tass--2020-10-02--German Ambassador says hopes Moscow, Berlin to restore lost trust soon

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
German Ambassador to Moscow Geza Andreas von Geyr expressed his hope that Russia and Germany would be able to restore the mutual trust they have lost recently in his speech , dedicated to the German Unity Day , published on the German Embassy ’ s website Friday .
`` We celebrate our national holiday at a time when Russian-German relations are , in words of Foreign Minister [ Heiko ] Maas , are under ‘ dark clouds.
’ I would like to say clearly today : yes , the governments of our countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the last years and months , a lot of trust has been lost .
I very much hope that it would be possible to restore it soon , '' the envoy said .
He noted that good cooperation is in the interest of both nations , who need common approaches for solving pressing issues and conflicts in the world .
`` Reliable respect for human rights and international law remains a necessary condition [ for that ] , '' he added .
Meanwhile , von Geyr pointed out the special closeness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Germany , which he observed repeatedly during his service as an envoy .
The diplomat also added that the two countries are connected by close economic , scientific and cultural ties : over 4,000 German companies work in Russia , providing over 140,000 jobs ; besides , over 1,000 partnership agreements have been signed between the two countries ’ universities .
The unification of the two Germanies took place on October 3 , 1990 .
Starting in 1991 , this day is celebrated as a national holiday - the German Unity @ @

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. German Ambassador to Moscow Geza Andreas von Geyr expressed his hope that Russia and Germany would be able to restore the mutual trust they have lost recently in his speech, dedicated to the German Unity Day, published on the German Embassy’s website Friday.
"We celebrate our national holiday at a time when Russian-German relations are, in words of Foreign Minister [Heiko] Maas, are under ‘dark clouds.’ I would like to say clearly today: yes, the governments of our countries have significant disagreements on very substantial issues. During the last years and months, a lot of trust has been lost. I very much hope that it would be possible to restore it soon," the envoy said.
He noted that good cooperation is in the interest of both nations, who need common approaches for solving pressing issues and conflicts in the world.
"Reliable respect for human rights and international law remains a necessary condition [for that]," he added.
Meanwhile, von Geyr pointed out the special closeness and mutual sympathy of the people of Russia and Germany, which he observed repeatedly during his service as an envoy. The diplomat also added that the two countries are connected by close economic, scientific and cultural ties: over 4,000 German companies work in Russia, providing over 140,000 jobs; besides, over 1,000 partnership agreements have been signed between the two countries’ universities.
The unification of the two Germanies took place on October 3, 1990. Starting in 1991, this day is celebrated as a national holiday - the German Unity Day.


tass--2020-10-02--Armenian PM discusses situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with French president

YEREVAN , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with French President Emmanuel Macron and the two leaders stressed the inadmissibility of involving foreign terrorists into the conflict , the press service of the Armenian government said on Friday after their telephone conversation .
`` Pashinyan and Macron discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the ongoing hostilities there .
The Armenian prime minister thanked the French side for the principled and constructive approach on the inadmissibility of unleashing a warfare .
The side also stressed that it is inadmissible to involve foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the press service said .
According to the press service , the French president stressed the importance of immediate cessation of hostilities and resumption of the negotiating process in line with the statement of the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair nations .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
On October 1 , Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France , as the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair nations issued a statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The leaders resolutely condemned the current escalation along the contact line in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and called for immediate cessation of hostilities .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, October 2. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with French President Emmanuel Macron and the two leaders stressed the inadmissibility of involving foreign terrorists into the conflict, the press service of the Armenian government said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"Pashinyan and Macron discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the ongoing hostilities there. The Armenian prime minister thanked the French side for the principled and constructive approach on the inadmissibility of unleashing a warfare. The side also stressed that it is inadmissible to involve foreign terrorists and militants into combat operations," the press service said.
According to the press service, the French president stressed the importance of immediate cessation of hostilities and resumption of the negotiating process in line with the statement of the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair nations.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
On October 1, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France, as the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair nations issued a statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The leaders resolutely condemned the current escalation along the contact line in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and called for immediate cessation of hostilities.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-02--MICEX, RTS indexes falling as trading day ended

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian market indexes ended the trading session on Friday in the red under pressure of falling oil prices and the negative mood on international floors .
The MOEX Russia Index declined by 1.29 % to 2,852.42 points by the close of business on the Moscow Exchange .
The RTS index fell by 2.25 % to 1,148.07 points .
The dollar grew by 1.1 % against the ruble to 78.19 rubles .
The euro gained 0.84 % and amounted to 91.59 rubles .
Brent oil futures with delivery in December lost 3.08 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ICE today .
`` WHO statistics on the coronavirus cases rate globally continues worsening .
The geopolitical picture also remains challenging .
The situations in Belarus and South Caucasus keep the upside for indirect pressure on the ruble assets , while upcoming elections in the US and the positive COVID-19 test of [ US President Donald ] Trump added anxiety to the overall mood , '' Alexander Bakhtin from BCS Premier says in a comment .
The forecast range for the MOEX Russia Index is 2,780-2,930 points , BCS Premier says .
Chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the red on Monday , Alexander Osin from Freedom Finance says in a comment .
According to Freedom Finance , the target closing level for the MOEX Russia Index on Monday is 2,820-2,890 points .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Russian market indexes ended the trading session on Friday in the red under pressure of falling oil prices and the negative mood on international floors. The MOEX Russia Index declined by 1.29% to 2,852.42 points by the close of business on the Moscow Exchange. The RTS index fell by 2.25% to 1,148.07 points.
The dollar grew by 1.1% against the ruble to 78.19 rubles. The euro gained 0.84% and amounted to 91.59 rubles.
Brent oil futures with delivery in December lost 3.08% to $39.67 a barrel on the London-based ICE today.
"WHO statistics on the coronavirus cases rate globally continues worsening. The geopolitical picture also remains challenging. The situations in Belarus and South Caucasus keep the upside for indirect pressure on the ruble assets, while upcoming elections in the US and the positive COVID-19 test of [US President Donald] Trump added anxiety to the overall mood," Alexander Bakhtin from BCS Premier says in a comment. The forecast range for the MOEX Russia Index is 2,780-2,930 points, BCS Premier says.
Chances prevail that the Russian stock market will be in the red on Monday, Alexander Osin from Freedom Finance says in a comment. According to Freedom Finance, the target closing level for the MOEX Russia Index on Monday is 2,820-2,890 points.


tass--2020-10-02--Yerevan to furnish CSTO with evidence of Azerbaijan’s aggression - defense ministry

YEREVAN , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia will furnish the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) with evidence of Azerbaijan ’ s aggression against it , Armenian defense ministry spokesman , Artsrun Hovhannisyan , said on Friday .
`` We will submit to the CSTO evidence of Azerbaijan ’ s aggression against Armenia , '' he told a briefing .
The Ministry of Defense of Armenia reported that all enemy attacks in Nagorno Karabakh were deflected .
`` Difficult fights continue at the southern and northern directions of the contact line .
We mostly conduct defensive fights , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different direction .
Our fighters deflect all enemy attacks , '' Armenian Defense Ministry representative Artsrun Honvhannisyan said .
According to the representative , some enemy planes were destroyed while still on the ground .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them civilians .
On October 1 , Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France , as the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair nations issued a statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The leaders resolutely condemned the current escalation along the contact line in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and called for immediate cessation of hostilities .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, October 2. /TASS/. Armenia will furnish the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) with evidence of Azerbaijan’s aggression against it, Armenian defense ministry spokesman, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, said on Friday.
"We will submit to the CSTO evidence of Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia," he told a briefing.
The Ministry of Defense of Armenia reported that all enemy attacks in Nagorno Karabakh were deflected.
"Difficult fights continue at the southern and northern directions of the contact line. We mostly conduct defensive fights, but in some places, fights takes a different direction. Our fighters deflect all enemy attacks," Armenian Defense Ministry representative Artsrun Honvhannisyan said.
According to the representative, some enemy planes were destroyed while still on the ground.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
On October 1, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France, as the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair nations issued a statement on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The leaders resolutely condemned the current escalation along the contact line in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and called for immediate cessation of hostilities.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-02--Divorce rate in Russia up 8.7% YOY in August

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The divorce rate in Russia rose by 8.7 % annually in August 2020 @ @ @ @ @ ( Rosstat ) reported on Friday .
According to Rosstat , 57,994 divorces were formalized @ @ @ @ @ compared to 53,376 in August 2019 .
116,921 marriages were registered in August of this @ @ @ @ @ in the like period of 2019 .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The divorce rate in Russia rose by 8.7% annually in August 2020, the Federal Statistics Service (Rosstat) reported on Friday.
According to Rosstat, 57,994 divorces were formalized in the reporting period, compared to 53,376 in August 2019.
116,921 marriages were registered in August of this year, compared to 133,217 in the like period of 2019.


tass--2020-10-02--All key cooperation mechanisms wrecked by Lithuanian authorities - Russian ambassador

VILNIUS , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
All basic mechanisms of the Russian-Lithuanian bilateral cooperation are not working because Vilnius is sparing no effort to ruin them , Russian Ambassador to Lithuania Alexander Udaltsov said on Friday .
`` The Lithuanian authorities have practically wrecked all key mechanisms of cooperation , presenting it as a kind of `` punishment '' for Russia , '' he said in an interview with the Russian-language Express-nedelya weekly .
Thus , the work of the intergovernmental commission of trade-and-economic , scientific-and-technical , humanitarian and cultural ties , and the council on long-term cooperation between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Kaliningrad region and Lithuania has been stalled .
Vilnius is even dodging signing generally accepted bilateral agreements in the spheres of culture , science , education and sports .
`` Relations between our countries have become a hostage to the activities , last but not least , of the Lithuanian foreign ministry , '' the ambassador said .
But , in his words , despite Vilnius ’ policy towards distancing from Russia in all spheres , Russia is still Lithuania ’ s number one trade partner .
And as for Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its foreign trade .
`` The lack of dialogue and deliberate worsening of bilateral ties have hit the Lithuanian side even more .
Peanut politics always have their price and consequences , '' Udaltsov stressed .
According to the Russian diplomat , Moscow is ready for building relations with Lithuania on the basis of respect to sovereignty , pragmatism , predictability , non-confrontational advocacy of national interests , and non-interference into each other ’ s domestic affairs .
But this movement should be reciprocal , he noted .
`` Corresponding intention is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it so far , '' he said .
`` I say ‘ so far ’ because the partners ’ behavior may tell on the viability of this term .
But the Lithuanian side seems to have none .
`` .

VILNIUS, October 2. /TASS/. All basic mechanisms of the Russian-Lithuanian bilateral cooperation are not working because Vilnius is sparing no effort to ruin them, Russian Ambassador to Lithuania Alexander Udaltsov said on Friday.
"The Lithuanian authorities have practically wrecked all key mechanisms of cooperation, presenting it as a kind of "punishment" for Russia," he said in an interview with the Russian-language Express-nedelya weekly.
Thus, the work of the intergovernmental commission of trade-and-economic, scientific-and-technical, humanitarian and cultural ties, and the council on long-term cooperation between regional and local authorities of Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Lithuania has been stalled. Vilnius is even dodging signing generally accepted bilateral agreements in the spheres of culture, science, education and sports. "Relations between our countries have become a hostage to the activities, last but not least, of the Lithuanian foreign ministry," the ambassador said.
But, in his words, despite Vilnius’ policy towards distancing from Russia in all spheres, Russia is still Lithuania’s number one trade partner. And as for Russia, Lithuania accounts for mere 0.6% of its foreign trade. "The lack of dialogue and deliberate worsening of bilateral ties have hit the Lithuanian side even more. Peanut politics always have their price and consequences," Udaltsov stressed.
According to the Russian diplomat, Moscow is ready for building relations with Lithuania on the basis of respect to sovereignty, pragmatism, predictability, non-confrontational advocacy of national interests, and non-interference into each other’s domestic affairs. But this movement should be reciprocal, he noted.
"Corresponding intention is needed on both sides. We do have it so far," he said. "I say ‘so far’ because the partners’ behavior may tell on the viability of this term. But the Lithuanian side seems to have none.".


tass--2020-10-02--Yerevan reports three Azerbaijani missile strikes on Nagorno-Karabakh’s Stepanakert

YEREVAN , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Armenian government united information center reported three Azerbaijani missile strikes on Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ `` Azerbaijan conducted three heavy missile strikes on Stepanakert , '' the message says .
@ @ @ @ @ Public Television of Armenia indicates that missile strikes have hit residential areas of Stepanakert .
@ @ @ @ @ Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of @ @ @ @ @ flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past @ @ @ @ @ have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have @ @ @ @ @ civilians .

YEREVAN, October 2. /TASS/. The Armenian government united information center reported three Azerbaijani missile strikes on Nagorno-Karabakh city of Stepanakert Friday.
"Azerbaijan conducted three heavy missile strikes on Stepanakert," the message says.
A footage aired by the Public Television of Armenia indicates that missile strikes have hit residential areas of Stepanakert.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-02--US’s Biden says COVID-19 test returned negative result

NEW YORK , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
US Presidential candidate Joe Biden announced Friday that he and his spouse @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I ’ m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative @ @ @ @ @ tweeted Friday .

NEW YORK, October 2. /TASS/. US Presidential candidate Joe Biden announced Friday that he and his spouse Jill tested negatively for COVID-19.
"I’m happy to report that Jill and I have tested negative for COVID," he tweeted Friday.


tass--2020-10-02--Oil prices may drop to $36-38/bbl due to second wave of coronavirus, experts say

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil prices lost almost 15 % from the start of fall and dropped below $ 40 per barrel in early October .
Prices are driven by the epidemiological recurrence , prompting countries across the globe to reinstate lockdown measures to a certain degree , experts questioned by TASS say .
Nevertheless , the spring scenario with oil prices falling below $ 25 per barrel is unlikely , analysts say .
This is owing to several reasons , including the strong reduction of oil production globally .
China , the strongest trigger for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in the sickness rate now , Alexei Kalachev from Finam says .
`` The factor of China will not work now , even considering imports slowdown .
They managed to procure oil during the low prices period , '' the analyst says .
`` If the scenario of abrupt demand and prices drop is implemented , OPEC+ will be able to respond quicker and adjust supplies .
Therefore , such a collapse as in March - April will probably be managed to be avoided , even if the epidemiological situation continues worsening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Large-scale lockdowns will be probably avoided this time because governments will endeavor to use pinpoint measures , he says .
`` Crude oil remains challenged by weaker fundamentals as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to slow the recovery in demand , while at the same time OPEC+ is struggling to keep production down following the resumption of exports from Libya .
Overall however oil is doing reasonably well and probably could have traded somewhat lower if it wasn ’ t for the support coming from a continued slowdown in US oil production , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Oil and gas executives said they needed the price of $ 50 per barrel or higher on WTI before considering increasing the number of oil rigs in a recent survey carried out by the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank , Hansen noted .
`` With the price well below that level we suspect that US production could weaken further over the coming months .
Adding to this the risk of OPEC+ surprising the market with new initiatives to support the price of oil , '' the analyst said .
Saxo Bank expects Brent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter of 2020 within the range of $ 38 to $ 48 per barrel .
The oil price may drop even to $ 36 a barrel , Kalachev from Finam noted .
Experts do not expect the demand and prices recovery earlier than 2021 or 2022 .
`` Oil prices are going to remain low until a vaccine is made widely available , something that may easily take another 12 months .
On that basis a meaningful recovery in the price of oil and demand may not occur until last 2021 or into @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Brent oil prices lost almost 15% from the start of fall and dropped below $40 per barrel in early October. Prices are driven by the epidemiological recurrence, prompting countries across the globe to reinstate lockdown measures to a certain degree, experts questioned by TASS say.
Nevertheless, the spring scenario with oil prices falling below $25 per barrel is unlikely, analysts say. This is owing to several reasons, including the strong reduction of oil production globally. China, the strongest trigger for demand plummeting, does not demonstrate an increase in the sickness rate now, Alexei Kalachev from Finam says. "The factor of China will not work now, even considering imports slowdown. They managed to procure oil during the low prices period," the analyst says.
"If the scenario of abrupt demand and prices drop is implemented, OPEC+ will be able to respond quicker and adjust supplies. Therefore, such a collapse as in March - April will probably be managed to be avoided, even if the epidemiological situation continues worsening," Dmitry Marinchenko from Fitch says. Large-scale lockdowns will be probably avoided this time because governments will endeavor to use pinpoint measures, he says.
"Crude oil remains challenged by weaker fundamentals as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to slow the recovery in demand, while at the same time OPEC+ is struggling to keep production down following the resumption of exports from Libya. Overall however oil is doing reasonably well and probably could have traded somewhat lower if it wasn’t for the support coming from a continued slowdown in US oil production," Ole Hansen from Saxo Bank says.
Oil and gas executives said they needed the price of $50 per barrel or higher on WTI before considering increasing the number of oil rigs in a recent survey carried out by the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, Hansen noted. "With the price well below that level we suspect that US production could weaken further over the coming months. Adding to this the risk of OPEC+ surprising the market with new initiatives to support the price of oil," the analyst said.
Saxo Bank expects Brent oil will be traded in the fourth quarter of 2020 within the range of $38 to $48 per barrel. The oil price may drop even to $36 a barrel, Kalachev from Finam noted. Experts do not expect the demand and prices recovery earlier than 2021 or 2022.
"Oil prices are going to remain low until a vaccine is made widely available, something that may easily take another 12 months. On that basis a meaningful recovery in the price of oil and demand may not occur until last 2021 or into 2022," Ole Hansen added.


tass--2020-10-02--UK refuses to cooperate with Russia on Health Ministry level, says envoy

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia received a negative response from the UK to its request to establish bilateral ties on the Ministries of Health level , Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin said at the Russia Talk online forum Friday .
The diplomat pointed out the importance of ties between ministries amid the pandemic .
`` By the way , we sent a request to the UK Department of Health , but , alas , the response we received was negative , '' Kelin said .
The diplomat noted , however , that some dialogue in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , we cooperate with [ UK-Swedish ] AstraZeneca .
We had information that we will produce one of the vaccines on one of our Novosibirsk plants in cooperation with AstraZeneca , if I ’ m not mistaken .
But this is only a part of potential cooperation , '' the envoy said .
The diplomat underscored that Russia does not seek to advertise or politicize its Sputnik-V vaccine .
At the same time , it is regrettable , Kelin said , that EU programs do not involve cooperation on procurement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I must say that we are entirely open to this cooperation , because this is the first vaccine after all .
We do not make it any kind of competition here , '' he said .
According to the envoy , `` the most important thing is to achieve a turning point in incidence , a breakthrough in countering this disease .
`` .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Russia received a negative response from the UK to its request to establish bilateral ties on the Ministries of Health level, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin said at the Russia Talk online forum Friday.
The diplomat pointed out the importance of ties between ministries amid the pandemic.
"By the way, we sent a request to the UK Department of Health, but, alas, the response we received was negative," Kelin said.
The diplomat noted, however, that some dialogue in this field goes on regardless.
"Of course, we cooperate with [UK-Swedish] AstraZeneca. We had information that we will produce one of the vaccines on one of our Novosibirsk plants in cooperation with AstraZeneca, if I’m not mistaken. But this is only a part of potential cooperation," the envoy said.
The diplomat underscored that Russia does not seek to advertise or politicize its Sputnik-V vaccine. At the same time, it is regrettable, Kelin said, that EU programs do not involve cooperation on procurement and joint research of this Russian vaccine.
"I must say that we are entirely open to this cooperation, because this is the first vaccine after all. We do not make it any kind of competition here," he said.
According to the envoy, "the most important thing is to achieve a turning point in incidence, a breakthrough in countering this disease.".


tass--2020-10-02--Senior Russian, UN diplomats discuss Middle East settlement

MOSCOW , October 2./TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs @ @ @ @ @ video linkup on Friday the situation in Libya , Syria , in the Persian Gulf @ @ @ @ @ East settlement , the Russian Foreign Ministry reported .
The diplomats `` exchanged opinions in @ @ @ @ @ of issues on the UN agenda including the situation in Syria , Libya , in @ @ @ @ @ well as the Middle East settlement , '' the ministry said .
The sides also @ @ @ @ @ cooperation with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs .

MOSCOW, October 2./TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin and United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo discussed via a video linkup on Friday the situation in Libya, Syria, in the Persian Gulf as well as the Middle East settlement, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported.
The diplomats "exchanged opinions in detail on a broad range of issues on the UN agenda including the situation in Syria, Libya, in the Persian Gulf zone as well as the Middle East settlement," the ministry said.
The sides also looked into Russia’s cooperation with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.


tass--2020-10-02--Turkey expects Azerbaijan to ‘liberate its territories’ in Karabakh, says Erdogan

ANKARA , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey expects Azerbaijan to `` liberate its territories '' in Nagorno-Karabakh , Turkish @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` We support the friendly and fraternal Azerbaijan in every way possible and @ @ @ @ @ it .
This struggle will continue until Karabakh is liberated from occupation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ to NTV .
Meanwhile , the Turkish President tied the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh to the @ @ @ @ @ and in Syria .
`` If we connect the crises in the Caucasus , in @ @ @ @ @ , you will see that this is an attempt to surround Turkey , '' Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed @ @ @ @ @ area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and @ @ @ @ @ and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the @ @ @ @ @ among them civilians .

ANKARA, October 2. /TASS/. Turkey expects Azerbaijan to "liberate its territories" in Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.
"We support the friendly and fraternal Azerbaijan in every way possible and we will continue to do it. This struggle will continue until Karabakh is liberated from occupation," the Turkish leader said, according to NTV.
Meanwhile, the Turkish President tied the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and in Syria.
"If we connect the crises in the Caucasus, in Syria and in the Mediterranean, you will see that this is an attempt to surround Turkey," Erdogan said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-02--Azerbaijan carries out three missile strikes against Stepanakert, says Armenian Cabinet

YEREVAN , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan 's armed forces have carried out three missile strikes against Nagorno-Karabakh 's @ @ @ @ @ information center under the Armenian Cabinet of Ministers said on Friday .
`` Azerbaijan attacked @ @ @ @ @ , '' the news release says .

YEREVAN, October 2. /TASS/. Azerbaijan's armed forces have carried out three missile strikes against Nagorno-Karabakh's capital city Stepanakert, the information center under the Armenian Cabinet of Ministers said on Friday.
"Azerbaijan attacked Stepanakert thrice with heavy missiles," the news release says.


tass--2020-10-02--EU sanctions are impermissible pressure on Belarus, Zakharova says

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The EU 's sanctions against Belarusian officials are crude pressure on the authorities , which have been working hard for the sake of normalization in the country , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary on Friday .
`` We regard this step as outright and impermissible pressure on the Belarusian authorities , which have been taking measures for the sake of domestic normalization .
Once again the EU has not said a word in support of the constitutional reform , geared to liberalizing the political system of Belarus through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not on the streets , but within the framework of the national legal space , with all strata of Belarusian society taking part . ''
She stressed that instead of displaying restraint , so crucial for stabilization in Belarus `` the EU has once again grabbed the instrument of sanctions , '' which is unilateral and illegitimate , undermines the prerogatives of the UN Security Council , and `` leads to the further erosion of international law . ''
Zakharova recalled that EU officials and representatives of its individual member-states had repeatedly vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In the meantime , the EU 's decisions and the language of threats , just as other actions taken towards Belarus testify to the opposite .
This is an obvious instance of violation of one of the key principles of the UN Charter and the OSCE Final Act signed in Helsinki - non-interference in the internal affairs , '' she said .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The EU's sanctions against Belarusian officials are crude pressure on the authorities, which have been working hard for the sake of normalization in the country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary on Friday.
"We regard this step as outright and impermissible pressure on the Belarusian authorities, which have been taking measures for the sake of domestic normalization. Once again the EU has not said a word in support of the constitutional reform, geared to liberalizing the political system of Belarus through a national dialogue. This should happen not on the streets, but within the framework of the national legal space, with all strata of Belarusian society taking part."
She stressed that instead of displaying restraint, so crucial for stabilization in Belarus "the EU has once again grabbed the instrument of sanctions," which is unilateral and illegitimate, undermines the prerogatives of the UN Security Council, and "leads to the further erosion of international law."
Zakharova recalled that EU officials and representatives of its individual member-states had repeatedly vowed that their attitude was devoid of geopolitics.
"In the meantime, the EU's decisions and the language of threats, just as other actions taken towards Belarus testify to the opposite. This is an obvious instance of violation of one of the key principles of the UN Charter and the OSCE Final Act signed in Helsinki - non-interference in the internal affairs," she said.


tass--2020-10-02--Volume of sales at Hainan duty free stores in July-September reached about $1.2 bln

HAIKOU , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Sales at Hainan duty free shops in July-September amounted to 8.61 billion yuan ( about $ 1.2 billion ) .
This indicator , according to the Haikou customs , increased by 227.5 % in annual terms .
Such high sales growth rates over the past three months were seen due an increase in the personal quota for purchases at provincial duty free shops from 30,000 to 100,000 yuan ( from $ 4,200 to $ 14,200 ) , as well as expanding the list of duty free goods from 38 to 45 positions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ million customers visited Hainan 's duty free shops , which is by 62 % more than in the same period last year .
The top-3 most popular categories of goods in terms of the number of units sold included cosmetics , perfumery and jewelry , sales of which amounted to 83.5 % , 4.9 % and 1.7 % , respectively , of the total volume of products sold .
When evaluating the popularity of goods by the amount of purchase , the first three places were taken by cosmetics , watches and jewelry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not only helping to turn Hainan into an international center for tourism and consumption , but is also helping to build the island 's free trade port .
There are currently four duty free shops on the island : two of them are located in the provincial capital , Haikou , and the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao .
Last week , the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya .
Duty-free shops are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promote international tourism in Hainan .
By the end of this year , it is planned to open three more new duty-free shops .
The authorities explained the need to increase the number of duty free shops in the province by the growing number of tourists and the high demand for duty-free goods .
All three new stores will be located in the resort town of Sanya .
One of them will open at the airport , and the other two — in the suburbs .

HAIKOU, October 2. /TASS/. Sales at Hainan duty free shops in July-September amounted to 8.61 billion yuan (about $ 1.2 billion). This indicator, according to the Haikou customs, increased by 227.5% in annual terms.
Such high sales growth rates over the past three months were seen due an increase in the personal quota for purchases at provincial duty free shops from 30,000 to 100,000 yuan (from $ 4,200 to $ 14,200), as well as expanding the list of duty free goods from 38 to 45 positions.
During this period, more than 1.2 million customers visited Hainan's duty free shops, which is by 62% more than in the same period last year. The top-3 most popular categories of goods in terms of the number of units sold included cosmetics, perfumery and jewelry, sales of which amounted to 83.5%, 4.9% and 1.7%, respectively, of the total volume of products sold. When evaluating the popularity of goods by the amount of purchase, the first three places were taken by cosmetics, watches and jewelry.
The province's duty free policy is not only helping to turn Hainan into an international center for tourism and consumption, but is also helping to build the island's free trade port.
There are currently four duty free shops on the island: two of them are located in the provincial capital, Haikou, and the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao. Last week, the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya.
Duty-free shops are part of the government's plan to promote international tourism in Hainan. By the end of this year, it is planned to open three more new duty-free shops. The authorities explained the need to increase the number of duty free shops in the province by the growing number of tourists and the high demand for duty-free goods. All three new stores will be located in the resort town of Sanya. One of them will open at the airport, and the other two — in the suburbs.


tass--2020-10-02--WHO urges against harsh restrictions amid growing COVID-19 incidence in Russia

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic cautioned against repeat introduction @ @ @ @ @ country amid growing COVID-19 incidence .
`` The local authorities know the current epidemiological situation @ @ @ @ @ lockdown must be avoided at all costs .
People must realize and bear their personal @ @ @ @ @ distance , disinfect hands , wear masks .
This is also a business ’ s @ @ @ @ @ clients , to increase distance between them and so on .
Local restrictions may be @ @ @ @ @ of course , we can not rule out introduction of other necessary measures , '' @ @ @ @ @ for Forbes published Friday .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The World Health Organization representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic cautioned against repeat introduction of harsh restrictions in the country amid growing COVID-19 incidence.
"The local authorities know the current epidemiological situation better. But a major lockdown must be avoided at all costs. People must realize and bear their personal responsibility: keep maximum social distance, disinfect hands, wear masks. This is also a business’s task to protect employees and clients, to increase distance between them and so on. Local restrictions may be a solution, but, of course, we cannot rule out introduction of other necessary measures," Vujnovic said in her interview for Forbes published Friday.


tass--2020-10-02--Minsk imposes symmetrical sanctions against UK, Canadian officials

`` As we announced previously , we introduce symmetrical restrictions against a number officials of the UK and Canada , @ @ @ @ @ pointed out that Minsk noted the dualistic approach of these countries to the ongoing situation @ @ @ @ @ these countries adopted a sanctions list ; we believe these messages to be absolutely false @ @ @ @ @ , the UK and Canada introduced similar measures in 2006 ; they achieved no result @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , both sides lost time , not to mention obvious double standards between evaluation @ @ @ @ @ that of their foreign partners , '' Glaz said .
On September 29 , governments @ @ @ @ @ imposed sanctions against Belarusian president Alexander Lukahsenko and other officials , including Minister of the @ @ @ @ @ Electoral Commission head Lidiya Yermoshina , as well as Lukashenko ’ s son , Viktor @

MINSK, October 2. /TASS/. Belarus imposes symmetrical sanctions against UK and Canadian officials, Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz announced Friday.
"As we announced previously, we introduce symmetrical restrictions against a number officials of the UK and Canada," Glaz said.
He pointed out that Minsk noted the dualistic approach of these countries to the ongoing situation.
"We noted that these countries adopted a sanctions list; we believe these messages to be absolutely false and counter-productive. In particular, the UK and Canada introduced similar measures in 2006; they achieved no result and were subsequently cancelled. Meanwhile, both sides lost time, not to mention obvious double standards between evaluation of their own situation and that of their foreign partners," Glaz said.
On September 29, governments of the UK and Canada imposed sanctions against Belarusian president Alexander Lukahsenko and other officials, including Minister of the Interior Yuri Karaev and Central Electoral Commission head Lidiya Yermoshina, as well as Lukashenko’s son, Viktor.


tass--2020-10-02--Sanya airport's passenger traffic can reach 10 mln in 2020

SANYA , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The total passenger traffic of Sanya Phoenix International Airport on Hainan in 2020 is expected to exceed 10 million people , reported `` Sanya Daily '' citing the forecast of the airport 's management .
Thus , the newspaper points out , Sanya Airport for the tenth year in a row will be able to maintain the total passenger traffic at more than 10 million people .
The operation of this airport , as well as others throughout China , has been severely affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic .
The decline began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .
In July , the rate of growth in the number of flights conducted at Sanya International Airport was the highest in the country , and in August , both flights and passenger traffic began to grow .
The restoration of the airport 's normal mode was facilitated by the general improvement of the epidemiological situation in the country , the measures taken by the local authorities to build the free trade port , as well as an increase in the personal quota for the purchase of duty free goods for tourists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of transport for international traffic on Hainan .
Aviation plays a key role in building the island 's free trade port .
Since July 1 , the authorities have slashed jet fuel prices for Chinese and foreign airlines at three airports in the province : Meilan Airport in Haikou , Phoenix Airport in Sanya and Boao Air Harbor in Qionghai .
Reducing jet fuel prices will allow airlines to reduce operating costs for servicing flights , which will help develop the air transportation market on Hainan .

SANYA, October 2. /TASS/. The total passenger traffic of Sanya Phoenix International Airport on Hainan in 2020 is expected to exceed 10 million people, reported "Sanya Daily" citing the forecast of the airport's management.
Thus, the newspaper points out, Sanya Airport for the tenth year in a row will be able to maintain the total passenger traffic at more than 10 million people. The operation of this airport, as well as others throughout China, has been severely affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The decline began in January and lasted for about six months.
In July, the rate of growth in the number of flights conducted at Sanya International Airport was the highest in the country, and in August, both flights and passenger traffic began to grow. The restoration of the airport's normal mode was facilitated by the general improvement of the epidemiological situation in the country, the measures taken by the local authorities to build the free trade port, as well as an increase in the personal quota for the purchase of duty free goods for tourists.
Air transportation is the main mode of transport for international traffic on Hainan. Aviation plays a key role in building the island's free trade port. Since July 1, the authorities have slashed jet fuel prices for Chinese and foreign airlines at three airports in the province: Meilan Airport in Haikou, Phoenix Airport in Sanya and Boao Air Harbor in Qionghai. Reducing jet fuel prices will allow airlines to reduce operating costs for servicing flights, which will help develop the air transportation market on Hainan.


tass--2020-10-02--Armenian prime minister points to destabilizing role of Turkey in the region

`` During the telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin , Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan once again drew attention to the destabilizing role of Turkey in the region and its involvement in hostilities , '' it reported .
YEREVAN , October 2./TASS/ .
In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan pointed to Turkey ’ s destabilizing role in the region and its involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the press service of the Armenian Cabinet of Ministers reported on Friday .
Earlier , the Kremlin press service said that the phone call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The sides expressed concern over information about the participation of militants from the Middle East in the conflict .
`` Putin once again put an emphasis on the need for an immediate cessation of fighting and restart of political-diplomatic efforts towards the settlement of the conflict - in line with the October 1 , 2020 statement from the presidents of the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia , France and the United States ) , '' the Kremlin said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
In a joint statement on Thursday , Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions .
`` We call for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant military forces , '' the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group said in the joint statement .
`` We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations , in good faith and without preconditions , under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs , '' the statement said .

"During the telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan once again drew attention to the destabilizing role of Turkey in the region and its involvement in hostilities," it reported.
YEREVAN, October 2./TASS/. In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan pointed to Turkey’s destabilizing role in the region and its involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the press service of the Armenian Cabinet of Ministers reported on Friday.
Earlier, the Kremlin press service said that the phone call had been initiated by the Armenian side. The sides expressed concern over information about the participation of militants from the Middle East in the conflict.
"Putin once again put an emphasis on the need for an immediate cessation of fighting and restart of political-diplomatic efforts towards the settlement of the conflict - in line with the October 1, 2020 statement from the presidents of the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, France and the United States)," the Kremlin said.
Tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
In a joint statement on Thursday, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions.
"We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the relevant military forces," the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group said in the joint statement.
"We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations, in good faith and without preconditions, under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs," the statement said.


tass--2020-10-02--Putin, Pashinyan express concern over reports about militants in Nagorno-Karabakh

Putin and Pashinyan `` continued discussing the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
Both sides expressed serious concern in connection with incoming information about the involvement in hostilities of gunmen from illegal armed units from the Middle East , '' the Kremlin press service said .
The phone call was initiated by Armenia , it added .
MOSCOW , October 2./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed concerns in their phone call on Friday over reports about the participation of militants from the Middle East in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need for an immediate cessation of fighting and restart of political-diplomatic efforts towards the settlement of the conflict - in line with the October 1 , 2020 statement from the presidents of the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group ( Russia , France and the United States ) , '' the Kremlin said .
Putin and Pashinyan also agreed to continue contacts in different formats .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
In a joint statement on Thursday , Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions .
`` We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the relevant military forces , '' the co-chairs of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations , in good faith and without preconditions , under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs , '' the statement said .

Putin and Pashinyan "continued discussing the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Both sides expressed serious concern in connection with incoming information about the involvement in hostilities of gunmen from illegal armed units from the Middle East," the Kremlin press service said. The phone call was initiated by Armenia, it added.
MOSCOW, October 2./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed concerns in their phone call on Friday over reports about the participation of militants from the Middle East in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"Putin once again put an emphasis on the need for an immediate cessation of fighting and restart of political-diplomatic efforts towards the settlement of the conflict - in line with the October 1, 2020 statement from the presidents of the countries co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, France and the United States)," the Kremlin said.
Putin and Pashinyan also agreed to continue contacts in different formats.
Tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
In a joint statement on Thursday, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions.
"We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the relevant military forces," the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group said in the joint statement.
"We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations, in good faith and without preconditions, under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs," the statement said.


tass--2020-10-02--Top Belarusian legislator says current social turmoil imported from overseas

`` Our country has faced unprecedented external and internal pressure .
The protests have been brought about from the outside .
They continue to test us and subject us to unprecedented information aggression .
The fate of Belarus should and will be decided not by street protests with questionable external mediation , but the Belarusians themselves , in a civilized way and strictly within a legal framework , '' said Andreichenko as quoted by the BelTA news agency .
According to the speaker , legislators must study public opinion on constitutional reform .
`` It is evident that demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of state indicated , reforms must begin with constitutional amendments .
That is why it is very important to study public opinion on this issue in constituencies and in direct dialogue with voters , '' he said .
`` We have rigorous work ahead of us , and it must be done consistently and in a coordinated manner , '' the senior lawmaker said .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , finished second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
This unrest is being cheered on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has been beating the drum for more demonstrations .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have repeatedly castigated the turmoil and demanded that all unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

"Our country has faced unprecedented external and internal pressure. The protests have been brought about from the outside. They continue to test us and subject us to unprecedented information aggression. The fate of Belarus should and will be decided not by street protests with questionable external mediation, but the Belarusians themselves, in a civilized way and strictly within a legal framework," said Andreichenko as quoted by the BelTA news agency.
According to the speaker, legislators must study public opinion on constitutional reform. "It is evident that demand for reforms is ripe in society. As the head of state indicated, reforms must begin with constitutional amendments. That is why it is very important to study public opinion on this issue in constituencies and in direct dialogue with voters," he said. "We have rigorous work ahead of us, and it must be done consistently and in a coordinated manner," the senior lawmaker said.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, finished second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. This unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more demonstrations. In response, the Belarusian authorities have repeatedly castigated the turmoil and demanded that all unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-02--Russian Security Council Secretary meets with US National Security Advisor in Geneva

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev met with US @ @ @ @ @ ’ Brien in Geneva , the Council press service announced Friday .
`` A working @ @ @ @ @ Geneva , in a bid to normalize bilateral relations and strengthen the international security , @ @ @ @ @ said .
This is the first meeting between Patrushev and O ’ Brien ; previously @ @ @ @ @ call in April this year .
Russian Security Council disclosed at the time that various @ @ @ @ @ priority attention paid to cooperation between Russia and the US on COVID-19 pandemic prevention .
@ @ @ @ @ Brien ’ s predecessor John Bolton in Jerusalem in 2019 .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The Secretary of the Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev met with US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien in Geneva, the Council press service announced Friday.
"A working meeting took place today in Geneva, in a bid to normalize bilateral relations and strengthen the international security," Council spokesman Yevgeny Anoshin said.
This is the first meeting between Patrushev and O’Brien; previously, they had a phone call in April this year. Russian Security Council disclosed at the time that various issues were discussed, with priority attention paid to cooperation between Russia and the US on COVID-19 pandemic prevention. Patrushev met with O’Brien’s predecessor John Bolton in Jerusalem in 2019.


tass--2020-10-02--Post-registration trials of vaccine by Vector Center to begin in November-December

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Post-registration trials of a vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology will begin in November-December , the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing told TASS on Friday .
`` Post-registration clinical trials of the EpiVacCorona vaccine with participation of 5,000 volunteers will begin after the first batch of preparation is obtained , that is , in November-December 2020 .
The duration of these trials is six months , '' the press service said .
Trials will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers aged 18-60 , and then will continue in other regions .
The list of institutions participating at this stage is now being formed .
The sanitary watchdog ’ s press service added that the first batch of the vaccine of 10,000 doses is planned to be released at the end of October .
General population will obtain access to the vaccine after its mass production is launched .
`` Deliveries of the EpiVacCorona vaccine for post-registration trials will begin after its registration and the release of the first post-registration batch , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center on July 24 obtained the Healthcare Ministry ’ s permit to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine on volunteers .
The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27 .
The final group of 20 volunteers was discharged from an inpatient facility on September 8 .
Top sanitary physician Anna Popova also reported that clinical trials of the vaccine were completed on September 30 .
The registration procedure of the vaccine is planned to be completed by October 15 .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Post-registration trials of a vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology will begin in November-December, the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing told TASS on Friday.
"Post-registration clinical trials of the EpiVacCorona vaccine with participation of 5,000 volunteers will begin after the first batch of preparation is obtained, that is, in November-December 2020. The duration of these trials is six months," the press service said.
Trials will begin in the Siberian region on 5,000 volunteers aged 18-60, and then will continue in other regions. The list of institutions participating at this stage is now being formed.
The sanitary watchdog’s press service added that the first batch of the vaccine of 10,000 doses is planned to be released at the end of October. General population will obtain access to the vaccine after its mass production is launched. "Deliveries of the EpiVacCorona vaccine for post-registration trials will begin after its registration and the release of the first post-registration batch," the agency specified.
The Vector Research Center on July 24 obtained the Healthcare Ministry’s permit to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine on volunteers. The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27. The final group of 20 volunteers was discharged from an inpatient facility on September 8. Top sanitary physician Anna Popova also reported that clinical trials of the vaccine were completed on September 30. The registration procedure of the vaccine is planned to be completed by October 15.


tass--2020-10-02--Baku reports shelling of settlements near Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenian forces

BAKU , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan announced shelling of several settlements in the @ @ @ @ @ adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh , by Armenia Friday .
`` The Armenian forces shell the city @ @ @ @ @ of Shikharkh ( Terter disctrict ) and the settlement of Sogan-Verdiler ( Barda district ) @ @ @ @ @ .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles @ @ @ @ @ of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , @ @ @ @ @ past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
@ @ @ @ @ have reported casualties , among them civilians .

BAKU, October 2. /TASS/. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan announced shelling of several settlements in the Terter and Barda districts, adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh, by Armenia Friday.
"The Armenian forces shell the city of Terter, the settlement of Shikharkh (Terter disctrict) and the settlement of Sogan-Verdiler (Barda district)," the Ministry said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-02--Russia-UK trade turnover rises by 56% in first half of 2020

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of Russia-UK trade in the first half of 2020 exceeded $ 10 bln , rising by 56 % year-on-year , Head of Russia 's Chamber of Industry and Commerce Sergei Katyrin told TASS on Friday .
`` The United Kingdom has always been and remains one of the most important trading partners of Russia .
The Russia-UK economic ties have lasted for several centuries , and they have always been determined by healthy pragmatism .
Politics remained politics , there were difficulties , but entrepreneurs were actively involved in building trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always had , have , and will have something to offer each other .
Despite the pandemic , the value of the Russia-UK trade in the first half of 2020 increased by 56 % compared to the same period in 2019 and exceeded $ 10 bln , '' he said .
According to Katyrin , Russian exports increased by 86 % to $ 8.7 bln , while imports decreased by 18 % to $ 1.5 bln .
He clarified that the growth in exports happened due to a 9.2-fold or $ 7.2 bln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In physical terms supplies increased 9-fold , or by 84.9 tonnes .
`` I have no doubt that after quarantine restrictions are lifted , the level of business activity in the Russia-UK relations will significantly increase , '' he added .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The volume of Russia-UK trade in the first half of 2020 exceeded $10 bln, rising by 56% year-on-year, Head of Russia's Chamber of Industry and Commerce Sergei Katyrin told TASS on Friday.
"The United Kingdom has always been and remains one of the most important trading partners of Russia. The Russia-UK economic ties have lasted for several centuries, and they have always been determined by healthy pragmatism. Politics remained politics, there were difficulties, but entrepreneurs were actively involved in building trade relations since the businesses of our countries always had, have, and will have something to offer each other. Despite the pandemic, the value of the Russia-UK trade in the first half of 2020 increased by 56% compared to the same period in 2019 and exceeded $10 bln," he said.
According to Katyrin, Russian exports increased by 86% to $8.7 bln, while imports decreased by 18% to $1.5 bln.
He clarified that the growth in exports happened due to a 9.2-fold or $7.2 bln increase in the value of gold supplies. In physical terms supplies increased 9-fold, or by 84.9 tonnes. "I have no doubt that after quarantine restrictions are lifted, the level of business activity in the Russia-UK relations will significantly increase," he added.


tass--2020-10-02--Volume of hospital slots for COVID-19 patients in Russia sufficient, says Health Minister

ST. PETERSBURG , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of hospital beds prepared in Russia to provide medical aid to patients with the novel coronavirus infection is currently sufficient , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko reported on Friday .
`` [ The amount ] prepared during the spring period is fully oriented at the possibility of double use .
As we say , beds have dual designation both for treatment of admitted infectious patients and for return to scheduled and emergency care for patients of other types .
I would like to note that today in the country the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told journalists .
The minister urged citizens not to neglect the existing measures of protection against the coronavirus infection .
`` In my opinion , today the behavior of population is crucially important in order to protect themselves against the disease and , among other things , preserve our usual way of life .
For this it is [ necessary ] to protect [ oneself ] using certain small measures , '' he said in response to the question by TASS whether one should expect a growth similar to the one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 970,296 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 21,077 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

ST. PETERSBURG, October 2. /TASS/. The volume of hospital beds prepared in Russia to provide medical aid to patients with the novel coronavirus infection is currently sufficient, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko reported on Friday.
"[The amount] prepared during the spring period is fully oriented at the possibility of double use. As we say, beds have dual designation both for treatment of admitted infectious patients and for return to scheduled and emergency care for patients of other types. I would like to note that today in the country the hospital bed capacity is sufficient," he told journalists.
The minister urged citizens not to neglect the existing measures of protection against the coronavirus infection. "In my opinion, today the behavior of population is crucially important in order to protect themselves against the disease and, among other things, preserve our usual way of life. For this it is [necessary] to protect [oneself] using certain small measures," he said in response to the question by TASS whether one should expect a growth similar to the one in spring.
To date, 1,194,643 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 970,296 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 21,077 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-02--GLONASS to make adjustments for atmospheric signal delays for higher accuracy

MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The navigation system GLONASS will calculate electromagnetic signal delays in the Earth 's @ @ @ @ @ to increase the accuracy of navigation , the system 's chief designer , Sergey Karutin @ @ @ @ @ message will include the ionosphere model 's parameters , while the tropospheric model relies only @ @ @ @ @ latitude and the season of year .
Disturbances in the ionosphere increase navigational and temporal @ @ @ @ @ In Russian satellites Glonass-M the effects of the ionosphere on navigation accuracy are considerably eased @ @ @ @ @ signals in two bands allow for navigation even when this layer of the atmosphere is @ @ @ @ @ by solar activity , '' he added .

MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. The navigation system GLONASS will calculate electromagnetic signal delays in the Earth's ionosphere and troposphere in order to increase the accuracy of navigation, the system's chief designer, Sergey Karutin told TASS.
Each navigation message will include the ionosphere model's parameters, while the tropospheric model relies only on the navigational receiver's latitude and the season of year.
Disturbances in the ionosphere increase navigational and temporal synchronization errors several times.
In Russian satellites Glonass-M the effects of the ionosphere on navigation accuracy are considerably eased.
"The reception of signals in two bands allow for navigation even when this layer of the atmosphere is disturbed during magnetic storms induced by solar activity," he added.


tass--2020-10-02--US extends sanctions against Russian arms export agency

WASHINGTON , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The US administration decided to extend its unilateral sanctions against the Russian defense @ @ @ @ @ more years , with a notice to that effect posted in the Federal Register .
@ @ @ @ @ restrictive measures was made by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation of the US @ @ @ @ @ 23 .
The restrictions were extended , as before , on the basis of US @ @ @ @ @ respect of Iran , North Korea and Syria .

WASHINGTON, October 2. /TASS/. The US administration decided to extend its unilateral sanctions against the Russian defense intermediary agency Rosoboronexport for two more years, with a notice to that effect posted in the Federal Register.
The decision to keep the restrictive measures was made by the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation of the US Department of State on September 23.
The restrictions were extended, as before, on the basis of US national legislation on nonproliferation in respect of Iran, North Korea and Syria.


tass--2020-10-02--Death toll from COVID-19 in Africa exceeds 36,000, reports WHO

PRETORIA , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
More than 19 , 100 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past two days , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 1.489 million , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Friday .
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 1,489,197 , with 19,142 cases confirmed during the past two days .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 36,085 , with 531 fatalities registered in the past 48 hours .
More than 1.2 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the biggest number of Africa ’ s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 676,084 and 16,866 , respectively .
Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 5,946 and 103,317 , respectively .
As many as 1,741 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases ( 59,001 cases and 1,112 fatalities ) .
Next is Ghana ( 46,656 cases and 301 deaths ) .
According to the latest statistics , over 34,508,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,028,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 25,684,670 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, October 2. /TASS/. More than 19, 100 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past two days, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 1.489 million, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Friday.
The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 1,489,197, with 19,142 cases confirmed during the past two days. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 36,085, with 531 fatalities registered in the past 48 hours. More than 1.2 million patients have recovered.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 676,084 and 16,866, respectively. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 5,946 and 103,317, respectively. As many as 1,741 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Algeria.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases (59,001 cases and 1,112 fatalities). Next is Ghana (46,656 cases and 301 deaths).
According to the latest statistics, over 34,508,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,028,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 25,684,670 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-10-02--This week in photos: Trump’s landing, Mexico’s women strike, and lion cubs get foster mom

Germany to consult with EU on Navalny case after getting OPCW results , says Merkel The chancellor stressed that the @ @ @ @ @ not just a matter between Germany and Russia but an issue that should be addressed @

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
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tass--2020-10-02--Armenia debunks Baku’s claims of use of Tochka-U missile systems

YEREVAN , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Ministry of Defense of Armenia debunked Azerbaijani statement claiming that Yerevan uses Tochka-U tactical missile to target Azerbaijan , the Ministry 's press service said Friday .
`` The claims of Azerbaijani officials , alleging that Armenia fires Tochka-U systems at Azerbaijani territory , are lies and are false .
Despite the fact that Azerbaijan has been attacking settlements near Vardenis with drones and artillery for several days already , not a single missile has been fired from Armenia at Azerbaijan yet , '' the Ministry said .
Azerbaijani Presidential Aide Hikmet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani settlements with Smerch multiple launch rocket systems and Tochka-U tactical missiles .
According to Hajiev , the shelling of settlements along the contact line killed 20 and injured 50 civilians .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported @ @ @ @ @ @

YEREVAN, October 2. /TASS/. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia debunked Azerbaijani statement claiming that Yerevan uses Tochka-U tactical missile to target Azerbaijan, the Ministry's press service said Friday.
"The claims of Azerbaijani officials, alleging that Armenia fires Tochka-U systems at Azerbaijani territory, are lies and are false. Despite the fact that Azerbaijan has been attacking settlements near Vardenis with drones and artillery for several days already, not a single missile has been fired from Armenia at Azerbaijan yet," the Ministry said.
Azerbaijani Presidential Aide Hikmet Hajiev stated earlier Friday that Armenia shells Azerbaijani settlements with Smerch multiple launch rocket systems and Tochka-U tactical missiles.
According to Hajiev, the shelling of settlements along the contact line killed 20 and injured 50 civilians.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-02--Children, pregnant women won’t participate in Phase III of Vector vaccine trials

`` Post-registration trials of the EpiVacCorona vaccine in pregnant women and children are not planned .
< ... > Clinical trials with the participation of children are possible only after clinical trials on adult volunteers are completed .
When studying the preparation , it is necessary to implement a staged research , beginning with the oldest age group : 15-17 years of age , 10-14 years of age , 6-9 years of age , 2-5 years of age , 7-24 months , first 6 months of life , '' the statement said .
MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in post-registration trials of a vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology , the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing told TASS on Friday .
Therefore , six clinical trials with the participation of children , decreasing the age of volunteers , can be conducted successively only after the vaccine is approved for use on adults .
In order to conduct trials in pregnant women it is necessary to finish the studies of reproductive toxicity on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they will be completed this December .
`` To date , no toxic effect of the EpiVacCorona vaccine after single and double injection in animal trials has been detected , '' the agency noted .
The Vector Research Center on July 24 obtained the Healthcare Ministry ’ s permit to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine on volunteers .
The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27 .
The final group of 20 volunteers was discharged from an inpatient facility on September 8 .
Top sanitary doctor Anna Popova has also reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed on September 30 .
The registration procedure of the vaccine is planned to be completed by October 15 .

"Post-registration trials of the EpiVacCorona vaccine in pregnant women and children are not planned. <...> Clinical trials with the participation of children are possible only after clinical trials on adult volunteers are completed. When studying the preparation, it is necessary to implement a staged research, beginning with the oldest age group: 15-17 years of age, 10-14 years of age, 6-9 years of age, 2-5 years of age, 7-24 months, first 6 months of life," the statement said.
MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Pregnant women and children will not participate in post-registration trials of a vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology, the press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing told TASS on Friday.
Therefore, six clinical trials with the participation of children, decreasing the age of volunteers, can be conducted successively only after the vaccine is approved for use on adults.
In order to conduct trials in pregnant women it is necessary to finish the studies of reproductive toxicity on animals first. According to the agency, they will be completed this December. "To date, no toxic effect of the EpiVacCorona vaccine after single and double injection in animal trials has been detected," the agency noted.
The Vector Research Center on July 24 obtained the Healthcare Ministry’s permit to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine on volunteers. The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27. The final group of 20 volunteers was discharged from an inpatient facility on September 8. Top sanitary doctor Anna Popova has also reported that clinical trials of the vaccine were completed on September 30. The registration procedure of the vaccine is planned to be completed by October 15.


tass--2020-10-02--Baku vows to ‘take measures’ against Armenian military facilities

`` Azerbaijan will use its right to retaliate to ensure security of its citizens and will take the necessary measures against legitimate military facilities in the Armenian territory where the shelling of Azeri territories is carried out from , '' he told a briefing Friday .
BAKU , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Aide to the Azeri leader Khikmet Gadzhiev has announced that the national armed forces will ‘ take the necessary measures ’ against military facilities located in Armenia in retaliation to the launch of a Tochka-U missile .
Earlier , Gadzhiev revealed that a Tochka-U missile system was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian territory .
The Armenian defense ministry denied this information .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Both parties reported casualties , including civilian casualties .
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have declared martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Baku reports that it took a few Nagorno-Karabakh villages and strategic heights under its control .
Yerevan denies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the disputed region are shelled .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"Azerbaijan will use its right to retaliate to ensure security of its citizens and will take the necessary measures against legitimate military facilities in the Armenian territory where the shelling of Azeri territories is carried out from," he told a briefing Friday.
BAKU, October 2. /TASS/. Aide to the Azeri leader Khikmet Gadzhiev has announced that the national armed forces will ‘take the necessary measures’ against military facilities located in Armenia in retaliation to the launch of a Tochka-U missile.
Earlier, Gadzhiev revealed that a Tochka-U missile system was used to strike west Azerbaijan from the Armenian territory. The Armenian defense ministry denied this information.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Both parties reported casualties, including civilian casualties. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have declared martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Baku reports that it took a few Nagorno-Karabakh villages and strategic heights under its control. Yerevan denies these reports and says that territories outside of the disputed region are shelled.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-02--Putin, Lukashenko confirm mutual intention to boost alliance

The Belarusian president thanked his Russian counterpart for anti-coronavirus vaccine supplies to his country , according to the Kremlin press service MOSCOW , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Belarusian presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko have had a phone call to confirm their mutual intention to keep strengthening the alliance between the two countries , the Kremlin press service reported following the leaders ’ conversation .
`` It was underlined with pleasure that the governments , ministries and agencies of the two states are taking specific steps to keep strengthening bilateral cooperation in all spheres , including inter-regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Overall , the mutual intention to keep strengthening the alliance between Russia and Belarus was reaffirmed . ''
The phone call was initiated by Belarus and touched upon the current issues on the bilateral agenda with an emphasis placed on implementation of agreements reached during their meeting in Sochi .
The presidents also agreed to maintain contacts on various levels .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has thanked his Russian counterpart , Vladimir Putin , for anti-coronavirus vaccine supplies to his country , the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Russia ’ s help in combating the coronavirus infection , first of all , for the decision to supply the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine to Belarus on a priority basis , '' the press service said .
During his talks with the Belarusian president in Sochi on September 14 , Putin said that Belarus had joined the final stage of Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine trials .
According to the Russian leader , it will help both organize production and ensure a due level of vaccination .
On August 11 , Russia registered the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , with its clinical trials being successfully completed in June-July .
The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines .
According to the Russian Health Ministry , these vaccines have proved their ability to form lasting immunity for a period of up to two years .
The leaders paid special attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh escalation .
`` Special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , '' the Kremlin press service said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko are keeping in touch regularly by phone or in person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on September 14 .
Before that , Lukashenko travelled to Russia and met with Putin on June 30 , at the Rzhev Memorial unveiling ceremony in the Tver Region .
A few days earlier , the Belarusian leader attended Moscow ’ s Victory Parade on June 24 .
The leaders spoke on the phone a few times throughout August .
On August 7 , before the Belarusian presidential election , the two presidents discussed in particular the detention of 33 Russians in Belarus .
The day after the elections , on August 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko .
As Belarus plunged into political turmoil , the Russian-Belarusian ties were visibly reinvigorated .

The Belarusian president thanked his Russian counterpart for anti-coronavirus vaccine supplies to his country, according to the Kremlin press service
MOSCOW, October 2. /TASS/. Russian and Belarusian presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko have had a phone call to confirm their mutual intention to keep strengthening the alliance between the two countries, the Kremlin press service reported following the leaders’ conversation.
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"It was underlined with pleasure that the governments, ministries and agencies of the two states are taking specific steps to keep strengthening bilateral cooperation in all spheres, including inter-regional ties," the statement reads. "Overall, the mutual intention to keep strengthening the alliance between Russia and Belarus was reaffirmed." The phone call was initiated by Belarus and touched upon the current issues on the bilateral agenda with an emphasis placed on implementation of agreements reached during their meeting in Sochi. The presidents also agreed to maintain contacts on various levels. Supplies of anti-COVID vaccine to Belarus
Read also Russian investment fund supplies Sputnik V vaccine to Belarus for clinical trials
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has thanked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for anti-coronavirus vaccine supplies to his country, the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation. "Alexander Lukashenko expressed gratitude for Russia’s help in combating the coronavirus infection, first of all, for the decision to supply the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine to Belarus on a priority basis," the press service said. During his talks with the Belarusian president in Sochi on September 14, Putin said that Belarus had joined the final stage of Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine trials. According to the Russian leader, it will help both organize production and ensure a due level of vaccination. On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, with its clinical trials being successfully completed in June-July. The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines. According to the Russian Health Ministry, these vaccines have proved their ability to form lasting immunity for a period of up to two years. Nagorno-Karabakh escalation
Read also Yerevan ready for talks on Nagorno-Karabakh situation in OSCE Minsk Group


tass--2020-10-02--Recovery of tourism industry to require two years at least, says expert

YEKATERINBURG , October 2 .
/TASS/ .
The tourism industry will require two years at the least for recovery after @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Tourism Industry Union Andrei Ignatyev said on Friday at a press conference @ @ @ @ @ Information Center .
`` I hope it [ the organized tourism market ] will recover @ @ @ @ @ will need two years at the least to do so , '' the expert said @ @ @ @ @ and charter international service from March 27 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The air @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom and Tanzania restarted from August 1 .
Ten countries are opened for Russians @ @ @

YEKATERINBURG, October 2. /TASS/. The tourism industry will require two years at the least for recovery after the coronavirus pandemic, President of the Russian Tourism Industry Union Andrei Ignatyev said on Friday at a press conference in the TASS Ural Regional Information Center.
"I hope it [the organized tourism market] will recover quickly. Nevertheless, it will need two years at the least to do so," the expert said.
Russia fully closed scheduled and charter international service from March 27 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The air traffic with Turkey, the United Kingdom and Tanzania restarted from August 1. Ten countries are opened for Russians to date.


tass--2020-10-02--Minsk warns it may sever diplomatic relations with EU if sanctions tighten

MINSK , October 2./TASS/ .
Because the EU has been piling on its sanctions pressure against Belarus , this may @ @ @ @ @ relations and pull out of joint programs , the Belarusian Foreign Ministry warned in a @ @ @ @ @ By tightening its sanctions screws , the EU may trigger more serious consequences , for @ @ @ @ @ form joint programs and projects , the revision of the level and modality of its @ @ @ @ @ extent of deciding on the expediency of maintaining whatever diplomatic relations , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ the European Union about some tit-for-tat backlash if it reviewed relations with Belarus .
`` @ @ @ @ @ that it will review its relationship with Belarus .
This will be its choice .
@ @ @ @ @ its part , is also ready to reconsider ties and will continue to proportionally react @ @ @ @ @ '' the diplomatic agency cautioned .
The Foreign Ministry warned the EU against `` harboring @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t impact citizens and other fields of cooperation '' .

MINSK, October 2./TASS/. Because the EU has been piling on its sanctions pressure against Belarus, this may drive Minsk to sever diplomatic relations and pull out of joint programs, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry warned in a statement on Friday.
"By tightening its sanctions screws, the EU may trigger more serious consequences, for example the withdrawal of Belarus form joint programs and projects, the revision of the level and modality of its diplomatic presence, to the extent of deciding on the expediency of maintaining whatever diplomatic relations," the statement stressed.
Minsk also warned the European Union about some tit-for-tat backlash if it reviewed relations with Belarus. "The European Union is threatening that it will review its relationship with Belarus. This will be its choice. The Belarusian side, for its part, is also ready to reconsider ties and will continue to proportionally react to any unfriendly moves," the diplomatic agency cautioned. The Foreign Ministry warned the EU against "harboring any illusions that these moves wouldn’t impact citizens and other fields of cooperation".