tass--2020-11-25--Moscow and Minsk are bound to agree on 2021 oil and gas supplies, says envoy

MINSK , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev expressed confidence that Russia and Belarus will find a mutually acceptable solution on the supply of energy resources to Belarus in 2021 .
`` The parties will definitely find a mutually acceptable solution on energy supplies next year .
It is also important to ensure that the political situation is brought outside the framework of these negotiations on a purely energy issue , '' the Russian ambassador told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Identifying any political similarities , regardless of the disputes and the set of arguments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorrect , unproductive and unpromising , '' the Russian diplomat believes .
Mezentsev stressed that `` Russia and Belarus have basic agreements on annual energy supplies . ''
According to the diplomat , the Russian side has fulfilled the terms of oil supply this year , as it was requested by the Belarusian side .
`` As for the system of market relations , then it does not occur that a request of one of the parties prevails over the interests of the other .
We must be honest adherents of the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian diplomatic mission said .
`` It 's a different matter that if we are talking about special conditions requested by the Belarusian partners , it is important to take into account the practice of interaction between partners in the gas sector and the fact that , unfortunately , not without disputes , the parties have always found a possible solution to the issue , '' Mezentsev added .
Touching upon the assumption that the oil and gas talks between Moscow and Minsk can continue until the New Year , the ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Today we are obliged to reach basic , strategic agreements .
The formation of a single gas market is of fundamental importance , which can not be disregarded by solving significant , but essentially operational issues such as setting prices for energy resources in the short term , '' the Russian ambassador said .
The Russian diplomat finds it significant that `` the Belarusian side has paid off the debt for the gas supplies that existed this year . ''
`` Our partners have agreed with the calculations of the Russian side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirming that we are able and obliged to come to an agreement , '' the Russian ambassador noted .
`` If one side asks for a `` discount '' ( a gas price discount - TASS ) , then the other side has the right to count on a similar approach , on a `` discount '' for certain groups of goods - if we are talking about equal relations between independent states and business entities , `` Mezentsev said .
`` If we are talking about significant steps towards meeting each other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a single gas market , convergence of tax legislation , similarity of approaches in industrial and agricultural policy , openness in the interaction of customs services , cooperation in dozens of other technical areas for the benefit of overall competitiveness , the prospects for promoting joint venture products in new markets , then negotiations on both tactical and fundamental issues will be successful and effective , '' Mezentsev said .
On November 11 , Gazprom announced that Russia and Belarus fully settled the debt issue ( payments for Russian gas ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies for 2021 .
Earlier , the Belarusian authorities stated that they want to achieve a fair price for Russian gas , since the wholesale price for 1,000 cubic meters of gas in Russia is $ 80 , while Belarus has to pay $ 127 per 1,000 cubic meters this year .

MINSK, November 25. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev expressed confidence that Russia and Belarus will find a mutually acceptable solution on the supply of energy resources to Belarus in 2021.
"The parties will definitely find a mutually acceptable solution on energy supplies next year. It is also important to ensure that the political situation is brought outside the framework of these negotiations on a purely energy issue," the Russian ambassador told reporters on Wednesday.
"Identifying any political similarities, regardless of the disputes and the set of arguments that accompany the negotiations, would be incorrect, unproductive and unpromising," the Russian diplomat believes.
Mezentsev stressed that "Russia and Belarus have basic agreements on annual energy supplies." According to the diplomat, the Russian side has fulfilled the terms of oil supply this year, as it was requested by the Belarusian side.
"As for the system of market relations, then it does not occur that a request of one of the parties prevails over the interests of the other. We must be honest adherents of the market economy principles," the head of the Russian diplomatic mission said.
"It's a different matter that if we are talking about special conditions requested by the Belarusian partners, it is important to take into account the practice of interaction between partners in the gas sector and the fact that, unfortunately, not without disputes, the parties have always found a possible solution to the issue," Mezentsev added.
Touching upon the assumption that the oil and gas talks between Moscow and Minsk can continue until the New Year, the ambassador warned against becoming "alarmists".
"Today we are obliged to reach basic, strategic agreements. The formation of a single gas market is of fundamental importance, which cannot be disregarded by solving significant, but essentially operational issues such as setting prices for energy resources in the short term," the Russian ambassador said.
Debt issue settled
The Russian diplomat finds it significant that "the Belarusian side has paid off the debt for the gas supplies that existed this year."
"Our partners have agreed with the calculations of the Russian side. This is an important stage in confirming that we are able and obliged to come to an agreement," the Russian ambassador noted.
"If one side asks for a "discount" (a gas price discount - TASS), then the other side has the right to count on a similar approach, on a "discount" for certain groups of goods - if we are talking about equal relations between independent states and business entities, "Mezentsev said.
"If we are talking about significant steps towards meeting each other - deeper interaction of industries, formation of a single gas market, convergence of tax legislation, similarity of approaches in industrial and agricultural policy, openness in the interaction of customs services, cooperation in dozens of other technical areas for the benefit of overall competitiveness, the prospects for promoting joint venture products in new markets, then negotiations on both tactical and fundamental issues will be successful and effective," Mezentsev said.
On November 11, Gazprom announced that Russia and Belarus fully settled the debt issue (payments for Russian gas) and began to discuss the terms of fuel supplies for 2021. Earlier, the Belarusian authorities stated that they want to achieve a fair price for Russian gas, since the wholesale price for 1,000 cubic meters of gas in Russia is $80, while Belarus has to pay $127 per 1,000 cubic meters this year.


tass--2020-11-25--Artificial intelligence helps check 500,000 CT scans for COVID-19 in Moscow

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Over 500,000 CT scans for the coronavirus diagnostics have been processed in Moscow using the artificial intelligence ( AI ) technology , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his official page on the VKontakte social network on Wednesday .
`` To date , AI helped process over 500,000 CT scans for COVID diagnostics .
Artificial intelligence sees the degree of lung damage , increases the quality and speed of diagnostics .
This is very important with COVID-19 when the decision on treatment approaches should be made in mere hours , '' he wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare system actively implements digital technologies that help with diagnostics and perform routine tasks .
`` In the majority of capital outpatient clinics there is a system of a voice input .
A physician dictates the procedure result into a microphone , the program types the text , the physician checks it before sending , this is 20 % faster than writing by hand .
The voice input works most effectively when describing the results of CT , MRT , and digital radiography , now this is more relevant than ever , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initiated an experiment on implementing artificial intelligence in the capital healthcare system at the end of 2019 .
This is one of the first open city initiatives to attract innovative companies to the development and implementation of high-technology services in the social sphere .
In medical institutions artificial intelligence , integrated in a single information service , analyzes several kinds of imaging studies - computer tomography , x-ray diagnostics , mammography , and fluorography .
These images are used to diagnose pneumonia , lung cancer and other lung pathologies , breast cancer as @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Over 500,000 CT scans for the coronavirus diagnostics have been processed in Moscow using the artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin wrote on his official page on the VKontakte social network on Wednesday.
"To date, AI helped process over 500,000 CT scans for COVID diagnostics. Artificial intelligence sees the degree of lung damage, increases the quality and speed of diagnostics. This is very important with COVID-19 when the decision on treatment approaches should be made in mere hours," he wrote.
The Mayor added that the capital healthcare system actively implements digital technologies that help with diagnostics and perform routine tasks.
"In the majority of capital outpatient clinics there is a system of a voice input. A physician dictates the procedure result into a microphone, the program types the text, the physician checks it before sending, this is 20% faster than writing by hand. The voice input works most effectively when describing the results of CT, MRT, and digital radiography, now this is more relevant than ever," the Mayor concluded.
The Moscow government initiated an experiment on implementing artificial intelligence in the capital healthcare system at the end of 2019. This is one of the first open city initiatives to attract innovative companies to the development and implementation of high-technology services in the social sphere. In medical institutions artificial intelligence, integrated in a single information service, analyzes several kinds of imaging studies - computer tomography, x-ray diagnostics, mammography, and fluorography. These images are used to diagnose pneumonia, lung cancer and other lung pathologies, breast cancer as well as to detect COVID-19.


tass--2020-11-25--MH17 crash hearings to resume on February 1, 2021

THE HAGUE , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The case hearings of the MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine are suspended until February 1 , 2021 , presiding judge Hendrik Steenhuis delivered the ruling Wednesday .
`` The [ defendant Oleg ] Pulatov hearing is therefore adjourned until 10 am on the first of February , 2021 , '' he said .
Ahead of this announcement , Steenhuis delivered the court rulings on the Pulatov defense team ’ s requests to carry put additional investigations submitted between November 3 and 5 .
The defense asked the court to organize a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and witnesses who can rebuke the main scenario of the tragedy which states that the Boeing was downed by Donbass militia fighters ’ Buk missile system from a field near the village of Pervomaysky .
The prosecution , in turn , said that these requests must be dismissed except for one , questioning of Sergei Dubinsky who is also named as the case defendant .
Most defense requests were rejected , however , some of them were granted .
`` It is clear that the defense made a large number of investigation requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests have been repeated , have been remade under different headings , different topics and different motivations , '' he said .
`` The court has , of course , fully considered all outstanding requests .
However , it is not impossible that exceptionally a request or wish may have been overlooked and , therefore , not decided on .
In these cases , the court is deemed to have rejected such a request because it is insufficiently substantiated or irrelevant or because the court takes the view in the light of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value and , therefore , rejected . ''
The other three defendants ’ cases have been adjourned until February 1 , 2021 during the hearings on November 13 , considering the fact that they are being tried in absentia and no one is representing their interests in court .
The Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 , conducting flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur , crashed on July 17 , 2014 , in Donetsk Region of Ukraine , killing 298 people from 10 states .
A Joint Investigative Team ( JIT ) was created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Australia , Belgium , Malaysia , the Netherlands and Ukraine .
In June 2019 , experts claimed that they have identified a group of four people , suspected of involvement in the tragedy .
It includes former Donetsk People ’ s Republic militia leader Igor Girkin , also known as Igor Strelkov ; and his subordinates : Sergey Dubinsky , Oleg Pulatov and Leonid Kharchenko .
According to the investigation , the former three are Russian nationals , and the latter is a Ukrainian national .
The court hearings against the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the only one represented by a group of lawyers , while the remaining three are tried in absentia .
The four are accused of delivering a Buk air defense system from Russia to Ukraine .
Russian officials have repeatedly doubted the JIT findings , pointing out baselessness of the plaintiffs ’ arguments and unwillingness to use conclusions of the Russian side during the investigation .

THE HAGUE, November 25. /TASS/. The case hearings of the MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine are suspended until February 1, 2021, presiding judge Hendrik Steenhuis delivered the ruling Wednesday.
"The [defendant Oleg] Pulatov hearing is therefore adjourned until 10 am on the first of February, 2021," he said.
Ahead of this announcement, Steenhuis delivered the court rulings on the Pulatov defense team’s requests to carry put additional investigations submitted between November 3 and 5. The defense asked the court to organize a number of expert reviews and question several specialists and witnesses who can rebuke the main scenario of the tragedy which states that the Boeing was downed by Donbass militia fighters’ Buk missile system from a field near the village of Pervomaysky. The prosecution, in turn, said that these requests must be dismissed except for one, questioning of Sergei Dubinsky who is also named as the case defendant.
Most defense requests were rejected, however, some of them were granted.
"It is clear that the defense made a large number of investigation requests for approval by the court. Many requests have been repeated, have been remade under different headings, different topics and different motivations," he said. "The court has, of course, fully considered all outstanding requests. However, it is not impossible that exceptionally a request or wish may have been overlooked and, therefore, not decided on. In these cases, the court is deemed to have rejected such a request because it is insufficiently substantiated or irrelevant or because the court takes the view in the light of the other requests it is deemed of insufficient value and, therefore, rejected."
The other three defendants’ cases have been adjourned until February 1, 2021 during the hearings on November 13, considering the fact that they are being tried in absentia and no one is representing their interests in court.
MH17 crash
The Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777, conducting flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed on July 17, 2014, in Donetsk Region of Ukraine, killing 298 people from 10 states. A Joint Investigative Team (JIT) was created to investigate the crash, including representatives of Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine. In June 2019, experts claimed that they have identified a group of four people, suspected of involvement in the tragedy. It includes former Donetsk People’s Republic militia leader Igor Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov; and his subordinates: Sergey Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and Leonid Kharchenko. According to the investigation, the former three are Russian nationals, and the latter is a Ukrainian national. The court hearings against the four men began on March 9. Pulatov is the only one represented by a group of lawyers, while the remaining three are tried in absentia. The four are accused of delivering a Buk air defense system from Russia to Ukraine.
Russian officials have repeatedly doubted the JIT findings, pointing out baselessness of the plaintiffs’ arguments and unwillingness to use conclusions of the Russian side during the investigation.


tass--2020-11-25--Lavrov arrives in Minsk on working visit

MINSK , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Belarus , where he is @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Lukashenko and Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei on Thursday , a TASS correspondent reported on @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that during his two-day visit Lavrov would attend @ @ @ @ @ collegiums of the Russian and Belarusian foreign ministries .
The sides will touch upon the @ @ @ @ @ key bilateral and international issues .

MINSK, November 25. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in Belarus, where he is scheduled to meet with President Alexander Lukashenko and Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei on Thursday, a TASS correspondent reported on Wednesday.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters that during his two-day visit Lavrov would attend a joint meeting of the collegiums of the Russian and Belarusian foreign ministries. The sides will touch upon the situation in Belarus along with key bilateral and international issues.


tass--2020-11-25--Dutch court rejects defense team’s request to probe alternative MH17 crash scenarios

THE HAGUE , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Hague District Court has rejected the request of defendant Oleg Pulatov ’ s defense team to investigate alternative versions of the MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine in 2014 , presiding judge Hendrik Steenhuis delivered the ruling Wednesday .
According to him , `` this request is rejected . ''
The judge provided an explanation for this decision , saying that if the prosecution fails to prove that the main scenario did take place , it will mean that the defendant will be automatically acquitted .
The requests to carry out investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voiced during hearings in June .
In early July , the court postponed its rulings on the issue .
The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 , conducting flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur , crashed on July 17 , 2014 , in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine , killing 298 people from 10 states .
A Joint Investigative Team ( JIT ) was created to investigate the crash , including representatives of Australia , Belgium , Malaysia , the Netherlands and Ukraine .
In June 2019 , experts claimed that they had identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of involvement in the tragedy .
It includes former leader of the Donetsk People ’ s Republic militia Igor Girkin , also known as Igor Strelkov , and his subordinates : Sergey Dubinsky , Oleg Pulatov and Leonid Kharchenko .
According to the investigation , the former three are Russian nationals , and the latter is a Ukrainian national .
The court hearings against the four men began on March 9 .
Pulatov is the only one represented by a group of lawyers , while the remaining three are tried in absentia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buk air defense system from Russia to Ukraine .
Russian officials repeatedly doubted the JIT findings , pointing out baselessness of the plaintiffs ’ arguments and unwillingness to use conclusions of the Russian side during the investigation .

THE HAGUE, November 25. /TASS/. The Hague District Court has rejected the request of defendant Oleg Pulatov’s defense team to investigate alternative versions of the MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine in 2014, presiding judge Hendrik Steenhuis delivered the ruling Wednesday.
According to him, "this request is rejected." The judge provided an explanation for this decision, saying that if the prosecution fails to prove that the main scenario did take place, it will mean that the defendant will be automatically acquitted.
The requests to carry out investigations into alternative scenarios of the crash were voiced during hearings in June. In early July, the court postponed its rulings on the issue.
The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, conducting flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed on July 17, 2014, in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine, killing 298 people from 10 states. A Joint Investigative Team (JIT) was created to investigate the crash, including representatives of Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine. In June 2019, experts claimed that they had identified a group of four people, suspected of involvement in the tragedy. It includes former leader of the Donetsk People’s Republic militia Igor Girkin, also known as Igor Strelkov, and his subordinates: Sergey Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov and Leonid Kharchenko. According to the investigation, the former three are Russian nationals, and the latter is a Ukrainian national. The court hearings against the four men began on March 9. Pulatov is the only one represented by a group of lawyers, while the remaining three are tried in absentia. The four are accused of delivering a Buk air defense system from Russia to Ukraine.
Russian officials repeatedly doubted the JIT findings, pointing out baselessness of the plaintiffs’ arguments and unwillingness to use conclusions of the Russian side during the investigation.


tass--2020-11-25--Coronavirus cases top 12,000 in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Tajikistan has recorded 37 new coronavirus cases in the past day , bringing the total to 12,008 , the national Ministry for Health and Social Protection of the Population said Wednesday .
About 0.1 % of the 9.3-million population are infected with coronavirus .
Its reproduction rate stayed at 0.9 over the past eight days .
According to the health ministry , no new deaths caused by coronavirus were registered in the country in the past several days , the last such death was recorded on November 18 .
Overall , 86 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that 11,395 patients recovered from the disease , which makes up 94.9 % of all the cases .
In the past 24 hours , 40 patients were discharged from hospitals .
The first 15 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tajikistan on April 30 .
In the first two weeks , approximately 30 to 80 cases were recorded daily .
The peak was passed on May 15 , when 211 new cases were registered .
Until May 22 , the country reported 200 or more new COVID-19 single-day cases .
Since June 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since August 15 , a one-day rise was within 40 cases , but since September 15 the tally has been higher almost every single day , except a few days in that period .
The country began easing quarantine restrictions on June 15 , reopening non-food markets , shopping malls , hotels , public catering outlets and beauty parlors .
Nevertheless , wearing face coverings is made mandatory in public spaces , on transport , in stores and health institutions , with violators fined .
Nevertheless , Tajikistan ’ s coronavirus taskforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year mass events in the country .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified 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 .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

DUSHANBE, November 25. /TASS/. Tajikistan has recorded 37 new coronavirus cases in the past day, bringing the total to 12,008, the national Ministry for Health and Social Protection of the Population said Wednesday.
About 0.1% of the 9.3-million population are infected with coronavirus. Its reproduction rate stayed at 0.9 over the past eight days. According to the health ministry, no new deaths caused by coronavirus were registered in the country in the past several days, the last such death was recorded on November 18. Overall, 86 people have died from COVID-19.
The ministry added that 11,395 patients recovered from the disease, which makes up 94.9% of all the cases. In the past 24 hours, 40 patients were discharged from hospitals.
The first 15 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tajikistan on April 30. In the first two weeks, approximately 30 to 80 cases were recorded daily. The peak was passed on May 15, when 211 new cases were registered. Until May 22, the country reported 200 or more new COVID-19 single-day cases. Since June 1, the infections began to decline gradually. Since August 15, a one-day rise was within 40 cases, but since September 15 the tally has been higher almost every single day, except a few days in that period.
The country began easing quarantine restrictions on June 15, reopening non-food markets, shopping malls, hotels, public catering outlets and beauty parlors. Nevertheless, wearing face coverings is made mandatory in public spaces, on transport, in stores and health institutions, with violators fined.
Nevertheless, Tajikistan’s coronavirus taskforce decided on November 18 to ban New Year mass events in the country.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified 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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-25--Russian, Indian Navies set for joint drills in Baltic Sea

KALININGRAD , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Indian Navies may hold joint drills in the Baltic Sea , following a meeting of their representatives at the headquarters of Russia ’ s Baltic Fleet , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` During a meeting of the Indian military delegation led by Naval Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of India in Russia Commodore Manish Chadha with Baltic Fleet Commander Admiral Alexander Nosatov , the Indian side expressed its wish to hold joint drills of the fleets of both countries in the Baltic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of celebrating Russia ’ s Navy Day in 2021 , '' the press office said in a statement .
The meeting also discussed the issues of bilateral naval cooperation and joint drills .
The Baltic Fleet commander noted the Indian naval sailors ’ high skills demonstrated , in particular , during the Indra-2019 Russian-Indian naval anti-piracy maneuvers held in the Indian Ocean in December 2019 , the statement says .
The level of interaction between the Navies of both countries is very high and should be developed further .
This will be facilitated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indian side proposes holding in the Baltic Sea .
India ’ s representative pointed out .
At their meeting , the Russian and Indian delegations also discussed bilateral interaction in building warships for the Indian Navy at Russian shipyards and holding their trials at Baltic Sea ranges .
Currently , Russia ’ s Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast in Kaliningrad has laid down two frigates for the Indian Navy , the press office reported .
Russia and India signed contracts in November 2018 on the delivery of four Project 11356 frigates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be built at Russia ’ s Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) and the other two at India ’ s Goa Shipyard Limited ( GSL ) .
Project 11356 frigates are designed to deliver strikes against enemy surface ships and submarines in coastal and oceanic zones and fight air targets both independently and as part of a naval group .
The warships of this type are armed with A-190 100mm artillery guns , striking missile and air defense systems , including Kalibr and Shtil weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,620 tonnes , are 124.8 meters long , develop a speed of 30 knots and have an operating range of 4,850 miles .
The frigates can carry a Ka-27 helicopter and its modification .

KALININGRAD, November 25. /TASS/. The Russian and Indian Navies may hold joint drills in the Baltic Sea, following a meeting of their representatives at the headquarters of Russia’s Baltic Fleet, the Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"During a meeting of the Indian military delegation led by Naval Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of India in Russia Commodore Manish Chadha with Baltic Fleet Commander Admiral Alexander Nosatov, the Indian side expressed its wish to hold joint drills of the fleets of both countries in the Baltic Sea and take part in the events of celebrating Russia’s Navy Day in 2021," the press office said in a statement.
The meeting also discussed the issues of bilateral naval cooperation and joint drills. The Baltic Fleet commander noted the Indian naval sailors’ high skills demonstrated, in particular, during the Indra-2019 Russian-Indian naval anti-piracy maneuvers held in the Indian Ocean in December 2019, the statement says.
The level of interaction between the Navies of both countries is very high and should be developed further. This will be facilitated by new joint drills, which the Indian side proposes holding in the Baltic Sea. India’s representative pointed out.
At their meeting, the Russian and Indian delegations also discussed bilateral interaction in building warships for the Indian Navy at Russian shipyards and holding their trials at Baltic Sea ranges. Currently, Russia’s Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast in Kaliningrad has laid down two frigates for the Indian Navy, the press office reported.
Russia and India signed contracts in November 2018 on the delivery of four Project 11356 frigates. Under the deal, two frigates will be built at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) and the other two at India’s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Project 11356 frigates are designed to deliver strikes against enemy surface ships and submarines in coastal and oceanic zones and fight air targets both independently and as part of a naval group. The warships of this type are armed with A-190 100mm artillery guns, striking missile and air defense systems, including Kalibr and Shtil weapons and torpedo armament. The frigates displace 3,620 tonnes, are 124.8 meters long, develop a speed of 30 knots and have an operating range of 4,850 miles. The frigates can carry a Ka-27 helicopter and its modification.


tass--2020-11-25--Moscow court puts dentist self-proclaimed 'USSR president' under house arrest

`` The court selected a restrictive measure for Taraskin , charged under Part 1 of Article 212.1 of the Criminal @ @ @ @ @ public association ordered to be liquidated by court ) , in the form of a @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press service said .
The accused appealed the decision .
In 2008 @ @ @ @ @ clinic in Zelenograd .
Later he proclaimed himself `` acting president of the USSR .
@ @ @ @ @ a group of his followers for whom Taraskin uploaded his 'decrees ' on the restoration @ @ @ @ @ and SMERSH ( World War II counter-intelligence service ) on the pages of the relevant @ @ @ @ @ Facebook , VKontakte and YouTube .
In 2018 , the Federal Security Service ( FSB @ @ @ @ @ apartment in Zelenograd to confiscate audio and video materials about the activity of his organization @ @ @ @ @ documents , rubber stamps and printed materials .

"The court selected a restrictive measure for Taraskin, charged under Part 1 of Article 212.1 of the Criminal Code (organization of a public association ordered to be liquidated by court), in the form of a house arrest till December 25," the press service said. The accused appealed the decision.
In 2008, Taraskin opened a dentist clinic in Zelenograd. Later he proclaimed himself "acting president of the USSR." Very soon there emerged a group of his followers for whom Taraskin uploaded his 'decrees' on the restoration of the KGB security service and SMERSH (World War II counter-intelligence service) on the pages of the relevant communities in the social networks Facebook, VKontakte and YouTube. In 2018, the Federal Security Service (FSB) searched Taraskin’s apartment in Zelenograd to confiscate audio and video materials about the activity of his organization called USSR, its charter documents, rubber stamps and printed materials.


tass--2020-11-25--Handover of Kalbajar District to Azerbaijan in progress

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian peacekeepers control the process of handover of the Kalbajar District to the @ @ @ @ @ 00:00 today , Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov told journalists on Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ 25 , in accordance with the trilateral statement by the President of the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia under the control @ @ @ @ @ handover of the Kalbajar District in Nagorno-Karabakh to the Azerbaijani side started , '' he @ @ @ @ @ that the Russian peacekeeping mission remains in close contact with local administrations in order to @ @ @ @ @ is also a continuous interaction via direct communication channels with the General Staff of the @ @ @ @ @ Armenia .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Russian peacekeepers control the process of handover of the Kalbajar District to the Azerbaijani side which started at 00:00 today, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov told journalists on Wednesday.
"Beginning at 00:00 on November 25, in accordance with the trilateral statement by the President of the Russian Federation, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia under the control of Russian peacekeeping forces the handover of the Kalbajar District in Nagorno-Karabakh to the Azerbaijani side started," he said.
The spokesman noted that the Russian peacekeeping mission remains in close contact with local administrations in order to prevent possible incidents. There is also a continuous interaction via direct communication channels with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia.


tass--2020-11-25--Moscow coronavirus restrictions have worked, WHO representative to Russia says

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The restrictions imposed in Moscow could have worked , which resulted in the @ @ @ @ @ , WHO Representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic said on Wednesday .
Asthmatics , diabetics may @ @ @ @ @ , says expert '' I share cautious optimism that Moscow might be coping with that @ @ @ @ @ have worked , '' she said in a televised interview with Russia ’ s Rossiya @ @ @ @ @ to Vujnovic , the decrease in cases `` seems stable '' in Moscow , but @ @ @ @ @ for a few more days .
`` .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. The restrictions imposed in Moscow could have worked, which resulted in the drop of new COVID-19 cases, WHO Representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic said on Wednesday.
Asthmatics, diabetics may have contraindications from coronavirus inoculation, says expert
"I share cautious optimism that Moscow might be coping with that now, as the measures have worked," she said in a televised interview with Russia’s Rossiya’24 channel.
According to Vujnovic, the decrease in cases "seems stable" in Moscow, but "we need to watch for a few more days.".


tass--2020-11-25--Russian-Andorran visa-free travel agreement comes into force

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
An agreement on the conditions abolishing visa formalities for citizens of Russia and @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday after the two countries finalized domestic procedures , the Russian Foreign Ministry said .
@ @ @ @ @ be taken into consideration that the Principality could be entered through the checkpoints on the @ @ @ @ @ , to visit which Russian nationals still need valid Schengen or appropriate national visas , @ @ @ @ @ explained .
The agreement was signed by the Russian and Andorran Foreign Ministers , Sergey @ @ @ @ @ last December .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. An agreement on the conditions abolishing visa formalities for citizens of Russia and Andorra came into force on Wednesday after the two countries finalized domestic procedures, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"Nevertheless, it should be taken into consideration that the Principality could be entered through the checkpoints on the borders with Spain and France, to visit which Russian nationals still need valid Schengen or appropriate national visas," the Russian Foreign Ministry explained.
The agreement was signed by the Russian and Andorran Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Maria Ubach, last December.


tass--2020-11-25--Far Eastern refineries limiting oil intake, says Transneft

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Oil refineries in the Far East has set a restriction of oil intake in view of challenges with export of ready products from companies due to the change in the schedule of railway transportation of goods on the back of adverse weather conditions , official spokesman of the Russian oil pipeline operator Igor Dyomin told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Far Eastern refineries introduce an intake limitation due to non-export of ready products .
The railway put into effect a temporary limitation for carriage of any goods , except foods , after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Khabarovsk Refinery reduced the oil intake by 25,000 tonnes against the plan , the spokesman said .
`` The Komsomolsk Refinery has not decided yet because the refinery already lowered the monthly refining plan by 50,000 tonnes from early November , '' he added .
Crude oil intake from producers in the system is on track , along with oil and petroleum products shipments in major Russian ports , Dyomin said .
`` The sea was completely down in Novorossiysk at 19.30 pm yesterday , shipments are on track .
A tanker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loading in Kozmino at night .
Operations in the Baltic ports follow the schedule .
No late tankers , '' he added '' .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Oil refineries in the Far East has set a restriction of oil intake in view of challenges with export of ready products from companies due to the change in the schedule of railway transportation of goods on the back of adverse weather conditions, official spokesman of the Russian oil pipeline operator Igor Dyomin told reporters on Wednesday.
"Far Eastern refineries introduce an intake limitation due to non-export of ready products. The railway put into effect a temporary limitation for carriage of any goods, except foods, after the ice rain," Dyomin said.
The Khabarovsk Refinery reduced the oil intake by 25,000 tonnes against the plan, the spokesman said. "The Komsomolsk Refinery has not decided yet because the refinery already lowered the monthly refining plan by 50,000 tonnes from early November," he added.
Crude oil intake from producers in the system is on track, along with oil and petroleum products shipments in major Russian ports, Dyomin said.
"The sea was completely down in Novorossiysk at 19.30 pm yesterday, shipments are on track. A tanker late for a day was set for loading in Kozmino at night. Operations in the Baltic ports follow the schedule. No late tankers," he added".


tass--2020-11-25--Gazprom Neft still interested in market of Iraqi Kurdistan

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Middle East remains in the zone of strategic interests of Gazprom Neft as it is still interested in development on the market of the Iraqi Kurdistan , the Russian oil company said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` Despite the COVID-19-related restrictions , we continued implementation of our projects in the region in 2020 .
The fourth well will be commissioned at the Sarkala field that will allow boosting and supporting the production level .
Today , after having created the production base , acquired a unique experience and getting an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we remain interested in exploration of new development options in the region , '' Gazprom Neft Deputy CEO for Exploration and Production Vadim Yakovlev was quoted as saying .
The company ’ s production in the Iraqi Kurdistan has reached 4 mln tonnes since the beginning of commercial production at the Sarkala field .
`` Gazprom Neft Middle East B.V. continued implementation of main production projects , including the drilling of the fourth well .
Its commissioning will increase production to 4,100 tonnes and roughly 32,000 barrels .
The well ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2021 , '' the company said .
Gazprom Neft is involved in implementation of two projects in the Kurdistan region : Shakal and Garmian .
The share of Gazprom Neft in the Shakal block totals 80 % ( the remaining stake is owned by the government of the Kurdistan region ) , while the share in the Garmian block amounts to 40 % .
Gazprom Neft has been operator of the Garmian project since February 2016 .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. The Middle East remains in the zone of strategic interests of Gazprom Neft as it is still interested in development on the market of the Iraqi Kurdistan, the Russian oil company said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Despite the COVID-19-related restrictions, we continued implementation of our projects in the region in 2020. The fourth well will be commissioned at the Sarkala field that will allow boosting and supporting the production level. Today, after having created the production base, acquired a unique experience and getting an understanding of geological peculiarities of the territory, we remain interested in exploration of new development options in the region," Gazprom Neft Deputy CEO for Exploration and Production Vadim Yakovlev was quoted as saying.
The company’s production in the Iraqi Kurdistan has reached 4 mln tonnes since the beginning of commercial production at the Sarkala field.
"Gazprom Neft Middle East B.V. continued implementation of main production projects, including the drilling of the fourth well. Its commissioning will increase production to 4,100 tonnes and roughly 32,000 barrels. The well’s commissioning is scheduled for the first half of 2021," the company said.
Gazprom Neft is involved in implementation of two projects in the Kurdistan region: Shakal and Garmian. The share of Gazprom Neft in the Shakal block totals 80% (the remaining stake is owned by the government of the Kurdistan region), while the share in the Garmian block amounts to 40%. Gazprom Neft has been operator of the Garmian project since February 2016.


tass--2020-11-25--US is capable of solving Syria’s refugee issues, Russian military official says

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has capabilities to join an effort on solving the issue of Syrian refugees but Washington prefers to ignore and criticize Russian and Syrian efforts , Head of Russia ’ s National Defense Management Center Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev said on Wednesday .
`` Recognizing the important role of the United States and its capability to solve regional issues , Syria and Russia have offered the US side to use the Damascus platform with a high status and expert representation for taking part in a joint effort .
The answer was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are really contributing to returning Syrian citizens back home , '' the official told a joint meeting of military staff after an international conference on returning refugees to Syria .
According to him , the US leadership has once again demonstrated its hypocrisy and commitment to double standards .
Washington ’ s rejection of humanitarian initiatives shows `` a wish to keep the hotbeds of tension in the country as long as possible , '' in order to illegally stay there and siphon off natural resources , he noted .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries had taken part in the international conference , including the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) .
`` The results of this forum were highly appreciated by the respective structures of the United Nations , which called the conference a successful humanitarian event , '' Mizintsev said .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. The United States has capabilities to join an effort on solving the issue of Syrian refugees but Washington prefers to ignore and criticize Russian and Syrian efforts, Head of Russia’s National Defense Management Center Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev said on Wednesday.
"Recognizing the important role of the United States and its capability to solve regional issues, Syria and Russia have offered the US side to use the Damascus platform with a high status and expert representation for taking part in a joint effort. The answer was no and there was unfounded criticism of those who are really contributing to returning Syrian citizens back home," the official told a joint meeting of military staff after an international conference on returning refugees to Syria.
According to him, the US leadership has once again demonstrated its hypocrisy and commitment to double standards. Washington’s rejection of humanitarian initiatives shows "a wish to keep the hotbeds of tension in the country as long as possible," in order to illegally stay there and siphon off natural resources, he noted.
The military official noted that more than 20 countries had taken part in the international conference, including the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "The results of this forum were highly appreciated by the respective structures of the United Nations, which called the conference a successful humanitarian event," Mizintsev said.


tass--2020-11-25--Kiev expands list of unrecognized Russian passports issued to residents of Crimea, Donbass

KIEV , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has expanded the list of unrecognized Russian passports issued to residents of Crimea and Donbass territories uncontrolled by Ukraine in Russia 's Interior Ministry offices in the Rostov Region and the Krasnodar Region .
The order was adopted by the Ukrainian cabinet of ministers Wednesday .
Kiev slams granting of Russian passports to Donbass as interference in domestic affairs According to the order explanatory note , it aims to `` not recognize passport documents by Ukraine < … > by expanding the list of agencies that issue passport documents to residents '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The expanded list includes Russian Interior Ministry passport offices located mainly in the Krasnodar Region and the Rostov Region .
On May 8 , 2019 , the Ukrainian cabinet introduced this list to determine Russian Interior Ministry offices whose activities to issue Russian passports will not be recognized officially .
On April 24 , 2019 , Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing citizens of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics ( DPR and LPR ) to obtain Russian citizenship via a simplified procedure .
A year later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Donbass citizens applying for Russian passports .
This November , DPR head Denis Pushilin reported that the number of DPR residents who received Russian passports had exceeded 170,000 .

KIEV, November 25. /TASS/. Ukraine has expanded the list of unrecognized Russian passports issued to residents of Crimea and Donbass territories uncontrolled by Ukraine in Russia's Interior Ministry offices in the Rostov Region and the Krasnodar Region. The order was adopted by the Ukrainian cabinet of ministers Wednesday.
Kiev slams granting of Russian passports to Donbass as interference in domestic affairs
According to the order explanatory note, it aims to "not recognize passport documents by Ukraine <…> by expanding the list of agencies that issue passport documents to residents" of the territories uncontrolled by Kiev.
The expanded list includes Russian Interior Ministry passport offices located mainly in the Krasnodar Region and the Rostov Region.
On May 8, 2019, the Ukrainian cabinet introduced this list to determine Russian Interior Ministry offices whose activities to issue Russian passports will not be recognized officially.
On April 24, 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing citizens of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) to obtain Russian citizenship via a simplified procedure. A year later, the presidential decree canceled the state fee for Donbass citizens applying for Russian passports. This November, DPR head Denis Pushilin reported that the number of DPR residents who received Russian passports had exceeded 170,000.


tass--2020-11-25--Russia’s latest air-droppable artillery gun passes acceptance trials

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Lotos air-droppable self-propelled artillery gun developed by the Central Research Institute for Precision Machine-Building ( TsNIITochMash , part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) for the Airborne Force and mounted on the chassis of the BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicle has passed acceptance trials , Rostec announced on Wednesday .
`` The Central Research Institute for Precision Machine-Building ( TsNIITochMash ) of Rostec Corporation has completed the acceptance trials of the advanced 120mm Lotos self-propelled artillery gun ( item 2S42 ) .
The fighting vehicle for the Airborne Force has confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Rostec said .
The trials have helped assess the operability of all of the gun ’ s assemblies , mechanisms and devices , with their program consisting of over 50 points .
In particular , the Lotos system has covered a distance of 400 km and made 14 shots .
Representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry at TsNIITochMash have signed the document confirming that the self-propelled artillery gun prototype complies with the working design documentation and the vehicle is ready for preliminary trials , Rostec said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement for weight and dimension characteristics and simultaneously features an impressive speed , rate of fire and firing range .
We expect preliminary trials to begin already this year as the next stage , '' Rostec Industrial Director Bekkhan Ozdoyev was quoted as saying .
The Lotos has been developed on the basis of the chassis standardized with the BMD-4M fighting vehicle by assemblies and mechanisms .
The self-propelled artillery vehicle is outfitted with a combat module with a 120mm gun that features highly automated operations of preparing for and delivering fire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 18 tonnes , develops a maximum speed of 70 km/h , has a 450 hp engine and an operating range of no less than 500 km .
The vehicle has a combat team of four and a firing range of up to 13 km .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. The Lotos air-droppable self-propelled artillery gun developed by the Central Research Institute for Precision Machine-Building (TsNIITochMash, part of the state tech corporation Rostec) for the Airborne Force and mounted on the chassis of the BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicle has passed acceptance trials, Rostec announced on Wednesday.
"The Central Research Institute for Precision Machine-Building (TsNIITochMash) of Rostec Corporation has completed the acceptance trials of the advanced 120mm Lotos self-propelled artillery gun (item 2S42). The fighting vehicle for the Airborne Force has confirmed its compliance with the stated operational characteristics," Rostec said.
The trials have helped assess the operability of all of the gun’s assemblies, mechanisms and devices, with their program consisting of over 50 points. In particular, the Lotos system has covered a distance of 400 km and made 14 shots. Representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry at TsNIITochMash have signed the document confirming that the self-propelled artillery gun prototype complies with the working design documentation and the vehicle is ready for preliminary trials, Rostec said in a statement.
"The combat vehicle fully complies with the requirement for weight and dimension characteristics and simultaneously features an impressive speed, rate of fire and firing range. We expect preliminary trials to begin already this year as the next stage," Rostec Industrial Director Bekkhan Ozdoyev was quoted as saying.
The Lotos has been developed on the basis of the chassis standardized with the BMD-4M fighting vehicle by assemblies and mechanisms. The self-propelled artillery vehicle is outfitted with a combat module with a 120mm gun that features highly automated operations of preparing for and delivering fire.
The Lotos artillery system weighs no more than 18 tonnes, develops a maximum speed of 70 km/h, has a 450 hp engine and an operating range of no less than 500 km. The vehicle has a combat team of four and a firing range of up to 13 km.


tass--2020-11-25--Almost one third of Russians plans to change job next year, says survey

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Almost one third of Russian citizens ( 29 % ) set the target @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 , whereas roughly half of the population plan to boost incomes , according @ @ @ @ @ Otkritie Bank ( obtained by TASS ) .
`` Personal plans of Russians for 2021 @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
As many as 45 % of citizens want to boost personal incomes @ @ @ @ @ - to boost savings , whereas 29 % - to find a new job , @ @ @ @ @ Otkritie Bank conducted the survey from November 20 to 23 using a representative sample among @ @ @ @ @ to 65 in cities with population over 100,000 people .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Almost one third of Russian citizens (29%) set the target of finding a new job in 2021, whereas roughly half of the population plan to boost incomes, according to a survey conducted by Otkritie Bank (obtained by TASS).
"Personal plans of Russians for 2021 have been adjusted due to the pandemic. As many as 45% of citizens want to boost personal incomes next year, 37% - to boost savings, whereas 29% - to find a new job," the survey said.
Otkritie Bank conducted the survey from November 20 to 23 using a representative sample among 1,000 Russians aged from 18 to 65 in cities with population over 100,000 people.


tass--2020-11-25--Developed anti-COVID-19 protection measures allow Putin to travel nationwide, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Tried and tested protection measures against the coronavirus allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to a more active schedule of trips around the country , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Wednesday in response to a request to comment on the information of Putin ’ s trip to the city of Tobolsk in the Tyumen Region which is already being decorated in anticipation of a possible visit .
The Kremlin representative promised to report of future trips of the head of state to the regions in due time , noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not reason enough for a report . ''
`` Protective measures undertaken and developments in ensuring epidemiological safety allow the president to move around the regions more actively now , which he is taking advantage of , returning to a more active schedule of trips , '' the spokesman said .
Answering a question whether the coronavirus situation in the Nizhny Novgorod Region was taken into account when planning the President ’ s trip to Sarov on November 25 , the Kremlin representative emphasized that this city is a secure territorial entity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively . ''

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Tried and tested protection measures against the coronavirus allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to return to a more active schedule of trips around the country, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Wednesday in response to a request to comment on the information of Putin’s trip to the city of Tobolsk in the Tyumen Region which is already being decorated in anticipation of a possible visit.
The Kremlin representative promised to report of future trips of the head of state to the regions in due time, noting that "the decoration of a city is not reason enough for a report."
"Protective measures undertaken and developments in ensuring epidemiological safety allow the president to move around the regions more actively now, which he is taking advantage of, returning to a more active schedule of trips," the spokesman said.
Answering a question whether the coronavirus situation in the Nizhny Novgorod Region was taken into account when planning the President’s trip to Sarov on November 25, the Kremlin representative emphasized that this city is a secure territorial entity, "there the situation is controlled more effectively."


tass--2020-11-25--Asthmatics, diabetics may have contraindications from coronavirus inoculation, says expert

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Asthmatics , diabetics and former cancer patients may have contraindications from a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Department of General Virology of the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Academy of Sciences Georgy Ignatyev said at a press conference at TASS .
@ @ @ @ @ clinical trials protocol people with these diagnoses are listed as non-admission criteria , they can @ @ @ @ @ the accepted practice in our country , the protocol criteria is then transferred to the @ @ @ @ @ > In all likelihood , taking into account the first use of these vaccines , @ @ @ @ @ that they ’ ll opt to use these vaccines on people with such diagnoses , @ @ @ @ @ to a question whether people with diabetes and asthma have contraindications to the vaccination .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Asthmatics, diabetics and former cancer patients may have contraindications from a coronavirus vaccine, Head of the Department of General Virology of the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences Georgy Ignatyev said at a press conference at TASS.
"Today, in the clinical trials protocol people with these diagnoses are listed as non-admission criteria, they cannot volunteer. According to the accepted practice in our country, the protocol criteria is then transferred to the vaccine manual. <...> In all likelihood, taking into account the first use of these vaccines, I don’t think that they’ll opt to use these vaccines on people with such diagnoses," he said in response to a question whether people with diabetes and asthma have contraindications to the vaccination.


tass--2020-11-25--Serbia in talks on COVID-19 vaccine with China and Russia

BELGRADE , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Serbia is holding talks with Russia and China on purchasing the vaccine against @ @ @ @ @ Aleksandar Vucic told reporters on Wednesday .
Belgrade is also in talks on buying the @ @ @ @ @ Organization-led COVAX , a global COVID-19 vaccine project to ensure poorer countries have access to @ @ @ @ @ salvation is only in mass testing and the vaccine .
We will do our best @ @ @ @ @ to provide ourselves with the first significant batches of vaccines , we are talking to @ @ @ @ @ we are part of COVAX and if they buy Pfizer , then we do so @ @ @ @ @ cost , if they buy Moderna , we do the same , '' Vucic said @

BELGRADE, November 25. /TASS/. Serbia is holding talks with Russia and China on purchasing the vaccine against the novel coronavirus, President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters on Wednesday.
Belgrade is also in talks on buying the vaccine under the World Health Organization-led COVAX, a global COVID-19 vaccine project to ensure poorer countries have access to life-saving vaccines.
"Our salvation is only in mass testing and the vaccine. We will do our best and will try next month to provide ourselves with the first significant batches of vaccines, we are talking to all countries. First, we are part of COVAX and if they buy Pfizer, then we do so, without asking about its cost, if they buy Moderna, we do the same," Vucic said.


tass--2020-11-25--Russian oil companies invest over $13 bln in Iraqi economy

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian oil companies have already invested more than $ 13 bln in the @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday following talks with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein .
@ @ @ @ @ work in Iraq together with their partners .
These are Lukoil , Rosneft , Gazpromneft @ @ @ @ @ [ companies ] have invested more than $ 13 billion in the Iraqi economy , @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Russian oil companies have already invested more than $13 bln in the Iraqi economy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday following talks with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein.
"Our largest energy companies work in Iraq together with their partners. These are Lukoil, Rosneft, Gazpromneft, Bashneft. These four [companies] have invested more than $13 billion in the Iraqi economy," he said.


tass--2020-11-25--Court dismisses complaint on FSB’s inaction following Navalny incident

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Lefortovsky Court has dismissed an appeal of attorney Vladlen Los filed in the interest of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny over the inaction of Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) investigators following the incident on the plane en route from Tomsk to Moscow .
`` Moscow ’ s Lefortovsky Court ruled on November 25 to dismiss the complaint of V. K. Los acting as a proxy in the interest of A .
A. Navalny , filed under Article 125 of the Russian Criminal Procedure Code , in which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian FSB ’ s investigative department unlawful , '' the court informed .
Navalny and his attorney filed this complaint earlier , claiming that the blogger was poisoned , which means that criminal proceedings should be launched over the incident .
However , the FSB refused to open a criminal case on Navalny ’ s request .
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
In late September , Navalny was discharged from hospital .
He currently continues his recovery in Germany .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. Moscow’s Lefortovsky Court has dismissed an appeal of attorney Vladlen Los filed in the interest of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny over the inaction of Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) investigators following the incident on the plane en route from Tomsk to Moscow.
"Moscow’s Lefortovsky Court ruled on November 25 to dismiss the complaint of V. K. Los acting as a proxy in the interest of A. A. Navalny, filed under Article 125 of the Russian Criminal Procedure Code, in which he asks to rule the inaction of the Russian FSB’s investigative department unlawful," the court informed.
Navalny and his attorney filed this complaint earlier, claiming that the blogger was poisoned, which means that criminal proceedings should be launched over the incident. However, the FSB refused to open a criminal case on Navalny’s request.
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital. In late September, Navalny was discharged from hospital. He currently continues his recovery in Germany.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident.


tass--2020-11-25--Erdogan says discussed expansion of efforts to ensure peace in Karabakh with Putin

ANKARA , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has discussed ways to expand efforts to ensure peace in Nagorno-Karabakh in a telephone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin , as Erdogan himself said in an address to the parliament on Wednesday .
`` Despite a 30-year delay , Azerbaijan ’ s flag was raised above Karabakh .
Yesterday , I discussed the matter with Mr. Putin .
We - Turkey , Azerbaijan and Russia - will ensure peace in the region , '' Erdogan pointed out .
`` However , we have a chance to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also discussed efforts to expand [ the ceasefire ] together with other countries of the region , '' he added .
According to the Turkish president , if more countries join the three states , `` we will be able to really change the situation . ''
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over the disputed territory , primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .

ANKARA, November 25. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has discussed ways to expand efforts to ensure peace in Nagorno-Karabakh in a telephone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as Erdogan himself said in an address to the parliament on Wednesday.
"Despite a 30-year delay, Azerbaijan’s flag was raised above Karabakh. Yesterday, I discussed the matter with Mr. Putin. We - Turkey, Azerbaijan and Russia - will ensure peace in the region," Erdogan pointed out. "However, we have a chance to improve the process. Mr. Putin and I also discussed efforts to expand [the ceasefire] together with other countries of the region," he added. According to the Turkish president, if more countries join the three states, "we will be able to really change the situation."
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over the disputed territory, primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region.


tass--2020-11-25--Kremlin believes Donbass situation won’t flare up following Nagorno-Karabakh events

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict does not offer any reason to expect a flare-up in @ @ @ @ @ the post-Soviet space , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated to journalists on Wednesday .
Answering @ @ @ @ @ in Nagorno-Karabakh gives reason to expect an aggravation of the situation in Donbass as well @ @ @ @ @ regain control over the region , the Kremlin representative said : `` It doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the @ @ @ @ @ On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian @ @ @ @ @ a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The @ @ @ @ @ and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would @ @ @ @ @ .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed @

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict does not offer any reason to expect a flare-up in Donbass, another region in the post-Soviet space, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated to journalists on Wednesday.
Answering a question whether the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh gives reason to expect an aggravation of the situation in Donbass as well as attempts by Kiev to regain control over the region, the Kremlin representative said: "It doesn’t."
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-11-25--Russian latest telecoms system to quadruple orbital outpost’s radio visibility

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The domestic Klyon-R command and measuring system will boost the radio visibility of the Russian segment of the International Space Station ( ISS ) fourfold , Russian Space Systems company ( part of the federal space agency Roscosmos ) said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` The Klyon-R with the broadband communications system will allow for switching to a high-speed digital video link-up with the crew and boosting the radio visibility area of the ISS ’ Russian segment fourfold , '' the statement reads .
The latest system will make it possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` during more than 80 % of the daily time by increasing the radio visibility area , '' Sector Head of the Company ’ s Division for Establishing Ground-Based Stations of Command and Measuring Systems Sergei Karasyov said .
Previously , Russian Space Systems Company outfitted the Klyon-R command and measuring system with a broadband communications modem .
`` The upgraded system is now undergoing experimental testing at the Energia Space Rocket Corporation , '' the statement says .
The Klyon-R system was developed in 2010 .
Its ground-based stations are located in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaceport in the Russian Far East .
The system allows for maintaining communications with space vehicles through Luch relay satellites , in particular , with manned and resupply spaceships and the orbital station .
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said in July that the space station ’ s Russian segment would get an independent broadband Internet by the end of the year .
This will ensure independence from the US , he said .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. The domestic Klyon-R command and measuring system will boost the radio visibility of the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) fourfold, Russian Space Systems company (part of the federal space agency Roscosmos) said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The Klyon-R with the broadband communications system will allow for switching to a high-speed digital video link-up with the crew and boosting the radio visibility area of the ISS’ Russian segment fourfold," the statement reads.
The latest system will make it possible to get in touch with the crew "during more than 80% of the daily time by increasing the radio visibility area," Sector Head of the Company’s Division for Establishing Ground-Based Stations of Command and Measuring Systems Sergei Karasyov said.
Previously, Russian Space Systems Company outfitted the Klyon-R command and measuring system with a broadband communications modem. "The upgraded system is now undergoing experimental testing at the Energia Space Rocket Corporation," the statement says.
The Klyon-R system was developed in 2010. Its ground-based stations are located in Moscow, Zheleznogorsk and at the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East. The system allows for maintaining communications with space vehicles through Luch relay satellites, in particular, with manned and resupply spaceships and the orbital station.
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said in July that the space station’s Russian segment would get an independent broadband Internet by the end of the year. This will ensure independence from the US, he said.


tass--2020-11-25--Press review: Trump authorizes White House transition and what awaits Moldova-Russia ties

Incumbent US President Donald Trump has recommended that General Services Administration Chief Emily Murphy start working with Joe Biden ’ s team to launch the formal transition process .
For the US media and millions of people around the world , this is tantamount to Trump acknowledging defeat .
But stepping aside from the White House , Trump and the Republican Party still have the chance to take control over both houses of the US Congress , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Senior Research Fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute for US and Canadian Studies Vladimir Vasilyev does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape public criticism , making Biden its target .
`` The media accuse Trump of putting national security in danger by clinging to power .
His opposition may create a situation where in two months , Biden will have to enter the White House without a team .
Now Trump has made it possible for Biden to form one who may come under fire over his administration choices , '' the expert explained .
Biden has already announced his foreign policy post picks but it is still a mystery who will handle economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is the most important question for the American people .
In Vasilyev ’ s view , Trump expects that Biden ’ s nominations will create issues within the Democratic Party .
It won ’ t suit the party ’ s left wing if the team of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton returns to the White House .
Meanwhile , disputes between the left and the center-right of the Democratic Party will play into the hand of the Republicans .
The Senate run-off elections in Georgia , scheduled for January , will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house of the Congress .
As for the House of Representatives , the Democrats currently have 222 seats , while Republicans have 210 .
Election results have been challenged in three districts and if at least four congressmen leave the Democratic faction in the House , the party will lose its majority .
Consequently , in the best-case scenario for Trump , he will be able to bind Biden hand and foot .
Izvestia : What the future holds for Moldova-Russia relations under Maia Sandu Moldova ’ s President-Elect Maia Sandu recently discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior US National Security official .
The conversation came days after Sandu ’ s statement about the need for Russian peacekeepers to withdraw from Transnistria .
At same time , Sandu said that Chisinau and Moscow had `` a busy agenda , '' adding that Moldova was unable to find a final political solution to the conflict without Russia , Izvestia notes .
Senior Analyst at the European Union Institute for Security Studies ( EUISS ) Stanislav Secrieru believes that instead of building relations with Moscow , Sandu ’ s top priority will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Romania and restore cooperation with the European Union .
Moldova ’ s incumbent President Igor Dodon visited neither Kiev , nor Bucharest during his four-year term and relations with Brussels were put on the back burner , the expert pointed out .
Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council ( RIAC ) Andrey Kortunov , in turn , emphasized the need to reconsider the tradition of branding Moldovan politicians as pro-Western or pro-Russian .
`` Sandu is far more pro-Western in her statements than Dodon .
But he can hardly be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to embark on a dangerous journey towards Brussels and away from Russia .
The two countries have many common interests , there is a large Moldovan community in Russia , and money transfers from Russia mean a lot to Moldova , as well as economic relations .
Europe is not looking forward to buy Moldovan goods , '' the expert pointed out .
According to the political scientist , as far as relations between Moscow and Chisinau are concerned , much will depend on whether the Russian authorities will be willing to cooperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have dropped to July ’ s levels , nearing the $ 1,800-per-ounce benchmark amid declining institutional investment .
Successful efforts to develop coronavirus vaccines and strong US economic data are reducing investor demand for defensive assets , Kommersant writes .
`` IHS Markit ’ s strong PMI data for the US raised doubts about future large-scale economic stimulation programs , and reducing inflation expectations , Sberbank Commodity Market Strategist Mikhail Sheibe pointed out .
Under such circumstances , investors are cutting investment in defensive assets .
`` The demand for gold has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , the economic slowdown and investors ’ desire to move into risk-free assets .
The US presidential election , positive news about vaccines and expectations of an imminent restart of economies have reduced investor interest , '' April Capital Investment Manager Dmitry Skvortsov noted .
According to Dmitry Kosmodemyansky , an asset manager at Otkritie , investors have become more prone to taking risks , which is why defensive tools such as gold are being replaced by riskier assets in investor portfolios .
Meanwhile , market participants don ’ t expect prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carsten Menk , a leading analyst from Julius Baer , believes that gold prices may fall to $ 1,700 per ounce in the next 12 months .
However , according to the expert , the most likely scenario for 2021 will include an improving economic situation that will lead to a decrease in demand for gold as a defensive asset .
A criminal case has been opened in Moscow over the resumed activities of a Jehovah ’ s Witnesses admin center .
Although Russia ’ s Supreme Court outlawed the extremist organization back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active since June 2019 .
Apart from Moscow , searches were carried out in more than 20 other regions throughout the country , Izvestia writes .
Work to ferret out the banned cells of Jehovah ’ s Witnesses has been going on for several years .
Cult researcher Alexander Korelov points out that the number of Jehovah ’ s Witnesses followers has significantly declined .
There used to be about 150,000 adherents nationwide but many people have walked out on the sect and some have left the country .
According to the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic so Jehovah ’ s Witnesses and other sects have ramped up their activities .
`` They understand that it ’ s easier to deceive those who are psychologically unstable and pull them into the organization ’ s activities , '' Korelov explained .
`` They deliberately search for single people and try to recruit them in order to get their hands on their real estate assets later , '' he added .
Jehovah ’ s Witnesses use Zoom , messaging services and social networking websites to maintain contact with followers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas but they mostly recruit new members when they meet people in person .
`` Basically , human life has no value for Jehovah ’ s Witnesses and it is a very dangerous thing .
It can work at some point and the seemingly peaceful organization may turn into a terrorist one , '' Korelov emphasized .
Izvestia : Russia sees number of remote workers skyrocket in one year Over 3.5 mln people in Russia - 6.5 % of the country ’ s working population - are officially working remotely , Izvestia writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telecommuting is most widely spread in Moscow and St. Petersburg but other regions are also reporting surging numbers of remote workers .
Telecommuting will continue to grow regardless of the coronavirus pandemic , Chairman of the State Duma Labor Committee Yaroslav Nilov believes .
According to him , remote work will be used widely if a balance is found between the interests of employers and employees .
`` It suits employers because it allows them to cut spending .
It is also convenient for employers because they have the opportunity to combine various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular way of work will continue to grow , '' said Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Elena Bibikova .
However , experts do n't consider remote work to be a panacea because apart from pros there are a number of cons .
Vice President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia Alexander Shershukov emphasized that `` first of all , employers seek to cut the wages of those who move to telecommuting . ''
`` On the other hand , employers often believe that they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day regardless of their working hours .
Besides , there are issues related to the use of technical equipment .
If people work from home , it is unclear why they must use their personal computers , '' Shershukov noted .
He expects that these problems will be solved once amendments regarding remote work are added to the Labor Code .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Trump trades White House for Congress
Read also Trump authorizes administration to begin transfer of power to Biden
Incumbent US President Donald Trump has recommended that General Services Administration Chief Emily Murphy start working with Joe Biden’s team to launch the formal transition process. For the US media and millions of people around the world, this is tantamount to Trump acknowledging defeat. But stepping aside from the White House, Trump and the Republican Party still have the chance to take control over both houses of the US Congress, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Senior Research Fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute for US and Canadian Studies Vladimir Vasilyev does not rule out that Trump seeks to escape public criticism, making Biden its target. "The media accuse Trump of putting national security in danger by clinging to power. His opposition may create a situation where in two months, Biden will have to enter the White House without a team. Now Trump has made it possible for Biden to form one who may come under fire over his administration choices," the expert explained. Biden has already announced his foreign policy post picks but it is still a mystery who will handle economic and domestic affairs in his administration, which is the most important question for the American people. In Vasilyev’s view, Trump expects that Biden’s nominations will create issues within the Democratic Party. It won’t suit the party’s left wing if the team of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton returns to the White House. Meanwhile, disputes between the left and the center-right of the Democratic Party will play into the hand of the Republicans. The Senate run-off elections in Georgia, scheduled for January, will make it clear who will control the upper house of the Congress. As for the House of Representatives, the Democrats currently have 222 seats, while Republicans have 210. Election results have been challenged in three districts and if at least four congressmen leave the Democratic faction in the House, the party will lose its majority. Consequently, in the best-case scenario for Trump, he will be able to bind Biden hand and foot. Izvestia: What the future holds for Moldova-Russia relations under Maia Sandu
Read also Putin congratulates Maia Sandu on winning Moldovan presidential election
Moldova’s President-Elect Maia Sandu recently discussed the battle against foreign influence with a senior US National Security official. The conversation came days after Sandu’s statement about the need for Russian peacekeepers to withdraw from Transnistria. At same time, Sandu said that Chisinau and Moscow had "a busy agenda," adding that Moldova was unable to find a final political solution to the conflict without Russia, Izvestia notes. Senior Analyst at the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) Stanislav Secrieru believes that instead of building relations with Moscow, Sandu’s top priority will be to resume high-level dialogue with Ukraine and Romania and restore cooperation with the European Union. Moldova’s incumbent President Igor Dodon visited neither Kiev, nor Bucharest during his four-year term and relations with Brussels were put on the back burner, the expert pointed out. Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) Andrey Kortunov, in turn, emphasized the need to reconsider the tradition of branding Moldovan politicians as pro-Western or pro-Russian. "Sandu is far more pro-Western in her statements than Dodon. But he can hardly be viewed as pro-Russian. Moldova is unlikely to embark on a dangerous journey towards Brussels and away from Russia. The two countries have many common interests, there is a large Moldovan community in Russia, and money transfers from Russia mean a lot to Moldova, as well as economic relations. Europe is not looking forward to buy Moldovan goods," the expert pointed out. According to the political scientist, as far as relations between Moscow and Chisinau are concerned, much will depend on whether the Russian authorities will be willing to cooperate with the Moldovan leadership. Kommersant: Vaccine development successes reduce investor demand for gold
Read also Gold price above $1,900/oz. first time from September 2011
Gold prices have dropped to July’s levels, nearing the $1,800-per-ounce benchmark amid declining institutional investment. Successful efforts to develop coronavirus vaccines and strong US economic data are reducing investor demand for defensive assets, Kommersant writes. "IHS Markit’s strong PMI data for the US raised doubts about future large-scale economic stimulation programs, and reducing inflation expectations, Sberbank Commodity Market Strategist Mikhail Sheibe pointed out. Under such circumstances, investors are cutting investment in defensive assets. "The demand for gold has been high this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the economic slowdown and investors’ desire to move into risk-free assets. The US presidential election, positive news about vaccines and expectations of an imminent restart of economies have reduced investor interest," April Capital Investment Manager Dmitry Skvortsov noted. According to Dmitry Kosmodemyansky, an asset manager at Otkritie, investors have become more prone to taking risks, which is why defensive tools such as gold are being replaced by riskier assets in investor portfolios. Meanwhile, market participants don’t expect prices to plunge in the short term. Carsten Menk, a leading analyst from Julius Baer, believes that gold prices may fall to $1,700 per ounce in the next 12 months. However, according to the expert, the most likely scenario for 2021 will include an improving economic situation that will lead to a decrease in demand for gold as a defensive asset. Izvestia: Police detain local leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Moscow
Read also Russian authorities take local Jehovah's Witnesses leaders into custody
A criminal case has been opened in Moscow over the resumed activities of a Jehovah’s Witnesses admin center. Although Russia’s Supreme Court outlawed the extremist organization back in 2017, the center has been active since June 2019. Apart from Moscow, searches were carried out in more than 20 other regions throughout the country, Izvestia writes. Work to ferret out the banned cells of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been going on for several years. Cult researcher Alexander Korelov points out that the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses followers has significantly declined. There used to be about 150,000 adherents nationwide but many people have walked out on the sect and some have left the country. According to the expert, people are stressed because of the coronavirus pandemic so Jehovah’s Witnesses and other sects have ramped up their activities. "They understand that it’s easier to deceive those who are psychologically unstable and pull them into the organization’s activities," Korelov explained. "They deliberately search for single people and try to recruit them in order to get their hands on their real estate assets later," he added. Jehovah’s Witnesses use Zoom, messaging services and social networking websites to maintain contact with followers and those who are willing to support their ideas but they mostly recruit new members when they meet people in person. "Basically, human life has no value for Jehovah’s Witnesses and it is a very dangerous thing. It can work at some point and the seemingly peaceful organization may turn into a terrorist one," Korelov emphasized. Izvestia: Russia sees number of remote workers skyrocket in one year
Read also Every sixth company in Russia can keep remote working after pandemic — poll


tass--2020-11-25--Kremlin notes anxiety and pessimism in Russian society due to COVID-19

MOSCOW , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin has noted a high level of anxiety and pessimism in Russian society due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
When asked about the public ’ s state of mind during the pandemic , Peskov said : `` Naturally , there is anxiety and pessimism due to the fact that there is a pandemic in the country and in the entire world . ''
`` Unfortunately , this does not give cause for optimism , '' he noted .
According to the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid the pandemic ’ s influence on the public ’ s spirits . ''
Peskov also said that an effort carried out by federal and regional authorities helps Russia to prevent a collapse in the healthcare sector amid the coronavirus pandemic and swiftly iron out problems .
When asked what the authorities could do in order to address concerns over the pandemic , Peskov said `` there is a federal plan and governors are working on the ground . ''
`` There is all this and this is being implemented , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a collapse in the healthcare sector and helps to solve some particular issues , which emerge in the regions , rather swiftly and effectively , '' the Kremlin spokesman said .
Since the start of the pandemic , over 59.7 mln people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 globally , and over 1.4 mln have died .
According to the federal anti-coronavirus center , Russia has documented 2,162,503 cases of COVID-19 , 1,660,419 patients have recovered and 37,538 have died .

MOSCOW, November 25. /TASS/. The Kremlin has noted a high level of anxiety and pessimism in Russian society due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
When asked about the public’s state of mind during the pandemic, Peskov said: "Naturally, there is anxiety and pessimism due to the fact that there is a pandemic in the country and in the entire world." "Unfortunately, this does not give cause for optimism," he noted.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, "there is no way to avoid the pandemic’s influence on the public’s spirits."
Peskov also said that an effort carried out by federal and regional authorities helps Russia to prevent a collapse in the healthcare sector amid the coronavirus pandemic and swiftly iron out problems.
When asked what the authorities could do in order to address concerns over the pandemic, Peskov said "there is a federal plan and governors are working on the ground."
"There is all this and this is being implemented," Peskov said.
"This effort prevents a collapse in the healthcare sector and helps to solve some particular issues, which emerge in the regions, rather swiftly and effectively," the Kremlin spokesman said.
Since the start of the pandemic, over 59.7 mln people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 globally, and over 1.4 mln have died. According to the federal anti-coronavirus center, Russia has documented 2,162,503 cases of COVID-19, 1,660,419 patients have recovered and 37,538 have died.


tass--2020-11-25--Russian Navy latest corvette conducts first launch of cruise missile off Pacific coast

VLADIVOSTOK , November 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 20380 latest corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov built for Russia ’ s Pacific Fleet conducted its first launch of an Uran cruise missile against a naval target in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Primorye Region , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` The cruise missile successfully struck the surface target at a distance of about 40 kilometers from the warship at the designated time .
Up to 10 ships and vessels , and also aircraft of the Pacific Fleet ’ s naval aviation were involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area and exercise control of the results of accomplishing the combat assignment , '' the press office said in a statement .
The latest corvette fired the cruise missile as part of the shipbuilders ’ and state trials .
In the evening of November 24 , the warship held a series of artillery firings in the Sea of Japan , in which it delivered fire against a sea ship screen from a 100mm A-190 multi-purpose artillery gun , the statement says .
The Project 20380 third corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bureau of Marine Engineering ( St. Petersburg ) is designed to accomplish green-water missions , fight enemy surface ships and submarines and provide artillery support for amphibious assault operations .
The corvette incorporates the latest solutions for reducing its physical fields .
In particular , the shipbuilders significantly reduced its radar signature during the construction , using radio absorption materials and specially designing the ship ’ s hull and superstructure .
Project 20380 ships are armed with multi-purpose artillery guns , surface-to-air missile/artillery systems , supersonic missiles and automatic artillery launchers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helicopter .
They displace 2,200 tonnes and have a crew of 99 .
The corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov is set to be accepted for service in Russia ’ s Pacific Fleet until the end of this year .

VLADIVOSTOK, November 25. /TASS/. The Project 20380 latest corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov built for Russia’s Pacific Fleet conducted its first launch of an Uran cruise missile against a naval target in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Primorye Region, the Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"The cruise missile successfully struck the surface target at a distance of about 40 kilometers from the warship at the designated time. Up to 10 ships and vessels, and also aircraft of the Pacific Fleet’s naval aviation were involved in the test-fire to provide security in the area and exercise control of the results of accomplishing the combat assignment," the press office said in a statement.
The latest corvette fired the cruise missile as part of the shipbuilders’ and state trials. In the evening of November 24, the warship held a series of artillery firings in the Sea of Japan, in which it delivered fire against a sea ship screen from a 100mm A-190 multi-purpose artillery gun, the statement says.
The Project 20380 third corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering (St. Petersburg) is designed to accomplish green-water missions, fight enemy surface ships and submarines and provide artillery support for amphibious assault operations.
The corvette incorporates the latest solutions for reducing its physical fields. In particular, the shipbuilders significantly reduced its radar signature during the construction, using radio absorption materials and specially designing the ship’s hull and superstructure.
Project 20380 ships are armed with multi-purpose artillery guns, surface-to-air missile/artillery systems, supersonic missiles and automatic artillery launchers. The Project 20380 corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter. They displace 2,200 tonnes and have a crew of 99.
The corvette Aldar Tsydenzhapov is set to be accepted for service in Russia’s Pacific Fleet until the end of this year.