tass--2020-09-24--Arctic investment portal registers 20 companies with $2 million investments in Karelia

PETROZAVODSK , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
20 businesses , planning to invest in Karelia ’ s Arctic zone more than 150 million rubles ( $ 2 million ) , registered on the Arctic investment portal , the regional Ministry of Economic Development told TASS , adding the project would offer 270 jobs .
`` From August 28 , businesses may apply for the status of the Arctic zone ’ s resident , '' the ministry said .
`` As yet , 20 businesses have registered on the Arctic investment portal .
Their total investments are more than 150 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs .
Many potential residents of the Arctic zone are still busy with formalities to file applications . ''
Karelia ’ s first business , working in transport and logistics , has applied for the Arctic residency .
Other projects , registered on the investment portal , are in tourism , industries , wood processing , mining , fishing and hospitality .
On July 13 , President Vladimir Putin signed laws , drafted by the Ministry for Development of the Far East and the Arctic , which offer incentives for investors , planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The laws came into force on August 28 , when the ministry began receiving applications for the residential status .
According to the Ministry , the Russian Arctic becomes the biggest economic zone in Russia and in the world - it takes almost 5 million square kilometers .
The Arctic residents will enjoy tax benefits and easier administrative procedures .

PETROZAVODSK, September 24. /TASS/. 20 businesses, planning to invest in Karelia’s Arctic zone more than 150 million rubles ($2 million), registered on the Arctic investment portal, the regional Ministry of Economic Development told TASS, adding the project would offer 270 jobs.
"From August 28, businesses may apply for the status of the Arctic zone’s resident," the ministry said. "As yet, 20 businesses have registered on the Arctic investment portal. Their total investments are more than 150 million rubles. They will offer 270 new jobs. Many potential residents of the Arctic zone are still busy with formalities to file applications."
Karelia’s first business, working in transport and logistics, has applied for the Arctic residency. Other projects, registered on the investment portal, are in tourism, industries, wood processing, mining, fishing and hospitality.
On July 13, President Vladimir Putin signed laws, drafted by the Ministry for Development of the Far East and the Arctic, which offer incentives for investors, planning new projects in the Russian Arctic zone. The laws came into force on August 28, when the ministry began receiving applications for the residential status.
According to the Ministry, the Russian Arctic becomes the biggest economic zone in Russia and in the world - it takes almost 5 million square kilometers. The Arctic residents will enjoy tax benefits and easier administrative procedures.


tass--2020-09-24--Submarine hits target with Kalibr missile 100 miles away during Kavkaz exercise

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The crew of the Black Sea Fleet ’ s submarine The Kolpino launched a Kalibr cruise missile to hit an on-shore target 100 nautical miles ( 185 kilometers away ) during the Kavkaz-2020 military exercise , the Russian Defense Ministry said .
`` To practice the skills of using smart weapons The Kolpino ’ s crew launched one missile from the submerged position .
The cruise missile hit the designated on-shore target at a proving ground about 100 nautical miles away , '' the Defense Ministry said .
Drones recorded the moment the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry added that about 20 combat and support ships as well as naval aviation and air defense planes of the Black Sea Fleet cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of shipping .
The Kavkaz-2020 drills , running from September 21-26 , led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov , are underway in Russia ’ s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas .
The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel , including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard .
Furthermore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia , Belarus , China , Myanmar and Pakistan .
About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The crew of the Black Sea Fleet’s submarine The Kolpino launched a Kalibr cruise missile to hit an on-shore target 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers away) during the Kavkaz-2020 military exercise, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"To practice the skills of using smart weapons The Kolpino’s crew launched one missile from the submerged position. The cruise missile hit the designated on-shore target at a proving ground about 100 nautical miles away," the Defense Ministry said.
Drones recorded the moment the missile hit the target.
The Defense Ministry added that about 20 combat and support ships as well as naval aviation and air defense planes of the Black Sea Fleet cordoned off the area to ensure the safety of shipping.
The Kavkaz-2020 drills, running from September 21-26, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, are underway in Russia’s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas. The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel, including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard. Furthermore, this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures.


tass--2020-09-24--Russia held highly-competitive elections, Putin says

NOVO-OGARYOVO , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the recent elections in Russia were held in a highly competitive atmosphere , while observers registered a lower number of complaints than last year .
`` I note that the elections were held in high competition , a very broad spectrum of parties and candidates was represented , while the Central Election Commission and public observers registered a lower number of complaints and violations than in last year ’ s elections , '' he said Thursday at a meeting with elected heads of regions .
Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trust people had vested in them is above all a huge responsibility for the work that lies ahead .
He shed light on the fact that there are those among the meeting ’ s participants who already had experience in heading regions in addition to the first-timers .
`` I suppose that everyone has the same attitude - to work - to toil giving their 100 % , as they say , to work with maximum devotion and achieve results , real and tangible results for residents of the region that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , and Russia , '' the president highlighted .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, September 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the recent elections in Russia were held in a highly competitive atmosphere, while observers registered a lower number of complaints than last year.
"I note that the elections were held in high competition, a very broad spectrum of parties and candidates was represented, while the Central Election Commission and public observers registered a lower number of complaints and violations than in last year’s elections," he said Thursday at a meeting with elected heads of regions.
Putin congratulated the elected governors and emphasized that the trust people had vested in them is above all a huge responsibility for the work that lies ahead. He shed light on the fact that there are those among the meeting’s participants who already had experience in heading regions in addition to the first-timers. "I suppose that everyone has the same attitude - to work - to toil giving their 100%, as they say, to work with maximum devotion and achieve results, real and tangible results for residents of the region that you lead. To serve the people, the country, and Russia," the president highlighted.


tass--2020-09-24--Camouflaged GWM P series Pickup Trucks Spotted in International Markets

BAODING , China , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently , the camouflaged GWM P series pickup trucks were spotted in certain Right-hand Drive ( RHD ) international markets .
GWM confirmed the road tests and tuning which have been on-going for months across major international markets is closing to an end .
The GWM P Series pickup trucks will feature enhanced intelligent safety technology .
The P Series pickups are equipped with Lane Keeping Assist ( LKA ) and Lane Departure Warning ( LDW ) , as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems .
With Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seamlessly use their mobile phone 's features , offering greater versatility and unleashing a smart , Internet-powered automobile experience .
As GWM 's global signature pickup truck , the P Series is known for its intelligent safety design , incorporating comfort , and intelligent features , meeting user needs across a wide range of daily driving scenarios .
As a premium , mainstream model targeting modern private drivers , it stands apart from other GWM 's current range , enriching GWM 's product offering and competitiveness in international markets .
Moreover , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety features will redefine consumers ' perception towards the brand .
Continuous and large-scale R & D investment is critical to develop high-tech automobile applications .
GWM possesses advanced R & D capabilities , which powers its cutting-edge SUV , pickup truck , and powertrain design and development .
The company aims to establish 10 R & D centers in seven countries .
It now enjoys a presence in Japan , the U.S , Germany , India , Austria , and South Korea .
With its Baoding headquarters as the core , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North America , developing new products based on local market requirements and accelerating its internationalization strategy .
GWM remains committed to exploring and deploying autonomous driving technology .
The P Series ' LDW and LKA are the first such technologies to enter mass production .
GWM has funded dozens of new tech start-ups to hatch and encourage new autonomous ventures .
Initial commercialized applications have been seen recently .
To better serve global users , GWM has established a global production system with five vehicle plants in Baoding , Xushui , Tianjin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it also has several full-fledged production bases under construction , as part of a `` 11+5 '' global production network .
GWM is a world-renowned SUV and pickup manufacturer .
The firm was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003 and the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2011 .
With four brands , including HAVAL , WEY , ORA and GWM Pickup , the carmaker produces both conventional and new energy vehicles and focuses on the SUV and pickup truck categories .
GWM can independently support its core components , including engines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold 1,058,648 new vehicles , an increase of 1.43 % year-on-year , exceeding the one million mark for the fourth consecutive year .

BAODING, China, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the camouflaged GWM P series pickup trucks were spotted in certain Right-hand Drive (RHD) international markets. GWM confirmed the road tests and tuning which have been on-going for months across major international markets is closing to an end. The GWM P Series pickup trucks will feature enhanced intelligent safety technology.
The P Series pickups are equipped with Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, drivers can seamlessly use their mobile phone's features, offering greater versatility and unleashing a smart, Internet-powered automobile experience.
As GWM's global signature pickup truck, the P Series is known for its intelligent safety design, incorporating comfort, and intelligent features, meeting user needs across a wide range of daily driving scenarios. As a premium, mainstream model targeting modern private drivers, it stands apart from other GWM's current range, enriching GWM's product offering and competitiveness in international markets. Moreover, the all-new design, intelligent functionality, and safety features will redefine consumers' perception towards the brand.
Continuous and large-scale R&D investment is critical to develop high-tech automobile applications. GWM possesses advanced R&D capabilities, which powers its cutting-edge SUV, pickup truck, and powertrain design and development. The company aims to establish 10 R&D centers in seven countries. It now enjoys a presence in Japan, the U.S, Germany, India, Austria, and South Korea. With its Baoding headquarters as the core, the brand covers Europe, Asia, and North America, developing new products based on local market requirements and accelerating its internationalization strategy.
GWM remains committed to exploring and deploying autonomous driving technology. The P Series' LDW and LKA are the first such technologies to enter mass production. GWM has funded dozens of new tech start-ups to hatch and encourage new autonomous ventures. Initial commercialized applications have been seen recently.
To better serve global users, GWM has established a global production system with five vehicle plants in Baoding, Xushui, Tianjin, Chongqing and Tula (Russia); it also has several full-fledged production bases under construction, as part of a "11+5" global production network.
About GWM
GWM is a world-renowned SUV and pickup manufacturer. The firm was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003 and the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2011. With four brands, including HAVAL, WEY, ORA and GWM Pickup, the carmaker produces both conventional and new energy vehicles and focuses on the SUV and pickup truck categories. GWM can independently support its core components, including engines and transmissions. In 2019, GWM sold 1,058,648 new vehicles, an increase of 1.43% year-on-year, exceeding the one million mark for the fourth consecutive year.


tass--2020-09-24--CGTN: China calls for global green revolution in the post-COVID era

BEIJING , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world struggles to revive the economy amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic , China has called for global efforts to launch a green revolution and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 .
`` COVID-19 reminds us that humankind should launch a green revolution and move faster to create a green way of development and life , '' Chinese President Xi Jinping said in an address delivered via video link to the General Debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday .
Xi urged all countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change , under which nearly 200 countries pledged to control greenhouse gas emissions to keep a global temperature rise this century well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius .
China aims to `` have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060 , '' he said .
He also called for a `` green recovery of the world economy in the post-COVID era '' and efforts to achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's message won much applause .
`` Today 's announcement by President Xi Jinping that China intends to reach carbon neutrality before 2060 is big and important news , '' said Todd Stern , U.S. climate envoy under the Obama administration who worked on brokering a bilateral climate agreement with China in 2014 .
He called the announcement an `` encouraging '' step .
The pledge was also welcomed by the European Union .
`` I welcome the announcement by President Xi that China has set a date for its CO2 emissions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2060 , '' said Frans Timmermans , vice president for the European Green Deal .
As the largest developing country and the second-largest economy in the world , China is working hard to coordinate economic growth and environmental protection .
On the one hand , it is transforming its economic structure and growth pattern as part of the efforts to pursue high-quality development ; on the other hand , the country has included fighting pollution among its `` three tough battles '' – alongside fighting major risks and poverty – on its way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
Xi has always attached great importance to environmental protection and green development .
Fifteen years ago , as secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China ( CPC ) , he proposed a concept that `` lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets , '' which later became a famous idea on green development nationwide .
After becoming general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and president of China , Xi repeatedly stressed the importance of ecological protection at many occasions including during his inspection tours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling with severe environmental problems such as frequent smog and widespread water pollution , is making remarkable progress in green development and contributing to the cause worldwide .
The country is on track to exceed its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions by 2030 under the Paris agreement thanks to its efforts to cut growth in energy use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels .
CO2 emissions per unit of GDP have dropped by nearly half compared with 2005 , accomplishing in advance the targets set to reduce 40 to 45 percent from the 2005 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 2030 is to lower CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 percent from the 2005 levels , with the CO2 emissions reaching a peak by 2030 .
In 2019 , an environmental study by NASA concluded that between 2000 and 2017 , China had been responsible for over a quarter of the new green areas created worldwide , making it the world 's biggest contributor in this field .
To support the global combat against climate change , Xi in 2015 pledged a 20-billion-yuan ( three billion U.S. dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was dedicated to help other developing countries win the fight .
Last year , China launched the International Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road to facilitate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through a green construction of the Belt and Road .
`` We call on all countries to pursue innovative , coordinated , green and open development for all , seize the historic opportunities presented by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation , achieve a green recovery of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus create a powerful force driving sustainable development , '' Xi said on Tuesday .

BEIJING, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world struggles to revive the economy amid the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, China has called for global efforts to launch a green revolution and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.
View the original report: Link
"COVID-19 reminds us that humankind should launch a green revolution and move faster to create a green way of development and life," Chinese President Xi Jinping said in an address delivered via video link to the General Debate of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.
Xi urged all countries to "take decisive steps" to honor the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, under which nearly 200 countries pledged to control greenhouse gas emissions to keep a global temperature rise this century well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
China aims to "have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060," he said.
He also called for a "green recovery of the world economy in the post-COVID era" and efforts to achieve sustainable development in all countries.
Xi's message won much applause. "Today's announcement by President Xi Jinping that China intends to reach carbon neutrality before 2060 is big and important news," said Todd Stern, U.S. climate envoy under the Obama administration who worked on brokering a bilateral climate agreement with China in 2014. He called the announcement an "encouraging" step.
The pledge was also welcomed by the European Union. "I welcome the announcement by President Xi that China has set a date for its CO2 emissions to peak and will become carbon neutral before 2060," said Frans Timmermans, vice president for the European Green Deal.
China gets greener
As the largest developing country and the second-largest economy in the world, China is working hard to coordinate economic growth and environmental protection.
On the one hand, it is transforming its economic structure and growth pattern as part of the efforts to pursue high-quality development; on the other hand, the country has included fighting pollution among its "three tough battles" – alongside fighting major risks and poverty – on its way to deliver a moderately prosperous society by 2020.
Xi has always attached great importance to environmental protection and green development.
Fifteen years ago, as secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), he proposed a concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," which later became a famous idea on green development nationwide.
After becoming general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and president of China, Xi repeatedly stressed the importance of ecological protection at many occasions including during his inspection tours across the country.
China, once struggling with severe environmental problems such as frequent smog and widespread water pollution, is making remarkable progress in green development and contributing to the cause worldwide.
The country is on track to exceed its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions by 2030 under the Paris agreement thanks to its efforts to cut growth in energy use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
CO2 emissions per unit of GDP have dropped by nearly half compared with 2005, accomplishing in advance the targets set to reduce 40 to 45 percent from the 2005 levels by 2020. And the pledge for 2030 is to lower CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 percent from the 2005 levels, with the CO2 emissions reaching a peak by 2030.
In 2019, an environmental study by NASA concluded that between 2000 and 2017, China had been responsible for over a quarter of the new green areas created worldwide, making it the world's biggest contributor in this field.
To support the global combat against climate change, Xi in 2015 pledged a 20-billion-yuan (three billion U.S. dollars) China South-South Climate Cooperation Fund, which was dedicated to help other developing countries win the fight.
Last year, China launched the International Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road to facilitate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through a green construction of the Belt and Road.
"We call on all countries to pursue innovative, coordinated, green and open development for all, seize the historic opportunities presented by the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, achieve a green recovery of the world economy in the post-COVID era and thus create a powerful force driving sustainable development," Xi said on Tuesday.


tass--2020-09-24--Physical and mental burden of anaemia of chronic kidney disease

ADDLESTONE , England , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. today announced findings from a European survey of 200 nephrologists and 203 patients with anaemia of chronic kidney disease ( CKD ) , revealing the burden of the disease on patients ' physical and mental health .
Over half of patients surveyed reported that their disease dominates their day-to-day life ( 57 % ) , with 41 % of patients expressing feelings of social isolation due to their condition .
Experts believe a deeper understanding of the burden of anaemia of CKD on patients is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus on patients ' quality of life in daily practice .
Anaemia is a common complication of CKD , affecting one in five CKD patients.1 It causes symptoms such as low energy , fatigue and shortness of breath2 , which can affect patients at both work and home .
Results from the survey show that symptoms impacted the daily lives of 83 % of surveyed patients , which on average , resulted in them missing more than eight days of work per month .
For almost half of surveyed patients ( 44 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop work indefinitely .
Beyond work , over two-thirds of surveyed patients ( 67 % ) reported needing help around the house , further demonstrating the far-reaching impact of anaemia of CKD on patients ' quality of life .
See the survey infographic for additional insights from patients and nephrologists on the diagnosis , management and burden of living with anaemia of CKD .
An Expert Panel of five external members was convened by Astellas to provide their perspectives on the survey results .
The Expert Panel included two leading professors of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a specialist renal nurse ( UK ) , the President of a European renal nurse association and the President of a national patient advocacy group ( Spain ) .
A detailed overview of the survey findings and Expert Panel insights can be found within the full survey report .
Key observations and actions identified by the Expert Panel for the future management of the condition were as follows : 'There is a clear need to better understand which aspects of a patient 's condition are impacting their quality of life . '
Jennifer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board , UK .
'It 's not surprising that patients experience social isolation as a result of their condition .
You feel tired and you do n't want to go out or see friends , you do n't want to do anything . '
Daniel Gallego , President , National Federation of Associations for the Fight Against Kidney Diseases ( ALCER ) , Spain .
'It is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient when considering the impact their anaemia can have on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pérez , Nephrologist , Puerta de Hierro de Majadahonda University Hospital , Spain .
Together , these patient , nephrologist and expert insights demonstrate the need for improved understanding from nephrologists of the mental and physical burden of anaemia of CKD for patients , as well as a greater focus on patients ' quality of life in the management of the condition .
'At Astellas , changing tomorrow is the ethos that guides everything we do .
We recognise that addressing unmet need is often best achieved through working in collaboration with others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initiatives we are working on with patient groups and professional organisations to provide value to people with chronic kidney disease , their carers and the healthcare professionals that treat the condition . '
Gino Ciotti , Medical Director , Medical Affairs , Nephrology , Astellas .
To find out more about anaemia of CKD visit : www.astellas.com/eu/therapy-areas/nephrology About Beyond CKD : Unveiling the hidden truth of anaemia Between January to February 2020 , market research company Research Partnership carried out a survey on behalf of Astellas Europe Limited to explore patient and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CKD .
Participants were recruited via online panels and were eligible if they were : • A nephrologist practicing for at least 2 years who sees a minimum of eight patients on treatment for anaemia of CKD from stages 3+ To find out more about the survey , visit www.astellas.com/eu/media-centre/media-resources .
About CKD and Anaemia CKD is characterised by a progressive loss of kidney function caused by damage to the kidneys resulting from conditions such as hypertension , diabetes or immune-regulated inflammatory conditions.3 Worldwide one in 10 people are living with CKD.4 In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living with CKD4 .
Based on UK data , one in five CKD patients are affected by anaemia ; this rate increases to one in two in people with the most severe CKD ( CKD stage 5 ) .1 Globally , CKD is predicted to become the fifth most common cause of premature death by 2040.5 It is a critical worldwide healthcare issue that represents a large and growing unmet medical need .
Anaemia is a common complication of CKD,6 resulting from the failing kidneys ' ability to produce erythropoietin , reduced oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficiency resulting from chronic inflammation .
It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in dialysis and non-dialysis populations , increasing in both prevalence and severity as kidney disease worsens.7 CKD anaemia increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events , worsens renal outcomes and can negatively impact patients ' quality of life.8-10 About Astellas Astellas Pharma Inc. , is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world .
We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs by focusing on Biology and Modality .
Furthermore , we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners .
Through these efforts , Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients .
For more information , please visit our website at .
Astellas Cautionary Notes In this press release , statements made with respect to current plans , estimates , strategies and beliefs , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas .
These statements are based on management 's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties .
A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements .
Such factors include , but are not limited to : ( i ) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations , relating to pharmaceutical markets , ( ii ) currency exchange rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new product launches , ( iv ) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively , ( v ) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets and ( vi ) infringements of Astellas ' intellectual property rights by third parties .
Information about pharmaceutical products ( including products currently in development ) that is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice .
1 Dmitrieva O , de Lusignan S , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of anaemia in primary care patients with chronic kidney disease : cross sectional study of quality improvement in chronic kidney disease ( QICKD ) trial data .
BMC Nephrol 2013 ; 14:24 .
2 National Kidney Foundation .
Anemia and Chronic Kidney Disease .
Available from : https : //www.kidney.org/atoz/content/what_anemia_ckd .
[ Last accessed : June 2020 . ]
3 Ojo A .
Addressing the Global Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease Through Clinical and Translational Research .
Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc 2014 ; 125:229–246 .
4 International Society of Nephrology .
Chronic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 .
Available from : www.theisn.org/global-atlas [ Last accessed : June 2020 ] .
5 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) .
Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 .
Seattle , WA : IHME , 2018 .
Available from : http : //www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2019/GBD_2017_Booklet.pdf [ Last accessed : June 2020 ] .
6 McClellan W , Aronoff SL , Kline Bolton W , et al .
The prevalence of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease .
Curr Med Res Opin 2004 ; 20:1501–1510 .
7 Stauffer ME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States .
PLoS One 2014 ; 9 : e84943 .
8 Mohanram A , Zhang Z , Shahinfar S , et al .
Anemia and end-stage renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy .
Kidney Int 2004 ; 66:1131–1138 .
9 Weiner DE , Tighiouart H , Stark PC , et al .
Kidney disease as a risk factor for recurrent cardiovascular disease and mortality .
Am J Kidney Dis 2004 ; 44:198–206 .
10 Eriksson D , Goldsmith D , Teitsson S , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients across Europe describing the association between quality of life and anaemia .
BMC Nephrol 2016 ; 17:97 .

ADDLESTONE, England, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. today announced findings from a European survey of 200 nephrologists and 203 patients with anaemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD), revealing the burden of the disease on patients' physical and mental health. Over half of patients surveyed reported that their disease dominates their day-to-day life (57%), with 41% of patients expressing feelings of social isolation due to their condition. Experts believe a deeper understanding of the burden of anaemia of CKD on patients is needed amongst healthcare professionals, alongside a greater focus on patients' quality of life in daily practice.
Anaemia is a common complication of CKD, affecting one in five CKD patients.1 It causes symptoms such as low energy, fatigue and shortness of breath2, which can affect patients at both work and home. Results from the survey show that symptoms impacted the daily lives of 83% of surveyed patients, which on average, resulted in them missing more than eight days of work per month. For almost half of surveyed patients (44%), their condition meant they had to stop work indefinitely. Beyond work, over two-thirds of surveyed patients (67%) reported needing help around the house, further demonstrating the far-reaching impact of anaemia of CKD on patients' quality of life. See the survey infographic for additional insights from patients and nephrologists on the diagnosis, management and burden of living with anaemia of CKD.
An Expert Panel of five external members was convened by Astellas to provide their perspectives on the survey results. The Expert Panel included two leading professors of nephrology (UK and Spain), a specialist renal nurse (UK), the President of a European renal nurse association and the President of a national patient advocacy group (Spain). A detailed overview of the survey findings and Expert Panel insights can be found within the full survey report. Key observations and actions identified by the Expert Panel for the future management of the condition were as follows:
'There is a clear need to better understand which aspects of a patient's condition are impacting their quality of life.' Jennifer Ann Williams, Specialist Renal Nurse, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, UK.
'It's not surprising that patients experience social isolation as a result of their condition. You feel tired and you don't want to go out or see friends, you don't want to do anything.' Daniel Gallego, President, National Federation of Associations for the Fight Against Kidney Diseases (ALCER), Spain.
'It is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the patient when considering the impact their anaemia can have on their everyday life.' Professor José Portolés Pérez, Nephrologist, Puerta de Hierro de Majadahonda University Hospital, Spain.
Together, these patient, nephrologist and expert insights demonstrate the need for improved understanding from nephrologists of the mental and physical burden of anaemia of CKD for patients, as well as a greater focus on patients' quality of life in the management of the condition.
'At Astellas, changing tomorrow is the ethos that guides everything we do. We recognise that addressing unmet need is often best achieved through working in collaboration with others. This survey is just one of the initiatives we are working on with patient groups and professional organisations to provide value to people with chronic kidney disease, their carers and the healthcare professionals that treat the condition.' Gino Ciotti, Medical Director, Medical Affairs, Nephrology, Astellas.
To find out more about anaemia of CKD visit: www.astellas.com/eu/therapy-areas/nephrology
About Beyond CKD: Unveiling the hidden truth of anaemia
Between January to February 2020, market research company Research Partnership carried out a survey on behalf of Astellas Europe Limited to explore patient and nephrologist perceptions of CKD and anaemia of CKD.
Participants were recruited via online panels and were eligible if they were:
A patient diagnosed with anaemia of CKD
A nephrologist practicing for at least 2 years who sees a minimum of eight patients on treatment for anaemia of CKD from stages 3+
Participants took part in a 25-minute online quantitative survey.
To find out more about the survey, visit www.astellas.com/eu/media-centre/media-resources.
About CKD and Anaemia
CKD is characterised by a progressive loss of kidney function caused by damage to the kidneys resulting from conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or immune-regulated inflammatory conditions.3 Worldwide one in 10 people are living with CKD.4 In Europe, one in eight people are living with CKD4. Based on UK data, one in five CKD patients are affected by anaemia; this rate increases to one in two in people with the most severe CKD (CKD stage 5).1 Globally, CKD is predicted to become the fifth most common cause of premature death by 2040.5 It is a critical worldwide healthcare issue that represents a large and growing unmet medical need.
Anaemia is a common complication of CKD,6 resulting from the failing kidneys' ability to produce erythropoietin, reduced oxygen sensing, and increased hepcidin and iron deficiency resulting from chronic inflammation. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in dialysis and non-dialysis populations, increasing in both prevalence and severity as kidney disease worsens.7 CKD anaemia increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events, worsens renal outcomes and can negatively impact patients' quality of life.8-10
About Astellas
Astellas Pharma Inc., is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are promoting the Focus Area Approach that is designed to identify opportunities for the continuous creation of new drugs to address diseases with high unmet medical needs by focusing on Biology and Modality. Furthermore, we are also looking beyond our foundational Rx focus to create Rx+® healthcare solutions combine our expertise and knowledge with cutting-edge technology in different fields of external partners. Through these efforts, Astellas stands on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.astellas.com/eu .
Astellas Cautionary Notes
In this press release, statements made with respect to current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs, and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Astellas. These statements are based on management's current assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in general economic conditions and in laws and regulations, relating to pharmaceutical markets, (ii) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (iii) delays in new product launches, (iv) the inability of Astellas to market existing and new products effectively, (v) the inability of Astellas to continue to effectively research and develop products accepted by customers in highly competitive markets and (vi) infringements of Astellas' intellectual property rights by third parties.
Information about pharmaceutical products (including products currently in development) that is included in this press release is not intended to constitute an advertisement or medical advice.
REFERENCES
1 Dmitrieva O, de Lusignan S, Macdougall IC, et al. Association of anaemia in primary care patients with chronic kidney disease: cross sectional study of quality improvement in chronic kidney disease (QICKD) trial data. BMC Nephrol 2013;14:24.
2 National Kidney Foundation. Anemia and Chronic Kidney Disease. Available from: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/what_anemia_ckd. [Last accessed: June 2020.]
3 Ojo A. Addressing the Global Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease Through Clinical and Translational Research. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc 2014;125:229–246.
4 International Society of Nephrology. Chronic Kidney Disease. Global Kidney Health Atlas 2017. Available from: www.theisn.org/global-atlas [Last accessed: June 2020].
5 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Seattle, WA: IHME, 2018. Available from: http://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2019/GBD_2017_Booklet.pdf [Last accessed: June 2020].
6 McClellan W, Aronoff SL, Kline Bolton W, et al. The prevalence of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Curr Med Res Opin 2004;20:1501–1510.
7 Stauffer ME and Fan T. Prevalence of Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States. PLoS One 2014;9:e84943.
8 Mohanram A, Zhang Z, Shahinfar S, et al. Anemia and end-stage renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. Kidney Int 2004;66:1131–1138.
9 Weiner DE, Tighiouart H, Stark PC, et al. Kidney disease as a risk factor for recurrent cardiovascular disease and mortality. Am J Kidney Dis 2004;44:198–206.
10 Eriksson D, Goldsmith D, Teitsson S, et al. Cross-sectional survey in CKD patients across Europe describing the association between quality of life and anaemia. BMC Nephrol 2016;17:97.


tass--2020-09-25--Russian military use newest TOS-2 heavy flamethrower for the first time

KAPUSTIN YAR PROVING GROUND /Astrakhan Region/ , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian military have used the newest TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower system for the first time during the main stage of the `` Kavkaz-2020 '' military drills , which takes place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in Russia ’ s Astrakhan Region .
The main drills stage is attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` The fire of the unguided rocket-propelled ordnance with thermobaric warheads with enhanced energy capacity has inflicted massive damage to the advancing enemy , '' the Ministry of Defense told journalists Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southern Military District , comprised of nine TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems , destroyed a mock enemy motorized infantry battalion .
Unguided ordnance with thermobaric and smoke-incendiary warheads were used .
The TOS-2 Tosochka is a successor to the TOS-1A Solntsepyok system with increased capabilities .
Unlike its predecessor , it is built upon an Ural all-terrain truck .
Its firing range has been increased .
Targeting , shooting and fire control are fully automated .
The launcher is equipped with its own crane and requires no loading vehicle .
Besides , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against precision weapons .
The `` Kavkaz-2020 '' drills take place between September 21 and 26 in the Southern Military District , under the control of Russian General Staff head General Valery Gerasimov .
The drills involve about 80,000 people , including Ministry of Emergency Situations and National Guard personnel .
About 12,900 servicemen will take part in episodes , covered by the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and security-building measures .
A total of 1,000 servicemen from six foreign states take part in the events .

KAPUSTIN YAR PROVING GROUND /Astrakhan Region/, September 25. /TASS/. Russian military have used the newest TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower system for the first time during the main stage of the "Kavkaz-2020" military drills, which takes place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in Russia’s Astrakhan Region. The main drills stage is attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"The fire of the unguided rocket-propelled ordnance with thermobaric warheads with enhanced energy capacity has inflicted massive damage to the advancing enemy," the Ministry of Defense told journalists Friday.
Besides, a joint flamethrowing battalion of the Southern Military District, comprised of nine TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems, destroyed a mock enemy motorized infantry battalion. Unguided ordnance with thermobaric and smoke-incendiary warheads were used.
The TOS-2 Tosochka is a successor to the TOS-1A Solntsepyok system with increased capabilities. Unlike its predecessor, it is built upon an Ural all-terrain truck. Its firing range has been increased. Targeting, shooting and fire control are fully automated. The launcher is equipped with its own crane and requires no loading vehicle. Besides, the TOS-2 is equipped with radioelectronic defenses against precision weapons.
The "Kavkaz-2020" drills take place between September 21 and 26 in the Southern Military District, under the control of Russian General Staff head General Valery Gerasimov. The drills involve about 80,000 people, including Ministry of Emergency Situations and National Guard personnel.
About 12,900 servicemen will take part in episodes, covered by the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and security-building measures.
A total of 1,000 servicemen from six foreign states take part in the events.


tass--2020-09-25--S-300, S-400 air defense systems hit newest high-speed targets at Caucasus 2020 drills

KAPUSTIN YAR PROVING GROUND /Astrakhan Region/ , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Crews of the newest S-300V4 and S-400 Triumf long-range missile air defense systems , as well as the Buk-M3 missile systems destroyed the newest high-velocity air targets acting as mock enemy ’ s tactical missiles and planes during the main stage of the `` Caucasus 20202 '' military drills , which takes place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in Russia ’ s Astrakhan Region .
The drills are observed by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` In order to imitate mock enemy ’ s massive missile air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target imitators , the newest plane-type targets of the Adjutant training systems , the U-95 target missiles and flares were used , '' the Defense Ministry told journalists Friday .
According to the Ministry , a multi-level objective control system that includes drones , video cameras and control groups has been established at the proving ground in order to observe the firing results .
The `` Caucasus 2020 '' drills take place between September 21 and 26 in the Southern Military District , under the control of Russian General Staff head General Valery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , including Ministry of Emergency Situations and National Guard personnel .
About 12,900 servicemen will take part in episodes , covered by the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and security-building measures .
A total of 1,000 servicemen from six foreign states take part in the events .

KAPUSTIN YAR PROVING GROUND /Astrakhan Region/, September 25. /TASS/. Crews of the newest S-300V4 and S-400 Triumf long-range missile air defense systems, as well as the Buk-M3 missile systems destroyed the newest high-velocity air targets acting as mock enemy’s tactical missiles and planes during the main stage of the "Caucasus 20202" military drills, which takes place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in Russia’s Astrakhan Region. The drills are observed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"In order to imitate mock enemy’s massive missile air strike, the newest Saman maneuvering air target imitators, the newest plane-type targets of the Adjutant training systems, the U-95 target missiles and flares were used," the Defense Ministry told journalists Friday.
According to the Ministry, a multi-level objective control system that includes drones, video cameras and control groups has been established at the proving ground in order to observe the firing results.
The "Caucasus 2020" drills take place between September 21 and 26 in the Southern Military District, under the control of Russian General Staff head General Valery Gerasimov. The drills involve about 80,000 people, including Ministry of Emergency Situations and National Guard personnel.
About 12,900 servicemen will take part in episodes, covered by the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and security-building measures.
A total of 1,000 servicemen from six foreign states take part in the events.


tass--2020-09-25--Sberbank may increase number of staff working from home, depending on situation — head

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/ TASS / .
Sberbank is considering increasing the number of employees working from home if the pandemic worsens , head of Sberbank German Gref told reporters on Friday .
`` As you can see , the mayor of Moscow has begun to take active measures that so far sound like requests .
I received a letter from the mayor , we have decided to transfer 50 % of our staff here in Moscow to remote work starting today .
But we will keep an eye out , and if the situation worsens , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of people who will work from home .
Most likely , this situation will last until late spring , until May , maybe , `` Gref said .
According to Sberbank 's forecasts , a new peak of the coronavirus infection will be in November .
Such estimates were voiced by the head of Sberbank .
`` As for the coronavirus , it is obvious that there is already an increase in the number of cases , with the peak to be likely reached in the fall , most probably in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It may be difficult to predict today how long it will last .
It will depend , among other , on the extent to which we will conscientiously follow the isolation rules and the rules of wearing protective gear , '' Gref said .
Earlier , the banker said in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper that he was counting on softer restrictive measures in the event of a second wave of the pandemic .

MOSCOW, September 25. / TASS /. Sberbank is considering increasing the number of employees working from home if the pandemic worsens, head of Sberbank German Gref told reporters on Friday.
"As you can see, the mayor of Moscow has begun to take active measures that so far sound like requests. I received a letter from the mayor, we have decided to transfer 50% of our staff here in Moscow to remote work starting today. But we will keep an eye out, and if the situation worsens, then, quite possibly, we will increase the number of people who will work from home. Most likely, this situation will last until late spring, until May, maybe, "Gref said.
According to Sberbank's forecasts, a new peak of the coronavirus infection will be in November. Such estimates were voiced by the head of Sberbank.
"As for the coronavirus, it is obvious that there is already an increase in the number of cases, with the peak to be likely reached in the fall, most probably in November, according to our estimates. It may be difficult to predict today how long it will last. It will depend, among other, on the extent to which we will conscientiously follow the isolation rules and the rules of wearing protective gear," Gref said. Earlier, the banker said in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper that he was counting on softer restrictive measures in the event of a second wave of the pandemic.
9,500 cases among Sberbank staff
About 9,500 thousand Sberbank employees, as of the end of September, have had the coronavirus, the head of the bank said in an interview with the Kommersant newspaper on Friday.
"As of the end of September, quite a few - about 9,500 bank employees have had COVID-19," he said. Gref also recalled that Sberbank had made a decision that about 30% of staff would be able to switch to a mixed mode of work - both remote and office - after the epidemic.
On September 24, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin sent letters to large enterprises of the capital with a recommendation to partially transfer employees to remote work. These letters recall that organizations still need to observe the sanitary and epidemiological regime, which includes use of personal protective equipment and disinfectants and observation of social distance. In addition, employers need to take the temperature of their employees and conduct coronavirus testing.


tass--2020-09-25--Face-to-face summit of Astana process members on the agenda but no dates yet

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
There are plans to hold a face-to-face summit of the guarantors of the @ @ @ @ @ Iran and Turkey ) but no dates have been set yet , Russian Deputy Foreign @ @ @ @ @ an online interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Friday .
According @ @ @ @ @ process remains important .
`` The three countries held a virtual summit on July 1 @ @ @ @ @ `` I can say that there are plans to hold a face-to-face meeting .
It @ @ @ @ @ , but no dates have been set yet , '' the senior Russian diplomat added @ @ @ @ @ that the current epidemiological situation in the world made it impossible to hold such a @ @ @ @ @ `` But the process will go on .
We will make sure that it is @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. There are plans to hold a face-to-face summit of the guarantors of the Astana process (Russia, Iran and Turkey) but no dates have been set yet, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said in an online interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on Friday.
According to Vershinin, the Astana process remains important. "The three countries held a virtual summit on July 1," he noted. "I can say that there are plans to hold a face-to-face meeting. It will take place in Iran, but no dates have been set yet," the senior Russian diplomat added.
Vershinin also pointed out that the current epidemiological situation in the world made it impossible to hold such a meeting at the moment. "But the process will go on. We will make sure that it is effective," he concluded.


tass--2020-09-25--Europe’s non-recognition of Lukashenko prevents development of dialogue, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Decisions made by a number of European countries not to recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus contradict the international law and do not facilitate the development of dialogue between states , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Friday .
`` We , of course , do not welcome such decisions , made by a number of European states .
We believe that these decisions contradict the international law in general and constitute indirect meddling in internal affairs , '' the spokesman said .
According to Peskov , `` such decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states ’ dialogue with Belarus . ''
He underscored that , in any case , neither these decisions nor the position that a number of European nations have adopted towards Lukashenko , can influence the current state and the perspectives of the Russian-Belarusian relations in any way .
`` Both Russia and Belarus are sovereign countries that build their relations without looking back at other states , '' the spokesman concluded .
Following Lukashenko ’ s inauguration , a number of European countries stated that they no longer consider him a legitimate head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s inauguration , Lukashenko led the country in accordance with 2015 elections results ; a number of countries and organizations criticized the electoral campaign that time - however , the international community recognized the election results that year .
The Baltic States were the first to denounce the legitimacy of the Belarusian elections .
Later , Slovakia and Germany joined them .
On September 15 , EU High Commissioner of Foreign Affairs and Security policy stated that the Union does not recognize the election results .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Decisions made by a number of European countries not to recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus contradict the international law and do not facilitate the development of dialogue between states, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Friday.
"We, of course, do not welcome such decisions, made by a number of European states. We believe that these decisions contradict the international law in general and constitute indirect meddling in internal affairs," the spokesman said.
According to Peskov, "such decisions will definitely slow down and obstruct this states’ dialogue with Belarus." He underscored that, in any case, neither these decisions nor the position that a number of European nations have adopted towards Lukashenko, can influence the current state and the perspectives of the Russian-Belarusian relations in any way.
"Both Russia and Belarus are sovereign countries that build their relations without looking back at other states," the spokesman concluded.
Following Lukashenko’s inauguration, a number of European countries stated that they no longer consider him a legitimate head of state. Prior to this year’s inauguration, Lukashenko led the country in accordance with 2015 elections results; a number of countries and organizations criticized the electoral campaign that time - however, the international community recognized the election results that year.
The Baltic States were the first to denounce the legitimacy of the Belarusian elections. Later, Slovakia and Germany joined them. On September 15, EU High Commissioner of Foreign Affairs and Security policy stated that the Union does not recognize the election results.


tass--2020-09-25--Kremlin: Novichok statements by intel chief, Foreign Office spokeswoman not contradictory

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on journalists not to look for contradictions between @ @ @ @ @ Maria Zakharova and Foreign Intelligence Service ( SVR ) Head Sergei Naryshkin regarding the presence @ @ @ @ @ nerve agent in Russia .
`` Naryshkin said unambiguously that all stockpiles of chemical weapons @ @ @ @ @ certified by international observers ; this was done in order to fulfill Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Convention .
This is what Naryshkin was talking about .
There is no contradiction here @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov said , commenting on Zakharova ’ s remark that Russia never had @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , he refrained from commenting on whether the Kremlin insists that Novichok agents had @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I can not tell you that , because I do not have such @ @ @ @ @ , it is only possible to confirm that Russia fulfilled all its obligations under the @ @ @ @ @ weapons on Russian territory were destroyed , '' he said .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov called on journalists not to look for contradictions between statement of Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Head Sergei Naryshkin regarding the presence and production of the Novichok nerve agent in Russia.
"Naryshkin said unambiguously that all stockpiles of chemical weapons had been destroyed, as certified by international observers; this was done in order to fulfill Russia’s obligation under the Chemical Weapons Convention. This is what Naryshkin was talking about. There is no contradiction here, no need for nitpicking," Peskov said, commenting on Zakharova’s remark that Russia never had the nerve agent stockpiled.
Meanwhile, he refrained from commenting on whether the Kremlin insists that Novichok agents had never been developed in Russia. "I cannot tell you that, because I do not have such information. In any case, it is only possible to confirm that Russia fulfilled all its obligations under the Convention and that all chemical weapons on Russian territory were destroyed," he said.
Navalny case


tass--2020-09-25--Putin invites US to exchange guarantees of non-interference in election processes

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a number of proposals for cooperation in cybersecurity between Russia and the United States and around the word .
His statement on Russian-US cooperation in the field of international cybersecurity was uploaded to the Kremlin 's website on Friday .
Putin described the risk of large-scale confrontation in cyberspace as one of the greatest challenges of today .
`` Special responsibility for its prevention rests with the key players in the field of international cybersecurity , '' Putin said .
He stressed that he would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proposal for approving a comprehensive program for practical measures for resetting relations with Russia in using IT technologies .
He called for restoring a full-scale bilateral regular inter-departmental dialogue on key issues of maintaining international security at a high level .
He urged `` continued and effective work via communication channels between the agencies concerned , '' such as centers for easing the nuclear threat , groups for prompt response to computer incidents , and high level officials who oversee international cybersecurity problems within the framework of the agencies concerned with maintaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It might be possible to jointly draft and conclude a bilateral inter-government agreement on the prevention of incidents in cyberspace , identical to the effective Soviet-US Agreement on the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas of May 25 , 1972 , '' Putin said .
He called on the United States to exchange , in an acceptable form , guarantees of non-interference in each other 's internal affairs , such as election processes , including non-interference with information technologies and high-tech methods .
`` We are calling upon the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a Russian-US professional expert dialogue on international information security issues , without making it a hostage of our political disagreements , '' Putin said .
`` These measures are aimed at enhancing trust between our countries and ensuring the security and prosperity of our peoples , '' he said .
`` They would make a tangible contribution to establishing global peace in the international cyberspace . ''
Putin addressed all countries , including the United States , with a call for concluding a global agreement on no first use of cyber strikes @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a number of proposals for cooperation in cybersecurity between Russia and the United States and around the word. His statement on Russian-US cooperation in the field of international cybersecurity was uploaded to the Kremlin's website on Friday.
Putin described the risk of large-scale confrontation in cyberspace as one of the greatest challenges of today.
"Special responsibility for its prevention rests with the key players in the field of international cybersecurity," Putin said. He stressed that he would like to address the United States once again with a proposal for approving a comprehensive program for practical measures for resetting relations with Russia in using IT technologies. He called for restoring a full-scale bilateral regular inter-departmental dialogue on key issues of maintaining international security at a high level.
He urged "continued and effective work via communication channels between the agencies concerned," such as centers for easing the nuclear threat, groups for prompt response to computer incidents, and high level officials who oversee international cybersecurity problems within the framework of the agencies concerned with maintaining national security, including information security.
"It might be possible to jointly draft and conclude a bilateral inter-government agreement on the prevention of incidents in cyberspace, identical to the effective Soviet-US Agreement on the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas of May 25, 1972," Putin said.
He called on the United States to exchange, in an acceptable form, guarantees of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, such as election processes, including non-interference with information technologies and high-tech methods.
"We are calling upon the United States to give the green light to a Russian-US professional expert dialogue on international information security issues, without making it a hostage of our political disagreements," Putin said. "These measures are aimed at enhancing trust between our countries and ensuring the security and prosperity of our peoples," he said. "They would make a tangible contribution to establishing global peace in the international cyberspace."
Putin addressed all countries, including the United States, with a call for concluding a global agreement on no first use of cyber strikes against each other.


tass--2020-09-25--Russia has no data on chemical weapons in the country, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia doesn ’ t have any verified information showing that there are chemical @ @ @ @ @ country to worry about it , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday when asked @ @ @ @ @ that someone is Russia could have potentially obtained such weapons .
`` To feel concerned @ @ @ @ @ the necessary information and verify these facts .
So far , our specialists haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ All tests that are carried out in this regard disprove this fact , '' he @ @

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russia doesn’t have any verified information showing that there are chemical weapons stored anywhere in the country to worry about it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday when asked if the Kremlin is concerned that someone is Russia could have potentially obtained such weapons.
"To feel concerned, we need to get the necessary information and verify these facts. So far, our specialists haven’t had this opportunity. All tests that are carried out in this regard disprove this fact," he underlined.


tass--2020-09-25--Tourism north of the Arctic Circle is nothing special, Russian traveler says

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Over 25 years that Dmitry Novikov has been in tourism , he sank on kayaks , turned over on river rapids , burned in wildfires , fell off rocks , dug out a car , towed friends , lost directions on a foggy plateau , and repaired both equipment and himself .
Nevertheless , he does not stop and plans new unusual and adventurous routes .
`` It ’ s a weird wild fear , when at night on the White Sea shore , from the taiga you can smell a bear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear a growling lynx near the tent , '' Dmitry said .
`` Frankly , those are just inconveniences any traveler may experience . ''
What is over there ?
Interests develop since childhood , he continued , adding his favorite authors were Mayne Reid , Fenimore Cooper , and Jules Verne .
`` Later on , the preferences widened , though the focus remained on adventures , '' Novikov said .
`` Since early childhood I was curious to find out - what ’ s there behind the granny ’ s fence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ river . ''
When at school and at the university , he went hiking to gain the experience which later on would be so helpful .
First big traveling was after the university , and water adventures have always been the top attraction .
Over 17 years , he has covered more than 3,500 kilometers along waters and lakes , mostly on kayaks .
Hiking and skiing routes were no less enjoyable .
`` My career made me travel across Russia - from Belarus to the Far East , as I put it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Amur , Siberia , the Urals , the Khanty-Mansi , the Yamalo-Nenets regions , and whenever I traveled I visited as many places as I could .
I ’ ve been to Lake Baikal twice , swam in Buryatia ’ s thermal waters , climbed the East Sayan and the Urals .
A certain milestone was driving my own car across the Altai in 2009 . ''
In 2011 , he returned to the Mountainous Altai .
`` Successful trips to the Mountainous Altai gave considerable confidence in my own abilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other directions , '' Dmitry said .
The first expedition north of the Arctic Circle In 2012 , he planned a trip to the Kola Peninsula .
A big trip : 5,500 kilometers within 18 days .
`` It was due to my curiosity - I haven ’ t seen the tundra , or the Barents and White Seas , never climbed ridges north of the Arctic Circle , '' the traveler said .
`` Back then , I couldn ’ t imagine how those places would `` grasp '' me or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Dmitry could not resist sharing impressions and wrote about that expedition in his first story - The Attraction of High Latitudes .
`` Eight years later , reading that story , I can see the excitement , the joy from what I saw there , '' he said with a smile .
`` Later stories about trips were more reserved and thoughtful . ''
Karelia ’ s north and the Kola Peninsula are incredibly rich .
Within one trip you may see the tundra , the Khibiny tops covered with snow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , get stuck in the sand in the northernmost desert near Kuzomen , you may fish in quiet brooks or in stormy rivers , or swim in the tart-salty waters of the Barents Sea or stand enjoying waterfall streams .
Dmitry hesitated to name just one destination in the Arctic .
`` For example , speaking about the Kola Peninsula , I ’ d mention the Sredny and Rybachi peninsulas , the Khibiny , the Lovozero tundras , the White Sea ’ s Ter shore .
Every trip leaves most different impressions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mountains Winds expedition in late September , 2015 , I returned from the Arkhangelsk Region to Karelia across the Vetrenyi Poyas Ridge .
It is a unique place , aged about 2.5-2.4 billion years , scientists say .
I could take either route : a regular long route , but in that case I was running late for a wedding party of my friends , or a route across the taiga following a navigator - it was more than twice shorter . ''
He risked .
The biggest obstacle was the Leksa .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the traveler did not have any information about wading .
He walked across the river a few times , plotted necessary directions , inserted a few poles , and removed several tree trunks from the water .
He drove into the river very accurately and smoothly .
`` Everything went fine until I got into the main current .
The car ’ s back moved to follow the current .
A few moments were , so to say , unpleasant , until the back wheels grabbed the bottom .
Finally , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the wedding party that time .
On another occasion , when Dmitry stayed overnight in a tent , he woke up from a feeling somebody was nearby .
`` For some time I listened to accurate steps around the tent , and then I heard hissing and growling .
The beast somehow sensed I was awake .
It was a lynx that clearly was n't going to retreat . ''
It occurred to Dmitry , he had left some food at the entrance , and the beast could ’ ve felt it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Dmitry turned on the alarm , which repelled the animal .
Its fear was above hunger and curiosity .
Dmitry tells many stories about numerous adventures in his native Pskov Region , famous for its Kremlin , Izborsk , the Pskov-Pechory Monastery , and , of course , the Pushkinskiye Gory ( or Pushkin Hills ) .
However , the most exciting places are not on tourist routes , they are off roads , though accessible for those having enough desire and effort .
`` My gained materials and emotions were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unpopular Pskov '' , '' Dmitry said .
It took him three years to write the story .
The book has many pictures and details about the trips he made .
`` Among many other attractions , I tell about the places which are considered anomalous or mysterious .
One of them is the Dobryak stone , which many believe can help make dreams come true .
You can find on the net videos about this stone , about the energy poles , about specific energy , and so on .
Tourists even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person believes in what he wants , and my task is to tell about it , '' Dmitry Novikov said .
Very often Dmitry disclaimed the legends , which the locals and reporters used to tell about these places .
One of them is the Lyad Triangle - a wooded ravine , where people are believed to get missing .
`` Naturally , I got curious and went to the Triangle twice to find that ravine .
The area is hilly , made of alluvial soils from the last glacier .
In one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Creek .
This particular ravine is called the Devil 's ravine .
None of its photos on the Internet was true .
On an overcast day , the area near the creek does look somewhat ominous , '' Dmitry said .
A ground road crosses the ravine .
However , when Dmitry returned there two weeks later , the road had vanished , and he could not drive there .
This was the only weird phenomenon in the area , believed to be mysterious .
`` After rains , water raises and destroys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Devil ’ s ravine is equal to chances of getting lost anywhere else .
Thus , the only ‘ anomaly ’ was the lost cell connection when I drove between the hills , '' the traveler said .
Dmitry includes into a guide book unknown architecture attractions in tiny settlements , which are away from busy roads .
A tourist is not likely to find them , Dmitry said .
Take , for example , the Lositsy village , where about 100 people live .
They have a school , a shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old Orthodox churches , which are a tourist attraction .
But the village ’ s main attraction is the Log House where Altayev lived and worked - Russia ’ s only wooden house of Pushkin ’ s time .
`` I came there for the first time in April , 2016 , met the museum ’ s director Tatyana Stepanova , though could not see the exposition .
Later on , for three times I wanted to return there .
I was lucky only in November , 2017 .
The tour of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgot to take pictures , '' Novikov told TASS .
The museum was the biggest cultural discovery for him in 2017 .
However , by the time he worked on the book on the Pskov Region , he had visited a few dozen attractions , like the citadel which Alexander Nevsky built in the 13th century , or a house where writer Dovlatov used to live and work .
`` Nothing of the kind has been published about the Pskov Region , '' he said .
`` I have described 40 historic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could ’ ve published more of those , but then I would ’ ve gone in too many details . ''
After the story was published for the first time , many local residents and historians shared knowledge with Dmitry .
`` I am not sure how this new material could be presented , quite possibly it will be Unpopular Pskov - 2 , '' he said .
Dmitry usually travels on his own , thus he has to prepare everything very thoroughly .
`` The old Chinese would say - travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trip , when traveling , and when remembering the trip .
Preparations are a very interesting part to me , and I live all the three lives .
Every trip is a challenge .
Every trip changes me , I gain experience and knowledge about the world , '' he said .
He travels light .
All adventures are only during holidays .
According to Dmitry , people think differently about him .
`` People like me are usually taken for adventurous wonderers , who survive even where nobody can , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pal , they would call me .
Our people and the media use only extreme colors and wouldn ’ t understand that traveling north of the Arctic Circle is as normal as any other hobby , '' Dmitry said .
Dmitry Novikov ’ s archive is a few thousand pictures of `` unpopular '' attractions in the Pskov Region .
His material was published in a book on wooden architecture of the Russian North .
He has posted on the Internet a few stories with pictures about trips to Karelia and the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It ’ s elementary .
I ’ ve witnessed how over the recent decade many historical monuments have vanished , and many more will do so in near future .
This is why I want to keep memories about what we have now , to highlight problems , to make a catalogue , to stir interest and to attract tourists to the Pskov Region , '' Dmitry said .
Some objects are missing already , just because nowadays have gone those who could have told us about them .
`` This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Lovozero tundras for five or six days .
Those are incredibly scenic places with a touch of fairy tales .
We shall enjoy the natural beauty striving for places , where the road would fade away behind another turning . ''

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Over 25 years that Dmitry Novikov has been in tourism, he sank on kayaks, turned over on river rapids, burned in wildfires, fell off rocks, dug out a car, towed friends, lost directions on a foggy plateau, and repaired both equipment and himself. Nevertheless, he does not stop and plans new unusual and adventurous routes. "It’s a weird wild fear, when at night on the White Sea shore, from the taiga you can smell a bear. Or when early in the morning you hear a growling lynx near the tent," Dmitry said. "Frankly, those are just inconveniences any traveler may experience." What is over there? Interests develop since childhood, he continued, adding his favorite authors were Mayne Reid, Fenimore Cooper, and Jules Verne. "Later on, the preferences widened, though the focus remained on adventures," Novikov said. "Since early childhood I was curious to find out - what’s there behind the granny’s fence, behind that house, across that river."
When at school and at the university, he went hiking to gain the experience which later on would be so helpful. First big traveling was after the university, and water adventures have always been the top attraction. Over 17 years, he has covered more than 3,500 kilometers along waters and lakes, mostly on kayaks. Hiking and skiing routes were no less enjoyable. "My career made me travel across Russia - from Belarus to the Far East, as I put it," he continued. "Yakutia, the Amur, Siberia, the Urals, the Khanty-Mansi, the Yamalo-Nenets regions, and whenever I traveled I visited as many places as I could. I’ve been to Lake Baikal twice, swam in Buryatia’s thermal waters, climbed the East Sayan and the Urals. A certain milestone was driving my own car across the Altai in 2009." In 2011, he returned to the Mountainous Altai. "Successful trips to the Mountainous Altai gave considerable confidence in my own abilities and the valuable experience for driving trips in other directions," Dmitry said. The first expedition north of the Arctic Circle In 2012, he planned a trip to the Kola Peninsula. A big trip: 5,500 kilometers within 18 days. "It was due to my curiosity - I haven’t seen the tundra, or the Barents and White Seas, never climbed ridges north of the Arctic Circle," the traveler said. "Back then, I couldn’t imagine how those places would "grasp" me or what would come of that experience." Dmitry could not resist sharing impressions and wrote about that expedition in his first story - The Attraction of High Latitudes. "Eight years later, reading that story, I can see the excitement, the joy from what I saw there," he said with a smile. "Later stories about trips were more reserved and thoughtful." Karelia’s north and the Kola Peninsula are incredibly rich. Within one trip you may see the tundra, the Khibiny tops covered with snow, you may walk the forests and swamps, get stuck in the sand in the northernmost desert near Kuzomen, you may fish in quiet brooks or in stormy rivers, or swim in the tart-salty waters of the Barents Sea or stand enjoying waterfall streams. The Arctic Dmitry hesitated to name just one destination in the Arctic. "For example, speaking about the Kola Peninsula, I’d mention the Sredny and Rybachi peninsulas, the Khibiny, the Lovozero tundras, the White Sea’s Ter shore. Every trip leaves most different impressions and emotions." "During the Blue Mountains Winds expedition in late September, 2015, I returned from the Arkhangelsk Region to Karelia across the Vetrenyi Poyas Ridge. It is a unique place, aged about 2.5-2.4 billion years, scientists say. I could take either route: a regular long route, but in that case I was running late for a wedding party of my friends, or a route across the taiga following a navigator - it was more than twice shorter." He risked. The biggest obstacle was the Leksa. One of the bridges was ruined, and the traveler did not have any information about wading. He walked across the river a few times, plotted necessary directions, inserted a few poles, and removed several tree trunks from the water. He drove into the river very accurately and smoothly. "Everything went fine until I got into the main current. The car’s back moved to follow the current. A few moments were, so to say, unpleasant, until the back wheels grabbed the bottom. Finally, I rushed ashore." He made it to the wedding party that time. On another occasion, when Dmitry stayed overnight in a tent, he woke up from a feeling somebody was nearby. "For some time I listened to accurate steps around the tent, and then I heard hissing and growling. The beast somehow sensed I was awake. It was a lynx that clearly wasn't going to retreat." It occurred to Dmitry, he had left some food at the entrance, and the beast could’ve felt it. Luckily, his off-road was nearby, and Dmitry turned on the alarm, which repelled the animal. Its fear was above hunger and curiosity. 'Unpopular Pskov' Dmitry tells many stories about numerous adventures in his native Pskov Region, famous for its Kremlin, Izborsk, the Pskov-Pechory Monastery, and, of course, the Pushkinskiye Gory (or Pushkin Hills).
Read also Human capital in the Arctic: what incentives Russian regions expect


tass--2020-09-25--Putin: Russia, US must reach agreement on incident prevention in cyberspace

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks that Russia and the US need to reach an agreement on incident prevention in the cybersphere .
`` To jointly develop and conclude a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on preventing incidents in the information space similarly to the Soviet-American Agreement on the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas in force since May 25 , 1972 , '' Putin ’ s statement on a comprehensive program of measures for restoring the Russia - US cooperation in the field of international information security reads .
The text of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov , whose speech was uploaded to the Kremlin website on Friday .
Vladimir Putin proposed launching a bilateral expert dialogue on the international cybersecurity instead of making this sphere ' a hostage to political disagreements . '
`` We call on the US to greenlight the Russian-American professional expert dialogue on IIS without making it a hostage to our political disagreements . ''
The president described the possibility of a large-scale confrontation emerging in the digital sphere as one of the major challenges the modern world is facing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic challenges is the risk of a large-scale confrontation in the digital field . ''
The president has called on the countries of the world to reach a global agreement on no-first-strike in relation to cyberattacks .
`` Addressing all countries , including the US , we suggest reaching global agreement on a political commitment of States on no-first-strike with the use of ICTs against each other , '' he noted .
Russia and the United States both need guarantees of non-interference in each other 's internal affairs , Vladimir Putin stated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acceptable format , guarantees of non-intervention into internal affairs of each other , including into electoral processes , inter alia , by means of the ICTs and high-tech methods . ''

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks that Russia and the US need to reach an agreement on incident prevention in the cybersphere.
"To jointly develop and conclude a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on preventing incidents in the information space similarly to the Soviet-American Agreement on the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the High Seas in force since May 25, 1972," Putin’s statement on a comprehensive program of measures for restoring the Russia - US cooperation in the field of international information security reads. The text of Putin's statement was read out by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose speech was uploaded to the Kremlin website on Friday.
Vladimir Putin proposed launching a bilateral expert dialogue on the international cybersecurity instead of making this sphere 'a hostage to political disagreements.' "We call on the US to greenlight the Russian-American professional expert dialogue on IIS without making it a hostage to our political disagreements."
The president described the possibility of a large-scale confrontation emerging in the digital sphere as one of the major challenges the modern world is facing. "One of today’s major strategic challenges is the risk of a large-scale confrontation in the digital field."
The president has called on the countries of the world to reach a global agreement on no-first-strike in relation to cyberattacks. "Addressing all countries, including the US, we suggest reaching global agreement on a political commitment of States on no-first-strike with the use of ICTs against each other," he noted.
Non-interference
Russia and the United States both need guarantees of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, Vladimir Putin stated. "To exchange, in a mutually acceptable format, guarantees of non-intervention into internal affairs of each other, including into electoral processes, inter alia, by means of the ICTs and high-tech methods."


tass--2020-09-25--Black Sea Fleet ships hit targets with artillery fire during Kavkaz-2020 exercise

`` Artillery fire was conducted against missile targets launched from two small anti-submarine ships - The Muromets and The Suzdalets , '' the Defense Ministry said , adding that some air targets were dropped from amphibious planes Be-200 and Black Sea Fleet ’ s air defense aircraft .
Artillery fire with Duet systems of the complex AK-630 was conducted by crews of the missile cruiser The Moskva , small missile ships The Vyshny Volochyok and The Orekhovo-Zuyevo , and four missile boats : the Naberezhnyie Chelny , The Ivanovets , the Shuya and R-60 .
The Kavkaz-2020 drills , running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov , are underway in Russia ’ s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas .
The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel , including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard .
Furthermore , this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia , Belarus , China , Myanmar and Pakistan .
Representatives from Azerbaijan , Indonesia , Iran , Kazakhstan , Tajikistan and Sri Lanka are participating as observers , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s top brass said that roughly 250 tanks , up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs , as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems were set to be used in the exercise on firing grounds .
About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures .

"Artillery fire was conducted against missile targets launched from two small anti-submarine ships - The Muromets and The Suzdalets," the Defense Ministry said, adding that some air targets were dropped from amphibious planes Be-200 and Black Sea Fleet’s air defense aircraft.
Artillery fire with Duet systems of the complex AK-630 was conducted by crews of the missile cruiser The Moskva, small missile ships The Vyshny Volochyok and The Orekhovo-Zuyevo, and four missile boats: the Naberezhnyie Chelny, The Ivanovets, the Shuya and R-60.
The Kavkaz-2020 drills, running from September 21- 26, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, are underway in Russia’s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas. The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel, including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard. Furthermore, this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka are participating as observers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. In addition, Russia’s top brass said that roughly 250 tanks, up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs, as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems were set to be used in the exercise on firing grounds. About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures.


tass--2020-09-25--Tornado-G fires 500 rockets in 20 seconds to hit targets during Kavkaz exercise

PRUDBOI PROVING GROUND /Volgograd Region/ , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
More than 20 multiple rocket launchers Tornado-G destroyed a hypothetical enemy ’ s armor at the Prudboi proving ground near Volgograd during the Kavkaz-2020 exercise , the Defense Ministry told the media on Friday .
`` Rocket artillery of the Southern Military District ’ s mechanized infantry attacked a hypothetical enemy ’ s armor with more than 20 multiple rocket systems Tornado-G to hit more than 15 armored targets , '' the Defense Ministry said .
The targets were attacked at a distance of more than 20 kilometers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were fired , with drones monitoring fire accuracy .
The Kavkaz-2020 drills , running from September 21- 26 , led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov , are underway in Russia ’ s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas .
The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel , including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard .
Furthermore , this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia , Belarus , China , Myanmar and Pakistan .
Representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kazakhstan , Tajikistan and Sri Lanka are participating as observers , according to the Russian Defense Ministry .
In addition , Russia ’ s top brass said that roughly 250 tanks , up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs , as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems were set to be used in the exercise on firing grounds .
About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures .

PRUDBOI PROVING GROUND /Volgograd Region/, September 25. /TASS/. More than 20 multiple rocket launchers Tornado-G destroyed a hypothetical enemy’s armor at the Prudboi proving ground near Volgograd during the Kavkaz-2020 exercise, the Defense Ministry told the media on Friday.
"Rocket artillery of the Southern Military District’s mechanized infantry attacked a hypothetical enemy’s armor with more than 20 multiple rocket systems Tornado-G to hit more than 15 armored targets," the Defense Ministry said.
The targets were attacked at a distance of more than 20 kilometers. In just 20 seconds about 500 rockets were fired, with drones monitoring fire accuracy.
The Kavkaz-2020 drills, running from September 21- 26, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, are underway in Russia’s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas. The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel, including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard. Furthermore, this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka are participating as observers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. In addition, Russia’s top brass said that roughly 250 tanks, up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs, as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems were set to be used in the exercise on firing grounds. About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures.


tass--2020-09-25--Russia does not plan to introduce stricter COVID-19 measures so far — Kremlin

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is not planning to introduce more serious restrictions to combat the spread @ @ @ @ @ far , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
`` As far as @ @ @ @ @ is not being discussed right now , '' he said , answering a question on @ @ @ @ @ required in Russia to curb the spread of the epidemic .
`` We note a @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , the measures taken to mobilize the healthcare system in @ @ @ @ @ help us maintain a more controlled regime when the pandemic manifests itself , '' Peskov @ @

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russia is not planning to introduce more serious restrictions to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic so far, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
"As far as I am aware, this is not being discussed right now," he said, answering a question on whether stricter measures would be required in Russia to curb the spread of the epidemic.
"We note a certain rise in infected persons. At the same time, the measures taken to mobilize the healthcare system in Moscow and in the regions help us maintain a more controlled regime when the pandemic manifests itself," Peskov said.


tass--2020-09-25--New probe launched into possible poisoning of Magnitsky

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian investigators have launched a new probe into the case of Hermitage Capital auditor Sergei Magnitsky to check the version claiming that a poisoning agent might have caused his death , Nikolai Gorokhov , attorney representing Magnitsky ’ s mother , informed TASS .
`` Currently , the investigation is conducting a new probe into the Magnitsky case .
We have not been acquainted with the materials of the probe , however , I think that it is related to the version of the lawyer ’ s poisoning by a military-grade poisoning agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press conference at the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office in 2018 , '' the attorney said .
In late November 2018 , Alexander Kurennoi , who held the position of the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office spokesman at that time , said during a briefing that there are grounds to consider the version of Sergei Magnitsky ’ s poisoning by chemical agents containing aluminum as `` likely . ''
The spokesman said that the probes carried out by that time suggested that the poisoning could have taken place .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an executive partner at the Firestone Duncan audit company and an auditor at Hermitage Capiital , was detained on charges of complicity in tax evasion .
On November 26 , Moscow ’ s Tverskoi District Court put him in custody .
In October 2009 , Magnitsky and Hermitage Capital founder William Browder were charged with tax evasion estimated at 522 mln rubles ( $ 7.9 mln ) .
Having spent 11 months at the Butyrka pre-trial detention center , Magnitsky eventually died on November 16 , 2009 .
The criminal case against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 , due to his death .
On November 19 , 2018 , the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office informed that criminal proceedings had been launched against Browder over the formation of a criminal community .
Besides , the investigation said that he might have been involved in the death of his partners , including Magnitsky .
He and other partners of Browder that were under criminal investigation might have been poisoned by a chemical agent containing aluminum .
It might have caused acute liver failure , which could be mistaken for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian investigators , Browder was the one most likely to benefit from Magnitsky ’ s death .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russian investigators have launched a new probe into the case of Hermitage Capital auditor Sergei Magnitsky to check the version claiming that a poisoning agent might have caused his death, Nikolai Gorokhov, attorney representing Magnitsky’s mother, informed TASS.
"Currently, the investigation is conducting a new probe into the Magnitsky case. We have not been acquainted with the materials of the probe, however, I think that it is related to the version of the lawyer’s poisoning by a military-grade poisoning agent. This version was first voiced during a press conference at the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office in 2018," the attorney said.
In late November 2018, Alexander Kurennoi, who held the position of the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office spokesman at that time, said during a briefing that there are grounds to consider the version of Sergei Magnitsky’s poisoning by chemical agents containing aluminum as "likely." The spokesman said that the probes carried out by that time suggested that the poisoning could have taken place.
On November 24, 2008, Sergei Magnitsky, an executive partner at the Firestone Duncan audit company and an auditor at Hermitage Capiital, was detained on charges of complicity in tax evasion. On November 26, Moscow’s Tverskoi District Court put him in custody. In October 2009, Magnitsky and Hermitage Capital founder William Browder were charged with tax evasion estimated at 522 mln rubles ($7.9 mln). Having spent 11 months at the Butyrka pre-trial detention center, Magnitsky eventually died on November 16, 2009. The criminal case against Magnitsky was dismissed on November 30, 2009, due to his death.
On November 19, 2018, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office informed that criminal proceedings had been launched against Browder over the formation of a criminal community. Besides, the investigation said that he might have been involved in the death of his partners, including Magnitsky. He and other partners of Browder that were under criminal investigation might have been poisoned by a chemical agent containing aluminum. It might have caused acute liver failure, which could be mistaken for death from natural causes. According to Russian investigators, Browder was the one most likely to benefit from Magnitsky’s death.