tass--2020-10-25--Hainan holds event for attracting highly qualified European scientists

HAIKOU , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union , the Hainan authorities launched an international campaign to attract highly qualified scientific personnel in the field of innovation from Europe , reported the Hainan Daily .
According to the news outlet , the event dubbed `` China-Europe Research Express '' was held in Hainan 's capital , Haikou .
One of its main tasks is to interest European specialists in promising projects of Hainan 's free trade port , where the authorities plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The event was put together by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology , the Center for Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Hainan 's Science and Technology Administration .
They invited a science attaché from the diplomatic missions of Austria , Denmark , the Netherlands , Romania , France , Germany , the Czech Republic and Switzerland .
In addition , representatives of the largest research institutes , educational institutions and technology parks on Hainan , key departments of the southern , southwestern , eastern and central regions of China , overseeing research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to official estimates , about 200 Chinese and foreign experts gathered in Haikou .
`` Hainan seeks to attract as many respectable scientists and research organizations as possible , as well as knowledge-intensive enterprises that would contribute to the formation of the regional free trade port , '' writes a columnist for the Hainan Daily .
According to the author , the EU states are showing a keen interest in boosting and diversifying scientific and technical cooperation with the southernmost region of China .
According to the island administration , Hainan already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Netherlands and France , with which in recent years the island has been maintaining close contacts to introduce innovations in tropical agriculture , in order to create new materials , as well as in the field of biopharmacology and marine ecology .
Over the recent years , the Hainan leadership has been pursuing a targeted policy of attracting highly qualified specialists to the island , including from abroad .
A preferential income tax with the maximum rate of 15 % is established for high-value personnel .
Foreign professionals and their family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence for up to five years , as well as a residence permit .

HAIKOU, October 25. /TASS/. On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, the Hainan authorities launched an international campaign to attract highly qualified scientific personnel in the field of innovation from Europe, reported the Hainan Daily.
According to the news outlet, the event dubbed "China-Europe Research Express" was held in Hainan's capital, Haikou. One of its main tasks is to interest European specialists in promising projects of Hainan's free trade port, where the authorities plan create a developed regional research base.
The event was put together by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, the Center for Scientific and Technical Cooperation and Hainan's Science and Technology Administration. They invited a science attaché from the diplomatic missions of Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Romania, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. In addition, representatives of the largest research institutes, educational institutions and technology parks on Hainan, key departments of the southern, southwestern, eastern and central regions of China, overseeing research activities, also attended the event. According to official estimates, about 200 Chinese and foreign experts gathered in Haikou.
"Hainan seeks to attract as many respectable scientists and research organizations as possible, as well as knowledge-intensive enterprises that would contribute to the formation of the regional free trade port," writes a columnist for the Hainan Daily. According to the author, the EU states are showing a keen interest in boosting and diversifying scientific and technical cooperation with the southernmost region of China.
According to the island administration, Hainan already has certain developments in cooperation with Germany, the Netherlands and France, with which in recent years the island has been maintaining close contacts to introduce innovations in tropical agriculture, in order to create new materials, as well as in the field of biopharmacology and marine ecology.
Over the recent years, the Hainan leadership has been pursuing a targeted policy of attracting highly qualified specialists to the island, including from abroad. A preferential income tax with the maximum rate of 15% is established for high-value personnel. Foreign professionals and their family members have an opportunity to obtain temporary residence for up to five years, as well as a residence permit.


tass--2020-10-27--Armenian prime minister reports about civilian casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh

YEREVAN , October 27 .
/TASS/ .
The world community ’ s efforts on establishing a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ , resulting in civilian casualties , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Twitter @ @ @ @ @ The efforts of the international community on establishing a ceasefire , this time with the @ @ @ @ @ , have failed .
During the constant shelling carried out by Azerbaijan today civilians were @ @ @ @ @ [ the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic ] , '' Pashinyan wrote .
On Monday morning , @ @ @ @ @ reported that Baku had violated the ceasefire , noting that Azerbaijan ’ s forces opened @ @ @ @ @ the positions of the Defense Army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the northeastern area @ @ @ @ @ Late on October 25 , Azerbaijan and Armenia , with the United States ’ mediation @ @ @ @ @ in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone that entered into force from 07:00 Moscow Time on October @ @

YEREVAN, October 27. /TASS/. The world community’s efforts on establishing a ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone have again failed, resulting in civilian casualties, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Twitter account on Tuesday.
"The efforts of the international community on establishing a ceasefire, this time with the mediation of the United States, have failed. During the constant shelling carried out by Azerbaijan today civilians were killed and wounded in Artsakh [the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic]," Pashinyan wrote.
On Monday morning, Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that Baku had violated the ceasefire, noting that Azerbaijan’s forces opened fire from artillery weapons at the positions of the Defense Army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the northeastern area of the contact line.
Late on October 25, Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the United States’ mediation, agreed another humanitarian ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone that entered into force from 07:00 Moscow Time on October 26.


tass--2020-10-27--Russian embassy slams proposed US visa restrictions for journalists

WASHINGTON , October 27 .
/TASS/ .
The measures proposed by the US Department of Homeland Security on tightening visa issuance procedures for foreign journalists are the unjustified complication of bureaucratic procedures and the creation of artificial barriers for their normal work , the Russian Embassy in the United States said a comment on the proposed restrictions .
`` The novelties proposed by the Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) in order to revise `` I '' visa issuance procedures significantly complicate the professional duties of foreign journalists in the United States , '' the Russian diplomatic mission said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the period of stay for foreign media employees to 240 days ( with the possibility of extension up to 480 days ) will not allow them to consistently cover local events , '' the diplomats said .
Journalists `` will have to leave the United States for a considerable time to obtain a new visa , '' the diplomatic mission stressed .
`` The unjustified complication of bureaucratic procedures and the creation of artificial barriers for the normal work of foreign journalists do not correspond with the concepts of freedom of speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Embassy said .
`` The reasons for implementation of such decisions are also not clear , which makes it impossible to assess their practical significance . ''
Moreover , `` based on the principle of reciprocity in international relations , the measures proposed by the DHS could negatively affect the work of American reporters abroad , '' the diplomats said .
Russia proceeds from the premise that `` the existing rules providing for the possibility for media representatives to carry out their professional activities after the expiration of `` I '' visas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in the best interests of all parties involved , '' they said .
In September , the DHS proposed to change the rules of issuing US visas for foreign journalists , students and exchange visitors by limiting their stay in the country to a certain period .
The proposal was submitted for discussion and no possible date of the introduction of this new rule was announced .
According to the DHS , this needs to be done in order `` to reduce fraud and enhance national security .
`` .

WASHINGTON, October 27. /TASS/. The measures proposed by the US Department of Homeland Security on tightening visa issuance procedures for foreign journalists are the unjustified complication of bureaucratic procedures and the creation of artificial barriers for their normal work, the Russian Embassy in the United States said a comment on the proposed restrictions.
"The novelties proposed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to revise "I" visa issuance procedures significantly complicate the professional duties of foreign journalists in the United States," the Russian diplomatic mission said. "In particular, the limitation of the period of stay for foreign media employees to 240 days (with the possibility of extension up to 480 days) will not allow them to consistently cover local events," the diplomats said. Journalists "will have to leave the United States for a considerable time to obtain a new visa," the diplomatic mission stressed.
Reciprocity principle
"The unjustified complication of bureaucratic procedures and the creation of artificial barriers for the normal work of foreign journalists do not correspond with the concepts of freedom of speech and equal access to information," the Embassy said. "The reasons for implementation of such decisions are also not clear, which makes it impossible to assess their practical significance."
Moreover, "based on the principle of reciprocity in international relations, the measures proposed by the DHS could negatively affect the work of American reporters abroad," the diplomats said.
Russia proceeds from the premise that "the existing rules providing for the possibility for media representatives to carry out their professional activities after the expiration of "I" visas (until leaving the United States) are in the best interests of all parties involved," they said.
In September, the DHS proposed to change the rules of issuing US visas for foreign journalists, students and exchange visitors by limiting their stay in the country to a certain period. The proposal was submitted for discussion and no possible date of the introduction of this new rule was announced. According to the DHS, this needs to be done in order "to reduce fraud and enhance national security.".


tass--2020-10-27--US, EU capitals redouble efforts to contain Russia’s development - Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 27 .
/TASS/ .
The West seeks to punish Moscow for its independent foreign policy and recently the United States and a number of EU capitals have redoubled their efforts to contain Russia ’ s development , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Croatian newspaper Vecernji List published on Tuesday .
`` Unfortunately , we have to admit that recently , Washington and a number of EU capitals have redoubled their efforts to contain Russia 's development ; they are trying to punish us for an independent foreign policy , for consistently upholding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So we have no other choice but to conclude we can not count on a mutually respectful consideration of the emerging problems , because the West has made it a rule to talk with Russia based on the presumption of its guilt , '' Lavrov said .
According to Lavrov , in order to justify their actions , including the introduction of new anti-Russia sanctions , Western states `` throw in various accusations and insinuations '' without showing any facts or evidence .
`` This rhetoric is always being kept at the ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims are based on fabricated accusations and run contrary to even elementary logic , '' the foreign minister explained , noting that all Russia ’ s proposals to set up a professional dialogue on any concerns remain without any reaction .
Lavrov also mentioned `` Berlin 's arrogant refusal '' to respond to numerous requests from Russia ’ s Prosecutor General 's Office on the situation with blogger Alexey Navalny , which is `` a direct violation of Germany 's obligations under the 1959 European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international legal document , representatives of Germany and France initiated another batch of illegitimate EU sanctions against Russian citizens .
All this deplorably and clearly illustrates the inability of the European Union to adequately assess what is happening in the world , and its tendency to put itself beyond the law , '' Lavrov said .
Meanwhile , Russia ’ s top diplomat stressed that Moscow is not going to put up with the West ’ s rudeness and won ’ t leave anti-Russian attacks unanswered .
`` We never avoid responding proportionately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues who seem to have forgotten what diplomacy is and have sunk to the level of vulgar rudeness .
Our retaliatory steps in the US and EU are well known , '' Lavrov said .
However , Russia is trying to pursue a multi-vector foreign policy `` to build up interaction with those who are open to honest joint work on the principles of equality , mutual respect and a balance of interests . ''
`` The overwhelming majority of such international partners we have are in Eurasia , Africa and Latin America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies in the EAEU , CSTO , CIS , BRICS and SCO , '' Lavrov said .
Moscow is not going to tolerate the West ’ s rudeness and won ’ t leave anti-Russian attacks unanswered , Lavrov said .
`` We never avoid responding proportionately to the anti-Russia attacks by our Western colleagues who seem to have forgotten what diplomacy is and have sunk to the level of vulgar rudeness .
Our retaliatory steps in the US and EU are well known , '' Lavrov said .
Moscow hopes that common sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and dialogue will be fully restored , Russian Foreign Minister said .
Russia ’ s top diplomat noted that `` the sanctions spiral inspired by Brussels and a number of Russophobic EU countries at the direct orders from Washington remains a serious obstacle for further strengthening Russia-Croatia ties . ''
`` They have been stepping up this anti-Russia policy lately .
I hope that our European colleagues will have the wisdom , vision and simply common sense , so that our dialogue with the European Union and its member states is fully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations , good faith , predictability and openness , '' Lavrov said .
Meanwhile , Lavrov said he would not describe Moscow ’ s relations with Zagreb as being stagnant .
`` Russia and Croatia maintain regular and advanced political dialogue .
In 2017 and 2018 , President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic visited Russia at Vladimir Putin ’ s invitation .
These were very useful , productive meetings , '' he noted .
`` There is also forward momentum in our practical cooperation .
Last year , the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade , Economic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow .
We planned to hold this year ’ s gathering in Croatia , but the pandemic has changed our plans .
It will take place after the epidemiological situation stabilizes , '' he said .
`` Of course , Croatian companies continue working in Russia , and the same is true for Russian companies in Croatia . ''
In 2019 , trade between the two countries exceeded $ 1.5 bln , he also noted .
Russia ’ s gas contracts with European countries are based only on business interests and there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Minister said .
Lavrov stressed that Russia has been a reliable and honest energy supplier for many decades now , and officials in Zagreb are perfectly aware of this .
`` They also know that there is no political rationale behind these gas contracts .
This is nothing but business .
Of course , we heard allegations that Croatia and other European countries depend on Russian gas , but we have seen nothing but attempts to sow groundless doubt .
We do not impose anything on anyone , and we responsibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Lavrov said .
Lavrov noted that Russia respects the right of any country to pursue its own energy policy and choose the best energy supply sources .
`` We have nothing against competition .
That said , this should be fair competition based on market principles instead of Cold-War-era political slogans . ''
This also concerns the plans on building an LNG terminal on Croatia ’ s Krk Island , which is funded by the EU and has the US political support .
`` The project to build an LNG terminal on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affair .
If our Croatian colleagues believe that liquefied gas would be better for their economy compared to cheaper pipeline gas , so be it .
Everyone has the right to decide what is profitable and what is not , '' he said .
Russia sees no need for any additional initiatives on ironing out the Ukrainian crisis , including Croatia ’ s `` peaceful reintegration '' idea , Russian Foreign Minister said .
According to Russia ’ s top diplomat , the February 2015 Minsk Package of Measures is an uncontested basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all that is left to do is fully implement what the parties agreed on more than five years ago following hours of a diplomatic marathon , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` We can see no need for any additional external initiatives . ''
In October 2016 , a working group for cooperation with Ukraine was set up in Zagreb , which is aimed at sharing with Kiev Croatia 's experience on `` peaceful reintegration of occupied territories , '' which supposedly could be applicable to Donetsk and Lugansk .
Croatia bears its share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sergey Lavrov said .
`` We are confident that the Dayton accords retain their relevance ; it formalized the fundamental principles of sovereignty , independence and territorial integrity of B & H , equality of the three state-forming peoples and two entities with broad constitutional powers that are crucial for maintaining peace , stability and security , and promoting development .
I think our approaches are consonant with Croatia ’ s position .
That country has signed the Agreement , it bears its share of responsibility for its implementation and I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its fundamental postulates being implemented , '' Lavrov said .
Russia is ready to provide all kinds of support when it comes to this , he stressed .
According to Lavrov , both Russia and Croatia are interested in strengthening international peace , security and stability , in ensuring sustainable development , and in political and diplomatic solutions to numerous crises and conflicts .
`` South-Eastern Europe remains a natural , historical environment for Russian-Croatian interaction , a region where our joint efforts should support processes that imply deeper mutual understanding between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconciliation system based on common sense and effective international agreements , '' the foreign minister said .
The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina , also known as the Dayton Agreement , signed in December 1995 , put an end to the Bosnian War .
The warring parties agreed to peace and created a single sovereign state known as Bosnia and Herzegovina .
The BiH state system is one of the most complex in the world , which is composed of three peoples : Bosniaks ( Muslims ) , Serbs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .

MOSCOW, October 27. /TASS/. The West seeks to punish Moscow for its independent foreign policy and recently the United States and a number of EU capitals have redoubled their efforts to contain Russia’s development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Croatian newspaper Vecernji List published on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, we have to admit that recently, Washington and a number of EU capitals have redoubled their efforts to contain Russia's development; they are trying to punish us for an independent foreign policy, for consistently upholding our national interests. <…> So we have no other choice but to conclude we cannot count on a mutually respectful consideration of the emerging problems, because the West has made it a rule to talk with Russia based on the presumption of its guilt," Lavrov said.
According to Lavrov, in order to justify their actions, including the introduction of new anti-Russia sanctions, Western states "throw in various accusations and insinuations" without showing any facts or evidence. "This rhetoric is always being kept at the ‘highly likely’ innuendo level; those claims are based on fabricated accusations and run contrary to even elementary logic," the foreign minister explained, noting that all Russia’s proposals to set up a professional dialogue on any concerns remain without any reaction.
Lavrov also mentioned "Berlin's arrogant refusal" to respond to numerous requests from Russia’s Prosecutor General's Office on the situation with blogger Alexey Navalny, which is "a direct violation of Germany's obligations under the 1959 European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters."
"Instead of respecting this international legal document, representatives of Germany and France initiated another batch of illegitimate EU sanctions against Russian citizens. All this deplorably and clearly illustrates the inability of the European Union to adequately assess what is happening in the world, and its tendency to put itself beyond the law," Lavrov said.
Meanwhile, Russia’s top diplomat stressed that Moscow is not going to put up with the West’s rudeness and won’t leave anti-Russian attacks unanswered. "We never avoid responding proportionately to the anti-Russia attacks by our Western colleagues who seem to have forgotten what diplomacy is and have sunk to the level of vulgar rudeness. Our retaliatory steps in the US and EU are well known," Lavrov said.
However, Russia is trying to pursue a multi-vector foreign policy "to build up interaction with those who are open to honest joint work on the principles of equality, mutual respect and a balance of interests." "The overwhelming majority of such international partners we have are in Eurasia, Africa and Latin America. Among them are our friends and allies in the EAEU, CSTO, CIS, BRICS and SCO," Lavrov said.
Moscow is not going to tolerate the West’s rudeness and won’t leave anti-Russian attacks unanswered, Lavrov said. "We never avoid responding proportionately to the anti-Russia attacks by our Western colleagues who seem to have forgotten what diplomacy is and have sunk to the level of vulgar rudeness. Our retaliatory steps in the US and EU are well known," Lavrov said.
Moscow hopes that common sense will prevail in the European Union regarding Russia and dialogue will be fully restored, Russian Foreign Minister said. Russia’s top diplomat noted that "the sanctions spiral inspired by Brussels and a number of Russophobic EU countries at the direct orders from Washington remains a serious obstacle for further strengthening Russia-Croatia ties."
"They have been stepping up this anti-Russia policy lately. I hope that our European colleagues will have the wisdom, vision and simply common sense, so that our dialogue with the European Union and its member states is fully restored based on the principles of neighborly relations, good faith, predictability and openness," Lavrov said.
Meanwhile, Lavrov said he would not describe Moscow’s relations with Zagreb as being stagnant. "Russia and Croatia maintain regular and advanced political dialogue. In 2017 and 2018, President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic visited Russia at Vladimir Putin’s invitation. These were very useful, productive meetings," he noted.
"There is also forward momentum in our practical cooperation. Last year, the Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation held a meeting in Moscow. We planned to hold this year’s gathering in Croatia, but the pandemic has changed our plans. It will take place after the epidemiological situation stabilizes," he said. "Of course, Croatian companies continue working in Russia, and the same is true for Russian companies in Croatia." In 2019, trade between the two countries exceeded $1.5 bln, he also noted.
Gas contracts with European countries
Russia’s gas contracts with European countries are based only on business interests and there is no political rationale behind them, Russian Foreign Minister said. Lavrov stressed that Russia has been a reliable and honest energy supplier for many decades now, and officials in Zagreb are perfectly aware of this. "They also know that there is no political rationale behind these gas contracts. This is nothing but business. Of course, we heard allegations that Croatia and other European countries depend on Russian gas, but we have seen nothing but attempts to sow groundless doubt. We do not impose anything on anyone, and we responsibly perform all the contracts we have," Lavrov said.
Lavrov noted that Russia respects the right of any country to pursue its own energy policy and choose the best energy supply sources. "We have nothing against competition. That said, this should be fair competition based on market principles instead of Cold-War-era political slogans."
This also concerns the plans on building an LNG terminal on Croatia’s Krk Island, which is funded by the EU and has the US political support. "The project to build an LNG terminal on Krk Island is Croatia’s internal affair. If our Croatian colleagues believe that liquefied gas would be better for their economy compared to cheaper pipeline gas, so be it. Everyone has the right to decide what is profitable and what is not," he said.
Ukraine crisis
Russia sees no need for any additional initiatives on ironing out the Ukrainian crisis, including Croatia’s "peaceful reintegration" idea, Russian Foreign Minister said. According to Russia’s top diplomat, the February 2015 Minsk Package of Measures is an uncontested basis for a peaceful settlement. "Now all that is left to do is fully implement what the parties agreed on more than five years ago following hours of a diplomatic marathon," Lavrov stressed. "We can see no need for any additional external initiatives."
In October 2016, a working group for cooperation with Ukraine was set up in Zagreb, which is aimed at sharing with Kiev Croatia's experience on "peaceful reintegration of occupied territories," which supposedly could be applicable to Donetsk and Lugansk.
Dayton Agreement
Croatia bears its share of responsibility for fulfilling the Dayton Agreement, Sergey Lavrov said. "We are confident that the Dayton accords retain their relevance; it formalized the fundamental principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of B&H, equality of the three state-forming peoples and two entities with broad constitutional powers that are crucial for maintaining peace, stability and security, and promoting development. I think our approaches are consonant with Croatia’s position. That country has signed the Agreement, it bears its share of responsibility for its implementation and I do not think many others are as interested in its fundamental postulates being implemented," Lavrov said.
Russia is ready to provide all kinds of support when it comes to this, he stressed. According to Lavrov, both Russia and Croatia are interested in strengthening international peace, security and stability, in ensuring sustainable development, and in political and diplomatic solutions to numerous crises and conflicts.
"South-Eastern Europe remains a natural, historical environment for Russian-Croatian interaction, a region where our joint efforts should support processes that imply deeper mutual understanding between regional participants, building a genuine national reconciliation system based on common sense and effective international agreements," the foreign minister said.
The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, also known as the Dayton Agreement, signed in December 1995, put an end to the Bosnian War. The warring parties agreed to peace and created a single sovereign state known as Bosnia and Herzegovina. The BiH state system is one of the most complex in the world, which is composed of three peoples: Bosniaks (Muslims), Serbs (Orthodox) and Croats (Catholics).


tass--2020-10-27--Russian stock market may decline in anticipation of US elections

MOSCOW , October 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian stock market may decline by the end of the week due to the approaching US presidential elections .
According to experts , the MOEX index decline to 2,700 points .
Last week the main geopolitical intrigue was the adoption of a large-scale stimulus package in the United States , today the main focus of investors is shifting to the elections , experts interviewed by TASS believe .
`` By the end of the week , global investors will likely begin to prepare for the upcoming November 3 presidential elections in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcome , we can expect them to withdraw funds from emerging markets , including Russia , which will also put pressure on Russian assets , '' Head of the Finam stock analysis department Igor Dodonov said .
Any news about coronavirus will also be in focus .
One of the main threats to the global risk appetite comes from the second wave of the pandemic , which promotes new restrictive measures ( mainly in Europe ) , Veles Capital analyst Elena Kozhukhova believes .
Stabilization or improvement of the pandemic ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creation of vaccines and drugs for COVID-19 can enhance optimism in the markets , investment strategist at Alexander Bakhtin said .
In addition to geopolitical and viral news , markets will pay attention to meetings of leading central banks this week , including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan .
The volatility of the ruble may rise in the coming days due to various factors , experts said .
`` Support from the tax period is coming to an end , and the global demand for assets of developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for investors to escape from viral risks .
At the same time , a tense geopolitical background remains and is likely to stay in the near future as a specific factor of influence on ruble assets - the situation in Belarus , Nagorno-Karabakh , as well as new EU sanctions initiatives , '' Bakhtin explained .

MOSCOW, October 27. /TASS/. The Russian stock market may decline by the end of the week due to the approaching US presidential elections. According to experts, the MOEX index decline to 2,700 points.
Last week the main geopolitical intrigue was the adoption of a large-scale stimulus package in the United States, today the main focus of investors is shifting to the elections, experts interviewed by TASS believe.
"By the end of the week, global investors will likely begin to prepare for the upcoming November 3 presidential elections in the US. Given the high uncertainty of the outcome, we can expect them to withdraw funds from emerging markets, including Russia, which will also put pressure on Russian assets," Head of the Finam stock analysis department Igor Dodonov said.
Any news about coronavirus will also be in focus. One of the main threats to the global risk appetite comes from the second wave of the pandemic, which promotes new restrictive measures (mainly in Europe), Veles Capital analyst Elena Kozhukhova believes. Stabilization or improvement of the pandemic’s figures, as well as progress in the creation of vaccines and drugs for COVID-19 can enhance optimism in the markets, investment strategist at Alexander Bakhtin said.
In addition to geopolitical and viral news, markets will pay attention to meetings of leading central banks this week, including the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan.
The volatility of the ruble may rise in the coming days due to various factors, experts said. "Support from the tax period is coming to an end, and the global demand for assets of developing countries remains unstable due to the tendency for investors to escape from viral risks. At the same time, a tense geopolitical background remains and is likely to stay in the near future as a specific factor of influence on ruble assets - the situation in Belarus, Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as new EU sanctions initiatives," Bakhtin explained.


tass--2020-10-27--Decline of Russia’s GDP may be below 4% by year end - PM

MOSCOW , October 27 .
/TASS/ .
The decline in Russia 's GDP by the end of the year may @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday .
`` We expect that the @ @ @ @ @ 4 % for the year .
There are various estimates , but we are fighting @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Mishustin noted that it is necessary to smooth out the @ @ @ @ @ , without increasing borrowing , without wasting the National Wealth Fund .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ to me , are trying achieve one way or another , '' he said .

MOSCOW, October 27. /TASS/. The decline in Russia's GDP by the end of the year may be less than 4%, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday.
"We expect that the GDP decline will be about 4% for the year. There are various estimates, but we are fighting for less than 4%," he said.
Mishustin noted that it is necessary to smooth out the negative consequences in the economy, without increasing borrowing, without wasting the National Wealth Fund. "This is what we, it seems to me, are trying achieve one way or another," he said.


tass--2020-10-26--61 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Sixty-one more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 6,500 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 6,503 .
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ necessary to stay home , call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases and the morbidity is now demonstrating upwards tendencies @ @ @ @ @ Moscow has reported more than 401,000 and more than 293,200 recoveries .
To date , @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Russia , with 1,146,096 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Sixty-one more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 6,500, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Monday.
"Sixty-one coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 6,503.
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it is necessary to stay home, call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment.
Moscow tops the list of Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases and the morbidity is now demonstrating upwards tendencies. As of today, Moscow has reported more than 401,000 and more than 293,200 recoveries.
To date, 1,531,224 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,146,096 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 26,269 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-26--Russian, Israeli top diplomats discuss Palestinian-Israeli settlement

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in the Middle East and North Africa , including the Palestinian-Israeli @ @ @ @ @ of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov 's meeting with his Israeli counterpart , Gabi Ashkenazi @ @ @ @ @ part of Lavrov ’ s working visit to Greece , the Russian Foreign Ministry said @ @ @ @ @ two top diplomats exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa @ @ @ @ @ state of affairs in the Palestinian-Israeli settlement and prospects for the Middle East peace settlement @ @ @ @ @ situation in Syria , '' the ministry said .
Apart from that , the ministers @ @ @ @ @ current issues on the bilateral agenda , including joint efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ political dialogue .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The situation in the Middle East and North Africa, including the Palestinian-Israeli settlement, was in focus of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi, that was held as part of Lavrov’s working visit to Greece, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
"The two top diplomats exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa with a focus on the state of affairs in the Palestinian-Israeli settlement and prospects for the Middle East peace settlement. They also discussed the situation in Syria," the ministry said.
Apart from that, the ministers hashed over a number of current issues on the bilateral agenda, including joint efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic, and reiterated commitment to political dialogue.


tass--2020-10-26--Russia considers all scenarios over US' withdrawal from Treaty on Open Skies — envoy

WASHINGTON , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is in principle ready to work on the Treaty on Open Skies and looks into all courses of action over the US ’ withdrawal from the agreement , Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said in his speech to the International Advisory Council of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies .
`` Russia ’ s further actions concerning the OST are not predetermined .
We consider all the scenarios .
We are ready to continue cooperation in the framework of the Treaty .
But a lot will depend on addressing the organizational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to withdraw from the Treaty , '' Antonov said .
The diplomat pointed out that the artificial crisis , created through Washington ’ s steps , does not facilitate strategic stability .
`` We have repeatedly proved with concrete data that the allegations of Russia ’ s noncompliance with the OST are baseless .
We have got plenty of counter-claims to the United States regarding its implementation of the Treaty , '' he said .
Still , Moscow is ready to look for mutually acceptable solution at the negotiation table , Antonov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solution could not be found at the OST state parties ’ special conference on July 6 , '' he said .

WASHINGTON, October 26. /TASS/. Russia is in principle ready to work on the Treaty on Open Skies and looks into all courses of action over the US’ withdrawal from the agreement, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said in his speech to the International Advisory Council of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies.
"Russia’s further actions concerning the OST are not predetermined. We consider all the scenarios. We are ready to continue cooperation in the framework of the Treaty. But a lot will depend on addressing the organizational and technical issues arising from the US decision to withdraw from the Treaty," Antonov said.
The diplomat pointed out that the artificial crisis, created through Washington’s steps, does not facilitate strategic stability. "We have repeatedly proved with concrete data that the allegations of Russia’s noncompliance with the OST are baseless. We have got plenty of counter-claims to the United States regarding its implementation of the Treaty," he said.
Still, Moscow is ready to look for mutually acceptable solution at the negotiation table, Antonov said. "Unfortunately, such a solution could not be found at the OST state parties’ special conference on July 6," he said.


tass--2020-10-26--Putin requests banning inspections of small business by December 31, 2021

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked the government with amending legislation to extend the @ @ @ @ @ small business until December 31 , 2021 , according to a list of requests released @ @ @ @ @ Monday following an expanded meeting of the presidium of the State Council held on September @ @ @ @ @ amendments to legislation of the Russian Federation , extending the ban on planned supervisory activities @ @ @ @ @ 31 , 2021 , excluding extension of such a ban to tax supervision , customs @ @ @ @ @ financial and budget field , as well as to all types of activities and monitored @ @ @ @ @ harm to the life and health and occurrence of natural and technology-related emergencies , as @ @ @ @ @ the budget process , '' the document said .
The request is to be implemented @ @ @ @ @ .
A moratorium on planned inspections of small and mid-sized businesses was imposed in Russia @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus pandemic-related situation .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked the government with amending legislation to extend the ban on planned inspections of small business until December 31, 2021, according to a list of requests released on the Kremlin website on Monday following an expanded meeting of the presidium of the State Council held on September 28.
"To make amendments to legislation of the Russian Federation, extending the ban on planned supervisory activities regarding small businesses until December 31, 2021, excluding extension of such a ban to tax supervision, customs supervision and supervision in the financial and budget field, as well as to all types of activities and monitored facilities with high risks of harm to the life and health and occurrence of natural and technology-related emergencies, as well as to participants in the budget process," the document said.
The request is to be implemented by December 31, 2021.
A moratorium on planned inspections of small and mid-sized businesses was imposed in Russia starting the end of March due to the coronavirus pandemic-related situation.


tass--2020-10-26--Decline in antibody levels 2-3 months post-vaccination is normal, says scientist

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
A certain decline in the level of antibodies 2-3 months after vaccination against the novel coronavirus is a normal phenomenon .
Cell immunity will guarantee their generation in response to the virus , the director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology under the Russian Health Ministry , Alexander Gintsburg , has said .
`` Two months , < ... > sometimes three months after the vaccination the synthesis of antibodies is turned off and their level sometimes drops to zero .
But that does not mean that the human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pathogen .
The memory cells formed in the process - whenever they encounter the same pathogen or the same antigen in the form of a vaccine - begin to generate the required amount of antibodies not in two or three weeks ' time , but literally within 3-4 days .
For this reason a decline in the level of antibodies after vaccination is an absolutely normal development , so those who have been vaccinated should feel no worries , '' Gintsburg said on the Rossiya-24 round-the-clock television news channel .
Russia on August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world to have registered a vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine called Sputnik V was developed at the Gamaleya Center .
Post-registration studies began in Moscow on September 7 .
A group of volunteers was vaccinated on September 9 .
A total of 40,000 men and women are participating in the program .
Ten thousand of them got placebo injections .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. A certain decline in the level of antibodies 2-3 months after vaccination against the novel coronavirus is a normal phenomenon. Cell immunity will guarantee their generation in response to the virus, the director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology under the Russian Health Ministry, Alexander Gintsburg, has said.
"Two months, <...> sometimes three months after the vaccination the synthesis of antibodies is turned off and their level sometimes drops to zero. But that does not mean that the human body is no longer protected against this pathogen. The memory cells formed in the process - whenever they encounter the same pathogen or the same antigen in the form of a vaccine - begin to generate the required amount of antibodies not in two or three weeks' time, but literally within 3-4 days. For this reason a decline in the level of antibodies after vaccination is an absolutely normal development, so those who have been vaccinated should feel no worries," Gintsburg said on the Rossiya-24 round-the-clock television news channel.
Russia on August 11 was the first country in the world to have registered a vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine called Sputnik V was developed at the Gamaleya Center. Post-registration studies began in Moscow on September 7. A group of volunteers was vaccinated on September 9. A total of 40,000 men and women are participating in the program. Ten thousand of them got placebo injections.


tass--2020-10-26--Putin approves strategy for development of Russian Arctic zone through 2035

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the strategy for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and provision of national security in the period through 2035 , according to a respective decree released on the official Internet portal of legal information on Monday .
`` To approve the strategy for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and provision of national security through 2035 , '' the document reads .
The president announced plans to endorse a new strategy for the development of the Russian Arctic through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrates measures stipulated by National Projects and state programs , investment plans of infrastructure companies as well as development programs for the Arctic regions and cities .
The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic submitted the draft of the strategy for the development of Russia ’ s Arctic zone through 2035 for the government ’ s consideration on May 7 .
The document stipulates the implementation of Russia ’ s key state policy in the Arctic by 2035 as greenlighted earlier by the presidential decree .
The strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the development of the country ’ s Arctic zone , as well as mechanisms , stages and expected results of their implementation .
The ministry drafted the strategy ’ s provisions jointly with the Arctic regions and representatives of the scientific community .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the strategy for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and provision of national security in the period through 2035, according to a respective decree released on the official Internet portal of legal information on Monday.
"To approve the strategy for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and provision of national security through 2035," the document reads.
The president announced plans to endorse a new strategy for the development of the Russian Arctic through 2035 in April 2019. The document integrates measures stipulated by National Projects and state programs, investment plans of infrastructure companies as well as development programs for the Arctic regions and cities.
The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic submitted the draft of the strategy for the development of Russia’s Arctic zone through 2035 for the government’s consideration on May 7.
The document stipulates the implementation of Russia’s key state policy in the Arctic by 2035 as greenlighted earlier by the presidential decree. The strategy defines the main areas and tasks of the development of the country’s Arctic zone, as well as mechanisms, stages and expected results of their implementation. The ministry drafted the strategy’s provisions jointly with the Arctic regions and representatives of the scientific community.


tass--2020-10-26--Moscow seeks detente stating readiness not to deploy 9M729 missiles, says senator

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is striving for a detente in Europe , stating its readiness not to deploy 9M729 missiles on the continent , if the United States takes reciprocal steps , Head of the Defense and Security Committee in the Federation Council ( the upper house of Russia ’ s parliament ) Viktor Bondarev told TASS on Monday .
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced earlier on Monday that Moscow was ready not to deploy 9M729 missiles , which Washington blamed for violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty , on condition that NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia ’ s readiness not to deploy 9M729 missiles in European Russia in exchange for NATO ’ s non-deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe is evidence that we are striving for a detente , '' the senator said .
`` NATO ’ s infrastructure in Europe is expanding .
This can not but concern not only Russia but all the countries on the continent .
However , the Americans that make decisions in the North Atlantic alliance actually unilaterally continue escalating tension , disregarding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the bloc , '' Bondarev said .
In this context , `` some measures have to be taken to stop NATO ’ s expansion and the build-up of its armament in the eastern hemisphere and improve the common European environment , '' he added .
The Russian president ’ s new proposal is very reasonable , the senator said .
The United States should support it , if Washington is interested in improving bilateral relations and de-escalating tension in Europe , Bondarev pointed out .
Russia ’ s defense capability is ensured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense , `` which even the most advanced modifications of the US strike missiles can not breach , '' and , therefore , Moscow ’ s move not to deploy 9M729 missiles in European Russia will not affect Russia ’ s security , the senator stressed .
The INF Treaty banning Moscow and Washington from possessing land-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 km to 5,500 km was signed in 1987 and ceased to exist in August 2019 .
Already in September this year , it was reported that Putin had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of some countries , including NATO member states , to introduce a moratorium on deploying such missiles in Europe and other regions but the United States actually rejected this initiative .
On October 26 , Putin reaffirmed Russia ’ s commitment to the moratorium on deploying land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as long as `` US-made missiles of similar classes do not appear in the corresponding regions . ''
Putin also stressed the importance of Russia ’ s call on NATO countries to announce a reciprocal moratorium and stated Moscow ’ s readiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative consequences of dismantling the INF Treaty , based on the principles of equal and indivisible security and a balance of the parties ’ interests . ''

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Moscow is striving for a detente in Europe, stating its readiness not to deploy 9M729 missiles on the continent, if the United States takes reciprocal steps, Head of the Defense and Security Committee in the Federation Council (the upper house of Russia’s parliament) Viktor Bondarev told TASS on Monday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced earlier on Monday that Moscow was ready not to deploy 9M729 missiles, which Washington blamed for violating the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, on condition that NATO takes reciprocal steps.
"The statement by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia’s readiness not to deploy 9M729 missiles in European Russia in exchange for NATO’s non-deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe is evidence that we are striving for a detente," the senator said.
"NATO’s infrastructure in Europe is expanding. This cannot but concern not only Russia but all the countries on the continent. However, the Americans that make decisions in the North Atlantic alliance actually unilaterally continue escalating tension, disregarding the opinion of both Russia and its partners in the bloc," Bondarev said.
In this context, "some measures have to be taken to stop NATO’s expansion and the build-up of its armament in the eastern hemisphere and improve the common European environment," he added.
The Russian president’s new proposal is very reasonable, the senator said. The United States should support it, if Washington is interested in improving bilateral relations and de-escalating tension in Europe, Bondarev pointed out.
Russia’s defense capability is ensured by its powerful air and anti-ballistic missile defense, "which even the most advanced modifications of the US strike missiles cannot breach," and, therefore, Moscow’s move not to deploy 9M729 missiles in European Russia will not affect Russia’s security, the senator stressed.
INF Treaty and Russian president’s proposals
The INF Treaty banning Moscow and Washington from possessing land-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 km to 5,500 km was signed in 1987 and ceased to exist in August 2019. Already in September this year, it was reported that Putin had put forward a proposal to the leaders of some countries, including NATO member states, to introduce a moratorium on deploying such missiles in Europe and other regions but the United States actually rejected this initiative.
On October 26, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to the moratorium on deploying land-based intermediate- and shorter-range missiles as long as "US-made missiles of similar classes do not appear in the corresponding regions."
Putin also stressed the importance of Russia’s call on NATO countries to announce a reciprocal moratorium and stated Moscow’s readiness "for further steps to minimize the negative consequences of dismantling the INF Treaty, based on the principles of equal and indivisible security and a balance of the parties’ interests."


tass--2020-10-26--Gazprom mulls placement of undated subordinated bonds

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom is studying the possibility of placing the first undated subordinated ruble-denominated bond issue on the Russian market , the company said in a statement .
`` Given the high interest of investors in hybrid instruments , Gazprom is exploring the possibility of placing the first undated subordinated ruble-denominated bond issue on the Russian market , '' the company said .
Earlier this month , for the first time in the history of the Russian financial market , Gazprom placed corporate undated subordinated Eurobonds on the international debt market .
The company attracted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( in total $ 2.575 bln ) through the placement of Eurobonds .
In total , 220 investors took part in the dollar-denominated bond issue and 170 investors bought the euro-denominated bonds .
Investor demand amounted to more than $ 7.4 billion , which is a record for Eurobond placements of PJSC Gazprom since 2013 .
The closing of the deal on the placement of the debut issue of Gazprom 's subordinated perpetual Eurobonds in US dollars and euros took place on October 26 .
`` The funds raised will be used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to refinance the current debt burden , subject to all legal restrictions .
Reducing the volume of borrowings is an important part of Gazprom 's package of measures to improve financial stability amid a difficult external situation with prices for energy carriers in 2020 , '' the company said .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Gazprom is studying the possibility of placing the first undated subordinated ruble-denominated bond issue on the Russian market, the company said in a statement.
"Given the high interest of investors in hybrid instruments, Gazprom is exploring the possibility of placing the first undated subordinated ruble-denominated bond issue on the Russian market," the company said.
Earlier this month, for the first time in the history of the Russian financial market, Gazprom placed corporate undated subordinated Eurobonds on the international debt market.
The company attracted $1.4 billion and 1 billion euros (in total $2.575 bln) through the placement of Eurobonds. In total, 220 investors took part in the dollar-denominated bond issue and 170 investors bought the euro-denominated bonds. Investor demand amounted to more than $7.4 billion, which is a record for Eurobond placements of PJSC Gazprom since 2013.
The closing of the deal on the placement of the debut issue of Gazprom's subordinated perpetual Eurobonds in US dollars and euros took place on October 26.
"The funds raised will be used for general corporate purposes - first of all, to refinance the current debt burden, subject to all legal restrictions. Reducing the volume of borrowings is an important part of Gazprom's package of measures to improve financial stability amid a difficult external situation with prices for energy carriers in 2020," the company said.


tass--2020-10-26--Russian, Syrian diplomats discuss situation in and around Syria

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will continue to help Syria restore its socio-economic infrastructure , Russian president @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said at a @ @ @ @ @ Russia Riyad Haddad on Monday .
`` The sided exchanged views on the current situation @ @ @ @ @ '' the Russian foreign ministry said .
`` The Russian side reiterated its unfailing solidarity @ @ @ @ @ support to its sovereignty , unity and territorial integrity , as well as its readiness @ @ @ @ @ restoring the socio-economic infrastructure '' in that country .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russia will continue to help Syria restore its socio-economic infrastructure, Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and African countries and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said at a meeting with Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riyad Haddad on Monday.
"The sided exchanged views on the current situation in and around Syria," the Russian foreign ministry said. "The Russian side reiterated its unfailing solidarity with the Syrian people, support to its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as its readiness to continue efficient cooperation in restoring the socio-economic infrastructure" in that country.


tass--2020-10-26--First component of Sputnik V received by 19,000 people in Moscow Region

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
About 19,000 people have been administered the first component of the Sputnik V vaccine in Moscow and the Moscow Region , about 6,500 of whom have already received the second component , Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry that developed the vaccine , Alexander Gintsburg said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Monday .
`` To date , about 19,000 people have been inoculated with the first component , and about 6,500 people - with the first and the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientist added that side effects observed in the inoculated are `` insignificant and fully correspond to the instruction manual for this preparation . ''
`` Sputnik V '' ( `` Gam-COVID-vac '' ) was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center and passed all clinical trials .
This is a two-component vaccine and should be administered twice .
Repeat vaccination is recommended after a three-to-four-week interval .
According to the scientist , the preparation is developed in such a way that not only antibodies to the given agent are produced but neutralizing antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neutralizing antibodies in the inoculated is 1.5-2 times higher than in those who had the infection .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. About 19,000 people have been administered the first component of the Sputnik V vaccine in Moscow and the Moscow Region, about 6,500 of whom have already received the second component, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry that developed the vaccine, Alexander Gintsburg said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Monday.
"To date, about 19,000 people have been inoculated with the first component, and about 6,500 people - with the first and the second component," he said.
The scientist added that side effects observed in the inoculated are "insignificant and fully correspond to the instruction manual for this preparation."
"Sputnik V" ("Gam-COVID-vac") was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center and passed all clinical trials. This is a two-component vaccine and should be administered twice. Repeat vaccination is recommended after a three-to-four-week interval. According to the scientist, the preparation is developed in such a way that not only antibodies to the given agent are produced but neutralizing antibodies appear as well. The titer of neutralizing antibodies in the inoculated is 1.5-2 times higher than in those who had the infection.


tass--2020-10-26--Putin instructs cabinet to develop cost overrun risk criteria for regions for 2021

MOSCOW .
October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to develop criteria of possible cost overrun by regions for 2021 .
The relevant order was published on the Kremlin website following a meeting of the presidium of the State Council .
According to the order , the cabinet in cooperation with the working group of the State Council of the Russian Federation responsible for economic and financial issues , should develop criteria to define the possibility of exceeding the limit indicators of the budget deficit [ by regions ] and the amount of the regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order was given following the assessment of costs of implementing measures to overcome the consequences caused by the spread of the new coronavirus infection and their impact on the budgets of the regions .
The government should also develop criteria for non-application of measures of responsibility to regions for exceeding the limit indicators of the budget deficit and the volume of public debt , due to a decrease in tax and non-tax revenues of budgets and ensuring costs to overcome the consequences of the pandemic .
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are responsible for the project , must submit the corresponding report by January 15 , 2021 .

MOSCOW. October 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the government to develop criteria of possible cost overrun by regions for 2021.
The relevant order was published on the Kremlin website following a meeting of the presidium of the State Council.
According to the order, the cabinet in cooperation with the working group of the State Council of the Russian Federation responsible for economic and financial issues, should develop criteria to define the possibility of exceeding the limit indicators of the budget deficit [by regions] and the amount of the regions’ public debt for 2021.
The order was given following the assessment of costs of implementing measures to overcome the consequences caused by the spread of the new coronavirus infection and their impact on the budgets of the regions.
The government should also develop criteria for non-application of measures of responsibility to regions for exceeding the limit indicators of the budget deficit and the volume of public debt, due to a decrease in tax and non-tax revenues of budgets and ensuring costs to overcome the consequences of the pandemic.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Alexei Teksler, who are responsible for the project, must submit the corresponding report by January 15, 2021.


tass--2020-10-26--Armenia ready for compromises but will never accept Karabakh’s capitulation

YEREVAN , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia is ready to make concessions for the sake of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ to capitulate , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday .
`` I want @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan doesn ’ t want any compromises to resolve the problem .
It wants capitulation @ @ @ @ @ ready for mutual concessions , even for such concessions that would be painful for us @ @ @ @ @ will never be ready to capitulate , '' he said live on his Facebook account @

YEREVAN, October 26. /TASS/. Armenia is ready to make concessions for the sake of settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict but will never agree to capitulate, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday.
"I want everyone to understand clearly that Azerbaijan doesn’t want any compromises to resolve the problem. It wants capitulation of Karabakh. We are ready for mutual concessions, even for such concessions that would be painful for us, but the Armenian people will never be ready to capitulate," he said live on his Facebook account.


tass--2020-10-26--Russian Su-27 fighter intercepts US, German spy planes over Baltic Sea

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Air Force @ @ @ @ @ German P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft over the Baltic Sea , Russia ’ s National @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Russian radars detected two air targets approaching Russia ’ s state border on @ @ @ @ @ fighter from the air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to identify them , @ @ @ @ @ The Russian fighter ’ s crew sequentially identified the air targets as a German Navy @ @ @ @ @ and a US Air Force U-2S reconnaissance aircraft and escorted them over the Baltic Sea @ @ @ @ @ Control Center said .
After the foreign military planes flew away from Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ fighter safely returned to its home airfield .
The foreign reconnaissance planes were not allowed @ @ @ @ @ state border , the Center stressed .
The Russian fighter ’ s flight proceeded in @ @ @ @ @ rules of using the airspace , the statement says .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a US Air Force U-2S reconnaissance plane and a German P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft over the Baltic Sea, Russia’s National Defense Control Center reported on Monday.
Russian radars detected two air targets approaching Russia’s state border on October 26. A Su-27 fighter from the air defense quick reaction alert forces was scrambled to identify them, the statement says.
"The Russian fighter’s crew sequentially identified the air targets as a German Navy P-3C Orion maritime patrol plane and a US Air Force U-2S reconnaissance aircraft and escorted them over the Baltic Sea," the National Defense Control Center said.
After the foreign military planes flew away from Russia’s state border, the Russian fighter safely returned to its home airfield. The foreign reconnaissance planes were not allowed to violate Russia’s state border, the Center stressed.
The Russian fighter’s flight proceeded in strict compliance with the international rules of using the airspace, the statement says.


tass--2020-10-26--Belarusian KGB suspects some protesters of terrorism

MINSK , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus ' state security committee KGB accused some participants in protest demonstrations of @ @ @ @ @ actions might be interpreted as acts of terrorism , the news agency BelTA quotes the @ @ @ @ @ the KGB 's Investigative Directorate , Konstantin Bychek , as saying .
`` The past @ @ @ @ @ of extremism by some protesters , '' he said .
`` Such actions accompanied by @ @ @ @ @ acts and fraught with risks of inflicting deaths , bodily harm , or other grave @ @ @ @ @ putting pressure on the decisions the authorities make or creating obstructions to political or other @ @ @ @ @ as acts of terrorism , '' Bychek said .

MINSK, October 26. /TASS/. Belarus' state security committee KGB accused some participants in protest demonstrations of extremism and warned that their actions might be interpreted as acts of terrorism, the news agency BelTA quotes the chief of a department at the KGB's Investigative Directorate, Konstantin Bychek, as saying.
"The past few days have seen manifestations of extremism by some protesters," he said. "Such actions accompanied by explosions, arsons and other acts and fraught with risks of inflicting deaths, bodily harm, or other grave consequences with the aim of putting pressure on the decisions the authorities make or creating obstructions to political or other social activity shall be interpreted as acts of terrorism," Bychek said.


tass--2020-10-26--Number of confirmed COVID cases in Azerbaijan up to nearly 50,500

BAKU , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 527 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day , or by 419 cases less than on the previous day , the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Monday .
The overall number of coronavirus cases in Azerbaijan has reached 50,486 , or 0.5 % of the country ’ s entire population of some ten million .
The effective reproduction number ( Rt ) , or the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person , for the past eight days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported during the day , '' it said , adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related fatalities stands at 679 .
A total of 41,410 coronavirus patients have recovered , or 82 % of all coronavirus cases , with 131 recoveries reported in the past day .
As many as 8,397 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals .
A total of 1,298,348 people , or 13 % of the entire population , have been tested for the coronavirus infection , including 6,814 in the past day .
The first coronavirus case was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The epidemic reached its peak at the beginning of the summer , with the biggest number of newly confirmed cases - 590 - being reported on June 24 .
The morbidity rate began to go down from mid-July , dropping to less than 100 cases a day on August 9 .
However it began to go up again in mid-August , with a dramatic growth being reported from October 9 .
In view of the worsening epidemic situation , the country ’ s authorities have imposed a number of restrictions effective from October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in force until November 2 .

BAKU, October 26. /TASS/. As many as 527 novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Azerbaijan over the past day, or by 419 cases less than on the previous day, the coronavirus response headquarters under the Azerbaijani government said on Monday.
The overall number of coronavirus cases in Azerbaijan has reached 50,486, or 0.5% of the country’s entire population of some ten million. The effective reproduction number (Rt), or the average number of people who become infected by an infectious person, for the past eight days is 1.3.
"Eight coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day," it said, adding that the overall number of coronavirus-related fatalities stands at 679.
A total of 41,410 coronavirus patients have recovered, or 82% of all coronavirus cases, with 131 recoveries reported in the past day. As many as 8,397 patients are undergoing treatment in hospitals. A total of 1,298,348 people, or 13% of the entire population, have been tested for the coronavirus infection, including 6,814 in the past day.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Azerbaijan on February 28. The epidemic reached its peak at the beginning of the summer, with the biggest number of newly confirmed cases - 590 - being reported on June 24. The morbidity rate began to go down from mid-July, dropping to less than 100 cases a day on August 9. However it began to go up again in mid-August, with a dramatic growth being reported from October 9.
In view of the worsening epidemic situation, the country’s authorities have imposed a number of restrictions effective from October 19. A nationwide quarantine will stay in force until November 2.


tass--2020-10-26--Armenian, Russian security chiefs discuss situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

YEREVAN , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan has highly estimated Russia ’ s role in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the press service of the Armenian Security Council said on Monday after his telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart , Nikolai Patrushev .
`` During the conversation with Patrushev , Grigoryan touched on the situation at Artsakh ’ s ( the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic - TASS ) border with Azerbaijan stressing that that the war had been unleashed by Azerbaijan and pointing to Turkey ’ s destabilizing interference .
He also highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict settlement .
Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev stressed the necessity of peaceful and diplomatic settlement of the conflict , '' it said .
Armenia ’ s defense ministry reported on Monday morning that Baku had violated the ceasefire , opening artillery fire at the positions of the Nagorno-Karabakh defense army in the northeastern section of the contact line .
On Sunday evening , Azerbaijan and Armenia , with the United States ’ mediation , agreed another humanitarian ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone that entered into force from 07:00 Moscow time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Fighting continues in the region despite the previous ceasefire agreements .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

YEREVAN, October 26. /TASS/. Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan has highly estimated Russia’s role in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the press service of the Armenian Security Council said on Monday after his telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Nikolai Patrushev.
"During the conversation with Patrushev, Grigoryan touched on the situation at Artsakh’s (the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic - TASS) border with Azerbaijan stressing that that the war had been unleashed by Azerbaijan and pointing to Turkey’s destabilizing interference. He also highly estimated Russia’s role in the conflict settlement. Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev stressed the necessity of peaceful and diplomatic settlement of the conflict," it said.
Armenia’s defense ministry reported on Monday morning that Baku had violated the ceasefire, opening artillery fire at the positions of the Nagorno-Karabakh defense army in the northeastern section of the contact line.
On Sunday evening, Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the United States’ mediation, agreed another humanitarian ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone that entered into force from 07:00 Moscow time on October 26.
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. Fighting continues in the region despite the previous ceasefire agreements.
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.


tass--2020-10-26--Chumakov Center ready to produce COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 if approved by Health Ministry

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Production of a vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences may start next January if the registration certificate is obtained from Russia ’ s Healthcare Ministry , the Center ’ s Director General Aydar Ishmukhametov said in an interview with the Nauchnaya Rossiya/Scientific Russia web portal on Monday .
Clinical trials of the whole-virion inactivated vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Center began this September .
Phase One of trials was successfully completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kirov and St. Petersburg .
`` It is planned to complete Phase Two in early December of this year .
In mid-December we will submit the paperwork to the Russian Healthcare Ministry and the future of the vaccine will depend on their decision .
If we obtain the registration certificate from them , then we ’ ll be able to roll out production as early as January .
We also plan to conduct Phase Three of trials with the involvement of as many as 3,000 volunteers ; so we will simultaneously submit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the registration and for Phase Three of trials , '' the scientist said .
According to him , to date , no adverse effects after inoculation were detected in volunteers .
A couple of people had a slightly elevated body temperature during the first 24 hours which then subsided .
`` In general , local effects after vaccination , as a rule , disappear during one-three days , '' the director general added .
The scientist explained that the advantage of the whole-virion inactivated vaccine is that after a vast , almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines have proven their safety , causing the least amount of side effects , while the technology of their production has been worked out extensively and in detail .
`` We work with the whole virus : we separate it , culture it , then kill it , and then use it to create a vaccine .
In this situation , we think , the fullest immunity is formed , '' he added .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Production of a vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences may start next January if the registration certificate is obtained from Russia’s Healthcare Ministry, the Center’s Director General Aydar Ishmukhametov said in an interview with the Nauchnaya Rossiya/Scientific Russia web portal on Monday.
Clinical trials of the whole-virion inactivated vaccine against the coronavirus developed by the Center began this September. Phase One of trials was successfully completed, Phase Two was launched last week in Kirov and St. Petersburg.
"It is planned to complete Phase Two in early December of this year. In mid-December we will submit the paperwork to the Russian Healthcare Ministry and the future of the vaccine will depend on their decision. If we obtain the registration certificate from them, then we’ll be able to roll out production as early as January. We also plan to conduct Phase Three of trials with the involvement of as many as 3,000 volunteers; so we will simultaneously submit an inquiry to the Healthcare Ministry both for the registration and for Phase Three of trials," the scientist said.
According to him, to date, no adverse effects after inoculation were detected in volunteers. A couple of people had a slightly elevated body temperature during the first 24 hours which then subsided. "In general, local effects after vaccination, as a rule, disappear during one-three days," the director general added.
The scientist explained that the advantage of the whole-virion inactivated vaccine is that after a vast, almost a three-hundred-year period of studies, such vaccines have proven their safety, causing the least amount of side effects, while the technology of their production has been worked out extensively and in detail. "We work with the whole virus: we separate it, culture it, then kill it, and then use it to create a vaccine. In this situation, we think, the fullest immunity is formed," he added.
Russian vaccines


tass--2020-10-26--Belarusian student protests become aggressive, Education Minister says

MINSK , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Student protests become more aggressive , Belarusian Minister of Education Igor Karpenko said @ @ @ @ @ behavior towards teachers and other education employees is unacceptable .
`` Every man has their @ @ @ @ @ its aggressive imposition on others , especially in education facilities , is unacceptably .
Boorish @ @ @ @ @ employees , and attempts to destabilize the situation in educational facilities are violations of both @ @ @ @ @ .
The so-called peaceful student protests acquire blatant forms of aggression and boorishness .
Such @ @ @ @ @ implementation of all necessary legal measures , '' the Minister said , according to BelTA @ @ @

MINSK, October 26. /TASS/. Student protests become more aggressive, Belarusian Minister of Education Igor Karpenko said Monday, adding that such behavior towards teachers and other education employees is unacceptable.
"Every man has their own civil position, but its aggressive imposition on others, especially in education facilities, is unacceptably. Boorish behavior towards teachers and college employees, and attempts to destabilize the situation in educational facilities are violations of both internal regulations and the law. The so-called peaceful student protests acquire blatant forms of aggression and boorishness. Such actions will be thwarted with implementation of all necessary legal measures," the Minister said, according to BelTA news agency.


tass--2020-10-26--Georgia moves to ‘red zone’ due to COVID-19 spread, Health Ministry says

TBILISI , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Georgia has moved from orange to red zone due to the level of the spread of the coronavirus infection since for over a week more than 1,000 new daily cases of the infection have been registered in the republic , the country ’ s Health Minister Ekaterina Tikaradze said at a briefing after a meeting of the interagency anti-coronavirus coordination council led by Prime Minister of Georgia .
`` The move to the ‘ red zone ’ for us , the medical sector , signifies an even greater alert , mobilization , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stock of hospital beds , '' she noted .
From March until September , Georgia was in a green zone due to the low indicator of the spread of the infection .
From 10 to 30 new cases were recorded in the country daily .
In autumn , the epidemic situation in the country began to aggravate sharply .
For over a week , the daily growth in the republic has been surpassing 1,000 cases .
To date , 30,303 cases of the coronavirus infection have been detected in the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities .

TBILISI, October 26. /TASS/. Georgia has moved from orange to red zone due to the level of the spread of the coronavirus infection since for over a week more than 1,000 new daily cases of the infection have been registered in the republic, the country’s Health Minister Ekaterina Tikaradze said at a briefing after a meeting of the interagency anti-coronavirus coordination council led by Prime Minister of Georgia.
"The move to the ‘red zone’ for us, the medical sector, signifies an even greater alert, mobilization, and better management both of patients and of the stock of hospital beds," she noted.
From March until September, Georgia was in a green zone due to the low indicator of the spread of the infection. From 10 to 30 new cases were recorded in the country daily. In autumn, the epidemic situation in the country began to aggravate sharply. For over a week, the daily growth in the republic has been surpassing 1,000 cases. To date, 30,303 cases of the coronavirus infection have been detected in the country. Some 11,370 people have recovered with 215 fatalities.


tass--2020-10-26--Five people hospitalized with suspected anthrax in Dagestan

MAKHACHKALA , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Five people were taken to hospital in the village of Kakamakhi , Russia ’ s North Caucasian Republic of Dagestan , with suspected Siberian plague , the republic ’ s Health Ministry said on Monday .
`` Five suspected anthrax cases were registered in the village of Kakamakhi in a period from October 24 to 26 .
All the patients have been taken to hospital and placed in an isolated ward , '' the ministry said , adding that all the five are in a moderately severe condition , having skin symptoms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of Dagestan ’ s Health Minister Dzhamaludin Gadzhiibragimov , who visited the patients in the hospital on Sunday .
`` It is important to prevent the spread of the infection , '' he was quoted as saying .
`` It is important to make people pay more attention to changes in their health so that they consult a doctor in case of having any skin rashes . ''
According to the ministry , the patients are likely to have been infected while slaughtering and butchering livestock .
An epidemic probe is underway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been established .
They will be under medical supervision for eight days .
Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bacillus anthracis .
It can be found in grass-eating wild and domestic animals , such as cows and sheep , most often in the agricultural regions of Asia , Africa , South America and parts of Europe ( southern and eastern ) .
Diseased animals can spread anthrax to humans , either by direct contact ( e.g.
, inoculation of infected blood to broken skin ) or by consumption of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not spread directly from one infected animal or person to another ; it is spread by spores .
These spores can be transported by clothing or shoes .
There are effective vaccines against anthrax , and some forms of the disease respond well to antibiotic treatment .
The latest anthrax case was registered in Dagestan in October 2019 when the diagnosis was confirmed in four out of five residents of the village of Novokuli who had been hospitalized with suspected anthrax .

MAKHACHKALA, October 26. /TASS/. Five people were taken to hospital in the village of Kakamakhi, Russia’s North Caucasian Republic of Dagestan, with suspected Siberian plague, the republic’s Health Ministry said on Monday.
"Five suspected anthrax cases were registered in the village of Kakamakhi in a period from October 24 to 26. All the patients have been taken to hospital and placed in an isolated ward," the ministry said, adding that all the five are in a moderately severe condition, having skin symptoms.
The situation has been taken under personal control of Dagestan’s Health Minister Dzhamaludin Gadzhiibragimov, who visited the patients in the hospital on Sunday. "It is important to prevent the spread of the infection," he was quoted as saying. "It is important to make people pay more attention to changes in their health so that they consult a doctor in case of having any skin rashes."
According to the ministry, the patients are likely to have been infected while slaughtering and butchering livestock. An epidemic probe is underway. Fourteen contacts of the infected have been established. They will be under medical supervision for eight days.
Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by the organism Bacillus anthracis. It can be found in grass-eating wild and domestic animals, such as cows and sheep, most often in the agricultural regions of Asia, Africa, South America and parts of Europe (southern and eastern). Diseased animals can spread anthrax to humans, either by direct contact (e.g., inoculation of infected blood to broken skin) or by consumption of a diseased animal's flesh. Anthrax does not spread directly from one infected animal or person to another; it is spread by spores. These spores can be transported by clothing or shoes. There are effective vaccines against anthrax, and some forms of the disease respond well to antibiotic treatment.
The latest anthrax case was registered in Dagestan in October 2019 when the diagnosis was confirmed in four out of five residents of the village of Novokuli who had been hospitalized with suspected anthrax.


tass--2020-10-26--Russia wants Greece, Turkey to iron out their problems through dialogue, says Lavrov

ATHENS , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
All problems in relations between Greece and Turkey should be resolved through direct @ @ @ @ @ Sergey Lavrov said on Monday after talks with his Greek counterpart , Nikos Dendias , @ @ @ @ @ problems should they arise between countries must be resolve through dialogue , whatever difficult the @ @ @ @ @ between Turkey and Greece , '' he said .
`` We will be interested if @ @ @ @ @ resolved through direct dialogue . ''
Commenting on Greece ’ s plans to expand its @ @ @ @ @ top diplomat noted that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea @ @ @ @ @ the right to establish its territorial waters up to 12 miles wide .
`` Naturally @ @ @ @ @ elementary common sense and geographical specifics , '' he stressed .
`` In any case @ @ @ @ @ two or more nations overlap within this convention , a solution can be found only @ @ @ @ @ with due respect to each other ’ s interests .
`` .

ATHENS, October 26. /TASS/. All problems in relations between Greece and Turkey should be resolved through direct dialogue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday after talks with his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias, in Athens.
"Any problems should they arise between countries must be resolve through dialogue, whatever difficult the situation might be, including between Turkey and Greece," he said. "We will be interested if these problems are discussed and resolved through direct dialogue."
Commenting on Greece’s plans to expand its territorial water, the Russian top diplomat noted that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea each its signatory nation enjoys the right to establish its territorial waters up to 12 miles wide. "Naturally, based on considerations of elementary common sense and geographical specifics," he stressed. "In any case, when any plans of two or more nations overlap within this convention, a solution can be found only by means of talks, with due respect to each other’s interests.".


tass--2020-10-26--Economic recovery expected in Russia in 2H 2021, says ministry

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Economic Development Ministry projects economic recovery to pre-crisis levels in @ @ @ @ @ year , Minister Maksim Reshetnikov said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 TV news @ @ @ @ @ We expect economic recovery to pre-crisis levels in the second half of next year .
@ @ @ @ @ external factors , unfortunately , as well as sanitary and epidemiological factors , many factors @ @ @ @ @ on in neighboring countries , many ongoing discussions regarding possible and impossible sanctions against this @ @ @ @ @ is forming an alarming household and business sentiment , '' he explained .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ to revise its social and economic development outlook , Reshetnikov added .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russia’s Economic Development Ministry projects economic recovery to pre-crisis levels in the second half of next year, Minister Maksim Reshetnikov said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 TV news channel on Monday.
"We expect economic recovery to pre-crisis levels in the second half of next year. However, there are many external factors, unfortunately, as well as sanitary and epidemiological factors, many factors related to what is going on in neighboring countries, many ongoing discussions regarding possible and impossible sanctions against this or that. All that is forming an alarming household and business sentiment," he explained.
Meanwhile, the ministry sees no necessity to revise its social and economic development outlook, Reshetnikov added.


tass--2020-10-26--Algeria receives 1st batch of MiG-29 fighter aircraft from Russia, reports say

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Algerian Air Force has received the first batch of MiG-29M/MiG-29M2 fighter aircraft @ @ @ @ @ ’ s specialized web portal menadefense.net reported on Monday .
The fighters were delivered disassembled @ @ @ @ @ for their first flights at the Oran airbase , the web portal said .
The @ @ @ @ @ aircraft operational in the Algerian Air Force ’ s 193rd fighter squadron .
These aircraft @ @ @ @ @ version , the web portal said .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport ( @ @ @ @ @ corporation Rostec ) signed two contracts with Algeria on the delivery of a squadron of @ @ @ @ @ of Su-30MKA aircraft at the MAKS-2019 international air show near Moscow last year .
Rosoboronexport @ @ @ @ @ information .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The Algerian Air Force has received the first batch of MiG-29M/MiG-29M2 fighter aircraft from Russia, the country’s specialized web portal menadefense.net reported on Monday.
The fighters were delivered disassembled and are now being prepared for their first flights at the Oran airbase, the web portal said.
The MiG-29M/MiG-29M2 fighters will replace MiG-29S aircraft operational in the Algerian Air Force’s 193rd fighter squadron. These aircraft are identical to their Egyptian version, the web portal said.
Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) signed two contracts with Algeria on the delivery of a squadron of MiG-29M/MiG-29M2 fighters and a squadron of Su-30MKA aircraft at the MAKS-2019 international air show near Moscow last year.
Rosoboronexport declined to comment on this information.


tass--2020-10-26--Turkish F-16 may be used in case of external aggression against Azerbaijan — Aliyev

`` I am often asked : what do Turkish F-16s do in our country ?
I ’ m tired of answering that .
If you have satellites , then take a look , make sure that [ the planes ] are on the ground , not in the sky .
They have arrived to take part in military drills and stayed here after the war started .
Our Turkish brothers have left them here as a moral support for us .
But should an aggression take place against us from the outside , then they [ the aggressor ] will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a televised address to the nation .
According to the head of state , there are `` about five to six '' Turkish F-16 jets in Azerbaijan .
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 @ @ @

"I am often asked: what do Turkish F-16s do in our country? I’m tired of answering that. If you have satellites, then take a look, make sure that [the planes] are on the ground, not in the sky. They have arrived to take part in military drills and stayed here after the war started. Our Turkish brothers have left them here as a moral support for us. But should an aggression take place against us from the outside, then they [the aggressor] will see these F-16," Aliyev said in a televised address to the nation.
According to the head of state, there are "about five to six" Turkish F-16 jets in Azerbaijan.
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.