tass--2020-12-01--Eastman takes on global challenges through ambitious sustainability agenda

KINGSPORT , Tenn. , Dec. 1 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastman ( NYSE : EMN ) announced ambitious 2030 sustainability commitments Tuesday in tandem with the publication of its 2020 sustainability report .
The report highlights the company 's commitment to sustainable innovation and establishes goals to address three difficult , long-term and potentially devastating challenges that will affect our rapidly growing population : climate change , the plastic waste crisis and social inequities .
`` Through process , systems and material innovations , we can create solutions that help to solve the climate and plastic waste crises while introducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever-growing population , '' said Mark Costa , Eastman Board Chair and CEO .
`` We think of it as innovating for A Better Circle . ''
As a materials innovator , Eastman is uniquely positioned to address these challenges and to help create solutions that serve everyone .
Through this Better Circle approach , the company intends to : Mitigate climate change Eastman has a responsibility to continuously improve its operational footprint .
The company supports the Paris Agreement and in alignment with it , Eastman is committing to achieve carbon neutrality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas scope 1+2 emissions by one-third by 2030 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 .
• Innovate to provide products that enable energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions down our value chains and at the consumer level .
Mainstream circularity Eastman is contributing to a circular economy .
For Eastman , that means keeping plastic waste out of landfills and the environment through recycling innovations that convert waste to materials thereby reducing the use of fossil feedstocks .
• Recycle more than 500 million pounds of plastic waste annually via molecular recycling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recycle more than 250 million pounds of plastic waste annually through these technologies .
• Catalyze improvement of the recycling system by continuing to expand capabilities to recycle more complex products and by participating in initiatives and collaborations to drive increased collection .
Care for society Eastman 's business begins and ends with people .
By working from the inside out to ensure its employee population mirrors the world 's population in its diverse make-up and aligning its external partnerships and support with its key impact areas , Eastman will contribute to creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gender parity in alignment with commitment to Paradigm for Parity ® .
• Be a leader for racial equity within our industry .
• Drive new product innovations that advance soutions for society 's most pressing needs while ensuring product safety and transparency .
As part of the company 's dedication to achieving its 2030 commitments , Eastman has released its 2020 sustainability report .
The report is a transparent look into progress the company made on its 2020 goals and a roadmap of how it intends to achieve its 2030 agenda .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress we achieved in pursuit of our previous targets , '' Costa said .
`` We have gained crucial insights into how sustainability paired with innovation will drive our transformation to a specialty materials company , and we are committed to advancing both environmental and social practices across our corporation and within our communities , reporting our progress annually . ''
The company 's 2020 sustainability report is available now .
To view the full report and learn more about Eastman 's 2030 commitments to creating A Better Circle , visit eastman.com/sustainabilityreport .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day .
With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way , Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability .
The company 's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms , deep customer engagement , and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation , building and construction , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse company , Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries .
The company had 2019 revenues of approximately $ 9.3 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport , Tennessee , USA .
For more information , visit eastman.com .

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Dec. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastman (NYSE:EMN) announced ambitious 2030 sustainability commitments Tuesday in tandem with the publication of its 2020 sustainability report. The report highlights the company's commitment to sustainable innovation and establishes goals to address three difficult, long-term and potentially devastating challenges that will affect our rapidly growing population: climate change, the plastic waste crisis and social inequities.
"Through process, systems and material innovations, we can create solutions that help to solve the climate and plastic waste crises while introducing products to market to care for an ever-growing population," said Mark Costa, Eastman Board Chair and CEO. "We think of it as innovating for A Better Circle."
As a materials innovator, Eastman is uniquely positioned to address these challenges and to help create solutions that serve everyone. Through this Better Circle approach, the company intends to:
Mitigate climate change
Eastman has a responsibility to continuously improve its operational footprint. The company supports the Paris Agreement and in alignment with it, Eastman is committing to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
2030 commitment:
Reduce absolute greenhouse gas scope 1+2 emissions by one-third by 2030 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Innovate to provide products that enable energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions down our value chains and at the consumer level.
Mainstream circularity
Eastman is contributing to a circular economy. For Eastman, that means keeping plastic waste out of landfills and the environment through recycling innovations that convert waste to materials thereby reducing the use of fossil feedstocks.
2030 commitments:
Recycle more than 500 million pounds of plastic waste annually via molecular recycling technologies, with a 2025 commitment to recycle more than 250 million pounds of plastic waste annually through these technologies.
Catalyze improvement of the recycling system by continuing to expand capabilities to recycle more complex products and by participating in initiatives and collaborations to drive increased collection.
Care for society
Eastman's business begins and ends with people. By working from the inside out to ensure its employee population mirrors the world's population in its diverse make-up and aligning its external partnerships and support with its key impact areas, Eastman will contribute to creating a more equitable society.
2030 commitments:
Achieve gender parity in alignment with commitment to Paradigm for Parity ® .
. Be a leader for racial equity within our industry.
Drive new product innovations that advance soutions for society's most pressing needs while ensuring product safety and transparency.
As part of the company's dedication to achieving its 2030 commitments, Eastman has released its 2020 sustainability report. The report is a transparent look into progress the company made on its 2020 goals and a roadmap of how it intends to achieve its 2030 agenda.
"Our sustainability strategy builds on the progress we achieved in pursuit of our previous targets," Costa said. "We have gained crucial insights into how sustainability paired with innovation will drive our transformation to a specialty materials company, and we are committed to advancing both environmental and social practices across our corporation and within our communities, reporting our progress annually."
The company's 2020 sustainability report is available now. To view the full report and learn more about Eastman's 2030 commitments to creating A Better Circle, visit eastman.com/sustainabilityreport.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2019 revenues of approximately $9.3 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit eastman.com.
Media Inquiries:
Laura Mansfield, APR, Tombras
+1 (865) 599.9968 / lmansfield@tombras.com
Brad Lifford, Eastman
+1 423-229-6543 / blifford@eastman.com
Investors:
Greg Riddle, Eastman
+1 212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com
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tass--2020-12-01--Shoigu notes stronger cooperation by CSTO defense ministries

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Measures taken by the Collective Security Treaty Organization have enhanced cooperation by the member-countries ’ defense ministries , Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Tuesday .
`` They ( measures - TASS ) allowed for coping with priority tasks of Russia ’ s chairmanship of the organization and promoted cooperation by our countries ’ defense ministries , '' he said at the CSTO defense ministers ’ meeting .
Among the activities held during the reviewed period Shoigu noted the celebrations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on June 24 .
He thanked his CSTO counterparts for participation in this event .
Also , Shoigu looked back on the first-ever joint meeting of CIS , SCO and CSTO defense ministers .
He described the meeting as `` an important contribution to strengthening the CSTO ’ s status and image , creating a common stance on global security issues , and to a dialogue of trust and greater mutual understanding .
He recalled that the defense ministers on that day visited the museum complex Road of Memory .
`` I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states took part in forming its information basis , '' Shoigu said .

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. Measures taken by the Collective Security Treaty Organization have enhanced cooperation by the member-countries’ defense ministries, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on Tuesday.
"They (measures - TASS) allowed for coping with priority tasks of Russia’s chairmanship of the organization and promoted cooperation by our countries’ defense ministries," he said at the CSTO defense ministers’ meeting.
Among the activities held during the reviewed period Shoigu noted the celebrations on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany and the parade in Red Square on June 24. He thanked his CSTO counterparts for participation in this event.
Also, Shoigu looked back on the first-ever joint meeting of CIS, SCO and CSTO defense ministers. He described the meeting as "an important contribution to strengthening the CSTO’s status and image, creating a common stance on global security issues, and to a dialogue of trust and greater mutual understanding.
He recalled that the defense ministers on that day visited the museum complex Road of Memory.
"I would like to stress that all CSTO member states took part in forming its information basis," Shoigu said.


tass--2020-12-01--COVID-19 incidence rates slowing down in Russia

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s COVID-19 incidence rates are generally slowing down but the situation @ @ @ @ @ Anna Popova , chief of Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog , said on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ we see that incidence rate is slowing down in Russia but daily morbidity differs seriously @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` The situation to a larger extent reflects incidence in the @ @ @ @ @ and St. Petersburg , which account for about 40 % of daily tally . ''
@ @ @ @ @ biggest increase in incidence rates is registered in the age groups of from 30 to @ @ @ @ @ 64 , i.e .
among economically active population .

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. Russia’s COVID-19 incidence rates are generally slowing down but the situation differs in different regions, Anna Popova, chief of Russia’s sanitary watchdog, said on Tuesday.
"In general terms, we see that incidence rate is slowing down in Russia but daily morbidity differs seriously in different Russian regions," she said. "The situation to a larger extent reflects incidence in the two largest cities - Moscow and St. Petersburg, which account for about 40% of daily tally."
According to Popova, the biggest increase in incidence rates is registered in the age groups of from 30 to 49 and from 50 to 64, i.e. among economically active population.


tass--2020-12-01--Air leakage virtually unnoticeable aboard orbital outpost, cosmonauts say

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Crew of the International Space Station ( ISS ) actually do not notice an air leakage aboard the orbital outpost , Cosmonaut Sergei Kud-Sverchkov said on Tuesday .
`` For us , it [ the air leakage ] is actually unnoticeable , '' the cosmonaut said in a video uploaded on his VKontakte social network account .
During training sessions on the ground , the cosmonauts practiced response to far more serious emergency situations , he stressed .
`` That is why , I have zero anxiety level about this minor leakage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew reported to Russia ’ s Flight Control Center on the morning of October 15 that the cosmonauts had found a possible air leak spot in the inter-section compartment of the Zvezda module .
Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin later specified that the air leak spot looked like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 cm long .
Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov later said that the fracture measured about 4.5 cm .
In November , the Russian crewmembers of the ISS made images of the possible air leakage spot from outside the space station during the spacewalk .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the station in the area of the fracture .

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. Crew of the International Space Station (ISS) actually do not notice an air leakage aboard the orbital outpost, Cosmonaut Sergei Kud-Sverchkov said on Tuesday.
"For us, it [the air leakage] is actually unnoticeable," the cosmonaut said in a video uploaded on his VKontakte social network account.
During training sessions on the ground, the cosmonauts practiced response to far more serious emergency situations, he stressed. "That is why, I have zero anxiety level about this minor leakage," the cosmonaut said.
The ISS crew reported to Russia’s Flight Control Center on the morning of October 15 that the cosmonauts had found a possible air leak spot in the inter-section compartment of the Zvezda module. Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin later specified that the air leak spot looked like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 cm long. Cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov later said that the fracture measured about 4.5 cm.
In November, the Russian crewmembers of the ISS made images of the possible air leakage spot from outside the space station during the spacewalk. The cosmonauts did not notice any damage outside the station in the area of the fracture.


tass--2020-12-01--Russian health minister points to rise in coronavirus patients in intensive care

Coronavirus pandemic unlikely to end soon , WHO official says MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ units has grown in Russia , Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said at a meeting of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Anti-Coronavirus Coordination Council on Monday .
`` I would like to point out @ @ @ @ @ in need of intensive care increased in the past month , '' he noted .
@ @ @ @ @ are enough vacant intensive care beds in Russian hospitals .

Coronavirus pandemic unlikely to end soon, WHO official says
MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care units has grown in Russia, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said at a meeting of the presidium of the government’s Anti-Coronavirus Coordination Council on Monday.
"I would like to point out that the number of patients in need of intensive care increased in the past month," he noted.
According to Murashko, there are enough vacant intensive care beds in Russian hospitals.


tass--2020-12-01--Azerbaijan’s leader says exchange of prisoners and bodies in Karabakh underway

BAKU , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an address to the nation on Tuesday that the exchange of prisoners and bodies of those killed in action during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict continues , the Azertac news agency informed .
`` The eighth paragraph ( of the joint statement by Russian , Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders - TASS ) states that there is an exchange of prisoners of war , hostages and other detainees , as well as bodies .
This process is already going on - both the exchange of bodies and prisoners and hostages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .

BAKU, December 1. /TASS/. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an address to the nation on Tuesday that the exchange of prisoners and bodies of those killed in action during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict continues, the Azertac news agency informed.
"The eighth paragraph (of the joint statement by Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders - TASS) states that there is an exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and other detainees, as well as bodies. This process is already going on - both the exchange of bodies and prisoners and hostages," Aliyev said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-12-01--‘Only Putin can help us’: Families of Armenian MIAs in Karabakh turn to Moscow for support

YEREVAN , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Dozens of relatives of Armenian servicemen , who went missing in action during @ @ @ @ @ have filed a letter with the Russian Embassy in Yerevan Tuesday , asking the Russian @ @ @ @ @ finding them .
`` Only Russia and President Putin can help us find our children @ @ @ @ @ .
Maybe , they are still alive , hiding in the woods , or captured @ @ @ @ @ relatives told TASS .
On Sunday , Armenian celebrities turned to the Russian Embassy with @ @ @ @ @ demanding the return of Armenian POWs in Azerbaijani custody have continued for several days near @ @ @ @ @ .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev @ @ @ @ @ Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh .
According @ @ @ @ @ and Armenian forces will maintain their current positions , with Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in @ @ @

YEREVAN, December 1. /TASS/. Dozens of relatives of Armenian servicemen, who went missing in action during the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, have filed a letter with the Russian Embassy in Yerevan Tuesday, asking the Russian authorities for their assistance in finding them.
"Only Russia and President Putin can help us find our children. They fought in Zangilan. Maybe, they are still alive, hiding in the woods, or captured," one of those relatives told TASS.
On Sunday, Armenian celebrities turned to the Russian Embassy with a similar plea.
Rallies demanding the return of Armenian POWs in Azerbaijani custody have continued for several days near Armenia's central government offices.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev and the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the agreement, Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will maintain their current positions, with Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in the region.


tass--2020-12-01--Putin does not make decisions to counter opposition, Kremlin says

`` These positions are not taken into account , '' he said , answering a corresponding question .
Peskov was @ @ @ @ @ statement made by Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny in his interview with the Echo of @ @ @ @ @ which he said that if the Russian government allegedly avoids solutions offered by the opposition @ @ @ @ @ changed .
On Monday , a source in the law enforcement informed TASS that Moscow @ @ @ @ @ after Navalny ’ s statement .
According to the source , the investigation believes that @ @ @ @ @ called for a forceful change of the constitutional order in Russia .
An inquiry was @ @ @ @ @ extremist activity ( Article 280 Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code ) .

"These positions are not taken into account," he said, answering a corresponding question.
Peskov was asked to comment on the statement made by Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny in his interview with the Echo of Moscow radio station, in which he said that if the Russian government allegedly avoids solutions offered by the opposition, the government should be changed.
On Monday, a source in the law enforcement informed TASS that Moscow investigators are conducting an inquiry after Navalny’s statement. According to the source, the investigation believes that on April 27, Navalny called for a forceful change of the constitutional order in Russia. An inquiry was launched over public calls for extremist activity (Article 280 Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code).


tass--2020-12-01--Legendary president of Russia's Pushkin Museum dies of coronavirus aged 98

Vector Center director says sure COVID-19 pandemic will be over in 2021 To date , 2,269,316 coronavirus cases have been @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. President and former director of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts Irina Antonova died aged 98, the museum’s director Marina Loshak informed TASS on Tuesday.
"Irina Alexandrovna [Antonova] died," she said. Loshak informed that Antonova had passed away on Monday night.
According to the medical certificate, the cause of the death was the coronavirus infection coupled with a chronic cardiovascular condition.
Irina Antonova was born on March 20, 1922 in Moscow. She began working as a researcher at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in 1945. In 1961, she was appointed director of the museum. Under her in 1974, the museum’s exhibitions were reorganized. The same year, the museum saw the first display of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci in the USSR history. Numerous important exhibitions were arranged by Antonova for the museum since then.
In April 2013, Irina Antonova was appointed chief curator of Russian state museums. In July of the same year, she stepped down as director of the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, taking on the position of the museum’s president. She received numerous Soviet and Russian state awards, as well as honors from Italy, France, Japan and many other accolades.


tass--2020-12-01--International air traffic may recover in 2-3 years, Aeroflot CEO says

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/ TASS / .
International air traffic can recover in two or three years , @ @ @ @ @ director of the Aeroflot group on Tuesday , during a meeting of the Federation Council @ @ @ @ @ `` There are some forecasts .
Forecasts differ , but on the whole they assume @ @ @ @ @ pick up its volume or recover in two or three years , '' he said @

MOSCOW, December 1. / TASS /. International air traffic can recover in two or three years, said Mikhail Poluboyarinov, general director of the Aeroflot group on Tuesday, during a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy.
"There are some forecasts. Forecasts differ, but on the whole they assume that international air traffic will pick up its volume or recover in two or three years," he said.


tass--2020-12-01--Russian companies to participate in German hydrogen projects, says minister

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov considers it possible for Russian companies to @ @ @ @ @ Germany by supplying equipment and engineering services .
`` I consider the participation of Russian @ @ @ @ @ Germany as suppliers of equipment and engineering services mutually beneficial , '' he said in @ @ @ @ @ Russian-German Commodities Forum on Tuesday .
Moscow also considers the participation of German firms in @ @ @ @ @ , storage and transportation of hydrogen , transfer and localization of German hydrogen technologies in @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s hydrogen export promising , Manturov added .
`` We assume that Germany @ @ @ @ @ hydrogen energy development around the globe and Russia expects a strong long-term cooperation in the @ @ @ @ @ experience of partnership in industry and many other sectors of the economy , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov considers it possible for Russian companies to participate in hydrogen projects in Germany by supplying equipment and engineering services.
"I consider the participation of Russian companies in hydrogen projects in Germany as suppliers of equipment and engineering services mutually beneficial," he said in a video address at the Russian-German Commodities Forum on Tuesday.
Moscow also considers the participation of German firms in joint infrastructure projects on production, storage and transportation of hydrogen, transfer and localization of German hydrogen technologies in Russia and the possibility of Russia’s hydrogen export promising, Manturov added.
"We assume that Germany may become a driver of hydrogen energy development around the globe and Russia expects a strong long-term cooperation in the field relying on the successful experience of partnership in industry and many other sectors of the economy," the minister noted.


tass--2020-12-01--Supply vessel to deliver pipes to Nord Stream 2 enters Baltic Sea

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/ TASS / .
The supply vessel Ivan Sidorenko which is planned to be used to deliver pipes during the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline left the port of Kaliningrad and entered the Baltic Sea , according to the data of the vessel tracking portal MarineTraffic .
According to MarineTraffic , Ivan Sidorenko should reach its destination at 14:00 local time .
A more precise route of the vessel has not yet been indicated .
Currently , in the Baltic Sea near the Curonian Spit , there are the pipe-laying vessel Akademik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option for completing the gas pipeline , supply vessels Umka and Finval and support vessel Baltiyskiy Issledovatel .
Ivan Sidorenko is designed to supply floating drilling rigs with consumables - pipes , cement , drilling brines , spare parts , fuel , water and food .
It can also be used to assist damaged ships , floating drilling rigs and other floating craft .
Earlier it was reported that Ivan Sidorenko was originally built as part of an agreement between the United Shipbuilding Corporation and Gazprom Flot in the interests of Gazprom for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with semi-submersible floating drilling rigs .
The operator in charge of the construction of Nord Stream 2 - Nord Stream 2 AG - announced on the evening of November 28 that the construction of the gas pipeline would be resumed in December after a one-year hiatus .
The pipeline will be laid using an anchor-positioned vessel in the exclusive economic zone of Germany .
The name of this vessel has not yet been disclosed by the company .
From a notice to mariners published by the Federal Waterways and Shipways Office in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operator , Nord Stream 2 AG , may begin laying the remaining section of the pipeline on December 5 and complete work in the German exclusive economic zone by the end of the year .
At this stage , the plan provides for the laying of a 2.6 km section on each of the pipeline strings in the section south of Adlergrund .
This is the last point of Nord Stream 2 before the Danish economic zone on the German side .

MOSCOW, December 1. / TASS /. The supply vessel Ivan Sidorenko which is planned to be used to deliver pipes during the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline left the port of Kaliningrad and entered the Baltic Sea, according to the data of the vessel tracking portal MarineTraffic .
According to MarineTraffic, Ivan Sidorenko should reach its destination at 14:00 local time. A more precise route of the vessel has not yet been indicated. Currently, in the Baltic Sea near the Curonian Spit, there are the pipe-laying vessel Akademik Cherskiy, which was called a possible option for completing the gas pipeline, supply vessels Umka and Finval and support vessel Baltiyskiy Issledovatel.
Ivan Sidorenko is designed to supply floating drilling rigs with consumables - pipes, cement, drilling brines, spare parts, fuel, water and food. It can also be used to assist damaged ships, floating drilling rigs and other floating craft. Earlier it was reported that Ivan Sidorenko was originally built as part of an agreement between the United Shipbuilding Corporation and Gazprom Flot in the interests of Gazprom for the construction of two supply vessels for work with semi-submersible floating drilling rigs.
The operator in charge of the construction of Nord Stream 2 - Nord Stream 2 AG - announced on the evening of November 28 that the construction of the gas pipeline would be resumed in December after a one-year hiatus. The pipeline will be laid using an anchor-positioned vessel in the exclusive economic zone of Germany. The name of this vessel has not yet been disclosed by the company. It follows from a notice to mariners published by the Federal Waterways and Shipways Office in Stralsund that the pipeline operator, Nord Stream 2 AG, may begin laying the remaining section of the pipeline on December 5 and complete work in the German exclusive economic zone by the end of the year. At this stage, the plan provides for the laying of a 2.6 km section on each of the pipeline strings in the section south of Adlergrund. This is the last point of Nord Stream 2 before the Danish economic zone on the German side.


tass--2020-12-01--Media: Hainan bans disposable products made of non-degradable plastic

HAIKOU , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
South China 's Hainan on Tuesday banned the production , sale and use of single-use , non-degradable plastic items , according to Xinhua .
According to the news agency , the new rule primarily applies to packages and cutlery .
It applies to products containing polyethylene , polypropylene , polystyrene , polyvinyl chloride , ethyl vinyl acetate and polyethylene terephthalate .
In accordance with the decree , in the future , the authorities intend to expand the list of prohibited plastic items .
According to the local administration , such a measure is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aimed at transforming Hainan into an ecologically clean civilized zone . ''
At the same time , the Hainan authorities are systematically working to eliminate the use of many plastic items in government offices , public companies , schools and universities , according to statement .
Also , the provincial administration is stimulating a reduction in sales of such products in big shopping malls .
It is estimated that through appropriate policies , the local government will prevent plastic waste weighing tens or even hundreds of tonnes monthly .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mass production of eco-friendly substitutes , helping to create efficient supply chains for goods from new materials .
According to official figures , there are seven enterprises on the island able to meet the demand of Hainan residents for disposable products .
In addition , the government is attracting specialists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and experts from Sinopec petrochemical corporation to the project .
They are participating in the development of new raw materials , which , according to forecasts , will significantly reduce the scope of use of plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meantime , the Hainan administration continues to hold rallies and public events to encourage the population to gradually abandon the use of various types of plastic in everyday life .
Since April , the Hainan authorities have begun to gradually replace disposable plastic products from widespread use .
In this regard , the construction of several factories was launched on the island , capable of producing tens of thousands of tonnes of various goods annually , the disposal and storage of which can not negatively affect the environment .
It is assumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products will be slightly more expensive than plastic ones , but as the scale of production increases , they will become significantly cheaper .
In January , the Chinese government launched a program to completely abandon polymers in a number of domestic applications by 2026 , gradually replacing them with new materials .
The authorities plan to create a diversified system for controlling plastic waste , tighten the regime for the entire cycle of production , transportation , sale and disposal of such goods .
In accordance with this program , stores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of consumers will completely ban plastic packaging , cutlery and drinking straws in 2020 in the largest cities of China .

HAIKOU, December 1. /TASS/. South China's Hainan on Tuesday banned the production, sale and use of single-use, non-degradable plastic items, according to Xinhua.
According to the news agency, the new rule primarily applies to packages and cutlery. It applies to products containing polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate and polyethylene terephthalate. In accordance with the decree, in the future, the authorities intend to expand the list of prohibited plastic items.
According to the local administration, such a measure is "one of the model pilot projects aimed at transforming Hainan into an ecologically clean civilized zone."
At the same time, the Hainan authorities are systematically working to eliminate the use of many plastic items in government offices, public companies, schools and universities, according to statement. Also, the provincial administration is stimulating a reduction in sales of such products in big shopping malls. It is estimated that through appropriate policies, the local government will prevent plastic waste weighing tens or even hundreds of tonnes monthly.
At the same time, the authorities are encouraging the development of mass production of eco-friendly substitutes, helping to create efficient supply chains for goods from new materials. According to official figures, there are seven enterprises on the island able to meet the demand of Hainan residents for disposable products. In addition, the government is attracting specialists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and experts from Sinopec petrochemical corporation to the project. They are participating in the development of new raw materials, which, according to forecasts, will significantly reduce the scope of use of plastic goods in China by 2022-2023.
In the meantime, the Hainan administration continues to hold rallies and public events to encourage the population to gradually abandon the use of various types of plastic in everyday life.
Fighting for the ecology
Since April, the Hainan authorities have begun to gradually replace disposable plastic products from widespread use. In this regard, the construction of several factories was launched on the island, capable of producing tens of thousands of tonnes of various goods annually, the disposal and storage of which cannot negatively affect the environment. It is assumed that at the first stage, such products will be slightly more expensive than plastic ones, but as the scale of production increases, they will become significantly cheaper.
In January, the Chinese government launched a program to completely abandon polymers in a number of domestic applications by 2026, gradually replacing them with new materials. The authorities plan to create a diversified system for controlling plastic waste, tighten the regime for the entire cycle of production, transportation, sale and disposal of such goods. In accordance with this program, stores, restaurants, pharmacies and other places with lots of consumers will completely ban plastic packaging, cutlery and drinking straws in 2020 in the largest cities of China.


tass--2020-12-01--Press review: How was Iran’s top nuke scientist assassinated and OPEC+ decides on oil cuts

The preliminary plan of OPEC members to extend its oil production restrictions in 2021 will strengthen oil prices , according to experts interviewed by Izvestia .
OPEC+ countries are expected to make a final decision on December 1 .
If the cartel members agree to extend the oil cuts , then by the end of the year , the price for a barrel of Brent could surge above $ 50 , analysts believe .
But even if OPEC+ decides not to prolong the restrictions , Russia will be able to benefit from the decision by increasing export volumes .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolonging the deal ’ s parameters until the end of March , and the decision can be considered positive , Head of the Information Analysis Center at Alpari Alexander Razuvaev told Izvestia .
`` There is no doubt that OPEC+ countries will approve this decision .
As long as the global economy remains constrained , demand for energy is going to be weak and volatile , '' he projected .
According to the analyst , in December prices for a barrel of Brent oil may rise to $ 50 .
The markets are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continuation of the current production limits for 3-6 months into 2021 , Head of Analytics Department at AMarkets Artem Deev believes .
This guarantees that about 2 mln barrels of oil per day will not enter the market , which would be unnecessary at the present consumption levels .
`` In addition , all parties to the deal are unhappy with Libya , which is continuing output without restrictions , because in recent years , its production has fallen sharply due to the civil war , '' independent analyst Dmitry Adamidov told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule out that , most likely , the issue will end in a compromise .
Proposals to extend the tough August-December restrictions are associated with the risks of an oil demand decline due to the second wave of coronavirus , Deputy Director General of the Institute of National Energy Alexander Frolov said .
`` Now , demand is rising , although this growth is slowing down .
OPEC+ members fear that large oil consumers will have to impose tough restrictions once again , '' the expert told Izvestia .
The funeral of Mohsen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the father of Iran 's secret military program related to weapons of mass destruction , was held In Tehran .
The Iranian authorities promised to avenge his death and put forward various versions of the assassination plot .
Experts told Kommersant that by doing so , Tehran is trying to hide the obvious failure of its security services .
However , many experts question the details published by the Iranians , believing that the authorities are trying to cover up their security agencies ’ failings , the newpspaer writes .
Kommersant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field of special operations .
According to their version , the events look rather strange .
Given the level of protection of the vehicle , he could have been killed inside , experts said .
`` But the version with the use of a remote-controlled machine gun can be possible .
In any case , our experts have warned Iran about the possibility of using such systems .
However , the photo looks more like a car bomb detonated at the side of the road and this explosion caused the death of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli specialist on security and intelligence services Amir Bohbot , in an interview with Kommersant , expressed doubt that a remote weapon was used during the operation .
He believes that several shooters could have been involved in Fakhrizadeh ’ s death .
The German authorities have urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to put a stop to a fresh round of violence and repressions , and to start an open and constructive dialogue with the opposition .
The Belarusian leader , however , will surely ignore the demands from abroad , Kommersant writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Belarus were once again detained at the now regular Sunday protests in Minsk and other cities around the country .
Another Sunday demonstration took place in Minsk - more precisely , several decentralized actions in different parts of the capital .
The national security forces were thoroughly preparing for a potential offensive against the city center .
Downtown squares were cordoned off , five subway stations were closed , and mobile Internet was jammed in the morning .
Later , the first detentions began in different parts of the city , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarusian authorities continue to fight oppositionists through massive and selective means , Kommersant writes .
Thus , on Sunday , a member of the opposition Coordination Council , Belarusian economist from the BEROC Center for Economic Research Dmitry Kruk was detained and taken to an isolation center for offenders .
In addition , it was reported that the term of detention was extended for blogger and activist Sergey Tikhanovsky for another three months .
By the end of the new term , in February 2021 , he will have been in jail for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months after the protests broke out , the public agenda of Alexander Lukashenko and his team has not shown any sign that Minsk is ready to make any serious concessions , '' the newspaper writes .
Earlier , Lukashenko has repeatedly argued that the demonstrators are foreign forces interested in destabilizing the situation in Belarus .
Fighting climate change and developing green energy are becoming one of the most important areas of cooperation between Russia and the European Union .
On December 1-3 , the parties will hold the first forum dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to experts interviewed by Izvestia , against the background of the decarbonization course taken by the EU , along with a number of other countries and by Russia itself somewhat , the production and transportation of hydrogen energy may turn out to be a new and highly promising area of cooperation between the parties .
Many other market players acknowledge the prospects of cooperation between Moscow and Brussels on the new energy front .
Russia has great potential for producing environmentally friendly hydrogen , and Germany has expertise in solutions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director of the German Energy Agency Andreas Kuhlmann told Izvestia .
By combining both , the countries could shape the development of the hydrogen economy , he added .
Russia boasts a pre-existing pipeline infrastructure that is considered the most efficient and cheapest way to deliver hydrogen , Izvestia writes .
`` Russia has large reserves of hydrocarbons , huge potential for renewable energy sources and large reserves of water , … , great scientific and technical potential and technological developments in the field of hydrogen , along with a logistical proximity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia , '' Coordinator of the Initiative Group on Hydrogen of the German Chamber of Commerce Irina Grechukhina told Izvestia .
Sber ’ s main goal until 2023 is to build an integrated ecosystem , Head of the Russian baking giant Herman Gref announced when presenting the company 's new strategy .
At the same time , by the end of 2023 , Sber intends to enter the top three leaders in the e-commerce market .
Experts interviewed by Vedomosti are rather restrained about the banking giant ’ s plans for a sharp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to compete for a leading position in the field of non-banking services with such traditional market players as Yandex and Mail.ru Group .
Frank RG CEO Yuri Gribanov told the newspaper that non-banking services are a non-core business for Sber , and there are only two ways to increase its share in these markets : it either buys a ready-made successful businesses , or develops its own competences .
The main risk in the event of a purchase , in his opinion , is that companies might not be able to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own competences is even more risky . ''
`` Diversification balances all these risks , '' Gribanov noted .
`` It is clear that Sber will operate in a variety of non-banking segments .
Some of its projects will probably be successful , some will die off .
This is a classic venture strategy , '' the expert added .
Head of the Department for Trading Operations on the Russian stock market at IC Freedom Finance Georgy Vashchenko pointed to the fact that the bulk of Sber 's client base is made up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have much need for such services .
`` Of course , the bank will try to promote all services to the maximum , but non-banking services are generally in demand among the most solvent group of clients - corporations , large payroll clients , and mortgage borrowers , '' the expert concluded .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: OPEC+ decides on fate of oil cuts The preliminary plan of OPEC members to extend its oil production restrictions in 2021 will strengthen oil prices, according to experts interviewed by Izvestia. OPEC+ countries are expected to make a final decision on December 1. If the cartel members agree to extend the oil cuts, then by the end of the year, the price for a barrel of Brent could surge above $50, analysts believe. But even if OPEC+ decides not to prolong the restrictions, Russia will be able to benefit from the decision by increasing export volumes.
So far, OPEC members have concurred on prolonging the deal’s parameters until the end of March, and the decision can be considered positive, Head of the Information Analysis Center at Alpari Alexander Razuvaev told Izvestia. "There is no doubt that OPEC+ countries will approve this decision. As long as the global economy remains constrained, demand for energy is going to be weak and volatile," he projected. According to the analyst, in December prices for a barrel of Brent oil may rise to $50. The markets are waiting for the most logical decision, the continuation of the current production limits for 3-6 months into 2021, Head of Analytics Department at AMarkets Artem Deev believes. This guarantees that about 2 mln barrels of oil per day will not enter the market, which would be unnecessary at the present consumption levels. "In addition, all parties to the deal are unhappy with Libya, which is continuing output without restrictions, because in recent years, its production has fallen sharply due to the civil war," independent analyst Dmitry Adamidov told the newspaper. The expert did not rule out that, most likely, the issue will end in a compromise. Proposals to extend the tough August-December restrictions are associated with the risks of an oil demand decline due to the second wave of coronavirus, Deputy Director General of the Institute of National Energy Alexander Frolov said. "Now, demand is rising, although this growth is slowing down. OPEC+ members fear that large oil consumers will have to impose tough restrictions once again," the expert told Izvestia. Kommersant: Intelligence experts doubt Iranian version of top nuclear scientist’s death The funeral of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the scientist considered by many to be the father of Iran's secret military program related to weapons of mass destruction, was held In Tehran. The Iranian authorities promised to avenge his death and put forward various versions of the assassination plot. Experts told Kommersant that by doing so, Tehran is trying to hide the obvious failure of its security services. However, many experts question the details published by the Iranians, believing that the authorities are trying to cover up their security agencies’ failings, the newpspaer writes. Kommersant spoke with several Russian experts in the field of special operations. According to their version, the events look rather strange. Given the level of protection of the vehicle, he could have been killed inside, experts said.
Read also Tehran vows response to assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist
"But the version with the use of a remote-controlled machine gun can be possible. In any case, our experts have warned Iran about the possibility of using such systems. However, the photo looks more like a car bomb detonated at the side of the road and this explosion caused the death of the scientist," the experts said. Israeli specialist on security and intelligence services Amir Bohbot, in an interview with Kommersant, expressed doubt that a remote weapon was used during the operation. He believes that several shooters could have been involved in Fakhrizadeh’s death. Kommersant: Lukashenko brushes off Berlin's appeal The German authorities have urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to put a stop to a fresh round of violence and repressions, and to start an open and constructive dialogue with the opposition. The Belarusian leader, however, will surely ignore the demands from abroad, Kommersant writes. A day earlier, hundreds of people in Belarus were once again detained at the now regular Sunday protests in Minsk and other cities around the country.
Read also Protest organizers had plans for asking for foreign military support, Lukashenko says
Another Sunday demonstration took place in Minsk - more precisely, several decentralized actions in different parts of the capital. The national security forces were thoroughly preparing for a potential offensive against the city center. Downtown squares were cordoned off, five subway stations were closed, and mobile Internet was jammed in the morning. Later, the first detentions began in different parts of the city, followed by dispersals of protesters. The Belarusian authorities continue to fight oppositionists through massive and selective means, Kommersant writes. Thus, on Sunday, a member of the opposition Coordination Council, Belarusian economist from the BEROC Center for Economic Research Dmitry Kruk was detained and taken to an isolation center for offenders. In addition, it was reported that the term of detention was extended for blogger and activist Sergey Tikhanovsky for another three months. By the end of the new term, in February 2021, he will have been in jail for nine months. "Meanwhile, almost four months after the protests broke out, the public agenda of Alexander Lukashenko and his team has not shown any sign that Minsk is ready to make any serious concessions," the newspaper writes. Earlier, Lukashenko has repeatedly argued that the demonstrators are foreign forces interested in destabilizing the situation in Belarus. Izvestia: Russia, EU plan to cooperate on green energy Fighting climate change and developing green energy are becoming one of the most important areas of cooperation between Russia and the European Union. On December 1-3, the parties will hold the first forum dedicated to the implementation of the Paris Agreement. According to experts interviewed by Izvestia, against the background of the decarbonization course taken by the EU, along with a number of other countries and by Russia itself somewhat, the production and transportation of hydrogen energy may turn out to be a new and highly promising area of cooperation between the parties. Many other market players acknowledge the prospects of cooperation between Moscow and Brussels on the new energy front. Russia has great potential for producing environmentally friendly hydrogen, and Germany has expertise in solutions for sustainable and clean energy systems, Executive Director of the German Energy Agency Andreas Kuhlmann told Izvestia. By combining both, the countries could shape the development of the hydrogen economy, he added. Russia boasts a pre-existing pipeline infrastructure that is considered the most efficient and cheapest way to deliver hydrogen, Izvestia writes. "Russia has large reserves of hydrocarbons, huge potential for renewable energy sources and large reserves of water, …, great scientific and technical potential and technological developments in the field of hydrogen, along with a logistical proximity to the main sales markets of Europe and Asia," Coordinator of the Initiative Group on Hydrogen of the German Chamber of Commerce Irina Grechukhina told Izvestia. Vedomosti: Russian banking giant Sber plans to dominate e-commerce market Sber’s main goal until 2023 is to build an integrated ecosystem, Head of the Russian baking giant Herman Gref announced when presenting the company's new strategy. At the same time, by the end of 2023, Sber intends to enter the top three leaders in the e-commerce market. Experts interviewed by Vedomosti are rather restrained about the banking giant’s plans for a sharp increase in non-revenues. The company will have to compete for a leading position in the field of non-banking services with such traditional market players as Yandex and Mail.ru Group.
Read also Sberbank CEO Gref certain the world will never get back to pre-covid life


tass--2020-12-01--Japan intends to move step by step towards resolution of Kuril Islands issue

`` Although 75 years have passed after the war [ between Russia and Japan ] , the problem of the Northern Territories [ the Southern Kuril Islands ] remains unsolved and the peace treaty is still unsigned .
We believe that this issue must be resolved as soon as possible , '' he said , according to NHK .
`` In September , during my phone call with Russian President [ Vladimir ] Putin , I informed him about my intent to reach a closure on this issue without handing it over to the future generations .
We intend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards the resolution of the issue of the Northern Territories and towards the peace treaty , which is the main course for our country . ''
Moscow and Tokyo engage in talks on the peace treaty since the end of the World War II in the mid-20th century .
The sovereignty of the Southern Kuril islands remains the main obstruction for this process .
In 1945 , the entire archipelago has become a part of the Soviet Union , but Japan challenges the sovereignty of islands Iturup , Kunashir , Shikotan and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Japan as Habomai .
Russian Foreign Ministry underscored repeatedly that the Russian sovereignty over these islands has international legal ground and could not be challenged .

"Although 75 years have passed after the war [between Russia and Japan], the problem of the Northern Territories [the Southern Kuril Islands] remains unsolved and the peace treaty is still unsigned. We believe that this issue must be resolved as soon as possible," he said, according to NHK. "In September, during my phone call with Russian President [Vladimir] Putin, I informed him about my intent to reach a closure on this issue without handing it over to the future generations. We intend to move on, step by step, towards the resolution of the issue of the Northern Territories and towards the peace treaty, which is the main course for our country."
Moscow and Tokyo engage in talks on the peace treaty since the end of the World War II in the mid-20th century. The sovereignty of the Southern Kuril islands remains the main obstruction for this process. In 1945, the entire archipelago has become a part of the Soviet Union, but Japan challenges the sovereignty of islands Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and a group of minor uninhabited islands, known in Japan as Habomai. Russian Foreign Ministry underscored repeatedly that the Russian sovereignty over these islands has international legal ground and could not be challenged.


tass--2020-12-01--Turkey, Russia sign agreement to set up joint center for Nagorno-Karabakh

ANKARA , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey and Russia have concluded an agreement to set up a joint center @ @ @ @ @ , the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Tuesday .
`` Negotiations have been completed on @ @ @ @ @ basics and principles of operation of a joint Turkish-Russian center .
An agreement has been @ @ @ @ @ is underway for the center to go operational as soon as possible , '' the @ @ @ @ @ side did not disclose any details of the concluded agreement .
On November 9 , @ @ @ @ @ of Azerbaijan Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a @ @ @ @ @ As the Russian leader said , Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will remain at their current @ @ @ @ @ be deployed to the region .
On November 11 , Russia and Turkey agreed to @ @ @ @ @ center .
The memorandum was signed following videoconference talks between Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu @ @ @ @ @ Akar .

ANKARA, December 1. /TASS/. Turkey and Russia have concluded an agreement to set up a joint center for monitoring ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"Negotiations have been completed on the technical details concerning the basics and principles of operation of a joint Turkish-Russian center. An agreement has been signed. The necessary work is underway for the center to go operational as soon as possible," the communique says.
The Turkish side did not disclose any details of the concluded agreement.
On November 9, Russian President Putin, President of Azerbaijan Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a full ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. As the Russian leader said, Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will remain at their current positions while Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to the region.
On November 11, Russia and Turkey agreed to create the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire monitoring center. The memorandum was signed following videoconference talks between Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar.


tass--2020-12-01--COVID-19 deaths in Russia rise by 569 in past 24 hours, highest number on record

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Russia went up by 569 in the past 24 hours ; this is the highest daily tally since the pandemic began .
The total death toll now stands at 40,464 , the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Tuesday .
Uncontrolled antibiotic use can lead to new pandemic , warns WHO envoy According to the crisis center , 85 patients died in St. Petersburg , followed by the Rostov Region ( 25 ) , the Krasnoyarsk Region ( 22 ) , the Moscow Region ( 21 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In all , Russia ’ s coronavirus infections soared by 26,402 to 2,322,056 in the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said .
In particular , 3,697 coronavirus cases were confirmed in St. Petersburg in the past day , 1,104 - in the Moscow Region , 462 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 427 - in the Karelia Region and 387 - in the Arkhangelsk Region .
According to the crisis center , the coronavirus growth rate has been at or below 1.2 % for four days .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Region and the Nenets Autonomous Region ( 0.5 % ) , the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and Dagestan ( 0.6 % ) and the Tuva , Karachay-Circassian , Kabardino-Balkaria , Mari El and Krasnodar regions ( 0.7 % ) .
There are currently 478,125 active coronavirus cases in Russia .
The number of coronavirus patients discharged over the past 24 hours in Russia has increased by 24,763 .
In all , 1,803,467 patients have recovered , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday .
According to the crisis center , the share of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to 77.7 % of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia .
Having recovered , 1,890 patients were discharged in St. Petersburg , 627 - in the Moscow Region , 485 - in the Kirov Region , 460 - in the Khabarovsk Region , 411 - in the Arkhangelsk Region , 403 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and Yakutia each and 364 - in the Altai Region in one day .

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Russia went up by 569 in the past 24 hours; this is the highest daily tally since the pandemic began. The total death toll now stands at 40,464, the national anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Tuesday.
Uncontrolled antibiotic use can lead to new pandemic, warns WHO envoy
The conditional fatality rate remains at 1.74%.
According to the crisis center, 85 patients died in St. Petersburg, followed by the Rostov Region (25), the Krasnoyarsk Region (22), the Moscow Region (21) and the Komi Region (17).
In all, Russia’s coronavirus infections soared by 26,402 to 2,322,056 in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said. In particular over the past day, 3,697 coronavirus cases were confirmed in St. Petersburg, 1,104 - in the Moscow Region, 462 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 427 - in the Karelia Region and 387 - in the Arkhangelsk Region.
According to the crisis center, the coronavirus growth rate has been at or below 1.2% for four days. The rate is the lowest in the Altai Region and the Nenets Autonomous Region (0.5%), the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and Dagestan (0.6%) and the Tuva, Karachay-Circassian, Kabardino-Balkaria, Mari El and Krasnodar regions (0.7%).
There are currently 478,125 active coronavirus cases in Russia.
The number of coronavirus patients discharged over the past 24 hours in Russia has increased by 24,763. In all, 1,803,467 patients have recovered, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday.
According to the crisis center, the share of recoveries to date has increased from 77.5% to 77.7% of the total COVID-19 case tally in Russia.
Having recovered, 1,890 patients were discharged in St. Petersburg, 627 - in the Moscow Region, 485 - in the Kirov Region, 460 - in the Khabarovsk Region, 411 - in the Arkhangelsk Region, 403 - in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and Yakutia each and 364 - in the Altai Region in one day.


tass--2020-12-01--Another 6,225 COVID-19 patients recover in Moscow

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of recoveries in Moscow after treatment for the coronavirus infection has @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours to reach 458,409 , the capital anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ end soon , WHO official says '' Another 6,225 patients in the capital recovered after @ @ @ @ @ infection .
The total number of people who recovered from the infection has risen to @ @ @ @ @ center said .
Moscow residents , who have recovered , have been asked to donate @ @ @ @ @ 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors , provided they do not have chronic @ @ @ @ @ HIV , and Hepatitis B and C. Those residents may also become social volunteers and @ @ @ @ @ treated for the infection at home .

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. The number of recoveries in Moscow after treatment for the coronavirus infection has increased by 6,225 over the past 24 hours to reach 458,409, the capital anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.
Coronavirus pandemic unlikely to end soon, WHO official says
"Another 6,225 patients in the capital recovered after undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection. The total number of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 458,409," the crisis center said.
Moscow residents, who have recovered, have been asked to donate their plasma. People aged 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors, provided they do not have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.
Those residents may also become social volunteers and help those who are being treated for the infection at home.


tass--2020-12-01--Russia ready for any global developments after US election, Lavrov says

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready for any developments in the world after the US presidential @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with international news agency Kazinform .
@ @ @ @ @ is early to discuss the consequences of the US election for international relations before the @ @ @ @ @ This is our principled position .
Certainly , we are carefully watching what is going @ @ @ @ @ the Atlantic , we are ready for any developments , '' Lavrov said , commenting @ @ @ @ @ s presumed win could influence the situation in the world .
Russia ’ s top @ @ @ @ @ by Biden ’ s remarks `` we could suggest that US foreign policy , in @ @ @ @ @ would fit more with the ideas promoted by [ ex-US President ] Barack Obama back @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. Russia is ready for any developments in the world after the US presidential outcome is summed up, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with international news agency Kazinform.
"We presume that it is early to discuss the consequences of the US election for international relations before the official results are announced. This is our principled position. Certainly, we are carefully watching what is going on the other side of the Atlantic, we are ready for any developments," Lavrov said, commenting on how Joe Biden’s presumed win could influence the situation in the world.
Russia’s top diplomat pointed out that judging by Biden’s remarks "we could suggest that US foreign policy, in case of his victory, would fit more with the ideas promoted by [ex-US President] Barack Obama back then."


tass--2020-12-01--Yutong Bus Will Provide 1,002 Buses During 2022 World Cup

ZHENGZHOU , China , December 1 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. , Ltd. ( Yutong Bus , SHA : 600066 ) has received an order about CNY1.8 billion for 1,002 buses from Mowasalat , the Qatar public transport company , that will provide commuting services for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 , 741 of which will be electric , making it the largest order of EV buses ever .
An online signing ceremony Qatar 's electric bus strategy on Nov. 30 , attended by Qatar 's Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bin Saif Ahmed AI-Sulaiti , the Chinese Ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian , the Commercial Counselor of Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of PRC in Qatar Yang Song , CEO of Mowasalat Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani , Deputy CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority ( `` QFZA '' ) Abdulla Al-Misnad and CEO of Yutong Group Tang Yuxiang .
During the event , Yutong Bus also signed a framework agreement with QFZA and Mowasalat to establish a KD factory in Qatar as the Qatar government continues to promote the development of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the first World Cup event to adopt the largest number of environmentally-friendly electric buses with zero emissions , and Yutong Bus is honored to be part of the mission of making it a green , sustainable sporting event .
`` Yutong Bus will continue to work closely with local partners to accelerate the public transportation system build-up with green energy solution , '' said Shen Hui , GM of Yutong Bus in Middle East .
`` The KD factory for EV buses with Qatar Free Zones Authority ( QFZA ) and Mowasalat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EV buses in Qatar , offering more experience and technologies to aid the sustainable development of local public transportation . ''
For Yutong Bus , Qatar 2022 will be yet another major international sporting event for which the company has provided service and support following the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia , as well as multiple international conferences such as APEC meetings .
With the ability and experience to serve major international events , along with an extraordinary quality of products , Yutong Bus once again wins the trust from client .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy bus field , Yutong Bus has taken the lead in the research and development of bus energy conservation and new energy exploration .
Now it has fully mastered the core technologies in design and manufacturing of new energy empowered vehicle , such as EV bus matching and optimization , system integration and control , and bus wireless charging .
Yutong Bus established largest manufacturing base of new energy vehicles in China to apply with pioneering technology from its state-leveled R & D center .
With such strength , Yutong Bus has sold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses to more than 350 cities as well as 24 countries and regions worldwide , including France , Great Britain , Australia , Chile and Denmark .
The company is unremittingly expanding its global operation of new energy products by adequately filling the customers ' needs for customized products .
Starting from the manufacture of the first bus , Yutong Bus ' focus is not only on the bus itself , but by adhering to the brand concept of `` better bus better life '' , committed to deepen cooperation under win-win strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfortable , greener , more efficient and higher-quality travel experience for public transportation in the future .
Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co. , Ltd. is a modern manufacturing company specialized in the R & D , manufacturing and sales of buses .
Its annual sales volume exceeds 70,000 units , with over 130,000 new energy buses sold to date .
Yutong Bus sells buses with sizable volume in over 30 countries across six continents with a market share of over 30 percent in China and over 15 percent globally .
For more information , @ @ @ @ @ @

ZHENGZHOU, China, December 1. /PRNewswire/. Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. (Yutong Bus, SHA: 600066) has received an order about CNY1.8 billion for 1,002 buses from Mowasalat, the Qatar public transport company, that will provide commuting services for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, 741 of which will be electric, making it the largest order of EV buses ever.
An online signing ceremony Qatar's electric bus strategy on Nov. 30, attended by Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim bin Saif Ahmed AI-Sulaiti, the Chinese Ambassador to Qatar Zhou Jian, the Commercial Counselor of Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of PRC in Qatar Yang Song, CEO of Mowasalat Fahad Saad Al-Qahtani, Deputy CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority ("QFZA") Abdulla Al-Misnad and CEO of Yutong Group Tang Yuxiang.
During the event, Yutong Bus also signed a framework agreement with QFZA and Mowasalat to establish a KD factory in Qatar as the Qatar government continues to promote the development of its electric bus infrastructure. Qatar 2022 will be the first World Cup event to adopt the largest number of environmentally-friendly electric buses with zero emissions, and Yutong Bus is honored to be part of the mission of making it a green, sustainable sporting event.
"Yutong Bus will continue to work closely with local partners to accelerate the public transportation system build-up with green energy solution," said Shen Hui, GM of Yutong Bus in Middle East. "The KD factory for EV buses with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) and Mowasalat will realize localized design and manufacturing of EV buses in Qatar, offering more experience and technologies to aid the sustainable development of local public transportation."
For Yutong Bus, Qatar 2022 will be yet another major international sporting event for which the company has provided service and support following the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as well as multiple international conferences such as APEC meetings. With the ability and experience to serve major international events, along with an extraordinary quality of products, Yutong Bus once again wins the trust from client.
As an innovator in the international new energy bus field, Yutong Bus has taken the lead in the research and development of bus energy conservation and new energy exploration. Now it has fully mastered the core technologies in design and manufacturing of new energy empowered vehicle, such as EV bus matching and optimization, system integration and control, and bus wireless charging. Yutong Bus established largest manufacturing base of new energy vehicles in China to apply with pioneering technology from its state-leveled R&D center.
With such strength, Yutong Bus has sold more than 130,000 units of new energy buses to more than 350 cities as well as 24 countries and regions worldwide, including France, Great Britain, Australia, Chile and Denmark. The company is unremittingly expanding its global operation of new energy products by adequately filling the customers' needs for customized products.
Starting from the manufacture of the first bus, Yutong Bus' focus is not only on the bus itself, but by adhering to the brand concept of "better bus better life", committed to deepen cooperation under win-win strategy with relevant parties to jointly provide more comfortable, greener, more efficient and higher-quality travel experience for public transportation in the future.
About Yutong
Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., Ltd. is a modern manufacturing company specialized in the R&D, manufacturing and sales of buses. Its annual sales volume exceeds 70,000 units, with over 130,000 new energy buses sold to date. Yutong Bus sells buses with sizable volume in over 30 countries across six continents with a market share of over 30 percent in China and over 15 percent globally.
For more information, please visit http://www.yutong.com.
Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344778/Video1.mp4
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344594/Yutong_Bus_signed_framework_agreement_Qatar_Free_Zones_Authority__QFZA.jpg
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CONTACT: Catherine Hao, haoyy@yutong.com, +86-371-6671-8693


tass--2020-12-01--GCHERA World Agriculture Prize Award Ceremony is held in Nanjing Agricultural University

NANJING , China , December 1 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ .
On December 1 BJT , the 2020 GCHERA World Agriculture Prize ( WAP ) Award Ceremony and the 2020 World Agriculture Dialogue were held at Nanjing Agricultural University ( NAU ) .
Zhang Fusuo , Professor of China Agricultural University ; and Pamela Ronald , Professor of the University of California , Davis ; respectively , won this year 's World Agriculture Prize for their outstanding achievements in agriculture and life science education and scientific research , according to Nanjing Agricultural University .
Dr. Zhang Fusuo is the academician of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutrition expert in the College of Resources and Environmental Sciences of China Agricultural University , and the President of the National Academy of Agriculture Green Development .
The academic discipline of Plant Nutrition was first established by a group of scholars led by Dr. Zhang .
It combines the basic principles of plant nutrition with science-based fertilization and practical sciences , involving plant physiology , soil science , agronomy and nutrient management to achieve efficient utilization of resources , high crop quality and yields , along with environmental safety .
Dr. Pamela Ronald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sciences , a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center and the Founding Director of the Institute for Food and Agricultural Literacy at the University of California , Davis .
Her research has focused on increasing disease resistance and environmental stress tolerance in crops , and has made important contributions in the fields of plant stress resistance and biological breeding .
WAP is an international award established by Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences ( GCHERA ) .
The prize aims to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to education , research and innovation in agricultural and life sciences .
The prize is 100,000 US dollars per person , sponsored by the NAU Education Development Foundation and the Da Bei Nong Group .
WAP has been awarded seven times so far to eight laureates from the United States , Germany , Canada , Belgium , Chile and Ghana .
The awards have had a wide-ranging impact at home and abroad , promoting global exchanges and cooperation in related fields , and inspiring many scientists to promote innovation in agriculture and life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information , please visit : http : //wapcn.njau.edu.cn/ and http : //www.gchera.com .

NANJING, China, December 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/. On December 1 BJT, the 2020 GCHERA World Agriculture Prize (WAP) Award Ceremony and the 2020 World Agriculture Dialogue were held at Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU). Zhang Fusuo, Professor of China Agricultural University; and Pamela Ronald, Professor of the University of California, Davis; respectively, won this year's World Agriculture Prize for their outstanding achievements in agriculture and life science education and scientific research, according to Nanjing Agricultural University.
Dr. Zhang Fusuo is the academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, plant nutrition expert in the College of Resources and Environmental Sciences of China Agricultural University, and the President of the National Academy of Agriculture Green Development. The academic discipline of Plant Nutrition was first established by a group of scholars led by Dr. Zhang. It combines the basic principles of plant nutrition with science-based fertilization and practical sciences, involving plant physiology, soil science, agronomy and nutrient management to achieve efficient utilization of resources, high crop quality and yields, along with environmental safety.
Dr. Pamela Ronald is a member of US National Academy of Sciences, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and the Genome Center and the Founding Director of the Institute for Food and Agricultural Literacy at the University of California, Davis. Her research has focused on increasing disease resistance and environmental stress tolerance in crops, and has made important contributions in the fields of plant stress resistance and biological breeding.
WAP is an international award established by Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA). The prize aims to encourage individuals who have made outstanding contributions to education, research and innovation in agricultural and life sciences. The prize is 100,000 US dollars per person, sponsored by the NAU Education Development Foundation and the Da Bei Nong Group.
WAP has been awarded seven times so far to eight laureates from the United States, Germany, Canada, Belgium, Chile and Ghana. The awards have had a wide-ranging impact at home and abroad, promoting global exchanges and cooperation in related fields, and inspiring many scientists to promote innovation in agriculture and life sciences around the world.
For more information, please visit: http://wapcn.njau.edu.cn/ and http://www.gchera.com.
CONTACT: Mr. Wang, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-12-01--Russia’s latest S-300 air defense units enter combat duty on Kuril Islands

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Units of Russia ’ s latest S-300V4 air defense missile system entered combat @ @ @ @ @ , the press service of the Eastern Military District said on Tuesday .
`` Units @ @ @ @ @ system entered combat duty on an air defense mission on the Kuril Islands , '' @ @ @ @ @ , Commander of the Eastern Military District ’ s forces Col. Gen. and the Hero @ @ @ @ @ checked readiness to enter combat duty .
He highly appreciated coordinated work of units and @ @ @ @ @ drills when a signal was received on Russia ’ s air border violation .
The @ @ @ @ @ mobile air defense missile system designated to protect vital military and administrative facilities and groupings @ @ @ @ @ ballistic and aerodynamic air attack weapons .
This is the fourth version of the upgraded @ @ @ @ @ .

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, December 1. /TASS/. Units of Russia’s latest S-300V4 air defense missile system entered combat duty on the Kuril Islands, the press service of the Eastern Military District said on Tuesday.
"Units of the S-300V4 missile defense system entered combat duty on an air defense mission on the Kuril Islands," the statement said.
Earlier, Commander of the Eastern Military District’s forces Col. Gen. and the Hero of Russia Gennady Zhidko personally checked readiness to enter combat duty. He highly appreciated coordinated work of units and forces on duty during the drills when a signal was received on Russia’s air border violation.
The S-300V4 is an advanced highly mobile air defense missile system designated to protect vital military and administrative facilities and groupings of forces against strikes by ballistic and aerodynamic air attack weapons. This is the fourth version of the upgraded S-300V battlefield anti-aircraft missile system.


tass--2020-12-01--Russian peacekeepers defuse nearly 1,000 explosives in Karabakh

MOSCOW , December 1 .
/TASS/ .
Troops of Russia ’ s peacekeeping contingent have cleared of mines nearly 10 km of roads and defused some 1,000 explosives in the Lachin corridor in Nagorno-Karabakh , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday .
`` Russia ’ s peacekeepers have defused explosives in the area in the Lachin corridor and ensured safe work of repair crews on restoring a high-voltage power line destroyed during the combat actions , '' the ministry said .
During the peacekeeping operation in Nagorno-Karabakh engineer units cleared more than 29 hectares of land and some 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ houses and vital social facilities and discovered and defused some 1,000 explosives , according to the statement .
All explosives and munitions , which did not explode , are taken to a specially equipped firing range to be destroyed .
Sappers explode munitions on the scene if it is unsafe to evacuate them .
Russia ’ s peacekeepers are also ensuring safe works on restoring power lines , a gas pipeline , communication lines and transformer sub-stations .
Over the past day , three power line pylons , 1,200 meters of a gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication lines and two transformer sub-stations were restored .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan lost control of them .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .
The 15th detached motorized infantry brigade units of the Central Military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contingent .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance .
The peacekeeping mission ’ s command is stationed in Stepanakert , the de facto capital of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock .

MOSCOW, December 1. /TASS/. Troops of Russia’s peacekeeping contingent have cleared of mines nearly 10 km of roads and defused some 1,000 explosives in the Lachin corridor in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
"Russia’s peacekeepers have defused explosives in the area in the Lachin corridor and ensured safe work of repair crews on restoring a high-voltage power line destroyed during the combat actions," the ministry said.
During the peacekeeping operation in Nagorno-Karabakh engineer units cleared more than 29 hectares of land and some 10 km of roads, inspected over 100 houses and vital social facilities and discovered and defused some 1,000 explosives, according to the statement.
All explosives and munitions, which did not explode, are taken to a specially equipped firing range to be destroyed. Sappers explode munitions on the scene if it is unsafe to evacuate them.
Russia’s peacekeepers are also ensuring safe works on restoring power lines, a gas pipeline, communication lines and transformer sub-stations. Over the past day, three power line pylons, 1,200 meters of a gas pipeline, more than 1,500 meters of communication lines and two transformer sub-stations were restored.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed. The 15th detached motorized infantry brigade units of the Central Military District form the backbone of the peacekeeping contingent. The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command is stationed in Stepanakert, the de facto capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock.


tass--2020-12-02--Western powers bulled through their view of OPCW program, budget — envoy

THE HAGUE , December 2 .
/TASS/ .
Western nations and their allies have bulled through their version of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) program and budget for the next year , Russia ’ s permanent envoy to the OPCW , Alexander Shulgin , has told TASS .
The document was voted upon by 130 delegations , 103 of whom supported it ; representatives of 13 nations abstained , while 14 delegations voted against the new budget , including Russia , Iran , China , Cuba and Syria .
According to the paper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euro .
According to the Russian envoy , during debates on this issue , Russia was guided by the assumption that such decisions should be made by consensus , achieved through negotiations and respect to each other ’ s opinions .
`` Regretfully , nothing of this kind can be observed in the OSCE for the second consecutive year , '' Shulgin said .
`` Western countries and their satellites took advantage of their numerical superiority in OPCW governing bodies and bulled through their decision on the program and the budget . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ delegations , including China , voiced concrete concerns and put forward possible solutions and mutually acceptable variants .
However , they were not heard , '' he continued .
According to the Russian envoy , the first part of the 25th Conference of member states `` confirmed deep disagreements among the member states and further degradation on the Hague platform . ''
`` The rift in the OPCW can be overcome only through discussing all painful issues on the equal basis , with mutual respect and regard to each other ’ s interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is ready for that . ''
The second part of the 25th Conference of member states , to discuss less pressing issues related to OPCW activities , is to be held in The Hague in spring .

THE HAGUE, December 2. /TASS/. Western nations and their allies have rammed through their version of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) program and budget for the next year, Russia’s permanent envoy to the OPCW, Alexander Shulgin, has told TASS.
The document was voted upon by 130 delegations, 103 of whom supported it; representatives of 13 nations abstained, while 14 delegations voted against the new budget, including Russia, Iran, China, Cuba and Syria. According to the paper, the OPCW 2021 budget is 71.1 million euro.
According to the Russian envoy, during debates on this issue, Russia was guided by the assumption that such decisions should be made by consensus, achieved through negotiations and respect to each other’s opinions.
"Regretfully, nothing of this kind can be observed in the OSCE for the second consecutive year," Shulgin said. "Western countries and their satellites took advantage of their numerical superiority in OPCW governing bodies and rammed through their decision on the program and the budget."
"Russia and a number of other delegations, including China, voiced concrete concerns and put forward possible solutions and mutually acceptable variants. However, they were not heard," he continued.
According to the Russian envoy, the first part of the 25th Conference of member states "confirmed deep disagreements among the member states and further degradation on the Hague platform."
"The rift in the OPCW can be overcome only through discussing all painful issues on the equal basis, with mutual respect and regard to each other’s interests," he said. "Russia is ready for that."
The second part of the 25th Conference of member states, to discuss less pressing issues related to OPCW activities, is to be held in The Hague in spring.


tass--2020-12-02--Outgoing Moldovan president says his successor’s words can harm trade with Russia

CHISINAU , December 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s outgoing President Igor Dodon believes that statements regarding Russia , made by his successor Maia Sandu , can harm trade relations between the two states .
In an interview with the Moldova 1 TV channel , Dodon said that thanks to earlier agreements , his country has the opportunity to supply five categories of goods to Russia without paying customs duties .
However , this agreement expires on January 1 .
`` What will happen after Sandu ’ s latest anti-Russian statements ?
Who will negotiate on extending the agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who treats Russians in such a manner ?
No , most likely , she won ’ t be able to negotiate it , '' Dodon said .
In his words , if the government fails to extend the current trade agreement with Russia , Moldovan companies , already badly hit by this year ’ s draught and the pandemic-related economic crisis , will suffer a yet another blow .
`` Before making such statements , one needs to think about consequences first , '' Dodon said .
At a news conference on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian troops and ammunition from Transnistria and the deployment of an OSCE civilian monitoring mission in place of the Russian peacekeepers .
The foreign minister of unrecognized Transnistria , Vitaly Ignatyev , castigated her statement on Tuesday , reiterating that the Russian peacekeepers helped the sides to cease fire back in 1992 and sit down to talk .
Dodon ’ s presidential term expires on December 23 .
Sandu , declared the winner of the November 15 presidential election runoff , is to take the oath on the following day .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her victory in the election , her mandate is still to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court of Moldova .

CHISINAU, December 2. /TASS/. Moldova’s outgoing President Igor Dodon believes that statements regarding Russia, made by his successor Maia Sandu, can harm trade relations between the two states.
In an interview with the Moldova 1 TV channel, Dodon said that thanks to earlier agreements, his country has the opportunity to supply five categories of goods to Russia without paying customs duties. However, this agreement expires on January 1.
"What will happen after Sandu’s latest anti-Russian statements? Who will negotiate on extending the agreement? Can it be Maia Sandu, who treats Russians in such a manner? No, most likely, she won’t be able to negotiate it," Dodon said.
In his words, if the government fails to extend the current trade agreement with Russia, Moldovan companies, already badly hit by this year’s draught and the pandemic-related economic crisis, will suffer a yet another blow.
"Before making such statements, one needs to think about consequences first," Dodon said.
At a news conference on Monday, Maia Sandu called for the withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunition from Transnistria and the deployment of an OSCE civilian monitoring mission in place of the Russian peacekeepers. The foreign minister of unrecognized Transnistria, Vitaly Ignatyev, castigated her statement on Tuesday, reiterating that the Russian peacekeepers helped the sides to cease fire back in 1992 and sit down to talk.
Dodon’s presidential term expires on December 23. Sandu, declared the winner of the November 15 presidential election runoff, is to take the oath on the following day. Although the Central Election Commission has already confirmed her victory in the election, her mandate is still to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court of Moldova.