tass--2020-09-26--African American killed in clash with police in California — TV

NEW YORK , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
A homeless African Amercian was killed when he attempted to snatch a service weapon from a police officer , CNN said on Friday citing Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes .
According to the sheriff , Kurt Reinhold , 42 , died on Wednesday of gunshot wounds , sustained as a result of a `` physical altercation '' with two deputies from the sheriff department 's Homeless Outreach Team .
Reinhold `` grabbed one of the deputies ' weapons and appears to have tried to bring it out of the holster , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officer shot Reinhold twice .
The man died at the scene shortly after .
The shooting is being investigated by the Orange County District Attorney 's Office .
The encounter was captured in surveillance video , but the authorities decided not to publish it `` given the current climate of police-community relations , '' the sheriff said .
Mass protests and riots sparked in many US states following the death of African-American George Floyd .
He died in hospital after a police officer used a choke hold during his arrest in Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To counter the riots , the National Guard joined local law enforcement bodies .
Some 40 cities , including Washington D.C. and New York , imposed a curfew .

NEW YORK, September 26. /TASS/. A homeless African Amercian was killed when he attempted to snatch a service weapon from a police officer, CNN said on Friday citing Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
According to the sheriff, Kurt Reinhold, 42, died on Wednesday of gunshot wounds, sustained as a result of a "physical altercation" with two deputies from the sheriff department's Homeless Outreach Team.
Reinhold "grabbed one of the deputies' weapons and appears to have tried to bring it out of the holster," Barnes said. During the brawl, the officer shot Reinhold twice. The man died at the scene shortly after.
The shooting is being investigated by the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The encounter was captured in surveillance video, but the authorities decided not to publish it "given the current climate of police-community relations," the sheriff said.
Mass protests and riots sparked in many US states following the death of African-American George Floyd. He died in hospital after a police officer used a choke hold during his arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25. To counter the riots, the National Guard joined local law enforcement bodies. Some 40 cities, including Washington D.C. and New York, imposed a curfew.


tass--2020-09-26--Commission to suggest extending Russian cosmonaut selection until December

MOSCOW , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s commission for selecting cosmonauts will suggest extending the current selection @ @ @ @ @ to Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin , the press service of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut @ @ @ @ @ `` The selection commission made the decision to suggest the head of Roscosmos extending the @ @ @ @ @ the press service said .
The press service said the commission examines several would-be cosmonauts @ @ @ @ @ selected a number of `` candidates to candidates . ''
The current cosmonaut selection began @ @ @ @ @ and was expected to be over by October .
The Cosmonaut Training Center told TASS @ @ @ @ @ received 1,987 applications from would-be cosmonauts and invited 59 of them to take part in @ @ @ @ @ selection .
Applications could be submitted until June .
According to Roscosmos , the full @ @ @ @ @ by 156 contenders , including 123 men and 133 women .

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. Russia’s commission for selecting cosmonauts will suggest extending the current selection until December in a letter to Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin, the press service of the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center told TASS.
"The selection commission made the decision to suggest the head of Roscosmos extending the selection until mid-December ," the press service said.
The press service said the commission examines several would-be cosmonauts every week and has already selected a number of "candidates to candidates."
The current cosmonaut selection began on June 3, 2019 and was expected to be over by October.
The Cosmonaut Training Center told TASS in August that it had received 1,987 applications from would-be cosmonauts and invited 59 of them to take part in the next stage of the selection. Applications could be submitted until June. According to Roscosmos, the full list of documents was submitted by 156 contenders, including 123 men and 133 women.


tass--2020-09-26--Russia, Belarus train to repel military aggression against Union State

MINSK , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
During the Slavic Brotherhood-2020 military exercise , servicemen of Belarus and Russia practiced repelling a military aggression against the Union State , the chief of the Belarusian Armed Forces ’ General Staff told the Belarus-1 TV channel .
`` A joint grouping of [ Russian and Belarusian ] forces practiced tasks related to repelling a joint aggression against the Union State , '' First Deputy Defense Minister Major-General Alexander Volfovich said .
`` As part of this stage [ of the exercises ] , the troops practiced capturing defense lines and positions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense zone , fire support of defending troops , airborne assault , aviation support , '' he said .
The first phase of the Russian-Belarusian exercise Slavic Brotherhood-2020 began in Belarus on September 14 .
Russia delegated units from an airborne assault regiment of the Pskov airborne force .
Earlier , the Russian Defense Ministry said the exercise followed counter-terrorist scenarios and was not aimed against other countries .
The second phase of the exercise was held in western Belarus on September 22-September 25 .
Russia sent over 900 servicemen and about 100 @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, September 26. /TASS/. During the Slavic Brotherhood-2020 military exercise, servicemen of Belarus and Russia practiced repelling a military aggression against the Union State, the chief of the Belarusian Armed Forces’ General Staff told the Belarus-1 TV channel.
"A joint grouping of [Russian and Belarusian] forces practiced tasks related to repelling a joint aggression against the Union State," First Deputy Defense Minister Major-General Alexander Volfovich said.
"As part of this stage [of the exercises], the troops practiced capturing defense lines and positions, combat actions aimed at holding a tactical defense zone, fire support of defending troops, airborne assault, aviation support," he said.
The first phase of the Russian-Belarusian exercise Slavic Brotherhood-2020 began in Belarus on September 14. Russia delegated units from an airborne assault regiment of the Pskov airborne force. Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said the exercise followed counter-terrorist scenarios and was not aimed against other countries.
The second phase of the exercise was held in western Belarus on September 22-September 25. Russia sent over 900 servicemen and about 100 pieces of military equipment.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia’s manufacturing expected to drop by 1.5% in 2021

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry projects a decrease of 1.5 % in @ @ @ @ @ annual growth of over 3 % for 2021-2023 , according to the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development @ @ @ @ @ decrease more moderately - by 1.5 % .
Meanwhile , the decrease in the sectors @ @ @ @ @ consumer durables production will be partially offset by expansion of essential products output ( food @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2021-2021 a gradual recovery of industrial production is expected , '' according to @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing is expected to reach 3.1 % in 2021 , 2 % in 2022 , @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russia’s Economic Development Ministry projects a decrease of 1.5% in manufacturing for 2021, and annual growth of over 3% for 2021-2023, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry.
"Manufacturing will decrease more moderately - by 1.5%. Meanwhile, the decrease in the sectors focused on investment demand and consumer durables production will be partially offset by expansion of essential products output (food, drugs, etc.). In 2021-2021 a gradual recovery of industrial production is expected," according to the outlook.
Growth of manufacturing is expected to reach 3.1% in 2021, 2% in 2022, and 3.3% in 2023.


tass--2020-09-27--Zelensky states ceasefire in Donbass holds 62 days

KIEV , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The ceasefire has lasted for 62 days in Donbass , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said at a meeting on the Contact Group seeking peace for Ukraine held at the Mayorskoye checkpoint on Saturday .
`` We see minimum losses .
As of today , the ceasefire has been holding for 62 days , '' the president said thanking Ukrainian troops for their restraint , while the command of the army and the military operation in Donbass , to the commander-in-chief `` for their righteous approach to the army , to each officer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding so that this first step towards peace in Donbass could become possible . ''
According to the presidential press office , the meeting touched on the agreements achieved by the leaders of the Normandy Four group ( comprising Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France ) at their Paris summit last December , as well as on the obstacles hindering the implementation of the accords .
`` It was noted that the comprehensive and lasting ceasefire is an unconditional success on the way towards achieving peace in Donbass , '' Zelensky ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , the mission of the Donetsk People ’ s Republic ( DPR ) to the Joint Center on Ceasefire Control and Coordination reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces opened mortar fire against the DPR on Saturday for the first time since the additional measures aimed at ensuring the ceasefire came into force in late July .
Two 82mm mortars were fired into Dolomitnoye from Novoluganskoye .
On July 27 , additional measures , approved by the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine to ensure a ceasefire , came into effect in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on any offensive , intelligence or sabotage activities , on the use of all types of aircraft , on the use of fire , including sniper fire , and on the deployment of heavy weapons in inhabited localities .
One of the key provisions of the agreement stipulates disciplinary measures for breaking the ceasefire , whereas in case of offensive operations , return fire is allowed only after a direct order from the command .

KIEV, September 27. /TASS/. The ceasefire has lasted for 62 days in Donbass, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said at a meeting on the Contact Group seeking peace for Ukraine held at the Mayorskoye checkpoint on Saturday.
"We see minimum losses. As of today, the ceasefire has been holding for 62 days," the president said thanking Ukrainian troops for their restraint, while the command of the army and the military operation in Donbass, to the commander-in-chief "for their righteous approach to the army, to each officer, to each soldier and for finding an understanding so that this first step towards peace in Donbass could become possible."
According to the presidential press office, the meeting touched on the agreements achieved by the leaders of the Normandy Four group (comprising Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France) at their Paris summit last December, as well as on the obstacles hindering the implementation of the accords.
"It was noted that the comprehensive and lasting ceasefire is an unconditional success on the way towards achieving peace in Donbass," Zelensky’s office said.
Earlier in the day, the mission of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) to the Joint Center on Ceasefire Control and Coordination reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces opened mortar fire against the DPR on Saturday for the first time since the additional measures aimed at ensuring the ceasefire came into force in late July. Two 82mm mortars were fired into Dolomitnoye from Novoluganskoye.
On July 27, additional measures, approved by the Contact Group seeking peace for eastern Ukraine to ensure a ceasefire, came into effect in Donbass. Among the measures are a ban on any offensive, intelligence or sabotage activities, on the use of all types of aircraft, on the use of fire, including sniper fire, and on the deployment of heavy weapons in inhabited localities. One of the key provisions of the agreement stipulates disciplinary measures for breaking the ceasefire, whereas in case of offensive operations, return fire is allowed only after a direct order from the command.


tass--2020-09-27--Russian economic development ministry expects global coal market capacity to shrink

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry expects the capacity of the global coal @ @ @ @ @ among coal-producing companies to intensify in the short-term , according to the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 projected by the ministry .
@ @ @ @ @ additional restrictions on the external market soon due to the policy pursued by many countries @ @ @ @ @ alternative , more environmentally-friendly sources of energy , tightening of environmental requirements and introduction of @ @ @ @ @ .
That will cause a major reduction in the capacity of the global market and @ @ @ @ @ coal-producing companies , '' according to the outlook .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russia’s Economic Development Ministry expects the capacity of the global coal market to shrink and competition among coal-producing companies to intensify in the short-term, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 projected by the ministry.
"The sector will face additional restrictions on the external market soon due to the policy pursued by many countries focusing on the shift to alternative, more environmentally-friendly sources of energy, tightening of environmental requirements and introduction of the ‘carbon tax’. That will cause a major reduction in the capacity of the global market and an increase in competition among coal-producing companies," according to the outlook.


tass--2020-09-27--Russian GDP growth of 2.7% in 2021 suggested by conservative outlook, says ministry

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The conservative scenario of Russia ’ s macroeconomic outlook suggests GDP growth of 2.7 % in 2021 , and 2.9 % in 2022 , with further stabilization at the level around 2.5 % amid persisting lower business activity in a number of sectors , according to the country ’ s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry .
According to the base case scenario of the outlook , Russia ’ s GDP will contract by 3.9 % in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , 3.4 % in 2022 , and by 3 % in 2023 .
`` From the viewpoint of domestic conditions , the conservative scenario suggests lower business activity persisting long in the sectors , whose activities were restricted in response to the novel coronavirus infection spread .
Meanwhile structural changes in consumer demand , both global and inside Russia , will slow down the recovery of such sectors as entertainment and leisure , tourism , personalized consumer services , '' according to the outlook .
The conservative scenario `` is based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in the world will become less favorable , a protracted recovery of the global economy and structural slowdown of its growth rates in the mid-term due to the aftermath of the novel coronavirus infection spread . ''
The base case option depicts the most probable scenario of Russia ’ s economic development considering the expected external environment and the economic policy measures being taken .
`` In the conservative option of the outlook the global economic recession triggered by restrictions imposed in the biggest countries will deepen the structural problems accumulated before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among them are a high debt burden in developed states and a number of emerging economies , a slowdown of global trade growth due to mounting trade frictions between the largest countries , a slow growth of labor efficiency , an increase of global inequality .
`` Amid this environment global economy will be recovering slower than suggested by the base case scenario , '' the outlook said .
The conservative option of the macroeconomic outlook also suggests oil prices in the range of $ 43-45 per barrel in the mid-term amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for energy resources will put additional pressure on global crude oil prices .
That said , the OPEC+ agreement will continue influencing the oil market , same as output reduction in the US and the countries with high production cost .
In those conditions , oil prices are projected in the range of $ 43-45 per barrel in the mid-term in the conservative scenario , which is lower than base-case parameters , '' the ministry explained .
Moreover , the accumulated corporate losses in the conservative scenario will restrain recovery of profits and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity .
`` Amid this environment growth rates of fixed investment are projected at the level of 3.7 % in 2021 and around 4.5 % in the mid-term , '' according to the outlook .
`` Considering more moderate , than in the base case scenario , economic growth rates , growth rates of real disposable income of households in the conservative option are expected in the range of 1.6-1.9 % in the mid-term , which will have a restraining effect on consumer demand , '' Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and charged services to consumers in 2021 in the conservative scenario at 4.5 % and 5.6 % , respectively , whereas in 2022-2023 both will continue growth by 2-2.3 % .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The conservative scenario of Russia’s macroeconomic outlook suggests GDP growth of 2.7% in 2021, and 2.9% in 2022, with further stabilization at the level around 2.5% amid persisting lower business activity in a number of sectors, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry.
According to the base case scenario of the outlook, Russia’s GDP will contract by 3.9% in 2020, and grow by 3.3% in 2021, 3.4% in 2022, and by 3% in 2023.
"From the viewpoint of domestic conditions, the conservative scenario suggests lower business activity persisting long in the sectors, whose activities were restricted in response to the novel coronavirus infection spread. Meanwhile structural changes in consumer demand, both global and inside Russia, will slow down the recovery of such sectors as entertainment and leisure, tourism, personalized consumer services," according to the outlook.
The conservative scenario "is based on the assumption that the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the world will become less favorable, a protracted recovery of the global economy and structural slowdown of its growth rates in the mid-term due to the aftermath of the novel coronavirus infection spread." The base case option depicts the most probable scenario of Russia’s economic development considering the expected external environment and the economic policy measures being taken.
"In the conservative option of the outlook the global economic recession triggered by restrictions imposed in the biggest countries will deepen the structural problems accumulated before the pandemic," the ministry emphasized.
Among them are a high debt burden in developed states and a number of emerging economies, a slowdown of global trade growth due to mounting trade frictions between the largest countries, a slow growth of labor efficiency, an increase of global inequality. "Amid this environment global economy will be recovering slower than suggested by the base case scenario," the outlook said.
Conservative outlook parameters
The conservative option of the macroeconomic outlook also suggests oil prices in the range of $43-45 per barrel in the mid-term amid weak energy demand.
"Weak demand for energy resources will put additional pressure on global crude oil prices. That said, the OPEC+ agreement will continue influencing the oil market, same as output reduction in the US and the countries with high production cost. In those conditions, oil prices are projected in the range of $43-45 per barrel in the mid-term in the conservative scenario, which is lower than base-case parameters," the ministry explained.
Moreover, the accumulated corporate losses in the conservative scenario will restrain recovery of profits and, as a result, of investment activity. "Amid this environment growth rates of fixed investment are projected at the level of 3.7% in 2021 and around 4.5% in the mid-term," according to the outlook.
"Considering more moderate, than in the base case scenario, economic growth rates, growth rates of real disposable income of households in the conservative option are expected in the range of 1.6-1.9% in the mid-term, which will have a restraining effect on consumer demand," Russia’s Economic Development Ministry said.
It estimates growth of retail trade and charged services to consumers in 2021 in the conservative scenario at 4.5% and 5.6%, respectively, whereas in 2022-2023 both will continue growth by 2-2.3%.


tass--2020-09-27--Domestic demand to become main source of GDP growth in Russia in 2021-2023, says ministry

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Domestic demand will become the main source of GDP growth in 2021-2023 , @ @ @ @ @ social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 @ @ @ @ @ Ministry .
`` Domestic demand will remain the main source of GDP growth in 2021-2023 @ @ @ @ @ consumption expenditures of households after recovery growth of 5.2 % in 2021 will reach the @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to the outlook .
The structure of GDP use will experience major @ @ @ @ @ the measures aimed at resetting the investment cycle , restructuring households ’ consumption and transforming @ @ @ @ @ the ministry noted .
`` Starting 2021 , growth of fixed investment is expected to @ @ @ @ @ above economic growth rates , which is reflected by the rising share of gross fixed @ @ @ @ @ '' the outlook said .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Domestic demand will become the main source of GDP growth in 2021-2023, according to Russia’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry.
"Domestic demand will remain the main source of GDP growth in 2021-2023. Growth rates of final consumption expenditures of households after recovery growth of 5.2% in 2021 will reach the level of around 3%," according to the outlook.
The structure of GDP use will experience major changes in 2020-2023 influenced by the measures aimed at resetting the investment cycle, restructuring households’ consumption and transforming the foreign trade pattern, the ministry noted.
"Starting 2021, growth of fixed investment is expected to speed up to the level above economic growth rates, which is reflected by the rising share of gross fixed capital formation in 2021-2023," the outlook said.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia’s crude production projected to recover to record level only in 2023

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Production of oil and gas condensate in Russia is projected at 507.4 mln tonnes in 2020 , a 9.5 % decrease compared with 2019 , whereas gas output is expected to drop by 6.4 % to 690.8 bln cubic meters , according to the country ’ s social and economic development for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry .
In 2019 , Russia ’ s oil production stayed at a record level of 560.8 mln tonnes , the ministry said .
However , Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPEC+ limitations through 2023 .
Its recovery to the previous maximum ( 560 mln tonnes ) is probable in 2023 , according to the ministry .
Meanwhile , oil export will decrease to 225 mln tonnes , or by 16.4 % year-on-year .
In 2023 , oil export is expected to rise to 266.2 mln tonnes due to development of primary crude oil processing and increase in refining depth .
Gas output is projected at the level of 690.8 bln cubic meters ( -6.4 % ) considering the current dynamics and the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas consumption on the domestic market will decline to 473.7 bln cubic meters ( -0.9 % ) .
In the mid-term the Economic Development Ministry expects gas production to rise , reaching 795.6 bln cubic meters in 2023 ( up by 3.3 % year-on-year and by 7.7 % compared with 2019 ) .
Russia ’ s oil export to non-CIS countries will increase to 242.2 mln tonnes by 2023 mainly due to growth of supplies to Asian-Pacific states , according to the ministry ’ s outlook .
Export to CIS countries will remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2019 , Russia ’ s explored reserves amounted to 6.2 % of the total global reserves , which makes it the world ’ s sixth-biggest country in terms of that indicator .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Production of oil and gas condensate in Russia is projected at 507.4 mln tonnes in 2020, a 9.5% decrease compared with 2019, whereas gas output is expected to drop by 6.4% to 690.8 bln cubic meters, according to the country’s social and economic development for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry.
In 2019, Russia’s oil production stayed at a record level of 560.8 mln tonnes, the ministry said. However, Russia’s production will remain under the OPEC+ limitations through 2023. Its recovery to the previous maximum (560 mln tonnes) is probable in 2023, according to the ministry. Meanwhile, oil export will decrease to 225 mln tonnes, or by 16.4% year-on-year. In 2023, oil export is expected to rise to 266.2 mln tonnes due to development of primary crude oil processing and increase in refining depth.
Gas output is projected at the level of 690.8 bln cubic meters (-6.4%) considering the current dynamics and the state of global economy in 2020, whereas gas consumption on the domestic market will decline to 473.7 bln cubic meters (-0.9%). In the mid-term the Economic Development Ministry expects gas production to rise, reaching 795.6 bln cubic meters in 2023 (up by 3.3% year-on-year and by 7.7% compared with 2019).
Russia’s oil export to non-CIS countries will increase to 242.2 mln tonnes by 2023 mainly due to growth of supplies to Asian-Pacific states, according to the ministry’s outlook. Export to CIS countries will remain at 24 mln tonnes in 2021-2023.
In 2019, Russia’s explored reserves amounted to 6.2% of the total global reserves, which makes it the world’s sixth-biggest country in terms of that indicator.


tass--2020-09-26--Moscow's death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases rises by 18

MOSCOW , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 18 to 5,164 in Moscow over the past 24 hours , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday .
`` Eighteen patients have passed away in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection , '' the center informed .
To date , the death toll from COVID-19 , the disease caused by coronavirus , has climbed to 5,164 in the Russian capital .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 32,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 989,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 1,143,571 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 20,225 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 18 to 5,164 in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Saturday.
"Eighteen patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection," the center informed.
To date, the death toll from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, has climbed to 5,164 in the Russian capital.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 32,500,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 989,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, 1,143,571 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 940,150 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 20,225 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-26--Sweden urges US, Russia to agree on New START extension

UNITED NATIONS , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
Sweden calls for the prolongation of the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( the New START Treaty ) and calls on China to join the talks on that issue , Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday .
`` This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki .
It serves as a tragic reminder of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear weapons , '' he said .
`` We call on the United States and Russia to agree on an extension of the ‘ New START Treaty ’ , and on China to join discussions on follow-on arrangements . ''
The New START Treaty will expire at the beginning of 2021 unless Moscow and Washington agree to renew it .
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( the New START Treaty ) entered into force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBM ) and strategic bombers , as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs , deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers , and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers , SLBM launchers and strategic bombers .
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years , until February 5 , 2021 , unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a subsequent agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms .
It can also be extended for no longer than 5 years ( that is , until 2026 ) by the parties ’ mutual consent .
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington not to delay prolongation of the treaty it describes as a golden standard in the area of disarmament .
Earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Financial Times newspaper that if New START ceases to exist , there will be nothing stopping the next arms race .

UNITED NATIONS, September 26. /TASS/. Sweden calls for the prolongation of the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the New START Treaty) and calls on China to join the talks on that issue, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday.
"This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It serves as a tragic reminder of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons," he said. "We call on the United States and Russia to agree on an extension of the ‘New START Treaty’, and on China to join discussions on follow-on arrangements."
The New START Treaty will expire at the beginning of 2021 unless Moscow and Washington agree to renew it. The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the New START Treaty) entered into force on February 5, 2011. The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and strategic bombers, as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers, and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers and strategic bombers.
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years, until February 5, 2021, unless it is replaced before that date by a subsequent agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms. It can also be extended for no longer than 5 years (that is, until 2026) by the parties’ mutual consent.
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington not to delay prolongation of the treaty it describes as a golden standard in the area of disarmament. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Financial Times newspaper that if New START ceases to exist, there will be nothing stopping the next arms race.


tass--2020-09-26--‘Black boxes’ of crashed Ukrainian plane recovered

KIEV , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder were recovered from under the debris of the An-26 military-transport plane , which crashed in the Ukrainian Kharkov Region on Friday , during the search and rescue operation , Kharkov Regional Governor Alexei Kucher said on Saturday .
`` As far as I know , the flight recorders have been seized but they are not examined yet .
I know for sure that about 45 seconds or a minute before the crash , the pilot was talking with the flight controller and they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ukrinform news agency said citing the governor .
Kucher hoped that the data from the flight recorders would be decoded very soon .
The Kharkov regional governor dismissed media reports that the only survivor in the crash , a cadet from the air school , could survive as he had jumped off the plane .
The man said that he was inside the crashed aircraft .
According to Kucher , he heard this from the cadet when visiting him in hospital .
`` [ Ukrainian ] President [ Vladimir Zelensky ] and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the guy who is the only survivor , '' Alexei Kucher said .
`` In fact , he is in satisfactory physical condition .
He said that it was happening like in a computer game .
He does not remember everything .
He passed out for a while and when he came round , he saw his friend on fire and he helped to put the blaze out on that guy who was also in hospital yesterday , but regrettably , passed away today . ''
On September 25 , an An-26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district of northeastern Ukraine ’ s Kharkov region during a landing approach .
A total of 27 people were onboard the plane .
Apart from the crew , the plane had cadets of the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University on board , and was performing a training flight .
Ukraine ’ s Prosecutor General ’ s Office said that 25 people were killed in the crash and two more were rushed to hospital in critical condition .
Later , one of them died .
Thus , the crash death toll climbed to @ @

KIEV, September 26. /TASS/. The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder were recovered from under the debris of the An-26 military-transport plane, which crashed in the Ukrainian Kharkov Region on Friday, during the search and rescue operation, Kharkov Regional Governor Alexei Kucher said on Saturday.
"As far as I know, the flight recorders have been seized but they are not examined yet. I know for sure that about 45 seconds or a minute before the crash, the pilot was talking with the flight controller and they were discussing a possibility of the landing," Ukrinform news agency said citing the governor.
Kucher hoped that the data from the flight recorders would be decoded very soon.
The Kharkov regional governor dismissed media reports that the only survivor in the crash, a cadet from the air school, could survive as he had jumped off the plane. The man said that he was inside the crashed aircraft. According to Kucher, he heard this from the cadet when visiting him in hospital.
"[Ukrainian] President [Vladimir Zelensky] and I visited the military hospital and talked with the guy who is the only survivor," Alexei Kucher said. "In fact, he is in satisfactory physical condition. He said that it was happening like in a computer game. He does not remember everything. He passed out for a while and when he came round, he saw his friend on fire and he helped to put the blaze out on that guy who was also in hospital yesterday, but regrettably, passed away today."
On September 25, an An-26 military transport plane crashed in the Chuguyev district of northeastern Ukraine’s Kharkov region during a landing approach. A total of 27 people were onboard the plane. Apart from the crew, the plane had cadets of the Ivan Kozhedub National Air Force University on board, and was performing a training flight. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said that 25 people were killed in the crash and two more were rushed to hospital in critical condition. Later, one of them died. Thus, the crash death toll climbed to 26.


tass--2020-09-26--Forum of Russian, Belarusian Regions to be held online over resurgence of COVID-19 cases

MOSCOW , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
The 7th Forum of the Regions of Russia and Belarus scheduled for September 28-29 will be held through video conferencing , and the mutual decision was caused by a spike in coronavirus cases , the upper houses of the Russian and Belarusian parliaments said in statements simultaneously posted on the houses ’ sites on Saturday .
`` The events of the 7th Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia will be held as a video conference on September 28 and 29 .
The decision was made at bilateral consultations due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( COVID-19 , the disease caused by novel coronavirus - TASS ) and recommendations issued by Rospotrebnadzor ( the Russian sanitary watchdog -TASS ) , '' the statements said .
Apart from that , they state that `` there are technical capabilities to back the required level of communications . ''
`` Therefore , the essential part of the forum will not be changed .
The program of the 7th Forum of the Regions of Russia and Belarus will be implemented , '' the statements of the Russian Federation Council and the Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements pointed out that the organizing committee had agreed that the format of a video conference `` will be adequate to the epidemiological situation and will not put the health of Russian senators , members of the Council of the Republic and other participants at extra risk . ''
Earlier , a source at the Russian parliament told TASS that the Russian delegation would take part in the Forum of the Russian and Belarusian Regions remotely .
According to another source , the decision was caused by the deteriorating situation with COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee on the Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Governance Vyacheslav Timchenko confirmed to TASS that the delegation of the Federation Council would not go to Belarus to attend the Forum of Regions , but would work remotely from the Federation Council .
He added that Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko would deliver a speech at the forum via a video call .
According to Timchenko , there is no political underpinning behind the senators ’ decision to participate in the forum remotely and it is not related to the developments in Belarus .

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. The 7th Forum of the Regions of Russia and Belarus scheduled for September 28-29 will be held through video conferencing, and the mutual decision was caused by a spike in coronavirus cases, the upper houses of the Russian and Belarusian parliaments said in statements simultaneously posted on the houses’ sites on Saturday.
"The events of the 7th Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia will be held as a video conference on September 28 and 29. The decision was made at bilateral consultations due to the recorded increase in the novel coronavirus cases (COVID-19, the disease caused by novel coronavirus - TASS) and recommendations issued by Rospotrebnadzor (the Russian sanitary watchdog -TASS)," the statements said.
Apart from that, they state that "there are technical capabilities to back the required level of communications."
"Therefore, the essential part of the forum will not be changed. The program of the 7th Forum of the Regions of Russia and Belarus will be implemented," the statements of the Russian Federation Council and the Belarusian Council of the Republic say.
The statements pointed out that the organizing committee had agreed that the format of a video conference "will be adequate to the epidemiological situation and will not put the health of Russian senators, members of the Council of the Republic and other participants at extra risk."
Earlier, a source at the Russian parliament told TASS that the Russian delegation would take part in the Forum of the Russian and Belarusian Regions remotely. According to another source, the decision was caused by the deteriorating situation with COVID-19.
Later, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on the Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Governance Vyacheslav Timchenko confirmed to TASS that the delegation of the Federation Council would not go to Belarus to attend the Forum of Regions, but would work remotely from the Federation Council. He added that Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko would deliver a speech at the forum via a video call. According to Timchenko, there is no political underpinning behind the senators’ decision to participate in the forum remotely and it is not related to the developments in Belarus.


tass--2020-09-26--About seven protesters detained at Belarusian embassy in Moscow

MOSCOW , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
Police have detained about seven protesters who were taking part in a rally @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko as president of Belarus outside the country ’ s embassy in Moscow , TASS @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
About 150 people picketed outside the diplomatic mission , most of them were @ @ @ @ @ the detainees were released after ID checks .
Protesters have been gathering outside the embassy @ @ @ @ @ 9 .

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. Police have detained about seven protesters who were taking part in a rally against the recognition of Alexander Lukashenko as president of Belarus outside the country’s embassy in Moscow, TASS reported from the scene on Saturday.
About 150 people picketed outside the diplomatic mission, most of them were holding placards.
Some of the detainees were released after ID checks.
Protesters have been gathering outside the embassy nearly every day since August 9.


tass--2020-09-26--Four of five journalists detained at Belarusian protests released

MINSK , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian law enforcers have released four of the five Belarusian journalists who were @ @ @ @ @ rally in Minsk on Saturday , the Vesna human rights center , which is not @ @ @ @ @ wrote on its site .
According to human rights activists , Alexandra Elbaum working for @ @ @ @ @ Ekaterina Karpitskaya and the employees of the Poland-based Euroradio broadcasting for Belarus , Yulia Matuzova @ @ @ @ @ free .
Apart from that , Vesna says that Maria Grits , an employee of @ @ @ @ @ broadcasting for Belarus remains in custody .
According to the Vesna human rights center , @ @ @ @ @ participants in the unauthorized protest were detained by law enforcement officers on Saturday .

MINSK, September 26. /TASS/. Belarusian law enforcers have released four of the five Belarusian journalists who were detained at the opposition protest rally in Minsk on Saturday, the Vesna human rights center, which is not registered by Belarusian authorities, wrote on its site.
According to human rights activists, Alexandra Elbaum working for tut.by, Nasha Niva journalist Ekaterina Karpitskaya and the employees of the Poland-based Euroradio broadcasting for Belarus, Yulia Matuzova and Maria Voitovich were set free.
Apart from that, Vesna says that Maria Grits, an employee of the Polish TV channel Belsat broadcasting for Belarus remains in custody.
According to the Vesna human rights center, it has information that 70 participants in the unauthorized protest were detained by law enforcement officers on Saturday.


tass--2020-09-26--Russian senators not to visit Belarus for Forum of Regions due to coronavirus - senator

MOSCOW , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
A delegation of the Federation Council ( the upper house of Russia ’ s parliament ) will not go to Belarus to attend the Forum of Regions , but will be participating from the Federation Council through video conferencing , Chair of the Federation Council Committee on the Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Governance Vyacheslav Timchenko told TASS on Saturday .
`` It is true that nobody will go to Belarus , but the participants in the forum will be working via a video call from the Federation Council .
The decision has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deteriorating situation with coronavirus , '' Timchenko explained .
He added that Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko would deliver a speech at the forum via a video call .
According to Timchenko , there is no political underpinning behind the senators ’ decision to participate in the forum remotely and it is not related to the developments in Belarus .
`` It is an epidemiological situation alone , as there are absolutely no other reasons to hold the forum as a video conference .
We believe that the election [ in Belarus ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s choice was made , so we continue contacts , but there are no grounds to search for a black cat in a dark room , especially if there is no [ cat ] there , '' Timchenko emphasized .
Earlier , a source at the Russian parliament told TASS that the Russian delegation would take part in the Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions remotely .
According to another source , the decision was caused by the deteriorating situation with COVID-19 .

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. A delegation of the Federation Council (the upper house of Russia’s parliament) will not go to Belarus to attend the Forum of Regions, but will be participating from the Federation Council through video conferencing, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on the Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Governance Vyacheslav Timchenko told TASS on Saturday.
"It is true that nobody will go to Belarus, but the participants in the forum will be working via a video call from the Federation Council. The decision has been taken in the wake of a deteriorating situation with coronavirus," Timchenko explained.
He added that Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko would deliver a speech at the forum via a video call. According to Timchenko, there is no political underpinning behind the senators’ decision to participate in the forum remotely and it is not related to the developments in Belarus.
"It is an epidemiological situation alone, as there are absolutely no other reasons to hold the forum as a video conference. We believe that the election [in Belarus] was held worthily, the people’s choice was made, so we continue contacts, but there are no grounds to search for a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no [cat] there," Timchenko emphasized.
Earlier, a source at the Russian parliament told TASS that the Russian delegation would take part in the Forum of Russian and Belarusian Regions remotely. According to another source, the decision was caused by the deteriorating situation with COVID-19.


tass--2020-09-27--Putin notes importance of strategic partnership with Turkmenistan

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov @ @ @ @ @ national holiday - Independence Day , noting that Moscow attaches great importance to the strategic @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin press service announced on Sunday .
`` Your country is confidently following the path @ @ @ @ @ , '' Vladimir Putin emphasized in his message of greetings , noting that Ashgabat , @ @ @ @ @ of neutrality , makes a considerable contribution to stability and security in Central Asia , @ @ @ @ @ Putin stressed that Moscow attaches great importance to the relations of strategic partnership with Turkmenistan @ @ @ @ @ that through joint efforts we will continue to actively expand bilateral dialogue in various areas @ @ @ @ @ constructive cooperation in tackling challenges and threats to international security , including the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ the core interests of our friendly nations , '' Putin said in the message .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the national holiday - Independence Day, noting that Moscow attaches great importance to the strategic partnership with Ashgabat, the Kremlin press service announced on Sunday.
"Your country is confidently following the path of social and economic development," Vladimir Putin emphasized in his message of greetings, noting that Ashgabat, which is pursuing the policy of neutrality, makes a considerable contribution to stability and security in Central Asia, the press service said.
Putin stressed that Moscow attaches great importance to the relations of strategic partnership with Turkmenistan. "I am confident that through joint efforts we will continue to actively expand bilateral dialogue in various areas, as well as our constructive cooperation in tackling challenges and threats to international security, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This undoubtedly corresponds to the core interests of our friendly nations," Putin said in the message.


tass--2020-09-27--Armenian Foreign Minister briefs Russian counterpart on situation in Karabakh

YEREVAN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan is in constant contact with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in connection with the escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh , press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic Anna Naghdalyan said on Sunday .
`` Our entire diplomatic service is working in an emergency mode .
All our international partners are informed about the situation ( in Nagorno-Karabakh - TASS ) and our position .
The Armenian Foreign Minister is in constant contact with the Russian Foreign Minister , the Georgian Foreign Minister .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
On Sunday morning , Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements , with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population .
In turn , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988 , when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR .
During the conflict of 1992-1994 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjacent regions .
Since 1992 , negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group , chaired by Russia , the United States , and France .

YEREVAN, September 27. /TASS/. Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan is in constant contact with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in connection with the escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic Anna Naghdalyan said on Sunday.
"Our entire diplomatic service is working in an emergency mode. All our international partners are informed about the situation (in Nagorno-Karabakh - TASS) and our position. The Armenian Foreign Minister is in constant contact with the Russian Foreign Minister, the Georgian Foreign Minister. They were all informed about the situation," she said.
On Sunday morning, Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements, with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population. In turn, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. Since 1992, negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, chaired by Russia, the United States, and France.


tass--2020-09-27--Number of injured in overhead crossing collapse in Moscow region rises to over 50

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people injured in an overhead pedestrian crossing collapse in the @ @ @ @ @ 50 people , press service of the Main Directorate of the Russian Emergencies Ministry in @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As of 13:00 Moscow time , 51 people were injured .
All of @ @ @ @ @ .
Some of them have turned to doctors on their own , '' the department @ @ @ @ @ reported that 39 people were injured during the collapse of the overhead pedestrian crossing , @ @ @ @ @ serious condition , no deaths were reported .
The injured were transported to medical institutions @ @ @ @ @ an overhead pedestrian crossing collapsed on the territory of FM Logistic enterprise in Stupino near @ @ @ @ @ data , due to overload .
There were no casialties .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The number of people injured in an overhead pedestrian crossing collapse in the Moscow region increased to over 50 people, press service of the Main Directorate of the Russian Emergencies Ministry in the Moscow Region told TASS.
"As of 13:00 Moscow time, 51 people were injured. All of them are in various hospitals. Some of them have turned to doctors on their own," the department said.
Earlier it was reported that 39 people were injured during the collapse of the overhead pedestrian crossing, 18 of them were in serious condition, no deaths were reported. The injured were transported to medical institutions.
On Sunday morning, an overhead pedestrian crossing collapsed on the territory of FM Logistic enterprise in Stupino near Moscow, according to preliminary data, due to overload. There were no casialties.


tass--2020-09-27--Russian Foreign Ministry calls on parties to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to cease fire

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow calls on the parties to the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh zone to immediately cease fire and begin negotiations to stabilize the situation , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday .
`` According to the available information , the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has sharply deteriorated , '' the ministry said .
`` We call on the parties to immediately cease fire and begin negotiations in order to stabilize the situation , '' the Russian diplomatic service stressed .
On Sunday morning , Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements , with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population .
In turn , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988 , when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR .
During the conflict of 1992-1994 , Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions .
Since 1992 , negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OSCE Minsk Group , chaired by Russia , the United States , and France .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Moscow calls on the parties to the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh zone to immediately cease fire and begin negotiations to stabilize the situation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
"According to the available information, the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has sharply deteriorated," the ministry said. "We call on the parties to immediately cease fire and begin negotiations in order to stabilize the situation," the Russian diplomatic service stressed.
On Sunday morning, Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements, with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population. In turn, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. Since 1992, negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, chaired by Russia, the United States, and France.


tass--2020-09-27--Armenian government introduces martial law, announces general mobilization

YEREVAN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Armenian government imposed martial law in the country in connection with the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh and announced a general mobilization , Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday .
`` Dear compatriots , now , by the decision of the government , martial law and general mobilization are declared in Armenia .
I urge all personnel to come to recruitment offices , '' he said .
Earlier , President of the inrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan announced martial law in the country due to the escalation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan .
On Sunday morning , Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements , with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population .
In turn , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988 , when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR .
During the conflict of 1992-1994 , Azerbaijan lost control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since 1992 , negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group , chaired by Russia , the United States , and France .

YEREVAN, September 27. /TASS/. The Armenian government imposed martial law in the country in connection with the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh and announced a general mobilization, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday.
"Dear compatriots, now, by the decision of the government, martial law and general mobilization are declared in Armenia. I urge all personnel to come to recruitment offices," he said.
Earlier, President of the inrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan announced martial law in the country due to the escalation of the situation on the line of contact with Azerbaijan.
On Sunday morning, Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements, with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population. In turn, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. Since 1992, negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, chaired by Russia, the United States, and France.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia reports 7,867 new coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia increased by 7,867 over the past day to 1,151,438 people , the operational headquarters for combating the spread of the coronavirus told reporters on Sunday .
According to the headquarters , the daily growth was 0.7 % for two days .
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in the Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Districts ( 0 % ) , the Chechen Republic ( 0.2 % ) , the Moscow Region , the Chuvash Republic , and the Tula Region ( 0.3 % each ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection were detected in Moscow , 227 - in St. Petersburg , 226 - in the Moscow region , 188 - in the Rostov region , 167 - in the Nizhny Novgorod region , 161 - in the Voronezh region .
In total , 187,896 people are currently undergoing treatment in Russia .
The number of patients recovered from coronavirus increased by 3,068 per day in Russia , reaching a total of 943,218 people .
According to the headquarters , the share of people who recovered exceeded 81.9 % of the total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the number of deaths due to coronavirus increased in Russia by 99 per day against 169 the day before to a total of 20,324 people died from the infection , the operational headquarters reported .
According to the headquarters , the total number of deaths was 1.77 % of all those infected in Russia .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia increased by 7,867 over the past day to 1,151,438 people, the operational headquarters for combating the spread of the coronavirus told reporters on Sunday.
According to the headquarters, the daily growth was 0.7% for two days.
The lowest daily growth rates were recorded in the Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Districts (0%), the Chechen Republic (0.2%), the Moscow Region, the Chuvash Republic, and the Tula Region (0.3% each).
In particular, 2,016 new cases of infection were detected in Moscow, 227 - in St. Petersburg, 226 - in the Moscow region, 188 - in the Rostov region, 167 - in the Nizhny Novgorod region, 161 - in the Voronezh region.
In total, 187,896 people are currently undergoing treatment in Russia.
The number of patients recovered from coronavirus increased by 3,068 per day in Russia, reaching a total of 943,218 people.
According to the headquarters, the share of people who recovered exceeded 81.9% of the total number of cases.
At the same time, the number of deaths due to coronavirus increased in Russia by 99 per day against 169 the day before to a total of 20,324 people died from the infection, the operational headquarters reported. According to the headquarters, the total number of deaths was 1.77% of all those infected in Russia.


tass--2020-09-27--Nagorno-Karabakh authorities declare martial law

YEREVAN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The authorities of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on Sunday imposed martial law due to the escalation of the situation on the line of contact with Azerbaijan .
According to the information of the Armenian news channels , President of the unrecognized republic Arayik Harutyunyan said this in Stepanakert .
`` We started mobilizing all citizens above the age of 18 .
Martial law is declared in the country , '' he said .
On Sunday morning , Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualties and wounded among the civilian population .
In turn , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988 , when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR .
During the conflict of 1992-1994 , Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions .
Since 1992 , negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , and France .

YEREVAN, September 27. /TASS/. The authorities of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on Sunday imposed martial law due to the escalation of the situation on the line of contact with Azerbaijan. According to the information of the Armenian news channels, President of the unrecognized republic Arayik Harutyunyan said this in Stepanakert.
"We started mobilizing all citizens above the age of 18. Martial law is declared in the country," he said.
On Sunday morning, Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements, with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population. In turn, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. Since 1992, negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, chaired by Russia, the United States, and France.


tass--2020-09-27--Over 3,000 people vaccinated against coronavirus in Moscow

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Over 3,000 residents of Moscow have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Sobyanin said on Sunday in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel .
`` More @ @ @ @ @ been vaccinated against the coronavirus .
None of them have problems .
People feel good @ @ @ @ @ this vaccination procedure and you see - nothing happened to me , although several months @ @ @ @ @ Sobyanin said .
Earlier in Moscow , medical examinations began on the first people wishing @ @ @ @ @ who applied to participate in a vaccine study .
Based on the examination and test @ @ @ @ @ for vaccination .
The vaccine will be administered in two stages .
At the first @ @ @ @ @ of the vaccine will be administered to the volunteers , and after 21 days - @ @ @ @ @ differ in the active substances in their composition to enhance the body 's immune defense @

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Over 3,000 residents of Moscow have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus, the mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin said on Sunday in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel.
"More than 3,000 volunteers have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus. None of them have problems. People feel good. I myself went through this vaccination procedure and you see - nothing happened to me, although several months have already passed," Sobyanin said.
Earlier in Moscow, medical examinations began on the first people wishing to be vaccinated against coronavirus who applied to participate in a vaccine study. Based on the examination and test results, doctors select candidates for vaccination. The vaccine will be administered in two stages. At the first stage, the first component of the vaccine will be administered to the volunteers, and after 21 days - the second. The components differ in the active substances in their composition to enhance the body's immune defense.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia's outlook scenarios for 2021-2023 suggest no second wave of coronavirus

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The base case and conservative scenarios of the outlook of Russia ’ s social and economic development for 2021-2023 suggest no second wave of the coronavirus , though it remains the key risk for macroeconomic parameters , according to the revised outlook provided by the Economic Development Ministry .
`` The base case and conservative scenarios suggest no second wave of the novel coronavirus infection , though it remains the key risk source for the outlook ’ s parameters , '' according to the document .
The projected growth trajectory by the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly uncertain , the ministry noted .
The base case option depicts the most probable scenario of Russia ’ s economic development , while the conservative scenario is based on the assumption that the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the world will become less favorable , of a protracted recovery of the global economy and structural slowdown of its growth rates in the mid-term due to the pandemic .
`` The outlook for 2021-2023 is based on the necessity to reach national development targets through 2030 , with measures and instruments for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the common plan for reaching national development targets of the Russian Federation through 2024 and the planned period through 2030 , '' the ministry added .
The base case scenario of the outlook envisions Russia ’ s GDP contraction by 3.9 % in 2020 , growth by 3.3 % in 2021 , 3.4 % in 2022 , and by 3 % in 2023 .
The conservative scenario of the macroeconomic outlook suggests GDP growth by 2.7 % in 2021 , 2.9 % in 2022 with further stabilization at around 2.5 % .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The base case and conservative scenarios of the outlook of Russia’s social and economic development for 2021-2023 suggest no second wave of the coronavirus, though it remains the key risk for macroeconomic parameters, according to the revised outlook provided by the Economic Development Ministry.
"The base case and conservative scenarios suggest no second wave of the novel coronavirus infection, though it remains the key risk source for the outlook’s parameters," according to the document.
The projected growth trajectory by the end of 2020 and in 2021 is still highly uncertain, the ministry noted.
The base case option depicts the most probable scenario of Russia’s economic development, while the conservative scenario is based on the assumption that the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the world will become less favorable, of a protracted recovery of the global economy and structural slowdown of its growth rates in the mid-term due to the pandemic.
"The outlook for 2021-2023 is based on the necessity to reach national development targets through 2030, with measures and instruments for their achievement to be specified as part of the common plan for reaching national development targets of the Russian Federation through 2024 and the planned period through 2030," the ministry added.
The base case scenario of the outlook envisions Russia’s GDP contraction by 3.9% in 2020, growth by 3.3% in 2021, 3.4% in 2022, and by 3% in 2023. The conservative scenario of the macroeconomic outlook suggests GDP growth by 2.7% in 2021, 2.9% in 2022 with further stabilization at around 2.5%.


tass--2020-09-27--Ruble to return to equilibrium level by end-2020 after weakening in September

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The weakening of the Russian national currency from September 1 to 25 is connected with adjustment upwards of the estimate of geopolitical and other risks by financial market participants due to temporary factors , while as they subside the ruble ’ s exchange rate is projected to get back to its fundamental levels in late 2020 or early 2021 , according to the country ’ s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 provided by the Economic Development Ministry .
The average annual exchange rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per dollar in 2020 , the ministry believes .
`` From September 1 to 25 the foreign exchange reached 75.2 rubles per dollar on average , which is related to adjustment upwards of risk estimations by participants of the financial market due to temporary factors .
As they exhaust the ruble ’ s exchange rate is expected to return to fundamental levels at the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021 .
The average annual exchange rate of the ruble overall in 2020 is projected to amount to 71.2 per dollar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mounting volatility on global financial markets and a plunge of the oil price starting March was coupled with the national currency 's weakening .
The ruble ’ s exchange rate rose from 63.9 rubles per dollar in February to 73.1 rubles per dollar and 75.2 rubles per dollar on average in March and April , respectively ( 77 rubles per dollar on April 23 was the peak level ) .
That said , the balanced macroeconomic policy and a substantial amount of accumulated reserves allowed limiting negative consequences for the Russian financial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry expects growth of external demand for the main Russian export items amid the gradual recovery of the global economy .
`` Meanwhile non-oil and gas export will dominate in the export structure ( share exceeding 50 % in 2021-2023 compared with 43 % in 2019 ) .
Growth of imports will be moderate ( import of goods : +4.3-4.7 % in real terms in 2022-2023 after recovery by 5.1 % in 2021 ) .
Amid this environment surplus of the current account of balance of payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projected horizon ( 1.6-1.8 % of GDP in 2021-2023 ) , which in its turn will have a stabilizing effect on the exchange rate dynamics , '' the document said .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The weakening of the Russian national currency from September 1 to 25 is connected with adjustment upwards of the estimate of geopolitical and other risks by financial market participants due to temporary factors, while as they subside the ruble’s exchange rate is projected to get back to its fundamental levels in late 2020 or early 2021, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 provided by the Economic Development Ministry.
The average annual exchange rate of the ruble will total 71.2 rubles per dollar in 2020, the ministry believes. "From September 1 to 25 the foreign exchange reached 75.2 rubles per dollar on average, which is related to adjustment upwards of risk estimations by participants of the financial market due to temporary factors. As they exhaust the ruble’s exchange rate is expected to return to fundamental levels at the end of 2020 or the beginning of 2021. The average annual exchange rate of the ruble overall in 2020 is projected to amount to 71.2 per dollar," according to the document.
"Mounting volatility on global financial markets and a plunge of the oil price starting March was coupled with the national currency's weakening. The ruble’s exchange rate rose from 63.9 rubles per dollar in February to 73.1 rubles per dollar and 75.2 rubles per dollar on average in March and April, respectively (77 rubles per dollar on April 23 was the peak level). That said, the balanced macroeconomic policy and a substantial amount of accumulated reserves allowed limiting negative consequences for the Russian financial and forex market," the ministry explained.
Export to support ruble
Russia’s Economic Development Ministry expects growth of external demand for the main Russian export items amid the gradual recovery of the global economy.
"Meanwhile non-oil and gas export will dominate in the export structure (share exceeding 50% in 2021-2023 compared with 43% in 2019). Growth of imports will be moderate (import of goods: +4.3-4.7% in real terms in 2022-2023 after recovery by 5.1% in 2021). Amid this environment surplus of the current account of balance of payments is expected to persist in the whole projected horizon (1.6-1.8% of GDP in 2021-2023), which in its turn will have a stabilizing effect on the exchange rate dynamics," the document said.


tass--2020-09-27--Manufacturing, IT, construction to become economic growth drivers in 2021-2023

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The sectors ensuring investment expansion , export-oriented manufacturing industries , IT , construction and transport sectors are expected to become Russia ’ s economic growth drivers in 2021-2023 , according to the country ’ s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry .
`` In terms of sectors , economic growth drivers in 2021-2023 will be sectors ensuring the investment development pattern , export-oriented manufacturing sectors , IT , construction and transport sectors , as well as real estate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outlook .
Growth rates in the base sectors ( excluding mineral production ) will rise to 3.6-4.1 % in 2021-2023 after a decrease of 5.3 % in 2020 .
Meanwhile export-oriented sectors ( chemical industry , food sector , wood processing ) will become growth leaders .
Moreover , the increasing investment activity coupled with a surge of non-commodities and non-energy exports , will support accelerated development of engineering .
`` That said , growth rates in the extracting industry will be moderate in 2021 - 1.2 % ( in 2020 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influence of weak external demand and the current terms of the OPEC+ deal through 2022 , '' the ministry said .
It expects growth rate in the extracting industry to speed up to the peak level of 4.7 % in 2022 amid the projected growth of crude oil production with further stabilization .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The sectors ensuring investment expansion, export-oriented manufacturing industries, IT, construction and transport sectors are expected to become Russia’s economic growth drivers in 2021-2023, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry.
"In terms of sectors, economic growth drivers in 2021-2023 will be sectors ensuring the investment development pattern, export-oriented manufacturing sectors, IT, construction and transport sectors, as well as real estate and professional services," according to the outlook.
Growth rates in the base sectors (excluding mineral production) will rise to 3.6-4.1% in 2021-2023 after a decrease of 5.3% in 2020. Meanwhile export-oriented sectors (chemical industry, food sector, wood processing) will become growth leaders. Moreover, the increasing investment activity coupled with a surge of non-commodities and non-energy exports, will support accelerated development of engineering.
"That said, growth rates in the extracting industry will be moderate in 2021 - 1.2% (in 2020 - decrease by 8.4%) amid the influence of weak external demand and the current terms of the OPEC+ deal through 2022," the ministry said. It expects growth rate in the extracting industry to speed up to the peak level of 4.7% in 2022 amid the projected growth of crude oil production with further stabilization.


tass--2020-09-27--Passenger air service to drop by 53% in Russia in 2020

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Passenger air service is expected to plunge by 53 % in Russia in @ @ @ @ @ , after which it will return to growth at the global level and gain 5 @ @ @ @ @ to the country ’ s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned @ @ @ @ @ presented by the Economic Development Ministry .
`` Around 60 mln passengers are expected to @ @ @ @ @ -53.2 % ) , '' according to the outlook .
The decrease is due to @ @ @ @ @ spread , the ministry explained .
`` After the decrease of air service and passenger @ @ @ @ @ % in 2020 compared with 2019 growth at the average global level is expected in @ @ @ @ @ the document said .
In 2019 , Russian airlines carried 128 mln people .
According @ @ @ @ @ number of carried passengers will rise by 5.2 % in 2023 compared with 2019 to @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Passenger air service is expected to plunge by 53% in Russia in 2020 to 60 mln people, after which it will return to growth at the global level and gain 5% in 2023, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry.
"Around 60 mln passengers are expected to be carried in 2020 (-53.2%)," according to the outlook. The decrease is due to measures responding to the coronavirus spread, the ministry explained.
"After the decrease of air service and passenger turnover by more than 50% in 2020 compared with 2019 growth at the average global level is expected in the projected period," the document said.
In 2019, Russian airlines carried 128 mln people. According to the outlook, the number of carried passengers will rise by 5.2% in 2023 compared with 2019 to 134.8 mln people.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia’s metals production expected to decrease by 3% in 2020, says ministry

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry projects a 3 % decrease in metals @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , according to the country ’ s social and economic development outlook for 2021 @ @ @ @ @ 2022 and 2023 presented by the ministry '' The decline of metals production in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ at 3 % , '' according to the outlook .
Nonferrous-metals industry will face difficulties @ @ @ @ @ to growth of protectionism , the ministry believes .
Development of ferrous industry will be @ @ @ @ @ the main sectors ’ growth - consumers of products , mounting protectionism and trade disputes @ @ @ @ @ situation on the global market of raw materials and metal products .
Meanwhile the investment @ @ @ @ @ companies operating in the nonferrous industry through 2023 is estimated at roughly 3 trillion rubles @ @ @ @ @ , of which half accounts for projects on development of raw materials supply .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russia’s Economic Development Ministry projects a 3% decrease in metals production in 2020 compared with 2019, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the ministry
"The decline of metals production in 2020 in comparable prices is estimated at 3%," according to the outlook.
Nonferrous-metals industry will face difficulties in the export field due to growth of protectionism, the ministry believes. Development of ferrous industry will be restrained by low dynamics of the main sectors’ growth - consumers of products, mounting protectionism and trade disputes, as well as unstable situation on the global market of raw materials and metal products.
Meanwhile the investment portfolio of ten leading Russian companies operating in the nonferrous industry through 2023 is estimated at roughly 3 trillion rubles ($38.4 bln), of which half accounts for projects on development of raw materials supply.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia’s coal production to drop by 10.5% in 2020, says ministry

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry projects a 10.5 % decrease in coal @ @ @ @ @ 2020 compared with last year to 395 mln tonnes , according to the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic @ @ @ @ @ expected production volume in 2020 is estimated at the level of 395 mln tonnes ( @ @ @ @ @ according to the document .
The production decline is related to low global coal prices @ @ @ @ @ of falling volumes of purchases by a number of key consumers on the European market @ @ @ @ @ According to the figures provided by the Central Dispatching Department of Fuel Energy Complex , @ @ @ @ @ dropped by 9.2 % in January-August period of 2020 year-on-year to 259.1 mln tonnes .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russia’s Economic Development Ministry projects a 10.5% decrease in coal production in the country in 2020 compared with last year to 395 mln tonnes, according to the country’s social and economic development outlook for 2021 and the planned period of 2022 and 2023 presented by the Economic Development Ministry.
"The expected production volume in 2020 is estimated at the level of 395 mln tonnes (-10.5%)," according to the document.
The production decline is related to low global coal prices and continuation of the trend of falling volumes of purchases by a number of key consumers on the European market, the ministry explained.
According to the figures provided by the Central Dispatching Department of Fuel Energy Complex, Russia’s coal production dropped by 9.2% in January-August period of 2020 year-on-year to 259.1 mln tonnes.


tass--2020-09-28--Vesna human rights center reports over 300 people apprehended in Belarus Sunday

MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian unregistered human rights center Vesna claimed on its website that 339 protesters were apprehended in the republic Sunday .
Previously , Ministry of the Interior spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova reported apprehension of about 200 people .
According to Vesna , protesters , including several prominent Belarusian journalists , were apprehended in a number of Belarusian cities .
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 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. Belarusian unregistered human rights center Vesna claimed on its website that 339 protesters were apprehended in the republic Sunday.
Previously, Ministry of the Interior spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova reported apprehension of about 200 people.
According to Vesna, protesters, including several prominent Belarusian journalists, were apprehended in a number of Belarusian cities.
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.


tass--2020-09-28--G20 Summit to take place virtually on November 21-22 - statement

MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
The G20 summit , chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdel Aziz al @ @ @ @ @ on November 21-22 in a video conference format , the G20 said in a joint @ @ @ @ @ G20 leaders ’ summit will be held virtually on November 21-22 , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ will focus on protecting lives and restoring growth by addressing vulnerabilities uncovered during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ for a better future . ''
The statement underscored the role of the group in @ @ @ @ @ the $ 21 billion , invested in production and distribution of a vaccine and provision @ @ @ @ @ , the G20 countries have also allocated $ 11 trillion to support the global economy @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , the Summit will also focus on a number of other issues , @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. The G20 summit, chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdel Aziz al Saud, will take place on November 21-22 in a video conference format, the G20 said in a joint statement Monday.
"The G20 leaders’ summit will be held virtually on November 21-22," the statement says. "The summit will focus on protecting lives and restoring growth by addressing vulnerabilities uncovered during the pandemic and by laying down foundations for a better future."
The statement underscored the role of the group in fighting the pandemic. Besides the $21 billion, invested in production and distribution of a vaccine and provision of access to medical treatment, the G20 countries have also allocated $11 trillion to support the global economy, it says.
Besides the coronavirus, the Summit will also focus on a number of other issues, including innovations.


tass--2020-09-28--US warns Iraq about possible shutdown of embassy in Baghdad - report

NEW YORK , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
The US Administration warned the Iraqi authorities about its readiness to shut @ @ @ @ @ Baghdad fail to stop the missile strikes that threaten the American side , the Wall @ @ @ @ @ According to the WSJ sources among the US officials , US Secretary of State Mike @ @ @ @ @ the Iraqi President Barham Salih and the Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi during an earlier @ @ @ @ @ Administration has already began `` preliminary step '' that will make it possible to shut @ @ @ @ @ or three months , with preservation of a consulate in Erbil .
An Iraqi official @ @ @ @ @ speculated that Washington might withdraw its forces from the country , as well .

NEW YORK, September 28. /TASS/. The US Administration warned the Iraqi authorities about its readiness to shut down its embassy, should Baghdad fail to stop the missile strikes that threaten the American side, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.
According to the WSJ sources among the US officials, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo conveyed this information to the Iraqi President Barham Salih and the Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi during an earlier phone call.
The US Administration has already began "preliminary step" that will make it possible to shut down the embassy within two or three months, with preservation of a consulate in Erbil.
An Iraqi official cited by the WSJ also speculated that Washington might withdraw its forces from the country, as well.


tass--2020-09-28--Russian hospitals introduce new rules of operation to prevent COVID-19 spread

MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
New rules of operation aimed at coronavirus prevention enter force in Russian hospitals on September 28 , according to a Ministry of Health order published at the Russian legal information website .
According to the new rules , patients with severe or medium respiratory diseases or pneumonia will be put in special boxed room until their COVID-19 results are ready .
Patients with negative result will be put in rooms for 2 to 4 patients , while patients with positive results will be transferred to specialized coronavirus clinics Besides , the order establishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture , pathogenesis and treatment of severe and complicated flu forms in adults and children at the Smorodintsev Flu Research Institute .
This center will cooperate with all previously established centers on organization of treatment and provide consultations to the regional centers treating such patients .
`` These changes will streamline routing of patients with severe and medium respiratory diseases , and will allow federal consultative centers to provide prompt consultation aid to the regional centers on treatment of not only the COVID-19 patients , but also patients with severe and complicated flu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 1,151,438 COVID-19 cases have been registered in Russia , with 943,218 recovered patients and 20,324 deaths .

MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. New rules of operation aimed at coronavirus prevention enter force in Russian hospitals on September 28, according to a Ministry of Health order published at the Russian legal information website.
According to the new rules, patients with severe or medium respiratory diseases or pneumonia will be put in special boxed room until their COVID-19 results are ready. Patients with negative result will be put in rooms for 2 to 4 patients, while patients with positive results will be transferred to specialized coronavirus clinics
Besides, the order establishes the Federal remote consultation center on clinical picture, pathogenesis and treatment of severe and complicated flu forms in adults and children at the Smorodintsev Flu Research Institute. This center will cooperate with all previously established centers on organization of treatment and provide consultations to the regional centers treating such patients.
"These changes will streamline routing of patients with severe and medium respiratory diseases, and will allow federal consultative centers to provide prompt consultation aid to the regional centers on treatment of not only the COVID-19 patients, but also patients with severe and complicated flu forms," the Ministry said.
A total of 1,151,438 COVID-19 cases have been registered in Russia, with 943,218 recovered patients and 20,324 deaths.


tass--2020-09-27--Armenian PM tells Macron about Turkey’s aggressive position on Karabakh

YEREVAN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the current escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with French President Emmanuel Macron and pointed to Turkey ’ s aggressive and destructive role , the press service of the Armenian government said on Sunday after their telephone conversation .
`` The prime minister drew his interlocutor ’ s attention to Turkey ’ s aggressively biased position and said that it is necessary to prevent this country ’ s possible interference , '' it said .
`` President Macron expressed profound concern over the current situation and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press service reported .
`` France calls for immediate measures to stop hostilities and ease tension .
Macron stressed the necessity to invigorate the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs ’ efforts to restore peace in the region . ''
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

YEREVAN, September 27. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed the current escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh with French President Emmanuel Macron and pointed to Turkey’s aggressive and destructive role, the press service of the Armenian government said on Sunday after their telephone conversation.
"The prime minister drew his interlocutor’s attention to Turkey’s aggressively biased position and said that it is necessary to prevent this country’s possible interference," it said.
"President Macron expressed profound concern over the current situation and said that further escalation of tension is inadmissible," the press service reported. "France calls for immediate measures to stop hostilities and ease tension. Macron stressed the necessity to invigorate the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ efforts to restore peace in the region."
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists. Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.