tass--2020-12-05--UN ready to work with Chubais as Russian president’s special envoy

UNITED NATIONS , December 5 .
/TASS/ .
The UN Secretariat is looking forward to work with Anatoly Chubais , appointed on Friday as the Russian president ’ s special envoy for relations with international organizations , UN Secretary General ’ s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told TASS on Friday .
`` We look forward to working with Amb .
Anatoly Chubais in his role as special envoy for President Putin for relations with international organizations .
The Russian Federation is critical partner of the United Nations in every facet of our work , including the sustainable development goals , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed former head of Rusnano corporation Anatoly Chubais as his special envoy for relations with international organizations for purposes of reaching sustainable development goals .
In 2015 , UN member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , which includes 17 interlinked Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) .
The document was designed to serve as a `` blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all '' .
Each of the 17 goals contains a series of benchmarks intended to be achieved within 15 @ @

UNITED NATIONS, December 5. /TASS/. The UN Secretariat is looking forward to work with Anatoly Chubais, appointed on Friday as the Russian president’s special envoy for relations with international organizations, UN Secretary General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told TASS on Friday.
"We look forward to working with Amb. Anatoly Chubais in his role as special envoy for President Putin for relations with international organizations. The Russian Federation is critical partner of the United Nations in every facet of our work, including the sustainable development goals," he said
On Friday, December 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed former head of Rusnano corporation Anatoly Chubais as his special envoy for relations with international organizations for purposes of reaching sustainable development goals.
In 2015, UN member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 interlinked Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The document was designed to serve as a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all". Each of the 17 goals contains a series of benchmarks intended to be achieved within 15 years.


tass--2020-12-05--Lavrov urges Israel to avoid unilateral actions in West Bank

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Israel should avoid unilateral actions on the occupied territories in the West Bank , including the unlawful practice of destroying Palestinian houses there , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a video address to participants of the Mediterranean Dialogues international conference in Moscow .
`` Any unilateral actions by Israel should be avoided .
I am referring to Israel ’ s rapidly intensified settlement policy and the illegal demolition of Palestinian houses in the West Bank , '' Lavrov said .
In his opinion , the situation in that complicated region `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the old wound of the Arab-Israeli conflict remains open . ''
Russia is closely watching the nascent normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries , the foreign minister continued .
`` We believe that any move towards interaction is a positive development , '' he added .
At the same time , Lavrov said that such rapprochement must not be accepted as a substitute for the settlement of the Palestinian problem on the basis of international law and urged to consolidate international efforts in order to resume direct Palestinian-Israeli talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , the UN General Assembly adopted four annual resolutions in support of Palestine and against Israel ’ s actions .
In those documents , the assembly calls upon all states to contribute to self-determination of the Palestinian people and promote Middle East peace process based on the two-state solution .
All resolutions were adopted by overwhelming majority .
The United States , Israel , Canada and Australia were among those who traditionally voted against .
In a resolution , headlined `` Peaceful Settlement of Question of Palestine , '' the UN General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlement activities on the occupied Palestinian territories , including East Jerusalem .
It also calls for the cessation of all provocations , including by Israeli settlers , in East Jerusalem , including in and around religious sites .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Israel should avoid unilateral actions on the occupied territories in the West Bank, including the unlawful practice of destroying Palestinian houses there, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a video address to participants of the Mediterranean Dialogues international conference in Moscow.
"Any unilateral actions by Israel should be avoided. I am referring to Israel’s rapidly intensified settlement policy and the illegal demolition of Palestinian houses in the West Bank," Lavrov said.
In his opinion, the situation in that complicated region "will never be completely stabilized as long as the old wound of the Arab-Israeli conflict remains open."
Russia is closely watching the nascent normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, the foreign minister continued.
"We believe that any move towards interaction is a positive development," he added.
At the same time, Lavrov said that such rapprochement must not be accepted as a substitute for the settlement of the Palestinian problem on the basis of international law and urged to consolidate international efforts in order to resume direct Palestinian-Israeli talks as soon as possible.
Earlier this week, the UN General Assembly adopted four annual resolutions in support of Palestine and against Israel’s actions. In those documents, the assembly calls upon all states to contribute to self-determination of the Palestinian people and promote Middle East peace process based on the two-state solution. All resolutions were adopted by overwhelming majority. The United States, Israel, Canada and Australia were among those who traditionally voted against.
In a resolution, headlined "Peaceful Settlement of Question of Palestine," the UN General Assembly demands to completely halt all Israeli settlement activities on the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. It also calls for the cessation of all provocations, including by Israeli settlers, in East Jerusalem, including in and around religious sites.


tass--2020-12-05--74 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Seventy-four more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 9,270 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 9,277 .
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ necessary to stay at home , call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases .
As of today , Moscow has @ @ @ @ @ , including 6,868 during the past day , and 478,724 recoveries .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Seventy-four more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 9,270, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Seventy-four coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 9,277.
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it is necessary to stay at home, call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment.
Moscow tops the list of Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases. As of today, Moscow has reported 632,057 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 6,868 during the past day, and 478,724 recoveries.


tass--2020-12-05--Moldova’s incumbent president says current parliament has exhausted itself

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s incumbent President Igor Dodon said on Friday he thinks the current parliament has exhausted itself and early elections are badly needed .
`` I think this parliament has exhausted itself .
In any case , early parliamentary elections are needed and should organize them in 2021 .
I am sure they will be held .
When ?
If the procedure is launched in December , the earliest date for the elections will be in May , '' he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel .
Runoff presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 .
Sandu won the polls .
Results of the voting are yet to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court on November 10 .
Dodon ’ s office term expires on December 23 and it is planned to inaugurate Sandu on the following day .
The ruling majority of the Party of Socialists and the Democratic Party in the Moldovan parliament broke down ahead of the presidential elections and Dodon called for early parliamentary polls in May or June next year but insisted legal procedures be observed when dissolving the parliament .
Sandu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be dissolved immediately and has called on her supporters to organize protests in support of this demand on Sunday .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Moldova’s incumbent President Igor Dodon said on Friday he thinks the current parliament has exhausted itself and early elections are badly needed.
"I think this parliament has exhausted itself. In any case, early parliamentary elections are needed and should organize them in 2021. I am sure they will be held. When? If the procedure is launched in December, the earliest date for the elections will be in May," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.
Runoff presidential elections were held in Moldova on November 15. Sandu won the polls. Results of the voting are yet to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court on November 10. Dodon’s office term expires on December 23 and it is planned to inaugurate Sandu on the following day.
The ruling majority of the Party of Socialists and the Democratic Party in the Moldovan parliament broke down ahead of the presidential elections and Dodon called for early parliamentary polls in May or June next year but insisted legal procedures be observed when dissolving the parliament. Sandu, in turn, insists the parliament be dissolved immediately and has called on her supporters to organize protests in support of this demand on Sunday.


tass--2020-12-05--Moscow mayor urges residents not to drop their guard before coronavirus vaccination

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has called on the city residents not to lower @ @ @ @ @ `` We should not drop our guard , '' Sobyanin said in a televised interview @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
According to the mayor , flu vaccination of about 6.5 million Moscow @ @ @ @ @ against coronavirus , as the flu epidemic did not break out in the Russian capital @ @ @ @ @ help in the fight against COVID-19 , since if a flu pandemic overlapped with the @ @ @ @ @ have been very bad , '' Sobyanin said .
On Saturday , December 5 , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Health , educational and social workers are the first to be inoculated .
@ @ @ @ @ to extend the list of those who can be receive the vaccine as soon as @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has called on the city residents not to lower their guard concerning coronavirus.
"We should not drop our guard," Sobyanin said in a televised interview on Rossiya’1 channel on Friday.
According to the mayor, flu vaccination of about 6.5 million Moscow residents helped in the fight against coronavirus, as the flu epidemic did not break out in the Russian capital.
"It was great help in the fight against COVID-19, since if a flu pandemic overlapped with the COVID-19 epidemic, it would have been very bad," Sobyanin said.
On Saturday, December 5, Moscow launches mass vaccination against coronavirus. Health, educational and social workers are the first to be inoculated. However, the authorities hope to extend the list of those who can be receive the vaccine as soon as its larger amounts are supplied.


tass--2020-12-05--Detention of Russian TV crew in Istanbul extended by three days

ANKARA , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Turkish authorities extended the custody of Russia ’ s NTV television crew by three days , according to a statement by the Istanbul province administration received by TASS on Friday .
`` The police department of Istanbul detained two Russian citizens and a Turkish national at 10:30 [ local time ] on Thursday , December 3 , 2020 after it found out that they were filming a video near a drone research and development facility in our province , where photo-and video recording is prohibited .
An official investigation is ongoing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the custody of those individuals was extended by three days , '' the statement says .
Two employees of Russia ’ s NTV channel , reporter Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin , were detained on the outskirts of Istanbul , the NTV channel informed on its website on Friday .
The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that the Russian Embassy in Ankara is in contact with Turkish officials , clarifying the information on the detention of reporters .
The ministry said that the Russian reporters had last contacted their colleagues on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building of Baykar Savunma , a Turkish company specializing in the production of armed drones , a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS earlier on Friday .
The reporters had no accreditation , the source said .

ANKARA, December 4. /TASS/. The Turkish authorities extended the custody of Russia’s NTV television crew by three days, according to a statement by the Istanbul province administration received by TASS on Friday.
"The police department of Istanbul detained two Russian citizens and a Turkish national at 10:30 [local time] on Thursday, December 3, 2020 after it found out that they were filming a video near a drone research and development facility in our province, where photo-and video recording is prohibited. An official investigation is ongoing. On the prosecutor general’s order, the custody of those individuals was extended by three days," the statement says.
Two employees of Russia’s NTV channel, reporter Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin, were detained on the outskirts of Istanbul, the NTV channel informed on its website on Friday. The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that the Russian Embassy in Ankara is in contact with Turkish officials, clarifying the information on the detention of reporters. The ministry said that the Russian reporters had last contacted their colleagues on December 3.
The journalists were detained near the building of Baykar Savunma, a Turkish company specializing in the production of armed drones, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS earlier on Friday. The reporters had no accreditation, the source said.


tass--2020-12-05--All Russian regions to join anti-COVID vaccination campaign by next weekend — deputy PM

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
All Russian regions will join the vaccination campaign against the coronavirus infection at the end of next week , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said on Friday .
`` I would like to say that the vaccination campaign has already been launched in the Russian army , in the city of Moscow .
By the end of the week , all regions of the country will join this campaign , '' she said , adding that President Vladimir Putin tasked the government and regional authorities to kick off free voluntary vaccination campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Golikova , vaccines will be supplied to the region along with production increase .
Population categories to be vaccinated first will be determined by the Russian health ministry .
`` I would like to repeat once again that first of all they will be people from the risk group , i.e .
medical workers , teachers , care and community workers , law enforcers , and those employed with essential services , '' she said .
She noted that vaccination against the novel coronavirus infection will take 42 days and those inoculated will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to catch the infection .
Thus , they will have to refrain from visiting crowded places , wear face masks , use sanitizers , minimize contacts and refrain from drinking alcohol or taking immunosuppressant drugs .
To date , 2,402,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,888,752 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 42,176 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. All Russian regions will join the vaccination campaign against the coronavirus infection at the end of next week, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said on Friday.
"I would like to say that the vaccination campaign has already been launched in the Russian army, in the city of Moscow. By the end of the week, all regions of the country will join this campaign," she said, adding that President Vladimir Putin tasked the government and regional authorities to kick off free voluntary vaccination campaign against the coronavirus infection.
According to Golikova, vaccines will be supplied to the region along with production increase.
Population categories to be vaccinated first will be determined by the Russian health ministry. "I would like to repeat once again that first of all they will be people from the risk group, i.e. medical workers, teachers, care and community workers, law enforcers, and those employed with essential services," she said.
She noted that vaccination against the novel coronavirus infection will take 42 days and those inoculated will have to observe precautions during this period not to catch the infection. Thus, they will have to refrain from visiting crowded places, wear face masks, use sanitizers, minimize contacts and refrain from drinking alcohol or taking immunosuppressant drugs.
To date, 2,402,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,888,752 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 42,176 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-05--Kiev forces open fire with grenade launchers against LPR, republic says

LUGANSK , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s Armed Forces have shelled positions of the militia of the @ @ @ @ @ ( LPR ) , the press service of LPR defense agency said on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ , from the direction of Svetlodarsk , made two firing provocations using an anti-tank machine @ @ @ @ @ the settlements of Kalinovka and Lozovoye , firing 10 mortars , '' the Lugansk news @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , Kiev forces had opened small arms fire against the LPR militia near @ @ @ @ @ , additional ceasefire control measures came into effect in Donbass after being approved by the @ @ @ @ @ eastern Ukraine .
The measures ban any offensive , intelligence or sabotage activities , the @ @ @ @ @ aircraft , any shooting , including sniper fire , and deployment of heavy weapons to @ @ @ @ @ the key provisions of the agreement stipulates disciplinary measures for ceasefire violations , whereas in @ @ @ @ @ return fire is allowed only after a direct order from the command .

LUGANSK, December 4. /TASS/. Ukraine’s Armed Forces have shelled positions of the militia of the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR), the press service of LPR defense agency said on Friday.
"The Ukrainian Armed Forces, from the direction of Svetlodarsk, made two firing provocations using an anti-tank machine gun against our positions near the settlements of Kalinovka and Lozovoye, firing 10 mortars," the Lugansk news agency said citing the statement.
Earlier, Kiev forces had opened small arms fire against the LPR militia near Kalinovka.
On July 27, additional ceasefire control measures came into effect in Donbass after being approved by the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine. The measures ban any offensive, intelligence or sabotage activities, the use of all types of aircraft, any shooting, including sniper fire, and deployment of heavy weapons to inhabited localities. One of the key provisions of the agreement stipulates disciplinary measures for ceasefire violations, whereas in case of offensive operations, return fire is allowed only after a direct order from the command.


tass--2020-12-05--Lavrov describes claims of Russian-Turkish rivalry in Libya as ‘oversimplification’

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Saying that Russia and Turkey support conflicting forces in the Libyan conflict would be an oversimplification , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during the Mediterranean : Roman Dialogues international conference .
`` It would be heedless and unfair to say that Russia supports Khalifa Haftar and Turkey - Fayez Sarraj .
This is a primitive description .
Any decent analyst will say that this is an oversimplification of the situation , '' he said .
In his words , the current lengthy lull in Libya is `` a direct result of coordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` You can ask all NATO countries to condemn Turkey ’ s actions .
But diplomacy is not about saying : ‘ Yes , we will follow your orders.
’ In order to settle the conflict , we need to respect the interests of all foreign players .
I think this is what Russia , Turkey and other foreign players managed to achieve in Libya , '' the minister said .
For quite a while , Libya has had two bodies of executive government - the Government of National Accord under Fayez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Presidential Council he leads ( performs the functions of the head of state ) and pro-Islamist Supreme Council of State ( an exclusively consultative body ) and eastern Cabinet of Ministers , which enjoys the backing of the House of Representatives and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s Libyan National Army .
In spring 2019 , Haftar launched an offensive towards the capital , while the Tripoli Cabinet of Ministers officially asked Turkey for help and , as a result of Ankara ’ s active assistance , the GNA managed to regain control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LNA .
On October 23 , in Geneva , participants of Libya ’ s 5+5 Joint Military Commission ( 5 representatives from the GNA and the LNA formations each ) signed an agreement on a permanent ceasefire , later sealing the deal during the meetings held already in Libyan territory .
As a result , a relative calm along the lines of engagement and the agreements between the military paved the way for the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya ( UNSMIL ) held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s capital from November 9 to November 15 .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Saying that Russia and Turkey support conflicting forces in the Libyan conflict would be an oversimplification, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during the Mediterranean: Roman Dialogues international conference.
"It would be heedless and unfair to say that Russia supports Khalifa Haftar and Turkey - Fayez Sarraj. This is a primitive description. Any decent analyst will say that this is an oversimplification of the situation," he said.
In his words, the current lengthy lull in Libya is "a direct result of coordination of efforts between Russia and Turkey."
"You can ask all NATO countries to condemn Turkey’s actions. But diplomacy is not about saying: ‘Yes, we will follow your orders.’ In order to settle the conflict, we need to respect the interests of all foreign players. I think this is what Russia, Turkey and other foreign players managed to achieve in Libya," the minister said.
For quite a while, Libya has had two bodies of executive government - the Government of National Accord under Fayez Sarraj in Tripoli in combination with the Presidential Council he leads (performs the functions of the head of state) and pro-Islamist Supreme Council of State (an exclusively consultative body) and eastern Cabinet of Ministers, which enjoys the backing of the House of Representatives and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army.
In spring 2019, Haftar launched an offensive towards the capital, while the Tripoli Cabinet of Ministers officially asked Turkey for help and, as a result of Ankara’s active assistance, the GNA managed to regain control over several territories previously occupied by the LNA.
On October 23, in Geneva, participants of Libya’s 5+5 Joint Military Commission (5 representatives from the GNA and the LNA formations each) signed an agreement on a permanent ceasefire, later sealing the deal during the meetings held already in Libyan territory. As a result, a relative calm along the lines of engagement and the agreements between the military paved the way for the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) held in Gammarth in the suburbs of Tunisia’s capital from November 9 to November 15.


tass--2020-12-05--Russia can invigorate work on sustainable development topics within UN — envoy

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Sustainable development topics are very important for Russia and Moscow can work quite actively on them within the United Nations , Anatoly Chubais , who has been appointed Russian president ’ s special envoy for relations with international organizations for purposes of reaching sustainable development goals , told TASS on Friday .
`` Sustainable development for me means a comprehensive description of the country ’ s goals that go beyond mere economy , business or even living standards .
It is something new , something from the 21st century , an upgrade of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is most important is the despite the foreign policy problems , Russia has constructive relations with the United Nations , which is a trend-setter in the sphere of sustainable development goals , '' he said , adding that it is not the first time in his career when he has to do jobs he doesn ’ t like but that are very important for the country .
`` I hate the topic of privatization and have always been seeking to dodge it .
But it happened so that Egor Gaidar summoned me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privatization .
It was a loathsome topic but I had to address it and I did .
And it was this way with many topics .
And now the situation is different .
I think this topic ( of sustainable development ) is important for the country and it is interesting for me , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Sustainable development topics are very important for Russia and Moscow can work quite actively on them within the United Nations, Anatoly Chubais, who has been appointed Russian president’s special envoy for relations with international organizations for purposes of reaching sustainable development goals, told TASS on Friday.
"Sustainable development for me means a comprehensive description of the country’s goals that go beyond mere economy, business or even living standards. It is something new, something from the 21st century, an upgrade of the classics’ fundamental ideas. And what is most important is the despite the foreign policy problems, Russia has constructive relations with the United Nations, which is a trend-setter in the sphere of sustainable development goals," he said, adding that it is not the first time in his career when he has to do jobs he doesn’t like but that are very important for the country.
"I hate the topic of privatization and have always been seeking to dodge it. But it happened so that Egor Gaidar summoned me and said I had to deal with privatization. It was a loathsome topic but I had to address it and I did. And it was this way with many topics. And now the situation is different. I think this topic (of sustainable development) is important for the country and it is interesting for me," he noted.


tass--2020-12-05--Russia records cases when severe COVID-19 survivors later die — deputy PM

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has registered deaths of the patients with underlying medical conditions who survived severe COVID-19 , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a briefing in the House of Government on Friday .
`` What we can now observe analyzing the death rates and the data on disease survivors is that we see that the patients who developed severe symptoms of COVID-19 but survived , are undergoing rehabilitation .
However , regrettably , many of them who suffered from chronic diseases are passing away .
We are well aware that it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of a chronic illness , '' she said .
Professionals do their best to provide maximum medical assistance , including prevention and rehabilitation , Golikova added .
`` Regrettably , today I have to state that there are cases when a person survived COVID-19 and recovered , but later died , '' she concluded .
According to the latest statistics , over 65.2 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.5 million deaths have been reported .
To date , 2,402,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 42,176 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russia has registered deaths of the patients with underlying medical conditions who survived severe COVID-19, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a briefing in the House of Government on Friday.
"What we can now observe analyzing the death rates and the data on disease survivors is that we see that the patients who developed severe symptoms of COVID-19 but survived, are undergoing rehabilitation. However, regrettably, many of them who suffered from chronic diseases are passing away. We are well aware that it is a direct link, the COVID-19 impact on the course of a chronic illness," she said.
Professionals do their best to provide maximum medical assistance, including prevention and rehabilitation, Golikova added.
"Regrettably, today I have to state that there are cases when a person survived COVID-19 and recovered, but later died," she concluded.
According to the latest statistics, over 65.2 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.5 million deaths have been reported.
To date, 2,402,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,888,752 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 42,176 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-05--Hospital beds for coronavirus patients 75.9% full in Russia — deputy PM

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
About 76 % of hospital beds for coronavirus patients have been occupied in @ @ @ @ @ Tatyana Golikova said at a briefing in the House of Government on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ 79.9 % of beds were full .
It is an average indicator across Russia , @ @ @ @ @ , 24.1 % of beds were available .
The fullest capacity - over 90 % @ @ @ @ @ four regions .
They are the city of St. Petersburg , the Smolensk and Oryol @ @ @ @ @ Sevastopol , '' she said .
According to the latest statistics , over 65.2 million @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.5 million deaths have been reported .
To date , @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Russia , with 1,888,752 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. About 76% of hospital beds for coronavirus patients have been occupied in Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a briefing in the House of Government on Friday.
"As or yesterday morning, 79.9% of beds were full. It is an average indicator across Russia, and respectively, on average, 24.1% of beds were available. The fullest capacity - over 90% - can be seen in four regions. They are the city of St. Petersburg, the Smolensk and Oryol Regions and the city of Sevastopol," she said.
According to the latest statistics, over 65.2 million people have been infected with coronavirus worldwide and more than 1.5 million deaths have been reported.
To date, 2,402,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,888,752 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 42,176 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-05--Nearly 1,250 refugees return to Karabakh during past day — Russian defense ministry

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 1,250 refugees returned from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh during the past day .
The convoy of buses with the refugees was escorted by Russian peacekeepers , the Russian defense ministry said on Friday .
`` As many as 1,244 people were taken by buses from Yerevan to Stepanakert today .
The convoy of buses was escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police , '' the ministry said .
According to the ministry , about 32,000 refugees have returned to their homes since November 14 , 2020 .
Renewed clashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
Under the document , the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comprises units of the 15th separate motor rifle ( peacekeeping ) brigade of the Central Military District .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance .
The peacekeeping mission ’ s command is stationed in Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Nearly 1,250 refugees returned from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh during the past day. The convoy of buses with the refugees was escorted by Russian peacekeepers, the Russian defense ministry said on Friday.
"As many as 1,244 people were taken by buses from Yerevan to Stepanakert today. The convoy of buses was escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, about 32,000 refugees have returned to their homes since November 14, 2020.
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.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. Under the document, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region. The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh basically comprises units of the 15th separate motor rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District.
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command is stationed in Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock.


tass--2020-12-05--Oil price rebounds on OPEC+ decision, will reach $60 per barrel in 2021 — experts

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The price of Brent crude , which fell to $ 47 per barrel ahead of the OPEC+ meeting , rose to almost $ 50 per barrel , rebounding on positive news about the decision reached by the participants to the oil production cut agreement .
Now this is the maximum price and it is unlikely to rise in the near future , according to experts interviewed by TASS .
However , in 2021 , with the beginning of mass vaccination and the passage of the peak of oil production in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 per barrel , they note .
The decision of the OPEC+ countries to mildly increase oil production from January was greeted with optimism on the market .
The price of Brent , which was declining before the meeting on alarming news about disagreements within the alliance , grew grow by almost $ 2 and exceeded $ 49 per barrel after the consensus was announced .
According to Finam analyst Alexei Kalachev , for the moment there are no reasons to expect oil prices to grow above $ 50 .
`` Most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current range - $ 45-50 per barrel , '' he says .
`` Judging by the reaction , the market was waiting for the worst decision .
But I admit that it could be closing of short positions , '' says Andrey Polishchuk , an analyst at Raiffeisenbank .
The average oil price in the first quarter of 2021 will be $ 45 per barrel , the bank predicts .
The rise in oil prices was not only due to the decision of OPEC+ , says Vasily Tanurkov , director of the corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rating Agency ) .
`` Stock markets are growing awaiting a vaccine .
The oil market remains in short supply , stocks are slowly decreasing .
In addition there is another aggravation around Iran .
The OPEC + decision removed some risks of uncertainty , and this , among other things , let oil prices grow , '' he explains .
Sooner or later , prices will surpass the $ 50 mark per barrel , analysts say .
This may happen if the growth of oil consumption in Asia continues .
Further dynamics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States deal with the second wave of COVID , which has yet to be taken under control , says Ole Hansen , head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank .
By the end of 2021 , oil price may rise to $ 60 per barrel , says Polishchuk from Raiffeisenbank .
Tanurkov says that the range of $ 55-60 per barrel can be considered equilibrium , it is possible when oil reserves on the market return to normal volume and it will be possible to restore production in OPEC+ at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not only the start of of mass vaccination , but also the market 's awareness that the peak of shale production in the United States may have already passed , can contribute to the oil price rise , the expert explains .
`` If the price of oil is below $ 60 per barrel for a very long time , then it is quite possible that the historical peak for shale production has already come , and production in the United States will no longer grow to the passed highs , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not assert it with full confidence .
But , judging by the reports of American companies , they have already pumped out all the cheap oil .
However , if oil prices rise again to $ 100 per barrel , then no one can rule out a new round of the shale revolution , '' he says .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The price of Brent crude, which fell to $47 per barrel ahead of the OPEC+ meeting, rose to almost $50 per barrel, rebounding on positive news about the decision reached by the participants to the oil production cut agreement.
Now this is the maximum price and it is unlikely to rise in the near future, according to experts interviewed by TASS.
However, in 2021, with the beginning of mass vaccination and the passage of the peak of oil production in the United States, oil prices may rise to $60 per barrel, they note.
Growing on positive news
The decision of the OPEC+ countries to mildly increase oil production from January was greeted with optimism on the market. The price of Brent, which was declining before the meeting on alarming news about disagreements within the alliance, grew grow by almost $2 and exceeded $49 per barrel after the consensus was announced.
According to Finam analyst Alexei Kalachev, for the moment there are no reasons to expect oil prices to grow above $50.
"Most likely, the price will stay in the current range - $45-50 per barrel," he says.
"Judging by the reaction, the market was waiting for the worst decision. But I admit that it could be closing of short positions," says Andrey Polishchuk, an analyst at Raiffeisenbank.
The average oil price in the first quarter of 2021 will be $45 per barrel, the bank predicts.
The rise in oil prices was not only due to the decision of OPEC+, says Vasily Tanurkov, director of the corporate ratings group at ACRA (Analytical Credit Rating Agency).
"Stock markets are growing awaiting a vaccine. The oil market remains in short supply, stocks are slowly decreasing. In addition there is another aggravation around Iran. The OPEC + decision removed some risks of uncertainty, and this, among other things, let oil prices grow," he explains.
Sooner or later, prices will surpass the $50 mark per barrel, analysts say. This may happen if the growth of oil consumption in Asia continues. Further dynamics will also depend on how Europe and the United States deal with the second wave of COVID, which has yet to be taken under control, says Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank.
By the end of 2021, oil price may rise to $60 per barrel, says Polishchuk from Raiffeisenbank. Tanurkov says that the range of $ 55-60 per barrel can be considered equilibrium, it is possible when oil reserves on the market return to normal volume and it will be possible to restore production in OPEC+ at a faster pace," Tanurkov says. Not only the start of of mass vaccination, but also the market's awareness that the peak of shale production in the United States may have already passed, can contribute to the oil price rise, the expert explains.
"If the price of oil is below $60 per barrel for a very long time, then it is quite possible that the historical peak for shale production has already come, and production in the United States will no longer grow to the passed highs," he says.
"Of course, one cannot assert it with full confidence. But, judging by the reports of American companies, they have already pumped out all the cheap oil. However, if oil prices rise again to $ 100 per barrel, then no one can rule out a new round of the shale revolution," he says.


tass--2020-12-04--US Secretary of Energy calls Nord Stream 2 detrimental to sovereignty of Europe

WASHINGTON , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette believes that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project is detrimental to the safety and sovereignty of Europe , and also `` solidifies Russia 's dominance over Europe ’ s natural gas markets . ''
The US official was commenting on the US ’ draft military budget for 2021 financial year ( started on October 1 ) approved by both chambers of the US Congress , which includes expansion of sanctions against gas pipeline projects Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream .
`` The Nord Stream 2 pipeline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Europe and solidifies Russia ’ s dominance over Europe ’ s natural gas markets .
The U.S. believes that there needs to be a diversity of fuels , routes , and sources flowing through Europe , '' he wrote in Twitter .
Earlier on Friday , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow considers expansion of the US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project demonstration of unfair competition .
`` Obviously we will do everything to protect our interests and the interests of international commercial projects , '' Peskov said when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
To date , 93 % of Nord Stream 2 has been finished .
The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions .
The TurkStream gas pipeline launched on January 8 passes across the Black Sea from Russia to Turkey , followed by an onshore transit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The throughput capacity of the gas pipeline is 31.5 bln cubic meters of gas annually .

WASHINGTON, December 4. /TASS/. US Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette believes that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project is detrimental to the safety and sovereignty of Europe, and also "solidifies Russia's dominance over Europe’s natural gas markets."
The US official was commenting on the US’ draft military budget for 2021 financial year (started on October 1) approved by both chambers of the US Congress, which includes expansion of sanctions against gas pipeline projects Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream.
"The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is detrimental to the safety and sovereignty of Europe and solidifies Russia’s dominance over Europe’s natural gas markets. The U.S. believes that there needs to be a diversity of fuels, routes, and sources flowing through Europe," he wrote in Twitter.
Earlier on Friday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow considers expansion of the US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project demonstration of unfair competition.
"Obviously we will do everything to protect our interests and the interests of international commercial projects," Peskov said when asked whether Russia plans any countermeasures.
The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 93% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.
The TurkStream gas pipeline launched on January 8 passes across the Black Sea from Russia to Turkey, followed by an onshore transit line to the border with neighboring states. The throughput capacity of the gas pipeline is 31.5 bln cubic meters of gas annually.


tass--2020-12-04--Lavrov calls to use UN as platform to resolve disputes in Eastern Mediterranean

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for using the United Nations as @ @ @ @ @ conflict potential in the Eastern Mediterranean .
`` We think that any actions fraught with @ @ @ @ @ potential [ in Eastern Mediterranean ] are inadmissible .
There is a universal platform for @ @ @ @ @ It is the United Nations , '' he said in a video address to the @ @ @ @ @ conference .
`` A mechanism of delimitation of exclusive economic zones and continental shelves is @ @ @ @ @ Convention on the Law of the Sea .
It should be used . ''
Relations @ @ @ @ @ dramatically after Ankara sent its Oruc Reis research vessel , escorted by warships , to @ @ @ @ @ Greek shelf near the island of Kastellorizo Ankara claimed to be part of its shelf @ @ @ @ @ and Air Forces on high alert , warning it would defend its sovereign rights .
@ @ @ @ @ drilling vessel ’ s actions as illegal .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for using the United Nations as a platform to reduce the conflict potential in the Eastern Mediterranean.
"We think that any actions fraught with further aggravation of the conflict potential [in Eastern Mediterranean] are inadmissible. There is a universal platform for efficient resolution of disputes. It is the United Nations," he said in a video address to the online Rome MED Dialogues international conference. "A mechanism of delimitation of exclusive economic zones and continental shelves is envisaged in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. It should be used."
Relations between Greece and Turkey deteriorated dramatically after Ankara sent its Oruc Reis research vessel, escorted by warships, to conduct seismic survey on the Greek shelf near the island of Kastellorizo Ankara claimed to be part of its shelf. Greece put its Navy and Air Forces on high alert, warning it would defend its sovereign rights. Cyprus also slammed the Turkish drilling vessel’s actions as illegal.


tass--2020-12-04--Turkish law enforcement continues interrogating detained Russian reporters, says source

ANKARA , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Turkish law enforcement continues interrogating reporters of Russia ’ s NTV channel @ @ @ @ @ , a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry informed TASS on Friday .
Two employees @ @ @ @ @ channel , reporter Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin , were detained on the outskirts @ @ @ @ @ channel informed on its website on Friday .
The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that the @ @ @ @ @ in contact with Turkish officials , clarifying the information on the detention of reporters .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian reporters had last contacted their colleagues on December 3 .
The journalists were detained @ @ @ @ @ Savunma , a Turkish company specializing in the production of armed drones , a source @ @ @ @ @ informed TASS earlier on Friday .
The reporters had no accreditation , the source stated @

ANKARA, December 4. /TASS/. The Turkish law enforcement continues interrogating reporters of Russia’s NTV channel, who were detained earlier, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry informed TASS on Friday.
Two employees of Russia’s NTV channel, reporter Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin, were detained on the outskirts of Istanbul, the NTV channel informed on its website on Friday. The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that the Russian Embassy in Ankara is in contact with Turkish officials, clarifying the information on the detention of reporters. The ministry noted that the Russian reporters had last contacted their colleagues on December 3.
The journalists were detained near the building of Baykar Savunma, a Turkish company specializing in the production of armed drones, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry informed TASS earlier on Friday. The reporters had no accreditation, the source stated.


tass--2020-12-04--Putin appoints Chubais as his envoy in charge of sustainable development topics

`` Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing Anatoly Chubais as his special envoy for relations with international organizations for the purposes of reaching sustainable development goals , '' it said .
MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed former head of Rusnano corporation Anatoly Chibais as his special envoy for relations with international organizations for purposes of reaching sustainable development goals , the Kremlin press service said on Friday .
Meanwhile , Russian president ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS Chubais will not be government employee as he will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chibais has been Rusnano ’ s CEO since 2008 .
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on November 23 , 2020 that Rusnano , along with a number of other development institutes , will be merged into an investment block within VEB.RF .
First deputy chairman of the board of the Russian military industrial commission Sergei Kulikov was appointed Rusnano ’ s new head .
In 2015 , the United Nations member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to preserve the planet ’ s resources and ensure general wellbeing .
According to the UN ’ s estimates , from 3.3 to 4.5 trillion US dollars will be needed a year to implement the plan .

"Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing Anatoly Chubais as his special envoy for relations with international organizations for the purposes of reaching sustainable development goals," it said.
MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed former head of Rusnano corporation Anatoly Chibais as his special envoy for relations with international organizations for purposes of reaching sustainable development goals, the Kremlin press service said on Friday.
Meanwhile, Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov told TASS Chubais will not be government employee as he will not be a staffer of the presidential administration.
Chibais has been Rusnano’s CEO since 2008. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on November 23, 2020 that Rusnano, along with a number of other development institutes, will be merged into an investment block within VEB.RF. First deputy chairman of the board of the Russian military industrial commission Sergei Kulikov was appointed Rusnano’s new head.
In 2015, the United Nations member states adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals geared to do away with poverty, to preserve the planet’s resources and ensure general wellbeing. According to the UN’s estimates, from 3.3 to 4.5 trillion US dollars will be needed a year to implement the plan.


tass--2020-12-04--Turkey’s membership in NATO no problem in relations with Russia, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia doesn ’ t mind Turkey ’ s membership in NATO and minor gaps on some foreign policy issues because the two country have no differences on principal matters , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday .
`` We have no principal differences with Turkey , '' he told the online Rome MED Dialogues international conference .
`` I am convinced that relations between Russia and Turkey are an example of how two independent countries can work together to implement their policy .
They bend to no one , they never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no external influences .
So , Turkey ’ s membership in NATO is no obstacle for us . ''
According to the Russian top diplomat , differences between countries are inevitable but they can reach a balance of interests if they are open for cooperation .
`` This is what happening in relations between Russia and Turkey that are based on the principles of good neighborhood and reckoning with each other ’ s interests .
By today , our presidents have managed to elaborate a model of cooperation that irons out these contradictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Moscow and Ankara successfully cooperated in various areas and had promising plans for further development of bilateral cooperation .
In his words , despite gaps in approaches , the two countries manage to consolidate their efforts to promote cessation of hostilities in various conflict zones .
`` As for Libya , yes , we have different approach with Turkey there .
Turkey prefers to focus on its relations with the Tripoli-based administration .
But look at the general picture .
I think that Turkey ’ s , ours [ Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation in the interests of cessation of hostilities in various regions , including Nagorno-Karabakh , '' he explained .
The Russian top diplomat recalled that Russia had not shared Turkey ’ s position at the beginning of the latest round of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh when Ankara did not rule out a military solution to the conflict .
The situation however was resolved through a trilateral agreement between the Russian , Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders .
`` In all such cases , Russia and Turkey manage to find points of contact , ways to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is what is taking place in the case of Nagorno-Karabakh , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` Another good example is Syria where Russia , Turkey and Iran created the Astana format which has proved to be the best mechanism for settling the conflict in Syria .
The Astana format has proved its worth on the backdrop of the United Nation ’ s inaction .
And we hail Turkey ’ s participation in this format , '' he added .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russia doesn’t mind Turkey’s membership in NATO and minor gaps on some foreign policy issues because the two country have no differences on principal matters, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.
"We have no principal differences with Turkey," he told the online Rome MED Dialogues international conference. "I am convinced that relations between Russia and Turkey are an example of how two independent countries can work together to implement their policy. They bend to no one, they never advance any ultimatums, they yield to no external influences. So, Turkey’s membership in NATO is no obstacle for us."
According to the Russian top diplomat, differences between countries are inevitable but they can reach a balance of interests if they are open for cooperation. "This is what happening in relations between Russia and Turkey that are based on the principles of good neighborhood and reckoning with each other’s interests. By today, our presidents have managed to elaborate a model of cooperation that irons out these contradictions," he said.
He stressed that Moscow and Ankara successfully cooperated in various areas and had promising plans for further development of bilateral cooperation. In his words, despite gaps in approaches, the two countries manage to consolidate their efforts to promote cessation of hostilities in various conflict zones. "As for Libya, yes, we have different approach with Turkey there. Turkey prefers to focus on its relations with the Tripoli-based administration. But look at the general picture. I think that Turkey’s, ours [Russia’s] and other parties’ participation promotes cooperation in the interests of cessation of hostilities in various regions, including Nagorno-Karabakh," he explained.
The Russian top diplomat recalled that Russia had not shared Turkey’s position at the beginning of the latest round of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh when Ankara did not rule out a military solution to the conflict. The situation however was resolved through a trilateral agreement between the Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders. "In all such cases, Russia and Turkey manage to find points of contact, ways to reach a synergy to consolidate our efforts. This is what is taking place in the case of Nagorno-Karabakh," Lavrov stressed.
"Another good example is Syria where Russia, Turkey and Iran created the Astana format which has proved to be the best mechanism for settling the conflict in Syria. The Astana format has proved its worth on the backdrop of the United Nation’s inaction. And we hail Turkey’s participation in this format," he added.


tass--2020-12-04--Sergei Kulikov has been elected as head Rusnano management company

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
First Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Military-Industrial Commission Sergei Kulikov has been elected as Chairman of the Board of the Rusnano management company , the press service of Rusnano reported on Friday .
`` On Thursday , December 3 , in compliance with the directive of the Russian government , the Board of Directors of JSC Rusnano voted for the appointment of Sergei Kulikov as Chairman of the board of Management Company Rusnano LLC for a period of five years .
The Board of Directors decided to terminate the powers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post .
The Board ’ s meeting was held in the form of absentee ballot .
Sergei Kulikov has taken up his duties , '' according to the statement .
On December 2 , Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Military-Industrial Commission Deputy Chairman Sergei Kulikov to head Rusnano .
On December 3 , the Russian government approved a directive on Kulikov ’ s appointment to the post of chairman of the board of Rusnano .
JSC Rusnano was created in 2011 as a result of the reorganization of the state corporation Russian Corporation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anatoly Chubais was the company ’ s general director since 2008 .
After the company was transformed from a state corporation into a joint-stock company , Chubais took over as chairman of the board of JSC Rusnano , and then headed the Rusnano management company , which was created in 2013 .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. First Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Military-Industrial Commission Sergei Kulikov has been elected as Chairman of the Board of the Rusnano management company, the press service of Rusnano reported on Friday.
"On Thursday, December 3, in compliance with the directive of the Russian government, the Board of Directors of JSC Rusnano voted for the appointment of Sergei Kulikov as Chairman of the board of Management Company Rusnano LLC for a period of five years. The Board of Directors decided to terminate the powers of Anatoly Chubais, who previously held this post. The Board’s meeting was held in the form of absentee ballot. Sergei Kulikov has taken up his duties," according to the statement.
On December 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered Military-Industrial Commission Deputy Chairman Sergei Kulikov to head Rusnano. On December 3, the Russian government approved a directive on Kulikov’s appointment to the post of chairman of the board of Rusnano.
JSC Rusnano was created in 2011 as a result of the reorganization of the state corporation Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies, founded in 2007. Anatoly Chubais was the company’s general director since 2008. After the company was transformed from a state corporation into a joint-stock company, Chubais took over as chairman of the board of JSC Rusnano, and then headed the Rusnano management company, which was created in 2013.


tass--2020-12-04--US presence in Syria obstacle to restoration of country’s unity, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Illegal military presence of the United States in Syria gets in the way of restoration of the country ’ s unity , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said via a video link at the Rome 2020 Mediterranean Dialogues on Friday .
According to the Russian minister , it was possible to `` break the back '' of terrorism mostly thanks to Russia ’ s decisive assistance to the Syrian government .
`` The tasks of providing decent life conditions for millions of Syrians , who have survived that devastating war , are coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation of the entire world community , '' Lavrov said .
`` We have to state with regret that in response to constructive shifts in political settlement , Damascus receives illegal presence of US forces on its territory , which is overtly used for encouraging separatism and for hindering the restoration of the country ’ s unity . ''
The Russian foreign minister drew attention to the new US and European sanctions slapped against Syria and baseless , evidence-free allegations against Damascus about the use of chemical weapons and war crimes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Syria , even when humanitarian issues are raised , '' he stressed .
`` Amid the pandemic , the West sticks to its policy of economic strangling of Syria . ''
Lavrov confirmed that peace and stability could be brought to the Middle East and North Africa based on international law .
`` It involves rejecting any external interference , respecting principles of the UN Charter , sovereignty and territorial integrity , and relying on inclusive national dialogue in each country , where any strife can be seen , '' the minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very line in all situations in the region , including in Syria .
`` .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Illegal military presence of the United States in Syria gets in the way of restoration of the country’s unity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said via a video link at the Rome 2020 Mediterranean Dialogues on Friday.
According to the Russian minister, it was possible to "break the back" of terrorism mostly thanks to Russia’s decisive assistance to the Syrian government.
"The tasks of providing decent life conditions for millions of Syrians, who have survived that devastating war, are coming to the fore. It requires the participation of the entire world community," Lavrov said. "We have to state with regret that in response to constructive shifts in political settlement, Damascus receives illegal presence of US forces on its territory, which is overtly used for encouraging separatism and for hindering the restoration of the country’s unity."
The Russian foreign minister drew attention to the new US and European sanctions slapped against Syria and baseless, evidence-free allegations against Damascus about the use of chemical weapons and war crimes.
"The West demonstrates double standards denying help to Syria, even when humanitarian issues are raised," he stressed. "Amid the pandemic, the West sticks to its policy of economic strangling of Syria."
Lavrov confirmed that peace and stability could be brought to the Middle East and North Africa based on international law.
"It involves rejecting any external interference, respecting principles of the UN Charter, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and relying on inclusive national dialogue in each country, where any strife can be seen," the minister explained. "Russia sticks to this very line in all situations in the region, including in Syria.".


tass--2020-12-04--Russia, India kick off joint naval drills in Indian Ocean

NEW DELHI , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Warships of Russia and India kicked off two-day joint naval drills in @ @ @ @ @ Indian Ocean , the press office of the Indian Navy reported on its Twitter on @ @ @ @ @ ships Shivalik and Kadmatt are carrying out the passage exercise ( PASSEX ) with the @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Indian Ocean Region , the statement says .
Russia is represented in the joint @ @ @ @ @ cruiser Varyag , the large anti-submarine warfare ship Admiral Panteleyev and the tanker Pechenga .
@ @ @ @ @ warships from both countries will practice joint measures , the fight against underwater targets and @ @ @ @ @ will run on December 4-5 , Indian Navy Spokesman Vivek Madhwal said .
The drills @ @ @ @ @ , improve mutual understanding and exchange advanced experience between the two friendly navies , he @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus infection pandemic , the ships will interact only at sea without the @ @ @ @ @ of both countries , he said .

NEW DELHI, December 4. /TASS/. Warships of Russia and India kicked off two-day joint naval drills in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean, the press office of the Indian Navy reported on its Twitter on Friday.
The Indian Navy ships Shivalik and Kadmatt are carrying out the passage exercise (PASSEX) with the Russian Navy ships in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region, the statement says.
Russia is represented in the joint naval exercise by the missile cruiser Varyag, the large anti-submarine warfare ship Admiral Panteleyev and the tanker Pechenga.
During the drills, the warships from both countries will practice joint measures, the fight against underwater targets and helicopter operations. The maneuvers will run on December 4-5, Indian Navy Spokesman Vivek Madhwal said.
The drills aim to increase operational compatibility, improve mutual understanding and exchange advanced experience between the two friendly navies, he specified.
Considering the situation with the coronavirus infection pandemic, the ships will interact only at sea without the personal contact between the sailors of both countries, he said.


tass--2020-12-04--COVID-19 incidence in Russia demonstrating downwards dynamics, says deputy PM

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus incidence rates are slowing down in Russia , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said on Friday .
`` The situation is regions is different but the average dynamics of the epidemic process in the country makes it possible to speak cautiously about certain slowdown in the coronavirus infection incidence rates , '' she said .
According to Golikova , the epidemic process is slowing down in 61 regions , against 50 a month ago .
`` As compared with November 1 , the number of region demonstrating a slowdown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 to 61 , '' she said , adding however that 23 regions are still demonstrating upwards dynamics ( 33 a month ago ) .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , more than 65.2 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.5 million deaths have been reported .
To date , 2,402,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,888,752 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 42,176 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The coronavirus incidence rates are slowing down in Russia, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said on Friday.
"The situation is regions is different but the average dynamics of the epidemic process in the country makes it possible to speak cautiously about certain slowdown in the coronavirus infection incidence rates," she said.
According to Golikova, the epidemic process is slowing down in 61 regions, against 50 a month ago. "As compared with November 1, the number of region demonstrating a slowdown in the coronavirus incidence rates has increased from 50 to 61," she said, adding however that 23 regions are still demonstrating upwards dynamics (33 a month ago).
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, more than 65.2 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.5 million deaths have been reported.
To date, 2,402,949 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,888,752 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 42,176 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-04--Irresponsible Western policy led to rise in terrorism in Middle East, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The rise in terrorism and the exodus of refugees came as a result of destructive actions by Western states in the Middle East and North Africa , which is an unacceptable price for irresponsible policy , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a video address to the participants of the Mediterranean Dialogues international conference .
`` Unfortunately , the rich unifying potential of the Mediterranean is not being used right now , essentially .
The south of the region still suffers from many problems : the terrorist threat , the rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , numerous violations of human rights and rights of national minorities , which led to a mass exodus of refugees and migrants .
The situation of Christians living in the Middle East , who are being persecuted , causes deep concern , '' he stated .
`` This is a very high , unacceptable price for the irresponsible political games of Washington and its European allies , who decided to test the unipolar model of world order on the nations of the Middle East and North Africa , imposing recipes for development that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations . ''
According to the minister , Western states attempted to introduce an idea of a world order based on rules invented by them in the Middle East and North Africa region .
`` They completely ignore the universal international legal structures .
The situation is made worse by the coronavirus pandemic that led to a rise in social-economic instability , which especially hit the unprotected layers of the population , '' Lavrov noted .
The Russian top diplomat also pointed out that the majority of the issues are of a transborder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arose in one region spread to other areas of the world fast .
`` The issue of foreign terrorist militants is of special concern .
They take part in military activities in the region , and then go back to their countries of origin , organizing sabotage , propaganda and recruitment activity there , '' he stressed .
`` I think it would be in our shared interest to do everything possible for the Mediterranean not to be a place of confrontation , but a connecting bridge between the North and the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity .
It is hard to achieve that , but it is possible if we unite .
Russia is ready to continue facilitating the achievement of such results in any way possible , '' Lavrov concluded .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The rise in terrorism and the exodus of refugees came as a result of destructive actions by Western states in the Middle East and North Africa, which is an unacceptable price for irresponsible policy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a video address to the participants of the Mediterranean Dialogues international conference.
"Unfortunately, the rich unifying potential of the Mediterranean is not being used right now, essentially. The south of the region still suffers from many problems: the terrorist threat, the rise in organized crime, the difficult humanitarian situation, numerous violations of human rights and rights of national minorities, which led to a mass exodus of refugees and migrants. The situation of Christians living in the Middle East, who are being persecuted, causes deep concern," he stated. "This is a very high, unacceptable price for the irresponsible political games of Washington and its European allies, who decided to test the unipolar model of world order on the nations of the Middle East and North Africa, imposing recipes for development that ignore the values of these countries and nations."
According to the minister, Western states attempted to introduce an idea of a world order based on rules invented by them in the Middle East and North Africa region. "They completely ignore the universal international legal structures. The situation is made worse by the coronavirus pandemic that led to a rise in social-economic instability, which especially hit the unprotected layers of the population," Lavrov noted.
The Russian top diplomat also pointed out that the majority of the issues are of a transborder nature, and that the issues that arose in one region spread to other areas of the world fast. "The issue of foreign terrorist militants is of special concern. They take part in military activities in the region, and then go back to their countries of origin, organizing sabotage, propaganda and recruitment activity there," he stressed.
"I think it would be in our shared interest to do everything possible for the Mediterranean not to be a place of confrontation, but a connecting bridge between the North and the South, so that the people living here enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity. It is hard to achieve that, but it is possible if we unite. Russia is ready to continue facilitating the achievement of such results in any way possible," Lavrov concluded.


tass--2020-12-04--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeds 143,000

MINSK , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 1,774 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 143,000 , the health ministry reported on Friday .
`` As many as 143,383 people , or 1.51 % of the country ’ s population , have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' it said , adding that the daily tally was 1,774 .
`` A total of 1,190 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak , '' it said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the past day .
According to the latest update , as many as 120,571 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease .
A total of 3,367,889 tests for the novel coronavirus have been conducted in the country since the epidemic outbreak , including 32,101 during the past day .
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns , with mass gathering not being banned .
The authorities pledge that the country ’ s public health system is prepared for the second wave of the epidemic .
However people are requested to wear face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign as part of post-registration tests of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine kicked off in Belarus from October 1 .

MINSK, December 4. /TASS/. As many as 1,774 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 143,000, the health ministry reported on Friday.
"As many as 143,383 people, or 1.51% of the country’s population, have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 1,774.
"A total of 1,190 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said, adding that nine such deaths were reported during the past day. According to the latest update, as many as 120,571 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease. A total of 3,367,889 tests for the novel coronavirus have been conducted in the country since the epidemic outbreak, including 32,101 during the past day.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The authorities pledge that the country’s public health system is prepared for the second wave of the epidemic. However people are requested to wear face masks in public places. A vaccination campaign as part of post-registration tests of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine kicked off in Belarus from October 1.


tass--2020-12-04--Artificial intelligence is not about hype, it will not 'fade away' over time — Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Artificial intelligence is not about hype and it will not `` fade away '' over time , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a plenary session of the international online conference Artificial Intelligence Journey ( AI Journey ) .
`` We are allocating serious resources , both financial and administrative ones , on creation and development of technologies .
It is not about spending these funds , purchasing high-status gadgets and other household appliances .
Artificial intelligence is not about a so-called fashion hype or a prestigious trend , that will fade away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow .
No , this will not happen , '' the president noted .
He recalled that `` global history knows many cases when large , global corporations and even countries literally slept through a technological breakthrough and were swept off the historical stage overnight . ''
`` We must remember this .
I want my colleagues in ministries , departments , regions of the Russian Federation , in state companies , research centers and universities to hear me now : we have to tackle issues of a fundamentally new level of complexity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Putin added that `` this is a difficult exam for the many , '' which puts their ability `` to abandon threadbare ideas , patterns and stereotypes '' and to be ready `` to change , learn and lead '' to the test .
But at the same time , the current situation is `` an inspiring challenge '' for `` strong , courageous and modern managers , entrepreneurs and engineers . ''
The head of state added that the planned digital transformation will affect every person and all levels of government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different stages successfully solved ambitious tasks of technological and spatial development , building railways at a unique pace at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and carrying out electrification in the 1920s and 1930s .
But our plans for bringing artificial intelligence and digital transformation into the mainstream are unparalleled in terms of the depth of changes they entail in all spheres .
They will really affect every person , every family , every sector of the economy and social sphere , every organization and every level of government , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, December 4. /TASS/. Artificial intelligence is not about hype and it will not "fade away" over time, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a plenary session of the international online conference Artificial Intelligence Journey (AI Journey).
"We are allocating serious resources, both financial and administrative ones, on creation and development of technologies. It is not about spending these funds, purchasing high-status gadgets and other household appliances. Artificial intelligence is not about a so-called fashion hype or a prestigious trend, that will fade away, vanish tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. No, this will not happen," the president noted.
He recalled that "global history knows many cases when large, global corporations and even countries literally slept through a technological breakthrough and were swept off the historical stage overnight."
"We must remember this. I want my colleagues in ministries, departments, regions of the Russian Federation, in state companies, research centers and universities to hear me now: we have to tackle issues of a fundamentally new level of complexity," the head of state said.
Putin added that "this is a difficult exam for the many," which puts their ability "to abandon threadbare ideas, patterns and stereotypes" and to be ready "to change, learn and lead" to the test.
But at the same time, the current situation is "an inspiring challenge" for "strong, courageous and modern managers, entrepreneurs and engineers."
The head of state added that the planned digital transformation will affect every person and all levels of government in Russia. "Our country at different stages successfully solved ambitious tasks of technological and spatial development, building railways at a unique pace at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and carrying out electrification in the 1920s and 1930s. But our plans for bringing artificial intelligence and digital transformation into the mainstream are unparalleled in terms of the depth of changes they entail in all spheres. They will really affect every person, every family, every sector of the economy and social sphere, every organization and every level of government, the entire system of government," Putin said.


tass--2020-12-04--Russian ex-presidents to be able to apply for lifetime senator office at any time

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian ex-president , resigned by the moment the new law on forming the Federation Council ( upper house ) has taken effect , will be entitled to file an application to become a lifetime senator at any moment with no term limits , according to the amendment , adopted by the Federation Council Committee Constitutional Legislation and State Building Friday .
According to the previous edition of the draft law , a head of state that left office either after their term expired or prematurely could become a Federation Council senator as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which could be filed once within three months after standing down .
A president who resigned long before the law comes into effect , could also file an application to the Federation Council , but no later than within three months after the law is published .
The new amendment removes these time constraints for presidents who stepped down before the law takes effect .
`` The logic here is that those presidents , who will be elected or who serve today , know these laws , they are universal and they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resign ] , '' Council Chairman Pavel Krasheninnikov explained , adding that these norms were not in effect during former presidents ’ terms .
`` So there are special conditions here . ''
`` We believe that this norm is redundant , because we appoint them for life , so we believe that to limit a constitutional right - and it is indeed written in the Constitution - by three months is inappropriate .
This is why we propose to remove this time constraint , '' Krasheninnikov said .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. A Russian ex-president, resigned by the moment the new law on forming the Federation Council (upper house) has taken effect, will be entitled to file an application to become a lifetime senator at any moment with no term limits, according to the amendment, adopted by the Federation Council Committee Constitutional Legislation and State Building Friday.
According to the previous edition of the draft law, a head of state that left office either after their term expired or prematurely could become a Federation Council senator as soon as they filed an application, which could be filed once within three months after standing down. A president who resigned long before the law comes into effect, could also file an application to the Federation Council, but no later than within three months after the law is published. The new amendment removes these time constraints for presidents who stepped down before the law takes effect.
"The logic here is that those presidents, who will be elected or who serve today, know these laws, they are universal and they will be in effect [when those presidents resign]," Council Chairman Pavel Krasheninnikov explained, adding that these norms were not in effect during former presidents’ terms. "So there are special conditions here."
"We believe that this norm is redundant, because we appoint them for life, so we believe that to limit a constitutional right - and it is indeed written in the Constitution - by three months is inappropriate. This is why we propose to remove this time constraint," Krasheninnikov said.


tass--2020-12-04--This week in photos: Biden's injury, Pushkin Museum in mourning, Moscow New Year's lights

Still time to extend New START , says Russian envoy to US We are still in dialogue , we hope @ @ @ @ @ for the foreseeable future , Anatoly Antonov said

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
Read more


tass--2020-12-04--Kazakhstan interested in Russia’s experience in AI development

NUR-SULTAN , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan shows interest in Russia ’ s experience in artificial intelligence development , President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Friday .
`` We are interested in the experience of the Russian Federation .
We welcome you in our capital with great pleasure .
It means a lot .
At the same time , Kazakhstan studies international experience .
It differs , so we need to understand what exactly we need and what suits us , '' Tokayev said at the international online conference Artificial Intelligence Journey ( AI Journey ) when answering Sberbank CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties ’ experience Kazakhstan eyes while developing its model of artificial intelligence .
The president pointed out that digitalization of the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) should become a top priority for the Eurasian Economic Commission .
`` We should team up in working out all these [ digitalization ] issues within the EAEU .
The Union ’ s digital agenda should be really prioritized in the work of the Eurasian Commission and corresponding governments , '' the president said .
The Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) is an international organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan .

NUR-SULTAN, December 4. /TASS/. Kazakhstan shows interest in Russia’s experience in artificial intelligence development, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Friday.
"We are interested in the experience of the Russian Federation. We welcome you in our capital with great pleasure. It means a lot. At the same time, Kazakhstan studies international experience. It differs, so we need to understand what exactly we need and what suits us," Tokayev said at the international online conference Artificial Intelligence Journey (AI Journey) when answering Sberbank CEO Herman Gref’s question about what counties’ experience Kazakhstan eyes while developing its model of artificial intelligence.
The president pointed out that digitalization of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) should become a top priority for the Eurasian Economic Commission.
"We should team up in working out all these [digitalization] issues within the EAEU. The Union’s digital agenda should be really prioritized in the work of the Eurasian Commission and corresponding governments," the president said.
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an international organization for economic integration, which comprises Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.


tass--2020-12-04--Putin vows Russia will continue to focus on digital transformation of healthcare

NOVO-OGARYOVO , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is devoting substantial attention to the digitalization of healthcare , outfitting medical institutions with equipment using revolutionary innovations such as artificial intelligence ( AI ) .
According to plans , this work will carry on in the future , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the international online conference Artificial Intelligence Journey ( AI Journey ) on Friday .
Addressing the head of state , one of the conference participants noted that AI-based technologies can significantly boost the effectiveness of medical diagnostics .
Lately , digital technologies have been increasingly used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas need to be developed and he asked the president whether the government intends to support such trends .
`` As for the use of CT-technology and other modern diagnostic means , I would like to note that a lot has been accomplished in our country over the recent years in order to equip a large number of our medical institutions with these systems , ” Putin noted .
“ Of course , we place a major emphasis on it and will continue to do so in the future , ” he assured @

NOVO-OGARYOVO, December 4. /TASS/. Russia is devoting substantial attention to the digitalization of healthcare, outfitting medical institutions with equipment using revolutionary innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI). According to plans, this work will carry on in the future, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the international online conference Artificial Intelligence Journey (AI Journey) on Friday.
Addressing the head of state, one of the conference participants noted that AI-based technologies can significantly boost the effectiveness of medical diagnostics. Lately, digital technologies have been increasingly used in the Russian healthcare system, but these areas need to be developed and he asked the president whether the government intends to support such trends.
"As for the use of CT-technology and other modern diagnostic means, I would like to note that a lot has been accomplished in our country over the recent years in order to equip a large number of our medical institutions with these systems,” Putin noted. “Of course, we place a major emphasis on it and will continue to do so in the future,” he assured.


tass--2020-12-04--Russian reporters detained while taking footage near Turkish drones production company

ANKARA , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Turkish police detained two Russian reporters working for the NTV channel near @ @ @ @ @ , a Turkish company specializing in the production of armed drones , a source in @ @ @ @ @ TASS on Friday .
`` They were detained while taking footage in the area of @ @ @ @ @ '' the source informed .
The Turkish Foreign Ministry added that they do not have @ @ @ @ @ station where Russian journalists are being held .
Earlier , a source in the ministry @ @ @ @ @ had been detained due to the lack of accreditation .
Two employees of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin , were detained on the outskirts of Istanbul , @ @ @ @ @ its website on Friday .
The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that the Russian Embassy in @ @ @ @ @ Turkish officials , clarifying the information on the possible detention of reporters .
The ministry @ @ @ @ @ had last contacted their colleagues on December 3 .

ANKARA, December 4. /TASS/. The Turkish police detained two Russian reporters working for the NTV channel near the building of Baykar Savunma, a Turkish company specializing in the production of armed drones, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry informed TASS on Friday.
"They were detained while taking footage in the area of the Baykar Savunma company," the source informed.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry added that they do not have any information regarding the police station where Russian journalists are being held. Earlier, a source in the ministry told TASS that the reporters had been detained due to the lack of accreditation.
Two employees of Russia’s NTV channel, reporter Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin, were detained on the outskirts of Istanbul, the NTV channel informed on its website on Friday. The Russian Foreign Ministry informed that the Russian Embassy in Ankara is in contact with Turkish officials, clarifying the information on the possible detention of reporters. The ministry noted that the Russian reporters had last contacted their colleagues on December 3.


tass--2020-12-04--Russian investment fund, Kazakhstan to cooperate for vaccine registration, production

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) said on Friday it had signed an agreement on cooperation for the accelerated registration , production and distribution of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine with Kazakhstan ’ s Health Ministry .
`` Thanks to the agreement between the RDIF and Kazakhstan , the population of this country will have access to the anti-coronavirus vaccine with the efficiency of more than 91 % .
Production of the Sputnik V vaccine that will be organized in Kazakhstan will make it possible to reduce logistic costs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establishments in a short period of time .
Apart from that , the agreements will make it possible to expand exchange of technologies , research and medical experience between our countries , '' RDIF quoted its CEO Kirill Dmitriev as saying .
After Kazakhstan ’ s regulating agencies issue an approval , technology transfer will be carried out and material for the production of at least two million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine will be supplied to Kazakhstan .
On August 11 , Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
The Russian Health Ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched .
The third , post-registration , stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7 .
Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September 9 .
As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials , with 10,000 of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the third phase results , the vaccine ’ s efficiency is 91.4 % .
Currently , third phase tests are underway in Belarus , the United Arab Emirates , Venezuela , and a number of other countries , while second and third phase trials are being carried out in India .
Orders for more than 1.2 billion doses of the Sputnik V vaccine have come from more than 50 countries .
International partners of the Russian Direct Investment Fund in India , Brazil , China , South Korea and in four more @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Friday it had signed an agreement on cooperation for the accelerated registration, production and distribution of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine with Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry.
"Thanks to the agreement between the RDIF and Kazakhstan, the population of this country will have access to the anti-coronavirus vaccine with the efficiency of more than 91%. Production of the Sputnik V vaccine that will be organized in Kazakhstan will make it possible to reduce logistic costs and ensure supplies of the vaccine to medical establishments in a short period of time. Apart from that, the agreements will make it possible to expand exchange of technologies, research and medical experience between our countries," RDIF quoted its CEO Kirill Dmitriev as saying.
After Kazakhstan’s regulating agencies issue an approval, technology transfer will be carried out and material for the production of at least two million doses of the Sputnik V vaccine will be supplied to Kazakhstan.
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. The Russian Health Ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched. The third, post-registration, stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7. Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September 9. As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials, with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo.
According to the third phase results, the vaccine’s efficiency is 91.4%.
Currently, third phase tests are underway in Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, and a number of other countries, while second and third phase trials are being carried out in India.
Orders for more than 1.2 billion doses of the Sputnik V vaccine have come from more than 50 countries. International partners of the Russian Direct Investment Fund in India, Brazil, China, South Korea and in four more states will manufacture the vaccine.