tass--2020-11-23--Moscow reports lowest number of patients with pneumonia in three weeks, says mayor

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of newly diagnosed patients with pneumonia in Moscow is 2 % , this is the lowest figure in recent weeks , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Coordination Council for countering the spread of the novel coronavirus .
`` We have seen the process smoothening over the past two weeks .
Over the past week , the number of newly diagnosed patients was about 6 % .
Moscow has created a rather serious system to diagnose pneumonia , so the detection rate is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I am sure of that .
The number of newly diagnosed patients with pneumonia is 2 % , the lowest figure in the previous weeks , '' he said .
The hospital bed occupancy rate is about 3 % , which makes it possible to stabilize the coronavirus situation .
Moscow has a reserve of 5,000 hospital beds .
Those hospitals that provide planned medical treatment have not been affected .
According to the mayor , Moscow continues to provide all types of treatment , despite the current pressure on the healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be able to control the situation in the future , '' he added .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The number of newly diagnosed patients with pneumonia in Moscow is 2%, this is the lowest figure in recent weeks, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Coordination Council for countering the spread of the novel coronavirus.
"We have seen the process smoothening over the past two weeks. Over the past week, the number of newly diagnosed patients was about 6%. Moscow has created a rather serious system to diagnose pneumonia, so the detection rate is one of the best in the country, I am sure of that. The number of newly diagnosed patients with pneumonia is 2%, the lowest figure in the previous weeks," he said.
The hospital bed occupancy rate is about 3%, which makes it possible to stabilize the coronavirus situation. Moscow has a reserve of 5,000 hospital beds. Those hospitals that provide planned medical treatment have not been affected.
According to the mayor, Moscow continues to provide all types of treatment, despite the current pressure on the healthcare system. "I hope that we will be able to control the situation in the future," he added.


tass--2020-11-23--Five volunteers older than 60 inoculated with EpiVacCorona vaccine

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The first five volunteers aged older than 60 have been inoculated with the first dose of Russia ’ s EpiVacCorona vaccine as part of post-registration tests , the press service of Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog said on Monday .
`` On November 21 , 2020 , the first five volunteers from among a group of 150 people older than 60 received the first dose of the EpiVacCorona vaccine , '' it said .
According to the sanitary watchdog , 150 volunteers older than 60 have already been selected , whereas selection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As many as 3,000 volunteers will take part in the vaccine tests .
The vaccine was developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology .
On July 24 , the Center received a Russian Health Ministry permit for clinical trials of its anti-coronavirus vaccine on volunteers .
The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27 .
The final group of 20 volunteers was released from hospital on September 8 .
The vaccine ’ s clinical trials were completed on September 30 .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registration .
On November 16 , the Health Ministry issued a permit for post-registration trials of the vaccine on volunteers older than 60 .
On November 18 , a permit was granted to conduct tests on 3,000 volunteers older than 18 .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The first five volunteers aged older than 60 have been inoculated with the first dose of Russia’s EpiVacCorona vaccine as part of post-registration tests, the press service of Russia’s sanitary watchdog said on Monday.
"On November 21, 2020, the first five volunteers from among a group of 150 people older than 60 received the first dose of the EpiVacCorona vaccine," it said.
According to the sanitary watchdog, 150 volunteers older than 60 have already been selected, whereas selection of volunteers aged between 18 and 60 continues. As many as 3,000 volunteers will take part in the vaccine tests.
The vaccine was developed by the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology. On July 24, the Center received a Russian Health Ministry permit for clinical trials of its anti-coronavirus vaccine on volunteers. The first volunteer was inoculated on July 27. The final group of 20 volunteers was released from hospital on September 8. The vaccine’s clinical trials were completed on September 30. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on October 14 that the Vector-developed vaccine had received registration. On November 16, the Health Ministry issued a permit for post-registration trials of the vaccine on volunteers older than 60. On November 18, a permit was granted to conduct tests on 3,000 volunteers older than 18.


tass--2020-11-23--Chisinau’s hospitals overcrowded with COVID-19 patients, City Hall says

CHISINAU , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
City authorities in Chisinau have equipped additional hospital beds for the coronavirus patients on the premises of the MoldExpo exhibition hall since city hospitals can not cope anymore with the daily increase in the infections , head of Chisinau ’ s healthcare directorate Boris Gilca reported at a meeting of municipal services aired by the city hall press service on its Facebook page .
`` The epidemiologic situation in Chisinau is extremely hard .
< … > We ’ ve reached the highest number of patients , 1,042 hospital beds are occupied .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily but this is insufficient , so we had to prepare another 200 slots at a temporary distribution center at MoldExpo , '' he said .
According to him , Chisinau makes up almost half of all the coronavirus infections nationwide ( 41,000 ) .
`` We continue to register growth in the number of infections as well as of severe cases and fatalities .
The forecasts are not encouraging , '' he noted .
He pointed out that the majority of the coronavirus patients in Moldova are being treated at home under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moldova ’ s Health , Labor and Social Protection Ministry , as of November 22 , since the beginning of the pandemic over 97,000 cases of the coronavirus infection have been confirmed in the country ( 2.6 % of the country ’ s population ) .
The number of fatalities has surpassed 2,000 .
The republic introduced entry restrictions for foreigners , as well as limitations on mass events ; protective masks at public places are mandatory .
At the same time , most of the restrictions introduced in Moldova earlier have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions , markets , stores , cafes , gyms and beauty parlors are functioning .

CHISINAU, November 23. /TASS/. City authorities in Chisinau have equipped additional hospital beds for the coronavirus patients on the premises of the MoldExpo exhibition hall since city hospitals cannot cope anymore with the daily increase in the infections, head of Chisinau’s healthcare directorate Boris Gilca reported at a meeting of municipal services aired by the city hall press service on its Facebook page.
"The epidemiologic situation in Chisinau is extremely hard. <…> We’ve reached the highest number of patients, 1,042 hospital beds are occupied. Some 5 to 10 slots become available daily but this is insufficient, so we had to prepare another 200 slots at a temporary distribution center at MoldExpo," he said.
According to him, Chisinau makes up almost half of all the coronavirus infections nationwide (41,000). "We continue to register growth in the number of infections as well as of severe cases and fatalities. The forecasts are not encouraging," he noted. He pointed out that the majority of the coronavirus patients in Moldova are being treated at home under observation of family physicians.
According to Moldova’s Health, Labor and Social Protection Ministry, as of November 22, since the beginning of the pandemic over 97,000 cases of the coronavirus infection have been confirmed in the country (2.6% of the country’s population). The number of fatalities has surpassed 2,000. The republic introduced entry restrictions for foreigners, as well as limitations on mass events; protective masks at public places are mandatory. At the same time, most of the restrictions introduced in Moldova earlier have been lifted: the public transportation, educational institutions, markets, stores, cafes, gyms and beauty parlors are functioning.


tass--2020-11-23--Soyuz rocket launch from Plesetsk spaceport delayed over additional checks

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of three Gonets-M communications satellites from the Plesetsk cosmodrome has been delayed over an additional check of a Soyuz-2 rocket after a fault was found in a similar carrier at the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana , a source in Russia ’ s Defense Ministry told TASS on Monday .
`` In the wake of technical faults detected by Roscosmos specialists in a similar rocket during the preparations for a launch from the Guiana Space Center , the state commission has made a decision to hold additional checks of the Soyuz-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch , '' the source said .
A combat team of the Russian Defense Ministry at the Plesetsk spaceport is now checking the rocket ’ s systems and assemblies at the assembly and testing building .
In case of a fault , it will be eliminated .
The date of the launch will be determined by the state commission following the results of the checks , the source said .
A source in the domestic space industry told TASS earlier on Monday that the launch of three Gonets-M satellites atop a Soyuz-2 carrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 to December 3 over technical problems with the rocket .
Preparations are currently underway at the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana for the launch of a Soyuz-ST-A carrier rocker to orbit a UAE Falcon Eye 2 satellite .
The launch is scheduled for November 29 .
The Gonets is Russia ’ s sole low-orbit satellite communications system designed for the global exchange of various types of information with mobile and stationary facilities , and for organizing re-broadcasting channels for various purposes .
The system allows transmitting Glonass coordinate data from a mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , irrespective of a subscriber ’ s location .
The Gonets next-generation satellite system will offer communications , including telephone services , in hard-to-access places , including the Arctic , and provide infrastructure for the Internet of things .
In the future , it will allow transmitting data online from any objects , including mobile .
The orbital grouping is expected to comprise 28 satellites in low near-Earth orbit .
A Soyuz-2 medium three-stage carrier rocket delivers satellites into near-Earth orbits of various altitudes .
The first launch of a Soyuz-2 rocket took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2004 .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The launch of three Gonets-M communications satellites from the Plesetsk cosmodrome has been delayed over an additional check of a Soyuz-2 rocket after a fault was found in a similar carrier at the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana, a source in Russia’s Defense Ministry told TASS on Monday.
"In the wake of technical faults detected by Roscosmos specialists in a similar rocket during the preparations for a launch from the Guiana Space Center, the state commission has made a decision to hold additional checks of the Soyuz-2 carrier rocket’s readiness for the launch," the source said.
A combat team of the Russian Defense Ministry at the Plesetsk spaceport is now checking the rocket’s systems and assemblies at the assembly and testing building. In case of a fault, it will be eliminated. The date of the launch will be determined by the state commission following the results of the checks, the source said.
A source in the domestic space industry told TASS earlier on Monday that the launch of three Gonets-M satellites atop a Soyuz-2 carrier rocket had been tentatively rescheduled from November 24 to December 3 over technical problems with the rocket.
Preparations are currently underway at the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana for the launch of a Soyuz-ST-A carrier rocker to orbit a UAE Falcon Eye 2 satellite. The launch is scheduled for November 29.
The Gonets is Russia’s sole low-orbit satellite communications system designed for the global exchange of various types of information with mobile and stationary facilities, and for organizing re-broadcasting channels for various purposes. The system allows transmitting Glonass coordinate data from a mobile post to remote monitoring and communications centers, irrespective of a subscriber’s location.
The Gonets next-generation satellite system will offer communications, including telephone services, in hard-to-access places, including the Arctic, and provide infrastructure for the Internet of things. In the future, it will allow transmitting data online from any objects, including mobile. The orbital grouping is expected to comprise 28 satellites in low near-Earth orbit.
A Soyuz-2 medium three-stage carrier rocket delivers satellites into near-Earth orbits of various altitudes. The first launch of a Soyuz-2 rocket took place from the Plesetsk spaceport in November 2004.


tass--2020-11-23--Coronavirus may cause thromboses, expert says

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus infection may cause thromboses since it affects the body ’ s @ @ @ @ @ for Research of the Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery Nikolai Konovalov said on @ @ @ @ @ doubt , the coronavirus influences the dynamic system , causes thromboses .
A brain may @ @ @ @ @ disorders , '' he said in an interview with the RBK TV channel .
According @ @ @ @ @ disorders may lead to serious neurological manifestations .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The coronavirus infection may cause thromboses since it affects the body’s dynamic system, Deputy Director for Research of the Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery Nikolai Konovalov said on Monday.
"Without a doubt, the coronavirus influences the dynamic system, causes thromboses. A brain may develop both ischemic and hemorrhagic disorders," he said in an interview with the RBK TV channel.
According to the scientist, these disorders may lead to serious neurological manifestations.


tass--2020-11-24--Putin hopes for face-to-face UNSC P5 summit when situation allows

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that the summit of the UN Security Council 's permanent members will be held in person when the coronavirus situation allows .
`` I am convinced that despite all the current difficulties and differences we need to energetically resolve the issues , move forward and advance the unifying international agenda .
That is what we were guided by when we put forward the initiative to hold the summit of the permanent members of the UN Security Council , or countries that bear special responsibility for maintaining security and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian leader said Tuesday at a ceremony for the presentation of foreign ambassadors ’ credentials .
`` We hope that the summit will take place , and , importantly , in the in-person format , as soon as the epidemiological situation allows , '' Putin underlined .
`` Apart from the fact that the pandemic exacerbated issues in the world economy , trade , social sphere and ecology , old problems and challenges , including international terrorism , drug trafficking and organized crime , did not disappear , '' the Russian leader pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole system of international security , strategic stability and arms control is under serious pressure . ''
The Russian leader is convinced that `` looking for optimal and proper decisions for the listed problems is only possible through equal participation of all members of the international community based on universally accepted provisions of international law with the coordinating and central role of the United Nations . ''

"I am convinced that despite all the current difficulties and differences we need to energetically resolve the issues, move forward and advance the unifying international agenda. That is what we were guided by when we put forward the initiative to hold the summit of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, or countries that bear special responsibility for maintaining security and stability in the world," the Russian leader said Tuesday at a ceremony for the presentation of foreign ambassadors’ credentials.
"We hope that the summit will take place, and, importantly, in the in-person format, as soon as the epidemiological situation allows," Putin underlined.
"Apart from the fact that the pandemic exacerbated issues in the world economy, trade, social sphere and ecology, old problems and challenges, including international terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime, did not disappear," the Russian leader pointed out. According to him, "the whole system of international security, strategic stability and arms control is under serious pressure."
The Russian leader is convinced that "looking for optimal and proper decisions for the listed problems is only possible through equal participation of all members of the international community based on universally accepted provisions of international law with the coordinating and central role of the United Nations."


tass--2020-11-24--Number of COVID-19 cases in Africa exceeds 2.079 million, reports WHO

The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 2,079,911 , with 9,448 cases confirmed during the past day .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 49,993 , with 272 fatalities registered in the past 24 hours .
More than 1.7 million patients have recovered .
PRETORIA , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
More than 9,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 2.079 million , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry virus , says Russian watchdog South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa ’ s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 769,759 and 20,968 , respectively .
Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 6,560 and 113,381 , respectively .
As many as 5,396 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Morocco .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Ethiopia is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases ( 106,203 cases and 1,651 fatalities ) .
Next are Kenya ( 77,785 cases and 1,392 ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
.
According to the latest statistics , over 59.1 million people have been infected worldwide and around 1.4 million deaths have been reported .

The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Africa currently stands at 2,079,911, with 9,448 cases confirmed during the past day. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 49,993, with 272 fatalities registered in the past 24 hours. More than 1.7 million patients have recovered.
PRETORIA, November 24. /TASS/. More than 9,000 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 2.079 million, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday.
People with immunity to COVID-19 can still carry virus, says Russian watchdog
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 769,759 and 20,968, respectively. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 6,560 and 113,381, respectively. As many as 5,396 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Morocco.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus cases (106,203 cases and 1,651 fatalities). Next are Kenya (77,785 cases and 1,392), and Nigeria (66,439 cases and 1,168 deaths).
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. . According to the latest statistics, over 59.1 million people have been infected worldwide and around 1.4 million deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-11-24--Putin: Russia expects international organizations to take part in Karabakh settlement

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia expects international organizations to take part in the process of further settling the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a ceremony of receiving credentials from foreign ambassadors in the Kremlin on Tuesday .
The situation in Karabakh `` is generally stabilizing and the Russian humanitarian response center is beginning its work to deal with the issues of providing assistance to residents of affected districts , restoring the infrastructure and creating conditions for a normal and peaceful life , '' Putin said .
`` We expect specialized international organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts .
We believe that all this creates pre-requisites for the long-term and full-format settlement of the long-standing conflict on a fair basis in the interests of the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples , '' the Russian leader stressed .
Russia has taken active efforts to halt the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh that entailed the deaths of thousands of Azerbaijani and Armenian citizens , Putin noted .
In doing so , Moscow followed the key accords reached with the OSCE Minsk Group , including its co-chairs : Russia , the United States and France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main thing that has been achieved is that the bloodshed has been stopped and the truce has been sealed in the trilateral statement by the leaders of Russia , Azerbaijan and Armenia , '' Putin stressed .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Russia expects international organizations to take part in the process of further settling the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a ceremony of receiving credentials from foreign ambassadors in the Kremlin on Tuesday.
The situation in Karabakh "is generally stabilizing and the Russian humanitarian response center is beginning its work to deal with the issues of providing assistance to residents of affected districts, restoring the infrastructure and creating conditions for a normal and peaceful life," Putin said.
"We expect specialized international organizations to take a substantial part in these efforts. We believe that all this creates pre-requisites for the long-term and full-format settlement of the long-standing conflict on a fair basis in the interests of the Azerbaijani and Armenian peoples," the Russian leader stressed.
Russia has taken active efforts to halt the hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh that entailed the deaths of thousands of Azerbaijani and Armenian citizens, Putin noted.
In doing so, Moscow followed the key accords reached with the OSCE Minsk Group, including its co-chairs: Russia, the United States and France, the Russian president said.
"The main thing that has been achieved is that the bloodshed has been stopped and the truce has been sealed in the trilateral statement by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia," Putin stressed.


tass--2020-11-24--Russian diplomat calls on EU to abandon hypocritical policy towards Ukraine

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union should abandon its hypocritical policy towards Ukraine and human rights , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said , commenting on the European External Action Service ’ s statement that Moscow ’ s decision to recognize `` documents and vehicle registrations issued to citizens and permanent residents of Ukraine 's Donetsk and Lugansk regions… constitutes yet another attempt by Russia to undermine Ukraine 's sovereignty , independence and territorial integrity . ''
`` We call on our partners in the EU to avoid this kind of overt hypocrisy and double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights in general , '' Zakharova pointed out .
In her view , the EU shows indifference to Donbass residents .
Russia regrets that EU countries did nothing to prevent a coup in Ukraine in 2014 and a military operation in the country ’ s southeast , Zakharova noted .
According to her , as a result , 3.7 mln people `` had to struggle to survive '' and are now deprived of basic rights and freedoms .
`` EU countries , who claim that protecting human rights all over the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in activities aimed at strangling Donbass residents .
They decided not to recognize Russian passports that people in Donbass obtain for humanitarian reasons and not to issue visas to their holders , '' Zakharova noted , adding that it was a blatant violation of human rights .
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman emphasized that European countries were showing disregard for the linguistic and educational rights of the Russian-speaking residents of Donbass , only fighting for the rights of those Ukrainian citizens who spoke EU languages .
`` The EU criticizes Russian laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier but ignores Kiev ’ s legislative initiatives and actions that make their life unbearable , '' Zakharova concluded .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. The European Union should abandon its hypocritical policy towards Ukraine and human rights, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, commenting on the European External Action Service’s statement that Moscow’s decision to recognize "documents and vehicle registrations issued to citizens and permanent residents of Ukraine's Donetsk and Lugansk regions… constitutes yet another attempt by Russia to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity."
"We call on our partners in the EU to avoid this kind of overt hypocrisy and double dealing in their Ukraine policy and respect human rights in general," Zakharova pointed out.
In her view, the EU shows indifference to Donbass residents. Russia regrets that EU countries did nothing to prevent a coup in Ukraine in 2014 and a military operation in the country’s southeast, Zakharova noted. According to her, as a result, 3.7 mln people "had to struggle to survive" and are now deprived of basic rights and freedoms.
"EU countries, who claim that protecting human rights all over the world is their top priority, are actually involved in activities aimed at strangling Donbass residents. They decided not to recognize Russian passports that people in Donbass obtain for humanitarian reasons and not to issue visas to their holders," Zakharova noted, adding that it was a blatant violation of human rights.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman emphasized that European countries were showing disregard for the linguistic and educational rights of the Russian-speaking residents of Donbass, only fighting for the rights of those Ukrainian citizens who spoke EU languages. "The EU criticizes Russian laws that make the life of Ukrainian nationals easier but ignores Kiev’s legislative initiatives and actions that make their life unbearable," Zakharova concluded.


tass--2020-11-24--People with immunity to COVID-19 can still carry virus, says Russian watchdog

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
People with immunity to COVID-19 can still carry the coronavirus , Head of @ @ @ @ @ for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova told reporters on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ sterile , which means that the virus can exist in a person who is not @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus exists on mucous membranes and in other cells of the body , @ @ @ @ @ to Popova , research shows that the amount of virus found on the back of @ @ @ @ @ much as that in the nose 's mucous membrane and scientists are yet to figure @ @ @ @ @ can pass the virus to others .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. People with immunity to COVID-19 can still carry the coronavirus, Head of Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova told reporters on Tuesday.
"Immunity is not sterile, which means that the virus can exist in a person who is not ill and has no symptoms. The virus exists on mucous membranes and in other cells of the body," she explained.
According to Popova, research shows that the amount of virus found on the back of the throat is twice as much as that in the nose's mucous membrane and scientists are yet to figure out if such a carrier can pass the virus to others.


tass--2020-11-24--Nearly 45% of Russians inoculated against flu, watchdog says

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 45 % of Russians have been inoculated against flu , Anna Popova @ @ @ @ @ s sanitary watchdog , said on Tuesday .
`` It is the right time now @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` As of today , nearly 45 % of the @ @ @ @ @ have been vaccinated against flu . ''
According to Popova , flu incidence rates are @ @ @ @ @ this is the right time to get inoculated .
Some 15 more percent of Russians @ @ @ @ @ , she added .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Nearly 45% of Russians have been inoculated against flu, Anna Popova, chief of Russia’s sanitary watchdog, said on Tuesday.
"It is the right time now to be inoculated against flu," she said. "As of today, nearly 45% of the country’s overall population have been vaccinated against flu."
According to Popova, flu incidence rates are demonstrating downwards tendencies now and this is the right time to get inoculated. Some 15 more percent of Russians are expected to be vaccinated, she added.


tass--2020-11-24--Kremlin rules out contacts between Putin and Saudi leadership before OPEC+ meeting

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin is not planning any negotiations with the leadership of Saudi Arabia before the OPEC+ meeting on December 1 , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
`` So far there are no such plans , '' he said responding to a question about possible talks with the leadership of Saudi Arabia .
Peskov also said that there were no separate negotiations between the Russian leader and the leadership of Saudi Arabia during the G20 summit .
The summit was held on November 21-22 via videoconference as chaired by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the sidelines of this virtual meeting , '' the Kremlin spokesman said .
Peskov refused to elaborate on Russia 's position at the upcoming OPEC+ meeting , saying that this is `` premature . ''
At a meeting on November 17 , the monitoring committee of OPEC+ was supposed to make an appropriate recommendation on the levels of oil production cuts in 2021 , which was later postponed to December 1 , 2020 .
On that day , a ministerial conference of all OPEC and non-OPEC countries will be held .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on how to cut production in the first months of 2021 .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin is not planning any negotiations with the leadership of Saudi Arabia before the OPEC+ meeting on December 1, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"So far there are no such plans," he said responding to a question about possible talks with the leadership of Saudi Arabia.
Peskov also said that there were no separate negotiations between the Russian leader and the leadership of Saudi Arabia during the G20 summit. The summit was held on November 21-22 via videoconference as chaired by Riyadh.
"There were no contacts on the sidelines of this virtual meeting," the Kremlin spokesman said.
Peskov refused to elaborate on Russia's position at the upcoming OPEC+ meeting, saying that this is "premature."
At a meeting on November 17, the monitoring committee of OPEC+ was supposed to make an appropriate recommendation on the levels of oil production cuts in 2021, which was later postponed to December 1, 2020. On that day, a ministerial conference of all OPEC and non-OPEC countries will be held. The participants are expected to make a final decision on how to cut production in the first months of 2021.


tass--2020-11-24--Russian tech corporation delivers 1st fully domestic power unit for latest frigates

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
The United Engine Corporation ( UEC , part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) has delivered the first completely domestic M55R diesel/gas turbine power unit for the latest Project 22350 frigates , UEC Deputy CEO Viktor Polyakov announced on Tuesday .
`` The first power unit was dispatched in November .
The dispatch of the second unit is scheduled for the first half of December .
Therefore , our partners , the United Shipbuilding Corporation and the Severnaya Shipyard , will get a full-fledged power plant for the ship that will consist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy chief executive said .
The United Engine Corporation started R & D work on seaborne gas turbine engines in 2014 , Polyakov said .
`` We have confirmed that Russia can produce diesel/gas turbine engines independently .
We have fully acquired the competence , which Russia previously lacked .
As of today , the United Engine Corporation has the scientific and technical potential to develop , produce , test , install on ships and provide support for the whole range of diesel/ gas turbine engines during their entire service life , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hi-tech corporation Rostec is consistently implementing the programs of developing advanced engines of all types , Rostec First Deputy CEO Vladimir Artyakov said .
`` Creating seaborne gas turbine power units and assemblies is a science-intensive hi-tech process .
Only few producers in the world possess such competence .
We are ready to meet the requirements of Russian shipbuilders for new gas turbine engines .
The second power unit of this series is set for delivery in December 2020 , '' he said .
The Project 22350 multi-purpose frigates like the Admiral Gorshkov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with imported power units .
The first fully domestic power plant is designated for the Project 22350 third frigate under construction for the Russian Navy at the Severnaya Shipyard in St. Petersburg .
Project 22350 frigates are based on stealth technology and are designated to conduct combat operations in the distant oceanic area against enemy surface ships and submarines and repel air attack weapons both on their own and as part of a naval group .
All of Project 22350 frigates carry Kalibr-NK and ( or ) Oniks cruise missiles .
The warships @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are armed with two universal launchers of eight Kalibr-NK and ( or ) Oniks missiles .
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy ’ s most advanced warships in their class .
These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots .
They are also armed with Poliment-Redut air defense missile systems .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. The United Engine Corporation (UEC, part of the state tech corporation Rostec) has delivered the first completely domestic M55R diesel/gas turbine power unit for the latest Project 22350 frigates, UEC Deputy CEO Viktor Polyakov announced on Tuesday.
"The first power unit was dispatched in November. The dispatch of the second unit is scheduled for the first half of December. Therefore, our partners, the United Shipbuilding Corporation and the Severnaya Shipyard, will get a full-fledged power plant for the ship that will consist of two power units," the deputy chief executive said.
The United Engine Corporation started R&D work on seaborne gas turbine engines in 2014, Polyakov said. "We have confirmed that Russia can produce diesel/gas turbine engines independently. We have fully acquired the competence, which Russia previously lacked. As of today, the United Engine Corporation has the scientific and technical potential to develop, produce, test, install on ships and provide support for the whole range of diesel/ gas turbine engines during their entire service life," he stressed.
Russia’s state hi-tech corporation Rostec is consistently implementing the programs of developing advanced engines of all types, Rostec First Deputy CEO Vladimir Artyakov said. "Creating seaborne gas turbine power units and assemblies is a science-intensive hi-tech process. Only few producers in the world possess such competence. We are ready to meet the requirements of Russian shipbuilders for new gas turbine engines. The second power unit of this series is set for delivery in December 2020," he said.
The Project 22350 multi-purpose frigates like the Admiral Gorshkov that have been floated out are equipped with imported power units. The first fully domestic power plant is designated for the Project 22350 third frigate under construction for the Russian Navy at the Severnaya Shipyard in St. Petersburg.
Project 22350 frigates are based on stealth technology and are designated to conduct combat operations in the distant oceanic area against enemy surface ships and submarines and repel air attack weapons both on their own and as part of a naval group.
All of Project 22350 frigates carry Kalibr-NK and (or) Oniks cruise missiles. The warships of the Project’s first version are armed with two universal launchers of eight Kalibr-NK and (or) Oniks missiles.
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy’s most advanced warships in their class. These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots. They are also armed with Poliment-Redut air defense missile systems.


tass--2020-11-24--Putin calls for solving North Korea’s nuclear problem through talks

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Korean Peninsula ’ s nuclear problem must be resolved exclusively by diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday as he received credentials from newly-appointed foreign ambassadors , @ @ @ @ @ the Democratic People ’ s Republic of Korea , Sin Hong Chol .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ of the Korean Peninsula is concerned , it must be resolved exclusively by diplomatic means @ @ @ @ @ Putin said .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. The Korean Peninsula’s nuclear problem must be resolved exclusively by diplomatic means through talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday as he received credentials from newly-appointed foreign ambassadors, including the new ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Sin Hong Chol.
"As far as the nuclear problem of the Korean Peninsula is concerned, it must be resolved exclusively by diplomatic means, through talks," Putin said.


tass--2020-11-24--West seeks to involve Russia in toppling regime in Belarus, Lukashenko claims

MINSK , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
The West would like to involve Russia in toppling the current regime in Belarus , but currently has no idea how to do that , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speculated Tuesday , according to the BelTA news agency .
`` Recently , the Western nations have been quite concerned about Belarus ’ s further development , they worry very much and contrive various schemes of pressure on the Belarusian authorities and the president in a bid to topple the current regime .
They went so far as to involve Russia in this process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do it .
I claim this based on , as they say in China , iron-hard facts , '' Lukashenko said as he received credentials from foreign ambassadors .
The president claimed that it is possible to force him to resign .
`` This is possible .
Here ’ s a hint , there ’ s only one way to do it : only the Belarusian people can do it , based on the existing laws and the Constitution of Belarus , '' Lukashenko noted .
`` As you can see , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all questions that worry the Western diplomats currently serving in Belarus , as well as those concerned in the West and our fugitive [ politicians ] , '' the president said .
On August 9 , presidential elections took place in Belarus .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities that continue to this day .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
Lukashenko has repeatedly stated that these protests are being directed from abroad .
Western countries do not recognize the outcome of the elections and consider Lukashenko ’ s new term illegitimate .
As of now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Minsk with 55 officials in the list , including Lukashenko himself .
All of them are barred from entering the EU , and all their European bank accounts , should any be discovered , will be suspended .

MINSK, November 24. /TASS/. The West would like to involve Russia in toppling the current regime in Belarus, but currently has no idea how to do that, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speculated Tuesday, according to the BelTA news agency.
"Recently, the Western nations have been quite concerned about Belarus’s further development, they worry very much and contrive various schemes of pressure on the Belarusian authorities and the president in a bid to topple the current regime. They went so far as to involve Russia in this process, although they have no idea how to do it. I claim this based on, as they say in China, iron-hard facts," Lukashenko said as he received credentials from foreign ambassadors.
The president claimed that it is possible to force him to resign.
"This is possible. Here’s a hint, there’s only one way to do it: only the Belarusian people can do it, based on the existing laws and the Constitution of Belarus," Lukashenko noted. "As you can see, it is a very simple solution to all questions that worry the Western diplomats currently serving in Belarus, as well as those concerned in the West and our fugitive [politicians]," the president said.
On August 9, presidential elections took place in Belarus. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities that continue to this day. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police.
Lukashenko has repeatedly stated that these protests are being directed from abroad. Western countries do not recognize the outcome of the elections and consider Lukashenko’s new term illegitimate.
As of now, the EU has imposed two sanctions packages against Minsk with 55 officials in the list, including Lukashenko himself. All of them are barred from entering the EU, and all their European bank accounts, should any be discovered, will be suspended.


tass--2020-11-24--Bitcoin price surpasses $19,000 first since December 2017

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
The price of Bitcoin went up by 3.56 % during the trading session @ @ @ @ @ level of $ 19,040 , according to CoinDesk data at 12:52 am Moscow time .
@ @ @ @ @ above $ 19,000 per unit was in December 2017 .
As of 1:02 pm , @ @ @ @ @ at $ 19,055 per unit ( +3.62 % ) .
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency invented @ @ @ @ @ person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto .
It is a decentralized @ @ @ @ @ bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. The price of Bitcoin went up by 3.56% during the trading session on Tuesday reaching the peak level of $19,040, according to CoinDesk data at 12:52 am Moscow time.
The last time Bitcoin rose above $19,000 per unit was in December 2017.
As of 1:02 pm, the Bitcoin exchange rate was at $19,055 per unit (+3.62%).
Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto. It is a decentralized digital currency without a central bank or single administrator that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without intermediaries.


tass--2020-11-24--Russia hails launch of China’s lunar probe

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow welcomes China ’ s achievements in space exploration and regards this field as very promising for bilateral cooperation , Russian presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov said about China ’ s launch of the moon sample return mission , which will for the first time in the history of China ’ s space exploration bring samples of lunar soil and rock to the Earth .
`` Naturally , we welcome the achievements of our allies - our Chinese colleagues - in the field of space exploration , '' the Kremlin official said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the areas that has the broadest potential for bilateral interaction . ''
The China National Space Administration ( CNSA ) on Tuesday launched a moon sample return mission Chang ’ e , which will bring lunar soil and rock samples to the Earth .
It is expected that the project will become a landmark event in China ’ s lunar program as it will put the correctness of Beijing ’ s lunar exploration strategy to test .
Also , it will provide valuable information that will give a boost to Chinese space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s plans for sending a mission to Mars .
`` The program was discussed , but as far as the details of and outlook for its implementation are concerned , Roscosmos will provide the necessary explanations , '' he said .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Moscow welcomes China’s achievements in space exploration and regards this field as very promising for bilateral cooperation, Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov said about China’s launch of the moon sample return mission, which will for the first time in the history of China’s space exploration bring samples of lunar soil and rock to the Earth.
"Naturally, we welcome the achievements of our allies - our Chinese colleagues - in the field of space exploration," the Kremlin official said. "Cooperation in space exploration is one of the areas that has the broadest potential for bilateral interaction."
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Tuesday launched a moon sample return mission Chang’e, which will bring lunar soil and rock samples to the Earth.
It is expected that the project will become a landmark event in China’s lunar program as it will put the correctness of Beijing’s lunar exploration strategy to test. Also, it will provide valuable information that will give a boost to Chinese space technologies.
Peskov said nothing about Russia’s plans for sending a mission to Mars. "The program was discussed, but as far as the details of and outlook for its implementation are concerned, Roscosmos will provide the necessary explanations," he said.


tass--2020-11-24--SHIELD Announces DeviceSHIELD to Protect Small Businesses from Cyber Fraud

MENLO PARK , Calif. , Nov. 24 .
/PRNewswire/ .
SHIELD , the world 's leading cybersecurity company specializing in cyber fraud and identity verification , today launched DeviceSHIELD , a cyber fraud solution specifically designed to combat the increase in fraud attacks to online businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic .
It provides actionable intelligence in real time to identify fake devices and protect businesses from bad actors , reputational damage , and fraudulent transactions .
During the COVID-19 pandemic , cyber fraud has become the fastest-growing form of criminal activity , putting both businesses and consumers at heightened risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital transactions and using an increasing number of online applications .
SHIELD has identified several key industries in which cyber fraud has risen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , namely on-demand services like food delivery and ride-hailing , e-commerce and marketplace platforms , online gaming , e-wallets , loyalty and cashback offerings , online banking , and entertainment .
Over the past year , the tools that hackers are using have also become much more sophisticated .
Fraudsters are now using emulators , app cloners , virtual private networks ( VPNs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GPS ) spoofers from mobile devices to commit fraud .
`` More online transactions means more vulnerabilities to cyber fraud , and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this more relevant than ever , '' said Justin Lie , CEO of SHIELD .
`` 43 % of online attacks are now aimed at small businesses , with only 14 % actively prepared to defend themselves.2 We have created a technology to protect online industries we believe are worst affected by COVID-19 .
However , any businesses with less than 100,000 monthly active users will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to roughly 90 % of all online businesses . ''
SHIELD is committed to fighting the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The number of fraudsters disguising their devices ' online identities has grown at an unexpected rate during the pandemic , leaving small and medium-sized businesses especially vulnerable .
Conventional cyber fraud solutions tend to only analyze surface-level attributes and are especially ineffective with mobile devices , failing to root out the most subtle and stealthy threats .
DeviceSHIELD is currently the only technology that uses a device 's DNA to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detect fraud with unparalleled accuracy and consistency .
Deployed in minutes , DeviceSHIELD analyzes thousands of device attributes to identify a device no matter how many times it changes its appearance , and indicates exactly which malicious tools are being used .
It has a unique feature known as SHIELD Sentinel , which enables it to continuously profile risk throughout a user session - another industry first .
It also leverages SHIELD 's network of over seven billion devices and 500 million users across six continents , known as the Global Intelligence Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ device from new and unknown types of fraud .
SHIELD investors include GGV Capital , Tony Fadell 's Future Shape , Temasek , Wavemaker Partners , and Tao Zhang .
SHIELD 's solutions are currently used by global companies like Razer , Alibaba , Scalefast , Yamibuy , PayMaya and Sea Group to combat cyber fraud .
SHIELD is the world 's leading cybersecurity company specializing in cyber fraud and identity solutions .
SHIELD 's solutions range from fraud prevention and network security to credit intelligence and identity verification .
With offices across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading superapps , e-commerce platforms , and ride-hailing services around the world .
Through pattern recognition and continuous risk profiling , SHIELD provides actionable device intelligence and real-time signals that enable companies to scale without risk .

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 24. /PRNewswire/. SHIELD, the world's leading cybersecurity company specializing in cyber fraud and identity verification, today launched DeviceSHIELD, a cyber fraud solution specifically designed to combat the increase in fraud attacks to online businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides actionable intelligence in real time to identify fake devices and protect businesses from bad actors, reputational damage, and fraudulent transactions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber fraud has become the fastest-growing form of criminal activity, putting both businesses and consumers at heightened risk. Today, consumers are conducting more digital transactions and using an increasing number of online applications. SHIELD has identified several key industries in which cyber fraud has risen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, namely on-demand services like food delivery and ride-hailing, e-commerce and marketplace platforms, online gaming, e-wallets, loyalty and cashback offerings, online banking, and entertainment.
Over the past year, the tools that hackers are using have also become much more sophisticated. Fraudsters are now using emulators, app cloners, virtual private networks (VPNs), and global positioning system (GPS) spoofers from mobile devices to commit fraud.
"More online transactions means more vulnerabilities to cyber fraud, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made this more relevant than ever," said Justin Lie, CEO of SHIELD. "43% of online attacks are now aimed at small businesses, with only 14% actively prepared to defend themselves.2 We have created a technology to protect online industries we believe are worst affected by COVID-19. However, any businesses with less than 100,000 monthly active users will receive it for free, which equates to roughly 90% of all online businesses."
SHIELD is committed to fighting the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of fraudsters disguising their devices' online identities has grown at an unexpected rate during the pandemic, leaving small and medium-sized businesses especially vulnerable. Conventional cyber fraud solutions tend to only analyze surface-level attributes and are especially ineffective with mobile devices, failing to root out the most subtle and stealthy threats.
DeviceSHIELD is currently the only technology that uses a device's DNA to identify malicious users, enabling it to detect fraud with unparalleled accuracy and consistency. Deployed in minutes, DeviceSHIELD analyzes thousands of device attributes to identify a device no matter how many times it changes its appearance, and indicates exactly which malicious tools are being used. It has a unique feature known as SHIELD Sentinel, which enables it to continuously profile risk throughout a user session - another industry first. It also leverages SHIELD's network of over seven billion devices and 500 million users across six continents, known as the Global Intelligence Network, enabling it to proactively protect a device from new and unknown types of fraud.
SHIELD investors include GGV Capital, Tony Fadell's Future Shape, Temasek, Wavemaker Partners, and Tao Zhang. SHIELD's solutions are currently used by global companies like Razer, Alibaba, Scalefast, Yamibuy, PayMaya and Sea Group to combat cyber fraud.
About SHIELD
SHIELD is the world's leading cybersecurity company specializing in cyber fraud and identity solutions. SHIELD's solutions range from fraud prevention and network security to credit intelligence and identity verification. With offices across the globe, SHIELD is trusted by leading superapps, e-commerce platforms, and ride-hailing services around the world. Through pattern recognition and continuous risk profiling, SHIELD provides actionable device intelligence and real-time signals that enable companies to scale without risk.
For more information, visit https://shield.com/solutions/deviceshield
Contact:
Press Inquiries
Simone Jackenthal
Trident DMG
+ 1 (202) 923-5296
sjackenthal@tridentdmg.com


tass--2020-11-24--Coronavirus situation in Russia mostly under control, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian healthcare is highly overloaded amid the coronavirus pandemic , but the infection spread in general remains under control , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Tuesday .
`` The epidemiologic situation becomes more complicated , '' he noted .
`` The healthcare system operates , undoubtedly , in a high overload mode , but still , aside from several troubled regions , which [ Deputy Prime Minister ] Tatiana Golikova spoke about , the situation in general remains under control . ''
Answering a question whether the Kremlin agrees with Golikova ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin can not disagree , because Tatiana Golikova leads this field and , basically , coordinates hourly , around-the-clock activity of the anti-crisis center . ''
`` She is the original source in this situation , '' the spokesman said .
Speaking about complications in the regions , Peskov underscored that those are `` ongoing issues . ''
According to the spokesman , '' it is perfectly clear what must be done '' to solve these issues .
The government regularly takes rapid action to that extent , the spokesman said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ constantly changing , '' Peskov said .
`` When complications arise somewhere , the government takes action , coordinated with the regional authorities , and various problematic issues are being resolved , be it drug shipment for ambulatory treatment , bed arsenal , vehicles , transport services for medics . ''
Meanwhile , Peskov underscored that the spread of the new coronavirus has become an epidemiologic challenge that all countries have faced .
`` Neither in the new nor in the newest history has the mankind faced such challenges before , '' he @ @

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Russian healthcare is highly overloaded amid the coronavirus pandemic, but the infection spread in general remains under control, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists Tuesday.
"The epidemiologic situation becomes more complicated," he noted. "The healthcare system operates, undoubtedly, in a high overload mode, but still, aside from several troubled regions, which [Deputy Prime Minister] Tatiana Golikova spoke about, the situation in general remains under control."
Answering a question whether the Kremlin agrees with Golikova’s assessment, Peskov noted that "the Kremlin cannot disagree, because Tatiana Golikova leads this field and, basically, coordinates hourly, around-the-clock activity of the anti-crisis center."
"She is the original source in this situation," the spokesman said.
Speaking about complications in the regions, Peskov underscored that those are "ongoing issues." According to the spokesman," it is perfectly clear what must be done" to solve these issues. The government regularly takes rapid action to that extent, the spokesman said.
"The set of emergency regions is constantly changing," Peskov said. "When complications arise somewhere, the government takes action, coordinated with the regional authorities, and various problematic issues are being resolved, be it drug shipment for ambulatory treatment, bed arsenal, vehicles, transport services for medics."
Meanwhile, Peskov underscored that the spread of the new coronavirus has become an epidemiologic challenge that all countries have faced.
"Never, in its latest or in its most recent history, has mankind faced such challenges before," he emphasized.


tass--2020-11-24--Putin to congratulate new US president after all official procedures are over — Kremlin

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
The decision of incumbent US President Donald Trump to launch the transfer of power is not enough for Russian President Vladimir Putin to officially offer congratulations to Joe Biden for his election victory , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday .
`` No , it is not enough , '' the Kremlin representative said when asked if Trump ’ s recommendation to US General Services Administration ( GSA ) head Emily Murphy as well as members of his administration to `` do what needs to be done '' regarding initial protocols of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
Peskov reminded reporters that `` [ complaints ] are still being considered and recounts are underway in some states , which are necessary to deliver official election results . ''
The Kremlin spokesman underlined that Moscow will offer all congratulations after these procedures are over .
`` As it was said from the beginning .
Nothing has changed here , '' Peskov responded .
The United States held the presidential elections on November 3 .
Though the vote count is still underway , major US media outlets project that the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both Fox News and Associated Press have put Biden over the top , beyond the needed 270 vote threshold .
Trump is challenging the current outcome , claiming irregularities in the ballot processing in key swing states , and has filed lawsuits to fight his case in court .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. The decision of incumbent US President Donald Trump to launch the transfer of power is not enough for Russian President Vladimir Putin to officially offer congratulations to Joe Biden for his election victory, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday.
"No, it is not enough," the Kremlin representative said when asked if Trump’s recommendation to US General Services Administration (GSA) head Emily Murphy as well as members of his administration to "do what needs to be done" regarding initial protocols of power transfer provided grounds for congratulations to Biden.
Peskov reminded reporters that "[complaints] are still being considered and recounts are underway in some states, which are necessary to deliver official election results." The Kremlin spokesman underlined that Moscow will offer all congratulations after these procedures are over. "As it was said from the beginning. Nothing has changed here," Peskov responded.
The United States held the presidential elections on November 3. Though the vote count is still underway, major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender has presumptively won the presidential election. Both Fox News and Associated Press have put Biden over the top, beyond the needed 270 vote threshold. Trump is challenging the current outcome, claiming irregularities in the ballot processing in key swing states, and has filed lawsuits to fight his case in court.


tass--2020-11-24--Russian tech firm rolls out domestic engines for latest amphibious assault hovercraft

`` The M70FRU-2 engines have been produced and placed for safe storage on the territory of the enterprise .
These are the engines for the first Zubr- and Murena-class lead air cushion ships , '' the deputy chief executive said , adding that the M35R-1 gas turbine power plant for the Zubr project was also ready .
Before 2014 , similar engines for ships were either delivered by Ukraine 's Zorya-Mashproekt enterprise or produced in cooperation between Russian and Ukrainian manufacturers .
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov earlier announced that the Khabarovsk Shipyard had received a large order from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murena-class amphibious assault ships .
In particular , contracts were signed for eight Murena-class landing ships .
Their construction is due to begin in 2021 , as stipulated by the country ’ s state armament program , Borisov said .
Project 12322 Zubr-class warships are the world ’ s largest air cushion amphibious assault ships .
They displace about 550 tonnes and can take up to 150 tonnes of cargo on board .
The Russian Navy currently operates only two warships of this class : the Yevgeny Kocheshkov and the Mordovia .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air cushion amphibious assault ship .
It is armed with two 30mm AK-630 automatic guns and eight Igla man-portable air defense systems .
Its mine armament consists of a set of portable equipment for laying from 10 to 24 mines , depending on their type .
The Russian Navy currently has no ships of this class .

"The M70FRU-2 engines have been produced and placed for safe storage on the territory of the enterprise. These are the engines for the first Zubr- and Murena-class lead air cushion ships," the deputy chief executive said, adding that the M35R-1 gas turbine power plant for the Zubr project was also ready.
Before 2014, similar engines for ships were either delivered by Ukraine's Zorya-Mashproekt enterprise or produced in cooperation between Russian and Ukrainian manufacturers.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov earlier announced that the Khabarovsk Shipyard had received a large order from the Defense Ministry for building Zubr- and Murena-class amphibious assault ships. In particular, contracts were signed for eight Murena-class landing ships. Their construction is due to begin in 2021, as stipulated by the country’s state armament program, Borisov said.
Project 12322 Zubr-class warships are the world’s largest air cushion amphibious assault ships. They displace about 550 tonnes and can take up to 150 tonnes of cargo on board. The Russian Navy currently operates only two warships of this class: the Yevgeny Kocheshkov and the Mordovia.
The Project 12061 ‘Murena’ is an air cushion amphibious assault ship. It is armed with two 30mm AK-630 automatic guns and eight Igla man-portable air defense systems. Its mine armament consists of a set of portable equipment for laying from 10 to 24 mines, depending on their type. The Russian Navy currently has no ships of this class.


tass--2020-11-24--In the name of literature, Nanjing multi-dimensionally interprets the beauty of the city

NANJING , China , Nov. 24 .
/PRNewswire/ .
`` I am in New Zealand to send my best wishes to Nanjing . ''
`` On behalf of Seattle , I warmly congratulate Nanjing on the first anniversary of joining the citites of literature . ''
`` Thank Nanjing for the books to Sulaymaniyah during the epidemic . ''
On the first anniversary of Nanjing 's successful declaration of the World City of Literature in 2020 , representatives from 34 Cities of Literature around the world thanked Nanjing for its contribution to exchanges and cooperation through the video .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's first `` World City of Literature '' .
Joining the `` Circle of Friends '' , Nanjing has contributed to the development of world literature with rich historical and cultural heritage and strong youthful vitality .
From the `` Center of World Culture '' to `` City of Literature '' , two cultural business cards , ancient and modern , witness the prosperity and extension of Nanjing 's cultural heritage and demonstrate the confidence of Nanjing 's culture , according to the Nanjing City of Literature Promotion Center .
In 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Community of Shared Future for Mankind , and uses creativity and responsibility to open up a new path of mutual assistance between cities , and connect the cities with the bond of literature .
In early February , the world was proposed to design an inspirational poster for Wuhan against the epidemic ; on April 23 , the World Book Day initiated the `` Reading Classics '' Activity ; in early June , the initiative `` One City One Scenery '' Postcard Activity quickly won the response of 34 cities around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key activity of the network by UNESCO and highly praised .
In October , the `` 2020 Nanjing Literature Season '' organized by the Nanjing City of Literature Promotion Association brought people an excellent literary experience through more than 100 activities in four cities .
`` Walking City of Literture '' collects four series treaures of `` Listening , Watching , Showing , and Enjoying '' , integrating the unique characteristic , and the number of people experiencing it exceeds 5 million .
`` Following the masterpiece travel Nanjing '' vividly interprets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of `` Real Scene Performance Live '' .
The `` Drama City '' ushered in the youthful return of the Dahua Theater , with more than 60 dramas in nearly 100 performances in the performance season , allowing 60,000 people to enjoy .
The `` Book City '' links major libraries , colleges , and reading spaces to enhance the overall urban scholarly atmosphere .
The `` Creativity City '' gathers literary elites in the domestic and even global literary circles to talk about literary creation and share literary achievements .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zhaoyan , Su Tong , Han Dong and other famous writers to witness the return of the Youth Literature Award and the announcement of the `` Annual City of Literture Power '' .
Literature penetrates into the city , blends into life , and brings warmth and comfort to the world ... Nanjing , as City of Literture , has plenty of ways to open up , and there is always one that will surprise you .

NANJING, China, Nov. 24. /PRNewswire/. "I am in New Zealand to send my best wishes to Nanjing." "On behalf of Seattle, I warmly congratulate Nanjing on the first anniversary of joining the citites of literature." "Thank Nanjing for the books to Sulaymaniyah during the epidemic." On the first anniversary of Nanjing's successful declaration of the World City of Literature in 2020, representatives from 34 Cities of Literature around the world thanked Nanjing for its contribution to exchanges and cooperation through the video.
On October 31, 2019, Nanjing became China's first "World City of Literature". Joining the "Circle of Friends", Nanjing has contributed to the development of world literature with rich historical and cultural heritage and strong youthful vitality. From the "Center of World Culture" to "City of Literature", two cultural business cards, ancient and modern, witness the prosperity and extension of Nanjing's cultural heritage and demonstrate the confidence of Nanjing's culture, according to the Nanjing City of Literature Promotion Center.
In 2020, Nanjing adheres to the concept of a Community of Shared Future for Mankind, and uses creativity and responsibility to open up a new path of mutual assistance between cities, and connect the cities with the bond of literature.
In early February, the world was proposed to design an inspirational poster for Wuhan against the epidemic; on April 23, the World Book Day initiated the "Reading Classics" Activity; in early June, the initiative "One City One Scenery" Postcard Activity quickly won the response of 34 cities around the world. This activity was listed as a key activity of the network by UNESCO and highly praised.
In October, the "2020 Nanjing Literature Season" organized by the Nanjing City of Literature Promotion Association brought people an excellent literary experience through more than 100 activities in four cities. "Walking City of Literture" collects four series treaures of "Listening, Watching, Showing, and Enjoying", integrating the unique characteristic, and the number of people experiencing it exceeds 5 million. "Following the masterpiece travel Nanjing" vividly interprets Nanjing's famous literary works in the way of "Real Scene Performance Live". The "Drama City" ushered in the youthful return of the Dahua Theater, with more than 60 dramas in nearly 100 performances in the performance season, allowing 60,000 people to enjoy. The "Book City" links major libraries, colleges, and reading spaces to enhance the overall urban scholarly atmosphere. The "Creativity City" gathers literary elites in the domestic and even global literary circles to talk about literary creation and share literary achievements. "2020 Night of Literture " gathered Ye Zhaoyan, Su Tong, Han Dong and other famous writers to witness the return of the Youth Literature Award and the announcement of the "Annual City of Literture Power".
Literature penetrates into the city, blends into life, and brings warmth and comfort to the world...Nanjing, as City of Literture, has plenty of ways to open up, and there is always one that will surprise you.
CONTACT: Mr. Wang, +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-11-24--Press review: Biden’s incoming cabinet picks and Netanyahu’s 'secret' Saudi visit

Izvestia : Biden announces first cabinet posts of his administration Joe Biden , the presumptive presidential winner , announced the first appointments to his future cabinet , mostly familiar faces that had served under President Barack Obama .
Antony Blinken will be appointed Secretary of State , Jake Sullivan is the National Security Advisor-designate , and Linda Thomas-Greenfield will represent the US at the UN .
In addition , Biden named ex-Secretary of State John Kerry as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate .
Experts interviewed by Izvestia noted that the new team in Washington may turn out to be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although Russian-US relations are unlikely to improve significantly under Biden , the new appointments may have some advantages for future cooperation .
It is no surprise that Biden picked former officials from the Obama administration , Director of the Institute for US and Canada Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Valery Garbuzov told Izvestia .
He added that the new picks are sparking rumors that Obama may play a prominent role behind the scenes of the new administration .
Obama remains the most popular member of the Democratic Party and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the former president will help strengthen the positions of his party in the run-up to the next election .
`` The most important thing is that a new team containing more experienced and professional bureaucrats than those under Trump is being assembled .
Besides , he [ Trump ] reshuffled his team many times , '' the expert said .
`` Of course , these people will continue the course in relations with Russia that has already been set , and that began to be shaped under Obama , by the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russia and China is what both parties have in common .
However , in the Biden administration ’ s case , it is possible that contacts with Moscow will become more traditional . ''
According to him , one of the main problems of the past four years was the illusion that Donald Trump wanted to be friends with Russia .
This has affected Moscow ’ s policy towards the US , since for some time , the general opinion was that `` everyone in Washington is bad and they simply won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , '' the analyst said .
`` The fact that there will be no compelling rhetoric of this kind from the US president may have a sobering effect on Russian-US relations , '' Garbuzov concluded .
According to Israeli and American media outlets , Israel ’ s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allegedly paid an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia , where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
The alleged visit took place at the same time as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s trip to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not confirm nor deny the reports .
Reportedly , Netanyahu , along with Director of Mossad ( Israel ’ s national intelligence agency ) Yossi Cohen visited the Saudi city of Neom located just 75 km away from the Israeli Red Sea coastal resort of Eilat on Sunday .
There , they held a meeting with Saudi Arabia ’ s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
All leading Israeli media published this report on Monday citing their sources , along with the US-based Wall Street Journal .
According to the sources , Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , including normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab states , as well as the topic of Iran , however , no major agreements were reached .
`` If Netanyahu ’ s trip to Saudi Arabia did take place , its goal may have been to consolidate positions in the run-up to the Biden presidency .
It is important both for the Israelis and the Saudis that Washington maintain its tough position on Tehran , namely on its nuclear program , '' said Ksenia Svetlova , an expert at the Interdisciplinary Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kommersant .
When asked about a possible Israeli strike against Iran , she noted that the country ’ s forces do not consider it an effective way of confronting Tehran so far , since it won ’ t lead to a regime change .
It might just slow down the development of the Iranian nuclear program for a while and give Tehran an excuse for a retaliatory attack on Israel .
`` Trump ’ s exit deals a serious blow to the Persian Gulf states , especially Saudi Arabia and Israel , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration will not change its policy on Tehran , and stress that they hope to continue their partnership with Washington by various means , '' Professor at Moscow State University ’ s School of World Politics Grigory Kosach told Kommersant .
`` As for the normalization of relations with Israel , this process will slow after Donald Trump leaves .
So far , it is not in Riyadh ’ s interest to make its contacts with the Israelis public .
Meanwhile , Benjamin Netanyahu needs to score domestic points . ''
US sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international law , Chairman of the German Eastern Business Association Oliver Hermes stated .
However , American officials continue threatening German companies involved in the project with restrictions , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports .
German businesses call on Washington to abstain from `` economic fines '' for the future of transatlantic cooperation .
Experts point out that there are some ways that Washington can influence Berlin ’ s economy .
One of these is decreasing deliveries of American LNG to Germany .
Berlin hopes that under a Biden administration , the project will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements promising a further crackdown on the pipeline show that this is unlikely .
However , German businesses are still full of hope , the paper points out .
Germany ’ s Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Friday that the German Eastern Business Association had addressed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a request to abandon the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 .
Experts quizzed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta note that there are few chances the White House will change its rhetoric under Joe Biden .
`` Biden has stated repeatedly that he is strictly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t let it conclude .
Besides , the Senate and the House of Representatives have already drafted the 2021 defense budget , which includes many measures aimed at countering the construction of Nord Stream 2 .
The budget should be approved by the end of the year , '' Artem Tuzov , executive director of the capital market department at Univer Capital , told the paper .
He added that German politicians hope to reach a deal with the US .
`` German businesses vow to build new terminals for receiving American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t introduce new sanctions against Nord Stream 2 .
However , it seems that such an agreement has not been reached so far , '' the expert said .
Tuzov also doubts that Germany and the EU will be able to refuse deliveries of American LNG in the near future .
Nezavizimaya Gazeta : Lukashenko cracks down on reporters as protests continue Nine Belarusian reporters are defendants in criminal cases , facing up to three years behind bars , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports , citing the Belarusian Association of Journalists .
The organization notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country is unprecedented .
As of November 23 , there are 16 reporters remaining behind bars , and 363 have been detained since the start of the protests in total .
All of them represent non-governmental mass media , with the majority charged for participating in unsanctioned protests .
Meanwhile , the protests in Belarus continue .
Human rights activists point out that no criminal proceedings have been launched against law enforcement officers for brutality against protesters , with UN experts having documented 450 cases of torture and violence back at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that under the current government , no criminal cases will be launched on this matter , adding that this will encourage police to use any kind of violence requested by those in power .
However , if the government goes back on this deal , many will change their tune and stop following orders , the paper notes .
`` The pressure on journalists is unprecedented , '' the Belarusian Association of Journalists informs .
`` We consider the persecution of journalists cynical revenge for the uncomfortable truth that we bring to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zolotova , editor-in-chief of the Tut.by news website , said .
`` We demand an end to the persecution of Belarusian reporters covering protests .
They are sitting in jail simply for doing their job , '' she stressed .
In its statements regarding pressure on the media , the association points out that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are guaranteed by the Belarusian Constitution and the country ’ s international legal obligations .
Meanwhile , on Monday , Belarusian law enforcement began to crack down on senior citizens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had spared before , Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote .
Dozens of buses with police came to disperse Monday ’ s `` March of Wisdom , '' traditionally involving senior citizens .
At the same time , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the ways to counter `` the destructive forces trying to shake up the country '' during a meeting with Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin .
Russian scientists have researched COVID-19 cell immunity , finding out that this defense mechanism can be active both among those who recovered from the infection and those who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some of those tested have had an asymptomatic case of the disease , or they had T-cell immunity to other seasonal coronaviruses , experts quizzed by Izvestia suggest .
These findings will help develop effective COVID-19 vaccines and precise test systems .
Among the majority of those infected , T-lymphocytes , or T-cells , can recognize fragments of the virus , research held by the National Research Center for Hematology of the Russian Health Ministry informs .
Besides , it was determined that people who had not contracted COVID-19 still have T-cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not fully understand the nature of this immune response , '' one of the paper ’ s authors , an employee of the National Research Center for Hematology , Alina Shomuradova told Izvestia .
`` T-cell response can be observed due to the fact that immunological memory to other coronaviruses that were around us before 2019 is activated .
Or , for example , these people had an asymptomatic case of COVID-19 and did not develop antibodies to the virus . ''
Understanding which fragments of the virus are recognized by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help work out how effective COVID-19 vaccines are and whether they contain these unique areas .
This will also help develop precise test systems that will show the level of T-lymphocytes and detect the novel coronavirus ( SARS-CoV-2 ) , and not some other types of coronaviruses .
The majority of modern vaccines are aimed not only at developing antibodies , but at forming cell immunity as well , Director of Kazan Federal University ’ s Research Clinical Center for Precision and Regenerative Medicine Albert Rizvanov told Izvestia .
The findings of Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help understand some fundamental processes , but they also have practical value , he pointed out .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Biden announces first cabinet posts of his administration
Read also Trump authorizes administration to begin transfer of power to Biden
Joe Biden, the presumptive presidential winner, announced the first appointments to his future cabinet, mostly familiar faces that had served under President Barack Obama. Antony Blinken will be appointed Secretary of State, Jake Sullivan is the National Security Advisor-designate, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield will represent the US at the UN. In addition, Biden named ex-Secretary of State John Kerry as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. Experts interviewed by Izvestia noted that the new team in Washington may turn out to be more traditional and professional than the Trump administration. Although Russian-US relations are unlikely to improve significantly under Biden, the new appointments may have some advantages for future cooperation. It is no surprise that Biden picked former officials from the Obama administration, Director of the Institute for US and Canada Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Valery Garbuzov told Izvestia. He added that the new picks are sparking rumors that Obama may play a prominent role behind the scenes of the new administration. Obama remains the most popular member of the Democratic Party and its informal leader, so it is possible that the former president will help strengthen the positions of his party in the run-up to the next election. "The most important thing is that a new team containing more experienced and professional bureaucrats than those under Trump is being assembled. Besides, he [Trump] reshuffled his team many times," the expert said. "Of course, these people will continue the course in relations with Russia that has already been set, and that began to be shaped under Obama, by the way. Antagonism against the foreign policy course of Russia and China is what both parties have in common. However, in the Biden administration’s case, it is possible that contacts with Moscow will become more traditional." According to him, one of the main problems of the past four years was the illusion that Donald Trump wanted to be friends with Russia. This has affected Moscow’s policy towards the US, since for some time, the general opinion was that "everyone in Washington is bad and they simply won’t let Trump get along with Moscow," the analyst said. "The fact that there will be no compelling rhetoric of this kind from the US president may have a sobering effect on Russian-US relations," Garbuzov concluded.
Kommersant: Israeli PM Netanyahu allegedly pays secret visit to Saudi Arabia
According to Israeli and American media outlets, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allegedly paid an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The alleged visit took place at the same time as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s trip to the kingdom. Netanyahu’s office did not confirm nor deny the reports. Reportedly, Netanyahu, along with Director of Mossad (Israel’s national intelligence agency) Yossi Cohen visited the Saudi city of Neom located just 75 km away from the Israeli Red Sea coastal resort of Eilat on Sunday. There, they held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. All leading Israeli media published this report on Monday citing their sources, along with the US-based Wall Street Journal. According to the sources, Netanyahu and bin Salman discussed a number of issues, including normalizing relations between Israel and the Arab states, as well as the topic of Iran, however, no major agreements were reached. "If Netanyahu’s trip to Saudi Arabia did take place, its goal may have been to consolidate positions in the run-up to the Biden presidency. It is important both for the Israelis and the Saudis that Washington maintain its tough position on Tehran, namely on its nuclear program," said Ksenia Svetlova, an expert at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, in an interview with Kommersant. When asked about a possible Israeli strike against Iran, she noted that the country’s forces do not consider it an effective way of confronting Tehran so far, since it won’t lead to a regime change. It might just slow down the development of the Iranian nuclear program for a while and give Tehran an excuse for a retaliatory attack on Israel. "Trump’s exit deals a serious blow to the Persian Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia and Israel, too. The Saudis hope that the Biden administration will not change its policy on Tehran, and stress that they hope to continue their partnership with Washington by various means," Professor at Moscow State University’s School of World Politics Grigory Kosach told Kommersant. "As for the normalization of relations with Israel, this process will slow after Donald Trump leaves. So far, it is not in Riyadh’s interest to make its contacts with the Israelis public. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu needs to score domestic points." Nezavisimaya Gazeta: German businesses denounce US sanctions against Nord Stream 2
Read also German Business Association calls on US to lift sanctions against Nord Stream 2
US sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline contradict international law, Chairman of the German Eastern Business Association Oliver Hermes stated. However, American officials continue threatening German companies involved in the project with restrictions, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports. German businesses call on Washington to abstain from "economic fines" for the future of transatlantic cooperation. Experts point out that there are some ways that Washington can influence Berlin’s economy. One of these is decreasing deliveries of American LNG to Germany. Berlin hopes that under a Biden administration, the project will get the green light. However, multiple statements promising a further crackdown on the pipeline show that this is unlikely. However, German businesses are still full of hope, the paper points out. Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Friday that the German Eastern Business Association had addressed US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with a request to abandon the sanctions against Nord Stream 2. Experts quizzed by Nezavisimaya Gazeta note that there are few chances the White House will change its rhetoric under Joe Biden. "Biden has stated repeatedly that he is strictly against the construction and that he won’t let it conclude. Besides, the Senate and the House of Representatives have already drafted the 2021 defense budget, which includes many measures aimed at countering the construction of Nord Stream 2. The budget should be approved by the end of the year," Artem Tuzov, executive director of the capital market department at Univer Capital, told the paper. He added that German politicians hope to reach a deal with the US. "German businesses vow to build new terminals for receiving American LNG, and the US won’t introduce new sanctions against Nord Stream 2. However, it seems that such an agreement has not been reached so far," the expert said. Tuzov also doubts that Germany and the EU will be able to refuse deliveries of American LNG in the near future. Nezavizimaya Gazeta: Lukashenko cracks down on reporters as protests continue
Read also Dozens of protesters detained in Minsk
Nine Belarusian reporters are defendants in criminal cases, facing up to three years behind bars, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports, citing the Belarusian Association of Journalists. The organization notes that the current pressure on journalists in the country is unprecedented. As of November 23, there are 16 reporters remaining behind bars, and 363 have been detained since the start of the protests in total. All of them represent non-governmental mass media, with the majority charged for participating in unsanctioned protests. Meanwhile, the protests in Belarus continue. Human rights activists point out that no criminal proceedings have been launched against law enforcement officers for brutality against protesters, with UN experts having documented 450 cases of torture and violence back at the start of the demonstrations. Experts say that under the current government, no criminal cases will be launched on this matter, adding that this will encourage police to use any kind of violence requested by those in power. However, if the government goes back on this deal, many will change their tune and stop following orders, the paper notes. "The pressure on journalists is unprecedented," the Belarusian Association of Journalists informs. "We consider the persecution of journalists cynical revenge for the uncomfortable truth that we bring to the country’s residents," Marina Zolotova, editor-in-chief of the Tut.by news website, said. "We demand an end to the persecution of Belarusian reporters covering protests. They are sitting in jail simply for doing their job," she stressed. In its statements regarding pressure on the media, the association points out that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are guaranteed by the Belarusian Constitution and the country’s international legal obligations. Meanwhile, on Monday, Belarusian law enforcement began to crack down on senior citizens, the last group of protesters that they had spared before, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote. Dozens of buses with police came to disperse Monday’s "March of Wisdom," traditionally involving senior citizens. At the same time, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko discussed the ways to counter "the destructive forces trying to shake up the country" during a meeting with Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin. Izvestia: Russian experts research COVID-19 cell immunity
Read also Russia working on medicine against COVID-19 based on blood plasma of those recovered


tass--2020-11-24--St. Petersburg registers an all-time high of over 3,000 COVID-19 cases in past day

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg grew by an all-time high of 3,179 in the past twenty-four hours to 104,743 , according to the data released by the anti-coronavirus crisis center on Tuesday .
On November 23 , St. Petersburg also registered an all-time high of 2,926 new coronavirus cases .
Recoveries in St. Petersburg grew by 1,628 in the past twenty-four hours to 60,116 .
A total of 5,053 people have died from the coronavirus infection in the city since the start of the pandemic , including 80 in the past twenty-four hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered 5,838 new coronavirus cases in the past day .
Overall , COVID-19 cases in the Russian capital grew to 566,417 , the latest data show .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 59,557,470 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,402,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 41,196,330 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 2,138,828 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,634,671 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 37,031 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation @

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg grew by an all-time high of 3,179 in the past twenty-four hours to 104,743, according to the data released by the anti-coronavirus crisis center on Tuesday.
On November 23, St. Petersburg also registered an all-time high of 2,926 new coronavirus cases. Recoveries in St. Petersburg grew by 1,628 in the past twenty-four hours to 60,116. A total of 5,053 people have died from the coronavirus infection in the city since the start of the pandemic, including 80 in the past twenty-four hours, the latest data indicate.
Moscow registered 5,838 new coronavirus cases in the past day. Overall, COVID-19 cases in the Russian capital grew to 566,417, the latest data show.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 59,557,470 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,402,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 41,196,330 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 2,138,828 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,634,671 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 37,031 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-11-24--Putin cannot volunteer for COVID-19 vaccine trials as president — Kremlin

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin can not be among the volunteers who got vaccinated @ @ @ @ @ of the clinical trials , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ mass vaccination yet .
And , of course , the head of state can not @ @ @ @ @ a volunteer , '' the spokesman explained when asked why the Russian leader has not @ @ @ @ @ Russian COVID-19 vaccine so far .
`` The president can not use an uncertified vaccine @ @ @ @ @ `` All the procedures are about to conclude , and then , if he finds @ @ @ @ @ inform you , '' the spokesman stated .

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be among the volunteers who got vaccinated against COVID-19 until the end of the clinical trials, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"We haven’t started mass vaccination yet. And, of course, the head of state cannot take part in vaccination as a volunteer," the spokesman explained when asked why the Russian leader has not got a shot of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine so far.
"The president cannot use an uncertified vaccine," Peskov noted. "All the procedures are about to conclude, and then, if he finds it necessary, he will inform you," the spokesman stated.


tass--2020-11-24--Russian seaborne propulsion units outshine foreign rivals, says engine maker

MOSCOW , November 24 .
/TASS/ .
Domestic M55R diesel/gas turbine power units produced for warships outshine foreign rivals by their operational characteristics and reliability , Deputy CEO of Russia ’ s United Engine Corporation ( part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) Viktor Polyakov said on Tuesday .
At least 12 nuclear power units of Russian project to be constructed in India — Putin '' The domestic power units are better by their characteristics than imported systems .
Also , considering the current ruble rate , our power units are considerably cheaper than foreign rivals .
They have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the deputy chief executive said .
The M55R power plant has the potential for upgrade .
In particular , it features the option of boosting its power to 25MW ( currently 20.2 MW ) , he specified .
The M55R diesel/gas turbine power unit is designed for Project 22350 multi-purpose frigates like the Admiral Gorshkov .
The power plant for one warship consists of two such power units .
The first power unit was dispatched to the Severnaya Shipyard in St. Petersburg in November .
The second power unit is set @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Domestic M55R diesel/gas turbine power units produced for warships outshine foreign rivals by their operational characteristics and reliability, Deputy CEO of Russia’s United Engine Corporation (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) Viktor Polyakov said on Tuesday.
At least 12 nuclear power units of Russian project to be constructed in India — Putin
"The domestic power units are better by their characteristics than imported systems. Also, considering the current ruble rate, our power units are considerably cheaper than foreign rivals. They have the potential for upgrade and power increase," the deputy chief executive said.
The M55R power plant has the potential for upgrade. In particular, it features the option of boosting its power to 25MW (currently 20.2 MW), he specified.
The M55R diesel/gas turbine power unit is designed for Project 22350 multi-purpose frigates like the Admiral Gorshkov. The power plant for one warship consists of two such power units. The first power unit was dispatched to the Severnaya Shipyard in St. Petersburg in November. The second power unit is set for delivery in early December.