tass--2020-12-30--Russia denounces criminal attack on Yemen’s Aden airport

`` Moscow vehemently condemns this criminal action .
We call for a thorough and impartial investigation .
We offer condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to those injured , '' the statement says .
MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow firmly condemns the attack on Yemen ’ s Aden international airport and calls for a thorough investigation into this crime , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday .
Russia believes that `` this brazen attack '' confirms that Yemen ’ s protracted military and political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible time , the Russian Foreign Ministry noted .
`` We are convinced that without working out relevant compromise agreements by all parties to the Yemen conflict , it is impossible to reach solutions to that country ’ s multiple problems , including a proper level of public security and a resolute fight against the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS ( the Islamic State , both terrorist organizations are banned in Russia - TASS ) along with other terrorist groups , '' the Foreign Ministry stressed .
Three mortars exploded at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aden on Wednesday as soon as the plane carrying ministers of Yemen ’ s newly formed government landed .
At least 27 people were killed and dozens more wounded .
Among the causalities are civilians , journalists , and local officials and military top brass who were welcoming the cabinet members , along with a staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross .
None of the ministers was hurt .

"Moscow vehemently condemns this criminal action. We call for a thorough and impartial investigation. We offer condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," the statement says.
MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Moscow firmly condemns the attack on Yemen’s Aden international airport and calls for a thorough investigation into this crime, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Russia believes that "this brazen attack" confirms that Yemen’s protracted military and political crisis should be resolved at the soonest possible time, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted.
"We are convinced that without working out relevant compromise agreements by all parties to the Yemen conflict, it is impossible to reach solutions to that country’s multiple problems, including a proper level of public security and a resolute fight against the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS (the Islamic State, both terrorist organizations are banned in Russia - TASS) along with other terrorist groups," the Foreign Ministry stressed.
Three mortars exploded at the airport of the Yemeni city of Aden on Wednesday as soon as the plane carrying ministers of Yemen’s newly formed government landed. At least 27 people were killed and dozens more wounded. Among the causalities are civilians, journalists, and local officials and military top brass who were welcoming the cabinet members, along with a staff member of the International Committee of the Red Cross. None of the ministers was hurt.


tass--2020-12-30--COVID-19 reinfection possible in case of severe immunological disorders - sanitary doctor

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
An individual might catch coronavirus twice if they suffer from a severe immunological disorder , but not more than 50 cases of reinfection have been recorded globally , Anna Popova , the head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare , said on Wednesday .
`` If an individual ’ s immune system is badly damaged , they could get the disease twice , but there are very few cases [ of reinfection ] around the world , as 24 of them were recorded not long ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases have been recorded globally out of the huge numbers of confirmed recoveries , '' she said in a televised interview with Rossiya ’ 1 channel .
According to the latest statistics , more than 82 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.8 million deaths have been reported .
To date , 3,131,550 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,525,418 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 56,426 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. An individual might catch coronavirus twice if they suffer from a severe immunological disorder, but not more than 50 cases of reinfection have been recorded globally, Anna Popova, the head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, said on Wednesday.
"If an individual’s immune system is badly damaged, they could get the disease twice, but there are very few cases [of reinfection] around the world, as 24 of them were recorded not long ago. To date, not more than 50 cases have been recorded globally out of the huge numbers of confirmed recoveries," she said in a televised interview with Rossiya’1 channel.
According to the latest statistics, more than 82 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.8 million deaths have been reported.
To date, 3,131,550 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,525,418 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 56,426 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-30--Russia is one of global leaders in fighting smoking, Health Minister says

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Currently Russia is one of the leading countries worldwide in fighting smoking , thanks to implementing a long-standing anti-tobacco policy , among other things , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko told the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday .
`` During this period , legislative initiatives were approved , changes to the law limiting sales and use of electronic cigarettes , water pipes were implemented .
In my opinion , this is very much a landmark [ document ] which allows us , among other things , to continue this anti-tobacco policy and today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the leaders , '' the minister said .
According to him , the Non-Communicable Diseases office of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) located in Moscow also notes Russia ’ s success in this direction .
`` Seeing the country ’ s success , seeing the direction the country is taking , the WHO made a decision to transfer a part of work on prevention and treatment of tobacco smoking , among others , to Russia , to Moscow .
This is another such an important [ moment ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most widespread risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and malignant growths .
A decrease in occurrence of smoking is one of the key tasks of the federal project on enhancing public health within the framework of the Demography National Project .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Currently Russia is one of the leading countries worldwide in fighting smoking, thanks to implementing a long-standing anti-tobacco policy, among other things, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko told the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday.
"During this period, legislative initiatives were approved, changes to the law limiting sales and use of electronic cigarettes, water pipes were implemented. In my opinion, this is very much a landmark [document] which allows us, among other things, to continue this anti-tobacco policy and today worldwide [our] country is possibly one of the leaders," the minister said.
According to him, the Non-Communicable Diseases office of the World Health Organization (WHO) located in Moscow also notes Russia’s success in this direction. "Seeing the country’s success, seeing the direction the country is taking, the WHO made a decision to transfer a part of work on prevention and treatment of tobacco smoking, among others, to Russia, to Moscow. This is another such an important [moment]," he added.
Smoking is one of the most widespread risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and malignant growths. A decrease in occurrence of smoking is one of the key tasks of the federal project on enhancing public health within the framework of the Demography National Project.


tass--2020-12-30--Belarus receives first tranche of Russian state loan

MINSK , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus has received the first tranche of the Russian state loan amounting to @ @ @ @ @ mln , the Belarusian Ministry of Finance says on Wednesday .
`` Funds of the @ @ @ @ @ financial loan in the amount equivalent to $ 0.5 bln were received at the account @ @ @ @ @ December 30 , 2020 , '' the Ministry says .
Money was received in accordance @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Belarus on provision of the state financial loan to Belarus , concluded on @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, December 30. /TASS/. Belarus has received the first tranche of the Russian state loan amounting to the equivalent of $500 mln, the Belarusian Ministry of Finance says on Wednesday.
"Funds of the first tranche of the state financial loan in the amount equivalent to $0.5 bln were received at the account of the Finance Ministry on December 30, 2020," the Ministry says.
Money was received in accordance with the intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Belarus on provision of the state financial loan to Belarus, concluded on December 21, 2020.


tass--2020-12-30--Court extends preventive measure for Baring Vostok’s founder Calvey for six months

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Meshchansky Court of Moscow has extended for six months , until June 4 , 2021 , a preventive measure in the form of prohibition of certain actions for the founder of the Baring Vostok private equity firm Michael Calvey and other defendants in the case of embezzlement of 2.5 billion rubles , lawyer Sergei Panchenko told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The Meshchansky court extended the preventive measure in the form of prohibition of certain actions for all the defendants in the case , '' he said .
On Wednesday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resolve procedural issues and to set a date for consideration on the merits .
In November , the Russian Supreme Court changed the measure of restraint for Calvey and six other defendants in the case of a 2.5 billion rubles ( $ 33.5 mln ) embezzlement from house arrest to a number of restrictions .
On February 7 , 2019 , Serzod Yusupov , a minority shareholder in Vostochny Bank filed a complaint with Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) .
In addition , Artyom Avetisyan , another Vostochny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bank ’ s board Konstantin Rogov testified against Michael Calvey .
Russia ’ s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case into the embezzlement of 2.5 bln rubles ( $ 32.4 mln ) from the Vostochny Bank on February 13 , 2019 .
Michael Calvey is the key defendant in the case .
On February 15 , 2019 , law enforcement agencies arrested Calvey and five others : Vagan Abgaryan , partner at Baring Vostok , Philippe Delpale , an investment partner for the financial industry sector at Baring Vostok , Ivan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and also General Director of the First Collection Bureau Maxim Vladimirov and Advisor to the Management Board of Norvik Bank , Alexey Kordichev .
They are all facing charges under part 4 article 159 of Russia ’ s Criminal Code ( fraud committed on a large scale by an organized group ) .
According to the initial version of the investigation , Calvey and his accomplices put together a scheme , where the `` First Collection Bureau '' , under their control , waived its right to a 59.9 % stake in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group ( IFTG ) , to the Vostochny bank to pay it back for a 2.5 billion-ruble debt .
Before the deal , IFTG ’ s shares were valued at 3 bln rubles .
However , the investigation is examining another estimate of 600,000 rubles ( according to a Cyprus-based company ’ s valuation ) .
That said , the Central Bank claimed that the price of these shares was close to zero , the investigator noted .
The defense later challenged that appraisal of shares referring to lack of results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The Meshchansky Court of Moscow has extended for six months, until June 4, 2021, a preventive measure in the form of prohibition of certain actions for the founder of the Baring Vostok private equity firm Michael Calvey and other defendants in the case of embezzlement of 2.5 billion rubles, lawyer Sergei Panchenko told TASS on Wednesday.
"The Meshchansky court extended the preventive measure in the form of prohibition of certain actions for all the defendants in the case," he said.
On Wednesday, the court held preliminary hearings on the case to resolve procedural issues and to set a date for consideration on the merits.
In November, the Russian Supreme Court changed the measure of restraint for Calvey and six other defendants in the case of a 2.5 billion rubles ($33.5 mln) embezzlement from house arrest to a number of restrictions.
Baring Vostok’s case
On February 7, 2019, Serzod Yusupov, a minority shareholder in Vostochny Bank filed a complaint with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). In addition, Artyom Avetisyan, another Vostochny shareholder, along with the deputy chairman of the bank’s board Konstantin Rogov testified against Michael Calvey.
Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case into the embezzlement of 2.5 bln rubles ($32.4 mln) from the Vostochny Bank on February 13, 2019. Michael Calvey is the key defendant in the case. On February 15, 2019, law enforcement agencies arrested Calvey and five others: Vagan Abgaryan, partner at Baring Vostok, Philippe Delpale, an investment partner for the financial industry sector at Baring Vostok, Ivan Zyuzin, Investment Director at Baring Vostok and also General Director of the First Collection Bureau Maxim Vladimirov and Advisor to the Management Board of Norvik Bank, Alexey Kordichev. They are all facing charges under part 4 article 159 of Russia’s Criminal Code (fraud committed on a large scale by an organized group).
According to the initial version of the investigation, Calvey and his accomplices put together a scheme, where the "First Collection Bureau", under their control, waived its right to a 59.9% stake in a Luxembourg-based company called the International Financial Technology Group (IFTG), to the Vostochny bank to pay it back for a 2.5 billion-ruble debt. Before the deal, IFTG’s shares were valued at 3 bln rubles. However, the investigation is examining another estimate of 600,000 rubles (according to a Cyprus-based company’s valuation). That said, the Central Bank claimed that the price of these shares was close to zero, the investigator noted. The defense later challenged that appraisal of shares referring to lack of results of the financial expertise. Calvey denies all the charges.


tass--2020-12-30--Africa’s COVID-19 death toll surpasses 64,000 mark, says WHO

PRETORIA , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
African nations have recorded 76,032 new cases of COVID-19 over the past 72 @ @ @ @ @ number of infections to 2,694,964 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday , releasing the statistics updated since December 27 .
The coronavirus-related death toll @ @ @ @ @ nations after a rise of 2,180 deaths in the past 72 hours .
More than @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
South Africa accounts for a majority of coronavirus cases and deaths @ @ @ @ @ 27,568 respectively .
The death toll in Egypt climbed to 7,520 , and 135,233 cases @ @ @ @ @ recorded 7,314 deaths from coronavirus .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Ethiopia is ranked second to @ @ @ @ @ and 1,912 deaths ) and is followed by Kenia ( 95,992 cases and 1,664 deaths @ @ @ @ @ and 1,267 ) .

PRETORIA, December 30. /TASS/. African nations have recorded 76,032 new cases of COVID-19 over the past 72 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 2,694,964, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Wednesday, releasing the statistics updated since December 27.
The coronavirus-related death toll has topped 64,009 across African nations after a rise of 2,180 deaths in the past 72 hours. More than 2.5 million people have recovered from the disease.
South Africa accounts for a majority of coronavirus cases and deaths across Africa, 1,021,451 and 27,568 respectively. The death toll in Egypt climbed to 7,520, and 135,233 cases have been confirmed. Morocco recorded 7,314 deaths from coronavirus.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia is ranked second to South Africa (123,145 cases and 1,912 deaths) and is followed by Kenia (95,992 cases and 1,664 deaths) and Nigeria (85,560 and 1,267).


tass--2020-12-30--All 19 Russian children rescued from Syria earlier handed over to their families

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
All Russian children who were transported back home from Syrian refugee camps earlier were handed over to their closest relatives , the press service of the Russian Commissioner for Children ’ s Rights Anna Kuznetsova informed on Wednesday .
`` Nineteen little Russian citizens were returned to Russia on December 26 .
Children aged 3 to 15 were placed at one of the medical facilities in Moscow where they underwent all necessary medical examinations and got tested for COVID-19 .
The children ’ s health caused no concerns , and all the tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed to hand over the children to the families of their relatives , '' the message says .
The children and their relatives will travel to Dagestan , Bashkortostan , the Saratov Region and the Kemerovo Region .
`` I am very glad that the children are well , that they will celebrate the New Year at home , with their families .
For the majority of them , many things are happening for the first time .
They saw the winter and real snow for the first time , there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time , and I hope that it will bring them real children ’ s wishes and dreams .
Of course , I would like to wish then happiness in the New Year and in their new life , '' the press service quotes Kuznetsova as saying .
Active work on the return of children from conflict zones to Russia is underway upon instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin .
A special commission was set up in 2017 by the office of the Russian children ’ s rights commissioner to help evacuate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The commission elaborated an algorithm of repatriating Russian children jointly with the Russian Foreign Ministry , the Ministry of Emergencies , the Ministry of Health and the Interior Ministry .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. All Russian children who were transported back home from Syrian refugee camps earlier were handed over to their closest relatives, the press service of the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova informed on Wednesday.
"Nineteen little Russian citizens were returned to Russia on December 26. Children aged 3 to 15 were placed at one of the medical facilities in Moscow where they underwent all necessary medical examinations and got tested for COVID-19. The children’s health caused no concerns, and all the tests were negative. Today, the doctors agreed to hand over the children to the families of their relatives," the message says.
The children and their relatives will travel to Dagestan, Bashkortostan, the Saratov Region and the Kemerovo Region.
"I am very glad that the children are well, that they will celebrate the New Year at home, with their families. For the majority of them, many things are happening for the first time. They saw the winter and real snow for the first time, there will be a holiday celebration in their lives for the first time, and I hope that it will bring them real children’s wishes and dreams. Of course, I would like to wish then happiness in the New Year and in their new life," the press service quotes Kuznetsova as saying.
Active work on the return of children from conflict zones to Russia is underway upon instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A special commission was set up in 2017 by the office of the Russian children’s rights commissioner to help evacuate Russian children from areas of combat operations. The commission elaborated an algorithm of repatriating Russian children jointly with the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Emergencies, the Ministry of Health and the Interior Ministry.


tass--2020-12-30--Belgrade’s Eternal Flame vandalized by those against Russia-Serbia union, says minister

BELGRADE , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Belgrade ’ s Eternal Flame monument is a symbol of allied and brotherly relations between Serbia and Russia , it was vandalized by those who are against this union , Serbia ’ s Minister of Innovations and Technological Development Nenad Popovic said on Wednesday .
`` I condemn in the strongest possible terms the vandalization of the Eternal Flame monument at the cemetery of the liberators of Belgrade and I hope that those behind it will be found and held responsible soon .
This is a monument to freedom and Serbia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symbol of the alliance and brotherhood of the Serbian and Russian nations .
Those who vandalized the monument attempt to falsify history and proclaim the real victims of Nazism , the Serbs and the Russians , aggressors , while branding real aggressors and their accomplices as victims .
This attack is an attempt to destroy the union of Russia and Serbia and the great relations between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin , '' the minister said .
The Eternal Flame monument in Belgrade was vandalized by unknown perpetrators in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The perpetrators threw paint and cement on the monument and wrote an offensive phrase on it .
TASS reports that this is not the first time the monument was desecrated .
The Eternal Flame was first put out by unknown persons on December 21 .
The Russian Embassy condemned the incident , adding that it expects the corresponding reaction from the city ’ s law enforcement bodies .
The first Eternal Flame in Serbia was lit on December 15 during a solemn ceremony on the territory of the memorial to the liberators of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vucic and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .

BELGRADE, December 30. /TASS/. Belgrade’s Eternal Flame monument is a symbol of allied and brotherly relations between Serbia and Russia, it was vandalized by those who are against this union, Serbia’s Minister of Innovations and Technological Development Nenad Popovic said on Wednesday.
"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the vandalization of the Eternal Flame monument at the cemetery of the liberators of Belgrade and I hope that those behind it will be found and held responsible soon. This is a monument to freedom and Serbia’s fight for freedom, this is a symbol of the alliance and brotherhood of the Serbian and Russian nations. Those who vandalized the monument attempt to falsify history and proclaim the real victims of Nazism, the Serbs and the Russians, aggressors, while branding real aggressors and their accomplices as victims. This attack is an attempt to destroy the union of Russia and Serbia and the great relations between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin," the minister said.
The Eternal Flame monument in Belgrade was vandalized by unknown perpetrators in the early hours of December 30. The perpetrators threw paint and cement on the monument and wrote an offensive phrase on it. TASS reports that this is not the first time the monument was desecrated. The Eternal Flame was first put out by unknown persons on December 21. The Russian Embassy condemned the incident, adding that it expects the corresponding reaction from the city’s law enforcement bodies.
The first Eternal Flame in Serbia was lit on December 15 during a solemn ceremony on the territory of the memorial to the liberators of Belgrade, attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.


tass--2020-12-30--Dodon appointed leader of Moldova’s Party of Socialists

CHISINAU , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Former President of Moldova Igor Dodon has been appointed once again as the leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova ( PSRM ) .
Dodon stepped down as president in late December after Maia Sandu won the presidential election held on November 15 .
`` Dodon was appointed chairman of the party .
This is our shared decision of the party , it was approved unanimously , '' she said during a joint briefing with Dodon .
The PSRM will continue to strengthen its ranks , and it plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election to the Moldovan parliament planned for this year , Dodon said during the party session on Wednesday .
`` The party set two goals before itself during the session : to strengthen its ranks both at the central level and locally .
The second goal is to prepare for the snap election that will take place in 2021 and win it .
We won ’ t form part of any coalitions in this parliament , and we call for its dissolution , '' Dodon stated .
Under the Moldovan Constitution , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a political party .
After he was elected president in 2016 , Dodon suspended his membership within the Party of Socialists .
During the period of his presidency , parliament speaker Zinaida Greceanii led the party , while Dodon was considered its unofficial leader .

CHISINAU, December 30. /TASS/. Former President of Moldova Igor Dodon has been appointed once again as the leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM). Dodon stepped down as president in late December after Maia Sandu won the presidential election held on November 15.
"Dodon was appointed chairman of the party. This is our shared decision of the party, it was approved unanimously," she said during a joint briefing with Dodon.
The PSRM will continue to strengthen its ranks, and it plans to achieve victory at the upcoming snap election to the Moldovan parliament planned for this year, Dodon said during the party session on Wednesday. "The party set two goals before itself during the session: to strengthen its ranks both at the central level and locally. The second goal is to prepare for the snap election that will take place in 2021 and win it. We won’t form part of any coalitions in this parliament, and we call for its dissolution," Dodon stated.
Under the Moldovan Constitution, a president cannot be a member of a political party. After he was elected president in 2016, Dodon suspended his membership within the Party of Socialists. During the period of his presidency, parliament speaker Zinaida Greceanii led the party, while Dodon was considered its unofficial leader.


tass--2020-12-30--Belgrade’s Eternal Fire memorial to be restored by January 6

BELGRADE , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The damaged `` Eternal Fire '' sculpture in Belgrade will be completely restored by January 6 , 2021 , Deputy Mayor Goran Vesic said Wednesday .
`` Thanks to the prompt reaction of our city services and the mortuary service , the ‘ Eternal Fire ’ monument , which was vandalized last night , has been completely cleaned .
Due to damage to the gas feed mechanisms , the fire does not burn at this moment , but it will be repaired by January 6 .
We expect the memorial to be fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on his Facebook page .
The monument in the Belgrade Liberators Memorial Park was desecrated by unidentified perpetrators on December 29 .
The monument was smeared with paint and concrete mix , and vandalized with insulting graffiti .
The Russian Embassy in Serbia expressed its shock over the incident , saying it expects a proper reaction from the law enforcement .
The first Eternal Fire in Serbia had been lit on December 15 , during a solemn ceremony , attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Soviet and Yugoslavian soldiers , who died during the fight for Belgrade in October , 1944 .
The memorial complex was created in 1953 , its area is about 1.5 hectares .
Currently , a total of 1,395 Yugoslavian partisans and 818 soldiers and officers of the Red Army are buried in the park .

BELGRADE, December 30. /TASS/. The damaged "Eternal Fire" sculpture in Belgrade will be completely restored by January 6, 2021, Deputy Mayor Goran Vesic said Wednesday.
"Thanks to the prompt reaction of our city services and the mortuary service, the ‘Eternal Fire’ monument, which was vandalized last night, has been completely cleaned. Due to damage to the gas feed mechanisms, the fire does not burn at this moment, but it will be repaired by January 6. We expect the memorial to be fully restored by that time," Vesic said on his Facebook page.
The monument in the Belgrade Liberators Memorial Park was desecrated by unidentified perpetrators on December 29. The monument was smeared with paint and concrete mix, and vandalized with insulting graffiti.
The Russian Embassy in Serbia expressed its shock over the incident, saying it expects a proper reaction from the law enforcement.
The first Eternal Fire in Serbia had been lit on December 15, during a solemn ceremony, attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The Memorial Park is a burial site for Soviet and Yugoslavian soldiers, who died during the fight for Belgrade in October, 1944. The memorial complex was created in 1953, its area is about 1.5 hectares. Currently, a total of 1,395 Yugoslavian partisans and 818 soldiers and officers of the Red Army are buried in the park.


tass--2020-12-30--Russian Direct Investment Fund  negotiates delivery of Sputnik V vaccine to Bolivia

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) and the Main Department on @ @ @ @ @ CEASS ) of Bolivia have reached an agreement on supplies of 2.6 mln doses of @ @ @ @ @ to the country , RDIF says on Wednesday .
The agreement will make it possible @ @ @ @ @ more than 20 % of the country ’ s population .
The vaccine for export @ @ @ @ @ RDIF partners in China , India , the Republic of Korea and other countries .
@ @ @ @ @ cooperation with Bolivia in the field of combating the new coronavirus infection , '' Chief @ @ @ @ @ Dmitriev says in a comment .
`` We look forward to expanding vaccine cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ on , '' he added .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the Main Department on Healthcare Procurement and Supplies (CEASS) of Bolivia have reached an agreement on supplies of 2.6 mln doses of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine to the country, RDIF says on Wednesday.
The agreement will make it possible to provide the vaccine for more than 20% of the country’s population. The vaccine for export supplies will be produced by RDIF partners in China, India, the Republic of Korea and other countries.
"Russia is proactively developing cooperation with Bolivia in the field of combating the new coronavirus infection," Chief Executive Officer of RDIF Kirill Dmitriev says in a comment. "We look forward to expanding vaccine cooperation with other Latin American countries further on," he added.


tass--2020-12-30--Russian grateful to Serbia for prompt reaction to desecration of Eternal Fire in Belgrade

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has no doubts that the Serbian authorities will bring those responsible for the desecration of the Eternal Fire memorial in Belgrade to justice , and expressed its gratitude for the prompt reaction to the incident , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in the statement Wednesday .
`` We share the indignation of the Serbian public over the December 30 act of vandalism .
[ … ] In an attempt to cast shadow on the brotherly relations between the people of Russia and Serbia , some scoundrels had the nerve to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yugoslavian warriors , who fell fighting against the Nazi occupants , '' the statement says .
`` We are grateful to the Serbian authorities for the prompt reaction to the incident .
We have no doubt that the guilty will be found and brought to justice . ''
Zakharova underscored that such `` cheap criminal stunt '' can not rock the foundations of the Russian-Serbian relations .
`` The Belgrade Eternal Fire is one of the symbols that remind about the high price we had to pay for the peaceful skies , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the freedom of Europe .
Apparently , someone does not like that , '' the diplomat added .
The monument in the Belgrade Liberators Memorial Park was desecrated by unidentified perpetrators on December 29 .
The monument was smeared with paint and concrete mix , and vandalized with insulting graffiti .
The Russian Embassy in Serbia expressed its shock over the incident , saying it expects a proper reaction from the law enforcement .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russia has no doubts that the Serbian authorities will bring those responsible for the desecration of the Eternal Fire memorial in Belgrade to justice, and expressed its gratitude for the prompt reaction to the incident, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in the statement Wednesday.
"We share the indignation of the Serbian public over the December 30 act of vandalism. […] In an attempt to cast shadow on the brotherly relations between the people of Russia and Serbia, some scoundrels had the nerve to offend the memory of the Soviet and Yugoslavian warriors, who fell fighting against the Nazi occupants," the statement says. "We are grateful to the Serbian authorities for the prompt reaction to the incident. We have no doubt that the guilty will be found and brought to justice."
Zakharova underscored that such "cheap criminal stunt" cannot rock the foundations of the Russian-Serbian relations.
"The Belgrade Eternal Fire is one of the symbols that remind about the high price we had to pay for the peaceful skies, the ability to live and build today, for the freedom of Europe. Apparently, someone does not like that," the diplomat added.
The monument in the Belgrade Liberators Memorial Park was desecrated by unidentified perpetrators on December 29. The monument was smeared with paint and concrete mix, and vandalized with insulting graffiti.
The Russian Embassy in Serbia expressed its shock over the incident, saying it expects a proper reaction from the law enforcement.


tass--2020-12-30--Signing of UK-EU trade deal just the start of Brexit, Russia’s EU envoy

BRUSSELS , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The signing of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement is not the end of Brexit , it is just the start of it , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov said in an interview with TASS .
The agreement was signed on Wednesday by heads of EU institutions and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after extensive talks between Brussels and London .
`` The fact that there is a deal gave everyone an opportunity to breathe a sigh of relief , but not a very deep one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the ratification of the deal is ahead .
On this side of the English Channel , not just 27 EU parliaments need to have their say , but a good 37 of them .
In small Belgium alone , the deal will go through 4 parliaments ( the federal parliament and three regional parliaments - TASS ) , '' he noted .
`` A number of EU states especially affected by Brexit will scrutinize this document under a magnifying glass , namely France , Belgium , the Netherlands , and , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big question whether they will have time to finish this process in the two months approved by Brussels and London , from January 1 to February 28 .
For its part , the European Parliament did not hesitate to say already that it will deal with the ratification only during the planned plenary session in March , '' Chizhov said .
`` Supposedly , in the stipulated period , the deal will work in the regime of provisional application , but this is a mutually delicate decision as well .
Some experience of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accumulate , and it can be both positive and negative .
And this can affect the ratification process , '' the Russian envoy stated .
According to Chizhov , for the majority of countries in the world , including Russia , Brexit would mean a revision of export quotas on the delivery of certain products to the EU market .
Before the deal , quotas and tariffs were calculated based on the statistical data provided by 28 states .
Now , only 27 states will provide the data .
This is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian envoy said .
`` In this regard , Russia is in a better position than , say , China , as the range of our export to the EU is not that wide .
What will happen to European and US trade is another story .
Otherwise , not much will change for Russia in principle .
Of course , we can hope that the usually unfriendly voice of the UK will not be heard in the EU and it won ’ t form part of a united foreign policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will still be heard outside of the EU , namely within NATO , '' he concluded .

BRUSSELS, December 30. /TASS/. The signing of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement is not the end of Brexit, it is just the start of it, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov said in an interview with TASS.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday by heads of EU institutions and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after extensive talks between Brussels and London.
"The fact that there is a deal gave everyone an opportunity to breathe a sigh of relief, but not a very deep one. The devil is in the details, and the ratification of the deal is ahead. On this side of the English Channel, not just 27 EU parliaments need to have their say, but a good 37 of them. In small Belgium alone, the deal will go through 4 parliaments (the federal parliament and three regional parliaments - TASS)," he noted.
"A number of EU states especially affected by Brexit will scrutinize this document under a magnifying glass, namely France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and, of course, Ireland. It is a big question whether they will have time to finish this process in the two months approved by Brussels and London, from January 1 to February 28. For its part, the European Parliament did not hesitate to say already that it will deal with the ratification only during the planned plenary session in March," Chizhov said.
"Supposedly, in the stipulated period, the deal will work in the regime of provisional application, but this is a mutually delicate decision as well. Some experience of the agreement’s implementation will begin to accumulate, and it can be both positive and negative. And this can affect the ratification process," the Russian envoy stated.
What Brexit means for Russia
According to Chizhov, for the majority of countries in the world, including Russia, Brexit would mean a revision of export quotas on the delivery of certain products to the EU market. Before the deal, quotas and tariffs were calculated based on the statistical data provided by 28 states. Now, only 27 states will provide the data. This is not an automatic process, it requires approval, the Russian envoy said.
"In this regard, Russia is in a better position than, say, China, as the range of our export to the EU is not that wide. What will happen to European and US trade is another story. Otherwise, not much will change for Russia in principle. Of course, we can hope that the usually unfriendly voice of the UK will not be heard in the EU and it won’t form part of a united foreign policy position of the union. However, it will still be heard outside of the EU, namely within NATO," he concluded.


tass--2020-12-30--Portugal reports over 6,000 coronavirus cases over past day

MADRID , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Portugal increased by 6,049 over the past @ @ @ @ @ , the country ’ s health department reported on Wednesday .
Over the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus have died in Portugal , the total number of deaths has reached 6,830 .
@ @ @ @ @ been hospitalized , including 487 people in intensive care units .
On December 27 , @ @ @ @ @ began in the country .
According to the authorities of the republic , vaccination against @ @ @ @ @ carried out free of charge .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the @ @ @ @ @ ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have @ @ @ @ @ of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

MADRID, December 30. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Portugal increased by 6,049 over the past day and amounted to 406,051, the country’s health department reported on Wednesday.
Over the past 24 hours, 79 people with coronavirus have died in Portugal, the total number of deaths has reached 6,830. More than 2,800 people have been hospitalized, including 487 people in intensive care units.
On December 27, a vaccination campaign against coronavirus began in the country. According to the authorities of the republic, vaccination against coronavirus in Portugal will be carried out free of charge.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-12-30--Coronavirus vaccination may cost $1-1.33 bln, says Russian Finance Minister

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Vaccination of Russians against the coronavirus may cost 75-100 bln rubles ( $ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Anton Siluanov says on Wednesday in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV Channel .
@ @ @ @ @ tasks in the next year that have not been provided in the budget , specifically @ @ @ @ @ Resources are huge ; the cost may be from 75 to 100 bln rubles .
@ @ @ @ @ vaccination progress , on the number of people desirous to be vaccinated .
Everything will @ @ @ @ @ at the expense of the state , '' the Minister says .
Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ of organizing coronavirus vaccination all over the country .
Vaccination must be completely voluntary and @ @ @ @ @ Mishustin said .
Teachers , healthcare and social workers will be the first to receive @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Vaccination of Russians against the coronavirus may cost 75-100 bln rubles ($1-1.33 bln), Finance Minister Anton Siluanov says on Wednesday in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV Channel.
"We will face new tasks in the next year that have not been provided in the budget, specifically the vaccination of population. Resources are huge; the cost may be from 75 to 100 bln rubles. Everything will depend on the vaccination progress, on the number of people desirous to be vaccinated. Everything will be free of charge and at the expense of the state," the Minister says.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier set the task of organizing coronavirus vaccination all over the country. Vaccination must be completely voluntary and free, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. Teachers, healthcare and social workers will be the first to receive the vaccine.


tass--2020-12-30--Over 28,000 people with coronavirus died in Poland during pandemic

WARSAW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of deaths among people infected with coronavirus in Poland since the beginning of the pandemic in the country has exceeded 28,000 , the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday .
At the end of the last day , the department reported 565 deaths , 125 deaths were directly related to COVID-19 , another 440 - with concomitant diseases .
The most recent record for mortality was set in Poland on November 25 , when the Polish Ministry of Health reported 674 deaths .
The department reported 12,955 new coronavirus cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In total , since March 4 , when the first coronavirus case was detected in the country , 1,281,414 people have been infected , 28,019 have died , 1,025,889 have recovered .
About 17,200 patients with coronavirus are now housed in Polish hospitals , 1,500 of them are connected to mechanical ventilation devices .
More than 159,000 people are in quarantine .
At the moment , the country has 35,100 beds for COVID-19 patients and 3,000 ventilators .
Poland maintains the pandemic regime announced by the authorities in March .
From December 28 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in effect in the country .
Cultural institutions , sports complexes , hotels , ski slopes and shops are closed , with the exception of food , household stores and pharmacies .
People are encouraged to stay at home and work remotely .
A mask regime has been introduced throughout the country , restaurants , cafes and bars are only open to take away .
Gathering in groups of more than five people is prohibited .
On Sunday , vaccination of the population began in Poland .
First , vaccinations are given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elderly aged 60 and over .
From January 15 , everyone will be added to the waiting list .
It is reported that vaccinations will be given in two stages , free , and voluntary .
All vaccinated will be issued a certificate and an electronic code confirming the fact of vaccination and making it possible not to comply with a number of current restrictions .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

WARSAW, December 30. /TASS/. The number of deaths among people infected with coronavirus in Poland since the beginning of the pandemic in the country has exceeded 28,000, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.
At the end of the last day, the department reported 565 deaths, 125 deaths were directly related to COVID-19, another 440 - with concomitant diseases. The most recent record for mortality was set in Poland on November 25, when the Polish Ministry of Health reported 674 deaths.
The department reported 12,955 new coronavirus cases and 11,884 recovered over the past day. In total, since March 4, when the first coronavirus case was detected in the country, 1,281,414 people have been infected, 28,019 have died, 1,025,889 have recovered.
About 17,200 patients with coronavirus are now housed in Polish hospitals, 1,500 of them are connected to mechanical ventilation devices. More than 159,000 people are in quarantine. At the moment, the country has 35,100 beds for COVID-19 patients and 3,000 ventilators.
Poland maintains the pandemic regime announced by the authorities in March. From December 28 to January 17, a nationwide quarantine is in effect in the country. Cultural institutions, sports complexes, hotels, ski slopes and shops are closed, with the exception of food, household stores and pharmacies. People are encouraged to stay at home and work remotely. A mask regime has been introduced throughout the country, restaurants, cafes and bars are only open to take away. Gathering in groups of more than five people is prohibited.
On Sunday, vaccination of the population began in Poland. First, vaccinations are given to medical workers, after them - the elderly aged 60 and over. From January 15, everyone will be added to the waiting list. It is reported that vaccinations will be given in two stages, free, and voluntary. All vaccinated will be issued a certificate and an electronic code confirming the fact of vaccination and making it possible not to comply with a number of current restrictions.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-12-30--Best is yet to come: Uriah Heep guitar legend vows to record new songs, tour Russia again

LONDON , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Renowned UK hard rockers , Uriah Heep , who like many other performers were unable to tour in 2020 due to the pandemic restrictions , failed to come to Russia , but they will definitely play for their Russian fans again , Mick Box , founder and all-time guitarist of the band , promised in an interview with TASS .
The group also intends to record new songs , although the dates of the recording were shifted due to COVID-19 , Box added .
In 2020 , Uriah Heep planned to celebrate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debut album .
In an exclusive interview that took place via video link , the veteran musician told TASS about the band ’ s plans for touring , how he spends his time in quarantine and remembered two former members of Uriah Heep ’ s `` golden lineup '' who passed away this past autumn .
The band had to cancel its 50th anniversary concerts this year because of the pandemic .
`` We initially had plans to do a long show , just Heep - acoustics sets , stage sets - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then that all stopped because of Covid , '' Box acknowledged .
He confessed that a lot of the promoters the band was dealing with are `` out of business now . ''
`` So , we ’ ve got to rethink the whole thing again , '' he said adding that the circumstances will not stop the band from celebrating this momentous anniversary .
`` We should definitely celebrate it , loud and clear and very proudly , because it is an amazing milestone for any band , '' the musician stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most definitely '' be on the next tour ’ s schedule .
`` We had one [ Russian ] tour booked for this year and we had another tour booked , a long tour of Russia , three weeks or something , starting in April ( 2021 ) .
But that looks like that may change now due to all the different strains and things that are coming in , the lockdowns and everything else , '' he explained .
`` We love playing Russia , we love being there we enjoy it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed .
`` Russia is a big part of our rock-n-roll heart , '' he added .
`` We were the first Western rock band , as you know , to come out there and play in Moscow in December 1987 at the Olimpiisky stadium , '' the rocker recalled .
`` We were kind of pioneers in a way through our success it allowed others [ Western rock bans ] to follow ( in touring Russia ) , '' he pointed out .
Box reassured all Uriah Heep fans worldwide that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 and was keeping a close eye on what shows could still take place this year .
He made it clear that the tickets to concerts cancelled because of the coronavirus restrictions would be valid for later dates .
`` For all our fans out there , yes , we are looking at coming , we got a tour booked in 2021 , we are watching it closely to see if it is still possible to pull it off .
If it is , we are going to be there .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your tickets and hopefully they will be honored somewhere down the year , '' the legendary guitarist promised .
Retire ?
No way , you must mean ‘ re-tyre ’ The musician confessed that because of the quarantine he has been spending so much time at home as never before .
`` I am just keeping myself busy .
I ’ m doing a lot of songwriting , a lot of writing stuff , which is what I do every day but now I have more time to do it .
And of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family stuff…because you know ...
I ’ ve never been home this long , ever , ever in my entire career , '' Box said .
The guitarist stressed that he is not going to retire from music .
`` The only time I use this word [ retire ] is when I have to change the tires on my car , when it snows and its icy , then I re-tyre , '' he said laughing .
Although the pandemic seriously affected the band ’ s studio plans , he expects them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible .
`` Actually , we had January 2021 booked as a pre-production for rehearsals for new songs and they were going to be recorded in February - we got studio booked and everything , '' he said adding that these plans were ruined after London officials had imposed Tier-4 lockdowns due to the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK .
`` But we will do the new album for sure .
We ’ re using the same producer - Jay Ruston - who did our last album , Living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Box noted .
On bandmates who passed away This autumn , two former members of Uriah Heep passed away : Ken Hensley ( keyboards , guitar , vocals ) who was the author of the band ’ s biggest hits in the 1970s and drummer Lee Kerslake , who was also famous for playing with Ozzy Osborne .
Box said that he often thinks about his former bandmates .
`` Oh well , I have got so many memories .
My head is chuck full of memories of all the guys .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Gary Thain , and John Wetton , Trevor Bolder , and [ vocalist ] David Byron , and now Ken and Lee .
We travelled through a lot in life together , we went through the university of life together , basically .
And travelled the world many , many times , so we got to know everyone ’ s foibles , we got to know everyone ’ s good side , bad side… when we were on stage we just felt we were unbeatable , we were a very strong entity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what songs and albums in the band ’ s 50-year history , he considered to be the best , Mick Box said that best song or album `` is always the one that is coming up , the one we are going to record . ''
`` Because if don ’ t believe that then you know , you tend to stagnate and not move forward and we are forward-looking band '' the guitarist added .
Nevertheless , he highlighted that the Demons and Wizards album [ 1972 ] was a ‘ magical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career .
`` It was very successful and along with the song Easy Livin ’ took us to the world stage and that allowed us to tour in 62 countries or it did pre-Covid , of course , '' he said .
Among other significant albums , Box also mentioned Abominog ( 1982 ) , which was very successful in America , Sea of Light ( 1995 ) and the latest Living the Dream ( 2018 ) .
How Uriah Heep came to be Uriah Heep was founded in 1969 .
At that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Charles Dickens ( 1812-70 ) , and the name of the great writer was everywhere around .
One day , Gerry Bron , manager of an unknown rock band Spice suggested that the musicians could change the name of their band to Uriah Heep , a villain-like character of the David Copperfield novel .
At first , the musicians unanimously rejected it , but , ironically , it was that very name that the musicians eventually gave the band .
Through the years , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Uriah Heep .
The band ’ s current lineup includes Mick Box on guitar , Bernie Shaw on lead vocals , Phil Lanzon on keyboard , Russell Gilbrook on the drums and Davey Rimmer on bass .
Uriah Heep became the first Western world-class band that performed in the Soviet Union .
In late 1987 , the band played 10 concerts in Moscow , which brought together a total of 180,000 spectators at the Olimpiisky sports complex .
Nine years later , the British rockers returned to Russia making their first tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uriah Heep tours in Russia on a regular basis .

LONDON, December 30. /TASS/. Renowned UK hard rockers, Uriah Heep, who like many other performers were unable to tour in 2020 due to the pandemic restrictions, failed to come to Russia, but they will definitely play for their Russian fans again, Mick Box, founder and all-time guitarist of the band, promised in an interview with TASS. The group also intends to record new songs, although the dates of the recording were shifted due to COVID-19, Box added.
In 2020, Uriah Heep planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of their debut album. In an exclusive interview that took place via video link, the veteran musician told TASS about the band’s plans for touring, how he spends his time in quarantine and remembered two former members of Uriah Heep’s "golden lineup" who passed away this past autumn.
On touring
The band had to cancel its 50th anniversary concerts this year because of the pandemic.
"We initially had plans to do a long show, just Heep - acoustics sets, stage sets - it was a big deal going down but then that all stopped because of Covid," Box acknowledged.
He confessed that a lot of the promoters the band was dealing with are "out of business now."
"So, we’ve got to rethink the whole thing again," he said adding that the circumstances will not stop the band from celebrating this momentous anniversary.
"We should definitely celebrate it, loud and clear and very proudly, because it is an amazing milestone for any band," the musician stressed.
He added that Russia will "most definitely" be on the next tour’s schedule.
"We had one [Russian] tour booked for this year and we had another tour booked, a long tour of Russia, three weeks or something, starting in April (2021). But that looks like that may change now due to all the different strains and things that are coming in, the lockdowns and everything else," he explained.
"We love playing Russia, we love being there we enjoy it the fans are fantastic," Box stressed.
"Russia is a big part of our rock-n-roll heart," he added.
"We were the first Western rock band, as you know, to come out there and play in Moscow in December 1987 at the Olimpiisky stadium," the rocker recalled.
"We were kind of pioneers in a way through our success it allowed others [Western rock bans] to follow (in touring Russia)," he pointed out.
Box reassured all Uriah Heep fans worldwide that the band still had a tour booked for 2021 and was keeping a close eye on what shows could still take place this year. He made it clear that the tickets to concerts cancelled because of the coronavirus restrictions would be valid for later dates.
"For all our fans out there, yes, we are looking at coming, we got a tour booked in 2021, we are watching it closely to see if it is still possible to pull it off. If it is, we are going to be there. If it gets moved, just hang on to your tickets and hopefully they will be honored somewhere down the year," the legendary guitarist promised.
Retire? No way, you must mean ‘re-tyre’
The musician confessed that because of the quarantine he has been spending so much time at home as never before.
"I am just keeping myself busy. I’m doing a lot of songwriting, a lot of writing stuff, which is what I do every day but now I have more time to do it. And of course, I do a lot of family stuff…because you know... I’ve never been home this long, ever, ever in my entire career," Box said.
The guitarist stressed that he is not going to retire from music.
"The only time I use this word [retire] is when I have to change the tires on my car, when it snows and its icy, then I re-tyre," he said laughing.
New album
Although the pandemic seriously affected the band’s studio plans, he expects them to return to the studio as soon as possible.
"Actually, we had January 2021 booked as a pre-production for rehearsals for new songs and they were going to be recorded in February - we got studio booked and everything," he said adding that these plans were ruined after London officials had imposed Tier-4 lockdowns due to the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK.
"But we will do the new album for sure. We’re using the same producer - Jay Ruston - who did our last album, Living the Dream [2018]," Box noted.
On bandmates who passed away
This autumn, two former members of Uriah Heep passed away: Ken Hensley (keyboards, guitar, vocals) who was the author of the band’s biggest hits in the 1970s and drummer Lee Kerslake, who was also famous for playing with Ozzy Osborne. Box said that he often thinks about his former bandmates.
"Oh well, I have got so many memories. My head is chuck full of memories of all the guys. You know even going back to [bassists] Gary Thain, and John Wetton, Trevor Bolder, and [vocalist] David Byron, and now Ken and Lee. We travelled through a lot in life together, we went through the university of life together, basically. And travelled the world many, many times, so we got to know everyone’s foibles, we got to know everyone’s good side, bad side… when we were on stage we just felt we were unbeatable, we were a very strong entity," he recalled.
About band’s milestones
When asked what songs and albums in the band’s 50-year history, he considered to be the best, Mick Box said that best song or album "is always the one that is coming up, the one we are going to record."
"Because if don’t believe that then you know, you tend to stagnate and not move forward and we are forward-looking band" the guitarist added.
Nevertheless, he highlighted that the Demons and Wizards album [1972] was a ‘magical’ milestone for the band’s career.
"It was very successful and along with the song Easy Livin’ took us to the world stage and that allowed us to tour in 62 countries or it did pre-Covid, of course," he said.
Among other significant albums, Box also mentioned Abominog (1982), which was very successful in America, Sea of Light (1995) and the latest Living the Dream (2018).
How Uriah Heep came to be
Uriah Heep was founded in 1969. At that time, Great Britain was going to mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Charles Dickens (1812-70), and the name of the great writer was everywhere around.
One day, Gerry Bron, manager of an unknown rock band Spice suggested that the musicians could change the name of their band to Uriah Heep, a villain-like character of the David Copperfield novel. At first, the musicians unanimously rejected it, but, ironically, it was that very name that the musicians eventually gave the band.
Uriah Heep recorded 25 studio albums that sold over 40 mln copies.
Through the years, more than 20 musicians played in the ranks of Uriah Heep.
The band’s current lineup includes Mick Box on guitar, Bernie Shaw on lead vocals, Phil Lanzon on keyboard, Russell Gilbrook on the drums and Davey Rimmer on bass.
Uriah Heep became the first Western world-class band that performed in the Soviet Union. In late 1987, the band played 10 concerts in Moscow, which brought together a total of 180,000 spectators at the Olimpiisky sports complex. Nine years later, the British rockers returned to Russia making their first tour around the country. Since then, Uriah Heep tours in Russia on a regular basis.


tass--2020-12-30--Search and rescue operation in Onega fishing boat’s wreck area completed

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport has concluded the active @ @ @ @ @ rescue operation in the area of the Onega fishing boat ’ s wreck in the @ @ @ @ @ ’ s press service informed TASS .
`` On December 30 , at 15:00 Moscow @ @ @ @ @ of the search and rescue operation of the wreck of the Onega shipping boat was @ @ @ @ @ works are over , '' the agency ’ s source said .
The source added @ @ @ @ @ the operation are returning to their previous stations .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Agency of Sea and River Transport has concluded the active phase of the search and rescue operation in the area of the Onega fishing boat’s wreck in the Barents Sea, the agency’s press service informed TASS.
"On December 30, at 15:00 Moscow time, the active phase of the search and rescue operation of the wreck of the Onega shipping boat was concluded. Search and rescue works are over," the agency’s source said. The source added that the vessels involved in the operation are returning to their previous stations.


tass--2020-12-30--First batch of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine arrives in Serbia

BELGRADE , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The first batch of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine `` Sputnik V '' has been delivered to Serbia , the Tanjug news agency informed on Wednesday .
The packages were delivered to the Institute of Virology , Vaccines and Sera `` Torlak '' in Belgrade .
One of the packages was opened in front of reporters , showing boxes containing the Sputnik V vaccine .
Earlier , Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar stated that the trials of the Russian vaccine in Serbia are at the final stage and that they will be concluded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On October 24 , Serbia launched vaccination with the vaccine developed by the US company Pfizer .
Earlier , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that Serbia had paid the EU 2 mln euro for the development of the vaccine and then an additional 4.87 mln euro under the COVAX program , however , it received twice as few doses than it ordered : 4,800 instead of 10,000 .
On December 4 , the first 20 doses of Russia ’ s Sputnik V vaccine arrived in Serbia .
They are still being researched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the drug can be used to vaccinate the Serbian population .

BELGRADE, December 30. /TASS/. The first batch of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine "Sputnik V" has been delivered to Serbia, the Tanjug news agency informed on Wednesday.
The packages were delivered to the Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak" in Belgrade. One of the packages was opened in front of reporters, showing boxes containing the Sputnik V vaccine.
Earlier, Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar stated that the trials of the Russian vaccine in Serbia are at the final stage and that they will be concluded in the first days of the new year.
On October 24, Serbia launched vaccination with the vaccine developed by the US company Pfizer. Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that Serbia had paid the EU 2 mln euro for the development of the vaccine and then an additional 4.87 mln euro under the COVAX program, however, it received twice as few doses than it ordered: 4,800 instead of 10,000.
On December 4, the first 20 doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine arrived in Serbia. They are still being researched by Serbian specialists, who will decide whether the drug can be used to vaccinate the Serbian population.


tass--2020-12-30--FMBA plans to begin clinical trials of drug against coronavirus before New Year

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency ( FMBA ) plans to begin @ @ @ @ @ acting preparation against the coronavirus infection before the New Year , Chief of Agency Veronika @ @ @ @ @ `` The first preparation is an etiotropic one , influencing the virus directly , effectively @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus infection .
Pre-clinical trials were completed which demonstrated , first of all @ @ @ @ @ this preparation because it doesn ’ t affect the human body and immunity , and @ @ @ @ @ , a high effectiveness surpassing 99 % .
Currently a dossier is prepared in order @ @ @ @ @ clinical trials .
We hope to do this before the New Year , '' she @ @ @ @ @ Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) plans to begin clinical trials of a direct acting preparation against the coronavirus infection before the New Year, Chief of Agency Veronika Skvortsova said on Wednesday.
"The first preparation is an etiotropic one, influencing the virus directly, effectively, this is an antidote to the coronavirus infection. Pre-clinical trials were completed which demonstrated, first of all, the complete safety of this preparation because it doesn’t affect the human body and immunity, and, on the other hand, a high effectiveness surpassing 99%. Currently a dossier is prepared in order to obtain a permit for clinical trials. We hope to do this before the New Year," she said during a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.


tass--2020-12-30--Hainan sums up social and economic development in 2020

HAIKOU , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
On the eve of the upcoming 2021 , the Island of Hainan has summed up the main results of socio-economic development over the past 12 months .
Key events in the region were published as a photo gallery by the province 's leading newspaper `` Hainan Daily '' .
`` The year 2020 was not an easy year : its beginning was marked for Hainan by the fight against the pandemic , followed by measures to restore production and other economic activity , '' observers of the publication note .
`` In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published the General Program for Hainan 's Free Trade Port and began to implement new strategic measures '' .
At the end of 2020 , as the newspaper notes , there were no less significant changes .
For example , the launch from the Wenchang cosmodrome of the newest Chinese launch vehicle Changzheng-8 and the Change-5 unmanned reentry vehicle , as well as the Third Hainan International Film Festival .
The first significant event for the island in 2020 was the opening of a cruise route from Sanya to Vietnam with a tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Danang in the central part of the Indochina Peninsula .
The transportation of tourists was provided by such liners as Costa neoRomantica with a displacement of about 57,000 tonnes , capable of organizing the transportation of about 1,800 passengers at a time .
However , in the future , due to the pandemic , Hainan 's tourism hit pause in this direction .
Cruises resumed only 11 months later : now those willing are offered to make a sea voyage in the waters of the South China Sea , visiting the Xisha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumption of cruise travel is expected to accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry , which in China has been hit by the pandemic more than any other industry .
The most intense fight against the epidemic on Hainan unfolded in January-February .
The authorities took the toughest and effective measures , quickly containing local outbreaks of this dangerous infectious disease .
At the same time , the provincial administration actively helped other regions of China , primarily the city of Wuhan , where a new type of coronavirus was first recorded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped to completely stabilize the situation on the island by March .
According to statistics , since February 20 , there has not been a single local case of infection , which allowed to launch the process of rapid economic recovery .
At the end of February , the Hainan government began to strengthen and build up foreign economic ties .
Special attention was paid to the development of twin city relations with cities of other countries .
Amid the difficult epidemic situation in the world , the island constantly provided them with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to May alone , the province sent abroad medical equipment , hundreds of thousands of masks and other materials to 23 states , with the cities of which this southern China region has close friendly relations .
In April , Hainan schoolchildren returned to classes , continuing their studies after a forced break .
At the same time , the authorities continued to work on solving a number of social development tasks , in particular , on environmental protection .
Among the important steps , the local news outlet mentions measures to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District .
This project was launched in April and is expected to be completed in the coming 2021 .
Moreover , the government continued to implement a whole package of measures to improve soil quality , optimize water and air resources .
Hainan has been particularly successful in the area of waste disposal over the recent months .
In July , Sanya introduced a smart waste classification system , and since August , all government agencies , educational institutions , hospitals , large shopping malls and markets , as well as many residential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expired or broken goods before they go to dumps .
An important innovation was the introduction from December 1 of a ban on disposable products made of non-degradable plastic island-wide .
A major event took place in Hainan on June 1 , when the provincial leadership announced the region 's development strategy for the coming years .
Infrastructure construction was announced as one of the key areas for growth , as before .
Around this time , a notable achievement was the expansion of Meilan International Airport in Haikou , which announced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The province also made a big breakthrough in promoting sales in the local duty free stores in the offshore zone , which have sold goods worth more than 31.58 billion yuan ( about $ 4.82 billion ) since the beginning of the year .
Five new duty free shops are already opening on the island , three in Sanya and two in Haikou , the local authorities said .
With the release of Hainan Free Trade Port 's General Program , 16 key development zones were established in 11 different areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovations took place with the direct participation of the provincial administration 's top officials , who made a number of visits to learn more about the situation on the ground .
The special customs zone of the Yangpu port on the west coast of the island also played an important role in the economic development of Hainan in 2020 .
There , at the end of September , a transcontinental container route to Oceania and Australia was opened .
According to the local authorities , the main topics in Hainan 's scientific life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the research vessel `` Tanso-1 '' with the deep-water bathyscaphe Fendouzhe ( `` Fighter '' ) on board to the most powerful tectonic fault on our planet — the Mariana Trench .
In addition , the Wenchang cosmodrome has successfully launched the latest satellites and spacecraft for Moon and Mars exploration .
In August , the Hainan administration published the Smart Hainan 2020-2025 Island Innovation Development Program , under which the province will soon be implementing more than 30 infrastructure projects aimed at developing fifth-generation 5G communications networks , the Internet of Things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November , Hainan hosted the Twenty-First International Tourism Carnival , organized to better unleash the tourism potential of the Belt and Road Initiative and use interagency mechanisms to promote new products that are in high demand among tourists .
This event was complemented by the Third Hainan International Film Festival , which started in early December and lasted for a week .
Over the past month , the province has hosted many cultural and recreational activities , including a beer festival that will wrap up in January 2021 .
On June 1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party and the State Council published the General Development Program for Hainan 's Free Trade Port , according to which an effective mechanism to stimulate sustainable and long-term growth should be finally formed in Hainan by 2025 .
It is expected that thanks to new methods , many of which are being introduced in China for the first time , the province will be able to fulfill a number of key socio-economic tasks necessary to form a powerful financial and economic center in the country ’ s south .
It is assumed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential of this region will be maximized , and it will become one of the most attractive places for international investors .
In April 2018 , Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launch of Hainan 's project to build a pilot free trade zone .
According to the authorities ' plan , the creation of a pilot zone will give impetus to the processes of globalization of the island 's economy and increase the attractiveness of the Chinese province for foreign investors .
It is expected that by 2050 Hainan will become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system , which includes a free trade zone , campuses of the best universities , the most modern scientific laboratories and the headquarters of world corporations .

HAIKOU, December 30. /TASS/. On the eve of the upcoming 2021, the Island of Hainan has summed up the main results of socio-economic development over the past 12 months. Key events in the region were published as a photo gallery by the province's leading newspaper "Hainan Daily".
"The year 2020 was not an easy year: its beginning was marked for Hainan by the fight against the pandemic, followed by measures to restore production and other economic activity," observers of the publication note. "In the middle of the year, the authorities published the General Program for Hainan's Free Trade Port and began to implement new strategic measures".
At the end of 2020, as the newspaper notes, there were no less significant changes. For example, the launch from the Wenchang cosmodrome of the newest Chinese launch vehicle Changzheng-8 and the Change-5 unmanned reentry vehicle, as well as the Third Hainan International Film Festival.
Cruise vacation
The first significant event for the island in 2020 was the opening of a cruise route from Sanya to Vietnam with a tour of Halong Bay and the resort town of Danang in the central part of the Indochina Peninsula. The transportation of tourists was provided by such liners as Costa neoRomantica with a displacement of about 57,000 tonnes, capable of organizing the transportation of about 1,800 passengers at a time.
However, in the future, due to the pandemic, Hainan's tourism hit pause in this direction. Cruises resumed only 11 months later: now those willing are offered to make a sea voyage in the waters of the South China Sea, visiting the Xisha archipelago (Paracel Islands). The resumption of cruise travel is expected to accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry, which in China has been hit by the pandemic more than any other industry.
Fight against the coronavirus
The most intense fight against the epidemic on Hainan unfolded in January-February. The authorities took the toughest and effective measures, quickly containing local outbreaks of this dangerous infectious disease. At the same time, the provincial administration actively helped other regions of China, primarily the city of Wuhan, where a new type of coronavirus was first recorded.
The right strategy of the Hainan authorities helped to completely stabilize the situation on the island by March. According to statistics, since February 20, there has not been a single local case of infection, which allowed to launch the process of rapid economic recovery.
At the end of February, the Hainan government began to strengthen and build up foreign economic ties. Special attention was paid to the development of twin city relations with cities of other countries. Amid the difficult epidemic situation in the world, the island constantly provided them with active support. Thus, from March to May alone, the province sent abroad medical equipment, hundreds of thousands of masks and other materials to 23 states, with the cities of which this southern China region has close friendly relations.
Restoration of educational and work processes
In April, Hainan schoolchildren returned to classes, continuing their studies after a forced break. At the same time, the authorities continued to work on solving a number of social development tasks, in particular, on environmental protection. Among the important steps, the local news outlet mentions measures to improve the environment in Haikou's new Jiangdong District. This project was launched in April and is expected to be completed in the coming 2021.
Moreover, the government continued to implement a whole package of measures to improve soil quality, optimize water and air resources. Hainan has been particularly successful in the area of waste disposal over the recent months. In July, Sanya introduced a smart waste classification system, and since August, all government agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, large shopping malls and markets, as well as many residential areas have joined the self-sorting program for expired or broken goods before they go to dumps.
An important innovation was the introduction from December 1 of a ban on disposable products made of non-degradable plastic island-wide.
Trade and economy
A major event took place in Hainan on June 1, when the provincial leadership announced the region's development strategy for the coming years. Infrastructure construction was announced as one of the key areas for growth, as before. Around this time, a notable achievement was the expansion of Meilan International Airport in Haikou, which announced the successful testing of a new runway.
The province also made a big breakthrough in promoting sales in the local duty free stores in the offshore zone, which have sold goods worth more than 31.58 billion yuan (about $ 4.82 billion) since the beginning of the year. Five new duty free shops are already opening on the island, three in Sanya and two in Haikou, the local authorities said.
With the release of Hainan Free Trade Port's General Program, 16 key development zones were established in 11 different areas of the province in early June. All these innovations took place with the direct participation of the provincial administration's top officials, who made a number of visits to learn more about the situation on the ground.
The special customs zone of the Yangpu port on the west coast of the island also played an important role in the economic development of Hainan in 2020. There, at the end of September, a transcontinental container route to Oceania and Australia was opened.
Technology and innovation
According to the local authorities, the main topics in Hainan's scientific life were such events as the expedition of the research vessel "Tanso-1" with the deep-water bathyscaphe Fendouzhe ("Fighter") on board to the most powerful tectonic fault on our planet — the Mariana Trench. In addition, the Wenchang cosmodrome has successfully launched the latest satellites and spacecraft for Moon and Mars exploration.
In August, the Hainan administration published the Smart Hainan 2020-2025 Island Innovation Development Program, under which the province will soon be implementing more than 30 infrastructure projects aimed at developing fifth-generation 5G communications networks, the Internet of Things and information and communications services.
Culture and sports
In November, Hainan hosted the Twenty-First International Tourism Carnival, organized to better unleash the tourism potential of the Belt and Road Initiative and use interagency mechanisms to promote new products that are in high demand among tourists. This event was complemented by the Third Hainan International Film Festival, which started in early December and lasted for a week.
Over the past month, the province has hosted many cultural and recreational activities, including a beer festival that will wrap up in January 2021.
Hainan free trade port
On June 1, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party and the State Council published the General Development Program for Hainan's Free Trade Port, according to which an effective mechanism to stimulate sustainable and long-term growth should be finally formed in Hainan by 2025. It is expected that thanks to new methods, many of which are being introduced in China for the first time, the province will be able to fulfill a number of key socio-economic tasks necessary to form a powerful financial and economic center in the country’s south. It is assumed that by 2035 both the economic and innovative potential of this region will be maximized, and it will become one of the most attractive places for international investors.
In April 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the launch of Hainan's project to build a pilot free trade zone. According to the authorities' plan, the creation of a pilot zone will give impetus to the processes of globalization of the island's economy and increase the attractiveness of the Chinese province for foreign investors.
It is expected that by 2050 Hainan will become a unique international cluster with an advanced economic system, which includes a free trade zone, campuses of the best universities, the most modern scientific laboratories and the headquarters of world corporations.


tass--2020-12-30--Euro above 92 rubles on Moscow Exchange first time from December 23

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The euro gained 1.55 % during the trading session on the Moscow Exchange @ @ @ @ @ , according to trading data .
The euro rate was above 92 rubles last time @ @ @ @ @ dollar moved up by 1.2 % to 74.92 rubles .
Brent oil futures with delivery @ @ @ @ @ 0.33 % to $ 51.06 per barrel , while WTI futures edged down by 0.52 @ @ @ @ @ barrel .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The euro gained 1.55% during the trading session on the Moscow Exchange and climbed to 92.08 rubles, according to trading data.
The euro rate was above 92 rubles last time on December 23. The dollar moved up by 1.2% to 74.92 rubles.
Brent oil futures with delivery in March 2021 dropped by 0.33% to $51.06 per barrel, while WTI futures edged down by 0.52% to $47.89 a barrel.


tass--2020-12-30--Belarusian opposition established contacts with 25 countries, Tikhanovskaya claims

`` We are currently establishing political and diplomatic contacts with other countries - there are already 25 countries .
We do not stop there and continue this work , '' she said during an online conference Wednesday .
According to Tikhanovskaya ’ s headquarters representative on foreign affairs Valery Kovalevsky , the ex-candidate ’ s current main priority in foreign policy is to inform about what is happening in Belarus , in order to exert pressure on the authorities to `` stop the lawlessness '' and bring the authorities to dialogue .
`` As of today , we have carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during these visits , Tikhanovskaya represents all Belarusians who fight for democracy and the free Belarus .
We have established contacts with the authorities of 25 countries , and we currently prepare new visits to 11 states , '' Kovalevsky said .
He reminded that the European Union has introduced three sanctions packages against the Belarusian authorities , and that Minsk ’ s reaction to these measures was `` sensitive , '' the representative claimed , adding that the EU currently works on the fourth package .
`` The EU expects that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , probably , in late January - early February , '' he said .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

"We are currently establishing political and diplomatic contacts with other countries - there are already 25 countries. We do not stop there and continue this work," she said during an online conference Wednesday.
According to Tikhanovskaya’s headquarters representative on foreign affairs Valery Kovalevsky, the ex-candidate’s current main priority in foreign policy is to inform about what is happening in Belarus, in order to exert pressure on the authorities to "stop the lawlessness" and bring the authorities to dialogue.
"As of today, we have carried out 10 visits to various countries; during these visits, Tikhanovskaya represents all Belarusians who fight for democracy and the free Belarus. We have established contacts with the authorities of 25 countries, and we currently prepare new visits to 11 states," Kovalevsky said.
He reminded that the European Union has introduced three sanctions packages against the Belarusian authorities, and that Minsk’s reaction to these measures was "sensitive," the representative claimed, adding that the EU currently works on the fourth package.
"The EU expects that the new package will be reviewed and adopted, probably, in late January - early February," he said.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-12-30--Putin signs bill criminalizing online slander into law

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill criminalizing online slander into law @ @ @ @ @ published on the official website containing legal information .
The document amends Article 128.1 of @ @ @ @ @ which initially carried penalties for slanderous statements made publicly and in the media .
The @ @ @ @ @ Internet .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill criminalizing online slander into law. The document has been published on the official website containing legal information.
The document amends Article 128.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which initially carried penalties for slanderous statements made publicly and in the media. The amendment criminalizes slander on the Internet.


tass--2020-12-30--Russia’s Ansat-M helicopter with extended flight range makes first flight

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
The new version of the Russian multirole helicopter Ansat with the extended flight range has completed the maiden flight , Rostec company says on Wednesday .
The Ansat-M helicopter is fitted with a new fuel system , new avionic equipment enabling to fly in zero visibility condition , and improved directional stability .
`` The new modification has the series of advantages and is planned for deliveries to regional air carriers .
I am confident the new aircraft will make its contribution to solution of tasks on improvement of transport accessibility of remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Industry Denis Manturov noted .
`` Ansat is a universal aircraft capable of performing a wide range of tasks , with a huge upside for modernization .
The new modification received an enhanced fuel system ; an opportunity has appeared to install an extra tank , with the flight range growing from 505 to 800 km as a result .
The share of composite materials in the structure was increased by 15 % and amounts to 35 % - this enabled reducing the helicopter weight and improved its flight performance .
Certification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are planned for 2021 , '' Industrial Director of Rostec ’ s aviation cluster Anatoli Serdyukov says .
Polar Air company will be the first customer of the upgraded helicopter version , CEO of Russian Helicopters holding Andrei Boginsky said .
Hangarless storage of helicopters has been provided specifically for the company .
The air carrier will buy seven helicopters with medical modules , starting from 2021 .
Ansat will also undergo enhancement of aerodynamics of antitorque and main rotor blades in future , which will improving maneuvering and reduce noise level in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the maximum takeoff and landing height , cruising speed , and takeoff weight .
The helicopter is also planned to be equipped with a new anti-icing system and autopilot next year .
Over 90 Ansat helicopters have been delivered to customers to date .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The new version of the Russian multirole helicopter Ansat with the extended flight range has completed the maiden flight, Rostec company says on Wednesday.
The Ansat-M helicopter is fitted with a new fuel system, new avionic equipment enabling to fly in zero visibility condition, and improved directional stability.
"The new modification has the series of advantages and is planned for deliveries to regional air carriers. I am confident the new aircraft will make its contribution to solution of tasks on improvement of transport accessibility of remote regions of our country," Minister of Industry Denis Manturov noted.
"Ansat is a universal aircraft capable of performing a wide range of tasks, with a huge upside for modernization. The new modification received an enhanced fuel system; an opportunity has appeared to install an extra tank, with the flight range growing from 505 to 800 km as a result. The share of composite materials in the structure was increased by 15% and amounts to 35% - this enabled reducing the helicopter weight and improved its flight performance. Certification tests of the Ansat-M and first supplies are planned for 2021," Industrial Director of Rostec’s aviation cluster Anatoli Serdyukov says.
Polar Air company will be the first customer of the upgraded helicopter version, CEO of Russian Helicopters holding Andrei Boginsky said. Hangarless storage of helicopters has been provided specifically for the company. The air carrier will buy seven helicopters with medical modules, starting from 2021.
Ansat will also undergo enhancement of aerodynamics of antitorque and main rotor blades in future, which will improving maneuvering and reduce noise level in the cabin, and will also increase the maximum takeoff and landing height, cruising speed, and takeoff weight. The helicopter is also planned to be equipped with a new anti-icing system and autopilot next year.
Over 90 Ansat helicopters have been delivered to customers to date.


tass--2020-12-30--Putin signs law on criminal sanctions for violations of procedures for foreign agents

MOSCOW , December 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law on criminal responsibility of up to five years of incarceration for gross violations of the foreign agents bill by individuals , media workers , as well as by members of unregistered political unions .
The document was published on Wednesday on the official web portal of legal information .
Amendments are introduced to Article 330.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation which provides sanctions for willful evasion of inclusion in the foreign agents list .
Those foreign agents who have already been previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face criminal penalty .
An unregistered public association conducting political activity with foreign financing that evades inclusion in the foreign agents list will face a fine of up to 300,000 rubles ( about $ 4,000 - TASS ) or equaling the salary or other income of a perpetrator over the period of up to two years , or up to 480 hours of community service , or up to two years of correctional labor or incarceration .
Failure to submit to the Justice Ministry an application ( notification ) on the inclusion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on activity related to performing functions of a foreign agent is punished by a fine of up to 300,000 rubles , or up to 480 hours of community service , or up to five years of correctional labor or incarceration .
Individuals who violated the operating procedures of media outlets acting as foreign agents and who have already been previously held administratively liable for similar perpetrations may be subject to criminal sanctions , including up to two years of incarceration .
They may be fined up to 300,000 rubles or the amount equaling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perpetrator over the period of up to two years .
Additionally , they may face up to 480 hours of community service , or up to two years of correctional labor .
The law will become effective on March 1 , 2021 .

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law on criminal responsibility of up to five years of incarceration for gross violations of the foreign agents bill by individuals, media workers, as well as by members of unregistered political unions. The document was published on Wednesday on the official web portal of legal information.
Amendments are introduced to Article 330.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation which provides sanctions for willful evasion of inclusion in the foreign agents list. Those foreign agents who have already been previously held administratively liable for similar perpetrations will face criminal penalty.
An unregistered public association conducting political activity with foreign financing that evades inclusion in the foreign agents list will face a fine of up to 300,000 rubles (about $4,000 - TASS) or equaling the salary or other income of a perpetrator over the period of up to two years, or up to 480 hours of community service, or up to two years of correctional labor or incarceration.
Failure to submit to the Justice Ministry an application (notification) on the inclusion in the foreign agents list or a report on activity related to performing functions of a foreign agent is punished by a fine of up to 300,000 rubles, or up to 480 hours of community service, or up to five years of correctional labor or incarceration.
Individuals who violated the operating procedures of media outlets acting as foreign agents and who have already been previously held administratively liable for similar perpetrations may be subject to criminal sanctions, including up to two years of incarceration. They may be fined up to 300,000 rubles or the amount equaling the salary or other income of a perpetrator over the period of up to two years. Additionally, they may face up to 480 hours of community service, or up to two years of correctional labor.
The law will become effective on March 1, 2021.