tass--2020-10-15--Venezuela starts clinical trials for Russia’s coronavirus vaccine

BUENOS AIRES , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuelan authorities have selected volunteers to take part in clinical trials of the Russian coronavirus vaccine dubbed Sputnik V , the trials are underway , Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Wednesday .
`` The Russian vaccine is already in Venezuela , the trials are already starting , there are 2,000 volunteers , '' he said .
According to the leader , Venezuela will soon receive `` a few thousand doses of the Chinese vaccine . ''
`` When the third part of the clinical trials of the Russian and Chinese vaccines will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s and the Pan American Health Organization ’ s permits will be obtained to start a mass vaccination .
I think it will be in April , but I was told that it could possibly be earlier , '' he added .
In early October , Maduro announced that his son and elder sister would take part in the trials .
Earlier , Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez underlined that the country was planning to produce Sputnik V on its territory .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named Sputnik V , which was developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry .
The injection passed clinical trials in June-July .
The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections .
The Russian Health Ministry underlined that judging by the experience of using such vaccines , they are capable of providing a long-term immunity for up to two years .

BUENOS AIRES, October 15. /TASS/. Venezuelan authorities have selected volunteers to take part in clinical trials of the Russian coronavirus vaccine dubbed Sputnik V, the trials are underway, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Wednesday.
"The Russian vaccine is already in Venezuela, the trials are already starting, there are 2,000 volunteers," he said.
According to the leader, Venezuela will soon receive "a few thousand doses of the Chinese vaccine." "When the third part of the clinical trials of the Russian and Chinese vaccines will end, the World Health Organization’s and the Pan American Health Organization’s permits will be obtained to start a mass vaccination. I think it will be in April, but I was told that it could possibly be earlier," he added.
In early October, Maduro announced that his son and elder sister would take part in the trials. Earlier, Vice President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez underlined that the country was planning to produce Sputnik V on its territory.
On August 11, Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V, which was developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry. The injection passed clinical trials in June-July. The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections. The Russian Health Ministry underlined that judging by the experience of using such vaccines, they are capable of providing a long-term immunity for up to two years.


tass--2020-10-15--Putin awards Alexander Nevsky Order to head of Moscow’s health department

MOSCOW , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky to the @ @ @ @ @ healthcare department , the document was published Wednesday .
`` For achievements in the fight @ @ @ @ @ commitment displayed when fulfilling professional duties , to award [ the Order of Alexander Nevsky @ @ @ @ @ Moscow government minister and head of the Moscow healthcare department , '' the document reads @

MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded the Order of Alexander Nevsky to the chief of Moscow’s healthcare department, the document was published Wednesday.
"For achievements in the fight against the coronavirus infection and commitment displayed when fulfilling professional duties, to award [the Order of Alexander Nevsky] to Alexei Khripun, Moscow government minister and head of the Moscow healthcare department," the document reads.


tass--2020-10-15--Moscow's death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases rises by 57

MOSCOW , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 57 in Moscow over the past 24 hours , the Russian capital ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
`` As many as 57 patients have passed away in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection , '' the center informed .
The COVID-19 death toll has climbed to 5,796 in the Russian capital .
As of October 14 , Moscow recorded more than 344,000 confirmed cases and nearly 246,500 recoveries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 38,373,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,090,900 deaths have been reported .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 1,340,409 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,039,705 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 23,205 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 57 in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the Russian capital’s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
"As many as 57 patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection," the center informed.
The COVID-19 death toll has climbed to 5,796 in the Russian capital.
As of October 14, Moscow recorded more than 344,000 confirmed cases and nearly 246,500 recoveries.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 38,373,100 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,090,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 28,855,150 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 1,340,409 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,039,705 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 23,205 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-15--Russian Health Ministry registers two versions of Remdesivir for COVID-19 treatment

MOSCOW , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Health Ministry has licensed two versions of the antiviral drug Remdesivir @ @ @ @ @ press service said on Wednesday .
`` The Russian Health Ministry has registered two versions @ @ @ @ @ to treat the novel coronavirus infection ( COVID-19 ) , '' the statement says .
@ @ @ @ @ the licenses for a domestic version and an imported one were handed out on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ , including the United States , Japan , South Korea , India , Israel and @ @ @ @ @ the use of Remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19 patients .
The drug had been initially @ @ @ @ @ hepatitis C and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus ( RSV ) Infection .
It was studied @ @ @ @ @ but failed to prove its efficacy .
Remdesivir was used in US President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. The Russian Health Ministry has licensed two versions of the antiviral drug Remdesivir, the ministry’s press service said on Wednesday.
"The Russian Health Ministry has registered two versions of the antiviral medication Remdesivir to treat the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)," the statement says.
The ministry pointed out that the licenses for a domestic version and an imported one were handed out on Wednesday.
Earlier, some countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, India, Israel and the United Kingdom, cleared the use of Remdesivir for treatment of COVID-19 patients. The drug had been initially developed for treatment of the hepatitis C and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection. It was studied for treatment of Ebola, but failed to prove its efficacy. Remdesivir was used in US President Donald Trump’s coronavirus treatment.


tass--2020-10-15--Militants from EU and North Africa killed in explosion at depot with chemicals in Syria

MOSCOW , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
Four militants , including nationals of EU and North African states , have @ @ @ @ @ at a depot containing munitions and chlorine that were being prepared for use in provocations @ @ @ @ @ , deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria , @ @ @ @ @ According to the information in possession of the Russian center , `` on October 11 @ @ @ @ @ the Maarat Al-Ikhwan settlement ( 13 km to the north of the city of Idlib @ @ @ @ @ munitions and substances containing chlorine prepared by terrorists for chemical provocations exploded . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ explosion , four militants have died , including citizens of European and North African states @ @ @ @ @ He called on heads of illegal armed formation to abandon armed provocations and to step @ @ @ @ @ regulation of the situation in the areas under their control .

MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. Four militants, including nationals of EU and North African states, have been killed in an explosion at a depot containing munitions and chlorine that were being prepared for use in provocations in Syria, Alexander Grinkevich, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, told reporters on Wednesday.
According to the information in possession of the Russian center, "on October 11, in the area of the Maarat Al-Ikhwan settlement (13 km to the north of the city of Idlib), a depot with munitions and substances containing chlorine prepared by terrorists for chemical provocations exploded."
"On the site of the explosion, four militants have died, including citizens of European and North African states," Grinkevich informed.
He called on heads of illegal armed formation to abandon armed provocations and to step on the path of peaceful regulation of the situation in the areas under their control.


tass--2020-10-15--Putin introduces draft bill on creation of State Council to Russian parliament

MOSCOW , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced a draft bill on the status and formation of the State Council to the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) .
The bill also expands on the meaning of a united system of public governance , head of the State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation Pavel Krasheninnikov told reporters on Wednesday .
`` The draft bill of the federal law `` On the State Council of the Russian Federation '' has been put forward by the president to the Russian State Duma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second package of draft bills with the aim to implement the provisions of the updated Constitution , '' he said .
The State Council will be headed by the Russian president .
It will serve as an advisory body to the head of state .
The State Council will include the Russian Prime Minister , the Federation Council speaker , the State Duma speaker , the president ’ s chief of staff , and regional heads .
Besides , representatives of political parties that have formed factions at the Russian State Duma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be included on the Council if the president makes the corresponding decision .
The bill forbids people that have a foreign citizenship or a residence permit from forming part of the State Council , as well as those with accounts held at foreign banks .
In order to deal with the agenda of the council , the presidium of the State Council will be established .
Its composition will be determined by the chairman .
Besides , special commissions and working groups will be created in order to organize activity in specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government bodies , other state bodies , local governance bodies and organizations can form part of the commissions .
Members of specific commissions do not have to form part of the State Council .
The chairman and members of the State Council take part in its activity on a voluntary basis .

MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced a draft bill on the status and formation of the State Council to the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament). The bill also expands on the meaning of a united system of public governance, head of the State Duma Committee on State Building and Legislation Pavel Krasheninnikov told reporters on Wednesday.
"The draft bill of the federal law "On the State Council of the Russian Federation" has been put forward by the president to the Russian State Duma on October 14, 2020 within the second package of draft bills with the aim to implement the provisions of the updated Constitution," he said.
The State Council will be headed by the Russian president. It will serve as an advisory body to the head of state. The State Council will include the Russian Prime Minister, the Federation Council speaker, the State Duma speaker, the president’s chief of staff, and regional heads. Besides, representatives of political parties that have formed factions at the Russian State Duma, representatives of local governance bodies and others can be included on the Council if the president makes the corresponding decision.
The bill forbids people that have a foreign citizenship or a residence permit from forming part of the State Council, as well as those with accounts held at foreign banks.
In order to deal with the agenda of the council, the presidium of the State Council will be established. Its composition will be determined by the chairman. Besides, special commissions and working groups will be created in order to organize activity in specific spheres. Representatives of federal and regional government bodies, other state bodies, local governance bodies and organizations can form part of the commissions. Members of specific commissions do not have to form part of the State Council. The chairman and members of the State Council take part in its activity on a voluntary basis.


tass--2020-10-14--Putin, Erdogan express interest in cooperation on COVID-19 vaccine development

Russia ’ s coronavirus vaccine will be one of the best studied in the world , says RDIF Kirill Dmitriev @ @ @ @ @ will also take place in the United Arab Emirates

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
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tass--2020-10-14--Russia’s Tu-160 bombers conduct 12-hour mission over northern seas

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Two Tu-160 strategic bombers have flown a 12-hour mission over neutral waters of @ @ @ @ @ North Seas , being shadowed by aircraft from the British and Norwegian air forces along @ @ @ @ @ s Defense Ministry told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Two Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bombers conducted @ @ @ @ @ over the neutral waters of the Barents , Norwegian and North Seas .
The flight @ @ @ @ @ the Defense Ministry said .
According to the ministry , MiG-31 fighter jets of the @ @ @ @ @ the bombers along certain sections of their route along with Eurofighter Typhoon fighters of the @ @ @ @ @ Force and F-16 of the Royal Norwegian Air Force .
The Defense Ministry emphasized that @ @ @ @ @ in international airspace over the Arctic , Pacific and north Atlantic as well as over @ @ @ @ @ .
`` All the flights of the Russian Aerospace Forces are conducted in strict compliance @ @ @ @ @ '' the ministry added .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Two Tu-160 strategic bombers have flown a 12-hour mission over neutral waters of the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas, being shadowed by aircraft from the British and Norwegian air forces along certain sections, Russia’s Defense Ministry told reporters on Wednesday.
"Two Tu-160 strategic missile-carrying bombers conducted a scheduled flight in airspace over the neutral waters of the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas. The flight lasted 12 hours," the Defense Ministry said.
According to the ministry, MiG-31 fighter jets of the Russian naval air force accompanied the bombers along certain sections of their route along with Eurofighter Typhoon fighters of the UK’s Royal Air Force and F-16 of the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
The Defense Ministry emphasized that long-range crews flow regular missions in international airspace over the Arctic, Pacific and north Atlantic as well as over the Black and Baltic Seas.
"All the flights of the Russian Aerospace Forces are conducted in strict compliance with international airspace rules," the ministry added.


tass--2020-10-14--Putin, Erdogan call for activation of political process on Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during a phone call on Wednesday , the Kremlin press service informed on the outcomes of the talks between both countries ’ leaders .
`` Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have called for activation of political process , namely based on the progress reached within the OSCE Minsk Group , '' the Kremlin informed .
Both sides have reaffirmed the importance of a humanitarian ceasefire reached on October 10 in Moscow .
Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the participation of Middle Eastern militants in the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` They have stressed a pressing need for solidary efforts with the aim to put an end to bloodshed as soon as possible and to move towards peaceful regulation of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue .
They have expressed hope that Turkey , as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group , will make a constructive contribution to conflict de-escalation , '' the message informs .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during a phone call on Wednesday, the Kremlin press service informed on the outcomes of the talks between both countries’ leaders.
"Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have called for activation of political process, namely based on the progress reached within the OSCE Minsk Group," the Kremlin informed. Both sides have reaffirmed the importance of a humanitarian ceasefire reached on October 10 in Moscow.
Vladimir Putin has also expressed serious concern over the participation of Middle Eastern militants in the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"They have stressed a pressing need for solidary efforts with the aim to put an end to bloodshed as soon as possible and to move towards peaceful regulation of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. They have expressed hope that Turkey, as a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, will make a constructive contribution to conflict de-escalation," the message informs.
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 over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. 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--2020-10-14--Both Russian vaccines against coronavirus to be supplied to Syria soon, says legislator

`` I am certain that during your current visit to Russia the contacts that you will establish will help you better fight against this terrible threat .
In the near future the vaccines - the first one and the other that we are discussing at the moment - will be provided to Syria , '' Slutsky said .
MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Syria in the near future will be able to get both Russian vaccines against the coronavirus infection , the chairman of the State Duma ’ s committee on international affairs , Leonid Slutsky , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Syrian medics during their visit to Russia .
He stressed that the second Russian vaccine , the one from the Novosibirsk-based center Vektor , registered on Saturday , has milder effects .
`` It ’ s a mild action vaccine for senior citizens and for people with weaker immunity .
I believe that this vaccine will be of interest to Syria ’ s health service , '' Slutsky said .
In particular , he is certain that such a vaccine might turn out to be very helpful for old people , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the end of hostilities , which by no means promote better immunity , and also children .
`` Both groups of the population are far less protected by virtue of their age and the environment where they have to exist , '' Slutsky said .
So far , Russia has registered two vaccines , one from the Gamaleya Center and the other from the center Vektor .
Clinical tests of a third Russian vaccine against the coronavirus from the Chumakov Research Center under the Russian Academy of Sciences will be completed by @ @

"I am certain that during your current visit to Russia the contacts that you will establish will help you better fight against this terrible threat. In the near future the vaccines - the first one and the other that we are discussing at the moment - will be provided to Syria," Slutsky said.
MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Syria in the near future will be able to get both Russian vaccines against the coronavirus infection, the chairman of the State Duma’s committee on international affairs, Leonid Slutsky, said at a meeting with an official delegation of Syrian medics during their visit to Russia.
He stressed that the second Russian vaccine, the one from the Novosibirsk-based center Vektor, registered on Saturday, has milder effects.
"It’s a mild action vaccine for senior citizens and for people with weaker immunity. I believe that this vaccine will be of interest to Syria’s health service," Slutsky said.
In particular, he is certain that such a vaccine might turn out to be very helpful for old people, who sometimes have to exist in adverse conditions following the end of hostilities, which by no means promote better immunity, and also children.
"Both groups of the population are far less protected by virtue of their age and the environment where they have to exist," Slutsky said.
So far, Russia has registered two vaccines, one from the Gamaleya Center and the other from the center Vektor. Clinical tests of a third Russian vaccine against the coronavirus from the Chumakov Research Center under the Russian Academy of Sciences will be completed by December.


tass--2020-10-14--Kyrgyz president to step down after parliamentary election

Militants from EU and North Africa killed in explosion at depot with chemicals in Syria Chemicals were being prepared for @ @ @

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
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tass--2020-10-14--France set to maintain strategic ties with Russia, Lavrov says

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
France preserves the mechanisms needed to work out joint approaches to European strategic @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Sputnik , Komsomolskaya Pravda and @ @ @ @ @ ) radio stations on Wednesday .
`` Regrettably , practical politics of the EU leaders @ @ @ @ @ is not still very optimistic , '' he said .
`` Although , in my @ @ @ @ @ more inclined to maintain strategic relations with us .
At least , that is French @ @ @ @ @ position , which , in the context of agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin , @ @ @ @ @ wide range of mechanisms that were created between Moscow and Paris to discuss and work @ @ @ @ @ common visions on strategic issues , or the issues of strategic security and strategic stability @ @ @ @ @ Russian foreign minister voiced cautious optimism in this regard .
`` Let us see where @ @ @ @ @ to , as well as all those mental processes , '' Lavrov said .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. France preserves the mechanisms needed to work out joint approaches to European strategic security together with Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Sputnik, Komsomolskaya Pravda and Govorit Moskva (Moscow Speaking) radio stations on Wednesday.
"Regrettably, practical politics of the EU leaders, including France and Germany is not still very optimistic," he said. "Although, in my opinion, Paris is much more inclined to maintain strategic relations with us. At least, that is French President Emmanuel Macron’s position, which, in the context of agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is being implemented in a wide range of mechanisms that were created between Moscow and Paris to discuss and work out some common approaches, common visions on strategic issues, or the issues of strategic security and strategic stability in Europe."
The Russian foreign minister voiced cautious optimism in this regard.
"Let us see where this situation will be heading to, as well as all those mental processes," Lavrov said.


tass--2020-10-14--Armenian PM holds extraordinary Security Council session on Nagorno-Karabakh

YEREVAN , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinayn has held an extraordinary session of the Security Council on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh , the Armenian government ’ s press service informed .
`` An extraordinary session of the Security Council was held by the government under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan .
Besides the members of the Security Council , President of the Republic Armen Sarkissian , Parliament Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan , Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Eduard Aghajanyan took part in the session .
The Security Council discussed the actions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani-Turkish terrorist aggression , '' the message informs .
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 over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, October 14. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinayn has held an extraordinary session of the Security Council on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian government’s press service informed.
"An extraordinary session of the Security Council was held by the government under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Besides the members of the Security Council, President of the Republic Armen Sarkissian, Parliament Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Eduard Aghajanyan took part in the session. The Security Council discussed the actions and the further steps aimed to counter the Azerbaijani-Turkish terrorist aggression," the message informs.
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 over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. 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--2020-10-14--Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has no military solution, says Russian senate speaker

`` Any communication , any contacts , any dialogue , any phone calls are better than shots fired .
And we have held very good talks with Armenian and Azerbaijani parliament speakers .
Of course , they are very concerned over what is going on , and each is trying to speak their truth , '' she said , noting that `` objective monitoring [ of the situation ] is being held by the Ministry of Defense , the law enforcement and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs . ''
`` Our position is unchanged and persistent , and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of our country is doing a lot to achieve results , to put a stop to military action and immediately establish a ceasefire , '' Matviyenko said .
MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh does not have a military solution , and both Azerbaijan and Armenia are starting to understand that , Russian Federation Council ( upper house of parliament ) Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said in an interview with TASS on the outcomes of the phone call with Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova and Speaker of Armenian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what anyone says , I think that both sides are beginning to understand that there is no military solution , and we have mentioned it many times .
There is no military solution to this conflict , only negotiations , only mutual compromise from both sides , only the search for a mutually beneficial decision , '' the speaker said .
At the talks held at Russia ’ s initiative in Moscow , Baku and Yerevan agreed a ceasefire , which came into effect at 12:00 local time on October 10 for humanitarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bodies of those killed in the fighting .
Shortly after noon the sides traded blame for violating the ceasefire agreement .
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 over Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @

"Any communication, any contacts, any dialogue, any phone calls are better than shots fired. And we have held very good talks with Armenian and Azerbaijani parliament speakers. Of course, they are very concerned over what is going on, and each is trying to speak their truth," she said, noting that "objective monitoring [of the situation] is being held by the Ministry of Defense, the law enforcement and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs." "Our position is unchanged and persistent, and we will continue to express it; and the president of our country is doing a lot to achieve results, to put a stop to military action and immediately establish a ceasefire," Matviyenko said.
MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh does not have a military solution, and both Azerbaijan and Armenia are starting to understand that, Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said in an interview with TASS on the outcomes of the phone call with Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova and Speaker of Armenian Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan.
"No matter what anyone says, I think that both sides are beginning to understand that there is no military solution, and we have mentioned it many times. There is no military solution to this conflict, only negotiations, only mutual compromise from both sides, only the search for a mutually beneficial decision," the speaker said.
At the talks held at Russia’s initiative in Moscow, Baku and Yerevan agreed a ceasefire, which came into effect at 12:00 local time on October 10 for humanitarian reasons in order to exchange detainees and the bodies of those killed in the fighting. Shortly after noon the sides traded blame for violating the ceasefire agreement.
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 over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. 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--2020-10-14--Baku denies targeting civilian hospital in Karabakh

BAKU , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan debunked Armenian reports of a strike on a Karabakh hospital tending to civilians .
`` Armenian reports , alleging that the Azerbaijani army opened fire at a hospital tending to civilians , are false .
The Azerbaijani Army does not fire at civilian infrastructure and non-military targets , '' the Ministry said , adding that Azerbaijan `` strictly complies with the ceasefire regime . ''
Earlier , Armenian Defense Ministry press secretary Shushan Stepanyan announced that the Azerbaijani forces have hit a civilian hospital in her Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the humanitarian ceasefire , the enemy targeted a hospital located on the northeastern direction , which also tends to civilians .
This is a clear war crime , and the military and political authorities of Azerbaijan are responsible , '' she said .
Following the talks in Moscow , Baku and Yerevan agreed to a ceasefire that started on October 10 .
However , both sides continue to accuse each other of shelling .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

BAKU, October 14. /TASS/. the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan debunked Armenian reports of a strike on a Karabakh hospital tending to civilians.
"Armenian reports, alleging that the Azerbaijani army opened fire at a hospital tending to civilians, are false. The Azerbaijani Army does not fire at civilian infrastructure and non-military targets," the Ministry said, adding that Azerbaijan "strictly complies with the ceasefire regime."
Earlier, Armenian Defense Ministry press secretary Shushan Stepanyan announced that the Azerbaijani forces have hit a civilian hospital in her Facebook post.
"In its continued violation of the humanitarian ceasefire, the enemy targeted a hospital located on the northeastern direction, which also tends to civilians. This is a clear war crime, and the military and political authorities of Azerbaijan are responsible," she said.
Following the talks in Moscow, Baku and Yerevan agreed to a ceasefire that started on October 10. However, both sides continue to accuse each other of shelling.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-14--Italy against geopolitical rivalry with Russia over Belarus

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Italy opposes stoking up a geopolitical rivalry with Russia over Belarus as the Belarusians should determine their future , Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said at a news conference on Wednesday after his talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov .
`` We do not want to launch any geopolitical rivalry with Russia .
The people of Belarus are to choose their future themselves .
We count on Russia ’ s constructive role in resolution of the crisis , '' he said .
`` We are aware of the profound bonds between Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister pointed out that in response to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s `` undemocratic actions , '' the European Union would be using all the instruments , including sanctions , to step up pressure on Belarusian authorities .
On Monday , foreign ministers of the 27 EU member states agreed to work out a new set of sanctions against Belarusian officials .
Josep Borrell , High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy , said that the foreign ministers reconfirmed that Lukashenko `` lacks any democratic legitimacy '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions list , which will include Lukashenko .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Italy opposes stoking up a geopolitical rivalry with Russia over Belarus as the Belarusians should determine their future, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said at a news conference on Wednesday after his talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
"We do not want to launch any geopolitical rivalry with Russia. The people of Belarus are to choose their future themselves. We count on Russia’s constructive role in resolution of the crisis," he said. "We are aware of the profound bonds between Moscow and Minsk."
The Italian foreign minister pointed out that in response to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s "undemocratic actions," the European Union would be using all the instruments, including sanctions, to step up pressure on Belarusian authorities.
On Monday, foreign ministers of the 27 EU member states agreed to work out a new set of sanctions against Belarusian officials. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that the foreign ministers reconfirmed that Lukashenko "lacks any democratic legitimacy" and gave green light to drafting a sanctions list, which will include Lukashenko.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities.
During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-14--Karabakh’s losses in conflict are huge, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan says

YEREVAN , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
The unrecognized Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh [ Artsakh ] lost many servicemen during the @ @ @ @ @ Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in his address to the nation Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ military action , the enemy failed to achieve strategic successes even despite it had no @ @ @ @ @ and personnel , while Artsakh and Armenia effectively acted amid a blockade .
During this @ @ @ @ @ a huge amount of military vehicles and personnel , although some of the latter were @ @ @ @ @ our losses are huge , as well , '' he noted .
Renewed clashes between @ @ @ @ @ September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The @ @ @ @ @ in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , @ @ @ @

YEREVAN, October 14. /TASS/. The unrecognized Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh [Artsakh] lost many servicemen during the fight in the region, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in his address to the nation Wednesday.
"During the first week of military action, the enemy failed to achieve strategic successes even despite it had no problems with supply of weapons and personnel, while Artsakh and Armenia effectively acted amid a blockade. During this period, the enemy lost a huge amount of military vehicles and personnel, although some of the latter were mercenary terrorists. Unfortunately, our losses are huge, as well," he noted.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-14--Putin supports idea authorizing Ukrainian plants to export goods to Russia

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Wednesday with the proposal of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin authorizing certain Ukrainian enterprises to supply their produce to Russia .
`` Let ’ s consider this is the first step and the goodwill gesture on our part , '' Putin said , responding to the proposal to give authorization for deliveries to the Russian market for Bratslav company , Barsky machine-building plant and Rubezhansky cardboard mill .
`` All right , I agree .
Especially if you consider and the government believes this is possible and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ?
Good , that ’ s settled , '' the President said .
The government will prepare required documents if the President approves the proposal to authorize supplies of goods to Russia for the above companies , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said .
`` Certainly , interests of our producers will also be observed in full measure .
The Ministry of Industry and Trade thoroughly considered the effect of such decision and we will consider later on , how our Ukrainian colleagues will respond to this goodwill gesture , '' the Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting the parity in economic relations of both countries , he added .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Wednesday with the proposal of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin authorizing certain Ukrainian enterprises to supply their produce to Russia.
"Let’s consider this is the first step and the goodwill gesture on our part," Putin said, responding to the proposal to give authorization for deliveries to the Russian market for Bratslav company, Barsky machine-building plant and Rubezhansky cardboard mill.
"All right, I agree. Especially if you consider and the government believes this is possible and will not jeopardize our producers, then why not? Good, that’s settled," the President said.
The government will prepare required documents if the President approves the proposal to authorize supplies of goods to Russia for the above companies, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. "Certainly, interests of our producers will also be observed in full measure. The Ministry of Industry and Trade thoroughly considered the effect of such decision and we will consider later on, how our Ukrainian colleagues will respond to this goodwill gesture," the Prime Minister noted. Russia will proceed from meeting the parity in economic relations of both countries, he added.


tass--2020-10-14--Scientists create device to increase effectiveness of COVID-19 treatment with Sendai virus

YEKATERINBURG , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
A portable laser device for the increased effectiveness of treatment of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ been developed by Russian scientists .
The new device has already been patented in the @ @ @ @ @ Society for Immunology , academic director of the Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the @ @ @ @ @ s Academy of Sciences , academician Valery Chereshnev said on Wednesday at a meeting of @ @ @ @ @ of Human Life of the Ural State University of Economics .
In March 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ proposed a method of treating coronavirus patients based on laser delivery of harmless Sendai virus @ @ @ @ @ the presence of Sendai virus the immune system begins to produce antibodies which suppress the @ @ @ @ @ human body .

YEKATERINBURG, October 14. /TASS/. A portable laser device for the increased effectiveness of treatment of the coronavirus infection with Sendai virus has been developed by Russian scientists. The new device has already been patented in the US, President of Russian Society for Immunology, academic director of the Institute of Immunology and Physiology of the Ural Branch of Russia’s Academy of Sciences, academician Valery Chereshnev said on Wednesday at a meeting of the Eurasian Scientific Research Institute of Human Life of the Ural State University of Economics.
In March 2020, a group of Russian scientists proposed a method of treating coronavirus patients based on laser delivery of harmless Sendai virus to affected organs. In the presence of Sendai virus the immune system begins to produce antibodies which suppress the spread of the coronavirus in human body.


tass--2020-10-14--Rahmon reelected as Tajikistan’s president with 90.92% of the vote

DUSHANBE , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Tajikistan ’ s Central Election Commission published the final results of the presidential election held on October 11 .
Incumbent head of state Emomali Rahmon won the election with 90.92 % of the vote .
The document was published by the state news agency Khovar .
`` The Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of the Republic of Tajikistan has ruled to recognize the election of the president of the Republic of Tajikistan .
< … > According to the final results of the election , Emomali Rahmon is considered the president-elect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes of those taking part in the vote , which constitutes 90.92 % , '' the document informs .
The commission has ruled to issue Rahmon the document confirming that he is the president of Tajikistan .
According to the final data , 4,238,839 voters cast their ballots , with the voter turnout reaching 85.44 % .
Candidate representing the Communist Party of Tajikistan Miroj Abdulloyev got 1.17 % of the vote , Abduhalim Gafforzoda of the Socialist Party got 1.49 % , Rustam Rahmatzoda , who represents the Party of Economic Reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Agrarian Party has received 3.02 % .
The president-elect begins his mandate after a swearing-in ceremony held during the joint session of both chambers of parliament .
The date will be set by Tajikistan ’ s legislative body .
The recent presidential election was the sixth in the history of Tajikistan ’ s independence .
Rahmon , who has recently turned 68 , won four out of five previous elections .
He has been at helm since 1992 , when he became chairman of Tajikistan ’ s Supreme Soviet ( which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president at the time ) .
In 1994 , he was elected president for the first time .

DUSHANBE, October 14. /TASS/. Tajikistan’s Central Election Commission published the final results of the presidential election held on October 11. Incumbent head of state Emomali Rahmon won the election with 90.92% of the vote. The document was published by the state news agency Khovar .
"The Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of the Republic of Tajikistan has ruled to recognize the election of the president of the Republic of Tajikistan. <…> According to the final results of the election, Emomali Rahmon is considered the president-elect of the Republic of Tajikistan having received 3,853,987 votes of those taking part in the vote, which constitutes 90.92%," the document informs.
The commission has ruled to issue Rahmon the document confirming that he is the president of Tajikistan.
According to the final data, 4,238,839 voters cast their ballots, with the voter turnout reaching 85.44%.
Candidate representing the Communist Party of Tajikistan Miroj Abdulloyev got 1.17% of the vote, Abduhalim Gafforzoda of the Socialist Party got 1.49%, Rustam Rahmatzoda, who represents the Party of Economic Reforms, got 2.14% and Rustam Latifzoda from the Agrarian Party has received 3.02%.
The president-elect begins his mandate after a swearing-in ceremony held during the joint session of both chambers of parliament. The date will be set by Tajikistan’s legislative body. The recent presidential election was the sixth in the history of Tajikistan’s independence. Rahmon, who has recently turned 68, won four out of five previous elections. He has been at helm since 1992, when he became chairman of Tajikistan’s Supreme Soviet (which was a post equivalent to that of president at the time). In 1994, he was elected president for the first time.


tass--2020-10-14--Super-fast flight to ISS to open possibilities for travels by unprofessional cosmonauts

BAIKONUR /Kazakhstan/ , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
The super-fast two-orbit scheme of the manned spacecraft ’ s flight to the International Space Station ( ISS ) tested by Russia ’ s Soyuz MS-17 spaceship will open possibilities for unprofessional cosmonauts ’ travel to the orbiter , Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said on Wednesday .
The Soyuz MS-17 manned spacecraft launched atop a Soyuz 2.1a carrier rocket from the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan at 08:45 a.m. Moscow time on October 14 reached the space station within a record time of three hours and three minutes , docking with the orbital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is a big step towards further developing crewed space .
This opens additional possibilities for unprofessional cosmonauts for flights to the station as they do not need long-term adaptation , '' the Roscosmos chief said .
Russia ’ s state commission is very much satisfied with the results of the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft ’ s super-fast flight to the International Space Station , the Roscosmos chief said .
Some space industry professionals earlier expressed doubts , saying that such a scheme was inconvenient and `` two days or six hours are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reach the required orbit and dock with the station on time , '' Rogozin said .
The Roscosmos chief said he had asked the crew to tell him honestly whether they felt any extra loads .
The crew commander reported that he fully welcomed this super-short scheme of the flight , Rogozin said .
Roscosmos plans to use the experience of the super-fast travel of the Soyuz MS-17 manned spacecraft during flights of Russia ’ s latest Oryol spaceship , Rogozin said .
`` We will fully use today ’ s experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Oryol spacecraft , the Roscosmos chief said .
Roscosmos will frequently use the super-fast scheme of launching manned spacecraft to the ISS , Rogozin said .
`` It depends on the flight assignment .
We have simply shown that we can do that .
Most likely , we will do it frequently , '' the Roscosmos chief said .
Meanwhile , Roscosmos Executive Director for Manned Space Programs Sergei Krikalyov said that such flights were not a goal in itself .
`` It will be important to achieve the crew ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he stressed , adding that the super-fast scheme might not be applied every time .
The Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft delivered Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and US astronaut Kathleen Rubins to the ISS .
Currently , Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy are working aboard the orbital outpost .

BAIKONUR /Kazakhstan/, October 14. /TASS/. The super-fast two-orbit scheme of the manned spacecraft’s flight to the International Space Station (ISS) tested by Russia’s Soyuz MS-17 spaceship will open possibilities for unprofessional cosmonauts’ travel to the orbiter, Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said on Wednesday.
The Soyuz MS-17 manned spacecraft launched atop a Soyuz 2.1a carrier rocket from the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan at 08:45 a.m. Moscow time on October 14 reached the space station within a record time of three hours and three minutes, docking with the orbital outpost at 11:48 a.m. Moscow time.
"This is a big step towards further developing crewed space. This opens additional possibilities for unprofessional cosmonauts for flights to the station as they do not need long-term adaptation," the Roscosmos chief said.
Russia’s state commission is very much satisfied with the results of the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft’s super-fast flight to the International Space Station, the Roscosmos chief said.
Some space industry professionals earlier expressed doubts, saying that such a scheme was inconvenient and "two days or six hours are a more acceptable option for the crew to reach the required orbit and dock with the station on time," Rogozin said.
The Roscosmos chief said he had asked the crew to tell him honestly whether they felt any extra loads. The crew commander reported that he fully welcomed this super-short scheme of the flight, Rogozin said.
Roscosmos plans to use the experience of the super-fast travel of the Soyuz MS-17 manned spacecraft during flights of Russia’s latest Oryol spaceship, Rogozin said.
"We will fully use today’s experience to provide for the same quick orbiting of the Oryol spacecraft, the Roscosmos chief said.
Roscosmos will frequently use the super-fast scheme of launching manned spacecraft to the ISS, Rogozin said.
"It depends on the flight assignment. We have simply shown that we can do that. Most likely, we will do it frequently," the Roscosmos chief said.
Meanwhile, Roscosmos Executive Director for Manned Space Programs Sergei Krikalyov said that such flights were not a goal in itself.
"It will be important to achieve the crew’s convenient work and efficiency," he stressed, adding that the super-fast scheme might not be applied every time.
The Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft delivered Russian cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and US astronaut Kathleen Rubins to the ISS. Currently, Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy are working aboard the orbital outpost.


tass--2020-10-14--Italy hopes for further interaction with Russia at G20

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Italy hopes that cooperation with Russia at G20 will be deepening in the @ @ @ @ @ Luigi Di Maio said at a news conference after talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ believe that as part of our G20 presidency , we will be able to coordinate @ @ @ @ @ , for example , so as to combat this sanitary and epidemiological crisis , '' @ @ @ @ @ offers a broad opportunity for coordination between great countries . ''
The Italian foreign minister @ @ @ @ @ had lasted for many years .
`` We together support the Berlin process and the @ @ @ @ @ lasting ceasefire in Libya .
Furthermore , under the auspices of the United Nations , @ @ @ @ @ to stabilization in the regions where conflicts either have taken place or are still ongoing @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Italy hopes that cooperation with Russia at G20 will be deepening in the future, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said at a news conference after talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday.
"We believe that as part of our G20 presidency, we will be able to coordinate all our steps with Russia, for example, so as to combat this sanitary and epidemiological crisis," he said. "G20 offers a broad opportunity for coordination between great countries."
The Italian foreign minister pointed out that Italian-Russian cooperation had lasted for many years.
"We together support the Berlin process and the efforts for a sustainable and lasting ceasefire in Libya. Furthermore, under the auspices of the United Nations, we make a joint contribution to stabilization in the regions where conflicts either have taken place or are still ongoing," Di Maio said.


tass--2020-10-14--Ceasefire in Azerbaijani districts neighboring Karabakh hangs in the balance

In the village of Sarajaly , a blast wave demolished the facade of a store .
Somewhere stone walls and iron gates were cut by fragments , masonry was damaged .
In one of the villages , a shell hit the corner of a residential building , destroying an apartment .
At first , it seems that the situation in Terter is calmer than a week ago , before the truce .
But when moving to the villages further west , the roar increases .
Volley sounds are heard from both sides .
Local residents show a crater on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an hour before the bus with journalists arrived .
`` They are shooting constantly , '' one of them replies to a TASS question whether the intensity of the shelling has decreased since the ceasefire .
TERTER , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Artillery fire rages on in the Terter and Agdham districts adjacent to Nagorno-Karbakh , despite the ceasefire announced at Saturday night talks in Moscow , according to a TASS correspondent , who visited towns and villages located near the contact line .
The residential buildings are completely abandoned by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ households , not everyone was ready to leave their homes .
In the courtyard of almost every house , residents set up homemade bomb shelters : a trench about two meters deep with a deck made of logs .
If the explosions sound close or the familiar whistle of a flying projectile is heard , people rush to hiding .
Pomegranates and persimmons have ripened in the gardens , and in the fields cotton is awaiting .
But doing agricultural work is now simply dangerous .
A similar situation is seen in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we were warned of an unexploded mine that was down the road .
`` Drive carefully , '' says a military officer at the post .
The entire area is largely abandoned by residents .
Once Aghdam was one of the largest cities in Karabakh and was known all across the Soviet Union for its wine and port , but now it is located in the so-called buffer zone and is controlled by the other side .
The region 's residents , who lived many years ago in its western part , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ native places and again taking up winemaking .
In the meantime , villages to the west of its current center - the city of Guzanli - are in close proximity to the combat positions .
The distance between the front lines here is only about a kilometer .
However , as the head of the region , Vagif Hasanov , says , there are no soldiers or military equipment in the villages .
The TASS correspondent who visited one of these villages was able to make sure that this was indeed true .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelters were also set up , everywhere one can see traces of shells , burnt roofs , and broken frames .
Heavy shelling , Hasanov says , happened on Monday .
He receives guests in the basement of an administrative building , where these days there is a bomb shelter and an office .
There is a bed right behind the desk - the head of the district obviously has to spend the night here as well .
`` The next day , 296 shells were fired across the district , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not hit the houses , but animals died , gardens were damaged , and warehouses were destroyed .
`` However , residents are not always this `` lucky '' .
According to the official , there are almost completely destroyed villages in the region , but it is dangerous to go there .
`` At the moment , eight civilians have already died in Aghdam , '' Hasanov said .
`` At least 31 people are in very serious condition in hospitals , and four have died of shock - their hearts stopped @ @ @

In the village of Sarajaly, a blast wave demolished the facade of a store. Somewhere stone walls and iron gates were cut by fragments, masonry was damaged. In one of the villages, a shell hit the corner of a residential building, destroying an apartment.
At first, it seems that the situation in Terter is calmer than a week ago, before the truce. But when moving to the villages further west, the roar increases. Volley sounds are heard from both sides. Local residents show a crater on the highway - the shell fell there about an hour before the bus with journalists arrived. "They are shooting constantly," one of them replies to a TASS question whether the intensity of the shelling has decreased since the ceasefire.
TERTER, October 14. /TASS/. Artillery fire rages on in the Terter and Agdham districts adjacent to Nagorno-Karbakh, despite the ceasefire announced at Saturday night talks in Moscow, according to a TASS correspondent, who visited towns and villages located near the contact line.
The residential buildings are completely abandoned by the locals. Yet, regarding some private households, not everyone was ready to leave their homes. In the courtyard of almost every house, residents set up homemade bomb shelters: a trench about two meters deep with a deck made of logs. If the explosions sound close or the familiar whistle of a flying projectile is heard, people rush to hiding. Pomegranates and persimmons have ripened in the gardens, and in the fields cotton is awaiting. But doing agricultural work is now simply dangerous.
A similar situation is seen in the Aghdam region. On the way there, we were warned of an unexploded mine that was down the road. "Drive carefully," says a military officer at the post. The entire area is largely abandoned by residents. Once Aghdam was one of the largest cities in Karabakh and was known all across the Soviet Union for its wine and port, but now it is located in the so-called buffer zone and is controlled by the other side. The region's residents, who lived many years ago in its western part, dream of one day returning to their native places and again taking up winemaking.
In the meantime, villages to the west of its current center - the city of Guzanli - are in close proximity to the combat positions. The distance between the front lines here is only about a kilometer. However, as the head of the region, Vagif Hasanov, says, there are no soldiers or military equipment in the villages. The TASS correspondent who visited one of these villages was able to make sure that this was indeed true. Here, in the courtyards, bomb shelters were also set up, everywhere one can see traces of shells, burnt roofs, and broken frames.
The corridors of Power
Heavy shelling, Hasanov says, happened on Monday. He receives guests in the basement of an administrative building, where these days there is a bomb shelter and an office. There is a bed right behind the desk - the head of the district obviously has to spend the night here as well.
"The next day, 296 shells were fired across the district,"he continues. "Luckily, they did not hit the houses, but animals died, gardens were damaged, and warehouses were destroyed."However, residents are not always this "lucky".
According to the official, there are almost completely destroyed villages in the region, but it is dangerous to go there. "At the moment, eight civilians have already died in Aghdam," Hasanov said. "At least 31 people are in very serious condition in hospitals, and four have died of shock - their hearts stopped beating."


tass--2020-10-14--COVID-19 situation in Russia manageable, no restrictions required, says Deputy PM

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Situation with the spread of the coronavirus infection in Russia and the fall-winter epidemic period do cause concern but introduction of restrictive measures is not required , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday during Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s meeting with the cabinet .
`` The situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection and the fall-winter epidemic period are of concern but the preparatory measures implemented in spring and the fact that now there are two vaccines already allow us to be confident in implementing all measures now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is manageable and does not require the introduction of restrictive measures , '' she said .
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that all regions and citizens should observe the safety precautions .
According to the latest statistics , about 38.1 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.08 mln deaths have been reported .
To date , 1,340,409 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,039,705 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 23,205 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Situation with the spread of the coronavirus infection in Russia and the fall-winter epidemic period do cause concern but introduction of restrictive measures is not required, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said on Wednesday during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with the cabinet.
"The situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus infection and the fall-winter epidemic period are of concern but the preparatory measures implemented in spring and the fact that now there are two vaccines already allow us to be confident in implementing all measures now. In our opinion, the situation is manageable and does not require the introduction of restrictive measures," she said.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that all regions and citizens should observe the safety precautions.
According to the latest statistics, about 38.1 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.08 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 1,340,409 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,039,705 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 23,205 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-14--Russia to respond to EU sanctions over Navalny case proportionately — Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s response to the EU sanctions over the incident with blogger Alexey Navalny will be proportionate , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview to the radio stations Sputnik , Komsomolskaya Pravda and Govorit Moskva on Wednesday .
`` We will respond proportionately .
Yes , it is the established diplomatic practice .
The response will be diplomatic , '' Lavrov said in reply to a question .
He stressed that Germany had no intention of presenting any facts in defiance of all international legal obligations .
As for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of European countries Lavrov said that they became `` a sign of good behavior towards the United States and Britain . ''
`` We conclude that our partners ’ decision on expulsion of Russian diplomats over allegations of espionage or whatever reflect not only the diplomatic practice , but also the susceptibility to Russophobic tendencies , which the Americans seek to impose in Europe , in order to discourage Europe from the Russian gas , Russian military produce and many other things , '' Lavrov said .
`` And to replace all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more expensive , but the countries that agree to this deal will feel safer , because the Americans would not pester them too much for a while . ''
Russian blogger 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Germany argued that those conclusions were confirmed by laboratories in France and Sweden .
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 14. /TASS/. Moscow’s response to the EU sanctions over the incident with blogger Alexey Navalny will be proportionate, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview to the radio stations Sputnik, Komsomolskaya Pravda and Govorit Moskva on Wednesday.
"We will respond proportionately. Yes, it is the established diplomatic practice. The response will be diplomatic," Lavrov said in reply to a question.
He stressed that Germany had no intention of presenting any facts in defiance of all international legal obligations.
As for the expulsions of Russian diplomats from a number of European countries Lavrov said that they became "a sign of good behavior towards the United States and Britain."
"We conclude that our partners’ decision on expulsion of Russian diplomats over allegations of espionage or whatever reflect not only the diplomatic practice, but also the susceptibility to Russophobic tendencies, which the Americans seek to impose in Europe, in order to discourage Europe from the Russian gas, Russian military produce and many other things," Lavrov said. "And to replace all this with their own goods, which are more expensive, but the countries that agree to this deal will feel safer, because the Americans would not pester them too much for a while."
Navalny case
Russian blogger 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. Germany argued that those conclusions were confirmed by laboratories in France and Sweden.
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--2020-10-14--Russia-EU relations unlikely to be good in foreseeable future, says Lavrov

`` It is unlikely that [ the relations ] will become good in the foreseeable future , but it will not be our fault .
We are always ready to restore them , normalize and rejuvenate them on an equal and mutually respectful basis , '' he said .
MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready for normalization of relations with the EU , but it is unlikely that they will become good shortly , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his interview for Russian media Wednesday .
The Foreign Minister recalled the remarks of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Russia can not be a EU ’ s strategic partner .
He also recalled the remarks made by his German counterpart Heiko Maas , who said that disagreements with Russia do not mean that Germany does not want good or at least sensible relations with Moscow .
`` Unfortunately , everything involving sense must be analyzed on the other side of our dialogue .
I very much hope that sense will prevail there .
We have not seen it so far , '' Lavrov added .
The minister underscored that Russia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU , based on mutual respect .
`` Economic interests [ with the EU ] must remain .
Economic operators must decide for themselves what they find profitable and what they do not .
But I believe it is below us to run around and humiliate ourselves , '' he noted .
`` If they attempt to dismantle our economic partnership , including the Nord Stream-2 , they will most likely dismantle their entire gas infrastructure , and the entire structure of cooperation via many other agencies and companies . ''
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , which a number of media interpreted as a possibility of cessation of dialogue with the EU .
`` I did not say that .
We have a question not only whether business as usual is possible , but whether it is possible at all with the EU , which looks at Russia rather contemptuously , even arrogantly , demanding that we report on all sins that we , according to the EU , have committed .
I believe that we must not report on anything , because we have our own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"It is unlikely that [the relations] will become good in the foreseeable future, but it will not be our fault. We are always ready to restore them, normalize and rejuvenate them on an equal and mutually respectful basis," he said.
MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Russia is ready for normalization of relations with the EU, but it is unlikely that they will become good shortly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his interview for Russian media Wednesday.
The Foreign Minister recalled the remarks of the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen that Russia cannot be a EU’s strategic partner. He also recalled the remarks made by his German counterpart Heiko Maas, who said that disagreements with Russia do not mean that Germany does not want good or at least sensible relations with Moscow.
"Unfortunately, everything involving sense must be analyzed on the other side of our dialogue. I very much hope that sense will prevail there. We have not seen it so far," Lavrov added.
The minister underscored that Russia is interested in preservation of economic cooperation with the EU, based on mutual respect.
"Economic interests [with the EU] must remain. Economic operators must decide for themselves what they find profitable and what they do not. But I believe it is below us to run around and humiliate ourselves," he noted. "If they attempt to dismantle our economic partnership, including the Nord Stream-2, they will most likely dismantle their entire gas infrastructure, and the entire structure of cooperation via many other agencies and companies."
He also commented on the remarks he made earlier, which a number of media interpreted as a possibility of cessation of dialogue with the EU.
"I did not say that. We have a question not only whether business as usual is possible, but whether it is possible at all with the EU, which looks at Russia rather contemptuously, even arrogantly, demanding that we report on all sins that we, according to the EU, have committed. I believe that we must not report on anything, because we have our own constitution, our own laws.".


tass--2020-10-14--Vector center registers second Russian COVID-19 vaccine

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the registration of the second Russian vaccine against coronavirus and the coming registration of the third candidate .
`` I would like to begin with pleasant news that the Novosibirsk-based Vector center has registered a second Russian coronavirus vaccine EpiVacCorona , '' the Russian president said at a meeting with cabinet members on Wednesday .
`` As far as I know , we have a third candidate vaccine from the Chumakov center of the Russian Academy of Sciences , '' Putin said .
The Vector State Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing was authorized by the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine on volunteers on July 24 .
On September 30 , the vaccine was officially licensed .
The Vector vaccine contains synthetic peptide antigens that are fragments extracted from the virus .
The vaccine based on those antigens provokes an immune reaction against coronavirus and helps to develop immunity .
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products at the Russian Academy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its COVID-19 vaccine in Kirov and St. Petersburg on October 19 .
On August 11 , Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry .
Its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the registration of the second Russian vaccine against coronavirus and the coming registration of the third candidate.
"I would like to begin with pleasant news that the Novosibirsk-based Vector center has registered a second Russian coronavirus vaccine EpiVacCorona," the Russian president said at a meeting with cabinet members on Wednesday.
"As far as I know, we have a third candidate vaccine from the Chumakov center of the Russian Academy of Sciences," Putin said.
The Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing was authorized by the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine on volunteers on July 24. On September 30, the vaccine was officially licensed. The Vector vaccine contains synthetic peptide antigens that are fragments extracted from the virus. The vaccine based on those antigens provokes an immune reaction against coronavirus and helps to develop immunity.
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products at the Russian Academy of Sciences is to start clinical trials of its COVID-19 vaccine in Kirov and St. Petersburg on October 19.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry. Its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July.


tass--2020-10-14--US claims of Russia’s alleged readiness to freeze nuclear arsenals unscrupulous — Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Claims made by US Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea regarding the alleged Russian readiness to freeze the nuclear arsenals are unscrupulous , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his interview for Russian media Wednesday .
`` Recently , the [ US ] envoy stated that , hey , Russia supported us , we [ the US ] approach an agreement ahead of the presidential election in the US to freeze all nuclear warheads and Russia is keen on China joining it .
Listen , this is unscrupulous , '' Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US would like to count all nuclear warheads and return to strict verification measures as well as to force Russia to persuade China to join the talks , before the agreement is reached .
`` We have always considered and continue to consider that an agreement on strategic stability must be based on the consideration of interests of all negotiating sides , on an analysis of threats that the other side presents to your country and on a search for a compromise that will take interests of - and , therefore , real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This , first of all , implies means of delivery of nuclear warheads to each other ’ s territories , '' Lavrov said .
According to the foreign minister , the US has `` turned everything upside down '' and wants to leave means of delivery outside the talks , because `` it has obtained a lot of means that are not subject to talks . ''
At the same time , Russia is ready to include two new strategic weapons in the treaty out of the five developed recently , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to include militarization of space in the talks , `` although , officially , space , as well as cyberspace , has been added to theaters of war in its doctrines , '' he noted .
Lavrov pointed out that Russia can not ignore Washington ’ s refusal to join the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty ( CTBT ) .
`` Instead of working on specific means of delivery that pose threat to each others ’ territories , it [ Washington ] says : let ’ s count the warheads .
By doing so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of non-strategic nuclear weapons , the so-called tactical nuclear weapons , on the table .
We ’ ve always told it : before we include this category in arms control discussions , you are to take all these tactical missiles with tactical warheads to your own territory .
It has these tactical nuclear weapons deployed in five NATO countries .
Besides , in violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty , it involves NATO countries in drills on use and handling of nuclear weapons , '' Lavrov pointed out .
Earlier , Billingslea said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( New START ) with Russia , under the condition of freezing of both countries ’ nuclear arsenals .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called this proposal unacceptable .
The New START was signed by Moscow and Washington in 2010 .
The treaty remains in force until February 5 , 2021 , unless it is replaced by a new accord .
The treaty could be extended for 5 years ( until 2026 ) , if both sides agree .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vow to reduce their nuclear weapons to 700 deployed launchers , 1,550 warheads and 800 deployed and non-deployed launchers in seven years .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Claims made by US Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea regarding the alleged Russian readiness to freeze the nuclear arsenals are unscrupulous, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his interview for Russian media Wednesday.
"Recently, the [US] envoy stated that, hey, Russia supported us, we [the US] approach an agreement ahead of the presidential election in the US to freeze all nuclear warheads and Russia is keen on China joining it. Listen, this is unscrupulous," Lavrov said.
He pointed out that the US would like to count all nuclear warheads and return to strict verification measures as well as to force Russia to persuade China to join the talks, before the agreement is reached.
"We have always considered and continue to consider that an agreement on strategic stability must be based on the consideration of interests of all negotiating sides, on an analysis of threats that the other side presents to your country and on a search for a compromise that will take interests of - and, therefore, real threats to - all sides into account. This, first of all, implies means of delivery of nuclear warheads to each other’s territories," Lavrov said.
According to the foreign minister, the US has "turned everything upside down" and wants to leave means of delivery outside the talks, because "it has obtained a lot of means that are not subject to talks." At the same time, Russia is ready to include two new strategic weapons in the treaty out of the five developed recently, the top diplomat said.
The US decided not to include militarization of space in the talks, "although, officially, space, as well as cyberspace, has been added to theaters of war in its doctrines," he noted.
Lavrov pointed out that Russia cannot ignore Washington’s refusal to join the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
"Instead of working on specific means of delivery that pose threat to each others’ territories, it [Washington] says: let’s count the warheads. By doing so, it wants to bring the category of non-strategic nuclear weapons, the so-called tactical nuclear weapons, on the table. We’ve always told it: before we include this category in arms control discussions, you are to take all these tactical missiles with tactical warheads to your own territory. It has these tactical nuclear weapons deployed in five NATO countries. Besides, in violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it involves NATO countries in drills on use and handling of nuclear weapons," Lavrov pointed out.
New START Treaty
Earlier, Billingslea said that the US is ready to extend the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) with Russia, under the condition of freezing of both countries’ nuclear arsenals. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called this proposal unacceptable.
The New START was signed by Moscow and Washington in 2010. The treaty remains in force until February 5, 2021, unless it is replaced by a new accord. The treaty could be extended for 5 years (until 2026), if both sides agree.
According to the document, both sides vow to reduce their nuclear weapons to 700 deployed launchers, 1,550 warheads and 800 deployed and non-deployed launchers in seven years.


tass--2020-10-14--Hainan to better tax reporting system in duty free stores

HAIKOU , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities have ordered to improve the tax reporting system in duty free zones on Hainan , according to the ruling of the State Taxation Administration of China , regulating the payment of value added tax ( VAT ) and consumption tax by Hainan duty free shops .
In particular , according to the document , such shops in the province must declare VAT and consumption tax on a monthly basis .
The products they sell , which are not included in the list of duty free goods established by the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumption tax .
In duty free zones , separate accounting of sales of items from this list and goods not included in it is required .
Sellers who do not keep separate records will not be exempt from paying duties .
Duty free shops must issue a regular invoice , not a special VAT invoice .
The regulation comes into force on November 1 , 2020 .
There are currently four duty free shops on the island : two of them are located in the provincial capital , Haikou , and the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Boao .
Last week , the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya .
Duty free shops are part of the government 's plan to promote international tourism in Hainan .
By the end of this year , it is planned to open three more new duty free shops .
The authorities explained the need to increase the number of duty free shops in the province by the growing number of tourists and the high demand for duty-free goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located in the resort town of Sanya .
One of them will open at the airport , and the other two — in the suburbs .

HAIKOU, October 14. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities have ordered to improve the tax reporting system in duty free zones on Hainan, according to the ruling of the State Taxation Administration of China, regulating the payment of value added tax (VAT) and consumption tax by Hainan duty free shops.
In particular, according to the document, such shops in the province must declare VAT and consumption tax on a monthly basis. The products they sell, which are not included in the list of duty free goods established by the Chinese authorities, are subject to VAT and consumption tax. In duty free zones, separate accounting of sales of items from this list and goods not included in it is required. Sellers who do not keep separate records will not be exempt from paying duties. Duty free shops must issue a regular invoice, not a special VAT invoice. The regulation comes into force on November 1, 2020.
There are currently four duty free shops on the island: two of them are located in the provincial capital, Haikou, and the rest — in Sanya and the coastal town of Boao. Last week, the local authorities announced three more duty free shops will open in the province by the end of 2020 in Sanya.
Duty free shops are part of the government's plan to promote international tourism in Hainan. By the end of this year, it is planned to open three more new duty free shops. The authorities explained the need to increase the number of duty free shops in the province by the growing number of tourists and the high demand for duty-free goods. All three new stores will be located in the resort town of Sanya. One of them will open at the airport, and the other two — in the suburbs.


tass--2020-10-14--Russia, Italy need to deepen coordination against coronavirus, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Rome should strengthen joint efforts in the current complicated international environment so as to coordinate the steps aimed at addressing common threats and challenges , including the pandemic , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio on Wednesday .
The Russian foreign minister pointed out that a face-to-face meeting of the two foreign ministers amid the coronavirus pandemic was proof of `` the special significance '' attached by Russia and Italy to their bilateral relations .
`` We value the continuity which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many years , primarily thanks to close highest-level contacts of trust , '' Lavrov said .
`` Like our Italian friends , we are convinced that in the current difficult situation for the international community , which has further deteriorated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , it is essential to strengthen joint action and coordination to address those threats and challenges that humankind faces . ''
`` We are successfully developing economic cooperation , '' the Russian foreign minister continued .
`` You have just held a regular session of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monetary and Financial Cooperation .
As I heard , the session was quite productive . ''
In addition , Lavrov touched on the Russian-Italian cooperation in another field .
`` At today ’ s meeting we will be focusing on our foreign policy cooperation with regard to the severity of global and regional problems , '' he added .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Moscow and Rome should strengthen joint efforts in the current complicated international environment so as to coordinate the steps aimed at addressing common threats and challenges, including the pandemic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio on Wednesday.
The Russian foreign minister pointed out that a face-to-face meeting of the two foreign ministers amid the coronavirus pandemic was proof of "the special significance" attached by Russia and Italy to their bilateral relations.
"We value the continuity which has been preserved in our relations for so many years, primarily thanks to close highest-level contacts of trust," Lavrov said. "Like our Italian friends, we are convinced that in the current difficult situation for the international community, which has further deteriorated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it is essential to strengthen joint action and coordination to address those threats and challenges that humankind faces."
"We are successfully developing economic cooperation," the Russian foreign minister continued. "You have just held a regular session of the Russian-Italian Council for Economic, Industrial, Monetary and Financial Cooperation. As I heard, the session was quite productive."
In addition, Lavrov touched on the Russian-Italian cooperation in another field.
"At today’s meeting we will be focusing on our foreign policy cooperation with regard to the severity of global and regional problems," he added.


tass--2020-10-14--Russia must distance itself from Western assessments of its policy, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia must distance itself from Western assessments of its policy , remaining within the international legal field , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday in an interview with Sputnik , Komsomolskaya Pravda and Govorit Moskva radio stations .
`` As you know , we are polite people , and I am confident that our position of distancing ourselves from situations where we look back at the West , at what they would think of us , must remain within the field of international law .
We must adhere to all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another thing : we must demand ourselves that all those who in some shape or form signed the decisions on regulation of certain situations adhere to their obligations , '' Lavrov said .
The minister added that there are mechanisms in Russia of assessing its actions as a state .
`` We have a Constitution , we have the corresponding bodies of power , the Russian nation that decides whom it trusts to rule the country , '' he stressed .
At the same time , Lavrov pointed out that the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look for a balance of interests on the basis of mutual respect , and Russia must continue cooperating with them .
`` We have structures that we built on our own initiative in many ways , and we want to strengthen them .
In the military-political sphere , we have the CSTO .
The CIS covers security issues in the post-Soviet space , along with economic , social , humanitarian and educational projects .
There are the SCO , the EAEU , the Union State , and we need to strengthen them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this more actively , the president has given the corresponding orders , and the government is working on them , '' the foreign minister stated .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Russia must distance itself from Western assessments of its policy, remaining within the international legal field, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday in an interview with Sputnik, Komsomolskaya Pravda and Govorit Moskva radio stations.
"As you know, we are polite people, and I am confident that our position of distancing ourselves from situations where we look back at the West, at what they would think of us, must remain within the field of international law. We must adhere to all the agreements reached with our participation. And another thing: we must demand ourselves that all those who in some shape or form signed the decisions on regulation of certain situations adhere to their obligations," Lavrov said.
The minister added that there are mechanisms in Russia of assessing its actions as a state. "We have a Constitution, we have the corresponding bodies of power, the Russian nation that decides whom it trusts to rule the country," he stressed.
At the same time, Lavrov pointed out that the majority of Russia’s partners are ready to look for a balance of interests on the basis of mutual respect, and Russia must continue cooperating with them. "We have structures that we built on our own initiative in many ways, and we want to strengthen them. In the military-political sphere, we have the CSTO. The CIS covers security issues in the post-Soviet space, along with economic, social, humanitarian and educational projects. There are the SCO, the EAEU, the Union State, and we need to strengthen them. I think that we need to do this more actively, the president has given the corresponding orders, and the government is working on them," the foreign minister stated.