tass--2020-11-02--Azeri leader says Russia should remain neutral in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

BAKU , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia should remain neutral in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as outlined in the mandate issued to co-chairs of the Minsk Group by the OSCE , Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Monday , the Azerbaijan State News Agency reports .
`` Firstly , we did not attack Armenia .
Secondly , Russia is a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and it should be neutral as all co-chairs in accordance with the mandate issued for them by the OSCE , '' Aliyev underscored .
Earlier , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asked Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scope and scale of the aid that Russia can provide to Armenia to ensure its security .
The Russian Foreign Minister announced that Moscow will provide all the necessary assistance to Yerevan in accordance with the treaty on friendship if clashes will move to the Armenian territory .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, November 2. /TASS/. Russia should remain neutral in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as outlined in the mandate issued to co-chairs of the Minsk Group by the OSCE, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Monday, the Azerbaijan State News Agency reports.
"Firstly, we did not attack Armenia. Secondly, Russia is a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and it should be neutral as all co-chairs in accordance with the mandate issued for them by the OSCE," Aliyev underscored.
Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch consultations to determine the scope and scale of the aid that Russia can provide to Armenia to ensure its security. The Russian Foreign Minister announced that Moscow will provide all the necessary assistance to Yerevan in accordance with the treaty on friendship if clashes will move to the Armenian territory.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-11-02--Mass vaccination with Vector center’s coronavirus vaccine to begin in 2021

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Mass vaccination with a coronavirus vaccine developed by Russia ’ s State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector is expected to take place in 2021 , the center 's Director General Rinat Maksyutov told the government ’ s coronavirus information website .
`` A mass vaccination campaign is expected to begin in 2021 , '' he said .
Results of summer trials of Vector COVID-19 vaccine to be tallied in May 2021 According to Maksyutov , vaccination will be voluntary and free for Russian citizens .
Medical , education and transport workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work brings them into contact with large numbers of people , will have a chance to get vaccinated before others .
Post-registration trials phase of the EpiVacCorona vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector сenter will begin in November-December on 40,000 volunteers , Rinat Maksyutov said .
`` The launch of several post-registration trials is planned for November - December 2020 .
They will last six months from the date of inoculation of the last volunteer , '' he said .
The developer explained that one of the advantages of the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antigenically distinct strains , '' since the preparation contains a part of a macromolecule of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen , recognized by the immune system .
`` As opposed to a vector vaccine , developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology , and to an inactivated vaccine of the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences , the EpiVacCorona vaccine contains only short sequences of the viral protein , peptides , necessary for the formation of the immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On July 24 , the Vector center received permission from the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine , named EpiVacCorona , on volunteers .
That phase of trials completed on September 30 and the vaccine was registered in mid-October .
The center plans to launch post-registration trials of the vaccine involving 40,000 volunteers .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Mass vaccination with a coronavirus vaccine developed by Russia’s State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector is expected to take place in 2021, the center's Director General Rinat Maksyutov told the government’s coronavirus information website.
"A mass vaccination campaign is expected to begin in 2021," he said.
Results of summer trials of Vector COVID-19 vaccine to be tallied in May 2021
According to Maksyutov, vaccination will be voluntary and free for Russian citizens. Medical, education and transport workers, police officers and other employees whose work brings them into contact with large numbers of people, will have a chance to get vaccinated before others.
Post-registration trials
Post-registration trials phase of the EpiVacCorona vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Vector сenter will begin in November-December on 40,000 volunteers, Rinat Maksyutov said.
"The launch of several post-registration trials is planned for November - December 2020. They will last six months from the date of inoculation of the last volunteer," he said.
The developer explained that one of the advantages of the vaccine is its "effectiveness against genetically and antigenically distinct strains," since the preparation contains a part of a macromolecule of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen, recognized by the immune system.
"As opposed to a vector vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, and to an inactivated vaccine of the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the EpiVacCorona vaccine contains only short sequences of the viral protein, peptides, necessary for the formation of the immune response," the scientist explained.
On July 24, the Vector center received permission from the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine, named EpiVacCorona, on volunteers. That phase of trials completed on September 30 and the vaccine was registered in mid-October. The center plans to launch post-registration trials of the vaccine involving 40,000 volunteers.


tass--2020-11-02--Coronavirus strain 20A.EU1 found in Europe may appear in Russia, says watchdog

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The new coronavirus strain 20A.EU1 , which became widely spread in Europe in recent months , may begin to circulate in Russia , however for the time being it has not been identified yet , the press service of the consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor told TASS on Monday .
Earlier , the University of Basel said that Swiss and Spanish scientists found out that the new strain of the coronavirus 20A.EU1 became widely spread in Europe in recent months .
Analysis indicated that the new strain emerged in Spain last summer .
First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As borders reopened , the virus began to migrate .
Now it has been detected in 12 European countries , as well as in Hong Kong and New Zealand .
`` Up to this moment the new strain 20A.EU1 has not been identified in the examined samples of SARS-CoV-2 .
Given the population 's cross-border mobility and the natural processes of some strains of the virus being pushed out by others , this particular strain may become one of the varieties circulating in Russia , '' the watchdog 's news release runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had produced no evidence yet the new strain was more harmful to health .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The new coronavirus strain 20A.EU1, which became widely spread in Europe in recent months, may begin to circulate in Russia, however for the time being it has not been identified yet, the press service of the consumer rights watchdog Rospotrebnadzor told TASS on Monday.
Earlier, the University of Basel said that Swiss and Spanish scientists found out that the new strain of the coronavirus 20A.EU1 became widely spread in Europe in recent months. Analysis indicated that the new strain emerged in Spain last summer. First, it was identified in agricultural workers. As borders reopened, the virus began to migrate. Now it has been detected in 12 European countries, as well as in Hong Kong and New Zealand.
"Up to this moment the new strain 20A.EU1 has not been identified in the examined samples of SARS-CoV-2. Given the population's cross-border mobility and the natural processes of some strains of the virus being pushed out by others, this particular strain may become one of the varieties circulating in Russia," the watchdog's news release runs.
Rospotrebnadzor remarked that research and observations had produced no evidence yet the new strain was more harmful to health.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia to launch Nauka research module to orbital outpost in April 2021

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of the Nauka ( Science ) multi-functional laboratory module to the International Space Station ( ISS ) is planned for April 2021 and its flight to the orbital outpost will take a week , Deputy Director of the Roscosmos Department for Piloted Programs Vladimir Daneyev announced on Monday .
`` The preliminary date for the launch of the Nauka module is late April but we will now look at the flight program to bring it to the station more comfortably because it is set to reach the station in about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at an online event devoted to the 20th anniversary of the ISS ’ piloted mission .
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said the launch of the Nauka module to the ISS was planned in April 2021 .
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine .
The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts ( the first is located in the Zvezda module ) and a room for the third crewmember .
It will also use the European Robotic Arm ( ERA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without spacewalks .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The launch of the Nauka (Science) multi-functional laboratory module to the International Space Station (ISS) is planned for April 2021 and its flight to the orbital outpost will take a week, Deputy Director of the Roscosmos Department for Piloted Programs Vladimir Daneyev announced on Monday.
"The preliminary date for the launch of the Nauka module is late April but we will now look at the flight program to bring it to the station more comfortably because it is set to reach the station in about a week," the Roscosmos official said at an online event devoted to the 20th anniversary of the ISS’ piloted mission.
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said the launch of the Nauka module to the ISS was planned in April 2021.
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine. The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts (the first is located in the Zvezda module) and a room for the third crewmember. It will also use the European Robotic Arm (ERA) that will help perform some operations without spacewalks.


tass--2020-11-02--Lukashenko warns protesters against violating law

MINSK , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said Monday that he does not mind dissent @ @ @ @ @ law and warned that `` there are no free passes '' for that .
`` @ @ @ @ @ , '' BelTA news agency quoted him as saying .
`` I can not exist @ @ @ @ @ no other point of view .
I believe that I came to power from rational @ @ @ @ @ The Belarusian leader noted that alternative opinions are always voiced during official meetings that he @ @ @ @ @ gather a meeting , we postpone it if there aren ’ t two or three @ @ @ @ @ gather then ?
That is why I support points of views and dissent .
But @ @ @ @ @ law is violated , '' he stressed .

MINSK, November 2. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said Monday that he does not mind dissent but accused protesters of violating law and warned that "there are no free passes" for that.
"I am not against dissent," BelTA news agency quoted him as saying. "I cannot exist in a space that has no other point of view. I believe that I came to power from rational and self-aware opposition."
The Belarusian leader noted that alternative opinions are always voiced during official meetings that he holds. "When we gather a meeting, we postpone it if there aren’t two or three points of views. Why gather then? That is why I support points of views and dissent. But I categorically oppose it when law is violated," he stressed.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia’s state arms exporter delivers military hardware worth $180 bln over 20 years

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport ( part of the tech corporation Rostec ) delivered military hardware worth $ 180 billion to foreign customers over 20 years , the Rosoboronexport press office reported on Monday .
`` The company ’ s financial indicators - the order book and the delivery volume - have risen fivefold since 2000 .
Over these years , Rosoboronexport has concluded more than 26,000 contracts with partners and delivered products worth a total of over $ 180 billion to 122 countries of the world , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying .
Russia continues to steadily hold the second place on the global arms market , Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev said .
`` Our foreign partners have received hardware worth over $ 85 billion for their Air Forces .
The deliveries for our customers ’ air defense and land troops have topped $ 30 billion for each of these military branches and have amounted to over $ 28 billion for their Navies , '' Mikheyev said .
Over the past two decades , Rosoboronexport has become a leader on the global arms market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the products of domestic enterprises , including producers within Rostec , the press office said .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the tech corporation Rostec) delivered military hardware worth $180 billion to foreign customers over 20 years, the Rosoboronexport press office reported on Monday.
"The company’s financial indicators - the order book and the delivery volume - have risen fivefold since 2000. Over these years, Rosoboronexport has concluded more than 26,000 contracts with partners and delivered products worth a total of over $180 billion to 122 countries of the world," the press office quoted Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov as saying.
Russia continues to steadily hold the second place on the global arms market, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev said.
"Our foreign partners have received hardware worth over $85 billion for their Air Forces. The deliveries for our customers’ air defense and land troops have topped $30 billion for each of these military branches and have amounted to over $28 billion for their Navies," Mikheyev said.
Over the past two decades, Rosoboronexport has become a leader on the global arms market and has achieved substantial results in promoting the products of domestic enterprises, including producers within Rostec, the press office said.


tass--2020-11-02--Conflicting sides must approve presence of peacekeepers in Karabakh, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Washington ’ s proposal to place Scandinavian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh should be coordinated @ @ @ @ @ conflict , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko told journalists on Monday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ where they got these proposals and ideas from .
All the essential parameters of potential @ @ @ @ @ consultations with the conflicting parties , '' he said .
In response to a question @ @ @ @ @ is aware of this idea , the senior diplomat said that `` it is known @ @ @ @ @ Security Advisor ] Robert O'Brien said . ''
Earlier , during a meeting with members @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles , California , O ’ Brien stated that both sides of the conflict @ @ @ @ @ of Scandinavian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh .
He also emphasized that Washington is working with Scandinavian @ @ @ @ @ establishing peacekeeping forces which could be deployed in the region to maintain a ceasefire .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Washington’s proposal to place Scandinavian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh should be coordinated with the parties to the conflict, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko told journalists on Monday.
"The Americans ought to be asked where they got these proposals and ideas from. All the essential parameters of potential mechanisms should be coordinated in consultations with the conflicting parties," he said.
In response to a question on whether the Russian side is aware of this idea, the senior diplomat said that "it is known only what [US National Security Advisor] Robert O'Brien said."
Earlier, during a meeting with members of the Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles, California, O’Brien stated that both sides of the conflict should agree to a deployment of Scandinavian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh. He also emphasized that Washington is working with Scandinavian governments on the issue of establishing peacekeeping forces which could be deployed in the region to maintain a ceasefire.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia to decide on resuming launches of rockets re-converted from ICBMs in 2020-2021

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
A decision on resuming the launches of Start-1 carrier rockets re-converted from Topol @ @ @ @ @ ) is expected in the next twelve months , Chief Designer of the Moscow Institute @ @ @ @ @ Topol developer ) Yuri Solomonov told TASS on Monday .
Russia to start tests of @ @ @ @ @ lunar spacecraft in 2023 '' A decision on this issue is planned to be made @ @ @ @ @ chief designer said , replying to the corresponding question .
Everything will depend on two @ @ @ @ @ of small-size satellites , for which Start-1 rockets are convenient launch vehicles , the chief @ @ @ @ @ is a light-class solid-propellant carrier rocket based on the Topol ICBM .
With a lift-off @ @ @ @ @ it can deliver a payload of over 500 kg to a low Earth orbit .
@ @ @ @ @ seven Start rocket launches from the spaceports of Plesetsk and Svobodny ( currently Vostochny ) @

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. A decision on resuming the launches of Start-1 carrier rockets re-converted from Topol intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) is expected in the next twelve months, Chief Designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (the Topol developer) Yuri Solomonov told TASS on Monday.
"A decision on this issue is planned to be made in 2020-2021," the chief designer said, replying to the corresponding question.
Everything will depend on two programs for creating two clusters of small-size satellites, for which Start-1 rockets are convenient launch vehicles, the chief designer said.
The Start-1 is a light-class solid-propellant carrier rocket based on the Topol ICBM. With a lift-off weight of 47 tonnes, it can deliver a payload of over 500 kg to a low Earth orbit. In 1993-2006, Russia conducted seven Start rocket launches from the spaceports of Plesetsk and Svobodny (currently Vostochny).


tass--2020-11-02--Number of coronavirus cases in Finland rises to 16,400

HELSINKI , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Finland increased by 109 over the day and reached 16,400 , the Finnish National Institute for Health and Social Development said on Monday .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , 358 deaths have been recorded in the country .
Finland closed its borders from March 19 to May 13 to prevent the spread of the virus .
Since September 19 , the country has allowed entry without the need to be in quarantine from countries where the number of coronavirus cases is 25 per 100,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 1 , for countries with this threshold exceeded , entry can be allowed without a 14-day quarantine with two negative tests for coronavirus - the first must be done before the trip , the second - after arriving in the country .
This measure will affect only the EU countries , the Schengen zone , and states from the list of third countries drawn up by the EU , and will not apply , in particular , to Russia and the United States .
The border of the country for tourists from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 10 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

HELSINKI, November 2. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Finland increased by 109 over the day and reached 16,400 , the Finnish National Institute for Health and Social Development said on Monday.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 358 deaths have been recorded in the country.
Finland closed its borders from March 19 to May 13 to prevent the spread of the virus. Since September 19, the country has allowed entry without the need to be in quarantine from countries where the number of coronavirus cases is 25 per 100,000 people in the last two weeks. From October 1, for countries with this threshold exceeded, entry can be allowed without a 14-day quarantine with two negative tests for coronavirus - the first must be done before the trip, the second - after arriving in the country. This measure will affect only the EU countries, the Schengen zone, and states from the list of third countries drawn up by the EU, and will not apply, in particular, to Russia and the United States.
The border of the country for tourists from Russia will remain closed until at least November 10.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-02--Space programs’ financing should consider real budget possibilities, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The scale of space programs ’ financing should consider the real possibilities of @ @ @ @ @ why it is necessary to sort out priorities properly in that field , Russian President @ @ @ @ @ meeting on space programs on Monday .
Implementation of space programs , output of cutting-edge @ @ @ @ @ the field require major investment , though it is necessary `` to align [ those @ @ @ @ @ of the federal budget , '' he said .
`` It is also necessary to @ @ @ @ @ resources have been allocated to support the economy in general , the healthcare system , @ @ @ @ @ a challenging pandemic environment , '' Putin noted .
`` That is why it is @ @ @ @ @ priorities properly in defining the scale of financing of space programs , '' President emphasized @ @ @ @ @ also necessary to assess the existing scientific , technological and production potential fairly and `` @ @ @ @ @ , implementation of which is the most relevant .
`` .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, November 2. /TASS/. The scale of space programs’ financing should consider the real possibilities of the budget, which is why it is necessary to sort out priorities properly in that field, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting on space programs on Monday.
Implementation of space programs, output of cutting-edge products and infrastructure construction in the field require major investment, though it is necessary "to align [those demands] with real possibilities of the federal budget," he said. "It is also necessary to consider the fact that large-scale resources have been allocated to support the economy in general, the healthcare system, our citizens and businesses amid a challenging pandemic environment," Putin noted.
"That is why it is extremely important to sort out priorities properly in defining the scale of financing of space programs," President emphasized, adding that it is also necessary to assess the existing scientific, technological and production potential fairly and "allocate budget funds for projects, implementation of which is the most relevant.".


tass--2020-11-02--Moscow court releases airport official involved in 2014 crash over statute of limitations

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow City Court has ruled that Roman Dunayev , the flight operations chief at Vnukovo Airport ’ s Air Traffic Control Center , be released from serving out his penalty after being convicted in the 2014 case over a plane crash that killed Total CEO Christophe de Margerie , due to the statute of limitations , the court ’ s press service said in a statement .
`` The Moscow City Court hereby overturns the Solntsevsky District Court ’ s ruling regarding Roman Dunayev and rules that he is to be released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the statute of limitation period .
The appeals filed by Roman Dunayev and his defense lawyers are rejected , '' the statement reads .
Overnight into October 21 , 2014 , a Falcon business jet en route from Moscow ’ s Vnukovo Airport to Paris hit a snowplow during takeoff , caught fire and crashed on the runway , killing three crew members and one passenger , CEO of the French oil major Total Christophe de Margerie .
Apart from Dunayev , airfield service engineer Vladimir Ledenev , snowplow driver Vladimir Martynenko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nadezhda Arkhipova also faced charges under Article 263.3 of the Russian Criminal Code ( violation of air traffic and aircraft operation safety rules that caused the death by negligence of two or more persons ) .
Ledenev and Martynenko were sentenced to three years and six months and four years in prison respectively .
However , their records were expunged under an amnesty marking the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War .
Moscow ’ s Solntsevsky District Court sentenced Kruglov to five years and six months , Dunayev to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a penal colony settlement .
Arkhipova was later granted amnesty .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The Moscow City Court has ruled that Roman Dunayev, the flight operations chief at Vnukovo Airport’s Air Traffic Control Center, be released from serving out his penalty after being convicted in the 2014 case over a plane crash that killed Total CEO Christophe de Margerie, due to the statute of limitations, the court’s press service said in a statement.
"The Moscow City Court hereby overturns the Solntsevsky District Court’s ruling regarding Roman Dunayev and rules that he is to be released from his sentence due to the expiration of the statute of limitation period. The appeals filed by Roman Dunayev and his defense lawyers are rejected," the statement reads.
Overnight into October 21, 2014, a Falcon business jet en route from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to Paris hit a snowplow during takeoff, caught fire and crashed on the runway, killing three crew members and one passenger, CEO of the French oil major Total Christophe de Margerie. Apart from Dunayev, airfield service engineer Vladimir Ledenev, snowplow driver Vladimir Martynenko, air traffic controllers Alexander Kruglov and Nadezhda Arkhipova also faced charges under Article 263.3 of the Russian Criminal Code (violation of air traffic and aircraft operation safety rules that caused the death by negligence of two or more persons). Ledenev and Martynenko were sentenced to three years and six months and four years in prison respectively. However, their records were expunged under an amnesty marking the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Moscow’s Solntsevsky District Court sentenced Kruglov to five years and six months, Dunayev to six years and Arkhipova to five years in a penal colony settlement. Arkhipova was later granted amnesty.


tass--2020-11-02--Lukashenko offers Macron mediation in ties with Muslims

`` Muslims have never created any problems for us .
I often say that Muslims at all elections supported the authorities and me as a president nearly 100 % .
We will never permit ourselves such statements as the French president recently started voicing about the freedom of speech and religious feelings : what will this give you in a country if you start criticizing Muslims ?
Perhaps , he just needs mediation between him and Muslims ?
I can help him here because I have very good relations with Muslims , '' Lukashenko said .
The president stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the feelings of believers . ''
On October 16 , Samuel Paty , a history and geography teacher , was decapitated after exhibiting Charlie Hebdo ’ s caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad during a class , dedicated to freedom of expression .
After the killing , French President Macron announced a campaign against followers of radical ideologies and related organizations and promised that France would not renounce publishing the caricatures .
In the wake of this , mass street protests ensued in a number of Asian , African and Middle Eastern countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prophet Muhammad cartoons .
They chanted slogans in defense of Islam and dubbed Macron `` the enemy of Allah . ''
Demonstrators burnt French flags and ripped and trampled on Macron ’ s portraits .

"Muslims have never created any problems for us. I often say that Muslims at all elections supported the authorities and me as a president nearly 100%. We will never permit ourselves such statements as the French president recently started voicing about the freedom of speech and religious feelings: what will this give you in a country if you start criticizing Muslims? Perhaps, he just needs mediation between him and Muslims? I can help him here because I have very good relations with Muslims," Lukashenko said.
The president stressed that it is absolutely unacceptable to "interfere in the feelings of believers."
On October 16, Samuel Paty, a history and geography teacher, was decapitated after exhibiting Charlie Hebdo’s caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad during a class, dedicated to freedom of expression. After the killing, French President Macron announced a campaign against followers of radical ideologies and related organizations and promised that France would not renounce publishing the caricatures.
In the wake of this, mass street protests ensued in a number of Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries. Their participants condemned the publication of the Prophet Muhammad cartoons. They chanted slogans in defense of Islam and dubbed Macron "the enemy of Allah." Demonstrators burnt French flags and ripped and trampled on Macron’s portraits.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia's coronavirus situation remains tense, health minister says

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus situation remains tense , Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said @ @ @ @ @ presidium of the government ’ s Anti-Coronavirus Coordination Council on Monday .
`` I would @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation remains tense .
The daily number of new cases ranged from 15,000 to @ @ @ @ @ , '' he pointed out .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the @ @ @ @ @ ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have @ @ @ @ @ of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus situation remains tense, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said at a meeting of the presidium of the government’s Anti-Coronavirus Coordination Council on Monday.
"I would like to point that the coronavirus situation remains tense. The daily number of new cases ranged from 15,000 to 18,000 in the past week," he pointed out.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-02--Azeri leader says Baku seizes control of 8 villages around Karabakh

BAKU , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Azerbaijani armed forces seized control of eight villages in three districts around Nagorno-Karabakh , Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev announced on Monday .
`` The Azerbaijani armed forces have liberated from occupation the villages of Charpand , Gadji Isakly and Gosha Bulag in the Jabrayil district , the villages of Dere Gilyatag and Beyuk Gilyatag in the Zangilan district , and also the villages of Ishygly , Muradkhanly , and Milanly in the Gubadlin district , '' Aliyev said on his Twitter .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
Ceasefire agreements have been reached three times but the hostilities continue and the warring parties keep blaming each other for violating the truce .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, November 2. /TASS/. The Azerbaijani armed forces seized control of eight villages in three districts around Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev announced on Monday.
"The Azerbaijani armed forces have liberated from occupation the villages of Charpand, Gadji Isakly and Gosha Bulag in the Jabrayil district, the villages of Dere Gilyatag and Beyuk Gilyatag in the Zangilan district, and also the villages of Ishygly, Muradkhanly, and Milanly in the Gubadlin district," Aliyev said on his Twitter.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
Ceasefire agreements have been reached three times but the hostilities continue and the warring parties keep blaming each other for violating the truce.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.
In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-11-02--Putin urges to more actively use state-private partnership instruments in aerospace sector

NOVO-OGARYOVO , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
It is necessary to more actively use Public Private Partnership ( PPP ) @ @ @ @ @ aerospace sector to meet the targets it is facing , President Vladimir Putin said at @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` It is necessary to more actively use the instruments of Public @ @ @ @ @ targets that Russia ’ s aerospace sector is facing , '' he said .
The @ @ @ @ @ and borrowed funds if possible .
Meanwhile , `` it is necessary to search for @ @ @ @ @ necessary to search for additional resources that will lower the sector ’ s dependence on @ @ @ @ @ development , and will make it possible to solve the tasks set , particularly on @ @ @ @ @ and services , more efficiently and in a more flexible way , '' Putin added @

NOVO-OGARYOVO, November 2. /TASS/. It is necessary to more actively use Public Private Partnership (PPP) instruments in Russia’s aerospace sector to meet the targets it is facing, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting on space programs on Monday.
"It is necessary to more actively use the instruments of Public Private Partnership to meet the targets that Russia’s aerospace sector is facing," he said.
The president called for employing extrabudgetary and borrowed funds if possible.
Meanwhile, "it is necessary to search for such possibilities, it is necessary to search for additional resources that will lower the sector’s dependence on budget financing and encourage its development, and will make it possible to solve the tasks set, particularly on marketing new commercially attractive products and services, more efficiently and in a more flexible way," Putin added.


tass--2020-11-02--Russian ministry to support organization of free customs zone in Karelia

PETROZAVODSK , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Ministry for the Development of the Far East and Arctic will support Karelia ’ s initiative to organize a free customs zone in the region ’ s Arctic districts .
It will be a major benefit for potential Arctic investors , working with foreign equipment , Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov said .
`` As for the free customs zone , if the region takes this decision , we shall assist , '' he said .
`` This option will be favorable for the companies , which require imported equipment . ''
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of customs preferences .
Karelia ’ s Deputy Head of Government Dmitry Rodionov stressed that for the region , which has the longest border with the European Union and vast relations with neighboring Finland , this incentive would be very important for boosting businesses .
`` A free customs zone could make the process to equip and open our data center easier and quicker , as most of the equipment is imported .
Thus , it will not be used elsewhere , only in this territory , '' KU Data Center ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data center is being built in the Segezhsky District , including at Rusal ’ s aluminum plant in Nadvoitsy .
The data center , which will employ 120 people , will be operational before the year-end .
The current investments are 520 million rubles ( $ 6.8 million ) , and further investments in infrastructure will make another 4 billion rubles ( $ 52 million ) .
`` We want our company to become a resident of the Arctic zone in terms of structure and potential , '' he continued .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ] advanced development territory , but the combination of instruments , offered for the Arctic residents , is very attractive .
The status is interesting and promising . ''
The topic of possible incentives for existing companies in the Arctic zone , which carry on with major modernization investment projects , was touched upon by Alexei Sherlygin of Segezha Group .
The company is about to file documents for Arctic incentives for its investment project to build a hospitality complex in Karelia .
The project is implemented in cooperation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also received an offer from the Fund for Development of the Far East and Arctic to receive incentives for its big project Segezha Zapad to build a new pulp and paper plant , where investments are more than 100 billion rubles ( $ 1.3 billion ) .
`` Regarding the Segezha Zapad project , we shall be able to file the application at the very beginning of next year .
< … > We have planned a very big project at the Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill , which prioritizes the ecology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Segezha , '' the company ’ s representative said .
`` We view it as a major project too - worth more than 3 billion rubles ( $ 38 million ) - and would like to discuss ways to have such big projects included in the Arctic zone . ''
Businesses have been filing documents to obtain the status of the Arctic resident .
According to Krutikov , over six weeks since the law on business incentives in the Arctic came into force , the ministry has been processing 130 applications .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of applications `` outnumbers '' the applications for residency in advanced development territories .
Karelia has adopted a set of regional incentives for the Arctic residents .
This status has been granted already to one independent entrepreneur .
Three more pending applications will be processed shortly , the region ’ s official said .
Karelia continues work on 20 potential Arctic investment projects .
Among the regional support measures in the Arctic zone are the abolishment of the regional component of the income tax and the property tax for five years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ municipalities , that are included in the special economic zone , will introduce special land tax benefits .
`` A very important and notable incentive , in our opinion , is the decreased percentage under the simplified tax system , '' Rodionov said .
`` Residents , the businesses , who pay taxes on revenues , enjoy the special rate of 1 % instead of 6 % for the first five years , and 3 % instead of 6 % for another five years .
The businesses , which pay taxes on revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % will have to pay only 5 % , and just 7 % for another five years . ''
On July 13 , President Vladimir Putin signed a package of laws on business incentives in the Arctic .
The Russian Arctic becomes the biggest economic zone in Russia and in the world with an area of almost 5 million square kilometers .
The Arctic residents will enjoy a free customs zone procedure , certain tax benefits and eased administrative procedures .

PETROZAVODSK, November 2. /TASS/. The Ministry for the Development of the Far East and Arctic will support Karelia’s initiative to organize a free customs zone in the region’s Arctic districts. It will be a major benefit for potential Arctic investors, working with foreign equipment, Deputy Minister Alexander Krutikov said.
"As for the free customs zone, if the region takes this decision, we shall assist," he said. "This option will be favorable for the companies, which require imported equipment."
Both regional officials and businesses have pointed to importance of customs preferences. Karelia’s Deputy Head of Government Dmitry Rodionov stressed that for the region, which has the longest border with the European Union and vast relations with neighboring Finland, this incentive would be very important for boosting businesses.
"A free customs zone could make the process to equip and open our data center easier and quicker, as most of the equipment is imported. Thus, it will not be used elsewhere, only in this territory," KU Data Center’s representative Alexei Korolev said. The data center is being built in the Segezhsky District, including at Rusal’s aluminum plant in Nadvoitsy. The data center, which will employ 120 people, will be operational before the year-end. The current investments are 520 million rubles ($6.8 million), and further investments in infrastructure will make another 4 billion rubles ($52 million).
"We want our company to become a resident of the Arctic zone in terms of structure and potential," he continued. "We have been a resident of [Nadvoitsy’s] advanced development territory, but the combination of instruments, offered for the Arctic residents, is very attractive. The status is interesting and promising."
Incentives for industrial upgrade
The topic of possible incentives for existing companies in the Arctic zone, which carry on with major modernization investment projects, was touched upon by Alexei Sherlygin of Segezha Group. The company is about to file documents for Arctic incentives for its investment project to build a hospitality complex in Karelia. The project is implemented in cooperation with the Cosmos Hotel Group. The holding company has also received an offer from the Fund for Development of the Far East and Arctic to receive incentives for its big project Segezha Zapad to build a new pulp and paper plant, where investments are more than 100 billion rubles ($1.3 billion).
"Regarding the Segezha Zapad project, we shall be able to file the application at the very beginning of next year. <…> We have planned a very big project at the Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill, which prioritizes the ecology with an eye to improving the environment in Segezha," the company’s representative said. "We view it as a major project too - worth more than 3 billion rubles ($38 million) - and would like to discuss ways to have such big projects included in the Arctic zone."
Effective incentives
Businesses have been filing documents to obtain the status of the Arctic resident. According to Krutikov, over six weeks since the law on business incentives in the Arctic came into force, the ministry has been processing 130 applications. The incentives have been of demand as the number of applications "outnumbers" the applications for residency in advanced development territories.
Karelia has adopted a set of regional incentives for the Arctic residents. This status has been granted already to one independent entrepreneur. Three more pending applications will be processed shortly, the region’s official said. Karelia continues work on 20 potential Arctic investment projects.
Among the regional support measures in the Arctic zone are the abolishment of the regional component of the income tax and the property tax for five years. Before the year end, all municipalities, that are included in the special economic zone, will introduce special land tax benefits.
"A very important and notable incentive, in our opinion, is the decreased percentage under the simplified tax system," Rodionov said. "Residents, the businesses, who pay taxes on revenues, enjoy the special rate of 1% instead of 6% for the first five years, and 3% instead of 6% for another five years. The businesses, which pay taxes on revenues minus expenses, instead of paying 12.5% will have to pay only 5%, and just 7% for another five years."
Arctic incentives
On July 13, President Vladimir Putin signed a package of laws on business incentives in the Arctic. The Russian Arctic becomes the biggest economic zone in Russia and in the world with an area of almost 5 million square kilometers. The Arctic residents will enjoy a free customs zone procedure, certain tax benefits and eased administrative procedures.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia’s top brass to get first Su-57 fifth-generation fighter in December

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry will get the first serial-produced Su-57 fifth-generation fighter in December , a source in the defense industry told TASS on Monday .
`` The Defense Ministry will get the first serial-produced Su-57 with the operational first-stage engine on the single military output day in December this year and four more such planes in 2021 , '' the source said .
The new fighter ’ s delivery rate will eventually grow to 15 aircraft a year , the source said .
`` As a result , the contract signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will definitely be fulfilled on time , '' the source stressed .
The deliveries of Su-57 fighters with the second-stage engine are set to begin in 2022 , the source said .
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air , ground and naval targets .
The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials , is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment , including a powerful onboard computer ( the so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system spread across its body and some other innovations , in particular , armament placed inside its fuselage .
The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29 , 2010 .
Compared to its predecessors , the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter ’ s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature .
The plane ’ s armament will include , in particular , hypersonic missiles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested in combat conditions in Syria .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry will get the first serial-produced Su-57 fifth-generation fighter in December, a source in the defense industry told TASS on Monday.
"The Defense Ministry will get the first serial-produced Su-57 with the operational first-stage engine on the single military output day in December this year and four more such planes in 2021," the source said.
The new fighter’s delivery rate will eventually grow to 15 aircraft a year, the source said.
"As a result, the contract signed in 2019 on 76 Su-57s through 2028 will definitely be fulfilled on time," the source stressed.
The deliveries of Su-57 fighters with the second-stage engine are set to begin in 2022, the source said.
The Su-57 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter designed to destroy all types of air, ground and naval targets. The Su-57 fighter jet features stealth technology with the broad use of composite materials, is capable of developing supersonic cruising speed and is furnished with the most advanced onboard radio-electronic equipment, including a powerful onboard computer (the so-called electronic second pilot), the radar system spread across its body and some other innovations, in particular, armament placed inside its fuselage.
The Su-57 took to the skies for the first time on January 29, 2010. Compared to its predecessors, the Su-57 combines the functions of an attack plane and a fighter jet while the use of composite materials and innovation technologies and the fighter’s aerodynamic configuration ensure the low level of radar and infrared signature.
The plane’s armament will include, in particular, hypersonic missiles. The fifth-generation fighter jet has been successfully tested in combat conditions in Syria.


tass--2020-11-02--Belarus to receive 1.65 mln tonnes of oil from Russia in November, says Belneftekhim

MINSK , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Minsk expects to receive 1.65 mln tonnes of oil from Russia for refining @ @ @ @ @ , press secretary of the state concern Belneftekhim Alexander Tishchenko told reporters on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ refineries from the Russian Federation are planned at 1.65 mln tonnes in November ( 1.57 @ @ @ @ @ pipeline and 80,000 by rail ) .
Suppliers are ‘ regular ’ , '' he @ @ @ @ @ oil to Belarusian refineries were halted on January 1 , 2020 as the sides failed @ @ @ @ @ the premium , which Belarus paid earlier to oil companies for receiving oil duty-free .
@ @ @ @ @ hydrocarbons to the country , only Safmar Group did not suspend exports .
Belarus started @ @ @ @ @ in Saudi Arabia , Norway , Azerbaijan , the US .
Moscow and Minsk reached @ @ @ @ @ crude deliveries from large Russian companies in late March .

MINSK, November 2. /TASS/. Minsk expects to receive 1.65 mln tonnes of oil from Russia for refining at its refineries in November, press secretary of the state concern Belneftekhim Alexander Tishchenko told reporters on Monday.
"Oil supplies to Belarusian refineries from the Russian Federation are planned at 1.65 mln tonnes in November (1.57 mln tonnes - via the pipeline and 80,000 by rail). Suppliers are ‘regular’," he said.
Supplies of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries were halted on January 1, 2020 as the sides failed to come an agreement on the premium, which Belarus paid earlier to oil companies for receiving oil duty-free. Of all Russian companies supplying hydrocarbons to the country, only Safmar Group did not suspend exports. Belarus started purchasing oil from alternative suppliers in Saudi Arabia, Norway, Azerbaijan, the US. Moscow and Minsk reached an agreement on resumption of crude deliveries from large Russian companies in late March.


tass--2020-11-02--Extremists storm Kabul University, kill 20 in attack

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Twenty people were killed and 15 others were wounded as a group of @ @ @ @ @ in Afghanistan ’ s capital of Kabul , Qatar ’ s TV channel Al Jazeera @ @ @ @ @ More than 10 people killed in militant attack on maternity hospital in Kabul All casualties @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier an explosion occurred on the premises of the university in Kabul , after @ @ @ @ @ persons opened fire near the law faculty .
An opening ceremony for a book fair @ @ @ @ @ which was attended by Iran ’ s representatives .
According to the report , Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ been deployed to the university .
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from the area @ @ @ @ @ One of the gunmen , who attacked Kabul University , was killed .
Afghanistan ’ @ @ @ @ @ reported that three armed individuals had broken into the university ’ s premises .
An @ @ @ @ @ is underway .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Twenty people were killed and 15 others were wounded as a group of armed individuals attacked a university in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul, Qatar’s TV channel Al Jazeera reported citing its sources.
More than 10 people killed in militant attack on maternity hospital in Kabul
All casualties are students of Kabul University.
Earlier an explosion occurred on the premises of the university in Kabul, after which a group of armed persons opened fire near the law faculty. An opening ceremony for a book fair was being held there, which was attended by Iran’s representatives.
According to the report, Afghanistan’s special forces have been deployed to the university. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from the area near the incident site.
One of the gunmen, who attacked Kabul University, was killed. Afghanistan’s news agency Khaama Press reported that three armed individuals had broken into the university’s premises. An effort to neutralize the gunmen is underway.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia to start tests of emergency rescue system for Oryol lunar spacecraft in 2023

`` This is the so-called rocket escape unit for manned launches atop large carriers .
The work is being organized in a way to hold first full-scale drop tests in 2023 , '' the chief designer said , replying to the corresponding question .
MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The drop tests of an emergency escape system for Russia ’ s latest Oryol crewed spacecraft will begin in 2023 , Chief Designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology Yuri Solomonov told TASS on Monday .
The funds for the work have been allocated and the effort is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The new rescue system is very complex in terms of its functioning , he said .
Today emergency escape systems are installed on Soyuz spacecraft and their task is to divert the upper stage with the spacecraft away from a faulty rocket .
The Soyuz emergency escape system consists of a rod with a rocket engine and grid fins that make the separable unit stable during the flight , he said .
The Oryol spacecraft ’ s escape system will be considerably more complex as it will be controlled by engines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape system will consist only of a rod with the main engine and the thruster , he noted .
Russia is developing the crewed Oryol spacecraft for lunar missions .
Its first crewless flight is scheduled for 2023 from the Vostochny spaceport .
Russia plans to start flights to the Moon aboard the Oryol spacecraft from 2028 .

"This is the so-called rocket escape unit for manned launches atop large carriers. The work is being organized in a way to hold first full-scale drop tests in 2023," the chief designer said, replying to the corresponding question.
MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The drop tests of an emergency escape system for Russia’s latest Oryol crewed spacecraft will begin in 2023, Chief Designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology Yuri Solomonov told TASS on Monday.
The funds for the work have been allocated and the effort is proceeding as scheduled, the chief designer said.
The new rescue system is very complex in terms of its functioning, he said.
Today emergency escape systems are installed on Soyuz spacecraft and their task is to divert the upper stage with the spacecraft away from a faulty rocket. The Soyuz emergency escape system consists of a rod with a rocket engine and grid fins that make the separable unit stable during the flight, he said.
The Oryol spacecraft’s escape system will be considerably more complex as it will be controlled by engines without aerodynamic stabilizers. The new emergency escape system will consist only of a rod with the main engine and the thruster, he noted.
Russia is developing the crewed Oryol spacecraft for lunar missions. Its first crewless flight is scheduled for 2023 from the Vostochny spaceport. Russia plans to start flights to the Moon aboard the Oryol spacecraft from 2028.


tass--2020-11-02--Russian diplomat calls events in Belarus its domestic affair

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Events in Belarus are the country ’ s domestic affair and a constitutional reform could be a solution to the crisis , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko told reporters on Monday .
`` All what is going on in Belarus is the domestic affair of Belarus , '' the diplomat said .
`` President [ of Belarus Alexander ] Lukashenko made it clear that the way out of the current situation could be launching a constitutional reform . ''
This political process should involve various social groups , including representatives of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In comment on a TASS question whether the protests in the republic could end by late 2020 , Rudenko said it ’ s up to Lukashenko to give an answer .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Events in Belarus are the country’s domestic affair and a constitutional reform could be a solution to the crisis, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko told reporters on Monday.
"All what is going on in Belarus is the domestic affair of Belarus," the diplomat said. "President [of Belarus Alexander] Lukashenko made it clear that the way out of the current situation could be launching a constitutional reform."
This political process should involve various social groups, including representatives of the opposition. "We proceed from this."
In comment on a TASS question whether the protests in the republic could end by late 2020, Rudenko said it’s up to Lukashenko to give an answer.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-11-02--Nearly 300 detained at Belarusian protests on November 1

MINSK , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Police detained some 300 people at unauthorized rallies in Minsk and the Minsk Region on November 1 , Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokesperson Olga Chemodanova said on her Telegram channel on Monday .
`` Nearly 300 people were detained for violating the law on mass events in Minsk and in the Minsk Region , and administrative protocols were drawn up against them , '' the spokesperson said .
Those detained had put up active resistance to police , she noted .
In particular , protesters used an improvised explosive device .
Police had repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and took measures to thwart crimes , the spokesperson stressed .
The law enforcement officers used stun grenades and rubber bullets .
An investigation was launched into active resistance to police and blocking traffic .
A total of 13 protests were held across the country .
Meanwhile , the spokesperson noted that `` protests in other regions of the republic did not significantly spread and the number of their participants basically did not exceed 10 . ''
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MINSK, November 2. /TASS/. Police detained some 300 people at unauthorized rallies in Minsk and the Minsk Region on November 1, Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokesperson Olga Chemodanova said on her Telegram channel on Monday.
"Nearly 300 people were detained for violating the law on mass events in Minsk and in the Minsk Region, and administrative protocols were drawn up against them," the spokesperson said.
Those detained had put up active resistance to police, she noted. In particular, protesters used an improvised explosive device. Police had repeatedly warned that any unlawful steps were unacceptable and took measures to thwart crimes, the spokesperson stressed. The law enforcement officers used stun grenades and rubber bullets.
An investigation was launched into active resistance to police and blocking traffic. A total of 13 protests were held across the country. Meanwhile, the spokesperson noted that "protests in other regions of the republic did not significantly spread and the number of their participants basically did not exceed 10."
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-11-02--Russian private firm to create satellite cluster for Internet of things

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Design Bureau Fifth Generation ( a resident of the Skolkovo hi-tech hub in Moscow and the Academpark technology park in Novosibirsk ) plans to launch a group of small satellites for the Internet of things , the design bureau ’ s press office told TASS on Monday .
`` Our future plans envisage launching a cluster of small satellites for establishing communications in the M2M ( machine-to-machine ) segment , '' the design bureau said , without specifying the timeframe of creating the orbital constellation .
The radio module intended to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norby satellite launched from the Plesetsk spaceport on September 28 .
The satellite is in orbit and all the communications sessions with it are proceeding normally .
The Norby satellite will not make part of the cluster as it was launched for the platform ’ s flight tests and the testing of its functional capability in real conditions , the design bureau said .
The Design Bureau Fifth Generation is engaged in designing small satellites and onboard satellite equipment .
As its major project , the Design Bureau is developing its own CubeSat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all necessary sub-systems .
The Design Bureau is carrying out this work jointly with Novosibirsk State University and the University ’ s Aerospace Research Department .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The Design Bureau Fifth Generation (a resident of the Skolkovo hi-tech hub in Moscow and the Academpark technology park in Novosibirsk) plans to launch a group of small satellites for the Internet of things, the design bureau’s press office told TASS on Monday.
"Our future plans envisage launching a cluster of small satellites for establishing communications in the M2M (machine-to-machine) segment," the design bureau said, without specifying the timeframe of creating the orbital constellation.
The radio module intended to provide communications is currently being tested on the Norby satellite launched from the Plesetsk spaceport on September 28. The satellite is in orbit and all the communications sessions with it are proceeding normally. The Norby satellite will not make part of the cluster as it was launched for the platform’s flight tests and the testing of its functional capability in real conditions, the design bureau said.
The Design Bureau Fifth Generation is engaged in designing small satellites and onboard satellite equipment. As its major project, the Design Bureau is developing its own CubeSat modular satellite platform with a set of all necessary sub-systems. The Design Bureau is carrying out this work jointly with Novosibirsk State University and the University’s Aerospace Research Department.


tass--2020-11-02--Pandemic highlights need for wider cooperation by scientists - Russian Academy of Sciences

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The worldwide novel coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for wider cooperation by countries in science and for a proper balance of competition and interaction , the president of the Russian Academy of Sciences , Alexander Sergeyev , told TASS on Monday .
`` As the C0VID-19 pandemic goes on , the need for wider international scientific cooperation has soared .
I believe that this will be one of the positive spinoffs of such an unfavorable development as the coronavirus pandemic .
There have been quite a few events , including international ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do we , whenever we are invited to participate , '' Sergeyev said .
As an example , he mentioned the agreement signed in July between the Russian Academy of Sciences and the US National Academy of Sciences , which expands cooperation by the two organizations in different coronavirus-related fields .
The agreement envisages cooperation in epidemiological , virological , and molecular biological research and in a number of other fields .
`` True , countries may compete - who will be faster to produce a vaccine and so on and so forth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when scientists cooperate and compete at the same time - it is a very natural symbiosis .
A proper balance promotes stable cooperation , '' Sergeyev concluded .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The worldwide novel coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need for wider cooperation by countries in science and for a proper balance of competition and interaction, the president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alexander Sergeyev, told TASS on Monday.
"As the C0VID-19 pandemic goes on, the need for wider international scientific cooperation has soared. I believe that this will be one of the positive spinoffs of such an unfavorable development as the coronavirus pandemic. There have been quite a few events, including international ones. Everybody makes a response. So do we, whenever we are invited to participate," Sergeyev said.
As an example, he mentioned the agreement signed in July between the Russian Academy of Sciences and the US National Academy of Sciences, which expands cooperation by the two organizations in different coronavirus-related fields. The agreement envisages cooperation in epidemiological, virological, and molecular biological research and in a number of other fields.
"True, countries may compete - who will be faster to produce a vaccine and so on and so forth. Let it be so, because when scientists cooperate and compete at the same time - it is a very natural symbiosis. A proper balance promotes stable cooperation," Sergeyev concluded.


tass--2020-11-02--France’s interior minister says he will visit Russia soon

PARIS , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin is due to pay a visit to Russia @ @ @ @ @ the minister told BFM TV channel on Monday .
`` Several days ago I had @ @ @ @ @ s Ambassador to France [ Alexey Meshkov ] and in the coming days I will @ @ @ @ @ visit , '' Darmanin said .
Russia is among the countries , whose natives have @ @ @ @ @ noted .
`` Russia is a country affected by this problem , there are individuals @ @ @ @ @ , which is part of Russia , '' Darmanin said .
Meanwhile , he thanked @ @ @ @ @ cooperation on this issue .
`` I thank Russia , '' he said .

PARIS, November 2. /TASS/. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin is due to pay a visit to Russia in the near future, the minister told BFM TV channel on Monday.
"Several days ago I had a meeting with Russia’s Ambassador to France [Alexey Meshkov] and in the coming days I will arrive in Russia for a visit," Darmanin said.
Russia is among the countries, whose natives have radical views, the minister noted. "Russia is a country affected by this problem, there are individuals coming to France from Chechnya, which is part of Russia," Darmanin said.
Meanwhile, he thanked Russia’s authorities for cooperation on this issue. "I thank Russia," he said.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia prioritizes security of foreign diplomatic missions, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Any activity posing a threat to the security of Russian and foreign citizens @ @ @ @ @ , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` Ensuring the security of @ @ @ @ @ , namely France in this case , is of the utmost importance to us , @ @ @ @ @ foreign nationals on our country ’ s territory , '' Peskov said when asked to @ @ @ @ @ by Chechnya 's Mufti Salah-haji Mezhiev , in which he branded French people who support @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We find it necessary for everyone to act in strict accordance with the @ @ @ @ @ , avoiding any actions that could present a threat to foreigners in our country , @ @ @ @ @ '' the spokesman added , noting that this concerns the safety of Russian citizens as @ @

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Any activity posing a threat to the security of Russian and foreign citizens and diplomatic missions is unacceptable, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"Ensuring the security of diplomatic missions of other states, namely France in this case, is of the utmost importance to us, along with the security of foreign nationals on our country’s territory," Peskov said when asked to comment on the statement made by Chechnya's Mufti Salah-haji Mezhiev, in which he branded French people who support President Emmanuel Macron as enemies.
"We find it necessary for everyone to act in strict accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation, avoiding any actions that could present a threat to foreigners in our country, we find it unacceptable," the spokesman added, noting that this concerns the safety of Russian citizens as well.


tass--2020-11-02--Kremlin says macroeconomic environment in Russia stable despite depreciation of ruble

He drew attention to the fact that `` now any world currency is under serious negative pressure from a number of circumstances in the global economy . ''
`` The ruble is breaching psychological thresholds , but volatility is minimized by the efforts of our regulator , '' a Kremlin spokesman said , commenting on the depreciation of the ruble .
MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian authorities are managing to minimize the volatility of the ruble exchange rate and to maintain macroeconomic stability , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` This includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prices for petroleum products and oil - of course , all this has an impact , '' the official noted .
`` But in general , if we talk about macroeconomic stability , it is being maintained , as the president [ Vladimir Putin ] said , '' he stressed .
The Kremlin spokesman commented on a recent statement of the president , who said that one should not pay too much attention to the ruble exchange rate .
`` In our country , the overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce our dependence on imports , the volatility [ of the ruble exchange rate ] , accordingly , affects the dynamics of price changes less and less , '' the Kremlin spokesman explained .
Peskov noted that `` [ the government 's ] economic bloc and the regulator are doing whatever is necessary to ensure macroeconomic stability . ''
`` They really manage to provide and maintain it , '' Peskov told reporters .
`` Many world currencies are under the pressure of very negative circumstances of the global situation , '' Peskov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government , the economic bloc , and the mega-regulator are working daily [ on these economic issues ] , the President also keeps this topic in sight , regularly holds meetings on economic issues , '' he said .
Peskov declined to comment on how strongly , according to the Kremlin , such a depreciation of the ruble would affect the well-being of Russians , and how seriously this could affect inflation at the end of the year .
`` I will not answer this question , you would better to address @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Kremlin official reiterated that `` at the macro level , the situation is absolutely stable in terms of stability of the banking system and everything else . ''
`` Dependence on exports in the overwhelming majority of sectors of the economy is gradually decreasing .
Accordingly , the domestic market is reducing its dependence on volatility in world currency markets , '' Peskov said .
He also referred to the president who had repeatedly said last week that the undesirable consequences of the global economic crisis , triggered by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that the work on minimizing these negative consequences and reducing the number of people with insufficiently high income is an absolute priority in the work of the Russian government .

He drew attention to the fact that "now any world currency is under serious negative pressure from a number of circumstances in the global economy."
"The ruble is breaching psychological thresholds, but volatility is minimized by the efforts of our regulator," a Kremlin spokesman said, commenting on the depreciation of the ruble.
MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The Russian authorities are managing to minimize the volatility of the ruble exchange rate and to maintain macroeconomic stability, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"This includes the dynamics of energy consumption and changes in prices for petroleum products and oil - of course, all this has an impact," the official noted.
"But in general, if we talk about macroeconomic stability, it is being maintained, as the president [Vladimir Putin] said," he stressed.
The Kremlin spokesman commented on a recent statement of the president, who said that one should not pay too much attention to the ruble exchange rate.
"In our country, the overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens receive their income in rubles. As we reduce our dependence on imports, the volatility [of the ruble exchange rate], accordingly, affects the dynamics of price changes less and less," the Kremlin spokesman explained.
Peskov noted that "[the government's] economic bloc and the regulator are doing whatever is necessary to ensure macroeconomic stability."
"They really manage to provide and maintain it," Peskov told reporters.
On the current situation
"Many world currencies are under the pressure of very negative circumstances of the global situation," Peskov said.
"In this regard, the government, the economic bloc, and the mega-regulator are working daily [on these economic issues], the President also keeps this topic in sight, regularly holds meetings on economic issues," he said.
Peskov declined to comment on how strongly, according to the Kremlin, such a depreciation of the ruble would affect the well-being of Russians, and how seriously this could affect inflation at the end of the year.
"I will not answer this question, you would better to address it to the government," he said.
The Kremlin official reiterated that "at the macro level, the situation is absolutely stable in terms of stability of the banking system and everything else."
"Dependence on exports in the overwhelming majority of sectors of the economy is gradually decreasing. Accordingly, the domestic market is reducing its dependence on volatility in world currency markets," Peskov said.
He also referred to the president who had repeatedly said last week that the undesirable consequences of the global economic crisis, triggered by an unprecedented pandemic, were making themselves felt.
The Kremlin spokesman stressed that the work on minimizing these negative consequences and reducing the number of people with insufficiently high income is an absolute priority in the work of the Russian government.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia, China effectively countering COVID-19 pandemic, maintains State Duma Speaker

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin has emphasized that Russia and China are effectively fighting the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The pandemic of the coronavirus infection became a serious trial for all countries this year .
Russia and China counteract this challenge effectively , '' he said on Monday at a video conference of the inter-parliamentary commission on cooperation of the Russian Federal Assembly and the National People ’ s Congress of the People ’ s Republic of China ( NPC ) .
According to the speaker , Russia and China are doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infection .
`` We think that by joining efforts we can achieve a lot together and overcome the evil of the current millennium as soon as possible , '' he emphasized .
The Duma chairman also noted the mutual aid of Moscow and Beijing during the fight against the pandemic .
`` Our country was among the first to send humanitarian aid to China .
Thank you for your appreciation of this decision , '' he told Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC Li Zhanshu .
`` On my part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Chinese leadership for help , the friendly shoulder that you provided .
And your side provided support to the Russian Federation , sending us humanitarian aid for the effective fight against the coronavirus infection , '' he added .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin has emphasized that Russia and China are effectively fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
"The pandemic of the coronavirus infection became a serious trial for all countries this year. Russia and China counteract this challenge effectively," he said on Monday at a video conference of the inter-parliamentary commission on cooperation of the Russian Federal Assembly and the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China (NPC).
According to the speaker, Russia and China are doing a lot in order to conquer the coronavirus infection. "We think that by joining efforts we can achieve a lot together and overcome the evil of the current millennium as soon as possible," he emphasized.
The Duma chairman also noted the mutual aid of Moscow and Beijing during the fight against the pandemic. "Our country was among the first to send humanitarian aid to China. Thank you for your appreciation of this decision," he told Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC Li Zhanshu. "On my part, I would like to express gratitude to the Chinese leadership for help, the friendly shoulder that you provided. And your side provided support to the Russian Federation, sending us humanitarian aid for the effective fight against the coronavirus infection," he added.