tass--2020-09-24--Russian embassy in US urges Washington to fight coronavirus, not Russian vaccine

WASHINGTON , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Embassy in Washington called upon the US government to focus its effort on fighting the coronavirus rather than criticizing the Russian vaccine .
`` Don ’ t try to downplay President Putin ’ s constructive proposal to hold an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of Covid19 vaccines , '' the embassy said in a Twitter post .
`` Save American lives .
Fight Covid19 - not the Russian Vaccines . ''
The embassy attached a message by US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian vaccine .
At the same time , the embassy posted the text of a White House media briefing , during which Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said President Donald Trump does not rule out the possibility of using in the United States vaccines produced by other countries .
When asked about the Russian and Chinese vaccines , the press secretary replied by quoting US President Donald Trump as saying that he would take his hat off to a country that produces `` a vaccine that works . ''
In his speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin suggested holding `` an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of anti-coronavirus vaccines . ''
The US government granted $ 1.2 billion to the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca , which is developing a vaccine in collaboration with scientists from the Oxford University ( UK ) .
In addition , the Washington administration provided $ 486 million to the American biotechnology company Moderna and $ 456 million to the pharmaceutical Johnson & Johnson for these purposes .
Merck and Pfizer are also developing a coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total , the US administration has invested $ 12 billion in these projects , according to the White House .
On August 11 , Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and passed clinical trials in June - July .
It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines .
According to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines are capable of developing long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years .
Head of the Russian Direct Investments Fund Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received applications for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries .

WASHINGTON, September 24. /TASS/. The Russian Embassy in Washington called upon the US government to focus its effort on fighting the coronavirus rather than criticizing the Russian vaccine.
"Don’t try to downplay President Putin’s constructive proposal to hold an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of Covid19 vaccines," the embassy said in a Twitter post. "Save American lives. Fight Covid19 - not the Russian Vaccines."
The embassy attached a message by US Department of State Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, who expressed doubts about the efficiency of the Russian vaccine.
At the same time, the embassy posted the text of a White House media briefing, during which Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said President Donald Trump does not rule out the possibility of using in the United States vaccines produced by other countries. When asked about the Russian and Chinese vaccines, the press secretary replied by quoting US President Donald Trump as saying that he would take his hat off to a country that produces "a vaccine that works."
In his speech to the UN General Assembly, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested holding "an online high-level conference shortly for countries interested in cooperation in the development of anti-coronavirus vaccines."
The US government granted $1.2 billion to the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which is developing a vaccine in collaboration with scientists from the Oxford University (UK). In addition, the Washington administration provided $486 million to the American biotechnology company Moderna and $456 million to the pharmaceutical Johnson & Johnson for these purposes. Merck and Pfizer are also developing a coronavirus vaccine in the United States. In total, the US administration has invested $12 billion in these projects, according to the White House.
On August 11, Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry and passed clinical trials in June - July. It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines. According to the Russian Health Ministry, experience shows that such vaccines are capable of developing long-term immunity that lasts for up to two years. Head of the Russian Direct Investments Fund Kirill Dmitriev pointed out that Russia had received applications for more than 1 bln doses of the vaccine from 20 countries.


tass--2020-09-23--Legislator slams West’s ‘well-orchestrated’ smear campaign against Russia over Navalny

MOSCOW , September 23 .
/TASS/ .
The ongoing disinformation campaign over blogger Alexey Navalny ’ s alleged poisoning , launched by the West is well-orchestrated and aimed at undermining the Russian economy and ruining relations with a number of allied countries , including Belarus , Chairman of the State Duma ’ s Commission for Investigating Foreign Interference in Russia ’ s Affairs , Vasily Piskaryov , said after the commission discussed the Navalny case on Wednesday .
“ It has been established that a massive disinformation campaign over Navalny ’ s alleged deliberate poisoning in Russia is well-orchestrated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this smear campaign pursues several goals , including that of “ upsetting Russia ’ s economic development through new sanctions , ” “ primarily , by using unfair competition methods to stop the Nord Stream 2 project , in combination with the sanctions introduced earlier , and blocking contacts between the Russian research centers that work on medicines and anti-virus vaccines , including those for COVID-19 , ” the legislator specified .
Sanctions against three leading research centers are already in effect .
Piskaryov believes that the current situation is reminiscent of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Piskaryov said this disinformation scheme is aimed at ruining Russia ’ s fraternal alliance with Belarus and other friendly countries , thus repeating the Ukrainian scenario of 2014 .
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital to be discharged from it on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .

MOSCOW, September 23. /TASS/. The ongoing disinformation campaign over blogger Alexey Navalny’s alleged poisoning, launched by the West is well-orchestrated and aimed at undermining the Russian economy and ruining relations with a number of allied countries, including Belarus, Chairman of the State Duma’s Commission for Investigating Foreign Interference in Russia’s Affairs, Vasily Piskaryov, said after the commission discussed the Navalny case on Wednesday.
“It has been established that a massive disinformation campaign over Navalny’s alleged deliberate poisoning in Russia is well-orchestrated,” Piskaryov said.
He believes that this smear campaign pursues several goals, including that of “upsetting Russia’s economic development through new sanctions,” “primarily, by using unfair competition methods to stop the Nord Stream 2 project, in combination with the sanctions introduced earlier, and blocking contacts between the Russian research centers that work on medicines and anti-virus vaccines, including those for COVID-19,” the legislator specified. Sanctions against three leading research centers are already in effect. Piskaryov believes that the current situation is reminiscent of the well-known Magnitsky Act and Skripal affair scenarios.
Piskaryov said this disinformation scheme is aimed at ruining Russia’s fraternal alliance with Belarus and other friendly countries, thus repeating the Ukrainian scenario of 2014.
Navalny case
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital to be discharged from it on September 22.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.


tass--2020-09-23--China's Sanya promotes campaign to combat food waste

HAIKOU , September 23 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's Sanya is taking active steps to tackle food waste , the Hainan Daily reported .
In August 2020 , Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the country 's population to `` treat food security consciously , '' calling the habit of wasting food `` sad and shocking . ''
The Chinese leader stressed the need to strengthen the legal framework and regulations , take effective measures , and create a `` long-term mechanism to effectively combat food waste . ''
According to the Hainan Daily , most of Sanya 's cafes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of the dish , give recommendations on the menu , and adjust the order volume depending on the number of people at the table .
For example , cafes and restaurants located near the resort town of Wuzhizhou Island have introduced a new system of serving dishes : guests are offered a set of six small plates with local delicacies .
According to the newspaper , on the one hand , this will allow customers to try everything the local cuisine has to offer , on the other hand , to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal .
In addition to Sanya , many other China 's cities have already joined the campaign against food waste .
For example , in Shanghai , they even launched a city competition dubbed `` a clean plate '' : residents of the metropolis were invited to register in a special application , and then for three weeks daily upload photos confirming that the plate is completely empty after eating .
In order to increase the motivation of the participants , the organizers of the contest prepared over 500 prizes , the cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 22 ) .

HAIKOU, September 23. /TASS/. Hainan's Sanya is taking active steps to tackle food waste, the Hainan Daily reported.
In August 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the country's population to "treat food security consciously," calling the habit of wasting food "sad and shocking." The Chinese leader stressed the need to strengthen the legal framework and regulations, take effective measures, and create a "long-term mechanism to effectively combat food waste."
According to the Hainan Daily, most of Sanya's cafes and restaurants are already offering visitors to order half of the dish, give recommendations on the menu, and adjust the order volume depending on the number of people at the table.
For example, cafes and restaurants located near the resort town of Wuzhizhou Island have introduced a new system of serving dishes: guests are offered a set of six small plates with local delicacies. According to the newspaper, on the one hand, this will allow customers to try everything the local cuisine has to offer, on the other hand, to reduce the waste of the restaurant after the meal.
In addition to Sanya, many other China's cities have already joined the campaign against food waste. For example, in Shanghai, they even launched a city competition dubbed "a clean plate": residents of the metropolis were invited to register in a special application, and then for three weeks daily upload photos confirming that the plate is completely empty after eating. In order to increase the motivation of the participants, the organizers of the contest prepared over 500 prizes, the cost of each about 150 yuan (about $ 22).


tass--2020-09-25--Interpol database has about 50,000 records with data on terrorists - expert

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Interpol database contains about 50,000 records with data of terrorists from all over the world , Chief of the National Central Bureau of Interpol of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia , Major General of Police Alexander Prokopchuk said in an interview with TASS on Friday .
`` Interpol administers an information array containing data about people involved in terrorist crimes .
Information is provided by Interpol member states .
The database is constantly updated , so it is difficult to give an exact figure .
Now its volume is approximately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Prokopchuk , Interpol is implementing several anti-terrorist projects .
`` Thanks to our participation in them , we received information about thousands of foreign terrorists who have joined international terrorist organizations around the world .
At the same time , the main work is carried out in a bilateral format with regard to specific terrorists , '' he said .
He also noted that Russia is seeing high returns from its CIS partners .
`` We are also actively working with the law enforcement agencies of Syria , Turkey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
Last year , for example , as a result of this work , 5 members of terrorist organizations that we have put on the international wanted list were extradited to Russia , '' Prokopchuk said .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. The Interpol database contains about 50,000 records with data of terrorists from all over the world, Chief of the National Central Bureau of Interpol of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Major General of Police Alexander Prokopchuk said in an interview with TASS on Friday.
"Interpol administers an information array containing data about people involved in terrorist crimes. Information is provided by Interpol member states. The database is constantly updated, so it is difficult to give an exact figure. Now its volume is approximately about 50,000 records," he said.
According to Prokopchuk, Interpol is implementing several anti-terrorist projects. "Thanks to our participation in them, we received information about thousands of foreign terrorists who have joined international terrorist organizations around the world. At the same time, the main work is carried out in a bilateral format with regard to specific terrorists," he said.
He also noted that Russia is seeing high returns from its CIS partners. "We are also actively working with the law enforcement agencies of Syria, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and the EU countries. Last year, for example, as a result of this work, 5 members of terrorist organizations that we have put on the international wanted list were extradited to Russia," Prokopchuk said.


tass--2020-09-25--Over 120 people detained globally for selling fake drugs on the Internet for $14 mln

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
More than 120 people were detained during a special operation for selling counterfeit medicine on the Internet , including antiviral medicine and medical masks , Chief of the National Central Bureau of Interpol of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia , Major General of Police Alexander Prokopchuk said in an interview with TASS on Friday .
`` As a result of the operation , more than 120 criminals were detained around the world .
Counterfeit medical products worth over $ 14 mln were seized from illegal circulation .
Among them were antiviral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Prokopchuk also noted that the special operation was carried out in March this year simultaneously in 90 countries .
`` It is aimed at combating the illegal circulation of medicine and medical devices on the Internet .
Since the beginning of the operation almost coincided with the WHO 's decision to declare coronavirus pandemic , this event was given special importance , '' Prokopchuk added .
According to him , more than 4,000 suspicious sites and pages on social networks have been checked in Russia , more than 2,000 sites involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical devices on the Internet have been identified , 87 criminal cases have been initiated , more than 1,100 administrative checks have been initiated , 34 people were detained for carrying out illegal activities .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. More than 120 people were detained during a special operation for selling counterfeit medicine on the Internet, including antiviral medicine and medical masks, Chief of the National Central Bureau of Interpol of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Major General of Police Alexander Prokopchuk said in an interview with TASS on Friday.
"As a result of the operation, more than 120 criminals were detained around the world. Counterfeit medical products worth over $14 mln were seized from illegal circulation. Among them were antiviral drugs and protective masks," he said.
Prokopchuk also noted that the special operation was carried out in March this year simultaneously in 90 countries. "It is aimed at combating the illegal circulation of medicine and medical devices on the Internet. Since the beginning of the operation almost coincided with the WHO's decision to declare coronavirus pandemic, this event was given special importance," Prokopchuk added.
According to him, more than 4,000 suspicious sites and pages on social networks have been checked in Russia, more than 2,000 sites involved in the illegal sale of drugs and medical devices on the Internet have been identified, 87 criminal cases have been initiated, more than 1,100 administrative checks have been initiated, 34 people were detained for carrying out illegal activities.


tass--2020-09-25--Putin to visit Kavkaz-2020 drills in southern Russia

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the Kapustin Yar training ground in the Astrakhan region on Friday , where he will observe the main stage of the Kavkaz-2020 drills .
Putin 's upcoming trip is one of the few during the coronavirus pandemic .
At the end of July , the president visited Crimea , and on September 14 held talks in Sochi with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko , with whom , in particular , he discussed holding joint military exercises .
The Kavkaz-2020 drills , running from September 21-26 , led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Valery Gerasimov , are underway in Russia ’ s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas .
The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel , including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard .
Furthermore , this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia , Belarus , China , Myanmar and Pakistan .
Representatives from Azerbaijan , Indonesia , Iran , Kazakhstan , Tajikistan and Sri Lanka are participating as observers , according to the Russian Defense Ministry .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that roughly 250 tanks , up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs , as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems were set to be used in the exercise on firing grounds .
About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the Kapustin Yar training ground in the Astrakhan region on Friday, where he will observe the main stage of the Kavkaz-2020 drills.
Putin's upcoming trip is one of the few during the coronavirus pandemic. At the end of July, the president visited Crimea, and on September 14 held talks in Sochi with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, with whom, in particular, he discussed holding joint military exercises.
The Kavkaz-2020 drills, running from September 21-26, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, are underway in Russia’s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas. The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel, including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard. Furthermore, this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka are participating as observers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
In addition, Russia’s top brass said that roughly 250 tanks, up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs, as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems were set to be used in the exercise on firing grounds. About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures.


tass--2020-09-25--Global coronavirus cases pass 32 mln

Global coronavirus cases pass 32 mln

MOSCOW , September 25 .
/TASS/ .
The global number of confirmed coronavirus cases crossed the 32 mln mark on @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University tally based on information from international organizations , central and local authorities @ @ @ @ @ has reached 32,039,142 , as many as 22,024,644 patients have recovered and 979,388 have died @ @ @ @ @ for the majority of cases ( 6,954,456 ) , followed by India ( 5,732,518 ) @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , 1,128,836 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 929,829 @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 19,948 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, September 25. /TASS/. The global number of confirmed coronavirus cases crossed the 32 mln mark on Thursday, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally based on information from international organizations, central and local authorities.
The number of cases has reached 32,039,142, as many as 22,024,644 patients have recovered and 979,388 have died.
The United States accounts for the majority of cases (6,954,456), followed by India (5,732,518) and Brazil (4,624,268).
To date, 1,128,836 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 929,829 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 19,948 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-09-24--Russian Su-27 scrambles over US strategic bomber over Poland

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
A Su-27 jet fighter of the Russian Western Military District scrambled to intercept @ @ @ @ @ bomber approaching Russia from the Polish airspace , Russian Ministry of Defense announced Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ airspace control detected a US Air Force B-52H strategic bomber approaching Russian border from the @ @ @ @ @ of the Western Military District air defense forces scrambled in order to prevent border violation @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian plane patrolled the border and , after the US plane moved away @ @ @ @ @ its home base .
The Ministry underscored that no violation of border took place , @ @ @ @ @ conducted its sortie in strict compliance with international air law .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. A Su-27 jet fighter of the Russian Western Military District scrambled to intercept a US Air Force strategic bomber approaching Russia from the Polish airspace, Russian Ministry of Defense announced Thursday.
"September 24, Russian airspace control detected a US Air Force B-52H strategic bomber approaching Russian border from the Polish airspace. A Su-27 of the Western Military District air defense forces scrambled in order to prevent border violation," the Ministry said.
The Russian plane patrolled the border and, after the US plane moved away from it, returned to its home base.
The Ministry underscored that no violation of border took place, and that the Russian plane conducted its sortie in strict compliance with international air law.


tass--2020-09-24--Russia’s daily coronavirus cases may rise to 9,000 once again, expert says

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of new daily coronavirus cases in Russia may once again rise to 9,000 , Chief Physician at the Medicine Leader health center Yevgeny Timakov said in a live broadcast on the Instagram account of Russia ’ s RBC news outlet on Thursday .
`` We said in mid-summer that there will be a rise in infections .
According to my estimates , the daily number of cases will grow to 8,000-9,000 , '' he pointed out .
The expert said , however , that there was no reason to panic at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s healthcare system is focused on preventive measures , which made it possible to mitigate the consequences of the first coronavirus wave .
Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said earlier that the epidemiological situation in the country was stable and the number of infections was expected to increase in the fall and winter .
Popova emphasized that people needed to continue wearing face masks in public places and wash their hands frequently in order to prevent the virus from spreading @

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The number of new daily coronavirus cases in Russia may once again rise to 9,000, Chief Physician at the Medicine Leader health center Yevgeny Timakov said in a live broadcast on the Instagram account of Russia’s RBC news outlet on Thursday.
"We said in mid-summer that there will be a rise in infections. According to my estimates, the daily number of cases will grow to 8,000-9,000," he pointed out.
The expert said, however, that there was no reason to panic at the moment. According to Timakov, Russia’s healthcare system is focused on preventive measures, which made it possible to mitigate the consequences of the first coronavirus wave.
Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova said earlier that the epidemiological situation in the country was stable and the number of infections was expected to increase in the fall and winter. Popova emphasized that people needed to continue wearing face masks in public places and wash their hands frequently in order to prevent the virus from spreading.


tass--2020-09-24--EU continues to encourage Kiev’s tough policy towards its own people - Russian envoy

BRUSSELS , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The recent visit of the European Union ’ s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to Kiev has shown that Brussels continues to encourage the Ukrainian authorities to pursue a tough policy towards their own people , Russian Permanent Envoy to the EU Vladimir Chizhov said on Thursday .
According to him , the EU top diplomat once again praised the Kiev authorities during his visit , `` focusing on humanitarian and legal activities . ''
`` It was hard not to notice violations of freedom of speech and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian language and the oppression of Russian-language citizens , which have become a routine fact of life , '' Chizhov noted .
`` Let alone the blatant crimes that were committed at the time of the Maidan , which remain unpunished , '' he added , pointing to the 2014 Odessa Trade Union House tragedy and the murders of journalists .
`` It is surprising and disappointing that while in Kiev , Josep Borrell did not say a word about these problems , at least publicly .
Is proves that Brussels continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tough policy and divide their own people into the good ones and the misguided ones , '' the Russian envoy emphasized .

BRUSSELS, September 24. /TASS/. The recent visit of the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to Kiev has shown that Brussels continues to encourage the Ukrainian authorities to pursue a tough policy towards their own people, Russian Permanent Envoy to the EU Vladimir Chizhov said on Thursday.
According to him, the EU top diplomat once again praised the Kiev authorities during his visit, "focusing on humanitarian and legal activities."
"It was hard not to notice violations of freedom of speech and the rights of journalists, attacks on the Russian language and the oppression of Russian-language citizens, which have become a routine fact of life," Chizhov noted. "Let alone the blatant crimes that were committed at the time of the Maidan, which remain unpunished," he added, pointing to the 2014 Odessa Trade Union House tragedy and the murders of journalists.
"It is surprising and disappointing that while in Kiev, Josep Borrell did not say a word about these problems, at least publicly. Is proves that Brussels continues to encourage the Kiev authorities to pursue a tough policy and divide their own people into the good ones and the misguided ones," the Russian envoy emphasized.


tass--2020-09-24--Moscow mayor points to increase in flu cases

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of patients diagnosed with the flu and acute respiratory viral infections @ @ @ @ @ the past three weeks , the city ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told Rossiya-1 ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We can see a rise in confirmed coronavirus cases .
Clearly , the @ @ @ @ @ of tests is growing .
On the other hand , the number of those diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ respiratory viral infections grew three-fold in the past three weeks , '' he pointed out @ @ @ @ @ Moscow will boost vaccination against the coronavirus , focusing on people from risk groups .
@ @ @ @ @ : either get vaccinated or remain exposed to the risk of getting infected , '' @ @ @ @ @ According to earlier reports , a large-scale flu vaccination campaign was launched in Moscow on @ @ @ @ @ mln residents of the city have been vaccinated so far .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The number of patients diagnosed with the flu and acute respiratory viral infections in Moscow increased three-fold in the past three weeks, the city’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told Rossiya-1’s Vesti program on Thursday.
"We can see a rise in confirmed coronavirus cases. Clearly, the reason is that the number of tests is growing. On the other hand, the number of those diagnosed with the flu and acute respiratory viral infections grew three-fold in the past three weeks," he pointed out.
According to Sobyanin, Moscow will boost vaccination against the coronavirus, focusing on people from risk groups.
"We have two choices: either get vaccinated or remain exposed to the risk of getting infected," the Moscow mayor stressed.
According to earlier reports, a large-scale flu vaccination campaign was launched in Moscow on September 1. About 1.5 mln residents of the city have been vaccinated so far.


tass--2020-09-24--Russia, Cuba agree to work on restoring air service between countries

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Cuba have agreed to work additionally on the issue of restoring the bilateral air service , the statement by Russia ’ s Federal Air Transport Agency ( Rosaviatsia ) said on Thursday after a working visit to Moscow of Vice President of the Cuban Council of Ministers Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz .
The sides discussed the issues of mutual cooperation , including the prospects of restoring air service between Cuba and Russia , issues of flight worthiness of Russian-made aircraft used in Cuba as well as issues of certification of aircraft and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides expressed mutual interest in operating and maintaining Russian-made aircraft in Cuba .
During the pandemic Russia restricted air service to other countries .
Now the flights have resumed only to some destinations .
The anti-coronavirus crisis center made a decision to resume air service to Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , and Belarus since September 21 , and starting on September 27 - to the Republic of Korea .
In early September , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree renewing the reciprocal air service with Egypt , the UAE , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights to Turkey , the UK , Switzerland , and Tanzania .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Russia and Cuba have agreed to work additionally on the issue of restoring the bilateral air service, the statement by Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) said on Thursday after a working visit to Moscow of Vice President of the Cuban Council of Ministers Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz.
The sides discussed the issues of mutual cooperation, including the prospects of restoring air service between Cuba and Russia, issues of flight worthiness of Russian-made aircraft used in Cuba as well as issues of certification of aircraft and crew.
The agency also reported that the sides expressed mutual interest in operating and maintaining Russian-made aircraft in Cuba.
Flight restrictions
During the pandemic Russia restricted air service to other countries. Now the flights have resumed only to some destinations. The anti-coronavirus crisis center made a decision to resume air service to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus since September 21, and starting on September 27 - to the Republic of Korea.
In early September, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree renewing the reciprocal air service with Egypt, the UAE, and the Maldives. Earlier Russia had resumed flights to Turkey, the UK, Switzerland, and Tanzania.


tass--2020-09-24--Release of US citizen Whelan convicted of espionage may help improve relations - brother

NEW YORK , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The family of US national Paul Whelan , sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage in Russia , believes that his release could helo improve relations between the two counties , Paul ’ s brother David said in a statement .
`` Unfortunately , [ US ] Ambassador [ to Russia John ] Sullivan also noted in an interview that US-Russian Federation relations have only deteriorated in recent years .
We realize that Paul 's freedom depends on Secretary of State Pompeo and Ambassador Carstens , President Trump 's Special Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , being able to overcome that deterioration .
We hope they 're successful .
Paul 's release might be a start to filling in that hole , rather than digging it deeper , '' the statement reads .
The US ambassador earlier visited Paul Whelan in penal colony in the Russian region of Mordovia .
The envoy refused to either confirm or deny talks between Washington and Moscow on the possibility of exchanging Whelan for a Russian national jailed in the US .
According to Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security director for US-based automotive parts supplier BorgWarner , was detained in Moscow on December 28 , 2018 , while on a spy mission .
A criminal case was opened against him under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code ( espionage ) .
The Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a high-security penal colony .

NEW YORK, September 24. /TASS/. The family of US national Paul Whelan, sentenced to 16 years in prison for espionage in Russia, believes that his release could helo improve relations between the two counties, Paul’s brother David said in a statement.
"Unfortunately, [US] Ambassador [to Russia John] Sullivan also noted in an interview that US-Russian Federation relations have only deteriorated in recent years. We realize that Paul's freedom depends on Secretary of State Pompeo and Ambassador Carstens, President Trump's Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA), being able to overcome that deterioration. We hope they're successful. Paul's release might be a start to filling in that hole, rather than digging it deeper," the statement reads.
The US ambassador earlier visited Paul Whelan in penal colony in the Russian region of Mordovia. The envoy refused to either confirm or deny talks between Washington and Moscow on the possibility of exchanging Whelan for a Russian national jailed in the US.
Whelan case
According to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Paul Whelan, a corporate security director for US-based automotive parts supplier BorgWarner, was detained in Moscow on December 28, 2018, while on a spy mission. A criminal case was opened against him under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code (espionage). The Moscow City Court sentenced Whelan to 16 years in a high-security penal colony.
Whelan holds US, British, Canadian and Irish passports.


tass--2020-09-24--Lukashenko’s legitimacy requires no statement of recognition, Switzerland says

GENEVA , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s inauguration does not require separate statement of @ @ @ @ @ , because it is Switzerland ’ s principle to only recognize states , not their @ @ @ @ @ told TASS Thursday .
Answering a request to clear the Switzerland ’ s position on @ @ @ @ @ as the President of Belarus , the Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesman Pierre-Alain Eltschinger stated that @ @ @ @ @ 's practice to either recognize or not recognize governments . ''
`` As a matter @ @ @ @ @ recognizes states , '' the spokesman said .
`` The result of an election should @ @ @ @ @ will of the people . ''

GENEVA, September 24. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s inauguration does not require separate statement of recognition or non-recognition from Bern, because it is Switzerland’s principle to only recognize states, not their governments, Swiss Foreign Ministry told TASS Thursday.
Answering a request to clear the Switzerland’s position on recognition or non-recognition of Lukashenko as the President of Belarus, the Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesman Pierre-Alain Eltschinger stated that "it is not Switzerland's practice to either recognize or not recognize governments."
"As a matter of principle, Switzerland only recognizes states," the spokesman said. "The result of an election should, however, represent the will of the people."


tass--2020-09-24--Increase in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Moscow is serious, Mayor says

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The increase in hospitalized patients with the novel coronavirus infection in Moscow is @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the coronavirus becomes more complicated , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on @ @ @ @ @ on the Russia-1 TV channel .
`` In addition to the detection [ of the @ @ @ @ @ see a serious growth in hospitalizations .
This is not a joke at all , @ @ @ @ @ is really becoming more complicated , '' he said .
`` Of course , we @ @ @ @ @ all , protect ourselves .
Then , we need to follow strictly the doctors ’ @ @ @ @ @ added .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The increase in hospitalized patients with the novel coronavirus infection in Moscow is serious. The situation with the spread of the coronavirus becomes more complicated, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday in an interview aired on the Russia-1 TV channel.
"In addition to the detection [of the infected], we also see a serious growth in hospitalizations. This is not a joke at all, this means that our situation is really becoming more complicated," he said.
"Of course, we need to, first of all, protect ourselves. Then, we need to follow strictly the doctors’ requirements," the Mayor added.


tass--2020-09-24--Record number of COVID-19 fatalities during pandemic recorded in Czech Republic

PRAGUE , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
19 patients with the novel coronavirus died on Wednesday in the Czech Republic @ @ @ @ @ number of fatalities in the republic during the entire pandemic , the Health Ministry reported @ @ @ @ @ its information , during the day three more people infected with the coronavirus died in @ @ @ @ @ laboratories as of 18:00 Central European time ( 19:00 Moscow time ) detected 1,286 new @ @ @ @ @ It is expected that the daily values to be published on Friday morning will be @ @ @ @ @ beginning of the pandemic the total number of infections in the Czech Republic with the @ @ @ @ @ has reached 56,747 .
Over the past six months 27,247 republic ’ s residents have @ @ @ @ @ the infection .

PRAGUE, September 24. /TASS/. 19 patients with the novel coronavirus died on Wednesday in the Czech Republic. This is the highest number of fatalities in the republic during the entire pandemic, the Health Ministry reported on Thursday.
According to its information, during the day three more people infected with the coronavirus died in the country, and the laboratories as of 18:00 Central European time (19:00 Moscow time) detected 1,286 new cases of the infection. It is expected that the daily values to be published on Friday morning will be significantly higher.
Since the beginning of the pandemic the total number of infections in the Czech Republic with the population of about 10.7 mln has reached 56,747. Over the past six months 27,247 republic’s residents have recovered from complications caused by the infection.


tass--2020-09-24--Pandemic reveals gaps in treatment of non-communicable diseases, Health Minister says

United Nations , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus infection has revealed gaps in aid provided to patients with non-communicable diseases in all countries , including Russia .
However , due to the timely and systemic approach Russia quickly managed to stabilize the situation with the treatment of these patients in the period of the pandemic , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Thursday .
`` The pandemic has revealed gaps in regularity and volume of planned therapeutic and preventive aid to the population which became a serious challenge requiring flexibility and fine-tuning of healthcare systems of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of non-communicable diseases is one of the priorities in the healthcare sphere for Russia , '' the minister said during a high-level meeting of the special UN group on control and prevention of non-communicable diseases .
The meeting was held within the framework of the UN General Assembly high-level week .
He specified that thanks to the country ’ s effective systemic approach to the fight against the non-communicable diseases and implementation of innovative methods of prevention and diagnostics , Russia could quickly stabilize the situation with providing aid to patients in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that during the pandemic patients with cancer , diabetes , those on hemodialysis were receiving timely medical aid .
However , some medical aid , including some surgeries on the locomotive apparatus had to be temporarily suspended .
`` Today we restored the full volume of medical aid , although we continue to treat the patients with the coronavirus infection .
The access to medical aid for all Russian citizens without exception was ensured by the system of the compulsory health insurance , '' he added .
`` During the pandemic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ascertained the necessity of a timely control and prevention of non-communicable diseases and the risk factors of their development , '' the head of the Health Ministry concluded .
According to the latest statistics , over 32,126,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 982,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , 1,128,836 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 929,829 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 19,948 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .

United Nations, September 24. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus infection has revealed gaps in aid provided to patients with non-communicable diseases in all countries, including Russia. However, due to the timely and systemic approach Russia quickly managed to stabilize the situation with the treatment of these patients in the period of the pandemic, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Thursday.
"The pandemic has revealed gaps in regularity and volume of planned therapeutic and preventive aid to the population which became a serious challenge requiring flexibility and fine-tuning of healthcare systems of all countries without exception. The prevention of non-communicable diseases is one of the priorities in the healthcare sphere for Russia," the minister said during a high-level meeting of the special UN group on control and prevention of non-communicable diseases. The meeting was held within the framework of the UN General Assembly high-level week.
He specified that thanks to the country’s effective systemic approach to the fight against the non-communicable diseases and implementation of innovative methods of prevention and diagnostics, Russia could quickly stabilize the situation with providing aid to patients in this category during the pandemic.
The minister noted that during the pandemic patients with cancer, diabetes, those on hemodialysis were receiving timely medical aid. However, some medical aid, including some surgeries on the locomotive apparatus had to be temporarily suspended. "Today we restored the full volume of medical aid, although we continue to treat the patients with the coronavirus infection. The access to medical aid for all Russian citizens without exception was ensured by the system of the compulsory health insurance," he added.
"During the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection we once again ascertained the necessity of a timely control and prevention of non-communicable diseases and the risk factors of their development," the head of the Health Ministry concluded.
According to the latest statistics, over 32,126,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 982,000 deaths have been reported. To date, 1,128,836 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 929,829 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 19,948 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-09-24--Russia still not provided with consular access to Navalny, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia officially requested consular access to blogger Alexey Navalny from the German authorities a week and a half ago , yet still received no response , Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov said during a press conference Thursday .
`` It has been about a week and a half that we officially requested consular access to our citizen from the German authorities .
We have received no response to this request .
Therefore , we hope that our partners will understand the futility of attempts to talk to us from the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not even bother with responding to legitimate questions , based on an international convention , while arrogantly demanding a some sort of repentance from us , '' he said .
Russian Prosecutor General ’ s Office sent official requests to its colleagues in Germany , France , Sweden and the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) , asking to fulfill obligations , outlined in the 1959 European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters , Lavrov noted .
`` It is this firm international legal foundation that we based our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as the French and the Swedes , must provide to us , considering that the Germans told us that they double-checked examinations conducted after Navalny was put in the Charite clinic via their French and Swedish colleagues .
We have received no responses so far , '' the Minister said .
At the same time , Lavrov noted , Berlin reacts to Russian requests with ridiculous statements .
`` For example , the idea that whatever happened to Navalny , happened in Russia , therefore we [ Berlin ] will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any way , we will demand your admission of guilt .
This is embarrassing , especially so for such respectable country as Germany , '' the top diplomat underscored .
He added that The Hague , where the OPCW headquarters is located , has also provided no response .
`` Initially , our German colleagues told us that they can not disclose anything to us , arguing that the case is no longer bilateral , but international .
There is an international body , the OPCW , turn to them , '' Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPCW ] almost immediately , but they have messed with us for several days .
They claimed they no-one contacted them .
And the leadership of this organization , this technical secretariat , with citizens of NATO countries at leading positions , insisted that they have nothing to do with this , '' the Minister disclosed .
`` When we discovered that they actually had a lot to do with this , that they even came to the Charite clinic to take sample from Navalny , they responded by saying that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it is they who have to respond , '' Lavrov said .
`` That is , the Germans send us to The Hague , and The Hague sends us to Berlin . ''
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Russia officially requested consular access to blogger Alexey Navalny from the German authorities a week and a half ago, yet still received no response, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov said during a press conference Thursday.
"It has been about a week and a half that we officially requested consular access to our citizen from the German authorities. We have received no response to this request. Therefore, we hope that our partners will understand the futility of attempts to talk to us from the position of some supreme being, which does not even bother with responding to legitimate questions, based on an international convention, while arrogantly demanding a some sort of repentance from us," he said.
Russian Prosecutor General’s Office sent official requests to its colleagues in Germany, France, Sweden and the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), asking to fulfill obligations, outlined in the 1959 European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, Lavrov noted.
"It is this firm international legal foundation that we based our request for information that our German colleagues, as well as the French and the Swedes, must provide to us, considering that the Germans told us that they double-checked examinations conducted after Navalny was put in the Charite clinic via their French and Swedish colleagues. We have received no responses so far," the Minister said.
At the same time, Lavrov noted, Berlin reacts to Russian requests with ridiculous statements.
"For example, the idea that whatever happened to Navalny, happened in Russia, therefore we [Berlin] will not aid you [Moscow] in any way, we will demand your admission of guilt. This is embarrassing, especially so for such respectable country as Germany," the top diplomat underscored.
He added that The Hague, where the OPCW headquarters is located, has also provided no response.
"Initially, our German colleagues told us that they cannot disclose anything to us, arguing that the case is no longer bilateral, but international. There is an international body, the OPCW, turn to them," Lavrov said. "We addressed [the OPCW] almost immediately, but they have messed with us for several days. They claimed they no-one contacted them. And the leadership of this organization, this technical secretariat, with citizens of NATO countries at leading positions, insisted that they have nothing to do with this," the Minister disclosed.
"When we discovered that they actually had a lot to do with this, that they even came to the Charite clinic to take sample from Navalny, they responded by saying that it was the Germans who filed the request, so it is they who have to respond," Lavrov said. "That is, the Germans send us to The Hague, and The Hague sends us to Berlin."
Navalny case
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the German Foreign Office had not provided the Russian ambassador with any proof of its version of the incident.


tass--2020-09-24--Cuba can become observer state in EAEU by year-end

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The decision to confer the status of the observer state in the Eurasian @ @ @ @ @ to Cuba can be taken by the end of this year , the Eurasian Economic @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
`` The decision to grant the status of the observer state at @ @ @ @ @ made by the end of 2020 , '' the Commission says .
The status provides @ @ @ @ @ attend by invitation meetings of EAEU authorities without the right to participate in decision-making and @ @ @ @ @ by authorities .
Moldova currently has such status .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The decision to confer the status of the observer state in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to Cuba can be taken by the end of this year, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) says on Thursday.
"The decision to grant the status of the observer state at EAEU to Cuba can be made by the end of 2020," the Commission says.
The status provides countries with an opportunity to attend by invitation meetings of EAEU authorities without the right to participate in decision-making and to receive non-confidential documents approved by authorities. Moldova currently has such status.


tass--2020-09-24--Tehran, Moscow working to update cooperation treaty, says Iranian top diplomat

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Tehran and Moscow plan to discuss ways to update the Treaty on the @ @ @ @ @ of Cooperation before it is extended once again , Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif @ @ @ @ @ conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday .
`` The treaty , signed @ @ @ @ @ automatically extended every five years , '' the Iranian top diplomat noted .
`` Before @ @ @ @ @ , we intend to consider the possibility of updating the document in keeping with today @ @ @ @ @ work has begun and the parties will soon present their initiatives for discussions , '' @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Tehran and Moscow plan to discuss ways to update the Treaty on the Foundation of Relations and Principles of Cooperation before it is extended once again, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Thursday.
"The treaty, signed in March 2001, is automatically extended every five years," the Iranian top diplomat noted. "Before it is extended once again, we intend to consider the possibility of updating the document in keeping with today’s reality. The work has begun and the parties will soon present their initiatives for discussions," he added.


tass--2020-09-24--Zelensky announces second COVID-19 wave in Ukraine

KIEV , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Considering the current COVID-19 incidence statistics , a second coronavirus wave has begun in Ukraine , President Vladimir Zelensky said Thursday during the joint press conference with this Slovakian counterpart Zuzana Caputova .
The Ukrainian President is currently in Slovakia with an official one-day visit .
`` [ Incidence ] spikes are all around the world now , and Ukraine is no exception ; the case count keeps growing .
Therefore , indeed , we deny entry to foreign citizens .
We made this decision when we had the first wave , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have 3,000 new cases every day .
Sadly , this is the second coronavirus wave in Ukraine , '' Zelensky said , according to Ukrinform .
The President noted that Ukraine registered 100 to 300 new infection cases every day during the first infection wave .
According to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine , Ukrainian medics registered 3,372 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours , which is marginally less than one day earlier .
For the last few weeks , Ukraine reported about 3,000 to 3,500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 188,372 cases were registered in Ukraine since the beginning of the pandemic , 3,757 people died , while 83,458 patients recovered .
Viktor Lyashko , the chief sanitary medic of Ukraine , did not rule out that the republic may introduce a nationwide lockdown .
`` This might happen both before and after October 25 , '' he said in an interview , commenting on Ukrainian citizens ’ fears that a strict quarantine could be imposed after the local elections take place on October 25 .
The chief sanitary medic claimed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that the daily incidence growth is the only thing that matters .

KIEV, September 24. /TASS/. Considering the current COVID-19 incidence statistics, a second coronavirus wave has begun in Ukraine, President Vladimir Zelensky said Thursday during the joint press conference with this Slovakian counterpart Zuzana Caputova.
The Ukrainian President is currently in Slovakia with an official one-day visit.
"[Incidence] spikes are all around the world now, and Ukraine is no exception; the case count keeps growing. Therefore, indeed, we deny entry to foreign citizens. We made this decision when we had the first wave, and we managed to stop it. Today, we have 3,000 new cases every day. Sadly, this is the second coronavirus wave in Ukraine," Zelensky said, according to Ukrinform.
The President noted that Ukraine registered 100 to 300 new infection cases every day during the first infection wave.
According to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Ukrainian medics registered 3,372 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, which is marginally less than one day earlier. For the last few weeks, Ukraine reported about 3,000 to 3,500 new cases every day. A total of 188,372 cases were registered in Ukraine since the beginning of the pandemic, 3,757 people died, while 83,458 patients recovered.
Viktor Lyashko, the chief sanitary medic of Ukraine, did not rule out that the republic may introduce a nationwide lockdown.
"This might happen both before and after October 25," he said in an interview, commenting on Ukrainian citizens’ fears that a strict quarantine could be imposed after the local elections take place on October 25. The chief sanitary medic claimed that the date is not a reference point, and that the daily incidence growth is the only thing that matters.


tass--2020-09-24--Lavrov says implementing Nord Stream 2 project now ‘a matter of honor’ for Germany

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Implementing the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project on the heels of Washington ’ s actions has now become “ a matter of honor ” for Germany , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at Thursday ’ s press conference .
`` I think the time has now come for us to calm down on this topic , We see how the United States attempts daily to publicly humiliate the European Union , especially Germany , and how the United States from the mouths of their official spokespersons demand Germany recognize its luck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security , by which the United States means the abandonment of Nord Stream 2 and a switch to substantially more expensive American liquefied natural gas .
I believe - this is my personal opinion - this issue has now become a matter of honor for Germany , honor in all senses , and in all dimensions , '' Lavrov stressed .
On June 4 , a bill to expand sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project was presented to the US Congress for consideration .
Germany condemned Washington ’ s plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Implementing the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project on the heels of Washington’s actions has now become “a matter of honor” for Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at Thursday’s press conference.
"I think the time has now come for us to calm down on this topic, We see how the United States attempts daily to publicly humiliate the European Union, especially Germany, and how the United States from the mouths of their official spokespersons demand Germany recognize its luck and the need to strengthen its energy security, by which the United States means the abandonment of Nord Stream 2 and a switch to substantially more expensive American liquefied natural gas. I believe - this is my personal opinion - this issue has now become a matter of honor for Germany, honor in all senses, and in all dimensions," Lavrov stressed.
On June 4, a bill to expand sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project was presented to the US Congress for consideration. Germany condemned Washington’s plans to widen the sanctions against the project.


tass--2020-09-24--Coronavirus pandemic stimulated transformation of international relations, says Lavrov

UNITED NATIONS , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus pandemic has accelerated many transformations within the system of @ @ @ @ @ test the United Nations and other global governance mechanisms , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ of the UN Security Council on the issue of maintaining international peace and security and @ @ @ @ @ The novel coronavirus pandemic has served as a catalyst of transformations in international relations .
@ @ @ @ @ not only individual countries and integration associations , but the mechanisms of global governance in @ @ @ @ @ in the first place , '' Lavrov said .

UNITED NATIONS, September 24. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus pandemic has accelerated many transformations within the system of international relations, putting to test the United Nations and other global governance mechanisms, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a video conference of the UN Security Council on the issue of maintaining international peace and security and post-COVID global governance.
"The novel coronavirus pandemic has served as a catalyst of transformations in international relations. It has put to test not only individual countries and integration associations, but the mechanisms of global governance in general, the United Nations in the first place," Lavrov said.


tass--2020-09-24--US sanctions will not influence Russia’s Iran policy, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has no intention of taking into account the United States ’ illegitimate demands concerning Iran , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday .
`` We have heard Washington say that all who those who will fail to share its view of the situation , which brings us back to the need to restore sanctions on Iran , will be punished by additional measures that the US will take , including economic ones , '' Lavrov pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf of Russia .
When building its policy , Russia will in no way take into account these aggressive demands that have no legal force , '' he added .
`` I hope that other countries that cooperate with Iran will take a principled stand and will be guided by their national interests and not by the need to listen to orders from overseas , '' Lavrov noted .
At the same time , in his words , dialogue with the United States continues .
`` We are trying to explain to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to international law will lead nowhere .
We don ’ t know yet what the result will be as we see how arrogantly Washington takes such calls , '' the Russian foreign minister said .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Moscow has no intention of taking into account the United States’ illegitimate demands concerning Iran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Thursday.
"We have heard Washington say that all who those who will fail to share its view of the situation, which brings us back to the need to restore sanctions on Iran, will be punished by additional measures that the US will take, including economic ones," Lavrov pointed out.
"I can only speak on behalf of Russia. When building its policy, Russia will in no way take into account these aggressive demands that have no legal force," he added.
"I hope that other countries that cooperate with Iran will take a principled stand and will be guided by their national interests and not by the need to listen to orders from overseas," Lavrov noted.
At the same time, in his words, dialogue with the United States continues. "We are trying to explain to our American colleagues that this kind of attitude to international law will lead nowhere. We don’t know yet what the result will be as we see how arrogantly Washington takes such calls," the Russian foreign minister said.


tass--2020-09-24--Russian, Iranian ships destroy naval targets at ‘Caucasus 2020’ military exercise

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The Tatarstan missile ship , the Velikiy Ustyug small missile ship , and the Astrakhan small artillery ship of the Russian Caspian Flotilla , together with the Joushan and the Peykan missile boats of the Iranian Navy destroyed the mock enemy ’ s naval group during the ‘ Caucasus 2020 ’ international military drills , Russian Defense Ministry announced Thursday .
`` During the exercise , firing solutions and targeting were provided by the ships ’ radio-technical onboard systems , as well as by the Caspian Flotilla ’ s coastal observation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flotilla ships and the Iranian Navy missile boats led to destruction of the mock enemy ’ s naval group , '' the Ministry said .
The joint tactical group practiced combat maneuvering and precision firing at sea targets , while simultaneously engaging air defense systems .
On September 23 , the two Iranian missile boats provided support to Russian Marines during a landing operation on the unprepared coast near the city of Zelenomorsk in Russia ’ s Dagestan .
The `` Caucasus 2020 '' drills take place between September 21 and 26 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of Russian General Staff head General Valery Gerasimov .
The drills involve about 80,000 people , including Ministry of Emergency Situations and National Guard personnel .
About 12,900 servicemen will take part in episodes , covered by the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and security-building measures .
A total of 1,000 servicemen from six foreign states take part in the events .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. /TASS/. The Tatarstan missile ship, the Velikiy Ustyug small missile ship, and the Astrakhan small artillery ship of the Russian Caspian Flotilla, together with the Joushan and the Peykan missile boats of the Iranian Navy destroyed the mock enemy’s naval group during the ‘Caucasus 2020’ international military drills, Russian Defense Ministry announced Thursday.
"During the exercise, firing solutions and targeting were provided by the ships’ radio-technical onboard systems, as well as by the Caspian Flotilla’s coastal observation stations. The joint actions of the Flotilla ships and the Iranian Navy missile boats led to destruction of the mock enemy’s naval group," the Ministry said.
The joint tactical group practiced combat maneuvering and precision firing at sea targets, while simultaneously engaging air defense systems.
On September 23, the two Iranian missile boats provided support to Russian Marines during a landing operation on the unprepared coast near the city of Zelenomorsk in Russia’s Dagestan.
The "Caucasus 2020" drills take place between September 21 and 26 in the Southern Military District, under the control of Russian General Staff head General Valery Gerasimov. The drills involve about 80,000 people, including Ministry of Emergency Situations and National Guard personnel.
About 12,900 servicemen will take part in episodes, covered by the 2011 Vienna Document on confidence-and security-building measures.
A total of 1,000 servicemen from six foreign states take part in the events.


tass--2020-09-24--Minsk police register several hundred complaints against protesters in 24 hours

MINSK , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Hundreds of Minsk residents contacted the police over the past 24 hours , complaining against participants in the unauthorized protests , the Belarusian Ministry of the Interior announced Thursday .
`` Minsk residents have been actively calling the 102 phone number , complaining about actions of the unauthorized mass events participants .
Over the past 24 hours alone , several hundred people have contacted the Minsk militsiya [ police force ] , '' the Ministry said in a statement published on its website .
The Ministry reported that the protesters ’ actions prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , obstruct public transport and block the passage of emergency and utilities ’ vehicles .
`` No 102 call will be left without attention .
The militsiya will continue responding to violations , '' the Ministry added .
On Wednesday , Belarusian state media reported that Alexander Lukashenko had been inaugurated at Independence Palace in Minsk .
That evening , protesters took to the streets .
According to the Ministry of the Interior , about 3,000 took part in the protests while 252 were apprehended for violation of the law on mass events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MINSK, September 24. /TASS/. Hundreds of Minsk residents contacted the police over the past 24 hours, complaining against participants in the unauthorized protests, the Belarusian Ministry of the Interior announced Thursday.
"Minsk residents have been actively calling the 102 phone number, complaining about actions of the unauthorized mass events participants. Over the past 24 hours alone, several hundred people have contacted the Minsk militsiya [police force]," the Ministry said in a statement published on its website.
The Ministry reported that the protesters’ actions prevent people from getting to work on time, obstruct public transport and block the passage of emergency and utilities’ vehicles.
"No 102 call will be left without attention. The militsiya will continue responding to violations," the Ministry added.
On Wednesday, Belarusian state media reported that Alexander Lukashenko had been inaugurated at Independence Palace in Minsk. That evening, protesters took to the streets. According to the Ministry of the Interior, about 3,000 took part in the protests while 252 were apprehended for violation of the law on mass events.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-09-24--Number of countries use pandemic to settle scores with rivals, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Some states are trying to use the pandemic to settle scores with undesirable governments and geopolitical rivals , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting of the UN Security Council entitled `` Maintenance of international peace and security : Global governance post Covid-19 . ''
Russia ’ s top diplomat stated that the pandemic hasn ’ t evened out transnational disagreements , while , quite the opposite , has aggravated many of them .
`` In a whole number of countries the temptation grew to seek abroad those guilty of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some states to use the current situation in order to promote mercenary , momentary interests are evident , to settle scores with undesirable governments or geopolitical rivals , '' he said .
The Foreign Minister noted that the practice of applying unilateral illegitimate sanctions remains which undermines the authority and the prerogative of the UN Security Council .
As he pointed out , the Russian side numerous times urged to lift the restrictions which during the pandemic affect most strongly the vulnerable groups in the population and limit their access to food and @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Some states are trying to use the pandemic to settle scores with undesirable governments and geopolitical rivals, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting of the UN Security Council entitled "Maintenance of international peace and security: Global governance post Covid-19."
Russia’s top diplomat stated that the pandemic hasn’t evened out transnational disagreements, while, quite the opposite, has aggravated many of them. "In a whole number of countries the temptation grew to seek abroad those guilty of their own internal problems. The attempts of some states to use the current situation in order to promote mercenary, momentary interests are evident, to settle scores with undesirable governments or geopolitical rivals," he said.
The Foreign Minister noted that the practice of applying unilateral illegitimate sanctions remains which undermines the authority and the prerogative of the UN Security Council. As he pointed out, the Russian side numerous times urged to lift the restrictions which during the pandemic affect most strongly the vulnerable groups in the population and limit their access to food and medical aid.


tass--2020-09-24--Russia seeks to determine additional steps to preserve Iran nuclear deal

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expects that his Thursday meeting with Iranian top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif will allow the parties to determine additional steps to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) for Iran ’ s nuclear program , as he himself said .
`` We are actively working with all JCPOA participants who remain committed to this most important document , '' Lavrov pointed out .
`` I hope that today ’ s meeting will help determine additional steps in this direction , '' he added .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear understanding of joint actions on the international stage and further steps in terms of bilateral cooperation .
`` To our great regret , tensions are being raised around the JCPOA , '' Lavrov noted .
`` Our American colleagues are trying to promote illegal and unacceptable unilateral ideas that the UN Security Council does not support , '' he added .
`` We will undoubtedly consider other global issues and pay particular attention to efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis , focusing on the initiatives and decisions developed within the Astana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It is very important for us to exchange views on how to combat alarming trends on the foreign policy front , where we can see active attempts to undermine the vital foundations of international law , '' Lavrov stressed .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expects that his Thursday meeting with Iranian top diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif will allow the parties to determine additional steps to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for Iran’s nuclear program, as he himself said.
"We are actively working with all JCPOA participants who remain committed to this most important document," Lavrov pointed out. "I hope that today’s meeting will help determine additional steps in this direction," he added.
According to him, Moscow and Tehran have a clear understanding of joint actions on the international stage and further steps in terms of bilateral cooperation.
"To our great regret, tensions are being raised around the JCPOA," Lavrov noted. "Our American colleagues are trying to promote illegal and unacceptable unilateral ideas that the UN Security Council does not support," he added.
"We will undoubtedly consider other global issues and pay particular attention to efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis, focusing on the initiatives and decisions developed within the Astana process," the Russian top diplomat said. "It is very important for us to exchange views on how to combat alarming trends on the foreign policy front, where we can see active attempts to undermine the vital foundations of international law," Lavrov stressed.


tass--2020-09-24--Dismantling history: Aide blasts Alaskan town’s removal of statue to 19th century governor

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
On Thursday , Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky chimed in on an Alaskan town ’ s move to dismantle and relocate a monument to Alexander Baranov , who was the first governor of Russian North America in the late 18th - early 19th century , from the central park of the city of Sitka .
Medinsky excoriated the move calling it an abandonment of one ’ s own history .
On June 23 , a group of Sitkans petitioned to remove the sculpture of Baranov from the city center , arguing that indigenous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On July 14 , the Sitka city council approved a resolution to relocate the monument to the city ’ s museum .
On September 24 , municipal authorities began work on dismantling and moving the statue .
`` I regret that the monument to Alexander Baranov in Alaska was struck by the current storm of the US running away from its own history .
To those who forgot or seek to forget history , I will clarify that Baranov is not an oppressor , racist or slave owner , but an outstanding entrepreneur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and humanitarian relations between Russia and America , '' Medinsky emphasized , according to the Russian Military Historical Society .
Medinsky highlighted that a plaque on the statue immortalized Baranov ’ s own words : “ That we may dwell in amity and peace forever in this region.
” '' Apparently , someone disagrees with him strongly .
So , I believe we should look into immortalizing Baranov ’ s memory in our own country , '' the aide noted .
Alexander Baranov ( 1747-1819 ) was a Russian statesman , entrepreneur , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baranov was appointed by the then chartered Russian-American Company as its Chief Manager and effectively as the first governor of Russian America .
In that same year , he established the fort of Novo-Arkhangelsk ( the city of Sitka today ) , moving the administrative center of Russian America there from the city of Irkutsk .
In 1812 , he founded Fort Ross , the southernmost settlement of then Russian America .
The monument to Alexander Baranov , created by Joan Bugbee-Jackson , was installed in downtown Sitka , Alaska , in 1989 @

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. On Thursday, Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky chimed in on an Alaskan town’s move to dismantle and relocate a monument to Alexander Baranov, who was the first governor of Russian North America in the late 18th - early 19th century, from the central park of the city of Sitka. Medinsky excoriated the move calling it an abandonment of one’s own history.
On June 23, a group of Sitkans petitioned to remove the sculpture of Baranov from the city center, arguing that indigenous people might find the statue offensive. On July 14, the Sitka city council approved a resolution to relocate the monument to the city’s museum. On September 24, municipal authorities began work on dismantling and moving the statue.
"I regret that the monument to Alexander Baranov in Alaska was struck by the current storm of the US running away from its own history. To those who forgot or seek to forget history, I will clarify that Baranov is not an oppressor, racist or slave owner, but an outstanding entrepreneur, a man who developed civilized trade and humanitarian relations between Russia and America," Medinsky emphasized, according to the Russian Military Historical Society.
Medinsky highlighted that a plaque on the statue immortalized Baranov’s own words: “That we may dwell in amity and peace forever in this region.”
"Apparently, someone disagrees with him strongly. So, I believe we should look into immortalizing Baranov’s memory in our own country," the aide noted.
Alexander Baranov (1747-1819) was a Russian statesman, entrepreneur, trader and merchant. In 1799, Baranov was appointed by the then chartered Russian-American Company as its Chief Manager and effectively as the first governor of Russian America. In that same year, he established the fort of Novo-Arkhangelsk (the city of Sitka today), moving the administrative center of Russian America there from the city of Irkutsk. In 1812, he founded Fort Ross, the southernmost settlement of then Russian America. The monument to Alexander Baranov, created by Joan Bugbee-Jackson, was installed in downtown Sitka, Alaska, in 1989.


tass--2020-09-24--UN chief: World fails test of international cooperation amid coronavirus pandemic

UN members should ramp up financing of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank so that these organizations could provide assistance to the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic , the UN secretary general stated '' The pandemic is a clear test of international cooperation - a test we have essentially failed , '' he pointed out .
`` The COVID-19 pandemic is a full-blown crisis in itself , unfolding against a backdrop of high geopolitical tensions and other global threats in unpredictable and dangerous ways .
< ... > It has killed nearly one million people around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and remains largely out of control , '' Guterres added .
According to him , `` this was the result of a lack of global preparedness , cooperation , unity and solidarity . ''
`` COVID-19 is casting a dark shadow across the world .
But it is also a warning that must spur us to action .
We have no choice .
Either we come together in global institutions that are fit for purpose , or we will be crushed by divisiveness and chaos , '' the UN chief emphasized .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global South have been left hanging , without financial and practical resources , '' Guterres noted .
Moreover , `` some middle-income countries face a crushing debt burden as they try to respond , '' he added .
UN members should ramp up financing of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) and the World Bank ( WB ) so that these organizations could provide assistance to the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic , the UN secretary general stated .
`` And we need greater resources for the International Monetary Fund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank Group and other financial institutions and bilateral mechanisms , '' he underlined .
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development ( UNCTAD ) , the global economy will lose $ 6.3 trillion this year in the most optimistic scenario , shrinking by 1.5-3 % .
This is a less pessimistic forecast than that of other organizations .
For instance , the IMF predicts the slump to reach 4.9 % in 2020 , while the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ) says the downturn will hit 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second wave .
Meanwhile , the World Bank ’ s figure stands at 5.2 % .
However , UNCTAD experts say that the global economy will not bounce back as significantly as the IMF and WB say it will .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 32,126,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 982,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 23,699,890 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 1,128,836 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 929,829 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 19,948 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

UN members should ramp up financing of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank so that these organizations could provide assistance to the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the UN secretary general stated
UNITED NATIONS, September 24. /TASS/. Mankind has failed the test of the coronavirus pandemic, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said at a UN Security Council meeting on Thursday.
Read also Moscow reports more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections for first time since June 23
"The pandemic is a clear test of international cooperation - a test we have essentially failed," he pointed out. "The COVID-19 pandemic is a full-blown crisis in itself, unfolding against a backdrop of high geopolitical tensions and other global threats in unpredictable and dangerous ways. <...> It has killed nearly one million people around the world, infected over 30 million, and remains largely out of control," Guterres added. According to him, "this was the result of a lack of global preparedness, cooperation, unity and solidarity." "COVID-19 is casting a dark shadow across the world. But it is also a warning that must spur us to action. We have no choice. Either we come together in global institutions that are fit for purpose, or we will be crushed by divisiveness and chaos," the UN chief emphasized. Financial support
Read also Russian embassy in US urges Washington to fight coronavirus, not Russian vaccine
"Many of the countries in the Global South have been left hanging, without financial and practical resources," Guterres noted. Moreover, "some middle-income countries face a crushing debt burden as they try to respond," he added. UN members should ramp up financing of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) so that these organizations could provide assistance to the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the UN secretary general stated. "And we need greater resources for the International Monetary Fund, and enhanced support for the World Bank Group and other financial institutions and bilateral mechanisms," he underlined. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the global economy will lose $6.3 trillion this year in the most optimistic scenario, shrinking by 1.5-3%. This is a less pessimistic forecast than that of other organizations. For instance, the IMF predicts the slump to reach 4.9% in 2020, while the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says the downturn will hit 6% or 7.6% in case of a second wave. Meanwhile, the World Bank’s figure stands at 5.2%. However, UNCTAD experts say that the global economy will not bounce back as significantly as the IMF and WB say it will. Coronavirus pandemic
Read also Number of coronavirus cases worldwide up by almost 2 mln in one week — WHO


tass--2020-09-24--Moscow daily hospitalizes 30% more coronavirus patients than last week

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of daily hospitalizations of coronavirus patients in Moscow rose by around @ @ @ @ @ , Moscow ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Thursday .
`` Moscow is carefully @ @ @ @ @ over the world .
Many regions , including Europe , are showing growing coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ are noted in Moscow .
Today , we crossed a psychologically [ important ] number @ @ @ @ @ recorded cases , '' the crisis center said .
`` In the last week , @ @ @ @ @ was increasing by approximately 30 % '' .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. The number of daily hospitalizations of coronavirus patients in Moscow rose by around 30% in a week, Moscow’s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Thursday.
"Moscow is carefully watching the coronavirus situation all over the world. Many regions, including Europe, are showing growing coronavirus infection rates. The same trends are noted in Moscow. Today, we crossed a psychologically [important] number of more than 1,000 new recorded cases," the crisis center said. "In the last week, the number of daily hospitalizations was increasing by approximately 30%".


tass--2020-09-24--Almaz-Antey delivers third S-400 regiment this year to Defense Ministry ahead of schedule

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation JSC handed over the third S-400 Triumf @ @ @ @ @ to the Ministry of Defense this year ahead of time , the company press service @ @ @ @ @ the framework of its obligations under the state defense contract , the Almaz-Antey Air and @ @ @ @ @ over another ( the third in year 2020 ) regiment set of the S-400 missile @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Defense ahead of time , '' the announcement reads .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ trials with target missiles took place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground .
There were @ @ @ @ @ equipment ; the crews performed their task to the `` A '' grade .
The @ @ @ @ @ customer ’ s representatives throughout the trials .
The S-400 Triumf system , developed and @ @ @ @ @ designed for highly efficient protection from air strikes , cruise , tactical and operational ballistic @ @ @ @ @ intermediate-range missiles in radio jamming environment .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation JSC handed over the third S-400 Triumf missile air defense system regiment to the Ministry of Defense this year ahead of time, the company press service said Thursday.
"Within the framework of its obligations under the state defense contract, the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation JSC handed over another (the third in year 2020) regiment set of the S-400 missile air defense systems to the Ministry of Defense ahead of time," the announcement reads.
According to the press service, the commissioning trials with target missiles took place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground. There were no complaints as to the equipment; the crews performed their task to the "A" grade. The corporation specialists accompanied the state customer’s representatives throughout the trials.
The S-400 Triumf system, developed and produced by Almaz-Antey, is designed for highly efficient protection from air strikes, cruise, tactical and operational ballistic missiles, as well as intermediate-range missiles in radio jamming environment.


tass--2020-09-24--Chengdu displays opportunities in park communities with immersive shows

CHENGDU , China , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by National Business Daily : Southwest China 's Chengdu is to introduce a slew of new scenes and products centering on livable park communities on September 25 , as the city makes continuous efforts to boost the new economy sector .
The special event , hosted by the city 's community governance commission and the Chengdu New Economic Development Commission and organized by Chenghua District , is part of the 2020 Chengdu New Economy Double Thousand Project .
The event consists of outdoor displays and indoor press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors can have hands-on experience on multiple products including smart home appliances , daily consumption products , and public service products from companies like China Telecom , Huawei , and Ximalaya .
A press conference will be held in the indoor area , in an unconventional form .
It will be an immersive and interactive reality show that tracks one day in the life of a family in a park community .
Products and opportunities in building park communities will be interwoven into the morning , noon , and evening chapters of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point in time and space that triggers emotional responses , '' director of the show Le Lei said , `` visitors can have a deeper experience of the products by taking the perspective of the family in the three scenes we constructed '' .
A total of 100 new scenes and 100 new products in park communities will be launched at the event , where Huawei , New Hope Group and other renowned companies will have the chance to promote their latest technologies and applications .
Besides , the event will unveil a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enterprises .
To better facilitate the matching of suppliers and buyers , a platform for the transaction of innovative new economy products in Chengdu will be launched on the sidelines of the event .
The platform will be able to broker deals online for products and scenes involved in the `` Double Thousand Project '' with its functions of transaction , service , and management .
To precisely find suppliers for various needs and optimize the allocation of resources are key tasks for the event .
By releasing new opportunities to the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investors and organizations to better participate in the development of a park city on the community level .

CHENGDU, China, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by National Business Daily: Southwest China's Chengdu is to introduce a slew of new scenes and products centering on livable park communities on September 25, as the city makes continuous efforts to boost the new economy sector.
The special event, hosted by the city's community governance commission and the Chengdu New Economic Development Commission and organized by Chenghua District, is part of the 2020 Chengdu New Economy Double Thousand Project.
The event consists of outdoor displays and indoor press conference. In the outdoor area, visitors can have hands-on experience on multiple products including smart home appliances, daily consumption products, and public service products from companies like China Telecom, Huawei, and Ximalaya.
A press conference will be held in the indoor area, in an unconventional form. It will be an immersive and interactive reality show that tracks one day in the life of a family in a park community. Products and opportunities in building park communities will be interwoven into the morning, noon, and evening chapters of the performance.
"A scene is a point in time and space that triggers emotional responses," director of the show Le Lei said, "visitors can have a deeper experience of the products by taking the perspective of the family in the three scenes we constructed".
A total of 100 new scenes and 100 new products in park communities will be launched at the event, where Huawei, New Hope Group and other renowned companies will have the chance to promote their latest technologies and applications. Besides, the event will unveil a list of top 100 community businesses and enterprises.
To better facilitate the matching of suppliers and buyers, a platform for the transaction of innovative new economy products in Chengdu will be launched on the sidelines of the event. The platform will be able to broker deals online for products and scenes involved in the "Double Thousand Project" with its functions of transaction, service, and management.
To precisely find suppliers for various needs and optimize the allocation of resources are key tasks for the event. By releasing new opportunities to the world, the event is expected to attract investors and organizations to better participate in the development of a park city on the community level.