Maria Zakharova commented on the latest developments in Syria at the weekly briefing of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Moscow, August 3, 2018.
Mi-8 Helicopter Crashes In East Siberia
18 passengers died
MOSCOW, August 4.A Mi-8 helicopter has crashed in the north of Krasnoyarsk region, East Siberia, killing 18 people aboard, a source at the emergency services told.
"There were three crewmembers and 15 passenger abroad the Mi-8 that belonged to Utair airline," he said. "All of them died."
A well-informed official in the law enforcement agencies told the helicopter had taken off from the town of Igarka, located on the River Yenisei to the north of the Arctic Circle.
"It crashed 2 km to the south of the airport, immediately after takeoff," he said.
Officials at the Krasnoyarsk regional branch of the federal Ministry for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense said the helicopter crash-landed 10:20 Siberian time [06:20 Moscow Standard Time, 03:20 UTC].
Law enforcers also said the helicopter crashed because of midair collision with a cargo carried by another helicopter.
"It crashed immediately after takeoff because of collision with the cargo carried by another helicopter that was also airborne at the moment," a police source said.
In the meantime, other law enforcers said there was priority version explaining for the cause of the accident so far, with all the possible versions under consideration. Their list included a crew error and equipment failure.
A spokesman for an emergency team set up to eliminate the aftermaths of the accident two flight recorders had been found at the site of the crash.
"Both flight recorders have been found," he said. "We’ll hand them to the experts of the Interstate Aviation Committee."
Operatives and rescue teams were working at the site of the crash at the time this report went on wire.
MOSCOW, August 4.A Mi-8 helicopter has crashed in the north of Krasnoyarsk region, East Siberia, killing 18 people aboard, a source at the emergency services told.
"There were three crewmembers and 15 passenger abroad the Mi-8 that belonged to Utair airline," he said. "All of them died."
A well-informed official in the law enforcement agencies told the helicopter had taken off from the town of Igarka, located on the River Yenisei to the north of the Arctic Circle.
"It crashed 2 km to the south of the airport, immediately after takeoff," he said.
Officials at the Krasnoyarsk regional branch of the federal Ministry for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense said the helicopter crash-landed 10:20 Siberian time [06:20 Moscow Standard Time, 03:20 UTC].
Law enforcers also said the helicopter crashed because of midair collision with a cargo carried by another helicopter.
"It crashed immediately after takeoff because of collision with the cargo carried by another helicopter that was also airborne at the moment," a police source said.
In the meantime, other law enforcers said there was priority version explaining for the cause of the accident so far, with all the possible versions under consideration. Their list included a crew error and equipment failure.
A spokesman for an emergency team set up to eliminate the aftermaths of the accident two flight recorders had been found at the site of the crash.
"Both flight recorders have been found," he said. "We’ll hand them to the experts of the Interstate Aviation Committee."
Operatives and rescue teams were working at the site of the crash at the time this report went on wire.
Mogherini's Remarks At ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting In Singapore
Opening remarks by Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the 2018 ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, Singapore, August 3, 2018.
US Missile Defense System In Romania Threatens Russia’s Security
The US missile defense system Aegis Ashore was deployed at the Deveselu Military Base in May 2016
The US missile defense system Aegis Ashore stationed at a military base in the Romanian commune of Deveselu threatens Russia’s security. Diplomat from the Russian Embassy in Bucharest Pavel Alexeyenko wrote on Facebook that it is proved by the words of Romanian Minister of Defense Mihai Fifor, who said in an interview with the TV channel Antena 3 on Tuesday that his country "has a military base with ballistic missiles in Deveselu." This wording, corrected by the minister later, sparked a large scandal.
"Fifor’s statement is another proof that the American shield in Deveselu is a direct and immediate threat to Russian national security. Thank you for this spontaneous truth, Mr Fifor!" the Russian diplomat wrote on social media on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, his statement was cited by numerous Romanian mass media, including the Mediafax agency.
Some local observers consider the Romanian minister’s statement as the possible confession that there are ballistic missiles at the Deveselu Military Base. Political analyst Stelian Tanase noted that "there are either ballistic missiles there, as Fifor said live," and then the minister should be removed from office and handed over to the tribunal for the divulgence of state secrets, or "this was just a slip of the tongue," which, however, should arouse mistrust in Romania among its NATO partners. On Wednesday, the leaders of three opposition parties - the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Save Romania Union (USR) and the People's Movement Party (PMP) - demanded the minister’s resignation.
Fifor himself stated later that he never said that there are ballistic missiles in Deveselu and supposed that his words could have been misinterpreted. "I never said there are any ballistic missiles in Deveselu," he told Mediafax. "Anyway, it is hard to believe that a defense minister could say such a thing. I think this is misinterpretation."
The US missile defense system Aegis Ashore was stationed at the Deveselu Military Base in May 2016. It includes the command and control center, Mk-41 vertical launching systems and SM-3 missile defense interceptors and is serviced by 200 US soldiers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry repeatedly stated that by deploying Aegis Ashore systems in Eastern European countries Washington violates its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).
The US missile defense system Aegis Ashore stationed at a military base in the Romanian commune of Deveselu threatens Russia’s security. Diplomat from the Russian Embassy in Bucharest Pavel Alexeyenko wrote on Facebook that it is proved by the words of Romanian Minister of Defense Mihai Fifor, who said in an interview with the TV channel Antena 3 on Tuesday that his country "has a military base with ballistic missiles in Deveselu." This wording, corrected by the minister later, sparked a large scandal.
"Fifor’s statement is another proof that the American shield in Deveselu is a direct and immediate threat to Russian national security. Thank you for this spontaneous truth, Mr Fifor!" the Russian diplomat wrote on social media on Wednesday evening. On Thursday, his statement was cited by numerous Romanian mass media, including the Mediafax agency.
Some local observers consider the Romanian minister’s statement as the possible confession that there are ballistic missiles at the Deveselu Military Base. Political analyst Stelian Tanase noted that "there are either ballistic missiles there, as Fifor said live," and then the minister should be removed from office and handed over to the tribunal for the divulgence of state secrets, or "this was just a slip of the tongue," which, however, should arouse mistrust in Romania among its NATO partners. On Wednesday, the leaders of three opposition parties - the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Save Romania Union (USR) and the People's Movement Party (PMP) - demanded the minister’s resignation.
Fifor himself stated later that he never said that there are ballistic missiles in Deveselu and supposed that his words could have been misinterpreted. "I never said there are any ballistic missiles in Deveselu," he told Mediafax. "Anyway, it is hard to believe that a defense minister could say such a thing. I think this is misinterpretation."
The US missile defense system Aegis Ashore was stationed at the Deveselu Military Base in May 2016. It includes the command and control center, Mk-41 vertical launching systems and SM-3 missile defense interceptors and is serviced by 200 US soldiers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry repeatedly stated that by deploying Aegis Ashore systems in Eastern European countries Washington violates its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty).
Lawmakers Mull Bill On Protecting Journalists In Conflict Zones
Top stories in the Russian press on Thursday, August 2
Vedomosti: Lawmakers mull bill on protecting journalists in conflict zones
Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament, should pass a law on guarantees for journalists working in hot spots of tension as soon as possible in the wake of the deaths of three Russian journalists in the Central African Republic, Vedomosti writes. The paper is citing Mikhail Fedotov, who heads the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, as saying these measures should include higher insurance payouts, special training and protection means.
All these proposals were stipulated in a special bill introduced in 2014 after Russian journalists were killed in Donbass. The bill was approved in the first reading in 2015 but has been shelved since. "I hope the death of three Russian journalists in the Central African Republic will make our lawmakers feel ashamed of their tardiness," he said.
Three Russian journalists were killed in the Central African Republic while making a film for ex-tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s Investigations Management Center about the Wagner private military company, which is allegedly involved in providing Russian military assistance to the CAR government, the paper writes.
Meanwhile, a source in the State Duma told Vedomosti that the government has not backed the bill, which is opposed by both the Finance Ministry and the Labor Ministry. The Finance Ministry says the initiative will force the state media to make significant cash injections in insurance, while the Labor Ministry insists that the current legislation already has the necessary regulations.
Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Committee for Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications Leonid Levin believes the bill is important and should be endorsed during the autumn session. "We don’t think additional spending is more important than human lives."
Novaya Gazeta publisher Dmitry Muratov warns that the bill could complicate the procedure of sending journalists to military conflict zones.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Vedomosti: Lawmakers mull bill on protecting journalists in conflict zones
Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament, should pass a law on guarantees for journalists working in hot spots of tension as soon as possible in the wake of the deaths of three Russian journalists in the Central African Republic, Vedomosti writes. The paper is citing Mikhail Fedotov, who heads the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights, as saying these measures should include higher insurance payouts, special training and protection means.
All these proposals were stipulated in a special bill introduced in 2014 after Russian journalists were killed in Donbass. The bill was approved in the first reading in 2015 but has been shelved since. "I hope the death of three Russian journalists in the Central African Republic will make our lawmakers feel ashamed of their tardiness," he said.
Three Russian journalists were killed in the Central African Republic while making a film for ex-tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s Investigations Management Center about the Wagner private military company, which is allegedly involved in providing Russian military assistance to the CAR government, the paper writes.
Meanwhile, a source in the State Duma told Vedomosti that the government has not backed the bill, which is opposed by both the Finance Ministry and the Labor Ministry. The Finance Ministry says the initiative will force the state media to make significant cash injections in insurance, while the Labor Ministry insists that the current legislation already has the necessary regulations.
Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Committee for Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications Leonid Levin believes the bill is important and should be endorsed during the autumn session. "We don’t think additional spending is more important than human lives."
Novaya Gazeta publisher Dmitry Muratov warns that the bill could complicate the procedure of sending journalists to military conflict zones.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Crimea Opens Door To EU
Top stories in the Russian press on Thursday, August 2
Izvestia: Crimea opens doors to the European Union
Russia and Slovakia have agreed to establish the European-Crimean chamber of commerce to foster business cooperation between the Black Sea peninsula and the European Union member-states, Izvestia writes. The organization will be headquartered in Bratislava and will be registered with Slovakia’s Interior Ministry, said head of the Krymcongress fund Rustam Muratov, Slovak MP Peter Marcek and businessman Roman Buso, who signed the foundational agreement.
On August 1, the Slovak delegation consisting of 12 members arrived in Crimea and will return on August 3. The signing of the agreement on setting up the European-Crimean chamber of commerce was the key outcome of business meetings during the first day, the paper says.
"This is a historic event. The public organization’s establishment will make it possible to develop trade relations with Crimea, which the Western countries have been trying to isolate over the past years," Marcek said.
The chief of Krymcongress, which promotes economic potential of the region, believes that this initiative will become a tool of cooperation between Crimean entrepreneurs and Europe. Such chambers of commerce will become the gate to the EU for Crimean goods, said Andrei Nazarov, who co-chairs the Yalta International Economic Forum and the Business Russia public organization. "Crimea and Slovakia have a great potential for cooperation, namely in agriculture, tourism, construction and the industrial sector," he said.
Over the past years, Crimea has been becoming more and more attractive for foreign investors, the paper says. This was largely encouraged by the fact that in 2015 a law on the free economic zone regime in Crimea came into effect.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Izvestia: Crimea opens doors to the European Union
Russia and Slovakia have agreed to establish the European-Crimean chamber of commerce to foster business cooperation between the Black Sea peninsula and the European Union member-states, Izvestia writes. The organization will be headquartered in Bratislava and will be registered with Slovakia’s Interior Ministry, said head of the Krymcongress fund Rustam Muratov, Slovak MP Peter Marcek and businessman Roman Buso, who signed the foundational agreement.
On August 1, the Slovak delegation consisting of 12 members arrived in Crimea and will return on August 3. The signing of the agreement on setting up the European-Crimean chamber of commerce was the key outcome of business meetings during the first day, the paper says.
"This is a historic event. The public organization’s establishment will make it possible to develop trade relations with Crimea, which the Western countries have been trying to isolate over the past years," Marcek said.
The chief of Krymcongress, which promotes economic potential of the region, believes that this initiative will become a tool of cooperation between Crimean entrepreneurs and Europe. Such chambers of commerce will become the gate to the EU for Crimean goods, said Andrei Nazarov, who co-chairs the Yalta International Economic Forum and the Business Russia public organization. "Crimea and Slovakia have a great potential for cooperation, namely in agriculture, tourism, construction and the industrial sector," he said.
Over the past years, Crimea has been becoming more and more attractive for foreign investors, the paper says. This was largely encouraged by the fact that in 2015 a law on the free economic zone regime in Crimea came into effect.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Russia Angered By Armenia's Actions
Top stories in the Russian press on Thursday, August 2
Kommersant: Moscow angered by Armenia’s crackdown on CSTO chief
The new Armenian authorities’ decision to prosecute former leaders has driven a wedge into Moscow’s relations with Yerevan and may set the two countries at loggerheads even more, Kommersant writes. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government has launched a criminal investigation against former senior officials as part of a case into dispersing opposition protesters in March 2008.
Pashinyan, who was sent behind the bars in 2010 for organizing the riots, now demands those who also had a role in the crackdown on the protesters be held accountable: ex-President Robert Kocharyan and Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization Yuri Khatchaturov, who was the commander of the Yerevan garrison in 2008. They have been charged with usurping power, the paper says.
The prosecution of the CSTO chief has sparked Moscow’s outrage as this deals a blow to the image of the Russian-led military and political bloc, sources in Russia’s state bodies told Kommersant. One of the sources close to the CSTO did not rule out that "the attempt to slander Khatchaturov and the entire organization has been inspired by players outside the region."
The standoff between Moscow and Yerevan may affect Russian weapons supplies to Armenia agreed earlier, according to the paper. Top managers of two Russian defense enterprises said the implementation of the second package of contracts, under a $100 mln loan to Armenia, "now remains doubtful."
Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Yerevan-based Caucasus Institute, has called not to link the current events in Armenia with the country’s foreign policy priorities. "What is happening now in Armenia is within the logic of the Armenian domestic political process. It should be viewed in the context of relations between the new and old elites."
Lavrov Comments On What Is Happening In Armenia
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Kommersant: Moscow angered by Armenia’s crackdown on CSTO chief
The new Armenian authorities’ decision to prosecute former leaders has driven a wedge into Moscow’s relations with Yerevan and may set the two countries at loggerheads even more, Kommersant writes. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government has launched a criminal investigation against former senior officials as part of a case into dispersing opposition protesters in March 2008.
Pashinyan, who was sent behind the bars in 2010 for organizing the riots, now demands those who also had a role in the crackdown on the protesters be held accountable: ex-President Robert Kocharyan and Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization Yuri Khatchaturov, who was the commander of the Yerevan garrison in 2008. They have been charged with usurping power, the paper says.
The prosecution of the CSTO chief has sparked Moscow’s outrage as this deals a blow to the image of the Russian-led military and political bloc, sources in Russia’s state bodies told Kommersant. One of the sources close to the CSTO did not rule out that "the attempt to slander Khatchaturov and the entire organization has been inspired by players outside the region."
The standoff between Moscow and Yerevan may affect Russian weapons supplies to Armenia agreed earlier, according to the paper. Top managers of two Russian defense enterprises said the implementation of the second package of contracts, under a $100 mln loan to Armenia, "now remains doubtful."
Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Yerevan-based Caucasus Institute, has called not to link the current events in Armenia with the country’s foreign policy priorities. "What is happening now in Armenia is within the logic of the Armenian domestic political process. It should be viewed in the context of relations between the new and old elites."
Lavrov Comments On What Is Happening In Armenia
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Washington's New Crushing Sanctions And US-China Trade Standoff Escalates
Top stories in the Russian press on Friday, August 3
Kommersant: US senators unveil ‘crushing’ penalties against Moscow
A group of senators from the US Republican Party and the Democratic Party has introduced a bill on new sanctions against Russia accusing it of continuing to meddle in the US election, creating chaos in Syria and aggression in Crimea, Kommersant writes. While acknowledging that the previous sanctions have had no effect, initiators of The Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2018 offered a new package of penalties - ranging from banning any transactions pertaining to the Russian sovereign debt to personal sanctions targeting "political figures, oligarchs, and family members." The authors believe these will be "crushing measures" forcing Moscow to change its behavior ahead of the November US midterm elections.
The legislation was submitted by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to the Senate just two weeks after the landmark Helsinki summit between the Russian and US presidents, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The reason behind the new surge in activity was not only dissatisfaction over Trump’s steps in Helsinki, but also the upcoming elections to Congress due on November 6, the paper says.
The direct sanctions effect for Russian state energy companies will be banning them from entering new projects abroad and also further restrictions when attracting Western investment and debt capital in Russian projects. In a more long-term prospect, the potential influence of expanding US sanctions on the macroeconomic situation in Russia is still significantly limited, according to the paper.
Izvestia: Russia talks Japan into discussing US missile shield
The first consultations between Russian and Japanese experts on the US missile defense system’s deployment to Japan will be held before the September meeting between the two countries’ leadership in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, sources in the Russian Foreign Ministry told Izvestia. The agreement on this was reached after the 2+2 format negotiations in Moscow between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers. The meeting was attended by Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, who visited Russia for the first time in the past 12 years.
The agreement on holding these consultations may be considered as Russia’s diplomatic victory, the paper writes. Moscow had been seeking Tokyo’s response to the initiative on organizing these talks for several months.
Japan insists that the US missile shield on its territory will be purely for defensive purposes and won’t threaten Russia. However, Moscow is not satisfied by the general explanations from high-level Japanese officials. "There are certain technical parameters of the missile defense system and only experts can explain if it may have offensive capabilities or not," a diplomatic source told Izvestia.
According to Ruslan Pukhov, Director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Japan is a staunch ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and all decisions regarding the foreign and defense policy on Russia are made through the lens of Tokyo’s relations with Washington. "The fact that Japan agreed to create this group is a great step forward and a big victory of Russia’s diplomacy," the expert said.
Kommersant: Tajikistan terror attack may ruin Iran’s plans on joining SCO
Relations between Tajikistan and Iran are at the lowest point: Dushanbe has blamed Tehran for a terrorist attack, which killed four foreign tourists, Kommersant writes. Although the Islamic State (terror group, outlawed in Russia) claimed responsibility for the attack, Tajikistan insists that this was the work of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRP). This conclusion was made based on the evidence of the only surviving attacker Husein Abdusamadov, who allegedly confessed that in 2014-2015 he underwent ideological and subversive training in Iran. Meanwhile, experts are not convinced on both the role of the IRP and Iran in this attack.
The Tajik-Iranian conflict, which is gaining steam, may affect Russia’s interests, the paper says. Moscow backs Iran’s aspiration to become a full-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. However, Dushanbe stonewalls all Tehran’s attempts of joining the alliance.
"Due to Tajikistan’s principled stance the issue on Iran’s accession was not even raised at the SCO June summit in Qingdao," said Radzhab Safarov, Director General of the Center for Modern Iranian Studies. Iran took offense with Moscow’s not using its "huge authority in Central Asia to ask Tajikistan not to impede the SCO expansion," he noted.
According to Valdai Club expert and senior lecturer at the Tehran Shahid Behsti University Hamidrez Azizi, Dushanbe’s steps are encouraged by Saudi Arabia, which has been increasing its influence in Tajikistan. "Iran’s full-fledged membership (in the SCO) will strengthen the country’s international role, while Riyadh is not ready to accept this," Azizi said.
Moscow may attempt to defuse tensions between the conflicting parties, but no one expects it to side with Iran. "When Tajikistan is concerned, the situation becomes more complicated, as this is Russia’s de facto ally," the expert explained.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US-Chinese trade standoff may draw Russia into new crisis
The trade war between Beijing and Washington is heating up. China retaliates against any US measures by countermeasures, and now Washington plans to hike tariffs on $200 bln in Chinese goods, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. China calls on the US to show common sense, but is not ruling out the introduction of tit-for-tat restrictions on US imports. Experts note that Washington is shooting itself in the foot: one third of Chinese imports returns to the US under American brands. Besides, this trade standoff may trigger a huge slowdown in the global economy, and result in a recession in Russia.
"If the US makes a decision to increase tariffs doubling what was earlier expected, this will result in a greater slowdown in global economy. According to our assessments, due to this decision global GDP growth rates may drop by 1 or 1.5 percentage points," analyst at the Analytical Credit Rating Agency Vasilisa Baranova said.
For Russia, the increasing protectionism in global trade will mean reduced demand in its export. On the other hand, the tariffs will in theory create new opportunities for boosting Russian-Chinese trade, the expert said. "In the mid-term prospect this may partly compensate the negative effect for our economy related to the general downturn in global trade. This process may be also encouraged by the general tendency of the past years linked to growing cooperation between Russia and China, trade and financial flows and also the Silk Road project implementation," the analyst noted.
According to Roman Tkachuk, a senior analyst at the Alpari investment company, "if the scenario of a full-scale trade standoff between the US and China becomes a reality, the price of Brent crude will roll back to $50-$60 per barrel. In this case we will see an outflow of funds from all developing markets. Russia will be affected as an export-oriented country."
"Russia should not hope to win the economic race. Trade wars can slow down global economic growth by 1 or 2 percentage points and disturb logistic chains around the world," analyst at Alor Broker Alexei Antonov said.
Izvestia: EBRD shuts down six offices in Russia amid lack of new projects
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has closed six out of its seven branches in Russia, leaving just one central office in Moscow, the international financial institution’s press service told Izvestia. This decision is in connection with the gradual suspension of the organization’s work in Russia and the lack of new projects where the bank could invest funds.
The Eurasian Development Bank, which brings together Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is already replacing the EBRD. It has bought the EBRD’s stake in some Russian projects and plans to further pour in funds in small and medium-sized businesses.
The EBRD board of directors announced the decision to suspend all new operations in Russia in July 2014. The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed this decision as politicized viewing this as another attempt of sanctions pressure. A source close to the financial institution told Izvestia that the decision on investing in new projects is made by its shareholders, namely Western states. This means that halting the financing of new Russian projects was indeed a political move, the source noted.
In early July, some media reports said that Italy suggested lifting the ban on issuing loans of the EBRD for small and medium-sized businesses in Russia. The bank confirmed this report to Izvestia, but stressed that shareholders should adopt a consolidated stance.
Deputy Chairman of the EBRD Board of Directors Andrey Krayniy said there are great doubts about the bank’s return into serious strategic projects. The signal from Italian colleagues came amid news from Brussels on extending sanctions against Russia. Even if this initiative is successful, the EBRD will face serious rivalry on the Russian market, he noted.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Kommersant: US senators unveil ‘crushing’ penalties against Moscow
A group of senators from the US Republican Party and the Democratic Party has introduced a bill on new sanctions against Russia accusing it of continuing to meddle in the US election, creating chaos in Syria and aggression in Crimea, Kommersant writes. While acknowledging that the previous sanctions have had no effect, initiators of The Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act of 2018 offered a new package of penalties - ranging from banning any transactions pertaining to the Russian sovereign debt to personal sanctions targeting "political figures, oligarchs, and family members." The authors believe these will be "crushing measures" forcing Moscow to change its behavior ahead of the November US midterm elections.
The legislation was submitted by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to the Senate just two weeks after the landmark Helsinki summit between the Russian and US presidents, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The reason behind the new surge in activity was not only dissatisfaction over Trump’s steps in Helsinki, but also the upcoming elections to Congress due on November 6, the paper says.
It is noteworthy that unlike other proposals on strengthening sanctions, the new initiative suggests punishing for investments not in Russian export pipelines, but in general for investment in energy projects "supported by Russia state-owned or parastatal entities." Since the term "support" is rather vague, it is unclear whether it targets projects receiving secured loans at state banks, or receiving tax benefits.
The direct sanctions effect for Russian state energy companies will be banning them from entering new projects abroad and also further restrictions when attracting Western investment and debt capital in Russian projects. In a more long-term prospect, the potential influence of expanding US sanctions on the macroeconomic situation in Russia is still significantly limited, according to the paper.
Izvestia: Russia talks Japan into discussing US missile shield
The first consultations between Russian and Japanese experts on the US missile defense system’s deployment to Japan will be held before the September meeting between the two countries’ leadership in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok, sources in the Russian Foreign Ministry told Izvestia. The agreement on this was reached after the 2+2 format negotiations in Moscow between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers. The meeting was attended by Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, who visited Russia for the first time in the past 12 years.
The agreement on holding these consultations may be considered as Russia’s diplomatic victory, the paper writes. Moscow had been seeking Tokyo’s response to the initiative on organizing these talks for several months.
Japan insists that the US missile shield on its territory will be purely for defensive purposes and won’t threaten Russia. However, Moscow is not satisfied by the general explanations from high-level Japanese officials. "There are certain technical parameters of the missile defense system and only experts can explain if it may have offensive capabilities or not," a diplomatic source told Izvestia.
According to Ruslan Pukhov, Director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, Japan is a staunch ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and all decisions regarding the foreign and defense policy on Russia are made through the lens of Tokyo’s relations with Washington. "The fact that Japan agreed to create this group is a great step forward and a big victory of Russia’s diplomacy," the expert said.
Kommersant: Tajikistan terror attack may ruin Iran’s plans on joining SCO
Relations between Tajikistan and Iran are at the lowest point: Dushanbe has blamed Tehran for a terrorist attack, which killed four foreign tourists, Kommersant writes. Although the Islamic State (terror group, outlawed in Russia) claimed responsibility for the attack, Tajikistan insists that this was the work of the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRP). This conclusion was made based on the evidence of the only surviving attacker Husein Abdusamadov, who allegedly confessed that in 2014-2015 he underwent ideological and subversive training in Iran. Meanwhile, experts are not convinced on both the role of the IRP and Iran in this attack.
The Tajik-Iranian conflict, which is gaining steam, may affect Russia’s interests, the paper says. Moscow backs Iran’s aspiration to become a full-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. However, Dushanbe stonewalls all Tehran’s attempts of joining the alliance.
"Due to Tajikistan’s principled stance the issue on Iran’s accession was not even raised at the SCO June summit in Qingdao," said Radzhab Safarov, Director General of the Center for Modern Iranian Studies. Iran took offense with Moscow’s not using its "huge authority in Central Asia to ask Tajikistan not to impede the SCO expansion," he noted.
According to Valdai Club expert and senior lecturer at the Tehran Shahid Behsti University Hamidrez Azizi, Dushanbe’s steps are encouraged by Saudi Arabia, which has been increasing its influence in Tajikistan. "Iran’s full-fledged membership (in the SCO) will strengthen the country’s international role, while Riyadh is not ready to accept this," Azizi said.
Moscow may attempt to defuse tensions between the conflicting parties, but no one expects it to side with Iran. "When Tajikistan is concerned, the situation becomes more complicated, as this is Russia’s de facto ally," the expert explained.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US-Chinese trade standoff may draw Russia into new crisis
The trade war between Beijing and Washington is heating up. China retaliates against any US measures by countermeasures, and now Washington plans to hike tariffs on $200 bln in Chinese goods, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. China calls on the US to show common sense, but is not ruling out the introduction of tit-for-tat restrictions on US imports. Experts note that Washington is shooting itself in the foot: one third of Chinese imports returns to the US under American brands. Besides, this trade standoff may trigger a huge slowdown in the global economy, and result in a recession in Russia.
"If the US makes a decision to increase tariffs doubling what was earlier expected, this will result in a greater slowdown in global economy. According to our assessments, due to this decision global GDP growth rates may drop by 1 or 1.5 percentage points," analyst at the Analytical Credit Rating Agency Vasilisa Baranova said.
For Russia, the increasing protectionism in global trade will mean reduced demand in its export. On the other hand, the tariffs will in theory create new opportunities for boosting Russian-Chinese trade, the expert said. "In the mid-term prospect this may partly compensate the negative effect for our economy related to the general downturn in global trade. This process may be also encouraged by the general tendency of the past years linked to growing cooperation between Russia and China, trade and financial flows and also the Silk Road project implementation," the analyst noted.
According to Roman Tkachuk, a senior analyst at the Alpari investment company, "if the scenario of a full-scale trade standoff between the US and China becomes a reality, the price of Brent crude will roll back to $50-$60 per barrel. In this case we will see an outflow of funds from all developing markets. Russia will be affected as an export-oriented country."
"Russia should not hope to win the economic race. Trade wars can slow down global economic growth by 1 or 2 percentage points and disturb logistic chains around the world," analyst at Alor Broker Alexei Antonov said.
Izvestia: EBRD shuts down six offices in Russia amid lack of new projects
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has closed six out of its seven branches in Russia, leaving just one central office in Moscow, the international financial institution’s press service told Izvestia. This decision is in connection with the gradual suspension of the organization’s work in Russia and the lack of new projects where the bank could invest funds.
The Eurasian Development Bank, which brings together Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is already replacing the EBRD. It has bought the EBRD’s stake in some Russian projects and plans to further pour in funds in small and medium-sized businesses.
The EBRD board of directors announced the decision to suspend all new operations in Russia in July 2014. The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed this decision as politicized viewing this as another attempt of sanctions pressure. A source close to the financial institution told Izvestia that the decision on investing in new projects is made by its shareholders, namely Western states. This means that halting the financing of new Russian projects was indeed a political move, the source noted.
In early July, some media reports said that Italy suggested lifting the ban on issuing loans of the EBRD for small and medium-sized businesses in Russia. The bank confirmed this report to Izvestia, but stressed that shareholders should adopt a consolidated stance.
Deputy Chairman of the EBRD Board of Directors Andrey Krayniy said there are great doubts about the bank’s return into serious strategic projects. The signal from Italian colleagues came amid news from Brussels on extending sanctions against Russia. Even if this initiative is successful, the EBRD will face serious rivalry on the Russian market, he noted.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Lavrov's Remarks At ASEAN-Russian Foreign Ministers Summit In Singapore
Opening Remarks by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov at the Meeting of the Russian-ASEAN Foreign Ministers, Singapore, August 2, 2018.
Opening Remarks By Lavrov During Talks With Japanese FM Kōno
Opening Remarks by Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov During Talks with Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Tarō Kōno, Moscow, July 31, 2018.
Jeff Sessions Announces Creation Of Religious Liberty Task Force
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has announced the creation of a "religious liberty task force" within the Department of Justice that will help protect religious communities across the U.S. from discrimination. Sessions made the announcement Monday at the Department of Justice's Religious Liberty Summit in Washington, D.C.
Lavrov Visits Territory Of Meanings On Klyazma Educational Forum
Speech and Answers to Questions by Sergey Lavrov at the Territory of Meanings on the Klyazma River National Educational Youth Forum, Vladimir Region, July 30, 2018.
US Aiming To Cobble Together ‘Arab NATO’ For New Mideast Strategy
Top stories in the Russian press on Tuesday, July 31
Rossiyskaya Gazeta: The White House is setting up a new military and political alliance in the Middle East, Rossiyskaya Gazeta wrote on Tuesday. According to the strategy, six Sunni states in the Persian Gulf (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar), Egypt and Jordan will be part of this future alliance. The so-called ‘Arab NATO’ will be aimed at countering Iran and its influence in the region, according to the paper.
Discussions on creating this new bloc began shortly after Trump took office. Initially, it was expected that Israel would also join the alliance and provide intelligence data. However, now when Washington is ready to convene the future alliance members in the US (a summit is scheduled for October), Israel is now out of the picture. The Jewish state’s relations with the Arab world deteriorated after Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Expert on the Middle East and a researcher at the Institute for Social Sciences at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Sergey Demidenko played down the prospects of carrying out the Arab NATO project. Most Arab states lack a mutual development strategy on security, he pointed out. While NATO was created in 1949 amid the standoff between the West and the Soviet Union, the situation in the Arab world is different. There is no common enemy, though the US tries to demonize Iran. However, not even all emirates that make up the UAE view Iran in a bad light. Doha will be friends with Tehran just to annoy Riyadh, the expert noted.
Washington’s influence is being challenged as these Arab states have invested a great deal into the US economy in order not to depend directly on America’s decisions. So, Washington "has to draw up some sort of checks-and-balances system to attain its goals in the Middle East," Demidenko explained.
Proposals like the current one, to create an Arab military and political alliance, have been put on the table several times. Previous US administrations also tried to unite their Persian Gulf allies, but these efforts were all in vain, the paper says.
Izvestia: Risk of recession in Russia down to 20%, experts forecast
The risk of recession in Russia has dropped from 50% in early 2017 to 20%, a macro-forecast by the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics analyzed by Izvestia shows. The most probable scenario of Russia’s economic development points to a growth rate of 2%, the experts say. Meanwhile, the Economic Development Ministry believes that Russia’s economic growth will not exceed 2% before 2020. The ministry expects that the GDP will grow 1.9% by the year-end and 1.4% next year. Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin earlier attributed this slowdown to a hike in the VAT (value added tax) from 18% to 20%.
Upbeat forecasts for Russia’s GDP growth are encouraged by high energy prices, moderate volatility of the ruble rate and this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. According to experts questioned by Izvestia, the championship could spark a 1.3% increase and its contribution to the annual economic growth would reach 0.13%.
However, there are certain risks for Russian GDP, namely the threat of new EU and US sanctions, which undercut the stability of the national currency and prices on energy resources.
The risk of recession is now higher in Brazil and Saudi Arabia (30%) and in the UAE (45%), said one of the forecast’s authors and Assistant Professor at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Nikita Moiseyev. The surge in investments into Russia’s infrastructure during the FIFA World Cup stimulated GDP growth. Now, the global and Russian economies face the risk of slowing amid the trade wars between the European Union, the United States and China, the expert stressed.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US seeks to counter Taliban’s rapprochement with Russia
The Taliban (outlawed in Russia) has positively assessed the outcome of direct talks with US authorities held last week in Qatar. A representative of the faction, who took part in the meeting, spoke about a "friendly climate" during the dialogue, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Experts say the contacts in Doha, which have not been confirmed by the US State Department, are a sign of Washington’s plans to thwart the Taliban’s rapprochement with other players, including Russia.
Amid the reports about the direct talks, the media suggested that soon Washington would decide to revise its Afghan strategy unveiled by US President Donald Trump last year. US officials claim that the White House occupant is disappointed because his strategy on Afghanistan has turned out to be inefficient.
Amid the reports about the direct talks, the media suggested that soon Washington would decide to revise its Afghan strategy unveiled by US President Donald Trump last year. US officials claim that the White House occupant is disappointed because his strategy on Afghanistan has turned out to be inefficient.
"I suspect that this is more of the same policy and the same swings which are always going on in the US," Omar Nessar, Director of the Center for Contemporary Afghanistan Studies, told the newspaper, commenting on the rumors about plans to review the US strategy.
Nessar did not rule out that the direct talks would affect dialogue between Russia and the Taliban. "I suspect this is one of the key US goals - to prevent any rapprochement between the Taliban and regional states, including Russia, or more precisely China and Russia." "Over the past two years many statements have been made on the rapprochement between Russia and the Taliban, and the US does not even hide that this is a source of its concern," he noted.
The Taliban’s leadership may use these talks with regional players as a tool during its dialogue with Washington. Meanwhile, Nessar notes that reports about the Taliban becoming closer to Moscow are not true. "From my point of view, all contacts between the Taliban and Russia are exaggerated," he explained.
Izvestia: Egypt suggests moving Russian Embassy to new capital
Russia’s Embassy in Cairo may move to Egypt’s new capital by the end of 2018, two Russian diplomatic sources told Izvestia. Moscow is studying this proposal now. The report was confirmed by head of the information bureau of the Egyptian Embassy in Moscow Ayman Mousa Mustafa. Cairo has offered 90 countries to move their diplomatic missions to the new capital. The procedure will be carried out on a voluntary basis.
By the end of this year, Egypt plans to complete the construction of its new administrative capital, where all its government agencies will be moved to. The city, which has not been officially named, is located 45 km to the east of Cairo. Under the plan, the future capital, covering 700 square km, will host the nation’s key ministries, the financial center and residential areas for 5 million people. There are plans to build government quarters, the Cairo Opera’s new stage and the largest theme park in the Middle East in the city center.
Diplomatic missions will be located in a special area for security reasons. The new capital will also have its own airport for servicing international flights.
Senior researcher at the Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Filonik said the decision on building the new capital had been in the making for a long time and triggered by the transport collapse.
The initiative to move the capital will enhance security in Egypt, Senior Researcher at the Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences and professor at the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Lomonosov Moscow State University Vladimir Isayev told the paper.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Terminals for US LNG in Europe may be used by Russian tankers
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker promised US President Donald Trump last week that Europe would build more terminals to import American liquefied natural gas (LNG) in order to solve the dispute over trade tariffs with Washington, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. This should also calm US fears about the EU’s excessive dependence on Russian pipeline gas supplies (last year Gazprom’s share reached 36%).
However, the increase in the number of terminals in Europe won’t necessarily lead to rising imports of US fuel, the paper says. Russia has been also boosting its LNG production and exports.
Since 2009, Russia has been producing 11 million tonnes of LNG every year. The Yamal LNG project was launched in December 2017 and the second and the third lines will be launched in August and by early 2019, respectively. So, the overall LNG production in Russia may reach some 30 million tonnes, placing it among the top five LNG producers worldwide.
Recently, the US has been also purchasing Russian gas. On Sunday, media reports said a tanker with gas from the Yamal LNG project was headed to the US East Coast along the Atlantic Ocean.
So, Junker’s new terminals may be used by Russian suppliers, the paper writes.
Analysts say the key obstacle for the US LNG supplies to Europe is not the lack of terminals, but lower prices for Russian pipeline gas. US LNG prices are higher than those of Qatar and Russia. So, Russian LNG has a chance to secure a serious share on the global market.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Rossiyskaya Gazeta: The White House is setting up a new military and political alliance in the Middle East, Rossiyskaya Gazeta wrote on Tuesday. According to the strategy, six Sunni states in the Persian Gulf (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar), Egypt and Jordan will be part of this future alliance. The so-called ‘Arab NATO’ will be aimed at countering Iran and its influence in the region, according to the paper.
Discussions on creating this new bloc began shortly after Trump took office. Initially, it was expected that Israel would also join the alliance and provide intelligence data. However, now when Washington is ready to convene the future alliance members in the US (a summit is scheduled for October), Israel is now out of the picture. The Jewish state’s relations with the Arab world deteriorated after Trump’s decision to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Expert on the Middle East and a researcher at the Institute for Social Sciences at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration Sergey Demidenko played down the prospects of carrying out the Arab NATO project. Most Arab states lack a mutual development strategy on security, he pointed out. While NATO was created in 1949 amid the standoff between the West and the Soviet Union, the situation in the Arab world is different. There is no common enemy, though the US tries to demonize Iran. However, not even all emirates that make up the UAE view Iran in a bad light. Doha will be friends with Tehran just to annoy Riyadh, the expert noted.
Washington’s influence is being challenged as these Arab states have invested a great deal into the US economy in order not to depend directly on America’s decisions. So, Washington "has to draw up some sort of checks-and-balances system to attain its goals in the Middle East," Demidenko explained.
Proposals like the current one, to create an Arab military and political alliance, have been put on the table several times. Previous US administrations also tried to unite their Persian Gulf allies, but these efforts were all in vain, the paper says.
Izvestia: Risk of recession in Russia down to 20%, experts forecast
The risk of recession in Russia has dropped from 50% in early 2017 to 20%, a macro-forecast by the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics analyzed by Izvestia shows. The most probable scenario of Russia’s economic development points to a growth rate of 2%, the experts say. Meanwhile, the Economic Development Ministry believes that Russia’s economic growth will not exceed 2% before 2020. The ministry expects that the GDP will grow 1.9% by the year-end and 1.4% next year. Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin earlier attributed this slowdown to a hike in the VAT (value added tax) from 18% to 20%.
Upbeat forecasts for Russia’s GDP growth are encouraged by high energy prices, moderate volatility of the ruble rate and this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. According to experts questioned by Izvestia, the championship could spark a 1.3% increase and its contribution to the annual economic growth would reach 0.13%.
However, there are certain risks for Russian GDP, namely the threat of new EU and US sanctions, which undercut the stability of the national currency and prices on energy resources.
The risk of recession is now higher in Brazil and Saudi Arabia (30%) and in the UAE (45%), said one of the forecast’s authors and Assistant Professor at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Nikita Moiseyev. The surge in investments into Russia’s infrastructure during the FIFA World Cup stimulated GDP growth. Now, the global and Russian economies face the risk of slowing amid the trade wars between the European Union, the United States and China, the expert stressed.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US seeks to counter Taliban’s rapprochement with Russia
The Taliban (outlawed in Russia) has positively assessed the outcome of direct talks with US authorities held last week in Qatar. A representative of the faction, who took part in the meeting, spoke about a "friendly climate" during the dialogue, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Experts say the contacts in Doha, which have not been confirmed by the US State Department, are a sign of Washington’s plans to thwart the Taliban’s rapprochement with other players, including Russia.
Amid the reports about the direct talks, the media suggested that soon Washington would decide to revise its Afghan strategy unveiled by US President Donald Trump last year. US officials claim that the White House occupant is disappointed because his strategy on Afghanistan has turned out to be inefficient.
Amid the reports about the direct talks, the media suggested that soon Washington would decide to revise its Afghan strategy unveiled by US President Donald Trump last year. US officials claim that the White House occupant is disappointed because his strategy on Afghanistan has turned out to be inefficient.
"I suspect that this is more of the same policy and the same swings which are always going on in the US," Omar Nessar, Director of the Center for Contemporary Afghanistan Studies, told the newspaper, commenting on the rumors about plans to review the US strategy.
Nessar did not rule out that the direct talks would affect dialogue between Russia and the Taliban. "I suspect this is one of the key US goals - to prevent any rapprochement between the Taliban and regional states, including Russia, or more precisely China and Russia." "Over the past two years many statements have been made on the rapprochement between Russia and the Taliban, and the US does not even hide that this is a source of its concern," he noted.
The Taliban’s leadership may use these talks with regional players as a tool during its dialogue with Washington. Meanwhile, Nessar notes that reports about the Taliban becoming closer to Moscow are not true. "From my point of view, all contacts between the Taliban and Russia are exaggerated," he explained.
Izvestia: Egypt suggests moving Russian Embassy to new capital
Russia’s Embassy in Cairo may move to Egypt’s new capital by the end of 2018, two Russian diplomatic sources told Izvestia. Moscow is studying this proposal now. The report was confirmed by head of the information bureau of the Egyptian Embassy in Moscow Ayman Mousa Mustafa. Cairo has offered 90 countries to move their diplomatic missions to the new capital. The procedure will be carried out on a voluntary basis.
By the end of this year, Egypt plans to complete the construction of its new administrative capital, where all its government agencies will be moved to. The city, which has not been officially named, is located 45 km to the east of Cairo. Under the plan, the future capital, covering 700 square km, will host the nation’s key ministries, the financial center and residential areas for 5 million people. There are plans to build government quarters, the Cairo Opera’s new stage and the largest theme park in the Middle East in the city center.
Diplomatic missions will be located in a special area for security reasons. The new capital will also have its own airport for servicing international flights.
Senior researcher at the Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Filonik said the decision on building the new capital had been in the making for a long time and triggered by the transport collapse.
The initiative to move the capital will enhance security in Egypt, Senior Researcher at the Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences and professor at the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Lomonosov Moscow State University Vladimir Isayev told the paper.
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Terminals for US LNG in Europe may be used by Russian tankers
President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker promised US President Donald Trump last week that Europe would build more terminals to import American liquefied natural gas (LNG) in order to solve the dispute over trade tariffs with Washington, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. This should also calm US fears about the EU’s excessive dependence on Russian pipeline gas supplies (last year Gazprom’s share reached 36%).
However, the increase in the number of terminals in Europe won’t necessarily lead to rising imports of US fuel, the paper says. Russia has been also boosting its LNG production and exports.
Since 2009, Russia has been producing 11 million tonnes of LNG every year. The Yamal LNG project was launched in December 2017 and the second and the third lines will be launched in August and by early 2019, respectively. So, the overall LNG production in Russia may reach some 30 million tonnes, placing it among the top five LNG producers worldwide.
Recently, the US has been also purchasing Russian gas. On Sunday, media reports said a tanker with gas from the Yamal LNG project was headed to the US East Coast along the Atlantic Ocean.
So, Junker’s new terminals may be used by Russian suppliers, the paper writes.
Analysts say the key obstacle for the US LNG supplies to Europe is not the lack of terminals, but lower prices for Russian pipeline gas. US LNG prices are higher than those of Qatar and Russia. So, Russian LNG has a chance to secure a serious share on the global market.
TKS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews
Diplomat's Reaction To EU’s New Anti-Russian Sanctions
On July 31, the EU introduced Crimea-related sanctions against six Russian companies
MOSCOW, July 31. European Union’s new sanctions against six Russian companies are a subversive policy targeting the Crimean Peninsula’s citizens, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told on Tuesday.
According to the diplomat, by introducing these sanctions the West "encourages those behind Crimea’s energy blockade and pursues those who build civilian infrastructure facilities." "This is a subversive policy aimed against Crimea’s citizens," Zakharova stressed.
On Tuesday, the EU extended its sanctions related to Crimea’s reunification with Russia and also the Kerch Strait Bridge construction. According to the EU’s Official Journal, the sanctions were imposed on six more Russian companies - Institute Giprostroimost, Mostotrest, VAD, Stroigazmontazh, Stroigazmontazh-Most and Zaliv Shipyard.
The European Union earlier imposed several sanctions packages on Moscow, which include economic sanctions, individual restrictions and Crimea-related sanctions. European businesses are barred from maintaining any relations with the Black Sea Peninsula.
These measures are imposed under the EU strategy on the non-recognition of Crimea’s reunification with Russia, which will be in force until January 31, 2019 and can be extended further. According to the European Council, sanctions have been introduced against 155 individuals and 44 legal entities.
MOSCOW, July 31. European Union’s new sanctions against six Russian companies are a subversive policy targeting the Crimean Peninsula’s citizens, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told on Tuesday.
According to the diplomat, by introducing these sanctions the West "encourages those behind Crimea’s energy blockade and pursues those who build civilian infrastructure facilities." "This is a subversive policy aimed against Crimea’s citizens," Zakharova stressed.
On Tuesday, the EU extended its sanctions related to Crimea’s reunification with Russia and also the Kerch Strait Bridge construction. According to the EU’s Official Journal, the sanctions were imposed on six more Russian companies - Institute Giprostroimost, Mostotrest, VAD, Stroigazmontazh, Stroigazmontazh-Most and Zaliv Shipyard.
The European Union earlier imposed several sanctions packages on Moscow, which include economic sanctions, individual restrictions and Crimea-related sanctions. European businesses are barred from maintaining any relations with the Black Sea Peninsula.
These measures are imposed under the EU strategy on the non-recognition of Crimea’s reunification with Russia, which will be in force until January 31, 2019 and can be extended further. According to the European Council, sanctions have been introduced against 155 individuals and 44 legal entities.
Lavrov: Russia Has Information On Possible Military Plans By US
Lavrov assures Moscow has information about schemes hatched by the militaries of both the US and other Western countries against Russia
DVORIKI /Vladimir Region/, July 30. The Russian Federation possesses the information about military plans of the US and other countries against it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday in his speech before the participants of the Russian educational youth forum Terra Scientia.
"Rest assured, we are aware of the schemes harbored by the militaries of both the US and other Western countries against the Russian Federation," Lavrov stated in response to the question about how Russia meets modern challenges in the sphere of security. The minister highlighted that Russia keeps its global military presence to further support its defensive capacity.
"No matter what is happening in the world, our security as a state, the security of our citizens and our sovereignty will be duly protected. [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin repeatedly stated it, and I assure you that it is based on real material changes that are taking place in our country and our army," Lavrov concluded.
DVORIKI /Vladimir Region/, July 30. The Russian Federation possesses the information about military plans of the US and other countries against it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday in his speech before the participants of the Russian educational youth forum Terra Scientia.
"Rest assured, we are aware of the schemes harbored by the militaries of both the US and other Western countries against the Russian Federation," Lavrov stated in response to the question about how Russia meets modern challenges in the sphere of security. The minister highlighted that Russia keeps its global military presence to further support its defensive capacity.
"No matter what is happening in the world, our security as a state, the security of our citizens and our sovereignty will be duly protected. [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin repeatedly stated it, and I assure you that it is based on real material changes that are taking place in our country and our army," Lavrov concluded.
Russia May Export Project 22800 Corvettes To Vietnam, India, China
These ships are very successful: they have a big tonnage, good armament, and Kaliber is the most important thing, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said
MOSCOW, July 30. Russia may supply Project 22800 corvettes codenamed Karakurt, armed with the Kaliber missiles, to Vietnam, China, India and other countries of the Asia-Pacific Region, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told reporters on Monday.
"These ships are very successful: they have a big tonnage, good armament, and Kaliber is the most important thing. The corvette has an acceptable price, it is small, compact and fast. I believe that it has a good export potential for a number of countries, especially from the Asia-Pacific Region - Vietnam, China, India and others," Borisov said.
Currently, the units of Russia’s Navy, namely the Baltic, the Northern, the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian flotilla are equipped with the Karakurt-class corvettes, he said. "Now the construction of the first three vessels of this class has been launched at the Eastern shipyard. I think the new models’ production will heighten interest in them."
The Project 22800 corvettes (Karakurt) are a series of Russian multirole artillery missile vessels of the near maritime zone developed by the Almaz Central Maritime Design Bureau. The Russian Navy is due to receive a total of 18 small-sized Project 22800 ships, including the first two in 2018. The vessels are armed with high-precision missiles, modern artillery systems and Russian-made power plants.
MOSCOW, July 30. Russia may supply Project 22800 corvettes codenamed Karakurt, armed with the Kaliber missiles, to Vietnam, China, India and other countries of the Asia-Pacific Region, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told reporters on Monday.
"These ships are very successful: they have a big tonnage, good armament, and Kaliber is the most important thing. The corvette has an acceptable price, it is small, compact and fast. I believe that it has a good export potential for a number of countries, especially from the Asia-Pacific Region - Vietnam, China, India and others," Borisov said.
Currently, the units of Russia’s Navy, namely the Baltic, the Northern, the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian flotilla are equipped with the Karakurt-class corvettes, he said. "Now the construction of the first three vessels of this class has been launched at the Eastern shipyard. I think the new models’ production will heighten interest in them."
The Project 22800 corvettes (Karakurt) are a series of Russian multirole artillery missile vessels of the near maritime zone developed by the Almaz Central Maritime Design Bureau. The Russian Navy is due to receive a total of 18 small-sized Project 22800 ships, including the first two in 2018. The vessels are armed with high-precision missiles, modern artillery systems and Russian-made power plants.
Russia Wins Day 2 Of 2018 Tank Biathlon At International Army Games
Teams from Serbia and Iran finished second and third, respectively
ALABINO /Moscow region/, July 29. Russia’s team finished first on the second day of the international Tank Biathlon competition, the press center of the International Army Games 2018 said on Sunday.
"The second day on the international Tank Biathlon competitions of the International Army Games 2018 was held at the Alabino range. Crews from Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Syria, Belarus, Serbia, Iran and Russia took part. The Russian crew finished first in five laps," the press center said.
Teams from Serbia and Iran finished second and third, respectively.
Teams from China and Azerbaijan came first on the opening day of the 2018 Tank Biathlon on Saturday.
The 2018 Tank Biathlon contest is due to be held between July 28 and August 11 as part of the 4th International Army Games, which opened in Patriot Park near Moscow on Saturday. The Games are being held on 24 training grounds in seven countries in a period from July 28 through August 11. Taking part are 189 teams from 32 world nations. The program includes competitions in 28 disciplines.
ALABINO /Moscow region/, July 29. Russia’s team finished first on the second day of the international Tank Biathlon competition, the press center of the International Army Games 2018 said on Sunday.
"The second day on the international Tank Biathlon competitions of the International Army Games 2018 was held at the Alabino range. Crews from Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Syria, Belarus, Serbia, Iran and Russia took part. The Russian crew finished first in five laps," the press center said.
Teams from Serbia and Iran finished second and third, respectively.
Teams from China and Azerbaijan came first on the opening day of the 2018 Tank Biathlon on Saturday.
The 2018 Tank Biathlon contest is due to be held between July 28 and August 11 as part of the 4th International Army Games, which opened in Patriot Park near Moscow on Saturday. The Games are being held on 24 training grounds in seven countries in a period from July 28 through August 11. Taking part are 189 teams from 32 world nations. The program includes competitions in 28 disciplines.
EU Introduces Crimea-Related Sanctions Against 6 Russian Companies
MOSCOW, July 31. The European Union extended the sanction list related to reunification of Crimea with Russia and construction of the bridge across the Kerch Strait. Six more Russian companies are hit by sanctions, according to the Official Journal of the EU.
Sanctions are introduced against Institute Giprostroimost, Mostotrest, VAD, Stroigazmontazh, Stroigazmontazh-Most and Zaliv Shipyard.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Protests Medvedev's Trip To Crimea
Medvedev is making a trip to Crimea to chair a conference on the region’s social and economic development
KIEV, July 30. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has remonstrated to Russia a yet another time over a trip to Crimea by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, the press service of the ministry said on Monday.
The ministry claimed Dmitry Medvedev’s visit meant "crude violation of Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity" and was an instance of "a cynical and defiant disregard of the commonly accepted norms of international law."
Medvedev is making a trip to Crimea to chair a conference on the region’s social and economic development. On Sunday, July 29, he attended a naval review making Navy Day.
Following the state coup in Kiev in February 2014 that was applauded by Washington and its allies and on the face of a growing chaos and the onslaught of ultra-rightwing outrage across Ukraine, the Supreme Soviet of Crimea and the City Hall of Sevastopol adopted a declaration of independence from Ukraine on March 11.
On March 16, the residents of Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum for reunification with Russia, with the turnout of 80% of registered voters. The proposal to reunify with Russia was supported by 96.77% voters in the Republic of Crimea and 95.6% in Sevastopol.
A treaty on accession of the new constituent territories to the Russian Federation was signed on March 18.
The US, the EU and the government in Kiev refused to recognize the fact of Crimea’s reunification with Russia.
KIEV, July 30. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has remonstrated to Russia a yet another time over a trip to Crimea by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, the press service of the ministry said on Monday.
The ministry claimed Dmitry Medvedev’s visit meant "crude violation of Ukraine’s state sovereignty and territorial integrity" and was an instance of "a cynical and defiant disregard of the commonly accepted norms of international law."
Medvedev is making a trip to Crimea to chair a conference on the region’s social and economic development. On Sunday, July 29, he attended a naval review making Navy Day.
Following the state coup in Kiev in February 2014 that was applauded by Washington and its allies and on the face of a growing chaos and the onslaught of ultra-rightwing outrage across Ukraine, the Supreme Soviet of Crimea and the City Hall of Sevastopol adopted a declaration of independence from Ukraine on March 11.
On March 16, the residents of Crimea and Sevastopol held a referendum for reunification with Russia, with the turnout of 80% of registered voters. The proposal to reunify with Russia was supported by 96.77% voters in the Republic of Crimea and 95.6% in Sevastopol.
A treaty on accession of the new constituent territories to the Russian Federation was signed on March 18.
The US, the EU and the government in Kiev refused to recognize the fact of Crimea’s reunification with Russia.
Russian Embassy In Estonia Blasts Ex-Waffen SS Gathering
Estonian Minister of Justice Urmas Reinsalu earlier welcomed the convention participants on his Facebook
TALLINN, July 30. The Russian Embassy in Estonia has denounced the gathering of Waffen-SS stormtroopers that took place in this country, the embassy said on Facebook on Monday.
"To our regret, Estonia continues the degrading practice of glorifying ex Waffen-SS members," the report says.
"On July 28 this year another gathering of former SS-men took place in the village of Sinimae, and representatives for some Estonian parliamentary parties, the current minister and activists from ultranationalist organizations honored them."
The Russian Embassy in Estonia specified in a conversation with TASS that Estonian Minister of Justice Urmas Reinsalu earlier welcomed the convention participants on his Facebook.
"We note that there can be no excuse for the glorification of the Waffen-SS criminals," the Russian embassy said in the statement.
TALLINN, July 30. The Russian Embassy in Estonia has denounced the gathering of Waffen-SS stormtroopers that took place in this country, the embassy said on Facebook on Monday.
"To our regret, Estonia continues the degrading practice of glorifying ex Waffen-SS members," the report says.
"On July 28 this year another gathering of former SS-men took place in the village of Sinimae, and representatives for some Estonian parliamentary parties, the current minister and activists from ultranationalist organizations honored them."
The Russian Embassy in Estonia specified in a conversation with TASS that Estonian Minister of Justice Urmas Reinsalu earlier welcomed the convention participants on his Facebook.
"We note that there can be no excuse for the glorification of the Waffen-SS criminals," the Russian embassy said in the statement.
Russian Mountaineer Was Rescued In Pakistan
According to the information from the Russian embassy in Islamabad, the mountaineer is now in critical condition in hospital
MOSCOW, July 31. The Petersburg mountaineer Alexander Gukov, who was blocked for several days on the slope of the Latok-1 mountain in Pakistan, has been rescued and taken to a hospital, Anna Piunova coordinator of the rescue team told.
"He was rescued, they are flying to the hospital of city of Skardu," Piunova said. She added that the rescue operation involved two Pakistani military helicopters.
According to the information from the Russian embassy in Islamabad, the mountaineer is now in critical condition in hospital.
Earlier it was reported that Gukov and Sergei Glazunov from Irkutsk were blocked on a steep slope. Later, it became known from the base camp that Glazunov fell down and died. Gukov managed to gain a foothold at an altitude of 6,200 meters. He remained there almost without equipment, most of which was lost when his partner fell.
MOSCOW, July 31. The Petersburg mountaineer Alexander Gukov, who was blocked for several days on the slope of the Latok-1 mountain in Pakistan, has been rescued and taken to a hospital, Anna Piunova coordinator of the rescue team told.
"He was rescued, they are flying to the hospital of city of Skardu," Piunova said. She added that the rescue operation involved two Pakistani military helicopters.
According to the information from the Russian embassy in Islamabad, the mountaineer is now in critical condition in hospital.
Earlier it was reported that Gukov and Sergei Glazunov from Irkutsk were blocked on a steep slope. Later, it became known from the base camp that Glazunov fell down and died. Gukov managed to gain a foothold at an altitude of 6,200 meters. He remained there almost without equipment, most of which was lost when his partner fell.
Russian Military Down Militants’ Drone Near Hmeymim Airbase In Syria
No injuries or material damage as a result of the incident
MOSCOW, July 30. A drone launched by militants from Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone was downed by the Russian military near the Hmeymim airbase, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria Alexei Tsygankov said on Monday.
"Militants of illegal armed groups continue to launch unmanned aerial vehicle from the territory of the Idlib de-escalation zone towards the Russian airbase at Hmeymim. Thus, at dusk on July 29, airspace control tools of the Russian airbase at Hmeymim spotted an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from territories controlled by illegal armed groups. The air target was downed at a safe distance from the airspace," he said.
"No one was hurt, no material damage was incurred. The Russian airbase at Hmeymim operates routinely," he added.
Incidents with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles near the Hmeymim airbase have become more frequent in the recent time. Thus, the Russian military reportedly downed militants’ drones on July 21, 22 and 27.
MOSCOW, July 30. A drone launched by militants from Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone was downed by the Russian military near the Hmeymim airbase, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria Alexei Tsygankov said on Monday.
"Militants of illegal armed groups continue to launch unmanned aerial vehicle from the territory of the Idlib de-escalation zone towards the Russian airbase at Hmeymim. Thus, at dusk on July 29, airspace control tools of the Russian airbase at Hmeymim spotted an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from territories controlled by illegal armed groups. The air target was downed at a safe distance from the airspace," he said.
"No one was hurt, no material damage was incurred. The Russian airbase at Hmeymim operates routinely," he added.
Incidents with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles near the Hmeymim airbase have become more frequent in the recent time. Thus, the Russian military reportedly downed militants’ drones on July 21, 22 and 27.
Angara Heavy Class Rocket Is Being Prepared For 2nd Test Launch
The representative of the center of Khrunichev did not specify the timing of the launch
MOSCOW, July 31. The Angara heavy-class carrier rocket is being prepared for the second test launch, at the Khrunichev center.
"At present, the heavy class Angara-A5 is being prepared for the next test launch," the representative said without specifying the date of the test launch.In the center of Khrunichev did not specify the timing of the launch.
Angara is a family of light and heavy Russian rockets which uses environment-friendly fuel. Only two launches were held so far from Plesetsk. Light Angara 1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and the heavy Angara-A5 in December 2014. Vostochny cosmodrome in Amur region will be the main launching site for Angara.
A heavy version of the Angara rocket is capable of brining up to 38 tonnes of cargos to the low orbit. It is planned to use 25 Angara heavy rockets will be used to launch 650 satellites under the Sfera program.
MOSCOW, July 31. The Angara heavy-class carrier rocket is being prepared for the second test launch, at the Khrunichev center.
"At present, the heavy class Angara-A5 is being prepared for the next test launch," the representative said without specifying the date of the test launch.In the center of Khrunichev did not specify the timing of the launch.
Angara is a family of light and heavy Russian rockets which uses environment-friendly fuel. Only two launches were held so far from Plesetsk. Light Angara 1.2PP blasted off in July 2014 and the heavy Angara-A5 in December 2014. Vostochny cosmodrome in Amur region will be the main launching site for Angara.
A heavy version of the Angara rocket is capable of brining up to 38 tonnes of cargos to the low orbit. It is planned to use 25 Angara heavy rockets will be used to launch 650 satellites under the Sfera program.
Trump: US Sanctions On Russia Will Remain In Place And Unchanged
The United States President said this during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte
WASHINGTON, July 31. Washington's sanctions against Moscow will remain in place and unchanged for now, US President Donald Trump said during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in the White House on Monday.
"Sanctions against Russia will remain as is," he said.
The United States repeatedly imposed sanctions against Russia. In particular, during the presidency of Trump, Russian diplomats were expelled from the country and the Consulates of the Russian Federation in San Francisco, California and Seattle, Washington, were closed. Currently, a group of senators in the US Congress is working on a new package of sanctions against Moscow, which is currently supported by legislators from both parties.
WASHINGTON, July 31. Washington's sanctions against Moscow will remain in place and unchanged for now, US President Donald Trump said during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in the White House on Monday.
"Sanctions against Russia will remain as is," he said.
The United States repeatedly imposed sanctions against Russia. In particular, during the presidency of Trump, Russian diplomats were expelled from the country and the Consulates of the Russian Federation in San Francisco, California and Seattle, Washington, were closed. Currently, a group of senators in the US Congress is working on a new package of sanctions against Moscow, which is currently supported by legislators from both parties.
Lavrov Biefs Press On Territory Of Meanings On Klyazma Forum
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's answers to media questions on the sidelines of the Territory of Meanings on Klyazma River National Educational Youth Forum, Vladimir Region, July 30, 2018.
New Orleans Shooting: 3 Killed, 7 Injured
Police in New Orleans are asking for help following Saturday night's deadly shooting at a strip mall that left three people dead and seven others injured.
Authorities say the two people who shot into a large crowd outside a daiquiri shop at about 8:35 p.m. are at large.
In a press conference early Sunday, New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison said one of the shooters used a rifle and the other a handgun. He said they "appeared to have fired indiscriminately" into the crowd but then "stood over one individual and fired multiple rounds." The pair then ran away.
Harrison said the shooters were believed to be wearing hooded sweatshirts, but that was the only description available. He repeatedly asked for help from the public, stressing that "crimes like this only get solved with community participation."
"This has to be personal," Harrison said. "Firing indiscriminately into a crowd, shooting 10 people, killing three? That's personal. It doesn't get more personal."
The seven victims in the hospital — five men and two women — are being treated for "varying degrees of condition, some more critical than others," New Orleans Emergency Medical Services Director Emily Nichols said in the press conference.
The three people pronounced dead at the scene were two men and one woman. No names of the dead or injured have been released by the New Orleans Police Department. Authorities are still investigating motive.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a statement Saturday condemning the shooting.
"There is no place in New Orleans for this kind of violence. I speak for everyone in our City when I say we are disgusted, we are infuriated, and we have had more than enough."
Putin Visits Nakhimov Naval School On Russian Navy Day 2018
On the Navy Day,following the Main Naval Parade, Vladimir Putin visited the Nakhimov Naval School of the Russian Ministry of Defence, St Petersburg, Jule 29, 2018.
Putin Welcomes Russian National Football Team At Kremlin Awards Ceremony
On Jule 28, in the Catherine Hall of the Moscow Kremlin, Vladimir Putin presented state awards and certificates of honor to 23 athletes and 6 coaches of the Russian national football team - participants of the FIFA World Cup 2018.
It was the first time Russia hosted the FIFA World Cup. The matches were held at 12 stadiums in 11 cities across the country. The Russian national team performed better than they had ever done, making it to the quarterfinals. The Russian President attended the opening and closing ceremonies of the championship.
It was the first time Russia hosted the FIFA World Cup. The matches were held at 12 stadiums in 11 cities across the country. The Russian national team performed better than they had ever done, making it to the quarterfinals. The Russian President attended the opening and closing ceremonies of the championship.
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