tass--2020-12-08--Russian developer ready to produce Sputnik V coronavirus jab in Ukraine

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) and Ukraine ’ s Verkhovna Rada ( parliament ) member Viktor Medvedchuk have discussed cooperation on supply and production of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Ukraine .
The RDIF ( the investor ) and the Gamaleya Center ( the developer ) have expressed readiness to produce the Russian jab in Ukraine and submit documents to register it to relevant state agencies , the fund said in a statement .
`` RDIF and the Gamaleya Center are ready to produce the vaccine in Ukraine and apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulators .
Production of the vaccine has already been made possible in Ukraine at one of the country 's leading pharmaceutical companies , Biolik .
The company ’ s facilities comply with all applicable GMP standards , '' the fund said in a press release .
According to RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev , logistic costs can be cut significantly if Ukraine launches vaccine production .
`` RDIF is committed to cooperating and working together to organize the supply and production of the Sputnik V vaccine , created on a proven platform of human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During our meeting we informed our partners on the efficacy , technological platform and other data regarding the vaccine .
We also discussed details in the context of possible production in Ukraine , which will significantly reduce logistics costs .
Sputnik V will help save the lives of people in Ukraine and protect them from coronavirus infection at this difficult time for humanity , '' he stressed .
`` We also note some positive changes in the position of our foreign colleagues , in particular the EU , where it is possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine for emergency use on its territory .
In addition , Sputnik V may be produced on the territory of an EU member state under the condition of exporting it later outside the European market .
When it comes to vaccines , partnership is the only way to overcome the pandemic . ''

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament) member Viktor Medvedchuk have discussed cooperation on supply and production of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Ukraine. The RDIF (the investor) and the Gamaleya Center (the developer) have expressed readiness to produce the Russian jab in Ukraine and submit documents to register it to relevant state agencies, the fund said in a statement.
"RDIF and the Gamaleya Center are ready to produce the vaccine in Ukraine and apply for registration by the country’s regulators. Production of the vaccine has already been made possible in Ukraine at one of the country's leading pharmaceutical companies, Biolik. The company’s facilities comply with all applicable GMP standards," the fund said in a press release.
According to RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev, logistic costs can be cut significantly if Ukraine launches vaccine production.
"RDIF is committed to cooperating and working together to organize the supply and production of the Sputnik V vaccine, created on a proven platform of human adenoviral vectors, with all interested countries. During our meeting we informed our partners on the efficacy, technological platform and other data regarding the vaccine. We also discussed details in the context of possible production in Ukraine, which will significantly reduce logistics costs. Sputnik V will help save the lives of people in Ukraine and protect them from coronavirus infection at this difficult time for humanity," he stressed. "We also note some positive changes in the position of our foreign colleagues, in particular the EU, where it is possible for a member state to approve a vaccine for emergency use on its territory. In addition, Sputnik V may be produced on the territory of an EU member state under the condition of exporting it later outside the European market. When it comes to vaccines, partnership is the only way to overcome the pandemic."


tass--2020-12-08--Netherlands disagrees with Russia’s proposal to amend tax treaty

THE HAGUE , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Netherlands disagrees with the Russian proposal to amend the tax treaty , press officer of the Dutch Finance Ministry Remco Raus .
`` According to the Netherlands , the Russian proposal to amend the tax treaty takes too limited account of real economic activities .
This proposal therefore has negative consequences for both the Dutch and Russian businesses , '' he said .
According to Raus , the Dutch side has made `` constructive proposals to preserve the tax treaty for real economic activities whilst preventing access to activities that do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Dutch policy to combat tax avoidance . ''
He added that discussions on the revision of the tax treaty are still ongoing .
Generally , the Netherlands is prepared to review the tax treaty and is constructive during the process , Raus said .
He added that for his country it is important that a new treaty does justice to mutual interests .
`` Various Dutch companies ( both listed and non-listed ) are developing activities in Russia and vice versa .
Both Russia and the Netherlands benefit from retaining these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , Russia ’ s Finance Ministry announced that it had begun to develop a bill to denounce the tax agreement with the Netherlands .
The department noted that before that , the parties had passed several rounds of negotiations to amend the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation in terms of increasing the withholding tax to 15 % in respect of dividends and interest .
The conditions Russia offered the Dutch side conditions are similar to those that had already been agreed with Cyprus , Luxembourg and Malta , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian side did not support the approach to changing the agreement proposed by the Netherlands , since it provided for the preservation of separate channels for the withdrawal of funds from the country .
According to the Finance Ministry , under the current agreement , significant resources were withdrawn to the Netherlands in the form of interest and dividend payments .
The volume of such payments amounted to more than 457 billion rubles ( $ 6.2 bln ) in 2017 , more than 412 billion rubles ( $ 5.6 bln ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rubles ( $ 4.6 bln ) in 2019 .

THE HAGUE, December 8. /TASS/. The Netherlands disagrees with the Russian proposal to amend the tax treaty, press officer of the Dutch Finance Ministry Remco Raus.
"According to the Netherlands, the Russian proposal to amend the tax treaty takes too limited account of real economic activities. This proposal therefore has negative consequences for both the Dutch and Russian businesses," he said.
According to Raus, the Dutch side has made "constructive proposals to preserve the tax treaty for real economic activities whilst preventing access to activities that do not contribute to the economy in line with the Dutch policy to combat tax avoidance." He added that discussions on the revision of the tax treaty are still ongoing.
Generally, the Netherlands is prepared to review the tax treaty and is constructive during the process, Raus said. He added that for his country it is important that a new treaty does justice to mutual interests.
"Various Dutch companies (both listed and non-listed) are developing activities in Russia and vice versa. Both Russia and the Netherlands benefit from retaining these economic activities," he said.
Last week, Russia’s Finance Ministry announced that it had begun to develop a bill to denounce the tax agreement with the Netherlands. The department noted that before that, the parties had passed several rounds of negotiations to amend the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation in terms of increasing the withholding tax to 15% in respect of dividends and interest. The conditions Russia offered the Dutch side conditions are similar to those that had already been agreed with Cyprus, Luxembourg and Malta, but the negotiations were unsuccessful. In turn, the Russian side did not support the approach to changing the agreement proposed by the Netherlands, since it provided for the preservation of separate channels for the withdrawal of funds from the country.
According to the Finance Ministry, under the current agreement, significant resources were withdrawn to the Netherlands in the form of interest and dividend payments. The volume of such payments amounted to more than 457 billion rubles ($6.2 bln) in 2017, more than 412 billion rubles ($5.6 bln) in 2018 and more than 339 billion rubles ($4.6 bln) in 2019.


tass--2020-12-08--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeds 150,000

MINSK , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 1,649 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 150,000 , the health ministry reported on Tuesday .
`` As many as 150,602 people , or 1.58 % of the country ’ s population , have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' it said , adding that the daily tally was 1,649 .
`` A total of 1,222 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak , '' it said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the past day .
According to the latest update , as many as 127,528 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease , including 1,444 during the day .
A total of 3,461,753 tests for the novel coronavirus have been conducted in the country since the epidemic outbreak , including 12,664 during the past day .
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns , with mass gathering not being banned .
The authorities pledge that the country ’ s public health system is prepared for the second wave of the epidemic .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks in public places .
A vaccination campaign as part of post-registration tests of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine kicked off in Belarus from October 1 .

MINSK, December 8. /TASS/. As many as 1,649 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 150,000, the health ministry reported on Tuesday.
"As many as 150,602 people, or 1.58% of the country’s population, have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 1,649.
"A total of 1,222 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said, adding that seven such deaths were reported during the past day. According to the latest update, as many as 127,528 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease, including 1,444 during the day. A total of 3,461,753 tests for the novel coronavirus have been conducted in the country since the epidemic outbreak, including 12,664 during the past day.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The authorities pledge that the country’s public health system is prepared for the second wave of the epidemic. However, people are requested to wear face masks in public places. A vaccination campaign as part of post-registration tests of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine kicked off in Belarus from October 1.


tass--2020-12-08--CEOs, Pledged to Advance Women Global Peers in Elevating Women in Leadership Roles

NEW YORK , Dec. 8 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again , Catalyst CEO Champions For Change are advancing women across the leadership pipeline , according to the newly released Towards a More Equitable Future : The Catalyst CEO Champions For Change report .
The report also identifies ways global companies can collect data on ethnicity and race in their organizations .
The tangible progress in women 's representation in the global leadership pipeline shows women comprise nearly 40 % of managers and are nearly at a third of senior-level and board leadership : The pandemic and protests against racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propelling more companies to dig deep and commit to taking action to break down systemic barriers created by racial and ethnic inequities .
Long before 2020 , Catalyst CEO Champions For Change have been engaged in this effort , and they continue to lead the way toward creating more inclusive workplaces .
`` Across all levels of our company , we 're committed to increasing the representation and visibility of diverse talent , and our partnership with the Catalyst CEO Champions For Change will help us to accelerate that progress , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America .
`` We have also built on work we have had underway throughout our company 's history to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace and have seen increases in diverse representation in nearly every area . ''
The report explores ways to measure the representation of women who identify with underrepresented ethnic and racial groups and provides a three-step plan to help organizations accelerate their journey toward equity : • Step 2 : Establish a system for collecting reliable data on race and ethnicity .
`` Women , and particularly women of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to advancement in companies across the world , but it 's important that Catalyst CEO Champions For Change companies continue to demonstrate collective progress , '' said Catalyst President & CEO Lorraine Hariton .
`` We know more work needs to be done , but the data show positive gains , and we 're proud to partner with these CEOs in this effort . ''
Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world 's most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women .
Founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pioneering research , practical tools , and proven solutions to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone .

NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Once again, Catalyst CEO Champions For Change are advancing women across the leadership pipeline, according to the newly released Towards a More Equitable Future: The Catalyst CEO Champions For Change report. The report also identifies ways global companies can collect data on ethnicity and race in their organizations.
The tangible progress in women's representation in the global leadership pipeline shows women comprise nearly 40% of managers and are nearly at a third of senior-level and board leadership:
Executives: 27.0% (vs. global companies: 23%)
Senior managers: 29.5% (vs. global companies: 29%)
Managers: 39.3% (vs. global companies: 37%)
Board directors: 31.6% (vs. S&P 500: 26%)
The pandemic and protests against racism have led to a corporate awakening, propelling more companies to dig deep and commit to taking action to break down systemic barriers created by racial and ethnic inequities. Long before 2020, Catalyst CEO Champions For Change have been engaged in this effort, and they continue to lead the way toward creating more inclusive workplaces.
"Across all levels of our company, we're committed to increasing the representation and visibility of diverse talent, and our partnership with the Catalyst CEO Champions For Change will help us to accelerate that progress," said Brian Moynihan, CEO at Bank of America. "We have also built on work we have had underway throughout our company's history to ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace and have seen increases in diverse representation in nearly every area."
The report explores ways to measure the representation of women who identify with underrepresented ethnic and racial groups and provides a three-step plan to help organizations accelerate their journey toward equity:
Step 1: Get educated on intersectionality.
Step 2: Establish a system for collecting reliable data on race and ethnicity.
Step 3: Start the conversation about racism.
"Women, and particularly women of color, continue to face entrenched barriers to advancement in companies across the world, but it's important that Catalyst CEO Champions For Change companies continue to demonstrate collective progress," said Catalyst President & CEO Lorraine Hariton. "We know more work needs to be done, but the data show positive gains, and we're proud to partner with these CEOs in this effort."
Read the report .
Learn more.
About Catalyst
Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world's most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with pioneering research, practical tools, and proven solutions to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone.
Media Contacts:
Naomi R. Patton
Vice President, Media & Public Relations
Catalyst
npatton@catalyst.org
Stephanie Wolf
US Communications Consultant
Catalyst
media@stephaniewolfpr.com


tass--2020-12-09--Maduro says Colombia organized his assassination attempt on election day

BOGOTA , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told reporters in Caracas that an assassination attempt on him , organized by the authorities of Colombia , had been plotted on the day of the parliamentary election in his country .
`` A reliable source in the Colombian intelligence reported that an election day assassination attempt on me was being plotted .
< ... > [ Colombian President ] Ivan Duque played a role in the plans to organize my assassination , '' Maduro said in a specch , broadcast by the Telesur TV channel .
The Venezuelan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling station where he cast his ballot as a precaution .
Parliamentary polls were held in Venezuela on December 6 to elect 277 lawmakers of the unicameral National Assembly .
With 82 % of ballots counted , the Great Patriotic Pole coalition led by the presidential United Socialist Party of Venezuela is winning 67.6 % of votes .
The Democratic Alliance of the moderate opposition is second with 17.95 % of ballots .
A large number of opponents of the current government , who are currently controlling the parliament , including opposition leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the polls .
They had voiced doubt over the election results before they were announced .

BOGOTA, December 9. /TASS/. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told reporters in Caracas that an assassination attempt on him, organized by the authorities of Colombia, had been plotted on the day of the parliamentary election in his country.
"A reliable source in the Colombian intelligence reported that an election day assassination attempt on me was being plotted. <...> [Colombian President] Ivan Duque played a role in the plans to organize my assassination," Maduro said in a specch, broadcast by the Telesur TV channel.
The Venezuelan leader said he had to change the polling station where he cast his ballot as a precaution.
Parliamentary polls were held in Venezuela on December 6 to elect 277 lawmakers of the unicameral National Assembly. With 82% of ballots counted, the Great Patriotic Pole coalition led by the presidential United Socialist Party of Venezuela is winning 67.6% of votes. The Democratic Alliance of the moderate opposition is second with 17.95% of ballots. A large number of opponents of the current government, who are currently controlling the parliament, including opposition leader Juan Guaido, refused to take part in the polls. They had voiced doubt over the election results before they were announced.


tass--2020-12-09--Parliament enhances immunity guarantees for ex-presidents

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s State Duma ( lower house ) has adopted in the third , final reading a law stipulating that former Russian presidents can be stripped of immunity only if the lower house of parliament brings formal charges against them .
Under the previous rules a former president could be stripped of immunity if indicted on charges of committing a grave crime during his tenure of office .
The procedure is initiated by the chief of Russia ’ s Investigative Committee by means of sending a corresponding request to the State Duma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terminating the immunity of the former head of state .
The resolution is then forwarded to the Federation Council ( upper house ) , which is obliged to consider the motion within three months .
However , according to the new constitutional provisions , the president can be ousted and the ex-president stripped of immunity by the Federation Council only on the condition of being charged by the State Duma of high treason or other serious crime and provided that the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court have confirmed that all rules of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accordance with the adopted law an ex-president may be stripped of immunity if the State Duma puts forward charges of high treason or other serious offense .
The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court are to confirm the charges were made in accordance with the established rules .
On the basis of these accusations the Federation Council may rule that the former president can be stripped of immunity .
The State Duma ’ s decision on bringing the charges or the Federation Council ’ s decision to strip a former president of immunity are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower and upper house members at the initiative of no less than one-third of lower house members , and on the condition that there is a conclusion by a special commission , formed by the State Duma .
After the State Duma puts forward charges against a former head of state , the Federation Council will have three months to make a decision to terminate the immunity .
If this is not done , the charges are considered to be rejected .
The ex-president against whom the accusations have been made has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both houses of parliament that consider the issue .
The whole procedure is identical to the one used for ousting the incumbent head of state , described in article 93 of the Constitution .
Earlier , one of the authors of the bill , chairman of the State Duma ’ s on State Building and Legislation , Pavel Krasheninnikov , said that the introduction of such amendments was necessary in the first place for society ’ s stability and for preventing attempts at settling scores with former heads of state who had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the ex-president can not be brought to justice on criminal or administrative charges , detained , arrested or searched .
Currently the restriction is effective only in relation to actions taken during the president ’ s term of office or cases connected with the performance of duties of the head of state .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Russia’s State Duma (lower house) has adopted in the third and final reading a law stipulating that former Russian presidents can be stripped of immunity only if the lower house of parliament brings formal charges against them.
Under the previous rules a former president could be stripped of immunity if indicted on charges of committing a grave crime during his tenure of office. The procedure is initiated by the chief of Russia’s Investigative Committee by means of sending a corresponding request to the State Duma, which may give its consent to terminating the immunity of the former head of state. The resolution is then forwarded to the Federation Council (upper house), which is obliged to consider the motion within three months.
However, according to the new constitutional provisions, the president can be ousted and the ex-president stripped of immunity by the Federation Council only on the condition of being charged by the State Duma of high treason or other serious crime and provided that the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court have confirmed that all rules of presenting the charges were observed.
New rules
In accordance with the adopted law an ex-president may be stripped of immunity if the State Duma puts forward charges of high treason or another serious offense. The Supreme Court and Constitutional Court are to confirm the charges were made in accordance with the established rules. On the basis of these accusations the Federation Council may rule that the former president can be stripped of immunity.
State Duma’s decision on bringing the charges or the Federation Council’s decision to strip a former president of immunity are to be made by two-thirds of the lower and upper house members at the initiative of no less than one-third of lower house members, and on the condition that there is a conclusion by a special commission, formed by the State Duma. After the State Duma puts forward charges against a former head of state, the Federation Council will have three months to make a decision to terminate the immunity. If this is not done, the charges are considered to be rejected.
The ex-president against whom the accusations have been made has the right to participate in the meetings of both houses of parliament that consider the issue. The whole procedure is identical to the one used for ousting the incumbent head of state, described in article 93 of the Constitution. Earlier, one of the authors of the bill, chairman of the State Duma’s Committee on State Building and Legislation, Pavel Krasheninnikov, said that the introduction of such amendments was necessary in the first place for society’s stability and for preventing attempts at settling scores with former heads of state who had to take unpopular decisions.
The law says that the ex-president cannot be brought to justice on criminal or administrative charges, detained, arrested or searched. Currently the restriction is effective only in relation to actions taken during the president’s term of office or cases connected with the performance of duties of the head of state.


tass--2020-12-09--St. Petersburg has high COVID-19 lethality rate due to large share of seniors, says expert

ST. PETERSBURG , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
St. Petersburg has reported a high COVID-19 lethality rate due to the fact that the city has a large share of senior population , Deputy Director of Russia ’ s Central Research Institute of Epidemiology Alexander Gorelov told reporters on Wednesday .
`` There is an easy explanation [ for the high lethality rate ] .
If we look at the age structure of the Petersburg population , it differs significantly from other regions , where the population is younger .
Based on the statistics from recent years , there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We know that people over 65 are a high-risk group , and the infection lasts longer and causes more severe symptoms if there is a pre-existing condition , '' he said .
According to recent data , St. Petersburg has documented 159,389 cases of COVID-19 .
It ranks second after Moscow on the amount of coronavirus cases .
Meanwhile , 89,890 patients have recovered in St. Petersburg and 6,030 have died .
In the past 24 hours , 3,761 COVID-19 cases have been documented in St. Petersburg , which is the highest figure @ @ @ @ @ @ @

ST. PETERSBURG, December 9. /TASS/. St. Petersburg has reported a high COVID-19 lethality rate due to the fact that the city has a large share of senior population, Deputy Director of Russia’s Central Research Institute of Epidemiology Alexander Gorelov told reporters on Wednesday.
"There is an easy explanation [for the high lethality rate]. If we look at the age structure of the Petersburg population, it differs significantly from other regions, where the population is younger. Based on the statistics from recent years, there is a large share of seniors in Petersburg. We know that people over 65 are a high-risk group, and the infection lasts longer and causes more severe symptoms if there is a pre-existing condition," he said.
According to recent data, St. Petersburg has documented 159,389 cases of COVID-19. It ranks second after Moscow on the amount of coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, 89,890 patients have recovered in St. Petersburg and 6,030 have died. In the past 24 hours, 3,761 COVID-19 cases have been documented in St. Petersburg, which is the highest figure since the start of the pandemic.


tass--2020-12-09--COVID-19 doesn’t affect future offspring, says expert

ST. PETERSBURG , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
COVID-19 can not affect future offspring of people who overcame the disease in any way if patients recover and go through rehabilitation process following the infection , Areg Totolian , Director of the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute , told reporters Wednesday .
`` If a person recovers and undergoes rehabilitation , their offspring will not be affected by the disease .
Although rehabilitation can take a rather long time for severe cases of the disease , '' he said when asked if potential children can be affected by COVID-19 .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , more than 68.3 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,500,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 2,541,199 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 2,007,792 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 44,718 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

ST. PETERSBURG, December 9. /TASS/. COVID-19 cannot affect future offspring of people who overcame the disease in any way if patients recover and go through rehabilitation process following the infection, Areg Totolian, Director of the St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, told reporters Wednesday.
"If a person recovers and undergoes rehabilitation, their offspring will not be affected by the disease. Although rehabilitation can take a rather long time for severe cases of the disease," he said when asked if potential children can be affected by COVID-19.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
According to the latest statistics, more than 68.3 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,500,000 deaths have been reported. To date, 2,541,199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,007,792 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 44,718 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-09--Europe is likely to put up with US sanctions to fight China, expert says

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The EU countries will yield to Washington 's pressure and put up with restrictions owing to US sanctions imposed on third countries in order to support their Atlantic ally in the fight against Beijing , the Valdai Discussion Club ’ s Program Director Timofey Bordachev said at the XI Asian Conference on `` Russia and Asia after the pandemic '' .
The expert underlined that `` 2020 was the year of Asia , '' noting that this part of the world was not only the origin of the coronavirus but also of common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large-scale restrictions .
At the same time , it would be more appropriate to talk not even about Asian , but precisely about Chinese methods of fighting the pandemic , Bordachev said .
Thus , the expert believes China 's authority on the international arena has substantially increased by the end of this year and is likely to keep growing further , which will fuel confrontation with the United States .
`` The change in the world balance of power was due to China ’ s growth , the enormous strengthening of Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps , that 's why Asia is identified with China .
When we say that Asian countries handle the virus better , we mean China , not India , '' Bordachev said .
This confrontation is likely to be translated into trade and sanctions wars .
That is , Washington will deepen and promote unilateral sanctions , punishing not only Chinese companies , but also those that collaborate with them , including the US allies ’ companies in Europe .
The European Union in this situation , as in the case of cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - to yield to pressure or to tolerate Washington ’ s actions and to stop working with Beijing .
`` The Europeans are in a more challenging situation now , however , I think that European countries will eventually agree to some economic self-restraint in order to support their American allies in a constant struggle against the Chinese power growth , '' Bordachev said .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. The EU countries will yield to Washington's pressure and put up with restrictions owing to US sanctions imposed on third countries in order to support their Atlantic ally in the fight against Beijing, the Valdai Discussion Club’s Program Director Timofey Bordachev said at the XI Asian Conference on "Russia and Asia after the pandemic".
The expert underlined that "2020 was the year of Asia," noting that this part of the world was not only the origin of the coronavirus but also of common methods of combating it - quarantine and large-scale restrictions. At the same time, it would be more appropriate to talk not even about Asian, but precisely about Chinese methods of fighting the pandemic, Bordachev said.
Thus, the expert believes China's authority on the international arena has substantially increased by the end of this year and is likely to keep growing further, which will fuel confrontation with the United States.
"The change in the world balance of power was due to China’s growth, the enormous strengthening of Chinese opportunities, and entering global competition. Perhaps, that's why Asia is identified with China. When we say that Asian countries handle the virus better, we mean China, not India," Bordachev said.
This confrontation is likely to be translated into trade and sanctions wars. That is, Washington will deepen and promote unilateral sanctions, punishing not only Chinese companies, but also those that collaborate with them, including the US allies’ companies in Europe. The European Union in this situation, as in the case of cooperation with Russia, will face a choice - to yield to pressure or to tolerate Washington’s actions and to stop working with Beijing.
"The Europeans are in a more challenging situation now, however, I think that European countries will eventually agree to some economic self-restraint in order to support their American allies in a constant struggle against the Chinese power growth," Bordachev said.


tass--2020-12-09--Situation around Navalny not central to conversation of Putin, Merkel — Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russian and German leaders Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel in a recent phone conversation touched on the subject of blogger Alexey Navalny , which , as the spokesman revealed , did not top the agenda .
`` In our statement we pointed out those conversation subjects that were the most fully discussed and that are the most important , '' the spokesman told journalists on Wednesday commenting on the phone conversation between Putin and Merkel on December 7 .
According to him , `` the subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon , which the German side reported on . ''
The Kremlin representative added that no changes were introduced to the statement by the Kremlin press service .
`` Neither Putin , nor Merkel are physicians to discuss the issues of [ Navalny ’ s ] treatment , '' the spokesman noted answering a question of how exactly the situation around Navalny was discussed .
The spokesman did not provide any explanation , reiterating that `` the subject was mentioned . ''
On Monday , the Kremlin press service reported that Putin and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh , the issues of settlement in Ukraine and implementation of Minsk-2 , as well as agreed upon further contacts between the health ministries of Russia and Germany on the issue of vaccines , among others .
The Kremlin did not mention the discussion of the situation around Navalny while Germany ’ s cabinet of ministers reported about it later .
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
Later , he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charite hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
According to Berlin , these conclusions were confirmed by laboratories in France and Sweden .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeatedly emphasized that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany and pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin @

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that Russian and German leaders Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel in a recent phone conversation touched on the subject of blogger Alexey Navalny, which, as the spokesman revealed, did not top the agenda.
"In our statement we pointed out those conversation subjects that were the most fully discussed and that are the most important," the spokesman told journalists on Wednesday commenting on the phone conversation between Putin and Merkel on December 7. According to him, "the subject of the Berlin patient was indeed touched upon, which the German side reported on." The Kremlin representative added that no changes were introduced to the statement by the Kremlin press service.
"Neither Putin, nor Merkel are physicians to discuss the issues of [Navalny’s] treatment," the spokesman noted answering a question of how exactly the situation around Navalny was discussed. The spokesman did not provide any explanation, reiterating that "the subject was mentioned."
On Monday, the Kremlin press service reported that Putin and Merkel in a phone conversation hashed over the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh, the issues of settlement in Ukraine and implementation of Minsk-2, as well as agreed upon further contacts between the health ministries of Russia and Germany on the issue of vaccines, among others. The Kremlin did not mention the discussion of the situation around Navalny while Germany’s cabinet of ministers reported about it later.
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. Later, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital. On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family. According to Berlin, these conclusions were confirmed by laboratories in France and Sweden.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov repeatedly emphasized that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany and pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.


tass--2020-12-09--Number of COVID-19 patients in Russia may surpass 30,000 per day, says expert

ST. PETERSBURG , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed daily coronavirus cases in Russia may exceed 30,000 , Deputy Director of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Russia ’ s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Alexander Gorelov told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Why not ?
If we abide by the rules prescribed by Rospotrebnadzor [ the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing ] now , then no , '' he said .
According to the expert , it is impossible to predict how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the epidemic .
`` This is determined by the number of tests , because , if we have half a million tests rather than 300,000 , the number of cases should increase , but this is unrelated to the situation , '' he said .
So far , December 6 was the only day when Russia reported more than 29,000 daily COVID-19 cases .
To date , 2,541,199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,007,792 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 44,718 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

ST. PETERSBURG, December 9. /TASS/. The number of confirmed daily coronavirus cases in Russia may exceed 30,000, Deputy Director of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Russia’s Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Alexander Gorelov told reporters on Wednesday.
"Why not? If we abide by the rules prescribed by Rospotrebnadzor [the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing] now, then no," he said.
According to the expert, it is impossible to predict how many cases can be recorded at the peak of the epidemic. "This is determined by the number of tests, because, if we have half a million tests rather than 300,000, the number of cases should increase, but this is unrelated to the situation," he said.
So far, December 6 was the only day when Russia reported more than 29,000 daily COVID-19 cases.
To date, 2,541,199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,007,792 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 44,718 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-09--Free to defend our soil which includes Crimea: Russia blasts Ukraine-led UN resolution

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Crimea is Russia ’ s sovereign territory , and the country has the right to do everything necessary there to guarantee its security according to the norms spelled out by international law , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday , commenting on the Ukraine-initiated resolution on the `` militarization '' of Crimea approved by the UN General Assembly .
`` In this case , the issue at hand is the sovereign territory of the Russian Federation , where the Russian Federation is free to do everything that is necessary to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international law and within the framework of its international obligations , '' Peskov specified .
On Monday , the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on the `` problem of militarization '' of Crimea as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov put forward by Ukraine .
Sixty-three countries voted in favor of the motion , 17 states voted against it , and 62 others abstained .
A fairly large number of countries , including Azerbaijan , Lebanon , the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan , did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to Russia , among those countries that opposed the resolution were Belarus , Armenia , China , Serbia , Kyrgyzstan , Iran , North Korea and Venezuela .
The resolution urges the Russian Federation , `` as the occupying Power , '' to withdraw its military forces from Crimea .
It also calls on Russia to stop the transfer of advanced weapon systems , including aircraft and missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons , ammunition and military personnel `` to the territory of Ukraine . ''
For his part , Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN Dmitry Polyansky stressed at the session that Ukraine ’ s initiatives on the issue were futile .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Crimea is Russia’s sovereign territory, and the country has the right to do everything necessary there to guarantee its security according to the norms spelled out by international law, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday, commenting on the Ukraine-initiated resolution on the "militarization" of Crimea approved by the UN General Assembly.
"In this case, the issue at hand is the sovereign territory of the Russian Federation, where the Russian Federation is free to do everything that is necessary to ensure its own security within the framework of international law and within the framework of its international obligations," Peskov specified.
On Monday, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution on the "problem of militarization" of Crimea as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov put forward by Ukraine. Sixty-three countries voted in favor of the motion, 17 states voted against it, and 62 others abstained. A fairly large number of countries, including Azerbaijan, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan, did not express their position at all. In addition to Russia, among those countries that opposed the resolution were Belarus, Armenia, China, Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, North Korea and Venezuela.
The resolution urges the Russian Federation, "as the occupying Power," to withdraw its military forces from Crimea. It also calls on Russia to stop the transfer of advanced weapon systems, including aircraft and missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons, ammunition and military personnel "to the territory of Ukraine."
For his part, Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky stressed at the session that Ukraine’s initiatives on the issue were futile.


tass--2020-12-09--Russian Baltic Fleet corvettes return home after Atlantic deployment

KALININGRAD , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
A group of the Baltic Fleet ’ s warships comprising the corvettes Boiky and Steregushchiy returned to its home base of Baltiysk after successfully accomplishing long-distance deployment missions in the North Atlantic , Fleet Spokesman Roman Martov told TASS on Wednesday .
`` During their deployment that lasted 77 days , the corvettes Boiky and Steregushchiy covered a total distance of almost 9,500 nautical miles .
In the Atlantic Ocean , the warships ’ crews held drills for air , anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare defense and practiced assigned tasks , '' the spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the corvettes dealt with the tasks of searching for , detecting and destroying a notional enemy ’ s submarine with anti-submarine armament in interaction with the crews of Ka-27 helicopters of the Fleet ’ s naval aviation based on the decks of the Boiky and the Steregushchiy , the spokesman specified .
The warships also held drills for delivering a missile strike from Uran anti-ship missile systems against a notional enemy ’ s naval groups with electronic missile launches and held training for the corvettes ’ personnel and anti-terror squads to defend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The basic task of the deployment by the corvettes Boiky and Steregushchiy to the Atlantic was to ensure the constant naval presence of the Baltic Fleet ’ s ships in the area of its responsibility , '' the spokesman said .
The Boiky and the Steregushchiy are Project 20380 multi-purpose guided missile corvettes developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau ( St. Petersburg ) to accomplish green-water missions , fight enemy surface ships and submarines , patrol coastal waters and provide fire support during amphibious assault operations .
The Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guns , surface-to-air missile/artillery systems , supersonic missiles , automatic artillery launchers and other types of armament .
The Project 20380 corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter .
The Steregushchiy is the Project 20380 lead corvette operational in the Baltic Fleet since February 2008 while the Boiky is the Project ’ s third warship ( the second serial-produced ship ) in service since May 2013 .

KALININGRAD, December 9. /TASS/. A group of the Baltic Fleet’s warships comprising the corvettes Boiky and Steregushchiy returned to its home base of Baltiysk after successfully accomplishing long-distance deployment missions in the North Atlantic, Fleet Spokesman Roman Martov told TASS on Wednesday.
"During their deployment that lasted 77 days, the corvettes Boiky and Steregushchiy covered a total distance of almost 9,500 nautical miles. In the Atlantic Ocean, the warships’ crews held drills for air, anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare defense and practiced assigned tasks," the spokesman said.
While staying in the Atlantic, the corvettes dealt with the tasks of searching for, detecting and destroying a notional enemy’s submarine with anti-submarine armament in interaction with the crews of Ka-27 helicopters of the Fleet’s naval aviation based on the decks of the Boiky and the Steregushchiy, the spokesman specified.
The warships also held drills for delivering a missile strike from Uran anti-ship missile systems against a notional enemy’s naval groups with electronic missile launches and held training for the corvettes’ personnel and anti-terror squads to defend the ships against saboteurs, he said.
"The basic task of the deployment by the corvettes Boiky and Steregushchiy to the Atlantic was to ensure the constant naval presence of the Baltic Fleet’s ships in the area of its responsibility," the spokesman said.
Multi-purpose corvettes
The Boiky and the Steregushchiy are Project 20380 multi-purpose guided missile corvettes developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau (St. Petersburg) to accomplish green-water missions, fight enemy surface ships and submarines, patrol coastal waters and provide fire support during amphibious assault operations.
The Project 20380 corvettes are armed with multi-purpose artillery guns, surface-to-air missile/artillery systems, supersonic missiles, automatic artillery launchers and other types of armament. The Project 20380 corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter.
The Steregushchiy is the Project 20380 lead corvette operational in the Baltic Fleet since February 2008 while the Boiky is the Project’s third warship (the second serial-produced ship) in service since May 2013.


tass--2020-12-09--Kremlin regrets IOC sanctions against Belarus’ Olympic Committee

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia regrets the decision of the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) to introduce provisional sanctions against representatives of the Belarusian National Olympic Committee ( NOC ) suspending their participation in IOC events , namely the Olympics , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday , adding that Alexander Lukashenko is the legitimate president of Belarus and heads the country ’ s Olympic Committee .
`` We regret this decision [ by the IOC ] a lot .
At the same time , we value our relations with Belarus , which include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the spokesman said .
On December 8 , the IOC Executive Board announced a set of provisional sanctions against the Belarusian NOC .
The set of the imposed IOC Executive Board ’ s measures in regard to the Belarusian Olympic Committee rules in particular to : `` Exclude the currently elected members of the Executive Board of the NOC of Belarus from all IOC events and activities , including the Olympic Games . ''
`` This includes in particular Mr. Alexander Lukashenko , in his capacity as NOC President and legal representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in his capacity as NOC First Vice-President and the person responsible for the NOC ’ s operations and activities on a daily basis ; and Mr. Dmitry Baskov , in his capacity as a NOC Executive Board member and in view of the specific allegations raised against him , '' the statement reads .
These sanctions were introduced on the outcomes of the investigation launched on November 25 based on the claims made by local athletes who say that they are being taken off national teams and excluded from competitions due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election , which Lukashenko won according to the data provided by the Central Election Commission .
Meanwhile , Lukashenko stated on December 8 that he would contest this decision in court .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Russia regrets the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to introduce provisional sanctions against representatives of the Belarusian National Olympic Committee (NOC) suspending their participation in IOC events, namely the Olympics, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday, adding that Alexander Lukashenko is the legitimate president of Belarus and heads the country’s Olympic Committee.
"We regret this decision [by the IOC] a lot. At the same time, we value our relations with Belarus, which include cooperation in the sphere of sports," the spokesman said.
On December 8, the IOC Executive Board announced a set of provisional sanctions against the Belarusian NOC. The set of the imposed IOC Executive Board’s measures in regard to the Belarusian Olympic Committee rules in particular to: "Exclude the currently elected members of the Executive Board of the NOC of Belarus from all IOC events and activities, including the Olympic Games."
"This includes in particular Mr. Alexander Lukashenko, in his capacity as NOC President and legal representative of the NOC; Mr. Viktor Lukashenko, in his capacity as NOC First Vice-President and the person responsible for the NOC’s operations and activities on a daily basis; and Mr. Dmitry Baskov, in his capacity as a NOC Executive Board member and in view of the specific allegations raised against him," the statement reads.
These sanctions were introduced on the outcomes of the investigation launched on November 25 based on the claims made by local athletes who say that they are being taken off national teams and excluded from competitions due to their disagreement with the results of the presidential election, which Lukashenko won according to the data provided by the Central Election Commission. Meanwhile, Lukashenko stated on December 8 that he would contest this decision in court.


tass--2020-12-09--Danish prosecution accuses Russian national of espionage

STOCKHOLM , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The Danish prosecution has accused a Russian national permanently residing in Denmark of @ @ @ @ @ by the Danish Prosecution Service informs .
`` The prosecution has presented charges in accordance @ @ @ @ @ Criminal Code .
The defendant , who has been in custody since early July 2020 @ @ @ @ @ other things , of sharing Danish energy technologies with the Russian intelligence , '' the @ @ @ @ @ informs that the proceedings have been launched within a large-scale investigation led by the Danish @ @ @ @ @ The prosecution will demand that the Russian national receive a jail sentence and be deported @ @ @ @ @ will be held in closed session .
So far , the Danish Prosecution Service and @ @ @ @ @ service have not commented on the case .

STOCKHOLM, December 9. /TASS/. The Danish prosecution has accused a Russian national permanently residing in Denmark of espionage, the press release by the Danish Prosecution Service informs.
"The prosecution has presented charges in accordance with Article 108 of the Criminal Code. The defendant, who has been in custody since early July 2020, is suspected, among other things, of sharing Danish energy technologies with the Russian intelligence," the message informs.
The prosecution informs that the proceedings have been launched within a large-scale investigation led by the Danish Security and Intelligence Service. The prosecution will demand that the Russian national receive a jail sentence and be deported from Denmark. The proceedings will be held in closed session.
So far, the Danish Prosecution Service and the Security and Intelligence Service have not commented on the case.


tass--2020-12-09--No groundwork laid for Putin-Zelensky meeting, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to name the date of a possible summit between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders , Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky , explaining that there was no `` substance '' for preparing these talks .
`` No one needs a meeting for the sake of a meeting .
Any meeting between the heads of state should be well-prepared , '' the Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Wednesday , noting that the leaders ’ aides were working on this .
`` However , they need some substance , which they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ string together some understanding of it , but here we don ’ t have that substance , '' Peskov noted .
He expressed confidence that `` only the implementation of the Paris deal could be this substance . ''
`` In this respect , the situation is challenging , '' he stated .
Speaking on a possible date of a meeting between the aides to the Normandy Four ( Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France ) leaders , Peskov stressed that they would agree on a timeframe themselves .
`` Certainly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is needed and leaders realize the reason behind this standstill , '' he noted .
`` As we all know , the reason is the non-implementation of the Paris agreements and in this situation when they are not being fulfilled , Putin and [ German Chancellor Angela ] Merkel decided to step up the work on an expert level , at the level of aides in order to test the waters and find solutions to this situation , '' he explained .
On December 7 , Putin and Merkel discussed the settlement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the lack of progress in fulfilling political aspects of the 2015 Minsk agreements as well as decisions of the Normandy Four made a year ago at the Paris summit , the Kremlin press service stated .
The sides also confirmed plans to continue a joint work in the Normandy format , including between political advisers to the Russian , German , French and Ukrainian leaders .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to name the date of a possible summit between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders, Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky, explaining that there was no "substance" for preparing these talks.
"No one needs a meeting for the sake of a meeting. Any meeting between the heads of state should be well-prepared," the Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Wednesday, noting that the leaders’ aides were working on this.
"However, they need some substance, which they could get hold of so as to string together some understanding of it, but here we don’t have that substance," Peskov noted. He expressed confidence that "only the implementation of the Paris deal could be this substance." "In this respect, the situation is challenging," he stated.
Speaking on a possible date of a meeting between the aides to the Normandy Four (Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France) leaders, Peskov stressed that they would agree on a timeframe themselves. "Certainly, the heads of state understand that progress is needed and leaders realize the reason behind this standstill," he noted.
"As we all know, the reason is the non-implementation of the Paris agreements and in this situation when they are not being fulfilled, Putin and [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel decided to step up the work on an expert level, at the level of aides in order to test the waters and find solutions to this situation," he explained.
On December 7, Putin and Merkel discussed the settlement in Ukraine over the phone, expressing concern over the lack of progress in fulfilling political aspects of the 2015 Minsk agreements as well as decisions of the Normandy Four made a year ago at the Paris summit, the Kremlin press service stated. The sides also confirmed plans to continue a joint work in the Normandy format, including between political advisers to the Russian, German, French and Ukrainian leaders.


tass--2020-12-09--FSB apprehends teenager planning armed attack on school in Tula

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) officers prevented an armed attack on @ @ @ @ @ , the teenager has been apprehended , FSB press service told TASS Wednesday .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ attack on school by teenagers in Saratov '' The Federal Security Service apprehended a Tula @ @ @ @ @ , who wa preparing an armed attack on an educational facility , '' the security @ @ @ @ @ seized a sawed-off shotgun and communication devices containing material about similar crimes .
A criminal @ @ @ @ @ charges of illegal purchase and possession of firearms .
`` An additional proceeding qualification is @ @ @ @ @ fact of planned armed attack on the educational facility , '' the FSB said .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officers prevented an armed attack on a school by a teenager, the teenager has been apprehended, FSB press service told TASS Wednesday.
Russia’s FSB thwarts armed attack on school by teenagers in Saratov
"The Federal Security Service apprehended a Tula resident, born in 2002, who wa preparing an armed attack on an educational facility," the security service said.
The officers seized a sawed-off shotgun and communication devices containing material about similar crimes.
A criminal case has been initiated over charges of illegal purchase and possession of firearms.
"An additional proceeding qualification is being decided upon over the fact of planned armed attack on the educational facility," the FSB said.


tass--2020-12-09--No significant coronavirus mutations detected in Russia, top sanitary doctor says

ST. PETERSBURG , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
There have been no significant changes in the coronavirus circulating in Russia @ @ @ @ @ the epidemic process , Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection @ @ @ @ @ told journalists on Wednesday .
`` We are monitoring the situation in the territory of @ @ @ @ @ , without missing a single change in the virus .
Today there are no changes @ @ @ @ @ meaningful for the epidemic situation or threatening to us .
In the territory of the @ @ @ @ @ work and we consider it important to report on it , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ doctor reported of changes in the virus circulating in Siberia .
The agency ’ s @ @ @ @ @ this was a variation already widespread in Japan , adding that `` the research is @ @ @

ST. PETERSBURG, December 9. /TASS/. There have been no significant changes in the coronavirus circulating in Russia which could have somehow influenced the epidemic process, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova told journalists on Wednesday.
"We are monitoring the situation in the territory of the Russian Federation very closely, without missing a single change in the virus. Today there are no changes in the virus that are meaningful for the epidemic situation or threatening to us. In the territory of the Russian Federation we continue this work and we consider it important to report on it," she said.
Earlier, the top sanitary doctor reported of changes in the virus circulating in Siberia. The agency’s press service later reported that this was a variation already widespread in Japan, adding that "the research is underway."


tass--2020-12-09--Press review: Donbass talks stuck in the mud and Iran urges Russia for SWIFT alternative

Kommersant : No progress on Donbass one year after first-ever Putin-Zelensky summit A year after the first and so far only meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky it is clear that an attempt to come to terms on Donbass has failed , Kommersant writes citing negotiators .
The Russian Foreign Ministry is convinced that neither Kiev nor its Western allies are really seeking peace .
Ukraine is trying to deflect attention and pin the blame on Russia ’ s `` uncompromising '' stance .
However , if the Ukrainian leadership ’ s goal was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Minsk peace deal , then Kiev has accomplished its mission and is planning to up the sanctions pressure on Russia .
Trading accusations is part and parcel of the Russian-Ukrainian dialogue on Donbass .
However , as this year draws to a close another recurrent phenomenon has emerged in bilateral relations .
Kiev keeps saying that it ’ s impossible to implement the Minsk agreements in their current form and is calling to review the document .
Vladimir Fesenko , who heads the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolved on the basis of the current agreements .
`` It ’ s impossible to find 300 votes in the parliament in favor of the special status [ of Donbass ] even if Zelensky wanted it , '' the expert noted .
`` This is the political reality in Ukraine .
Another reality is that Zelensky understands that any compromise , which will be rejected by the public , will trigger a crisis . ''
Despite the deadlock on the status of Donbass , talks continue within the Trilateral Contact Group on ironing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the advisers to the leaders of the Normandy Four group ( Russia , Ukraine , France and Germany ) .
In comment on Kiev ’ s Plan B on Donbass , which the country ’ s Security Council is due to approve early next year , Fesenko said : `` Maybe they will invent something - an attractive option with a beautiful name . ''
However , there are simply two real scenarios of how the events will unfold , he noted .
`` A ceasefire will be observed and there will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or an attempt will be made to come to terms [ with Moscow ] . ''
There could also be an attempt to renew the Minsk agreements through a `` roadmap , '' but mediators are needed here .
If they suggest something , then this could be the way out , he said .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Iran calls on Moscow to prepare for SWIFT cutoff Iran , which has faced real US sanctions , is calling on Russia to create a substitute for the SWIFT international banking-payment system for the member-states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s substitute for SWIFT now has 28 times fewer participants than the international system , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Tehran ’ s initiative comes amid fears that the Biden administration would seek to make anti-Russian sanctions more effective .
Last year , Iran and Russia connected their national systems of transferring financial messages ( Russia ’ s SPFS and Iran ’ s SEPAM ) without using SWIFT .
Russian officials are also talking about creating their own systems of settlements .
So far , Russia ’ s SPFS has less than 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing compared with SWIFT , which involves nearly 11,000 major organizations in more than 200 countries , the newspaper writes .
According to chief analyst at Alor Broker Alexei Antonov , SPFS was created hastily and its functions are very limited as it can process just 50 types of messages , half as much as SWIFT .
Russia ’ s SPFS also failed to offer a flexible system of tariffs , the expert noted .
The major challenge for such counterparts is to become popular , said Sergei Khestanov , a senior lecturer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economy and Public Administration .
`` SWIFT ’ s strength is that it is widespread and not about some special features , '' he noted .
`` If a SWIFT substitute can attract foreign clients , then it can be a real rival .
It ’ s hard to become an alternative quickly because of the global nature of the task .
However , as far as countries and trade alliances go the goal can be achieved . ''
SPFS has a chance for a breakthrough amid the risk of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran was cut off from it and that ’ s why it is lobbying for switching to SPFS , but Russia still has an alternative and basically , there are no objective reasons to dump SWIFT at its own initiative , '' Antonov said , warning that the cutoff would deal a heavy blow to Russia ’ s companies and banks .
US ‘ President-elect ’ Joe Biden has selected retired US Army General Lloyd Austin to run the Pentagon .
The general could become the first Black defense secretary .
Despite his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Austin gave almost no interviews and did not reveal his views on US foreign policy .
As a nominee for Secretary of Defense , in a certain sense he is a `` dark horse '' and his policy , including on Russia , could come as a surprise for many , Izvestia writes .
After his retirement , Austin joined the board of directors at Raytheon Technologies , a global arms corporation and a major US supplier of weapons and military equipment , Russian International Affairs Council expert Ilya Kramnik noted .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US military-industrial complex could have been in place of Lloyd .
Head of the Center for North American Studies at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations ( IMEMO ) Viktoria Zhuravlyova highlights that a Biden team would significantly differ from the Trump administration .
Biden is returning to a traditional scheme , which Trump had attempted to break , that is cooperation between elites of different levels .
`` It is expected that this will result in greater effectiveness in the overall management mechanism and greater performance , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a senior fellow and director of research , in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution , noted that despite the serious difference between the administration of the current and incoming US presidents , they share a stance on one issue , namely the Pentagon and the US defense budget .
It took Biden a long time to pick the new Pentagon chief amid pressure from various groups of influence in Congress .
Some 43 % of US troops are represented by minorities .
Meanwhile , in most cases they are under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobby is sure that a Black Pentagon chief could balance this situation .
While the European Union is discussing the third package of economic sanctions against Belarusian officials , in a surprise move , the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) delivered the first blow .
Money for Belarus ' athletes will bypass the Belarusian National Olympic Committee .
In addition , President Alexander Lukashenko is prohibited from going to Tokyo ’ s Olympic Games , Nezavisismaya Gazeta writes .
The IOC concluded that the National Olympic Committee ’ s leadership did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization .
This runs counter to the basic principles of the Olympic Charter and seriously affects the Olympic movement ’ s image , it said .
Therefore , the IOC Executive Committee decided to exclude Head of the National Olympic Committee Lukashenko from taking part in all IOC ’ s events .
In turn , Lukashenko branded the IOC as a `` gang '' and threatened to challenge this decision in court .
The Belarusian leader ’ s press service hinted that IOC chief Thomas Bach had not made this decision on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field of sports are a vulnerable point for Lukashenko as it has remained free from sanctions for a rather long time and was really beyond politics .
Despite a visa ban , Lukashenko traveled to Europe as the head of the National Olympic Committee , while Belarusian achievements in sports gave him a chance to have contact with world leaders .
`` Certainly , this insults Lukashenko because sports is one of his favorite toys .
In general , dictators exaggerate the role of sports , politicize it and turn it into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
He is very hurt now , he understands that this could be just the beginning , '' political analyst Alexander Klaskovsky said .
Besides , Belarus is due to host another sports event , the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship .
The fate of this event will be decided in the coming weeks .
RBC : Russia spends less on anti-crisis measures than major economies Russia ’ s government spending on handling the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in 2020 lags behind the world ’ s major economies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic growth through public expenditure is expected , according to the National Credit Ratings agency , RBC writes .
According to the International Monetary Fund , Russia ’ s budget spending on healthcare and crisis-hit economic sectors reached 2.4 % of GDP , while Canada , the US and Australia earmarked 12 % of GDP on average .
Russia is followed by India ( 1.8 % of GDP ) , Turkey ( 0.8 % of GDP ) and Mexico ( 0.7 % of GDP ) .
Among G20 countries , Russia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mexico ) in terms of anti-crisis packages .
Last week , Alfa-Bank economists also said that the expected budget policy tightening was a factor for cautious assessments on the prospects of Russia ’ s economic growth in 2021 .
The bank predicts it at 2.5 % versus the Economic Development Ministry 's forecast of 3.3 % .
After the 2020 economic slump , the economic growth can be expected next year , but the trajectory of an economic recovery is still unclear as the pandemic will keep affecting the economy in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chief economist Natalya Orlova .
Anticipated spending in 2021 will be less than under the budget projected in 2018-2019 and some 3 trln rubles ( $ 40.9 bln ) less than the pre-crisis plan for 2021 , according to a draft federal budget .
Meanwhile , the Russian National Wealth Fund in March-November 2020 grew from $ 123 bln to $ 167 bln .
The Finance Ministry refused to use this fund to bankroll anti-crisis measures .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Kommersant: No progress on Donbass one year after first-ever Putin-Zelensky summit
A year after the first and so far only meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Vladimir Zelensky it is clear that an attempt to come to terms on Donbass has failed, Kommersant writes citing negotiators. The Russian Foreign Ministry is convinced that neither Kiev nor its Western allies are really seeking peace. Ukraine is trying to deflect attention and pin the blame on Russia’s "uncompromising" stance. However, if the Ukrainian leadership’s goal was to refuse carrying out the political part of the Minsk peace deal, then Kiev has accomplished its mission and is planning to up the sanctions pressure on Russia. Trading accusations is part and parcel of the Russian-Ukrainian dialogue on Donbass. However, as this year draws to a close another recurrent phenomenon has emerged in bilateral relations. Kiev keeps saying that it’s impossible to implement the Minsk agreements in their current form and is calling to review the document. Vladimir Fesenko, who heads the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies, is sure that the conflict cannot be resolved on the basis of the current agreements. "It’s impossible to find 300 votes in the parliament in favor of the special status [of Donbass] even if Zelensky wanted it," the expert noted. "This is the political reality in Ukraine. Another reality is that Zelensky understands that any compromise, which will be rejected by the public, will trigger a crisis." Despite the deadlock on the status of Donbass, talks continue within the Trilateral Contact Group on ironing out the crisis in eastern Ukraine and among the advisers to the leaders of the Normandy Four group (Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany). In comment on Kiev’s Plan B on Donbass, which the country’s Security Council is due to approve early next year, Fesenko said: "Maybe they will invent something - an attractive option with a beautiful name." However, there are simply two real scenarios of how the events will unfold, he noted. "A ceasefire will be observed and there will be some steps towards freezing the conflict or an attempt will be made to come to terms [with Moscow]." There could also be an attempt to renew the Minsk agreements through a "roadmap," but mediators are needed here. If they suggest something, then this could be the way out, he said. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Iran calls on Moscow to prepare for SWIFT cutoff
Read also SWIFT will disconnect some Iranian banks this weekend, Reuters says
Iran, which has faced real US sanctions, is calling on Russia to create a substitute for the SWIFT international banking-payment system for the member-states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Russia’s substitute for SWIFT now has 28 times fewer participants than the international system, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Tehran’s initiative comes amid fears that the Biden administration would seek to make anti-Russian sanctions more effective. Last year, Iran and Russia connected their national systems of transferring financial messages (Russia’s SPFS and Iran’s SEPAM) without using SWIFT. Russian officials are also talking about creating their own systems of settlements. So far, Russia’s SPFS has less than 400 participants, and this is next to nothing compared with SWIFT, which involves nearly 11,000 major organizations in more than 200 countries, the newspaper writes. According to chief analyst at Alor Broker Alexei Antonov, SPFS was created hastily and its functions are very limited as it can process just 50 types of messages, half as much as SWIFT. Russia’s SPFS also failed to offer a flexible system of tariffs, the expert noted. The major challenge for such counterparts is to become popular, said Sergei Khestanov, a senior lecturer at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. "SWIFT’s strength is that it is widespread and not about some special features," he noted. "If a SWIFT substitute can attract foreign clients, then it can be a real rival. It’s hard to become an alternative quickly because of the global nature of the task. However, as far as countries and trade alliances go the goal can be achieved." SPFS has a chance for a breakthrough amid the risk of Russia’s cutoff from the international system. "Iran was cut off from it and that’s why it is lobbying for switching to SPFS, but Russia still has an alternative and basically, there are no objective reasons to dump SWIFT at its own initiative," Antonov said, warning that the cutoff would deal a heavy blow to Russia’s companies and banks. Izvestia: Biden picks first Black Pentagon chief
Read also Biden nominates Lloyd Austin as secretary of defense
US ‘President-elect’ Joe Biden has selected retired US Army General Lloyd Austin to run the Pentagon. The general could become the first Black defense secretary. Despite his high posts in the US Army, Austin gave almost no interviews and did not reveal his views on US foreign policy. As a nominee for Secretary of Defense, in a certain sense he is a "dark horse" and his policy, including on Russia, could come as a surprise for many, Izvestia writes. After his retirement, Austin joined the board of directors at Raytheon Technologies, a global arms corporation and a major US supplier of weapons and military equipment, Russian International Affairs Council expert Ilya Kramnik noted. According to him, any top representative from the US military-industrial complex could have been in place of Lloyd. Head of the Center for North American Studies at the Primakov Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) Viktoria Zhuravlyova highlights that a Biden team would significantly differ from the Trump administration. Biden is returning to a traditional scheme, which Trump had attempted to break, that is cooperation between elites of different levels. "It is expected that this will result in greater effectiveness in the overall management mechanism and greater performance," she said. Meanwhile, Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow and director of research, in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution, noted that despite the serious difference between the administration of the current and incoming US presidents, they share a stance on one issue, namely the Pentagon and the US defense budget. It took Biden a long time to pick the new Pentagon chief amid pressure from various groups of influence in Congress. Some 43% of US troops are represented by minorities. Meanwhile, in most cases they are under the command of White Americans. The African-American lobby is sure that a Black Pentagon chief could balance this situation. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Belarusian leader banned from Olympic Games
Read also Third package of EU sanctions against Belarus expected shortly
While the European Union is discussing the third package of economic sanctions against Belarusian officials, in a surprise move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) delivered the first blow. Money for Belarus' athletes will bypass the Belarusian National Olympic Committee. In addition, President Alexander Lukashenko is prohibited from going to Tokyo’s Olympic Games, Nezavisismaya Gazeta writes. The IOC concluded that the National Olympic Committee’s leadership did not defend Belarusian athletes from political discrimination inside the organization. This runs counter to the basic principles of the Olympic Charter and seriously affects the Olympic movement’s image, it said. Therefore, the IOC Executive Committee decided to exclude Head of the National Olympic Committee Lukashenko from taking part in all IOC’s events. In turn, Lukashenko branded the IOC as a "gang" and threatened to challenge this decision in court. The Belarusian leader’s press service hinted that IOC chief Thomas Bach had not made this decision on his own. Any decisions regarding the field of sports are a vulnerable point for Lukashenko as it has remained free from sanctions for a rather long time and was really beyond politics. Despite a visa ban, Lukashenko traveled to Europe as the head of the National Olympic Committee, while Belarusian achievements in sports gave him a chance to have contact with world leaders. "Certainly, this insults Lukashenko because sports is one of his favorite toys. In general, dictators exaggerate the role of sports, politicize it and turn it into a cult. Lukashenko is not an exception here. He is very hurt now, he understands that this could be just the beginning," political analyst Alexander Klaskovsky said. Besides, Belarus is due to host another sports event, the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The fate of this event will be decided in the coming weeks. RBC: Russia spends less on anti-crisis measures than major economies


tass--2020-12-09--Moscow confirms over 5,000 daily COVID-19 cases

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow registered 5,145 new coronavirus cases and 1,656 hospitalizations in the past day @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic the city ’ s case tally has reached 665,218 , the anti-coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The capital has confirmed 5,145 new cases of coronavirus .
In the past @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 have been hospitalized .
There are 451 people placed on artificial lung ventilators @ @ @ @ @ crisis center stated .
The center reported that 9.5 % of new COVID-19 patients are @ @ @ @ @ those aged 18 to 45 , 32.9 % - aged 46 to 65 , 10.6 @ @ @ @ @ 79 and 4.5 % - aged over 80 .
All patients and those who have @ @ @ @ @ are under medical supervision .
Currently , 148,498 are undergoing treatment in the Russian capital @

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Moscow registered 5,145 new coronavirus cases and 1,656 hospitalizations in the past day; since the start of the pandemic the city’s case tally has reached 665,218, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
"The capital has confirmed 5,145 new cases of coronavirus. In the past 24 hours, 1,656 patients with COVID-19 have been hospitalized. There are 451 people placed on artificial lung ventilators in Moscow," the crisis center stated.
The center reported that 9.5% of new COVID-19 patients are children, 42.5% - those aged 18 to 45, 32.9% - aged 46 to 65, 10.6 % - aged 66 to 79 and 4.5% - aged over 80. All patients and those who have come into contact with them are under medical supervision. Currently, 148,498 are undergoing treatment in the Russian capital.


tass--2020-12-09--Russia’s coronavirus recoveries surpass 2 million

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The number of COVID-19 recoveries in Russia grew by 26,266 in the past @ @ @ @ @ of 2,007,792 patients have recovered by now , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ crisis center , recoveries account for 79 % of the total number of infected individuals @ @ @ @ @ 1,921 patients were discharged in St. Petersburg , 819 in the Moscow Region , 594 @ @ @ @ @ 593 in the Arkhangelsk Region and 554 in the Voronezh Region .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. The number of COVID-19 recoveries in Russia grew by 26,266 in the past 24 hours. A total of 2,007,792 patients have recovered by now, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
According to the crisis center, recoveries account for 79% of the total number of infected individuals.
In particular, another 1,921 patients were discharged in St. Petersburg, 819 in the Moscow Region, 594 in the Leningrad Region, 593 in the Arkhangelsk Region and 554 in the Voronezh Region.


tass--2020-12-09--State trials of latest artillery systems to wrap up in 2021

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The state trials of a new family of artillery and mortar armament for @ @ @ @ @ completed next year , Ground Forces Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salyukov said on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ under the Nabrosok R & D work .
There are plans to complete them in @ @ @ @ @ in a whole range of highly mobile mortar armament mounted on various types of chassis @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Army chief said in an interview with the Defense Ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ new family of artillery and mortar armament will boost the mobility and firepower of battalion-level @ @ @ @ @ Russian Army Commander-in-Chief Salyukov earlier said in an interview with the Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper that @ @ @ @ @ new family of artillery and mortar systems would be completed in 2022 and Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ to purchase this armament under the defense procurement plan .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. The state trials of a new family of artillery and mortar armament for the Russian Army will be completed next year, Ground Forces Commander-in-Chief Army General Oleg Salyukov said on Wednesday.
"State trials are ongoing under the Nabrosok R&D work. There are plans to complete them in 2021, which will result in a whole range of highly mobile mortar armament mounted on various types of chassis, including for Arctic operation," the Army chief said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
The new family of artillery and mortar armament will boost the mobility and firepower of battalion-level artillery, he stressed.
Russian Army Commander-in-Chief Salyukov earlier said in an interview with the Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper that the work on developing a new family of artillery and mortar systems would be completed in 2022 and Russia’s Defense Ministry was set to purchase this armament under the defense procurement plan.


tass--2020-12-09--About 1,000 volunteers receive first dose of EpiVacCorona vaccine

ST. PETERSBURG , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
About 1,000 volunteers have received the first component of the EpiVacCorona vaccine @ @ @ @ @ framework of post-registration trials , they have no health complaints , Head of the Federal @ @ @ @ @ Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova reported on Wednesday .
`` To date , @ @ @ @ @ framework of post-registration clinical trials have already received the vaccine .
All trials are going @ @ @ @ @ in good health without any complications , without any additional superfluous sensations , '' she @ @ @ @ @ and practical conference on counteracting the novel coronavirus infection and other infectious diseases .

ST. PETERSBURG, December 9. /TASS/. About 1,000 volunteers have received the first component of the EpiVacCorona vaccine against the coronavirus within the framework of post-registration trials, they have no health complaints, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova reported on Wednesday.
"To date, about 1,000 people within the framework of post-registration clinical trials have already received the vaccine. All trials are going well, all volunteers are in good health without any complications, without any additional superfluous sensations," she said at an international scientific and practical conference on counteracting the novel coronavirus infection and other infectious diseases.


tass--2020-12-09--Russia supplies over 1.3 mln COVID-19 testing systems to 45 countries

ST.PETERSBURG , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has delivered more than 1.3 mln testing systems for diagnosing the novel @ @ @ @ @ , chief sanitary doctor Anna Popova said on Wednesday .
`` Scientific and methodological and @ @ @ @ @ states in combating COVID-19 includes the delivery of testing systems free-of-charge .
More than 1.3 @ @ @ @ @ have been supplied to 45 countries , '' Popova , who heads the Federal Service @ @ @ @ @ Protection and Human Wellbeing , told an international conference on curbing the novel coronavirus and @ @ @ @ @ , Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog has been tasked to supply more than 1 mln @ @ @ @ @ s partner states .
Since the start of the pandemic , about 68.3 mln people @ @ @ @ @ while the total death toll hit 1.5 mln .
In Russia , according to the @ @ @ @ @ 2,541,199 cases of infection were registered , 2,007,792 people recovered and 44,718 died .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

ST.PETERSBURG, December 9. /TASS/. Russia has delivered more than 1.3 mln testing systems for diagnosing the novel coronavirus to 45 countries free-of-charge, chief sanitary doctor Anna Popova said on Wednesday.
"Scientific and methodological and material-technical assistance to the partner states in combating COVID-19 includes the delivery of testing systems free-of-charge. More than 1.3 mln [testing systems] have been supplied to 45 countries," Popova, who heads the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, told an international conference on curbing the novel coronavirus and other infections.
In addition, Russia’s sanitary watchdog has been tasked to supply more than 1 mln COVID-19 tests to Russia’s partner states.
Since the start of the pandemic, about 68.3 mln people have been infected worldwide, while the total death toll hit 1.5 mln. In Russia, according to the federal anti-coronavirus crisis center, 2,541,199 cases of infection were registered, 2,007,792 people recovered and 44,718 died. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-09--Russia reports over 26,000 new coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 26,190 in the past day and @ @ @ @ @ 2,541,199 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
Almost 4 mln people @ @ @ @ @ week — WHO In the past day , the growth rate did not exceed 1 @ @ @ @ @ rates were registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region ( 0.5 % ) , the Khanty-Mansi @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Altai ( 0.6 % ) .
Moscow confirmed 5,145 new COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s total case tally reached 665,218 .
Some 3,761 new cases were @ @ @ @ @ 1,372 in the Moscow Region , 494 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 396 in @ @ @ @ @ in the Republic of Karelia .
Currently , some 488,689 people are undergoing treatment in @ @

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 26,190 in the past day and the total case tally reached 2,541,199, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
Almost 4 mln people contract coronavirus worldwide in past week — WHO
In the past day, the growth rate did not exceed 1%.
The lowest growth rates were registered in the Chukotka Autonomous Region (0.5%), the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region, Dagestan and the Republic of Altai (0.6%).
Moscow confirmed 5,145 new COVID-19 cases in the past day and the city’s total case tally reached 665,218. Some 3,761 new cases were recorded in St. Petersburg, 1,372 in the Moscow Region, 494 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 396 in the Arkhangelsk Region and 388 in the Republic of Karelia.
Currently, some 488,689 people are undergoing treatment in Russia.


tass--2020-12-09--Russia among top three by number of PCR COVID-19 tests per 1 million people

ST. PETERSBURG , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is among top three countries by the number of COVID-19 tests @ @ @ @ @ said Anna Popova , head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection @ @ @ @ @ to the presentation given at an international conference in St. Petersburg , the US is @ @ @ @ @ ranking with 620,000 tests per 1 million people , the UK comes second with 573,000 @ @ @ @ @ with 570,000 tests per 1 million people .
`` A very important indicator is used @ @ @ @ @ tests per one million people .
Russia is in the top three here , as @ @ @ @ @ vary slightly every day .
Some days , Russia takes the second place , the @ @ @ @ @ , '' Popova said .
She noted that the statistics applies only to countries with @ @ @ @ @ `` The case is that with smaller populations intensive indicators look different , '' she @ @

ST. PETERSBURG, December 9. /TASS/. Russia is among top three countries by the number of COVID-19 tests per 1 million people, said Anna Popova, head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing.
According to the presentation given at an international conference in St. Petersburg, the US is at the top of the ranking with 620,000 tests per 1 million people, the UK comes second with 573,000 tests and Russia is third with 570,000 tests per 1 million people.
"A very important indicator is used - the number of PCR tests per one million people. Russia is in the top three here, as of today. These numbers vary slightly every day. Some days, Russia takes the second place, the other day this situation changes," Popova said.
She noted that the statistics applies only to countries with over 10 million people. "The case is that with smaller populations intensive indicators look different," she explained.


tass--2020-12-09--Tianfu Cloud Town: Feel the Style and Culture of Towns

CHENGDU , China , December 9 .
/PRNewswire/ .
`` Tianfu Cloud Town '' ( Chengdu tian fu yun duan xiao cheng ) , a brand comprising of 279 towns in Chengdu , is committed to creating a distinctive and complete tourism attraction .
The ancient towns of Chengdu are imbued with historical significance and culture , making them popular tourist destinations .
Many events are organized in these towns every year , including art festivals , half marathons and cross-country races , injecting fresh fashion and vitality into these towns .
The HAKKA 50 cross-country race is scheduled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Town , Longquanyi District , and Chengdu , which has been crowned as `` the first HAKKA town in western China . ''
With Luodai Ancient Town as the starting point , the cross-country race will pass through the Ancient Path , Wanxingchang Community and Longquan Mountain .
Besides the race , visitors can watch the Hakka song and dance performances , participate in the Hakka-style long-table banquet , and experience real Hakka folk customs .
The ancient towns of Chengdu are rich with countless styles and characteristics , of which Luodai Ancient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wandering in one of those towns , visitors will be immersed in its ancient history alongside modern development and impressed by its stunning natural landscape with babbling creeks and verdant mountains .
Take a sip of tea or wine , and enjoy the laid-back vibe .
Huanglongxi Ancient Town , characterized by ancient bridges , small pavilions and picturesque landscapes , is the backyard garden for Chengdu locals and is called `` the Most Beautiful Water Place . ''
Anren Ancient Town , known as the `` Chinese Museum Town , '' features @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the culture of the Republic of China .
Jiezi Ancient Town , the `` Backyard Garden of Qingcheng , '' is a place with ancient villages , attractive scenery and delicious food .
The Yuantong Ancient Town is known as the `` Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival in the real world . ''
The ancient houses on stilts are the most distinctive buildings here and have been maintained and kept in the same condition they were more than one thousand year ago .
There are so many wonderful ancient towns worth exploring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Town and experience the style and culture of these beautiful towns .

CHENGDU, China, December 9. /PRNewswire/. "Tianfu Cloud Town"(Chengdu tian fu yun duan xiao cheng), a brand comprising of 279 towns in Chengdu, is committed to creating a distinctive and complete tourism attraction. The ancient towns of Chengdu are imbued with historical significance and culture, making them popular tourist destinations. Many events are organized in these towns every year, including art festivals, half marathons and cross-country races, injecting fresh fashion and vitality into these towns. The HAKKA 50 cross-country race is scheduled to take place on 13 December in Luodai Town, Longquanyi District, and Chengdu, which has been crowned as "the first HAKKA town in western China." With Luodai Ancient Town as the starting point, the cross-country race will pass through the Ancient Path, Wanxingchang Community and Longquan Mountain. Besides the race, visitors can watch the Hakka song and dance performances, participate in the Hakka-style long-table banquet, and experience real Hakka folk customs.
The ancient towns of Chengdu are rich with countless styles and characteristics, of which Luodai Ancient Town is only one such town. Wandering in one of those towns, visitors will be immersed in its ancient history alongside modern development and impressed by its stunning natural landscape with babbling creeks and verdant mountains. Take a sip of tea or wine, and enjoy the laid-back vibe. Huanglongxi Ancient Town, characterized by ancient bridges, small pavilions and picturesque landscapes, is the backyard garden for Chengdu locals and is called "the Most Beautiful Water Place." Anren Ancient Town, known as the "Chinese Museum Town," features a combination of traditional and modern styles and the culture of the Republic of China. Jiezi Ancient Town, the "Backyard Garden of Qingcheng," is a place with ancient villages, attractive scenery and delicious food. The Yuantong Ancient Town is known as the "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival in the real world." The ancient houses on stilts are the most distinctive buildings here and have been maintained and kept in the same condition they were more than one thousand year ago. There are so many wonderful ancient towns worth exploring. Let's travel with Tianfu Cloud Town and experience the style and culture of these beautiful towns.
CONTACT: Liu Jiao, +86-15181444400