tass--2020-09-30--Press review: Armenia, Azerbaijan say no to ceasefire and Lukashenko laughs off EU leaders

During the three days that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict had ratcheted up , the warring sides have not come closer to an armistice .
According to the latest data , so far over 80 people have died in Nagorno-Karabakh alone , which exceeds the official information about the victims of the April 2016 war .
Ilham Aliyev , Azerbaijan ’ s president believes that there can be no negotiations with Armenia , taking into account the current position of its leadership .
Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan also said that the violence must end before engaging in any dialogue .
Experts interviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the parties is ready to sit down at the negotiating table , largely because the societies of both Armenia and Azerbaijan have demanded a military solution to the conflict .
Without external pressure from third countries , mainly Russia and other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - France and the United States , the conflict could drag on for a long time , political scientist and Valdai Club expert Farhad Mammadov told Izvestia .
`` International attention will influence the duration of the conflict , which has now flared up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be exerted on the warring sides in order to end it [ the conflict ] .
But in both countries there is public demand for a military solution to this struggle .
Therefore , quick decisions from the political leadership should not be expected , '' the expert said .
At the same time , Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan told the newspaper that Yerevan expects Russia not to allow Ankara to intervene in the conflict by force .
`` Russia should not allow Turkey to start introducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of the Caucasus , or Transcaucasia , which would undermine the entire region , '' the politician stressed .
Russia considers it `` superfluous '' to invite Turkey as a mediator to the upcoming peace talks on Karabakh , Chairman of the Federation Council ’ s Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev told Izvestia .
`` Turkey is not neutral , its multilateral participation seems unnecessary and will strengthen one of the parties to the conflict .
So , the goal is not to support , but to galvanize a rapprochement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only possible with the participation of neutral intermediaries .
Therefore , Russia is needed in this format , '' the lawmaker stressed .
The COVID-19 situation in Russia is difficult , but there is no reason for panic , politicians and experts told Izvestia , commenting on President Vladimir Putin ’ s meeting with members of the government .
According to the experts , it is important for all Russians to adhere to basic precautions , and the authorities should pay more attention to informing the public about the threat .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the daily incidence rate in Russia increased 1.7-fold .
Putin noted the fact that a greater number of cases were reported in Moscow , which means that the Russian regions must be ready for any development of the situation , the president emphasized .
Putin added that people are tired of masks , social distancing , and various restrictions , but the realities of the current situation have to be explained to them patiently .
Meanwhile , Golikova noted that 80-85 % of patients who contracted coronavirus did not follow the mask regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , the morbidity of children and people over the age of 65 has recently increased .
The daily increase in the number of infections suggests that we need to be prepared for various scenarios , Director of the National Medical Research Center for Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health Oksana Drapkina told the newspaper .
This situation with coronavirus was expected , since the school year has begun , Doctor of Biological Sciences , Professor of the Department of Virology , Faculty of Biology , Moscow State University , Alexey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even in the spring , Russians did not always follow the basic precaution measures , and after the summer they completely forgot about the safety guidelines .
`` The future of the situation depends on us , and everyone should focus .
There is no need to panic , but it must be taken seriously , '' the medical expert insisted .
Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has been making her rounds , meeting with European leaders .
Her most recent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron was aimed at trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage in dialogue with civil society by way of mediation through other countries .
Meanwhile , experts doubt the EU 's ability to influence Lukashenko , who has chosen scorched earth tactics , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
At the same time , Members of the Coordination Council are looking for ways to approach Russia .
Minsk reacted to the meeting between Tikhanovskaya and Macron with its usual indifference , according to the newspaper .
Belarus is rolling out its sanctions against Baltic countries , most actively supporting the Belarusian protesters and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , the United Kingdom and Canada are imposing restrictive measures against Lukashenko , his son Viktor , and the heads of law enforcement agencies involved in violence against civilians .
The expert community does not believe that Europe ’ s leaders can successfully influence the situation in Belarus .
According to experts , the path chosen by Lukashenko to maintain power means that there is no turning back and no dialogue whatsoever .
`` Macron 's meeting with Tikhanovskaya is purely symbolic support for Belarusian society in its conflict with the regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the situation in Belarus , '' political scientist Valery Karbalevich told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
`` The EU will not be able to act as a mediator for the simple reason that Alexander Lukashenko categorically refuses to enter into any negotiations with opponents inside the country .
Therefore , all of the EU ’ s efforts in this regard will have no effect , '' he added .
The official dollar exchange rate in Russia is now close to 80 rubles .
Since the beginning of the year , the greenback has risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
This sort of weakening of the ruble is bound to lead to an accelerated increase in prices , which would hold back the Bank of Russia from reducing the key rate in the near future .
As a result , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes , the recovery of the Russian economy may slow down .
“ If the ruble exchange rate continues to take a turn for the worse , then inflation will inevitably accelerate .
... Inflation may rise to 4 % in the coming months .
Under such conditions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russia will end the cycle of rate cuts , '' Chief analyst at TeleTrade Mark Goikhman told the newspaper .
However , a weakened ruble may contribute to an economic recovery in the future , the economic guru noted .
`` The strengthening of the dollar and euro gives exporters and the budget higher revenues .
This is generally positive for the economy and covers import losses , '' Goikhman said .
The recent devaluation of the Russian currency is attributed to a wide range of unfavorable factors , primarily external ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general decline in risk appetite on financial markets is the result of a new wave of the pandemic , a slow recovery in business activity , and uncertainty ahead of the US elections .
The ratcheted-up anti-Russian sanctions rhetoric over the Navalny poisoning , and the events in Belarus can be added to this .
The armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh , where Russia may be involved to one degree or another , is also very acutely perceived , '' Goikhman noted .
Meanwhile , some experts believe that the ruble ’ s weakening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A cheap ruble is largely beneficial to the Russian budget .
It would make it possible to fill the gaps .
The forecasts of 85 rubles per dollar and 95-100 per euro are still relevant , '' Alexey Krichevsky , an expert at the Academy of Finance and Investment Management , told the newspaper .
Vedomosti : Russians ' spending in cafes and restaurants drops sharply due to COVID fears On September 21-27 , expenditures by Russians in public catering spaces like cafes , bars , and restaurants dropped 17.7 % lower than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a study by Sberindex , the analytical portal for Sber .
The plunge in spending accelerated noticeably : the week of September 14-20 lagged behind last year 's data by only 3.9 % .
According to Vedomosti , due to the news of the rise in the incidences of COVID-19 , many Russians chose not to visit crowded places .
The situation is worse than the data from Sberindex , Aleksey Vasilchuk , co-founder of the restaurant group RESTart Vasilchuk Brothers told the newspaper .
Regardless of a restaurant ’ s status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the group ’ s restaurants saw a decline in revenue that was 27-30 % lower than the previous week .
For Ginza Project Moscow , this figure fell by 20 % over the same period , partner and CEO Maxim Polzikov told Vedomosti .
Vasilchuk believes that consumers are panicking over news of a second wave of the coronavirus .
The recovery of the market after the lockdown is already very slow , Vedomosti writes .
From the end of March to mid-June , restaurants and cafes could only work for take-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January - September 2020 was 20 % less than the trade turnover in January - September 2019 .
Meanwhile , there are no plans to close restaurants and cafes again due to COVID-19 in Moscow , spokesman for the Moscow Department of Trade and Services told the newspaper .
Only fast food establishments are not complaining about sales .
Burger King attracted about 10 % more guests in many regions than last year , the company ’ s spokesman said .
This week was good in terms of traffic and sales , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not notice a decline in sales either .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Yerevan and Baku reject prospect of ceasefire negotiations
Read also Azerbaijani forces claim destruction of Armenian air missile system in Karabakh
During the three days that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict had ratcheted up, the warring sides have not come closer to an armistice. According to the latest data, so far over 80 people have died in Nagorno-Karabakh alone, which exceeds the official information about the victims of the April 2016 war. Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s president believes that there can be no negotiations with Armenia, taking into account the current position of its leadership. Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan also said that the violence must end before engaging in any dialogue. Experts interviewed by Izvestia noted that so far none of the parties is ready to sit down at the negotiating table, largely because the societies of both Armenia and Azerbaijan have demanded a military solution to the conflict. Without external pressure from third countries, mainly Russia and other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group - France and the United States, the conflict could drag on for a long time, political scientist and Valdai Club expert Farhad Mammadov told Izvestia. "International attention will influence the duration of the conflict, which has now flared up, and it is possible that pressure will be exerted on the warring sides in order to end it [the conflict]. But in both countries there is public demand for a military solution to this struggle. Therefore, quick decisions from the political leadership should not be expected," the expert said. At the same time, Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan told the newspaper that Yerevan expects Russia not to allow Ankara to intervene in the conflict by force. "Russia should not allow Turkey to start introducing equipment and conducting military operations on the territory of the Caucasus, or Transcaucasia, which would undermine the entire region," the politician stressed. Russia considers it "superfluous" to invite Turkey as a mediator to the upcoming peace talks on Karabakh, Chairman of the Federation Council’s Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev told Izvestia. "Turkey is not neutral, its multilateral participation seems unnecessary and will strengthen one of the parties to the conflict. So, the goal is not to support, but to galvanize a rapprochement and find points of contact. This is only possible with the participation of neutral intermediaries. Therefore, Russia is needed in this format," the lawmaker stressed. Izvestia: Putin urges Russia to stay vigilant about COVID-19
The COVID-19 situation in Russia is difficult, but there is no reason for panic, politicians and experts told Izvestia, commenting on President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with members of the government. According to the experts, it is important for all Russians to adhere to basic precautions, and the authorities should pay more attention to informing the public about the threat. Meanwhile, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova the daily incidence rate in Russia increased 1.7-fold. Putin noted the fact that a greater number of cases were reported in Moscow, which means that the Russian regions must be ready for any development of the situation, the president emphasized. Putin added that people are tired of masks, social distancing, and various restrictions, but the realities of the current situation have to be explained to them patiently. Meanwhile, Golikova noted that 80-85% of patients who contracted coronavirus did not follow the mask regime and took part in mass events. In addition, the morbidity of children and people over the age of 65 has recently increased. The daily increase in the number of infections suggests that we need to be prepared for various scenarios, Director of the National Medical Research Center for Preventive Medicine of the Ministry of Health Oksana Drapkina told the newspaper. This situation with coronavirus was expected, since the school year has begun, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor of the Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Alexey Agranovsky told Izvestia. According to him, even in the spring, Russians did not always follow the basic precaution measures, and after the summer they completely forgot about the safety guidelines. "The future of the situation depends on us, and everyone should focus. There is no need to panic, but it must be taken seriously," the medical expert insisted. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Lukashenko laughs off European leaders’ sentiments
Read also Belarus imposes retaliatory sanctions on Baltic states
Former Belarusian presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya has been making her rounds, meeting with European leaders. Her most recent meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron was aimed at trying to persuade President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus to engage in dialogue with civil society by way of mediation through other countries. Meanwhile, experts doubt the EU's ability to influence Lukashenko, who has chosen scorched earth tactics, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. At the same time, Members of the Coordination Council are looking for ways to approach Russia. Minsk reacted to the meeting between Tikhanovskaya and Macron with its usual indifference, according to the newspaper. Belarus is rolling out its sanctions against Baltic countries, most actively supporting the Belarusian protesters and the opposition's figureheads. At the same time, the United Kingdom and Canada are imposing restrictive measures against Lukashenko, his son Viktor, and the heads of law enforcement agencies involved in violence against civilians. The expert community does not believe that Europe’s leaders can successfully influence the situation in Belarus. According to experts, the path chosen by Lukashenko to maintain power means that there is no turning back and no dialogue whatsoever. "Macron's meeting with Tikhanovskaya is purely symbolic support for Belarusian society in its conflict with the regime. It can have very little effect on the situation in Belarus," political scientist Valery Karbalevich told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. "The EU will not be able to act as a mediator for the simple reason that Alexander Lukashenko categorically refuses to enter into any negotiations with opponents inside the country. Therefore, all of the EU’s efforts in this regard will have no effect," he added. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: External risks bound to slow down Russia’s economic recovery
The official dollar exchange rate in Russia is now close to 80 rubles. Since the beginning of the year, the greenback has risen in price in Russia by almost 30%. This sort of weakening of the ruble is bound to lead to an accelerated increase in prices, which would hold back the Bank of Russia from reducing the key rate in the near future. As a result, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes, the recovery of the Russian economy may slow down. “If the ruble exchange rate continues to take a turn for the worse, then inflation will inevitably accelerate. ... Inflation may rise to 4% in the coming months. Under such conditions, it is very likely that the Bank of Russia will end the cycle of rate cuts," Chief analyst at TeleTrade Mark Goikhman told the newspaper. However, a weakened ruble may contribute to an economic recovery in the future, the economic guru noted. "The strengthening of the dollar and euro gives exporters and the budget higher revenues. This is generally positive for the economy and covers import losses," Goikhman said. The recent devaluation of the Russian currency is attributed to a wide range of unfavorable factors, primarily external ones, the newspaper writes. "The general decline in risk appetite on financial markets is the result of a new wave of the pandemic, a slow recovery in business activity, and uncertainty ahead of the US elections. The ratcheted-up anti-Russian sanctions rhetoric over the Navalny poisoning, and the events in Belarus can be added to this. The armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Russia may be involved to one degree or another, is also very acutely perceived," Goikhman noted. Meanwhile, some experts believe that the ruble’s weakening might help the Russian economy. "A cheap ruble is largely beneficial to the Russian budget. It would make it possible to fill the gaps. The forecasts of 85 rubles per dollar and 95-100 per euro are still relevant," Alexey Krichevsky, an expert at the Academy of Finance and Investment Management, told the newspaper. Vedomosti: Russians' spending in cafes and restaurants drops sharply due to COVID fears


tass--2020-09-30--Russia works on hybrid power plant helicopter with artificial intelligence

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists at the Russian Foundation of Advanced Research Projects and the holding company Helicopters of Russia have finalized a preliminary project for a helicopter of the future , equipped with a hybrid power plant and artificial intelligence , the foundation 's press-service has told TASS .
The engineering concept matches such requirements as the helicopter 's conformity with the forecast level of helicopter technologies that will emerge in 10-20 years ' time and competitiveness with foreign counterparts still in the design phase from the standpoint of such parameters as speed , range , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press-service said .
The Foundation of Advanced Research Projects said that such flight and technical parameters are to be achieved by using a hybrid power plant , electromechanical transmission , electric servo drives , and an artificial intelligence solutions-based combined control system .
It is expected that such features and parameters will make the helicopter of the future more effective for medical evacuation and search and rescue operations .
The designers promise that the yet-to-be created helicopter will be able to stay in the air for seven hours non-stop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with two injured ( or one medical module ) and two medics on board .
The press service said the next task to be coped with under the project was creation of an integrated electric power system and onboard equipment for the helicopter 's 3D demonstrator .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Specialists at the Russian Foundation of Advanced Research Projects and Russian Helicopters holding company have finalized a preliminary project for a helicopter of the future, equipped with a hybrid power plant and artificial intelligence, the foundation's press-service has told TASS.
The engineering concept matches such requirements as the helicopter's conformity with the forecast level of helicopter technologies that will emerge in 10-20 years' time and competitiveness with foreign counterparts still in the design phase from the standpoint of such parameters as speed, range, flight duration, reliability and universal uses," the press-service said.
The Foundation of Advanced Research Projects said that such flight and technical parameters are to be achieved by using a hybrid power plant, electromechanical transmission, electric servo drives, and an artificial intelligence solutions-based combined control system.
It is expected that such features and parameters will make the helicopter of the future more effective for medical evacuation and search and rescue operations. The designers promise that the yet-to-be created helicopter will be able to stay in the air for seven hours non-stop and make 50 kilometers in just seven minutes with two injured (or one medical module) and two medics on board.
The press service said the next task to be coped with under the project was creation of an integrated electric power system and onboard equipment for the helicopter's 3D demonstrator.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia records 16.5% more COVID-19 cases in September than in August

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center registered 180,967 coronavirus cases in September , @ @ @ @ @ with August , when 155,338 COVID-19 cases were recorded , according to TASS estimates .
@ @ @ @ @ cases was fewer than in July when 192,132 infections were confirmed .
Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ while in late August a 18.5 % increase was reported .
The average daily growth @ @ @ @ @ remained nearly unchanged - 0.56 % in September versus 0.55 % last month .
The @ @ @ @ @ cases or patients who are currently undergoing treatment rose by 16.9 % from 168,756 to @ @ @ @ @ the number of recoveries was significantly lower than a month earlier - 148,870 versus 170,977 @ @ @ @ @ based on the anti-coronavirus crisis center ’ s data .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Russia’s anti-coronavirus crisis center registered 180,967 coronavirus cases in September, a 16.5% increase compared with August, when 155,338 COVID-19 cases were recorded, according to TASS estimates.
However, the number of cases was fewer than in July when 192,132 infections were confirmed. Russia’s total caseload grew 18.2% while in late August a 18.5% increase was reported.
The average daily growth in the number of cases remained nearly unchanged - 0.56% in September versus 0.55% last month.
The number of the so-called active cases or patients who are currently undergoing treatment rose by 16.9% from 168,756 to 197,307.
In September, the number of recoveries was significantly lower than a month earlier - 148,870 versus 170,977, according to TASS estimates based on the anti-coronavirus crisis center’s data.


tass--2020-09-30--Putin instructs government to stop uncontrolled export of unprocessed timber

NOVO-OGARYOVO , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to stop uncontrolled export of untreated timber following a meeting on the development and decriminalization of the timber industry .
`` I ask the government to prepare a legislative and regulatory framework for solving the following tasks : it is necessary , finally , to put a rigid barrier against uncontrolled export of unprocessed timber , '' the president said .
Instead of timber processing , Russia is exporting raw materials , `` smuggling them out , '' the president elaborated .
`` There are obvious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forestry complex .
The leading processing enterprises of the industry are located far from the main centers of product consumption , primarily in the Asia-Pacific region , where a favorable pricing environment is observed , a growing demand , including for ecological fuel , for fuel pellets , '' President Putin said .
`` At the same time , our Far Eastern constituent entities of the Federation , having potentially good competitive positions , meaning low cost of forest resources , and a convenient delivery option , can not yet take advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep timber processing , '' he said .
According to President Putin , `` instead , the practice of exporting simple raw materials , low-value products continues . ''
`` Moreover , often all this goes through all sorts of `` grey '' or openly criminal schemes for exporting products .
Simply put - what is it called ?
- Smuggling , '' the president said .
The president also requested completely banning shipments of round timber of coniferous species out of Russia starting January 1 , 2022 .
`` I request imposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughly processed conifer and valuable hardwood out of Russia starting January 1 , 2022 , '' he said on Wednesday and tasked the government with `` preparing the legislative base to solve the task of preventing uncontrolled outflow of unprocessed timber . ''
The president also ordered that a program of subsidized loans for upgrading wood processing facilities be launched starting January 1 , 2021 .
Vladimir Putin called for effectively and consistently building a top-down management system in the timber industry and decriminalizing it .
`` Undoubtedly , we need to act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Exercising maximum decisiveness and taking into account the accumulated experience , [ we ’ ll ] build an effective top-down chain of management in the timber industry .
We need to engage in consistent , I would even say , a hard-hitting decriminalization of the industry , '' the president said .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, September 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to stop uncontrolled export of untreated timber following a meeting on the development and decriminalization of the timber industry.
"I ask the government to prepare a legislative and regulatory framework for solving the following tasks: it is necessary, finally, to put a rigid barrier against uncontrolled export of unprocessed timber," the president said.
Instead of timber processing, Russia is exporting raw materials, "smuggling them out," the president elaborated. "There are obvious imbalances in the development of the Russian forestry complex. The leading processing enterprises of the industry are located far from the main centers of product consumption, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region, where a favorable pricing environment is observed, a growing demand, including for ecological fuel, for fuel pellets," President Putin said.
"At the same time, our Far Eastern constituent entities of the Federation, having potentially good competitive positions, meaning low cost of forest resources, and a convenient delivery option, cannot yet take advantage of this, and increase the capacity for deep timber processing," he said. According to President Putin, "instead, the practice of exporting simple raw materials, low-value products continues." "Moreover, often all this goes through all sorts of "grey" or openly criminal schemes for exporting products. Simply put - what is it called? - Smuggling," the president said.
The president also requested completely banning shipments of round timber of coniferous species out of Russia starting January 1, 2022.
"I request imposing complete ban on shipment of unprocessed or roughly processed conifer and valuable hardwood out of Russia starting January 1, 2022," he said on Wednesday and tasked the government with "preparing the legislative base to solve the task of preventing uncontrolled outflow of unprocessed timber."
The president also ordered that a program of subsidized loans for upgrading wood processing facilities be launched starting January 1, 2021.
Vladimir Putin called for effectively and consistently building a top-down management system in the timber industry and decriminalizing it. "Undoubtedly, we need to act broadly in a number of areas. Exercising maximum decisiveness and taking into account the accumulated experience, [we’ll] build an effective top-down chain of management in the timber industry. We need to engage in consistent, I would even say, a hard-hitting decriminalization of the industry," the president said.
In his opinion, what is happening in the timber industry "is out of line." "It is necessary to improve the quality of state forest supervision. Overall, it is necessary to create conditions and a solid foundation for steady growth and development of the industry," he said.
President Putin called the criticism of public organizations and environmentalists regarding the level and quality of the authorities' work on the forestry complex "fair." "I don’t think that all government structures, government bodies at all levels work effectively here. Unfortunately, this is not the case," President Putin said. He noted that following the meeting, a list of instructions will be compiled, taking into account constructive proposals to remedy the situation.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia reports over 8,400 new coronavirus cases

According to its data , a 0.7 % daily growth rate was registered .
MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ cases grew by 8,481 in the past day , bringing the total case tally to @ @ @ @ @ center reported on Wednesday .
The lowest growth rates in the past day were registered @ @ @ @ @ ( 0 % ) , the Chechen Republic ( 0.2 % ) , the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , the Chuvash Republic and Tatarstan ( 0.3 % ) .
Some 2,308 new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ , 276 in St. Petersburg , 222 in the Moscow Region , 198 in the @ @ @ @ @ the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
Currently , 197,307 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus @ @ @

According to its data, a 0.7% daily growth rate was registered.
MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 8,481 in the past day, bringing the total case tally to 1,176,286, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday.
The lowest growth rates in the past day were registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region (0%), the Chechen Republic (0.2%), the Moscow, Smolensk and Tula Regions, the Chuvash Republic and Tatarstan (0.3%).
Some 2,308 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow, 276 in St. Petersburg, 222 in the Moscow Region, 198 in the Rostov Region and 175 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
Currently, 197,307 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia.


tass--2020-09-30--Azerbaijani forces claim destruction of Armenian air missile system in Karabakh

`` During combat yesterday in the territory of the Shushakend settlement of the Khojaly ( Martuni ) district an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system belonging to the enemy was destroyed , '' the ministry ’ s statement said .
BAKU , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that the country ’ s armed forces have managed to deactivate an Armenian S-300 surface-to-air missile system during armed clashes in the zone of the Karabakh conflict .
According to the agency , `` in order to regain lost positions the Armenian side concentrated additional forces in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning of September 30 attempted to attack . ''
`` This enemy activity is being intercepted , the Azerbaijani troops are counterattacking in order to neutralize the opponent , '' the statement said .
`` Intense combat continues , '' the ministry noted .
It also reported numerous Armenian casualties over three days of combat - since September 27 into Wednesday morning .
Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry on Tuesday warned that the country ’ s armed forces will destroy the Armenian S-300 air defense missile systems ( ADMS ) if they appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baku said that Armenia had shelled the Azerbaijani army ’ s positions and Yerevan , in turn , claimed that Azerbaijan ’ s Armed Forces had launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh , shelling the populated localities , including the capital , Stepanakert .
Both parties reported casualties , including among civilians .
The Armenian authorities declared martial law and announced a mobilization .
Azerbaijan also declared martial law across its entire territory , the authorities announced partial mobilization .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United @ @

"During combat yesterday in the territory of the Shushakend settlement of the Khojaly (Martuni) district an S-300 anti-aircraft missile system belonging to the enemy was destroyed," the ministry’s statement said.
BAKU, September 30. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that the country’s armed forces have managed to deactivate an Armenian S-300 surface-to-air missile system during armed clashes in the zone of the Karabakh conflict.
According to the agency, "in order to regain lost positions the Armenian side concentrated additional forces in the direction of Matagiz and in the morning of September 30 attempted to attack." "This enemy activity is being intercepted, the Azerbaijani troops are counterattacking in order to neutralize the opponent," the statement said. "Intense combat continues," the ministry noted. It also reported numerous Armenian casualties over three days of combat - since September 27 into Wednesday morning.
Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry on Tuesday warned that the country’s armed forces will destroy the Armenian S-300 air defense missile systems (ADMS) if they appear in Nagorno-Karabakh.
On September 27, Baku said that Armenia had shelled the Azerbaijani army’s positions and Yerevan, in turn, claimed that Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces had launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh, shelling the populated localities, including the capital, Stepanakert. Both parties reported casualties, including among civilians. The Armenian authorities declared martial law and announced a mobilization. Azerbaijan also declared martial law across its entire territory, the authorities announced partial mobilization.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-30--Armenia eyes recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence

YEREVAN , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Amid the ongoing military situation , Armenia ’ s authorities are considering plans @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told a news conference with the Russian media @ @ @ @ @ , the issue of recognizing the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh is on our agenda .
There @ @ @ @ @ forming a military and political alliance with Karabakh , '' Pashinyan said .

YEREVAN, September 30. /TASS/. Amid the ongoing military situation, Armenia’s authorities are considering plans to recognize the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told a news conference with the Russian media on Wednesday.
"Yes, the issue of recognizing the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh is on our agenda. There is also the possibility of forming a military and political alliance with Karabakh," Pashinyan said.


tass--2020-09-30--XCMG and Sinopec Strengthen Partnership to Bring Star Crawler Cranes

XUZHOU , China , Sept. 30 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer XCMG ( SHE:000425 ) has marked a new milestone in its 10-year strategic partnership with Sinopec with the official delivery of XGC12000 crawler crane at XCMG 's intelligent manufacturing base for crawler cranes , a model co-developed by XCMG and Sinopec that will rise to become one of the best crawler cranes in the market .
It is the fourth crawler crane launched from XCMG and Sinopec 's extensive partnership established in 2010 , after XGC88000 , the world 's largest crawler crane with 4,000-ton capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonnage ) and XGC16000 ( 1,250 tonnage ) .
The XGC12000 is a benchmark 800-tonnage model that will join the top rank of the hoisting and transportation industry .
The high-tech aspect of XGC12000 includes the unique duo-boom structure previously used on the XGC88000 , which allows the XGC12000 to lift 110 tons on a single boom and 122 tons on a double boom at the working height of 168+12 meters .
The strongest spec of hoisting weight will meet the various installation demands of fans below 3.5MW .
The model is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wind power project in Yuncheng in the Shanxi Province .
`` In the past decade , XCMG and Sinopec have built a partnership as strong as steel .
Both companies thrive to make better products to support various construction projects .
Our strategic R & D collaboration has developed top-quality crawler crane products that have performed really well in the market and we are confident to bring more wonders to the industry as we join hands in the journey for the next 10 years , '' said Wang Min , Chairmanof XCMG .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ & D efforts with partners , co-developing new products benefitting the development of all parties in the long run .
The company has signed a cooperation agreement with CRRC ( China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation ) , one of the world 's largest rail transportation equipment companies , to develop safe and reliable engines for track construction machinery equipment as well as establish joint R & D and production bases .
XCMG is a multinational heavy machinery manufacturing company with a history of 77 years .
It currently ranks fourth in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exports to more than 187 countries and regions around the world .

XUZHOU, China, Sept. 30. /PRNewswire/. Leading Chinese construction machinery manufacturer XCMG (SHE:000425) has marked a new milestone in its 10-year strategic partnership with Sinopec with the official delivery of XGC12000 crawler crane at XCMG's intelligent manufacturing base for crawler cranes, a model co-developed by XCMG and Sinopec that will rise to become one of the best crawler cranes in the market.
It is the fourth crawler crane launched from XCMG and Sinopec's extensive partnership established in 2010, after XGC88000, the world's largest crawler crane with 4,000-ton capacity, and star products XGC28000 (2,000 tonnage) and XGC16000 (1,250 tonnage).
The XGC12000 is a benchmark 800-tonnage model that will join the top rank of the hoisting and transportation industry. The high-tech aspect of XGC12000 includes the unique duo-boom structure previously used on the XGC88000, which allows the XGC12000 to lift 110 tons on a single boom and 122 tons on a double boom at the working height of 168+12 meters. The strongest spec of hoisting weight will meet the various installation demands of fans below 3.5MW. The model is now working on the construction site of a wind power project in Yuncheng in the Shanxi Province.
"In the past decade, XCMG and Sinopec have built a partnership as strong as steel. Both companies thrive to make better products to support various construction projects. Our strategic R&D collaboration has developed top-quality crawler crane products that have performed really well in the market and we are confident to bring more wonders to the industry as we join hands in the journey for the next 10 years," said Wang Min, Chairmanof XCMG.
XCMG has strengthened its strategic joint R&D efforts with partners, co-developing new products benefitting the development of all parties in the long run.
The company has signed a cooperation agreement with CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation), one of the world's largest rail transportation equipment companies, to develop safe and reliable engines for track construction machinery equipment as well as establish joint R&D and production bases.
About XCMG
XCMG is a multinational heavy machinery manufacturing company with a history of 77 years. It currently ranks fourth in the world's construction machinery industry. The company exports to more than 187 countries and regions around the world.


tass--2020-09-30--YPO Names Xavier Mufraggi As New CEO

YPO Names Xavier Mufraggi As New CEO

DALLAS , September 30 .
/PRNewswire/ .
YPO , the global leadership community of more than 28,000 chief executives in 142 countries , today announced that Xavier Mufraggi , a member of its YPO Paris Chapter , has been appointed Chief Executive Officer , effective 1 December 2020 .
Mufraggi , the first non-U.S. born CEO of the noted organization of young leaders , joins YPO from Club Med , the global leader in luxury all-inclusive vacations .
With Club Med , an international subsidiary of Fosun Tourism Group 复星集团 , for the past 15 years , Mufraggi was most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Med Europe , Middle East , Africa Markets ( EMEA ) , a region delivering more than USD1B revenue per year .
He previously held the position of CEO for North America and the Caribbean .
Under his leadership , this division emerged as a sustainable and profitable business unit , and he succeeded in digitally transforming and repositioning the brand into an upscale family vacation destination .
`` I am very enthusiastic about Xavier as our new CEO to lead YPO into the future , '' says Anastasios ( Tassos ) Economou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not only am I looking forward to working very closely with Xavier but to making a new friend , in the unique way we make connections amongst peers in YPO . ''
`` YPO members are extraordinary leaders who , in addition to driving the global economy , are keenly focused on making a positive impact on the lives of their employees , their communities and the world , '' said Mufraggi .
`` I am honored to have this unique leadership opportunity to helm this exceptional organization at a time when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
A dynamic professional with a strong strategic marketing background in the food , consumer and hospitality sectors , Mufraggi began his career at Kraft Foods Europe in marketing , commercial and product development .
He is a graduate of EDHEC Business School , one of the top business programs in Europe , and holds a master 's degree in business management .
Mufraggi is also a board member of MUFRAGGI Matériaux , a construction tools and materials business created by his grandfather , and a French Foreign Trade Advisor .
Raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. and the Ivory Coast , he and his family currently reside in Paris , France .
Mufraggi is succeeding Scott Mordell in the position .
Mordell has been YPO 's longest serving Chief Executive Officer , in the role since 2011 and an active YPO member since 1995 .
He announced in December 2019 that he would be departing at the end of this year .
Added Economou , `` On behalf of YPO , I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Scott for his leadership and passion for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout this transition . ''
YPO is the global leadership community of more than 28,000 chief executives in 142 countries who are connected by the shared belief that the world needs better leaders .
Each of our members have achieved significant leadership success at a young age .
Combined , they lead businesses and organizations contributing USD9 trillion in annual revenue .
YPO members inspire and support each other through peer learning and exceptional experiences in an inclusive community of open sharing and trust .
Visit ypo.org for more .

DALLAS, September 30. /PRNewswire/. YPO, the global leadership community of more than 28,000 chief executives in 142 countries, today announced that Xavier Mufraggi, a member of its YPO Paris Chapter, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 December 2020. Mufraggi, the first non-U.S. born CEO of the noted organization of young leaders, joins YPO from Club Med, the global leader in luxury all-inclusive vacations.
With Club Med, an international subsidiary of Fosun Tourism Group 复星集团, for the past 15 years, Mufraggi was most recently the President and CEO of Club Med Europe, Middle East, Africa Markets (EMEA), a region delivering more than USD1B revenue per year. He previously held the position of CEO for North America and the Caribbean. Under his leadership, this division emerged as a sustainable and profitable business unit, and he succeeded in digitally transforming and repositioning the brand into an upscale family vacation destination.
"I am very enthusiastic about Xavier as our new CEO to lead YPO into the future," says Anastasios (Tassos) Economou, 2020-2021 YPO Global Chairman. "Not only am I looking forward to working very closely with Xavier but to making a new friend, in the unique way we make connections amongst peers in YPO."
"YPO members are extraordinary leaders who, in addition to driving the global economy, are keenly focused on making a positive impact on the lives of their employees, their communities and the world," said Mufraggi. "I am honored to have this unique leadership opportunity to helm this exceptional organization at a time when the world needs better leaders more than ever."
A dynamic professional with a strong strategic marketing background in the food, consumer and hospitality sectors, Mufraggi began his career at Kraft Foods Europe in marketing, commercial and product development. He is a graduate of EDHEC Business School, one of the top business programs in Europe, and holds a master's degree in business management.
Mufraggi is also a board member of MUFRAGGI Matériaux, a construction tools and materials business created by his grandfather, and a French Foreign Trade Advisor. Raised in Europe, the U.S. in Washington, D.C. and the Ivory Coast, he and his family currently reside in Paris, France.
Mufraggi is succeeding Scott Mordell in the position. Mordell has been YPO's longest serving Chief Executive Officer, in the role since 2011 and an active YPO member since 1995. He announced in December 2019 that he would be departing at the end of this year.
Added Economou, "On behalf of YPO, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Scott for his leadership and passion for this organization over the past decade and throughout this transition."
About YPO:
YPO is the global leadership community of more than 28,000 chief executives in 142 countries who are connected by the shared belief that the world needs better leaders. Each of our members have achieved significant leadership success at a young age. Combined, they lead businesses and organizations contributing USD9 trillion in annual revenue. YPO members inspire and support each other through peer learning and exceptional experiences in an inclusive community of open sharing and trust. Visit ypo.org for more.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1283892/Mufraggi_Xavier_6_1_cropped_3_copy.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1065220/YPO_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Amy Zelvin Reid, areid@ypo.org, +1 646 678 0575; Angela Mers, amers@ypo.org, +1 415 298 8534


tass--2020-09-30--Heavy fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone rages on, Azerbaijan says

BAKU , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that intense fighting in the @ @ @ @ @ continued .
`` Intense fighting continues , '' the ministry said in a statement .

BAKU, September 30. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday that intense fighting in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict continued.
"Intense fighting continues," the ministry said in a statement.


tass--2020-09-30--Brazil reports over 32,000 coronavirus cases in past day

RIO DE JANEIRO , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Brazil ’ s coronavirus case tally rose to 4,777,522 , with @ @ @ @ @ past day , according to the data published by the South American country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ toll grew by 863 in the past day , reaching 142,921 .
Over 85 % @ @ @ @ @ ) have already recovered and another 499,513 patients remain under doctors ’ supervision .
The @ @ @ @ @ the infection and 68 coronavirus-related deaths per 100,000 citizens .
In total , 189,751 cases @ @ @ @ @ in the country in the past week , which is about 23,000 cases less than @ @ @ @ @ weekly death toll also declined : 4,874 deaths were registered on September 20-26 compared to @ @ @ @ @ previous seven-day period .
Brazil confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus on February @ @ @ @ @ third after India and the USA on the list of countries with the highest number @ @ @ @ @ second in coronavirus deaths after the United States .

RIO DE JANEIRO, September 30. /TASS/. Brazil’s coronavirus case tally rose to 4,777,522, with 32,058 cases registered in the past day, according to the data published by the South American country’s Health Ministry.
The death toll grew by 863 in the past day, reaching 142,921. Over 85% of those infected (4,135,088) have already recovered and another 499,513 patients remain under doctors’ supervision. The country has 2,273 cases of the infection and 68 coronavirus-related deaths per 100,000 citizens.
In total, 189,751 cases of the infection were registered in the country in the past week, which is about 23,000 cases less than the week before. The weekly death toll also declined: 4,874 deaths were registered on September 20-26 compared to 5,322 fatalities recorded during the previous seven-day period.
Brazil confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus on February 26. It currently ranks third after India and the USA on the list of countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases, and second in coronavirus deaths after the United States.


tass--2020-09-30--Artillery fire continues in Nagorno Karabakh —  Armenian Defense Ministry

`` Artillery engagement continues along the entire frontline in Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) at present .
Air defense units of Artsakh shot down two enemy drones above Stepanakert , '' she said .
In turn , the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan said on Wednesday that Armenian armed forces had been shelling the Azerbaijani city of Terter not far from the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` Since 8:00 ( local time , 7:00 Moscow time ) , units of the Armenian armed forces have been conducting artillery fire targeting the city of Terter , '' the statement says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage to civilian infrastructure have been reported in the city , the ministry said .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"Artillery engagement continues along the entire frontline in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) at present. Air defense units of Artsakh shot down two enemy drones above Stepanakert," she said.
In turn, the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan said on Wednesday that Armenian armed forces had been shelling the Azerbaijani city of Terter not far from the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"Since 8:00 (local time, 7:00 Moscow time), units of the Armenian armed forces have been conducting artillery fire targeting the city of Terter," the statement says.
According to initial information, injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure have been reported in the city, the ministry said.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have imposed martial law and announced mobilization.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia’s military operation in Syria was necessary, helped to defeat IS — defense minister

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s military operation against terrorists in Syria was necessary and helped to preserve the Syrian statehood and defeat the Islamic State terrorist group ( outlawed in Russia ) , Russian Defense Minister Army Gen. Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday .
`` Sometimes , in the course of ongoing discussions , a question arises whether Russia did the right thing to assume this difficult task .
But every time there are all grounds to say : the mission in Syria was necessary and the decision to start the military operation was correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option , '' Shoigu said in an article for the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper , dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Russian military operation in Syria .
The active phase of the Russian military operation lasted 804 days , from September 30 , 2015 , to December 11 , 2017 .
Before the operation began , terrorists controlled over 70 % of Syria ’ s territory and were advancing in all directions while pro-governmental troops were forced to retreat .
`` At some point , it became clear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poses a direct threat not only to the entire region , but to the whole world , including Russia .
It was an organization that planned to force the entire humanity obey its rules , '' Shoigu said .
`` With the support of the Russian aviation , Syria ’ s armed forces liberated 1,024 populated areas from terrorists .
As a result , the government troops and self-defense forces regained control over 88 % of the country ’ s territory , '' the minister continued .
Shoigu added that Russia managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , stop the civil war , defeat the Islamic State and deal a major blow to the entire international terrorist network by disrupting its supply channels .
Moreover , as a result of the operation , more than 3,000 Russian passport holders who joined terrorist organizations fighting in Syria , were prevented from returning to Russia to continue their terrorist activities .
From the geopolitical point of view , Russia managed to retain the balance of forces in the Middle East , becoming a key guarantor of regional security .
`` The task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago was successfully fulfilled .
The Islamic State international terrorist organization ceased to exist in Syria , none of the terrorists managed to find his way into Russia , '' the minister said .
According to Shoigu , the Islamic State in Syria has been `` defeated completely . ''
`` Moreover , one can say with full certainty that a major blow was dealt to the entire network of the international terrorism , with its financial sources and resource supply system disrupted , '' he said .
The minister said that another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` reliable barrier '' that prevents terrorist groups from spreading to other territories , especially the neighboring countries .
Besides , the operation in Syria demonstrated Russia ’ s capacity to successfully defend ts national interests in any location of the planet and its readiness to provide military support to its allies and partners , Shoigu said .
In his opinion , the operation also strengthened Russia ’ s role on the international arena and thwarted its rivals ’ attempt to isolate Russia politically and diplomatically .
More than 133,000 terrorists have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its military operation in the country , the Russian defense minister said.. '' As a result of air raids and cruise missile strikes , 133,542 terrorist facilities were destroyed , including 400 illegal oil refineries and 4,100 refuelers .
A total of 865 terrorist warlords and over 133,000 militants were killed , including 4,500 militants from the Russian Federation and CIS countries , '' Shoigu said in an article for the Defense Ministry ’ s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper , dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Russian military operation in Syria .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with decent military training , who pitted themselves against the rest of the world .
In fact , they can be described as the world ’ s first army of terrorists - well-organized and close-knit , with proper training and good weaponry , '' Shoigu said .
Planes of Russia ’ s Aerospace Forces performed over 44,000 combat sorties since the start of the operation .
According to the minister , Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked the Russian military with eliminating terrorist groups in Syria and preventing terrorists of Russian origin from returning @ @

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Russia’s military operation against terrorists in Syria was necessary and helped to preserve the Syrian statehood and defeat the Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia), Russian Defense Minister Army Gen. Sergei Shoigu said on Wednesday.
"Sometimes, in the course of ongoing discussions, a question arises whether Russia did the right thing to assume this difficult task. But every time there are all grounds to say: the mission in Syria was necessary and the decision to start the military operation was correct, maybe it was even the only option," Shoigu said in an article for the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper, dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Russian military operation in Syria.
The active phase of the Russian military operation lasted 804 days, from September 30, 2015, to December 11, 2017. Before the operation began, terrorists controlled over 70% of Syria’s territory and were advancing in all directions while pro-governmental troops were forced to retreat.
"At some point, it became clear that this force [the Islamic State] poses a direct threat not only to the entire region, but to the whole world, including Russia. It was an organization that planned to force the entire humanity obey its rules," Shoigu said.
"With the support of the Russian aviation, Syria’s armed forces liberated 1,024 populated areas from terrorists. As a result, the government troops and self-defense forces regained control over 88% of the country’s territory," the minister continued.
Shoigu added that Russia managed to prevent the collapse of the Syrian statehood, stop the civil war, defeat the Islamic State and deal a major blow to the entire international terrorist network by disrupting its supply channels.
Moreover, as a result of the operation, more than 3,000 Russian passport holders who joined terrorist organizations fighting in Syria, were prevented from returning to Russia to continue their terrorist activities. From the geopolitical point of view, Russia managed to retain the balance of forces in the Middle East, becoming a key guarantor of regional security.
"The task set by the supreme commander-in-chief five years ago was successfully fulfilled. The Islamic State international terrorist organization ceased to exist in Syria, none of the terrorists managed to find his way into Russia," the minister said.
According to Shoigu, the Islamic State in Syria has been "defeated completely."
"Moreover, one can say with full certainty that a major blow was dealt to the entire network of the international terrorism, with its financial sources and resource supply system disrupted," he said.
The minister said that another important result of the Russian operation is a "reliable barrier" that prevents terrorist groups from spreading to other territories, especially the neighboring countries.
Besides, the operation in Syria demonstrated Russia’s capacity to successfully defend ts national interests in any location of the planet and its readiness to provide military support to its allies and partners, Shoigu said. In his opinion, the operation also strengthened Russia’s role on the international arena and thwarted its rivals’ attempt to isolate Russia politically and diplomatically.
More than 133,000 terrorists have been killed in Syria since Russia launched its military operation in the country, the Russian defense minister said..
"As a result of air raids and cruise missile strikes, 133,542 terrorist facilities were destroyed, including 400 illegal oil refineries and 4,100 refuelers. A total of 865 terrorist warlords and over 133,000 militants were killed, including 4,500 militants from the Russian Federation and CIS countries," Shoigu said in an article for the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper, dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the Russian military operation in Syria.
"Those armed formations had ideologically dedicated members with decent military training, who pitted themselves against the rest of the world. In fact, they can be described as the world’s first army of terrorists - well-organized and close-knit, with proper training and good weaponry," Shoigu said.
Planes of Russia’s Aerospace Forces performed over 44,000 combat sorties since the start of the operation. According to the minister, Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked the Russian military with eliminating terrorist groups in Syria and preventing terrorists of Russian origin from returning back.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia, US, France should press for peace in Karabakh more actively — Armenian premier

LONDON , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia , the United States and France , who are co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ’ s Minsk Group , should press more actively for peace and stability in the Nagorno-Karabakh region , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told BBC on Tuesday .
`` Moscow is formally and legally a strategic partner of Armenia , but the fact is that now Moscow is totally neutral , '' the Armenian premier said .
`` Russia is a member of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship , and , to be honest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neutral .
But I think Russia , and United States , and France should not only support stability and peace , but , maybe , make more effort for that . ''
According to Pashinyan , the majority of foreign media have a `` huge misunderstanding on the core of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , '' which they try to portray as a territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan .
`` This isn ’ t a territorial dispute , this is a simple attempt from the Armenians of the Nagorno-Karabakh to use the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said .
In his words , Armenia can not unilaterally declare a ceasefire with Azerbaijan , because the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh is facing `` existential threat . ''
`` If Nagorno-Karabakh won ’ t fight , all Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh will be killed , without any exaggeration , '' he said .
In an interview with The Spectator , published on Tuesday , Pashinyan said that the current escalation of conflict was a coordinated action by Turkey and Azerbaijan , where `` Turkey is managing the whole process '' and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In his words , Ankara ’ s external policy reflects its `` imperial aspirations , '' destabilizes the situation in Southern Caucasus and the Mediterranean region and `` has nothing to do with strengthening NATO . ''
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have imposed martial law and announced mobilization .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

LONDON, September 30. /TASS/. Russia, the United States and France, who are co-chairs of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Minsk Group, should press more actively for peace and stability in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told BBC on Tuesday.
"Moscow is formally and legally a strategic partner of Armenia, but the fact is that now Moscow is totally neutral," the Armenian premier said. "Russia is a member of the Minsk Group co-chairmanship, and, to be honest, it is her duty to be neutral. But I think Russia, and United States, and France should not only support stability and peace, but, maybe, make more effort for that."
According to Pashinyan, the majority of foreign media have a "huge misunderstanding on the core of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," which they try to portray as a territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
"This isn’t a territorial dispute, this is a simple attempt from the Armenians of the Nagorno-Karabakh to use the right of self-determination," the Armenian prime minister said.
In his words, Armenia cannot unilaterally declare a ceasefire with Azerbaijan, because the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh is facing "existential threat."
"If Nagorno-Karabakh won’t fight, all Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh will be killed, without any exaggeration," he said.
In an interview with The Spectator, published on Tuesday, Pashinyan said that the current escalation of conflict was a coordinated action by Turkey and Azerbaijan, where "Turkey is managing the whole process" and is "not trying to hide this."
In his words, Ankara’s external policy reflects its "imperial aspirations," destabilizes the situation in Southern Caucasus and the Mediterranean region and "has nothing to do with strengthening NATO."
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have imposed martial law and announced mobilization.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-30--Russian citizen Nikulin sentenced to 7 years in US jail for cybercrimes

NEW YORK , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
The US District Court for the Northern District of California sentenced Russian citizen Yevgeny Nikulin to about seven years and four months in jail for cybercrimes on Tuesday .
During the court session , broadcast online via Zoom , Judge William Alsup said Nikulin was sentenced to 88 months behind bars .
The Russian citizen will most likely be deported after the release , he said .
One of Nikulin ’ s lawyers , Arkady Bukh said the Russian citizen will have to spend slightly more than two years in prison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of appeal .
According to Bukh , the sentence can be reduced by about 15 % for good conduct .
Moreover , the 48 months that the Russian citizen had already spent in pretrial detention will be credited as time served .
`` It turns out that , if his conduct is good , he will have to spend about 26 months behind bars , which is slightly more than two years , '' he said .
`` We are now going to study all case materials and transcripts , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is very likely . ''
The Russian embassy in Washington said it was closely following the trial and rendering all the necessary consular and legal assistance to Nikulin .
`` We maintain contact with him and his lawyer , '' the embassy said .
The trial of Nikulin , accused of cybercrimes in the US , began in San Francisco on March 9 , but it was suspended on March 16 due to the spread of coronavirus .
The US authorities hold Nikulin responsible for a number of crimes , including hacking into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was detained in Prague on October 5 , 2016 .
In November 2016 , a request for Nikulin ’ s extradition was lodged by Russia , where he is accused of stealing $ 3,400 through the Internet in 2009 .
The Czech Republic on March 31 confirmed that Nikulin was extradited to the United States .
On the same day he faced a court in San Francisco to plead not guilty .
In July , the jury found Nikulin gulty on all the nine counts of cybercrime .

NEW YORK, September 30. /TASS/. The US District Court for the Northern District of California sentenced Russian citizen Yevgeny Nikulin to about seven years and four months in jail for cybercrimes on Tuesday.
During the court session, broadcast online via Zoom, Judge William Alsup said Nikulin was sentenced to 88 months behind bars. The Russian citizen will most likely be deported after the release, he said.
One of Nikulin’s lawyers, Arkady Bukh said the Russian citizen will have to spend slightly more than two years in prison, and the defense team was now considering the possibility of appeal.
According to Bukh, the sentence can be reduced by about 15% for good conduct. Moreover, the 48 months that the Russian citizen had already spent in pretrial detention will be credited as time served.
"It turns out that, if his conduct is good, he will have to spend about 26 months behind bars, which is slightly more than two years," he said.
"We are now going to study all case materials and transcripts," the lawyer added. "An appeal is very likely."
The Russian embassy in Washington said it was closely following the trial and rendering all the necessary consular and legal assistance to Nikulin. "We maintain contact with him and his lawyer," the embassy said.
The trial of Nikulin, accused of cybercrimes in the US, began in San Francisco on March 9, but it was suspended on March 16 due to the spread of coronavirus. The US authorities hold Nikulin responsible for a number of crimes, including hacking into computer systems and theft of personal data. He was detained in Prague on October 5, 2016. In November 2016, a request for Nikulin’s extradition was lodged by Russia, where he is accused of stealing $3,400 through the Internet in 2009.
The Czech Republic on March 31 confirmed that Nikulin was extradited to the United States. On the same day he faced a court in San Francisco to plead not guilty.
In July, the jury found Nikulin gulty on all the nine counts of cybercrime.


tass--2020-09-30--UN Security Council calls for immediate ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh

UNITED NATIONS , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
The UN Security Council called upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to immediately stop hostilities , said Nigerien envoy to the United Nations , Abdou Abarry , who is the council ’ s president for the month of September .
`` Security Council members voiced support for the call by the Secretary General on the sides to immediately stop fighting , de-escalate tensions and return to meaningful negotiations without delay , '' he said .
Abarry said a meeting with the participation of Armenia and Azerbaijan was possible .
`` [ Security Council members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and regret the loss of life and the toll on the civilian population , '' he added .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Both Armenia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mobilization .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

UNITED NATIONS, September 30. /TASS/. The UN Security Council called upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to immediately stop hostilities, said Nigerien envoy to the United Nations, Abdou Abarry, who is the council’s president for the month of September.
"Security Council members voiced support for the call by the Secretary General on the sides to immediately stop fighting, de-escalate tensions and return to meaningful negotiations without delay," he said.
Abarry said a meeting with the participation of Armenia and Azerbaijan was possible.
"[Security Council members] strongly condemn the use of force and regret the loss of life and the toll on the civilian population," he added.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have imposed martial law and announced mobilization.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--Tokyo Stock Exchange halted due to technical difficulties

TOKYO , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Representatives of Asia ’ s biggest Tokyo Stock Exchange reported Thursday a halt @ @ @ @ @ the start of the trading on Thursday due to technical difficulties , the exchange ’ @ @ @ @ @ trading was supposed to start at 9:00 am local time .
According to the exchange @ @ @ @ @ spreading market information malfunctioned .
It is now reported when the issue will be fixed @ @ @ @ @ outage led to halts of activities on other Japanese stocks exchanges in Sapporo , Nagoya @ @ @ @ @ only Osaka ’ s exchange is operating as well as the Tokyo Commodity Exchange where @ @ @ @ @

TOKYO, October 1. /TASS/. Representatives of Asia’s biggest Tokyo Stock Exchange reported Thursday a halt of all transactions just before the start of the trading on Thursday due to technical difficulties, the exchange’s website reads.
The trading was supposed to start at 9:00 am local time. According to the exchange, a system responsible for spreading market information malfunctioned.
It is now reported when the issue will be fixed.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange outage led to halts of activities on other Japanese stocks exchanges in Sapporo, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Currently, only Osaka’s exchange is operating as well as the Tokyo Commodity Exchange where oil futures are traded.


tass--2020-10-01--Governors of 11 US states vow to ensure peaceful transfer of power after elections

NEW YORK , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Governors of 11 American states are pledging to ensure accurate tally of the ballots cast in the upcoming elections in the US on November 3 and peaceful transfer of power if the incumbent president fails to secure his reelection , their joint statement was published Wednesday on Washington State Governor Jay Inslee ’ s Twitter page .
`` Any efforts to throw out ballots or refuse a peaceful transfer of power are nothing less than an assault on American democracy , '' the authors noted .
They vow to ensure `` that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be counted and that democracy will be delivered in this election .
That means all valid ballots cast in accordance with state and local laws must be counted , and that all states must properly appoint electors in accordance with the vote . ''
`` We will not allow anyone to willfully corrupt the democratic process by delegitimizing the outcome or appointing fraudulent electors against the will of the voters , '' the governors stressed .
`` If the outcome of this election means the end of a presidency , he must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe , meaning incumbent President Donald Trump .
Governors of the key battleground states of Michigan , Wisconsin , Minnesota and Nevada are among those who signed the statement .
Earlier , Trump did not rule out that it will be up to the Supreme Court to determine the winner of the upcoming vote .
In the last few months , he has repeatedly criticized mail-in voting which the Democrats suggest should be used amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump is convinced that postal voting makes it impossible to quickly and accurately count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and election rigging is coming .

NEW YORK, October 1. /TASS/. Governors of 11 American states are pledging to ensure accurate tally of the ballots cast in the upcoming elections in the US on November 3 and peaceful transfer of power if the incumbent president fails to secure his reelection, their joint statement was published Wednesday on Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Twitter page.
"Any efforts to throw out ballots or refuse a peaceful transfer of power are nothing less than an assault on American democracy," the authors noted. They vow to ensure "that all votes cast in the upcoming election will be counted and that democracy will be delivered in this election. That means all valid ballots cast in accordance with state and local laws must be counted, and that all states must properly appoint electors in accordance with the vote." "We will not allow anyone to willfully corrupt the democratic process by delegitimizing the outcome or appointing fraudulent electors against the will of the voters," the governors stressed.
"If the outcome of this election means the end of a presidency, he must leave office — period," they believe, meaning incumbent President Donald Trump. Governors of the key battleground states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nevada are among those who signed the statement.
Earlier, Trump did not rule out that it will be up to the Supreme Court to determine the winner of the upcoming vote. In the last few months, he has repeatedly criticized mail-in voting which the Democrats suggest should be used amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trump is convinced that postal voting makes it impossible to quickly and accurately count the votes and warned that large-scale falsifications and election rigging is coming.


tass--2020-10-01--US senators asking Trump to investigate Navalny incident

WASHINGTON , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Chairman of the US Senate ’ s Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch ( R , Idaho ) and its Senior Democrat Bob Menendez ( D , New Jersey ) are calling on the Washington administration to launch an investigation into the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny , the committee ’ s press service reported Wednesday that the request is contained in a letter sent to US President Donald Trump .
`` We are writing to respectfully request that you consider whether the government of the Russian Federation used chemical or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or against its one of its own nationals and thus should be subject to sanctions contained in the statute , '' the senators wrote. ''
Mr .
Navalny ’ s poisoning is particularly disturbing as a Novichok agent was also used in the March 2018 attack on Sergei Skripal in Salisbury , England .
In that instance , your administration concluded that the Russian government was behind the attack and thus subject to sanctions .
The United States must again make clear that any such behavior is not acceptable , '' they concluded @

WASHINGTON, October 1. /TASS/. Chairman of the US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee Jim Risch (R, Idaho) and its Senior Democrat Bob Menendez (D, New Jersey) are calling on the Washington administration to launch an investigation into the alleged poisoning of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, the committee’s press service reported Wednesday that the request is contained in a letter sent to US President Donald Trump.
"We are writing to respectfully request that you consider whether the government of the Russian Federation used chemical or biological weapons in violation of international law or against its one of its own nationals and thus should be subject to sanctions contained in the statute," the senators wrote."Mr. Navalny’s poisoning is particularly disturbing as a Novichok agent was also used in the March 2018 attack on Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, England. In that instance, your administration concluded that the Russian government was behind the attack and thus subject to sanctions. The United States must again make clear that any such behavior is not acceptable," they concluded.


tass--2020-10-01--Seven injured in Wisconsin shooting - AP

NEW YORK , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
At least seven people have been wounded in a shooting in Milwaukee @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press reports .
According to the agency , an unidentified person opened fire at @ @ @ @ @ 100 people .
They gathered near a funeral home as they were preparing to attend @ @ @ @ @ Taylor who was killed at the age of 26 in a shooting in mid-September .
@ @ @ @ @ people ’ s lives are not in danger .
The police are looking for the @ @ @ @ @ to be identified whether the incident is related to Taylor ’ s death .

NEW YORK, October 1. /TASS/. At least seven people have been wounded in a shooting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Wednesday, Associated Press reports.
According to the agency, an unidentified person opened fire at a funeral procession of around 100 people. They gathered near a funeral home as they were preparing to attend a laying ceremony for Braxton Taylor who was killed at the age of 26 in a shooting in mid-September. Associated Press notes that the people’s lives are not in danger.
The police are looking for the shooter. It is yet to be identified whether the incident is related to Taylor’s death.


tass--2020-10-01--Armenian PM highlights Turkey’s destructive role to European Council president

YEREVAN , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has pointed out to European Council President Charles @ @ @ @ @ to a destructive position , the Armenian government ’ s press service said Wednesday following @ @ @ @ @ Pashinyan drew attention of Charles Michel to Turkey ’ s destructive position and underlined that @ @ @ @ @ this country in the hostilities , '' the statement reads .
The prime minister said @ @ @ @ @ exclusion of Turkey are the mandatory conditions for resuming peace talks .
Michel , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ vital to immediately establish a ceasefire and resume the peace process in the framework of @ @ @ @ @

YEREVAN, October 1. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has pointed out to European Council President Charles Michel that Turkey is sticking to a destructive position, the Armenian government’s press service said Wednesday following the talk.
"Nikol Pashinyan drew attention of Charles Michel to Turkey’s destructive position and underlined that it is inadmissible to involve this country in the hostilities," the statement reads.
The prime minister said that stopping hostilities and full exclusion of Turkey are the mandatory conditions for resuming peace talks.
Michel, meanwhile, said that it is vital to immediately establish a ceasefire and resume the peace process in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group.


tass--2020-10-01--Baku says eight Armenian multiple rocket launchers destroyed in Karabakh

BAKU , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia ’ s eight Grad multiple rocket launchers were destroyed in evening clashes @ @ @ @ @ , Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Wednesday .
`` During the fighting , the Azerbaijani @ @ @ @ @ launch rocket systems of the adversary tonight , '' the report says .

BAKU, October 1. /TASS/. Armenia’s eight Grad multiple rocket launchers were destroyed in evening clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
"During the fighting, the Azerbaijani army destroyed eight Grad multiple launch rocket systems of the adversary tonight," the report says.


tass--2020-10-01--Putin reaffirms position of inadmissibility of interference in state domestic affairs

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to reaffirm Russia ’ s position that attempts to interfere in domestic affairs of a sovereign states as well as foreign pressure on legitimate authorities are inadmissible , the Kremlin press service reported following a phone call initiated by the French side .
`` The situation that emerged following the Belarusian presidential elections was also touched upon .
The Russian side reaffirmed its principled position that it is inadmissible to attempt any interreference in domestic affairs of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities from overseas , '' the statement reads .
Speaking at the general debates at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly in late September , Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey said that some of its Western neighbors are trying to push the country into chaos and set it back in development .
Belarus is `` experiencing foreign interference aimed at undermining the basics of the constitutional system , '' according to him .
Earlier , Lukashenko said that Belarusians themselves would reach an agreement and settle the crisis without any foreign @ @

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron to reaffirm Russia’s position that attempts to interfere in domestic affairs of a sovereign states as well as foreign pressure on legitimate authorities are inadmissible, the Kremlin press service reported following a phone call initiated by the French side.
"The situation that emerged following the Belarusian presidential elections was also touched upon. The Russian side reaffirmed its principled position that it is inadmissible to attempt any interreference in domestic affairs of a sovereign state or put pressure on legitimate authorities from overseas," the statement reads.
Speaking at the general debates at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly in late September, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey said that some of its Western neighbors are trying to push the country into chaos and set it back in development. Belarus is "experiencing foreign interference aimed at undermining the basics of the constitutional system," according to him. Earlier, Lukashenko said that Belarusians themselves would reach an agreement and settle the crisis without any foreign interference.


tass--2020-10-01--Putin, Macron discuss Nagorno-Karabakh

Putin, Macron discuss Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and French Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron have discussed escalation in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , the leaders have called on the opposing parties to exercise maximum restraint and to cease hostilities as soon as possible , the Kremlin press service reported following a phone call initiated by the French side .
`` The sharp deterioration of the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone was discussed in detail .
Serious concerns were expressed in light of the continuing large-scale hostilities .
Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron called on the opposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire , de-escalate tensions and show maximum restraint , '' the statement reads .
The press service added that the conversation highlighted the fact that there are no alternatives to settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis by political and diplomatic means .
`` In this context , specific parameters of further cooperation , particularly in the OSCE Minsk Group , were reviewed .
The willingness to make a statement on behalf of the Minsk Group co-chairs ( Russia , France , the US ) in support of an immediate stopping of the armed confrontation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Kremlin informed .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Russian and French Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron have discussed escalation in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, the leaders have called on the opposing parties to exercise maximum restraint and to cease hostilities as soon as possible, the Kremlin press service reported following a phone call initiated by the French side.
"The sharp deterioration of the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone was discussed in detail. Serious concerns were expressed in light of the continuing large-scale hostilities. Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron called on the opposing party to implement an immediate and full ceasefire, de-escalate tensions and show maximum restraint," the statement reads.
The press service added that the conversation highlighted the fact that there are no alternatives to settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis by political and diplomatic means. "In this context, specific parameters of further cooperation, particularly in the OSCE Minsk Group, were reviewed. The willingness to make a statement on behalf of the Minsk Group co-chairs (Russia, France, the US) in support of an immediate stopping of the armed confrontation and resumption of the negotiating process," the Kremlin informed.


tass--2020-09-30--Moscow’s coronavirus death toll rises by 24

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow recorded 24 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours , the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ statement on Wednesday .
`` Another 24 patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested @ @ @ @ @ died in Moscow , '' the statement reads .
The city ’ s overall coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
Moscow , which has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide , has recently @ @ @ @ @ .
The city has so far recorded 292,601 cases , with 2,308 patients identified in @ @ @ @ @ total of 248,650 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Moscow recorded 24 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, the coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Another 24 patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the coronavirus have died in Moscow," the statement reads.
The city’s overall coronavirus death toll has reached 5,254.
Moscow, which has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide, has recently seen a rise in infections.
The city has so far recorded 292,601 cases, with 2,308 patients identified in the past day. A total of 248,650 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow.


tass--2020-09-30--Ukraine steps back from extra measures ensuring ceasefire in Donbass - envoy

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has in fact stepped back from the additional measures ensuring the ceasefire in Donbass , Russia ’ s Plenipotentiary Representative Boris Gryzlov said on Wednesday after a regular round of talks of the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine .
`` All the proposals to coordinate and control the ceasefire have been blocked , while the previous agreements on joint inspections by Ukraine and Donbass have been disrupted .
Ukraine ’ s Armed Forces are setting up positions in disengagement areas , '' he told reporters .
`` That can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preparations for new Ukrainian military operations against Donetsk and Lugansk .
In the wake of the current election campaign in Ukraine , the order to resume hostilities by the Ukrainian side can come at any time . ''
Gryzlov stated with regret that some representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) underestimate the threat , although the OSCE mission has recorded over 1,300 ceasefire violations since July 27 .
On July 27 , additional measures , approved by the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect in Donbass .
Among the measures are a ban on any offensive , intelligence or sabotage activities , on the use of all types of aircraft , on the use of fire , including sniper fire , and on the deployment of heavy weapons in inhabited localities .
One of the key provisions of the agreement stipulates disciplinary measures for breaking the ceasefire , whereas in case of offensive operations , return fire is allowed only after a direct order from the command .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Ukraine has in fact stepped back from the additional measures ensuring the ceasefire in Donbass, Russia’s Plenipotentiary Representative Boris Gryzlov said on Wednesday after a regular round of talks of the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine.
"All the proposals to coordinate and control the ceasefire have been blocked, while the previous agreements on joint inspections by Ukraine and Donbass have been disrupted. Ukraine’s Armed Forces are setting up positions in disengagement areas," he told reporters. "That can be seen in no other light than as the preparations for new Ukrainian military operations against Donetsk and Lugansk. In the wake of the current election campaign in Ukraine, the order to resume hostilities by the Ukrainian side can come at any time."
Gryzlov stated with regret that some representatives of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) underestimate the threat, although the OSCE mission has recorded over 1,300 ceasefire violations since July 27.
On July 27, additional measures, approved by the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine to ensure a ceasefire, came into effect in Donbass. Among the measures are a ban on any offensive, intelligence or sabotage activities, on the use of all types of aircraft, on the use of fire, including sniper fire, and on the deployment of heavy weapons in inhabited localities. One of the key provisions of the agreement stipulates disciplinary measures for breaking the ceasefire, whereas in case of offensive operations, return fire is allowed only after a direct order from the command.


tass--2020-09-30--Armenia records 23 fatalities in Nagorno-Karabakh clashes in past 24 hours

YEREVAN , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia recorded 23 fatalities in clashes along the line of contact in the @ @ @ @ @ day , the government ’ s information center said in a statement on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ in the past day .
The total number has reached 104 , '' the statement @ @

YEREVAN, September 30. /TASS/. Armenia recorded 23 fatalities in clashes along the line of contact in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in the past day, the government’s information center said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Armenia recorded 23 fatalities in the past day. The total number has reached 104," the statement reads.