tass--2020-12-10--Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine efficiency raised to 96.2%

MOSCOW , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
The preliminary data obtained in the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine trials show that the efficiency of the jab stands at 69.3 % after the first component is administered and 96.2 % after the second , member of the independent monitoring committee examining the results of the vaccine ’ s clinical trials Ramil Khabriyev said Thursday .
`` The assessment was conducted in the period between the 14th and the 21st day , or before the injection of the second component , while the second observation group is after the second component is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or assess the efficiency as of today , it is calculated and submitted to us , developers and researchers , to be 96.2 % , '' he said at a scientific forum .
Khabriyev explained that the efficiency is calculated as the ratio of the efficiency of the jab between the vaccinated group and those who received placebo .
`` At a committee meeting , we < … > passed certain decisions , communicated them to all those interested and recommend that they come up with a proposal to change the protocol and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the materials of 20,000 tests soon .
[ We will study them and later ] will make a decision about revealing results ( who received the vaccine or placebo - TASS ) < … > and will make another assessment .
I am completely sure that the data at least won ’ t be lower than what we had before , '' he added .
The expert noted that the efficiency before the second component injection was already reaching numbers of up to 70 % , which can be even higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V , which was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry .
The injection passed clinical trials in June-July .
The post-registration trials of Sputnik V began in Moscow on September 7 , volunteers received the first vaccine already on September 9 .
Overall , the trials include 40,000 people , 10,000 of them had placebo instead of the vaccine .

MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. The preliminary data obtained in the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine trials show that the efficiency of the jab stands at 69.3% after the first component is administered and 96.2% after the second, member of the independent monitoring committee examining the results of the vaccine’s clinical trials Ramil Khabriyev said Thursday.
"The assessment was conducted in the period between the 14th and the 21st day, or before the injection of the second component, while the second observation group is after the second component is administered. So, if we compare or assess the efficiency as of today, it is calculated and submitted to us, developers and researchers, to be 96.2%," he said at a scientific forum.
Khabriyev explained that the efficiency is calculated as the ratio of the efficiency of the jab between the vaccinated group and those who received placebo. "At a committee meeting, we <…> passed certain decisions, communicated them to all those interested and recommend that they come up with a proposal to change the protocol and make a decision to submit the parameters based on the materials of 20,000 tests soon. [We will study them and later] will make a decision about revealing results (who received the vaccine or placebo - TASS) <…> and will make another assessment. I am completely sure that the data at least won’t be lower than what we had before," he added.
The expert noted that the efficiency before the second component injection was already reaching numbers of up to 70%, which can be even higher after more clarifications and changes take place.
On August 11, Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V, which was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry. The injection passed clinical trials in June-July. The post-registration trials of Sputnik V began in Moscow on September 7, volunteers received the first vaccine already on September 9. Overall, the trials include 40,000 people, 10,000 of them had placebo instead of the vaccine.


tass--2020-12-10--Mastermind of Crimean 2015 blackout sentenced to 19 years in prison

SIMFEROPOL , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Supreme Court of Crimea sentenced in absentia former Deputy Prime Minister of the republic Lenur Islyamov , charged with organization of sabotage , establishment of illegal militia and calls for violation of Russia ’ s territorial integrity , to 19 years in prison .
`` To sentence Islyamov Lenur Edemovich to [ … ] 19 years in prison , strip him of the right to engage in activities that imply media appearances and restrict freedom for one year , '' the judge ruled .
The sentence term will begin after Islyamov is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is currently in Kiev , according to his attorney Nikolay Polozov .
In 2014 , Islyamov left for Ukraine and established a militia there - the so-called Celebicihan Crimean Tatar voluntary battalion .
The battalion had been created in order to blockade Crimea from the side of Ukraine and to fight for the return of the peninsula to Ukraine .
Islyamov is believed to be a person behind the 2015 sabotage of power lines in Ukraine , which cut Crimea off electricity supply on November 22 .
A criminal case was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sabotage .
The damage to Crimean enterprises from power outage is estimated at over 1.1 billion rubles ( about $ 15 mln ) , the prosecutor ’ s office told TASS back in 2016 .
Crimea ’ s Krymenergo state company filed a 1 billion-ruble ( about $ 13.6 mln ) collective lawsuit against Islyamov in the name of all Crimean organizations that suffered from the blackout .

SIMFEROPOL, December 10. /TASS/. The Supreme Court of Crimea sentenced in absentia former Deputy Prime Minister of the republic Lenur Islyamov, charged with organization of sabotage, establishment of illegal militia and calls for violation of Russia’s territorial integrity, to 19 years in prison.
"To sentence Islyamov Lenur Edemovich to […] 19 years in prison, strip him of the right to engage in activities that imply media appearances and restrict freedom for one year," the judge ruled.
The sentence term will begin after Islyamov is handed over to the Russian law enforcement. He is currently in Kiev, according to his attorney Nikolay Polozov.
In 2014, Islyamov left for Ukraine and established a militia there - the so-called Celebicihan Crimean Tatar voluntary battalion. The battalion had been created in order to blockade Crimea from the side of Ukraine and to fight for the return of the peninsula to Ukraine.
Islyamov is believed to be a person behind the 2015 sabotage of power lines in Ukraine, which cut Crimea off electricity supply on November 22. A criminal case was initiated over this incident, classified as sabotage.
The damage to Crimean enterprises from power outage is estimated at over 1.1 billion rubles (about $15 mln), the prosecutor’s office told TASS back in 2016. Crimea’s Krymenergo state company filed a 1 billion-ruble (about $13.6 mln) collective lawsuit against Islyamov in the name of all Crimean organizations that suffered from the blackout.


tass--2020-12-10--Press review: Trump builds ‘Chinese wall’ for Biden and Iran vows to return Golan to Syria

The outgoing Trump administration is taking its last steps aimed at keeping the confrontation with China in place after the power change in the White House .
A new scandal is unfolding after Washington put 14 Chinese MPs on the Hong Kong sanctions list and now plans to supply a new batch of weapons to Taiwan .
Beijing is threatening to retaliate with harsh countermeasures .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was confident that the changes in relations with China are irreversible and a reset is impossible , Kommersant writes .
Chief Researcher at the Institute for the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sciences Vladimir Batyuk notes that Trump ’ s anti-Chinese policy enjoys the support of both sides of the political aisle in Washington , while the US has managed to set up an alliance against China in the Indo-Pacific region , which plays a role of a `` sanitary cordon . ''
However , Beijing still has some levers for an opposing move , according to the expert .
The Chinese leadership has been already taking active tit-for-tat measures , such as signing a deal on November 15 in Hanoi on a comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s largest free trade zone .
This deal was inked by those countries , which Pompeo referred to as supporters of the US anti-Chinese course : the ASEAN states , Japan , South Korea , Australia and New Zealand .
According to the expert , after the collapse of the Trans-Pacific Partnership , which was dumped by Trump , China led the economic integration process in the Indo-Pacific Region .
`` Under these conditions , the new US administration will be forced to maintain dialogue with Beijing , '' the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selecting a new envoy to Beijing .
This could be a candidate in the 2020 election Democrat Pete Buttigieg .
Izvestia : UK , EU still disagree on Brexit as transition period nears end Brussels and London are entering the home stretch in talks on their future relations after Britain ’ s exit from the European Union .
Both parties have less than a month to have the Brexit deal approved by their parliaments .
However , three fundamental issues still remain unsolved .
A meeting between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ der Leyen on December 9 was the last chance to coordinate a common document , a source in Westminster told Izvestia .
In the remaining days of December , the sides will discuss certain issues of the deal .
The EU also admits that the talks may not end with just this meeting , the outcome of which is yet unknown .
A source in the European Council said Brussels and London had not announced any official deadline .
`` The transition period expires on December 31 , 2020 .
Both sides have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using all opportunities .
However , the time constraint is really growing , '' the source noted .
Although the sides agreed on the Northern Ireland issue ( the EU representatives will be able to be present there during the checks of goods ) , the fate of the deal still remains uncertain .
The sides failed to agree on three points : quotas on fishing in British waters , uniform rules of the game ( a level playing field for British and EU companies ) , and methods of dispute settlement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the deal has been concurred on .
The source in Westminster has described the talks `` as two steps forward , one and a half back . ''
Given that little time is left , the tightening of position at the last minute makes the final stage of talks extremely challenging .
Both parties are ready to make pragmatic compromises , but it ’ s impossible to sacrifice the UK ’ s fundamental principles : one of these pillars is the country ’ s sovereignty over its coastal waters within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles , the source said .
The British side clarified these principles at the early stage of talks and so far , they have been unchanged .
The visit of new Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad to Iran , his first official trip abroad , showed Damascus ’ foreign policy priorities .
Tehran promised the top diplomat that Syria ’ s government would receive all the necessary assistance until the moment when all territories return under its control , including the Golan Heights held by Israel .
Experts are certain that the Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the south of the Arab republic , even if this runs counter to Russia ’ s stance , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
`` Iran will be always on the Syrian government ’ s side politically , and in this respect , it believes the Astana process is useful for protecting Syrian interests and its territorial integrity , '' Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said .
In light of this , he hoped that the Syrian presidential election , scheduled for next year , will be held without any problems .
According to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` express their views and ideas . ''
Rouhani ’ s statement regarding the Golan Heights definitely raised eyebrows in Israel .
Lately , this area that was captured from Syria in 1967 is becoming a source of problems .
Kirill Semenov , an expert with the Russian International Affairs Council , noted that the Mekdad ’ s visit to Iran demonstrated who is really the key ally of Damascus .
Besides , the Syrian leadership showed that in the future it plans to remain part of the Iranian `` axis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be expected in this approach and Iran will hardly review its relations with the Syrian Arab Republic , '' the analyst said .
According to Semenov , Iran will prefer to keep its military presence in Syria , including near Israeli borders .
Meanwhile , this poses a threat to Russia , which gave its commitment to Israel to ensure Iranian forces ’ withdrawal from the border .
However , an effort to drive Iranian forces away failed , the paper writes .
Kommersant : Moscow seeks to prevent new Turkish operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent a new Turkish offensive against Kurdish militias in northern Syria .
According to Arab media reports , the Russian military hopes to convince the Syrian Democratic Forces to hand over some areas under their control to Damascus , while Ankara is strengthening its positions on Syrian soil , Kommersant writes .
In October 2019 , the Russian and Turkish presidents established new `` zones of influence '' in northeastern Syria .
The Russian-Turkish deal prevented Turkey ’ s third military operation in northern Syria against the Kurdish People 's Protection Units @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SDF , which Turkey brands as terrorists .
Under the Sochi memorandum of understanding , the YPG had to withdraw their forces 30 km from the border with Turkey .
Moscow and Ankara also agreed on joint patrols of the area up to 10 km from the border .
Despite the fact that just a week after the memorandum , Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu affirmed the YPG forces ’ withdrawal from the border , Turkey still thinks that the agreement with Russia has not been fulfilled .
According to Arab media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both Washington and Moscow .
However , Russia has warned the Kurdish forces several times that it could guarantee their protection only on condition of handing over their territory to Damascus ’ control .
`` Moscow seeks to prevent tensions with Ankara , '' said Kirill Semenov , an expert with the Russian International Affairs Council .
`` Until Turkey thinks that all commitments under the 2019 memorandum are implemented , it won ’ t consider that it obligatory to fulfill the agreements with Moscow on Idlib reached in March .
Besides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent an offensive by Turkey and the opposition forces loyal to it in northern Syria than for Ankara to stop a potential retaliation by the Syrian army with Moscow ’ s support in Idlib , he said .
Ukraine ’ s energy giant Naftogaz is celebrating the expanded sanctions against Nord Stream 2 , approved by the US House of Representatives , labeling them as `` a bomb '' that should blow up Gazprom ’ s plans to build the pipeline .
However , the Russian Foreign Ministry is sure that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewed by the Russian-German Chamber of Commerce and the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations , announced that this project was an important contribution to meeting Europe ’ s energy demands .
Over the past year , the share of German companies , which believe that Russian-German relations deteriorated , has grown ten-fold and this is a critical level , Nezavisimaya Gazeta says .
According to Rainer Seele , President of the Russian-German Chamber of Foreign Trade and CEO of Austria ’ s OMV , which is investing in the project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself on energy policy issues .
Chairman of the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations Oliver Hermes hoped that the Biden administration would recognize the entire scale of damage that will be dealt to Transatlantic ties and democracy in Europe .
`` Germany remains one of Russia ’ s major economic partners and therefore German businesses will probably try to further build economic relations despite political problems and call for cancelling sanctions , '' said Olga Belenkaya from Finam .
`` However , certainly , if there is a greater deterioration in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or if Europe and the US take a more consolidated position on foreign policy , this could become even harder . ''
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Kommersant: Trump builds ‘Chinese wall’ for Biden The outgoing Trump administration is taking its last steps aimed at keeping the confrontation with China in place after the power change in the White House. A new scandal is unfolding after Washington put 14 Chinese MPs on the Hong Kong sanctions list and now plans to supply a new batch of weapons to Taiwan. Beijing is threatening to retaliate with harsh countermeasures. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was confident that the changes in relations with China are irreversible and a reset is impossible, Kommersant writes.
Chief Researcher at the Institute for the United States and Canada at the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladimir Batyuk notes that Trump’s anti-Chinese policy enjoys the support of both sides of the political aisle in Washington, while the US has managed to set up an alliance against China in the Indo-Pacific region, which plays a role of a "sanitary cordon." However, Beijing still has some levers for an opposing move, according to the expert. The Chinese leadership has been already taking active tit-for-tat measures, such as signing a deal on November 15 in Hanoi on a comprehensive regional economic partnership aimed at creating the world’s largest free trade zone. This deal was inked by those countries, which Pompeo referred to as supporters of the US anti-Chinese course: the ASEAN states, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. According to the expert, after the collapse of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was dumped by Trump, China led the economic integration process in the Indo-Pacific Region. "Under these conditions, the new US administration will be forced to maintain dialogue with Beijing," the expert noted. The Biden administration is already selecting a new envoy to Beijing. This could be a candidate in the 2020 election Democrat Pete Buttigieg. Izvestia: UK, EU still disagree on Brexit as transition period nears end Brussels and London are entering the home stretch in talks on their future relations after Britain’s exit from the European Union. Both parties have less than a month to have the Brexit deal approved by their parliaments. However, three fundamental issues still remain unsolved. A meeting between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on December 9 was the last chance to coordinate a common document, a source in Westminster told Izvestia. In the remaining days of December, the sides will discuss certain issues of the deal. The EU also admits that the talks may not end with just this meeting, the outcome of which is yet unknown. A source in the European Council said Brussels and London had not announced any official deadline. "The transition period expires on December 31, 2020. Both sides have expressed their desire to continue the talks using all opportunities. However, the time constraint is really growing," the source noted.
Read also European Parliament approves Brexit agreement
Although the sides agreed on the Northern Ireland issue (the EU representatives will be able to be present there during the checks of goods), the fate of the deal still remains uncertain. The sides failed to agree on three points: quotas on fishing in British waters, uniform rules of the game (a level playing field for British and EU companies), and methods of dispute settlement. According to the British media, 95% of the deal has been concurred on. The source in Westminster has described the talks "as two steps forward, one and a half back." Given that little time is left, the tightening of position at the last minute makes the final stage of talks extremely challenging. Both parties are ready to make pragmatic compromises, but it’s impossible to sacrifice the UK’s fundamental principles: one of these pillars is the country’s sovereignty over its coastal waters within the internationally recognized borders up to 12 nautical miles, the source said. The British side clarified these principles at the early stage of talks and so far, they have been unchanged. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Iran vows to return Golan Heights to Syria The visit of new Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad to Iran, his first official trip abroad, showed Damascus’ foreign policy priorities. Tehran promised the top diplomat that Syria’s government would receive all the necessary assistance until the moment when all territories return under its control, including the Golan Heights held by Israel. Experts are certain that the Iranian forces are striving to maintain their presence in the south of the Arab republic, even if this runs counter to Russia’s stance, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. "Iran will be always on the Syrian government’s side politically, and in this respect, it believes the Astana process is useful for protecting Syrian interests and its territorial integrity," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said. In light of this, he hoped that the Syrian presidential election, scheduled for next year, will be held without any problems. According to him, this is a chance for Syrians to "express their views and ideas." Rouhani’s statement regarding the Golan Heights definitely raised eyebrows in Israel. Lately, this area that was captured from Syria in 1967 is becoming a source of problems. Kirill Semenov, an expert with the Russian International Affairs Council, noted that the Mekdad’s visit to Iran demonstrated who is really the key ally of Damascus. Besides, the Syrian leadership showed that in the future it plans to remain part of the Iranian "axis of resistance." "Hardly any changes should be expected in this approach and Iran will hardly review its relations with the Syrian Arab Republic," the analyst said. According to Semenov, Iran will prefer to keep its military presence in Syria, including near Israeli borders. Meanwhile, this poses a threat to Russia, which gave its commitment to Israel to ensure Iranian forces’ withdrawal from the border. However, an effort to drive Iranian forces away failed, the paper writes. Kommersant: Moscow seeks to prevent new Turkish operation in northern Syria Russia is taking steps to prevent a new Turkish offensive against Kurdish militias in northern Syria. According to Arab media reports, the Russian military hopes to convince the Syrian Democratic Forces to hand over some areas under their control to Damascus, while Ankara is strengthening its positions on Syrian soil, Kommersant writes.


tass--2020-12-10--Chinese and European Media Carry Out Multilateral Cooperation to Achieve Win-Win Results

BEIJING , Dec. 10 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ .
A statement on strengthening media cooperation issued by China Media Group ( CMG ) and its European media partners , calling on the Chinese and European media to fulfill their responsibilities as public information disseminators and jointly help the international community to gather a strong force to overcome the pandemic .
The statement was made during the `` 2020 European Media Partners Cooperation Online Forum '' on December 10 , hosted by CMG with the theme of `` Mutual Trust Dialogue for Win-Win Cooperation '' .
Twenty-eight delegates from 25 organizations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussions on how to strengthen coordination , deepen ties , unite to fight the pandemic , and bring greater confidence to the world through in-depth exchanges .
CMG 's President and Editor-in-Chief , Shen Haixiong put forward three proposals on the current media situation .
He said , `` First , we should deepen cooperation in reporting COVID-19 responses ; Second , we should promote the exchange of personnel between the media organizations ; Third , we should strengthen the construction of our cooperation mechanism . ''
In his speech , he pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broad consensus and common interests in supporting and practicing multilateralism , strengthening the global response to COVID-19 , and jointly promoting global economic recovery and addressing the issue of climate change .
We share far more consensus than divergences .
Chinese and European media partners will also move towards a new stage of closer , deeper , and more pragmatic dialogue , exchange and cooperation .
Michael Friedenberg , the President of Reuters , said , `` We must recognize the power of partnerships in this new media ecosystem .
This can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalitions , new commercial business opportunities , content-sharing or shared platforms . ''
He also mentioned CMG and CCTV+ are important partners and our partnership continues to be a priority .
`` Without a clear two-way information communication , there will never be full trust and in-depth cooperation .
Therefore , in a friendly relation between different countries and peoples , the media plays a vital role , '' said Paolo Panerai , the Editor-in-Chief & CEO of Class Editori S.p.A. 's .
`` As global interdependence grows , I believe that media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Michael Peters , CEO and President of Executive Board of Euronews emphasized .
He believes that Euronews and CMG will continue to deepen our collaboration in fostering a better understanding between our cultures .
A launch ceremony of China Business Video ( CBV ) was also held between CCTV+ and Reuters .
It provides Reuters ' customers with financial news content from China , which will be distributed straight by CMG to improve media cooperation between China and other media and to strengthen information exchanges .
At the forum , Teng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agency ( CCTV+ ) , and Adrian Wells , Managing Director of European News Exchange ( ENEX ) signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding , which signals the official launch of the `` European Media Partners ( EMP ) '' .
In the future , the two sides will strengthen cooperation on news materials , news reports , overseas reporters , news products , and media forums .
At the same time , the program , BizToday , was released to provide `` European Media Partners '' with tailored Chinese and European financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ENEX .
During the forum , representatives from China and Europe joined an online panel discussion with the theme `` Multilateral Cooperation and Mutual Trust , Common Challenges and Win-Win Future '' to discuss how the Chinese and European media promote mutual trust between people from both sides and carry out multilateral cooperation to achieve win-win results .

BEIJING, Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/. A statement on strengthening media cooperation issued by China Media Group (CMG) and its European media partners, calling on the Chinese and European media to fulfill their responsibilities as public information disseminators and jointly help the international community to gather a strong force to overcome the pandemic.
The statement was made during the "2020 European Media Partners Cooperation Online Forum" on December 10, hosted by CMG with the theme of "Mutual Trust Dialogue for Win-Win Cooperation".
Twenty-eight delegates from 25 organizations in 16 European countries and China had in-depth discussions on how to strengthen coordination, deepen ties, unite to fight the pandemic, and bring greater confidence to the world through in-depth exchanges.
CMG's President and Editor-in-Chief, Shen Haixiong put forward three proposals on the current media situation. He said, "First, we should deepen cooperation in reporting COVID-19 responses; Second, we should promote the exchange of personnel between the media organizations; Third, we should strengthen the construction of our cooperation mechanism."
In his speech, he pointed out, China and Europe share a broad consensus and common interests in supporting and practicing multilateralism, strengthening the global response to COVID-19, and jointly promoting global economic recovery and addressing the issue of climate change. We share far more consensus than divergences. Chinese and European media partners will also move towards a new stage of closer, deeper, and more pragmatic dialogue, exchange and cooperation.
Michael Friedenberg, the President of Reuters, said, "We must recognize the power of partnerships in this new media ecosystem. This can take the form of collaborative journalism, industry coalitions, new commercial business opportunities, content-sharing or shared platforms."
He also mentioned CMG and CCTV+ are important partners and our partnership continues to be a priority.
"Without a clear two-way information communication, there will never be full trust and in-depth cooperation. Therefore, in a friendly relation between different countries and peoples, the media plays a vital role," said Paolo Panerai, the Editor-in-Chief & CEO of Class Editori S.p.A.'s.
"As global interdependence grows, I believe that media companies cannot work in silos anymore," Michael Peters, CEO and President of Executive Board of Euronews emphasized. He believes that Euronews and CMG will continue to deepen our collaboration in fostering a better understanding between our cultures.
A launch ceremony of China Business Video (CBV) was also held between CCTV+ and Reuters. It provides Reuters' customers with financial news content from China, which will be distributed straight by CMG to improve media cooperation between China and other media and to strengthen information exchanges.
At the forum, Teng Yunping, President of CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+), and Adrian Wells, Managing Director of European News Exchange (ENEX) signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding, which signals the official launch of the "European Media Partners (EMP)". In the future, the two sides will strengthen cooperation on news materials, news reports, overseas reporters, news products, and media forums.
At the same time, the program, BizToday, was released to provide "European Media Partners" with tailored Chinese and European financial news jointly created by CMG, CCTV+ and ENEX.
During the forum, representatives from China and Europe joined an online panel discussion with the theme "Multilateral Cooperation and Mutual Trust, Common Challenges and Win-Win Future" to discuss how the Chinese and European media promote mutual trust between people from both sides and carry out multilateral cooperation to achieve win-win results.
CONTACT: Gloria Cheng, +86-189-1476-5756, gloriacheng@guruonline.com.cn


tass--2020-12-10--Persistent resistance: West rattled by Russia’s success as independent power, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has come to be seen as a truly independent power by the West over the past 15 years .
However , given this , it faces constant opposition and resistance , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the RT TV channel .
`` The West ’ s awareness that Russia is an independent power has had a cumulative effect .
Russia will always prioritize its national interests .
It is always ready to harmonize them candidly and equitably with the national interests of any other countries based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be under someone ’ s thumb .
That ’ s the most important thing that has happened to both Russia ’ s foreign policy and the media space covering relations between Russia and the West over the past 15 years , '' Russia ’ s top diplomat said when asked about the most important events of the recent years .
But this process is still far from over , Moscow is up against relentless opposition from the outside , Lavrov went on to say .
According to Russia ’ s top diplomat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deprive Russia of the right to determine its future and `` are trying to promote various scenarios for regime change . ''
`` Every effort is being made to sabotage Russia ’ s foreign policy , even in our neighboring regions , and prevent any positive results .
We view that as a fact of life , '' he stressed .
Lavrov added that Moscow ’ s Western partners had revealed their real foreign policy goals , which are related to their desire to assert themselves , while laboring under a false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide real assistance in resolving conflicts to the benefit of the peoples in a certain region .
`` The desire to score propaganda points has dominated the West ’ s foreign policy for a long time , while overlooking the essence of the problems that need a solution in the interests of the peoples of the respective regions , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. Russia has come to be seen as a truly independent power by the West over the past 15 years. However, given this, it faces constant opposition and resistance, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the RT TV channel.
"The West’s awareness that Russia is an independent power has had a cumulative effect. Russia will always prioritize its national interests. It is always ready to harmonize them candidly and equitably with the national interests of any other countries based on international law, but it will never be under someone’s thumb. That’s the most important thing that has happened to both Russia’s foreign policy and the media space covering relations between Russia and the West over the past 15 years," Russia’s top diplomat said when asked about the most important events of the recent years.
But this process is still far from over, Moscow is up against relentless opposition from the outside, Lavrov went on to say. According to Russia’s top diplomat, Western states have not abandoned their attempts to deprive Russia of the right to determine its future and "are trying to promote various scenarios for regime change." "Every effort is being made to sabotage Russia’s foreign policy, even in our neighboring regions, and prevent any positive results. We view that as a fact of life," he stressed.
Lavrov added that Moscow’s Western partners had revealed their real foreign policy goals, which are related to their desire to assert themselves, while laboring under a false perception of prestige instead of aspiring to provide real assistance in resolving conflicts to the benefit of the peoples in a certain region. "The desire to score propaganda points has dominated the West’s foreign policy for a long time, while overlooking the essence of the problems that need a solution in the interests of the peoples of the respective regions," he concluded.


tass--2020-12-10--Crimea documents record-high daily COVID-19 figures for six days running

SIMFEROPOL , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
Crimea has documented 289 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours , whish is the highest figure since the start of the pandemic , head of the republic Sergei Aksyonov informed on his VK page on Thursday .
Crimea has documented record-high daily COVID-19 numbers for six days running .
`` On December 9 , 289 cases of the novel coronavirus have been documented on the territory of the Republic of Crimea , including 17 asymptomatic cases , '' he informed .
The head of Crimea added that 413 people have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , and 13,913 have recovered in total .
Since the start of the pandemic , over 18,000 cases of COVID-19 have been documented in the region .
Crimea ’ s health minister Alexander Ostapenko informed on Tuesday that the region had received its first batch of Russia ’ s COVID-19 vaccine `` Sputnik V , '' with vaccination set to begin on December 12 .
Medical workers and employees of services working with infected people will be vaccinated first .
Mass vaccination will begin no earlier than February , Aksyonov said earlier @

SIMFEROPOL, December 10. /TASS/. Crimea has documented 289 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, whish is the highest figure since the start of the pandemic, head of the republic Sergei Aksyonov informed on his VK page on Thursday. Crimea has documented record-high daily COVID-19 numbers for six days running.
"On December 9, 289 cases of the novel coronavirus have been documented on the territory of the Republic of Crimea, including 17 asymptomatic cases," he informed.
The head of Crimea added that 413 people have recovered from the disease in the past 24 hours, and 13,913 have recovered in total. Since the start of the pandemic, over 18,000 cases of COVID-19 have been documented in the region.
Crimea’s health minister Alexander Ostapenko informed on Tuesday that the region had received its first batch of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine "Sputnik V," with vaccination set to begin on December 12. Medical workers and employees of services working with infected people will be vaccinated first. Mass vaccination will begin no earlier than February, Aksyonov said earlier.


tass--2020-12-10--Russia reports nearly 28,000 new daily COVID-19 cases

MOSCOW , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases rose by 27,927 in the past day , pushing the total case tally to 2,569,126 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday .
According to TASS estimates , over the past seven days more than 18.8 cases of infection per 100,000 citizens have been registered in Russia on average .
The lowest growth rates in the past day were recorded in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region ( 0.6 % ) , the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region , the Magadan Region , the Tyva Republic , the Karachay-Circassian Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mari El , the Orenburg Region , the Novosibirsk Region and Dagestan ( 0.7 % ) .
Moscow confirmed 6,730 new coronavirus cases and the total case tally reached 671,948 .
Over the past day , 3,774 cases of infection were registered in St. Petersburg , 1,351 in the Moscow Region , 499 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 433 in Karelia and 392 in the Arkhangelsk and Sverdlovsk Regions each .
Currently , 490,177 people are undergoing treatment in Russia .
The coronavirus recoveries grew by 25,877 in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
According to the crisis center , recoveries account for 79.2 % of the total number of infections .
In particular , another 1,918 patients were discharged in St. Petersburg , 830 in the Moscow Region , 624 in the Arkhangelsk Region , 571 in the Voronezh Region and 520 in the Leningrad Region .
Russia has documented 562 deaths from COVID-19 , a disease caused by the novel coronavirus , in the past 24 hours , compared to 559 the day before , the anti-coronavirus crisis center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 death toll has climbed to 45,280 .
Of these , 79 deaths from COVID-19 have been documented in St. Petersburg , 74 in Moscow , 32 in the Moscow Region , 26 in the Rostov Region , 20 in the Irkutsk Region and 19 in the Perm Region over the past 24 hours .

MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases rose by 27,927 in the past day, pushing the total case tally to 2,569,126, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday.
A day earlier 26,190 COVID-19 cases were reported.
According to TASS estimates, over the past seven days more than 18.8 cases of infection per 100,000 citizens have been registered in Russia on average.
The lowest growth rates in the past day were recorded in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region (0.6%), the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, the Magadan Region, the Tyva Republic, the Karachay-Circassian Region, the Nenets Autonomous Region, Kabardino-Balkaria, Mari El, the Orenburg Region, the Novosibirsk Region and Dagestan (0.7%).
Moscow confirmed 6,730 new coronavirus cases and the total case tally reached 671,948. Over the past day, 3,774 cases of infection were registered in St. Petersburg, 1,351 in the Moscow Region, 499 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 433 in Karelia and 392 in the Arkhangelsk and Sverdlovsk Regions each. Currently, 490,177 people are undergoing treatment in Russia.
Recoveries
The coronavirus recoveries grew by 25,877 in the past 24 hours, making 2,033,669 overall, according to the anti-coronavirus crisis center.
According to the crisis center, recoveries account for 79.2% of the total number of infections.
In particular, another 1,918 patients were discharged in St. Petersburg, 830 in the Moscow Region, 624 in the Arkhangelsk Region, 571 in the Voronezh Region and 520 in the Leningrad Region.
Fatalities
Russia has documented 562 deaths from COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, compared to 559 the day before, the anti-coronavirus crisis center informed reporters on Thursday. The overall COVID-19 death toll has climbed to 45,280.
Of these, 79 deaths from COVID-19 have been documented in St. Petersburg, 74 in Moscow, 32 in the Moscow Region, 26 in the Rostov Region, 20 in the Irkutsk Region and 19 in the Perm Region over the past 24 hours.
The preliminary lethality rate reaches 1.76%, the crisis center stated.


tass--2020-12-10--Georgia reports over 4,500 new daily coronavirus cases

TBILISI , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
Georgia confirmed 4,570 coronavirus cases in the past day and the total caseload rose to 178,953 , the government ’ s website informing about the epidemiological situation said on Thursday .
A day earlier , 4,734 COVID-19 cases were registered in the country .
On December 5 , Georgia ’ s doctors documented 5,450 new cases of infection , a record high since the start of the pandemic .
In the past 24 hours , 3,045 patients recovered in Georgia .
The total number of recoveries reached 148,332 ( 82.89 % of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who remain quarantined stands at 1,019 .
A total of 3,524 people are undergoing treatment in special hotels under medical supervision .
In the past eight days the coronavirus spread rate reached 0.86 .
In all , 4.81 % of Georgia ’ s 3.7 mln population contracted the virus .
Forty three patients died of coronavirus-related complications in the past day .
The total death toll reached 1,657 .
As many as 1,647,979 tests for COVID-19 were carried out among 44.34 % of citizens .
Due to a rise in infections , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants and cafes to close between November 28 and January 31 and banned intercity transportation services and public transport services in big cities .
Additionally , people are forbidden to leave their homes between 9 pm and 5 am .
However , these restrictions will be temporarily lifted on December 24 through January 2 but will be reimposed on January 3 .
Starting on January 16 , restrictions will remain in effect only on weekends .

TBILISI, December 10. /TASS/. Georgia confirmed 4,570 coronavirus cases in the past day and the total caseload rose to 178,953, the government’s website informing about the epidemiological situation said on Thursday.
A day earlier, 4,734 COVID-19 cases were registered in the country. On December 5, Georgia’s doctors documented 5,450 new cases of infection, a record high since the start of the pandemic.
In the past 24 hours, 3,045 patients recovered in Georgia. The total number of recoveries reached 148,332 (82.89% of those infected). The number of patients who remain quarantined stands at 1,019. A total of 3,524 people are undergoing treatment in special hotels under medical supervision.
In the past eight days the coronavirus spread rate reached 0.86. In all, 4.81% of Georgia’s 3.7 mln population contracted the virus.
Forty three patients died of coronavirus-related complications in the past day. The total death toll reached 1,657. As many as 1,647,979 tests for COVID-19 were carried out among 44.34% of citizens.
Due to a rise in infections, the country’s government ordered shops, restaurants and cafes to close between November 28 and January 31 and banned intercity transportation services and public transport services in big cities. Additionally, people are forbidden to leave their homes between 9 pm and 5 am. However, these restrictions will be temporarily lifted on December 24 through January 2 but will be reimposed on January 3. Starting on January 16, restrictions will remain in effect only on weekends.


tass--2020-12-10--Russian Black Sea Fleet to take part in international naval drills in Pakistan

SEVASTOPOL , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Navy ’ s Black Sea Fleet will participate in the AMAN-2021 military exercise , which will take place in February 2021 in Pakistani waters , together with Navies of 30 other countries , including NATO ones , the fleet press service announced Thursday .
`` A planning conference took place in Sevastopol on participation of the Russian Navy in the AMAN-2021 international exercise , which will take place in the waters of Pakistani port of Karachi .
The exercise has been initiated by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan , who also provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fleet said .
According to the announcement , 30 countries have confirmed their participation , with 10 countries engaging their ships , and others sending official observers .
The US , the UK , China , Japan , Turkey , Philippines , Sri Lanka , Indonesia and Malaysia will also send their ships besides Pakistan and Russia .
`` The joint participation of the Russian Navy ships and the North Atlantic Alliance will take place 10 years after the ‘ Bold Monarch-2011 ’ exercise , which took place near the shores of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The AMAN-2021 exercise seeks to strengthen and develop military cooperation between the participant states , in order to ensure security and stability in the sea , as well as facilitate exchange of experience in fighting piracy in the interest of intensive maritime trade , the fleet said .

SEVASTOPOL, December 10. /TASS/. Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet will participate in the AMAN-2021 military exercise, which will take place in February 2021 in Pakistani waters, together with Navies of 30 other countries, including NATO ones, the fleet press service announced Thursday.
"A planning conference took place in Sevastopol on participation of the Russian Navy in the AMAN-2021 international exercise, which will take place in the waters of Pakistani port of Karachi. The exercise has been initiated by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, who also provided area for the upcoming exercise," the fleet said.
According to the announcement, 30 countries have confirmed their participation, with 10 countries engaging their ships, and others sending official observers. The US, the UK, China, Japan, Turkey, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia will also send their ships besides Pakistan and Russia.
"The joint participation of the Russian Navy ships and the North Atlantic Alliance will take place 10 years after the ‘Bold Monarch-2011’ exercise, which took place near the shores of Spain," the fleet added.
The AMAN-2021 exercise seeks to strengthen and develop military cooperation between the participant states, in order to ensure security and stability in the sea, as well as facilitate exchange of experience in fighting piracy in the interest of intensive maritime trade, the fleet said.


tass--2020-12-10--Over 81 mln coronavirus tests conducted in Russia

MOSCOW , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian medical workers have conducted more than 81 million coronavirus tests , the @ @ @ @ @ on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said on Thursday .
`` More than 81 @ @ @ @ @ conducted in the Russian Federation , '' its press service said .
As many as @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours .
According to the watchdog , about 545,700 people are currently @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .

MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. Russian medical workers have conducted more than 81 million coronavirus tests, the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said on Thursday.
"More than 81 million coronavirus tests have been conducted in the Russian Federation," its press service said. As many as 499,000 tests were conducted in the past 24 hours.
According to the watchdog, about 545,700 people are currently under medical supervision over suspected COVID-19.


tass--2020-12-10--iHerb Announces Exciting New Ways to Earn with iHerb's Rewards Program

PASADENA , Calif. , December 10 .
/PRNewswire/ .
iHerb , a global leader in health and beauty e-commerce , announces ground-breaking new updates to their Rewards program with even more exciting ways to earn Rewards .
iHerb Rewards is pleased to announce new developments to their popular Rewards program .
This program allows customers to earn credit to redeem on future purchases or cash out .
It will now be possible for customers to earn Rewards Credit when they write reviews and helpful answers within the Q & A community .
`` We value the honest opinions our customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so why not reward them for giving us and our fellow shoppers more insights ? ''
says iHerb Vice President of Growth Marketing , Neil Folgate .
`` We believe these changes , combined with iHerb 's global presence , will continue to make our Rewards program globally unique and one of the most attractive programs to customers and influencers around the world . ''
Three ways to earn iHerb Rewards now include : • Referrals Give 5 % & Get $ 5 : Help others save more while earning $ 5 Rewards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are new or returning customers .
Earn more with Super Rewards : earn an additional 10 % commission on any referral purchases on iHerb Brands products .
This is in addition to the flat $ 5 already earned with every referral purchase made .
• Reviews Earn up to $ 101 in Rewards Credit for every eligible , honest , and helpful review .
Share thoughts about the product , whether positive or negative , and get rewarded $ 1 for writing the review .
Plus , earn $ 0.10 Rewards Credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers , up to a maximum of an additional $ 100 in Rewards Credit per review .
• Answers Earn up to $ 100 in Rewards Credit for every helpful answer !
Earn $ 0.10 Rewards Credit for every helpful vote received from other customers on answers to a posted question , up to a maximum of $ 100 in Rewards Credit per answer .
iHerb deeply values their loyal customers who share their commitment to delivering the highest quality products at the most competitive prices and they want to reward those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in meaningful ways .
Bringing new ways to earn like the above to our Rewards Program allows us to accomplish that .
About iHerb : iHerb is one of the largest US-based e-commerce retailers offering 30,000 products from 1,200 top brands to millions of customers around the world .
iHerb ships directly from GMP certified , state-of-the-art climate controlled warehouses to customers in 188 countries and territories .
Since 1996 , iHerb has continued to innovate in bringing the highest quality products , at the best possible value , delivered with the most @ @ @ @

PASADENA, Calif., December 10. /PRNewswire/. iHerb, a global leader in health and beauty e-commerce, announces ground-breaking new updates to their Rewards program with even more exciting ways to earn Rewards.
iHerb Rewards is pleased to announce new developments to their popular Rewards program. This program allows customers to earn credit to redeem on future purchases or cash out. It will now be possible for customers to earn Rewards Credit when they write reviews and helpful answers within the Q&A community.
"We value the honest opinions our customers offer on the products we carry, so why not reward them for giving us and our fellow shoppers more insights?" says iHerb Vice President of Growth Marketing, Neil Folgate. "We believe these changes, combined with iHerb's global presence, will continue to make our Rewards program globally unique and one of the most attractive programs to customers and influencers around the world."
Three ways to earn iHerb Rewards now include:
Referrals
Give 5% & Get $5: Help others save more while earning $5 Rewards Credit for every referral purchase, whether they are new or returning customers.
Earn more with Super Rewards: earn an additional 10% commission on any referral purchases on iHerb Brands products. This is in addition to the flat $5 already earned with every referral purchase made.
Help others save more while earning $5 Rewards Credit for every referral purchase, whether they are new or returning customers. earn an additional 10% commission on any referral purchases on iHerb Brands products. This is in addition to the flat $5 already earned with every referral purchase made. Reviews
Earn up to $101 in Rewards Credit for every eligible, honest, and helpful review. Share thoughts about the product, whether positive or negative, and get rewarded $1 for writing the review. Plus, earn $0.10 Rewards Credit for every helpful vote received from other customers, up to a maximum of an additional $100 in Rewards Credit per review.
Share thoughts about the product, whether positive or negative, and get rewarded $1 for writing the review. Plus, earn $0.10 Rewards Credit for every helpful vote received from other customers, up to a maximum of an additional $100 in Rewards Credit per review. Answers
Earn up to $100 in Rewards Credit for every helpful answer! Earn $0.10 Rewards Credit for every helpful vote received from other customers on answers to a posted question, up to a maximum of $100 in Rewards Credit per answer.
iHerb deeply values their loyal customers who share their commitment to delivering the highest quality products at the most competitive prices and they want to reward those who shop, refer and engage with iHerb in meaningful ways. Bringing new ways to earn like the above to our Rewards Program allows us to accomplish that.
About iHerb: iHerb is one of the largest US-based e-commerce retailers offering 30,000 products from 1,200 top brands to millions of customers around the world. iHerb ships directly from GMP certified, state-of-the-art climate controlled warehouses to customers in 188 countries and territories. Since 1996, iHerb has continued to innovate in bringing the highest quality products, at the best possible value, delivered with the most convenient customer experience. https://www.iherb.com
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CONTACT: press@iherb.com


tass--2020-12-10--Over 360 Karabakh residents obtain medical help at Russian mobile hospital in Stepanakert

MOSCOW , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
More than 360 people in Nagorno-Karabakh have received medical assistance from Russian military doctors since the beginning of the peacekeeping operation , the Russian defense ministry said on Thursday .
`` In all , 368 Nagorno-Karabakh residents , including 41 children , have receive assistance from Russian military medics , '' it said , adding that medical services were offered to 42 local residents , including seven children , in Stepanakert in the past day alone .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
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 .
Under the document , the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region .
The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh basically comprises units of the 15th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Central Military District .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance .
The peacekeeping mission ’ s command is stationed in Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock .
In late November , Russian peacekeepers organized a field hospital in Stepanakert .
Another one is being organized in the settlement of Mardakert .

MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. /TASS/. More than 360 people in Nagorno-Karabakh have received medical assistance from Russian military doctors since the beginning of the peacekeeping operation, the Russian defense ministry said on Thursday.
"In all, 368 Nagorno-Karabakh residents, including 41 children, have receive assistance from Russian military medics," it said, adding that medical services were offered to 42 local residents, including seven children, in Stepanakert in the past day alone.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July.
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. Under the document, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region. The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh basically comprises units of the 15th separate motor rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District.
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command is stationed in Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock.
In late November, Russian peacekeepers organized a field hospital in Stepanakert. Another one is being organized in the settlement of Mardakert.


tass--2020-12-10--No powerful aftershock expected after Lake Baikal quake, says scientist

IRKUTSK , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
No powerful aftershocks are anticipated following Thursday ’ s earthquake in Lake Baikal @ @ @ @ @ of the Baikal branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Geophysical Service , told @ @ @ @ @ aftershocks are expected .
Only minor aftershock events are being registered , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ are hardly ever felt in populated localities .
According to Kobeleva , such seismic activity @ @ @ @ @ , which is second in terms of seismic activity in the Baikal branch ’ s @ @ @ @ @ ministry ’ s Irkutsk region department said earlier on Thursday a magnitude 5.5 earthquake had @ @ @ @ @ the intensity of 7.6 in the epicenter .
Magnitude 5-6 earth tremors were felt in @ @ @ @ @ No damages or casualties were reported .

IRKUTSK, December 10. /TASS/. No powerful aftershocks are anticipated following Thursday’s earthquake in Lake Baikal, Elena Kobeleva, director of the Baikal branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Geophysical Service, told TASS.
"No powerful aftershocks are expected. Only minor aftershock events are being registered," she said, adding that such aftershock are hardly ever felt in populated localities.
According to Kobeleva, such seismic activity is typical of this region, which is second in terms of seismic activity in the Baikal branch’s zone.
The Russian emergencies ministry’s Irkutsk region department said earlier on Thursday a magnitude 5.5 earthquake had rocked Lake Baikal, with the intensity of 7.6 in the epicenter. Magnitude 5-6 earth tremors were felt in the city of Irkutsk. No damages or casualties were reported.


tass--2020-12-10--Russian peacekeepers report no ceasefire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , December 10 .
/TASS/ .
The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is being observed fully , with no violations or provocations reported during the past day , Dmitry Perepelkin , a deputy chief of the Russian peacekeeping contingent ’ s reconciliation center , said on Thursday .
`` The peacekeeping contingent is exercising control , under its mandate , of the implementation of the agreements on the cessation of fire and hostilities along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The situation in the peacekeeping operation zone is calm .
Neither ceasefire violations nor provocations were reported , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are controlling the ceasefire at 23 observation posts and conduct patrol missions along the contact line and in the Lachinsky corridor .
They also ensure safe movements of civilian population and escort refugees returning to the homes in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Apart from that , Russian servicemen conduct humanitarian operations and help restore civil infrastructure facilities .
By today , more than 36,000 people have returned to Nagorno-Karabakh .
Public transport , government , medical and educational establishments have resumed operation .
The electricity supply system has been restored to 85 % thanks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been fully restored .
The second military hospital has been organized in the settlement of Mardakert .
Russian peacekeepers jointly with employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross have organized exchange of the bodies of those killed between the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
On November 9 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
Under the document , the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region .
The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh basically comprises units of the 15th separate motor rifle ( peacekeeping ) brigade of the Central Military District .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise control of the ceasefire observance .
The peacekeeping mission ’ s command is stationed in Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock .

MOSCOW, December 10. /TASS/. The ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh is being observed fully, with no violations or provocations reported during the past day, Dmitry Perepelkin, a deputy chief of the Russian peacekeeping contingent’s reconciliation center, said on Thursday.
"The peacekeeping contingent is exercising control, under its mandate, of the implementation of the agreements on the cessation of fire and hostilities along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation in the peacekeeping operation zone is calm. Neither ceasefire violations nor provocations were reported," he said.
According to Perepelkin, Russian peacekeepers are controlling the ceasefire at 23 observation posts and conduct patrol missions along the contact line and in the Lachinsky corridor. They also ensure safe movements of civilian population and escort refugees returning to the homes in Nagorno-Karabakh. Apart from that, Russian servicemen conduct humanitarian operations and help restore civil infrastructure facilities.
By today, more than 36,000 people have returned to Nagorno-Karabakh. Public transport, government, medical and educational establishments have resumed operation. The electricity supply system has been restored to 85% thanks to Russian peacekeepers. The gas supplies system has been fully restored.
The second military hospital has been organized in the settlement of Mardakert. Russian peacekeepers jointly with employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross have organized exchange of the bodies of those killed between the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July.
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. Under the document, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region. The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh basically comprises units of the 15th separate motor rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District.
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command is stationed in Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation in the area is monitored round-the-clock.


tass--2020-12-09--Brussels’ anti-Russia sanctions policy costs EU economy 21 bln euro annually

BERLIN , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The sanctions that the European Union imposed on Russia over the 2014 events @ @ @ @ @ economy €21 bln per year , the Dusseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in @ @ @ @ @ `` The sanctions on Russia cost the German economy €5.45 bln per year , and @ @ @ @ @ losses are estimated at €21 bln , '' Managing Director of the Dusseldorf Chamber of @ @ @ @ @ said , commenting on research by the Munich-based Ifo Institute for Economic Research .
According @ @ @ @ @ policy of sanctions against Russia will only further worsen the economic situation for all players @ @ @ @ @ Germany could benefit from the removal of sanctions .
`` Research shows that from the @ @ @ @ @ both parties .
If sanctions are tightened , financial losses will rise but if they @ @ @ @ @ grow , '' Berghausen concluded .

BERLIN, December 9. /TASS/. The sanctions that the European Union imposed on Russia over the 2014 events in Ukraine cost the EU economy €21 bln per year, the Dusseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The sanctions on Russia cost the German economy €5.45 bln per year, and the European Union’s losses are estimated at €21 bln," Managing Director of the Dusseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gregor Berghausen said, commenting on research by the Munich-based Ifo Institute for Economic Research.
According to the chamber, the policy of sanctions against Russia will only further worsen the economic situation for all players, while both Russia and Germany could benefit from the removal of sanctions.
"Research shows that from the economic standpoint, sanctions damage both parties. If sanctions are tightened, financial losses will rise but if they are eased, trade will grow," Berghausen concluded.


tass--2020-12-09--Putin points to slowly declining unemployment rate in Russia

NOVO-OGAREVO , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin stated that the unemployment rate is declining slowly in Russia @ @ @ @ @ to speak about any significant changes on the labor market .
Speaking at a meeting @ @ @ @ @ he called high unemployment `` one of the key challenges at the present time , @ @ @ @ @ , but worldwide .
The President noted that after the peak values in August , @ @ @ @ @ started to decline and now stands at about 6.3 % .

NOVO-OGAREVO, December 9. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin stated that the unemployment rate is declining slowly in Russia so it is too early to speak about any significant changes on the labor market.
Speaking at a meeting on economic issues on Wednesday he called high unemployment "one of the key challenges at the present time," not only for Russia, but worldwide.
The President noted that after the peak values in August, unemployment in the country had started to decline and now stands at about 6.3%.


tass--2020-12-09--Germany, France must push Kiev to implement Paris summit decisions, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia hopes that France and Germany will help persuade Ukraine to implement the Normandy Quartet ’ s decisions made at the Paris summit a year ago and the Minsk Accords , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary in connection with the summit ’ s anniversary on Wednesday .
She stressed that France and Germany turned a blind eye to the Ukrainian leadership ’ s destructive moves that impeded the implementation of the Minsk Accords .
The fact that together with Kiev they ignored the informal meeting of the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine merely increases doubts if Berlin and Paris wish to promote the conflict ’ s settlement in earnest , she stressed .
`` It has to be stated that we seem to be witnesses to a replica of the situation that was observed after the Normandy Quartet ’ s summit in Berlin in 2016 .
It took Kiev more than three years to implement only part of its decisions .
Besides , this became possible only after presidential and parliamentary elections , '' Zakharova said .
`` We do hope that this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian partners they should implement the simple sequence of practical moves , which are unequivocally described in the package of measures and resolutions by the Normandy Quartet ’ s Paris summit and conduct a direct dialogue with the representatives of certain districts of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions . ''
The situation with translating into life the political aspects of the settlement in the region is the worst .
The Ukrainian parliament ’ s July resolution on holding local elections in all regions of Ukraine except for Donbass was a major obstruction to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Ukrainian legislators set for Donetsk and Lugansk to meet are a crude violation of the Package of Measures .
In an attempt to find a way out , Donbass invited Kiev to agree a plan for action to be taken by the legislators in accordance with the Minsk Accords , and even proposed a draft of such a plan , '' Zakharova said .
`` In response , Kiev presented its own list of joint steps which constitutes a still greater violation of the Package of Measures and ignores Donbass proposals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came out with an absurd call for declaring the Donbass project void , although it was officially proposed and received by Ukraine . ''
Zakharova recalled that since the Paris summit of one year ago only two of the seven agreed steps have been taken , and not to the full extent .
`` In July , after Ukraine ’ s strong resistance , extra measures came into force to enhance ceasefire .
By September , though , Kiev had already distorted them or disavowed them unilaterally .
For the time being , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly because Donbass does not retaliate Ukrainian bombardments and other violations of the extra measures , '' Zakharova said .
`` In December 2019 and in April 2020 there were two exchanges of held persons .
But Kiev has failed to carry out legal clearance of some of these persons , who are at risk of being arrested again . ''
Zakharova stressed that Kiev continued to indulge in grand stand play instead of taking real action , which was well seen the farcical campaign over the opening of checkpoints Shchastye and Zolotoye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning of November .
`` For a whole year Kiev had hindered that process , refused to provide security guarantees and concealed information about work in progress in its territory from the OSCE and Lugansk , '' Zakharova said .
`` In the end it opened the checkpoints only for pedestrians while being well aware that Lugansk had been creating automobile checkpoints , extremely important for the delivery of humanitarian supplies .
`` .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Russia hopes that France and Germany will help persuade Ukraine to implement the Normandy Quartet’s decisions made at the Paris summit a year ago and the Minsk Accords, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary in connection with the summit’s anniversary on Wednesday.
She stressed that France and Germany turned a blind eye to the Ukrainian leadership’s destructive moves that impeded the implementation of the Minsk Accords. The fact that together with Kiev they ignored the informal meeting of the UN Security Council on a settlement in southeastern Ukraine merely increases doubts if Berlin and Paris wish to promote the conflict’s settlement in earnest, she stressed.
"It has to be stated that we seem to be witnesses to a replica of the situation that was observed after the Normandy Quartet’s summit in Berlin in 2016. It took Kiev more than three years to implement only part of its decisions. Besides, this became possible only after presidential and parliamentary elections," Zakharova said. "We do hope that this time France and Germany will help persuade our Ukrainian partners they should implement the simple sequence of practical moves, which are unequivocally described in the package of measures and resolutions by the Normandy Quartet’s Paris summit and conduct a direct dialogue with the representatives of certain districts of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions."
The situation with translating into life the political aspects of the settlement in the region is the worst. The Ukrainian parliament’s July resolution on holding local elections in all regions of Ukraine except for Donbass was a major obstruction to enforcing the agreements.
"The conditions that the Ukrainian legislators set for Donetsk and Lugansk to meet are a crude violation of the Package of Measures. In an attempt to find a way out, Donbass invited Kiev to agree a plan for action to be taken by the legislators in accordance with the Minsk Accords, and even proposed a draft of such a plan," Zakharova said. "In response, Kiev presented its own list of joint steps which constitutes a still greater violation of the Package of Measures and ignores Donbass proposals. In the Contact Group Ukrainian representatives came out with an absurd call for declaring the Donbass project void, although it was officially proposed and received by Ukraine."
Lack of results
Zakharova recalled that since the Paris summit of one year ago only two of the seven agreed steps have been taken, and not to the full extent.
"In July, after Ukraine’s strong resistance, extra measures came into force to enhance ceasefire. By September, though, Kiev had already distorted them or disavowed them unilaterally. For the time being, the ceasefire is observed more or less mostly because Donbass does not retaliate Ukrainian bombardments and other violations of the extra measures," Zakharova said. "In December 2019 and in April 2020 there were two exchanges of held persons. But Kiev has failed to carry out legal clearance of some of these persons, who are at risk of being arrested again."
Zakharova stressed that Kiev continued to indulge in grand stand play instead of taking real action, which was well seen the farcical campaign over the opening of checkpoints Shchastye and Zolotoye, in the Lugansk Region at the beginning of November.
"For a whole year Kiev had hindered that process, refused to provide security guarantees and concealed information about work in progress in its territory from the OSCE and Lugansk," Zakharova said. "In the end it opened the checkpoints only for pedestrians while being well aware that Lugansk had been creating automobile checkpoints, extremely important for the delivery of humanitarian supplies.".


tass--2020-12-09--2020 China Fights documentary premieres at Hainan Film Festival

SANYA , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The first screening of the documentary on China 's fight against the spread of coronavirus `` 2020 China Fights '' took place at the 3rd Hainan International Film Festival , reported Xinhua .
The film tells the story of China 's selfless struggle , which viewers see through the eyes of three people : a doctor , a volunteer and a young girl from Wuhan .
The picture includes video clips captured by both Chinese media reporters and ordinary citizens .
`` What separates this documentary from an ordinary epic storytelling is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touching emotional line , '' said the film 's producer Wang Xinjian .
`` The film uses these three characters to bring viewers back to the thrilling moments amid the coronavirus outbreak , and subtly shows the warm attitude of people towards each other and the strength of China . ''
The Third Hainan International Film Festival takes place on Hainan on December 5-12 .
During the week , 189 films from 60 countries will be shown here , the Chinese viewers will see 97 of those for the first time , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Hainan Film Festival .
Film screenings will be held in several Hainan cities .
Some of the films will be shown online .
Some of the movies will be shown right on the picturesque beaches of this tropical island .
In addition to film screenings , special forums , master classes , and events aimed at promoting films and attracting investment in film projects will be held on the island as well .
The Hainan Island International Film Festival is recognized as one of the four main film screenings held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2018 in Sanya and has been held there regularly since .
It was attended by such world famous actors and directors as Jackie Chan , Aamir Khan , Nicolas Cage , Johnny Depp , Nuri Bilge Ceylan and others .

SANYA, December 9. /TASS/. The first screening of the documentary on China's fight against the spread of coronavirus "2020 China Fights" took place at the 3rd Hainan International Film Festival, reported Xinhua.
The film tells the story of China's selfless struggle, which viewers see through the eyes of three people: a doctor, a volunteer and a young girl from Wuhan. The picture includes video clips captured by both Chinese media reporters and ordinary citizens.
"What separates this documentary from an ordinary epic storytelling is that it is based on a simple and touching emotional line," said the film's producer Wang Xinjian. "The film uses these three characters to bring viewers back to the thrilling moments amid the coronavirus outbreak, and subtly shows the warm attitude of people towards each other and the strength of China."
The Third Hainan International Film Festival takes place on Hainan on December 5-12. During the week, 189 films from 60 countries will be shown here, the Chinese viewers will see 97 of those for the first time, this is a record number of new films at the Hainan Film Festival. Film screenings will be held in several Hainan cities. Some of the films will be shown online. Some of the movies will be shown right on the picturesque beaches of this tropical island. In addition to film screenings, special forums, master classes, and events aimed at promoting films and attracting investment in film projects will be held on the island as well.
The Hainan Island International Film Festival is recognized as one of the four main film screenings held in China. It was first held in December 2018 in Sanya and has been held there regularly since. It was attended by such world famous actors and directors as Jackie Chan, Aamir Khan, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, Nuri Bilge Ceylan and others.


tass--2020-12-09--China's Hainan may become the eastern analogue of Hollywood

HAIKOU , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan administration plans to actively develop cinematography and in the foreseeable future turn the island into an eastern analogue of American Hollywood , stated Fu Xuanguo , deputy head of the propaganda department of the provincial party committee , general secretary of the organizing committee of the Hainan International Film Festival .
“ We will take active steps to ensure that this event is an important boost for the development of Hainan Free Trade Port 's culture , a key platform for promoting international exchanges , ” he said at the Film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hainan for the third time .
there is Hollywood , in India there is Bollywood , so why do n't we create our own analogue - Highlywood ?
Cinematographers from China , Russia , Australia , Belarus , US , the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka were invited to participate in the discussions that took place at the conference .
They discussed the prospects for building global partnerships for the production of quality and engaging films .
Fu Xuanguo recalled that the island has excellent ecology and a wonderful climate , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mountain landscapes , which make it possible to organize the filming in various genres .
`` Quite a lot of films were filmed on Hainan this year , '' the official said .
According to the deputy head of the propaganda department , the local film industry primarily needs `` first-class investment , perfect standardization and professionalization . ''
Thanks to them , he believes , the island will have a reliable basis for the mass production of popular films .
Fu Xuanguo noted that over the past three years , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this regard , having achieved noticeable success .
The third Hainan International Film Festival takes place in the resort town of Sanya on December 5-12 .
During the week , 189 films from 60 countries will be screened , the Chinese viewers will see 97 of those for the first time .
This year , the shows were organized in several parts of the province .
The audience can view some of the films online : it is expected that this format will significantly expand the reach .
This time , the organizers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 4,300 films .
The figure turned out to be twice as high as in 2019 .
The best of these motion pictures will compete for prizes in various nominations , including the most prestigious award — the Golden Coconut .
The Hainan Island International Film Festival is recognized as one of the four major film screenings in China .
It was first held in December 2018 and has been held regularly in Sanya since then .
It was attended by such world famous actors and directors as Jackie Chan , Aamir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Nuri Bilge Ceylan and others .

HAIKOU, December 9. /TASS/. The Hainan administration plans to actively develop cinematography and in the foreseeable future turn the island into an eastern analogue of American Hollywood, stated Fu Xuanguo, deputy head of the propaganda department of the provincial party committee, general secretary of the organizing committee of the Hainan International Film Festival.
“We will take active steps to ensure that this event is an important boost for the development of Hainan Free Trade Port's culture, a key platform for promoting international exchanges,” he said at the Film Industry Forum during the annual festival in Hainan for the third time. there is Hollywood, in India there is Bollywood, so why don't we create our own analogue - Highlywood?
Cinematographers from China, Russia, Australia, Belarus, US, the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka were invited to participate in the discussions that took place at the conference. They discussed the prospects for building global partnerships for the production of quality and engaging films.
Fu Xuanguo recalled that the island has excellent ecology and a wonderful climate, as well as many picturesque sea, forest and mountain landscapes, which make it possible to organize the filming in various genres. "Quite a lot of films were filmed on Hainan this year," the official said.
According to the deputy head of the propaganda department, the local film industry primarily needs "first-class investment, perfect standardization and professionalization." Thanks to them, he believes, the island will have a reliable basis for the mass production of popular films. Fu Xuanguo noted that over the past three years, the Hainan authorities have done a lot in this regard, having achieved noticeable success.
Hainan Film Festival
The third Hainan International Film Festival takes place in the resort town of Sanya on December 5-12. During the week, 189 films from 60 countries will be screened, the Chinese viewers will see 97 of those for the first time. This year, the shows were organized in several parts of the province. The audience can view some of the films online: it is expected that this format will significantly expand the reach.
This time, the organizers have considered applications from the creators of more than 4,300 films. The figure turned out to be twice as high as in 2019. The best of these motion pictures will compete for prizes in various nominations, including the most prestigious award — the Golden Coconut.
The Hainan Island International Film Festival is recognized as one of the four major film screenings in China. It was first held in December 2018 and has been held regularly in Sanya since then. It was attended by such world famous actors and directors as Jackie Chan, Aamir Khan, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, Nuri Bilge Ceylan and others.


tass--2020-12-09--Hainan approves fourteenth five-year development plan

HAIKOU , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities approved the fourteenth five-year plan for the socio-economic development of the region for 2021-2025 , TASS correspondent reported citing the propaganda department of the provincial party committee .
According to statement , the Hainan administration has also set goals for the period until 2035 .
It is assumed that in 10 years both the economic and innovation potential of the island will maximize , and it will become one of the most attractive places for foreign investors .
In accordance with the tasks set by the authorities , Hainan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reduce trade barriers for a wide range of imported products during this period of time .
According to the information obtained by TASS , by 2025 the provincial leadership intends to `` lay the foundations of a system-forming mechanism for the implementation of the development strategy of Hainan 's free trade port . ''
The key principles of cooperation with foreign partners in the trade and economic sphere , as noted , will include the simplification of procedures and the gradual abolition of customs duties .
In addition , the island 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach its highest level '' over the next few years .
In response to domestic and international risks , `` effective countermeasures will be taken that will allow timely elimination of the impact of negative factors . ''
During the new five-year plan , the Hainan government is going to place particular emphasis on the development of the modern financial services sector , which allows creating many new jobs .
At the same time , the authorities are improving mechanisms to simplify the activities of domestic and foreign qualified investors with limited liability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overcome a range of barriers to cross-border investment .
According to official data , during the thirteenth socio-economic development plan ( 2016-2020 ) , the annual growth rate of the province 's gross regional product averaged over 10 % .
Hainan has become one of the key Chinese administrative regions with high per capita income .
Tourism , the modern service sector and advanced technology industries have played a particularly important role in improving the welfare of the local residents .
The authorities also said that over the past five years they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hainan 's economy .
As a result , the number of competitive market players , contributing to the growth of innovations , has sharply increased .
As noted in the released statement , `` the basis for the development of an international consumer zone of global importance on the island has been formed . ''
According to preliminary estimates of the region 's statistical office , the average per capita income of the urban population of Hainan in 2020 will reach 27,600 yuan ( over $ 4,200 at the current exchange rate ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 .

HAIKOU, December 9. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities approved the fourteenth five-year plan for the socio-economic development of the region for 2021-2025, TASS correspondent reported citing the propaganda department of the provincial party committee.
According to statement, the Hainan administration has also set goals for the period until 2035. It is assumed that in 10 years both the economic and innovation potential of the island will maximize, and it will become one of the most attractive places for foreign investors. In accordance with the tasks set by the authorities, Hainan is going to zero duties on many goods and reduce trade barriers for a wide range of imported products during this period of time.
According to the information obtained by TASS, by 2025 the provincial leadership intends to "lay the foundations of a system-forming mechanism for the implementation of the development strategy of Hainan's free trade port."
The key principles of cooperation with foreign partners in the trade and economic sphere, as noted, will include the simplification of procedures and the gradual abolition of customs duties. In addition, the island's investment and business climate "should generally reach its highest level" over the next few years. In response to domestic and international risks, "effective countermeasures will be taken that will allow timely elimination of the impact of negative factors."
During the new five-year plan, the Hainan government is going to place particular emphasis on the development of the modern financial services sector, which allows creating many new jobs. At the same time, the authorities are improving mechanisms to simplify the activities of domestic and foreign qualified investors with limited liability. These special regimes enable companies to overcome a range of barriers to cross-border investment.
Hainan's achievements during the thirteenth five-year plan
According to official data, during the thirteenth socio-economic development plan (2016-2020), the annual growth rate of the province's gross regional product averaged over 10%. Hainan has become one of the key Chinese administrative regions with high per capita income. Tourism, the modern service sector and advanced technology industries have played a particularly important role in improving the welfare of the local residents.
The authorities also said that over the past five years they have successfully completed the initial stage of modernizing Hainan's economy. As a result, the number of competitive market players, contributing to the growth of innovations, has sharply increased. As noted in the released statement, "the basis for the development of an international consumer zone of global importance on the island has been formed."
According to preliminary estimates of the region's statistical office, the average per capita income of the urban population of Hainan in 2020 will reach 27,600 yuan (over $ 4,200 at the current exchange rate). This is 45% higher than in 2015.


tass--2020-12-11--New US sanctions to deepen crisis in relations, Russian envoy says

WASHINGTON , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Washington ’ s sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Chechnya ’ s head Ramzan Kadyrov constitute an unfriendly step that will deepen the crisis in relations between Russia and the US , Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov told reporters .
`` The actions of the US administration are just another unfriendly and detrimental move against Russia which will deepen the crisis in bilateral relations .
The allegations that Russian officials are responsible for human rights violations are groundless and beneath criticism , '' he said , according to the embassy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destructive measures the administration is seemingly trying to distract public attention from comprehensive systemic problems inside the United States .
The sphere of human rights is one of them .
Russia has been tirelessly calling upon refusal of any illegitimate unilateral sanctions and returning to normal inter-state relations .
It means engaging in equal and respectful dialogue .
We received no answers to our proposals , '' Antonov added .
On Thursday , the US Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions based on the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies .
Chechnya ’ s Deputy Prime Minister Vakhit Usmayev , Kadyrov ’ s advisor Daniil Martynov and former envoy for he Middle East and North Africa Ziyad Sabsabi are among the blacklisted individuals .
Sanctions were also imposed on FC Akhmat Grozny and several other companies that , according to the US authorities , are `` owned or controlled '' by the Chechen leadership .

WASHINGTON, December 11. /TASS/. Washington’s sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Chechnya’s head Ramzan Kadyrov constitute an unfriendly step that will deepen the crisis in relations between Russia and the US, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov told reporters.
"The actions of the US administration are just another unfriendly and detrimental move against Russia which will deepen the crisis in bilateral relations. The allegations that Russian officials are responsible for human rights violations are groundless and beneath criticism," he said, according to the embassy’s Facebook page.
"With these destructive measures the administration is seemingly trying to distract public attention from comprehensive systemic problems inside the United States. The sphere of human rights is one of them. Russia has been tirelessly calling upon refusal of any illegitimate unilateral sanctions and returning to normal inter-state relations. It means engaging in equal and respectful dialogue. We received no answers to our proposals," Antonov added.
On Thursday, the US Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions based on the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, particularly targeting Kadyrov and several other individuals and companies. Chechnya’s Deputy Prime Minister Vakhit Usmayev, Kadyrov’s advisor Daniil Martynov and former envoy for he Middle East and North Africa Ziyad Sabsabi are among the blacklisted individuals. Sanctions were also imposed on FC Akhmat Grozny and several other companies that, according to the US authorities, are "owned or controlled" by the Chechen leadership.


tass--2020-12-11--Over 100 US House Republicans back Texas lawsuit challenging election results

WASHINGTON , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 106 Republican members of the US House of Representatives have @ @ @ @ @ support of a Texas lawsuit aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 US presidential @ @ @ @ @ the Hill news website reported .
`` This brief presents [ our ] concern as @ @ @ @ @ by untold millions of their constituents , that the unconstitutional irregularities involved in the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ its outcome and the integrity of the American system of elections , '' the document @ @ @ @ @ the Hill .
The lawsuit filed with the US Supreme Court by Texas Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ overturning the election results in the battleground states of Pennsylvania , Georgia , Wisconsin , @ @ @

WASHINGTON, December 11. /TASS/. As many as 106 Republican members of the US House of Representatives have signed an amicus brief in support of a Texas lawsuit aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 US presidential election in four states, the Hill news website reported.
"This brief presents [our] concern as Members of Congress, shared by untold millions of their constituents, that the unconstitutional irregularities involved in the 2020 presidential election cast doubt upon its outcome and the integrity of the American system of elections," the document reads, as cited by the Hill.
The lawsuit filed with the US Supreme Court by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is aimed at overturning the election results in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Michigan.


tass--2020-12-11--Russia to give tit-for-tat response to expulsion of diplomats from the Netherlands

MOSCOW , December 11 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow will give a tit-for-tat response to the expulsion of two Russian diplomats @ @ @ @ @ spying , Chairman of the Russian Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) @ @ @ @ @ told TASS .
`` A tit-for-tat response can be expected in this situation , which @ @ @ @ @ situation , '' he said .
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service AIVD earlier @ @ @ @ @ spying .
According to the AIVD , an `` intelligence officer - who worked at @ @ @ @ @ Hague with diplomatic accreditation - engaged in espionage activities in the field of science and @ @ @ @ @ a second Russian SVR intelligence officer , who also worked at the Russian Embassy in @ @ @ @ @ , played a supporting role . ''
Both of them have been declared personae non @ @ @ @ @ leave the country .

MOSCOW, December 11. /TASS/. Moscow will give a tit-for-tat response to the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from the Netherlands over alleged spying, Chairman of the Russian Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev told TASS.
"A tit-for-tat response can be expected in this situation, which should not depend on the situation," he said.
The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service AIVD earlier accused two Russian diplomats of spying. According to the AIVD, an "intelligence officer - who worked at the Russian Embassy in The Hague with diplomatic accreditation - engaged in espionage activities in the field of science and technology," while "a second Russian SVR intelligence officer, who also worked at the Russian Embassy in The Hague with diplomatic accreditation, played a supporting role." Both of them have been declared personae non grata and will have to leave the country.