tass--2020-10-21--Russia ready to help Africa fight coronavirus pandemic, says former PM Medvedev

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to render assistance to Africa in fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic , Chairman of the ruling United Russia party , Deputy Chairman of Russia ’ s Security Council and former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday .
The former Russian premier made this statement at a meeting with Secretary General of the African National Congress Party Elias Sekgobelo Magashule held in the run-up to the SCO ( Shanghai Cooperation Organization ) plus inter-party forum .
`` We are ready to assist in restraining the pandemic in every possible way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our African friends and partners as a whole , '' the press office of the United Russia party quoted Medvedev as saying .
Russia and South Africa will continue their course towards strengthening political , trade and economic and humanitarian cooperation , the chairman of the United Russia party said .
`` We expect the contacts between the leaders [ of the countries ] to continue , '' Medvedev said .
Russia ’ s ruling United Russia party is interested in developing inter-party cooperation , he said .
`` I want to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step up inter-party cooperation .
I mean that the African vector is a priority of the United Russia party ’ s international activity , '' Medvedev said .
`` We expect the relations that have developed on the basis of the memorandum of mutual understanding between the United Russia and the African National Congress Party to strengthen , '' he added .
The communication between the two parties will contribute to developing relations between Russia and South Africa , Medvedev stressed .
In this regard , he said he hoped for constructive interaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN and the forum of the member-countries of the BRICS association ( Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa ) , noting that this was important in fighting the novel coronavirus .
Elias Sekgobelo Magashule thanked the United Russia party for organizing the bilateral meeting , the party ’ s press office reported .
The SCO plus forum will run on the virtual platform of the United Russia party on October 22-23 to focus on the `` Economy for People . ''
During the forum , the heads of political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for overcoming the social and economic crisis generated by the coronavirus pandemic , the possibilities for pulling efforts together in the fight against dangerous infectious diseases , and also the development of green and digital technologies in human interests .
The forum will set up an inter-party international expert group for the first time .
The head of the United Russia party earlier said the group would work on a permanent basis and its task was `` to study the most important challenges '' faced not only by the SCO but also by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular , this relates to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic , international terrorism , the spread of mass destruction weapons , organized crimes and other challenges .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Russia is ready to render assistance to Africa in fighting the novel coronavirus pandemic, Chairman of the ruling United Russia party, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday.
The former Russian premier made this statement at a meeting with Secretary General of the African National Congress Party Elias Sekgobelo Magashule held in the run-up to the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) plus inter-party forum.
"We are ready to assist in restraining the pandemic in every possible way and render assistance to South Africa and our African friends and partners as a whole," the press office of the United Russia party quoted Medvedev as saying.
Russia and South Africa will continue their course towards strengthening political, trade and economic and humanitarian cooperation, the chairman of the United Russia party said.
"We expect the contacts between the leaders [of the countries] to continue," Medvedev said.
Russia’s ruling United Russia party is interested in developing inter-party cooperation, he said.
"I want to say it frankly that we would like to step up inter-party cooperation. I mean that the African vector is a priority of the United Russia party’s international activity," Medvedev said.
"We expect the relations that have developed on the basis of the memorandum of mutual understanding between the United Russia and the African National Congress Party to strengthen," he added.
The communication between the two parties will contribute to developing relations between Russia and South Africa, Medvedev stressed.
In this regard, he said he hoped for constructive interaction at all the venues, including the UN and the forum of the member-countries of the BRICS association (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), noting that this was important in fighting the novel coronavirus.
Elias Sekgobelo Magashule thanked the United Russia party for organizing the bilateral meeting, the party’s press office reported.
SCO plus forum
The SCO plus forum will run on the virtual platform of the United Russia party on October 22-23 to focus on the "Economy for People."
During the forum, the heads of political parties from various countries will discuss measures for overcoming the social and economic crisis generated by the coronavirus pandemic, the possibilities for pulling efforts together in the fight against dangerous infectious diseases, and also the development of green and digital technologies in human interests.
The forum will set up an inter-party international expert group for the first time. The head of the United Russia party earlier said the group would work on a permanent basis and its task was "to study the most important challenges" faced not only by the SCO but also by the world as a whole. In particular, this relates to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, international terrorism, the spread of mass destruction weapons, organized crimes and other challenges.


tass--2020-10-21--Russian Direct Investment Fund head reports hundreds of planted articles against Avifavir

According to him , the `` vaccine battle '' became an example of a geopolitical standoff .
`` It got so toxic that we were hoping that such a standoff won ’ t happen and here it is , '' the RDIF head said during the 17th annual meeting of the International Valdai Discussion Club .
He added that attacks on the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus are comparable with `` animals attacking each other at a watering hole . ''
MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directed against the domestic Avifavir preparation for the treatment of the coronavirus infection .
`` As soon as we entered the markets with tests , we immediately received a lot of attacks .
I was surprised because we are present in logistics , the internet , energetics , and so on , there had never been so many attacks .
I realized that in pharmaceuticals people don ’ t like new players , '' the RDIF head noted , explaining that a similar situation unfolded around the Avifavir preparation against the coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that were trying to destroy this medication , '' he said .
Additionally , a similar pressure on the part of the West was `` 1,000 times enhanced regarding the Sputnik V vaccine . ''
`` We see a very welcoming attitude in general of the scientific community which differs from politics , we see a welcoming attitude of Latin America , the Middle East , Asia , Africa .
Yet , without a doubt , we also see absolutely intentional attacks of Western countries who simply try to prevent the Sputnik V @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
In July , the UK National Cyber Security Center ( NCSC ) claimed that hackers working for Russian intelligence services attempted to steal information on the coronavirus vaccine development in the UK , Canada , and the US .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the British claims unfounded .

According to him, the "vaccine battle" became an example of a geopolitical standoff. "It got so toxic that we were hoping that such a standoff won’t happen and here it is," the RDIF head said during the 17th annual meeting of the International Valdai Discussion Club. He added that attacks on the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus are comparable with "animals attacking each other at a watering hole."
MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev has reported of hundreds of planted articles directed against the domestic Avifavir preparation for the treatment of the coronavirus infection.
"As soon as we entered the markets with tests, we immediately received a lot of attacks. I was surprised because we are present in logistics, the internet, energetics, and so on, there had never been so many attacks. I realized that in pharmaceuticals people don’t like new players," the RDIF head noted, explaining that a similar situation unfolded around the Avifavir preparation against the coronavirus.
"We got 500 negative planted articles that were trying to destroy this medication," he said.
Additionally, a similar pressure on the part of the West was "1,000 times enhanced regarding the Sputnik V vaccine." "We see a very welcoming attitude in general of the scientific community which differs from politics, we see a welcoming attitude of Latin America, the Middle East, Asia, Africa. Yet, without a doubt, we also see absolutely intentional attacks of Western countries who simply try to prevent the Sputnik V vaccine from entering international markets," he said.
In July, the UK National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) claimed that hackers working for Russian intelligence services attempted to steal information on the coronavirus vaccine development in the UK, Canada, and the US. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the British claims unfounded.


tass--2020-10-21--Situation not ripe yet for meeting of Azerbaijani, Armenian leaders, says ambassador

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
For the time being it is too early to speculate about a meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders , because the Armenian side has demonstrated destructive approaches , Azerbaijan ’ s ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbul-ogly told TASS in an interview after Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov ’ s visit to Moscow .
`` As President Ilkham Aliyev has said , no such invitation has been received yet .
The way I see it , the situation is not ripe yet , '' he said , when asked if such a meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the leaders of the two countries expressed their readiness for it in interviews to TASS .
`` The other side continues to demonstrate destructive approaches .
It is too early to speculate about this . ''
`` If there is such an initiative , naturally , it will be considered properly .
The public at large will be notified of this , of course , '' Bulbul-ogly said .
Aliyev and Pashinyan earlier told TASS in interviews they were prepared for talks in Moscow on a settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Aliyev declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elsewhere to put an end to confrontation and find ways towards a settlement , but at the same time remarked he had not received such an invitation yet .
Pashinyan told TASS he was ready to exert the necessary efforts , to go , meet and negotiate to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. For the time being it is too early to speculate about a meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders, because the Armenian side has demonstrated destructive approaches, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbul-ogly told TASS in an interview after Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov’s visit to Moscow.
"As President Ilkham Aliyev has said, no such invitation has been received yet. The way I see it, the situation is not ripe yet," he said, when asked if such a meeting was discussed during Bayramov’s visit after the leaders of the two countries expressed their readiness for it in interviews to TASS. "The other side continues to demonstrate destructive approaches. It is too early to speculate about this."
"If there is such an initiative, naturally, it will be considered properly. The public at large will be notified of this, of course," Bulbul-ogly said.
Aliyev and Pashinyan earlier told TASS in interviews they were prepared for talks in Moscow on a settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Aliyev declared his readiness to meet in Moscow or elsewhere to put an end to confrontation and find ways towards a settlement, but at the same time remarked he had not received such an invitation yet. Pashinyan told TASS he was ready to exert the necessary efforts, to go, meet and negotiate to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.


tass--2020-10-21--Circumnavigation in pandemic: from Antarctic to Arctic onboard Sibir yacht

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The initial plan was that the Sibir ( Siberia ) yacht on the way from the Antarctic would sail across the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic to reach the northernmost port Dikson , where the circumnavigation route would end .
The coronavirus infection interfered with those plans .
We discovered the Sibir near the Omsk fortress ( built in the 18th century ) .
The yacht could not get to the pier as the Ob River is rather shallow there .
The Siberia - Antarctic - Siberia voyage is the main part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of Russia ’ s discovery of the Antarctic .
The Sibir yacht began its second voyage around the world more than a year ago .
From the Omsk fortress , she headed for St. Petersburg - the gates to the Baltic Sea , and crossed the Russian border .
In every foreign port , the travelers met with Russians .
`` We are receiving very many letters from across the globe with greetings on the expedition ’ s completion , '' Captain Sergei Shcherbakov said .
Shcherbakov retired 23 years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I am confident that until you see the nearest horizon , you can ’ t see another one , '' he said .
`` I began seeing those new horizons since my first journey back in 1965 . ''
In July 2019 , the Sibir and her three crew members made the second circumnavigation .
The captain and the crew visited the Bellingshausen polar station in the Antarctic .
The 12-meter-long Sibir made its maiden voyage in 1997 .
`` I first drew it [ the yacht ] , and then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The construction continued for ten years due to the money aspect , plus we were always short of time , as we could work evenings only . ''
Most crew members went ashore in Germany ’ s Kiel - those were sailors , who had not been in the open sea before .
Sergei Lebedinsky , a fan of hiking , was among them .
They were all seasick .
`` A small percentage of people would never get adapted to motion .
No matter , how long they remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This was my case - I could neither eat nor sleep , which finally led to dehydration .
That was a signal that I had to go ashore , '' Sergei said .
Back then , only the captain and his assistant remained onboard .
They had to take a flight to bring in another crew .
Many of those who joined them later reached the Antarctic .
Another voyage around the globe The Sibir ’ s new crew crossed the English Channel , where the sea was very stormy , sailor Alexei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of efforts , he said .
In addition to tough physical and climatic conditions , one has to keep an eye on the sails and clean the deck before calling at a port .
The Sibir left Europe for its longest-ever autonomous voyage , without calling at ports , to cross the Atlantic Ocean within 14 days .
The voyage finished in Brazil ’ s Salvador .
The crew met their compatriot Alexei Belov , who was brought to Brazil as a child .
He had made a few circumnavigations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he owns a big shipbuilding company , and assisted greatly in repairing the Sibir .
It was in Salvador that the yacht was painted white .
The crew welcomed year 2020 in Rio de Janeiro and headed for the Antarctic .
They made a five-day crossing of the Drake Passage , known as ‘ sailors ’ graveyard.
’ '' At times , we were between life and death .
Imagine crossing the Drake Passage on a yacht like ours .
When we faced a ten-meter wave , the yacht turned upside down and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to imagine what a 20-meter wave could have done to the Sibir , '' the captain said .
When the crew went ashore , they saw a penguin 'performance ' that looked like a staged show to welcome the visitors - the animals dived and somersaulted in the water , right in front of the yacht .
`` I ’ ve never seen them before , '' the captain said .
`` They are amazing creatures .
They are the Antarctic ’ s symbol , like the polar bear is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On the return voyage , the yacht was to navigate the Pacific Ocean along the Americas ’ western shores , crossing the Bering Strait and the Northern Sea Route ’ s eastern part towards the Russian Arctic .
The sailors were supposed to complete the circle in Dikson , then reach the Irtysh and along it make way to Omsk .
The sailors detected an engine failure .
Luckily , the Akademik Tryoshnikov scientific-research vessel was nearby , and the crew and the yacht were taken aboard the vessel .
This time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` While aboard the Akademik Tryoshnikov , we saw ports locked down .
We were not allowed into Argentina , into Brazil .
We approach another country , inquire on the radio , and hear : Sorry , we are locked !
, '' a crew member , Denis Iovlev , recollects .
The Sibir resumed sailing on her own only in the port of Kaliningrad .
From there , she headed for St. Petersburg .
`` We did hear something was happening , back in February we learned that something was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on March 20 , when we sailed onboard the ship and approached Uruguay , we realized - all shores had been closed , '' the captain said .
Another four yachts from Russia were off South America 's coast at that time .
`` The only one to make it back to Russia was the Sibir , '' the captain said .
`` The others are still there : in Argentina , in Chile , or in Brazil .
We did not have a single case of coronavirus .
We did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop at Germany ’ s Bremerhaven , but security officers did not let us anywhere , and we did not have any contacts . ''
Over 42 days onboard the Russian research vessel , the Sibir ’ s crew fixed the failure in the engine , and the captain even managed to deliver a lecture and mark his birthday .
The cook made a cake and decorated it with the Sibir ’ s image .
In April , the yacht joined another yacht from Omsk , the Zhemchuzhina ( Pearl ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In the White , Barents and Kara Seas , we visited the areas , where Soviet vessels were destroyed by the Nazi submarines or battleships , '' Iovlev said .
When speaking about the Arctic , the captain pronounces two words most often - wind and shallow waters - the biggest obstacles for the small Sibir .
`` Where the Urals Mountains stretch into the sea , there are rocks .
These are mostly very vast shallow areas and thus we had to go far into the sea , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the yacht ’ s tenth Arctic voyage .
`` All our routes are connected with the Northern Sea Route .
The only exit from Omsk is along the Irtysh and the Ob , to the Gulf of Ob and then into the Kara Sea . ''
On the way from Arkhangelsk , the Arctic wind was so freezing , that even the heater could not keep the temperature comfortable .
Everyone tried to move all the time .
Quite alarming was the situation in the Barents Sea in early August .
The forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is 30 meters per second .
`` Such winds in Omsk happen once a few years , they blow roofs off houses , '' the captain said .
Back in 2000 , off the Aleutian Islands , ten-meter waves turned the Sibir upside down during a storm .
This time , the crew was lucky - the captain decided they should take shelter in a bay near Kolguyev Island .
However , in the shallow waters , they had to anchor two kilometers from the shore .
On the way to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrounded by opposing cyclones - the wind came both from the south-west and from the north-west .
At a certain moment the Zhemchuzina was pulled off anchor and the wind was pushing her into the open sea .
Shcherbakov spoke to her captain on the radio , told him to turn on the engine and extend the anchor chain .
The Zhemchuzhina anchored next to the Sibir .
`` We remained moored on two anchors , both engines working against the wind . ''
As the storm slowed down , the yachts left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where every crew member received a certificate confirming he had crossed the Arctic Circle .
Each crew received a box of dry cured venison for the remaining route .
The travelers ' menu remained practically unchanged throughout the voyage .
Delicious dishes , fruit or vegetables were introduced only after leaving the next port .
`` On those occasions , we had everything fresh - fruit and juices , and when we ran out of those products , we switched back to tinned meat , buckwheat and pasta . ''
After Naryan-Mar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from where any vessel leaving Omsk begins a sea voyage .
The yachts entered the Omsk Region on September 24 .
They sailed against the headwind , but anyway on September 30 the Sibir ’ s crew finally walked ashore .
Watchkeeping on the Sibir during voyages is six hours long .
Two sailors clean the deck and watch the sails .
The rest have leisure time next to the kitchen , where watchkeeping is also in shifts .
`` Cooks - well , we are all cooks , in shifts , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we are all men here and not everyone is a great cook , so sometimes we have to eat what we get . ''
Denis was responsible for the expedition media coverage .
According to him , 20 crew members had been onboard over the voyage ’ s 15 months .
`` We did not have strictly specified responsibilities , as we are all yachters , and each of us has his own ‘ profile ’ .
Some are great in doing a boatswain 's job , others have navigational skills , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Iovlev said .
Now that all challenges are overcome , the Sibir is back home .
`` Whenever you have a goal , you must achieve it , and must not drop it halfway , '' Captain Sergei Shcherbakov said in conclusion .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. The initial plan was that the Sibir (Siberia) yacht on the way from the Antarctic would sail across the Pacific Ocean to the Arctic to reach the northernmost port Dikson, where the circumnavigation route would end. The coronavirus infection interfered with those plans.
We discovered the Sibir near the Omsk fortress (built in the 18th century). The yacht could not get to the pier as the Ob River is rather shallow there.
The Siberia - Antarctic - Siberia voyage is the main part of an international project devoted to the 200th anniversary of Russia’s discovery of the Antarctic.
Leaving home
The Sibir yacht began its second voyage around the world more than a year ago. From the Omsk fortress, she headed for St. Petersburg - the gates to the Baltic Sea, and crossed the Russian border. In every foreign port, the travelers met with Russians.
"We are receiving very many letters from across the globe with greetings on the expedition’s completion," Captain Sergei Shcherbakov said.
Shcherbakov retired 23 years ago. "Now, I make long voyages and I am confident that until you see the nearest horizon, you can’t see another one," he said. "I began seeing those new horizons since my first journey back in 1965."
In July 2019, the Sibir and her three crew members made the second circumnavigation. The captain and the crew visited the Bellingshausen polar station in the Antarctic.
The 12-meter-long Sibir made its maiden voyage in 1997. "I first drew it [the yacht], and then we started building it," the captain said. "The construction continued for ten years due to the money aspect, plus we were always short of time, as we could work evenings only."
Seasickness
Most crew members went ashore in Germany’s Kiel - those were sailors, who had not been in the open sea before. Sergei Lebedinsky, a fan of hiking, was among them. They were all seasick.
"A small percentage of people would never get adapted to motion. No matter, how long they remained at sea, nothing would improve. This was my case - I could neither eat nor sleep, which finally led to dehydration. That was a signal that I had to go ashore," Sergei said.
Back then, only the captain and his assistant remained onboard. They had to take a flight to bring in another crew. Many of those who joined them later reached the Antarctic.
Another voyage around the globe
The Sibir’s new crew crossed the English Channel, where the sea was very stormy, sailor Alexei Dekelbaum said. Sailing a yacht takes a lot of efforts, he said. In addition to tough physical and climatic conditions, one has to keep an eye on the sails and clean the deck before calling at a port.
The Sibir left Europe for its longest-ever autonomous voyage, without calling at ports, to cross the Atlantic Ocean within 14 days. The voyage finished in Brazil’s Salvador. The crew met their compatriot Alexei Belov, who was brought to Brazil as a child. He had made a few circumnavigations, including a solo one. Besides, he owns a big shipbuilding company, and assisted greatly in repairing the Sibir. It was in Salvador that the yacht was painted white.
Penguins and polar station’s team
The crew welcomed year 2020 in Rio de Janeiro and headed for the Antarctic. They made a five-day crossing of the Drake Passage, known as ‘sailors’ graveyard.’
"At times, we were between life and death. Imagine crossing the Drake Passage on a yacht like ours. When we faced a ten-meter wave, the yacht turned upside down and the mast broke. I even don’t want to imagine what a 20-meter wave could have done to the Sibir," the captain said.
The Antarctic’s Bellingshausen station welcomed the sailors warmly.
When the crew went ashore, they saw a penguin 'performance' that looked like a staged show to welcome the visitors - the animals dived and somersaulted in the water, right in front of the yacht.
"I’ve never seen them before," the captain said. "They are amazing creatures. They are the Antarctic’s symbol, like the polar bear is the symbol of the Arctic."
Pandemic’s effect
On the return voyage, the yacht was to navigate the Pacific Ocean along the Americas’ western shores, crossing the Bering Strait and the Northern Sea Route’s eastern part towards the Russian Arctic. The sailors were supposed to complete the circle in Dikson, then reach the Irtysh and along it make way to Omsk.
The sailors detected an engine failure. Luckily, the Akademik Tryoshnikov scientific-research vessel was nearby, and the crew and the yacht were taken aboard the vessel. This time, they crossed the Drake Passage safely.
"While aboard the Akademik Tryoshnikov, we saw ports locked down. We were not allowed into Argentina, into Brazil. We approach another country, inquire on the radio, and hear: Sorry, we are locked!," a crew member, Denis Iovlev, recollects. The Sibir resumed sailing on her own only in the port of Kaliningrad. From there, she headed for St. Petersburg.
"We did hear something was happening, back in February we learned that something was going on in China, and later on, on March 20, when we sailed onboard the ship and approached Uruguay, we realized - all shores had been closed," the captain said.
Captain’s birthday
Another four yachts from Russia were off South America's coast at that time. "The only one to make it back to Russia was the Sibir," the captain said. "The others are still there: in Argentina, in Chile, or in Brazil. We did not have a single case of coronavirus. We did not have any outside contacts. We did stop at Germany’s Bremerhaven, but security officers did not let us anywhere, and we did not have any contacts."
Over 42 days onboard the Russian research vessel, the Sibir’s crew fixed the failure in the engine, and the captain even managed to deliver a lecture and mark his birthday. The cook made a cake and decorated it with the Sibir’s image.
Arctic
In April, the yacht joined another yacht from Omsk, the Zhemchuzhina (Pearl). The two yachts headed for the northern seas.
"In the White, Barents and Kara Seas, we visited the areas, where Soviet vessels were destroyed by the Nazi submarines or battleships," Iovlev said.
When speaking about the Arctic, the captain pronounces two words most often - wind and shallow waters - the biggest obstacles for the small Sibir.
"Where the Urals Mountains stretch into the sea, there are rocks. These are mostly very vast shallow areas and thus we had to go far into the sea," the captain said, stressing that it was the yacht’s tenth Arctic voyage. "All our routes are connected with the Northern Sea Route. The only exit from Omsk is along the Irtysh and the Ob, to the Gulf of Ob and then into the Kara Sea."
Rough nature
On the way from Arkhangelsk, the Arctic wind was so freezing, that even the heater could not keep the temperature comfortable. Everyone tried to move all the time.
Quite alarming was the situation in the Barents Sea in early August. The forecast promised wind of 60 nautical knots - that is 30 meters per second.
"Such winds in Omsk happen once a few years, they blow roofs off houses," the captain said. Back in 2000, off the Aleutian Islands, ten-meter waves turned the Sibir upside down during a storm. This time, the crew was lucky - the captain decided they should take shelter in a bay near Kolguyev Island. However, in the shallow waters, they had to anchor two kilometers from the shore.
On the way to the bay, the Sibir and Zhemchuzhina were surrounded by opposing cyclones - the wind came both from the south-west and from the north-west.
At a certain moment the Zhemchuzina was pulled off anchor and the wind was pushing her into the open sea. Shcherbakov spoke to her captain on the radio, told him to turn on the engine and extend the anchor chain. The Zhemchuzhina anchored next to the Sibir. "We remained moored on two anchors, both engines working against the wind."
As the storm slowed down, the yachts left the bay and headed for Naryan-Mar, where every crew member received a certificate confirming he had crossed the Arctic Circle. Each crew received a box of dry cured venison for the remaining route.
The travelers' menu remained practically unchanged throughout the voyage. Delicious dishes, fruit or vegetables were introduced only after leaving the next port. "On those occasions, we had everything fresh - fruit and juices, and when we ran out of those products, we switched back to tinned meat, buckwheat and pasta."
After Naryan-Mar, the yachts entered the Kara Sea, from where any vessel leaving Omsk begins a sea voyage.
The yachts entered the Omsk Region on September 24. They sailed against the headwind, but anyway on September 30 the Sibir’s crew finally walked ashore.
Ocean watchkeeping
Watchkeeping on the Sibir during voyages is six hours long. Two sailors clean the deck and watch the sails. The rest have leisure time next to the kitchen, where watchkeeping is also in shifts.
"Cooks - well, we are all cooks, in shifts," Denis Iovlev said smiling. "Honestly, we are all men here and not everyone is a great cook, so sometimes we have to eat what we get."
Denis was responsible for the expedition media coverage. According to him, 20 crew members had been onboard over the voyage’s 15 months.
"We did not have strictly specified responsibilities, as we are all yachters, and each of us has his own ‘profile’. Some are great in doing a boatswain's job, others have navigational skills, and some are responsible for communication," Iovlev said.
Now that all challenges are overcome, the Sibir is back home. "Whenever you have a goal, you must achieve it, and must not drop it halfway," Captain Sergei Shcherbakov said in conclusion.


tass--2020-10-21--Bomb threat reported at Moscow’s State Kremlin Palace, says source

`` The State Kremlin Palace ’ s call center received an anonymous email about a bomb in the building .
@ @ @ @ @ launched a probe , '' the source said .
Bomb threats began pouring into numerous @ @ @ @ @ .
Anonymous individuals have been sending e-mails containing warnings about possible explosions in courts , @ @ @ @ @ stores and universities .
Since March , those threats also have been targeting airplanes .
@ @ @ @ @ them has been confirmed .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) reported @ @ @ @ @ which were a source of thousands of false bomb threats .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Moscow’s State Kremlin Palace has received an anonymous bomb threat, a law enforcement source told TASS.
"The State Kremlin Palace’s call center received an anonymous email about a bomb in the building. The Federal Protective Service has launched a probe," the source said.
Bomb threats began pouring into numerous Russian cities in November 2019. Anonymous individuals have been sending e-mails containing warnings about possible explosions in courts, schools, shopping centers, stores and universities. Since March, those threats also have been targeting airplanes. Not a single one of them has been confirmed. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) reported blocking five foreign resources, which were a source of thousands of false bomb threats.


tass--2020-10-21--Ukraine won’t overcome crisis without reinstating ties with Russia, says lawmaker

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Reinstatement of economic relations between Ukraine and Russia should become the only possible variant to overcome the crisis that gripped the Ukrainian economy , member of the Verkhovna Rada ( Ukrainian parliament ) from the Opposition Platform - For Life political party Alexander Koltunovich said Wednesday at a roundtable discussion on issues of the trade and industrial cooperation between Russia and Ukraine .
`` Reinstatement , further development and strengthening economic ties between Ukraine and Russia should become the only tenable priority to overcome the crisis in the Ukrainian economy , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the key tasks for his party .
At the same time , the lawmaker pointed out that Opposition Platform - For Life also believes it is necessary to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union and its structures .
`` We believe that the promising market is there , '' he noted .
According to him , the Ukrainian authority will have to resume ties with Russia because otherwise the Ukrainian economy has no chances for revival , as he put it .
`` If they ( Kiev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national economy and build a technological state , they should undertake this step by reinstating economic ties with the Russian Federation , '' the member of parliament underscored .
He emphasized that Kiev lost much from refocusing its economy on the European market .
`` We were promised that Eurasian markets would be replaced with European ones .
But we lost so much that we can not even talk about any diversification , '' Koltunovich lamented .
He underscored that Ukrainian producers lost a significant part of their exports by leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets .
According to him , the export of Ukrainian goods to Russia was at the level of $ 20 billion in 2014 , while in 2017 it dropped to $ 3 billion .
`` In three years , we lost $ 17 billion , and industrial production plunged after , '' the lawmaker noted .
He also emphasized that the Ukrainian export to the CIS was $ 26 billion at its peak , while now it fell to $ 6 billion .
At the same time , Koltunovich added that exports to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by losing the CIS markets .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Reinstatement of economic relations between Ukraine and Russia should become the only possible variant to overcome the crisis that gripped the Ukrainian economy, member of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) from the Opposition Platform - For Life political party Alexander Koltunovich said Wednesday at a roundtable discussion on issues of the trade and industrial cooperation between Russia and Ukraine.
"Reinstatement, further development and strengthening economic ties between Ukraine and Russia should become the only tenable priority to overcome the crisis in the Ukrainian economy," he said, underlining that this position is one of the key tasks for his party. At the same time, the lawmaker pointed out that Opposition Platform - For Life also believes it is necessary to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union and its structures. "We believe that the promising market is there," he noted.
According to him, the Ukrainian authority will have to resume ties with Russia because otherwise the Ukrainian economy has no chances for revival, as he put it. "If they (Kiev authorities - TASS) want to raise the national economy and build a technological state, they should undertake this step by reinstating economic ties with the Russian Federation," the member of parliament underscored.
He emphasized that Kiev lost much from refocusing its economy on the European market. "We were promised that Eurasian markets would be replaced with European ones. But we lost so much that we cannot even talk about any diversification," Koltunovich lamented. He underscored that Ukrainian producers lost a significant part of their exports by leaving the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets. According to him, the export of Ukrainian goods to Russia was at the level of $20 billion in 2014, while in 2017 it dropped to $3 billion. "In three years, we lost $17 billion, and industrial production plunged after," the lawmaker noted. He also emphasized that the Ukrainian export to the CIS was $26 billion at its peak, while now it fell to $6 billion. At the same time, Koltunovich added that exports to European countries did not compensate losses suffered by losing the CIS markets.


tass--2020-10-21--It is important to ensure employment and citizens' income during pandemic, says Putin

NOVO-OGAREVO , October 21 .
/ TASS / .
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the importance of ensuring employment and incomes for Russians during the pandemic , at a meeting on Wednesday with the board members of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs ( RUIE ) .
`` Now , when business ties , the work rhythm of enterprises are being tested to see how strong they are , it is especially important to ensure employment , incomes for our citizens , to protect the well-being of Russian families and their confidence in the future , '' President Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already gained experience in supporting the largest enterprises , key sectors of the economy .
`` There is construction , light industry , automobile industry , transport , communications , where millions of our citizens work , '' he explained .
According to the President , `` these mechanisms for supporting business and labor collectives [ the administration ] were prepared and launched in the spring in direct dialogue with entrepreneurs and leading business associations , including the RUIE . ''
President Putin thanked the union 's board members , noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges .
`` But at the same time , of course , we must not forget about promising development : about increasing capital investments , which determine the future of enterprises , companies , their positions in the market , '' he added .

NOVO-OGAREVO, October 21. / TASS /. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the importance of ensuring employment and incomes for Russians during the pandemic, at a meeting on Wednesday with the board members of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RUIE).
"Now, when business ties, the work rhythm of enterprises are being tested to see how strong they are, it is especially important to ensure employment, incomes for our citizens, to protect the well-being of Russian families and their confidence in the future," President Putin said.
President Putin recalled that Russia has already gained experience in supporting the largest enterprises, key sectors of the economy. "There is construction, light industry, automobile industry, transport, communications, where millions of our citizens work," he explained.
According to the President, "these mechanisms for supporting business and labor collectives [the administration] were prepared and launched in the spring in direct dialogue with entrepreneurs and leading business associations, including the RUIE." President Putin thanked the union's board members, noting that these measures were necessary to meet current challenges.
"But at the same time, of course, we must not forget about promising development: about increasing capital investments, which determine the future of enterprises, companies, their positions in the market," he added.


tass--2020-10-21--Ex-Ukrainian leader Poroshenko faces charges of plotting a coup

KIEV , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General ’ s Office has launched a criminal case into @ @ @ @ @ ’ etat in 2013-2014 and in 2020 by former President Pyotr Poroshenko and his accomplices @ @ @ @ @ Rada ( Ukrainian parliament ) from the Opposition Platform - For Life political party Renat @ @ @ @ @ publish documents < … > about launching an investigation into the facts of illegal seizure @ @ @ @ @ embezzlement and legalizing ‘ dirty ’ money by an organized criminal group consisting of [ @ @ @ @ @ ] Zhvania , Poroshenko , [ former acting President Alexander ] Turchinov , [ former @ @ @ @ @ , [ former parliament Speaker Andriy ] Parubiy , [ former Foreign Minister Pavel ] @ @ @ @ @ other lower-ranking people , '' he wrote on Facebook .

KIEV, October 21. /TASS/. The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office has launched a criminal case into preparation for a coup d’etat in 2013-2014 and in 2020 by former President Pyotr Poroshenko and his accomplices, member of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) from the Opposition Platform - For Life political party Renat Kuzmin said Wednesday
"I publish documents <…> about launching an investigation into the facts of illegal seizure of state power, large-scale embezzlement and legalizing ‘dirty’ money by an organized criminal group consisting of [former member of parliament David] Zhvania, Poroshenko, [former acting President Alexander] Turchinov, [former Prime Minister Arseniy] Yatsenyuk, [former parliament Speaker Andriy] Parubiy, [former Foreign Minister Pavel] Klimkin <…> and other lower-ranking people," he wrote on Facebook.


tass--2020-10-21--Gloves, sanitizers equally effective if used correctly, expert says

`` Measures of skin protection - both gloves and alcohol-based antiseptics - < ... > are rather effective if used correctly .
One can use both < ... > .
If used properly , [ gloves and sanitizers ] are completely equivalent , '' he said .
MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The effectiveness of gloves and sanitizers for individual skin protection is comparable , although gloves should be used once and with constant contact with surfaces in public places it is best to use alcohol-based antiseptics , Vladimir Chulanov , chief non-resident expert on infectious diseases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
Gloves , according to him , are effective with single use , if skin contact is avoided with their external surface .
`` One shouldn ’ t use gloves multiple times : if the infection remains on them , they may be an additional source .
So there should be disposable gloves that are used only once , and then they should be taken off properly and disposed of , without touching the surfaces which contacted other surfaces : door knobs , handles , and so on , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective as a protection against the coronavirus .
`` There are a lot of antiseptics , alcohol-based preparations work particularly well because they dissolve the viral membrane .
< ... > One can apply skin antiseptics : when entering and exiting public places , treatment with skin antiseptics also allows to decrease the risk of infection , '' the expert added .
The mask and gloves regime became compulsory at capital enterprises working face-to-face in May 2020 .
Additionally , the employers in Moscow are obligated to ensure strict adherence to anti-epidemic measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sobyanin also requested to increase control over observance of anti-epidemic measures by employees .
According to the latest statistics , about 40.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.12 mln deaths have been reported .
To date , 1,447,335 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,096,650 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 24,952 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"Measures of skin protection - both gloves and alcohol-based antiseptics - <...> are rather effective if used correctly. One can use both <...>. If used properly, [gloves and sanitizers] are completely equivalent," he said.
MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. The effectiveness of gloves and sanitizers for individual skin protection is comparable, although gloves should be used once and with constant contact with surfaces in public places it is best to use alcohol-based antiseptics, Vladimir Chulanov, chief non-resident expert on infectious diseases of the Russian Healthcare Ministry told TASS on Wednesday.
Gloves, according to him, are effective with single use, if skin contact is avoided with their external surface. "One shouldn’t use gloves multiple times: if the infection remains on them, they may be an additional source. So there should be disposable gloves that are used only once, and then they should be taken off properly and disposed of, without touching the surfaces which contacted other surfaces: door knobs, handles, and so on," he said.
Alcohol-based skin antiseptics are the most effective as a protection against the coronavirus. "There are a lot of antiseptics, alcohol-based preparations work particularly well because they dissolve the viral membrane. <...> One can apply skin antiseptics: when entering and exiting public places, treatment with skin antiseptics also allows to decrease the risk of infection," the expert added.
The mask and gloves regime became compulsory at capital enterprises working face-to-face in May 2020. Additionally, the employers in Moscow are obligated to ensure strict adherence to anti-epidemic measures in the workplace. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin also requested to increase control over observance of anti-epidemic measures by employees.
According to the latest statistics, about 40.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.12 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 1,447,335 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,096,650 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 24,952 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-21--Two gunmen suspected of 1999 attack in Dagestan detained

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Law enforcement officers have apprehended two suspects in attacks in Russia ’ s North Caucasus region of Dagestan in 1999 , who were allegedly members of Basayev ’ s and Hattab ’ s gangs , the Russian Federal Security Service ’ s ( FSB ) Public Relations Center told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The Federal Security Service in interaction with the Interior Ministry and the Investigative Committee and backed by forces of the Russian National Guard have detained the natives of the Stavropol Region Maylubayev Rasul , born in 1975 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who were involved in the August 1999 attack on inhabited localities of the Botlikhsky district in the Republic of Dagestan as members of gangs led by Sh .
Basayev and A. Hattab , '' the FSB said .
There are signs of an offence in the detainees ’ actions stipulated under Article 317 of Russia ’ s Criminal Code ( attempt on the life of a law enforcement officer ) .
Svetlana Petrenko , the spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee , told reporters that in 1999 Maylubayev and Yakubov were involved in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Botlikhsky district and in fighting against law enforcement officers and service members who defended the region .
In the gunmen ’ s attack , more than 280 service members , law enforcement officers and civilians were killed and more than 800 wounded .
`` Investigative activities have been conducted in relation to the detainees , '' Petrenko said .
`` Evidence of their involvement in the above mentioned offences was obtained .
In the foreseeable future , the investigation [ team ] will be submitting a motion to the court asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of remand in custody for Maylubayev and Yakubov , '' she added .
Petrenko pointed out that the investigators alongside FSB and police officers continue the investigation to identify the attackers who went into hiding from the law enforcement agencies .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Law enforcement officers have apprehended two suspects in attacks in Russia’s North Caucasus region of Dagestan in 1999, who were allegedly members of Basayev’s and Hattab’s gangs, the Russian Federal Security Service’s (FSB) Public Relations Center told TASS on Wednesday.
"The Federal Security Service in interaction with the Interior Ministry and the Investigative Committee and backed by forces of the Russian National Guard have detained the natives of the Stavropol Region Maylubayev Rasul, born in 1975, and Yakubov Zagir, born in 1977, who were involved in the August 1999 attack on inhabited localities of the Botlikhsky district in the Republic of Dagestan as members of gangs led by Sh. Basayev and A. Hattab," the FSB said.
There are signs of an offence in the detainees’ actions stipulated under Article 317 of Russia’s Criminal Code (attempt on the life of a law enforcement officer).
Svetlana Petrenko, the spokeswoman for the Investigative Committee, told reporters that in 1999 Maylubayev and Yakubov were involved in an armed attack on inhabited localities of Dagestan’s Botlikhsky district and in fighting against law enforcement officers and service members who defended the region. In the gunmen’s attack, more than 280 service members, law enforcement officers and civilians were killed and more than 800 wounded.
"Investigative activities have been conducted in relation to the detainees," Petrenko said. "Evidence of their involvement in the above mentioned offences was obtained. In the foreseeable future, the investigation [team] will be submitting a motion to the court asking to select a preventive measure in the form of remand in custody for Maylubayev and Yakubov," she added.
Petrenko pointed out that the investigators alongside FSB and police officers continue the investigation to identify the attackers who went into hiding from the law enforcement agencies.


tass--2020-10-21--Terrorism-related crimes grow by over 30% in Russia in 2020

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Terrorism-related crimes have grown by almost 34 % in Russia since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ crimes have increased by 43 % , Russia ’ s Interior Ministry said in its @ @ @ @ @ `` From January to September 2020 , 1,851 terrorism-related crimes were registered ( a growth @ @ @ @ @ with 651 extremist crimes ( an increase by 43.4 % ) , '' the statistical @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Interior Ministry has registered over 1.5 million various crimes since the beginning @ @ @ @ @ ministry ’ s statistical data indicate .
At the same time , crimes in public @ @ @ @ @ % from the previous year to 464,500 , the ministry said .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Terrorism-related crimes have grown by almost 34% in Russia since the beginning of this year while extremist crimes have increased by 43%, Russia’s Interior Ministry said in its statistical reports on Wednesday.
"From January to September 2020, 1,851 terrorism-related crimes were registered (a growth by 33.9%) along with 651 extremist crimes (an increase by 43.4%)," the statistical reports say.
Overall, Russia’s Interior Ministry has registered over 1.5 million various crimes since the beginning of this year, the ministry’s statistical data indicate.
At the same time, crimes in public places have dropped by 10.2% from the previous year to 464,500, the ministry said.


tass--2020-10-21--Armenia feels support from Russia as strategic partner, says Pashinyan

YEREVAN , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia appreciates relations with Russia and feels its allied support at this stage @ @ @ @ @ said on his Facebook page on Wednesday .
`` Today and throughout this period I @ @ @ @ @ Armenia and Russia .
We feel Russia ’ s allied support as a strategic partner @ @ @ @ @ people .
We maintain continued cooperation at a high level in order to find a @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh surged up on September 27 .
Clashes @ @ @ @ @ between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces although truce has been agreed on twice .

YEREVAN, October 21. /TASS/. Armenia appreciates relations with Russia and feels its allied support at this stage, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
"Today and throughout this period I very much appreciate cooperation between Armenia and Russia. We feel Russia’s allied support as a strategic partner for Armenia and the Armenian people. We maintain continued cooperation at a high level in order to find a way out of the situation," he said.
Tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh surged up on September 27. Clashes are continuing in the region between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces although truce has been agreed on twice.


tass--2020-10-21--Russia must ramp up its presence in the Arctic, Prime Minister Mishustin says

MURMANSK , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia must ramp up its presence in the Arctic in order to ensure its economic interests and national security , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Wednesday .
`` We must ramp up our presence in the Arctic : by doing this , we solve the tasks of ensuring national security of our country and its economic interests , '' the prime minister said during a meeting on the development of the Northern Sea Route .
Work in the Arctic continues throughout the year .
`` We increase the cargo volume , despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this year , the total shipment volume reached 24.5 million tonnes , '' the prime minister said .
He also recalled that the goal is to bring the shipment volume to 80 million tonnes by 2024 , which , he hopes , will be achieved .
The prime minister noted the measures taken in order to develop the Northern Sea Route infrastructure .
`` Transportation of liquefied natural gas by the Northern Sea Route accounts for about 65 % ; LNG producers enjoy a wide array of tax cuts and preferences , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tax on fossil fuel mining and the regions ' right to provide a profit tax benefit .
`` In order to further stimulate Russian cargo exports , a decision was made to reduce the value-added tax for sea transportation and corresponding icebreaker escort to zero , '' Mishustin said .
`` The icebreaker fleet is Russia ’ s serious competitive advantage and a long-term investment in the future , '' the prime minister said .
According to Mishustin , `` the Arktika [ icebreaker , commissioned Wednesday ] will be joined by four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovative technologies . ''
These ships are being constructed in St. Petersburg , the head of government said .
A contract has been signed for the construction of a Lider-class icebreaker that will make it possible to use the Northern Sea Route throughout the year .
`` The infrastructure that we create for the Russian cargo today serves the basis for future growth of international transit shipments , '' the prime minister said .
He noted that the state invests in development of the infrastructure ; port terminals and railroad network are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state investment exceeds 110 billion rubles . ''
`` Reliable communications must be established throughout the Northern Sea Route , '' Mishustin said .
According to the prime minister , `` over 550 socially important facilities are currently connected to the Internet in the Arctic , and this number must be doubled in the next three years . ''
He added that an underwater optic fiber line is being provided in the Far East , which will connect Chukotka to the country ’ s single communications network .

MURMANSK, October 21. /TASS/. Russia must ramp up its presence in the Arctic in order to ensure its economic interests and national security, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Wednesday.
"We must ramp up our presence in the Arctic: by doing this, we solve the tasks of ensuring national security of our country and its economic interests," the prime minister said during a meeting on the development of the Northern Sea Route.
Work in the Arctic continues throughout the year. "We increase the cargo volume, despite the global trade restrictions: over 9 months of this year, the total shipment volume reached 24.5 million tonnes," the prime minister said.
He also recalled that the goal is to bring the shipment volume to 80 million tonnes by 2024, which, he hopes, will be achieved.
The prime minister noted the measures taken in order to develop the Northern Sea Route infrastructure. "Transportation of liquefied natural gas by the Northern Sea Route accounts for about 65%; LNG producers enjoy a wide array of tax cuts and preferences," he said, pointing to zero tax on fossil fuel mining and the regions' right to provide a profit tax benefit.
"In order to further stimulate Russian cargo exports, a decision was made to reduce the value-added tax for sea transportation and corresponding icebreaker escort to zero," Mishustin said.
"The icebreaker fleet is Russia’s serious competitive advantage and a long-term investment in the future," the prime minister said.
According to Mishustin, "the Arktika [icebreaker, commissioned Wednesday] will be joined by four more icebreakers that are based on cutting-edge innovative technologies."
These ships are being constructed in St. Petersburg, the head of government said. A contract has been signed for the construction of a Lider-class icebreaker that will make it possible to use the Northern Sea Route throughout the year.
"The infrastructure that we create for the Russian cargo today serves the basis for future growth of international transit shipments," the prime minister said.
He noted that the state invests in development of the infrastructure; port terminals and railroad network are being built, while "the entire volume of state investment exceeds 110 billion rubles."
"Reliable communications must be established throughout the Northern Sea Route," Mishustin said. According to the prime minister, "over 550 socially important facilities are currently connected to the Internet in the Arctic, and this number must be doubled in the next three years."
He added that an underwater optic fiber line is being provided in the Far East, which will connect Chukotka to the country’s single communications network.


tass--2020-10-21--More than half of entrepreneurs think its necessary to develop soft skills, survey reveals

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/ TASS / .
Over half ( 63 % ) of small and medium-sized business leaders in Moscow and the Moscow region believe that an entrepreneur needs to develop so-called soft skills , while 37 % believe that it is more important to work on the development of professional skills , according to the survey of the Moscow regional branch of the Russia 's Support made available to TASS on Wednesday .
`` 37 % believe that an entrepreneur needs to develop hard skills in order to be able to keep a business in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to the survey .
Almost a quarter ( 23 % ) of entrepreneurs noted that communication skills help to keep a business in a crisis , another 24 % believe that efficiency contributes to this , 11 % - honesty , 5 % - confidence .
Optimism is considered important by just over 4 % .
When asked whether they improve their own qualifications and the qualifications of management personnel , 42 % of respondents answered positively , 58 % - negatively .
`` As the survey results have shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help to maintain the viability of enterprises in a crisis , but rather the flexibility of the owner or manager , the ability to negotiate , find a compromise , reorganize .
All this is impossible without developed emotional intelligence , which is the basis for the development of the so-called soft skills .
Russian business is gradually realizing the importance of these fundamental qualities , which allow them to stay on the crest of success even in the most difficult , sometimes stressful situations , '' the founder of the Working Emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The survey involved 526 managers and owners of small and medium-sized companies , as well as individual entrepreneurs from Moscow and the Moscow region .
The study involved entrepreneurs from various business sectors - trade ( 42 % ) , services ( 29 % ) , Internet business ( 19 % ) , manufacturing ( 8 % ) and some others ( 2 % ) .

MOSCOW, October 21. / TASS /. Over half (63%) of small and medium-sized business leaders in Moscow and the Moscow region believe that an entrepreneur needs to develop so-called soft skills, while 37% believe that it is more important to work on the development of professional skills, according to the survey of the Moscow regional branch of the Russia's Support made available to TASS on Wednesday.
"37% believe that an entrepreneur needs to develop hard skills in order to be able to keep a business in a crisis, 63% - soft skills," according to the survey.
Almost a quarter (23%) of entrepreneurs noted that communication skills help to keep a business in a crisis, another 24% believe that efficiency contributes to this, 11% - honesty, 5% - confidence. Optimism is considered important by just over 4%.
When asked whether they improve their own qualifications and the qualifications of management personnel, 42% of respondents answered positively, 58% - negatively.
"As the survey results have shown, it is not financial resources that help to maintain the viability of enterprises in a crisis, but rather the flexibility of the owner or manager, the ability to negotiate, find a compromise, reorganize. All this is impossible without developed emotional intelligence, which is the basis for the development of the so-called soft skills. Russian business is gradually realizing the importance of these fundamental qualities, which allow them to stay on the crest of success even in the most difficult, sometimes stressful situations," the founder of the Working Emotional Intelligence platform Elena Khlevnaya told TASS.
The survey involved 526 managers and owners of small and medium-sized companies, as well as individual entrepreneurs from Moscow and the Moscow region. The study involved entrepreneurs from various business sectors - trade (42%), services (29%), Internet business (19%), manufacturing (8%) and some others (2%).


tass--2020-10-21--Russia’s Medvedev, Serbia’s Vucic discuss coronavirus situation

BELGRADE , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic discussed @ @ @ @ @ online meeting Wednesday , Vucic ’ s press service announced Wednesday .
`` During a @ @ @ @ @ and Medvedev reaffirmed very good relations between Russia and Serbia in all fields .
The @ @ @ @ @ and the international cooperation in this field .
President Vucic thanked Russia for its support @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , adding that the mass use of the vaccine could be the only @ @ @ @ @ people , '' Belgrade said in its statement .
Medvedev and Vucic also discussed cooperation @ @ @ @ @ thanked Medvedev for the support of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia .
In turn @ @ @ @ @ independent policy of Serbia and its friendly attitude towards Russia . ''
The sides agreed @ @ @ @ @ the epidemic subsides , the statement said .

BELGRADE, October 21. /TASS/. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic discussed the coronavirus situation during their online meeting Wednesday, Vucic’s press service announced Wednesday.
"During a long friendly conversation, Vucic and Medvedev reaffirmed very good relations between Russia and Serbia in all fields. The sides discussed the coronavirus crisis and the international cooperation in this field. President Vucic thanked Russia for its support in the early days of the pandemic, adding that the mass use of the vaccine could be the only right solution to save the people," Belgrade said in its statement.
Medvedev and Vucic also discussed cooperation in international structures. Vucic thanked Medvedev for the support of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia. In turn, Medvedev praised the "independent policy of Serbia and its friendly attitude towards Russia." The sides agreed to meet in person after the epidemic subsides, the statement said.


tass--2020-10-21--Thousand Cities Strategic Algorithms Answers Post-Pandemic Economic Concerns During IMF

WASHINGTON , Oct. 21 .
/PRNewswire/ .
The Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee ( RBWC ) recently hosted the first of its IMF/World Bank Fall Meetings – `` The Economics of Pandemics : The Role of Data '' .
Thousand Cities Strategic Algorithms ( TCSA ) was invited as a panelist and distinguished expert in the field of sovereign currency technologies .
The weeklong IMF/World Bank Fall Meetings were attended by global central bank authorities , such as the Head of Statistics at the Bank of International Settlements , as well as central bank governors and representatives from Japan , Canada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Armenia , South Africa , Brazil , Mexico , and Peru .
Attendees discussed the increasing importance of data-driven policymaking after the pandemic and shared their visions for building economic resilience through financial and technological innovations .
In the face of the universal economic challenges shared by these global authorities , Mr. Adkins Zheng , the Chief Algorithm Officer of TCSA , put forward an innovative macroeconomic theory and data technology solution to global economic challenges .
To fight increasing chaos and build a global economic framework capable of sustainable , endogenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved two significant and fundamental breakthroughs in the pursuit of a national `` economic data brain '' for global policymakers : First , TCSA developed a fully digitizable and algorithmic macroeconomic framework capable of synchronizing and integrating national economic , fiscal data , and monetary/financial data systems .
This framework innovates upon existing international statistical standards like the `` SNA , GFS , and MFSMCG . ''
Second , TCSA has overcome the technological bottleneck of computing extreme quantities of granular , national-scale data sets .
Many countries have proposed the concept of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but can not overcome the shortage of processing power and capital investment costs .
TCSA 's data system has created a simpler algorithmic structure that forms the basis of a highly efficient , logic-oriented , and cost-effective next generation data network .
Reportedly , TCSA 's Global Affairs department has established English , Russian , Spanish and Arabic multi-lingual task forces to provide breakthrough consulting services to various economic entities .

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21. /PRNewswire/. The Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee (RBWC) recently hosted the first of its IMF/World Bank Fall Meetings – "The Economics of Pandemics: The Role of Data". Thousand Cities Strategic Algorithms (TCSA) was invited as a panelist and distinguished expert in the field of sovereign currency technologies.
The weeklong IMF/World Bank Fall Meetings were attended by global central bank authorities, such as the Head of Statistics at the Bank of International Settlements, as well as central bank governors and representatives from Japan, Canada, Singapore, Spain, Czech Republic, Armenia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Attendees discussed the increasing importance of data-driven policymaking after the pandemic and shared their visions for building economic resilience through financial and technological innovations.
In the face of the universal economic challenges shared by these global authorities, Mr. Adkins Zheng, the Chief Algorithm Officer of TCSA, put forward an innovative macroeconomic theory and data technology solution to global economic challenges.
To fight increasing chaos and build a global economic framework capable of sustainable, endogenous growth, the TCSA research team has achieved two significant and fundamental breakthroughs in the pursuit of a national "economic data brain" for global policymakers:
First, TCSA developed a fully digitizable and algorithmic macroeconomic framework capable of synchronizing and integrating national economic, fiscal data, and monetary/financial data systems. This framework innovates upon existing international statistical standards like the "SNA, GFS, and MFSMCG."
Second, TCSA has overcome the technological bottleneck of computing extreme quantities of granular, national-scale data sets. Many countries have proposed the concept of a national "economic data brain" but cannot overcome the shortage of processing power and capital investment costs. TCSA's data system has created a simpler algorithmic structure that forms the basis of a highly efficient, logic-oriented, and cost-effective next generation data network.
Reportedly, TCSA's Global Affairs department has established English, Russian, Spanish and Arabic multi-lingual task forces to provide breakthrough consulting services to various economic entities.


tass--2020-10-21--Government, business, citizens together responsible for fighting pandemic, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that the state , business and citizens are together responsible for how the country will overcome the pandemic .
`` I would like to note again that well orchestrated joint actions of the state , business , public organizations and all citizens , an understanding of the common responsibility for how our country goes through this difficult , tense stage are very important , '' Putin said at a meeting with members of the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs , which took place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touched upon the difficult epidemiological situation in the world .
`` In Russia and in many other countries , the number of cases of coronavirus is growing , and in a number of states the so-called lockdown has been introduced again , when enterprises and companies suspend their activities or switch to remote work on a mass scale and forced restrictions are imposed on everyday life of people which , of course , also affects the work of entire sectors of the economy , '' the president said .
He noted that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to measures taken to smooth out the economic and other consequences of the pandemic .
Putin stressed that the authorities should always focus on protecting the life and health of citizens .
`` Absolutely , this message is central to all our work during the epidemic , '' the head of state said .
He asked the meeting participants to tell him about measures their companies are implementing to shield employees from the risks of the epidemic .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that the state, business and citizens are together responsible for how the country will overcome the pandemic.
"I would like to note again that well orchestrated joint actions of the state, business, public organizations and all citizens, an understanding of the common responsibility for how our country goes through this difficult, tense stage are very important," Putin said at a meeting with members of the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, which took place on Wednesday in a videoconference mode.
Putin touched upon the difficult epidemiological situation in the world.
"In Russia and in many other countries, the number of cases of coronavirus is growing, and in a number of states the so-called lockdown has been introduced again, when enterprises and companies suspend their activities or switch to remote work on a mass scale and forced restrictions are imposed on everyday life of people which, of course, also affects the work of entire sectors of the economy," the president said. He noted that in such conditions, special attention is paid to measures taken to smooth out the economic and other consequences of the pandemic.
Putin stressed that the authorities should always focus on protecting the life and health of citizens. "Absolutely, this message is central to all our work during the epidemic," the head of state said. He asked the meeting participants to tell him about measures their companies are implementing to shield employees from the risks of the epidemic.


tass--2020-10-21--China Signs Cooperation Agreements with Trading Partners at the 128th Canton Fair

GUANGZHOU , China , Oct. 21 .
/PRNewswire/ .
In a virtual signing ceremony held at the 128th China Import and Export Fair ( `` Canton Fair '' or `` the Fair '' ) , China Foreign Trade Centre ( `` CFTC '' ) signed multiple cooperation agreements to formalize the partnerships with the Alexandria Business Association of Egypt , Lebanon 's Chamber of Commerce , Industry and Agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa , the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nigeria , the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation , Minsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Tajikistan Republic .
The new partnerships with the 6 industrial and commercial institutions are part of a global partnership program initiated by CFTC , which has helped the Canton Fair form trade partnerships with 140 institutions in 81 countries .
Among them , 60 industrial and commercial institutions are from 39 Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI ) countries .
Speaking to appreciate the Canton Fair 's efforts in strengthening China-Egypt relations , Mohamed Mustafa Hanno , Deputy Chairman of the Board , Alexandria Business Association of Egypt , said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation and economic relations of the two countries '' .
Canton Fair 's partnership with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nigeria coincides with Nigeria becoming one of the key trading partners of China , with manufacturers in Nigeria importing one-third of raw industrial materials from China and the bilateral trade volume from January to August 2020 reaching 11.9 billion USD .
Canton Fair serves as a major platform for the growing number of Nigerian buyers .
Driven by the strong demand of Tanzania for Chinese products ranging from agricultural machinery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a main trading partner with Tanzania , with the bilateral trade volume of the two countries showing a promising prospect for economic cooperation .
As the Canton Fair continues to open up more channels for Tanzanian buyers to purchase high-quality products from China , the new partnership also enables the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation to leverage its business networks to promote the Canton Fair in the country .
`` These new partnerships will allow the Canton Fair to offer better services , facilitate business processes and promote trade development for all parties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ early victory against the COVID-19 pandemic , so we can bring global companies together at the offline Canton Fair once again to build an open world economy , '' said Li Jinqi , Vice President and Secretary General of Canton Fair and Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre .
Harnessing the Canton Fair 's advantage as an open platform for global trade , CFTC has been expanding its trade networks and optimizing services for buyers by promoting the Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partnership Program to strengthen trade links with world-leading global industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a comprehensive , multi-level and diverse ecosystem for win-win cooperation by sharing resources .

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 21. /PRNewswire/. In a virtual signing ceremony held at the 128th China Import and Export Fair ("Canton Fair" or "the Fair"), China Foreign Trade Centre ("CFTC") signed multiple cooperation agreements to formalize the partnerships with the Alexandria Business Association of Egypt, Lebanon's Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Zahle and Bekaa, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nigeria, the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation, Minsk Branch of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Tajikistan Republic.
The new partnerships with the 6 industrial and commercial institutions are part of a global partnership program initiated by CFTC, which has helped the Canton Fair form trade partnerships with 140 institutions in 81 countries. Among them, 60 industrial and commercial institutions are from 39 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries.
Speaking to appreciate the Canton Fair's efforts in strengthening China-Egypt relations, Mohamed Mustafa Hanno, Deputy Chairman of the Board, Alexandria Business Association of Egypt, said that the association "will continue to bolster trade cooperation and economic relations of the two countries".
Canton Fair's partnership with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Nigeria coincides with Nigeria becoming one of the key trading partners of China, with manufacturers in Nigeria importing one-third of raw industrial materials from China and the bilateral trade volume from January to August 2020 reaching 11.9 billion USD. Canton Fair serves as a major platform for the growing number of Nigerian buyers.
Driven by the strong demand of Tanzania for Chinese products ranging from agricultural machinery to textiles, China has also become a main trading partner with Tanzania, with the bilateral trade volume of the two countries showing a promising prospect for economic cooperation. As the Canton Fair continues to open up more channels for Tanzanian buyers to purchase high-quality products from China, the new partnership also enables the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation to leverage its business networks to promote the Canton Fair in the country.
"These new partnerships will allow the Canton Fair to offer better services, facilitate business processes and promote trade development for all parties. We wish the world will soon achieve early victory against the COVID-19 pandemic, so we can bring global companies together at the offline Canton Fair once again to build an open world economy," said Li Jinqi, Vice President and Secretary General of Canton Fair and Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre.
Harnessing the Canton Fair's advantage as an open platform for global trade, CFTC has been expanding its trade networks and optimizing services for buyers by promoting the Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partnership Program to strengthen trade links with world-leading global industrial and commercial institutions. The program aims to create a comprehensive, multi-level and diverse ecosystem for win-win cooperation by sharing resources.


tass--2020-10-21--Organizers of landmark contest dedicated to coronavirus unveil jury members

МOSCOW , October 21 .
/ТASS/.This distinguished jury is going to consist of Managing Director of Audio Visual Content at Kyodo News Hitoshi Oikawa , Chief of ANSA Desk Picture Stefania Iantaffi , Head of Pictures at PA Martin Keene , head of TASS Photo Information Division Grigory Dukor , Pawel Kopczynski , Photo Editor at Reuters , responsible for the company 's work in Central and Eastern Europe , as well as for global sports events .
The jury also includes the head of the Photography Division of the Moscow bureau of the Associated Press Alexander Zemlianichenko , special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mladen Antonov , NOOR photo agency founder Yuri Kozyrev and veteran Canadian photojournalist and photo editor Gary Hershorn .
`` I joined the jury because I view this honorable job as a must for any seasoned professional photo journalist .
This is a downright practical endeavor .
Although judging from my experience at World Press Photo , I can say that it is not easy to work on a jury when there are lots of photos for you to evaluate , you are always afraid of missing something , '' the department quoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn noted that there are very few professional contests in Russia , which is why TASS ’ initiative matters .
`` It is important when such a major , high-profile agency like TASS launches an initiative like this .
It provides an opportunity to see the works of my colleagues that I was not able to see .
And for young photographers the participation and assessment of their work is an important factor which gives them confidence that they are moving in the right direction and are doing their job well , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free of charge and any photographer working for or teaming up with the media can take part in it .
The jury will also select the best snapshot out of all those submitted , and that one will be awarded the `` Grand Prize '' .
The individual who took this winning picture will receive $ 10,000 .
The winners will be announced on March 11 , 2021 — the anniversary of the announcement of the coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organization .
There are two nominations under the following categories : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other for `` Picture Series '' .
The winners in each category will get a monetary award of $ 3,000 .

МOSCOW, October 21. /ТASS/.This distinguished jury is going to consist of Managing Director of Audio Visual Content at Kyodo News Hitoshi Oikawa, Chief of ANSA Desk Picture Stefania Iantaffi, Head of Pictures at PA Martin Keene, head of TASS Photo Information Division Grigory Dukor, Pawel Kopczynski, Photo Editor at Reuters, responsible for the company's work in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as for global sports events. The jury also includes the head of the Photography Division of the Moscow bureau of the Associated Press Alexander Zemlianichenko, special photo correspondent for France Presse in Moscow Mladen Antonov, NOOR photo agency founder Yuri Kozyrev and veteran Canadian photojournalist and photo editor Gary Hershorn.
"I joined the jury because I view this honorable job as a must for any seasoned professional photo journalist. This is a downright practical endeavor. Although judging from my experience at World Press Photo, I can say that it is not easy to work on a jury when there are lots of photos for you to evaluate, you are always afraid of missing something," the department quoted Zemlianichenko as saying.
Kozyrev in his turn noted that there are very few professional contests in Russia, which is why TASS’ initiative matters. "It is important when such a major, high-profile agency like TASS launches an initiative like this. It provides an opportunity to see the works of my colleagues that I was not able to see. And for young photographers the participation and assessment of their work is an important factor which gives them confidence that they are moving in the right direction and are doing their job well," he explained.
About the contest
Joining the contest is free of charge and any photographer working for or teaming up with the media can take part in it. The jury will also select the best snapshot out of all those submitted, and that one will be awarded the "Grand Prize". The individual who took this winning picture will receive $10,000. The winners will be announced on March 11, 2021 — the anniversary of the announcement of the coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organization.
There are two nominations under the following categories: one for "Single Photo" and the other for "Picture Series". The winners in each category will get a monetary award of $3,000.


tass--2020-10-21--Hainan signs cooperation agreements with Israeli partners in the field of medicine

HAIKOU , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan has signed cooperation agreements with Israeli partners in the Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone on the east coast of the island , reported by the Nanguo Dushibao .
The parties plan to cooperate in the fields of rehabilitation therapy , innovative medical products and equipment .
In particular , Hainan agreed with Israeli partners to create a rehabilitation hospital at the Lecheng zone .
Vice Governor of Hainan Province Mao Chaofeng and Deputy Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Health Itamar Grotto attended the signing ceremony , which took place via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mao Chaofeng noted that `` Israel 's medical technology and academic research is at the forefront of the world , and its highly qualified specialists and top-notch equipment have offered many innovative solutions in the life sciences . ''
He stressed that the signing of cooperation agreements at Hainan 's Lecheng `` will make a positive contribution to the development of international medicine and healthcare . ''
The decision to establish Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone was made in 2013 .
Its area occupies 20 square kilometers , there are clinics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the premises .
By 2025 , the Chinese authorities intend to bring Lecheng to the world level in the field of medical technology and equipment .
In particular , within the framework of this project , it is planned to create an advanced clinical center and a base for conducting scientific research .

HAIKOU, October 21. /TASS/. Hainan has signed cooperation agreements with Israeli partners in the Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone on the east coast of the island, reported by the Nanguo Dushibao.
The parties plan to cooperate in the fields of rehabilitation therapy, innovative medical products and equipment. In particular, Hainan agreed with Israeli partners to create a rehabilitation hospital at the Lecheng zone.
Vice Governor of Hainan Province Mao Chaofeng and Deputy Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Health Itamar Grotto attended the signing ceremony, which took place via videoconference.
During the online meeting, Mao Chaofeng noted that "Israel's medical technology and academic research is at the forefront of the world, and its highly qualified specialists and top-notch equipment have offered many innovative solutions in the life sciences." He stressed that the signing of cooperation agreements at Hainan's Lecheng "will make a positive contribution to the development of international medicine and healthcare."
The decision to establish Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone was made in 2013. Its area occupies 20 square kilometers, there are clinics of traditional Chinese and Western medicine on the premises. By 2025, the Chinese authorities intend to bring Lecheng to the world level in the field of medical technology and equipment. In particular, within the framework of this project, it is planned to create an advanced clinical center and a base for conducting scientific research.


tass--2020-10-22--Terror attack prevented in Moscow, FSB reports

MOSCOW , October 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) apprehended a Central Asian man who @ @ @ @ @ terror attack in one of the administrative building in the Moscow Region , the FSB @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The FSB thwarted a terror attack in the capital region .
An operation @ @ @ @ @ man originating from the Central Asian region , born in 1999 , who prepared a @ @ @ @ @ building using an improvised explosive device , acting under orders of members of international terror @ @ @ @ @ service said .
The terrorist created a stash , where the FSB officers discovered components @ @ @ @ @ The would-be terrorist planned to leave to a combat zone in the Middle East later @

MOSCOW, October 22. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) apprehended a Central Asian man, who sought to carry out a terror attack in one of the administrative buildings in the Moscow Region, the FSB press service told TASS Thursday.
"The FSB thwarted a terror attack in the capital’s region. The operation led to the apprehension of a man originating from the Central Asian region, born in 1999, who was plotting a terrorist attack in an administrative building using an improvised explosive device, acting under orders of members of international terror groups," the press service said.
The terrorist stashed away key items that FSB agents ferreted out, namely components for an explosive device. His communication devices contained a long history of messages with terrorists, downloaded instructions for concocting an explosive device, and video footage of his oath of allegiance to the terror group.
"The criminal planned to leave to a Middle East combat zone later in order to participate in the terrorist group’s activities," the press service said.
A criminal case has been initiated and an investigation is underway.


tass--2020-10-22--Azerbaijan will never agree to referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh, president says

`` There will be no referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh .
We will never agree to that .
During the negotiations we haven ’ t agreed and now , when we took back the majority of territories , it ’ s out of the question , '' he said in an interview aired by the state AzTV channel .
BAKU , October 22 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan will never agree to hold a referendum on self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Japan ’ s Nikkei newspaper .
The president noted that the `` right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law but it shouldn ’ t violate the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan . ''
Continuing on this subject , he stressed that `` Armenians have already achieved self-determination . ''
`` They have an independent Armenian state , '' he added .
Moscow brokered a humanitarian ceasefire that took effect at noon local time on October 10 but was violated .
Later , the foreign ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced plans to declare another ceasefire at midnight on October 18 , but the hostilities continue and the warring parties keep blaming each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

"There will be no referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh. We will never agree to that. During the negotiations we haven’t agreed and now, when we took back the majority of territories, it’s out of the question," he said in an interview aired by the state AzTV channel.
BAKU, October 22. /TASS/. Azerbaijan will never agree to hold a referendum on self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Japan’s Nikkei newspaper.
The president noted that the "right to self-determination is an important factor of international law but it shouldn’t violate the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan." Continuing on this subject, he stressed that "Armenians have already achieved self-determination." "They have an independent Armenian state," he added.
Moscow brokered a humanitarian ceasefire that took effect at noon local time on October 10 but was violated. Later, the foreign ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced plans to declare another ceasefire at midnight on October 18, but the hostilities continue and the warring parties keep blaming each other for violating the truce.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-22--Some forces use unconstitutional methods to topple power in Belarus — foreign intel chief

MINSK , October 22 .
/TASS/ .
There have been attempts to topple power in Belarus by unconstitutional methods with foreign influence on these processes being obvious , Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Head Sergei Naryshkin said after a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday .
`` We see a striving to try to change the current system and the current political power by unconstitutional methods , '' Naryshkin said .
According to him , `` the protest rallies [ in Belarus ] pose many questions to the authorities . ''
`` I think that the proposal of Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the answers to these protest rallies and questions that are presented by a part of the society to the people in power , '' the intelligence chief noted .
Naryshkin believes that `` it is clear that there is foreign influence [ on the situation in Belarus - TASS ] . ''
`` We see that in Russia as well .
Our colleagues , officers of the Belarusian State Security Committee , see it too .
This is not a selfless interest , '' he added .
Naryshkin also underlined that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus for its development as a country .
`` The reform of the constitution , which was initiated , will answer many questions .
However , it is vital to maintain [ political ] stability , it is an extremely important condition for the development of the state and the society , '' the intelligence chief concluded .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MINSK, October 22. /TASS/. There have been attempts to topple power in Belarus by unconstitutional methods with foreign influence on these processes being obvious, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Head Sergei Naryshkin said after a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday.
"We see a striving to try to change the current system and the current political power by unconstitutional methods," Naryshkin said.
According to him, "the protest rallies [in Belarus] pose many questions to the authorities." "I think that the proposal of Alexander Lukashenko to launch a constitutional reform is one of the answers to these protest rallies and questions that are presented by a part of the society to the people in power," the intelligence chief noted.
Naryshkin believes that "it is clear that there is foreign influence [on the situation in Belarus - TASS]." "We see that in Russia as well. Our colleagues, officers of the Belarusian State Security Committee, see it too. This is not a selfless interest," he added. Naryshkin also underlined that it is important to maintain stability in Belarus for its development as a country. "The reform of the constitution, which was initiated, will answer many questions. However, it is vital to maintain [political] stability, it is an extremely important condition for the development of the state and the society," the intelligence chief concluded.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.