that Trump was telling his backers that it was up to them whether to wear masks ahead of the Tulsa rally, and many of his supporters opted not to.
According to Johns Hopkins University, the US has identified more than 2.85 million coronavirus infections, while almost 130,000 people died from the virus.
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.


tass--2020-07-06--Israel hits Hamas targets in Gaza in response to rocket attacks - IDF

TEL AVIV , July 6 .
/TASS/ .
Israel has delivered air strikes at Hamas facilities in the Gaza Strip in response to three rockets fired at its territory from that area on Sunday , Israel ’ s Defense Forces ( IDF ) said .
`` In response to the 3 rockets fired at Israel earlier this evening , our Air Force just targeted Hamas underground terror infrastructure in Gaza .
We hold Hamas responsible , '' IDF wrote on its Twitter account .
IDF said earlier in the day that three rockets had been fired by radicals from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was intercepted by Israel ’ s Iron Dome Aerial Defense System .
Israel ’ s Kan radio stations said no casualties or damages had been reported .
Previous rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip were reported on June 26 , June 15 , May 6 , and March 27 .
The Israel Defense Forces retaliated by delivering strikes at Hamas ’ military facilities .
On February 23 and 24 , when more than 80 rockets were fired at the Israeli territory , IDF hit Islamic Jihad group ’ s military targets south of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ facilities in the Gaza Strip .

TEL AVIV, July 6. /TASS/. Israel has delivered air strikes at Hamas facilities in the Gaza Strip in response to three rockets fired at its territory from that area on Sunday, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) said.
"In response to the 3 rockets fired at Israel earlier this evening, our Air Force just targeted Hamas underground terror infrastructure in Gaza. We hold Hamas responsible," IDF wrote on its Twitter account.
IDF said earlier in the day that three rockets had been fired by radicals from the Gaza Strip. One of the rockets was intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome Aerial Defense System. Israel’s Kan radio stations said no casualties or damages had been reported.
Previous rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip were reported on June 26, June 15, May 6, and March 27. The Israel Defense Forces retaliated by delivering strikes at Hamas’ military facilities. On February 23 and 24, when more than 80 rockets were fired at the Israeli territory, IDF hit Islamic Jihad group’s military targets south of Damascus in Syria and dozens of radicals’ facilities in the Gaza Strip.


tass--2020-07-05--22 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Twenty-two more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , bringing @ @ @ @ @ 3,975 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday .
`` Twenty-two @ @ @ @ @ have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of coronavirus-related @ @ @ @ @ 3,975 .
To date , 681,251 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ the disease .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 5. /TASS/. Twenty-two more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, bringing the death toll up to 3,975, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday.
"Twenty-two coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 3,975.
To date, 681,251 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 450,750 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-07-05--Belarus to consolidate position on Russia’s food market - deputy PM

MINSK , July 5 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian farmers will try to consolidate their positions on Russia ’ s food @ @ @ @ @ slump is over , Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Subbotin said on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
Common approaches to packaging , common approaches to food preferences , so , @ @ @ @ @ to secure a stronghold on this market and will spare no effort to retain the @ @ @ @ @ , and even expand it , '' he said in an interview with the Belarus @ @ @ @ @ , in his words , Belarus is trying to diversify its exports .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ 100 countries .
We should be more rational about exports to look for more beneficial @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We should be guided by considerations of economic expediency . ''
Belarus ’ @ @ @ @ @ at 5.5 billion US dollars .
Food exports to Russia increased by three percent on @ @ @ @ @ US dollars .

MINSK, July 5. /TASS/. Belarusian farmers will try to consolidate their positions on Russia’s food market after the pandemic-triggered economic slump is over, Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Subbotin said on Sunday.
"Main focus is made on Russia. Common approaches to packaging, common approaches to food preferences, so, we will spare no effort to secure a stronghold on this market and will spare no effort to retain the segment we are no having, and even expand it," he said in an interview with the Belarus 1 television channel.
Nevertheless, in his words, Belarus is trying to diversify its exports. "Our products are known in almost 100 countries. We should be more rational about exports to look for more beneficial terms," Subbotin said. "We should be guided by considerations of economic expediency."
Belarus’ food exports in 2019 stood at 5.5 billion US dollars. Food exports to Russia increased by three percent on 2018 and reached 4.3 billion US dollars.