tass--2020-10-08--Russia will prevent mortgage market bubbles — Kremlin

MOSCOW , October 8 .
/ TASS / .
The Russian government is closely monitoring the situation on the concessional mortgage lending market and will work to prevent the appearance of the so-called mortgage bubbles , Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the statement by Russia 's Central Bank on Thursday .
`` There is no doubt that the government is monitoring this very closely , '' Peskov said , answering a question about whether there are any fears in the presidential administration that mortgage benefits could overheat this market .
Peskov is sure that `` this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation so that as many people as possible become homeowners , '' which is the main task .
The second important point , in his opinion , is the maintenance and development of the construction sector , `` and the construction sector has one of the strongest cumulative effects on the economy as a whole . ''
`` And thirdly , so that the concerns of the mega-regulator are not so pressing , '' he added .
In the recent issue of the Central Bank 's analytical publication `` Housing Construction '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not see the risks of bubbles in certain regional mortgage markets due to the implementation of the state program of preferential mortgages .
The Central Bank states that a significant part of mortgage loans is still issued on standard terms .
The capital regions remain the leaders in obtaining preferential mortgages .
According to the Central Bank , the acceleration of the growth of preferential mortgages , including those focused on the development of remote and rural areas of the country , led to a change in the regional structure of the mortgage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metropolitan regions ( Moscow , Moscow Region , St. Petersburg , Leningrad Region ) in the total volume of mortgage issuance by the end of January - July 2020 decreased to 30.4 % , and the share of other regions increased to 69.6 % .
Between January 2019 and June 2020 , preferential loans under the family mortgage program were issued in 81 out of the 85 regions .

MOSCOW, October 8. / TASS /. The Russian government is closely monitoring the situation on the concessional mortgage lending market and will work to prevent the appearance of the so-called mortgage bubbles, Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the statement by Russia's Central Bank on Thursday.
"There is no doubt that the government is monitoring this very closely," Peskov said, answering a question about whether there are any fears in the presidential administration that mortgage benefits could overheat this market.
Peskov is sure that "this is the very case when you need to use the situation so that as many people as possible become homeowners," which is the main task. The second important point, in his opinion, is the maintenance and development of the construction sector, "and the construction sector has one of the strongest cumulative effects on the economy as a whole." "And thirdly, so that the concerns of the mega-regulator are not so pressing," he added.
In the recent issue of the Central Bank's analytical publication "Housing Construction" it is said that the regulator does not see the risks of bubbles in certain regional mortgage markets due to the implementation of the state program of preferential mortgages. The Central Bank states that a significant part of mortgage loans is still issued on standard terms. The capital regions remain the leaders in obtaining preferential mortgages.
According to the Central Bank, the acceleration of the growth of preferential mortgages, including those focused on the development of remote and rural areas of the country, led to a change in the regional structure of the mortgage market in 2020: the share of metropolitan regions (Moscow, Moscow Region, St. Petersburg, Leningrad Region) in the total volume of mortgage issuance by the end of January - July 2020 decreased to 30.4%, and the share of other regions increased to 69.6%. Between January 2019 and June 2020, preferential loans under the family mortgage program were issued in 81 out of the 85 regions.


tass--2020-10-08--Azerbaijani forces resume shelling of Stepanakert in Karabakh

STEPANAKERT , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Azerbaijani forces are shelling Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh after the morning pause and an air siren is being heard in the city , a TASS correspondent reports from the scene .
Overall , six explosions have been heard .
The latest shelling attack ended at around 09:00 a.m. Before that , the shelling continued with interruptions throughout the night and during the entire evening of October 7 .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

STEPANAKERT, October 8. /TASS/. The Azerbaijani forces are shelling Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh after the morning pause and an air siren is being heard in the city, a TASS correspondent reports from the scene.
Overall, six explosions have been heard. The latest shelling attack ended at around 09:00 a.m. Before that, the shelling continued with interruptions throughout the night and during the entire evening of October 7.
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.
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--2020-10-08--Russia not planning to meddle in US presidential election — foreign intel chief

MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is not planning to meddle in the US presidential election and wants it to be held in line with the law and confrontation in the US society to decrease , Russian Foreign Intelligence Service ( SVR ) Head Sergei Naryshkin told TASS on Thursday .
`` I would like to emphasize that the degree of calm when holding the US election is also affecting Russia .
I mean that two US political camps tend to turn to very unfair propaganda too often , although propaganda is mostly unfair .
But the stronger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the propaganda machines of the Republican and the Democratic camps use lies and a myth of Russia ’ s alleged meddling in the election , Russian aggression and Russian threat , which is not true .
We don ’ t need this , '' Naryshkin said .
`` I once again repeat that we want the election to be held in line with the constitution and the law and the norms of international law and the degree of confrontation in the US society to be lower , '' he noted .
The issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly raised due to Washington ’ s claims that Russia was complicit in such actions back in 2016 .
Moscow has repeatedly rejected these accusations .
In February , Peskov said the Kremlin regrettably noted that there would be increasingly more news of alleged attempts by Russia to interfere in the electoral process as the US election in November approached .
According to Peskov , these claims `` are nowhere near close to the truth . ''
The 2020 United States elections are scheduled for November 3 .
Nationwide , American citizens will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives to the House , 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate , and the President and Vice President of the United States .
In addition , voters will head to the ballot boxes to decide on 13 US state and territorial governorships , and numerous other local elections will be held.

MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Russia is not planning to meddle in the US presidential election and wants it to be held in line with the law and confrontation in the US society to decrease, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Head Sergei Naryshkin told TASS on Thursday.
"I would like to emphasize that the degree of calm when holding the US election is also affecting Russia. I mean that two US political camps tend to turn to very unfair propaganda too often, although propaganda is mostly unfair. But the stronger the confrontation between them, the more the propaganda machines of the Republican and the Democratic camps use lies and a myth of Russia’s alleged meddling in the election, Russian aggression and Russian threat, which is not true. We don’t need this," Naryshkin said.
"I once again repeat that we want the election to be held in line with the constitution and the law and the norms of international law and the degree of confrontation in the US society to be lower," he noted.
The issue of potential interference in US elections is regularly raised due to Washington’s claims that Russia was complicit in such actions back in 2016. Moscow has repeatedly rejected these accusations. In February, Peskov said the Kremlin regrettably noted that there would be increasingly more news of alleged attempts by Russia to interfere in the electoral process as the US election in November approached. According to Peskov, these claims "are nowhere near close to the truth."
The 2020 United States elections are scheduled for November 3. Nationwide, American citizens will go to the polls to elect 435 representatives to the House, 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate, and the President and Vice President of the United States. In addition, voters will head to the ballot boxes to decide on 13 US state and territorial governorships, and numerous other local elections will be held.


tass--2020-10-08--Kremlin has no details on evaluation of Warsaw-Berlin call intercepted by Minsk

MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin has no detailed information on the evaluation by the special services @ @ @ @ @ representatives of Berlin and Warsaw intercepted by Belarus , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told @ @ @ @ @ We don ’ t have any detailed information on this .
Apparently , Russian special @ @ @ @ @ to do with these records , '' Peskov said .
Meanwhile , he declined to @ @ @ @ @ actions .
In early September , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that Belarusian radio electronic @ @ @ @ @ between Warsaw and Berlin indicating that the claims that blogger Alexey Navalny had been poisoned @ @ @ @ @ were a fake .
Lukashenko did not disclose the names of those who were on @ @ @ @ @ of the conversation about the incident with the Russian blogger was made public by the @ @ @ @ @ Both Germany and Poland dismissed the recording as a fake .

MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. The Kremlin has no detailed information on the evaluation by the special services of a phone call between representatives of Berlin and Warsaw intercepted by Belarus, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
"We don’t have any detailed information on this. Apparently, Russian special services did what they needed to do with these records," Peskov said. Meanwhile, he declined to give details on the particular actions.
In early September, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that Belarusian radio electronic intelligence had intercepted a conversation between Warsaw and Berlin indicating that the claims that blogger Alexey Navalny had been poisoned with a Novichok class substance were a fake. Lukashenko did not disclose the names of those who were on the phone. The recording of the conversation about the incident with the Russian blogger was made public by the Belarusian state-run channel ONT. Both Germany and Poland dismissed the recording as a fake.


tass--2020-10-08--Press review: Moscow won’t intervene in Kyrgyzstan and Democrats eye sanctions on Baku

Izvestia : Russia has no plans to interfere in Kyrgyz political crisis Protests against the outcome of the latest parliamentary polls continue in Kyrgyzstan and demonstrators have seized the majority of government buildings .
However , on October 7 , it became clear that the opposition was split : two coordination councils were set up and two candidates are fighting for the prime minister ’ s seat .
Their supporters staged a 3,000-strong rally outside the House of Government and nearly started clashes .
Bishkek residents told Izvestia that looting has occurred in the city at night and volunteers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kyrgyzstan is still far from over , experts say .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow was concerned about the ongoing unrest in Kyrgyzstan but hoped that the problem would be resolved peacefully .
Russia sees no grounds for interfering in Kyrgyzstan ’ s political situation and so far it has received no requests for military assistance to quash the upheaval in Bishkek , Chairman of the Russian Federation Council ’ s Foreign Affairs Committee Kostantin Kosachev told the newspaper .
`` I don ’ t see any grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeenbekov , I deem the events to be Kyrgyzstan ’ s domestic affairs and that the country should deal with the situation itself , '' the senator stressed .
He also noted that there were no reasons to say that the Central Asian republic could alienate itself from Russia amid the protests .
Kyrgyzstan understands that Russia is an important trade and economic partner and Bishkek ’ s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union has certain advantages that no one wants to lose .
`` That ’ s why I see no threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third party does not hinder them , of course .
However , unfortunately , we are observing such attempts now , '' the politician noted .
Even in case of pressure against President Sooronbay Jeenbekov , he is unlikely to request Russia ’ s assistance , said senior research fellow at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies ( RISS ) Azhdar Kurtov .
According to the expert , Jeenbekov does not have any legal basis for this .
Bilaterally , Russia and Kyrgyzstan don ’ t have documents that would compel Russia to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Charter of the post-Soviet security alliance , the Collective Security Treaty Organization , first a request should be filed and second , all member-states should endorse the move .
`` In the current situation , it ’ s unlikely that some countries will back this step , for example Belarus , which some time ago hosted fugitive [ Kyrgyz ] president Kurmanbek Bakiyev , '' the expert stressed .
US Senators and the White House will soon discuss the legal grounds for halting military cooperation with Azerbaijan .
Some Democrats hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Canada of having double standards over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh , pinning the blame on the efforts of anti-Turkish lobbying .
Azerbaijan could lose Turkish drones equipped with Canadian sensors and optics over Ottawa ’ s moves , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
This time the situation in the United States is unfolding so that supporters of pro-Armenian foreign policy in the South Caucasus could indeed have a major impact .
US Senators from the Democratic Party wrote a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggesting sanctions against Azerbaijan .
They also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baku in the defense field , criticizing the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and its aggression in the region .
The assistance provided by Washington to Baku , though not revealed , is not small .
Last year , Azerbaijan received $ 42.9 mln from the Pentagon , according to the Washington-based Center for International Policy .
The US views Azerbaijan as a potential foothold in the event of a military conflict with Iran , the newspaper wrote .
Experts note that there are pro-Armenian , pro-Turkish and pro-Azerbaijani lobbies in the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the run-up to the election US President Donald Trump will decide to drastically change his foreign policy course and quarrel with Turkey ’ s ally Azerbaijan , said Pavel Sharikov , director of the Center for Applied Research at the Institute of the USA and Canada of the Russian Academy of Sciences .
The expert noted that it was likely that the Democrats wrote the letter while understanding very well that Trump would reject their proposal .
This means that they could accuse him of weakness and hesitation , and this is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained .
Poland ’ s anti-trust regulator UOKiK decided to fine Russia ’ s energy giant Gazprom 29 billion zlotys ( $ 7.6 billion ) after an investigation over the Nord Stream 2 project .
Gazprom ’ s partners in the project - France ’ s Engie , Austria ’ s OMV , Royal Dutch Shell and Germany ’ s Wintershall Dea and Uniper were fined to the tune of over 234 mln zlotys ( $ 61.4 million ) .
The Polish watchdog claims that by its steps Gazprom and European companies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas market .
Gazprom dismissed the Polish regulator ’ s stance , saying that the unprecedented size of the fine showed that Warsaw wanted to do whatever it takes to sabotage the Nord Stream 2 project ’ s implementation .
Following the Polish regulator ’ s decision , Gazprom and its partners have 30 days to challenge the decision in court , said special adviser on sanctions law at Pen & Paper law firm Sergey Glandin .
In his view , the court will most likely back these six companies .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely had enough conclusions from international law firms and arguments proving that they don ’ t violate legislation , '' the lawyer noted .
However , if the court supports the Polish regulator , Gazprom and its five European partners will face both expenses on challenging the decision in other courts and risk huge fines and the potential termination of partnership agreements , Glandin explained .
The fine ’ s price tag is on par with the project ’ s construction budget and the Polish regulator will hardly manage to get this money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the paper .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Navalny seeks to spook Kremlin by his imminent return On October 7 , Germany again castigated the alleged poisoning of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny .
The opposition figurehead carried out his ‘ media offensive ’ against the Kremlin on Vladimir Putin ’ s birthday .
Navalny obviously seeks to intimidate Russia ’ s authorities by his imminent return and is not revealing any exact dates on purpose , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Meanwhile , he is calling on Europe to cobble together a `` Putin blacklist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials and other beneficiaries of the Kremlin , including individuals from the music and art community such as famous conductor Valery Gergiev , should be included on this sanctions list .
However , Navalny opposes any sectoral sanctions against Russia .
Navalny is directly accusing Moscow of crossing all red lines in its pressure on the opposition .
He also predicts that in the end , he or his team could be blamed for their role in the poisoning saga .
Meanwhile , he insists that a real struggle for a beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in exile .
The blogger is receiving powerful media support and the major goal of this activity is to boost his political weight .
However , he is not naming the date of his return to Russia , citing doctors , who insist that he needs a couple of months for rehabilitation .
The opposition apparently expects to use this time to scare the Kremlin as much as possible with the consequences of any use of repression .
Another goal is to force the authorities to keep `` advertising '' Navalny and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Germany to Moscow into a triumph .
Izvestia : One in five Russian companies plan to lay off staff By late 2020 , one in five ( 22 % ) Russian employers plan to sack staff , according to a survey conducted by Hh.ru for Izvestia .
Since the start of the pandemic , nearly half of Russian companies ( 47 % ) have laid off staff .
Experts note that over the past week there was a negative trend with the number of open vacancies .
Therefore , further growth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have lost their jobs ) is highly likely .
Besides , companies ’ financing situation is worsening over the transition to distance work .
Many can not afford this and put their staff on leave without pay .
The majority of those who were fired are specialists ( 68 % ) .
The current situation also affected Russians ’ salaries , with 37 % of staff complaining about cuts .
Another 11 % companies are planning to do so .
If the second coronavirus wave is as fierce as the first one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be very challenging and more staff will be fired , according to Head of Hh.ru press service Alexander Dzhabarov .
In his turn , Superjob founder Alexey Zakharov noted that after the coronavirus restrictions were lifted and many enterprises resumed their activity , salaries returned to the pre-crisis levels .
However , only IT specialists should expect adjustments for inflation .
The expert stressed that nearly all sectors were affected by the crisis and only pharmaceutical companies and alcohol producers gained .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these @ @ @

Izvestia: Russia has no plans to interfere in Kyrgyz political crisis
Read also Kyrgyz PM resigns
Protests against the outcome of the latest parliamentary polls continue in Kyrgyzstan and demonstrators have seized the majority of government buildings. However, on October 7, it became clear that the opposition was split: two coordination councils were set up and two candidates are fighting for the prime minister’s seat. Their supporters staged a 3,000-strong rally outside the House of Government and nearly started clashes. Bishkek residents told Izvestia that looting has occurred in the city at night and volunteers have tried to stop them. The crisis in Kyrgyzstan is still far from over, experts say. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow was concerned about the ongoing unrest in Kyrgyzstan but hoped that the problem would be resolved peacefully. Russia sees no grounds for interfering in Kyrgyzstan’s political situation and so far it has received no requests for military assistance to quash the upheaval in Bishkek, Chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee Kostantin Kosachev told the newspaper. "I don’t see any grounds for such a request from President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, I deem the events to be Kyrgyzstan’s domestic affairs and that the country should deal with the situation itself," the senator stressed. He also noted that there were no reasons to say that the Central Asian republic could alienate itself from Russia amid the protests. Kyrgyzstan understands that Russia is an important trade and economic partner and Bishkek’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union has certain advantages that no one wants to lose. "That’s why I see no threat to our bilateral relations, if a third party does not hinder them, of course. However, unfortunately, we are observing such attempts now," the politician noted. Even in case of pressure against President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, he is unlikely to request Russia’s assistance, said senior research fellow at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies (RISS) Azhdar Kurtov. According to the expert, Jeenbekov does not have any legal basis for this. Bilaterally, Russia and Kyrgyzstan don’t have documents that would compel Russia to interfere. Although this procedure is stipulated by the Charter of the post-Soviet security alliance, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, first a request should be filed and second, all member-states should endorse the move. "In the current situation, it’s unlikely that some countries will back this step, for example Belarus, which some time ago hosted fugitive [Kyrgyz] president Kurmanbek Bakiyev," the expert stressed. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US Democrats eye sanctions against Azerbaijan
Read also Azerbaijan only strikes military targets, Aliyev says
US Senators and the White House will soon discuss the legal grounds for halting military cooperation with Azerbaijan. Some Democrats hold a pro-Armenian stance. Earlier, Ankara accused Canada of having double standards over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, pinning the blame on the efforts of anti-Turkish lobbying. Azerbaijan could lose Turkish drones equipped with Canadian sensors and optics over Ottawa’s moves, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. This time the situation in the United States is unfolding so that supporters of pro-Armenian foreign policy in the South Caucasus could indeed have a major impact. US Senators from the Democratic Party wrote a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggesting sanctions against Azerbaijan. They also called for cancelling all US contacts with Baku in the defense field, criticizing the human rights situation in Azerbaijan and its aggression in the region. The assistance provided by Washington to Baku, though not revealed, is not small. Last year, Azerbaijan received $42.9 mln from the Pentagon, according to the Washington-based Center for International Policy. The US views Azerbaijan as a potential foothold in the event of a military conflict with Iran, the newspaper wrote. Experts note that there are pro-Armenian, pro-Turkish and pro-Azerbaijani lobbies in the US. It is very unlikely that in the run-up to the election US President Donald Trump will decide to drastically change his foreign policy course and quarrel with Turkey’s ally Azerbaijan, said Pavel Sharikov, director of the Center for Applied Research at the Institute of the USA and Canada of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The expert noted that it was likely that the Democrats wrote the letter while understanding very well that Trump would reject their proposal. This means that they could accuse him of weakness and hesitation, and this is needed by the Democrats right now, he explained. Vedomosti: Poland hits Gazprom with huge fine over Nord Stream 2
Read also Poland fines Gazprom $7.6 bln
Poland’s anti-trust regulator UOKiK decided to fine Russia’s energy giant Gazprom 29 billion zlotys ($7.6 billion) after an investigation over the Nord Stream 2 project. Gazprom’s partners in the project - France’s Engie, Austria’s OMV, Royal Dutch Shell and Germany’s Wintershall Dea and Uniper were fined to the tune of over 234 mln zlotys ($61.4 million). The Polish watchdog claims that by its steps Gazprom and European companies are increasing oligopolistic concentration on Europe’s gas market. Gazprom dismissed the Polish regulator’s stance, saying that the unprecedented size of the fine showed that Warsaw wanted to do whatever it takes to sabotage the Nord Stream 2 project’s implementation. Following the Polish regulator’s decision, Gazprom and its partners have 30 days to challenge the decision in court, said special adviser on sanctions law at Pen & Paper law firm Sergey Glandin. In his view, the court will most likely back these six companies. "The European giants entered this project because they definitely had enough conclusions from international law firms and arguments proving that they don’t violate legislation," the lawyer noted. However, if the court supports the Polish regulator, Gazprom and its five European partners will face both expenses on challenging the decision in other courts and risk huge fines and the potential termination of partnership agreements, Glandin explained. The fine’s price tag is on par with the project’s construction budget and the Polish regulator will hardly manage to get this money from Gazprom, Fitch expert Dmitry Marinchenko told the paper. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Navalny seeks to spook Kremlin by his imminent return
Read also Top German diplomat repeats sanctions threat over Navalny case
On October 7, Germany again castigated the alleged poisoning of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny. The opposition figurehead carried out his ‘media offensive’ against the Kremlin on Vladimir Putin’s birthday. Navalny obviously seeks to intimidate Russia’s authorities by his imminent return and is not revealing any exact dates on purpose, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Meanwhile, he is calling on Europe to cobble together a "Putin blacklist." In his opinion, oligarchs, officials and other beneficiaries of the Kremlin, including individuals from the music and art community such as famous conductor Valery Gergiev, should be included on this sanctions list. However, Navalny opposes any sectoral sanctions against Russia. Navalny is directly accusing Moscow of crossing all red lines in its pressure on the opposition. He also predicts that in the end, he or his team could be blamed for their role in the poisoning saga. Meanwhile, he insists that a real struggle for a beautiful future in Russia cannot be carried out in exile. The blogger is receiving powerful media support and the major goal of this activity is to boost his political weight. However, he is not naming the date of his return to Russia, citing doctors, who insist that he needs a couple of months for rehabilitation. The opposition apparently expects to use this time to scare the Kremlin as much as possible with the consequences of any use of repression. Another goal is to force the authorities to keep "advertising" Navalny and in the end to turn his arrival from Germany to Moscow into a triumph. Izvestia: One in five Russian companies plan to lay off staff


tass--2020-10-08--Coronavirus cases among children on the rise in Russia, expert says

`` Over the past two weeks there has been a trend when more cases of the novel coronavirus infection were recorded among children , '' Fisenko was quoted by the Health Ministry ’ s press service as saying .
MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases among children is growing in Russia and this trend has been recorded in the past two weeks , Director of the National Medical Research Center of Children 's Health Andrei Fisenko said on Thursday .
`` The number of complaints from the parents of little patients with symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rising temperature and cough - indeed grew over the past 10 days .
This shows that the new infection is holding ground and there is the need to keep observing well-known precaution measures , '' the professor said .
According to the expert , mild COVID-19 cases are mostly recorded and often without any symptoms .
`` We saw serious forms of the disease among patients with chronic pathologies but in general now and then this infection affects children ’ s body not that much as adults , '' he noted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowded areas and must wear face masks and use sanitizers , Fisenko said .
`` Another important moment is to try to limit contacts between children and relatives above 60 .
This may be dangerous for the elderly , '' he noted .
To date , 1,260,112 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,002,329 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 22,056 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation @

"Over the past two weeks there has been a trend when more cases of the novel coronavirus infection were recorded among children," Fisenko was quoted by the Health Ministry’s press service as saying.
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases among children is growing in Russia and this trend has been recorded in the past two weeks, Director of the National Medical Research Center of Children's Health Andrei Fisenko said on Thursday.
"The number of complaints from the parents of little patients with symptoms similar to COVID-19 - loss of smell, rising temperature and cough - indeed grew over the past 10 days. This shows that the new infection is holding ground and there is the need to keep observing well-known precaution measures," the professor said.
According to the expert, mild COVID-19 cases are mostly recorded and often without any symptoms. "We saw serious forms of the disease among patients with chronic pathologies but in general now and then this infection affects children’s body not that much as adults," he noted.
Children should avoid visiting public places and crowded areas and must wear face masks and use sanitizers, Fisenko said. "Another important moment is to try to limit contacts between children and relatives above 60. This may be dangerous for the elderly," he noted.
To date, 1,260,112 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,002,329 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 22,056 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-08--There were no toxic substances in Navalny’s body when he was in Russia — intel chief

MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has confirmation that there were no toxic substances in the body of Alexey Navalny while he was in Russia , Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin told TASS on Thursday .
`` We can assert that there were no toxic substances in his body at the time when blogger Navalny was in Russia .
This is an indisputable fact .
Russia has confirmation in the form of samples of Navalny ’ s biological material , '' he stressed .
`` In general , I can say the following .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved blogger Navalny ’ s life conducted a comprehensive examination of the state of his body , and no toxic substances that could cause any degree of poisoning , the more so the severe degree of poisoning , were found , '' Naryshkin pointed out .
He noted that Navalny had not been accompanied by SVR or FSB officers when he was on board the German plane and later on , in Germany .
`` Representatives of law enforcement agencies and other services of another country or other countries apparently remained nearby , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service dismissed remarks by blogger Alexey Navalny that he was allegedly poisoned by the Russian special services as Russophobic propaganda .
`` One hardly expected something resembling the truth from that person , '' he said when asked to comment on Navalny ’ s statements .
`` That ’ s why I believe it is pointless to comment on such blatant Russophobic propaganda . ''
Navalny earlier claimed that he could only be poisoned by Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) or the Foreign Intelligence Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin , since the Novichok agent is difficult to obtain .
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On September 23 , Navalny was discharged from the hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
According to Germany , these findings were confirmed by laboratories in France and Sweden .

MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Moscow has confirmation that there were no toxic substances in the body of Alexey Navalny while he was in Russia, Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin told TASS on Thursday.
"We can assert that there were no toxic substances in his body at the time when blogger Navalny was in Russia. This is an indisputable fact. Russia has confirmation in the form of samples of Navalny’s biological material," he stressed.
"In general, I can say the following. The doctors of the Omsk hospital who saved blogger Navalny’s life conducted a comprehensive examination of the state of his body, and no toxic substances that could cause any degree of poisoning, the more so the severe degree of poisoning, were found," Naryshkin pointed out.
He noted that Navalny had not been accompanied by SVR or FSB officers when he was on board the German plane and later on, in Germany. "Representatives of law enforcement agencies and other services of another country or other countries apparently remained nearby," he added.
The director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service dismissed remarks by blogger Alexey Navalny that he was allegedly poisoned by the Russian special services as Russophobic propaganda. "One hardly expected something resembling the truth from that person," he said when asked to comment on Navalny’s statements. "That’s why I believe it is pointless to comment on such blatant Russophobic propaganda."
Navalny earlier claimed that he could only be poisoned by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) or the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin, since the Novichok agent is difficult to obtain.
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital. On September 22, Navalny was discharged from the hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family. According to Germany, these findings were confirmed by laboratories in France and Sweden.


tass--2020-10-08--Russia reports nearly 11,500 new coronavirus cases

According to its data , a 0.9 % growth rate in the past five days was recorded .
MOSCOW , @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s COVID-19 cases grew by 11,493 in the past day and the total @ @ @ @ @ the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday .
Moscow confirmed 3,323 new COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ .
Another 461 cases were registered in St. Petersburg , 433 in the Moscow Region @ @ @ @ @ June 25 ) , 261 in the Rostov Region and 234 in the Nizhny Novgorod @ @ @ @ @ rate - 0.2 % - was recorded in Chechnya , where four new COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ growth rate was also registered in the Nenets Autonomous Region ( 0.3 % ) , @ @ @ @ @ Tatarstan Republics ( 0.4 % ) .
The number of the so-called active coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ treatment now rose to 235,727 ( 18.7 % of those infected ) .
This is @ @ @ @ @ 22 .

According to its data, a 0.9% growth rate in the past five days was recorded.
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Russia’s COVID-19 cases grew by 11,493 in the past day and the total case tally reached 1,260,112, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday.
Moscow confirmed 3,323 new COVID-19 cases versus 3,229 a day earlier. Another 461 cases were registered in St. Petersburg, 433 in the Moscow Region (the highest figure since June 25), 261 in the Rostov Region and 234 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The lowest growth rate - 0.2% - was recorded in Chechnya, where four new COVID-19 cases were confirmed. A low growth rate was also registered in the Nenets Autonomous Region (0.3%), the Tyva, Chuvash and Tatarstan Republics (0.4%).
The number of the so-called active coronavirus cases or patients who are undergoing treatment now rose to 235,727 (18.7% of those infected). This is the highest figure since June 22.


tass--2020-10-08--Traffic on highway near Ryazan restored following fire and explosions

MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
Road traffic on the Kaspiy highway interrupted by a fire at an ammunition @ @ @ @ @ restored , Russian Deputy Defense Minister General of the Army Dmitry Bulgakov said on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ controlled traffic was organized on the highway .
Railway traffic was neither interrupted nor stopped @ @ @ @ @ The Russian Defense Ministry earlier reported that , due to the dropping intensity of ammunition @ @ @ @ @ able to begin localizing the fire in the ammunition depot at dawn on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ s Office , on Wednesday afternoon , a fire broke out at a military unit @ @ @ @ @ which resulted in munition explosions .
More than 2,300 people have been evacuated from nearby @ @ @ @ @ .
A state of emergency has been declared in the region .

MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Road traffic on the Kaspiy highway interrupted by a fire at an ammunition depot near Ryazan has been restored, Russian Deputy Defense Minister General of the Army Dmitry Bulgakov said on Thursday.
"Last night, controlled traffic was organized on the highway. Railway traffic was neither interrupted nor stopped," he said.
The Russian Defense Ministry earlier reported that, due to the dropping intensity of ammunition explosions, specialists would be able to begin localizing the fire in the ammunition depot at dawn on Thursday.
According to the Prosecutor-General’s Office, on Wednesday afternoon, a fire broke out at a military unit in the Ryazan Region, which resulted in munition explosions. More than 2,300 people have been evacuated from nearby settlements within a five-kilometer radius. A state of emergency has been declared in the region.


tass--2020-10-08--Number of people injured in explosions near Ryazan climbs to 13

TASS , October 8 .
The number of people injured in explosions at an ammunition depot in Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ 13 , the regional government ’ s press service reported on Thursday .
`` Thirteen @ @ @ @ @ the press service said .

TASS, October 8. The number of people injured in explosions at an ammunition depot in Russia’s Ryazan Region has climbed to 13, the regional government’s press service reported on Thursday.
"Thirteen people were injured," the press service said.


tass--2020-10-08--Another 1,341 COVID-19 patients recover in Moscow in 24 hours

Coronavirus spread may get stronger in Russia in fall compared to spring , expert says '' The number of recoveries @ @ @ @ @ .
Another 1,341 patients recovered after treatment in the past 24 hours .
The number @ @ @ @ @ 257,703 , '' she said .
According to Rakova , patients who need to remain @ @ @ @ @ necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital .
Those who recover from the disease are offered @ @ @ @ @ .
People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , Hepatitis B and @ @

Coronavirus spread may get stronger in Russia in fall compared to spring, expert says
"The number of recoveries in Moscow continues to grow. Another 1,341 patients recovered after treatment in the past 24 hours. The number of recoveries has climbed to 257,703," she said.
According to Rakova, patients who need to remain under medical supervision receive the necessary recommendations before leaving the hospital.
Those who recover from the disease are offered to become blood plasma donors. People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-10-08--Intensity of explosions in warehouse near Ryazan drops to one per minute — source

MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
The intensity of ammunition explosions at a military depot in Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ one per minute , a source in the emergency services told TASS .
`` Now @ @ @ @ @ ] per minute .
According to data obtained at 06:00 Moscow time , there were @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
According to the source , efforts to extinguish the fire at @ @ @ @ @ been suspended because of explosions , work is in progress along the perimeter of the @ @ @ @ @ , a fire broke out at a military unit in the Ryazan Region , which @ @ @ @ @ More than 2,300 people have been evacuated from 14 nearby settlements within a five-kilometer radius @ @ @ @ @ burned down in two populated areas .
A criminal case has been opened .
A @ @ @ @ @ declared in the region .

MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. The intensity of ammunition explosions at a military depot in Russia’s Ryazan Region has dropped to one per minute, a source in the emergency services told TASS.
"Now there is one [explosion] per minute. According to data obtained at 06:00 Moscow time, there were three explosions per minute," he said.
According to the source, efforts to extinguish the fire at the military depot itself have been suspended because of explosions, work is in progress along the perimeter of the arsenal.
On Wednesday afternoon, a fire broke out at a military unit in the Ryazan Region, which resulted in munition explosions. More than 2,300 people have been evacuated from 14 nearby settlements within a five-kilometer radius, over 20 buildings were burned down in two populated areas. A criminal case has been opened. A state of emergency has been declared in the region.


tass--2020-10-08--Number of COVID-19 infections in Kazakhstan surpasses 108,400

During the last eight days the growth of the new cases of infection was within 59-92 .
At the ratio of the number of the population ( 18.7 mln ) the share of the infected makes up 0.5 % , and the infection parameter over the past 24 hours in relation to the total number of residents is 0.0004 % .
The coronavirus spread coefficient over the last eight days was at the mark of 1.02 .
The highest number of the infected over one day ( 1,962 ) was registered on July 9 .
NUR-SULTAN , October 8 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours have detected 92 new cases of the coronavirus infection which is 26 more than the day before .
The total number of infections reached 108,454 , the state interagency anti-coronavirus commission reported on Thursday .
According to the commission ’ s data , in all , 103,604 people have recovered with 139 recoveries recorded over the past 24 hours .
A day earlier 98 recoveries were reported .
The number of the coronavirus fatalities to date has risen to 1,752 , increasing over the past 24 hours by three .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,045,439 tests for the presence of the coronavirus have been conducted in the republic .
The parameter of detected infections out of those tested is 3.5 % .
16.2 % of the population have been tested .
Kazakhstan ’ s Health Ministry since August 1 began to collect the data on the coronavirus infections in a different way .
The statistics includes separately the COVID-19 cases confirmed by the laboratory and cases of pneumonia with a negative PCR test but with clinical and epidemiological signs of the coronavirus infection .
As of October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pneumonia were detected in the country , 361 patients with this diagnosis have died .
The emergency situation regime due to the spread of the coronavirus was in effect in Kazakhstan since March 16 through May 11 .
On July 5 , the republic ’ s authorities reintroduced a number of additional restrictions due to the worsening epidemiological situation .
They were gradually lifted beginning on August 17 , and since August 31 the second stage of lifting of the quarantine measures began .

During the last eight days the growth of the new cases of infection was within 59-92. At the ratio of the number of the population (18.7 mln) the share of the infected makes up 0.5%, and the infection parameter over the past 24 hours in relation to the total number of residents is 0.0004%. The coronavirus spread coefficient over the last eight days was at the mark of 1.02. The highest number of the infected over one day (1,962) was registered on July 9.
NUR-SULTAN, October 8. /TASS/. Kazakh doctors over the past 24 hours have detected 92 new cases of the coronavirus infection which is 26 more than the day before. The total number of infections reached 108,454, the state interagency anti-coronavirus commission reported on Thursday.
According to the commission’s data, in all, 103,604 people have recovered with 139 recoveries recorded over the past 24 hours. A day earlier 98 recoveries were reported. The number of the coronavirus fatalities to date has risen to 1,752, increasing over the past 24 hours by three.
As of October 6, the total of 3,045,439 tests for the presence of the coronavirus have been conducted in the republic. The parameter of detected infections out of those tested is 3.5%. 16.2% of the population have been tested.
Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry since August 1 began to collect the data on the coronavirus infections in a different way. The statistics includes separately the COVID-19 cases confirmed by the laboratory and cases of pneumonia with a negative PCR test but with clinical and epidemiological signs of the coronavirus infection. As of October 7, 33,877 patients with this type of pneumonia were detected in the country, 361 patients with this diagnosis have died.
The emergency situation regime due to the spread of the coronavirus was in effect in Kazakhstan since March 16 through May 11. On July 5, the republic’s authorities reintroduced a number of additional restrictions due to the worsening epidemiological situation. They were gradually lifted beginning on August 17, and since August 31 the second stage of lifting of the quarantine measures began.


tass--2020-10-08--Restrictions in Russia for COVID-19 prevention insufficient, expert says

`` From the medical point of view the restrictive measures are insufficient , I ’ ll be honest .
Look at the subway , at the stores , and so on < … > nobody wears a mask .
Of course , [ additional measures ] need to be introduced .
Maybe one should start with the educational campaigns , '' he told TASS .
MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
Head of the department of pulmonology of the Sechenov University , chief non-resident pulmonologist of Russia ’ s Healthcare Ministry Sergey Avdeyev considers the current restrictive measures for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insufficient since citizens continue to ignore the safety precautions , particularly in public places .
He noted that today it is difficult to convince people that the coronavirus infection is indeed dangerous .
`` This is an infection that can potentially take lives of our friends , acquaintances , and so on .
This is a serious problem , this is not just an acute respiratory infection when one can sneeze and cough a bit during one week .
No .
Here , unfortunately , people end up in intensive care , artificial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures can help us in order for less people to be in contact and to spread this viral infection , '' the expert added .
The pulmonologist also reiterated that the citizens shouldn ’ t forget the importance of observation of the mask regime in order to protect themselves and others .
`` It is important to wear masks , this is not somebody ’ s whim .
Imagine if everyone wears a mask .
Among them there will be definitely those who spread this infection .
If an infected person wears a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of viral particles getting into the environment will be lower .
And , without a doubt , less viral particles will get to those who do not have this infection , '' he explained , adding that a mask lowers the possibility of the infection .
Earlier , the Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko called the situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection in Russia manageable .
According to him , the country has the sufficient number of prepared hospital beds and trained medical personnel to treat the patients .
Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus patients appeared which demonstrated their effectiveness .
To date , 1,248,619 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 995,275 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 21,865 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"From the medical point of view the restrictive measures are insufficient, I’ll be honest. Look at the subway, at the stores, and so on <…> nobody wears a mask. Of course, [additional measures] need to be introduced. Maybe one should start with the educational campaigns," he told TASS.
MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Head of the department of pulmonology of the Sechenov University, chief non-resident pulmonologist of Russia’s Healthcare Ministry Sergey Avdeyev considers the current restrictive measures for the prevention of the novel coronavirus infection insufficient since citizens continue to ignore the safety precautions, particularly in public places.
He noted that today it is difficult to convince people that the coronavirus infection is indeed dangerous. "This is an infection that can potentially take lives of our friends, acquaintances, and so on. This is a serious problem, this is not just an acute respiratory infection when one can sneeze and cough a bit during one week. No. Here, unfortunately, people end up in intensive care, artificial lung ventilation is used. The restrictive measures can help us in order for less people to be in contact and to spread this viral infection," the expert added.
The pulmonologist also reiterated that the citizens shouldn’t forget the importance of observation of the mask regime in order to protect themselves and others. "It is important to wear masks, this is not somebody’s whim. Imagine if everyone wears a mask. Among them there will be definitely those who spread this infection. If an infected person wears a mask, <...> then the number of viral particles getting into the environment will be lower. And, without a doubt, less viral particles will get to those who do not have this infection," he explained, adding that a mask lowers the possibility of the infection.
Earlier, the Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko called the situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection in Russia manageable. According to him, the country has the sufficient number of prepared hospital beds and trained medical personnel to treat the patients. Additionally, new pharmaceuticals for treatment of the coronavirus patients appeared which demonstrated their effectiveness.
To date, 1,248,619 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 995,275 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 21,865 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-08--Over 1,000 people injured during disorders in Kyrgyzstan - Health Ministry

BISHKEK , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
Over 1,000 people have been injured during mass disorders in the Kyrgyz capital @ @ @ @ @ Health Ministry reported on Thursday .
`` Over the entire time 1,002 people asked for @ @ @ @ @ statement said .
204 of them were hospitalized , others `` were treated on an @ @ @ @ @ to the Health Ministry , during the clashes between those opposing the October 4 parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ enforcement one person died .
Following the October 4 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan , representatives @ @ @ @ @ pass organized mass riots in Bishkek , captured the buildings of the parliament ( where @ @ @ @ @ located ) , the Bishkek Administration and the Prosecutor General ’ s Office .
The @ @ @ @ @ Atambayev , former Prime Minister Sapar Isakov and a number of other politicians from prison @

BISHKEK, October 8. /TASS/. Over 1,000 people have been injured during mass disorders in the Kyrgyz capital, the republic’s Health Ministry reported on Thursday.
"Over the entire time 1,002 people asked for medical aid," the statement said. 204 of them were hospitalized, others "were treated on an outpatient basis."
According to the Health Ministry, during the clashes between those opposing the October 4 parliamentary election results and the law enforcement one person died.
Following the October 4 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, representatives of parties that failed to pass organized mass riots in Bishkek, captured the buildings of the parliament (where the Presidential Administration is also located), the Bishkek Administration and the Prosecutor General’s Office. The rioters released former president Almazbek Atambayev, former Prime Minister Sapar Isakov and a number of other politicians from prison.


tass--2020-10-08--Biden’s running mate pushes ‘Russia bounties’ conspiracy theory during VP debate

NEW YORK , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
US Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris has pointed out President Trump ’ s failure to act on alleged `` bounties '' offered by Moscow to Taliban ( outlawed in Russia ) militants for attacks on American servicemen .
She stated this on Wednesday during TV debate with US vice-president Michael Pence .
The debate took place at the University of Utah ’ s Kingsbury Hall and was televised by all major American TV stations .
The senator said that the data was published that Russia offered bounties for American soldiers , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
Trump does not `` care '' about reports Russia had put `` bounties on the heads of American soldiers '' in Afghanistan and failed to confront Russia Vladimir Putin about it , she charged .
She pointed out that US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden would have never acted this way .
Biden himself numerous times mentioned Trump ’ s failure to act on this issue .
On June 26 , The New York Times ran a story claiming that an unidentified unit of the Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlawed in Russia ) militants to kill US soldiers and other coalition troops in Afghanistan .
On June 29 , Dmitry Peskov , the Kremlin spokesman , castigated these reports as fabrications and an `` elaborate hoax . ''
On June 27 , the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the initial publication on this issue as intentionally false .
Trump , representing the Republican party , on June 28 commented on Twitter that US intelligence did not find this information credible .
On February 14 , 2003 , the Russian Supreme Court declared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization ’ s activities are outlawed in Russia .

NEW YORK, October 8. /TASS/. US Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris has pointed out President Trump’s failure to act on alleged "bounties" offered by Moscow to Taliban (outlawed in Russia) militants for attacks on American servicemen. She stated this on Wednesday during TV debate with US vice-president Michael Pence. The debate took place at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall and was televised by all major American TV stations.
The senator said that the data was published that Russia offered bounties for American soldiers, while Donald Trump has never raised this issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump does not "care" about reports Russia had put "bounties on the heads of American soldiers" in Afghanistan and failed to confront Russia Vladimir Putin about it, she charged. She pointed out that US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden would have never acted this way. Biden himself numerous times mentioned Trump’s failure to act on this issue.
An "elaborate hoax"
On June 26, The New York Times ran a story claiming that an unidentified unit of the Russian military intelligence allegedly offered bounties to Taliban (outlawed in Russia) militants to kill US soldiers and other coalition troops in Afghanistan. On June 29, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, castigated these reports as fabrications and an "elaborate hoax." On June 27, the Russian Foreign Ministry labeled the initial publication on this issue as intentionally false.
Trump, representing the Republican party, on June 28 commented on Twitter that US intelligence did not find this information credible.
On February 14, 2003, the Russian Supreme Court declared the Taliban a terrorist organization. The extremist organization’s activities are outlawed in Russia.


tass--2020-10-08--Trump prefers to trust Putin, not US intelligence - US vice-presidential candidate

NEW YORK , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump prefers to believe statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin and not the reports of the US intelligence community on Russia ’ s meddling in the US presidential election , US Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris stated on Wednesday during TV debate with US vice-president Michael Pence .
The debate took place at the University of Utah ’ s Kingsbury Hall and was televised by all major American TV stations .
The senator mentioned that she is a member of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia meddled in the US election in 2016 and attempts to do so in 2020 , while the same is confirmed by FBI director Christopher Wray .
Yet when it comes to election interference , Trump `` prefers to take the word of Vladimir Putin over the word of the American intelligence community , '' she said .
The issue of potential interference in US elections is regularly raised due to claims of American authorities that Russia was complicit in such actions back in 2016 .
Moscow has repeatedly rejected these accusations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that the Kremlin regrettably notes that there will be increasingly more news of alleged attempts by Russia to interfere in the electoral process as the US election in November 2020 approaches .
According to the spokesman , these claims `` are nowhere near close to the truth .
`` .

NEW YORK, October 8. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump prefers to believe statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin and not the reports of the US intelligence community on Russia’s meddling in the US presidential election, US Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris stated on Wednesday during TV debate with US vice-president Michael Pence. The debate took place at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall and was televised by all major American TV stations.
The senator mentioned that she is a member of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the American intelligence community told the committee that Russia meddled in the US election in 2016 and attempts to do so in 2020, while the same is confirmed by FBI director Christopher Wray. Yet when it comes to election interference, Trump "prefers to take the word of Vladimir Putin over the word of the American intelligence community," she said.
The issue of potential interference in US elections is regularly raised due to claims of American authorities that Russia was complicit in such actions back in 2016. Moscow has repeatedly rejected these accusations. In February, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the Kremlin regrettably notes that there will be increasingly more news of alleged attempts by Russia to interfere in the electoral process as the US election in November 2020 approaches. According to the spokesman, these claims "are nowhere near close to the truth.".


tass--2020-10-08--Over 36 mln people worldwide infected with COVID-19

MOSCOW , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
The number of detected cases of the coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 36 @ @ @ @ @ data on the American Johns Hopkins University website said which calculates the total based on @ @ @ @ @ organizations , federal and local authorities .
According to the university , the number of @ @ @ @ @ , with 1,053,357 fatalities and 25,117,417 recoveries .
The highest number of infections ( 7,544,612 @ @ @ @ @ US , followed by India ( 6,757,131 ) and Brazil ( 4,969,141 ) .
To @ @ @ @ @ have been confirmed in Russia , with 995,275 patients having recovered from the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ indicates 21,865 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. The number of detected cases of the coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 36 mln on Thursday, the data on the American Johns Hopkins University website said which calculates the total based on the information from the international organizations, federal and local authorities.
According to the university, the number of infections currently is at 36,026,644, with 1,053,357 fatalities and 25,117,417 recoveries. The highest number of infections (7,544,612) is recorded in the US, followed by India (6,757,131) and Brazil (4,969,141).
To date, 1,248,619 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 995,275 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 21,865 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-10-07--Top German diplomat repeats sanctions threat over Navalny case

According to Maas , Germany has always acted as a country which disseminated information on Navalny ’ s condition because he is getting treatment in Germany .
However , this is an issue of international significance .
`` We want to discuss the reaction in the EU framework because this is not a German-Russian bilateral conflict , '' the minister underlined .
`` We are convinced that it can not be left without consequences .
In the coming days , we will agree a joint reaction together with EU and OPCW partners .
It is clear that if details are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not follow , targeted and commensurate sanctions will follow against those responsible on the Russian side , '' he said .
BERLIN , October 7 .
/TASS/ .
The West continues to expect explanations from Russia in light of Alexey Navalny case , otherwise , there will be consequences and they will be discussed in the EU shortly , German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told Bundestag Wednesday , commenting on the OPCW conclusions on the case .
The minister also said that the EU should maintain consolidation when discussing any potential response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be successfully preserved if a list of people will be quickly drafted '' who can face restrictions .
The minister recalled that Russia had submitted four requests of legal assistance to Germany .
Berlin would be ready to take the necessary steps , but the requests , according to him , are about Navalny ’ s `` personal data . ''
Therefore , it should be Navalny who agrees to share the data .
Maas added that Navalny is Germany ’ s guests and Berlin is responsible for his security .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating this crime , '' he added , noting that he had discussed this with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov .
Moreover , the German minister said that Moscow is `` absurdly rebuking '' Germany and the OPCW in this context .
Alexey Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
On Tuesday , the OPCW confirmed that biomarkers of the cholinesterase inhibitor found in Navalny ’ s blood and urine samples have similar structural characteristics as the toxic chemicals added to the Chemical Weapons Convention ’ s Annex on Chemicals in November 2019 .
At the same time , this cholinesterase inhibitor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Convention Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .

According to Maas, Germany has always acted as a country which disseminated information on Navalny’s condition because he is getting treatment in Germany. However, this is an issue of international significance. "We want to discuss the reaction in the EU framework because this is not a German-Russian bilateral conflict," the minister underlined.
"We are convinced that it cannot be left without consequences. In the coming days, we will agree a joint reaction together with EU and OPCW partners. It is clear that if details are not cleared up and the necessary information will not follow, targeted and commensurate sanctions will follow against those responsible on the Russian side," he said.
BERLIN, October 7. /TASS/. The West continues to expect explanations from Russia in light of Alexey Navalny case, otherwise, there will be consequences and they will be discussed in the EU shortly, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told Bundestag Wednesday, commenting on the OPCW conclusions on the case.
The minister also said that the EU should maintain consolidation when discussing any potential response. This consolidation "is likely to be successfully preserved if a list of people will be quickly drafted" who can face restrictions.
The minister recalled that Russia had submitted four requests of legal assistance to Germany. Berlin would be ready to take the necessary steps, but the requests, according to him, are about Navalny’s "personal data." Therefore, it should be Navalny who agrees to share the data. Maas added that Navalny is Germany’s guests and Berlin is responsible for his security.
"We believe that Russia should be interested in investigating this crime," he added, noting that he had discussed this with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Moreover, the German minister said that Moscow is "absurdly rebuking" Germany and the OPCW in this context.
Navalny case
Alexey Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
On Tuesday, the OPCW confirmed that biomarkers of the cholinesterase inhibitor found in Navalny’s blood and urine samples have similar structural characteristics as the toxic chemicals added to the Chemical Weapons Convention’s Annex on Chemicals in November 2019. At the same time, this cholinesterase inhibitor is not listed in the Annex on Chemicals to the Convention
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.


tass--2020-10-09--Moscow can avoid tough measures if anti-coronavirus restrictions observed — official

MOSCOW , October 9 .
/TASS/ .
Tough measures to contain the novel coronavirus infection in Moscow will not be necessary if residents observe the current requirements of Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog , the head of the city ’ s chief control directorate , Yevgeny Danchikov , told the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` If we observe all the requirements , tougher measures won ’ t be necessary , '' he said .
In his words , not all residents take the rule of wearing face masks and gloves in public places seriously .
`` The current situation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our behavior , '' he said .
Moscow is the hardest-hit region in Russia , and daily numbers of new coronavirus cases are on the rise .
Overall , 318,111 cases of the infection were registered in the city so far , including 3,323 in the past day .
A total of 257,703 people have recovered .
To date , 1,260,112 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,002,329 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 22,056 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 9. /TASS/. Tough measures to contain the novel coronavirus infection in Moscow will not be necessary if residents observe the current requirements of Russia’s sanitary watchdog, the head of the city’s chief control directorate, Yevgeny Danchikov, told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"If we observe all the requirements, tougher measures won’t be necessary," he said.
In his words, not all residents take the rule of wearing face masks and gloves in public places seriously.
"The current situation and how quickly we overcome it fully depends on our behavior," he said.
Moscow is the hardest-hit region in Russia, and daily numbers of new coronavirus cases are on the rise. Overall, 318,111 cases of the infection were registered in the city so far, including 3,323 in the past day. A total of 257,703 people have recovered.
To date, 1,260,112 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,002,329 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 22,056 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-09--Russia to hold three more test launches of Tsirkon hypersonic missile by year-end

MOSCOW , October 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Admiral Gorshkov frigate of the Russian Northern Fleet ( Project 22350 ) will carry out three more test-launches of Russia ’ s advanced Tsirkon hypersonic missile by the end of the year , two sources in Russia ’ s defense ministry have told TASS .
`` As part of the ongoing flight trials of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile , three more test launches will be carried out by the Admiral Gorshkov frigate .
The nearest launch will take place in late October - early November , '' the source said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` all the three launches will involve real strike at sea or land targets , including those imitating aircraft carriers or strategic facilities of a notional enemy . ''
The NPO Mashinostroyeniya rocket design bureau ( part of the Tactical Missiles Corporation ) , tipped by the media as the rocket ’ s developer , declined to comment on the information when contacted by TASS .
On October 7 , Chief of Russia ’ s General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin via a video conference that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile from the White Sea against a sea target at a distance of 450 km in the Barents Sea on October 6 .
The missile flew to a range of 450 km , climbing to a maximum altitude of 28 km .
The flight lasted four and a half minutes .
The missile gained a hypersonic speed of over Mach 8 , or eight times the speed of sound .
In February 2011 , then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with a hypersonic missile .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s flight tests began in 2015 .
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019 , Russian President Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled .
As the Russian leader said , the Tsirkon was capable of developing a speed of about Mach 9 and its striking range capability could exceed 1,000 km .
The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets .
Putin specified at the time that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles .
Russia uses the 3S-14 universal shipborne launcher for the launches of Tsirkon hypersonic weapons and Kalibr cruise missiles .
These launchers , in particular , are operational on Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes .

MOSCOW, October 9. /TASS/. The Admiral Gorshkov frigate of the Russian Northern Fleet (Project 22350) will carry out three more test-launches of Russia’s advanced Tsirkon hypersonic missile by the end of the year, two sources in Russia’s defense ministry have told TASS.
"As part of the ongoing flight trials of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile, three more test launches will be carried out by the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. The nearest launch will take place in late October - early November," the source said.
The other source confirmed this information, adding that "all the three launches will involve real strike at sea or land targets, including those imitating aircraft carriers or strategic facilities of a notional enemy."
The NPO Mashinostroyeniya rocket design bureau (part of the Tactical Missiles Corporation), tipped by the media as the rocket’s developer, declined to comment on the information when contacted by TASS.
On October 7, Chief of Russia’s General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin via a video conference that the Admiral Gorshkov successfully test-fired a Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the White Sea against a sea target at a distance of 450 km in the Barents Sea on October 6. The missile flew to a range of 450 km, climbing to a maximum altitude of 28 km. The flight lasted four and a half minutes. The missile gained a hypersonic speed of over Mach 8, or eight times the speed of sound.
Tsirkon hypersonic missile
In February 2011, then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with a hypersonic missile. According to media reports, the missile’s flight tests began in 2015.
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019, Russian President Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled. As the Russian leader said, the Tsirkon was capable of developing a speed of about Mach 9 and its striking range capability could exceed 1,000 km. The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets. Putin specified at the time that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines, including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles.
Russia uses the 3S-14 universal shipborne launcher for the launches of Tsirkon hypersonic weapons and Kalibr cruise missiles. These launchers, in particular, are operational on Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes.


tass--2020-10-09--Number of COVID-2019 cases worldwide up by over 267,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , October 9 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases worldwide topped 36 million in the past day , up by 338,779 in the past 24 hours , the World Health Organization said in its daily bulletin on Thursday .
According to the international organization ’ s figures , the global number of fatalities increased by more than 5,514 in the reported period , nearing 1.05 million .
As of 4:24 Moscow time on Thursday , a total of 36,002,827 cases and 1,049,810 deaths were registered all over the world .
The WHO statistics is based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hardest-hit regions are South and North America ( 112,715 cases and 2,785 deaths registered in the past 24 hours ) , followed by Europe ( 96,996 cases and 944 deaths ) and Southeast Asia ( 89 674 cases and 1,158 deaths ) .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 7,419,230 ) , India ( 6,835,655 ) , Brazil ( 4,969,141 ) , Russia ( 1,260,112 ) , Colombia ( 869,808 ) , Spain ( 835,901 ) , Peru ( 832,468 ) , Argentina ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and South Africa ( 683 242 ) .

GENEVA, October 9. /TASS/. The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases worldwide topped 36 million in the past day, up by 338,779 in the past 24 hours, the World Health Organization said in its daily bulletin on Thursday.
According to the international organization’s figures, the global number of fatalities increased by more than 5,514 in the reported period, nearing 1.05 million.
As of 4:24 Moscow time on Thursday, a total of 36,002,827 cases and 1,049,810 deaths were registered all over the world.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
The hardest-hit regions are South and North America (112,715 cases and 2,785 deaths registered in the past 24 hours), followed by Europe (96,996 cases and 944 deaths) and Southeast Asia (89 674 cases and 1,158 deaths).
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (7,419,230), India (6,835,655), Brazil (4,969,141), Russia (1,260,112), Colombia (869,808), Spain (835,901), Peru (832,468), Argentina (824 468), Mexico (769,558) and South Africa (683 242).


tass--2020-10-09--OPCW says will share info on Navalny only if Berlin permits — Russian foreign ministry

MOSCOW , October 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) is ready to share its information on Alexey Navalny ’ s case with Russia only upon a permission from Berlin , the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s official spokeswoman , Maria Zakharova , told the Dozhd TV channel on Thursday .
`` OPCW said it had confirmed Berlin ’ s conclusions by its own research , '' she said .
`` When asked whether they could share this data with us , they replied that this could be possible only upon Berlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been given yet . ''
Zakharov added that four requests on the issue , filed by the Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office to the German authorities , remain unanswered at this point .
At the same time , OPCW keeps saying that the issue must be referred to Berlin .
Alexey Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
On Tuesday , the OPCW confirmed that biomarkers of the cholinesterase inhibitor found in Navalny ’ s blood and urine samples have similar structural characteristics as the toxic chemicals added to the Chemical Weapons Convention ’ s Annex on Chemicals in November 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhibitor is not listed in the Annex on Chemicals to the Convention Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .

MOSCOW, October 9. /TASS/. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is ready to share its information on Alexey Navalny’s case with Russia only upon a permission from Berlin, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told the Dozhd TV channel on Thursday.
"OPCW said it had confirmed Berlin’s conclusions by its own research," she said. "When asked whether they could share this data with us, they replied that this could be possible only upon Berlin’s permission, which ihas not been given yet."
Zakharov added that four requests on the issue, filed by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office to the German authorities, remain unanswered at this point. At the same time, OPCW keeps saying that the issue must be referred to Berlin.
Alexey Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
On Tuesday, the OPCW confirmed that biomarkers of the cholinesterase inhibitor found in Navalny’s blood and urine samples have similar structural characteristics as the toxic chemicals added to the Chemical Weapons Convention’s Annex on Chemicals in November 2019. At the same time, this cholinesterase inhibitor is not listed in the Annex on Chemicals to the Convention
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.


tass--2020-10-09--Shelling of Nagorno-Karabakh’s capital of Stepanakert subsides on Tuesday night

STEPANAKERT , October 9 .
/TASS/ .
The intensity of shelling in Stepanakert , the capital of the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh , subsided on Thursday night , with only two or three blasts heard in the past six hours , a TASS correspondent reported from the city early on Friday .
The armed forces of Azerbaijan stepped up artillery fire and drone attacks on the city on Thursday morning and in the afternoon .
The situation improved on Thursday evening , with practically no blasts heard and air raid sirens staying silent .
Blackout measures are in place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , the majority of windows also remain dark .
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 .
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 .

STEPANAKERT, October 9. /TASS/. The intensity of shelling in Stepanakert, the capital of the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, subsided on Thursday night, with only two or three blasts heard in the past six hours, a TASS correspondent reported from the city early on Friday.
The armed forces of Azerbaijan stepped up artillery fire and drone attacks on the city on Thursday morning and in the afternoon. The situation improved on Thursday evening, with practically no blasts heard and air raid sirens staying silent.
Blackout measures are in place in the city: all street lights are out, the majority of windows also remain dark.
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.
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--2020-10-09--Kyrgyz president says ready to step down when law and order restored

BISHKEK , October 9 .
/TASS/ .
Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov said in a statement on Thursday he was ready to step down as soon as legitimate leaders are appointed and order is restored in the country .
`` We need to return the current situation to the legal domain .
As soon as legitimate chiefs of executive bodies are appointed and the country returns to the path of law and order , I ’ m ready to step down as the president of Kyrgyzstan , '' reads a statement , posted on the president ’ s website .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kyrgyzstan have reached the critical point , announcing a series of measures to overcome the crisis .
`` The political situation in the country has reached the critical point .
In order to settle the current situation , the following steps should be done .
The results of elections to Jogorku Kenesh [ parliament ] have already been annulled , and new parliamentary elections should be scheduled .
A decision on the matter is to be made by the Central Election Commission .
Those measures would ease the current political tensions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s website .
`` At the same time , we need to sack the prime minister and members of his cabinet , who worked before the crisis , thus creating legitimate grounds for new appointments .
In order to legitimize the appointment of the new prime minister and cabinet members , a parliamentary ruling and a presidential decree are necessary .
I ’ m ready to sign relevant documents and I ’ m waiting for a Jogorku Kenesh ruling , '' the president said .
Following the October 4 parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties , which failed to win seats , organized mass riots in Bishkek .
Overnight to Tuesday , the protesters seized the parliament , the government and the presidential administration buildings , the mayor ’ s office and the Prosecutor-General ’ s office .
The opposition helped create several structures , which declared themselves as interim authorities and appointed prime ministers .
The state posts of all levels were seized in the Central Asian republic and unknown individuals took under control dozens of enterprises , deposits and other business facilities .

BISHKEK, October 9. /TASS/. Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov said in a statement on Thursday he was ready to step down as soon as legitimate leaders are appointed and order is restored in the country.
"We need to return the current situation to the legal domain. As soon as legitimate chiefs of executive bodies are appointed and the country returns to the path of law and order, I’m ready to step down as the president of Kyrgyzstan," reads a statement, posted on the president’s website.
He went on to say that political tensions in Kyrgyzstan have reached the critical point, announcing a series of measures to overcome the crisis.
"The political situation in the country has reached the critical point. In order to settle the current situation, the following steps should be done. The results of elections to Jogorku Kenesh [parliament] have already been annulled, and new parliamentary elections should be scheduled. A decision on the matter is to be made by the Central Election Commission. Those measures would ease the current political tensions," reads a statement, posted on the president’s website.
"At the same time, we need to sack the prime minister and members of his cabinet, who worked before the crisis, thus creating legitimate grounds for new appointments. In order to legitimize the appointment of the new prime minister and cabinet members, a parliamentary ruling and a presidential decree are necessary. I’m ready to sign relevant documents and I’m waiting for a Jogorku Kenesh ruling," the president said.
Following the October 4 parliamentary polls in Kyrgyzstan, supporters of those parties, which failed to win seats, organized mass riots in Bishkek. Overnight to Tuesday, the protesters seized the parliament, the government and the presidential administration buildings, the mayor’s office and the Prosecutor-General’s office.
The opposition helped create several structures, which declared themselves as interim authorities and appointed prime ministers. The state posts of all levels were seized in the Central Asian republic and unknown individuals took under control dozens of enterprises, deposits and other business facilities.


tass--2020-10-09--EU Navalny sanctions list to include nine people — report

PARIS , October 8 .
/TASS/ .
The EU sanctions list over Alexey Navalny case may include nine people , Le Monde stated in its report Thursday .
`` The list includes names of nine people , '' the newspaper says citing its sources .
According to the report , these people are employees of the Presidential Administration and national security agencies .
The newspaper speculates that Moscow `` may reciprocate . ''
`` This list , which involves suspension of bank accounts and entry ban in Europe , will be discussed in Brussels on October 12 , '' Le @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper named neither the potential sanctions targets , not sources of its information .
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident .

PARIS, October 8. /TASS/. The EU sanctions list over Alexey Navalny case may include nine people, Le Monde stated in its report Thursday.
"The list includes names of nine people," the newspaper says citing its sources.
According to the report, these people are employees of the Presidential Administration and national security agencies. The newspaper speculates that Moscow "may reciprocate."
"This list, which involves suspension of bank accounts and entry ban in Europe, will be discussed in Brussels on October 12," Le Monde report says.
However, the newspaper named neither the potential sanctions targets, not sources of its information.
Navalny case
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident.


tass--2020-10-09--Head of Russia’s Bank Trust detained on suspicion of fraud

MOSCOW , October 9 .
/TASS/ .
The CEO of Russia ’ s Bank Trust , Mikhail Khabarov , was @ @ @ @ @ large-scale fraud after questioning by the Russian Investigative Committee , his lawyer Vladimir Slashchev told @ @ @ @ @ questioning at the Russian Investigative Committee , my client Khabarov was detained .
< ... @ @ @ @ @ ] Presnensky Court is to rule on placing him under arrest .
Investigators have requested @ @ @ @ @ he said .

MOSCOW, October 9. /TASS/. The CEO of Russia’s Bank Trust, Mikhail Khabarov, was detained on suspicion of a large-scale fraud after questioning by the Russian Investigative Committee, his lawyer Vladimir Slashchev told TASS.
"After a questioning by the Russian Investigative Committee, my client Khabarov was detained. <...> [Moscow’s] Presnensky Court is to rule on whether he should be placed under arrest. Investigators have requested custody for him," he said.
According to earlier reports, Khabarov is suspected of a fraud on an especially large scale. He pleaded not guilty.
A law enforcement source earlier told TASS that Khabarov was being questioned in connection with the case of embezzling almost 842 million rubles (about $10.9 million at the current exchange rate) from Alexander Bogatikov, an owner of the Business Lines transport company.
According to the source, Khabarov’s house was searched on Thursday as part of the case.
The press office of the noncore assets Bank Trust told TASS that the top management expresses full support for Khabarov, and the bank will do its best to ensure transparency and impartiality of the investigation.