tass--2020-12-17--Russian bulk carrier delivers 475 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Syria

TARTUS /Syria/ , December 17 .
/TASS/ .
The motor ship Sparta carrying 475 tonnes of humanitarian aid for the war-torn regions of Syria arrived at the logistics center of the Russian Navy in Tartus , Viktor Alekseev , deputy commander of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria , told reporters .
`` Right now we can observe the unloading of a bulk carrier that arrived with food for the population of the Syrian Arab Republic .
It received 475 tonnes of food for humanitarian purposes , which is currently being unloaded and put into storage .
This volume will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Alekseev said .
The distribution of humanitarian aid is handled by the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria , which has representative offices in all Syrian provinces .
One of the tasks of the center is to provide targeted assistance to those who need it most .
As a rule , these are the families of the killed Syrian military personnel , large and poor families who have lost their breadwinners , residents of the war-stricken settlements and refugees .
Last November , Syrian citizens received about 140 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the war conflict , 4,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid were delivered to Syria .

TARTUS /Syria/, December 17. /TASS/. The motor ship Sparta carrying 475 tonnes of humanitarian aid for the war-torn regions of Syria arrived at the logistics center of the Russian Navy in Tartus, Viktor Alekseev, deputy commander of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria, told reporters.
"Right now we can observe the unloading of a bulk carrier that arrived with food for the population of the Syrian Arab Republic. It received 475 tonnes of food for humanitarian purposes, which is currently being unloaded and put into storage. This volume will be enough for the next few months," Alekseev said.
The distribution of humanitarian aid is handled by the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria, which has representative offices in all Syrian provinces. One of the tasks of the center is to provide targeted assistance to those who need it most. As a rule, these are the families of the killed Syrian military personnel, large and poor families who have lost their breadwinners, residents of the war-stricken settlements and refugees.
Last November, Syrian citizens received about 140 tonnes of food. During five years of the war conflict, 4,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid were delivered to Syria.


tass--2020-12-17--Russia favors comprehensive approach to arms control agreements - ambassador

WASHINGTON , December 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia finds it `` downright dangerous ’ to ignore the emergence of new @ @ @ @ @ control agreements , Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said during a video @ @ @ @ @ University .
`` You know very well how much the geopolitical situation has changed since @ @ @ @ @ much progress in military technologies we have made .
The role of new factors affecting @ @ @ @ @ rise .
They include missile defense , ground-based intermediate-and shorter-range missiles , global strike systems @ @ @ @ @ emerging space weapons , etc .
To ignore them is impossible and downright dangerous .
@ @ @ @ @ a comprehensive approach to arms control agreements , '' the ambassador said .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ to new participants , we are open to a multilateral dialogue .
However , we @ @ @ @ @ participate in such discussions is counterproductive .
Consultations of this kind should be based on @ @ @ @ @ legitimate interests of all parties , '' he added .

WASHINGTON, December 17. /TASS/. Russia finds it "downright dangerous’ to ignore the emergence of new weapons when working on arms control agreements, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said during a video conference held by the Georgetown University.
Antonov stressed that Russia favors a comprehensive approach to arms control agreements.
"You know very well how much the geopolitical situation has changed since the Cold War and how much progress in military technologies we have made. The role of new factors affecting strategic stability is on the rise. They include missile defense, ground-based intermediate-and shorter-range missiles, global strike systems, hypersonic delivery means, emerging space weapons, etc. To ignore them is impossible and downright dangerous. That is why Russia favors a comprehensive approach to arms control agreements," the ambassador said.
"As for expanding the negotiating format to new participants, we are open to a multilateral dialogue. However, we believe that forcing anyone to participate in such discussions is counterproductive. Consultations of this kind should be based on consensus and take into consideration legitimate interests of all parties," he added.


tass--2020-12-17--Number of coronavirus cases in Brazil exceeds 7 mln

RIO DE JANEIRO , December 17 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Brazil totaled 7,040,608 after 70,574 @ @ @ @ @ day , the Ministry of Health reported .
The number of fatalities increased by 936 @ @ @ @ @ reached 183,735 .
At least 6,132,683 infected people recovered , 724,190 patients remain under medical @ @ @ @ @ ministry , there are 3,350 people infected with coronavirus and 87 deaths from its consequences @ @ @ @ @ Brazil , where the first case was confirmed on February 26 , ranks third after @ @ @ @ @ in the list of states with the highest number of infected .
As for the @ @ @ @ @ ranks second to the United States .

RIO DE JANEIRO, December 17. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Brazil totaled 7,040,608 after 70,574 were registered over the past day, the Ministry of Health reported.
The number of fatalities increased by 936 over past 24 hours and reached 183,735. At least 6,132,683 infected people recovered, 724,190 patients remain under medical supervision.
According to the ministry, there are 3,350 people infected with coronavirus and 87 deaths from its consequences for every 100,000 inhabitants.
Brazil, where the first case was confirmed on February 26, ranks third after the United States and India in the list of states with the highest number of infected. As for the number of fatalities, it ranks second to the United States.


tass--2020-12-17--Bitcoin price surpasses $21,000, hitting all-time high

MOSCOW , December 17 .
/TASS/ .
Bitcoin price rose by 9.5 % in the course of the trading session @ @ @ @ @ its peak , according to the trading data as of 00:54 am Moscow time .
@ @ @ @ @ a new all-time high value .
As of 01:06 am Moscow time , the Bitcoin @ @ @ @ @ was $ 21,311 ( + 9.6 % ) .
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency invented in @ @ @ @ @ or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto .
It is a decentralized digital @ @ @ @ @ or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin @ @ @ @ @ 's popularity has skyrocketed only in recent years .
The emission of this cryptocurrency is @ @ @ @ @ of the bitcoins have been `` mined .
`` .

MOSCOW, December 17. /TASS/. Bitcoin price rose by 9.5% in the course of the trading session and reaching $21,298 at its peak, according to the trading data as of 00:54 am Moscow time.
The cryptocurrency price has set a new all-time high value.
As of 01:06 am Moscow time, the Bitcoin price continued to grow and was $21,311 (+ 9.6%).
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It is a decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without intermediaries. Bitcoin's popularity has skyrocketed only in recent years. The emission of this cryptocurrency is limited, and now most of the bitcoins have been "mined.".


tass--2020-12-16--Ukraine reduces to zero efforts of all sides in negotiation process, envoy says

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev has nullified efforts of all sides in the negotiation process on the situation in eastern Ukraine , Russian Envoy to the Contact Group on resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine Boris Gryzlov said on Wednesday after the Group ’ s last meeting this year .
`` A meeting of the Contact Group largely was dedicated to the results of 2020 .
For Ukraine this year began with President Vladimir Zelensky ’ s promises to fulfill the Normandy obligations , approved in order to implement the Minsk Agreements .
The year 2020 is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Paris Summit number 4 , whose decisions should have been implemented by the parties to the conflict during time limits specified in Paris , '' he said .
`` I have to state with regret that recommendations of leaders of Germany , France , the Russian Federation and Ukraine as of today have not been implemented , '' he pointed out .
The envoy added that `` the Contact Group notes that they were not implemented because of the official Kiev which instead of detailed work with certain districts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict replaces it with some procedural initiatives on ‘ more frequent meetings ’ , reformatting its delegation and rotating its members at the Minsk format talks .
At the same time , the Verkhovna Rada passes decrees that contradict the Minsk Agreements which reduces to zero the efforts of all sides in the negotiations to settle the conflict . ''
The envoy particularly noted a dialogue with the participation of Donbass representatives which was held at the UN site and was dedicated to the situation in Donbass and the implementation of the resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Minsk Agreements .
`` The Donbass position was declared at a high international level and the results of this meeting , are , without a doubt , important for the Contact Group .
Ukraine tried to undermine this dialogue but without success and utterly in vain , '' the envoy emphasized .
According to him , it is a fact that the Donbass representatives today are involved in the international dialogue .
`` And this is a direct result of Ukraine ’ s unwillingness to talk to the Donbass representatives within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Ukrainian authorities are pushing Donbass away , then the independent participation of the Donbass representatives in other formats , including international ones , becomes inevitable .
The conversation at the UN site took place , the Kiev government can not hush it up , '' he noted , expressing hope that as early as this year Kiev will think about changing its position and returning to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements .
`` It is important for the Ukrainian authorities , for the Ukrainian politicians to find a political will in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donbass .
The site of the Contact Group is designated and is always open for such a dialogue .
There is simply no other path to peace in Ukraine without the unconditional and complete fulfillment of the Minsk Agreements by the Ukrainian authorities .
And it will be for the best if already during next year 2021 this opportunity will be indeed implemented , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Kiev has nullified efforts of all sides in the negotiation process on the situation in eastern Ukraine, Russian Envoy to the Contact Group on resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine Boris Gryzlov said on Wednesday after the Group’s last meeting this year.
"A meeting of the Contact Group largely was dedicated to the results of 2020. For Ukraine this year began with President Vladimir Zelensky’s promises to fulfill the Normandy obligations, approved in order to implement the Minsk Agreements. The year 2020 is over and more than a year elapsed after the Paris Summit number 4, whose decisions should have been implemented by the parties to the conflict during time limits specified in Paris," he said.
"I have to state with regret that recommendations of leaders of Germany, France, the Russian Federation and Ukraine as of today have not been implemented," he pointed out. The envoy added that "the Contact Group notes that they were not implemented because of the official Kiev which instead of detailed work with certain districts of the Donetsk and Lugansk Regions on settling the conflict replaces it with some procedural initiatives on ‘more frequent meetings’, reformatting its delegation and rotating its members at the Minsk format talks. At the same time, the Verkhovna Rada passes decrees that contradict the Minsk Agreements which reduces to zero the efforts of all sides in the negotiations to settle the conflict."
The envoy particularly noted a dialogue with the participation of Donbass representatives which was held at the UN site and was dedicated to the situation in Donbass and the implementation of the resolution of the UN Security Council in support of the Minsk Agreements. "The Donbass position was declared at a high international level and the results of this meeting, are, without a doubt, important for the Contact Group. Ukraine tried to undermine this dialogue but without success and utterly in vain," the envoy emphasized.
Participation of Donbass in talks
According to him, it is a fact that the Donbass representatives today are involved in the international dialogue. "And this is a direct result of Ukraine’s unwillingness to talk to the Donbass representatives within the framework of the Contact Group. If Ukrainian authorities are pushing Donbass away, then the independent participation of the Donbass representatives in other formats, including international ones, becomes inevitable. The conversation at the UN site took place, the Kiev government cannot hush it up," he noted, expressing hope that as early as this year Kiev will think about changing its position and returning to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
"It is important for the Ukrainian authorities, for the Ukrainian politicians to find a political will in order to begin a direct dialogue with Donbass. The site of the Contact Group is designated and is always open for such a dialogue. There is simply no other path to peace in Ukraine without the unconditional and complete fulfillment of the Minsk Agreements by the Ukrainian authorities. And it will be for the best if already during next year 2021 this opportunity will be indeed implemented," he concluded.


tass--2020-12-16--WHO reports over 585,000 new daily cases of COVID-19

GENEVA , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
More than 585,000 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus have been recorded globally in the past day , pushing a total number of infections to 72.19 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Wednesday .
According to the WHO updates , the coronavirus-related deaths increased by over 11,400 to exceed 1.63 million .
As of 19.51 Moscow time on December 16 , as many as 72,196,732 coronavirus cases and 1,630,521 coronavirus-related deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of fatalities increased by 11,463 .
The WHO statistics are based only on officially confirmed data provided by countries .
South and North America account for more than 45 % of single-day COVID-19 cases submitted to the WHO in the past 24 hours ( 266,581 ) .
Europe goes second ( 237,526 cases ) followed by South East Asia ( 37,151 ) .
Most COVID-19 cases are recorded in the United States ( 16,245,376 ) , followed by India ( 9,932,547 ) , Brazil ( 6,927,145 ) , Russia ( 2,734,454 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ( 1,888,120 ) , Italy ( 1,870,576 ) , Spain ( 1,762,212 ) , Argentina ( 1,503,222 ) , Colombia ( 1,434,516 ) , Germany ( 1,379,238 ) and Mexico ( 1,255,974 ) .

GENEVA, December 16. /TASS/. More than 585,000 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus have been recorded globally in the past day, pushing a total number of infections to 72.19 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Wednesday.
According to the WHO updates, the coronavirus-related deaths increased by over 11,400 to exceed 1.63 million.
As of 19.51 Moscow time on December 16, as many as 72,196,732 coronavirus cases and 1,630,521 coronavirus-related deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 585,455 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 11,463.
The WHO statistics are based only on officially confirmed data provided by countries.
South and North America account for more than 45% of single-day COVID-19 cases submitted to the WHO in the past 24 hours (266,581). Europe goes second (237,526 cases) followed by South East Asia (37,151).
Most COVID-19 cases are recorded in the United States (16,245,376), followed by India (9,932,547), Brazil (6,927,145), Russia (2,734,454), France (2,350,207), the UK (1,888,120), Italy (1,870,576), Spain (1,762,212), Argentina (1,503,222), Colombia (1,434,516), Germany (1,379,238) and Mexico (1,255,974).


tass--2020-12-16--Iranian nuclear deal parties back return to its full implementation - Russian ministry

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Participants of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program on Wednesday supported the return to its implementation in the initially agreed framework , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` Representatives of the party states reaffirmed commitment to the JCPOA obligations and the UNSC Resolution 2231 and backed continuing an intensive search for effective solutions facilitating quick return to implementation of the comprehensive agreements in the initially agreed frameworks , '' the diplomatic agency noted .
The ministry also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detailed analysis of the state of affairs in implementation of the 2015 agreements considering the current challenges .
The US actions aimed at `` creating obstacles to full implementation of the nuclear deal '' remain the biggest challenges , the Russian agency pointed out .
Moreover , the meeting participants discussed issues of preparing for the JCPOA ministerial meeting scheduled for December 21 .
Earlier on Wednesday , spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova informed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the informal meeting of the JCPOA party foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was signed between Iran , five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council ( Russia , the United Kingdom , China , the United States and France ) and Germany in 2015 .
The deal limited Iran ’ s nuclear development in exchange for lifting the UN sanctions , as well as the US and EU unilateral restrictions .
On May 8 , 2018 , the issue of the nuclear deal exacerbated dramatically after US President Donald Trump announced Washington ’ s withdrawal from the JCPOA and introduction of sanctions against Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 , 2019 , President of Iran Hassan Rouhani said that Tehran was suspending the fulfilment of its part of the nuclear deal obligations .
According to the Iranian side , the parties to the deal , particularly the Europeans , are not fully honoring their economic obligations and , therefore , the JCPOA in its current form is meaningless .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Participants of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program on Wednesday supported the return to its implementation in the initially agreed framework, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"Representatives of the party states reaffirmed commitment to the JCPOA obligations and the UNSC Resolution 2231 and backed continuing an intensive search for effective solutions facilitating quick return to implementation of the comprehensive agreements in the initially agreed frameworks," the diplomatic agency noted.
The ministry also informed that the meeting participants conducted a detailed analysis of the state of affairs in implementation of the 2015 agreements considering the current challenges. The US actions aimed at "creating obstacles to full implementation of the nuclear deal" remain the biggest challenges, the Russian agency pointed out.
Moreover, the meeting participants discussed issues of preparing for the JCPOA ministerial meeting scheduled for December 21.
Earlier on Wednesday, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova informed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend the informal meeting of the JCPOA party foreign ministers on December 21.
The JCPOA was signed between Iran, five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (Russia, the United Kingdom, China, the United States and France) and Germany in 2015. The deal limited Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for lifting the UN sanctions, as well as the US and EU unilateral restrictions.
On May 8, 2018, the issue of the nuclear deal exacerbated dramatically after US President Donald Trump announced Washington’s withdrawal from the JCPOA and introduction of sanctions against Iran’s oil sector. On May 8, 2019, President of Iran Hassan Rouhani said that Tehran was suspending the fulfilment of its part of the nuclear deal obligations. According to the Iranian side, the parties to the deal, particularly the Europeans, are not fully honoring their economic obligations and, therefore, the JCPOA in its current form is meaningless.


tass--2020-12-16--UNGA adopts Russia’s resolution to combat glorification of Nazism

UNITED NATIONS , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The UN General Assembly has adopted the Russian draft resolution on `` combating glorification of Nazism , neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism , racial discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance '' on Wednesday .
The document was backed by 130 countries , while the United States and Ukraine traditionally voted against it , and 51 countries ( including Austria , Belgium , Bulgaria , Estonia , France and Turkey ) abstained .
The resolution contains a pressing call to the states to `` eliminate all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means , including legislation as required by circumstances . ''
It expresses `` deep concern about the glorification , in any form , of the Nazi movement , neo-Nazism and former members of the Waffen SS organization , '' meaning `` erecting monuments and memorials , holding public demonstrations in the name of the glorification of the Nazi past , the Nazi movement and neo-Nazism , declaring or attempting to declare such members and those who fought against the anti-Hitler coalition , collaborated with the Nazi movement and committed war crimes and crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as by the renaming of streets glorifying them . ''
The resolution sponsors are concerned by `` increased frequency of attempts and activities intended to desecrate or demolish monuments erected in remembrance of those who fought against Nazism during the Second World War , as well as to unlawfully exhume or remove the remains of such persons . ''
The resolution also underlines the UN General Assembly is alarmed `` over the use by neo-Nazi groups , as well as other extremist groups and individuals espousing ideologies of hatred , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media to recruit new members , especially targeting children and young people , and to disseminate and to amplify their hate-filled messages . ''
At the same time , the document points out that these technologies can be used to combat these groups .
The General Assembly recommends to `` take appropriate concrete measures , including legislative and educational ones < … > in order to prevent revisionism in respect of the Second World War and the denial of the crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Second World War @ @ @

UNITED NATIONS, December 16. /TASS/. The UN General Assembly has adopted the Russian draft resolution on "combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance" on Wednesday. The document was backed by 130 countries, while the United States and Ukraine traditionally voted against it, and 51 countries (including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, France and Turkey) abstained.
The resolution contains a pressing call to the states to "eliminate all forms of racial discrimination by all appropriate means, including legislation as required by circumstances." It expresses "deep concern about the glorification, in any form, of the Nazi movement, neo-Nazism and former members of the Waffen SS organization," meaning "erecting monuments and memorials, holding public demonstrations in the name of the glorification of the Nazi past, the Nazi movement and neo-Nazism, declaring or attempting to declare such members and those who fought against the anti-Hitler coalition, collaborated with the Nazi movement and committed war crimes and crimes against humanity participants in national liberation movements, as well as by the renaming of streets glorifying them."
The resolution sponsors are concerned by "increased frequency of attempts and activities intended to desecrate or demolish monuments erected in remembrance of those who fought against Nazism during the Second World War, as well as to unlawfully exhume or remove the remains of such persons."
The resolution also underlines the UN General Assembly is alarmed "over the use by neo-Nazi groups, as well as other extremist groups and individuals espousing ideologies of hatred, of information technologies, the Internet and social media to recruit new members, especially targeting children and young people, and to disseminate and to amplify their hate-filled messages." At the same time, the document points out that these technologies can be used to combat these groups.
The General Assembly recommends to " take appropriate concrete measures, including legislative and educational ones <…> in order to prevent revisionism in respect of the Second World War and the denial of the crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the Second World War.".


tass--2020-12-16--Russia, Singapore eye resumption of bilateral flights

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Singapore held talks on resumption of flights between the two countries @ @ @ @ @ Air Transport Agency said in a statement after the meeting of First Deputy Transport Minister @ @ @ @ @ ’ s head , with Singapore ’ s Ambassador in Moscow Sadasivan Premjith .
Neradko @ @ @ @ @ about the measures taken by their countries to gradually lift the anti-epidemiological restrictions in order @ @ @ @ @ agreed that the talks on step-by-step resumption of bilateral flights with regard to the epidemiological @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Russia and Singapore held talks on resumption of flights between the two countries, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency said in a statement after the meeting of First Deputy Transport Minister Alexander Neradko, the agency’s head, with Singapore’s Ambassador in Moscow Sadasivan Premjith.
Neradko and Premjith informed each other about the measures taken by their countries to gradually lift the anti-epidemiological restrictions in order to resume commercial flights and agreed that the talks on step-by-step resumption of bilateral flights with regard to the epidemiological situation would be continued.


tass--2020-12-16--Around 30 polar bears approached village in Russia’s west Chukotka, says WWF

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Almost 30 polar bears have come within a touching distance to the village @ @ @ @ @ The animals have been peaceful so far , the WWF Russia told TASS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ in the west coast of Chukotka is approached by a few dozens of polar bears @ @ @ @ @ patrol brigade is handling the situation and is not letting the predators to enter the @ @ @ @ @ reads .
It is noted that the patrol counted around 30 bears today , they @ @ @ @ @ manner .
`` These are just the ones who could be seen with binoculars , @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press service explained .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Almost 30 polar bears have come within a touching distance to the village of Ryrkaypiy in Chukotka. The animals have been peaceful so far, the WWF Russia told TASS.
"The small village of Ryrkaypiy in the west coast of Chukotka is approached by a few dozens of polar bears. The WWF Russia bear patrol brigade is handling the situation and is not letting the predators to enter the village," the statement reads.
It is noted that the patrol counted around 30 bears today, they are behaving in a peaceful manner. "These are just the ones who could be seen with binoculars, there are likely more animals," the press service explained.


tass--2020-12-16--Russian Defense Ministry denies reports that Russian peacekeepers encircled in Karabakh

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The information that Russian peacekeepers are encircled by any party in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh is not true , the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters .
Earlier , the media published reports about a statement made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , saying that Russian peacekeeping troops are encircled by Azerbaijani forces in the Hadrut District .
`` The information about the alleged encirclement of Russian peacekeeping forces by any parties in Nagorno-Karabakh is not true , '' the ministry stressed .
The defense agency clarified that units of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as ordinary both in observation posts and when monitoring the ceasefire compliance .
`` The ceasefire is observed along the whole line of contact , '' the agency pointed out .
`` The Russian peacekeeping contingent headquarters is in permanent contact with general staffs of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Armed Forces via direct communication channels to ensure compliance with peacekeeping tasks and prevent possible incidents , '' the Russian Defense Ministry added .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
On November 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held , and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The information that Russian peacekeepers are encircled by any party in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh is not true, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.
Earlier, the media published reports about a statement made by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, saying that Russian peacekeeping troops are encircled by Azerbaijani forces in the Hadrut District.
"The information about the alleged encirclement of Russian peacekeeping forces by any parties in Nagorno-Karabakh is not true," the ministry stressed.
The defense agency clarified that units of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno-Karabakh address their tasks as ordinary both in observation posts and when monitoring the ceasefire compliance. "The ceasefire is observed along the whole line of contact," the agency pointed out.
"The Russian peacekeeping contingent headquarters is in permanent contact with general staffs of the Azerbaijani and Armenian Armed Forces via direct communication channels to ensure compliance with peacekeeping tasks and prevent possible incidents," the Russian Defense Ministry added.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. 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. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held, and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region.


tass--2020-12-16--All statements on Karabakh should be aimed at full-fledged settlement, diplomat says

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
All statements concerning Nagorno-Karabakh , both by the parties to the conflict and @ @ @ @ @ , should be directed at a long-lasting peace in the region and a full-fledged settlement @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday commenting on the remarks @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani Parliament Adil Aliyev at a journalist ’ s request .
`` We ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ of other various statements of politicians , answering the question how we evaluate them .
@ @ @ @ @ can repeat this , that all statements made by the sides , directly by the @ @ @ @ @ although I ’ d prefer to call it the parties to the settlement , and @ @ @ @ @ players , we proceed from the premise that all statements made should be directed at @ @ @ @ @ the solution of the main task , namely , a long-lasting peace and a full-fledged @ @ @ @ @ said .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. All statements concerning Nagorno-Karabakh, both by the parties to the conflict and by regional and external players, should be directed at a long-lasting peace in the region and a full-fledged settlement of the conflict, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday commenting on the remarks of Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Adil Aliyev at a journalist’s request.
"We’ve talked already in the context of other various statements of politicians, answering the question how we evaluate them. We said, and I can repeat this, that all statements made by the sides, directly by the parties to the conflict, although I’d prefer to call it the parties to the settlement, and by other regional and external players, we proceed from the premise that all statements made should be directed at achieving the main goal, the solution of the main task, namely, a long-lasting peace and a full-fledged settlement," the diplomat said.


tass--2020-12-16--New regional jet Il-114-300 makes first flight

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The new Russian regional turboprop jet Il-114-300 has completed the maiden flight , @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` The new regional passenger turboprop airplane Il-114-300 made the first flight on @ @ @ @ @ the Zhukovsky aerodrome , '' the company says .
Engine operating modes , stability and @ @ @ @ @ functioning of its systems were tested during the flight .
First serially made airplanes will @ @ @ @ @ 100 aircraft are planned for deliveries to customers in Russia and overseas by 2030 , @ @ @ @ @ said .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The new Russian regional turboprop jet Il-114-300 has completed the maiden flight, Rostec state corporation says on Wednesday.
"The new regional passenger turboprop airplane Il-114-300 made the first flight on December 16, 2020 at the Zhukovsky aerodrome," the company says.
Engine operating modes, stability and controllability of the airplane and functioning of its systems were tested during the flight.
First serially made airplanes will be ready in 2022 and 100 aircraft are planned for deliveries to customers in Russia and overseas by 2030, Minister of Industry Denis Manturov said .


tass--2020-12-16--Russia’s offer to extend New START Treaty remains in effect, says envoy

WASHINGTON , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s proposal to extend the New START treaty for five years without preconditions remains in effect , Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said at a video conference , organized by the Georgetown University in Washington DC .
`` In December 2019 , Russia offered the US to extend the agreement for five years without preconditions , '' the diplomat reminded .
`` This proposal is still in effect . ''
`` However , our partners in Washington turned out not to be ready for unconditional extension of the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short-term , just one year , '' Antonov said .
Moscow repeatedly called on Washington not to delay the decision on the treaty ’ s extension , calling the treaty a golden standard in disarmament .
On October 16 , Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to extend the New START for at least one year without preconditions .
The Trump administration previously proposed to increase the number of signatories , inviting China , but Beijing rejected this idea .
The US President-Elect Joe Biden spoke in favor of prolongation of the current treaty @

WASHINGTON, December 16. /TASS/. Moscow’s proposal to extend the New START treaty for five years without preconditions remains in effect, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said at a video conference, organized by the Georgetown University in Washington DC.
"In December 2019, Russia offered the US to extend the agreement for five years without preconditions," the diplomat reminded. "This proposal is still in effect."
"However, our partners in Washington turned out not to be ready for unconditional extension of the New START in exchange for that extension being short-term, just one year," Antonov said.
Moscow repeatedly called on Washington not to delay the decision on the treaty’s extension, calling the treaty a golden standard in disarmament. On October 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed to extend the New START for at least one year without preconditions.
The Trump administration previously proposed to increase the number of signatories, inviting China, but Beijing rejected this idea. The US President-Elect Joe Biden spoke in favor of prolongation of the current treaty.


tass--2020-12-16--Russian Baltic Fleet diesel-electric sub dives to 190m depth in drills

KALININGRAD , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The crew of the Project 877 diesel-electric submarine Dmitrov practiced deep dives during drills in the Baltic Sea , the Baltic Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` As part of shipboard drills , the crew practiced tasks at various depths with a maximum submergence depth of up to 190 meters , '' the press office said in a statement .
During the dives , the submariners checked the operation of all the systems and mechanisms and practiced the algorithm of measures when controlling the vessel at large depths and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surface .
The rescue tug SB-123 provided support for the submarine during the drills , the statement says .
`` At the next stage of its operations at sea , the Dmitrov will conduct torpedo fire against underwater and surface targets , set minefields and practice dodging a Ka-27 anti-submarine warfare helicopter , '' the press office said .
Project 877 ( Varshavyanka-class ) submarines are considered as the quietest Russian subs due to the absence of noisy power units , a verified streamlined shape and special hydro-acoustic coating of the hull .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hole ’ in the West for their stealth .
These subs can fight both submarines and surface ships and are designated to protect naval bases , the coastline and sea lanes .

KALININGRAD, December 16. /TASS/. The crew of the Project 877 diesel-electric submarine Dmitrov practiced deep dives during drills in the Baltic Sea, the Baltic Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"As part of shipboard drills, the crew practiced tasks at various depths with a maximum submergence depth of up to 190 meters," the press office said in a statement.
During the dives, the submariners checked the operation of all the systems and mechanisms and practiced the algorithm of measures when controlling the vessel at large depths and with various methods of ascent to the surface. The rescue tug SB-123 provided support for the submarine during the drills, the statement says.
"At the next stage of its operations at sea, the Dmitrov will conduct torpedo fire against underwater and surface targets, set minefields and practice dodging a Ka-27 anti-submarine warfare helicopter," the press office said.
Project 877 (Varshavyanka-class) submarines are considered as the quietest Russian subs due to the absence of noisy power units, a verified streamlined shape and special hydro-acoustic coating of the hull. The subs were nicknamed the ‘Black Hole’ in the West for their stealth. These subs can fight both submarines and surface ships and are designated to protect naval bases, the coastline and sea lanes.


tass--2020-12-16--Communication channels between EU, Russia should remain open, says Croatian top diplomat

ZAGREB , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Channels of communication between the European Union and Russia should remain open despite actual challenges , Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman said after a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov at a press conference on Wednesday .
`` With the minister I < ... > also talked about those spheres where it is possible to deepen the cooperation with the European Union and the Russian Federation .
I emphasized that it is necessary to keep the communication channels open and be capable of always looking ahead , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations [ of the EU and Russia ] , '' he noted .
`` I am confident that the visit of minister Lavrov will serve as an additional impetus to the continuation of the development of positive direction of Croatian-Russian relations .
Our talks today confirmed that there is not only the potential but also readiness on both sides , '' the top diplomat said .
`` With Minister Lavrov we signed a plan of consultations between the two Foreign Ministries for the period of 2021-2022 , and additionally minister Lavrov and Culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korzinek , signed a program on cultural cooperation between our two governments for the period from 2020 through 2022 , '' he added .
The Croatian top diplomat expressed confidence that an intergovernmental bilateral commission on economic and scientific and technical cooperation plays a significant role in the process of deepening the relations between Croatia and Russia .
`` Among other things we also stated that there are opportunities to develop cooperation in the sphere of tourism which we will also continue to work on intensively , '' he noted .

ZAGREB, December 16. /TASS/. Channels of communication between the European Union and Russia should remain open despite actual challenges, Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman said after a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov at a press conference on Wednesday.
"With the minister I <...> also talked about those spheres where it is possible to deepen the cooperation with the European Union and the Russian Federation. I emphasized that it is necessary to keep the communication channels open and be capable of always looking ahead, despite the actual challenges that exist in the relations [of the EU and Russia]," he noted.
"I am confident that the visit of minister Lavrov will serve as an additional impetus to the continuation of the development of positive direction of Croatian-Russian relations. Our talks today confirmed that there is not only the potential but also readiness on both sides," the top diplomat said.
"With Minister Lavrov we signed a plan of consultations between the two Foreign Ministries for the period of 2021-2022, and additionally minister Lavrov and Culture Minister, Ms. [Nina] Obuljen Korzinek, signed a program on cultural cooperation between our two governments for the period from 2020 through 2022," he added.
The Croatian top diplomat expressed confidence that an intergovernmental bilateral commission on economic and scientific and technical cooperation plays a significant role in the process of deepening the relations between Croatia and Russia. "Among other things we also stated that there are opportunities to develop cooperation in the sphere of tourism which we will also continue to work on intensively," he noted.


tass--2020-12-16--Moldovan parliament approves Russian as language of inter-ethnic communication

CHISINAU , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s parliament approved the final reading of a new bill on functioning of languages in the country , granting the status of a language of inter-ethnic communication to Russian , at the Wednesday session broadcast by the parliamentary press service .
`` The decision was passed by 55 votes [ out of 101 ] in the second reading , '' Speaker Zinaida Greceanii stated .
`` As a language of inter-ethnic communication , Russian is used on the territory of the republic alongside the official language , '' the bill says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public officials are instructed to reply in Russian , including in the written form .
However , Moldovan remains the official language of paperwork at governmental bodies .
The bill says that citizens are guaranteed the right to education in both the official and Russian languages , and the authorities are to create conditions for ethnic groups living in the republic to receive education in their mother tongues .
Along with this , the official language must be studied compulsorily at all educational institutions .
The amendments were authored by the Party of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PSRM ) .
A member of the Moldovan parliament , Bogdan Tirdea , a coauthor of the bill , told TASS that the bill aimed to reinstate Russian as a language of inter-ethnic communication .
He recalled that Moldova ’ s Constitutional Court ruled in 2018 that the law on languages in the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic was outdated .
That law had granted Russian a special status in the country where one third of the citizens speaks it .
According to the lawmaker , the court ’ s ruling was lobbied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reunification with Romania .
Lawmakers of the opposition pro-European parties - the Action and Solidarity Party , the Dignity and Truth Platform Party and the Democratic Party of Moldova - refused to back the bill and boycotted the parliamentary meeting .

CHISINAU, December 16. /TASS/. Moldova’s parliament approved the final reading of a new bill on functioning of languages in the country, granting the status of a language of inter-ethnic communication to Russian, at the Wednesday session broadcast by the parliamentary press service.
"The decision was passed by 55 votes [out of 101] in the second reading," Speaker Zinaida Greceanii stated.
"As a language of inter-ethnic communication, Russian is used on the territory of the republic alongside the official language," the bill says adding that at citizens’ request, public officials are instructed to reply in Russian, including in the written form. However, Moldovan remains the official language of paperwork at governmental bodies.
The bill says that citizens are guaranteed the right to education in both the official and Russian languages, and the authorities are to create conditions for ethnic groups living in the republic to receive education in their mother tongues. Along with this, the official language must be studied compulsorily at all educational institutions.
The amendments were authored by the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM). A member of the Moldovan parliament, Bogdan Tirdea, a coauthor of the bill, told TASS that the bill aimed to reinstate Russian as a language of inter-ethnic communication. He recalled that Moldova’s Constitutional Court ruled in 2018 that the law on languages in the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic was outdated. That law had granted Russian a special status in the country where one third of the citizens speaks it. According to the lawmaker, the court’s ruling was lobbied by the politicians calling for Moldova’s reunification with Romania.
Lawmakers of the opposition pro-European parties - the Action and Solidarity Party, the Dignity and Truth Platform Party and the Democratic Party of Moldova - refused to back the bill and boycotted the parliamentary meeting.


tass--2020-12-16--Talks on Paul Whelan’s exchange may resume after Christmas holidays, lawyer believes

`` The talks have stalled so far over the US elections .
We hope that this issue will break the stalemate after the Christmas holidays , '' Karlova told TASS .
MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The case of exchange of US citizen Paul Whelan , convicted in Russia for espionage , for some Russian citizen , convicted in the US , may `` break the current stalemate after the Christmas holidays , says Whelan ’ s attorney Olga Karlova .
According to the lawyer , a new candidacy for Whelan ’ s exchange may appear .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s exchange for Viktor Bout or Konstantin Yaroshenko is out of the question at this moment .
A new candidacy for exchange appeared , but I can not name it in order to not harm the negotiations process , '' she said , adding that the negotiations themselves `` go on rather sluggishly . ''
Another Whelan ’ s attorney , Vladimir Zherebenkov , also says that a new candidacy for exchange is possible .
`` He could be exchanged for a St. Petersburg resident .
A can not say more at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Zherebenkov , chances for exchange during Trump administration were slim from the start .
`` Trump did not want to risk : releasing Russian citizen ahead of the election could harm him .
Now , the winner Biden is not tied by campaign issues and we hope that the exchange happens after his inauguration , '' Zherebenkov said .
Whelan was arrested in 2018 in a counter-espionage operation in Moscow .
He has been sentenced for 16 years in prison .
Previously , US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding Whelan ’ s exchange for a Russian national .
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said earlier that media publications regarding the ongoing exchange negotiations were false .

"The talks have stalled so far over the US elections. We hope that this issue will break the stalemate after the Christmas holidays," Karlova told TASS.
MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The case of exchange of US citizen Paul Whelan, convicted in Russia for espionage, for some Russian citizen, convicted in the US, may "break the current stalemate after the Christmas holidays, says Whelan’s attorney Olga Karlova.
According to the lawyer, a new candidacy for Whelan’s exchange may appear.
"As far as I understand, Whelan’s exchange for Viktor Bout or Konstantin Yaroshenko is out of the question at this moment. A new candidacy for exchange appeared, but I cannot name it in order to not harm the negotiations process," she said, adding that the negotiations themselves "go on rather sluggishly."
Another Whelan’s attorney, Vladimir Zherebenkov, also says that a new candidacy for exchange is possible.
"He could be exchanged for a St. Petersburg resident. A cannot say more at the moment," the lawyer said.
According to Zherebenkov, chances for exchange during Trump administration were slim from the start.
"Trump did not want to risk: releasing Russian citizen ahead of the election could harm him. Now, the winner Biden is not tied by campaign issues and we hope that the exchange happens after his inauguration," Zherebenkov said.
Whelan was arrested in 2018 in a counter-espionage operation in Moscow. He has been sentenced for 16 years in prison. Previously, US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said he could not confirm nor deny negotiation regarding Whelan’s exchange for a Russian national. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also said earlier that media publications regarding the ongoing exchange negotiations were false.


tass--2020-12-16--First-generation COVID-19 vaccines to stop pandemic with high share of inoculated - WHO

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The first generation of vaccines against the novel coronavirus will stop the pandemic only with the high share of immunized population , Melita Vujnovic , World Health Organization ( WHO ) representative in Russia , said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday .
`` The higher the share of the inoculated , the faster the number of the infected will decrease .
There will be a high barrier to the virus and there will be progressively smaller outbreaks .
So , yes , of course , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a question whether the first-generation vaccines can stop the pandemic .
The WHO representative noted that issues of common access to the vaccines and their mass production are of main priority to the humankind .
`` The WHO is working with each country experiencing difficulties developing a vaccination plan , '' she added .
To date , two domestic vaccines against the coronavirus have been registered in Russia , a vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and a vaccine by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing .
Soon the registration of a third vaccine is possible , developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The first generation of vaccines against the novel coronavirus will stop the pandemic only with the high share of immunized population, Melita Vujnovic, World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Russia, said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Wednesday.
"The higher the share of the inoculated, the faster the number of the infected will decrease. There will be a high barrier to the virus and there will be progressively smaller outbreaks. So, yes, of course, there is a possibility," she said in response to a question whether the first-generation vaccines can stop the pandemic.
The WHO representative noted that issues of common access to the vaccines and their mass production are of main priority to the humankind. "The WHO is working with each country experiencing difficulties developing a vaccination plan," she added.
To date, two domestic vaccines against the coronavirus have been registered in Russia, a vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and a vaccine by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing. Soon the registration of a third vaccine is possible, developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences.


tass--2020-12-16--Traffic opens on new road between Yamal’s east and west

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
A new road connecting Salekhard and Nadym is opened for traffic in the Yamalo-Nenets Region .
The new road will provide new opportunities for economic development of the region ’ s western districts , Yamal ’ s Governor Dmitri Artyukhov said at the opening ceremony .
The road of 344 km crosses swampy areas .
Earlier , in winter time , for a maximum of 131 days , the only driving route was passable when the soil froze naturally .
However in muddy seasons and in summer there was no ground communication at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the western districts , have been waiting for long .
Well , over all these years , we have got used to the so-called ice roads .
At the same time , we all understand how they have changed lately .
The climate has become warmer , and instead of a usual December when the ice road is supposed to be passable , last year , as you can remember , the official ice road opening was in January .
It was very inconvenient , people had to adjust their plans accordingly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the new road ’ s economic effect .
`` Those are completely different opportunities for the businesses .
People , living in the western districts , can see how the situation changes , how new retail companies come to work there .
I hope , this will entail a higher quality of offered products , '' he added .
According to the regional government ’ s press service , the new road may be used by any vehicles .
The travel time is three times shorter : driving on the ice road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now the distance may be covered within 4-5 hours , the press service told TASS .
Big retailers experienced difficulties in coming to the region due to the absence of a road between the west and the east .
According to the press service , a leading retailer , Pyaterochka , plans to enter the local market .
A few shops will begin working before the year ends .
The Nyda-Resource Company , making semi-finished products from venison , fish and wild crops , expects new supplies and clients .
The company plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was out of the question without a reliable transport connection .
The project was initiated in 2005 , and the construction started in 2011 .
The road ’ s 344 kilometers feature 53 bridges and 46 deer crossings , the government said .
More than one million trucks brought soil and asphalt-concrete mix .
Four million square meters of crushed stone was laid .
In 2010 , Urengoidorstroy ( a construction company ) won a tender to build the Nadym-Salekhard road .
In February 2010 , road section manager Misha Sevanovich , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clients , went deep into the tundra to determine the centerline .
`` On February 7 , a convoy started from Novo-Urengoi towards Nadym .
For three days , we , together with heavy vehicles and trailers , got to the 52nd kilometer , where we were to organize a camp .
We got there at night and measured the distance with steps .
The snow was more than one meter deep .
We had a snack and went to sleep .
In the morning , we realized that our measures were incorrect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure everything again , '' Sevanovich said .
In 2011 , February was a cold month .
The air temperatures dropped to minus 45 degrees Celsius , but they had to work every day .
The road ’ s construction is underway , since a section of 183 kilometers has still been covered with a layer of crushed stone .
This pause is necessary to continue studies , and the road will `` settle '' until constructors and scientists decide which is the most suitable way to lay the solid coating .
Governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to the thawing and shifting permafrost .
`` The road under crushed stone should settle for a year or two .
Thus , before laying asphalt , specialists will try to find out the local specifics .
The road will have the final layer , of course , but specialists insist on a pause for a year or two to have a thorough monitoring to identify alarming spots and to reinforce them , '' he said .
The Yamalo-Nenets Region was established in 1930 .
Its territory mostly lies north of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on the slope of the Urals ridge .
The climate is cold .
Some areas have perennially frozen soils .
The cold Kara Sea is nearby .
Winters last for up to eight months ( whereas in the Arctic and sub-Arctic zones they are no longer than 68 days ) .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. A new road connecting Salekhard and Nadym is opened for traffic in the Yamalo-Nenets Region. The new road will provide new opportunities for economic development of the region’s western districts, Yamal’s Governor Dmitri Artyukhov said at the opening ceremony.
The road of 344 km crosses swampy areas. Earlier, in winter time, for a maximum of 131 days, the only driving route was passable when the soil froze naturally. However in muddy seasons and in summer there was no ground communication at all.
"People, living in the western districts, have been waiting for long. Well, over all these years, we have got used to the so-called ice roads. At the same time, we all understand how they have changed lately. The climate has become warmer, and instead of a usual December when the ice road is supposed to be passable, last year, as you can remember, the official ice road opening was in January. It was very inconvenient, people had to adjust their plans accordingly," the governor said.
He pointed to the new road’s economic effect. "Those are completely different opportunities for the businesses. People, living in the western districts, can see how the situation changes, how new retail companies come to work there. I hope, this will entail a higher quality of offered products," he added.
According to the regional government’s press service, the new road may be used by any vehicles. The travel time is three times shorter: driving on the ice road took up to 15 hours, and now the distance may be covered within 4-5 hours, the press service told TASS.
New opportunities for businesses
Big retailers experienced difficulties in coming to the region due to the absence of a road between the west and the east. According to the press service, a leading retailer, Pyaterochka, plans to enter the local market. A few shops will begin working before the year ends.
The Nyda-Resource Company, making semi-finished products from venison, fish and wild crops, expects new supplies and clients. The company plans to supply its products to Salekhard, which was out of the question without a reliable transport connection.
The road
The project was initiated in 2005, and the construction started in 2011. The road’s 344 kilometers feature 53 bridges and 46 deer crossings, the government said. More than one million trucks brought soil and asphalt-concrete mix. Four million square meters of crushed stone was laid.
In 2010, Urengoidorstroy (a construction company) won a tender to build the Nadym-Salekhard road. In February 2010, road section manager Misha Sevanovich, together with a geodesist and a few clients, went deep into the tundra to determine the centerline.
"On February 7, a convoy started from Novo-Urengoi towards Nadym. For three days, we, together with heavy vehicles and trailers, got to the 52nd kilometer, where we were to organize a camp. We got there at night and measured the distance with steps. The snow was more than one meter deep. We had a snack and went to sleep. In the morning, we realized that our measures were incorrect by 17 meters and we had to measure everything again," Sevanovich said.
In 2011, February was a cold month. The air temperatures dropped to minus 45 degrees Celsius, but they had to work every day.
Taking a pause
The road’s construction is underway, since a section of 183 kilometers has still been covered with a layer of crushed stone. This pause is necessary to continue studies, and the road will "settle" until constructors and scientists decide which is the most suitable way to lay the solid coating.
Governor Dmitry Artyukhov pointed to the climate warming and to the thawing and shifting permafrost. "The road under crushed stone should settle for a year or two. Thus, before laying asphalt, specialists will try to find out the local specifics. The road will have the final layer, of course, but specialists insist on a pause for a year or two to have a thorough monitoring to identify alarming spots and to reinforce them," he said.
The Yamalo-Nenets Region was established in 1930. Its territory mostly lies north of the Arctic circle, and the other part is on the slope of the Urals ridge. The climate is cold. Some areas have perennially frozen soils. The cold Kara Sea is nearby. Winters last for up to eight months (whereas in the Arctic and sub-Arctic zones they are no longer than 68 days).


tass--2020-12-16--Number of coronavirus cases in Finland rises to 31,870

HELSINKI , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Finland increased by 411 over the day , reaching 31,870 , the Finnish National Institute for Health and Social Development said on Wednesday .
At the same time , 466 patients died from the complications from coronavirus .
More than 2 mln people have been tested .
The largest daily increase in the number of infections during the pandemic was recorded on December 10 - 840 .
Finland closed its borders from March 19 to May 13 to prevent the spread of the virus .
Since September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply , in particular , to Russia and the United States .

HELSINKI, December 16. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Finland increased by 411 over the day, reaching 31,870, the Finnish National Institute for Health and Social Development said on Wednesday.
At the same time, 466 patients died from the complications from coronavirus. More than 2 mln people have been tested. The largest daily increase in the number of infections during the pandemic was recorded on December 10 - 840.
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.


tass--2020-12-16--Lavrov to attend video conference on Iran nuclear deal on December 21

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in an informal meeting , held as a video conference on Monday , December 21 , of the foreign ministers of states signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA , known as the Iran nuclear deal ) , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday .
`` Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to take part in an informal meeting of top diplomats of the JCPOA participating countries on December 21 , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to share views on the JCPOA implementation .
`` The political impetus from the ministers , which will be reinforced by a common understanding of the non-alternative nature of the JCPOA , will allow , as we expect , setting benchmarks and the agenda for future collective work to maintain and implement uninterruptedly the comprehensive agreements enshrined in Resolution 2231 of the United Nations Security Council , '' she added .
The diplomat pointed out that the coordinated efforts of participants in the Iran nuclear deal had prevented the deal from being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed .
According to Zakharova , the US attempts to have an indefinite international arms embargo slapped on Iran and have the lifted sanctions re-imposed , in defiance of the UN Security Council resolution , were met with a strong rebuke .
Nevertheless , she continued , certain problems remain in place concerning the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal , due to the US actions .
`` First and foremost , it concerns the endless spate of unilateral US sanctions , which hit the Iranians , the international cooperation with Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American side grossly violate UN Security Council decisions , but it also deliberately creates obstacles to their implementation by other countries , '' Zakharova stated .
According to the diplomat , the coming ministerial meeting is expected to focus on the search for solutions to those challenges .
`` We hope for productive cooperation with all the partners , '' she concluded .
The future of the Iran nuclear deal was called in question after the United States ’ unilateral pullout on May 8 , 2018 and Washington ’ s unilateral oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all other participants , Europeans in the first place , ignore some of their own obligations in the economic sphere , thus making the deal in its current shape senseless .
This said , it began to gradually scale down its commitments under the deal .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in an informal meeting, held as a video conference on Monday, December 21, of the foreign ministers of states signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, known as the Iran nuclear deal), Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday.
"Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to take part in an informal meeting of top diplomats of the JCPOA participating countries on December 21," she said.
Zakharova pointed out that the meeting was expected to share views on the JCPOA implementation.
"The political impetus from the ministers, which will be reinforced by a common understanding of the non-alternative nature of the JCPOA, will allow, as we expect, setting benchmarks and the agenda for future collective work to maintain and implement uninterruptedly the comprehensive agreements enshrined in Resolution 2231 of the United Nations Security Council," she added.
The diplomat pointed out that the coordinated efforts of participants in the Iran nuclear deal had prevented the deal from being dismantled and its key provisions from being reviewed.
According to Zakharova, the US attempts to have an indefinite international arms embargo slapped on Iran and have the lifted sanctions re-imposed, in defiance of the UN Security Council resolution, were met with a strong rebuke. Nevertheless, she continued, certain problems remain in place concerning the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, due to the US actions.
"First and foremost, it concerns the endless spate of unilateral US sanctions, which hit the Iranians, the international cooperation with Iran and directly the JCPOA. Not only does the American side grossly violate UN Security Council decisions, but it also deliberately creates obstacles to their implementation by other countries," Zakharova stated.
According to the diplomat, the coming ministerial meeting is expected to focus on the search for solutions to those challenges.
"We hope for productive cooperation with all the partners," she concluded.
The future of the Iran nuclear deal was called in question after the United States’ unilateral pullout on May 8, 2018 and Washington’s unilateral oil export sanctions against Teheran. Iran argues that all other participants, Europeans in the first place, ignore some of their own obligations in the economic sphere, thus making the deal in its current shape senseless. This said, it began to gradually scale down its commitments under the deal.


tass--2020-12-16--FIFA, UEFA should react to US sanctions against FC Akhmat, says diplomat

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
FIFA and UEFA need to come up with a reaction to the US @ @ @ @ @ Akhmat in its sanction list , spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told @ @ @ @ @ I think that UEFA and FIFA , largest international sporting organizations , should speak their @ @ @ @ @ their competence .
Largely , an opinion is not needed here , Washington just needs @ @ @ @ @ in the world of football .
We hope that these international sporting structures will have @ @ @ @ @ statements , '' she said .
The US Justice Department earlier imposed sanctions on Russian @ @ @ @ @ to head of Russia ’ s Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov for alleged gross human rights violations @ @ @ @ @ sanctioned under the global Magnitsky Act .
FC Akhmat is targeted in particular .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. FIFA and UEFA need to come up with a reaction to the US including Russia’s FC Akhmat in its sanction list, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing Wednesday.
"I think that UEFA and FIFA, largest international sporting organizations, should speak their opinion in the framework of their competence. Largely, an opinion is not needed here, Washington just needs to be shown its place in the world of football. We hope that these international sporting structures will have bravery and maturity for these statements," she said.
The US Justice Department earlier imposed sanctions on Russian people and legal entities linked to head of Russia’s Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov for alleged gross human rights violations. Kadyrov himself is already sanctioned under the global Magnitsky Act. FC Akhmat is targeted in particular.


tass--2020-12-16--Expert: Developed regional airlines may attract more tourists to Arctic

TASS , December 16 .
Developed regional airlines and subsidized fares will boost the interest to the Arctic Tourism-Recreational Cluster in the Taimyr District ( the Krasnoyarsk Region ) , Director of the Norilsk Development Agency Maxim Mironov told the Arctic : Present and Future international forum .
`` As for the logistics around the Taimyr , and inside the tourism cluster , everything is rather complicated .
We have only one road - between Norilsk and Dudinka , and the entire remaining area ( about 900,000 square kilometers ) , equal to three sizes of Italy , does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in summer is by water or by a helicopter .
A helicopter ’ s cost is 270,000 rubles ( $ 3,700 ) and hour , which apparently is expensive for tourists .
We approach gradually the task to develop regional airlines < … > There is not much to be done from the beginning - the Taimyr used to have successful regional airlines , there are many runways , which have been abandoned lately , '' he said .
The Agency jointly with experts from St. Petersburg will look into further development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file suggestions on it with the Ministry of the Far East and Arctic , Rostourism ( tourism authority ) , he added .
Norilsk , along with Yakutia and Chukotka , leads in air fares , and subsidies could cut prices and thus could make the regions more attractive for tourists .
In addition to this , the recently upgraded Norilsk airport , having cutting-edge equipment and infrastructures , may be granted the status of an international airport , thus cutting the logistics leg and traveling expenses for foreign visitors .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cluster will take leading positions .
The Putorana Plateau , which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List , attracts foreign tourists .
`` The world of the Putorana Plateau is a place of a thousand lakes and unique waterfalls .
Including Russia ’ s highest waterfall - Kandinsky , and the strongest waterfall - Bolshoi Kureisky , '' he said .
The cluster unites the territories of Norilsk , Dudinka and the Putorana Plateau .
Norilsk will be the center of cultural and industrial tourism , Dudinka - of the ethnography tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans of extreme and ecology tourism .
During the continuing pandemic , when traveling across the globe has been limited , the number of Russian travelers to the North has grown in 2020 , the Agency reported .
`` The pandemic is a crisis for the tourism sector .
But , despite the shrunk season , the cluster has registered higher numbers of Russian visitors ( both from Taimyr ’ s other districts and from Russia ’ s other parts ) , '' the Agency ’ s Deputy Director Anastasiya Korol told TASS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the master plan is underway , the infrastructure and other projects will be implemented , and thus the cluster will be receiving more and more guests . ''
In 2019 , the Taimyr Peninsula welcomed 4,800 tourists .
In 2020 , regardless of all the limitations , more than 5,000 tourists have visited Taimyr already .
Every year , another 20,000 business visitors come to the region ’ s north - to Norilsk and Taimyr , she added .
The Arctic tourism is a niche and expensive sector , Director of the Siberian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The complicated climate conditions , logistics , catering make the process expensive , and it will never become affordable and popular , '' she said .
However , she continued , interest to traveling the Arctic is only growing .
`` The interest is very high , and in case of effective infrastructures and good accommodation , it will be growing , '' she added .
The cluster ’ s biggest projects are - the construction of three hotels in Norilsk and an upgrade of one hotel in Dudinka , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism services .
Besides , presently continues work on the Ol-Gul ski resort near Norilsk .
The shore line will be expanded there , and later on the resort will develop into a sports and tourism center .
In November , the Norilsk Nickel Company ( Nornickel ) announced plans to organize an Arctic resort on the Putorana Plateau .
`` We shall build the Putorana Plateau resort , which will be near Lake Melkoye , '' the company ’ s Vice President Andrei Grachev told the forum .
`` It is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory , in a walking distance will be values of the polar nature .
Private investments will be about 15 billion rubles ( $ 204 million ) . ''
In addition to traditional infrastructures , the cluster focuses on digital infrastructures .
`` We are about to finish work on the Arctic Zone digital innovation platform .
Site or application users will receive the latest information on tourist attractions and routes , or will plan their own routes with accredited guides .
The platform will be in three languages - Russian , English @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
Specialists have been working on new routes and attractions .
Jointly with local authorities , the Taimyr Nature Reserves ’ administration and WWF Russia they have surveyed the Khatanga direction - towards the Laptev Sea and the [ Maria ] Pronchishcheva Bay .
The expedition studied the bay ’ s shores , where individual tourists like to spend time .
The experts analyzed the flora and fauna , bottoms of the Laptev Sea , Khatanga Bay and Lake Kingasovakha , they verified rookeries of walruses and migration routes of musk oxen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18th-century ’ s Great Northern Expedition .
In 1740 , Khariton Laptev ’ s Yakutsk vessel entered the Khatanga Bay .
For 2021 , the experts plan an expedition to Dikson - Russia ’ s one of northernmost settlements , and to Eurasia ’ s northernmost mainland - Cape Chelyuskin .

TASS, December 16. Developed regional airlines and subsidized fares will boost the interest to the Arctic Tourism-Recreational Cluster in the Taimyr District (the Krasnoyarsk Region), Director of the Norilsk Development Agency Maxim Mironov told the Arctic: Present and Future international forum.
"As for the logistics around the Taimyr, and inside the tourism cluster, everything is rather complicated. We have only one road - between Norilsk and Dudinka, and the entire remaining area (about 900,000 square kilometers), equal to three sizes of Italy, does not have any roads. The available transport in summer is by water or by a helicopter. A helicopter’s cost is 270,000 rubles ($3,700) and hour, which apparently is expensive for tourists. We approach gradually the task to develop regional airlines <…> There is not much to be done from the beginning - the Taimyr used to have successful regional airlines, there are many runways, which have been abandoned lately," he said.
The Agency jointly with experts from St. Petersburg will look into further development of regional airlines in the north and will file suggestions on it with the Ministry of the Far East and Arctic, Rostourism (tourism authority), he added.
Norilsk, along with Yakutia and Chukotka, leads in air fares, and subsidies could cut prices and thus could make the regions more attractive for tourists. In addition to this, the recently upgraded Norilsk airport, having cutting-edge equipment and infrastructures, may be granted the status of an international airport, thus cutting the logistics leg and traveling expenses for foreign visitors.
Despite the pandemic
According to the expert, the developing Arctic Tourism Cluster will take leading positions. The Putorana Plateau, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, attracts foreign tourists. "The world of the Putorana Plateau is a place of a thousand lakes and unique waterfalls. Including Russia’s highest waterfall - Kandinsky, and the strongest waterfall - Bolshoi Kureisky," he said.
The cluster unites the territories of Norilsk, Dudinka and the Putorana Plateau. Norilsk will be the center of cultural and industrial tourism, Dudinka - of the ethnography tourism, and the Putorana Plateau will attract fans of extreme and ecology tourism.
During the continuing pandemic, when traveling across the globe has been limited, the number of Russian travelers to the North has grown in 2020, the Agency reported. "The pandemic is a crisis for the tourism sector. But, despite the shrunk season, the cluster has registered higher numbers of Russian visitors (both from Taimyr’s other districts and from Russia’s other parts)," the Agency’s Deputy Director Anastasiya Korol told TASS. "Anyway, the work on the master plan is underway, the infrastructure and other projects will be implemented, and thus the cluster will be receiving more and more guests."
In 2019, the Taimyr Peninsula welcomed 4,800 tourists. In 2020, regardless of all the limitations, more than 5,000 tourists have visited Taimyr already. Every year, another 20,000 business visitors come to the region’s north - to Norilsk and Taimyr, she added.
Infrastructures
The Arctic tourism is a niche and expensive sector, Director of the Siberian Association of Hospitality Irina Maximova told TASS. "The complicated climate conditions, logistics, catering make the process expensive, and it will never become affordable and popular," she said. However, she continued, interest to traveling the Arctic is only growing. "The interest is very high, and in case of effective infrastructures and good accommodation, it will be growing," she added.
The cluster’s biggest projects are - the construction of three hotels in Norilsk and an upgrade of one hotel in Dudinka, as well as long-awaited regulations and unification of tourism services. Besides, presently continues work on the Ol-Gul ski resort near Norilsk. The shore line will be expanded there, and later on the resort will develop into a sports and tourism center.
In November, the Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) announced plans to organize an Arctic resort on the Putorana Plateau. "We shall build the Putorana Plateau resort, which will be near Lake Melkoye," the company’s Vice President Andrei Grachev told the forum. "It is a unique park, where on the limited territory, in a walking distance will be values of the polar nature. Private investments will be about 15 billion rubles ($204 million)."
In addition to traditional infrastructures, the cluster focuses on digital infrastructures. "We are about to finish work on the Arctic Zone digital innovation platform. Site or application users will receive the latest information on tourist attractions and routes, or will plan their own routes with accredited guides. The platform will be in three languages - Russian, English and Chinese," Anastasiya Korol told TASS.
Specialists have been working on new routes and attractions. Jointly with local authorities, the Taimyr Nature Reserves’ administration and WWF Russia they have surveyed the Khatanga direction - towards the Laptev Sea and the [Maria] Pronchishcheva Bay. The expedition studied the bay’s shores, where individual tourists like to spend time. The experts analyzed the flora and fauna, bottoms of the Laptev Sea, Khatanga Bay and Lake Kingasovakha, they verified rookeries of walruses and migration routes of musk oxen. They searched for traces from the 18th-century’s Great Northern Expedition. In 1740, Khariton Laptev’s Yakutsk vessel entered the Khatanga Bay.
For 2021, the experts plan an expedition to Dikson - Russia’s one of northernmost settlements, and to Eurasia’s northernmost mainland - Cape Chelyuskin.


tass--2020-12-16--Urals oil price above $50/bbl, traded with discount vs. Brent — S&P Global Platts

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Urals export oil blend price was above $ 50 per barrel this week for the first time since February but the feedstock is traded with a discount against Brent oil blend , S & P Global Platts told TASS on Wednesday .
Brent crude oil down below $ 39 per barrel first time since June 16 '' The CIF Rotterdam Urals differential versus Dated Brent fell to its lowest level since August this week , with evidence of supply overtaking demand in the region .
CIF Rotterdam was assessed 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 cents/barrel on August 15 , the lowest level since an identical minus 55 cents/barrel assessment on August 17 , 2020 , '' says John Morley , Associate Editorial Director , EMEA Oil .
`` In the Platts Market on Close assessment process , Litasco offered a cargo of the grade loading in Primorsk over December 25-29 .
The cargo was offered at a discount to Dated Brent of US cents/barrel on a delivered Rotterdam basis , and did not find buying interest .
Sources have cited poor refinery margins in Europe as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the expert added .
The Brent oil price crossed the level of $ 50 a barrel on December 10 for the first time since March of this year .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Russia’s Urals export oil blend price was above $50 per barrel this week for the first time since February but the feedstock is traded with a discount against Brent oil blend, S&P Global Platts told TASS on Wednesday.
Brent crude oil down below $39 per barrel first time since June 16
"The CIF Rotterdam Urals differential versus Dated Brent fell to its lowest level since August this week, with evidence of supply overtaking demand in the region. CIF Rotterdam was assessed 20 cents/barrel lower at forward Dated Brent minus 55 cents/barrel on August 15, the lowest level since an identical minus 55 cents/barrel assessment on August 17, 2020," says John Morley, Associate Editorial Director, EMEA Oil.
"In the Platts Market on Close assessment process, Litasco offered a cargo of the grade loading in Primorsk over December 25-29. The cargo was offered at a discount to Dated Brent of US cents/barrel on a delivered Rotterdam basis, and did not find buying interest. Sources have cited poor refinery margins in Europe as a factor putting pressure on crude prices," the expert added.
The Brent oil price crossed the level of $50 a barrel on December 10 for the first time since March of this year.


tass--2020-12-16--Work on 26 coronavirus vaccine options underway in Russia, says watchdog chief

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Work on 26 coronavirus vaccine options is underway in Russia , Head of @ @ @ @ @ on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said at a meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ countries .
`` Work on 26 vaccine options is underway at 17 research centers , @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Work on 26 coronavirus vaccine options is underway in Russia, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said at a meeting of the sanitary watchdog chiefs from BRICS countries.
"Work on 26 vaccine options is underway at 17 research centers," she pointed out.


tass--2020-12-16--Prisoner exchange process continues between Armenia, Azerbaijan, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The prisoner exchange process continues between Armenia and Azerbaijan , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday .
`` The prisoner exchange process continues , '' she said in response to a question .
On Monday , 12 people returned to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku on a Russian military plane , while Azerbaijan sent 44 people back .
Russian peacekeepers did a lot of preparatory work with both parties to make the exchange happen .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over the disputed territory , 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 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader said that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
In accordance with the statement , the parties need to carry out an `` all-for-all '' prisoner exchange .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The prisoner exchange process continues between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday.
"The prisoner exchange process continues," she said in response to a question.
On Monday, 12 people returned to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku on a Russian military plane, while Azerbaijan sent 44 people back. Russian peacekeepers did a lot of preparatory work with both parties to make the exchange happen.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over the disputed territory, 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.
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. The Russian leader said that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. In accordance with the statement, the parties need to carry out an "all-for-all" prisoner exchange.


tass--2020-12-16--More than 40% of Ukrainians say Zelensky is 'greatest disappointment' of 2020, poll shows

KIEV , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Vladimir Zelensky was the worst disappointment of 2020 for 42 % of Ukrainians , as follows from a Razumkov Center opinion poll , published on Wednesday .
The same poll showed that 20 % named Zelensky the politician of the year , but the rate is well down from that of a year ago , when 46 % rated him as number one political figure in the country .
According to the Razumkov center , former president Pyotr Poroshenko was described as the disappointment of the year by 10 % of the respondents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the leaders of the Opposition Platform - For Life , Viktor Medvedchuk , the prime minister , Denis Shmygal , leader of the Batkivshchina party Yulia Timoshenko , leader of the Radical Party Oleg Lyashko , and former prime minister , Alexey Goncharuk .
One percent expressed the worst disappointment with former parliament member , musician Svyatoslav Vakarchuk .
Five percent were disappointed by all politicians , and 17 % remained undecided .
The Razumkov poll was held on December 4 , 2020 .
An audience of 2,018 people aged over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled by Kiev was surveyed .

KIEV, December 16. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky was the worst disappointment of 2020 for 42% of Ukrainians, as follows from a Razumkov Center opinion poll, published on Wednesday.
The same poll showed that 20% named Zelensky the politician of the year, but the rate is well down from that of a year ago, when 46% rated him as number one political figure in the country.
According to the Razumkov center, former president Pyotr Poroshenko was described as the disappointment of the year by 10% of the respondents. Two percent were most disappointed by one of the leaders of the Opposition Platform - For Life, Viktor Medvedchuk, the prime minister, Denis Shmygal, leader of the Batkivshchina party Yulia Timoshenko, leader of the Radical Party Oleg Lyashko, and former prime minister, Alexey Goncharuk. One percent expressed the worst disappointment with former parliament member, musician Svyatoslav Vakarchuk. Five percent were disappointed by all politicians, and 17% remained undecided.
The Razumkov poll was held on December 4, 2020. An audience of 2,018 people aged over 18 in all regions of the country controlled by Kiev was surveyed.


tass--2020-12-16--Germany wants good relations with Russia, Merkel tells Bundestag

BERLIN , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Germany needs good relations with Russia , but one can not turn a @ @ @ @ @ , German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at the Bundestag Wednesday .
`` On the one @ @ @ @ @ that there is a wish to have good strategic relations with Russia , I always @ @ @ @ @ must not turn a blind eye to the reality , '' she said , answering @ @ @ @ @ Merkel named the Alexey Navalny case and the Kleiner Tiergarten murder as examples of controversial @ @ @ @ @ were `` little progress in the Minsk process '' on Ukraine , the Chancellor said @ @ @ @ @ there is no need for a `` new start '' in relations with Russia , @ @ @ @ @ '' already even without it .

BERLIN, December 16. /TASS/. Germany needs good relations with Russia, but one cannot turn a blind eye to controversial points, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at the Bundestag Wednesday.
"On the one hand, one must see that there is a wish to have good strategic relations with Russia, I always said that, but we must not turn a blind eye to the reality," she said, answering the lawmakers’ questions.
Merkel named the Alexey Navalny case and the Kleiner Tiergarten murder as examples of controversial points. Besides, there were "little progress in the Minsk process" on Ukraine, the Chancellor said.
According to Merkel, there is no need for a "new start" in relations with Russia, as they "have length" already even without it.


tass--2020-12-16--Biden will alleviate EU-US strife but issues will remain, says Russian envoy

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The issues in the relations between the European Union and the United States , which exacerbated under Donald Trump ’ s presidency , will not be as acute under Joe Biden , but they will still remain there , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov told an online briefing Wednesday .
The envoy noted that the EU is somewhat enthusiastic about the future change of the White House administration , however , `` the joy is more reserved '' in comparison with the situation 12 years ago when Barack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people here in Brussels and Europe generally understand that the US policy will not change much on many issues , '' Chizhov explained .
`` Some landmark decisions announced by Biden - return to the Paris Agreement on Climate , return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program , return to the WHO , and maybe a change in approach to the WTO - this all is likely to be somehow formulated , even though not instantaneously and not at once .
On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these years indeed , and the problems which aggravated in the past four years during the Trump administration between the EU and the US , will have the edge taken off them but will still remain , '' the Russian diplomat stressed .
Baltic Fleet to set up new division in response to NATO ’ s build-up near Russian borders Washington will hold a more pro-NATO policy under the Joe Biden Administration , Vladimir Chizhov stated .
`` If Donald Trump used to frighten the allies with the US withdrawal from NATO , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more pro-NATO approach .
Although the demand for 2 % of military spending will remain in place , '' Chizhov said .
Speaking about how the arrival of the new administration could affect Russia ’ s relations with the European Union , Chizhov pointed out that the problems would still be there .
`` Not all of those problems affect the US interests , but nevertheless , the EU will mostly coordinate its policy in the international arena at a greater extent with that of Washington , '' he added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our relationship with the United States , we , as you know , have no illusions .
There is no reason to expect dramatic improvement either , '' the diplomat stressed .
On December 14 , the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden ’ s election victory .
The Democrat received 306 votes , while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes .
With 538 electors , a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States .
In late November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden .
In light of this remark , the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The issues in the relations between the European Union and the United States, which exacerbated under Donald Trump’s presidency, will not be as acute under Joe Biden, but they will still remain there, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov told an online briefing Wednesday.
The envoy noted that the EU is somewhat enthusiastic about the future change of the White House administration, however, "the joy is more reserved" in comparison with the situation 12 years ago when Barack Obama came to power. "High-profile people here in Brussels and Europe generally understand that the US policy will not change much on many issues," Chizhov explained.
"Some landmark decisions announced by Biden - return to the Paris Agreement on Climate, return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program, return to the WHO, and maybe a change in approach to the WTO - this all is likely to be somehow formulated, even though not instantaneously and not at once. On the other hand, a lot has changed over these years indeed, and the problems which aggravated in the past four years during the Trump administration between the EU and the US, will have the edge taken off them but will still remain," the Russian diplomat stressed.
Baltic Fleet to set up new division in response to NATO’s build-up near Russian borders
Washington will hold a more pro-NATO policy under the Joe Biden Administration, Vladimir Chizhov stated.
"If Donald Trump used to frighten the allies with the US withdrawal from NATO, now the new administration will evidently have a more pro-NATO approach. Although the demand for 2% of military spending will remain in place," Chizhov said.
Speaking about how the arrival of the new administration could affect Russia’s relations with the European Union, Chizhov pointed out that the problems would still be there.
"Not all of those problems affect the US interests, but nevertheless, the EU will mostly coordinate its policy in the international arena at a greater extent with that of Washington," he added.
"As for the impact it could have on our relationship with the United States, we, as you know, have no illusions. There is no reason to expect dramatic improvement either," the diplomat stressed.
On December 14, the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden’s election victory. The Democrat received 306 votes, while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes. With 538 electors, a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States.
In late November, Trump, who has still not conceded, said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden. In light of this remark, the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight.