tass--2020-10-20--Russia’s top brass rejects proposal on 10% military personnel cuts

MOSCOW , October 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry rejected the Finance Ministry ’ s proposal on 10 % military personnel cuts as unacceptable and sent its reasoning to the country ’ s Security Council , according to the ministry ’ s statement posted on the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Tuesday .
`` The Defense Ministry of Russia thoroughly analyzed the substance of the proposals prepared by Russia ’ s Finance Ministry on cutting the size of the Armed Forces and changing some provisions of the system of social guarantees for servicemen .
It sent its reasoning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the absence of their support from the leadership of the Defense Ministry to the Security Council of the Russian Federation , '' the statement says .
As of today , the numerical strength and the structure of the Armed Forces have been defined by the supreme commander-in-chief , taking into account `` the entire range of tasks for effectively ensuring the state ’ s security , '' the ministry said .
In the ministry ’ s opinion , the Russian Armed Forces have a stable manning system balanced by the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel .
`` The Finance Ministry ’ s proposals on cutting the positions will yield a zero economic effect as the funds for paying money allowance to servicemen are allocated for the real numbers , '' the statement says .
The experience of transferring the positions of servicemen in logistics structures to civil service in 2007-2012 proved to be ineffective and prompted numerous problems affecting the combat potential of the Russian Armed Forces , the Defense Ministry said .
`` In the course of combat operations , drills and maneuvers conducted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s maintenance is clearly confirmed , '' it said .
The legal norms of the retirement provision are sealed in the existing legislation and serve as the basis for measures of social support for servicemen and members of their families , the Defense Ministry said .
`` The Finance Ministry ’ s proposal to establish the maximum size of money allowance taken into account in calculating military retirement pay at no more than 80 % speaks about a lack of understanding on the procedure of defining military pensions , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay depends on the length of service and ranges from 50 % of money allowance for 20 years of military service to 85 % for serving 32 and more years , the Defense Ministry said .
`` Considering the five-year increase in the maximum length of military service implemented by the Defense Ministry for various categories of servicemen , the Defense Ministry of Russia jointly with other federal bodies of executive and state power earlier considered in detail the possible increase in the minimum length of service entitling for retirement from 20 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ norms and mechanisms to increase the general level of social protection for servicemen and military retirees , '' the statement says .
However , the Finance Ministry of Russia did not support this initiative , the Defense Ministry stressed .
`` Therefore , discussing the issue of increasing the length of service for servicemen ’ s retirement without compensation measures is senseless , '' it pointed out .
As Russia ’ s Defense Ministry pointed out , `` the proposal to increase by five years the period for the emergence of grounds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accumulative mortgage system of housing provision has not been worked out thoroughly and is not supported . ''
The Defense Ministry ’ s calculations show that this proposal , if implemented , will only push up long-term expenditures on providing servicemen with housing and paying them compensations , the statement says .
`` The implementation of the proposals by the Finance Ministry of Russia won ’ t yield any economic effect but will considerably deteriorate the financial position and the social status of servicemen , '' the statement stresses .
Military service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to the state ’ s defense and security whose nature suggests that servicemen accomplish tasks associated with a threat to their life and health and with other specific conditions of their career , the Defense Ministry stressed .
`` The leadership of the Defense Ministry of Russia has rejected the measures proposed by the Finance Ministry .
At the same time , the Defense Ministry will continue comprehensive work aimed at expanding effective social protection measures for servicemen and members of their families , '' the statement says .
The daily Izvestia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come up with a proposal to consider cutting the size of the country ’ s military personnel by 10 % The Finance Ministry proposed downsizing the Armed Forces by cutting free vacancies and transferring medics , lecturers , HR specialists , financiers , lawyers and logistics personnel to civil service .
The other proposals envisage raising the retirement age in the Army , increasing the length of military service , including for obtaining military mortgage loans , and saving funds on military rations .

MOSCOW, October 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry rejected the Finance Ministry’s proposal on 10% military personnel cuts as unacceptable and sent its reasoning to the country’s Security Council, according to the ministry’s statement posted on the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on Tuesday.
"The Defense Ministry of Russia thoroughly analyzed the substance of the proposals prepared by Russia’s Finance Ministry on cutting the size of the Armed Forces and changing some provisions of the system of social guarantees for servicemen. It sent its reasoning on the unacceptable nature of these proposals and the absence of their support from the leadership of the Defense Ministry to the Security Council of the Russian Federation," the statement says.
As of today, the numerical strength and the structure of the Armed Forces have been defined by the supreme commander-in-chief, taking into account "the entire range of tasks for effectively ensuring the state’s security," the ministry said.
In the ministry’s opinion, the Russian Armed Forces have a stable manning system balanced by the number of positions filled by military servicemen and civilian personnel.
"The Finance Ministry’s proposals on cutting the positions will yield a zero economic effect as the funds for paying money allowance to servicemen are allocated for the real numbers," the statement says.
The experience of transferring the positions of servicemen in logistics structures to civil service in 2007-2012 proved to be ineffective and prompted numerous problems affecting the combat potential of the Russian Armed Forces, the Defense Ministry said.
"In the course of combat operations, drills and maneuvers conducted by the armed forces, the need for servicemen’s maintenance is clearly confirmed," it said.
Retirement provision
The legal norms of the retirement provision are sealed in the existing legislation and serve as the basis for measures of social support for servicemen and members of their families, the Defense Ministry said.
"The Finance Ministry’s proposal to establish the maximum size of money allowance taken into account in calculating military retirement pay at no more than 80% speaks about a lack of understanding on the procedure of defining military pensions," the statement says.
The size of military retirement pay depends on the length of service and ranges from 50% of money allowance for 20 years of military service to 85% for serving 32 and more years, the Defense Ministry said.
"Considering the five-year increase in the maximum length of military service implemented by the Defense Ministry for various categories of servicemen, the Defense Ministry of Russia jointly with other federal bodies of executive and state power earlier considered in detail the possible increase in the minimum length of service entitling for retirement from 20 to 25 years on condition of providing compensatory norms and mechanisms to increase the general level of social protection for servicemen and military retirees," the statement says.
However, the Finance Ministry of Russia did not support this initiative, the Defense Ministry stressed.
"Therefore, discussing the issue of increasing the length of service for servicemen’s retirement without compensation measures is senseless," it pointed out.
Military mortgage
As Russia’s Defense Ministry pointed out, "the proposal to increase by five years the period for the emergence of grounds for including officers, soldiers and sergeants in the accumulative mortgage system of housing provision has not been worked out thoroughly and is not supported."
The Defense Ministry’s calculations show that this proposal, if implemented, will only push up long-term expenditures on providing servicemen with housing and paying them compensations, the statement says.
"The implementation of the proposals by the Finance Ministry of Russia won’t yield any economic effect but will considerably deteriorate the financial position and the social status of servicemen," the statement stresses.
Military service is a special type of civil service related to the state’s defense and security whose nature suggests that servicemen accomplish tasks associated with a threat to their life and health and with other specific conditions of their career, the Defense Ministry stressed.
"The leadership of the Defense Ministry of Russia has rejected the measures proposed by the Finance Ministry. At the same time, the Defense Ministry will continue comprehensive work aimed at expanding effective social protection measures for servicemen and members of their families," the statement says.
Finance Ministry’s proposals
The daily Izvestia earlier reported that the Finance Ministry had come up with a proposal to consider cutting the size of the country’s military personnel by 10%
The Finance Ministry proposed downsizing the Armed Forces by cutting free vacancies and transferring medics, lecturers, HR specialists, financiers, lawyers and logistics personnel to civil service. The other proposals envisage raising the retirement age in the Army, increasing the length of military service, including for obtaining military mortgage loans, and saving funds on military rations.


tass--2020-10-20--Russian embassy says London trying to sow discord between Russia, other states

LONDON , October 20 .
/TASS/ .
The claims that Russia had been allegedly carrying out cyber attacks can be simply attributed to the fact that London is trying to sour relations between Russia and other states , and have no real evidence backing them up , the Russian embassy said in a comment .
“ Using the topic of the Olympics in South Korea and Japan , the British are also seeking to undermine constructive relations between Russia and these countries .
There is nothing new about it , considering how much effort was spent by London to drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Georgia , for example .
These ‘ endeavors ’ are destructive for Russian-British relations and for the UK ’ s international prestige , ” the embassy noted .
Russian diplomats pointed out that they consider the new accusations as a “ wave of unprovoked malign attacks ” conducted as part of a “ consistent disinformation campaign to smear Russia.
” The embassy links this new crusade to malign Russia to the US presidential election , since the US Justice Department indicted six Russians on charges of cyber attacks on Monday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we see no point in commenting on them .
We will only note that the British side is perfectly aware of the existing mechanisms of professional cooperation in the event of suspicious activity along computer networks .
Russia has this cooperation established with many countries , even with Western states .
The UK ignores these mechanisms , ” the embassy stressed .
The UK Foreign Office on Monday claimed that Russian intelligence services used cyber attacks to disrupt the Tokyo Olympics before they were rescheduled to 2021 due to the pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the opening ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics .
Moscow has repeatedly denied these accusations by Western states .

LONDON, October 20. /TASS/. The claims that Russia had been allegedly carrying out cyber attacks can be simply attributed to the fact that London is trying to sour relations between Russia and other states, and have no real evidence backing them up, the Russian embassy said in a comment.
“Using the topic of the Olympics in South Korea and Japan, the British are also seeking to undermine constructive relations between Russia and these countries. There is nothing new about it, considering how much effort was spent by London to drive a wedge in our ties with Ukraine and Georgia, for example. These ‘endeavors’ are destructive for Russian-British relations and for the UK’s international prestige,” the embassy noted.
Russian diplomats pointed out that they consider the new accusations as a “wave of unprovoked malign attacks” conducted as part of a “consistent disinformation campaign to smear Russia.” The embassy links this new crusade to malign Russia to the US presidential election, since the US Justice Department indicted six Russians on charges of cyber attacks on Monday.
“As these accusations lack any real substance, we see no point in commenting on them. We will only note that the British side is perfectly aware of the existing mechanisms of professional cooperation in the event of suspicious activity along computer networks. Russia has this cooperation established with many countries, even with Western states. The UK ignores these mechanisms,” the embassy stressed.
The UK Foreign Office on Monday claimed that Russian intelligence services used cyber attacks to disrupt the Tokyo Olympics before they were rescheduled to 2021 due to the pandemic and previously allegedly tried to disable computer systems during the opening ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics. Moscow has repeatedly denied these accusations by Western states.


tass--2020-10-20--No need to pull Russia into Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, says Armenian president

`` There is no need to pull Russia into the conflict .
Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s Armenians have already proved they can defend their land by themselves .
There is no need to involve Russia into the conflict .
Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s Armenians have already proved they can defend their land by themselves .
Instead of involving Russia or any other third country , it is necessary to disinvolve Turkey which is playing a destructive role in this matter , '' he said in an interview with France-24 .
YEREVAN , October 20 .
/TASS/ .
There is no need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Nagorno-Karabakh , the problem now is to exclude Turkey from it , Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said on Tuesday .
Touching on relations with Russia , the Armenian president stressed that Moscow `` has for years been and is Armenia ’ s ally and the countries have trust-based relations . ''
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
Following Russia-initiated consultations in Moscow , Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed on a humanitarian ceasefire from 11:00 Moscow time on October 10 to exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .

"There is no need to pull Russia into the conflict. Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians have already proved they can defend their land by themselves. There is no need to involve Russia into the conflict. Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians have already proved they can defend their land by themselves. Instead of involving Russia or any other third country, it is necessary to disinvolve Turkey which is playing a destructive role in this matter," he said in an interview with France-24.
YEREVAN, October 20. /TASS/. There is no need for Russia to get involved in the conflict around Nagorno-Karabakh, the problem now is to exclude Turkey from it, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian said on Tuesday.
Touching on relations with Russia, the Armenian president stressed that Moscow "has for years been and is Armenia’s ally and the countries have trust-based relations."
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
Following Russia-initiated consultations in Moscow, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed on a humanitarian ceasefire from 11:00 Moscow time on October 10 to exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-10-20--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus exceeds 88,900

MINSK , October 20 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 619 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 88,900 , 0r 0.94 % of the country ’ s population , the health ministry reported on Tuesday .
`` As many as 88,909 people have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' it said , adding that the daily tally was 619 .
`` A total of 937 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak , '' it said , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past day .
According to the latest update , as many as 80,503 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease .
A total of 2,244,310 people have been tested for the novel coronavirus .
The effective reproduction number ( Rt ) , or the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person , for the past eight days is 1.05 .
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns , with mass gathering not being banned .
The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one day .
A vaccination campaign as part of post-registration tests of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine kicked off in Belarus from October 1 .
Those volunteers who have been inoculated are feeling well .

MINSK, October 20. /TASS/. As many as 619 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 88,900, 0r 0.94% of the country’s population, the health ministry reported on Tuesday.
"As many as 88,909 people have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 619.
"A total of 937 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said, adding that four such deaths were reported during the past day. According to the latest update, as many as 80,503 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease. A total of 2,244,310 people have been tested for the novel coronavirus. The effective reproduction number (Rt), or the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person, for the past eight days is 1.05.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than 900 patients tested positive in one day. A vaccination campaign as part of post-registration tests of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine kicked off in Belarus from October 1. Those volunteers who have been inoculated are feeling well.


tass--2020-10-20--US plotting color revolution in Moldova after presidential polls — Russian intel chief

MOSCOW , October 20 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is plotting a color revolution in Moldova in case incumbent President Igor Dodon wins the presidential race , Director of Russia ’ s Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin said on Tuesday .
`` We see clearly now ( following the developments in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan ) that the Americans are plotting a revolutionary scenario for Moldova , which will elect its president in November .
They are not satisfied with the incumbent head of state , Igor Dodon , who supports constructive relations with the CIS countries , including Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted by the service ’ s press office .
`` Considering Dodon ’ s chances for victory as quite high , the US Department of State has tasked its embassy in Chisinau to incite the opposition to mass protests in case of his reelection demanding the results of voting be annulled .
Non-government organizations and mass media outlets affiliated with the Americans are already propagating fake news about the authorities ’ plans to falsify the voting , '' Naryshkin noted , adding that diplomats from the US embassy in Moldova are seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street protests and `` side with the people . ''
`` We have information that a team of US color revolution strategists is on their way to Moldova .
Their mission is quite clear , '' he specified .
He stressed that the United States continues to flagrantly meddle in the domestic affairs of countries that border Russia and are friendly towards Moscow .
`` Blatant attempts to influence the post-election situation continue in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan , '' he said .
`` We regret to mention that the United States , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s election race , quickly forgets this premise when it comes to Washington ’ s opportunistic interests abroad .
In this case , the notion of a foreign state ’ s sovereignty matters little .
Unquestionably , America is above all else , '' he elaborated .

MOSCOW, October 20. /TASS/. The United States is plotting a color revolution in Moldova in case incumbent President Igor Dodon wins the presidential race, Director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service Sergei Naryshkin said on Tuesday.
"We see clearly now (following the developments in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan) that the Americans are plotting a revolutionary scenario for Moldova, which will elect its president in November. They are not satisfied with the incumbent head of state, Igor Dodon, who supports constructive relations with CIS countries, including Russia," as follows from his statement posted by the service’s press office.
"Considering Dodon’s chances for victory as quite high, the US Department of State has tasked its embassy in Chisinau to incite the opposition to mass protests in case of his reelection demanding the results of voting be annulled. Non-government organizations and mass media outlets affiliated with the Americans are already propagating fake news about the authorities’ plans to falsify the voting," Naryshkin noted, adding that diplomats from the US embassy in Moldova are seeking to persuade law enforcers not to stop possible street protests and "side with the people."
"We have information that a team of US color revolution strategists is on their way to Moldova. Their mission is quite clear," he specified.
He stressed that the United States continues to flagrantly meddle in the domestic affairs of countries that border Russia and are friendly towards Moscow. "Blatant attempts to influence the post-election situation continue in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan," he said.
"We regret to mention that the United States, who so loudly condemns any external interference in America’s election race, quickly forgets this premise when it comes to Washington’s opportunistic interests abroad. In this case, the notion of a foreign state’s sovereignty matters little. Unquestionably, America is above all else," he elaborated.


tass--2020-10-20--Helicopter crashes near Russia’s Vologda killing two

VOLOGDA , October 20 .
/TASS/ .
A private helicopter crashed in the Vologda Region , killing both the pilot and the passenger , Russian Emergencies Ministry 's regional directorate told TASS .
`` According to preliminary reports , two people died - the pilot and the passenger , '' the officials said .
Rescue teams are unable to reach the helicopter , because it drifts on the water .
`` It will be clear how many people were onboard as soon as the rescue teams reach the helicopter , '' the regional directorate said , adding that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the helicopter fell into the water .
`` Two vessels move towards it .
As soon as they reach it and hook it , it will become clear , how many people are there , '' the Ministry said .
On Tuesday , rescuers received a report that a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed into the Sukhona River near the settlement of Bobrovskoye .
The helicopter belongs to the Aerosoyuz Company .
A pre-investigation inspection has been initiated over the incident .
According to preliminary information , a four-seated private helicopter was en route @ @ @ @ @ @

VOLOGDA, October 20. /TASS/. A private helicopter crashed in the Vologda Region, killing both the pilot and the passenger, Russian Emergencies Ministry's regional directorate told TASS.
"According to preliminary reports, two people died - the pilot and the passenger," the officials said.
Rescue teams are unable to reach the helicopter, because it drifts on the water.
"It will be clear how many people were onboard as soon as the rescue teams reach the helicopter," the regional directorate said, adding that there are no victims on the ground, because the helicopter fell into the water.
"Two vessels move towards it. As soon as they reach it and hook it, it will become clear, how many people are there," the Ministry said.
On Tuesday, rescuers received a report that a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed into the Sukhona River near the settlement of Bobrovskoye. The helicopter belongs to the Aerosoyuz Company.
A pre-investigation inspection has been initiated over the incident. According to preliminary information, a four-seated private helicopter was en route from Vologda to Veliky Ustyug.


tass--2020-10-21--Putin does not rule out "new pressing problems" in global economy

NOVO-OGARYOVO , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The global economy may still face new pressing problems , Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ processes of global economic recovery are extremely unstable .
Moreover , it may face new @ @ @ @ @ said at a meeting with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs ’ executive-board members @ @ @ @ @ meeting has already become a tradition , thanks to which all issues the business community @ @ @ @ @ discussed , and tasks requiring joint efforts by the state and businesses may be analyzed @ @ @ @ @ companies presented by the Union are systemic , President said .
`` They are connected @ @ @ @ @ chains both in Russia and globally , '' he said , adding that entrepreneurs practically @ @ @ @ @ national economy and global markets are facing .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 21. /TASS/. The global economy may still face new pressing problems, Russian President Vladimir Putin believes.
"The processes of global economic recovery are extremely unstable. Moreover, it may face new pressing problems," he said at a meeting with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs’ executive-board members on Wednesday.
Such a meeting has already become a tradition, thanks to which all issues the business community is worried about may be discussed, and tasks requiring joint efforts by the state and businesses may be analyzed, Putin said.
The companies presented by the Union are systemic, President said. "They are connected with complex cooperative and trade chains both in Russia and globally," he said, adding that entrepreneurs practically feel the challenges that the national economy and global markets are facing.


tass--2020-10-21--Government, business, citizens are together responsible for fighting pandemic — Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that the state , business and citizens are together responsible for how the country will overcome the pandemic .
`` I would like to note again that well orchestrated joint actions of the state , business , public organizations and all citizens , an understanding of the common responsibility for how our country goes through this difficult , tense stage are very important , '' Putin said at a meeting with members of the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs , which took place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touched upon the difficult epidemiological situation in the world .
`` In Russia and in many other countries , the number of cases of coronavirus is growing , and in a number of states the so-called lockdown has been introduced again , when enterprises and companies suspend their activities or switch to remote work on a mass scale and forced restrictions are imposed on everyday life of people which , of course , also affects the work of entire sectors of the economy , '' the president said .
He noted that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to measures taken to smooth out the economic and other consequences of the pandemic .
Putin stressed that the authorities should always focus on protecting the life and health of citizens .
`` Absolutely , this message is central to all our work during the epidemic , '' the head of state said .
He asked the meeting participants to tell him about measures their companies are implementing to shield employees from the risks of the epidemic .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that the state, business and citizens are together responsible for how the country will overcome the pandemic.
"I would like to note again that well orchestrated joint actions of the state, business, public organizations and all citizens, an understanding of the common responsibility for how our country goes through this difficult, tense stage are very important," Putin said at a meeting with members of the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, which took place on Wednesday in a videoconference mode.
Putin touched upon the difficult epidemiological situation in the world.
"In Russia and in many other countries, the number of cases of coronavirus is growing, and in a number of states the so-called lockdown has been introduced again, when enterprises and companies suspend their activities or switch to remote work on a mass scale and forced restrictions are imposed on everyday life of people which, of course, also affects the work of entire sectors of the economy," the president said. He noted that in such conditions, special attention is paid to measures taken to smooth out the economic and other consequences of the pandemic.
Putin stressed that the authorities should always focus on protecting the life and health of citizens. "Absolutely, this message is central to all our work during the epidemic," the head of state said. He asked the meeting participants to tell him about measures their companies are implementing to shield employees from the risks of the epidemic.


tass--2020-10-21--Vector Center detects over 80 COVID-19 mutations not affecting vaccine’s efficiency

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing has detected over 80 mutations of the coronavirus yet they do not affect the effectiveness of the developed vaccine , the center ’ s General Director Rinat Maksyutov reported on Wednesday .
`` The Vector Center is additionally conducting extensive studies of the genetic variability of the novel coronavirus in all Russian regions .
< ... > We constantly perform whole-genome sequencing and detect possible mutant variants .
To date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are not included in international databases .
But these changes are not critical and do not influence the effectiveness of the peptide vaccine developed , '' he said at the 17th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club .
The coronavirus vaccine developed by Siberia ’ s Vector Center is safe for people with allergies or chronic conditions and seniors , the general director of the center said Wednesday .
`` The vaccine is fully safe both for healthy volunteers , people with chronic conditions or allergies and seniors . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ high immunogenicity properties .
`` We confirmed that the peptide vaccine showed both the high safety profile and high immunogenicity in the conducted clinical trials involving 100 volunteers as all volunteers who received the shot had an immune response .
This sampling gives us proof of the protective effectiveness in the framework of the conducted epidemiological research , '' Maksyutov pointed out .
On July 24 , the Vector Research Center obtained the Healthcare Ministry ’ s permit to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine , named EpiVacCorona , on volunteers .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in mid-October the vaccine obtained the registration certificate .
Based on one of the promising synthetic platforms , it is a peptide vaccine , consisting of artificially synthesized short fragments of viral proteins ( peptides ) which allow the immune system to learn to recognize and neutralize the virus .
This is the second vaccine developed by Russian specialists .
According to the latest statistics , about 40.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.12 mln deaths have been reported .
To date , 1,447,335 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 24,952 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. The Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing has detected over 80 mutations of the coronavirus yet they do not affect the effectiveness of the developed vaccine, the center’s General Director Rinat Maksyutov reported on Wednesday.
"The Vector Center is additionally conducting extensive studies of the genetic variability of the novel coronavirus in all Russian regions. <...> We constantly perform whole-genome sequencing and detect possible mutant variants. To date, we have detected over 80 nucleotide substitutions which are not included in international databases. But these changes are not critical and do not influence the effectiveness of the peptide vaccine developed," he said at the 17th annual meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
Safety for vulnerable groups
The coronavirus vaccine developed by Siberia’s Vector Center is safe for people with allergies or chronic conditions and seniors, the general director of the center said Wednesday. "The vaccine is fully safe both for healthy volunteers, people with chronic conditions or allergies and seniors."
The trials showed that the vaccine has high immunogenicity properties. "We confirmed that the peptide vaccine showed both the high safety profile and high immunogenicity in the conducted clinical trials involving 100 volunteers as all volunteers who received the shot had an immune response. This sampling gives us proof of the protective effectiveness in the framework of the conducted epidemiological research," Maksyutov pointed out.
On July 24, the Vector Research Center obtained the Healthcare Ministry’s permit to conduct clinical trials of its vaccine, named EpiVacCorona, on volunteers. This phase of trials concluded on September 30, and in mid-October the vaccine obtained the registration certificate. Based on one of the promising synthetic platforms, it is a peptide vaccine, consisting of artificially synthesized short fragments of viral proteins (peptides) which allow the immune system to learn to recognize and neutralize the virus. This is the second vaccine developed by Russian specialists.
According to the latest statistics, about 40.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.12 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 1,447,335 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,096,650 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 24,952 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-21--Russia’s arms exporter presents mine-clearing drone

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has developed a Strekoza ( Dragonfly ) flying detector of improvised explosive devices that comes as a copter with a locator capable of detonating discovered objects on its own , Senior Expert of Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport ( part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) Alexander Slobodyanyuk said on Wednesday .
`` I would like to tell [ you ] about the drone-based system of detecting improvised explosive devices .
The system has been named Strekoza .
We have an ordinary copter , on which we mount a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control post with an operator , '' Slobodyanyuk said in the company ’ s video presentation on the YouTube channel as part of the Intrepolitex-2020 international security exhibition .
The Strekoza drone operates at an altitude of up to 30 meters .
The locator enables the copter to spot suspicious objects right in the flight .
The drone also carries a suspension device for attaching a TNT block : upon detecting an improvised explosive device , an operator can place it on the object and detonate remotely .
The operator ’ s control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight trajectory as indicated in green in the absence of dangerous objects .
If the Strekoza detects a suspicious object , the flight trajectory indicates a yellow mark while a red mark will appear on the screen if the detector precisely identifies a dangerous object .
The drone is outfitted with a video camera that enables the operator to examine a dangerous object and the environment in detail from all angles .
The 24th Interpolitex-2020 international homeland security exhibition is running at the VDNH All-Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow on October 20-23 ( @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Russia has developed a Strekoza (Dragonfly) flying detector of improvised explosive devices that comes as a copter with a locator capable of detonating discovered objects on its own, Senior Expert of Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) Alexander Slobodyanyuk said on Wednesday.
"I would like to tell [you] about the drone-based system of detecting improvised explosive devices. The system has been named Strekoza. We have an ordinary copter, on which we mount a non-linear locator and there is also a control post with an operator," Slobodyanyuk said in the company’s video presentation on the YouTube channel as part of the Intrepolitex-2020 international security exhibition.
The Strekoza drone operates at an altitude of up to 30 meters. The locator enables the copter to spot suspicious objects right in the flight. The drone also carries a suspension device for attaching a TNT block: upon detecting an improvised explosive device, an operator can place it on the object and detonate remotely.
The operator’s control panel also shows the copter’s flight trajectory as indicated in green in the absence of dangerous objects. If the Strekoza detects a suspicious object, the flight trajectory indicates a yellow mark while a red mark will appear on the screen if the detector precisely identifies a dangerous object.
The drone is outfitted with a video camera that enables the operator to examine a dangerous object and the environment in detail from all angles.
The 24th Interpolitex-2020 international homeland security exhibition is running at the VDNH All-Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow on October 20-23 (pavilion No. 57).


tass--2020-10-21--Russia must focus on creating anti-body based COVID-19 drug, expert says

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian specialists must focus on developing medicine based on COVID-19 antibodies , similar to the one used to treat US President Donald Trump , head of the Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Ginzburg stated .
Trump ’ s physician Sean Conley stated earlier that the president had been treated against COVID-19 with an experimental serum based on antibodies produced by US company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals .
The US leader said that he felt like Superman after taking the medicine .
`` There is a rather standard technology that helps < @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and our country has a good grasp of these technologies .
< … > This has been proven in a drug against Ebola , and I can assure you that this drug has not been registered so far , but it exists and shows efficiency , '' Ginzburg said during a session of the Russian Federation Council .
`` The antibody used to treat Trump was created exactly in such a manner , as we know from journal and newspaper articles , and within 4-5 days , he was back to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our resources , just like we did and succeeded with the vaccine .
< … > The country must have this drug as well .
`` .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Russian specialists must focus on developing medicine based on COVID-19 antibodies, similar to the one used to treat US President Donald Trump, head of the Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Ginzburg stated.
Trump’s physician Sean Conley stated earlier that the president had been treated against COVID-19 with an experimental serum based on antibodies produced by US company Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The US leader said that he felt like Superman after taking the medicine.
"There is a rather standard technology that helps <…> produce such antibodies rather fast, and our country has a good grasp of these technologies. <…> This has been proven in a drug against Ebola, and I can assure you that this drug has not been registered so far, but it exists and shows efficiency," Ginzburg said during a session of the Russian Federation Council. "The antibody used to treat Trump was created exactly in such a manner, as we know from journal and newspaper articles, and within 4-5 days, he was back to work. So we need to use all our resources, just like we did and succeeded with the vaccine. <…> The country must have this drug as well.".


tass--2020-10-21--Around 3.7 mln Russian citizens have been moved to teleworking, says minister

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Around 7 % of employed Russian citizens , which is about 3.7 mln @ @ @ @ @ to teleworking , Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov said on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ of employed citizens are working remotely , which is around 3.7 mln , '' he @ @ @ @ @ that the number of such citizens will be significant even after all restrictions are lifted @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Around 7% of employed Russian citizens, which is about 3.7 mln people, have been moved to teleworking, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Anton Kotyakov said on Wednesday.
"Today around 7% of employed citizens are working remotely, which is around 3.7 mln," he said. "We believe that the number of such citizens will be significant even after all restrictions are lifted," the minister added.


tass--2020-10-21--High COVID-19 incidence in Russia may remain for several months, expert says

ST. PETERSBURG , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
High incidence of the novel coronavirus infection observed today in Russia may persist for several months during the period of epidemic increase in respiratory diseases .
This opinion was voiced to TASS on Wednesday by the Director of the Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology , member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Areg Totolian .
He noted that the coronavirus incidence will remain during the epidemic rise in respiratory infections and it is better to be prepared for it psychologically .
`` Autumn and winter are seasons for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the coronavirus ] appeared but after they are approved for wide use still a certain time should elapse before we see a definite effect of vaccination .
So we , I think , still definitely have several months , '' the expert explained .
According to him , if the winter is warm and wet , the epidemiological situation may aggravate , while the viruses spread less in freezing weather .
At the same time , the scientist does not see the necessity to tighten the existing restrictions .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to observe it .
If all requirements , of specialists and of administrative bodies , are observed by the citizens , then not only we won ’ t have any growth , we might attain a decrease , '' the expert thinks .
According to the latest statistics , about 40.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.12 mln deaths have been reported .
To date , 1,447,335 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,096,650 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

ST. PETERSBURG, October 21. /TASS/. High incidence of the novel coronavirus infection observed today in Russia may persist for several months during the period of epidemic increase in respiratory diseases. This opinion was voiced to TASS on Wednesday by the Director of the Saint Petersburg Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Areg Totolian.
He noted that the coronavirus incidence will remain during the epidemic rise in respiratory infections and it is better to be prepared for it psychologically. "Autumn and winter are seasons for acute respiratory viral infections. Vaccines [against the coronavirus] appeared but after they are approved for wide use still a certain time should elapse before we see a definite effect of vaccination. So we, I think, still definitely have several months," the expert explained.
According to him, if the winter is warm and wet, the epidemiological situation may aggravate, while the viruses spread less in freezing weather. At the same time, the scientist does not see the necessity to tighten the existing restrictions.
"We have a wonderful legislation, one simply needs to observe it. If all requirements, of specialists and of administrative bodies, are observed by the citizens, then not only we won’t have any growth, we might attain a decrease," the expert thinks.
According to the latest statistics, about 40.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.12 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 1,447,335 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,096,650 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 24,952 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-21--Kremlin dismisses reports claiming Russia supplied ‘faulty’ lung ventilators to US

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin has rejected the possibility that the artificial lung ventilators that Russia had shipped to the US in the spring could have been of inferior quality , Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Wednesday , commenting on FEMA ’ s reported disposal of the Russian lung ventilators in the United States .
Responding to a question on whether the Russian side could have shipped faulty devices to the US , the Kremlin representative said : `` No , this couldn ’ t have [ happened ] . ''
`` These artificial lung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia in various cities , '' the spokesman said .
He stated that any device may sometimes malfunction and require repair .
`` Arguments that they were designated for a different voltage are also questionable , because there are converters , surge protectors , and so on , there are no problems with that , '' he emphasized .
The spokesman recalled that this aid was sent at a critical time for the US and other countries due to the spread of the coronavirus .
`` That is why , everything that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technological and technical capacities of Russia , was done in order to send this aid , '' he stressed .
`` Then , the time came when [ our ] American colleagues decided what to do with it , so that ’ s not our issue anymore , '' the Kremlin representative pointed out .
Peskov emphasized that during that period , `` many countries were exchanging aid , '' despite `` sporadic and ugly attempts to politicize it . ''
`` We have always been against [ politicizing the issue of aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman added .
On Tuesday , the US Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) confirmed to TASS earlier reports about the disposal of 45 lung ventilators delivered to the US from Russia this spring .
In April , Russian artificial lung ventilators were shipped to warehouses in New York and New Jersey where due to the spread of the coronavirus a possible shortage of such medical equipment was expected .
However , FEMA explained that the situation there had improved , which meant that the devices were not needed anymore , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FEMA representative did not respond to a request to specify whether the disposal of the devices was related to any problems with their use or a malfunction .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. The Kremlin has rejected the possibility that the artificial lung ventilators that Russia had shipped to the US in the spring could have been of inferior quality, Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Wednesday, commenting on FEMA’s reported disposal of the Russian lung ventilators in the United States.
Responding to a question on whether the Russian side could have shipped faulty devices to the US, the Kremlin representative said: "No, this couldn’t have [happened]." "These artificial lung ventilators are widely used in medical institutions in Russia in various cities," the spokesman said. He stated that any device may sometimes malfunction and require repair. "Arguments that they were designated for a different voltage are also questionable, because there are converters, surge protectors, and so on, there are no problems with that," he emphasized.
The spokesman recalled that this aid was sent at a critical time for the US and other countries due to the spread of the coronavirus. "That is why, everything that was within our power, within the technological and technical capacities of Russia, was done in order to send this aid," he stressed. "Then, the time came when [our] American colleagues decided what to do with it, so that’s not our issue anymore," the Kremlin representative pointed out.
Peskov emphasized that during that period, "many countries were exchanging aid," despite "sporadic and ugly attempts to politicize it." "We have always been against [politicizing the issue of aid during the pandemic]," the spokesman added.
On Tuesday, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed to TASS earlier reports about the disposal of 45 lung ventilators delivered to the US from Russia this spring.
In April, Russian artificial lung ventilators were shipped to warehouses in New York and New Jersey where due to the spread of the coronavirus a possible shortage of such medical equipment was expected. However, FEMA explained that the situation there had improved, which meant that the devices were not needed anymore, but were still kept in reserve. The FEMA representative did not respond to a request to specify whether the disposal of the devices was related to any problems with their use or a malfunction.


tass--2020-10-21--‘Hostile takeover’ policy: Kremlin castigates US sanctions against Nord Stream 2

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the new US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 @ @ @ @ @ competition .
At the same time , the Kremlin is not inclined to associate the @ @ @ @ @ the START negotiations , he noted .
`` This [ Nord Stream 2 sanctions and @ @ @ @ @ hardly be considered interrelated subjects , '' he told reporters on Wednesday .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ and destructive policy of constant introduction of various restrictions in relation to us , our @ @ @ @ @ , unfortunately , this has already become an integral part of unfair competition , undisguised @ @ @ @ @ part of Washington , '' the spokesman said .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the new US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 a manifestation of hostile takeover competition.
At the same time, the Kremlin is not inclined to associate the introduction of these restrictions with the START negotiations, he noted.
"This [Nord Stream 2 sanctions and the START negotiations] can hardly be considered interrelated subjects," he told reporters on Wednesday.
"In general, this rather unfriendly and destructive policy of constant introduction of various restrictions in relation to us, our economic operators, our economy, unfortunately, this has already become an integral part of unfair competition, undisguised hostile takeover competition on the part of Washington," the spokesman said.


tass--2020-10-21--Kremlin hopes to continue dialogue with US on New START

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow hopes to continue dialogue with Washington on New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) since it is crucial for global security , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
`` As for arms control and New START , this issue is of a strategic nature and is important for the entire world - not only in the interests of our two countries [ Russia and the US ] , but in the interests of security and stability of the entire world , '' Peskov said .
`` Here we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin spokesman stressed .
`` Actually , an effort at the expert level is underway and we still hope that this conversation will continue with the Americans and we expect that all disputes regarding the issue will be ironed out through dialogue , '' Peskov noted .
In comment on CNN 's report that Russia is allegedly preparing to test its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile , the Kremlin spokesman said such news should be taken with a pinch of salt .
He recommended relying on Russia ’ s official information .
The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow and Washington in 2010 , stipulates that seven years after it goes into effect , each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBM ) and strategic bombers , as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs , deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers , and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed missile launchers .
The document is set to remain in effect until February 5 , 2021 , unless it is replaced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It can also be extended for no more than five years ( until 2026 ) with the consent of both parties .
Moscow calls on Washington not to procrastinate on the treaty 's extension , which it has described as `` a gold standard '' in disarmament .
On October 16 , Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to extend New START for a year without preconditions .
The US agreed to hold a meeting to finalize the agreement .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Moscow hopes to continue dialogue with Washington on New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) since it is crucial for global security, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"As for arms control and New START, this issue is of a strategic nature and is important for the entire world - not only in the interests of our two countries [Russia and the US], but in the interests of security and stability of the entire world," Peskov said.
"Here we hope to continue dialogue," the Kremlin spokesman stressed.
"Actually, an effort at the expert level is underway and we still hope that this conversation will continue with the Americans and we expect that all disputes regarding the issue will be ironed out through dialogue," Peskov noted.
In comment on CNN's report that Russia is allegedly preparing to test its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Kremlin spokesman said such news should be taken with a pinch of salt. He recommended relying on Russia’s official information.
New START
The New START Treaty, which was signed by Moscow and Washington in 2010, stipulates that seven years after it goes into effect, each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and strategic bombers, as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers, and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed missile launchers.
The document is set to remain in effect until February 5, 2021, unless it is replaced with another agreement on nuclear arms reduction. It can also be extended for no more than five years (until 2026) with the consent of both parties.
Moscow calls on Washington not to procrastinate on the treaty's extension, which it has described as "a gold standard" in disarmament. On October 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to extend New START for a year without preconditions. The US agreed to hold a meeting to finalize the agreement.


tass--2020-10-21--Belarusian Coordination Council demands complete release of political prisoners

`` Seven people have been transferred to home arrest , including council presidium member Liliya Vlasova , under the garb of release .
But replacement of the measure of restraint is not a release .
It is only a change of detention conditions .
It is a clumsy imitation , illusion , which aims to confuse the public , '' the council said in its statement .
The council believes that `` a release implies a total and unconditional cessation of deliberately and illegally initiated criminal cases and criminal persecution of all political prisoners . ''
On October 10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of opposition figures , including ex-presidential candidate Viktor Babariko , in the National Security Committee ( KGB ) detention facility .
After that meeting , several members of the opposition were released .
The investigators changed the measure of restraint for political scientist Yuri Voskresensky and PandaDoc employees , including its Minsk office head Dmitry Rabtsevich .
Later , political technologist Vitaly Shklyarov , attorney Ilya Saley and Coordination Council Presidium member Liliya Vlasova have also been moved to house arrest .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

"Seven people have been transferred to home arrest, including council presidium member Liliya Vlasova, under the garb of release. But replacement of the measure of restraint is not a release. It is only a change of detention conditions. It is a clumsy imitation, illusion, which aims to confuse the public," the council said in its statement.
The council believes that "a release implies a total and unconditional cessation of deliberately and illegally initiated criminal cases and criminal persecution of all political prisoners."
On October 10, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with a number of opposition figures, including ex-presidential candidate Viktor Babariko, in the National Security Committee (KGB) detention facility. After that meeting, several members of the opposition were released. The investigators changed the measure of restraint for political scientist Yuri Voskresensky and PandaDoc employees, including its Minsk office head Dmitry Rabtsevich. Later, political technologist Vitaly Shklyarov, attorney Ilya Saley and Coordination Council Presidium member Liliya Vlasova have also been moved to house arrest.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-21--Su-34 bomber crashes in Russian Far East, pilots eject to safety

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
A Sukhoi Su-34 frontline bomber crashed in the Khabarovsk Region in the Russian Far East , with pilots ejecting to safety , the press office of the Eastern Military District reported on Wednesday .
The bomber crashed during a training flight on October 21 , the press office said .
`` The pilots ejected .
There is no threat to their health .
The crew members have now been evacuated to their home airfield , '' the press office specified .
The bomber crashed in a wooded and low-land area .
The combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ammunition load and the crash caused no damage on the ground , it said .
`` A commission of the Eastern Military District has been sent to the incident site to establish the causes and circumstances of the crash , '' the press office said .
The Su-34 multirole supersonic fighter-bomber is designated to effectively strike enemy ground and air targets day and night in any weather conditions .
The Su-34 carries long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air missile armament with the multi-channel employment capability .
The Su-34 has an operating range of 4,000 km @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,900 km/h and is capable of carrying a weapon payload of up to 8 tonnes .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. A Sukhoi Su-34 frontline bomber crashed in the Khabarovsk Region in the Russian Far East, with pilots ejecting to safety, the press office of the Eastern Military District reported on Wednesday.
The bomber crashed during a training flight on October 21, the press office said.
"The pilots ejected. There is no threat to their health. The crew members have now been evacuated to their home airfield," the press office specified.
The bomber crashed in a wooded and low-land area. The combat plane performed its training flight without an ammunition load and the crash caused no damage on the ground, it said.
"A commission of the Eastern Military District has been sent to the incident site to establish the causes and circumstances of the crash," the press office said.
The Su-34 multirole supersonic fighter-bomber is designated to effectively strike enemy ground and air targets day and night in any weather conditions.
The Su-34 carries long-range air-to-surface and air-to-air missile armament with the multi-channel employment capability. The Su-34 has an operating range of 4,000 km, can develop a maximum speed of 1,900 km/h and is capable of carrying a weapon payload of up to 8 tonnes.


tass--2020-10-21--Russia does not plan to introduce another COVID-19 lockdown, Kremlin says

`` This is not under discussion , '' he said , answering a question on whether another lockdown is possible taking into account the rising number of daily COVID-19 cases in the country .
He pointed out that despite the negative dynamic , the situation right now is different from what happened in the spring of 2020 .
The Kremlin official stated that the healthcare system had been reequipped to deal with the pandemic .
`` Right now , our efforts have brought results .
The system is ready to withstand the pressure that the epidemic is putting on it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in the spring , there were not enough means of individual protection , and there was a lack of ventilators as well .
`` That is , the healthcare infrastructure able to deal with the pandemic was under development .
So extreme precaution measures were needed , '' he explained .
The spokesman stated that `` the epidemic lives on and develops , '' which requires a lot of attention and effort .
When asked what can curb the spread of the virus , if not another lockdown , the official said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on hygiene measures , on certain decisions of regional officials . ''
`` You can see that in different regions , the government is taking different decisions , based on special COVID-19 mandate that they received back in the spring .
So this system works and helps < … > to approach this danger in a more flexible manner , '' he added .
Peskov stated that the healthcare system meets the challenge of the pandemic despite certain pressure points .

"This is not under discussion," he said, answering a question on whether another lockdown is possible taking into account the rising number of daily COVID-19 cases in the country.
He pointed out that despite the negative dynamic, the situation right now is different from what happened in the spring of 2020. The Kremlin official stated that the healthcare system had been reequipped to deal with the pandemic. "Right now, our efforts have brought results. The system is ready to withstand the pressure that the epidemic is putting on it," he said.
Peskov said that in the spring, there were not enough means of individual protection, and there was a lack of ventilators as well. "That is, the healthcare infrastructure able to deal with the pandemic was under development. So extreme precaution measures were needed," he explained.
The spokesman stated that "the epidemic lives on and develops," which requires a lot of attention and effort. When asked what can curb the spread of the virus, if not another lockdown, the official said that "this depends on the precautions, on hygiene measures, on certain decisions of regional officials." "You can see that in different regions, the government is taking different decisions, based on special COVID-19 mandate that they received back in the spring. So this system works and helps <…> to approach this danger in a more flexible manner," he added. Peskov stated that the healthcare system meets the challenge of the pandemic despite certain pressure points.


tass--2020-10-21--Armenian PM urges region’s countries to deal more seriously with terrorists in Karabakh

YEREVAN , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia ’ s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan believes that the region ’ s countries must take a more serious attitude to whom he described as `` terrorist mercenaries '' in Nagorno-Karabakh .
He accused Turkey of `` transferring terrorist mercenaries '' from Syria to Nagorno-Karabakh to fight for Azerbaijan .
`` This has been internationally proven , '' he told Iran Daily in an interview .
No need to pull Russia into Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , says Armenian president In his opinion this poses a major threat to the region .
`` Regrettably , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded to this reality seriously enough yet .
It is beyond doubt that the presence of foreign terrorists will pose a threat to the region in the future .
The region ’ s countries must deal with this issue more seriously , '' Armenia ’ s embassy in Iran quotes Pashinyan as saying .
The Armenian authorities have repeatedly said that Turkey was directly involved in the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The Armenian leadership believes that Ankara not only sends its military personnel to help Azerbaijan , but also moves mercenaries from terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict zone .
Tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh surged up on September 27 .
Clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani military units are continuing although two truce agreements have been concluded already .

YEREVAN, October 21. /TASS/. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan believes that the region’s countries must take a more serious attitude to whom he described as "terrorist mercenaries" in Nagorno-Karabakh. He accused Turkey of "transferring terrorist mercenaries" from Syria to Nagorno-Karabakh to fight for Azerbaijan. "This has been internationally proven," he told Iran Daily in an interview.
No need to pull Russia into Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, says Armenian president
In his opinion this poses a major threat to the region.
"Regrettably, the region’s countries have not responded to this reality seriously enough yet. It is beyond doubt that the presence of foreign terrorists will pose a threat to the region in the future. The region’s countries must deal with this issue more seriously," Armenia’s embassy in Iran quotes Pashinyan as saying.
The Armenian authorities have repeatedly said that Turkey was directly involved in the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian leadership believes that Ankara not only sends its military personnel to help Azerbaijan, but also moves mercenaries from terrorist groups it controls in Syria to the conflict zone.
Tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh surged up on September 27. Clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani military units are continuing although two truce agreements have been concluded already.


tass--2020-10-21--Russia’s state arms seller unveils new multi-caliber sniper rifle

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) presented a DVL-10M3 new multi-caliber sniper rifle developed by Lobaev Arms at the Interpolitex-2020 international security exhibition on Wednesday .
The new sniper rifle is more compact in its dimensions compared to the guns earlier developed by Lobaev Arms , Rosoboronexport Senior Expert Alexander Slobodyanyuk said in the company ’ s video presentation on the YouTube channel .
`` The DVL-10M3 rifle ’ s weight has been reduced to 4.5 kg while it features a barrel length @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective firing range is up to 1 km , '' the senior expert said .
The new sniper rifle demonstrates a high accuracy of fire , he stressed .
`` It [ the DVL-10M3 ] is characterized by a very good accuracy of fire that does not exceed 0.38 minute of arc , '' the Rosoboronexport senior expert added .
The DVL-10M3 new sniper rifle can be used together with a silencer , he added .
Barrels of various calibers can be mounted on the sniper rifle : 7.62x51mm ( .308 Winchester ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 24th Interpolitex-2020 international homeland security exhibition is running at the VDNH All-Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow on October 20-23 ( pavilion No .
57 ) .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) presented a DVL-10M3 new multi-caliber sniper rifle developed by Lobaev Arms at the Interpolitex-2020 international security exhibition on Wednesday.
The new sniper rifle is more compact in its dimensions compared to the guns earlier developed by Lobaev Arms, Rosoboronexport Senior Expert Alexander Slobodyanyuk said in the company’s video presentation on the YouTube channel.
"The DVL-10M3 rifle’s weight has been reduced to 4.5 kg while it features a barrel length of 500mm. The gun’s effective firing range is up to 1 km," the senior expert said.
The new sniper rifle demonstrates a high accuracy of fire, he stressed.
"It [the DVL-10M3] is characterized by a very good accuracy of fire that does not exceed 0.38 minute of arc," the Rosoboronexport senior expert added.
The DVL-10M3 new sniper rifle can be used together with a silencer, he added.
Barrels of various calibers can be mounted on the sniper rifle: 7.62x51mm (.308 Winchester), 6.5x47mm Lapua and 6.7mm Federal.
The 24th Interpolitex-2020 international homeland security exhibition is running at the VDNH All-Russian Exhibition Center in Moscow on October 20-23 (pavilion No. 57).


tass--2020-10-21--Press review: Putin’s surprise offer for New START and Washington’s pipeline clampdown

Izvestia : Azerbaijan , Armenia continue hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh despite claiming they are ready for talks Yerevan and Baku are carrying on hostilities in the south of Nagorno-Karabakh , Izvestia reports .
On October 20 , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an address to the nation , in which he stated that Azerbaijan had taken control of 24 settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including the town of Zangilan near the border with Armenia .
Yerevan denied those reports .
On October 19 , the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia expressed their readiness to hold a personal meeting mediated by Russia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan noted that so far , he had not been invited to Moscow , however , he is ready for contacts at any level .
Likewise , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stressed that he is ready `` to make every necessary effort '' to resolve the Karabakh conflict via peaceful means .
A meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders in Moscow may not produce any results if the sides do not find common ground on the territorial issue , Chairman of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pushkov told Izvestia .
`` The point of the meeting between two leaders in Moscow is to show readiness for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and to show that there are no ardent supporters of war .
However , both sides have fundamentally opposing stances , which seriously complicate the negotiations .
Baku aims to get back the areas around Nagorno-Karabakh , and Armenia thinks that the conflict will not be resolved in that manner .
So a quick conflict regulation should not be expected even if there is a personal meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senator said .
Sources in the Azerbaijani parliament told Izvestia that Baku is open for dialogue and that it gives Yerevan a chance to show readiness to resolve the issue through negotiations .
On October 20 , the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that surprised experts in arms control both in Russia and the United States .
The ministry suddenly announced that Moscow is ready to prolong the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ( New START ) for one year , undertaking the political obligation along with Washington to freeze the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period .
Earlier , Russian officials dismissed the suggested freezing of Russia ’ s arsenal as `` unacceptable . ''
Kommersant ’ s sources report that this unexpected decision came from the Kremlin .
Experts interviewed by the paper doubt that Mosocw will gain much by this move , while American analysts are unsure that the US will accept the offer .
According to two well-informed Kommersant sources , the decision to change Russia ’ s stance came from the Kremlin , and the Russian Foreign Ministry simply announced it .
The paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not demonstrate a radical change in Russia ’ s stance .
`` We simply expressed [ our ] readiness to freeze the arsenal for a year , that is , for the time that New START will be prolonged for so that new agreements can be drafted .
If in the stipulated period , our concerns on other aspects are not taken into consideration , this provision will not be prolonged , '' one of the sources explained .
Another source pointed out that by expressing its readiness to freeze the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has clearly set its boundaries . ''
The Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s statement stresses that the freezing of warheads `` will not be accompanied by any extra demands from the United States . ''
This means that Russia is still not ready to expand and toughen verification measures ( including the external control over the production of nuclear weapons ) , which the US has insisted on for the past several months .
Hans Kristensen , director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists , was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will accept the Kremlin ’ s offer .
Kristensen told Kommersant that the Trump administration would have to abandon several demands presented earlier , such as making changes to New START itself to introducing new strict verification measures and involving China .
Nevertheless , the expert did not rule out that the White House could accept the Kremlin ’ s `` gift , '' as any foreign policy win is crucial for Trump right now .
On October 20 , the US State Department announced a long-awaited expansion of its sanctions against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , Washington is prohibiting businesses from providing services , goods or financing to upgrade or install equipment on vessels involved in the project .
The expanded punitive measures are unlikely to impact the project significantly , experts quizzed by Kommersant note .
According to them , the most dangerous restrictions , like an insurance ban for pipe-laying vessels or a ban on any certification of the constructed pipeline , were n't included .
Meanwhile , the restrictive measures aimed against the `` Akademik Cherskiy '' pipe-laying vessel are likely to not make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel is currently involved in training exercises and is likely to have all the necessary pipe-laying equipment already .
Special Counsel on Sanctions Law at Pen & Paper Sergey Glandin told Kommersant that in this case , these sanctions are not new , they are merely an expansion of the existing act approved on December 20 , 2019 .
The Protecting Europe ’ s Energy Security Act of 2019 , or PEESA , stipulates that the US Treasury and the State Department would slap sanctions on companies that refuse to end cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within a 30-day period .
The new measures do not include the most dangerous options for the project , Research Director at Vygon Consulting Maria Belova told the paper .
She pointed out that this summer , a group of US senators cobbled together a bill that aims to get tougher on Russian export gas pipelines under construction : pipe-laying vessels and companies providing their insurance , maintenance and special equipment installation , as well as specialized organizations certifying the pipeline after its construction is completed were facing punitive measures .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far , and today [ on October 20 ] , the State Department expanded the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 by clarifying the existing act . ''
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Russia , Turkey headed down the road of mistrust in Syria Turkey will abandon some of its observation posts in the Syrian province of Idlib , which is under the control of insurgent forces and radical units , the Middle East Eye news outlet informed , citing its sources who claim that Ankara has taken this step because Russia is blocking the supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Experts questioned by Nezavisimaya Gazeta suggest that a reduction in observation posts may mean that the Erdogan regime is preparing for a potential escalation by Damascus .
Russian International Affairs Council expert Anton Mardasov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that a new surge of tensions in Idlib may be in the cards .
`` On the one hand , escalation may take place with Russia ’ s consent , as the areas to the south of the M4 motorway must be handed over to Damascus , after all , in accordance with the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political commentator explained .
According to him , terrorist attacks by little-known militants against the joint Russian-Turkish patrols in the area may serve as a pretext for the operation .
`` Of course , this can be interpreted and presented differently in the media .
Ankara finds it rather difficult to eliminate radical field commanders without causing a wave of refugees and provoking terrorist groups to seize outposts near border crossings , '' Mardasov said .
`` On the other hand , Damascus is not abandoning efforts to shake things up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that the Syrian government has fewer opportunities to pressure the Turkish leadership if Ankara reduces the number of its observation posts .
`` To my mind , Russia would be at a disadvantage by following Damascus ’ policy , '' Mardasov stated .
In 2020 , the number of terrorist crimes carried out by way of the Internet has gone up by 1.5 times .
After the COVID-19 pandemic , a surge in extremist activity is expected , Deputy Secretary of Russia ’ s Security Council Yuri Kokov said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the fight against terrorism , Kokov noted that the pandemic and the social-economic crisis caused by it had exacerbated the existing security threats .
`` Under the current conditions , terrorists go online more actively .
The spread of radical sentiment in society due to the psychological consequences of the widespread lockdowns , namely depression , social isolation , and lost income sources along with other factors , is fueling their propaganda and recruitment activity , '' he said .
The security expert stressed that a drop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is misleading .
`` With the gradual lifting of the epidemiological restrictions , the return of terrorist cells to considerable activity may be swift , '' he noted .
`` It is no coincidence that the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic , namely in the sphere of security , has become one of the central topics of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly .
This is why Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out the need to gradually adapt international bodies to modern realities , to unite the efforts of the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to develop different approaches to the solution of global issues . ''
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Azerbaijan, Armenia continue hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh despite claiming they are ready for talks
Yerevan and Baku are carrying on hostilities in the south of Nagorno-Karabakh, Izvestia reports. On October 20, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an address to the nation, in which he stated that Azerbaijan had taken control of 24 settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including the town of Zangilan near the border with Armenia. Yerevan denied those reports. On October 19, the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia expressed their readiness to hold a personal meeting mediated by Russia in Moscow in two parallel interviews. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan noted that so far, he had not been invited to Moscow, however, he is ready for contacts at any level. Likewise, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stressed that he is ready "to make every necessary effort" to resolve the Karabakh conflict via peaceful means. A meeting between the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders in Moscow may not produce any results if the sides do not find common ground on the territorial issue, Chairman of the Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Media Policy Commission Alexey Pushkov told Izvestia. "The point of the meeting between two leaders in Moscow is to show readiness for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and to show that there are no ardent supporters of war. However, both sides have fundamentally opposing stances, which seriously complicate the negotiations. Baku aims to get back the areas around Nagorno-Karabakh, and Armenia thinks that the conflict will not be resolved in that manner. So a quick conflict regulation should not be expected even if there is a personal meeting between both leaders in Moscow," the senator said. Sources in the Azerbaijani parliament told Izvestia that Baku is open for dialogue and that it gives Yerevan a chance to show readiness to resolve the issue through negotiations. Kommersant: Russia makes surprise offer on New START
Read also US ready to meet immediately with Russia to finalize New START agreement
On October 20, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement that surprised experts in arms control both in Russia and the United States. The ministry suddenly announced that Moscow is ready to prolong the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for one year, undertaking the political obligation along with Washington to freeze the amount of its nuclear warheads for that period. Earlier, Russian officials dismissed the suggested freezing of Russia’s arsenal as "unacceptable." Kommersant’s sources report that this unexpected decision came from the Kremlin. Experts interviewed by the paper doubt that Mosocw will gain much by this move, while American analysts are unsure that the US will accept the offer. According to two well-informed Kommersant sources, the decision to change Russia’s stance came from the Kremlin, and the Russian Foreign Ministry simply announced it. The paper’s sources stress that this decision does not demonstrate a radical change in Russia’s stance. "We simply expressed [our] readiness to freeze the arsenal for a year, that is, for the time that New START will be prolonged for so that new agreements can be drafted. If in the stipulated period, our concerns on other aspects are not taken into consideration, this provision will not be prolonged," one of the sources explained. Another source pointed out that by expressing its readiness to freeze the number of its nuclear warheads, Russia "has clearly set its boundaries." The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement stresses that the freezing of warheads "will not be accompanied by any extra demands from the United States." This means that Russia is still not ready to expand and toughen verification measures (including the external control over the production of nuclear weapons), which the US has insisted on for the past several months. Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, was unable to say for sure whether the White House will accept the Kremlin’s offer. Kristensen told Kommersant that the Trump administration would have to abandon several demands presented earlier, such as making changes to New START itself to introducing new strict verification measures and involving China. Nevertheless, the expert did not rule out that the White House could accept the Kremlin’s "gift," as any foreign policy win is crucial for Trump right now. Kommersant: Washington widens sanctions against Nord Stream 2
Read also Denmark authorizes Nord Stream 2 AG to operate gas pipeline on national shelf
On October 20, the US State Department announced a long-awaited expansion of its sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. This time, Washington is prohibiting businesses from providing services, goods or financing to upgrade or install equipment on vessels involved in the project. The expanded punitive measures are unlikely to impact the project significantly, experts quizzed by Kommersant note. According to them, the most dangerous restrictions, like an insurance ban for pipe-laying vessels or a ban on any certification of the constructed pipeline, weren't included. Meanwhile, the restrictive measures aimed against the "Akademik Cherskiy" pipe-laying vessel are likely to not make much of a difference, as the vessel is currently involved in training exercises and is likely to have all the necessary pipe-laying equipment already. Special Counsel on Sanctions Law at Pen & Paper Sergey Glandin told Kommersant that in this case, these sanctions are not new, they are merely an expansion of the existing act approved on December 20, 2019. The Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act of 2019, or PEESA, stipulates that the US Treasury and the State Department would slap sanctions on companies that refuse to end cooperation with Nord Stream 2 pipe layers and builders within a 30-day period. The new measures do not include the most dangerous options for the project, Research Director at Vygon Consulting Maria Belova told the paper. She pointed out that this summer, a group of US senators cobbled together a bill that aims to get tougher on Russian export gas pipelines under construction: pipe-laying vessels and companies providing their insurance, maintenance and special equipment installation, as well as specialized organizations certifying the pipeline after its construction is completed were facing punitive measures. "This bill has not left the Senate so far, and today [on October 20], the State Department expanded the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 by clarifying the existing act." Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia, Turkey headed down the road of mistrust in Syria
Read also Russian military delivered humanitarian aid to a village in Syrian province of Hama
Turkey will abandon some of its observation posts in the Syrian province of Idlib, which is under the control of insurgent forces and radical units, the Middle East Eye news outlet informed, citing its sources who claim that Ankara has taken this step because Russia is blocking the supply of those observation posts constructed in 2017. Experts questioned by Nezavisimaya Gazeta suggest that a reduction in observation posts may mean that the Erdogan regime is preparing for a potential escalation by Damascus. Russian International Affairs Council expert Anton Mardasov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that a new surge of tensions in Idlib may be in the cards. "On the one hand, escalation may take place with Russia’s consent, as the areas to the south of the M4 motorway must be handed over to Damascus, after all, in accordance with the latest agreements between Putin and Erdogan," the political commentator explained. According to him, terrorist attacks by little-known militants against the joint Russian-Turkish patrols in the area may serve as a pretext for the operation. "Of course, this can be interpreted and presented differently in the media. Ankara finds it rather difficult to eliminate radical field commanders without causing a wave of refugees and provoking terrorist groups to seize outposts near border crossings," Mardasov said. "On the other hand, Damascus is not abandoning efforts to shake things up in Idlib," the expert stated, adding that the Syrian government has fewer opportunities to pressure the Turkish leadership if Ankara reduces the number of its observation posts. "To my mind, Russia would be at a disadvantage by following Damascus’ policy," Mardasov stated. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Russian Security Council predicts serious surge in terrorism
Read also Chechen head: Terrorists neutralized in Chechnya came from Syria to launch attacks


tass--2020-10-21--Georgia sees new record high of daily COVID-19 cases

TBILISI , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
Georgia ’ s coronavirus cases rose by 1,351 in the past day , setting a new record since the start of the pandemic .
The country ’ s total case tally numbered 21,208 , according to the government ’ s website to keep the public updated on the coronavirus spread .
Some 1,194 new cases were registered on October 20 , 1,186 on October 10 and 1,192 on October 18 .
In the past 24 hours , 337 people recovered .
The total number of recoveries reached 9,003 ( 42.45 % of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ placed on quarantine in the past 24 hours dropped by 1,945 to 4,462 .
Some 1,772 are undergoing treatment in special hotels under medical supervision .
This is 352 more than a day earlier .
The coronavirus spread rate in the past eight days has been at 1.43 .
Some 0.57 % of Georgia ’ s 3.7 mln population have contracted the virus .
In the past day , 14 people died .
The country ’ s total death toll hit 172 .
A total of 800,789 COVID-19 tests have been carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens .

TBILISI, October 21. /TASS/. Georgia’s coronavirus cases rose by 1,351 in the past day, setting a new record since the start of the pandemic.
The country’s total case tally numbered 21,208, according to the government’s website to keep the public updated on the coronavirus spread.
Some 1,194 new cases were registered on October 20, 1,186 on October 10 and 1,192 on October 18.
In the past 24 hours, 337 people recovered. The total number of recoveries reached 9,003 (42.45% of those infected). The number of people placed on quarantine in the past 24 hours dropped by 1,945 to 4,462. Some 1,772 are undergoing treatment in special hotels under medical supervision. This is 352 more than a day earlier.
The coronavirus spread rate in the past eight days has been at 1.43. Some 0.57% of Georgia’s 3.7 mln population have contracted the virus. In the past day, 14 people died. The country’s total death toll hit 172. A total of 800,789 COVID-19 tests have been carried out in the republic among 21.54% of citizens.


tass--2020-10-21--Number of cybercrimes in Russia up by 77% in 2020

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of cybercrimes in Russia has gone up by 77 % in @ @ @ @ @ 2020 compared to last year , Russian Interior Ministry Spokesperson Irina Volk informed TASS .
@ @ @ @ @ registered crimes in the country has gone up by 1.2 % .
This is mainly @ @ @ @ @ criminal activity with the use of IT technologies .
During the reporting period , 77 @ @ @ @ @ crimes have been committed than a year ago .
Namely , 93.2 % more crimes @ @ @ @ @ have been committed , and 97.7 % more crimes with the use of mobile services @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
Earlier , Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev informed that the rise @ @ @ @ @ by security faults in banking systems , namely the data leaks of the clients ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s trusting nature is also a factor , he added .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. The number of cybercrimes in Russia has gone up by 77% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to last year, Russian Interior Ministry Spokesperson Irina Volk informed TASS.
"The total amount of registered crimes in the country has gone up by 1.2%. This is mainly due to a rise in criminal activity with the use of IT technologies. During the reporting period, 77% more [cyber] crimes have been committed than a year ago. Namely, 93.2% more crimes with the use of Internet have been committed, and 97.7% more crimes with the use of mobile services have been carried out," she said.
Earlier, Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev informed that the rise in cybercrime can be explained by security faults in banking systems, namely the data leaks of the clients’ personal data. The people’s trusting nature is also a factor, he added.


tass--2020-10-21--Over 1,200 coronavirus patients hospitalized in Moscow over past day

MOSCOW , October 21 .
/TASS/ .
The number of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Moscow rose by 1,215 in the past day and 383 people are connected to ventilators , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday .
`` The crisis center for control and monitoring of the coronavirus situation in Moscow reported that 4,389 new cases of the coronavirus infection were confirmed in the capital .
In the past day 1,215 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized .
Some 383 people are connected to ventilators in Moscow hospitals , '' the statement said .
Some 8.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % are people aged between 18 and 45 , 31.6 % are aged between 46 and 65 , and another 11 % are aged between 66 and 79 .
Another 4.5 % are people above 80 years of age .
All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision .
The crisis center reminded that Moscow residents over 65 and those with chronic diseases must self-isolate , while all Moscow citizens must wear masks and gloves in public transport and observe social distance .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

MOSCOW, October 21. /TASS/. The number of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Moscow rose by 1,215 in the past day and 383 people are connected to ventilators, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday.
"The crisis center for control and monitoring of the coronavirus situation in Moscow reported that 4,389 new cases of the coronavirus infection were confirmed in the capital. In the past day 1,215 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalized. Some 383 people are connected to ventilators in Moscow hospitals," the statement said.
Some 8.8% of them are children, 44.1% are people aged between 18 and 45, 31.6% are aged between 46 and 65, and another 11% are aged between 66 and 79. Another 4.5% are people above 80 years of age. All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision.
The crisis center reminded that Moscow residents over 65 and those with chronic diseases must self-isolate, while all Moscow citizens must wear masks and gloves in public transport and observe social distance.
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.