tass--2020-10-16--Dutch Foreign Ministry summons Russian envoy after MH17 consultations stopped

THE HAGUE , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ambassador Alexander Shulgin was summoned to the Dutch Foreign Ministry after Moscow withdrew from consultations with the Netherlands and Australia on investigation into flight MH17 ’ s crash in eastern Ukraine in 2014 .
`` The Cabinet of Ministers regrets Russia ’ s unilateral decision and stresses its determination to continue the negotiations in order to find a solution that would compensate for the huge suffering and loss caused by the crash of flight MH17 , '' Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said in a note to the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry , and this information was conveyed to him . ''
The minister added that his country `` leaves all options on table for establishing the truth , achieving justice and holding all those involved accountable . ''
Russia ’ s further participation in trilateral consultations with the Netherlands and Australia on the Malaysian Boeing that crashed over Donbass in July 2014 is pointless , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday .
The Hague is responsible for sabotaging the consultations , it said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed an intergovernmental complaint against Russia with the European Court for Human Rights ( ECHR ) .
According to the ministry , Russia agreed in 2018 to conduct trilateral consultations with Australia and the Netherlands , assuming that such consultations would , based on the facts , establish the true causes of the crash of flight MH17 .
`` However , it appears that Australia and the Netherlands have never wanted to figure out what had really happened in the summer of 2014 and were only planning to force Russia to admit its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those killed , '' the statement says .
Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 , a Boeing 777 wide-body airliner headed from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur , crashed on July 17 , 2014 , in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine , killing 298 people from 10 countries .
A Joint Investigative Team ( JIT ) was created to investigate the air disaster , which included representatives from Australia , Belgium , Malaysia , the Netherlands and Ukraine .
In June 2019 , experts claimed that they had identified a group of four people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragedy , three of whom are Russian nationals , and the fourth is a Ukrainian national .
The court hearings against them began on March 9 .
Russian officials repeatedly doubted the JIT findings , pointing out the baselessness of the plaintiffs ’ arguments and the unwillingness to use the conclusions of the Russian side during the investigation .

THE HAGUE, October 16. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador Alexander Shulgin was summoned to the Dutch Foreign Ministry after Moscow withdrew from consultations with the Netherlands and Australia on investigation into flight MH17’s crash in eastern Ukraine in 2014.
"The Cabinet of Ministers regrets Russia’s unilateral decision and stresses its determination to continue the negotiations in order to find a solution that would compensate for the huge suffering and loss caused by the crash of flight MH17," Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok said in a note to the country’s parliament. "Today we summoned the Russian ambassador to the Foreign Ministry, and this information was conveyed to him."
The minister added that his country "leaves all options on table for establishing the truth, achieving justice and holding all those involved accountable."
Russia’s further participation in trilateral consultations with the Netherlands and Australia on the Malaysian Boeing that crashed over Donbass in July 2014 is pointless, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. The Hague is responsible for sabotaging the consultations, it said. The announcement was made after The Hague filed an intergovernmental complaint against Russia with the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR).
According to the ministry, Russia agreed in 2018 to conduct trilateral consultations with Australia and the Netherlands, assuming that such consultations would, based on the facts, establish the true causes of the crash of flight MH17. "However, it appears that Australia and the Netherlands have never wanted to figure out what had really happened in the summer of 2014 and were only planning to force Russia to admit its guilt and obtain compensation for the relatives of those killed," the statement says.
Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, a Boeing 777 wide-body airliner headed from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed on July 17, 2014, in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine, killing 298 people from 10 countries. A Joint Investigative Team (JIT) was created to investigate the air disaster, which included representatives from Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine. In June 2019, experts claimed that they had identified a group of four people, suspected of having been involved in the tragedy, three of whom are Russian nationals, and the fourth is a Ukrainian national. The court hearings against them began on March 9.
Russian officials repeatedly doubted the JIT findings, pointing out the baselessness of the plaintiffs’ arguments and the unwillingness to use the conclusions of the Russian side during the investigation.


tass--2020-10-16--Armenia dismisses Baku’s accusations of plotting terror attacks

YEREVAN , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia ’ s National Security Service dismissed as `` absurd '' Azerbaijan ’ s accusations of plotting terror attacks in overcrowded public places on its territory , the Armenpress news agency reported .
`` We strongly reject the workings of Azerbaijani special services ’ fevered imagination .
Such absurd claims are not worthy of a comment , but we can suggest that , having lost control over Islamic terrorists , extremist groups and their agents , who had arrived to the territory of Azerbaijan < … > in large numbers , Baku has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advance for those negative developments , which are very likely to follow , '' the agency quoted Armenia ’ s National Security Service as saying .
Yerevan has repeatedly accused Turkey of direct involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
According to the Armenian leadership , Turkey was not only sending its military to Azerbaijan , but also redeploying mercenaries from Turkish-backed Syrian extremist groups .
At the talks , brokered by Russia and held in Moscow on October 9 , Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed a ceasefire .
It came into effect at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 for humanitarian reasons , for the exchange of detainees and recovery of war dead .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

YEREVAN, October 16. /TASS/. Armenia’s National Security Service dismissed as "absurd" Azerbaijan’s accusations of plotting terror attacks in overcrowded public places on its territory, the Armenpress news agency reported.
"We strongly reject the workings of Azerbaijani special services’ fevered imagination. Such absurd claims are not worthy of a comment, but we can suggest that, having lost control over Islamic terrorists, extremist groups and their agents, who had arrived to the territory of Azerbaijan <…> in large numbers, Baku has no other choice but to blame Armenia in advance for those negative developments, which are very likely to follow," the agency quoted Armenia’s National Security Service as saying.
Yerevan has repeatedly accused Turkey of direct involvement in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. According to the Armenian leadership, Turkey was not only sending its military to Azerbaijan, but also redeploying mercenaries from Turkish-backed Syrian extremist groups.
At the talks, brokered by Russia and held in Moscow on October 9, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed a ceasefire. It came into effect at 12.00 local time on Saturday, October 10 for humanitarian reasons, for the exchange of detainees and recovery of war dead.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict 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.


tass--2020-10-16--Trump denies owing money to banks in Russia, other states

WASHINGTON , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump denied that his family ’ s company , Trump Organization , has serious debts to banks of Russia and other countries .
`` No , I do n't owe Russia money .
It ’ s called mortgages .
I will let you know who I owe , whatever small amount it is , '' he said late on Thursday at a meeting with voters in Miami , Florida , broadcast live by NBC .
When asked whether he had debts to any foreign bank , Trump replied : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I will probably . ''
Commenting on earlier media reports that his company owed $ 421 million in debts , the US leader said : `` When you look at vast properties like I have , and they ’ re big and they ’ re beautiful and they ’ re well-located , when you look at that , the amount of money , $ 400 million , is a peanut , it ’ s extremely underleveraged . ''
`` And it ’ s leveraged with normally normal banks .
Not a big deal @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, October 16. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump denied that his family’s company, Trump Organization, has serious debts to banks of Russia and other countries.
"No, I don't owe Russia money. It’s called mortgages. I will let you know who I owe, whatever small amount it is," he said late on Thursday at a meeting with voters in Miami, Florida, broadcast live by NBC.
When asked whether he had debts to any foreign bank, Trump replied: "Not that I know of, but I will probably."
Commenting on earlier media reports that his company owed $421 million in debts, the US leader said: "When you look at vast properties like I have, and they’re big and they’re beautiful and they’re well-located, when you look at that, the amount of money, $400 million, is a peanut, it’s extremely underleveraged." "And it’s leveraged with normally normal banks. Not a big deal," Trump added.


tass--2020-10-16--Serbia expects Russian foreign minister’s visit soon — president

BELGRADE , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Serbia expects Russian Foreign Minsiter Sergey Lavrov to pay a visit to the country soon , President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters on Thursday .
`` Minister Lavrov will come to Belgrade in any case .
Serbia has kind , wonderful relations with the Russian Federation , but Serbia had assumed the European path , and Serbia is independent and free , which is I am proud of and which is respected by [ Russian President ] Vladimir Putin , [ French President ] Emmanuel Macron , [ German Chancellor ] Angela Merkel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
When asked about the previously announced visit by Putin , Vucic said that Belgrade was still waiting for a response from the Russian leader and hoped that the visit would take place despite difficulties caused by the unfavorable situation with the novel coronavirus .
The Serbian presidential press service said earlier that Putin was expected to visit Belgrade in October .
Vucic invited Putin to visit Serbia at their meeting in Russia ’ s Black Sea resort of Sochi on December 4 , 2019 .
The Serbian authorities said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attend the consecration ceremony of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade in October .
The Kremin administration has never confirmed the date of the visit .
Earlier , a number of pro-Western Serbian media reported that Putin ’ s visit to Belgrade was cancelled due to Serbia ’ s rapprochement with the United States .
Russia ’ s Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko strongly rejected those claims .

BELGRADE, October 16. /TASS/. Serbia expects Russian Foreign Minsiter Sergey Lavrov to pay a visit to the country soon, President Aleksandar Vucic told reporters on Thursday.
"Minister Lavrov will come to Belgrade in any case. Serbia has kind, wonderful relations with the Russian Federation, but Serbia had assumed the European path, and Serbia is independent and free, which is I am proud of and which is respected by [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, [French President] Emmanuel Macron, [German Chancellor] Angela Merkel and [Chinese President] Xi Jinping," he said.
When asked about the previously announced visit by Putin, Vucic said that Belgrade was still waiting for a response from the Russian leader and hoped that the visit would take place despite difficulties caused by the unfavorable situation with the novel coronavirus.
The Serbian presidential press service said earlier that Putin was expected to visit Belgrade in October. Vucic invited Putin to visit Serbia at their meeting in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi on December 4, 2019. The Serbian authorities said later that they expected the Russian leader to attend the consecration ceremony of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade in October. The Kremin administration has never confirmed the date of the visit.
Earlier, a number of pro-Western Serbian media reported that Putin’s visit to Belgrade was cancelled due to Serbia’s rapprochement with the United States. Russia’s Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko strongly rejected those claims.


tass--2020-10-16--Russia prioritizes unconditional extension of New START — ambassador

WASHINGTON , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia prioritizes the unconditional extension of New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) , Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said during a session of the US-Russia Business Council .
His address was published on the embassy ’ s Facebook .
`` We need to remember that strategic issues have always been the cornerstone of our relations under any circumstances .
We hope that the United States will carry out a policy that does not seek military advantage over Russia .
Our primary aim is to extend START Treaty immediately without any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian president Vladimir Putin in December , 2019 , '' he said .
`` In his pre-recorded video address to the 75th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly on September 22 , 2020 president Putin reiterated that extension of the Russia-US Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is the issue of primary importance that should and must be promptly dealt with , '' the ambassador added .
When asked about the prospects of the treaty ’ s extension , the ambassador stressed : `` We are concerned about the deep crisis of confidence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The primary shared interest for Russia , the United States and the entire world is to maintain strategic stability , prevent an arms race and reduce the risk of military incidents . ''
`` With the erosion of the architecture of international security that was shaping during for the past 50 years and served to prevent the cold war from turning into a hot one , it is particularly important to maintain the regime of transparency and confidence-building measures in strategic areas in accordance with the New START Treaty , '' Antonov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our teams have started dialogue on strategic stability .
We have had a few rounds of consultations in Vienna .
These consultations have been practical , useful , aimed at a compromise , '' the diplomat pointed out .
`` The Russian side looks forward to further progress of the talks .
But the potential result could be very sensitive and delicate . ''
`` In order to meet the interests of the USA and the Russian Federation , there should be no place for any attempts to get significant unilateral advantages in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not single out just one problem and forget about the necessity to find a compromise on all key factors of strategic stability , '' Antonov noted .
`` We need a stability formula with equal rights and obligations .
Russia ’ s main concerns are global missile defense system , the development of non-nuclear strategic offensive weapons within the framework of the concept of a global strike , the growing threats of weapons deployed in space , quantitative and qualitative imbalances in conventional weapons in Europe and so on , '' the ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue intensive consultations to find solutions to these key factors of strategic stability , '' he concluded .
Russia thinks that if New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) is not preserved , a period of unpredictability will follow , and the risk of nuclear weapons being used will be greater , Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said during a session of the US-Russia Business Council .
The Russian ambassador deemed New START `` the latest agreement to limit the two largest nuclear arsenals in the world , '' noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very disturbing , but very real prospect . ''
`` Without preserving the Treaty , a period of unpredictability will begin in 2021 .
With the weakening of transparency measures and the reduction of communication channels , the mutual understanding of our countries regarding each other 's strategic nuclear arsenals will be significantly reduced .
The risk of accidental or unintentional use of nuclear weapons will increase , as will the likelihood that a crisis situation could quickly escalate into a nuclear conflict , '' he said in a speech published on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let me remind you that we did our best to avoid such a scenario .
We continue to conduct a dialogue with the American side on a wide range of arms control issues , in which the fate of the New START Treaty is a priority , '' the diplomat stressed .
`` Whatever the outcome of these efforts , Russia is ready for any development of events .
We have the necessary potential to ensure national security .
Without getting involved in a costly race of nuclear missile arms , we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foundations of strategic stability and international security , '' he said .
The Russian-US New START treaty took effect in 2011 .
Under its terms , either party shall reduce its strategic offensive arms in such a way that by the end of a seven-year period following the moment the treaty takes effect , it should have no more than 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles , submarine-launched missiles and heavy bombers , 1,550 warheads for them and 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM and SLBM ( submarine launched ballistic missiles ) launchers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in effect for ten years ( up to 2021 ) unless it is replaced by another agreement by that moment , or it can be prolonged for no more than five years ( until 2026 ) by mutual consent .
Lately , Moscow repeatedly urged Washington to avoid delays in prolonging that treaty , which it described as a gold standard in the field of disarmament .
Earlier , Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Financial Times newspaper that if New START ceases to exist , there will be nothing stopping the next @ @ @

WASHINGTON, October 15. /TASS/. Russia prioritizes the unconditional extension of New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said during a session of the US-Russia Business Council. His address was published on the embassy’s Facebook.
"We need to remember that strategic issues have always been the cornerstone of our relations under any circumstances. We hope that the United States will carry out a policy that does not seek military advantage over Russia. Our primary aim is to extend START Treaty immediately without any preconditions. Such proposal was made by Russian president Vladimir Putin in December, 2019," he said.
"In his pre-recorded video address to the 75th anniversary session of the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2020 president Putin reiterated that extension of the Russia-US Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is the issue of primary importance that should and must be promptly dealt with," the ambassador added.
A deep crisis of confidence
When asked about the prospects of the treaty’s extension, the ambassador stressed: "We are concerned about the deep crisis of confidence in relations between the two leading nuclear powers. The primary shared interest for Russia, the United States and the entire world is to maintain strategic stability, prevent an arms race and reduce the risk of military incidents."
"With the erosion of the architecture of international security that was shaping during for the past 50 years and served to prevent the cold war from turning into a hot one, it is particularly important to maintain the regime of transparency and confidence-building measures in strategic areas in accordance with the New START Treaty," Antonov added.
"We are satisfied that our teams have started dialogue on strategic stability. We have had a few rounds of consultations in Vienna. These consultations have been practical, useful, aimed at a compromise," the diplomat pointed out. "The Russian side looks forward to further progress of the talks. But the potential result could be very sensitive and delicate."
"In order to meet the interests of the USA and the Russian Federation, there should be no place for any attempts to get significant unilateral advantages in the military political sphere. We cannot single out just one problem and forget about the necessity to find a compromise on all key factors of strategic stability," Antonov noted.
"We need a stability formula with equal rights and obligations. Russia’s main concerns are global missile defense system, the development of non-nuclear strategic offensive weapons within the framework of the concept of a global strike, the growing threats of weapons deployed in space, quantitative and qualitative imbalances in conventional weapons in Europe and so on," the ambassador continued.
"We are ready to continue intensive consultations to find solutions to these key factors of strategic stability," he concluded.
A period of instability
Russia thinks that if New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is not preserved, a period of unpredictability will follow, and the risk of nuclear weapons being used will be greater, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said during a session of the US-Russia Business Council.
The Russian ambassador deemed New START "the latest agreement to limit the two largest nuclear arsenals in the world," noting that its potential termination "is indeed a very disturbing, but very real prospect."
"Without preserving the Treaty, a period of unpredictability will begin in 2021. With the weakening of transparency measures and the reduction of communication channels, the mutual understanding of our countries regarding each other's strategic nuclear arsenals will be significantly reduced. The risk of accidental or unintentional use of nuclear weapons will increase, as will the likelihood that a crisis situation could quickly escalate into a nuclear conflict," he said in a speech published on the embassy’s Facebook account.
"Let me remind you that we did our best to avoid such a scenario. We continue to conduct a dialogue with the American side on a wide range of arms control issues, in which the fate of the New START Treaty is a priority," the diplomat stressed.
"Whatever the outcome of these efforts, Russia is ready for any development of events. We have the necessary potential to ensure national security. Without getting involved in a costly race of nuclear missile arms, we will continue to search for ways to preserve the foundations of strategic stability and international security," he said.
About New START
The Russian-US New START treaty took effect in 2011. Under its terms, either party shall reduce its strategic offensive arms in such a way that by the end of a seven-year period following the moment the treaty takes effect, it should have no more than 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched missiles and heavy bombers, 1,550 warheads for them and 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM and SLBM (submarine launched ballistic missiles) launchers and heavy bombers.
The treaty shall stay in effect for ten years (up to 2021) unless it is replaced by another agreement by that moment, or it can be prolonged for no more than five years (until 2026) by mutual consent. Lately, Moscow repeatedly urged Washington to avoid delays in prolonging that treaty, which it described as a gold standard in the field of disarmament.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Financial Times newspaper that if New START ceases to exist, there will be nothing stopping the next arms race.


tass--2020-10-15--Hainan to boost strategic cooperation to develop nuclear energy

HAIKOU , October 15 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities plan to boost the development of nuclear energy by strengthening strategic ties .
According to the island administration , in this regard , an agreement was recently signed to deepen comprehensive cooperation with the China National Nuclear Corporation ( CNNC ) .
According to the Hainan government 's official WeChat page , the talks were held this week with the participation of Governor Shen Xiaoming and CNNC Chairman Yu Jianfeng .
They discussed mainly measures to accelerate work on the second stage of construction of the Changjiang nuclear power plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the island .
In addition , the parties discussed the prospects for the construction of small multifunctional modular reactors .
`` The party committee and the government of Hainan will consistently develop nuclear energy , < ... > therefore , we are interested in long-term cooperation and strengthening strategic contacts with your corporation , '' Shen Xiaoming said .
According to the official , the provincial leadership values the partnership with CNNC as it contributes to the social and economic development of Hainan 's free Trade Port .
According to Yu Jianfeng , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Hainan not only in energy , but also in the field of radioisotope medicine .
According to the signed agreement , the parties are implementing a number of major energy projects , including the creation of a network of filling stations for electric vehicles .
What is more , they plan to join forces to implement a program to promote eco-friendly vehicles in China .
According to the China Atomic Energy Authority , 47 reactors are operating in China , the total annual capacity of which exceeds 48,750 MW .
In 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electricity , which is 26 % higher than the year before .

HAIKOU, October 15. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities plan to boost the development of nuclear energy by strengthening strategic ties. According to the island administration, in this regard, an agreement was recently signed to deepen comprehensive cooperation with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).
According to the Hainan government's official WeChat page, the talks were held this week with the participation of Governor Shen Xiaoming and CNNC Chairman Yu Jianfeng. They discussed mainly measures to accelerate work on the second stage of construction of the Changjiang nuclear power plant, located on the western coast of the island. In addition, the parties discussed the prospects for the construction of small multifunctional modular reactors.
"The party committee and the government of Hainan will consistently develop nuclear energy, <...> therefore, we are interested in long-term cooperation and strengthening strategic contacts with your corporation," Shen Xiaoming said. According to the official, the provincial leadership values the partnership with CNNC as it contributes to the social and economic development of Hainan's free Trade Port.
According to Yu Jianfeng, the corporation he heads hopes to cooperate with Hainan not only in energy, but also in the field of radioisotope medicine.
According to the signed agreement, the parties are implementing a number of major energy projects, including the creation of a network of filling stations for electric vehicles. What is more, they plan to join forces to implement a program to promote eco-friendly vehicles in China.
According to the China Atomic Energy Authority, 47 reactors are operating in China, the total annual capacity of which exceeds 48,750 MW. In 2019, Hainan generated 9.72 billion kWh of electricity, which is 26% higher than the year before.


tass--2020-10-17--Four people detained in wake of terrorist attack in France - agency

PARIS , October 17 .
/TASS/ .
The French police have detained four people , including an underage person , in relation to the knife attack on a teacher in the Paris area , AFP news agency informed , citing a source in the judicial bodies .
According to the source , all those detained were placed into custody .
They are relatives of the attacker who was shot by the police at the scene of the crime .
On Friday afternoon , at about 17.00 Paris time , a teacher was attacked outside the school in Conflans Sainte-Honorine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ knife .
The assailant tried to threaten police officers who arrived at the scene but was shot dead .
Controversial information is immediately available about the attacker .
It was earlier reported that the suspect was a 18-year-old foreign citizen of Chechen descent .
He was allegedly born in Moscow , but lived in France .
It is still unclear whether he had been brought to the attention of law enforcement agencies before .
The Russian Embassy in Paris informed TASS earlier that Russian diplomats had requested information about the attacker from French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teacher ’ s last class on the freedom of expression could have triggered the attack as he was showing caricatures of Prophet Muhammad to his students then .

PARIS, October 17. /TASS/. The French police have detained four people, including an underage person, in relation to the knife attack on a teacher in the Paris area, AFP news agency informed, citing a source in the judicial bodies.
According to the source, all those detained were placed into custody. They are relatives of the attacker who was shot by the police at the scene of the crime.
On Friday afternoon, at about 17.00 Paris time, a teacher was attacked outside the school in Conflans Sainte-Honorine. His throat was slit with a kitchen knife. The assailant tried to threaten police officers who arrived at the scene but was shot dead.
Controversial information is immediately available about the attacker. It was earlier reported that the suspect was a 18-year-old foreign citizen of Chechen descent. He was allegedly born in Moscow, but lived in France. It is still unclear whether he had been brought to the attention of law enforcement agencies before.
The Russian Embassy in Paris informed TASS earlier that Russian diplomats had requested information about the attacker from French authorities.
The investigators said that the teacher’s last class on the freedom of expression could have triggered the attack as he was showing caricatures of Prophet Muhammad to his students then.


tass--2020-10-17--Baku disproves reports of two downed Azerbaijani drones by Armenia

BAKU , October 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has disproved reports of the Armenian side claiming that two Azerbaijani drones had been destroyed while flying over Armenia .
`` The reports of two Azerbaijani drones downed in the sky over Armenia are a groundless lie , '' the ministry informed .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, October 17. /TASS/. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has disproved reports of the Armenian side claiming that two Azerbaijani drones had been destroyed while flying over Armenia.
"The reports of two Azerbaijani drones downed in the sky over Armenia are a groundless lie," the ministry informed.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-17--Armenia downs two Azerbaijani drones - defense ministry

YEREVAN , October 17 .
/TASS/ .
The Armenian Defense Ministry has informed that the country ’ s armed forces have downed two Azerbaijani drones flying over Armenian territory , Armenian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan wrote on Facebook on Friday .
`` Armenian air defense units have downed two drones of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the air space of the country , '' Stepanyan wrote .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 17. /TASS/. The Armenian Defense Ministry has informed that the country’s armed forces have downed two Azerbaijani drones flying over Armenian territory, Armenian Defense Ministry Spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan wrote on Facebook on Friday.
"Armenian air defense units have downed two drones of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the air space of the country," Stepanyan wrote.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-17--One gunman killed during special operation in Russia’s Nazran - source

MAGAS , October 17 .
/TASS/ .
One gunman has been killed during a special operation of the Russian Federal @ @ @ @ @ in Nazran , a source in the law enforcement informed TASS on Saturday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ special operation , one gunman has been eliminated , '' the source informed , adding @ @ @ @ @ of Ingushetia .
Earlier , it was reported that several gunmen had been blocked in @ @ @ @ @ and that an area of the city had been cordoned off by the law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ confirmation of this information so far .

MAGAS, October 17. /TASS/. One gunman has been killed during a special operation of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) in Nazran, a source in the law enforcement informed TASS on Saturday.
"As a result of the special operation, one gunman has been eliminated," the source informed, adding that he was a national of Ingushetia.
Earlier, it was reported that several gunmen had been blocked in Russia’s Nazran, and that an area of the city had been cordoned off by the law enforcement. TASS has no official confirmation of this information so far.


tass--2020-10-17--Russian embassy asks France for information about knife attacker

PARIS , October 17 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s embassy to Paris has asked the French authorities for information on the man who killed a teacher in a Paris suburb on Friday evening , Sergei Parinov , a spokesman for the Russian embassy , told TASS .
`` As of now , we have no information about the citizenship of the suspect in the crime , '' the diplomat said .
`` We have submitted relevant requests to profile French agencies . ''
It was reported in recent hours that an 18-year-old foreign citizen of Chechen descent committed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north-west of Paris .
On Friday afternoon , at about 17.00 Paris time , a teacher was attacked outside the school in Conflans Sainte-Honorine .
His throat was slit with a kitchen knife .
The assailant tried to threaten police officers who arrived at the scene but was shot dead .
Controversial information is immediately available about the attacker .
It was earlier reported that the suspect is a 48-year-old man of Algerian descent , but later he was said to be an 18-year-old foreign citizen of Chechen descent .
It is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attention of law enforcement agencies before .
According to police , the attacker was armed with a knife , but a rifle was also found by his side .
A bomb squad did not find explosives on his body .
France ’ s anti-terror prosecutor is investigating the attack .
The investigators said that the teacher ’ s last class on the freedom of expression could have triggered the attack as he was showing caricatures of Prophet Muhammad to his students then .

PARIS, October 17. /TASS/. Russia’s embassy to Paris has asked the French authorities for information on the man who killed a teacher in a Paris suburb on Friday evening, Sergei Parinov, a spokesman for the Russian embassy, told TASS.
"As of now, we have no information about the citizenship of the suspect in the crime," the diplomat said. "We have submitted relevant requests to profile French agencies."
It was reported in recent hours that an 18-year-old foreign citizen of Chechen descent committed the attack in Conflans Sainte-Honorine, a suburb north-west of Paris.
On Friday afternoon, at about 17.00 Paris time, a teacher was attacked outside the school in Conflans Sainte-Honorine. His throat was slit with a kitchen knife. The assailant tried to threaten police officers who arrived at the scene but was shot dead.
Controversial information is immediately available about the attacker. It was earlier reported that the suspect is a 48-year-old man of Algerian descent, but later he was said to be an 18-year-old foreign citizen of Chechen descent. It is still unclear whether he had been brought to the attention of law enforcement agencies before.
According to police, the attacker was armed with a knife, but a rifle was also found by his side. A bomb squad did not find explosives on his body. France’s anti-terror prosecutor is investigating the attack.
The investigators said that the teacher’s last class on the freedom of expression could have triggered the attack as he was showing caricatures of Prophet Muhammad to his students then.


tass--2020-10-16--Coronavirus death toll in Moscow exceeds 5,900 - crisis center

MOSCOW , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Fifty-six more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 5,900 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 5,906 .
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 around 353,000 coronavirus cases , with more than 270,200 patients having @ @ @ @ @ 1,369,313 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,056,582 patients having recovered from @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. Fifty-six more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 5,900, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Fifty-six coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 5,906.
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 October 16, Moscow has reported around 353,000 coronavirus cases, with more than 270,200 patients having recovered.
To date, 1,369,313 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,056,582 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-16--US warns Turkey about serious consequences if it operationalizes Russian S400 systems

WASHINGTON , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
The United States hopes Turkey will not operationalize Russian S-400 missile systems , otherwise it will face serious consequences in the area of security relations , US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told TASS on Friday .
`` The United States has been clear on our expectation that the S-400 system should not be operationalized .
We have also been clear on the potential serious consequences for our security relationship if Turkey activates the system , '' she said .
According to the spokesperson , the United States `` would condemn in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' if reports about such tests are verified , as such test launch is `` incompatible with Turkey ’ s responsibilities as a NATO Ally and strategic partner of the United States . ''
`` We are aware of these reports [ about the test launch ] .
The United States has expressed to the Government of Turkey , at the most senior levels , that the acquisition of Russian military systems such as the S-400 is unacceptable . ''
She added .
A military diplomatic source told TASS earlier on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air defense systems for the first time during drills near the town of Sinop in the country ’ s north .
The Turkish Navy ’ s Office of Oceanography reported on October 14 that Ankara planned to hold firings during drills on October 16-17 .
The news agency Reuters reported on Friday that missile launches had been conducted during the drills .
Russia said in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 bln contract for supplies of its S-400 missile systems with Turkey .
The first batch under the contract was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 2019 .
The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side .
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia .
Turkey ’ s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States and NATO as a whole , with the United States never stopping to press Turkey to give up its plans to by the Russian missile systems .
As Turkey has not yielded to the pressure , Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber .
The United States is also threatening Turkey with unilateral sanctions over the purchase of S-400 air defense systems but is in no hurry to take these steps out of fear of further worsening relations with a major NATO ally while Ankara has warned it will not leave such restrictions unanswered .
Russia ’ s S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ ( NATO reporting name : SA-21 Growler ) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming .

WASHINGTON, October 16. /TASS/. The United States hopes Turkey will not operationalize Russian S-400 missile systems, otherwise it will face serious consequences in the area of security relations, US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told TASS on Friday.
"The United States has been clear on our expectation that the S-400 system should not be operationalized. We have also been clear on the potential serious consequences for our security relationship if Turkey activates the system," she said.
According to the spokesperson, the United States "would condemn in the strongest terms the S-400 test missile launch," if reports about such tests are verified, as such test launch is "incompatible with Turkey’s responsibilities as a NATO Ally and strategic partner of the United States."
"We are aware of these reports [about the test launch]. The United States has expressed to the Government of Turkey, at the most senior levels, that the acquisition of Russian military systems such as the S-400 is unacceptable." She added.
A military diplomatic source told TASS earlier on Friday that Turkey had tested the Russian-made S-400 air defense systems for the first time during drills near the town of Sinop in the country’s north.
Russia’s state arms trader Rosobornexport refrained from comments.
The Turkish Navy’s Office of Oceanography reported on October 14 that Ankara planned to hold firings during drills on October 16-17. The news agency Reuters reported on Friday that missile launches had been conducted during the drills.
Russia said in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 bln contract for supplies of its S-400 missile systems with Turkey. The first batch under the contract was delivered to Ankara by air transport in July 2019. The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side.
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia. Turkey’s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a sharply negative reaction from the United States and NATO as a whole, with the United States never stopping to press Turkey to give up its plans to by the Russian missile systems. As Turkey has not yielded to the pressure, Washington has excluded Ankara from the US program of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber.
The United States is also threatening Turkey with unilateral sanctions over the purchase of S-400 air defense systems but is in no hurry to take these steps out of fear of further worsening relations with a major NATO ally while Ankara has warned it will not leave such restrictions unanswered.
Russia’s S-400 ‘Triumf’ (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming.


tass--2020-10-16--US national security advisor says Putin’s initiative on New START extension is non-starter

WASHINGTON , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s initiative to extend the New START Treaty unconditionally for one year without freezing nuclear warheads is seen as a non-starter , US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said in a written message to TASS on Friday .
`` President Putin ’ s response today to extend New START without freezing nuclear warheads is a non-starter .
The United States is serious about arms control that will keep the entire world safe .
We hope that Russia will reevaluate its position before a costly arms race ensues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his country `` proposed an extension of New START for one year , in exchange for Russia and the United States capping all nuclear warheads during that period . ''
`` This would have been a win for both sides , and we believed the Russians were willing to accept this proposal when I met with my counterpart [ Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev ] in Geneva , '' he added .
Earlier in the day , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend the treaty unconditionally for at least one year `` to have a possibility to hold meaningful talks on all the parameters of the problems that are regulated by such treaties . ''
He asked Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to try to receive `` any clear answer '' from the United States the soonest possible .
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( the New START Treaty ) was signed in 2010 and entered into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBM ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBM ) and strategic bombers , as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs , deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers , and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers , SLBM launchers and strategic bombers .
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years , until 2021 , unless it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms .
It can also be extended for no longer than 5 years ( that is , until 2026 ) upon the parties ’ mutual consent .
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington not to delay prolongation of the treaty it describes as the gold standards in the area of disarmament .
In an interview with the Financial Times in late June 2019 Russian President Vladimir Putin said that once this treaty ceased to exist , `` then there would be no instrument in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` .

WASHINGTON, October 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative to extend the New START Treaty unconditionally for one year without freezing nuclear warheads is seen as a non-starter, US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said in a written message to TASS on Friday.
"President Putin’s response today to extend New START without freezing nuclear warheads is a non-starter. The United States is serious about arms control that will keep the entire world safe. We hope that Russia will reevaluate its position before a costly arms race ensues," he stated.
He recalled that his country "proposed an extension of New START for one year, in exchange for Russia and the United States capping all nuclear warheads during that period." "This would have been a win for both sides, and we believed the Russians were willing to accept this proposal when I met with my counterpart [Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev] in Geneva," he added.
Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with permanent members of the Russian Security Council that it would be right to extend the treaty unconditionally for at least one year "to have a possibility to hold meaningful talks on all the parameters of the problems that are regulated by such treaties." He asked Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to try to receive "any clear answer" from the United States the soonest possible.
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the New START Treaty) was signed in 2010 and entered into force on February 5, 2011. The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and strategic bombers, as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers, and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers and strategic bombers.
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years, until 2021, unless it is replaced before that date by a subsequent agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms. It can also be extended for no longer than 5 years (that is, until 2026) upon the parties’ mutual consent.
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington not to delay prolongation of the treaty it describes as the gold standards in the area of disarmament.
In an interview with the Financial Times in late June 2019 Russian President Vladimir Putin said that once this treaty ceased to exist, "then there would be no instrument in the world to curtail the arms race.".


tass--2020-10-16--Azerbaijani president says Nagorno-Karabakh settlement impossible without Turkey

BAKU , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Friday he doesn ’ t think political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be possible without Turkey ’ s participation .
`` Should Turkey be a co-chair [ of the OSCE Minsk Group ] , this matter might have been settled long ago .
That is why we are saying that this issue will not be settled without Turkey .
I don ’ t mean to say that the Minsk Group ’ s place is in history , no .
Let them go on working , although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 30 years .
But it is not right to keep Turkey aloof from this process .
And it is impossible either , '' he said in an interview with Turkey ’ A Haber television channel .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among them civilians .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, October 16. /TASS/. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Friday he doesn’t think political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be possible without Turkey’s participation.
"Should Turkey be a co-chair [of the OSCE Minsk Group], this matter might have been settled long ago. That is why we are saying that this issue will not be settled without Turkey. I don’t mean to say that the Minsk Group’s place is in history, no. Let them go on working, although they have reached no result over the past 30 years. But it is not right to keep Turkey aloof from this process. And it is impossible either," he said in an interview with Turkey’ A Haber television channel.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict 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--2020-10-16--No political persecution to take place in Kyrgyzstan, National Security head says

BISHKEK , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
The new authorities of Kyrgyzstan will not engage in political persecution , including persecution of former president Almazbek Atambayev , head of State Committee for National Security Kamchybek Tashiyev said Friday .
`` There will be no political persecution .
Every person , every politician have a right to express their dissent , their position and enforce their agenda within the law , '' Tashiyev said .
He underscored that `` there is no goal , no air to persecute , to finish '' Atambayev .
`` If there are crimes [ committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolved in accordance with the law , '' the National Security head said .
The official also underscored that the recent case of shooting at Atambayev must be investigated .
`` [ Cases ] of carrying and shooing in public places must be investigated , regardless of whether it is Atambayev , Tashiyev , [ ex-president Sooronbay ] Jeenbekov , [ acting president Sadyr ] Japarov , there is no difference , '' Tashiyev said , adding that `` the man who fired a weapon in a public place must be found , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be determined . ''
Meanwhile , the new State Security head addressed everyone `` who previously engaged in any corruption scheme '' , warning them that `` there will be no remorse for anyone . ''
On Friday , Japarov appointed Tashiyev as the new National Security head .
On October 9 , rallies in support of Atambayev took place in Bishkek .
Speaking before the audience , he called the recent events the `` third revolution '' and made several lunges at ex-president Sooronbay Jeenbekov , demanding new presidential elections .
Eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were confronted by attendees of a different rally , who support then-Prime Minister Japarov .
A clash took place , shots were fired , and several people were injured .
A video was uploaded online later , showing bullet marks on Atambayev ’ s car .

BISHKEK, October 16. /TASS/. The new authorities of Kyrgyzstan will not engage in political persecution, including persecution of former president Almazbek Atambayev, head of State Committee for National Security Kamchybek Tashiyev said Friday.
"There will be no political persecution. Every person, every politician have a right to express their dissent, their position and enforce their agenda within the law," Tashiyev said.
He underscored that "there is no goal, no air to persecute, to finish" Atambayev.
"If there are crimes [committed by Atambayev], they will be resolved in accordance with the law," the National Security head said.
The official also underscored that the recent case of shooting at Atambayev must be investigated.
"[Cases] of carrying and shooing in public places must be investigated, regardless of whether it is Atambayev, Tashiyev, [ex-president Sooronbay] Jeenbekov, [acting president Sadyr] Japarov, there is no difference," Tashiyev said, adding that "the man who fired a weapon in a public place must be found, and the legality of his action must be determined."
Meanwhile, the new State Security head addressed everyone "who previously engaged in any corruption scheme", warning them that "there will be no remorse for anyone."
On Friday, Japarov appointed Tashiyev as the new National Security head.
On October 9, rallies in support of Atambayev took place in Bishkek. Speaking before the audience, he called the recent events the "third revolution" and made several lunges at ex-president Sooronbay Jeenbekov, demanding new presidential elections. Eventually, the supporters for the former president were confronted by attendees of a different rally, who support then-Prime Minister Japarov. A clash took place, shots were fired, and several people were injured. A video was uploaded online later, showing bullet marks on Atambayev’s car.


tass--2020-10-16--Russian woman poisoned with arsenic, lead, cadmium in restaurant in Cuba

MOSCOW , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow detectives have launched an attempted murder investigation after a 53-year-old Russian woman @ @ @ @ @ lead and cadmium in a restaurant in Cuba , a law enforcement source told TASS @ @ @ @ @ poison a 53-year-old Russian woman by adding arsenic , lead and cadmium to black cumin @ @ @ @ @ Nazdorovie restaurant in Havana , '' the source said .
In the meantime , a @ @ @ @ @ explained that the oil was not prepared in the restaurant .
The perpetrator had mixed @ @ @ @ @ in a rented house and was carrying it on him everywhere .
`` The oil @ @ @ @ @ .
That person brought it with him , '' the source said .
Moreover , @ @ @ @ @ that the woman would come to that restaurant and that she regularly adds black cumin @ @ @ @ @ The woman survived the poisoning attack , but consequently developed cancer .
Moscow investigators opened @ @ @ @ @ attempted murder .

MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. Moscow detectives have launched an attempted murder investigation after a 53-year-old Russian woman was poisoned with arsenic, lead and cadmium in a restaurant in Cuba, a law enforcement source told TASS.
"An attempt to poison a 53-year-old Russian woman by adding arsenic, lead and cadmium to black cumin oil was made in the Nazdorovie restaurant in Havana," the source said.
In the meantime, a source close to the victim explained that the oil was not prepared in the restaurant. The perpetrator had mixed the oil with poisonous substances in a rented house and was carrying it on him everywhere.
"The oil was not from the restaurant. That person brought it with him," the source said.
Moreover, the man knew for sure that the woman would come to that restaurant and that she regularly adds black cumin oil to her food.
The woman survived the poisoning attack, but consequently developed cancer. Moscow investigators opened a criminal case investigating an attempted murder.


tass--2020-10-16--Russian Navy coastal defense system strikes target with cruise missile in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
The combat team of a Bastion coastal defense missile system struck a sea target by an Oniks cruise missile from the military base on the Franz Josef Land archipelago in the Arctic during drills , the Northern Fleet ’ s press office reported on Friday .
`` Today the personnel of the Bastion coastal defense missile system of the Northern Fleet ’ s tactical group stationed at the Arctic Trefoil military base on the Alexandra Land Island of the Franz Josef Land archipelago fired a cruise missile against a naval target .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vessel installed in the Barents Sea at a distance of about 200 km from the launch site .
The target was successfully struck by an Oniks anti-ship cruise missile , '' the press office said in a statement .
The missile firings from the coastal defense missile system deployed on the Alexandra Land Island were performed for the first time as part of the Northern Fleet ’ s planned combat and operational training measures for the summer training period .
The ships and vessels of the Northern Fleet ’ s Arctic grouping accomplishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Franz Josef Land archipelago provided security of the firings and closed the sea area for the time of the exercise , the statement says .
In the past years , the Northern Fleet conducted similar firings from Bastion coastal defense systems deployed on the Kotelny Island , the press office said .
The Bastion coastal defense system with the standardized Yakhont ( Oniks ) supersonic homing anti-ship cruise missile is designated to strike various types of surface ships operating as part of amphibious assault formations , convoys , surface action and carrier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and radar-contrast land targets under intensive fire and electronic counter-measures .
The Bastion is one of the carriers of the Oniks missile , which along with the Kalibr and Kh-35 ‘ Uran ’ missile systems and the breakthrough Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missile is the Russian Navy ’ s basic anti-ship weapon .

MURMANSK, October 16. /TASS/. The combat team of a Bastion coastal defense missile system struck a sea target by an Oniks cruise missile from the military base on the Franz Josef Land archipelago in the Arctic during drills, the Northern Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
"Today the personnel of the Bastion coastal defense missile system of the Northern Fleet’s tactical group stationed at the Arctic Trefoil military base on the Alexandra Land Island of the Franz Josef Land archipelago fired a cruise missile against a naval target. The missile fire was delivered against a target vessel installed in the Barents Sea at a distance of about 200 km from the launch site. The target was successfully struck by an Oniks anti-ship cruise missile," the press office said in a statement.
The missile firings from the coastal defense missile system deployed on the Alexandra Land Island were performed for the first time as part of the Northern Fleet’s planned combat and operational training measures for the summer training period. The ships and vessels of the Northern Fleet’s Arctic grouping accomplishing deployment missions in the Barents Sea near the Franz Josef Land archipelago provided security of the firings and closed the sea area for the time of the exercise, the statement says.
In the past years, the Northern Fleet conducted similar firings from Bastion coastal defense systems deployed on the Kotelny Island, the press office said.
The Bastion coastal defense system with the standardized Yakhont (Oniks) supersonic homing anti-ship cruise missile is designated to strike various types of surface ships operating as part of amphibious assault formations, convoys, surface action and carrier strike groups, and also sole ships and radar-contrast land targets under intensive fire and electronic counter-measures.
The Bastion is one of the carriers of the Oniks missile, which along with the Kalibr and Kh-35 ‘Uran’ missile systems and the breakthrough Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missile is the Russian Navy’s basic anti-ship weapon.


tass--2020-10-16--Anti-coronavirus capacity utilization of companies is 50-80% at present, says minister

GELENDZHIK , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Enterprises manufacturing products against the coronavirus are currently utilizing their capacities by 50-80 @ @ @ @ @ Industry Denis Manturov says on Friday .
`` Enterprises are not working in ‘ full @ @ @ @ @ demand-driven , and utilize their capacity by 50 % or by 80 % for some @ @ @ @ @ even this is enough to cover the domestic market with a surplus and even make @ @ @ @ @ said .
The government has earlier introduced a temporary ban on export of non-woven materials @ @ @ @ @ personal protective equipment , masks and coveralls from the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union @ @ @ @ @ against ‘ resource scarcity , ’ the Minister said .
Such ban is lifted now @ @ @ @ @ , Manturov noted .
The Russian pharmaceutical industry also produces 15 of 21 drugs recommended @ @ @ @ @ in sufficient volumes , he added .

GELENDZHIK, October 16. /TASS/. Enterprises manufacturing products against the coronavirus are currently utilizing their capacities by 50-80%, Russian Minister of Industry Denis Manturov says on Friday.
"Enterprises are not working in ‘full swing’ now, being demand-driven, and utilize their capacity by 50% or by 80% for some of them. However, even this is enough to cover the domestic market with a surplus and even make export supplies," Manturov said.
The government has earlier introduced a temporary ban on export of non-woven materials and for individual kinds of personal protective equipment, masks and coveralls from the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union in order to be protected against ‘resource scarcity,’ the Minister said. Such ban is lifted now because it is not required, Manturov noted.
The Russian pharmaceutical industry also produces 15 of 21 drugs recommended for coronavirus prophylaxis and treatment in sufficient volumes, he added.


tass--2020-10-16--Rostec to supply 12,000 lung ventilators in 2020

GELENDZHIK , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Rostec will supply 12,000 lung ventilators for Russian clinics in 2020 , chief @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Chemezov says on Friday .
`` We are producing up to 3,000 devices .
@ @ @ @ @ lung ventilators produced by our company that is a member of KRET [ holding - @ @ @ @ @ .
3,000 more units will be supplied by the year-end , '' Chemezov says .
@ @ @ @ @ in service at present , '' he added .

GELENDZHIK, October 16. /TASS/. Rostec will supply 12,000 lung ventilators for Russian clinics in 2020, chief executive of the state-run corporation Sergei Chemezov says on Friday.
"We are producing up to 3,000 devices. Russian clinics received about 9,000 lung ventilators produced by our company that is a member of KRET [holding - TASS] since the year-start. 3,000 more units will be supplied by the year-end," Chemezov says.
Ventilators enjoy high demand, Chemezov noted. 1,300 lung ventilators were exported.
"All this equipment is in service at present," he added.


tass--2020-10-16--Russian Arctic zone council to address preservation of nature, indigenous culture

MOSCOW , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Preservation of the unique ethnic culture of the low-numbered indigenous peoples and of their traditional occupations , development of transport infrastructure and environmental control will be key directions for the newly organized Public Council of the Russian Arctic zone , experts , participating in the organization , told TASS .
On October 8 , Deputy Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexander Krutikov signed an order on the establishment of the Council , which features 19 members .
According to the official , the Council will ensure that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are observed .
In the Russian Arctic zone , the work to preserve traditional lifestyles and environmental management in conditions of commercial exploitation continues in particular in Yakutia .
`` Protecting their [ the North ’ s indigenous peoples ’ ] interests and adding provisions on their protection to federal documents and regulations - is our major task , '' Avgusta Marfusalova of Yakutia ’ s Civic Chamber , a newly appointed member of the Public Council of the Russian Arctic zone , said .
`` This is the position of the regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Her opinion is shared by deputy head of the Murmansk Region ’ s Civic Chamber , Yulia Velichko .
She also pointed to the ministry ’ s earlier adopted standard of the Arctic resident ’ s responsibility to the indigenous peoples , which contains a list of principles to be guided by when interacting with the indigenous peoples .
The procedure of complying with the standard will contain an agreement , she said .
The ministry will offer the agreement ’ s form after public discussions .
It is vital to observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic development and its unique ecology in the Arctic , Chukotka ’ s Microcredit Company ’ s Director Alexei Fedichkin told TASS .
`` Doing business in the Arctic regions is a difficult task , '' he said .
`` It is important to ensure that the local businesses are able to develop the district 's economy without damaging the fragile Arctic ecosystem , '' he said .
`` Besides , in Chukotka , a very important aspect is to preserve the unique ethnic culture of the North ’ s indigenous peoples .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ poorly developed industries require more tight ecology control for boosting nature tourism , the Council ’ s member Yuri Rybakov of the Basin Council of North Karelia Coast said .
`` We need tighter control in the Kandalaksha Gulf , as the Vitino oil port and a terminal in Kandalaksha are operational there , '' he told TASS .
`` There should be monitoring of big vessels , as any potential accident may totally destroy the region ’ s ecology .
Northern territories are very fragile , we ’ ve had a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Krasnoyarsk Region ’ s Association of Low-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North Artur Gayulsky will draw attention of the Public Council to the need to support traditional occupations , including reindeer husbandry , fishing and fur production .
According to him , in the Krasnoyarsk Region , where most indigenous ethnic groups are registered , the traditional occupations are outside the real sector of the economy .
`` The distribution of fishing quotas is not transparent , '' he continued .
`` We have a fishing company in the Nosok village ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and if you take their families , the Nenets usually have big families , it is about 1,700 people .
They receive a quota for 2.5 tonnes .
And there is a businessman in Dudinka who he receives a quota for 28 tonnes .
What ’ s the approach to distributing the quotas ?
< … > Making traditional occupations a part of the real economy is above all . ''
Another member of the newly organized council , Deputy Director of Chukotka ’ s Fund for Economic Development and Direct Investments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ housing projects .
`` The Arctic boasts prefabricated homes - comfortable and reliable - and a developed system of local flights .
This is not a luxury but a basic requirement .
We want to develop such practical projects , which are very important for people living in Chukotka , '' he said .
Another expert , Deputy President of the Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University Alexander Kugayevsky , also mentioned the development of transport infrastructure and modernization of the indigenous peoples ' traditional occupations among priority tasks .
`` We can name many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aviation industry and training specialists for the sector , '' he said .
`` We must also focus on the development of the Northern Sea Route ’ s eastern sector , on the river fleet .
Another important issue is modernization of the North ’ s traditional sectors - reindeer husbandry , horse breeding and introduction of modern technologies into the life of reindeer herders , fishers and horse breeders .
We also need to focus on education and healthcare in the Arctic regions , which have their specific problems due to @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. Preservation of the unique ethnic culture of the low-numbered indigenous peoples and of their traditional occupations, development of transport infrastructure and environmental control will be key directions for the newly organized Public Council of the Russian Arctic zone, experts, participating in the organization, told TASS.
On October 8, Deputy Minister for the Development of the Far East and Arctic Alexander Krutikov signed an order on the establishment of the Council, which features 19 members. According to the official, the Council will ensure that the interests of the people of the Arctic are observed.
In the Russian Arctic zone, the work to preserve traditional lifestyles and environmental management in conditions of commercial exploitation continues in particular in Yakutia.
"Protecting their [the North’s indigenous peoples’] interests and adding provisions on their protection to federal documents and regulations - is our major task," Avgusta Marfusalova of Yakutia’s Civic Chamber, a newly appointed member of the Public Council of the Russian Arctic zone, said. "This is the position of the regional public council, which I represent."
Her opinion is shared by deputy head of the Murmansk Region’s Civic Chamber, Yulia Velichko. She also pointed to the ministry’s earlier adopted standard of the Arctic resident’s responsibility to the indigenous peoples, which contains a list of principles to be guided by when interacting with the indigenous peoples. The procedure of complying with the standard will contain an agreement, she said. The ministry will offer the agreement’s form after public discussions.
Balance between economy and ecology
It is vital to observe a balance between the territory’s economic development and its unique ecology in the Arctic, Chukotka’s Microcredit Company’s Director Alexei Fedichkin told TASS.
"Doing business in the Arctic regions is a difficult task," he said. "It is important to ensure that the local businesses are able to develop the district's economy without damaging the fragile Arctic ecosystem," he said. "Besides, in Chukotka, a very important aspect is to preserve the unique ethnic culture of the North’s indigenous peoples."
This explains why Arctic regions with poorly developed industries require more tight ecology control for boosting nature tourism, the Council’s member Yuri Rybakov of the Basin Council of North Karelia Coast said.
"We need tighter control in the Kandalaksha Gulf, as the Vitino oil port and a terminal in Kandalaksha are operational there," he told TASS. "There should be monitoring of big vessels, as any potential accident may totally destroy the region’s ecology. Northern territories are very fragile, we’ve had a few examples of emissions."
Transport and economy
President of the Krasnoyarsk Region’s Association of Low-Numbered Indigenous Peoples of the North Artur Gayulsky will draw attention of the Public Council to the need to support traditional occupations, including reindeer husbandry, fishing and fur production. According to him, in the Krasnoyarsk Region, where most indigenous ethnic groups are registered, the traditional occupations are outside the real sector of the economy.
"The distribution of fishing quotas is not transparent," he continued. "We have a fishing company in the Nosok village (Taimyr), where 170 people work, and if you take their families, the Nenets usually have big families, it is about 1,700 people. They receive a quota for 2.5 tonnes. And there is a businessman in Dudinka who he receives a quota for 28 tonnes. What’s the approach to distributing the quotas? <…> Making traditional occupations a part of the real economy is above all."
Another member of the newly organized council, Deputy Director of Chukotka’s Fund for Economic Development and Direct Investments Viktor Mestetsky wants to promote transport and housing projects. "The Arctic boasts prefabricated homes - comfortable and reliable - and a developed system of local flights. This is not a luxury but a basic requirement. We want to develop such practical projects, which are very important for people living in Chukotka," he said.
Another expert, Deputy President of the Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University Alexander Kugayevsky, also mentioned the development of transport infrastructure and modernization of the indigenous peoples' traditional occupations among priority tasks.
"We can name many aspects, including development of local aviation, aviation industry and training specialists for the sector," he said. "We must also focus on the development of the Northern Sea Route’s eastern sector, on the river fleet. Another important issue is modernization of the North’s traditional sectors - reindeer husbandry, horse breeding and introduction of modern technologies into the life of reindeer herders, fishers and horse breeders. We also need to focus on education and healthcare in the Arctic regions, which have their specific problems due to being hard-to-reach."


tass--2020-10-16--Scientists may suggest changing cleanup levels for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil

MOSCOW , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch may include into final recommendations of the Great Norilsk Expedition a suggestion to change cleanup levels for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil , the leader of the expedition ’ s field stage Nikolai Yurkevich of the Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics told TASS .
“ The Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch is likely to suggest reviewing the current cleanup levels for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil , ” he said .
“ In my opinion , the suggestion will be included into the expedition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels should be changed , if not at the federal level , then , at least , at regional levels , so that businesses could specify the levels for themselves.
” According to the scientist , the current levels are , first of all , too high , and besides , they have been set for the entire territory of the former Soviet Union – from Tajikistan to the Far North .
“ This is not correct , since soils differ , ” he explained .
“ For example , the concentrations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimal , while in chernozem they , naturally , are higher .
Setting background levels is a separate task for every region .
For example , the Norilsk Industrial District is known for outcomes of ore rocks , and thus the background levels of heavy metals there would be higher than in West Siberia.
” The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula , at the invitation of Nornickel , a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area .
Scientists will use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic , on how to preserve the nature .
The expedition ’ s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya , and Lake Pyasino .
In August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils , plants and sediments .
Presently , they continue tests at the institutes ’ labs .

MOSCOW, October 16. /TASS/. The Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch may include into final recommendations of the Great Norilsk Expedition a suggestion to change cleanup levels for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, the leader of the expedition’s field stage Nikolai Yurkevich of the Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics told TASS.
“The Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch is likely to suggest reviewing the current cleanup levels for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil,” he said. “In my opinion, the suggestion will be included into the expedition’s final recommendations. The cleanup levels should be changed, if not at the federal level, then, at least, at regional levels, so that businesses could specify the levels for themselves.”
According to the scientist, the current levels are, first of all, too high, and besides, they have been set for the entire territory of the former Soviet Union – from Tajikistan to the Far North.
“This is not correct, since soils differ,” he explained. “For example, the concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in the sand must be minimal, while in chernozem they, naturally, are higher. Setting background levels is a separate task for every region. For example, the Norilsk Industrial District is known for outcomes of ore rocks, and thus the background levels of heavy metals there would be higher than in West Siberia.”
Expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula, at the invitation of Nornickel, a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale examination of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic, on how to preserve the nature.
The expedition’s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya, and Lake Pyasino. In August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils, plants and sediments. Presently, they continue tests at the institutes’ labs.


tass--2020-10-16--Serbia reports over 35,700 COVID-19 cases

BELGRADE , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia grew by 265 over the @ @ @ @ @ , with 772 fatalities , the country ’ s health ministry said on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ , two coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day .
The mortality rate is 2.16 @ @ @ @ @ to lung ventilators .
As many as 1.227 million people have been tested for the @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , including 7,429 during the past day .
Most of the coronavirus patients are @ @ @ @ @ .

BELGRADE, October 16. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia grew by 265 over the past day and reached 35,719, with 772 fatalities, the country’s health ministry said on Friday.
According to the health ministry, two coronavirus-related deaths were reported during the day. The mortality rate is 2.16%
Twenty-three patients are connected to lung ventilators. As many as 1.227 million people have been tested for the novel coronavirus since the pandemic outbreak, including 7,429 during the past day.
Most of the coronavirus patients are aged from 30 to 50.


tass--2020-10-16--Acting president of Kyrgyzstan grants Sooronbay Jeenbekov with ‘ex-president’ status

BISHKEK , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov , who serves as the acting president of the republic , signed an order , providing resigned president Sooronbay Jeenbekov with the status of ex-president , which carries a number of privileges , the Kyrgyz Cabinet press service announced Friday .
`` Acting President Sadyr Japarov signed the order on ex-president Sooronbay Jeenbekov .
In accordance with the law ‘ On guarantees of activity of the President and that status of ex-President ’ , the ex-president of Kyrgyzstan retains all rights , provided by the law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enters force from the moment of signing .
In particular , Jeenbekov receives a lifetime state security , a right to reside in the Ala-Archa state residence , a service car , and a free medical service in the governmental clinic .
This status also grants judicial immunity that could only be lifted by a ruling of the parliament .
Jeenbekov announced his resignation on October 15 .
By law , the Speaker of the Parliament Kanat Isayev was supposed to become the acting president , but he rejected , and the powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigned amid the political crisis that sparked after the October 4 parliamentary elections .
The supporters of those political parties which failed to gain seats in the national legislature staged mass riots in the capital city of Bishkek , seized government buildings and freed the country ’ s former president , Almazbek Atambayev , and a number of other politicians , including Sadyr Japarov , the country ’ s current prime minister , from detention .
More clashes between the supporters of different opposition forces followed in the center of Bishkek .
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jumabekov stepped down .
After that , Jeenbekov imposed a state of emergency in Bishkek .
The Central Electoral Commission voided the election results .
A repeat election date is to be set before November 6 .
On Tuesday and Wednesday , a new speaker of parliament and Prime Minister were elected .

BISHKEK, October 16. /TASS/. Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, who serves as the acting president of the republic, signed an order, providing resigned president Sooronbay Jeenbekov with the status of ex-president, which carries a number of privileges, the Kyrgyz Cabinet press service announced Friday.
"Acting President Sadyr Japarov signed the order on ex-president Sooronbay Jeenbekov. In accordance with the law ‘On guarantees of activity of the President and that status of ex-President’, the ex-president of Kyrgyzstan retains all rights, provided by the law," the announcement says.
The order enters force from the moment of signing.
In particular, Jeenbekov receives a lifetime state security, a right to reside in the Ala-Archa state residence, a service car, and a free medical service in the governmental clinic. This status also grants judicial immunity that could only be lifted by a ruling of the parliament.
Jeenbekov announced his resignation on October 15. By law, the Speaker of the Parliament Kanat Isayev was supposed to become the acting president, but he rejected, and the powers went to Prime Minister Japarov. Jeenbekov resigned amid the political crisis that sparked after the October 4 parliamentary elections.
The supporters of those political parties which failed to gain seats in the national legislature staged mass riots in the capital city of Bishkek, seized government buildings and freed the country’s former president, Almazbek Atambayev, and a number of other politicians, including Sadyr Japarov, the country’s current prime minister, from detention. More clashes between the supporters of different opposition forces followed in the center of Bishkek.
Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov and Parliamentary Speaker Dastanbek Jumabekov stepped down. After that, Jeenbekov imposed a state of emergency in Bishkek. The Central Electoral Commission voided the election results. A repeat election date is to be set before November 6. On Tuesday and Wednesday, a new speaker of parliament and Prime Minister were elected.


tass--2020-10-16--Republika Srpska awaits Lavrov’s visit

Republika Srpska awaits Lavrov’s visit

BELGRADE , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
Republika Srpska ( an entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina ) expects Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to come on a visit in the near future , Milorad Dodik , Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina , said on Friday .
`` I am very delighted at Sergey Lavrov ’ s coming visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina .
The leadership of Republika Srpska will be meeting with him .
We will have an opportunity to receive him in Istocno ( East ) Sarajevo and that is very important .
His visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me than to Sarajevo . ''
The Bosnian Serb leader dubbed Russia as `` a stabilizing factor in the region , '' underscoring that Moscow supports the Dayton Agreement .
He also recalled that Republika Srpska was not considering joining NATO .
Bosnia and Herzegovina ’ s accession to NATO is impossible without consent from all its entities .
Dodik said earlier in an interview with TASS that Republika Srpska was under enormous pressure in regard to its membership in NATO .
According to him , the West would like to have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Srpska had no intention of altering its strategic determination - its military neutrality .
The politician believes that joining NATO after the 1999 devastating bombings would justify the North Atlantic Alliance ’ s illegal aggression against former Yugoslavia .
Under the constitution , drafted at the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina ( Dayton Agreement ) and signed in Paris on December 14 , 1995 , Bosnia and Herzegovina is made up of two primary entities : the Muslim-Croatian Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina ( 51 % of the territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the territory ) , as well as the Brcko District .
The state structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most complicated in the world .
Three main nations are represented in the government proportionally : the Bosniaks ( Slavs converted to Islam ) , the Serbs ( Orthodox Christians ) and the Croatians ( Catholics ) .
After Bosnia and Herzegovina , Lavrov is scheduled to visit Serbia .
Earlier , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he was expecting the Russian top diplomat ’ s visit in the @ @ @

BELGRADE, October 16. /TASS/. Republika Srpska (an entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina) expects Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to come on a visit in the near future, Milorad Dodik, Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said on Friday.
"I am very delighted at Sergey Lavrov’s coming visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The leadership of Republika Srpska will be meeting with him. We will have an opportunity to receive him in Istocno (East) Sarajevo and that is very important. His visit to Istocno Sarajevo is more important to me than to Sarajevo."
The Bosnian Serb leader dubbed Russia as "a stabilizing factor in the region," underscoring that Moscow supports the Dayton Agreement. He also recalled that Republika Srpska was not considering joining NATO. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession to NATO is impossible without consent from all its entities.
Dodik said earlier in an interview with TASS that Republika Srpska was under enormous pressure in regard to its membership in NATO. According to him, the West would like to have all countries as NATO members, but Republika Srpska had no intention of altering its strategic determination - its military neutrality. The politician believes that joining NATO after the 1999 devastating bombings would justify the North Atlantic Alliance’s illegal aggression against former Yugoslavia.
Under the constitution, drafted at the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dayton Agreement) and signed in Paris on December 14, 1995, Bosnia and Herzegovina is made up of two primary entities: the Muslim-Croatian Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (51% of the territory) and Republika Srpska (49% of the territory), as well as the Brcko District. The state structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most complicated in the world. Three main nations are represented in the government proportionally: the Bosniaks (Slavs converted to Islam), the Serbs (Orthodox Christians) and the Croatians (Catholics).
After Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lavrov is scheduled to visit Serbia. Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he was expecting the Russian top diplomat’s visit in the near future.


tass--2020-10-16--Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy indicted for ‘criminal association’

PARIS , October 16 .
/TASS/ .
The French prosecution for financial crimes reported Friday that last Monday former President Nicolas Sarkozy faced a few hours of questioning and was later indicted as part of the investigation into alleged financing provided by Libya for his campaign in 2007 .
According to the prosecution , Sarkozy is charged with ‘ criminal association ’ .
BFM TV channel clarified that this is the first time this charge is brought against a former leader in French history .
This is the fourth charge slapped against Sarkozy in this case .
He is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and possession of illegally obtained funds .
The former president can be sentenced to 10 years behind bars under the most recent charge of criminal association .
According to AFP , Sarkozy denies any wrongdoing and rejects all the charges .
Libyan authorities first went public about financing the Sarkozy campaign back in March 2011 .
In particular , ex-Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi ’ s son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in an interview with Euronews demanded that then-President Sarkozy admit receiving financial assistance from the Libyan government .
Independent investigations in France followed suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been fervently denying all these accusations .
Sarkozy served as French president between 2007 and 2012 .

PARIS, October 16. /TASS/. The French prosecution for financial crimes reported Friday that last Monday former President Nicolas Sarkozy faced a few hours of questioning and was later indicted as part of the investigation into alleged financing provided by Libya for his campaign in 2007. According to the prosecution, Sarkozy is charged with ‘criminal association’. BFM TV channel clarified that this is the first time this charge is brought against a former leader in French history.
This is the fourth charge slapped against Sarkozy in this case. He is also suspected of corruption, state funds fraud and possession of illegally obtained funds. The former president can be sentenced to 10 years behind bars under the most recent charge of criminal association. According to AFP, Sarkozy denies any wrongdoing and rejects all the charges.
Libyan authorities first went public about financing the Sarkozy campaign back in March 2011. In particular, ex-Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in an interview with Euronews demanded that then-President Sarkozy admit receiving financial assistance from the Libyan government. Independent investigations in France followed suit, confirming these claims. Sarkozy has been fervently denying all these accusations.
Sarkozy served as French president between 2007 and 2012.