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Crisis in Belarus

Belarus bans trade in pyrotechnics starting from August 12

The ban comes after three-day protests in Belarusian cities

MINSK, August 12. /TASS/. Belarussian Anti-Monopoly Control and Trade Ministry has outlawed wholesale and retail trade in pyrotechnic products starting from August 12, the news agency BelTA said on Wednesday.

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"In connection with a resolution adopted by the Council of Ministers we are asking trade outlets to take urgent measures to enforce strict compliance with the aforesaid resolution and to prevent wholesale and retail trade in pyrotechnic products in the territory of Belarus," the ministry’s news release runs.

The ban is envisaged by the Council of Ministers’ resolution of August 11 on the circulation of pyrotechnic items, effective as of August 12.

Belarus on August 9 held a presidential election. After the results of exit polls were announced, mass protest demonstrations began in Minsk and some other cities. Clashes with police took place. Nighttime protests occurred on August 10 and 11. Some demonstrators hurled firecrackers and flares at law enforcers. According to the Interior Ministry, several thousand rioters were detained. At this point one fatality is reported. The Interior Ministry said the man "tried to throw an unidentified explosive device towards law enforcers," but "it exploded in his hand." The Health Ministry on Tuesday said more than 200 people injured during the unrest were in hospitals.

According to early returns available from the Belarussian Central Election Commission, the incumbent, Alexander Lukashenko received 80.08% of the votes. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, regarded as his main rival collected 10.09%.

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US, UK strikes harm Yemeni settlement prospects — Russian mission to UN

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Russia’s UN envoy says statements by West expose Kiev’s responsibility for attacks on ZNPP

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Iran says it won’t prevent return of Russian sailor from seized ship — MFA

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"Iran will face the consequences for its actions," IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said

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Zhang Ming noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has transformed from a regional to transregional multifaceted association at this point

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France to invite Russia to events marking 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion

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Vladimir Saldo added that troops use at their discretion the possessions of the people who used to live in these apartments

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Russian envoy calls UN Security Council meeting on Iran strike parade of hypocrisy

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US House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the plans in a private meeting with GOP lawmakers on Monday, Politico said

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Andrey Rudenko emphasized that Russia is providing all necessary assistance in the meaningful preparation of the summit in Astana

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Kioumars Heydari said the Israeli Air Force's bombardment of the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1 was an "attack on the territory" of the republic, while "the mission of the armed forces is to defend the national territory, so the enemy was given a resolute response"

IAEA chief slams attack on ZNPP dome as 'very dangerous precedent'

Rafael Grossi calls for attacks on ZNPP to stop as they raise safety risks

No official invitation to attend celebration of 80th anniversary of Normandy invasion yet

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Japan concerned over Russia-China military cooperation — Foreign Ministry

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Russia, Belarus boosting interaction despite sanctions

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin added that the record-high indicator of mutual trade turnover is $45.2 bln

Ukrainian president signs law tightening mobilization rules

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Xi Jinping proposes four principles for resolving Ukrainian crisis

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Iran ready for defensive measures if Israel continues escalation — embassy in Russia

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CEC chairperson hands over presidential credentials to Putin

The presidential certificate is a 100x70mm maroon leather-bound booklet inscribed with the Russian emblem and the words "President of the Russian Federation" in gold on its cover

Israel postpones Rafah operation after Iranian attack — CNN

According to the sources, Israel is now focused on how to respond to the Iranian attack

Russian Ocean Way vessel docks at Socotra, captain needs medical aid

Stanislav Beryozkin was taken to a hospital to undergo thorough examination, with all the required tests made

White House effectively rules out option for US forces to intercept Russian missiles

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Joe Biden had made it clear that the United States would not take on a combat role in Ukraine

Negotiations on safety of navigation in Black Sea continue — source

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Italy’s minister estimates Israeli capability to defend from Iranian attack at one billion

Guido Crosetto didn’t specify whether the currency he meant was dollars or euros

Israeli response will likely targets outside Iran — NBC

The report said the Israeli retaliation will be "limited in scope"

Russia’s UN envoy says IAEA too cautious as it doesn’t name culprit behind attacks on ZNPP

Vasily Nebenzya said Russia was calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency to name the source of attacks

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Over 80 Ukrainian drones suppressed, downed in Kherson Region over day

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Hamas not to make any concessions on Israeli troops’ withdrawal from Gaza

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Dmitry Peskov stated that China "maintains quite high diplomatic activity" on the Ukrainian track

Moscow follows meeting between Scholz, Xi — senior Russian diplomat

The German chancellor is in China on an official visit from April 14-16

Israel plans to send 'painful message' to Iran in response to attack — newspaper

According to the report, Israel’s war cabinet will meet on April 16 for a third straight day

Roscosmos committed to continued collaboration with NASA — CEO

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