tass--2020-10-23--Azerbaijani armed forces strike civilian targets in Nagorno-Karabakh, says Yerevan

YEREVAN , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Azeri Armed Forces have launched an artillery strike on the city of Martakert and a number of villages in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , the information center under the Armenian cabinet said Friday .
`` As a result of an artillery strike on the city of Martakert , two blocks in a multi-unit apartment building burned down .
According to preliminary data , the assailant opened fire in this direction using Grad [ multiple rocket ] launchers .
At dawn , the villages of Karmir Shuka and Taghavard were also struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no human losses , '' the statement reads .
Meanwhile , the Azeri Defense Ministry has denied this information from Yerevan .
`` The information disseminated by Armenia about an alleged shelling of the communities < … > in Nagorno-Karabakh is unfounded and false .
The Azeri army does not attack civilian population and infrastructure , '' the ministry said in a statement .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
Moscow brokered a humanitarian ceasefire that took effect at 12 noon local time on October 10 but was violated .
Later , the foreign ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced plans to declare another ceasefire at midnight on October 18 , but the hostilities continue and the warring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the truce .

YEREVAN, October 23. /TASS/. The Azeri Armed Forces have launched an artillery strike on the city of Martakert and a number of villages in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, the information center under the Armenian cabinet said Friday.
"As a result of an artillery strike on the city of Martakert, two blocks in a multi-unit apartment building burned down. According to preliminary data, the assailant opened fire in this direction using Grad [multiple rocket] launchers. At dawn, the villages of Karmir Shuka and Taghavard were also struck. The artillery shelling continues. There are no human losses," the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the Azeri Defense Ministry has denied this information from Yerevan. "The information disseminated by Armenia about an alleged shelling of the communities <…> in Nagorno-Karabakh is unfounded and false. The Azeri army does not attack civilian population and infrastructure," the ministry said in a statement.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
Moscow brokered a humanitarian ceasefire that took effect at 12 noon local time on October 10 but was violated. Later, the foreign ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced plans to declare another ceasefire at midnight on October 18, but the hostilities continue and the warring parties keep blaming each other for violating the truce.


tass--2020-10-23--Long-awaited bridge across Pur River opened in Yakutia

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The long-awaited bridge across the Pur River in Yakutia was opened on October 16 .
The bridge was built within two years , Governor Dmitry Artukhov said at the opening ceremony .
The bridge across the Pur River will favor smooth year-round communication with the mainland for settlements in Urengoi , Tazovsky and Krasnoselkupsky Districts , where about 20,000 people live .
It is a socially important facility .
The Transneft Company and Gazprombank have been parties to a six-party agreement to support the project .
`` We have set a task to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed to be very problematic , '' Gazprombank ’ s Executive Vice President Pavel Brusser said .
`` Anyway , after only two years we are opening the bridge .
This is an example of how we set tasks and implement them . ''
The bank will continue the cooperation with the region in other projects , he added .
The regional government ’ s press service told TASS the bridge is very important for development of the eastern districts , including the Tazovskaya Bay ’ s coastal area .
The bridge gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas fields .
`` Before the bridge was built , there was a fee-based pontoon crossing , '' the press service said .
`` Twice a year , the service was disrupted , and every time traffic stopped for as long as a month . ''
The new bridge is 1,023 meters long , the length with road bases is almost 2,700 meters .
Each span is 105 meters .
The bridge ’ s name - Purovsky - was chosen in voting among Yamal ’ s residents .
Though the bridge is first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cross it were more than 100 local athletes .
They ran a distance of 1,000 meters - the length of the bridge without road bases .
The Purovsky Bridge is the only bridge in Russia , which has been built without investments from budgets .
The construction was financed by a private investor , the regional government ’ s press service told TASS .
The investor will reimburse the money by charging commercial vehicles for using the bridge .
At the same time , the local residents will cross the bridge for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the federal legislation .
The fee for trucks and other commercial vehicles is lower than the fees for the former pontoon crossing .
A truck under 12 tonnes paid 12,000 rubles at the pontoon ( $ 156 ) , while the fee to cross the bridge is about 3,000 rubles ( $ 39 ) .
The bridge has been built twice ahead of the plan , the press service said , adding the construction ’ s active phase begun in winter , 2019 .
`` They made 11 piers , and laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonnes of metal structures .
For both road bases they used more than 270,000 cubic meters of sand , '' the press service said .
`` The construction employed 1,500 people . ''
The Purovsky Bridge ’ s cost is 10 billion rubles ( $ 130 million ) .
Since the construction was financed by private investors , the region did not have to spend money from the budget , and it will use it for development of Yamal ’ s social facilities .
`` The Purovsky Bridge ’ s cost is 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money for development of social programs , namely for upgrade of educational institutions and for construction of 30 kindergartens , '' the region ’ s First Deputy Governor Alexander Kalinin said .
The allocated money will be used also to service and build roads , he added .
In addition to that , from the economic point of view the bridge is favorable for Yamal ’ s eastern districts .
`` With the Purovsky Bridge we shall develop differently the economy in the region ’ s eastern districts , as now we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 oil and gas companies .
We speak about a large-scale development of the Tazovskaya Guba ( Taz Bay ) , which means major resources for this region and for the country , '' he said .
`` Besides , thousands of people living in Purovsky , Tazovsky and Krasnoselkupsky Districts may drop forever making stock of food and materials to live through the times the pontoon crossing is closed , they may forget problems with getting healthcare services . ''
The concession agreement ’ s term is 15 years , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , crossing the bridge will be free for all .
The Yamalo-Nenets Region was established in 1930 .
Its territory is mostly north of the Arctic Circle , and the other part is on the slope of the Urals ridge .
The climate is cold .
Some areas have the permafrost .
The cold Kara Sea is nearby .
Winters continue for up to eight months ( while in the Arctic and sub-Arctic zones they are not longer than 68 days ) .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. The long-awaited bridge across the Pur River in Yakutia was opened on October 16. The bridge was built within two years, Governor Dmitry Artukhov said at the opening ceremony.
The bridge across the Pur River will favor smooth year-round communication with the mainland for settlements in Urengoi, Tazovsky and Krasnoselkupsky Districts, where about 20,000 people live. It is a socially important facility. The Transneft Company and Gazprombank have been parties to a six-party agreement to support the project.
"We have set a task to have the bridge built, though everything seemed to be very problematic," Gazprombank’s Executive Vice President Pavel Brusser said. "Anyway, after only two years we are opening the bridge. This is an example of how we set tasks and implement them." The bank will continue the cooperation with the region in other projects, he added.
The regional government’s press service told TASS the bridge is very important for development of the eastern districts, including the Tazovskaya Bay’s coastal area. The bridge gives a reliable access to 50 oil and gas fields. "Before the bridge was built, there was a fee-based pontoon crossing," the press service said. "Twice a year, the service was disrupted, and every time traffic stopped for as long as a month."
The new bridge is 1,023 meters long, the length with road bases is almost 2,700 meters. Each span is 105 meters. The bridge’s name - Purovsky - was chosen in voting among Yamal’s residents.
Though the bridge is first of all for vehicles, the first to cross it were more than 100 local athletes. They ran a distance of 1,000 meters - the length of the bridge without road bases.
Without budget funds
The Purovsky Bridge is the only bridge in Russia, which has been built without investments from budgets. The construction was financed by a private investor, the regional government’s press service told TASS. The investor will reimburse the money by charging commercial vehicles for using the bridge. At the same time, the local residents will cross the bridge for free - this guarantee has been reflected in the federal legislation.
The fee for trucks and other commercial vehicles is lower than the fees for the former pontoon crossing. A truck under 12 tonnes paid 12,000 rubles at the pontoon ($156), while the fee to cross the bridge is about 3,000 rubles ($39).
The bridge has been built twice ahead of the plan, the press service said, adding the construction’s active phase begun in winter, 2019.
"They made 11 piers, and laid the deck slabs - more than 5,800 tonnes of metal structures. For both road bases they used more than 270,000 cubic meters of sand," the press service said. "The construction employed 1,500 people."
Budget surplus for social projects
The Purovsky Bridge’s cost is 10 billion rubles ($130 million). Since the construction was financed by private investors, the region did not have to spend money from the budget, and it will use it for development of Yamal’s social facilities. "The Purovsky Bridge’s cost is 10 billion rubles. We have allocated this money for development of social programs, namely for upgrade of educational institutions and for construction of 30 kindergartens," the region’s First Deputy Governor Alexander Kalinin said.
The allocated money will be used also to service and build roads, he added. In addition to that, from the economic point of view the bridge is favorable for Yamal’s eastern districts.
"With the Purovsky Bridge we shall develop differently the economy in the region’s eastern districts, as now we have a permanent access to 50 fields for 20 oil and gas companies. We speak about a large-scale development of the Tazovskaya Guba (Taz Bay), which means major resources for this region and for the country," he said. "Besides, thousands of people living in Purovsky, Tazovsky and Krasnoselkupsky Districts may drop forever making stock of food and materials to live through the times the pontoon crossing is closed, they may forget problems with getting healthcare services."
The concession agreement’s term is 15 years, he said. After the term, in 2033, crossing the bridge will be free for all.
About the region
The Yamalo-Nenets Region was established in 1930. Its territory is mostly north of the Arctic Circle, and the other part is on the slope of the Urals ridge. The climate is cold. Some areas have the permafrost. The cold Kara Sea is nearby. Winters continue for up to eight months (while in the Arctic and sub-Arctic zones they are not longer than 68 days).


tass--2020-10-23--Two extremist cells eliminated in Russia’s North Caucasus Region

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has eliminated two extremist cells in Karachay-Cherkessia and Dagestan , the FSB Public Relations Center informed TASS on Friday .
`` The Federal Security Service in Malokarachayevsky District of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and in the cities of Makhachkala , Kaspiysk and Izberbash in the Republic of Dagestan foiled the activities of two cells of the At Takfir wal-Hijra international extremist religious organization ( outlawed in Russia ) with a total number of more than 20 people , '' it said .
According to the FSB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recruited new supporters to the group .
`` They urged believers to reject secular laws and civil society institutions .
They also advocated the creation of a theocratic Islamic state - a caliphate - in the North Caucasus , '' it noted .
During the searches , FSB officers seized , in particular , three grenades , three Makarov pistols , 190 copies of pseudo-religious literature and five handwritten texts of lectures by extremist preachers .
The FSB directorates in Karachay-Cherkessia and Dagestan have initiated criminal cases to identify the organization ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has eliminated two extremist cells in Karachay-Cherkessia and Dagestan, the FSB Public Relations Center informed TASS on Friday.
"The Federal Security Service in Malokarachayevsky District of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and in the cities of Makhachkala, Kaspiysk and Izberbash in the Republic of Dagestan foiled the activities of two cells of the At Takfir wal-Hijra international extremist religious organization (outlawed in Russia) with a total number of more than 20 people," it said.
According to the FSB, its members actively promoted extremist ideology and recruited new supporters to the group. "They urged believers to reject secular laws and civil society institutions. They also advocated the creation of a theocratic Islamic state - a caliphate - in the North Caucasus," it noted.
During the searches, FSB officers seized, in particular, three grenades, three Makarov pistols, 190 copies of pseudo-religious literature and five handwritten texts of lectures by extremist preachers.
The FSB directorates in Karachay-Cherkessia and Dagestan have initiated criminal cases to identify the organization’s members and bring them to justice.


tass--2020-10-23--Moscow hospitalizes 1,240 coronavirus patients in one day

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow identified 5,478 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , 1,240 @ @ @ @ @ , the Moscow anti-coronavirus crisis center reported .
`` The capital confirmed 5,478 new cases @ @ @ @ @ In the past 24 hours , 1,240 patients with COVID-19 hospitalizations .
Moscow hospitals have @ @ @ @ @ '' the crisis center said .
The agency clarified that 9.2 % among the infected @ @ @ @ @ are people aged between 18 and 45 , 30.9 % are aged between 46 and @ @ @ @ @ are people aged between 66 and 79 .
Moreover , 4.7 % of the infected @ @ @ @ @ All patients as well as the people who were in close contact with them are @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Moscow identified 5,478 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, 1,240 patients of them were hospitalized, the Moscow anti-coronavirus crisis center reported.
"The capital confirmed 5,478 new cases of the coronavirus infection. In the past 24 hours, 1,240 patients with COVID-19 hospitalizations. Moscow hospitals have 346 people on ventilators," the crisis center said.
The agency clarified that 9.2% among the infected are children, 44.4% are people aged between 18 and 45, 30.9% are aged between 46 and 65 and another 10.8% are people aged between 66 and 79. Moreover, 4.7% of the infected people are over 80. All patients as well as the people who were in close contact with them are placed under medical observation.


tass--2020-10-23--Russia reports 17,340 coronavirus cases in 24 hours

Immunity against coronavirus may be long-term , expert says MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , this is the highest number since the start of the @ @ @ @ @ 1,480,646 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 throughout the country , the anti-coronavirus crisis center @ @ @ @ @ According to TASS calculations , the number of infected individuals in Russia has exceeded 1 @ @ @ @ @ The daily growth rate has reached 1.2 % , according to the crisis center .
@ @ @ @ @ cases were confirmed in the Moscow Region , 366 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , @ @ @ @ @ , 268 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 256 in the Voronezh Region .
A total @ @ @ @ @ are undergoing treatment .

Immunity against coronavirus may be long-term, expert says
MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 17,340 in the past 24 hours, this is the highest number since the start of the pandemic. A total of 1,480,646 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 throughout the country, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Friday.
According to TASS calculations, the number of infected individuals in Russia has exceeded 1% of the population.
The daily growth rate has reached 1.2%, according to the crisis center. In particular, another 472 cases were confirmed in the Moscow Region, 366 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 299 in the Rostov Region, 268 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 256 in the Voronezh Region.
A total of 335,870 people in Russia are undergoing treatment.


tass--2020-10-23--Moscow created large stock of coronavirus medicine, authorities say

Paris still in the dark about who could have leaked Putin-Macron phone call The French authorities continue probing the case @ @ @ @ @ supposed fragments of a conversation that took place between the two presidents , a source @ @ @ @ @ told TASS

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-10-23--US says Russian ventilators were disposed as a precaution

WASHINGTON , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Aventa-M ventilators shipped to the US in April were disposed in the country as a precaution , the US Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) said in a statement obtained by TASS Thursday .
`` Commodities deployed for the response to COVID-19 and all other disasters require regulatory review and approval .
To be distributed for use in the U.S. , all ventilators - whether manufactured in or outside the U.S. - require either a 510 ( k ) clearance or , for distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic , authorization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EUA ) .
The ventilator models included in this shipment of supplies did not have either an EUA or 510 ( k ) clearance .
In May , there were reports that Aventa-M ventilators have caused fires in Russia , '' the statement reads .
`` Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of those impacted by COVID-19 as well as medical professionals and institutions , the ventilators in question were disposed in July in accordance with General Services Administration ( GSA ) and Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarified that the Food and Drug Association ( FDA ) and FEMA were in general aware of the shipment that was sent to the US but did not have all information until the flight landed in the country on April 1 .
FDA officers inspected the goods upon arrival to get more information and followed FDA policy to allow entry of the ventilators without an emergency use authorization into the U.S. while working interactively with the firms to get the required authorizations .
The agency also explained that the ventilators had variable voltage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia procured a shipment of medical equipment to the US as assistance to fight the coronavirus spread .
The Russian Air Forces ’ An-124 plane delivered the shipment on April 1 to New York ’ s John F. Kennedy International Airport .
Earlier , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov ruled out any possibility that Russia could have shipped faulty ventilators to the US .
He recalled that the assistance was delivered to the US in a critical moment of the coronavirus pandemic .
On May 9 , a woman died in a Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people died in similar circumstances in St. Petersburg ’ s St. George ’ s hospital on May 12 .
On May 13 , Russia ’ s healthcare watchdog suspended circulation and use of the Aventa-M ventilators produced on April 1 in Russia .
These machines were used in the hospitals where the fires occurred .
An inspection carried out by the watchdog ’ s specialists found problems in their operation .
However , a quality and safety inspection of the machines did not establish a direct connection with the fires in Moscow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian healthcare watchdog reissued registration to the Aventa-M ventilators and allowed their use .

WASHINGTON, October 23. /TASS/. The Russian Aventa-M ventilators shipped to the US in April were disposed in the country as a precaution, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said in a statement obtained by TASS Thursday.
"Commodities deployed for the response to COVID-19 and all other disasters require regulatory review and approval. To be distributed for use in the U.S., all ventilators - whether manufactured in or outside the U.S. - require either a 510(k) clearance or, for distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorization under the ventilator Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). The ventilator models included in this shipment of supplies did not have either an EUA or 510(k) clearance. In May, there were reports that Aventa-M ventilators have caused fires in Russia," the statement reads.
"Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of those impacted by COVID-19 as well as medical professionals and institutions, the ventilators in question were disposed in July in accordance with General Services Administration (GSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines," FEMA added.
The agency clarified that the Food and Drug Association (FDA) and FEMA were in general aware of the shipment that was sent to the US but did not have all information until the flight landed in the country on April 1. FDA officers inspected the goods upon arrival to get more information and followed FDA policy to allow entry of the ventilators without an emergency use authorization into the U.S. while working interactively with the firms to get the required authorizations. The agency also explained that the ventilators had variable voltage from 110 to 220V.
In spring, Russia procured a shipment of medical equipment to the US as assistance to fight the coronavirus spread. The Russian Air Forces’ An-124 plane delivered the shipment on April 1 to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov ruled out any possibility that Russia could have shipped faulty ventilators to the US. He recalled that the assistance was delivered to the US in a critical moment of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ventilator inspection
On May 9, a woman died in a Moscow hospital in a fire, while six people died in similar circumstances in St. Petersburg’s St. George’s hospital on May 12. On May 13, Russia’s healthcare watchdog suspended circulation and use of the Aventa-M ventilators produced on April 1 in Russia. These machines were used in the hospitals where the fires occurred. An inspection carried out by the watchdog’s specialists found problems in their operation. However, a quality and safety inspection of the machines did not establish a direct connection with the fires in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
On July 22, the Russian healthcare watchdog reissued registration to the Aventa-M ventilators and allowed their use.


tass--2020-10-23--Russia to explain its stance to the West but will not put up with obnoxiousness — Kremlin

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will not tolerate the West ’ s obnoxious behavior and is disappointed with Germany ’ s reaction to the present complications in relations , but will continue to clarify its stance , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Channel One ’ s Great Game program .
He was asked , in particular , to comment on remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov , which were interpreted by some media outlets as a statement about the possibility of halting the dialogue with the European Union .
`` Of course , no one is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was exactly what Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov was talking about , but , at the same time , everyone in Moscow is determined to carry on efforts to elucidate [ its stance ] , '' Peskov said .
He admitted that `` there are certain complications '' in relations with Germany .
`` There is a certain irritant , but we still need to work together to eliminate that irritant somehow .
And , of course , we are a bit disappointed that all our attempts to work together on that have failed so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s remarks that Russia and Germany were united by common interests and projects , with Germany being Russia ’ s second trade and economic partner after China .
`` We need each other , '' Peskov said , adding that Russia would continue to consistently and patiently explain its stance to its partners .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia will not tolerate the West’s obnoxious behavior and is disappointed with Germany’s reaction to the present complications in relations, but will continue to clarify its stance, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Channel One’s Great Game program.
He was asked, in particular, to comment on remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which were interpreted by some media outlets as a statement about the possibility of halting the dialogue with the European Union.
"Of course, no one is going to tolerate obnoxiousness, and that was exactly what Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov was talking about, but, at the same time, everyone in Moscow is determined to carry on efforts to elucidate [its stance]," Peskov said.
He admitted that "there are certain complications" in relations with Germany. "There is a certain irritant, but we still need to work together to eliminate that irritant somehow. And, of course, we are a bit disappointed that all our attempts to work together on that have failed so far," the Kremlin spokesman stressed.
He recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks that Russia and Germany were united by common interests and projects, with Germany being Russia’s second trade and economic partner after China. "We need each other," Peskov said, adding that Russia would continue to consistently and patiently explain its stance to its partners.


tass--2020-10-23--Baku says hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone continue

`` At present , the hostilities continue along the entire length of the frontline , '' it said in a statement posted on its website .
According to the ministry , the fighting continued with varying degrees of intensity on Thursday and overnight into Friday in the Agdere , Fizuli-Hadrut-Jabrail and Qubadli directions .
It noted that the Azerbaijani army ’ s positions had been shelled by Armenian forces , which used small arms , mortars and cannons .
`` As a result of the Azerbaijani army ’ s operations , strikes were carried out at Armenian armed forces units @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directions .
Several enemy strongholds were destroyed , important territories and heights were captured , '' the Defense Ministry said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
Moscow brokered a humanitarian ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was violated .
Later , the Foreign Ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced plans to declare another ceasefire at midnight on October 18 , but the hostilities continue , and the warring parties keep blaming each other for violating the truce .
Baku and Yerevan have disputed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh since February 1988 , when the region declared secession from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic .
In the armed conflict of 1992-1994 Azerbaijan lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjoining districts .

"At present, the hostilities continue along the entire length of the frontline," it said in a statement posted on its website.
According to the ministry, the fighting continued with varying degrees of intensity on Thursday and overnight into Friday in the Agdere, Fizuli-Hadrut-Jabrail and Qubadli directions. It noted that the Azerbaijani army’s positions had been shelled by Armenian forces, which used small arms, mortars and cannons.
"As a result of the Azerbaijani army’s operations, strikes were carried out at Armenian armed forces units in the Fuzuli, Jabrail and Qubadli directions. Several enemy strongholds were destroyed, important territories and heights were captured," the Defense Ministry said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
Moscow brokered a humanitarian ceasefire that took effect on October 10 but was violated. Later, the Foreign Ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced plans to declare another ceasefire at midnight on October 18, but the hostilities continue, and the warring parties keep blaming each other for violating the truce.
Baku and Yerevan have disputed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh since February 1988, when the region declared secession from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic. In the armed conflict of 1992-1994 Azerbaijan lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjoining districts.


tass--2020-10-23--Bolivia’s president-elect says he plans to cement relations with Russia

BUENOS AIRES , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Bolivia 's President-elect Luis Arce has said he will work to strengthen @ @ @ @ @ We thank our brother Vladimir Putin , the President of the Russian Federation , for @ @ @ @ @ visit that [ Russian ] Ambassador to Bolivia Vladimir Sprinchan paid us today .
We @ @ @ @ @ countries for the benefit of our peoples , '' he wrote in a Twitter post @ @ @ @ @ Bolivia held is presidential and parliamentary elections .
With over 99 % of ballots counted @ @ @ @ @ of voters cast their ballots for the close associate of former President Evo Morales .
@ @ @ @ @ , ex-President Carlos Mesa , conceded defeat on Monday .

BUENOS AIRES, October 23. /TASS/. Bolivia's President-elect Luis Arce has said he will work to strengthen relations with Russia.
"We thank our brother Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, for congratulations, and for the visit that [Russian] Ambassador to Bolivia Vladimir Sprinchan paid us today. We will strengthen relations between our countries for the benefit of our peoples," he wrote in a Twitter post.
On October 18, Bolivia held is presidential and parliamentary elections. With over 99% of ballots counted, more than 55% of voters cast their ballots for the close associate of former President Evo Morales. Arce’s key rival, ex-President Carlos Mesa, conceded defeat on Monday.


tass--2020-10-23--Russia to protect its interests if US leaves Open Skies Treaty - Kremlin

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will protect its interests in light of US plans to withdraw from @ @ @ @ @ , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Channel One ’ s Great Game show .
`` @ @ @ @ @ announced plans to withdraw from the treaty , '' he noted .
Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ of the Valdai International Discussion Club that the Russian authorities `` still have difficulties understanding @ @ @ @ @ reason for that decision . ''
`` However , that ’ s a fact and @ @ @ @ @ that Russia will protect its interests , '' Peskov stressed .
He pointed out that @ @ @ @ @ s position on Washington ’ s plans to leave the Treaty on Open Skies .
@ @ @ @ @ interests of our country because we would be unable to conduct inspection missions over US @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the Russian president had drawn the red line on the issue and @ @ @ @ @ to talks .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia will protect its interests in light of US plans to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Channel One’s Great Game show.
"Unfortunately, the Americans have announced plans to withdraw from the treaty," he noted.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club that the Russian authorities "still have difficulties understanding US grievances that became the reason for that decision." "However, that’s a fact and the president made it clear that Russia will protect its interests," Peskov stressed.
He pointed out that Putin had clarified Moscow’s position on Washington’s plans to leave the Treaty on Open Skies. "It would affect the interests of our country because we would be unable to conduct inspection missions over US territory," Peskov said, adding that the Russian president had drawn the red line on the issue and all other things were subject to talks.


tass--2020-10-23--Other countries can hardly build as close ties with Belarus as Russia - Kremlin spokesman

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Other countries can hardly build as close ties with Belarus as Russia did @ @ @ @ @ told Channel One ’ s Great Game show .
`` The essence of competition is @ @ @ @ @ ready to offer similar economic cooperation to Belarus , as well as similar relations based @ @ @ @ @ benefits , then there is a chance that it will gain a leading position in @ @ @ @ @ the other hand , you know perfectly well that all plans that Moscow and Minsk @ @ @ @ @ allied relations .
Other countries can hardly reach this level at the moment , '' @ @ @ @ @ Russian presidential spokesman noted that Poland had entered the competition amid the recent developments in @ @ @ @ @ how active Warsaw was during the events that were taking place in Belarus and how @ @ @ @ @ visitors who toured the country , I mean those who left Belarus , '' Peskov @ @

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Other countries can hardly build as close ties with Belarus as Russia did, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Channel One’s Great Game show.
"The essence of competition is that if a country is ready to offer similar economic cooperation to Belarus, as well as similar relations based on mutual dependence and mutual benefits, then there is a chance that it will gain a leading position in the competition. But on the other hand, you know perfectly well that all plans that Moscow and Minsk have are based on close allied relations. Other countries can hardly reach this level at the moment," he pointed out.
The Russian presidential spokesman noted that Poland had entered the competition amid the recent developments in Belarus. "You know how active Warsaw was during the events that were taking place in Belarus and how hospitable Warsaw was to various visitors who toured the country, I mean those who left Belarus," Peskov said.


tass--2020-10-23--Too early to talk about formula of political solution to Nagorno-Karabakh issue - Kremlin

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing everything possible to facilitate a political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Channel One ’ s Great Game show .
When asked what the political and diplomatic solution could be , Peskov said : `` I think that it would be a huge mistake to articulate any formulas . ''
The Russian presidential spokesman pointed to differences in the approaches of Moscow and Ankara to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue .
`` Ankara does not make a secret of its unequivocal support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be resolved by use of force , '' he pointed out .
Peskov noted that `` Russia and President Putin are confident that there is no military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and it can only be resolved through political and diplomatic means . ''
`` The president emphasized that both Armenia and Azerbaijan are our special partners , we are bound together by decades if not centuries of common history and we appreciate these relations , '' the Russian presidential spokesman said earlier at a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is doing everything possible to facilitate a political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Channel One’s Great Game show.
When asked what the political and diplomatic solution could be, Peskov said: "I think that it would be a huge mistake to articulate any formulas." The Russian presidential spokesman pointed to differences in the approaches of Moscow and Ankara to resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. "Ankara does not make a secret of its unequivocal support for Azerbaijan and believes that the issue can be resolved by use of force," he pointed out.
Peskov noted that "Russia and President Putin are confident that there is no military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and it can only be resolved through political and diplomatic means."
"The president emphasized that both Armenia and Azerbaijan are our special partners, we are bound together by decades if not centuries of common history and we appreciate these relations," the Russian presidential spokesman said earlier at a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club on Thursday.


tass--2020-10-22--Hainan to become a model base for demonstration of tackling ocean pollution

HAIKOU , October 22 .
/TASS/ .
Sanya 's Environmental Protection Authority and the Basel Convention Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific signed a memorandum on cooperation to set up capacity on Hainan to tackle plastic and microplastic pollution of seas and oceans .
According to the Sanya Daily , the signing of the document took place in the presence of representatives of the Sanya government and the Norwegian Embassy in China .
This document provides for a number of educational activities in Sanya to combat plastic pollution of the marine environment and other waste , in addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the seas , collecting and analyzing data , as well as enhancing preventive measures to combat environmental pollution in Sanya .
The memorandum provides for the development of reproducible and scalable practices and measures of tackling and preventing pollution that China can offer the world .
According to the signed document , the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection acts as a customer , while the Basel Convention Regional Center for the Asia-Pacific will become an executor in the field of assessing various environmental impacts and developing tools and techniques for monitoring the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to develop measures for the Chinese government to prevent and control pollution of the marine environment with plastic and other waste , and provide technical assistance to Chinese specialists .
Li Jinhui , Executive Director of the Basel Convention Regional Center for the Asia-Pacific Region , noted that the Sanya government 's policy to implement best practices to tackle ocean pollution from plastic and other waste can serve as an example for other coastal cities in China and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative '' , and will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce China 's pollution of the world 's oceans .
The Hainan authorities are currently implementing a series of environmental protection measures .
Since October , four large provincial cities - Haikou , Sanya , Sansha and Danzhou - have introduced mandatory sorting of household waste .
These cities will become a kind of pilot demonstration zones , the practice of which will subsequently be extended to other regions of the province .
In each city , on the basis of government and party bodies , schools , residential areas , shops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been created , where citizens will be able to learn more about the new classification system for household waste .
The government plans to generally complete the creation of all the infrastructure necessary for waste processing by 2022 .

HAIKOU, October 22. /TASS/. Sanya's Environmental Protection Authority and the Basel Convention Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific signed a memorandum on cooperation to set up capacity on Hainan to tackle plastic and microplastic pollution of seas and oceans. According to the Sanya Daily, the signing of the document took place in the presence of representatives of the Sanya government and the Norwegian Embassy in China.
This document provides for a number of educational activities in Sanya to combat plastic pollution of the marine environment and other waste, in addition, the agreement provides for monitoring the state of the seas, collecting and analyzing data, as well as enhancing preventive measures to combat environmental pollution in Sanya. The memorandum provides for the development of reproducible and scalable practices and measures of tackling and preventing pollution that China can offer the world.
According to the signed document, the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection acts as a customer, while the Basel Convention Regional Center for the Asia-Pacific will become an executor in the field of assessing various environmental impacts and developing tools and techniques for monitoring the environmental situation. Moreover, the center will have to develop measures for the Chinese government to prevent and control pollution of the marine environment with plastic and other waste, and provide technical assistance to Chinese specialists.
Li Jinhui, Executive Director of the Basel Convention Regional Center for the Asia-Pacific Region, noted that the Sanya government's policy to implement best practices to tackle ocean pollution from plastic and other waste can serve as an example for other coastal cities in China and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative", and will also make a direct contribution to measures to reduce China's pollution of the world's oceans.
The Hainan authorities are currently implementing a series of environmental protection measures. Since October, four large provincial cities - Haikou, Sanya, Sansha and Danzhou - have introduced mandatory sorting of household waste. These cities will become a kind of pilot demonstration zones, the practice of which will subsequently be extended to other regions of the province. In each city, on the basis of government and party bodies, schools, residential areas, shops and shopping centers, waste sorting centers have been created, where citizens will be able to learn more about the new classification system for household waste. The government plans to generally complete the creation of all the infrastructure necessary for waste processing by 2022.


tass--2020-10-22--Russia is not afraid of differences with Turkey, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , October 22./TASS/ .
Russia is not afraid of differences with Turkey , Ankara is interested in continuing cooperation with Moscow , President Vladimir Putin told a plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday .
Russia does not fear anything now , and is not in a position where it should fear something , the president said when asked whether Russia was afraid of differences with Turkey because of Ankara ’ s allegedly pursuing the policy of expending the zone of its influence to the borders of the former Ottoman Empire .
`` I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tayyip ] Erdogan is planning , or what his attitude to the Ottoman heritage is - better ask him about this , '' Putin noted .
`` I know that the amount of our trade today is over $ 20 billion .
I know that Turkey is really interested in continuing this cooperation , '' the president stressed .
President Erdogan pursues an independent foreign policy , Putin noted .
Thus , the Turkish Stream project was put into practice within a rather short time , `` despite any pressure , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been ‘ chewing over ’ this issue with Europe for years , failing as of yet .
Europe is still unable to show elementary independence and sovereignty for putting into practice the absolutely advantageous for it Nord Stream 2 project , '' the president noted .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 22./TASS/. Russia is not afraid of differences with Turkey, Ankara is interested in continuing cooperation with Moscow, President Vladimir Putin told a plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday.
Russia does not fear anything now, and is not in a position where it should fear something, the president said when asked whether Russia was afraid of differences with Turkey because of Ankara’s allegedly pursuing the policy of expending the zone of its influence to the borders of the former Ottoman Empire.
"I don’t know what President [of Turkey Recep Tayyip] Erdogan is planning, or what his attitude to the Ottoman heritage is - better ask him about this," Putin noted. "I know that the amount of our trade today is over $20 billion. I know that Turkey is really interested in continuing this cooperation," the president stressed.
President Erdogan pursues an independent foreign policy, Putin noted. Thus, the Turkish Stream project was put into practice within a rather short time, "despite any pressure," he stressed.
"Meanwhile, we have been ‘chewing over’ this issue with Europe for years, failing as of yet. Europe is still unable to show elementary independence and sovereignty for putting into practice the absolutely advantageous for it Nord Stream 2 project," the president noted.


tass--2020-10-22--Putin urges not to politicize issue of oil prices

NOVO-OGARYOVO , October 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged not to politicize the topic of oil prices @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If we still treat energy sector as a stepson and keep pointing out @ @ @ @ @ bad , it pollutes everything here , there will be no investments , we will @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore , we need to take a responsible approach and not politicize this topic @ @ @ @ @ , especially those who do not understand anything about this , '' the head of @ @ @ @ @ speaking at the Valdai international discussion club on Thursday .
In his opinion , one @ @ @ @ @ the interests of the world economy , from the interests of their own countries , @ @ @ @ @ the preservation of environment and the economic development - ensuring the income of our citizens @ @ @ @ @ `` Only by keeping the balance of these interests and walking this path we will @ @ @ @ @ lead to destruction , '' Putin concluded .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin urged not to politicize the topic of oil prices, but to seek compromises.
"If we still treat energy sector as a stepson and keep pointing out that it is bad, bad, it pollutes everything here, there will be no investments, we will see how prices will skyrocket. Therefore, we need to take a responsible approach and not politicize this topic, not to talk away, especially those who do not understand anything about this," the head of the Russian state said, speaking at the Valdai international discussion club on Thursday.
In his opinion, one should act "proceeding from the interests of the world economy, from the interests of their own countries, and looking for compromises between the preservation of environment and the economic development - ensuring the income of our citizens, our families." "Only by keeping the balance of these interests and walking this path we will succeed, everything else will lead to destruction," Putin concluded.


tass--2020-10-22--China to publish the list of regulations for foreign investors by the end of 2020

HAIKOU , October 22 .
/TASS/ .
By the end of 2020 , the Chinese authorities are planning to publish a list regulating the areas of access for foreign investors on Hainan , announced the official representative of the Chinese State Development and Reform Committee Meng Wei .
“ In order to take full advantage of the unique benefits of the experimental high-level openness policy applied to Hainan 's free trade port and to draw foreign capital to the region , the State Development and Reform Committee and the provincial administration are working to develop a negative foreign investment access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as saying by the Zhongovan Internet resource .
`` The list will be made public by the end of the year , the State Committee will publish it in due time and make the necessary remarks '' .
In the negative list , the Chinese government will indicate the industries in which investments for foreign companies are partially limited or completely prohibited .
Areas of activity which are not listed are fully open to investment .
In June , the Chinese authorities published a shortened negative list for foreign investment , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 33 , the negative list of foreign capital 's access to experimental free trade zones was reduced from 37 to 30 points .
The authorities presented a plan for the free trade port ’ s development on June , 1 .
In accordance with the plan , the Hainan province will be turned into a special customs zone .
The country ’ s government intends in general to wrap up the creation of the free trade port on the island by 2025 : by this time the island should acquire a system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By 2035 , the free trade port and its model will become more solid .
By this time , Hainan intends to ensure the freedom of trade and investments , trans-border movement of capital , people and shipping .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .
The authorities presented a plan for the free trade port ’ s development on June , 1 .
In accordance with the plan , the Hainan province will be turned into a special customs zone .
The country ’ s government intends in general to wrap up the creation of the free trade port on the island by 2025 : by this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure free trade and investments .
By 2035 , the free trade port and its model will become more solid .
By this time , Hainan intends to ensure the freedom of trade and investments , trans-border movement of capital , people and shipping .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, October 22. /TASS/. By the end of 2020, the Chinese authorities are planning to publish a list regulating the areas of access for foreign investors on Hainan, announced the official representative of the Chinese State Development and Reform Committee Meng Wei.
“In order to take full advantage of the unique benefits of the experimental high-level openness policy applied to Hainan's free trade port and to draw foreign capital to the region, the State Development and Reform Committee and the provincial administration are working to develop a negative foreign investment access list", Meng Wei was quoted as saying by the Zhongovan Internet resource. "The list will be made public by the end of the year, the State Committee will publish it in due time and make the necessary remarks".
In the negative list, the Chinese government will indicate the industries in which investments for foreign companies are partially limited or completely prohibited. Areas of activity which are not listed are fully open to investment.
In June, the Chinese authorities published a shortened negative list for foreign investment, the number of points in it decreased from 40 to 33, the negative list of foreign capital's access to experimental free trade zones was reduced from 37 to 30 points.
The authorities presented a plan for the free trade port’s development on June, 1. In accordance with the plan, the Hainan province will be turned into a special customs zone. The country’s government intends in general to wrap up the creation of the free trade port on the island by 2025: by this time the island should acquire a system to ensure free trade and investments.
By 2035, the free trade port and its model will become more solid. By this time, Hainan intends to ensure the freedom of trade and investments, trans-border movement of capital, people and shipping.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-10-24--US documents over 71,000 daily COVID-19 cases

NEW YORK , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The US has documented over 71,000 cases of COVID-19 , a disease @ @ @ @ @ , in the past 24 hours , the Johns Hopkins University ( JHU ) informed @ @ @ @ @ .
According to JHU , on October 22 , 71,671 cases of COVID-19 have been @ @ @ @ @ On October 21 , this figure reached 62,735 .
The previous peak was recorded on @ @ @ @ @ cases were documented .
In total , over 8.47 mln cases of COVID-19 have been @ @ @ @ @ the start of the pandemic , the university reports , while 223,845 people have died @ @ @ @ @ in the world on the amount of novel coronavirus cases and deaths .

NEW YORK, October 24. /TASS/. The US has documented over 71,000 cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) informed on Friday on its website.
According to JHU, on October 22, 71,671 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the US. On October 21, this figure reached 62,735. The previous peak was recorded on July 29, when 71,302 cases were documented.
In total, over 8.47 mln cases of COVID-19 have been documented in the USA since the start of the pandemic, the university reports, while 223,845 people have died. The US ranks first in the world on the amount of novel coronavirus cases and deaths.


tass--2020-10-24--Expert: Kamchatka fauna may recover in spring 2021 after mass deaths of marine animals

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The recovery of the fauna in Russia ’ s Kamchatka after the mass deaths of marine animals will take place in two stages , as the water cools down and a new generation of aquatic animals arrives after the winter , Alexander Semyonov , head of the research diving group sent to the site of the incident in Kamchatka , said on Friday .
The diving group was sent within a large-scale expedition of the Russian Geographical Society .
`` Unfortunately , we did document mass deaths at the depth level from 3-5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ > In the near future , we will observe at least two waves of recovery .
Firstly , the water should cool down , because at the point where I dived in , the water was 10 degrees ( Celsius - TASS ) < … > This is one of the reasons why the seaweed could grow to such an extent , '' he said during a round table held by the Russian Academy of Sciences dedicated to what happened in Kamchatka .
According to Semyonov , as soon as the water cools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the depths are likely to go up to the depth of 3-17 meters , where the number of life forms has been reduced significantly as of now .
The seasonal `` change of generations '' of marine animals will be the second stage of recovery , he added .
`` Every year , there is a seasonal change of generations in the cold Russian seas , '' he explained .
The cause of the mass deaths of marine animals A type of toxic seaweed called Karenia , along with the low level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass deaths of marine animals in the Pacific Ocean ’ s Avacha Bay located in Kamchatka , Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Adrianov said .
`` We have analyzed a large body of ocean research data , and we have established the reasons for this large-scale natural process .
< … > We have checked our research with the latest genetic databanks that our foreign colleagues opened to us .
And on the whole , the main cause of the bloom and the release of toxins that led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spp .
There was a rather high concentration of it documented , '' Adrianov said .
He added that low levels of oxygen in the water also played a role in the natural disaster .
He added that fragments of the seaweed had been tested , showing that it had a fatal effect on benthic animals .
Karenia produces a large amount of toxins , which are currently studied by the G.B .
Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and the Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry in Moscow .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pacific Ocean ’ s Avacha Bay was reported , 16 people requested medical aid due to issues with organs of sight .
Deputy Prime Minister and Russian Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev requested an investigation of the causes of the incident .
Water , air , and sand samples were sent to Russia ’ s Academy of Sciences , no critical elevations of maximum allowable concentrations of harmful substances which could have caused corneal burns in humans and mass dying of marine animals have been detected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident .
On Friday , Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin stated that the incident in Kamchatka was a natural disaster , caused by toxic seaweed .
Currently , the situation in Kamchatka is improving , the minister said .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The recovery of the fauna in Russia’s Kamchatka after the mass deaths of marine animals will take place in two stages, as the water cools down and a new generation of aquatic animals arrives after the winter, Alexander Semyonov, head of the research diving group sent to the site of the incident in Kamchatka, said on Friday. The diving group was sent within a large-scale expedition of the Russian Geographical Society.
"Unfortunately, we did document mass deaths at the depth level from 3-5 meters to 15-17 meters. <…> In the near future, we will observe at least two waves of recovery. Firstly, the water should cool down, because at the point where I dived in, the water was 10 degrees (Celsius - TASS) <…> This is one of the reasons why the seaweed could grow to such an extent," he said during a round table held by the Russian Academy of Sciences dedicated to what happened in Kamchatka.
According to Semyonov, as soon as the water cools down, all animals that survived in the depths are likely to go up to the depth of 3-17 meters, where the number of life forms has been reduced significantly as of now.
The seasonal "change of generations" of marine animals will be the second stage of recovery, he added. "Every year, there is a seasonal change of generations in the cold Russian seas," he explained.
The cause of the mass deaths of marine animals
A type of toxic seaweed called Karenia, along with the low level of oxygen in the water, caused the mass deaths of marine animals in the Pacific Ocean’s Avacha Bay located in Kamchatka, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Adrianov said.
"We have analyzed a large body of ocean research data, and we have established the reasons for this large-scale natural process. <…> We have checked our research with the latest genetic databanks that our foreign colleagues opened to us. And on the whole, the main cause of the bloom and the release of toxins that led to the death of benthic animals is Karenia spp. There was a rather high concentration of it documented," Adrianov said. He added that low levels of oxygen in the water also played a role in the natural disaster.
He added that fragments of the seaweed had been tested, showing that it had a fatal effect on benthic animals. Karenia produces a large amount of toxins, which are currently studied by the G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and the Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry in Moscow.
About the incident
In late September, mass death of marine life in Pacific Ocean’s Avacha Bay was reported, 16 people requested medical aid due to issues with organs of sight. Deputy Prime Minister and Russian Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev requested an investigation of the causes of the incident. Water, air, and sand samples were sent to Russia’s Academy of Sciences, no critical elevations of maximum allowable concentrations of harmful substances which could have caused corneal burns in humans and mass dying of marine animals have been detected. Criminal proceedings have been launched over the incident.
On Friday, Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dmitry Kobylkin stated that the incident in Kamchatka was a natural disaster, caused by toxic seaweed. Currently, the situation in Kamchatka is improving, the minister said.


tass--2020-10-24--Armenian top diplomat notes ‘remarkable unity’ of Russia, US, France on Nagorno-Karabakh

WASHINGTON , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia thinks that there is `` remarkable unity '' among Russia , the US and France on conflict regulation in Nagorno-Karabakh , Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said on Friday during a video conference held by the Atlantic Council .
`` What is very , very important is that US efforts are very much in consolidation of the joint combined work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs : France , Russia and the United States .
This is one of the formats in which these three countries have been considerably united in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` This is exactly the format in which despite the various disagreeing points of views amongst the co-chairs and many other issues on the international agenda , there has been a remarkable unity amongst the co-chairs , '' Mnatsakanyan stressed .
According to Foreign Minister , Armenia supports the idea of deploying peacekeeping forces to Nagorno-Karabakh .
Zohrab Mnatsakanyan noted that sending peacekeepers to the area could help sustain a ceasefire in the region .
`` Peacekeepers on the ground is part of the story .
Peacekeepers on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to consolidate , address any risks against the sustainability of the ceasefire [ in Nagorno-Karabakh ] .
And that has been part of the story for a very long time , about the way in which we are seeking the peaceful resolution .
And now it is also part of the story , '' the Armenian top diplomat said .
`` This is very important .
The peacekeeping question is exactly one of the critical questions in all our discussions , in all our approaches that had been before and that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister lauded the talks in Washington on Nagorno-Karabakh regulation as very productive .
`` We had very productive meetings in the morning , and we will continue our work together on finding the way in which we pursue very specific and very important objectives : establishing the ceasefire , going back to the peaceful resolution , '' he said on Friday during a video conference organized by the Atlantic Council .
Earlier on Friday , Mnatsakanyan held meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Assistant to the President for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials held similar talks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov , however , the meetings were separate .
The Nagorno-Karabakh regulation talks are held within the OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia , the US and France since 1992 .
On October 1 , leaders of Russia , the US and France Vladimir Putin , Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement on the events in Nagorno-Karabakh , condemning the escalation of violence on the line of contact .
Putin , Trump and Macron called for an immediate ceasefire .
Renewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

WASHINGTON, October 24. /TASS/. Armenia thinks that there is "remarkable unity" among Russia, the US and France on conflict regulation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said on Friday during a video conference held by the Atlantic Council.
"What is very, very important is that US efforts are very much in consolidation of the joint combined work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs: France, Russia and the United States. This is one of the formats in which these three countries have been considerably united in their effort and considerably coordinated and consolidated," he said.
"This is exactly the format in which despite the various disagreeing points of views amongst the co-chairs and many other issues on the international agenda, there has been a remarkable unity amongst the co-chairs," Mnatsakanyan stressed.
According to Foreign Minister, Armenia supports the idea of deploying peacekeeping forces to Nagorno-Karabakh. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan noted that sending peacekeepers to the area could help sustain a ceasefire in the region.
"Peacekeepers on the ground is part of the story. Peacekeepers on the ground is the way in which we need to consolidate, address any risks against the sustainability of the ceasefire [in Nagorno-Karabakh]. And that has been part of the story for a very long time, about the way in which we are seeking the peaceful resolution. And now it is also part of the story," the Armenian top diplomat said.
"This is very important. The peacekeeping question is exactly one of the critical questions in all our discussions, in all our approaches that had been before and that are now," Mnatsakanyan stressed.
Armenian Foreign Minister lauded the talks in Washington on Nagorno-Karabakh regulation as very productive.
"We had very productive meetings in the morning, and we will continue our work together on finding the way in which we pursue very specific and very important objectives: establishing the ceasefire, going back to the peaceful resolution," he said on Friday during a video conference organized by the Atlantic Council.
Earlier on Friday, Mnatsakanyan held meetings with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Robert O'Brien. US officials held similar talks with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, however, the meetings were separate.
The Nagorno-Karabakh regulation talks are held within the OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia, the US and France since 1992. On October 1, leaders of Russia, the US and France Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement on the events in Nagorno-Karabakh, condemning the escalation of violence on the line of contact. Putin, Trump and Macron called for an immediate ceasefire.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-24--US official says there is no military solution to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

WASHINGTON , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Robert O'Brien said during a meeting with Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan that there is no military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , calling for regulation within the OSCE Minsk Group .
`` In my meeting with Azerbaijani FM @ bayramov_jeyhun , I pressed for an immediate ceasefire then a return to Minsk Group-facilitated negotiations with Armenia , & rejection of outside actors further destabilizing the situation .
There is no military solution , '' O ’ Brien wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian FM @ ZMnatsakanyan to discuss the need for an immediate ceasefire & a return to Minsk Group-facilitated negotiations with Azerbaijan .
The U.S. will continue our strongest diplomatic efforts at all levels until the conflict is resolved , '' the official informed .
The Nagorno-Karabakh regulation talks are held within the OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia , the US and France since 1992 .
On October 1 , leaders of Russia , the US and France Vladimir Putin , Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement on the events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence on the line of contact .
Putin , Trump and Macron called for an immediate ceasefire .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

WASHINGTON, October 23. /TASS/. US Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Robert O'Brien said during a meeting with Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan that there is no military solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, calling for regulation within the OSCE Minsk Group.
"In my meeting with Azerbaijani FM @bayramov_jeyhun, I pressed for an immediate ceasefire then a return to Minsk Group-facilitated negotiations with Armenia, & rejection of outside actors further destabilizing the situation. There is no military solution," O’Brien wrote on Twitter.
"I met with Armenian FM @ZMnatsakanyan to discuss the need for an immediate ceasefire & a return to Minsk Group-facilitated negotiations with Azerbaijan. The U.S. will continue our strongest diplomatic efforts at all levels until the conflict is resolved," the official informed.
The Nagorno-Karabakh regulation talks are held within the OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by Russia, the US and France since 1992. On October 1, leaders of Russia, the US and France Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement on the events in Nagorno-Karabakh, condemning an escalation of violence on the line of contact. Putin, Trump and Macron called for an immediate ceasefire.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-24--US blacklists Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics

WASHINGTON , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has introduced sanctions against Russia ’ s Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics ( TsNIIKhM ) , the website of the US Department of the Treasury reported on Friday .
According to their data , the restrictions were introduced within the framework of the Countering America 's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ( CAATSA ) , a United States federal law .
According to the US authorities , the Institute is `` connected to the destructive Triton malware '' which `` was designed specifically to target and manipulate industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emergency shutdown of the equipment at an enterprise in case of a dangerous situation , however , this malware can hinder that .
Due to this fact , the agency noted that the virus is considered to be `` the most dangerous threat activity publicly known '' .
`` The Russian Government continues to engage in dangerous cyber activities aimed at the United States and our allies , '' said US Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin .
`` This Administration will continue to aggressively defend the critical infrastructure of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' he added .
Earlier , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Russia of continuing harmful and dangerous actions in cyberspace which threaten the security of the US and its allies .
According to him , Washington will use all possible instruments in response , including sanctions .
According to the US authorities , the TsNIIKhM was allegedly responsible for `` building customized tools that enabled the attack '' on an unidentified petrochemical facility in the Middle East in 2017 .
And in 2019 , hackers behind the development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the security systems of 20 objects of the US electrical grid .
Inclusion in the sanctions list means asset freezing in the United States and the ban for US citizens or firms to engage in business with persons in the list .
On Thursday , October 22 , Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to a question of an American political scientist within the framework of the Valdai Discussion Club reiterated that Russia doesn ’ t `` meddle '' in cyber sphere , and it has been proven by numerous investigations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered to develop instruments of control over non-interference in internal affairs of states in cyberspace - immediately and without preconditions .
He expressed hope that Washington will react to these proposals after the presidential election which is to be held in less than two weeks , on November 3 .
Russia is ready to discuss cooperation on ensuring international information security with all interested partners , should the US reject such a dialogue .

WASHINGTON, October 24. /TASS/. The United States has introduced sanctions against Russia’s Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics (TsNIIKhM), the website of the US Department of the Treasury reported on Friday.
According to their data, the restrictions were introduced within the framework of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a United States federal law. According to the US authorities, the Institute is "connected to the destructive Triton malware" which "was designed specifically to target and manipulate industrial safety systems". Such systems allow the emergency shutdown of the equipment at an enterprise in case of a dangerous situation, however, this malware can hinder that. Due to this fact, the agency noted that the virus is considered to be "the most dangerous threat activity publicly known".
Moscow has repeatedly refuted such allegations.
"The Russian Government continues to engage in dangerous cyber activities aimed at the United States and our allies," said US Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin. "This Administration will continue to aggressively defend the critical infrastructure of the United States from anyone attempting to disrupt it," he added.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Russia of continuing harmful and dangerous actions in cyberspace which threaten the security of the US and its allies. According to him, Washington will use all possible instruments in response, including sanctions.
According to the US authorities, the TsNIIKhM was allegedly responsible for "building customized tools that enabled the attack" on an unidentified petrochemical facility in the Middle East in 2017. And in 2019, hackers behind the development of the Triton malware allegedly studied possible loopholes in the security systems of 20 objects of the US electrical grid.
Inclusion in the sanctions list means asset freezing in the United States and the ban for US citizens or firms to engage in business with persons in the list.
On Thursday, October 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to a question of an American political scientist within the framework of the Valdai Discussion Club reiterated that Russia doesn’t "meddle" in cyber sphere, and it has been proven by numerous investigations in the US. The Russian leader also offered to develop instruments of control over non-interference in internal affairs of states in cyberspace - immediately and without preconditions. He expressed hope that Washington will react to these proposals after the presidential election which is to be held in less than two weeks, on November 3. Russia is ready to discuss cooperation on ensuring international information security with all interested partners, should the US reject such a dialogue.


tass--2020-10-24--63 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Sixty-three more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 6,300 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 6,312 .
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ necessary to stay home , call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases and the morbidity is now demonstrating upwards tendencies @ @ @ @ @ Moscow has reported 386,908 coronavirus cases , including 5,478 during the past day .
As @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the disease .
To date , 1,480,646 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ having recovered from the disease .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet @ @ @ @ @ updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Sixty-three more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 6,300, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Sixty-three coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 6,312.
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it is necessary to stay home, call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment.
Moscow tops the list of Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases and the morbidity is now demonstrating upwards tendencies. As of today, Moscow has reported 386,908 coronavirus cases, including 5,478 during the past day. As many as 285,271 patients have recovered from the disease.
To date, 1,480,646 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,119,251 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-24--Pompeo stresses importance of settlement in Karabakh within framework of OSCE Minsk group

WASHINGTON , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday during his meetings with Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia Jeyhun Bayramov and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in Washington stressed the importance of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group as well as urged to stop the violence and protect civilians , the statement by the press service of the US Department of State said .
It is noted that his meetings with the two diplomats were conducted separately .
`` Secretary Pompeo emphasized the need to end the violence and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of the sides entering substantive negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to resolve the conflict based on the Helsinki Final Act principles of the non-use or threat of force , territorial integrity , and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples , '' the statement stressed .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .
On October 1 , Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macron of France in a joint statement have called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .

WASHINGTON, October 24. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday during his meetings with Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia Jeyhun Bayramov and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan in Washington stressed the importance of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group as well as urged to stop the violence and protect civilians, the statement by the press service of the US Department of State said.
It is noted that his meetings with the two diplomats were conducted separately. "Secretary Pompeo emphasized the need to end the violence and protect civilians. The secretary also stressed the importance of the sides entering substantive negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to resolve the conflict based on the Helsinki Final Act principles of the non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples," the statement stressed.
Escalation of conflict
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States. On October 1, Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France in a joint statement have called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to end hostilities and to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.


tass--2020-10-23--Crisis center does not discuss repeat closing of Russian borders due to pandemic - sources

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center is not planning to recommend the repeat closing of borders with other countries yet discussed on Friday the possibility of decreasing the number of flights to Turkey , sources familiar with the results of the crisis center ’ s meeting told TASS .
`` It was discussed that the new closing of borders has not been planned yet .
New countries were considered but there are no decisions , '' the agency ’ s interlocutor close to the crisis center said .
A source close to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also confirmed this information to TASS .
`` During the crisis center ’ s meeting the subject of closing the ( air service - TASS ) destinations that had already been opened was not discussed , nor the complete closing of borders .
They did discuss the decrease in flights to Turkey and the increase [ in flight frequency ] to the UAE , '' the source specified .
Earlier on Friday , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters that over the past 24 hours another 17,340 cases of the coronavirus infection have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the beginning of the pandemic .
The incidence in the country has been growing since the end of summer - early fall and has already surpassed the spring peak values .
In spring , Russia restricted air service to other countries due to the pandemic .
Starting this summer , the flights have been partially resumed to a number of countries : Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , South Korea , Egypt , the UAE , Turkey , the UK , Switzerland , Tanzania , Serbia , the Maldives , and Cuba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned to resume air service to Japan .
On some destinations the restrictions are in effect on the number of flights per week .
Quotas were not set for flights to Turkey and the UAE after the resumption of flights .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia’s anti-coronavirus crisis center is not planning to recommend the repeat closing of borders with other countries yet discussed on Friday the possibility of decreasing the number of flights to Turkey, sources familiar with the results of the crisis center’s meeting told TASS.
"It was discussed that the new closing of borders has not been planned yet. New countries were considered but there are no decisions," the agency’s interlocutor close to the crisis center said.
A source close to one of the participants of the meeting has also confirmed this information to TASS. "During the crisis center’s meeting the subject of closing the (air service - TASS) destinations that had already been opened was not discussed, nor the complete closing of borders. They did discuss the decrease in flights to Turkey and the increase [in flight frequency] to the UAE," the source specified.
Earlier on Friday, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters that over the past 24 hours another 17,340 cases of the coronavirus infection have been recorded in Russia, the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. The incidence in the country has been growing since the end of summer - early fall and has already surpassed the spring peak values.
In spring, Russia restricted air service to other countries due to the pandemic. Starting this summer, the flights have been partially resumed to a number of countries: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, the UK, Switzerland, Tanzania, Serbia, the Maldives, and Cuba. On November 1, it is planned to resume air service to Japan. On some destinations the restrictions are in effect on the number of flights per week. Quotas were not set for flights to Turkey and the UAE after the resumption of flights.


tass--2020-10-23--Moscow’s anti-coronavirus measures have little impact on city’s economy, says mayor

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The current anti-coronavirus restrictions in Moscow have little impact on the city ’ s economy , Moscow ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Friday .
`` We have taken measures that have little impact on the economy .
But it would be wrong to say that they have no impact at all because we see that people go to cinemas , theaters , visit public catering outlets not that often as they used to , etc .
Passenger traffic is demonstrating downwards tendencies , '' he said in an interview with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel .
According to the mayor , economic impacts from this autumn ’ s anti-coronavirus measures will not that serious as from those imposed in May .
`` But nevertheless it will tell on the economy indirectly , but nota that dramatically as in May when entire economic sectors were shut .
Now , not a single economy sector has been closed , everything is working , '' he said .
Sobyanin told TASS earlier that Moscow ’ s economy may begin to revive in several months after the coronavirus epidemic was over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their best to facilitate the process .
According to the mayor , small and medium-sized businesses in Moscow , which employ a large part of the city ’ s dweller , are developing quite actively .
Such businesses account for 23-24 % of Moscow ’ s revenues .
He said that businesses were reviving quite rapidly after the spring lockdowns , with trade reaching last year ’ s indices .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. The current anti-coronavirus restrictions in Moscow have little impact on the city’s economy, Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Friday.
"We have taken measures that have little impact on the economy. But it would be wrong to say that they have no impact at all because we see that people go to cinemas, theaters, visit public catering outlets not that often as they used to, etc. Passenger traffic is demonstrating downwards tendencies," he said in an interview with the Vesti news roundup on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
According to the mayor, economic impacts from this autumn’s anti-coronavirus measures will not that serious as from those imposed in May. "But nevertheless it will tell on the economy indirectly, but nota that dramatically as in May when entire economic sectors were shut. Now, not a single economy sector has been closed, everything is working," he said.
Sobyanin told TASS earlier that Moscow’s economy may begin to revive in several months after the coronavirus epidemic was over and promised that the authorities would do their best to facilitate the process. According to the mayor, small and medium-sized businesses in Moscow, which employ a large part of the city’s dweller, are developing quite actively. Such businesses account for 23-24% of Moscow’s revenues.
He said that businesses were reviving quite rapidly after the spring lockdowns, with trade reaching last year’s indices.


tass--2020-10-23--Azerbaijan closes several districts over deteriorating COVID-19 situation

BAKU , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijani authorities close entry and exit in six districts of the country and @ @ @ @ @ to deteriorating epidemiological situation , the Cabinet anti-crisis center announced Friday .
`` In order @ @ @ @ @ rate and minimize its consequences , entry to Agstafa , Bilasuvar , Khachmaz , Ismailli @ @ @ @ @ and the city of Migachevir is closed starting October 24 00:00 [ local time ] @ @ @ @ @ , adding that an exception will only be made for special vehicles and cargo trucks @

BAKU, October 23. /TASS/. Azerbaijani authorities close entry and exit in six districts of the country and the city of Mingachevir due to deteriorating epidemiological situation, the Cabinet anti-crisis center announced Friday.
"In order to reduce the virus spread rate and minimize its consequences, entry to Agstafa, Bilasuvar, Khachmaz, Ismailli, Qakh, Zaqatala districts and the city of Migachevir is closed starting October 24 00:00 [local time]," the announcement says, adding that an exception will only be made for special vehicles and cargo trucks.


tass--2020-10-23--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by record high 445,000 in past day, reports WHO

GENEVA , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
More than 445,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide @ @ @ @ @ with the overall number of such cases exceeding 41.57 million , the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ its daily bulletin on Friday .
As of 16:34 Moscow time on October 23 , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases and 1,134,940 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 6,512 .

GENEVA, October 23. /TASS/. More than 445,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 41.57 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
As of 16:34 Moscow time on October 23, as many as 41,570,883 novel coronavirus cases and 1,134,940 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 445,419 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 6,512.


tass--2020-10-23--Yerevan says Baku under Turkish influence threatens regional security

YEREVAN , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s falling under Turkey ’ s influence may pose a threat @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Zograb Mnatsakanyan said at a meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ foreign ministry said on Friday .
`` The Armenian foreign minister stressed that the current @ @ @ @ @ unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic - TASS ) is unfolding with Turkey ’ s direct involvement , @ @ @ @ @ military technical support and deployment of armed terrorists to the region .
He also added @ @ @ @ @ to become a zone of Turkey ’ s influence is a serious threat to region @ @ @ @ @ said .

YEREVAN, October 23. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s falling under Turkey’s influence may pose a threat to regional security, Armenian Foreign Minister Zograb Mnatsakanyan said at a meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo in Washington, the Armenian foreign ministry said on Friday.
"The Armenian foreign minister stressed that the current Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh (unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic - TASS) is unfolding with Turkey’s direct involvement, which is manifested in direct military technical support and deployment of armed terrorists to the region. He also added that Baku’s decision to become a zone of Turkey’s influence is a serious threat to region security," the ministry said.