tass--2020-08-03--Press review: Will Minsk extradite Russians to Kiev and Putin greenlights cryptocurrencies

Izvestia : Moscow-Minsk relations to deteriorate if 33 Russians are extradited to Kiev The extradition of Russian citizens detained in Minsk to Ukraine would inevitably spoil relations between Russia and Belarus , according to experts interviewed by Izvestia .
In their opinion , such a scenario would be disadvantageous for president Alexander Lukashenko right before the elections .
Meanwhile , Belarusian officials continue to add fuel to the flame , the newspaper writes .
According to Lukashenko , up to 200 people could allegedly be moved to the country to destabilize the situation .
Russia called on Minsk `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted on the quickest release of its citizens .
First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs , Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Viktor Vodolatsky told Izvestia that Minsk must apologize for the unjustified detention of Russians .
`` First of all , Belarusians need to release the detained Russian citizens who were moving in transit to a third country to fulfill contractual obligations .
Minsk should also apologize for the unjustified detention , '' he said .
Continued detention of 33 Russian citizens on the territory of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the Union State ’ s framework , he noted .
`` This scandal before the elections would be unfavorable for Alexander Lukashenko - he positions himself as a pro-Russian candidate who stands for the Union State - such scandals lead to a division between countries , not integration , '' Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations and Russian Foreign Policy at MGIMO University Oleg Aleksandrov told the paper .
The situation is complicated by the `` Ukrainian factor '' : on July 30 , the Belarusian side gave Kiev a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether these people participated in the conflict in Donbass on the side of the self-proclaimed republics .
According to Belarusian political scientist , Director of the Center for the Study of the Integration of Northern Eurasia Aleksey Dzermant , two scenarios are possible : a positive one assumes that after the elections the situation will be resolved , and detainees could be released .
In a negative scenario , Minsk will extradite the Russians to Kiev , and then the deterioration of relations between Russia and Belarus will be inevitable .
Vedomosti : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extending New START Treaty The United States intends to conclude a new nuclear non-proliferation agreement with Russia , Donald Trump said on August 1 .
The New START Treaty was signed in 2010 and expires in 2021 , but despite Russia ’ s wishes , Washington has not expressed any intentions to extend it .
At the same time , the US leadership insistently proposed transferring the new treaty into a system of trilateral relations , linking it with China .
This initiative was rejected in Beijing .
Experts interviewed by Vedomosti believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of China 's accession to the treaty , this will increase the treaty ’ s chances to be extended .
`` What makes Trump ’ s latest words different is that he is no longer pushing so hard for a deal with China .
He says that first you can conclude an agreement with Russia , and then with China , '' expert at the Russian International Affairs Council Alexander Yermakov told the newspaper .
`` In a sense , this is a shift , if it means the removal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the New START Treaty .
If Trump is ready to ‘ cede ’ the clause on China 's accession to the treaty , this will increase the chance of the Treaty ’ s extension , '' the expert noted .
According to a researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations at the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Stefanovich , `` For Trump , the terms 'non-proliferation ' , 'disarmament ' , and 'arms control ' are interchangeable . ''
`` It seems that there is a desire and readiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic issues in the traditional bilateral format with the subsequent involvement of China , '' he told Vedomosti .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict might be about energy supplies Russia began military maneuvers in Armenia on Saturday .
Their active phase with the use of strike aircraft took place at the time of similar Azerbaijani-Turkish maneuvers near the borders of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , virtually two interethnic troops ( the Armenian-Russian and Azerbaijani-Turkish ) are demonstrating forces to each other at a large scale .
Meanwhile , experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have a hidden energy supply agenda , and could heat up once again .
Baku and Yerevan note that the maneuvers were planned and were not associated with an aggravation of the situation at the border .
Military expert , reserve lieutenant general Yuri Netkachev told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the movement of large units across the territory of Armenia has another meaning .
He noted that Ankara supports Azerbaijan and it can not be ruled out that joint maneuvers with Baku could spill into armed clashes with Armenia .
`` The presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a deterrent .
This guarantees that the parties to the conflict will not start a large-scale war , '' the expert added .
Meanwhile , according to a number of Turkish and Azerbaijani experts , the threat of the escalation of the conflict persists - the situation between Baku and Yerevan is taking place against growing supplies of Azerbaijani gas to Turkey , and the conflict is taking place in the area of energy supply routes .
`` Oil and gas from the Caspian region is an alternative to Russian hydrocarbons in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uzeyir Jafarov told the newspaper .
He believes that `` in the near future , a new aggravation between Baku and Yerevan is quite real , '' as this may negatively affect the efficiency of transporting hydrocarbons from Azerbaijan to Turkey and Europe .
At the same time , military expert , reserve colonel Vladimir Popov told the newspaper that , `` Turkey is Russia 's partner in exports of Russian gas to Europe .
And Azerbaijani gas is not a reason for Moscow to start some kind of military action . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil companies by an additional $ 2.69 bln Russian officials and oil companies are facing the biggest tax dispute in two years .
The Ministry of Finance submitted to the government a bill on changing the tax on additional income from hydrocarbon production , which means not only significantly worsening its parameters for companies but also collecting an additional 200 bln rubles ( $ 2.69 bln ) over the next three years , sources told Kommersant , and this should primarily affect Gazprom Neft and Rosneft .
According to the newspaper , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the issue can be brought up to Russia ’ s president .
The tax started working in 2019 as an experiment - the tax was not imposed on the volume of production ( like the mineral extraction tax ) , but on the financial result ( proceeds from the sale of oil minus costs ) .
These measures , according to the Ministry of Finance , should bring in an additional 87.8 bln rubles ( $ 1.18 bln ) to the budget in 2021 and 55.6 bln rubles ( $ 747.82 mln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2023 was not specified , but according to Kommersant sources , in general , it would be around 200 bln rubles ( $ 2.69 bln ) over three years .
Gazprom Neft and Rosneft may suffer the most .
The largest asset that has brought losses to the budget is Gazprom Neft 's Novoportovskoye field with a production of 7.7 mln tonnes in 2019 .
According to the newspaper , oil companies consider this tax decision to be incorrect .
They agree that the tax should be adjusted , but do not understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finance for losses due to errors in calculations made by the ministry itself .
According to Kommersant , Rosneft took the toughest position , which suggests abandoning any changes .
But other oil majors also believe that the issue will hardly be resolved by compromise and , as a result , it will be brought to the attention of the president .
Vedomosti : Putin greenlights cryptocurrencies for all operations except payment Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Law on Digital Financial Assets - for the first time , it provides definitions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so on .
However , cryptocurrencies still can not be used for payment .
The new law is more likely to become an obstacle than an incentive for the crypto market , experts told Vedomosti .
`` The new law recognizes the existence of bitcoin .
I can mine it , buy it , store it , own it , but I can not use it for payment or exchange , '' CEO of Digital Partners Consulting Pyotr Dvoryankin told the newspaper .
`` I will have to pay income tax and fulfill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the securities market when selling bitcoin , like with selling securities , and this will discourage any law-abiding investor from coming to this market and developing it .
As a result , all promising investors and start-ups will move to other , more friendly jurisdictions , such as Japan or Switzerland , '' the expert added .
`` To ensure the competitiveness of Russian fintech , additional measures are needed to support exports of financial services , including through the conclusion of agreements with foreign states and associations of fintech companies to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia is not developing , unlike in the OECD countries , '' Head of the RANEPA Center of Competence and Analysis of OECD Standards Antonina Levashenko told the newspaper .
The legislative regulation of fintech has not yet been completed - in the fall session , lawmakers intend to consider a number of bills related to the development of the digital economy .
Experts hope that it would be possible to implement provisions , which would enable developing digital financial solutions , including cryptocurrency .
/TASS is not responsible for the material @ @ @ @ @ @

Izvestia: Moscow-Minsk relations to deteriorate if 33 Russians are extradited to Kiev
The extradition of Russian citizens detained in Minsk to Ukraine would inevitably spoil relations between Russia and Belarus, according to experts interviewed by Izvestia. In their opinion, such a scenario would be disadvantageous for president Alexander Lukashenko right before the elections. Meanwhile, Belarusian officials continue to add fuel to the flame, the newspaper writes. According to Lukashenko, up to 200 people could allegedly be moved to the country to destabilize the situation. Russia called on Minsk "to stop igniting unnecessary negative emotions" and insisted on the quickest release of its citizens. First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Viktor Vodolatsky told Izvestia that Minsk must apologize for the unjustified detention of Russians. "First of all, Belarusians need to release the detained Russian citizens who were moving in transit to a third country to fulfill contractual obligations. Minsk should also apologize for the unjustified detention," he said. Continued detention of 33 Russian citizens on the territory of Belarus is disrespectful to Russia as a partner within the Union State’s framework, he noted. "This scandal before the elections would be unfavorable for Alexander Lukashenko - he positions himself as a pro-Russian candidate who stands for the Union State - such scandals lead to a division between countries, not integration," Associate Professor of the Department of International Relations and Russian Foreign Policy at MGIMO University Oleg Aleksandrov told the paper. The situation is complicated by the "Ukrainian factor": on July 30, the Belarusian side gave Kiev a list of Russian citizens to find out whether these people participated in the conflict in Donbass on the side of the self-proclaimed republics. According to Belarusian political scientist, Director of the Center for the Study of the Integration of Northern Eurasia Aleksey Dzermant, two scenarios are possible: a positive one assumes that after the elections the situation will be resolved, and detainees could be released. In a negative scenario, Minsk will extradite the Russians to Kiev, and then the deterioration of relations between Russia and Belarus will be inevitable. Vedomosti: The US may change its position on extending New START Treaty
Read also China views US attempts to involve it in talks on New START Treaty as political hoax
The United States intends to conclude a new nuclear non-proliferation agreement with Russia, Donald Trump said on August 1. The New START Treaty was signed in 2010 and expires in 2021, but despite Russia’s wishes, Washington has not expressed any intentions to extend it. At the same time, the US leadership insistently proposed transferring the new treaty into a system of trilateral relations, linking it with China. This initiative was rejected in Beijing. Experts interviewed by Vedomosti believe that if Trump is ready to abandon the idea of China's accession to the treaty, this will increase the treaty’s chances to be extended. "What makes Trump’s latest words different is that he is no longer pushing so hard for a deal with China. He says that first you can conclude an agreement with Russia, and then with China," expert at the Russian International Affairs Council Alexander Yermakov told the newspaper. "In a sense, this is a shift, if it means the removal of the most fundamental barrier to the extension of the New START Treaty. If Trump is ready to ‘cede’ the clause on China's accession to the treaty, this will increase the chance of the Treaty’s extension," the expert noted. According to a researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations at the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Stefanovich, "For Trump, the terms 'non-proliferation', 'disarmament', and 'arms control' are interchangeable." "It seems that there is a desire and readiness to begin settling at least some Russian-US strategic issues in the traditional bilateral format with the subsequent involvement of China," he told Vedomosti. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict might be about energy supplies
Read also Yerevan accuses Baku of masterminding attacks on Armenians abroad
Russia began military maneuvers in Armenia on Saturday. Their active phase with the use of strike aircraft took place at the time of similar Azerbaijani-Turkish maneuvers near the borders of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, virtually two interethnic troops (the Armenian-Russian and Azerbaijani-Turkish) are demonstrating forces to each other at a large scale. Meanwhile, experts told the newspaper that the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict could have a hidden energy supply agenda, and could heat up once again. Baku and Yerevan note that the maneuvers were planned and were not associated with an aggravation of the situation at the border. Military expert, reserve lieutenant general Yuri Netkachev told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the movement of large units across the territory of Armenia has another meaning. He noted that Ankara supports Azerbaijan and it cannot be ruled out that joint maneuvers with Baku could spill into armed clashes with Armenia. "The presence of Russian troops in this country acts as a deterrent. This guarantees that the parties to the conflict will not start a large-scale war," the expert added. Meanwhile, according to a number of Turkish and Azerbaijani experts, the threat of the escalation of the conflict persists - the situation between Baku and Yerevan is taking place against growing supplies of Azerbaijani gas to Turkey, and the conflict is taking place in the area of energy supply routes. "Oil and gas from the Caspian region is an alternative to Russian hydrocarbons in the European market," Military expert Uzeyir Jafarov told the newspaper. He believes that "in the near future, a new aggravation between Baku and Yerevan is quite real," as this may negatively affect the efficiency of transporting hydrocarbons from Azerbaijan to Turkey and Europe. At the same time, military expert, reserve colonel Vladimir Popov told the newspaper that, "Turkey is Russia's partner in exports of Russian gas to Europe. And Azerbaijani gas is not a reason for Moscow to start some kind of military action." Kommersant: Government wants to tax Russian oil companies by an additional $2.69 bln
Russian officials and oil companies are facing the biggest tax dispute in two years. The Ministry of Finance submitted to the government a bill on changing the tax on additional income from hydrocarbon production, which means not only significantly worsening its parameters for companies but also collecting an additional 200 bln rubles ($2.69 bln) over the next three years, sources told Kommersant, and this should primarily affect Gazprom Neft and Rosneft. According to the newspaper, the companies strongly disagree with this approach, and the issue can be brought up to Russia’s president. The tax started working in 2019 as an experiment - the tax was not imposed on the volume of production (like the mineral extraction tax), but on the financial result (proceeds from the sale of oil minus costs). These measures, according to the Ministry of Finance, should bring in an additional 87.8 bln rubles ($1.18 bln) to the budget in 2021 and 55.6 bln rubles ($747.82 mln) in 2022. The forecast for 2023 was not specified, but according to Kommersant sources, in general, it would be around 200 bln rubles ($2.69 bln) over three years. Gazprom Neft and Rosneft may suffer the most. The largest asset that has brought losses to the budget is Gazprom Neft's Novoportovskoye field with a production of 7.7 mln tonnes in 2019. According to the newspaper, oil companies consider this tax decision to be incorrect. They agree that the tax should be adjusted, but do not understand why they should compensate the Ministry of Finance for losses due to errors in calculations made by the ministry itself. According to Kommersant, Rosneft took the toughest position, which suggests abandoning any changes. But other oil majors also believe that the issue will hardly be resolved by compromise and, as a result, it will be brought to the attention of the president. Vedomosti: Putin greenlights cryptocurrencies for all operations except payment
Read also Venezuela to use petro cryptocurrency for oil sales, Maduro says


tass--2020-08-03--Russian antimonopoly watchdog approves Hyundai’s application to buy GM plant

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Federal Antimonopoly Service ( FAS ) of Russia satisfied the application of @ @ @ @ @ to purchase 94.83 % in the General Motors plant located in St. Petersburg , the @ @ @ @ @ `` FAS of Russia has considered the application of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus Limited Liability @ @ @ @ @ of 94.83 % core production facilities of General Motors Auto Limited Liability Company situated in @ @ @ @ @ '' the service says .
`` It has ascertained that the deal stated in the @ @ @ @ @ competition limiting .
Being governed by Paragraph 1 , Part 2 of Article 33 of @ @ @ @ @ Competition , FAS of Russia made the decision to uphold this application , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia satisfied the application of South Korea’s Hyundai to purchase 94.83% in the General Motors plant located in St. Petersburg, the regulator said on Monday.
"FAS of Russia has considered the application of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus Limited Liability Company on obtaining the ownership of 94.83% core production facilities of General Motors Auto Limited Liability Company situated in the territory of Russia," the service says. "It has ascertained that the deal stated in the application will not lead to competition limiting. Being governed by Paragraph 1, Part 2 of Article 33 of the Law on protection of Competition, FAS of Russia made the decision to uphold this application," the watchdog says.


tass--2020-08-03--Belarusian rights activists note unequal election campaign conditions

MINSK , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian human rights activists said that the conditions for the presidential election campaign in the country were unequal , with the authorities often hampering events held by the incumbent president ’ s top rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , a report posted on the website of the Viasna human rights center ( not registered by the Belarusian Ministry of Justice ) said .
`` Events held by the top rival of the incumbent president , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , are held under law enforcement agencies ’ scrutiny , while in the regions they are hampered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In particular , on July 30 , a spokesperson for Tikhanovskaya ’ s headquarters said that the administration of Pinsk , a city in the Brest Region , refused to authorize a rally with the candidate ’ s participation , while some state enterprises and private outdoor advertising companies refused to install campaign billboards .
On the other hand , the administrative and propaganda leverage is used in support of candidate Alexander Lukashenko , the report emphasized .
Human rights activists also pointed out that the Belarusian Central Election Commission had restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` thereby creating conditions for manipulation and making the electoral process even more closed to the public . ''
The Belarusian presidential election will be held on August 9 .
The Central Election Commission registered five presidential candidates .
They are Andrey Dmitriev , Anna Kanopatskaya , Alexander Lukashenko , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Sergei Cherechen .
Two contenders who were considered to be the incumbent president ’ s main competitors , Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo , were denied registration .

MINSK, August 3. /TASS/. Belarusian human rights activists said that the conditions for the presidential election campaign in the country were unequal, with the authorities often hampering events held by the incumbent president’s top rival Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a report posted on the website of the Viasna human rights center (not registered by the Belarusian Ministry of Justice) said.
"Events held by the top rival of the incumbent president, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, are held under law enforcement agencies’ scrutiny, while in the regions they are hampered by government bodies," the report stated. In particular, on July 30, a spokesperson for Tikhanovskaya’s headquarters said that the administration of Pinsk, a city in the Brest Region, refused to authorize a rally with the candidate’s participation, while some state enterprises and private outdoor advertising companies refused to install campaign billboards.
On the other hand, the administrative and propaganda leverage is used in support of candidate Alexander Lukashenko, the report emphasized.
Human rights activists also pointed out that the Belarusian Central Election Commission had restricted the monitoring process at polling stations, "thereby creating conditions for manipulation and making the electoral process even more closed to the public."
The Belarusian presidential election will be held on August 9. The Central Election Commission registered five presidential candidates. They are Andrey Dmitriev, Anna Kanopatskaya, Alexander Lukashenko, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Sergei Cherechen. Two contenders who were considered to be the incumbent president’s main competitors, Viktor Babariko and Valery Tsepkalo, were denied registration.


tass--2020-08-03--Russia launches production of latest Armata tanks

`` Yes , the work is underway , '' the minister said , replying to a question about whether the production of these armored vehicles had begun in Russia .
MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
The production of tanks and fighting vehicles based on the latest Armata combat platform under a contract signed with Russia ’ s Defense Ministry several years ago is already underway , Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told TASS on Monday .
The Armata is a heavy tracked standardized platform serving as the basis to develop a main battle tank , an infantry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and some other armored vehicles .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko announced in August 2018 that a contract on 132 T-14 tanks and T-15 infantry fighting vehicles based on the Armata combat platform had been signed .
He did not specify , though , when the document was inked .
The deliveries of serial-produced Armata tanks to the Russian troops have not begun yet .
Industry and Trade Minister Manturov said in April this year that the troops would get the first Armata tanks in 2021 .
The T-14 tank based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public for the first time at Red Square ’ s Victory Day parade on May 9 , 2015 .
The new combat vehicle features fully digitized equipment , an unmanned turret and an isolated armored capsule for the crew .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport earlier announced that the T-14 tank and the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle based on the Armata combat platform would be demonstrated to potential foreign buyers at the Army-2020 international arms show in August .
The developers of the latest Russian T-14 Armata tank have resolved the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Manturov said .
`` Yes , the problems with both the engines and the thermal imagers have been resolved .
The engine generates the parameters and the technical characteristics that were laid out in the performance specifications upon its designing , '' he said .
`` As for the thermal imagers , I can confidently say that we have a fully import-substituted Russian product that is made by Shvabe [ holding ] , '' the minister said .
The Armata ’ s trials in the troops are proceeding in accordance with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also preparing the Armata for export .
As Manturov said in April , Russia plans to start work with Armata ’ s foreign customers in 2021 and has already received several prior requests .
The tank has already been tested in Syria .

"Yes, the work is underway," the minister said, replying to a question about whether the production of these armored vehicles had begun in Russia.
MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. The production of tanks and fighting vehicles based on the latest Armata combat platform under a contract signed with Russia’s Defense Ministry several years ago is already underway, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told TASS on Monday.
The Armata is a heavy tracked standardized platform serving as the basis to develop a main battle tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored personnel carrier and some other armored vehicles.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko announced in August 2018 that a contract on 132 T-14 tanks and T-15 infantry fighting vehicles based on the Armata combat platform had been signed. He did not specify, though, when the document was inked. The deliveries of serial-produced Armata tanks to the Russian troops have not begun yet. Industry and Trade Minister Manturov said in April this year that the troops would get the first Armata tanks in 2021.
The T-14 tank based on the Armata platform was shown to the public for the first time at Red Square’s Victory Day parade on May 9, 2015. The new combat vehicle features fully digitized equipment, an unmanned turret and an isolated armored capsule for the crew.
Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport earlier announced that the T-14 tank and the T-15 infantry fighting vehicle based on the Armata combat platform would be demonstrated to potential foreign buyers at the Army-2020 international arms show in August.
The developers of the latest Russian T-14 Armata tank have resolved the problems with its engines and thermal imagers, Manturov said. "Yes, the problems with both the engines and the thermal imagers have been resolved. The engine generates the parameters and the technical characteristics that were laid out in the performance specifications upon its designing," he said.
"As for the thermal imagers, I can confidently say that we have a fully import-substituted Russian product that is made by Shvabe [holding]," the minister said.
The Armata’s trials in the troops are proceeding in accordance with the schedule, the minister said.
Russia is also preparing the Armata for export. As Manturov said in April, Russia plans to start work with Armata’s foreign customers in 2021 and has already received several prior requests. The tank has already been tested in Syria.


tass--2020-08-03--Russia reports 5,394 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Russia to make several million doses of COVID-19 vaccines per month by 2021 , says minister MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 5,394 in the past 24 hours , pushing the total number of the infected to 856,264 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday .
In particular , 693 cases were recorded in Moscow , 196 in the Sverdlovsk Region , 172 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region , while the Moscow Region and St. Petersburg reported 160 new cases each .
According to the crisis center , the daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest daily growth rates were recorded in the Nenets Autonomous Region ( 0 % ) , the Chukotka autonomous region ( 0 % ) , the Karachay-Circassian Region ( 0.2 % ) , North Ossetia ( 0.2 % ) and the Jewish Autonomous Region ( 0.2 % ) .
In Moscow , the Moscow Region , Kabardino-Balkaria , the Ivanovo , Smolensk , Lipetsk and Kirov regions the growth rate was 0.3 % .
The number of coronavirus recoveries over the past 24 hours has increased by 3,420 to 653,593 , the anti-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Having recovered , 842 patients were discharged in Moscow , 206 - in the Khabarovsk Region , 205 - in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area , 197 - in the Moscow Region , and 147 - in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region in one day .
As of now , a total of 188,464 coronavirus patients are undergoing treatment in Russia .
The number of COVID-19 fatalities over the past 24 hours increased by 79 compared to 70 deaths recorded a day earlier , including 13 deaths in Moscow , six - in St. Petersburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krasnoyarsk Region each , and five fatalities in the Tula Region .
In all , 14,207 people have died , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported .
According to the crisis center , fatalities account for 1.66 % of all COVID-19 patients in Russia .

Russia to make several million doses of COVID-19 vaccines per month by 2021, says minister
MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 5,394 in the past 24 hours, pushing the total number of the infected to 856,264, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday.
In particular, 693 cases were recorded in Moscow, 196 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 172 in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region, while the Moscow Region and St. Petersburg reported 160 new cases each.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth rate is 0.6%. The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in the Nenets Autonomous Region (0%), the Chukotka autonomous region (0%), the Karachay-Circassian Region (0.2%), North Ossetia (0.2%) and the Jewish Autonomous Region (0.2%). In Moscow, the Moscow Region, Kabardino-Balkaria, the Ivanovo, Smolensk, Lipetsk and Kirov regions the growth rate was 0.3%.
The number of coronavirus recoveries over the past 24 hours has increased by 3,420 to 653,593, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday. Having recovered, 842 patients were discharged in Moscow, 206 - in the Khabarovsk Region, 205 - in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, 197 - in the Moscow Region, and 147 - in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region in one day.
As of now, a total of 188,464 coronavirus patients are undergoing treatment in Russia.
The number of COVID-19 fatalities over the past 24 hours increased by 79 compared to 70 deaths recorded a day earlier, including 13 deaths in Moscow, six - in St. Petersburg, the Novosibirsk Region, and the Krasnoyarsk Region each, and five fatalities in the Tula Region. In all, 14,207 people have died, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported.
According to the crisis center, fatalities account for 1.66% of all COVID-19 patients in Russia.


tass--2020-08-03--FSB detains 42 underground gunmakers in 12 Russian regions

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has conducted a massive special operation to intercept underground gunmakers , detaining 42 individuals and uncovering 22 clandestine arms upgrading workshops equipped with 3D-printers , the FSB Public Relations Center informed TASS on Monday .
`` The Federal Security Service together with the Interior Ministry and the National Guard in 12 regions has intercepted the activity of 42 individuals involved in the modernization of civilian weapons into combat analogues , manufacturing of ammunition in underground workshops , and their sales in various subjects of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the intelligence agency , during the special operation the activity of 22 underground workshops modernizing weapons and manufacturing ammunition was foiled .
The FSB reported that the workshops were fitted with special equipment , including 3D-printers and numerical control machines .
The special operation was conducted in Moscow , the Moscow Region , Dagestan , the Karachay-Circassian Region , Chechnya , the Krasnoyarsk Region and the Amur , Voronezh , Lipetsk , Irkutsk , Rostov and Kemerovo regions .
`` Places of residence of the illegal gunsmiths are being searched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a result , 179 units of combat and civilian firearms , as well as firearms with restored combat properties have been withdrawn from illicit circulation .
Among the confiscated weapons is a PKM machine gun ; assault rifles AK-74 , AKMS , AKS-74U ; submachine guns PPSh , PPS , KEDR , MP-40 , SA , MP-5 ; and Mosin , SVT , SKS , SVD , Saiga , Tigr , Mauser , AR-15 , M-16 , AUG , GM-15 , POF and Barret rifles and carbines .
TT , PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Glock , Colt , Mauser , Parabellum , Walther , Luger , Beretta , Norinco , Taurus and Nagant pistols and revolvers were also confiscated , as well as 17 F-1 , RGD-5 , RGO , RGN hand grenades , about 15 kilos of explosives ( gunpowder , TNT ) , 110 detonators of various modifications , over 80,000 ammunition of various caliber , and large amount of basic parts and components of weapons ( barrels , cylinders , bolts and triggers ) .

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has conducted a massive special operation to intercept underground gunmakers, detaining 42 individuals and uncovering 22 clandestine arms upgrading workshops equipped with 3D-printers, the FSB Public Relations Center informed TASS on Monday.
"The Federal Security Service together with the Interior Ministry and the National Guard in 12 regions has intercepted the activity of 42 individuals involved in the modernization of civilian weapons into combat analogues, manufacturing of ammunition in underground workshops, and their sales in various subjects of the country," the FSB reported.
According to the intelligence agency, during the special operation the activity of 22 underground workshops modernizing weapons and manufacturing ammunition was foiled. The FSB reported that the workshops were fitted with special equipment, including 3D-printers and numerical control machines.
The special operation was conducted in Moscow, the Moscow Region, Dagestan, the Karachay-Circassian Region, Chechnya, the Krasnoyarsk Region and the Amur, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Irkutsk, Rostov and Kemerovo regions. "Places of residence of the illegal gunsmiths are being searched and investigated," the FSB reported. As a result, 179 units of combat and civilian firearms, as well as firearms with restored combat properties have been withdrawn from illicit circulation. Among the confiscated weapons is a PKM machine gun; assault rifles AK-74, AKMS, AKS-74U; submachine guns PPSh, PPS, KEDR, MP-40, SA, MP-5; and Mosin, SVT, SKS, SVD, Saiga, Tigr, Mauser, AR-15, M-16, AUG, GM-15, POF and Barret rifles and carbines. TT, PM, APS, Korovin, Grand Power, Glock, Colt, Mauser, Parabellum, Walther, Luger, Beretta, Norinco, Taurus and Nagant pistols and revolvers were also confiscated, as well as 17 F-1, RGD-5, RGO, RGN hand grenades, about 15 kilos of explosives (gunpowder, TNT), 110 detonators of various modifications, over 80,000 ammunition of various caliber, and large amount of basic parts and components of weapons (barrels, cylinders, bolts and triggers).


tass--2020-08-03--Russia to export hundreds of lung ventilators, says industry and trade minister

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is negotiating supply of its artificial lung ventilators with 16 countries , Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS , adding that hundreds of ventilators will be exported .
`` I doubt export volumes will reach 500-600 ventilators as purchased by Uzbekistan and Italy during the pandemic peak , however the issue is still about hundreds of ventilators to be sold to the countries , on which the work is underway now , '' he said .
The negotiations are at various stages on supply of ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JSC , part of Rostec ) to India , Pakistan , Egypt , Israel , Kazakhstan , Uzbekistan , Belarus , Ukraine , Italy , Serbia and Kuwait , and ventilators produced by Triton Electronic Systems Ltd. - to Peru , Germany , Yemen , Thailand and Indonesia , the minister added .
Russia is set to break an all-time record in terms of lung ventilators production this year due to the coronavirus pandemic , Denis Manturov told TASS , adding that production is expected to reach from 12,000 to 15,000 such ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced and sold inside the country this year , there are also orders contracted earlier by regions , plus export , which all in all I think will bring this year ’ s production in Russia to roughly 12,000 , whereas considering possible reserves production it may reach up to 15,000 ventilators this year , which is an all-time high , '' he said .

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. Russia is negotiating supply of its artificial lung ventilators with 16 countries, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS, adding that hundreds of ventilators will be exported.
"I doubt export volumes will reach 500-600 ventilators as purchased by Uzbekistan and Italy during the pandemic peak, however the issue is still about hundreds of ventilators to be sold to the countries, on which the work is underway now," he said.
The negotiations are at various stages on supply of ventilators produced by KRET (Concern Radio-cum-Electronic Technologies JSC, part of Rostec) to India, Pakistan, Egypt, Israel, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Ukraine, Italy, Serbia and Kuwait, and ventilators produced by Triton Electronic Systems Ltd. - to Peru, Germany, Yemen, Thailand and Indonesia, the minister added.
All-time record in terms of lung ventilators production
Russia is set to break an all-time record in terms of lung ventilators production this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Denis Manturov told TASS, adding that production is expected to reach from 12,000 to 15,000 such ventilators.
"Almost 7,000 ventilators will be produced and sold inside the country this year, there are also orders contracted earlier by regions, plus export, which all in all I think will bring this year’s production in Russia to roughly 12,000, whereas considering possible reserves production it may reach up to 15,000 ventilators this year, which is an all-time high," he said.


tass--2020-08-03--Russia to make several million doses of COVID-19 vaccines per month by 2021, says minister

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will manufacture several million doses of coronavirus vaccines per month by the beginning of next year , Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS .
According to the minister , overall production will depend , first and foremost , on the needs of the healthcare system .
Serial production of the first domestic vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology is expected to begin in September .
`` At the same time , according to preliminary estimates , due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to ensure the production of several hundred thousand doses of vaccine per month with a subsequent increase to several million by the beginning of next year .
We will do our best to make sure that these plans are implemented , '' he said .
According to the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing , 26 coronavirus vaccine options are being developed at 17 research institutions in Russia .
One vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research center of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing is developing a vaccine on six different technological platforms .
The first of them is expected to be launched in September , and the second one in October 2020 .

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. Russia will manufacture several million doses of coronavirus vaccines per month by the beginning of next year, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS.
According to the minister, overall production will depend, first and foremost, on the needs of the healthcare system. Serial production of the first domestic vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology is expected to begin in September.
"At the same time, according to preliminary estimates, due to the launch of contract platforms this year we will be able to ensure the production of several hundred thousand doses of vaccine per month with a subsequent increase to several million by the beginning of next year. We will do our best to make sure that these plans are implemented," he said.
According to the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 26 coronavirus vaccine options are being developed at 17 research institutions in Russia. One vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology has already been tested on volunteers. The Vector research center of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing is developing a vaccine on six different technological platforms. The first of them is expected to be launched in September, and the second one in October 2020.


tass--2020-08-03--JA Solar Supplies Modules for Malaysia's First Bifacial-Plus-Trackers Project

BEIJING , Aug. 3 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- JA Solar recently announced that it supplied 43.8MW bifacial double-glass modules for the Malaysia 's first solar project that combines bifacial double-glass modules with trackers .
The project is expected to generate 74 million kWh of electricity per year once entering operation .
Invested by Halpro Engineering , a joint venture between a German developer , EPC Greencells Group and their local partner Majulia , the project belongs to Malaysia 's second round Large-Scale Solar ( LSS ) program .
Combining high-efficiency bifacial cell technology with strong double-glass structure , the bifacial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electricity from its backside , with power rating can reach more than 70 % of that of the front side .
The module is capable to effectively improve the returns of investments by enhancing its power generation capacity , low irradiation performance and PID resist performance , even under harsh circumstances ( such as desert , seaside , etc . )
and extreme weather conditions ( including high temperature , high humidity , etc. )
.
Combining the high-efficiency module with the trackers , the project is expected to get even higher energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jin Baofang , Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of JA Solar , said , `` Having established a manufacturing base in Malaysia in 2015 and supplied modules for several large-scale projects in the local market , JA Solar has been actively increasing its presence in promoting new technologies to help local customers reduce LCOE and raise customers ' returns .
In the future , JA Solar will continue to promote the application of advanced technologies to push the development of the photovoltaic market in Malaysia and all other Southeast @ @ @ @

BEIJING, Aug. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- JA Solar recently announced that it supplied 43.8MW bifacial double-glass modules for the Malaysia's first solar project that combines bifacial double-glass modules with trackers. The project is expected to generate 74 million kWh of electricity per year once entering operation.
Invested by Halpro Engineering, a joint venture between a German developer, EPC Greencells Group and their local partner Majulia, the project belongs to Malaysia's second round Large-Scale Solar (LSS) program. Combining high-efficiency bifacial cell technology with strong double-glass structure, the bifacial double-glass module has the power of generating electricity from its backside, with power rating can reach more than 70% of that of the front side. The module is capable to effectively improve the returns of investments by enhancing its power generation capacity, low irradiation performance and PID resist performance, even under harsh circumstances (such as desert, seaside, etc.) and extreme weather conditions (including high temperature, high humidity, etc.). Combining the high-efficiency module with the trackers, the project is expected to get even higher energy yield and more returns for the investor.
Jin Baofang, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of JA Solar, said, "Having established a manufacturing base in Malaysia in 2015 and supplied modules for several large-scale projects in the local market, JA Solar has been actively increasing its presence in promoting new technologies to help local customers reduce LCOE and raise customers' returns. In the future, JA Solar will continue to promote the application of advanced technologies to push the development of the photovoltaic market in Malaysia and all other Southeast Asia countries."
CONTACT: Xiaorui Sun, +86-10-6361-1888-1698, bj.sunxr@jasolar.com


tass--2020-08-03--Rihanna Launches Fenty Skin: Clean, Uncomplicated, Effective Skincare for All

SAN FRANCISCO , July 31 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Rihanna , in partnership with Kendo Brands , a LVMH-owned beauty developer , introduces her second global beauty brand , Fenty Skin , following the game-changing 2017 Fenty Beauty launch .
Rihanna 's much-anticipated skincare brand is the culmination of her global experiences , personal skincare journey , and unwavering mission to provide simple solutions for all skin tones and types .
As a result , Fenty Skin delivers clean , value-packed , multitasking products that work seamlessly with makeup and respect the planet with earth-conscious packaging and formulas .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skincare choices and a bad experience with a product that discolored her skin as a teen , Rihanna dreamed of creating a line that was easy and effective .
Now , she 's created an approachable skincare brand built on years of unparalleled experience , access and education , representing everything she wished she had known when she was younger .
With Fenty Skin , Rihanna shares her real-life routine for achieving a bright , healthy-looking complexion .
Known together as the `` Fenty Skin Start'rs '' , her regimen includes three 2-in-1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remove-It-All Cleanser ( $ 25 ) , a makeup remover-cleanser with a creamy lather to remove dirt , oil , and longwear makeup without drying out the skin .
• Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum ( $ 28 ) , a game-changing toner-serum hybrid that targets pores , improves the look of dark spots , brightens , smooths , and fights shine—all without stripping skin .
• Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen ( $ 35 ) , a moisturizer-sunscreen that 's lightweight , oil-free , and truly invisible on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hue .
It claps back at dehydration , discoloration , and dark spots , and is makeup-friendly - no pilling or flashback .
Plus , it 's refillable .
Fenty Skin features clean , vegan , gluten-free and oil-free formulas , and combines globally sourced ingredients , like vitamin C-rich Barbados cherry , with gold standard skincare ingredients , like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide .
Rihanna wanted Fenty Skin to be a complete sensorial experience , so the products feature warm , tropical scents inspired by their ingredients like Barbados cherry , coconut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure everyone could use it and see visible results was essential to Rihanna , so every Fenty Skin product was tested on all skin tones , textures , and types .
Fenty Skin 's packaging is sleek , modern and earth conscious .
The brand has eliminated boxes where possible , incorporated post-consumer recycled materials , and created refill systems where feasible .
Rihanna also welcomes skincare expert and licensed esthetician , Sean Garrette , as Fenty Skin Ambassador .

SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Rihanna, in partnership with Kendo Brands, a LVMH-owned beauty developer, introduces her second global beauty brand, Fenty Skin, following the game-changing 2017 Fenty Beauty launch.
Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8756451-rihanna-fenty-skin/
Rihanna's much-anticipated skincare brand is the culmination of her global experiences, personal skincare journey, and unwavering mission to provide simple solutions for all skin tones and types. As a result, Fenty Skin delivers clean, value-packed, multitasking products that work seamlessly with makeup and respect the planet with earth-conscious packaging and formulas.
After years of feeling overwhelmed by all the skincare choices and a bad experience with a product that discolored her skin as a teen, Rihanna dreamed of creating a line that was easy and effective. Now, she's created an approachable skincare brand built on years of unparalleled experience, access and education, representing everything she wished she had known when she was younger. With Fenty Skin, Rihanna shares her real-life routine for achieving a bright, healthy-looking complexion. Known together as the "Fenty Skin Start'rs", her regimen includes three 2-in-1 products:
Total Cleans'r Remove-It-All Cleanser ($25) , a makeup remover-cleanser with a creamy lather to remove dirt, oil, and longwear makeup without drying out the skin.
, a makeup remover-cleanser with a creamy lather to remove dirt, oil, and longwear makeup without drying out the skin. Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum ($28) , a game-changing toner-serum hybrid that targets pores, improves the look of dark spots, brightens, smooths, and fights shine—all without stripping skin.
, a game-changing toner-serum hybrid that targets pores, improves the look of dark spots, brightens, smooths, and fights shine—all without stripping skin. Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen ($35), a moisturizer-sunscreen that's lightweight, oil-free, and truly invisible on all skin tones with its subtle pink hue. It claps back at dehydration, discoloration, and dark spots, and is makeup-friendly - no pilling or flashback. Plus, it's refillable.
Fenty Skin features clean, vegan, gluten-free and oil-free formulas, and combines globally sourced ingredients, like vitamin C-rich Barbados cherry, with gold standard skincare ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Rihanna wanted Fenty Skin to be a complete sensorial experience, so the products feature warm, tropical scents inspired by their ingredients like Barbados cherry, coconut, and fresh desert melon. Making sure everyone could use it and see visible results was essential to Rihanna, so every Fenty Skin product was tested on all skin tones, textures, and types.
Fenty Skin's packaging is sleek, modern and earth conscious. The brand has eliminated boxes where possible, incorporated post-consumer recycled materials, and created refill systems where feasible.
Rihanna also welcomes skincare expert and licensed esthetician, Sean Garrette, as Fenty Skin Ambassador.
Fenty Skin launches exclusively on FentySkin.com starting July 31st, with international shipping.
CONTACT: Ali Bucky Dishi, BOLD PR; ali@boldpr.com; Natalie Krause, BOLD PR; Natalie@boldpr.com


tass--2020-08-03--BYD Brings its Premium Han EV to Europe

BYD Brings its Premium Han EV to Europe

STUTTGART , Germany , July 31 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BYD Auto Co. , Ltd. ( SEHK : 1211 , SZSE : 002594 ) , the leading Chinese new energy automaker , has brought its highly-anticipated premium sedan , the Han EV , to a roadshow in Stuttgart , Germany .
While many German consumers might not be familiar with Chinese automobile brands , the Han EV 's stunning appearance attracted a great deal of attention , gaining praise for its brilliant design , exceptional driving experience and powerful presence .
The Han EV will serve as a new window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a new perspective .
The Han EV is the first mass-produced model equipped with BYD 's new Blade Battery , a groundbreaking technology that reflects the company 's research and development capabilities and its goal of redefining safety standards for the entire industry .
The Blade Battery utilizes singular cells that are arranged together in an array and are then inserted into a battery pack , increasing space utilization by over 50 percent compared to conventional batteries .
The Han 's long-range version has an NEDC-certified cruising range of 605 kilometers ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's IPB Integrated Brake System , the 4WD high-performance version boasts a world-leading 100km/h-0 braking distance of 32.8 meters .
The highly efficient silicon carbide MOSFET motor control module enables an acceleration of 0-100 km/h ( 62 mph ) in just 3.9 seconds .
During moose tests , the Han EV displayed its outstanding agility and stability with a top speed of 80Km/h , enabled by its electronic stability program .
As a highly intelligent new energy flagship , the Han EV is also equipped with DiPilot , BYD 's smart driving assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subsystems of DiPilot , the DiDAS driving assistant qualifies for Level 2.5 of the SAE autonomous driving standard .
In the 25 years since its founding , BYD has amassed a strong reputation of research and development and international cooperation , consistently improving upon international standards on NEV technologies and products .
BYD has created a world-class supply chain and has recruited some the world 's best talents to make better automobiles for all .
With a global vision , an elite design team led by Wolfgang Josef Egger , Juan Manuel Lopez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dragon Face design language for the car 's interior and exterior , refining an aesthetic unique to Chinese cars .
BYD debuted the Han EV in Europe on May 13 .
The Han EV captures the spirit and essence of Chinese culture by showcasing the Chinese automaker 's technological prowess while also fusing traditional and dragon-inspired elements with modern and ground-breaking aesthetics .
BYD Company Ltd. is one of China 's largest privately owned enterprises .
Since its inception in 1995 , the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions .
Its creation of a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem – comprising affordable solar power generation , reliable energy storage , and cutting-edge electrified transportation – has made it an industry leader in the energy and transportation sectors .
BYD is listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges .
More information on the company can be found at www.byd.com .

STUTTGART, Germany, July 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BYD Auto Co., Ltd. (SEHK: 1211, SZSE: 002594), the leading Chinese new energy automaker, has brought its highly-anticipated premium sedan, the Han EV, to a roadshow in Stuttgart, Germany.
While many German consumers might not be familiar with Chinese automobile brands, the Han EV's stunning appearance attracted a great deal of attention, gaining praise for its brilliant design, exceptional driving experience and powerful presence.
The Han EV will serve as a new window for European consumers to experience Chinese-made automobiles from a new perspective.
The Han EV is the first mass-produced model equipped with BYD's new Blade Battery, a groundbreaking technology that reflects the company's research and development capabilities and its goal of redefining safety standards for the entire industry. The Blade Battery utilizes singular cells that are arranged together in an array and are then inserted into a battery pack, increasing space utilization by over 50 percent compared to conventional batteries. The Han's long-range version has an NEDC-certified cruising range of 605 kilometers (376 miles).
Powered by Bosch's IPB Integrated Brake System, the 4WD high-performance version boasts a world-leading 100km/h-0 braking distance of 32.8 meters. The highly efficient silicon carbide MOSFET motor control module enables an acceleration of 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds. During moose tests, the Han EV displayed its outstanding agility and stability with a top speed of 80Km/h, enabled by its electronic stability program. As a highly intelligent new energy flagship, the Han EV is also equipped with DiPilot, BYD's smart driving assistant system. As one of the major subsystems of DiPilot, the DiDAS driving assistant qualifies for Level 2.5 of the SAE autonomous driving standard.
In the 25 years since its founding, BYD has amassed a strong reputation of research and development and international cooperation, consistently improving upon international standards on NEV technologies and products. BYD has created a world-class supply chain and has recruited some the world's best talents to make better automobiles for all. With a global vision, an elite design team led by Wolfgang Josef Egger, Juan Manuel Lopez, and Michele Domenico Jauch created the Dragon Face design language for the car's interior and exterior, refining an aesthetic unique to Chinese cars.
BYD debuted the Han EV in Europe on May 13. The Han EV captures the spirit and essence of Chinese culture by showcasing the Chinese automaker's technological prowess while also fusing traditional and dragon-inspired elements with modern and ground-breaking aesthetics.
About BYD
BYD Company Ltd. is one of China's largest privately owned enterprises. Since its inception in 1995, the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became a relentless advocate of sustainable development, successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 50 countries and regions. Its creation of a Zero Emissions Energy Ecosystem – comprising affordable solar power generation, reliable energy storage, and cutting-edge electrified transportation – has made it an industry leader in the energy and transportation sectors. BYD is listed on the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. More information on the company can be found at www.byd.com.
Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1222433/BYDHAN.mp4
CONTACT: Contacts in Asia-Pacific: Richard Li, pr@byd.com, tel: +86-755-8988-8888-69666; Europe: Penny Peng, penny.peng@byd.com, tel: +31-102070888; North America: Frank Girardot, frank.girardot@byd.com, tel: +1-213-245-6503


tass--2020-08-03--Venezuelan opposition refuses to take part in December parliamentary elections

MEXICO CITY , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuela ’ s main opposition parties said in a joint statement published on Sunday night they refused to take part in the upcoming parliamentary elections , scheduled for early December .
`` Having exhausted all effort both inside the country and beyond its borders to achieve a competitive election that would ensure the people ’ s sovereign will is respected , we , the democratic political organizations of Venezuela , inform the country ’ s people and the international community that we unanimously decided not to take part in the electoral fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement reads .
The document was signed by 27 parties , including parliamentary ones - Popular Will , Democratic Action and Justice First .
In line with the National Electoral Council ’ s decision , parliamentary elections in Venezuela will be held on December 6 .
Registration will continue between August 10 and 19 .
The campaigning period will last between November 21 and December 5 .
Opposition forces won the December 2015 parliamentary elections in Venezuela , but later the parliament was de-facto excluded from the decision-making process .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the initiative of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro , assumed its functions .
No political rivals of the current government are represented in the assembly .
The situation in Venezuela escalated after on January 23 , 2019 , Juan Guaido , Venezuelan opposition leader , whose appointment to the position of parliamentary speaker had been cancelled by the country ’ s Supreme Court two days before , declared himself acting president at a rally in the country ’ s capital of Caracas .
The US recognized him as acting president , as did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the Organization of American States and most EU countries .
Incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro , in turn , blasted the move as a coup staged by Washington and said he was severing diplomatic ties with the US .
Russia , Belarus , Bolivia , Iran , Cuba , China , Nicaragua , Syria and Turkey voiced support for Maduro .

MEXICO CITY, August 3. /TASS/. Venezuela’s main opposition parties said in a joint statement published on Sunday night they refused to take part in the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for early December.
"Having exhausted all effort both inside the country and beyond its borders to achieve a competitive election that would ensure the people’s sovereign will is respected, we, the democratic political organizations of Venezuela, inform the country’s people and the international community that we unanimously decided not to take part in the electoral fraud, organized by the Maduro regime," the statement reads.
The document was signed by 27 parties, including parliamentary ones - Popular Will, Democratic Action and Justice First.
In line with the National Electoral Council’s decision, parliamentary elections in Venezuela will be held on December 6. Registration will continue between August 10 and 19. The campaigning period will last between November 21 and December 5.
Opposition forces won the December 2015 parliamentary elections in Venezuela, but later the parliament was de-facto excluded from the decision-making process. The Constitutional Assembly, established in summer 2017 on the initiative of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, assumed its functions. No political rivals of the current government are represented in the assembly.
The situation in Venezuela escalated after on January 23, 2019, Juan Guaido, Venezuelan opposition leader, whose appointment to the position of parliamentary speaker had been cancelled by the country’s Supreme Court two days before, declared himself acting president at a rally in the country’s capital of Caracas. The US recognized him as acting president, as did Lima Group members (except for Mexico), the Organization of American States and most EU countries. Incumbent Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in turn, blasted the move as a coup staged by Washington and said he was severing diplomatic ties with the US. Russia, Belarus, Bolivia, Iran, Cuba, China, Nicaragua, Syria and Turkey voiced support for Maduro.


tass--2020-08-03--Some 26,000 new coronavirus cases registered in Brazil in past day

RIO DE JANEIRO , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Brazil has increased to 2,733,677 , as 25,800 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours , the national Health Ministry said on Sunday evening .
The ministry data shows that around 70 % of all infected patients have already recovered ( 1,883,677 ) , while 755,896 more are still carrying the virus .
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities rose by 541 to reach 94,104 .
Per every 100,000 people , Brazil has 1,300 infections and 44 deaths .
Overall , 313,364 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fewer than between July 19 and 25 when this number rose to record-high 319,653 .
Brazil confirmed its first coronavirus case on February 26 and is currently ranked second in the world in coronavirus infections and deaths after the United States .
The national Health Ministry earlier predicted that the situation would have stabilized by July , while infection rates would have slowed down by August .
The healthcare agency assesses that the country ’ s fatalities plateaued in June .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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, August 3. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Brazil has increased to 2,733,677, as 25,800 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, the national Health Ministry said on Sunday evening.
The ministry data shows that around 70% of all infected patients have already recovered (1,883,677), while 755,896 more are still carrying the virus. The number of coronavirus-related fatalities rose by 541 to reach 94,104. Per every 100,000 people, Brazil has 1,300 infections and 44 deaths.
Overall, 313,364 new cases were registered this week, almost 6,300 fewer than between July 19 and 25 when this number rose to record-high 319,653.
Brazil confirmed its first coronavirus case on February 26 and is currently ranked second in the world in coronavirus infections and deaths after the United States. The national Health Ministry earlier predicted that the situation would have stabilized by July, while infection rates would have slowed down by August. The healthcare agency assesses that the country’s fatalities 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--2020-08-03--Kiev negotiator says notion of ‘special status’ for Donbass needs to be specified

KIEV , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s first president and the Kiev government ’ s recently appointed chief negotiator in the eastern Ukrainian reconciliation talks , Leonid Kravchuk , said he does not fully understand the notion of `` special status '' for certain areas of eastern Ukraine , which is stipulated in the Minsk Agreements .
`` They want it to be not a territory vested with some special form of local governance , they want it to be a territory vested with elements of statehood .
Therefore , they want too much .
Russia speaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Minsk documents .
But they wrote them in such a manner that we don ’ t quite understand what it really is , '' Kravchuk told the Ukraine-24 TV channel .
Kravchuk said that at the very start of the conflict in Donbass he requested leaders of the self-proclaimed republics to explain how they define the special status for their territories , but received no answer .
`` It is either a special status or something with elements of statehood , or an autonomy , '' he said .
`` Inform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ready to make to forge a compromise , so that an agreement can be reached . ''
In February 2015 , participants of the Contact Group for settling the crisis in Donbass signed the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements , known as Minsk-2 , which had been earlier backed by the Normandy Four ( Russia , Germany , France and Ukraine ) leaders .
The document envisages not only ceasefire , the withdrawal of hardware , amnesty and the restoration of economic ties , but also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decentralization of powers while taking into account a special status for Donbass .
However , this plan has not been fulfilled due to Kiev ’ s stance .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appointed Kravchuk as Kiev ’ s envoy to the Contact Group on eastern Ukrainian settlement on July 30 .

KIEV, August 3. /TASS/. Ukraine’s first president and the Kiev government’s recently appointed chief negotiator in the eastern Ukrainian reconciliation talks, Leonid Kravchuk, said he does not fully understand the notion of "special status" for certain areas of eastern Ukraine, which is stipulated in the Minsk Agreements.
"They want it to be not a territory vested with some special form of local governance, they want it to be a territory vested with elements of statehood. Therefore, they want too much. Russia speaks of the special status as it stands in the Minsk documents. But they wrote them in such a manner that we don’t quite understand what it really is," Kravchuk told the Ukraine-24 TV channel.
Kravchuk said that at the very start of the conflict in Donbass he requested leaders of the self-proclaimed republics to explain how they define the special status for their territories, but received no answer.
"It is either a special status or something with elements of statehood, or an autonomy," he said. "Inform us, what kind of concessions are you ready to make to forge a compromise, so that an agreement can be reached."
In February 2015, participants of the Contact Group for settling the crisis in Donbass signed the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements, known as Minsk-2, which had been earlier backed by the Normandy Four (Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine) leaders. The document envisages not only ceasefire, the withdrawal of hardware, amnesty and the restoration of economic ties, but also a constitutional reform in Ukraine aimed at ensuring the decentralization of powers while taking into account a special status for Donbass. However, this plan has not been fulfilled due to Kiev’s stance.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appointed Kravchuk as Kiev’s envoy to the Contact Group on eastern Ukrainian settlement on July 30.


tass--2020-08-03--Any disinfectant can kill novel coronavirus — Russian chief sanitary doctor

MOSCOW , July 2 .
/TASS/ .
Any type of disinfectant is potentially harmful for the novel coronavirus , сhief of Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog Anna Popova told Russia ’ s Channel One on Sunday .
`` Any disinfectant in proper concentration is lethal for the virus .
Therefore , it does not matter what substance we use to decontaminate surfaces , as long as we use disinfectants , '' she said , adding that the coronavirus can last on surfaces for up to 48 hours .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 17.8 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 685,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 850,870 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 14,128 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, July 2. /TASS/. Any type of disinfectant is potentially harmful for the novel coronavirus, сhief of Russia’s sanitary watchdog Anna Popova told Russia’s Channel One on Sunday.
"Any disinfectant in proper concentration is lethal for the virus. Therefore, it does not matter what substance we use to decontaminate surfaces, as long as we use disinfectants," she said, adding that the coronavirus can last on surfaces for up to 48 hours.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed 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 17.8 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 685,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, 850,870 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 650,173 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 14,128 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-03--Serial production of Russia’s first electric car to begin in late 2020 — minister

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
The serial production of Zetta , Russia ’ s first electric car , is to be launched in the city of Togliatti in late 2020 , Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS .
`` It is clear that the pandemic somehow affected the project ’ s development .
< ... > I hope all certification procedures would be completed by the end of the year , and our colleagues would make a start with the serial product at the end 2020 , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ requested additional investment of 100,000 million rubles ( $ 1.3 million ) .
The request will be considered by the Industrial Development Foundation in late August .
Speaking about the possibility of exporting the Russian-made cars , Manturov said this option was reflected at least in the initial business project .
Zetta is the first Russian electric car that will be serially produced in Togliatti .
It can travel at the speed of up to 120 kmph .
Rossiyskaya Gazeta earlier said that the entry-level car would cost 450,000 rubles ( $ 6,000 @ @

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. The serial production of Zetta, Russia’s first electric car, is to be launched in the city of Togliatti in late 2020, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS.
"It is clear that the pandemic somehow affected the project’s development. <...> I hope all certification procedures would be completed by the end of the year, and our colleagues would make a start with the serial product at the end 2020," he said.
According to the minister, the company requested additional investment of 100,000 million rubles ($1.3 million). The request will be considered by the Industrial Development Foundation in late August.
Speaking about the possibility of exporting the Russian-made cars, Manturov said this option was reflected at least in the initial business project.
Zetta is the first Russian electric car that will be serially produced in Togliatti. It can travel at the speed of up to 120 kmph. Rossiyskaya Gazeta earlier said that the entry-level car would cost 450,000 rubles ($6,000).


tass--2020-08-03--Number of coronavirus cases worldwide exceeds 18 mln — Johns Hopkins University

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide exceeded 18 million on Monday , said the US-based Johns Hopkins University , which compiles its own statistics based on data from international organizations , federal and local authorities .
According to the university , the overall number of cases currently stands at 18,017,556 , including 687,930 deaths .
A total of 10,642,251 patients have recovered by now .
The United States accounts for the majority of cases ( 4,665,932 ) , followed by Brazil ( 2,733,677 ) and India ( 1,750,723 ) .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
To date , 850,870 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 650,173 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 14,128 fatalities @ @

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide exceeded 18 million on Monday, said the US-based Johns Hopkins University, which compiles its own statistics based on data from international organizations, federal and local authorities.
According to the university, the overall number of cases currently stands at 18,017,556, including 687,930 deaths. A total of 10,642,251 patients have recovered by now.
The United States accounts for the majority of cases (4,665,932), followed by Brazil (2,733,677) and India (1,750,723).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed 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.
To date, 850,870 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 650,173 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 14,128 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-08-03--Israeli cabinet of ministers approves new ambassador to Russia — paper

TEL AVIV , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
The government of Israel has approved the appointment of seven heads of @ @ @ @ @ diplomatic missions , including ambassadors to Russia , the United Kingdom and China , the @ @ @ @ @ The cabinet approved Alexander Ben-Zvi as Ambassador to Russia , Tzipi Hotovely as ambassador to @ @ @ @ @ Goldman-Scheinman as Ambassador to Belarus and Irit Ben-Aba as Ambassador to China .
It also @ @ @ @ @ Consul-General in Shanghai and Yonatan Tzedaka as the Consul-General in Bangalore .
The Yedioth Ahronoth @ @ @ @ @ candidacy was approved by an Israeli Foreign Ministry ’ s commission on high appointments on @ @ @ @ @ ambassador to Russia , Gary Koren , ended his mission in 2019 .
Currently , @ @ @ @ @ is headed by Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Israel to Russia Yacov Livne .

TEL AVIV, August 3. /TASS/. The government of Israel has approved the appointment of seven heads of the Jewish state’s diplomatic missions, including ambassadors to Russia, the United Kingdom and China, the Jerusalem Post newspaper reported.
The cabinet approved Alexander Ben-Zvi as Ambassador to Russia, Tzipi Hotovely as ambassador to the United Kingdom, Alex Goldman-Scheinman as Ambassador to Belarus and Irit Ben-Aba as Ambassador to China.
It also appointed Edward Shapira as the Consul-General in Shanghai and Yonatan Tzedaka as the Consul-General in Bangalore.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said Ben-Zvi’s candidacy was approved by an Israeli Foreign Ministry’s commission on high appointments on July 28. The previous ambassador to Russia, Gary Koren, ended his mission in 2019. Currently, the Israeli embassy in Russia is headed by Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Israel to Russia Yacov Livne.


tass--2020-08-03--US, Russia likely to discuss counterterrorism in coming months — White House official

WASHINGTON , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
US and Russian envoys are likely to discuss counterterrorism issues in the coming @ @ @ @ @ adviser to the US president said in an opinion piece , published by The Washington @ @ @ @ @ Another area of potential cooperation with Russia is counterterrorism .
Both Russia and the United @ @ @ @ @ attacked by violent extremists .
U.S. officials will likely engage with their Russian intelligence and @ @ @ @ @ matters in the coming months , '' Robert O ’ Brien said .
US Secretary @ @ @ @ @ at a joint news conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov following bilateral talks in @ @ @ @ @ States were set to boost cooperation with Russia in the domain of counterterrorism and anti-drug @ @ @ @ @ words , the two countries ’ special services cooperate in those domains on a regular @ @ @ @ @ the sides would seek to make this cooperation even better .

WASHINGTON, August 3. /TASS/. US and Russian envoys are likely to discuss counterterrorism issues in the coming months, the national security adviser to the US president said in an opinion piece, published by The Washington Post on Sunday.
"Another area of potential cooperation with Russia is counterterrorism. Both Russia and the United States have had their homelands attacked by violent extremists. U.S. officials will likely engage with their Russian intelligence and law enforcement counterparts on such matters in the coming months," Robert O’Brien said.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said at a joint news conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov following bilateral talks in December 2019 that the United States were set to boost cooperation with Russia in the domain of counterterrorism and anti-drug trafficking effort. In his words, the two countries’ special services cooperate in those domains on a regular basis. He added that the sides would seek to make this cooperation even better.


tass--2020-08-04--Trump says coronavirus pandemic in US is receding

WASHINGTON , August 4 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 pandemic is receding in the United States , US President Donald Trump told a press conference at the White House .
`` We are beginning to see evidence of significant progress nationwide , '' Trump said .
The number of positive coronavirus tests dropped nearly 6 % compared with last week and the share of positive tests also decreased from 8.7 % to 8 % during this period , he said .
`` An encouraging sign , very encouraging , I have to add , that the virus is receding .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities also expect that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to the public `` far in advance of the end of the year . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Johns Hopkins University , which calculates its own statistics on the basis of data obtained from international organizations , federal and local authorities , more than 4.71 mln COVID-19 cases were registered in the US and 155,379 people died .

WASHINGTON, August 4. /TASS/. The COVID-19 pandemic is receding in the United States, US President Donald Trump told a press conference at the White House.
"We are beginning to see evidence of significant progress nationwide," Trump said. The number of positive coronavirus tests dropped nearly 6% compared with last week and the share of positive tests also decreased from 8.7% to 8% during this period, he said. "An encouraging sign, very encouraging, I have to add, that the virus is receding."
According to Trump, the US authorities also expect that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to the public "far in advance of the end of the year."
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed 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 Johns Hopkins University, which calculates its own statistics on the basis of data obtained from international organizations, federal and local authorities, more than 4.71 mln COVID-19 cases were registered in the US and 155,379 people died.


tass--2020-08-04--Russia, Venezuela in talks on resuming direct flights, envoy says

MOSCOW , August 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Venezuela continue discussing the issue of resuming direct flights between Moscow @ @ @ @ @ particular date has been agreed on , Russian Ambassador to Venezuela Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov told TASS @ @ @ @ @ issue is being considered .
There is no date now , '' the diplomat said @ @ @ @ @ ambassador emphasized that the issue of establishing flights between Moscow and Caracas had been considered @ @ @ @ @ it was early to speak about the date and parameters of launching direct flights amid @ @ @ @ @ reports said citing Venezuelan Minister for Tourism and Foreign Trade Felix Plasencia that the sides @ @ @ @ @ this issue .

MOSCOW, August 4. /TASS/. Russia and Venezuela continue discussing the issue of resuming direct flights between Moscow and Caracas, but no particular date has been agreed on, Russian Ambassador to Venezuela Sergei Melik-Bagdasarov told TASS on Tuesday.
"The issue is being considered. There is no date now," the diplomat said.
In May, the ambassador emphasized that the issue of establishing flights between Moscow and Caracas had been considered for a long time but it was early to speak about the date and parameters of launching direct flights amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Media reports said citing Venezuelan Minister for Tourism and Foreign Trade Felix Plasencia that the sides had made progress on solving this issue.


tass--2020-08-04--Another 12 coronavirus patients die in Moscow in the past day

MOSCOW , August 4 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus fatalities in Moscow rose by 12 in the past @ @ @ @ @ center reported .
`` Twelve patients died in Moscow , all of them had a @ @ @ @ @ and tested positive for the coronavirus infection , '' the crisis center said .
A @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus have died in the Russian capital .
As of August 1 , @ @ @ @ @ were registered in Moscow and some 182,200 patients recovered in the city .
Since the @ @ @ @ @ , over 18 mln people have been infected worldwide and nearly 690,000 deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ 856,264 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 653,593 patients having recovered from @ @ @ @ @ s latest data indicates 14,207 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up @ @ @ @ @ the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, August 4. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus fatalities in Moscow rose by 12 in the past day, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported.
"Twelve patients died in Moscow, all of them had a confirmed diagnosis "pneumonia" and tested positive for the coronavirus infection," the crisis center said.
A total of 4,510 people diagnosed with the coronavirus have died in the Russian capital. As of August 1, more than 243,000 COVID-19 cases were registered in Moscow and some 182,200 patients recovered in the city.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, over 18 mln people have been infected worldwide and nearly 690,000 deaths have been reported. To date, 856,264 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 653,593 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 14,207 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-08-03--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 257,000 in past day

GENEVA , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
More than 257,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on August 3 , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 17.91 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Monday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on August 3 , as many as 17,918,582 novel coronavirus cases and 686,703 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by a record of 257,677 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,810 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially confirmed data from the countries .
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 9,630,598 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 153,835 and the number of deaths - by 3,982 and reached 363,162 .
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,391,779 and the number of fatalities is 213,2559 .
In the past 24 hours , the number of cases grew by 15,862 and the number of deaths - by 276 .
Southeast Asia has 2,187,015 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , the number of cases grew by 55,850 and the number of deaths - by 838 .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 4,582,276 ) , Brazil ( 2,707,877 ) , India ( 1,803,695 ) , Russia ( 856,264 ) , South Africa ( 511,485 ) , Mexico ( 434,193 ) , Peru ( 422,183 ) , Chile ( 359,731 ) , Iran ( 309,437 ) , and Colombia ( 306,181 ) .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Since then , cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, August 3. /TASS/. More than 257,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide on August 3, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 17.91 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Monday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on August 3, as many as 17,918,582 novel coronavirus cases and 686,703 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by a record of 257,677 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 5,810.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
South and North America accounts for the majority of confirmed coronavirus cases - 9,630,598. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 153,835 and the number of deaths - by 3,982 and reached 363,162.
The number confirmed COVID-2019 cases in Europe amounts to 3,391,779 and the number of fatalities is 213,2559. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 15,862 and the number of deaths - by 276.
Southeast Asia has 2,187,015 cases and 46,675 fatalities. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 55,850 and the number of deaths - by 838.
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (4,582,276), Brazil (2,707,877), India (1,803,695), Russia (856,264), South Africa (511,485), Mexico (434,193), Peru (422,183), Chile (359,731), Iran (309,437), and Colombia (306,181).
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Since then, cases of the new coronavirus have been reported from nearly all parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-08-03--Syrian army repels several militants’ attacks in Idlib - Russian reconciliation center

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Syrian government troops have repelled several attacks staged by Jabhat al-Nusra ( a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia - TASS ) militants in southern parts of the Idlib de-escalation zone , both sides sustained losses , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria said on Monday .
`` During the past day , Jabhat al-Nusra militants attempted several attacks on the positions of the Syrian government army near the settlement of Hamrat .
All the militants ’ attacks were repelled , with militants sustaining losses , both in manpower @ @ @ @ @ @ @ army sustained losses too , '' the center said .
According to the center , the situation in Idlib has worsened over the months .
`` More than 140 ceasefire violations were registered by the Russian side in the Idlib de-escalation zone .
Illegal armed groups are using the ceasefire agreement to build up their military potential , '' said Alexander Shcherbitsky , the center ’ s chief .
Militants continued shelling attacks on populated localities from their positions .
Thus , nine such attacks were reported from the settlements of Rashah , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governorate , al-Dmir , Awejel , Miznas , Urum al-Sugra , Herbet Jezraya , and Bastratun in the Aleppo governorate , he said , adding that no shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported during the day .
The Russian center once again recalled that Russia ’ s and Turkey ’ s joint efforts were needed to exterminate terrorists in the Idlib zone .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. Syrian government troops have repelled several attacks staged by Jabhat al-Nusra (a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia - TASS) militants in southern parts of the Idlib de-escalation zone, both sides sustained losses, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria said on Monday.
"During the past day, Jabhat al-Nusra militants attempted several attacks on the positions of the Syrian government army near the settlement of Hamrat. All the militants’ attacks were repelled, with militants sustaining losses, both in manpower and military hardware. The Syrian government army sustained losses too," the center said.
According to the center, the situation in Idlib has worsened over the months. "More than 140 ceasefire violations were registered by the Russian side in the Idlib de-escalation zone. Illegal armed groups are using the ceasefire agreement to build up their military potential," said Alexander Shcherbitsky, the center’s chief.
Militants continued shelling attacks on populated localities from their positions. Thus, nine such attacks were reported from the settlements of Rashah, Bsharfa, and Mamukhiyah in the Latakia governorate, al-Dmir, Awejel, Miznas, Urum al-Sugra, Herbet Jezraya, and Bastratun in the Aleppo governorate, he said, adding that no shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported during the day.
The Russian center once again recalled that Russia’s and Turkey’s joint efforts were needed to exterminate terrorists in the Idlib zone.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-08-03--Russia’s further economic recovery can be unstable - Central Bank

MOSCOW , August 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s further gradual economic recovery may be unstable amid restrained consumer @ @ @ @ @ said in its report on monetary policy .
According to the Bank of Russia , @ @ @ @ @ be unsustainable due to the decline in income , restrained consumer behavior , cautious business @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on the part of external demand .
`` Taking into account these factors , @ @ @ @ @ GDP will decline by 4.5-5.5 % this year , '' the regulator said .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ Elvira Nabiullina noted that after a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection the Russian economy @ @ @ @ @ 1.5 years .
At the same time , the regulator does not yet see the @ @ @ @ @ support the economy .
The Central Bank expects that the revival of the national economy @ @ @ @ @ '' in the fourth quarter and the recovery will continue .

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. Russia’s further gradual economic recovery may be unstable amid restrained consumer behavior, the Central Bank said in its report on monetary policy.
According to the Bank of Russia, further gradual economic recovery can be unsustainable due to the decline in income, restrained consumer behavior, cautious business sentiments, as well as restrictions on the part of external demand.
"Taking into account these factors, according to our forecast, GDP will decline by 4.5-5.5% this year," the regulator said.
Earlier, head of the regulator Elvira Nabiullina noted that after a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection the Russian economy could recover in more than 1.5 years. At the same time, the regulator does not yet see the need for additional measures to support the economy. The Central Bank expects that the revival of the national economy will not "fizzle out" in the fourth quarter and the recovery will continue.