tass--2020-12-03--US Presidential election, COVID vaccine positively impact oil market - Russian Deputy PM

MOSCOW , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
Certainty with the results of the US presidential election and the creation of vaccines against coronavirus have a positive impact on the oil market .
Nevertheless , there are still uncertainties : restrictive measures due to COVID-19 and a decrease in oil demand in winter , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in his welcoming speech at the OPEC+ ministerial meeting .
`` Today we have to discuss the results of the implementation of the agreement for the month of November , and assess forecasts for the development of the market , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have a positive effect on the current situation .
I mean the certainty with the elections in the United States , stimulating measures in many countries against the spread of coronavirus , the emergence of new vaccines against the disease - all this has a positive effect on the market , '' he said .
`` At the same time , there are uncertainties that we see .
These are restrictive measures in many countries within the second wave ( of COVID-19 - TASS ) and the winter , lower demand ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Novak also expressed confidence that on Thursday the countries participating in the deal to reduce oil production will be able to make an informed decision on the parameters of the OPEC+ deal .
`` We all understand that the whole world is watching us today .
This responsibility is already painfully familiar to us , and I am more than sure that we will make a well-grounded , balanced decision regarding the parameters of our cooperation , '' he said .

MOSCOW, December 3. /TASS/. Certainty with the results of the US presidential election and the creation of vaccines against coronavirus have a positive impact on the oil market. Nevertheless, there are still uncertainties: restrictive measures due to COVID-19 and a decrease in oil demand in winter, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in his welcoming speech at the OPEC+ ministerial meeting.
"Today we have to discuss the results of the implementation of the agreement for the month of November, and assess forecasts for the development of the market, taking into account the emerging positive factors that have a positive effect on the current situation. I mean the certainty with the elections in the United States, stimulating measures in many countries against the spread of coronavirus, the emergence of new vaccines against the disease - all this has a positive effect on the market," he said.
"At the same time, there are uncertainties that we see. These are restrictive measures in many countries within the second wave (of COVID-19 - TASS) and the winter, lower demand (for oil)," he added.
Novak also expressed confidence that on Thursday the countries participating in the deal to reduce oil production will be able to make an informed decision on the parameters of the OPEC+ deal. "We all understand that the whole world is watching us today. This responsibility is already painfully familiar to us, and I am more than sure that we will make a well-grounded, balanced decision regarding the parameters of our cooperation," he said.


tass--2020-12-03--Transnistrian leader censures Sandu’s calling for the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers

CHISINAU , December 3./TASS/ .
President of unrecognized Transnistria Vadim Krasnoselsky has dubbed as speculation statements from Moldovan politicians concerning the withdrawal of the Operational Group of Russian Forces in Transnistria ( OGRF ) from the region .
`` Such statements from Moldovan politicians is pure speculation , '' Krasnoselsky told TASS in comments on appeals from Moldovan President-elect Maia Sandu to withdraw the troops and reformat the peacekeeping operation with the participation of Russia .
`` We assume that the OGRF and the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation are the single and inseparable mechanism of legal Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis of stability and security along the Dniester , '' he went on to say .
`` Russian military in no way violate the territorial integrity of the neighboring state , since they are deployed to the constitutional territory of the Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic on legal grounds in line with the expression of the will of its citizens at the 1995 referendum , '' he said .
`` Since state-legal relations remain unsettled , Transnistria and Moldova have no all-inclusive agreement that would rule out the possibility of a new direct military confrontation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Moldova has individually withdrawn even from the agreements in effect on cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the sides , '' Krasnoselsky stressed .
`` As of today , the 1992 Agreement on the Principles for a Peaceful Settlement of the Armed Conflict is in effect between Transnistria and Moldova , under which the ceasefire is in place in the Security Zone , '' he said .
`` Any attempts to destroy the existing mechanism of guarantees can return the Moldova-Transnistria conflict back to the de-facto situation of the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a news conference on Monday , Maia Sandu called for the withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunition from Transnistria and the deployment of an OSCE civilian monitoring mission in place of the Russian peacekeepers .
Changes in the status quo in Transnistria may lead to a rise in tensions , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Monday .
`` Russia is playing an important role and any changes in the status quo , which is based on the letter and spirit of international law , may lead to a serious rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
`` We do expect that all this will be discussed and no sudden movements will be made , '' he added .
The Transnistrian conflict erupted in March 1992 , when initial clashes occurred between Moldovan police and Transnistrian militia near the city of Dubossary .
They were followed by an outbreak of armed hostilities .
By the summer , it had morphed into a large-scale conflict in Bendery , where about 1,000 people were killed and tens of thousands were wounded and ended up as refugees .
The civil war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace agreement signed in Moscow in July 1992 and Russian peacekeepers were brought into the conflict zone .
Negotiations on peacefully settling the conflict known as the 5+2 format talks had started after that .

CHISINAU, December 3./TASS/. President of unrecognized Transnistria Vadim Krasnoselsky has dubbed as speculation statements from Moldovan politicians concerning the withdrawal of the Operational Group of Russian Forces in Transnistria (OGRF) from the region.
"Such statements from Moldovan politicians is pure speculation," Krasnoselsky told TASS in comments on appeals from Moldovan President-elect Maia Sandu to withdraw the troops and reformat the peacekeeping operation with the participation of Russia.
"We assume that the OGRF and the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation are the single and inseparable mechanism of legal Russian military presence in Transnistria, which is the basis of stability and security along the Dniester," he went on to say.
"Russian military in no way violate the territorial integrity of the neighboring state, since they are deployed to the constitutional territory of the Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic on legal grounds in line with the expression of the will of its citizens at the 1995 referendum," he said.
"Since state-legal relations remain unsettled, Transnistria and Moldova have no all-inclusive agreement that would rule out the possibility of a new direct military confrontation," he went on to say. "Moldova has individually withdrawn even from the agreements in effect on cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of the sides," Krasnoselsky stressed.
"As of today, the 1992 Agreement on the Principles for a Peaceful Settlement of the Armed Conflict is in effect between Transnistria and Moldova, under which the ceasefire is in place in the Security Zone," he said. "Any attempts to destroy the existing mechanism of guarantees can return the Moldova-Transnistria conflict back to the de-facto situation of the early 1990s," he warned.
At a news conference on Monday, Maia Sandu called for the withdrawal of Russian troops and ammunition from Transnistria and the deployment of an OSCE civilian monitoring mission in place of the Russian peacekeepers. Changes in the status quo in Transnistria may lead to a rise in tensions, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned on Monday.
"Russia is playing an important role and any changes in the status quo, which is based on the letter and spirit of international law, may lead to a serious rise in tensions," the Kremlin spokesman pointed out. "We do expect that all this will be discussed and no sudden movements will be made," he added.
Moldova’s Transnistrian quagmire
The Transnistrian conflict erupted in March 1992, when initial clashes occurred between Moldovan police and Transnistrian militia near the city of Dubossary. They were followed by an outbreak of armed hostilities. By the summer, it had morphed into a large-scale conflict in Bendery, where about 1,000 people were killed and tens of thousands were wounded and ended up as refugees.
The civil war was brought to an end following a peace agreement signed in Moscow in July 1992 and Russian peacekeepers were brought into the conflict zone. Negotiations on peacefully settling the conflict known as the 5+2 format talks had started after that.


tass--2020-12-03--Moscow court arrests scientist Gubanov charged with high treason

MOSCOW , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Lefortovo District Court has ruled to arrest Russian scientist Anatoly Gubanov suspected of high treason , Court Press Secretary Darya Rozmakhova told TASS on Thursday .
`` The court has chosen custody for a term of one month and 30 days , i.e .
until February 2 , 2021 , as a measure of restraint for Anatoly Aleksandrovich Gubanov suspected of committing a crime stipulated by Article 275 of Russia ’ s Criminal Code ( High Treason ) , '' the press secretary said .
The court heard the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gubanov may face up to 20 years in prison .
The website of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology ( MIPT ) mentions Gubanov among its lecturers .
However , the Institute ’ s press office could not promptly comment on the information on his arrest .
`` We are checking information , '' the press office said .
`` I don ’ t know a man with such a name .
We have a lot of employees and I have a lot of tasks .
Possibly , I will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t say anything so far , '' MIPT Rector Nikolai Kudryavtsev told TASS .
Anatoly Gubanov is a representative of the dynasty well known in the Russian aircraft-building industry .
Gubanov ’ s father-in-law is Leonid Shkadov , a prominent scientist and one of the heads of the Soviet aviation industry .
Gubanov has been working at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute ( TsAGI ) since 1979 and heads one of the sections at NIO-2 ( the department of aircraft and rocket aerodynamics ) .
He deals with high-speed aircraft .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also working in the aviation industry .

MOSCOW, December 3. /TASS/. Moscow’s Lefortovo District Court has ruled to arrest Russian scientist Anatoly Gubanov suspected of high treason, Court Press Secretary Darya Rozmakhova told TASS on Thursday.
"The court has chosen custody for a term of one month and 30 days, i.e. until February 2, 2021, as a measure of restraint for Anatoly Aleksandrovich Gubanov suspected of committing a crime stipulated by Article 275 of Russia’s Criminal Code (High Treason)," the press secretary said.
The court heard the case behind closed doors. If convicted, Gubanov may face up to 20 years in prison.
The website of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) mentions Gubanov among its lecturers. However, the Institute’s press office could not promptly comment on the information on his arrest.
"We are checking information," the press office said.
"I don’t know a man with such a name. We have a lot of employees and I have a lot of tasks. Possibly, I will be able to clarify later who he is but I can’t say anything so far," MIPT Rector Nikolai Kudryavtsev told TASS.
Anatoly Gubanov is a representative of the dynasty well known in the Russian aircraft-building industry. Gubanov’s father-in-law is Leonid Shkadov, a prominent scientist and one of the heads of the Soviet aviation industry.
Gubanov has been working at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) since 1979 and heads one of the sections at NIO-2 (the department of aircraft and rocket aerodynamics). He deals with high-speed aircraft. Three out of his five children are also working in the aviation industry.


tass--2020-12-03--Russia’s FSB suspects scientist Gubanov of handing over secret aviation development data

MOSCOW , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) suspects Russian scientist Anatoly Gubanov , arrested earlier on charges of high treason , of handing over secret aviation development data , a source in the law enforcement informed TASS .
`` According to the investigation , Gubanov handed over secret aviation development data abroad , '' the source stated , without providing any details of the criminal case or specifying the foreign countries involved , as the case materials are top secret .
According to another source of the agency , Gubanov conducted research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-speed aircraft power units .
Earlier , Rector of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology ( MIPT ) Nikolai Kudryavtsev told TASS that the university is not Gubanov ’ s main place of employment .
MIPT website mentions Gubanov among its lecturers .
The rector assumed that his main place of employment is the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute ( TsAGI ) .
On December 3 , Moscow ’ s Lefortovo District Court ruled to arrest Gubanov until February 2 , 2021 suspected of committing a crime stipulated by Article 275 of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If convicted , Gubanov may face up to 20 years in prison .

MOSCOW, December 3. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) suspects Russian scientist Anatoly Gubanov, arrested earlier on charges of high treason, of handing over secret aviation development data, a source in the law enforcement informed TASS.
"According to the investigation, Gubanov handed over secret aviation development data abroad," the source stated, without providing any details of the criminal case or specifying the foreign countries involved, as the case materials are top secret.
According to another source of the agency, Gubanov conducted research in the area of supersonic speeds and high-speed aircraft power units.
Earlier, Rector of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) Nikolai Kudryavtsev told TASS that the university is not Gubanov’s main place of employment. MIPT website mentions Gubanov among its lecturers. The rector assumed that his main place of employment is the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI).
On December 3, Moscow’s Lefortovo District Court ruled to arrest Gubanov until February 2, 2021 suspected of committing a crime stipulated by Article 275 of Russia’s Criminal Code (High Treason). If convicted, Gubanov may face up to 20 years in prison.


tass--2020-12-03--Increased NATO activity in Black Sea shakes regional security, says diplomat

MOSCOW , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is concerned over growing NATO military activity in the Black Sea , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday , adding that these actions shake the regional stability .
The diplomat stated that NATO military ships increasingly frequently enter Black Sea ports of the Alliance ’ s allies and partner states , adding that the frequency of drone sorties near Russian borders grows as well .
`` The infrastructure of Bulgaria , Romania is being upgraded , and offensive weapons are being deployed on their territories .
Military drills ’ scenarios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among other things , '' she continued .
`` This gives us serious concern .
We are forced to take the growing military activity of the Alliance into account , '' the diplomat noted .
`` The Black Sea region has its own experience of maintaining peace via coastal states ’ forces .
The emergency of a new actor , who came with obviously not the best intentions shakes the regional stability and drives a wedge between the neighboring countries . ''
Zakharova underscored that NATO pulls Ukraine and Georgia into its activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia during joint maneuvers and drills .

MOSCOW, December 3. /TASS/. Moscow is concerned over growing NATO military activity in the Black Sea, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday, adding that these actions shake the regional stability.
The diplomat stated that NATO military ships increasingly frequently enter Black Sea ports of the Alliance’s allies and partner states, adding that the frequency of drone sorties near Russian borders grows as well.
"The infrastructure of Bulgaria, Romania is being upgraded, and offensive weapons are being deployed on their territories. Military drills’ scenarios involve strikes on the Russian territory, among other things," she continued.
"This gives us serious concern. We are forced to take the growing military activity of the Alliance into account," the diplomat noted. "The Black Sea region has its own experience of maintaining peace via coastal states’ forces. The emergency of a new actor, who came with obviously not the best intentions shakes the regional stability and drives a wedge between the neighboring countries."
Zakharova underscored that NATO pulls Ukraine and Georgia into its activities, "coaching" them to confront Russia during joint maneuvers and drills.


tass--2020-12-03--Number of new coronavirus cases in Poland close to 15,000

WARSAW , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Poland surpassed 1 mln people , the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday .
Over the past day , the department reported 14,838 new coronavirus cases and 620 deaths .
In total , starting from March 4 , when the first coronavirus case was detected in the country , 1,028,610 people were infected with it , 18,828 died , 646,560 recovered .
Over the entire period of the epidemic in Poland , more than 6.2 mln coronavirus tests were done .
Around 20,400 patients with coronavirus are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them are connected to mechanical ventilation devices .
More than 289,000 people remain in quarantine .
Temporary hospitals are being set up in Warsaw and other large cities .
At the moment , the country has 38,900 beds for patients with coronavirus and 3,100 mechanical lung ventilators .
The pandemic regime announced by the authorities in Poland has been maintained since March .
In connection with the increase in the incidence rate that began in the fall , the Polish government decided to return the widespread mask regime and a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and cultural institutions .
Restaurants , cafes and bars are takeaway only .
Schoolchildren switched to distance learning .
Pensioners over 70 are urged to stay at home ; volunteers deliver food for this category of citizens .

WARSAW, December 3. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Poland surpassed 1 mln people, the Ministry of Health said on Wednesday.
Over the past day, the department reported 14,838 new coronavirus cases and 620 deaths. In total, starting from March 4, when the first coronavirus case was detected in the country, 1,028,610 people were infected with it, 18,828 died, 646,560 recovered. Over the entire period of the epidemic in Poland, more than 6.2 mln coronavirus tests were done.
Around 20,400 patients with coronavirus are currently housed in Polish hospitals, 1,986 of them are connected to mechanical ventilation devices. More than 289,000 people remain in quarantine. Temporary hospitals are being set up in Warsaw and other large cities. At the moment, the country has 38,900 beds for patients with coronavirus and 3,100 mechanical lung ventilators.
The pandemic regime announced by the authorities in Poland has been maintained since March. In connection with the increase in the incidence rate that began in the fall, the Polish government decided to return the widespread mask regime and a number of other restrictions on shops, public transport, and cultural institutions. Restaurants, cafes and bars are takeaway only. Schoolchildren switched to distance learning. Pensioners over 70 are urged to stay at home; volunteers deliver food for this category of citizens.


tass--2020-12-03--World food prices hit nearly six-year high in November

ROME , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
Global food commodity prices rose sharply in November , reaching their highest level @ @ @ @ @ The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported on Thursday , the average @ @ @ @ @ price index , which reflects monthly changes in international prices for basic foodstuffs , was @ @ @ @ @ which is 3.9 % higher than in October , and 6.5 % more than in @ @ @ @ @ report published on the organization 's website , the food price index reached its highest @ @ @ @ @ FAO cereal price index rose by 2.5 % compared to October , sugar - by @ @ @ @ @ - by 0.9 % .
It was noted that the FAO dairy price index increased @ @ @ @ @ an almost 18-month high .
The organization also listed factors that threaten global food security @ @ @ @ @ , hurricanes in Central America and floods in Africa .

ROME, December 3. /TASS/. Global food commodity prices rose sharply in November, reaching their highest level in nearly six years. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reported on Thursday, the average value of the FAO food price index, which reflects monthly changes in international prices for basic foodstuffs, was 105.0 points in November, which is 3.9% higher than in October, and 6.5% more than in 2019.
According to a report published on the organization's website, the food price index reached its highest value since 2014. The FAO cereal price index rose by 2.5% compared to October, sugar - by 3.3%, and meat - by 0.9%. It was noted that the FAO dairy price index increased by 0.9% and reached an almost 18-month high.
The organization also listed factors that threaten global food security, including the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes in Central America and floods in Africa.


tass--2020-12-03--Armenian top diplomat notes Putin’s personal contribution to Karabakh ceasefire

YEREVAN , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan has noted the personal contribution of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire , he said during a session of the OSCE Ministerial Council on Thursday .
`` Today , we must highlight the efforts of the Russian Federation and the personal involvement of President Vladimir Putin in establishing a ceasefire and ending the war , namely through deploying peacekeeping forces .
We also thank France and the US for their efforts to reach a ceasefire , '' he noted .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .

YEREVAN, December 3. /TASS/. Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan has noted the personal contribution of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire, he said during a session of the OSCE Ministerial Council on Thursday.
"Today, we must highlight the efforts of the Russian Federation and the personal involvement of President Vladimir Putin in establishing a ceasefire and ending the war, namely through deploying peacekeeping forces. We also thank France and the US for their efforts to reach a ceasefire," he noted.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
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. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-12-03--French authorities restrict civil liberties more and more often, Russian diplomat says

MOSCOW , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
Human Rights in France are being restricted more and more often under the pretext of national security , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday .
`` Although the French authorities traditionally declare protection of human rights as one of the state ’ s key policy priorities , lately France has more and more often resorted to restrictions of civil rights and freedoms , justifying it by interests of national security , '' she said .
The diplomat noted that the problem of so-called police violence and brutal suppression of protest actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police , is currently widely discussed in France .
She pointed out that , during the 2018-2019 Yellow Vests manifestations , some 14,000 rubber bullets were fired at the protesters , some 2,500 citizens were injured , over 12,000 people were apprehended and some 2,000 convictions were delivered .
She added that journalists covering protests , including Russian ones , often get into hot water .
The spokeswoman recalled that , amid growing crime rate and Islamic terror threat , the National Assembly of France passed the bill on comprehensive security in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this led to large-scale rallies of the opponents of this bill , followed by clashes with the police .
According to the diplomat , this demonstrated a negative attitude of the public to President Emmanuel Macron 's course towards restriction of the freedom of information .
The National Assembly began reviewing the bill , dubbed The Fauverge Law after one of its authors , former officer Jean-Michel Fauverge , on November 18 .
The first protests in Paris followed immediately .
The bill is primarily criticized over its Clause 24 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers .
This clause carries a penalty of one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euro for dissemination of `` an image of the face or other identifying element of the national police representative , gendarme or other employee of municipal police with the intention of causing physical or psychological harm . ''
The largest protests since the Yellow Vests rallies took place on November 28 involving a total of about 133,000 people .
According to the police , some 46,000 protesters took to the streets of Paris , protesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain officials .
The rally evolved into mass riots , in which 98 police officers were injured and some 80 rioters were apprehended .

"Although the French authorities traditionally tout the protection of human rights as one of the state’s key policy priorities, lately France has ever more frequently resorted to restricting civil rights and freedoms, justifying it by claiming national security," she said.
The diplomat noted that the problem of police brutality and the violent suppression of protests, which often descend into altercations with the police, is widely discussed in France right now. She pointed out that, during the 2018-2019 Yellow Vests demonstrations, around 14,000 rubber bullets were fired at protesters, and roughly 2,500 citizens were injured, over 12,000 people were apprehended and some 2,000 convictions were handed down. She added that journalists covering protests, including Russian ones, often find themselves in hot water.
The spokeswoman recalled that, amid rising crime rates and the Islamic terror threat, the National Assembly of France passed a bill on comprehensive security in the first reading. Zakharova pointed out that this triggered large-scale rallies by opponents of this bill, followed by clashes with police. According to the diplomat, this testifies to the public’s backlash against President Emmanuel Macron's policy course that is headed towards restricting freedom of information.
The National Assembly began reviewing the bill, dubbed The Fauverge Law after one of its authors, a former police officer and politician, Jean-Michel Fauverge, on November 18. The first protests in Paris followed immediately. The bill has primarily come under fire over Article 24, which prohibits "disseminating, by any means or medium whatsoever, with the aim of harming their physical or mental integrity, the image of the face or any other identifying element of an officer of the national police or member of the national gendarmerie when acting during a police operation.”
On November 28, one of the biggest rallies not seen since the time of the Yellow Vests occurred, drawing roughly 133,000 people. Police say some 46,000 protesters flooded the streets of Paris, to demonstrate against the bill and demand the resignation of certain officials. The protest took a violent turn and descended into massive riots, in which 98 police officers were injured and some 80 rioters were apprehended.


tass--2020-12-03--Over 800 pregnant women contract COVID-19 during pandemic in St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus infection has been documented in 806 pregnant women in St. Petersburg during the pandemic , head of the obstetrical remote consulting center of the city perinatal center No .
1 Ulyana Shipulina said at a press conference at TASS on Thursday .
Only 52 newborns were infected as a result of a contact .
`` During the existence of the regional consulting center [ since March 30 - TASS ] we registered 806 pregnant women and new mothers with the detected infection .
In all , 212 of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is , those were the patients who required intensive therapy , including 14 cases who needed invasive lung ventilation , '' the physician said .
She added that over this time 350 women had already given birth , including six cases of twins .
`` The intrauterine path of infection has not been confirmed , it simply does not exist .
The only thing is that during the course of the disease sometimes , especially with the serious cases of the infection , one has to consider the issue of delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mother , so that she can continue intensive treatment since not all medications and not all methods can be used for pregnant women , '' the expert explained .
Head of the department for the organization of medical aid for mothers and children of the city public health committee Yana Panyutina added that all newborns whose mothers have suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection are tested for the presence of the virus twice .
During the pandemic , 52 cases of the infection among infants have been detected .
`` The majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mild form .
The main path is via a contact .
For example , if we didn ’ t know the mother ’ s status and didn ’ t separate the mother and the newborn , '' she noted .
Earlier she reported that during the coronavirus pandemic five pregnant women died in St. Petersburg ; in four cases , the children survived .
According to the latest data , some 136,980 cases of the coronavirus infection have been detected in St. Petersburg , making it Russia 's second hardest-hit region after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 5,668 have died .
Over the past 24 hours , 3,692 cases of the infection have been detected in the city .

ST. PETERSBURG, December 3. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus infection has been documented in 806 pregnant women in St. Petersburg during the pandemic, head of the obstetrical remote consulting center of the city perinatal center No. 1 Ulyana Shipulina said at a press conference at TASS on Thursday. Only 52 newborns were infected as a result of a contact.
"During the existence of the regional consulting center [since March 30 - TASS] we registered 806 pregnant women and new mothers with the detected infection. In all, 212 of them had a severe course of the disease. That is, those were the patients who required intensive therapy, including 14 cases who needed invasive lung ventilation," the physician said. She added that over this time 350 women had already given birth, including six cases of twins.
"The intrauterine path of infection has not been confirmed, it simply does not exist. The only thing is that during the course of the disease sometimes, especially with the serious cases of the infection, one has to consider the issue of delivering a child early in the interests of a mother, so that she can continue intensive treatment since not all medications and not all methods can be used for pregnant women," the expert explained.
Head of the department for the organization of medical aid for mothers and children of the city public health committee Yana Panyutina added that all newborns whose mothers have suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection are tested for the presence of the virus twice. During the pandemic, 52 cases of the infection among infants have been detected.
"The majority of children experience it as carriers, in a mild form. The main path is via a contact. For example, if we didn’t know the mother’s status and didn’t separate the mother and the newborn," she noted. Earlier she reported that during the coronavirus pandemic five pregnant women died in St. Petersburg; in four cases, the children survived.
According to the latest data, some 136,980 cases of the coronavirus infection have been detected in St. Petersburg, making it Russia's second hardest-hit region after Moscow. Some 78,004 patients have recovered and 5,668 have died. Over the past 24 hours, 3,692 cases of the infection have been detected in the city.


tass--2020-12-03--Moldova’s parliament approves bill stripping president of control over special services

CHISINAU , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Moldovan parliament approved the bill stripping the president of control over the @ @ @ @ @ Information and Security and moved it under the jurisdiction of parliament .
The corresponding bill @ @ @ @ @ readings at once on Thursday , the press service of Moldova ’ s parliament informed @ @ @ @ @ has been approved by 51 votes in the first and second , final reading , @ @ @ @ @ of the parliament , stated .

CHISINAU, December 3. /TASS/. The Moldovan parliament approved the bill stripping the president of control over the country’s Service of Information and Security and moved it under the jurisdiction of parliament. The corresponding bill has been approved in two readings at once on Thursday, the press service of Moldova’s parliament informed.
"The draft bill has been approved by 51 votes in the first and second, final reading," Vlad Batrincea, vice-speaker of the parliament, stated.


tass--2020-12-03--Flawed exceptionalism: Lavrov slams West’s contempt for other nations’ bona fide interests

MOSCOW , December 3./TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has taken Western countries to task over their unwillingness to ditch their confrontational stances and contemptuous arrogance towards the legitimate interests of other nations .
`` The West ’ s unwillingness to abandon confrontational bloc approaches , and its arrogant attitude towards the legitimate interests of other nations , stemming from the feeling of their own ‘ exceptionalism ’ remains a stumbling block , '' the top diplomat said in a video address to the OSCE Ministerial Council on Thursday .
`` A policy to replace international law with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an increasingly rigid and unfair game without rules and with an abundance of fake news and double standards .
The less any real facts are behind the orchestrated media campaigns the ever more aggressive they become , '' Lavrov pointed out .
The coronavirus pandemic came as an additional factor of disruption and anxiety in global relations .
Meanwhile , the global crisis has `` clearly demonstrated the need to jointly hammer out systemic solutions to common challenges , and acting against threats that are real , and not far-fetched , '' @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 3./TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has taken Western countries to task over their unwillingness to ditch their confrontational stances and contemptuous arrogance towards the legitimate interests of other nations.
"The West’s unwillingness to abandon confrontational bloc approaches, and its arrogant attitude towards the legitimate interests of other nations, stemming from the feeling of their own ‘exceptionalism’ remains a stumbling block," the top diplomat said in a video address to the OSCE Ministerial Council on Thursday.
"A policy to replace international law with a certain order based on guidelines, leads to an increasingly rigid and unfair game without rules and with an abundance of fake news and double standards. The less any real facts are behind the orchestrated media campaigns the ever more aggressive they become," Lavrov pointed out.
The coronavirus pandemic came as an additional factor of disruption and anxiety in global relations. Meanwhile, the global crisis has "clearly demonstrated the need to jointly hammer out systemic solutions to common challenges, and act against threats that are real, and not far-fetched," Lavrov stressed.


tass--2020-12-03--Opposition figurehead says ready to lead Belarus during ‘transition period’

MINSK , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , who did not recognize the outcomes of the election , has stated that she is ready to lead the country `` during the transition period . ''
`` The stage of pressure and protest is inevitably followed by the dialogue stage .
< … > Many have asked me whether I ’ m ready to lead the nation at this moment .
Yes .
I officially state that I am ready to head the country during the transition period , '' she said in a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` Back in the summer , I promised you that I would prepare the conditions for holding the new transparent elections of the president of the Republic of Belarus .
I will keep my word , '' she added .
Tikhanovskaya said that her supporters had developed a procedure for holding new elections , as well as their own draft constitutional reform .
`` My goal is to unite the best experts and democratic forces so that Belarus approaches the new election with as few shocks as possible .
The Coordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all areas have been established with that purpose .
< … > We have already developed a concept of holding new elections , a draft constitutional reform that will be held after Lukashenko leaves , '' she stated .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .
Amid the protests , Lukashenko stated that the country ’ s Constitution needs to be amended , noting that he is ready to share some of his powers with other branches of government .
On October 2 , the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament began to accept proposals on amending the country ’ s main law .
However , the opposition refused to discuss the amendments with the government , demanding that a new presidential election be held .

MINSK, December 3. /TASS/. Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who did not recognize the outcomes of the election, has stated that she is ready to lead the country "during the transition period."
"The stage of pressure and protest is inevitably followed by the dialogue stage. <…> Many have asked me whether I’m ready to lead the nation at this moment. Yes. I officially state that I am ready to head the country during the transition period," she said in a video address published by her press service on Thursday.
"Back in the summer, I promised you that I would prepare the conditions for holding the new transparent elections of the president of the Republic of Belarus. I will keep my word," she added.
Tikhanovskaya said that her supporters had developed a procedure for holding new elections, as well as their own draft constitutional reform.
"My goal is to unite the best experts and democratic forces so that Belarus approaches the new election with as few shocks as possible. The Coordination Council and the cabinet of representatives in all areas have been established with that purpose. <…> We have already developed a concept of holding new elections, a draft constitutional reform that will be held after Lukashenko leaves," she stated.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.
Amid the protests, Lukashenko stated that the country’s Constitution needs to be amended, noting that he is ready to share some of his powers with other branches of government. On October 2, the lower chamber of the Belarusian parliament began to accept proposals on amending the country’s main law. However, the opposition refused to discuss the amendments with the government, demanding that a new presidential election be held.


tass--2020-12-04--Major Russian union goes to bat for reporters detained in Latvia calling for their release

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Union of Journalists ( RUJ ) is appalled by the detention of Russian reporters in Latvia and is demanding their immediate release , the statement by the RUJ reads .
Among those taken into custody are Baltnews former editor-in-chief Andrei Yakovlev , journalists Andrei Solopenko and Alla Berezovskaya , who cooperated with this media outlet , as well as publicist , human rights activist and public figure Vladimir Linderman .
`` The Russian Union of Journalists is outraged at the illegal detention of Russian journalists in Latvia and demands that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This illegitimate and wrongful act has nothing to do with any legal guidelines and is a direct attempt to demonstrate that the use of violence against Russian journalists and media outlets in the country has become the norm . ''
The professional association is urging Russian and international civic and journalism organizations to join the protest and to undertake all possible steps so that similar cases against reporters carrying out their professional duties won ’ t be repeated in the future .
On December 3 , the Latvian State Security Service detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baltnews media outlets .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) is appalled by the detention of Russian reporters in Latvia and is demanding their immediate release, the statement by the RUJ reads.
Among those taken into custody are Baltnews former editor-in-chief Andrei Yakovlev, journalists Andrei Solopenko and Alla Berezovskaya, who cooperated with this media outlet, as well as publicist, human rights activist and public figure Vladimir Linderman.
"The Russian Union of Journalists is outraged at the illegal detention of Russian journalists in Latvia and demands that all the charges against them be dropped immediately. This illegitimate and wrongful act has nothing to do with any legal guidelines and is a direct attempt to demonstrate that the use of violence against Russian journalists and media outlets in the country has become the norm."
The professional association is urging Russian and international civic and journalism organizations to join the protest and to undertake all possible steps so that similar cases against reporters carrying out their professional duties won’t be repeated in the future.
On December 3, the Latvian State Security Service detained several journalists cooperating with the Sputnik and Baltnews media outlets.


tass--2020-12-04--Kremlin blasts new sanctions against Nord Stream 2 as unfair competition

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin considers expansion of the US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project as a manifestation of unfair competition , Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
Asked about the Kremlin ’ s take on the US ’ draft military budget for the 2021 financial year ( started on October 1 ) approved by both chambers of the US Congress , which includes expansion of sanctions against gas pipeline projects Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream , Peskov said : `` Same as on all other sanctions by the US . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider that nothing more than a manifestation of unfair competition , '' he noted .
Such steps `` basically contradict the principles of international trade and international law , '' Moscow believes .
`` Obviously we will do our best to protect our interests and the interests of international commercial projects , '' Peskov said when asked whether Russia plans any countermeasures .
Meanwhile , he refrained from specifying the measures that may be taken to offset companies ’ losses from possible sanctions against the project .
`` I will withhold comments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that Moscow `` will obviously protect its interests . ''

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The Kremlin considers expansion of the US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 project as a manifestation of unfair competition, Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
Asked about the Kremlin’s take on the US’ draft military budget for the 2021 financial year (started on October 1) approved by both chambers of the US Congress, which includes expansion of sanctions against gas pipeline projects Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream, Peskov said: "Same as on all other sanctions by the US." "Regarding Nord Stream 2, we consider that nothing more than a manifestation of unfair competition," he noted.
Such steps "basically contradict the principles of international trade and international law," Moscow believes. "Obviously we will do our best to protect our interests and the interests of international commercial projects," Peskov said when asked whether Russia plans any countermeasures.
Meanwhile, he refrained from specifying the measures that may be taken to offset companies’ losses from possible sanctions against the project. "I will withhold comments on particular details," the spokesman said, adding that Moscow "will obviously protect its interests."


tass--2020-12-04--Novel coronavirus causes immune disorders that can be deadly, expert warns

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus may cause immune disorders , which can be fatal , @ @ @ @ @ National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology , Oncology and Immunology Alexander Rumyantsev said during @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This new disease has completely different pathogenesis than the infections we are familiar @ @ @ @ @ immune disorders that lead to people ’ s death .
So right now , we @ @ @ @ @ experience and knowledge to treat these patients , '' he said .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ Russia has documented 2,402,949 cases of COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic ; 1,888,752 patients have recovered and 42,176 have died .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus may cause immune disorders, which can be fatal, President of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology Alexander Rumyantsev said during a press conference on Friday.
"This new disease has completely different pathogenesis than the infections we are familiar with. This disease causes immune disorders that lead to people’s death. So right now, we are working on using our experience and knowledge to treat these patients," he said.
According to the federal anti-coronavirus crisis center, Russia has documented 2,402,949 cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, since the start of the pandemic; 1,888,752 patients have recovered and 42,176 have died.


tass--2020-12-04--Number of COVID cases in Azerbaijan up to 138,000

BAKU , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 4,267 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day , the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Friday .
The overall number of coronavirus cases in Azerbaijan has reached 138,000 , or 1.38 % of the population .
Forty-one coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day , with the overall number of coronavirus-related fatalities standing at 1,551 .
A total of 83,800 coronavirus patients have recovered , with 2,566 recoveries reported in the past day .
As many as 52,649 patients are undergoing treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus infection have been made in the country , including some 16,000 in the past day .
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Azerbaijan on February 28 .
The morbidity rate began to go up in mid-August , with a dramatic growth being reported from October 9 .
In view of the worsening epidemic situation , with the morbidity rates exceeding those in the spring , the country ’ s authorities have imposed a number of restrictions effective from October 19 .
Thus , operation of metro in the capital city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were closed for vacations , and up to 70 % of employees of government institutions were switched to work from home .
A nationwide quarantine has been extended until December 28 .

BAKU, December 4. /TASS/. As many as 4,267 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day, the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Friday.
The overall number of coronavirus cases in Azerbaijan has reached 138,000, or 1.38% of the population. Forty-one coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day, with the overall number of coronavirus-related fatalities standing at 1,551.
A total of 83,800 coronavirus patients have recovered, with 2,566 recoveries reported in the past day. As many as 52,649 patients are undergoing treatment. More than 1.8 million tests for the coronavirus infection have been made in the country, including some 16,000 in the past day.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Azerbaijan on February 28. The morbidity rate began to go up in mid-August, with a dramatic growth being reported from October 9.
In view of the worsening epidemic situation, with the morbidity rates exceeding those in the spring, the country’s authorities have imposed a number of restrictions effective from October 19. Thus, operation of metro in the capital city of Baku was suspended, educational establishments were closed for vacations, and up to 70% of employees of government institutions were switched to work from home. A nationwide quarantine has been extended until December 28.


tass--2020-12-04--Dollar falls below 74 rubles first time since September 2

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar fell by 0.68 % to 73.94 rubles on the Moscow Exchange @ @ @ @ @ dollar was below 74 rubles on September 2 , 2020 .
By 15:29 Moscow time @ @ @ @ @ at 74.015 rubles ( -0.58 % ) , and the euro - 90.03 rubles ( @ @ @ @ @ price of the February futures contract for Brent crude oil on the ICE exchange in @ @ @ @ @ to $ 49.22 per barrel .
WTI crude oil rose in price by 1.05 % @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The dollar fell by 0.68% to 73.94 rubles on the Moscow Exchange.
The last time the dollar was below 74 rubles on September 2, 2020.
By 15:29 Moscow time, the dollar was trading at 74.015 rubles (-0.58%), and the euro - 90.03 rubles (-0.41%).
The price of the February futures contract for Brent crude oil on the ICE exchange in London increased by 1.05% to $49.22 per barrel. WTI crude oil rose in price by 1.05% to $46.27 per barrel.


tass--2020-12-04--Despite ‘some bad apples’, most officials work hard and honestly, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confessed that it hurts him personally , when public opinion polls suggest poor performance of the officials , adding that the poll results raise questions .
Speaking with journalists Friday , Peskov commented on the Public Opinion Foundation ( FOM ) poll , which suggests that 61 % of Russians believe that officials perform poorly .
`` Being an official myself , of course , this hurts me very much , '' the spokesman said .
`` Of course , there are , as they say , some bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who work a lot , honestly , truly for the benefit of the country and perform their functions admirably .
But there are bad officials , who work poorly , treat their work neglectfully , and , unfortunately , this creates this wrong perception , '' Peskov believes .
He pointed out another result of the same poll .
`` If I ’ m not mistaken , there is an interesting point .
The respondents were asked whether they would like themselves or their children to work as officials , and , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It doesn ’ t add up a bit , '' Peskov noted .
Still , he called the poll interesting .
`` In any case , it once more underscores the need for more openness , more explanation of what do our officials do , '' Peskov noted .
According to the spokesman , the officials must `` perfect their performance . ''
However , when asked whether any additional measures will be taken to that extent , he answered in the negative .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confessed that it hurts him personally, when public opinion polls suggest poor performance of the officials, adding that the poll results raise questions.
Speaking with journalists Friday, Peskov commented on the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) poll, which suggests that 61% of Russians believe that officials perform poorly.
"Being an official myself, of course, this hurts me very much," the spokesman said.
"Of course, there are, as they say, some bad apples, but most officials are people who work a lot, honestly, truly for the benefit of the country and perform their functions admirably. But there are bad officials, who work poorly, treat their work neglectfully, and, unfortunately, this creates this wrong perception," Peskov believes.
He pointed out another result of the same poll.
"If I’m not mistaken, there is an interesting point. The respondents were asked whether they would like themselves or their children to work as officials, and, I believe, 65% said yes. It doesn’t add up a bit," Peskov noted.
Still, he called the poll interesting.
"In any case, it once more underscores the need for more openness, more explanation of what do our officials do," Peskov noted.
According to the spokesman, the officials must "perfect their performance."
However, when asked whether any additional measures will be taken to that extent, he answered in the negative.


tass--2020-12-04--Russia not meddling in internal affairs of Moldova, other CIS nations, Kremlin assures

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s political discord is this country ’ s domestic affair , and Russia is not interfering in any events there , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday .
`` Everything that is going on in Moldova is the internal affair of this republic , '' the Kremlin representative emphasized .
`` Yes , incumbent President [ Igor ] Dodon , he is still the acting head of state .
He indeed lost the election to Maia Sandu but , of course , he hasn ’ t put a stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman noted .
`` Yet , in the meantime , everything that is going on within the framework of this political struggle is exclusively Moldova ’ s internal affair .
We , much like in other CIS countries , are in no way interfering and [ we ] do not want to interfere in these affairs , '' the Kremlin spokesman stressed .
Earlier on Thursday , the supporters of the Party of Action and Solidarity led by president-elect Maia Sandu held a protest rally near the parliament against the initiatives by Moldova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodon , the incumbent president .
Sandu also announced a mass demonstration demanding the dissolution of parliament scheduled for December 6 at Chisinau ’ s main square .
Dodon ’ s term of office expires on December 23 .
Maia Sandu was declared the winner in the presidential runoff by the Central Election Commission on November 15 .
The results of the election and the new president ’ s mandate are scheduled to be approved by Moldova ’ s Constitutional Court .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Moldova’s political discord is this country’s domestic affair, and Russia is not interfering in any events there, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Friday.
"Everything that is going on in Moldova is the internal affair of this republic," the Kremlin representative emphasized.
"Yes, incumbent President [Igor] Dodon, he is still the acting head of state. He indeed lost the election to Maia Sandu but, of course, he hasn’t put a stop to the political struggle," the spokesman noted. "Yet, in the meantime, everything that is going on within the framework of this political struggle is exclusively Moldova’s internal affair. We, much like in other CIS countries, are in no way interfering and [we] do not want to interfere in these affairs," the Kremlin spokesman stressed.
Earlier on Thursday, the supporters of the Party of Action and Solidarity led by president-elect Maia Sandu held a protest rally near the parliament against the initiatives by Moldova’s Socialist Party which backs Igor Dodon, the incumbent president. Sandu also announced a mass demonstration demanding the dissolution of parliament scheduled for December 6 at Chisinau’s main square.
Dodon’s term of office expires on December 23. Maia Sandu was declared the winner in the presidential runoff by the Central Election Commission on November 15. The results of the election and the new president’s mandate are scheduled to be approved by Moldova’s Constitutional Court.


tass--2020-12-04--Putin calls for analysis of all AI-related risks

NOVO-OGARYOVO , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is confident that all risks related to artificial intelligence @ @ @ @ @ thought through beforehand , he said on Friday during an international online conference Artificial Intelligence @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian leader noted that the development of AI carries certain risks , however @ @ @ @ @ the humans how actively they will use these opportunities . ''
`` The use of @ @ @ @ @ achievements used in the military sphere , for example , depends on humans as well @ @ @ @ @ `` So I think we should consider those risks and think them through beforehand to @ @ @ @ @

NOVO-OGARYOVO, December 4. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is confident that all risks related to artificial intelligence (AI) should be thought through beforehand, he said on Friday during an international online conference Artificial Intelligence Journey (AI Journey).
The Russian leader noted that the development of AI carries certain risks, however, "it depends on the humans how actively they will use these opportunities."
"The use of nuclear energy, and other achievements used in the military sphere, for example, depends on humans as well," Putin explained. "So I think we should consider those risks and think them through beforehand to eliminate them.".


tass--2020-12-04--Russia will continue explaining its position on Crimea to Turkey, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will continue to explain its position on Crimea to Turkey in a patient and steady manner , this issue remains a source of serious differences between both states , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
`` Crimea is an issue that causes serious differences , we are of completely opposite opinions , '' he stressed .
`` We will continue to explain our steady position on Crimea to our Turkish vis-a-vis . ''
`` We are explaining our position to our Turkish friends , and we will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manner , '' Peskov added .
He added that reviewing the political status of Crimea `` can not be discussed in any way . ''
According to Peskov , the relations between Russia and Turkey are important to both states from the viewpoint of regional security and stability .
`` These relations are of a mutually beneficial nature , and they are based on the principles of non-interference in each other ’ s domestic affairs and on the respect for each other ’ s interests , '' the spokesman stressed .
On December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated on the outcomes of the talks with his Ukrainian colleague Dmitry Kuleba in Ankara that Turkey welcomes Kiev ’ s initiative to create the so-called Crimea platform to negotiate matters related to the peninsula .
Earlier , the Ukrainian government informed of this initiative , which is aimed to return Crimea to Ukraine and defend the rights of its local population , which , according to Kiev , are being persecuted .
In October , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed that he does not recognize Crimea as part of Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine in February 2014 , Crimea and Sevastopol officials held a referendum , in which 96.7 % of Crimeans and 95.6 % of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia .
Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum .
The Russian president signed the reunification deal on March 18 , 2014 , which the Federation Council ( upper house of the Russian parliament ) ratified on March 21 .
Despite the results of the referendum , Kiev , along with various predominantly Western countries , refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russia will continue to explain its position on Crimea to Turkey in a patient and steady manner, this issue remains a source of serious differences between both states, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
"Crimea is an issue that causes serious differences, we are of completely opposite opinions," he stressed. "We will continue to explain our steady position on Crimea to our Turkish vis-a-vis." "We are explaining our position to our Turkish friends, and we will continue to do so in a patient and steady manner," Peskov added. He added that reviewing the political status of Crimea "cannot be discussed in any way."
According to Peskov, the relations between Russia and Turkey are important to both states from the viewpoint of regional security and stability. "These relations are of a mutually beneficial nature, and they are based on the principles of non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs and on the respect for each other’s interests," the spokesman stressed.
On December 2, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stated on the outcomes of the talks with his Ukrainian colleague Dmitry Kuleba in Ankara that Turkey welcomes Kiev’s initiative to create the so-called Crimea platform to negotiate matters related to the peninsula. Earlier, the Ukrainian government informed of this initiative, which is aimed to return Crimea to Ukraine and defend the rights of its local population, which, according to Kiev, are being persecuted. In October, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed that he does not recognize Crimea as part of Russia.
After the coup d’etat in Ukraine in February 2014, Crimea and Sevastopol officials held a referendum, in which 96.7% of Crimeans and 95.6% of Sevastopol voters chose to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. Eighty percent of the voting population participated in the referendum. The Russian president signed the reunification deal on March 18, 2014, which the Federation Council (upper house of the Russian parliament) ratified on March 21. Despite the results of the referendum, Kiev, along with various predominantly Western countries, refused to recognize Crimea as a part of Russia.


tass--2020-12-04--Kremlin rejects speculation over possible Russian recognition of LPR, DPR

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov considers speculation regarding the possible circumstances of Moscow ’ @ @ @ @ @ Lugansk and Donetsk People ’ s Republics to be inappropriate .
`` We consider speculation @ @ @ @ @ the spokesman told journalists Friday , adding that `` Kiev ’ s foot-dragging in implementing @ @ @ @ @ further complicate the situation regarding these two self-proclaimed republics . ''
This was Peskov ’ @ @ @ @ @ republics ’ status in the context of the December 2 UN Security Council Arria-formula informal @ @ @ @ @ the Minsk Agreements on Ukraine .
The meeting took place in a video format at @ @ @ @ @ of the DPR and LPR attended the meeting , while representatives of Ukraine , France @ @ @ @ @ it and eventually boycotted it .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov considers speculation regarding the possible circumstances of Moscow’s recognition of the self-proclaimed Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics to be inappropriate.
"We consider speculation to be inappropriate," the spokesman told journalists Friday, adding that "Kiev’s foot-dragging in implementing the Minsk agreements will only further complicate the situation regarding these two self-proclaimed republics."
This was Peskov’s response regarding the self-proclaimed republics’ status in the context of the December 2 UN Security Council Arria-formula informal meeting on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements on Ukraine. The meeting took place in a video format at Russia's initiative.
Representatives of the DPR and LPR attended the meeting, while representatives of Ukraine, France and Germany sought to block it and eventually boycotted it.


tass--2020-12-04--Russian troops to hold over 4,800 drills next year

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry will keep the intensity of combat training next year and over 4,800 drills are planned , Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s conference call on Friday .
`` A new training year began in the troops on December 1 .
In 2021 , we will keep the intensity of combat training .
Over 4,800 drills and practical measures are planned , '' Shoigu said .
Special attention will be paid to training military command centers , improving the methods of damage by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tactical maneuverability and mobility of military units and formations , and also developing new methods of troops ’ operations taking into account the experience of local wars and armed conflicts and the personnel ’ s fulfillment of individual performance indicators , he said .
About 1,200 camp training events and 1,700 instructor and methodological classes have been held to prepare for the new training year in the Russian Armed Forces , the defense minister said .
`` A total of 2,500 training facilities have been prepared and maintenance has been provided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounds .
The armament , military and special hardware have been switched to the winter mode of operation and required supplies have been created , '' Shoigu said .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry will keep the intensity of combat training next year and over 4,800 drills are planned, Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s conference call on Friday.
"A new training year began in the troops on December 1. In 2021, we will keep the intensity of combat training. Over 4,800 drills and practical measures are planned," Shoigu said.
Special attention will be paid to training military command centers, improving the methods of damage by firepower and multiservice force inter-operability, raising the tactical maneuverability and mobility of military units and formations, and also developing new methods of troops’ operations taking into account the experience of local wars and armed conflicts and the personnel’s fulfillment of individual performance indicators, he said.
About 1,200 camp training events and 1,700 instructor and methodological classes have been held to prepare for the new training year in the Russian Armed Forces, the defense minister said.
"A total of 2,500 training facilities have been prepared and maintenance has been provided to about 30,000 items of equipment at training grounds. The armament, military and special hardware have been switched to the winter mode of operation and required supplies have been created," Shoigu said.


tass--2020-12-04--Chinese media outlet hails Yangpu port's achievements amid coronavirus pandemic

HAIKOU , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
In 2020 the Yangpu Special Customs Zone on the west coast of Hainan has had a big impact in increasing the island 's openness , even as the novel coronavirus pandemic continues , believe the Hainan Daily observers .
According to the journalists , over the past six months , after the General Program for the Development of Hainan 's Free Trade Port was published on June 1 , this modern port area has managed to make significant progress in the development of promising types of foreign economic activity .
According to experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun to play an increasingly significant role as an `` international logistics hub in the field of land and sea transport . ''
According to the published statistics , from January to October inclusive , this special zone served the flow of goods weighing 46.6 million tonnes , showing an increase of 12.88 % year on year .
Moreover , the foreign trade turnover exceeded 25.9 million tonnes , an increase of 12.16 % .
Yangpu received and dispatched over 792,000 standard containers , which is 41 % higher than in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over ten months , the scale of refueling ships with fuel at a duty free rate increased by 3.7 times , to more than 85,000 tonnes .
Among the main achievements of the Yangpu administration , which the newspaper draws attention to , is the creation of the first direct transcontinental route in the field of container transport for Hainan .
Thanks to that , the island will play a key role in the conducting regular deliveries of goods from South China to Australia and the countries of Oceania , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , a new research base is being actively formed in Yangpu .
A school of foreign languages has been established in the port , where teaching is carried out according to a special intensive program .
In addition , in August , the Hainan authorities signed a cooperation agreement with the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences ( Germany ) , which became the first foreign university in China to open its branch to admit students for an independent foreign program .
Since June , this customs zone began to conduct the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several months , this service was used by about 20 tankers , bulk carriers and other sea vehicles .
Yangpu plays a key role in the development of China 's transportation network .
In 2019 , the GDP of this economic region with more than 89,000 permanent residents exceeded 26 billion yuan ( $ 3.7 billion ) .
In accordance with the `` Comprehensive plan for the formation of a new integrated sea and land corridor '' of China 's State Committee for Development and Reforms , by 2035 this port will become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade flows from various regions of the country to Southeast Asia and Oceania , Europe and North America .
It is expected that by 2025 Yangpu will become a major regional transport hub , through which up to 5 million containers per year will pass annually .

HAIKOU, December 4. /TASS/. In 2020 the Yangpu Special Customs Zone on the west coast of Hainan has had a big impact in increasing the island's openness, even as the novel coronavirus pandemic continues, believe the Hainan Daily observers.
According to the journalists, over the past six months, after the General Program for the Development of Hainan's Free Trade Port was published on June 1, this modern port area has managed to make significant progress in the development of promising types of foreign economic activity. According to experts, in recent months, Yangpu has begun to play an increasingly significant role as an "international logistics hub in the field of land and sea transport."
According to the published statistics, from January to October inclusive, this special zone served the flow of goods weighing 46.6 million tonnes, showing an increase of 12.88% year on year. Moreover, the foreign trade turnover exceeded 25.9 million tonnes, an increase of 12.16%. Yangpu received and dispatched over 792,000 standard containers, which is 41% higher than in the same period in 2019. In addition, over ten months, the scale of refueling ships with fuel at a duty free rate increased by 3.7 times, to more than 85,000 tonnes.
Among the main achievements of the Yangpu administration, which the newspaper draws attention to, is the creation of the first direct transcontinental route in the field of container transport for Hainan. Thanks to that, the island will play a key role in the conducting regular deliveries of goods from South China to Australia and the countries of Oceania, as well as in the opposite direction.
At the same time, a new research base is being actively formed in Yangpu. A school of foreign languages has been established in the port, where teaching is carried out according to a special intensive program. In addition, in August, the Hainan authorities signed a cooperation agreement with the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (Germany), which became the first foreign university in China to open its branch to admit students for an independent foreign program.
Since June, this customs zone began to conduct the registration of foreign commercial ships. For several months, this service was used by about 20 tankers, bulk carriers and other sea vehicles.
Yangpu Special Customs Zone
Yangpu plays a key role in the development of China's transportation network. In 2019, the GDP of this economic region with more than 89,000 permanent residents exceeded 26 billion yuan ($ 3.7 billion). In accordance with the "Comprehensive plan for the formation of a new integrated sea and land corridor" of China's State Committee for Development and Reforms, by 2035 this port will become a key point for the distribution of trade flows from various regions of the country to Southeast Asia and Oceania, Europe and North America. It is expected that by 2025 Yangpu will become a major regional transport hub, through which up to 5 million containers per year will pass annually.


tass--2020-12-04--Russian Black Sea Fleet submersible test-dives to 200m depth after upgrade

SEVASTOPOL , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The crew of the Black Sea Fleet ’ s submersible AS-28 dived to a depth of 200 meters in sea trials after its upgrade , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Friday .
`` The crew of the rescue vessel Kommuna , which is the basic carrier of the AS-28 , provided for the deep-sea vehicle ’ s descent .
As part of this effort , the crew of the Kommuna sailed to one of combat training naval ranges where it practiced operations for putting the AS-28 submersible on the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AS-28 submerged to a depth of 200 meters , checked all the systems , practiced the algorithm of operations for accomplishing assigned tasks and ascended to the surface , '' the press office said in a statement .
The crew of the rescue vessel Epron provided support in the area of the test-dive , the statement says .
The trials passed successfully .
The results of the sea trials and performance evaluations of all the submersible ’ s systems will be reported to the Black Sea Fleet ’ s search and rescue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the deep-sea vehicle ’ s crew , the press office said .
It was reported in late November that the submersible AS-28 had undergone upgrade and planned repairs , receiving advanced navigation control systems , renewed underwater sound communications and video surveillance equipment .
The submersible was delivered to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk by railway where it was loaded onto the Russian Fleet ’ s oldest rescue vessel Kommuna .
Following this , the vessel made a transit from Novorossiysk to Sevastopol .

SEVASTOPOL, December 4. /TASS/. The crew of the Black Sea Fleet’s submersible AS-28 dived to a depth of 200 meters in sea trials after its upgrade, the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
"The crew of the rescue vessel Kommuna, which is the basic carrier of the AS-28, provided for the deep-sea vehicle’s descent. As part of this effort, the crew of the Kommuna sailed to one of combat training naval ranges where it practiced operations for putting the AS-28 submersible on the water. Following this, the team of the AS-28 submerged to a depth of 200 meters, checked all the systems, practiced the algorithm of operations for accomplishing assigned tasks and ascended to the surface," the press office said in a statement.
The crew of the rescue vessel Epron provided support in the area of the test-dive, the statement says.
The trials passed successfully. The results of the sea trials and performance evaluations of all the submersible’s systems will be reported to the Black Sea Fleet’s search and rescue service, which will set new tasks for the deep-sea vehicle’s crew, the press office said.
It was reported in late November that the submersible AS-28 had undergone upgrade and planned repairs, receiving advanced navigation control systems, renewed underwater sound communications and video surveillance equipment.
The submersible was delivered to the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk by railway where it was loaded onto the Russian Fleet’s oldest rescue vessel Kommuna. Following this, the vessel made a transit from Novorossiysk to Sevastopol.


tass--2020-12-04--Kremlin welcomes removal of restrictions on Russian language in post-Soviet countries

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow welcomes the removal of restrictions on the use of the Russian language @ @ @ @ @ Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday , commenting on a Moldovan bill @ @ @ @ @ in the country .
`` One way or another , people speak and will continue @ @ @ @ @ countries , using Russian is natural for those who live in post-Soviet countries , '' @ @ @ @ @ This is why we certainly welcome all moves aimed at removing obstacles that prevent people @ @ @ @ @ prefer , '' Peskov added .
On December 3 , Moldova ’ s parliament passed @ @ @ @ @ bill that restores the status of Russian as the language of inter-ethnic communication .
Another @ @ @ @ @ the first reading removes the 2017 ban on Russian TV channels .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Moscow welcomes the removal of restrictions on the use of the Russian language in the post-Soviet states, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday, commenting on a Moldovan bill advancing the status of Russian in the country.
"One way or another, people speak and will continue to speak Russian in post-Soviet countries, using Russian is natural for those who live in post-Soviet countries," he pointed out. "This is why we certainly welcome all moves aimed at removing obstacles that prevent people from speaking the language they prefer," Peskov added.
On December 3, Moldova’s parliament passed the first reading of a bill that restores the status of Russian as the language of inter-ethnic communication. Another bill that was passed in the first reading removes the 2017 ban on Russian TV channels.


tass--2020-12-04--Vatican does not consider conflict in eastern Ukraine ‘civil clash,' Holy See envoy says

THE VATICAN , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Vatican fully supports the implementation of the agreements on settlement in eastern Ukraine , Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher said in an exclusive interview for TASS , adding that the Holy See does not consider this conflict a simple `` civil clash . ''
`` As for the situation in Ukraine , the Holy See supports the implementation of the achieved agreements and the activity of all involved sides .
The Holy See refrains from public accusations of involved sides .
But it does not mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested sides .
The Holy See also does not consider it right to call the conflict in Eastern Ukraine a civil clash , '' the hierarch said .
He noted that Vatican values any attempts , aimed at the establishment of peace .
Gallagher recalled that thanks to Pope Francis , the Vatican took specific action to provide aid via the Pope for Ukraine humanitarian program .
`` This interest and participation of the Holy See seek to encourage and inspire various sides , involved in the peace process to take all efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace , '' the Vatican envoy said .
He underscored that all Catholic churches ( the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church , Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo ) , besides its pastoral mission , `` provide aid and support to the entire population , regardless of its national , religious or other identity . ''
Gallagher noted that the Holy See believes that any aid and intervention must not replace the efforts of the sides to find a way out of conflicts themselves .
`` Only assistance in achieving the agreement is possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the negotiations is possible only if the participants of this process ask for it , '' Gallagher explained .
`` Roots of civil conflicts are different in every country .
They mostly emerge from inequality , violations of the social order , corruption , economic problems and lack of faith in the political regime .
In any case , the diplomacy of the Holy See , led by the Pope , with the support of the local Catholic churches , advocates peaceful expression of all civil demands and search for solutions via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the law .
In case of conflicts , the Holy See is first and foremost concerned over the display of violence , '' the archbishop said .

THE VATICAN, December 4. /TASS/. The Vatican fully supports the implementation of the agreements on settlement in eastern Ukraine, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher said in an exclusive interview for TASS, adding that the Holy See does not consider this conflict a simple "civil clash."
"As for the situation in Ukraine, the Holy See supports the implementation of the achieved agreements and the activity of all involved sides. The Holy See refrains from public accusations of involved sides. But it does not mean that it does accept the interpretations of the interested sides. The Holy See also does not consider it right to call the conflict in Eastern Ukraine a civil clash," the hierarch said.
He noted that Vatican values any attempts, aimed at the establishment of peace. Gallagher recalled that thanks to Pope Francis, the Vatican took specific action to provide aid via the Pope for Ukraine humanitarian program.
"This interest and participation of the Holy See seek to encourage and inspire various sides, involved in the peace process to take all efforts for prompt return to the much desired peace," the Vatican envoy said.
He underscored that all Catholic churches (the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo), besides its pastoral mission, "provide aid and support to the entire population, regardless of its national, religious or other identity."
Gallagher noted that the Holy See believes that any aid and intervention must not replace the efforts of the sides to find a way out of conflicts themselves.
"Only assistance in achieving the agreement is possible. Any direct involvement of the Holy See in the negotiations is possible only if the participants of this process ask for it," Gallagher explained.
"Roots of civil conflicts are different in every country. They mostly emerge from inequality, violations of the social order, corruption, economic problems and lack of faith in the political regime. In any case, the diplomacy of the Holy See, led by the Pope, with the support of the local Catholic churches, advocates peaceful expression of all civil demands and search for solutions via negotiations and with respect of human rights and the law. In case of conflicts, the Holy See is first and foremost concerned over the display of violence," the archbishop said.


tass--2020-12-04--Russia’s latest troop command system to outshine foreign rivals, says defense chief

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The advanced automated tactical-level troop command system being developed in Russia under the @ @ @ @ @ will outshine foreign rivals by its characteristics , Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu @ @ @ @ @ s conference call on Friday .
`` According to its characteristics , in no way @ @ @ @ @ foreign versions and based on some features it will even outshine them , '' the @ @ @ @ @ system will help improve troops ’ command and control and raise their combat efficiency , @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The advanced automated tactical-level troop command system being developed in Russia under the Sozvezdiye-2015 R&D work will outshine foreign rivals by its characteristics, Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s conference call on Friday.
"According to its characteristics, in no way will it be inferior to foreign versions and based on some features it will even outshine them," the defense chief said.
The system will help improve troops’ command and control and raise their combat efficiency, he stressed.