tass--2020-12-16--Moscow authorities see no reason to close restaurants, stores

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow authorities do not plan to close restaurants and stores , first deputy head of the Moscow mayor 's office , head of the department of trade and services Alexei Nemeryuk told the Russia-24 TV channel on Tuesday .
`` Still , we hope to avoid a lockdown .
< ... > Both stores and restaurants are open in Moscow .
There are no factors of any kind for a total shutdown , '' he said , The official noted that he can not say precisely whether the restaurants will be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Eve , as it was done in a number of regions .
`` Let ’ s observe [ the situation ] .
So far we have a complete ban on remaining open on New Year ’ s Eve , so at 11 o ’ clock in the evening all public dining enterprises should thank their clients , wish them a happy New Year and send them home to ring in the New Year , '' he explained .
Moscow authorities do not intend to introduce additional restrictions for recreation facilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the winter holidays , the official continued .
`` There are no restrictions .
Both before and after New Year ’ s day all skating rinks are open , '' he said .
Additionally , the official reiterated the safety rules one should observe at skating rinks .
`` It should be reiterated once again that there are strict requirements of an electronic registration .
The number of tickets for each session is limited .
Actually , there are restrictions on being in a locker room .
< ... > It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible to curb the spread of the coronavirus , '' he said .
Due to an increase in the number of the coronavirus infections in Moscow , the mayor introduced additional restrictions from November 13 , 2020 until January 15 , 2021 , including transferring students to distance learning with their transportation cards suspended .
Children leisure centers , playrooms at restaurants and shopping centers have also suspended operations .
From 23:00 to 06:00 Moscow cafes , restaurants , and night clubs have to remain closed .
Organizations with operations requiring a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduce a QR-code system .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Moscow authorities do not plan to close restaurants and stores, first deputy head of the Moscow mayor's office, head of the department of trade and services Alexei Nemeryuk told the Russia-24 TV channel on Tuesday.
"Still, we hope to avoid a lockdown. <...> Both stores and restaurants are open in Moscow. There are no factors of any kind for a total shutdown," he said,
The official noted that he cannot say precisely whether the restaurants will be allowed to remain open until 03:00 on New Year’s Eve, as it was done in a number of regions. "Let’s observe [the situation]. So far we have a complete ban on remaining open on New Year’s Eve, so at 11 o’clock in the evening all public dining enterprises should thank their clients, wish them a happy New Year and send them home to ring in the New Year," he explained.
Moscow authorities do not intend to introduce additional restrictions for recreation facilities, for instance, at skating rinks, during the winter holidays, the official continued.
"There are no restrictions. Both before and after New Year’s day all skating rinks are open," he said.
Additionally, the official reiterated the safety rules one should observe at skating rinks. "It should be reiterated once again that there are strict requirements of an electronic registration. The number of tickets for each session is limited. Actually, there are restrictions on being in a locker room. <...> It is necessary to observe the measures as much as possible to curb the spread of the coronavirus," he said.
Due to an increase in the number of the coronavirus infections in Moscow, the mayor introduced additional restrictions from November 13, 2020 until January 15, 2021, including transferring students to distance learning with their transportation cards suspended. Children leisure centers, playrooms at restaurants and shopping centers have also suspended operations. From 23:00 to 06:00 Moscow cafes, restaurants, and night clubs have to remain closed. Organizations with operations requiring a face-to-face presence of residents are recommended to introduce a QR-code system.


tass--2020-12-16--Vucic thanks Russia for strengthening Serbia’s defense capabilities

BELGRADE , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic thanked Russia for strengthening of Serbia ’ s defense capabilities during the joint conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Belgrade Tuesday .
`` During the productive negotiations , we confirmed the strategic determination of both countries to improve our relations wherever possible , based on friendship and mutual respect .
[ … ] We will adhere to military neutrality , Serbia will not a part of any military bloc and wants to protect its territory on its own .
In this regard , I thanked Russia for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Vucic said .
Vucic also disclosed that the negotiations covered `` bilateral relations , from energy to military-industrial cooperation , economy , infrastructure construction , agriculture , trade volumes , the situation in the world and in the region . ''
`` We intend to improve our cooperation wherever possible : Russian Railroads build a dispatching center here , a Stara-Pazovy - Novi Sad railroad .
We were building the Balkan Stream gas pipeline together with a Russian company .
I believe you will see impressive results before the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished , '' he said .
Vucic noted the common role of Serbia and Russia in fighting Nazism and criticized attempts to rewrite history .
`` We will together stand against these attempts to falsify history and will teach our children who were the real heroes , '' he said .
The President also thanked Russia for significant financial support in construction of the Church of Saint Sava .
`` I consider this cathedral to be the most beautiful in the world , we could not have done it without Russian craftsmen , @ @ @ @

BELGRADE, December 15. /TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic thanked Russia for strengthening of Serbia’s defense capabilities during the joint conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Belgrade Tuesday.
"During the productive negotiations, we confirmed the strategic determination of both countries to improve our relations wherever possible, based on friendship and mutual respect. […] We will adhere to military neutrality, Serbia will not a part of any military bloc and wants to protect its territory on its own. In this regard, I thanked Russia for strengthening of Serbia’s defense capabilities," Vucic said.
Vucic also disclosed that the negotiations covered "bilateral relations, from energy to military-industrial cooperation, economy, infrastructure construction, agriculture, trade volumes, the situation in the world and in the region."
"We intend to improve our cooperation wherever possible: Russian Railroads build a dispatching center here, a Stara-Pazovy - Novi Sad railroad. We were building the Balkan Stream gas pipeline together with a Russian company. I believe you will see impressive results before the end of this year, the job will be finished," he said.
Vucic noted the common role of Serbia and Russia in fighting Nazism and criticized attempts to rewrite history.
"We will together stand against these attempts to falsify history and will teach our children who were the real heroes," he said.
The President also thanked Russia for significant financial support in construction of the Church of Saint Sava.
"I consider this cathedral to be the most beautiful in the world, we could not have done it without Russian craftsmen," Vucic said.


tass--2020-12-16--Kiev’s refusal to use Russian vaccine ‘criminal,’ says Ukrainian opposition politician

KIEV , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev ’ s refusal to use a Russian vaccine against the coronavirus with the proven effectiveness means that the current Ukrainian government does not think about the health of the nation , thus acting criminally towards it , head of the Political Council of the Opposition Platform - For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk told journalists on the sidelines of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday .
`` Mass inoculation began with the [ Russian ] Sputnik V vaccine with its effectiveness within 91-95 % .
Moreover , yesterday there was a statement by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gamaleya [ National Research ] Center [ for Epidemiology and Microbiology ] that < ... > this vaccine is 100 % effective against the possibility of severe complications [ of the coronavirus ] .
This is the only result worldwide today among all vaccines , '' the politician noted .
In his opinion , the refusal to use a vaccine with such characteristics is criminal , and Ukrainian authorities `` demonstrate yet again that they are politically motivated in the issues where it is necessary to think of life and health of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The authorities act criminally regarding the inoculation of residents , both the Health Ministry and in general [ Ukrainian President Vladimir ] Zelensky and his team , '' he emphasized .
The politician noted that to date , `` all vaccines that are known worldwide and that they talk , write about and started to use for inoculation , are at Phase Three of clinical trials , '' while `` the Sputnik V vaccine will conclude Phase Three of clinical trials in March 2021 . ''
He reiterated that Russia is ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology of the vaccine as well as a raw materials line , while the Biolik enterprise in Kharkov may use them .

KIEV, December 15. /TASS/. Kiev’s refusal to use a Russian vaccine against the coronavirus with the proven effectiveness means that the current Ukrainian government does not think about the health of the nation, thus acting criminally towards it, head of the Political Council of the Opposition Platform - For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk told journalists on the sidelines of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday.
"Mass inoculation began with the [Russian] Sputnik V vaccine with its effectiveness within 91-95%. Moreover, yesterday there was a statement by the institute that developed this vaccine, the Gamaleya [National Research] Center [for Epidemiology and Microbiology] that <...> this vaccine is 100% effective against the possibility of severe complications [of the coronavirus]. This is the only result worldwide today among all vaccines," the politician noted. In his opinion, the refusal to use a vaccine with such characteristics is criminal, and Ukrainian authorities "demonstrate yet again that they are politically motivated in the issues where it is necessary to think of life and health of our people, the Ukrainian citizens." "The authorities act criminally regarding the inoculation of residents, both the Health Ministry and in general [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky and his team," he emphasized.
The politician noted that to date, "all vaccines that are known worldwide and that they talk, write about and started to use for inoculation, are at Phase Three of clinical trials," while "the Sputnik V vaccine will conclude Phase Three of clinical trials in March 2021." He reiterated that Russia is ready to deliver to Ukraine its high production technology of the vaccine as well as a raw materials line, while the Biolik enterprise in Kharkov may use them.


tass--2020-12-16--Senior Russian diplomat, ICRC official discuss humanitarian problems in Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin met with a senior International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) on Tuesday to discuss cooperation in overcoming the humanitarian crisis in the conflict-hit self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh .
During Vershinin ’ s talks with the ICRC Assistance Division head , Pascal Hundt , the sides `` discussed in detail issues of cooperation between Russia and ICRC , placing emphasis on overcoming the humanitarian consequences of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
On December 8 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( about $ 2,25 million ) to the ICRC , for efforts aimed at mitigating consequences of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict before the end of this year .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin met with a senior International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday to discuss cooperation in overcoming the humanitarian crisis in the conflict-hit self-proclaimed republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.
During Vershinin’s talks with the ICRC Assistance Division head, Pascal Hundt, the sides "discussed in detail issues of cooperation between Russia and ICRC, placing emphasis on overcoming the humanitarian consequences of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
On December 8, the Russian government allocated 2 million Swiss francs (about $2,25 million) to the ICRC, for efforts aimed at mitigating consequences of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict before the end of this year.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-12-16--Russian scientists develop algorithms capable of predicting severity of COVID-19

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists of Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency ( FMBA ) have developed algorithms capable of forecasting with high precision the severity of a course of the coronavirus infection , the agency ’ s press service told TASS .
`` An analysis of a wide range of clinical and diagnostic parameters on a sampling of over 6,900 patients and those who had COVID-19 with varying degree of severity allowed the specialists of Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency to create mathematical models ( classifiers ) of forecasting the severity and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning algorithms , '' the statement said .
It is specified that these algorithms with high precision ( about 90 % ) `` confirmed a number of clinical factors that allow to forecast the severity of a course of the disease , '' for example , such indicators as ferritin , C-reactive protein , ESR , neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio , frequency of breathing , and others .
The possibility of a lethal outcome with the coronavirus infection is increased depending on such factors as age , male gender , the body mass index over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels .
`` Within the framework of the study , a genome-wide association study ( GWAS ) was also conducted on a sampling of over 2,000 COVID-19 patients with a symptomless , mild , moderate , and severe forms of the disease .
As a result , genetic variants associated with the severity of COVID-19 were detected , '' the FMBA statement specified .
A statistical analysis of the results of the GWAS also allowed to develop a scale of `` polygenic risk of development of a severe form of COVID-19 . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ algorithm allows to forecast the severity of the disease .
Currently it is undergoing the validation stage .
`` Thus , the pooled data obtained as a result of the study of the significant clinical and diagnostic parameters and human genetic properties allow to build a unified model of evaluation of the joint contribution of both phenotypic and genetic factors , determining the nature of a course of the COVID-19 disease , '' the FMBA statement said .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Scientists of Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) have developed algorithms capable of forecasting with high precision the severity of a course of the coronavirus infection, the agency’s press service told TASS.
"An analysis of a wide range of clinical and diagnostic parameters on a sampling of over 6,900 patients and those who had COVID-19 with varying degree of severity allowed the specialists of Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency to create mathematical models (classifiers) of forecasting the severity and the clinical outcome of COVID-19 based on computerized learning algorithms," the statement said.
It is specified that these algorithms with high precision (about 90%) "confirmed a number of clinical factors that allow to forecast the severity of a course of the disease," for example, such indicators as ferritin, C-reactive protein, ESR, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, frequency of breathing, and others.
The possibility of a lethal outcome with the coronavirus infection is increased depending on such factors as age, male gender, the body mass index over 30 as well as on blood sugar levels.
"Within the framework of the study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was also conducted on a sampling of over 2,000 COVID-19 patients with a symptomless, mild, moderate, and severe forms of the disease. As a result, genetic variants associated with the severity of COVID-19 were detected," the FMBA statement specified. A statistical analysis of the results of the GWAS also allowed to develop a scale of "polygenic risk of development of a severe form of COVID-19." According to the researchers, this diagnostic algorithm allows to forecast the severity of the disease. Currently it is undergoing the validation stage.
"Thus, the pooled data obtained as a result of the study of the significant clinical and diagnostic parameters and human genetic properties allow to build a unified model of evaluation of the joint contribution of both phenotypic and genetic factors, determining the nature of a course of the COVID-19 disease," the FMBA statement said.


tass--2020-12-16--Over 496,000 new COVID-19 cases registered worldwide in 24 hours — WHO

GENEVA , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 71.58 mln , rising over 24 hours by more than 496,000 .
According to the data of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) published on Tuesday , the number of fatalities over 24 hours has increased by more than 8,400 , surpassing 1.61 mln .
As of 20:51 Moscow time on December 15 , the WHO received reports of 71,581,532 infections and 1,618,374 fatalities .
The number of infections over 24 hours has increased by 496,156 while the fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes into account only officially confirmed data on incidence and fatalities submitted by the states .
Over 48 % of the infections reported to the WHO over the past 24 hours are in North and South America ( 240,197 ) .
Europe is in the second place ( 188,227 ) with Southeast Asia in the third place ( 32,028 ) .
The majority of the infections were recorded in the US - 16,041,095 , followed by India ( 9,906,165 ) , Brazil ( 6,901,952 ) , Russia ( 2,707,945 ) , France ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Italy ( 1,855,737 ) , Spain ( 1,751,884 ) , Argentina ( 1,498,160 ) , Colombia ( 1,425,774 ) , Germany ( 1,351,510 ) and Mexico ( 1,250,044 ) .

GENEVA, December 15. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 71.58 mln, rising over 24 hours by more than 496,000. According to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO) published on Tuesday, the number of fatalities over 24 hours has increased by more than 8,400, surpassing 1.61 mln.
As of 20:51 Moscow time on December 15, the WHO received reports of 71,581,532 infections and 1,618,374 fatalities. The number of infections over 24 hours has increased by 496,156 while the fatalities rose by 8,443.
The WHO statistics takes into account only officially confirmed data on incidence and fatalities submitted by the states.
Over 48% of the infections reported to the WHO over the past 24 hours are in North and South America (240,197). Europe is in the second place (188,227) with Southeast Asia in the third place (32,028).
The majority of the infections were recorded in the US - 16,041,095, followed by India (9,906,165), Brazil (6,901,952), Russia (2,707,945), France (2,338,726), the UK (1,869,670), Italy (1,855,737), Spain (1,751,884), Argentina (1,498,160), Colombia (1,425,774), Germany (1,351,510) and Mexico (1,250,044).


tass--2020-12-15--Moscow records 73 COVID-19 fatalities in 24 hours, overall death toll at 10,095

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of fatalities caused by the coronavirus in Moscow has grown by @ @ @ @ @ in all , 10,095 coronavirus patients died in the capital , the anti-coronavirus crisis center @ @ @ @ @ In Moscow , 73 patients died with the confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia and a positive @ @ @ @ @ presence of the coronavirus infection , '' the crisis center reported .
In all , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infection were registered in the capital .
Moscow is in the first place nationwide @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections .
In all , 703,502 cases of the infection have been detected in @ @ @ @ @ of them in the past 24 hours .
Some 539,859 patients have recovered .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The number of fatalities caused by the coronavirus in Moscow has grown by 73 over 24 hours, in all, 10,095 coronavirus patients died in the capital, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.
"In Moscow, 73 patients died with the confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia and a positive result of tests for the presence of the coronavirus infection," the crisis center reported.
In all, 10,095 fatalities due to the coronavirus infection were registered in the capital.
Moscow is in the first place nationwide by the number of the coronavirus infections. In all, 703,502 cases of the infection have been detected in the capital, with 5,418 of them in the past 24 hours. Some 539,859 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-12-15--Militant killed in special operation in Chechnya

GROZNY , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
A member of an illegal armed group was killed in a special operation in Chechnya ’ s Achkhoi-Martan district , the Russian North Caucasus Republic ’ s head said in his Telegram channel on Tuesday .
`` Today , a member of an illegal armed group , identified as Kazbek Baidulayev , was killed during a successful counter-terrorism special operation in the Achkhoi-Martan district .
No casualties were reported among law enforcement officers , '' Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov wrote .
`` There were no abettors or other militants with him . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the operation in a `` professional and coordinated '' manner .
According to the be-on-the-lookout bulletin for the militant , posted by Kadyrov , Kazbek Baidulayev ( born in 1988 ) was put on the wanted list in 2012 for being a member of militant groups in Russia and abroad .
`` We are totally in control of the situation in the region ; we know how many persons are wanted and have a complete database of their abettors if they have any .
The situation in the Chechen Republic is stable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the movement is free , '' the head of Chechnya said .
Meanwhile , a law enforcement source told TASS on Tuesday the militant carried an improvised explosive device with him .
`` Examination revealed that he had an improvised explosive device and a grenade , '' the source said .

GROZNY, December 15. /TASS/. A member of an illegal armed group was killed in a special operation in Chechnya’s Achkhoi-Martan district, the Russian North Caucasus Republic’s head said in his Telegram channel on Tuesday.
"Today, a member of an illegal armed group, identified as Kazbek Baidulayev, was killed during a successful counter-terrorism special operation in the Achkhoi-Martan district. No casualties were reported among law enforcement officers," Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov wrote. "There were no abettors or other militants with him."
Kadyrov praised law enforcement officers for carrying out the operation in a "professional and coordinated" manner.
According to the be-on-the-lookout bulletin for the militant, posted by Kadyrov, Kazbek Baidulayev (born in 1988) was put on the wanted list in 2012 for being a member of militant groups in Russia and abroad.
"We are totally in control of the situation in the region; we know how many persons are wanted and have a complete database of their abettors if they have any. The situation in the Chechen Republic is stable and calm. No restrictions were imposed, the movement is free," the head of Chechnya said.
Meanwhile, a law enforcement source told TASS on Tuesday the militant carried an improvised explosive device with him.
"Examination revealed that he had an improvised explosive device and a grenade," the source said.


tass--2020-12-15--Lavrov to visit Croatia on December 15-16

MOSCOW , December 15./TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay a working visit to Croatia on December 15-16 @ @ @ @ @ in a commentary , adding that Lavrov was scheduled to meet with Croatian leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ expected to have `` talks with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic @ @ @ @ @ meetings with President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister of the @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ministry said .
The Foreign Ministry said the parties would discuss the @ @ @ @ @ and prospects for advancing it , issues of furthering cooperation on the investment , economic @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Substantial exchange of opinions on the situation in Southeastern Europe and key international @ @ @ @ @ the ministry said .

MOSCOW, December 15./TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will pay a working visit to Croatia on December 15-16, the Foreign Ministry said in a commentary, adding that Lavrov was scheduled to meet with Croatian leadership.
The top Russian diplomat is expected to have "talks with Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia Gordan Radman, meetings with President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic," the ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry said the parties would discuss the status of Russian-Croatian political dialogue and prospects for advancing it, issues of furthering cooperation on the investment, economic, cultural and humanitarian tracks. "Substantial exchange of opinions on the situation in Southeastern Europe and key international issues is expected," the ministry said.


tass--2020-12-15--Serbia to start gas transportation over Balkan Stream on December 29-30

BELGRADE , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Serbia will start gas transportation over the Balkan Stream pipeline , an extension @ @ @ @ @ , on December 29 or 30 , President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said at a @ @ @ @ @ with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
`` We will start gas pumping by the @ @ @ @ @ our economy will develop and take the first place in Europe by the growth level @ @ @ @ @ the next three years , '' the President said .
`` Everything goes normally ; @ @ @ @ @ on December 29 or 30 , '' Vucic noted .
The gas pipeline segment across @ @ @ @ @ an extension of one of two strings of the TurkStream pipeline , with Russian gas @ @ @ @ @ and then to Bulgaria , Serbia and Hungary .
The segment length is 403 km @ @ @ @ @ 13.9 bln cubic meters of gas per year .

BELGRADE, December 15. /TASS/. Serbia will start gas transportation over the Balkan Stream pipeline, an extension of the TurkStream gas pipeline, on December 29 or 30, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic said at a joint press conference after talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"We will start gas pumping by the end of the year; our economy will develop and take the first place in Europe by the growth level in this year and in the next three years," the President said.
"Everything goes normally; we will have the gas-in on December 29 or 30," Vucic noted.
The gas pipeline segment across the territory of Serbia is an extension of one of two strings of the TurkStream pipeline, with Russian gas to be supplied to Turkey and then to Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary. The segment length is 403 km and the design capacity is 13.9 bln cubic meters of gas per year.


tass--2020-12-15--FMBA develops method to determine T-cell immunity to coronavirus

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency ( FMBA ) jointly with the Pirogov Medical University of the Russian Healthcare Ministry has developed a diagnostic technique for determining cellular immunity to the coronavirus , the agency ’ s press service told TASS .
`` Russia ’ s Federal Medical Biological Agency jointly with the Pirogov Medical University of the Russian Healthcare Ministry developed a unique diagnostic technique to determine a repertoire of T-cell receptors specific to SARS-CoV-2 based on a targeted sequencing of the next-generation human DNA .
An analysis of the SARS-CoV-2-specific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a high correlation between the presence of humoral and cellular immunity - the absolute majority of seropositive individuals have a SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cellular response , '' the press service said .
At the same time , 30 % of individuals who had the coronavirus infection and don ’ t have antibodies , have T-cells .
Those who did not have COVID-19 and don ’ t possess the humoral immunity to the infection , in some cases have the T-cell clonotypes .
This , according to the FMBA , allows to presume the presence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronaviruses or other agents of acute respiratory viral infections .
`` This observation requires further research .
The developed technique removes a number of limitations ( complexity of the analysis , the necessity to rush the delivery of a biological material to the laboratory , and so on ) which are characteristic of traditional low-output methods of the T-cellular immunity analysis and presents an opportunity to incorporate this method in population studies , '' the press service noted .
It is possible to fully evaluate the state of the humoral and cellular immunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducting special tests planned for 2021 .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) jointly with the Pirogov Medical University of the Russian Healthcare Ministry has developed a diagnostic technique for determining cellular immunity to the coronavirus, the agency’s press service told TASS.
"Russia’s Federal Medical Biological Agency jointly with the Pirogov Medical University of the Russian Healthcare Ministry developed a unique diagnostic technique to determine a repertoire of T-cell receptors specific to SARS-CoV-2 based on a targeted sequencing of the next-generation human DNA. An analysis of the SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell clonotypes in the experimental sampling demonstrated a high correlation between the presence of humoral and cellular immunity - the absolute majority of seropositive individuals have a SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cellular response," the press service said.
At the same time, 30% of individuals who had the coronavirus infection and don’t have antibodies, have T-cells. Those who did not have COVID-19 and don’t possess the humoral immunity to the infection, in some cases have the T-cell clonotypes. This, according to the FMBA, allows to presume the presence of a pre-existing T-cellular immunity conditioned by seasonal coronaviruses or other agents of acute respiratory viral infections.
"This observation requires further research. The developed technique removes a number of limitations (complexity of the analysis, the necessity to rush the delivery of a biological material to the laboratory, and so on) which are characteristic of traditional low-output methods of the T-cellular immunity analysis and presents an opportunity to incorporate this method in population studies," the press service noted.
It is possible to fully evaluate the state of the humoral and cellular immunity to the coronavirus in population only after conducting special tests planned for 2021.


tass--2020-12-15--Russia welcomes Serbian neutrality, rejection of anti-Russian sanctions

BELGRADE , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia welcomes Serbia ’ s adherence to military neutrality and its rejection to @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar @ @ @ @ @ the Belgrade ’ s adherence - which Aleksandar Vucic has just reiterated - to maintenance @ @ @ @ @ rejection to join the anti-Russian sanctions , wherever these sanctions may originate from .
I @ @ @ @ @ s course regarding its neutrality helps promoting the peace and stability in the Balkans , @ @ @ @ @ which seek to escalate the confrontation in this most important and long-suffering region , '' @ @ @

BELGRADE, December 15. /TASS/. Russia welcomes Serbia’s adherence to military neutrality and its rejection to join the anti-Russian sanctions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
"We welcomed the Belgrade’s adherence - which Aleksandar Vucic has just reiterated - to maintenance of military neutrality and its rejection to join the anti-Russian sanctions, wherever these sanctions may originate from. I am certain that Serbia’s course regarding its neutrality helps promoting the peace and stability in the Balkans, and helps counteracting different trends which seek to escalate the confrontation in this most important and long-suffering region," Lavrov said.


tass--2020-12-15--Skolkovo projects show effective state-business partnership in high-tech sector

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The experience of the Skolkovo Foundation has proven the success of the joint work of government agencies , businesses and young innovative companies on creation of new high-tech enterprises in Russia , Viktor Vekselberg , Chairman of the Skolkovo Foundation Board of Directors , Head of the Skolkovo Innovation Center , said on Tuesday .
`` Now Skolkovo has almost 2,800 participants with a combined revenue of more than 100 billion rubles ( $ 1.4 bln ) last year alone .
When we just started building the Innovation Center 10 years ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to achieve such results .
But in December 2010 we received 11 companies that became first participants in the project .
Over the past decade they have grown into successful enterprises , and a high-tech city has been built on the former vacant lot outside the Moscow Ring Road .
Our experience has shown that the format when the state , innovators and business operate on an equal footing is very effective , '' Vekselberg said as quoted by the foundation ’ s press service .
`` Of course , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the participants who have become part of our team .
Therefore , we hope that our cooperation will continue , simply in a different capacity , '' Vekselberg added .
The report notes that by the end of 2020 , 11 companies will lose their status as a participant in the Skolkovo project due to the expiration of a ten-year period .
The STM Center for Innovative Development , established by the Sinara-Transport Machines holding , was one of the first residents of the Skolkovo Foundation .
Now the STM holding has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own research center .
`` We have significantly expanded the areas of our work on products .
Now it is not only locomotives , but the entire rolling stock , including track equipment , urban public transport .
We also made a significant emphasis on digitalization .
We are working with Skoltech , start-ups and business accelerators at a new level , '' Evgeny Zuev , General Director of the STM Research Center said as quoted by the press release .
The Research and development center for thin-film technologies in energy sector , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of companies , has grown from a startup into a full-fledged research center over the ten years of its participation in the Skolkovo project .
`` The Skolkovo Foundation rendered invaluable support in the creation and development of the first scientific and technical center in the field of solar energy in Russia .
Thanks to the Foundation , the center gained access to unique laboratory and metrological equipment for working with thin films , which significantly expanded the infrastructure capabilities of research and development services , '' Igor Shakhrai , general director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the statement .
Over the ten years of its participation in the Skolkovo project , the Russian Quantum Center has opened 15 state-of-the art laboratories .
`` In a short time , RQC has not only taken a leading position in scientific research , but also developed high-tech commercial products , including ultrasensitive sensors , solid-state photomultipliers , femtosecond lasers and an ultrasensitive magnetic cardiograph , designed for financial , telecommunications , medical and other industries .
Definitely , the most ambitious task that we will continue to solve in the next four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer on different platforms , including software and algorithms , as part of a joint project with the state corporation Rosatom , '' Ruslan Yunusov , General Director of the Russian Quantum Center said as quoted by the statement .
The Skolkovo Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2010 and acting as the managing company of the Skolkovo Innovation Center .
The purpose of the foundation is to support technological entrepreneurship in Russia and commercialize the results of research activities .
The number of Skolkovo residents has already exceeded 2,700 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services necessary to bring developments to the Russian and international markets .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The experience of the Skolkovo Foundation has proven the success of the joint work of government agencies, businesses and young innovative companies on creation of new high-tech enterprises in Russia, Viktor Vekselberg, Chairman of the Skolkovo Foundation Board of Directors, Head of the Skolkovo Innovation Center, said on Tuesday.
"Now Skolkovo has almost 2,800 participants with a combined revenue of more than 100 billion rubles ($1.4 bln) last year alone. When we just started building the Innovation Center 10 years ago, many did not believe that we would be able to achieve such results. But in December 2010 we received 11 companies that became first participants in the project. Over the past decade they have grown into successful enterprises, and a high-tech city has been built on the former vacant lot outside the Moscow Ring Road. Our experience has shown that the format when the state, innovators and business operate on an equal footing is very effective," Vekselberg said as quoted by the foundation’s press service.
"Of course, I don’t want to part with the participants who have become part of our team. Therefore, we hope that our cooperation will continue, simply in a different capacity," Vekselberg added.
The report notes that by the end of 2020, 11 companies will lose their status as a participant in the Skolkovo project due to the expiration of a ten-year period.
First companies of Skolkovo Foundation
The STM Center for Innovative Development, established by the Sinara-Transport Machines holding, was one of the first residents of the Skolkovo Foundation. Now the STM holding has become an industrial partner of Skolkovo with its own research center.
"We have significantly expanded the areas of our work on products. Now it is not only locomotives, but the entire rolling stock, including track equipment, urban public transport. We also made a significant emphasis on digitalization. We are working with Skoltech, start-ups and business accelerators at a new level," Evgeny Zuev, General Director of the STM Research Center said as quoted by the press release.
The Research and development center for thin-film technologies in energy sector, which is part of the Hevel Group of companies, has grown from a startup into a full-fledged research center over the ten years of its participation in the Skolkovo project.
"The Skolkovo Foundation rendered invaluable support in the creation and development of the first scientific and technical center in the field of solar energy in Russia. Thanks to the Foundation, the center gained access to unique laboratory and metrological equipment for working with thin films, which significantly expanded the infrastructure capabilities of research and development services ," Igor Shakhrai, general director of the Hevel Group said as quoted by the statement.
Over the ten years of its participation in the Skolkovo project, the Russian Quantum Center has opened 15 state-of-the art laboratories.
"In a short time, RQC has not only taken a leading position in scientific research, but also developed high-tech commercial products, including ultrasensitive sensors, solid-state photomultipliers, femtosecond lasers and an ultrasensitive magnetic cardiograph, designed for financial, telecommunications, medical and other industries. Definitely, the most ambitious task that we will continue to solve in the next four years is the creation of a quantum computer on different platforms, including software and algorithms, as part of a joint project with the state corporation Rosatom," Ruslan Yunusov, General Director of the Russian Quantum Center said as quoted by the statement.
About foundation
The Skolkovo Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2010 and acting as the managing company of the Skolkovo Innovation Center. The purpose of the foundation is to support technological entrepreneurship in Russia and commercialize the results of research activities.
The number of Skolkovo residents has already exceeded 2,700. The Fund provides them with a range of services necessary to bring developments to the Russian and international markets.


tass--2020-12-15--Number of COVID-19 cases in Africa exceeds 2.389 million, reports WHO

PRETORIA , December 14 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 10,520 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past day , with the overall number of such cases amounting to 2,389,624 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 56,636 , with 305 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours .
More than two million patients have recovered .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa ’ s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 866,127 and 23,451 respectively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 6,943 and 122,086 respectively .
As many as 6,659 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Morocco .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Ethiopia reports 117,242 cases and 1,809 fatalities .
Next are Kenya ( 92,005 cases and 1,593 deaths ) and Nigeria ( 73,374 cases and 1,197 deaths ) .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 72.8 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.6 million deaths have been reported @

PRETORIA, December 14. /TASS/. As many as 10,520 confirmed coronavirus cases were registered in African countries in the past day, with the overall number of such cases amounting to 2,389,624, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Tuesday.
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths amounts to 56,636, with 305 fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. More than two million patients have recovered.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of Africa’s coronavirus cases and fatalities - 866,127 and 23,451 respectively. Egypt is second after South Africa in terms of coronavirus-associated deaths and cases - 6,943 and 122,086 respectively. As many as 6,659 coronavirus-related deaths were reported from Morocco.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Ethiopia reports 117,242 cases and 1,809 fatalities. Next are Kenya (92,005 cases and 1,593 deaths) and Nigeria (73,374 cases and 1,197 deaths).
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 72.8 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.6 million deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-12-15--Struggle against common enemy lays firm basis of Russia-Serbia relations, says Lavrov

BELGRADE , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Joint struggle against a common enemy and for common values and spiritual proximity lays a firm groundwork for cooperation between Russia and Serbia , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference following talks with his Serbian counterpart Nikola Selakovic on Tuesday .
`` The program of our visit to Belgrade began with a very solemn ceremony at the cemetery of liberators and the lighting of an Eternal Flame with a particle of the Eternal Flame from the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier in Moscow .
Then there followed a visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremonies were held in areas of Belgrade that embody our joint struggle against a common enemy , our joint struggle for defending our values , our spiritual proximity , our culture , our languages and everything else that the term ‘ a people ’ implies .
I believe that this is the most solid groundwork , which will always enable us to cooperate , hear each other and support each other , '' Lavrov said .
He stressed that Russia and Serbia were unanimous in their approach to the need for the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not some rules invented by somebody . ''
For his part Serbia ’ s foreign minister said that it was a great honor for him to host Sergey Lavrov , whom he described as the `` doyen of world diplomacy . ''
`` We discussed a number of topics on which our opinions often coincide and also signed a plan for consultations between the foreign ministries in the future , '' Selakovic said .
`` Our relations are at an exceptionally high level .
Our cooperation received a great impetus after President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are linked by kind relations we had in the past .
While the graves of guerillas and Red Army soldiers are a symbol of our common struggle against Nazism , the Church of St. Sava is a symbol of our friendship today . ''
Selakovic thanked Russia for its firm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia in international organizations .

BELGRADE, December 15. /TASS/. Joint struggle against a common enemy and for common values and spiritual proximity lays a firm groundwork for cooperation between Russia and Serbia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference following talks with his Serbian counterpart Nikola Selakovic on Tuesday.
"The program of our visit to Belgrade began with a very solemn ceremony at the cemetery of liberators and the lighting of an Eternal Flame with a particle of the Eternal Flame from the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier in Moscow. Then there followed a visit to the Church of St. Sava. Both ceremonies were held in areas of Belgrade that embody our joint struggle against a common enemy, our joint struggle for defending our values, our spiritual proximity, our culture, our languages and everything else that the term ‘a people’ implies. I believe that this is the most solid groundwork, which will always enable us to cooperate, hear each other and support each other," Lavrov said.
He stressed that Russia and Serbia were unanimous in their approach to the need for the full respect for international law, "and not some rules invented by somebody."
For his part Serbia’s foreign minister said that it was a great honor for him to host Sergey Lavrov, whom he described as the "doyen of world diplomacy."
"We discussed a number of topics on which our opinions often coincide and also signed a plan for consultations between the foreign ministries in the future," Selakovic said. "Our relations are at an exceptionally high level. Our cooperation received a great impetus after President Vladimir Putin’s visit in January 2019. We are linked by kind relations we had in the past. While the graves of guerillas and Red Army soldiers are a symbol of our common struggle against Nazism, the Church of St. Sava is a symbol of our friendship today."
Selakovic thanked Russia for its firm support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia in international organizations.


tass--2020-12-15--Russian Interior Ministry reports 50% drop in migration registrations amid pandemic

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ministry of the Interior registered half as many migrants between January and @ @ @ @ @ did during the same period of 2019 , according to the Ministry ’ s statistics @ @ @ @ @ registrations of foreign citizens and people without citizenship in 11 months : 8,983,944 , '' @ @ @ @ @ year , this number amounted to almost 18 million .
Besides , the number of @ @ @ @ @ those issued to highly qualified specialists , also dropped amid the pandemic .
On the @ @ @ @ @ of residence permits increased from 165,000 to 197,500 .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russian Ministry of the Interior registered half as many migrants between January and November this year as it did during the same period of 2019, according to the Ministry’s statistics.
"Number of migration registrations of foreign citizens and people without citizenship in 11 months: 8,983,944," the statistics say. Last year, this number amounted to almost 18 million.
Besides, the number of issued work permits, including those issued to highly qualified specialists, also dropped amid the pandemic. On the other hand, the number of residence permits increased from 165,000 to 197,500.


tass--2020-12-15--State Duma bans suspected terrorism sponsors from participating in religious groups

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian State Duma passed a bill in first reading , which bans people @ @ @ @ @ , from leading or participating in religious groups .
The initiative also bans foreigners and @ @ @ @ @ non gratae , as well as people , whose actions were deemed terrorist by the @ @ @ @ @ religious organizations , as well .
Besides , the law obliges preachers who received education @ @ @ @ @ certification in Russian spiritual education facilities .
The government justifies the new restrictive measures by @ @ @ @ @ the foundations of the constitutional order , morality , health , rights and legitimate interests @ @ @ @ @ to ensure the defense and security of the state . ''
These measures must be @ @ @ @ @ measure for control of risks of involvement of religious group members in extremist activities and @ @ @ @ @ terrorism , '' the authors say .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russian State Duma passed a bill in first reading, which bans people, suspected of funding terrorism, from leading or participating in religious groups.
The initiative also bans foreigners and people without citizenship deemed personae non gratae, as well as people, whose actions were deemed terrorist by the court, from participating in religious organizations, as well. Besides, the law obliges preachers who received education abroad to pass retraining and certification in Russian spiritual education facilities.
The government justifies the new restrictive measures by the "need to protect the foundations of the constitutional order, morality, health, rights and legitimate interests of man and citizen, to ensure the defense and security of the state." These measures must be viewed as a "preventive measure for control of risks of involvement of religious group members in extremist activities and activities, aimed at funding terrorism," the authors say.


tass--2020-12-15--Senior Russian diplomat, Lebanese PM envoy discuss situation in Lebanon

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa , Deputy Foreign @ @ @ @ @ Shaaban , Personal Representative of Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Saad Hariri , have had a @ @ @ @ @ political and economic situation in the country .
`` An in-depth exchange of opinions on @ @ @ @ @ and economic situation in Lebanon took place , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said in @ @ @ @ @ informed that the Russian side had reaffirmed its principled support for Lebanon ’ s sovereignty @ @ @ @ @ and stability .
`` In this context , the emphasis was placed on the need @ @ @ @ @ government of Lebanon based on consensus between all political , religious and ethnic groups of @ @ @ @ @ ministry noted .
The meeting was initiated by Lebanon , the Russian diplomatic agency added @

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russian Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and George Shaaban, Personal Representative of Lebanese Acting Prime Minister Saad Hariri, have had a meeting Tuesday to discuss the political and economic situation in the country.
"An in-depth exchange of opinions on the emerging social, political and economic situation in Lebanon took place," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry informed that the Russian side had reaffirmed its principled support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and stability. "In this context, the emphasis was placed on the need to quickly form a capable government of Lebanon based on consensus between all political, religious and ethnic groups of the country," the ministry noted.
The meeting was initiated by Lebanon, the Russian diplomatic agency added.


tass--2020-12-15--Russian police seize 70 kg of synthetic drugs in Chelyabinsk Region

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Police officers in Russia ’ s Chelyabinsk Region have detained two drug traffickers @ @ @ @ @ synthetic drugs , Spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry Irina Volk told reporters .
Over @ @ @ @ @ selling fake drugs on the Internet for $ 14 mln '' Officers detained a perpetrator @ @ @ @ @ he was carrying more than 20 kg of synthetic drugs .
During the searches in @ @ @ @ @ plot of land he owns , around 49 kg of drugs were seized , '' @ @ @ @ @ ’ s accomplice was nabbed in the Chelyabinsk Region .
He had 750 grams of @ @ @ @ @ Six criminal cases were launched and are being investigated as one , both men are @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Police officers in Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region have detained two drug traffickers and seized 70 kg of synthetic drugs, Spokeswoman for the Russian Interior Ministry Irina Volk told reporters.
Over 120 people detained globally for selling fake drugs on the Internet for $14 mln
"Officers detained a perpetrator <…> and discovered he was carrying more than 20 kg of synthetic drugs. During the searches in two garages and on a plot of land he owns, around 49 kg of drugs were seized," Volk noted.
The man’s accomplice was nabbed in the Chelyabinsk Region. He had 750 grams of synthetic drugs at home.
Six criminal cases were launched and are being investigated as one, both men are in custody.


tass--2020-12-15--Bomb threat at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater false, source says

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The presence of an explosive device at the Bolshoi Theater in downtown Moscow has not been confirmed after an inspection by specialists , a source in law enforcement told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Currently the inspection has been completed .
Neither explosive objects , nor explosive substances were found at the Bolshoi Theater building and in the adjacent territory .
The information on explosives is false , '' the agency ’ s interlocutor said .
Earlier on Tuesday , an anonymous message was received that an explosive device had allegedly been placed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teatralnaya Square .
Emergency specialists and sniffer dogs were dispatched to the site to check the information .
About 500 people were evacuated in order to ensure their safety .
A wave of bomb threats began pouring into numerous Russian cities in November 2019 .
Anonymous individuals have been sending e-mails containing warnings about possible explosions in courts , schools , shopping centers , stores and universities .
Since March 3 , those threats also have been targeting airplanes .
Not a single one of them has been confirmed .
Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blocking five foreign resources which were a source of thousands of false bomb threats.

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The presence of an explosive device at the Bolshoi Theater in downtown Moscow has not been confirmed after an inspection by specialists, a source in law enforcement told TASS on Tuesday.
"Currently the inspection has been completed. Neither explosive objects, nor explosive substances were found at the Bolshoi Theater building and in the adjacent territory. The information on explosives is false," the agency’s interlocutor said.
Earlier on Tuesday, an anonymous message was received that an explosive device had allegedly been placed in the Bolshoi Theater building at 1 Teatralnaya Square. Emergency specialists and sniffer dogs were dispatched to the site to check the information. About 500 people were evacuated in order to ensure their safety.
A wave of bomb threats began pouring into numerous Russian cities in November 2019. Anonymous individuals have been sending e-mails containing warnings about possible explosions in courts, schools, shopping centers, stores and universities. Since March 3, those threats also have been targeting airplanes. Not a single one of them has been confirmed. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) reported blocking five foreign resources which were a source of thousands of false bomb threats.


tass--2020-12-15--About 500 people evacuated from Bolshoi Theater after bomb threat

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
About 500 people have been evacuated from the Bolshoi Theater in downtown Moscow after a bomb threat , a source in law enforcement told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Currently about 500 people have been evacuated from the building of the theater outside .
Specialists are working on site , '' the agency ’ s interlocutor said .
Earlier on Tuesday , an anonymous message was received that an explosive device had been allegedly placed in the Bolshoi Theater building at 1 Teatralnaya Square .
Emergency specialists and sniffer dogs were dispatched to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was reported that about 250 people were evacuated in order to ensure their safety .
A wave of bomb threats began pouring into numerous Russian cities in November 2019 .
Anonymous individuals have been sending e-mails containing warnings about possible explosions in courts , schools , shopping centers , stores and universities .
Since March 3 , those threats also have been targeting airplanes .
Not a single one of them has been confirmed .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) reported blocking five foreign resources which were a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. About 500 people have been evacuated from the Bolshoi Theater in downtown Moscow after a bomb threat, a source in law enforcement told TASS on Tuesday.
"Currently about 500 people have been evacuated from the building of the theater outside. Specialists are working on site," the agency’s interlocutor said.
Earlier on Tuesday, an anonymous message was received that an explosive device had been allegedly placed in the Bolshoi Theater building at 1 Teatralnaya Square. Emergency specialists and sniffer dogs were dispatched to the site to check the information. It was reported that about 250 people were evacuated in order to ensure their safety.
A wave of bomb threats began pouring into numerous Russian cities in November 2019. Anonymous individuals have been sending e-mails containing warnings about possible explosions in courts, schools, shopping centers, stores and universities. Since March 3, those threats also have been targeting airplanes. Not a single one of them has been confirmed. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) reported blocking five foreign resources which were a source of thousands of false bomb threats.


tass--2020-12-15--Defense contractor delivers batch of upgraded armored vehicles to Russian troops

YEKATERINBURG , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The 81st Armor Repair Factory ( part of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer within the @ @ @ @ @ delivered a batch of upgraded BTR-82AM armored personnel carriers to the troops , the Uralvagonzavod @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` Fourteen armored personnel carriers were dispatched after the major repairs and the @ @ @ @ @ the level of BTR-82AM for the needs of the Russian Defense Ministry under the defense @ @ @ @ @ press office said in a statement .
The BTR-82AM is a heavy upgrade of BTR-80 @ @ @ @ @ .
It outperforms its predecessors actually by all characteristics .
The BTR-82AM features a more @ @ @ @ @ rapid-fire gun , a coaxial 7.62mm Kalashnikov modernized tank machine-gun and improved surveillance devices and @ @ @ @ @ world leader in the armor and artillery production , the sole developer and manufacturer of @ @ @ @ @ in Russia and a leader on the Russian railway equipment market .

YEKATERINBURG, December 15. /TASS/. The 81st Armor Repair Factory (part of Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer within the state tech corporation Rostec) delivered a batch of upgraded BTR-82AM armored personnel carriers to the troops, the Uralvagonzavod press office told TASS on Tuesday.
"Fourteen armored personnel carriers were dispatched after the major repairs and the upgrade of BTR-80 vehicles to the level of BTR-82AM for the needs of the Russian Defense Ministry under the defense procurement plan," the press office said in a statement.
The BTR-82AM is a heavy upgrade of BTR-80 and BTR-80A armored personnel carriers. It outperforms its predecessors actually by all characteristics. The BTR-82AM features a more powerful engine, a 30mm rapid-fire gun, a coaxial 7.62mm Kalashnikov modernized tank machine-gun and improved surveillance devices and sights.
Uralvagonzavod is a world leader in the armor and artillery production, the sole developer and manufacturer of the armor and its armament in Russia and a leader on the Russian railway equipment market.


tass--2020-12-15--About 350 people evacuated from Bolshoi Theater after bomb threat

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
About 350 people have been evacuated from the Bolshoi Theater after an anonymous @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spokeswoman Katerina Novikova told TASS on Tuesday .
`` A message was received @ @ @ @ @ ] .
An inspection is underway .
350 people were evacuated from the Historic Stage @ @ @ @ @ the inspection will be completed in time , and the evening show will be held @ @ @ @ @ La Bayadere ballet is scheduled for the evening at the Historic Stage which should begin @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , an anonymous message was received that an explosive device had been allegedly @ @ @ @ @ building at 1 Teatralnaya Square .
Emergency specialists and sniffer dogs were dispatched to the @ @ @ @ @ .
A source in law enforcement told TASS that about 500 people were evacuated .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. About 350 people have been evacuated from the Bolshoi Theater after an anonymous bomb threat, the theater’s spokeswoman Katerina Novikova told TASS on Tuesday.
"A message was received [with a bomb threat]. An inspection is underway. 350 people were evacuated from the Historic Stage. There is hope that the inspection will be completed in time, and the evening show will be held," she said.
La Bayadere ballet is scheduled for the evening at the Historic Stage which should begin at 7.05 pm.
Earlier on Tuesday, an anonymous message was received that an explosive device had been allegedly placed in the Bolshoi Theater building at 1 Teatralnaya Square. Emergency specialists and sniffer dogs were dispatched to the site to check the information. A source in law enforcement told TASS that about 500 people were evacuated.


tass--2020-12-15--Russia’s super-heavy carrier rocket is to feature new technical solutions — Roscosmos head

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian super-heavy carrier rocket must be developed using principally new technical solutions , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Head Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday .
`` The super-heavy complex is a chance to find a shorter way ; the subject must give the sector a strong impetus to development .
That is why , I would not start creating a super-heavy complex based on existing solutions , even if they are still good and competitive , '' the Roscosmos chief wrote on Facebook .
This carrier needs a principally new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieve `` hot sparing '' and multiple use , Rogozin stressed .
`` It is necessary to create it broadly using additive technologies to make serial production cheaper , '' he said .
It also has to be borne in mind that a super-heavy carrier rocket will not fly as frequently as medium-class `` workhorse '' rockets , the Roscosmos chief said .
`` That is why , the work on universal rocket modules of a super-heavy carrier must lead us to creating a medium-class rocket prototype for the full-fledged replacement of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Rogozin specified , adding that this was due to take place in the next decade .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. A Russian super-heavy carrier rocket must be developed using principally new technical solutions, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Head Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday.
"The super-heavy complex is a chance to find a shorter way; the subject must give the sector a strong impetus to development. That is why, I would not start creating a super-heavy complex based on existing solutions, even if they are still good and competitive," the Roscosmos chief wrote on Facebook.
This carrier needs a principally new propulsion system that makes it possible to achieve "hot sparing" and multiple use, Rogozin stressed.
"It is necessary to create it broadly using additive technologies to make serial production cheaper," he said.
It also has to be borne in mind that a super-heavy carrier rocket will not fly as frequently as medium-class "workhorse" rockets, the Roscosmos chief said. "That is why, the work on universal rocket modules of a super-heavy carrier must lead us to creating a medium-class rocket prototype for the full-fledged replacement of our legendary and beloved Soyuz-2 launch vehicle," Rogozin specified, adding that this was due to take place in the next decade.
Super-heavy carrier rocket


tass--2020-12-15--Iran+5 to start preparing ministerial meeting on nuclear deal on December 16, says source

VIENNA , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Representatives of Iran and five international mediators ( Russia , China , France , Germany and the United Kingdom ) will discuss preparations for a ministerial meeting on December 16 during a virtual meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program .
The ministerial event can also be held online before the end of 2020 , a diplomatic source told TASS Tuesday .
`` The commission will start online preparations for a ministerial meeting which is currently planned to be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the source noted .
It is expected that the ministerial meeting will also be held online due to coronavirus restrictions , the source added .
The meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission at the level of political directors of Iran and the five mediators was initially planned to be held in Vienna on December 16 , however , it was later moved online .
The delegations will speak remotely from the capitals of the parties to the deal .
The meeting will focus on further steps to implement the JCPOA .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent the Russian delegation at the event .
Earlier , EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell informed that the European Union intends to hold a ministerial meeting on the JCPOA in December .
The JCPOA was signed between Iran , five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council ( Russia , the United Kingdom , China , the United States and France ) and Germany in 2015 .
The deal limited Iran ’ s nuclear development in exchange for lifting the UN sanctions , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On May 8 , 2018 , the issue of the nuclear deal exacerbated dramatically after US President Donald Trump announced Washington ’ s withdrawal from the JCPOA and introduction of sanctions against Iran ’ s oil sector .
On May 8 , 2019 , President of Iran Hassan Rouhani said that Tehran was suspending the fulfilment of its part of the nuclear deal obligations .
According to the Iranian side , the parties to the deal , particularly the Europeans , are not fully honoring their economic obligations and , therefore , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

VIENNA, December 15. /TASS/. Representatives of Iran and five international mediators (Russia, China, France, Germany and the United Kingdom) will discuss preparations for a ministerial meeting on December 16 during a virtual meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program. The ministerial event can also be held online before the end of 2020, a diplomatic source told TASS Tuesday.
"The commission will start online preparations for a ministerial meeting which is currently planned to be held before the end of the year," the source noted. It is expected that the ministerial meeting will also be held online due to coronavirus restrictions, the source added.
The meeting of the JCPOA Joint Commission at the level of political directors of Iran and the five mediators was initially planned to be held in Vienna on December 16, however, it was later moved online. The delegations will speak remotely from the capitals of the parties to the deal. The meeting will focus on further steps to implement the JCPOA. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to represent the Russian delegation at the event.
Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell informed that the European Union intends to hold a ministerial meeting on the JCPOA in December.
The JCPOA was signed between Iran, five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (Russia, the United Kingdom, China, the United States and France) and Germany in 2015. The deal limited Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for lifting the UN sanctions, as well as the US and EU unilateral restrictions.
On May 8, 2018, the issue of the nuclear deal exacerbated dramatically after US President Donald Trump announced Washington’s withdrawal from the JCPOA and introduction of sanctions against Iran’s oil sector. On May 8, 2019, President of Iran Hassan Rouhani said that Tehran was suspending the fulfilment of its part of the nuclear deal obligations. According to the Iranian side, the parties to the deal, particularly the Europeans, are not fully honoring their economic obligations and, therefore, the JCPOA in its current form is meaningless.


tass--2020-12-16--Finland sees no need to review decision on Nord Stream 2 construction

HELSINKI , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Finland sees no need to review its decision in respect of construction of a segment of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline near its shores , Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told TASS in an interview on Wednesday .
`` As far as Finland is concerned , it provided all the required permits to the Nord Stream 2 as early as in 2018 and there is no need to consider this issue once again .
It is important for us that the project is in conformity to requirements of international and national laws , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipeline crosses the Finnish exclusive economic zone but not territorial waters and gas will not be supplied through it to Finland after completion of the construction , Haavisto added .
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
To date , 93 % of Nord Stream 2 has been finished .
The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @

HELSINKI, December 16. /TASS/. Finland sees no need to review its decision in respect of construction of a segment of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline near its shores, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told TASS in an interview on Wednesday.
"As far as Finland is concerned, it provided all the required permits to the Nord Stream 2 as early as in 2018 and there is no need to consider this issue once again. It is important for us that the project is in conformity to requirements of international and national laws," the minister said.
The gas pipeline crosses the Finnish exclusive economic zone but not territorial waters and gas will not be supplied through it to Finland after completion of the construction, Haavisto added.
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 93% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.


tass--2020-12-16--Biden will take the edge off EU-US ties but issues will remain, says Russian envoy

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The issues in the relations between the European Union and the United States , which exacerbated under Donald Trump ’ s presidency , will not be as acute under Joe Biden , but they will still remain there , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov told an online briefing Wednesday .
The envoy noted that the EU is somewhat enthusiastic about the future change of the White House administration , however , `` the joy is more reserved '' in comparison with the situation 12 years ago when Barack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people here in Brussels and Europe generally understand that the US policy will not change much on many issues , '' Chizhov explained .
`` Some landmark decisions announced by Biden - return to the Paris Agreement on Climate , return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program , return to the WHO , and maybe a change in approach to the WTO - this all is likely to be somehow formulated , even though not instantaneously and not at once .
On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these years indeed , and the problems which aggravated in the past four years of the Trump administration between the EU and the US , will have the edge taken off them but will still remain , '' the Russian diplomat stressed .
Baltic Fleet to set up new division in response to NATO ’ s build-up near Russian borders Washington will hold a more pro-NATO policy under the Joe Biden Administration , Vladimir Chizhov stated .
`` If Donald Trump used to frighten the allies with the US withdrawal from NATO , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more pro-NATO approach .
Although the demand for 2 % of military spending will remain in place , '' Chizhov said .
Speaking about how the arrival of the new administration could affect Russia ’ s relations with the European Union , Chizhov pointed out that the problems would still be there .
`` Not all of those problems affect the US interests , but nevertheless , the EU will mostly coordinate its policy in the international arena at a greater extent with that of Washington , '' he added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our relationship with the United States , we , as you know , have no illusions .
There is no reason to expect dramatic improvement either , '' the diplomat stressed .
On December 14 , the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden ’ s election victory .
The Democrat received 306 votes , while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes .
With 538 electors , a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States .
In late November , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden .
In light of this remark , the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The issues in the relations between the European Union and the United States, which exacerbated under Donald Trump’s presidency, will not be as acute under Joe Biden, but they will still remain there, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the EU Vladimir Chizhov told an online briefing Wednesday.
The envoy noted that the EU is somewhat enthusiastic about the future change of the White House administration, however, "the joy is more reserved" in comparison with the situation 12 years ago when Barack Obama came to power. "High-profile people here in Brussels and Europe generally understand that the US policy will not change much on many issues," Chizhov explained.
"Some landmark decisions announced by Biden - return to the Paris Agreement on Climate, return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program, return to the WHO, and maybe a change in approach to the WTO - this all is likely to be somehow formulated, even though not instantaneously and not at once. On the other hand, a lot has changed over these years indeed, and the problems which aggravated in the past four years during the Trump administration between the EU and the US, will have the edge taken off them but will still remain," the Russian diplomat stressed.
Baltic Fleet to set up new division in response to NATO’s build-up near Russian borders
Washington will hold a more pro-NATO policy under the Joe Biden Administration, Vladimir Chizhov stated.
"If Donald Trump used to frighten the allies with the US withdrawal from NATO, now the new administration will evidently have a more pro-NATO approach. Although the demand for 2% of military spending will remain in place," Chizhov said.
Speaking about how the arrival of the new administration could affect Russia’s relations with the European Union, Chizhov pointed out that the problems would still be there.
"Not all of those problems affect the US interests, but nevertheless, the EU will mostly coordinate its policy in the international arena at a greater extent with that of Washington," he added.
"As for the impact it could have on our relationship with the United States, we, as you know, have no illusions. There is no reason to expect dramatic improvement either," the diplomat stressed.
On December 14, the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden’s election victory. The Democrat received 306 votes, while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes. With 538 electors, a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States.
In late November, Trump, who has still not conceded, said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden. In light of this remark, the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight.


tass--2020-12-16--Navalny’s words about being tailed by special services are ridiculous — Russia’s EU envoy

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian blogger Alexei Navalny ’ s allegations that he was followed on his trips by agents of the special services , who were trying to poison him , sound ridiculous , Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov said at an online briefing on Wednesday .
Criminal case on Navalny incident can not be opened in Russia so far , says Putin When asked by the reporters to comment on Navalny ’ s latest video in which he blames the Russian special services for his poisoning , Chizhov noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` On the one hand , it looks comical , '' the diplomat said .
`` On the other hand , [ this situation ] brings up numerous questions about who initially stood to benefit from that . ''
`` It is obvious that against a backdrop of pandemic and other news , Navalny ’ s fate has begun receding into the shadows .
Perhaps , the man felt offended and decided to keep up the interest [ in his affair ] , '' Chizhov assumed .
`` It is also interesting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our special services , but now his focus has shifted to the other . ''

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Russian blogger Alexei Navalny’s allegations that he was followed on his trips by agents of the special services, who were trying to poison him, sound ridiculous, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the European Union Vladimir Chizhov said at an online briefing on Wednesday.
Criminal case on Navalny incident cannot be opened in Russia so far, says Putin
When asked by the reporters to comment on Navalny’s latest video in which he blames the Russian special services for his poisoning, Chizhov noted that those allegations had no logic.
"On the one hand, it looks comical," the diplomat said. "On the other hand, [this situation] brings up numerous questions about who initially stood to benefit from that."
"It is obvious that against a backdrop of pandemic and other news, Navalny’s fate has begun receding into the shadows. Perhaps, the man felt offended and decided to keep up the interest [in his affair]," Chizhov assumed. "It is also interesting that originally he put the blame on one of our special services, but now his focus has shifted to the other."


tass--2020-12-16--Moscow endured coronavirus pandemic with lowest possible losses, says mayor

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow endures the coronavirus pandemic with lowest possible losses , Mayor Sergei Sobyanin @ @ @ @ @ to the Moscow City Duma .
`` The coronavirus has become the hardest test for @ @ @ @ @ every person in particular .
But thanks to the selfless labor of thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ , and diverse economy , Moscow endures this trial with lowest possible losses , '' @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Moscow endures the coronavirus pandemic with lowest possible losses, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said during this annual report to the Moscow City Duma.
"The coronavirus has become the hardest test for the city in general and every person in particular. But thanks to the selfless labor of thousands of people, our strong healthcare system, and diverse economy, Moscow endures this trial with lowest possible losses," he said.


tass--2020-12-16--Number of coronavirus cases in Norway rises to 41,852

HELSINKI , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Norway increased by 518 over the past day and reached 41,852 , the Norwegian Institute of Health announced on Wednesday .
During the pandemic , 395 patients died in the country from complications caused by the coronavirus .
Over 2 mln people have been tested .
The increase in the number of coronavirus cases began in Norway in late August after a relatively calm summer .
The average daily increase in recent weeks is 300-500 cases .
The largest number of cases per day during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 700 .
The first coronavirus case in Norway was detected at the end of February .
The government has imposed a ban on the entry of foreigners who do not have a residence permit .
It also introduced border controls within the Schengen area .
From June 15 , Norway opened its borders to the Nordic countries , except for Sweden , and from July 15 , it lifted restrictions for about 20 more states .
On August 12 , the authorities reiterated their recommendation to avoid unnecessary travel abroad .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

HELSINKI, December 16. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Norway increased by 518 over the past day and reached 41,852, the Norwegian Institute of Health announced on Wednesday.
During the pandemic, 395 patients died in the country from complications caused by the coronavirus. Over 2 mln people have been tested.
The increase in the number of coronavirus cases began in Norway in late August after a relatively calm summer. The average daily increase in recent weeks is 300-500 cases. The largest number of cases per day during the pandemic was recorded on November 13 - over 700.
The first coronavirus case in Norway was detected at the end of February. The government has imposed a ban on the entry of foreigners who do not have a residence permit. It also introduced border controls within the Schengen area. From June 15, Norway opened its borders to the Nordic countries, except for Sweden, and from July 15, it lifted restrictions for about 20 more states. On August 12, the authorities reiterated their recommendation to avoid unnecessary travel abroad.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-12-16--One in four Russians has antibodies to coronavirus, medical company says

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
More than 1.23 mln Russians have passed tests for antibodies to the coronavirus in Invitro ’ s laboratories , with some 25 % of them testing positive , the Russian medical company said on Wednesday .
`` By now , more than 1.23 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted , while the total number of positive results hits 25.1 % in Russia , '' the medical company stated .
The biggest number of cases per day was recorded in Novosibirsk , Siberia , where the positive tests ’ share for G-class antibodies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk , the figure was 58 % , in Omsk - 56 % , in Barnaul - 55 % and in Irkutsk - 54 % .
The epidemiological situation in the largest cities in the Urals follows the same pattern .
On average , 52 % of daily tests returned positive in Yekaterinburg and Surgut , 53 % - in Tyumen and 57 % - in Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk .
However , the figures differ in Russia ’ s largest cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg .
In Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 286,000 tests having been conducted since May confirmed the presence of antibodies , while the share of positive tests last month was 30 % .
In St. Petersburg , the total number of COVID-19 tests surpassed 101,000 , and the share of positive results since May was 25 % , while last month ( on average per day ) it reached 38 % .
The Invitro medical company launched mass testing for coronavirus antibodies across Russia on May 18 , 2020 .
Laboratory studies to detect G-class antibodies ( IgG ) to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Invitro , Russia 's private medical company specializing in laboratory diagnostics and medical services , was founded in 1995 .
The company has offices in six countries with eight laboratory complexes that carry out more than 150,000 studies per day .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. More than 1.23 mln Russians have passed tests for antibodies to the coronavirus in Invitro’s laboratories, with some 25% of them testing positive, the Russian medical company said on Wednesday.
"By now, more than 1.23 mln coronavirus tests have been conducted, while the total number of positive results hits 25.1% in Russia," the medical company stated.
The biggest number of cases per day was recorded in Novosibirsk, Siberia, where the positive tests’ share for G-class antibodies in December exceeded 60%. In another Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, the figure was 58%, in Omsk - 56%, in Barnaul - 55% and in Irkutsk - 54%.
The epidemiological situation in the largest cities in the Urals follows the same pattern. On average, 52% of daily tests returned positive in Yekaterinburg and Surgut, 53% - in Tyumen and 57% - in Chelyabinsk and Magnitogorsk.
However, the figures differ in Russia’s largest cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. In Moscow, only 17.7% out of more than 286,000 tests having been conducted since May confirmed the presence of antibodies, while the share of positive tests last month was 30%. In St. Petersburg, the total number of COVID-19 tests surpassed 101,000, and the share of positive results since May was 25%, while last month (on average per day) it reached 38%.
Research details
The Invitro medical company launched mass testing for coronavirus antibodies across Russia on May 18, 2020. Laboratory studies to detect G-class antibodies (IgG) to a past infection use venous blood serum.
Invitro, Russia's private medical company specializing in laboratory diagnostics and medical services, was founded in 1995. The company has offices in six countries with eight laboratory complexes that carry out more than 150,000 studies per day.


tass--2020-12-16--Some 5,000 hospital beds remain in reserve for COVID patients in Moscow

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Some 5,000 hospital beds for coronavirus patients remain reserved in Moscow , Mayor @ @ @ @ @ `` I have [ … ] about 12,000 patients [ in hospitals ] today , @ @ @ @ @ in reserve , '' Sobyanin said during his annual report in the Moscow City Duma @ @ @ @ @ will manage to treat patients even if the pandemic situation develops unfavorably .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ set up in reserve hospitals , while major medical centers were engaged in emergency and @ @ @ @ @ the mayor added .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. Some 5,000 hospital beds for coronavirus patients remain reserved in Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Wednesday.
"I have […] about 12,000 patients [in hospitals] today, some 5,000 more beds remain in reserve," Sobyanin said during his annual report in the Moscow City Duma.
He noted that Moscow will manage to treat patients even if the pandemic situation develops unfavorably.
"A large number of beds were set up in reserve hospitals, while major medical centers were engaged in emergency and planned medical treatment," the mayor added.


tass--2020-12-16--World Bank expects oil price to increase to $44 per barrel in 2021, $50 in 2022

MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The World Bank expects the oil price to rise to $ 44 per barrel in 2021 and to $ 50 in 2022 , the organization said in its latest Russia Economic Report on Wednesday .
`` Oil prices are forecast to increase to $ 44/bbl in 2021 and $ 50/bbl in 2022 from a projected $ 41/bbl in 2020 , '' the report said .
The WB ’ s experts consider the duration and severity of the pandemic in the future , including the speed at which a vaccine deemed safe and effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main risks to the price forecast .
`` A further rise in infection rates resulting in more stringent lockdowns and reduced travel will affect oil demand significantly more than other commodities .
On the other hand , if a vaccine is developed and distributed more rapidly than currently anticipated , oil consumption could see a stronger recovery in 2021 , '' according to the report .
The pandemic is anticipated to have a prolonged impact on oil consumption , which is expected to remain 5 % below its pre-pandemic levels by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted .

MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The World Bank expects the oil price to rise to $44 per barrel in 2021 and to $50 in 2022, the organization said in its latest Russia Economic Report on Wednesday.
"Oil prices are forecast to increase to $44/bbl in 2021 and $50/bbl in 2022 from a projected $41/bbl in 2020," the report said.
The WB’s experts consider the duration and severity of the pandemic in the future, including the speed at which a vaccine deemed safe and effective is developed and distributed, to be the main risks to the price forecast.
"A further rise in infection rates resulting in more stringent lockdowns and reduced travel will affect oil demand significantly more than other commodities. On the other hand, if a vaccine is developed and distributed more rapidly than currently anticipated, oil consumption could see a stronger recovery in 2021," according to the report.
The pandemic is anticipated to have a prolonged impact on oil consumption, which is expected to remain 5% below its pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2021, the World Bank noted.


tass--2020-12-16--Russian Navy warship holds air defense drills in Mediterranean deployment

SEVASTOPOL , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s frigate Admiral Essen held air defense and damage control drills in its Mediterranean deployment , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` While practicing the course task , the sailors held various shipborne drills to prepare the ship for a battle and for its deployment , provide air defense and conduct damage control during the ship ’ s anchorage at a logistics point , '' the press office said in a statement .
The naval sailors also practiced the ship ’ s anti-saboteur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and measures within the required time limits to prepare the frigate for receiving weapons and ammunition and provide maintenance for the ship ’ s armament and mechanisms , the statement says .
The frigate Admiral Essen is accomplishing tasks within the Russian Navy ’ s standing Mediterranean taskforce .
The warships like the Admiral Essen represent a new series of Project 11356R/M frigates ( the Project 11357 designation is also used ) .
These frigates are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels , submarines and ground installations , carry out patrols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface , coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km .
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1 , Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems , A-190 100mm universal artillery guns , torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers .
The frigates also have a take-off and landing strip and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter ( Ka-27 or Ka-31 ) .
The Soviet Navy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prototype for the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present .
The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period .
Its main rival was the US Navy ’ s 6th Fleet .
The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31 , 1992 , a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union .
In 2013 , Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce .
Russia ’ s new standing Squadron is dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mediterranean theater of operations , including warding off threats to Russia ’ s national and military security .

SEVASTOPOL, December 16. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s frigate Admiral Essen held air defense and damage control drills in its Mediterranean deployment, the Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"While practicing the course task, the sailors held various shipborne drills to prepare the ship for a battle and for its deployment, provide air defense and conduct damage control during the ship’s anchorage at a logistics point," the press office said in a statement.
The naval sailors also practiced the ship’s anti-saboteur defense during its anchorage at a port and measures within the required time limits to prepare the frigate for receiving weapons and ammunition and provide maintenance for the ship’s armament and mechanisms, the statement says.
The frigate Admiral Essen is accomplishing tasks within the Russian Navy’s standing Mediterranean taskforce.
The warships like the Admiral Essen represent a new series of Project 11356R/M frigates (the Project 11357 designation is also used). These frigates are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels, submarines and ground installations, carry out patrols and defend sea lanes.
The frigates of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface, coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km.
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1, Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems, A-190 100mm universal artillery guns, torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers. The frigates also have a take-off and landing strip and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter (Ka-27 or Ka-31).
Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron
The Soviet Navy’s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present. The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period. Its main rival was the US Navy’s 6th Fleet. The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31, 1992, a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
In 2013, Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce. Russia’s new standing Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations, including warding off threats to Russia’s national and military security.