tass--2020-10-04--Armenian PM says sure Russia will ensure Armenia’s security if necessary

YEREVAN , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in in an interview with Germany ’ s Bild he believes Russia will fulfill its commitments and will use its troops to ensure Armenia ’ s security if necessary , Armenpress agency said on Sunday .
`` Russia has the 102nd base in Armenia and we have a joint missile defense system .
Our treaties clearly define when and why these troops can be used to ensure security , including Armenia ’ s .
I am sure if such a necessity stemming from commitments under these treaties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain circumstance , '' Pashinyan said .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, October 4. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in in an interview with Germany’s Bild he believes Russia will fulfill its commitments and will use its troops to ensure Armenia’s security if necessary, Armenpress agency said on Sunday.
"Russia has the 102nd base in Armenia and we have a joint missile defense system. Our treaties clearly define when and why these troops can be used to ensure security, including Armenia’s. I am sure if such a necessity stemming from commitments under these treaties emerges, Russia will fulfill them under certain circumstance," Pashinyan said.
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--2020-10-04--Assad says Damascus will not discuss issues of stability in Syria in Geneva

MOSCOW , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Damascus will not discuss issues of stability in Syria at a meeting of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva , Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with Russia ’ s Zvezda television channel posted on its website on Sunday .
`` As for what is going on at the talks , they involve a party that is supported by the Syrian government because it expresses its point of view .
There is another , non-Syrian , party that is comprised of those selected by Turkey .
Turkey and those who are behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its allies , are not interested in the productive work of the Constitutional Committee , '' he said .
`` The demands they advance lead to the weakening and collapse of the state .
As a matter of fact , this is what is happening in many other regions and countries where the United States is imposing constitutions entailing turmoil and chaos , rather than leading to stability .
We reject such an approach .
We will not discuss issues of stability in Syria , '' he stressed .
According to the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only when all the participating parties understand what the Syrian people , with all its groups and various political convictions , really wants .
`` I think the next rounds of talks will throw more light on these matters .
The dialogue conducted by the Syrians will be successful but it will be doomed to failure in case of foreign interference , '' Assad said .
`` Let us be frank .
When , for instance , you speak about the ‘ opposition , ’ and you have it in your country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian people .
If you , as a national of your country , see that this group of people or this concrete person have links with foreign special service , you won ’ t call them ‘ opposition.
’ I believe the opposition must be patriotic , '' he noted .
The Syrian president also stressed that Russia and Iran are playing a major role in these talks and are sparing no effort to achieve even partial progress .
But this is a long and difficult process , he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said in early September that the next meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee was planned for early October but its agenda had not yet been agreed .
The Syrian Constitutional Committee was set up under a resolution of the January 2018 Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi .
The committee is comprised of 150 delegates representing the Damascus government ( 50 delegates ) , the opposition ( 50 delegates ) , and civil society ( 50 delegates ) .
The first meeting of the committee was held in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It formed an editorial group , which has held two sessions .
The last one , held on November 29 , ended to no avail as it failed to agree the agenda .

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. Damascus will not discuss issues of stability in Syria at a meeting of the Constitutional Committee in Geneva, Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with Russia’s Zvezda television channel posted on its website on Sunday.
"As for what is going on at the talks, they involve a party that is supported by the Syrian government because it expresses its point of view. There is another, non-Syrian, party that is comprised of those selected by Turkey. Turkey and those who are behind it, including the United States and its allies, are not interested in the productive work of the Constitutional Committee," he said.
"The demands they advance lead to the weakening and collapse of the state. As a matter of fact, this is what is happening in many other regions and countries where the United States is imposing constitutions entailing turmoil and chaos, rather than leading to stability. We reject such an approach. We will not discuss issues of stability in Syria," he stressed.
According to the Syrian president, the talks will yield results only when all the participating parties understand what the Syrian people, with all its groups and various political convictions, really wants. "I think the next rounds of talks will throw more light on these matters. The dialogue conducted by the Syrians will be successful but it will be doomed to failure in case of foreign interference," Assad said.
"Let us be frank. When, for instance, you speak about the ‘opposition,’ and you have it in your country, you speak about patriots who are part of the Russian people. If you, as a national of your country, see that this group of people or this concrete person have links with foreign special service, you won’t call them ‘opposition.’ I believe the opposition must be patriotic," he noted.
The Syrian president also stressed that Russia and Iran are playing a major role in these talks and are sparing no effort to achieve even partial progress. But this is a long and difficult process, he added.
United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said in early September that the next meeting of the Syrian Constitutional Committee was planned for early October but its agenda had not yet been agreed.
The Syrian Constitutional Committee was set up under a resolution of the January 2018 Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi. The committee is comprised of 150 delegates representing the Damascus government (50 delegates), the opposition (50 delegates), and civil society (50 delegates). The first meeting of the committee was held in Geneva on October 30, 2019. It formed an editorial group, which has held two sessions. The last one, held on November 29, ended to no avail as it failed to agree the agenda.


tass--2020-10-04--Over 200 people reportedly detained during protests in Belarus

MOSCOW , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
More than 200 people have been detained during protest rallies organized by the Belarusian opposition on Sunday , the Vesna human rights center reported on its website .
The list of those detained in being constantly updated .
Now , it has 207 names .
Most of the people on the list were detained in Minsk .
Detentions were also reported from Brest , Mogilev , Grodno , Soligorsk , Bobruisk , and Vitebsk .
Thus , among those detained are 16 journalists and Olga Shparaga , a member of the opposition Coordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released after an identity check , but five are still in custody .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. More than 200 people have been detained during protest rallies organized by the Belarusian opposition on Sunday, the Vesna human rights center reported on its website.
The list of those detained in being constantly updated. Now, it has 207 names. Most of the people on the list were detained in Minsk. Detentions were also reported from Brest, Mogilev, Grodno, Soligorsk, Bobruisk, and Vitebsk. Thus, among those detained are 16 journalists and Olga Shparaga, a member of the opposition Coordination Council. Most of the journalists were released after an identity check, but five are still in custody.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-04--Russian, Armenian top diplomats discuss ways out of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

MOSCOW , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with his Armenian counterpart , Zograd Mnatsakanyan , to discuss possible ways of settling the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the Russian foreign ministry said on Sunday .
`` The focus was made on issues linked with the search for ways out of the current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone , '' the ministry said .
The Russian top diplomat expressed concern over the growing number of casualties among civilians in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
`` The Russian side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualties among civilians and stressed the necessity of an immediate ceasefire , '' the ministry said .
Apart from that , Lavrov reiterated Russia ’ s readiness to help settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
`` The Russian side reiterated its readiness to help the parties to the conflict get back to the political and diplomatic settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in line with the joint statement of the Russian , US and French presidents , '' the ministry said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with his Armenian counterpart, Zograd Mnatsakanyan, to discuss possible ways of settling the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Russian foreign ministry said on Sunday.
"The focus was made on issues linked with the search for ways out of the current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone," the ministry said.
The Russian top diplomat expressed concern over the growing number of casualties among civilians in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "The Russian side expressed concern over the growing number of casualties among civilians and stressed the necessity of an immediate ceasefire," the ministry said.
Apart from that, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s readiness to help settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "The Russian side reiterated its readiness to help the parties to the conflict get back to the political and diplomatic settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs in line with the joint statement of the Russian, US and French presidents," the ministry said.
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--2020-10-04--Five parties winning seats in Kyrgyzstan’s parliament - preliminary data

BISHKEK , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Five parties are surpassing the seven-percent threshold and are winning seats in Kyrgyzstan @ @ @ @ @ Central Election Commission ( CEC ) said on Sunday announcing preliminary results of Sunday ’ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % of ballots .
These parties are Birimdik , Mekenim Kyrgyzstan , Butun Kyrgyzstan @ @ @ @ @ .
Parliamentary polls were held in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday solely by party tickets , with @ @ @ @ @ seats in the country ’ s legislature .
Most of experts believe however that only @ @ @ @ @ have real chances to win seats in the parliament .
Six parties are represented in @ @ @ @ @ Kyrgyzstan has slightly more than 3.5 eligible voters .
A total of 2,475 polling stations @ @ @ @ @ the country , including 45 outside it .
Some of them are still open because @ @ @ @ @ than 270 observers from 43 countries and 33 international organization monitored the elections .
Official @ @ @ @ @ be announced in several days after manual counting of ballots .

BISHKEK, October 4. /TASS/. Five parties are surpassing the seven-percent threshold and are winning seats in Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said on Sunday announcing preliminary results of Sunday’s parliamentary polls after counting 50% of ballots.
These parties are Birimdik, Mekenim Kyrgyzstan, Butun Kyrgyzstan, Republic, and Kyrgyzstan.
Parliamentary polls were held in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday solely by party tickets, with 16 parties vying for 120 seats in the country’s legislature. Most of experts believe however that only five to seven of them have real chances to win seats in the parliament.
Six parties are represented in the current Kyrgyz parliament.
Kyrgyzstan has slightly more than 3.5 eligible voters. A total of 2,475 polling stations were opened for voting across the country, including 45 outside it. Some of them are still open because of time lag.
More than 270 observers from 43 countries and 33 international organization monitored the elections.
Official results of the voting will be announced in several days after manual counting of ballots.


tass--2020-10-04--Single-seat plane crash lands in Penza region, pilot dies

MOSCOW , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
A single-seat light plane crash landed in the Penza region , the pilot @ @ @ @ @ for the Volga region transport prosecutor ’ s office said on Sunday .
According to @ @ @ @ @ has been launched .
The accident occurred at about 15:00 Moscow time in the Penza @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Volga region transport investigation department of the Russian Investigative Committee , @ @ @ @ @ a forest .
Meanwhile , a source in the local emergencies services told TASS the @ @ @ @ @ about the flight .
The plane was to spray chemicals on fields .

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. A single-seat light plane crash landed in the Penza region, the pilot has died, a spokesman for the Volga region transport prosecutor’s office said on Sunday.
According to the spokesman, a probe has been launched.
The accident occurred at about 15:00 Moscow time in the Penza region’s Nikolsky district.
According to the Volga region transport investigation department of the Russian Investigative Committee, the place crash landed in a forest.
Meanwhile, a source in the local emergencies services told TASS the pilot had notified relevant services about the flight. The plane was to spray chemicals on fields.


tass--2020-10-04--Tens of people reportedly detained during protests in Belarus

MOSCOW , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
At least 44 people have been detained during protest rallied organized by the Belarusian opposition on Sunday , the Vesna human rights center reported on its website .
The list of those detained in being updated .
Now , it has 44 names .
Moscow of the people on the list were detained in Minsk .
Detentions were also reported from Brest , Mogilev , Grodno , Gomel , and Vitebsk .
Thus , among those detained in Grodno is a Silnye Novosti correspondent , and Ksenia Petrovich , the chief editor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brest .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. At least 44 people have been detained during protest rallied organized by the Belarusian opposition on Sunday, the Vesna human rights center reported on its website.
The list of those detained in being updated. Now, it has 44 names. Moscow of the people on the list were detained in Minsk. Detentions were also reported from Brest, Mogilev, Grodno, Gomel, and Vitebsk. Thus, among those detained in Grodno is a Silnye Novosti correspondent, and Ksenia Petrovich, the chief editor of Binokl media outlet, was detained in Brest.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-04--Traditional Sunday march of protest begins in central Minsk

MOSCOW , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Tens of thousands of people gathered in central Minsk for a traditional Sunday march of protest , the tut.by internet portal reports .
People are marching from the Hero City Minsk monument to a detention facility in Oktestina Street .
The march that was announced by the opposition in social networks has been dubbed For the Freedom of Political Prisoners .
Earlier , police tried not to let people gather in the center of the city using water cannons and detaining activists , according to witnesses spoke to TASS over the phone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Friday , the Belarusian foreign ministry revoked accreditation from all foreign mass media operating in Belarus .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. Tens of thousands of people gathered in central Minsk for a traditional Sunday march of protest, the tut.by internet portal reports.
People are marching from the Hero City Minsk monument to a detention facility in Oktestina Street. The march that was announced by the opposition in social networks has been dubbed For the Freedom of Political Prisoners.
Earlier, police tried not to let people gather in the center of the city using water cannons and detaining activists, according to witnesses spoke to TASS over the phone. Police however failed to stop the protesters.
On Friday, the Belarusian foreign ministry revoked accreditation from all foreign mass media operating in Belarus.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-04--Voting at Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary polls over

BISHKEK , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Voting at Sunday ’ s parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan is over , as @ @ @ @ @ local time ( 17:00 Moscow time ) .
According to the country ’ s Central @ @ @ @ @ turnout was 45.26 % two hours before the end of voting .
Parliamentary polls were @ @ @ @ @ party tickets , with 16 parties vying for 120 seats in the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ believe however that only five to seven of them have real chances to win seats @ @ @ @ @ parties are represented in the current Kyrgyz parliament .
Kyrgyzstan has slightly more than 3.5 @ @ @ @ @ of 2,475 polling stations were opened for voting across the country , including 45 outside @ @ @ @ @ are still open because of time lag .
More than 270 observers from 43 countries @ @ @ @ @ the elections .

BISHKEK, October 4. /TASS/. Voting at Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan is over, as polling stations closed at 20:00 local time (17:00 Moscow time).
According to the country’s Central Elections Commission, the voter turnout was 45.26% two hours before the end of voting.
Parliamentary polls were held in Kyrgyzstan solely by party tickets, with 16 parties vying for 120 seats in the country’s legislature. Most of experts believe however that only five to seven of them have real chances to win seats in the parliament.
Six parties are represented in the current Kyrgyz parliament.
Kyrgyzstan has slightly more than 3.5 eligible voters. A total of 2,475 polling stations were opened for voting across the country, including 45 outside it. Some of them are still open because of time lag.
More than 270 observers from 43 countries and 33 international organization monitored the elections.


tass--2020-10-04--Police use tear gas against protesters in Vitebsk

MOSCOW , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Police used tear gas against protesters in Vitebsk , as follows from a @ @ @ @ @ internet portal on Sunday .
The video features a group of some more than ten @ @ @ @ @ elder people , approaching a minibus , with several policeman stranding by it .
When @ @ @ @ @ them , they sprayed gas in their direction .

MOSCOW, October 4. /TASS/. Police used tear gas against protesters in Vitebsk, as follows from a video posted by the tut.by internet portal on Sunday.
The video features a group of some more than ten protesters, including women and elder people, approaching a minibus, with several policeman stranding by it. When the protesters came close to them, they sprayed gas in their direction.


tass--2020-10-04--Armenian defense ministry refutes Baku’s reports about taking control of Jebrail city

YEREVAN , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia ’ s defense ministry has refuted the Azerbaijani side ’ s reports that it took control of the city of Jebrail ( Mekhakavan ) near the contacl line in Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` This statement is misinformation and is not true , '' Armenian Defense Ministry Spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan told TASS on Sunday .
The Armenian defense ministry earlier refuted Baku ’ s reports saying that the Azerbaijani army took control of the village of Mafaghiz in the north of Nagorno-Karabakh Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, October 4. /TASS/. Armenia’s defense ministry has refuted the Azerbaijani side’s reports that it took control of the city of Jebrail (Mekhakavan) near the contacl line in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"This statement is misinformation and is not true," Armenian Defense Ministry Spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan told TASS on Sunday.
The Armenian defense ministry earlier refuted Baku’s reports saying that the Azerbaijani army took control of the village of Mafaghiz in the north of Nagorno-Karabakh
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--2020-10-04--Azerbaijani army takes control of Jebrail city - President Aliyev

BAKU , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday the Azerbaijani army has taken control of the city of Jebrail ( Mekhakavan ) and several nearby villages around Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` Today , the Azerbaijani army liberated the city of Jebrail and several villages near it , '' he wrote on his Twitter account .
The city of Jebrail has been under Armenia ’ s control since August 1993 .
On Saturday , the Azerbaijani army reportedly took control of the village of Madaghiz and seven more settlements in three regions arounf Nagorno-Karabakh .
Renewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

BAKU, October 4. /TASS/. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Sunday the Azerbaijani army has taken control of the city of Jebrail (Mekhakavan) and several nearby villages around Nagorno-Karabakh.
"Today, the Azerbaijani army liberated the city of Jebrail and several villages near it," he wrote on his Twitter account.
The city of Jebrail has been under Armenia’s control since August 1993.
On Saturday, the Azerbaijani army reportedly took control of the village of Madaghiz and seven more settlements in three regions arounf Nagorno-Karabakh.
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--2020-10-04--Armenia demands ECHR take interim measures against Turkey

YEREVAN , October 4 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia ’ s government has turned to the European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) demanding interim measures be taken against Turkey over its supposed involvement in Azerbaijan ’ s combat operations against civilians in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` The Armenian government , on its behalf and on behalf of the Republic of Artsakh ( unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic - TASS ) has turned to the ECHR demanding interim measures be taken in respect of Turkey , bearing in mind the fact that this country supports attacks against civilian population and civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law and the European Human Rights Convention , '' Armenia ’ s mission to the ECHR said on Sunday .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, October 4. /TASS/. Armenia’s government has turned to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) demanding interim measures be taken against Turkey over its supposed involvement in Azerbaijan’s combat operations against civilians in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
"The Armenian government, on its behalf and on behalf of the Republic of Artsakh (unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic - TASS) has turned to the ECHR demanding interim measures be taken in respect of Turkey, bearing in mind the fact that this country supports attacks against civilian population and civil infrastructure in Armenia and Artsakh, which constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law and the European Human Rights Convention," Armenia’s mission to the ECHR said on Sunday.
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--2020-10-05--New START ‘will die’ because of unilateral US actions — Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
The US-proposed conditions for extension of the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( New START treaty ) are unilateral , do not take Russia ’ s interests into account and will lead to the ‘ death ’ of the agreement , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday .
`` Unfortunately , this trend is holding rather firm .
It [ the US ] quit UNESCO , the UN Human Rights Council and withdrew from almost all treaties , and the last strategic offensive arms agreement will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward are completely unilateral and take into account neither our interests nor experience of many decades when arms control was carried out to universal satisfaction and was welcomed by all countries in the world , '' he said .
Lavrov did not rule out the possibility that Washington will next pull out of the WTO .
`` It was also critical of it and , as far as I understand , is still blocking the [ WTO ] Dispute Settlement Body ’ s operation by blocking appointment of the members necessary to achieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow and Washington signed the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms in 2010 .
Under its terms , either country must reduce its strategic offensive arms in such a way that at the end of the seventh year following its entry into force and later on their overall amounts should not exceed 700 units of deployed inter-continental ballistic missiles ( ICBMs ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBMs ) and heavy bombers , 1,550 warheads and 800 operational and non-operational missile launchers and strategic bombers .
The treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ( until February 5 , 2021 ) .
It can be replaced by a follow-up agreement before the deadline expires , or prolonged for no more than five years ( until 2026 ) by mutual consent .
Moscow urges Washington to refrain from procrastinating on the treaty ’ s extension , because in its opinion it is the `` gold standard '' in the field of disarmament .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. The US-proposed conditions for extension of the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START treaty) are unilateral, do not take Russia’s interests into account and will lead to the ‘death’ of the agreement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday.
"Unfortunately, this trend is holding rather firm. It [the US] quit UNESCO, the UN Human Rights Council and withdrew from almost all treaties. It is the last strategic offensive arms agreement that will die now because the conditions it put forward are completely unilateral and take into account neither our interests nor experience of many decades when arms control was carried out to universal satisfaction and was welcomed by all countries in the world," he said.
Lavrov did not rule out the possibility that Washington will next pull out of the WTO. "It was also critical of it and, as far as I understand, is still stonewalling the [WTO] Dispute Settlement Body’s operation by blocking appointment of the members necessary to achieve quorum," the minister noted.
Moscow and Washington signed the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms in 2010. Under its terms, either country must reduce its strategic offensive arms in such a way that at the end of the seventh year following its entry into force and later on their overall amounts should not exceed 700 units of deployed inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and heavy bombers, 1,550 warheads and 800 operational and non-operational missile launchers and strategic bombers.
The treaty was concluded for a period of ten years (until February 5, 2021). It can be replaced by a follow-up agreement before the deadline expires, or prolonged for no more than five years (until 2026) by mutual consent.
Moscow urges Washington to refrain from procrastinating on the treaty’s extension, because in its opinion it is the "gold standard" in the field of disarmament.


tass--2020-10-05--Best photos dedicated to coronavirus epidemic to vie for $10,000 grand prize

The submission of applications for participating in the international contest News Photo Awards .
Overcoming Covid kicked off on October 5 .
TASS Russian News Agency is organizing the contest .
The contest is devoted to the coronavirus pandemic that broke out in 2020 and aims to laud the significance of the work of photojournalists who demonstrated professional heroism during the COVID-19 outbreak .
Joining the contest is free of charge and any photographer working for or collaborating with the media can take part in it .
There are two nominations under the following categories : one for `` Single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Picture Series '' .
The winners in each category will get a monetary award of $ 3,000 .
The jury will also select the best snapshot out of all those submitted , and that one will be awarded the `` Grand Prize '' .
The one who took this winning picture will receive $ 10,000 .
The contest ’ s expert council and jury members will pick the best snapshots .
`` Overcoming COVID in 2020 has become a challenge for millions of people all across the globe .
It has also become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hospital ‘ red zones ’ and on deserted city streets , photojournalists have been striving to capture the most vital moments of the global fight against coronavirus .
Their work is as essential as that of other professionals , who have had to battle a pandemic of this proportion , so I do hope that our competition will once again highlight the importance of the work of photojournalists .
Therefore , I urge our media colleagues from around the world to join the contest and send in their employees ’ best works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said TASS Director General Sergei Mikhailov .
The submission of applications will last until December 1 , 2020 .
The winners will be announced on March 11 , 2021 — the anniversary of the announcement of the coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organization .
You can learn more about the terms and conditions to enter the competition and the rules of the News Photo Awards .
Overcoming Covid here .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. The submission of applications for participating in the international contest News Photo Awards. Overcoming Covid kicked off on October 5. The contest is devoted to the coronavirus pandemic that broke out in 2020 and aims to laud the significance of the work of photojournalists who demonstrated professional heroism during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It was Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's idea to hold the photo contest. He discussed the initiative in April during an exclusive interview with TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman.
Joining the contest is free of charge and any photographer working for or collaborating with the media can take part in it. The submission of applications will last until December 1, 2020. The jury will select the best snapshots and determine the winners —they will be announced on March 11, 2021 —the anniversary of the announcement of the coronavirus pandemic by the World Health Organization.
There are two nominations under the following categories: one for "Single Photo" and the other for "Picture Series". The winners in each category will get a monetary award of $3,000. The jury will also select the best snapshot out of all those submitted, and that one will be awarded the "Grand Prize". The one who took this winning picture will receive $10,000.
"Overcoming COVID in 2020 has become a challenge for millions of people all across the globe. It has also become a professional challenge for photographers. Deep in hospital ‘red zones’and on deserted city streets, photojournalists have been striving to capture the most vital moments of the global fight against coronavirus. Their work is as essential as that of other professionals, who have had to battle a pandemic of this proportion, so I do hope that our competition will once again highlight the importance of the work of photojournalists. Therefore, I urge our media colleagues from around the world to join the contest and send in their employees’best works. The world should know its heroes," said TASS Director General Sergei Mikhailov.
You can learn more about the terms and conditions to enter the competition and the rules of the News Photo Awards. Overcoming Covid here.


tass--2020-10-05--Russia will react to possible restrictions on access of its goods to EU market — Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will respond to possible additional restrictions on the access of its goods to the EU market , Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday .
He was speaking at a meeting with the members of the Association of European Businesses ( AEB ) .
Lavrov recalled that the European Commission had prepared a report on significant distortions in the economy of the Russian Federation for the purpose of trade defense investigations .
`` The document is openly biased , fraught with additional restrictions on the access of Russian goods to the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not remain unanswered , as you understand , '' the minister said .
Lavrov also noted that Moscow also has questions as to another initiative by the European Union , which stipulates introduction of carbon border adjustment mechanism not later than January 1 , 2023 .
`` We are still studying what exactly is meant by this initiative , but we do hope that this mechanism will not contradict the norms of the World Trade Organization and will not turn into trade and climate protectionism , '' he said .
`` Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is clearly politicized , I think that now is not the time for trade wars , '' the minister said .
`` We would like to avoid the need to introduce retaliatory measures , '' Lavrov added .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. Russia will respond to possible additional restrictions on the access of its goods to the EU market, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. He was speaking at a meeting with the members of the Association of European Businesses (AEB).
Lavrov recalled that the European Commission had prepared a report on significant distortions in the economy of the Russian Federation for the purpose of trade defense investigations.
"The document is openly biased, fraught with additional restrictions on the access of Russian goods to the EU market, which, of course, will not remain unanswered, as you understand," the minister said.
Lavrov also noted that Moscow also has questions as to another initiative by the European Union, which stipulates introduction of carbon border adjustment mechanism not later than January 1, 2023.
"We are still studying what exactly is meant by this initiative, but we do hope that this mechanism will not contradict the norms of the World Trade Organization and will not turn into trade and climate protectionism," he said.
"Even if we take the situation, which is clearly politicized, I think that now is not the time for trade wars," the minister said.
"We would like to avoid the need to introduce retaliatory measures," Lavrov added.


tass--2020-10-05--Nobel Prize in medicine awarded for discovering Hepatitis C virus

The prize was awarded for discovering the Hepatitis C virus , the committee ’ s decision said .
STOCKHOLM , @ @ @ @ @ The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to US researchers Harvey @ @ @ @ @ UK scientist Michael Houghton , the Nobel Assembly at Stockholm ’ s Karolinska Institute announced @ @ @ @ @ in medicine awarded for how cells adapt to oxygen availability '' This year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ three scientists who have made a decisive contribution to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis , @ @ @ @ @ that causes cirrhosis and liver cancer in people around the world , '' the assembly @ @ @ @ @ the Hepatitis C virus is a milestone in the fight against viral diseases since it @ @ @ @ @ blood tests eliminating the risk of infection during blood transfusions .
The discovery also launched @ @ @ @ @ against Hepatitis C , the experts noted .
Annually , 70 mln people worldwide contract @ @ @ @ @ die of this disease .

The prize was awarded for discovering the Hepatitis C virus, the committee’s decision said.
STOCKHOLM, October 5. /TASS/. The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to US researchers Harvey Alter and Charles Rice and UK scientist Michael Houghton, the Nobel Assembly at Stockholm’s Karolinska Institute announced on Monday.
"This year’s Nobel Prize is awarded to three scientists who have made a decisive contribution to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis, a major global health problem that causes cirrhosis and liver cancer in people around the world," the assembly explained.
The discovery of the Hepatitis C virus is a milestone in the fight against viral diseases since it allowed to develop highly sensitive blood tests eliminating the risk of infection during blood transfusions. The discovery also launched rapid development of effective pharmaceuticals against Hepatitis C, the experts noted.
Annually, 70 mln people worldwide contract Hepatitis C, while thousands die of this disease.


tass--2020-10-05--In Russia medicine against COVID-19 in development based on blood plasma of the recovered

ORENBURG , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
Preparation for treatment of patients with a severe form of the novel coronavirus infection based on blood plasma of patients who have already had the disease is being developed in Russia , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko told journalists on Monday .
`` Today the work is underway on the preparation on the basis of plasma of donors who had the disease .
This is the anti-COVID immunoglobulin and in order to produce this preparation , the material will be the plasma of patients who had the disease , in order to attain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously ill patients , '' the minister said .
He also noted that the Orenburg Region was among the first ones to sign contracts for delivery of blood plasma of those who have already had the coronavirus infection in order to produce this preparation on an industrial scale .
`` Today , donorship , voluntary donorship is highly relevant .
This means that one human being is saving the life of another , '' the minister added .
The press service of Russia ’ s Healthcare Ministry in June reported that over 630,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia since January through May 2020 .

ORENBURG, October 5. /TASS/. Preparation for treatment of patients with a severe form of the novel coronavirus infection based on blood plasma of patients who have already had the disease is being developed in Russia, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko told journalists on Monday.
"Today the work is underway on the preparation on the basis of plasma of donors who had the disease. This is the anti-COVID immunoglobulin and in order to produce this preparation, the material will be the plasma of patients who had the disease, in order to attain a highly-concentrated preparation to be administered to seriously ill patients," the minister said.
He also noted that the Orenburg Region was among the first ones to sign contracts for delivery of blood plasma of those who have already had the coronavirus infection in order to produce this preparation on an industrial scale. "Today, donorship, voluntary donorship is highly relevant. This means that one human being is saving the life of another," the minister added.
The press service of Russia’s Healthcare Ministry in June reported that over 630,000 liters of whole blood had been stocked in Russia since January through May 2020.


tass--2020-10-05--Russian defense firm to develop new 9x19mm pistol round with stronger lethal power

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Central Research Institute of Precision Machine-Building ( TsNIITochMash , part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) has started to develop a new 9x19mm pistol round for special operations forces that will surpass existing rivals by its lethal power , the Rostec press office reported on Monday .
`` The cartridge with a high lethal power bullet will allow using the capabilities of pistols and submachine guns more effectively .
The new round is being developed for Russian defense , security and law-enforcement agencies , '' Rostec said .
The new munition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethal effect the 9x19mm 7N21 pistol cartridge with a steel core bullet , which is the most powerful round in this caliber today , it said .
`` Thanks to this , the munition will allow striking targets reliably .
Also , the performance specifications envisage achieving the bullet ’ s initial velocity of 480m/s with a bullet weight of 7g .
The fire dispersion will constitute no more than 2.5 cm at a distance of 25 meters , '' Rostec explained .
The new cartridge will be primarily useful for special operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security and law-enforcement agencies , Rostec Armament Cluster Industrial Director Bekkhan Ozdoyev was quoted by the press office as saying .
`` The use of the new cartridge will considerably expand the capabilities of special operations forces , including in counter-terror operations .
The trials of the new munition are scheduled for 2021 , '' Ozdoyev specified .
TsNIITochMash earlier developed a series of cartridges with a high lethal effect .
They include a 9x18mm SP7 cartridge with a plastic core bullet and a 9x21mm SP12 round with a high lethal power bullet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense , security and law-enforcement agencies .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. The Central Research Institute of Precision Machine-Building (TsNIITochMash, part of the state tech corporation Rostec) has started to develop a new 9x19mm pistol round for special operations forces that will surpass existing rivals by its lethal power, the Rostec press office reported on Monday.
"The cartridge with a high lethal power bullet will allow using the capabilities of pistols and submachine guns more effectively. The new round is being developed for Russian defense, security and law-enforcement agencies," Rostec said.
The new munition is set to outperform considerably by its lethal effect the 9x19mm 7N21 pistol cartridge with a steel core bullet, which is the most powerful round in this caliber today, it said.
"Thanks to this, the munition will allow striking targets reliably. Also, the performance specifications envisage achieving the bullet’s initial velocity of 480m/s with a bullet weight of 7g. The fire dispersion will constitute no more than 2.5 cm at a distance of 25 meters," Rostec explained.
The new cartridge will be primarily useful for special operations forces of Russia’s defense, security and law-enforcement agencies, Rostec Armament Cluster Industrial Director Bekkhan Ozdoyev was quoted by the press office as saying.
"The use of the new cartridge will considerably expand the capabilities of special operations forces, including in counter-terror operations. The trials of the new munition are scheduled for 2021," Ozdoyev specified.
TsNIITochMash earlier developed a series of cartridges with a high lethal effect. They include a 9x18mm SP7 cartridge with a plastic core bullet and a 9x21mm SP12 round with a high lethal power bullet adopted for service in Russia’s defense, security and law-enforcement agencies.


tass--2020-10-05--One civilian killed, three injured in shelling of Azerbaijan’s Barda

BAKU , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Prosecutor General ’ s Office of Azerbaijan reported on civilian dead and three injured as a result of shelling of the city of Barda .
`` During the shelling of the city of Barda , Shakhriyar Mekhtiyeva was killed by shrapnel , three more people were injured and hospitalized , '' the Office said .
According to the report , the shells hit downtown Barda and the vicinity of the Barda District hospital .
`` A criminal case has been initiated over corresponding clauses of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disclosed that 24 civilians have been killed and 121 have been injured since the beginning of the recent escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The office reported that Armenia continues shelling settlements in several districts of Azerbaijan surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh region , adding that the civilian infrastructure has been severely damaged .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .

BAKU, October 5. /TASS/. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan reported on civilian dead and three injured as a result of shelling of the city of Barda.
"During the shelling of the city of Barda, Shakhriyar Mekhtiyeva was killed by shrapnel, three more people were injured and hospitalized," the Office said. According to the report, the shells hit downtown Barda and the vicinity of the Barda District hospital.
"A criminal case has been initiated over corresponding clauses of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan," the Office added. Previously, it disclosed that 24 civilians have been killed and 121 have been injured since the beginning of the recent escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The office reported that Armenia continues shelling settlements in several districts of Azerbaijan surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh region, adding that the civilian infrastructure has been severely damaged.
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.


tass--2020-10-05--Russian watchdog calls upon Google, Apple to interact in protection of rights holders

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian mass media and telecom regulator Roskomnadzor sent letters to Google LLC @ @ @ @ @ request to provide contact details for operational interaction when enforcing judgments within the framework of @ @ @ @ @ rights holders , the authority told reporters on Monday .
Russia calls on Apple Inc. @ @ @ @ @ regard to Russian apps '' The law with the effective date of October 1 , @ @ @ @ @ judgments ’ performance by application stores when apps breach the copyright to distributed products , @ @ @ @ @ According to the law , Roskomnadzor takes measures to limit access to the unauthorized content @ @ @ @ @ rights holder 's application and on the basis of the effective court ruling .
The @ @ @ @ @ in owners of apps and communication operators ( in case of refusal of the former @ @ @ @ @ aggregators , in particular , App Store , Google Play and Huawei AppGallery ) .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. The Russian mass media and telecom regulator Roskomnadzor sent letters to Google LLC and Apple Inc. with a request to provide contact details for operational interaction when enforcing judgments within the framework of the law on protection of rights holders, the authority told reporters on Monday.
Russia calls on Apple Inc. not to indulge Ukraine in regard to Russian apps
"The law with the effective date of October 1, 2020 clarifies the procedure of judgments’ performance by application stores when apps breach the copyright to distributed products," the regulator said.
According to the law, Roskomnadzor takes measures to limit access to the unauthorized content in mobile apps following the rights holder's application and on the basis of the effective court ruling.
The blocking responsibility is vested either in owners of apps and communication operators (in case of refusal of the former ones) and in app aggregators, in particular, App Store, Google Play and Huawei AppGallery).


tass--2020-10-05--No traces of weapon-grade toxic substances in Navalny’s tests detected by Charite — Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
Doctors of Berlin ’ s Charite clinic , like their colleagues in Russia , have not detected traces of any military-grade poisoning substances in the samples of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny , this was done only at the Bundeswehr laboratory , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday during his meeting with the members of the Association of European Businesses in Russia .
`` Yes , they [ the doctors in Omsk ] have not detected any traces of weapon-grade toxic substances , they honestly said that .
But I would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that at the Charite clinic no poisoning substances were detected in his tests either , while it was done only at the Bundeswehr clinic .
We still don ’ t know whether the French and the Swedes took the samples themselves or the Germans simply passed [ the samples ] on to them .
And the fact that our partners are trying to keep everything a secret < … > , alarms us a lot .
We want to find out the truth and we will keep trying to do so , '' @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. Doctors of Berlin’s Charite clinic, like their colleagues in Russia, have not detected traces of any military-grade poisoning substances in the samples of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny, this was done only at the Bundeswehr laboratory, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday during his meeting with the members of the Association of European Businesses in Russia.
"Yes, they [the doctors in Omsk] have not detected any traces of weapon-grade toxic substances, they honestly said that. But I would like to direct your attention to the fact that at the Charite clinic no poisoning substances were detected in his tests either, while it was done only at the Bundeswehr clinic. We still don’t know whether the French and the Swedes took the samples themselves or the Germans simply passed [the samples] on to them. And the fact that our partners are trying to keep everything a secret <…>, alarms us a lot. We want to find out the truth and we will keep trying to do so," the top diplomat said.


tass--2020-10-05--No talks of new lockdown over coronavirus, Kremlin says

Coronavirus will be defeated in Moscow within several months — mayor MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin spokesman @ @ @ @ @ is unaware of any discussion among the authorities of repeat introduction of a self-isolation regime @ @ @ @ @ .
`` As for the lockdown , I have heard no such discussions , '' @ @ @ @ @ to the spokesman , the introduction of self-isolation will be discussed not in the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ headquarters , anyway .
`` I have heard no discussions in this regard .
You @ @ @ @ @ cases are , of course , a serious reason to mobilize and become more careful @ @ @ @ @ This is true for all of us , '' the spokesman said .

Coronavirus will be defeated in Moscow within several months — mayor
MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday he is unaware of any discussion among the authorities of repeat introduction of a self-isolation regime, despite rising COVID-19 incidence.
"As for the lockdown, I have heard no such discussions," the spokesman said.
According to the spokesman, the introduction of self-isolation will be discussed not in the Kremlin, but in a government headquarters, anyway.
"I have heard no discussions in this regard. You know that growing numbers of cases are, of course, a serious reason to mobilize and become more careful in our everyday behavior. This is true for all of us," the spokesman said.


tass--2020-10-05--Anti-coronavirus crisis center not planning to close borders, limit flights

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
The anti-coronavirus crisis center is not going to make a decision on closing @ @ @ @ @ , the crisis center told TASS on Monday .
`` The crisis center is not @ @ @ @ @ closing borders and limiting air service , '' the crisis center noted .
According to @ @ @ @ @ 35 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.03 mln deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ 1,215,001 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 979,143 patients having recovered from @ @ @ @ @ s latest data indicates 21,358 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up @ @ @ @ @ the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. The anti-coronavirus crisis center is not going to make a decision on closing borders and restricting air service, the crisis center told TASS on Monday.
"The crisis center is not planning to make decisions on closing borders and limiting air service," the crisis center noted.
According to the latest statistics, about 35 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.03 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 1,215,001 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 979,143 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 21,358 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-05--Ecological disaster strikes Kamchatka: Devastating images of mass deaths of sea creatures

Finnish president to meet with Russian , US negotiators after their talks in Helsinki The Russian foreign ministry confirmed earlier @ @ @ @ @ consultations would take place in Helsinki on October 5

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-10-05--Russian scientists discuss two-three possible missions to Venus

`` Earlier we talked about only one mission , `` Venera-D '' , now Roscosmos recommends that we move ahead .
Taking into account the importance of Venus for science , we may have several missions to Venus .
We are discussing it now , there may be two or even three of them , '' he said .
MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russian scientists may prepare several own missions for exploration of Venus , Scientific Director of the Russian Space Research Institute Lev Zeleny said at the Eleventh Moscow Solar System Symposium .
In the middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Russia would develop a new Venus exploration program , which would include sending at least three research vehicles to the planet .
According to him , the first expedition within the program will be the `` Venera-D '' planned for late 2020s .
The project will form part of the government space program .
The previous comprehensive program for the study of Venus was implemented in the USSR .
The scientist also told TASS that the Space Research Institute would begin work on the initial design of the `` Venera-D '' landing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian space corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia plans to send its own mission to Venus in addition to the planned joint mission with the USA .
The space corporation stressed earlier that it is not refusing to cooperate with the US on the `` Venera-D '' project but refrains from the extended international cooperation on this mission .

"Earlier we talked about only one mission, "Venera-D", now Roscosmos recommends that we move ahead. Taking into account the importance of Venus for science, we may have several missions to Venus. We are discussing it now, there may be two or even three of them," he said.
MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. Russian scientists may prepare several own missions for exploration of Venus, Scientific Director of the Russian Space Research Institute Lev Zeleny said at the Eleventh Moscow Solar System Symposium.
In the middle of May, the scientist told TASS that Russia would develop a new Venus exploration program, which would include sending at least three research vehicles to the planet. According to him, the first expedition within the program will be the "Venera-D" planned for late 2020s. The project will form part of the government space program. The previous comprehensive program for the study of Venus was implemented in the USSR. The scientist also told TASS that the Space Research Institute would begin work on the initial design of the "Venera-D" landing station in 2021.
Earlier, head of Russian space corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia plans to send its own mission to Venus in addition to the planned joint mission with the USA.
The space corporation stressed earlier that it is not refusing to cooperate with the US on the "Venera-D" project but refrains from the extended international cooperation on this mission.


tass--2020-10-05--Russia’s GDP decline may be 4-5% in 2020

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
By the end of 2020 , the decline of Russia ’ s GDP may reach 4-5 % , and the GDP forecast for next year will be adjusted for the worse , Chairman of the Russian Accounts Chamber Alexey Kudrin said on Monday .
`` The budget is based on a macro forecast , under which recovery growth is expected in 2021 .
I must say that the forecast does not take into account the second COVID wave , which , unfortunately , has begun .
And thus , this year 's GDP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official forecast , somewhere from 4 % to 5 % , '' he said .
`` Currently no precise estimates have been made , but it is clear that we will have to adjust the forecast for 2021 at the beginning of the year .
Winter and the first quarter may be difficult still for economic growth .
And the growth indicators for next year can also be adjusted , '' Kudrin added .
According to Kudrin , in 2013-2019 , the average annual GDP growth rate was less than 1 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming years are optimistic .
`` The average annual growth rate from 2013 to 2019 was less than 1 % .
We are in a historic period of very low growth rates .
Therefore , reaching over 3 % growth next year can be expected if we assume that this is a year of a rebound after the crisis , after a decline .
But in the following years , 2022-2023 , growth expectations above 3 % are optimistic , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. By the end of 2020, the decline of Russia’s GDP may reach 4-5%, and the GDP forecast for next year will be adjusted for the worse, Chairman of the Russian Accounts Chamber Alexey Kudrin said on Monday.
"The budget is based on a macro forecast, under which recovery growth is expected in 2021. I must say that the forecast does not take into account the second COVID wave, which, unfortunately, has begun. And thus, this year's GDP decline will probably be bigger than the official forecast, somewhere from 4% to 5%," he said. "Currently no precise estimates have been made, but it is clear that we will have to adjust the forecast for 2021 at the beginning of the year. Winter and the first quarter may be difficult still for economic growth. And the growth indicators for next year can also be adjusted," Kudrin added.
According to Kudrin, in 2013-2019, the average annual GDP growth rate was less than 1% and the expectations of significant GDP growth rates in the coming years are optimistic.
"The average annual growth rate from 2013 to 2019 was less than 1%. We are in a historic period of very low growth rates. Therefore, reaching over 3% growth next year can be expected if we assume that this is a year of a rebound after the crisis, after a decline. But in the following years, 2022-2023, growth expectations above 3% are optimistic," he noted.


tass--2020-10-05--Press review: Azeri-Armenian conflict rages on and Lukashenko hits back hard at EU

Izvestia : Following week-long clashes , Yerevan and Baku still nowhere near negotiations A week has passed since the current conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh erupted , and this recent flare-up of hostilities is not dying down , whatsoever .
On the contrary , things are heating up .
On October 4 , Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanged missile strikes against the peaceful regions of Stepanakert and Ganja with casualties in both cities .
At the moment , neither side is ready for negotiations , Izvestia writes , yet only Yerevan is talking about bringing peacekeepers into the region .
Nevertheless , Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the newspaper that first it is necessary to resolve the situation on the battlefield .
Bringing Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh could be discussed within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said .
However , so far neither Baku nor Yerevan has taken any real steps towards peaceful negotiations without conditions .
Babayan told Izvestia that it is too early to talk about the introduction of a peacekeeping contingent .
`` We are forced to stop enemy attacks every second .
Let 's talk about peacekeepers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backbone of this terrorism , which Azerbaijan and Turkey embody , '' the politician insisted .
Rasim Musabekov , a member of the Azerbaijani parliament , told Izvestia that the issue with the peacekeepers can be discussed only after Armenia withdraws its military from Nagorno-Karabakh .
According to political scientist Denis Denisov , until a third party intervenes in the conflict , it is bound to continue until one side potentially is victorious .
In the meantime , the situation does little to ensure that Baku and Yerevan would voluntarily end the mutual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table .
Deploying peacekeepers , he added , is not a simple mechanism , since the consent of both sides is needed , as well as a UN mandate .
Hastiness in this matter can greatly harm the entire process and endanger the peacekeepers themselves , the expert believes .
As the anti-government demonstrations carry on in Belarus , President Alexander Lukashenko , who is not recognized by many world capitals as the national leader , is not shy about choosing his means to hang on to power , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and foreign journalists were prohibited from working .
In response to the introduction of EU visa sanctions , the Belarusian Foreign Ministry recalled its ambassadors from Lithuania and Poland `` for consultations '' and demanded that these countries do the same and reduce their embassies ’ staff .
Minsk ’ s reaction , according to analysts , has gone over the top .
`` Even Brussels understands the symbolism of its actions , and that is why the sanctions are so modest .
The list is several times shorter than in 2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' political analyst Artem Shraibman said .
Lukashenko is now driven by the desire to retain power at any cost , he is indifferent to any Western reaction , so his tough response to Europe ’ s symbolic sanctions represents his desire to flex his political muscles , the newspaper writes .
Experts noted that the West has no leverage to influence Lukashenko , so after relations have already been ruined , most likely , they will not be restored under this leadership .
According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta , the majority of experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcome of the Belarusian protests : Russia ’ s stance and the activity of the protesters themselves .
Experts do not see a decrease in activity , but the fact that the `` toxicity '' of Lukashenko may bother Russian President Vladimir Putin is heard more and more often .
Putin can listen to what they say in the West , if Belarus becomes part of some larger deal arranged like so : `` we ’ ll forgive you about Navalny , so you should press Lukashenko in favor of OSCE mediation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Shraibman noted .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Iran may buy weapons from Russia to the tune of $ 5 bln The UN ban on arms supplies to Iran expires in two weeks .
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin hashed over the repercussions of the embargo being lifted .
Washington , however , is planning to prevent the sale of weapons to Tehran and has announced sanctions against possible suppliers , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Experts believe that the threat of sanctions will not stop military cooperation between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military exports from Russia to Iran is estimated at $ 5 bln for the next five years .
`` The long-term arms embargo against Iran has led to the fact that Tehran is interested in upgrading most of its weapons .
But Iran 's financial capabilities are limited , and therefore it will carefully select priorities for future purchases , '' Director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov explained .
These priorities can be combat aviation , air defense , or military transport aviation .
Iran 's internal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the 2021 Iranian presidential election , the political commentator added .
Moreover , China may be an obvious competitor to Russian weapons .
However , since Chinese aircraft engines are less reliable this leaves niches open for the Russian technology on the Iranian market .
Moscow will also have to consider the position of Israel , which may object to the sale of certain types of weapons to Tehran , Pukhov said .
`` According to my estimates , in the next five years , Russia can expect supplies of arms and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 bln .
Although , the volume could be larger , '' Pukhov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
Izvestia : Virologists await second wave of COVID-19 in Russian regions On Sunday , October 4 , Russia reported a record increase in COVID-19 infections in recent months - 10,499 cases .
The last time the 10,000 benchmark was surpassed was on May 15 .
Back then , the country was in quarantine .
Over the past week , the number of recorded coronavirus cases per day has increased by 2,632 people .
The second wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions , and the situation there may be worse than in Moscow , Izvestia writes .
At the same time , an alarming trend is also emerging in the capital : a doubling of mortality against the background of a sharp jump in infection rates indicates that the disease is detected at later stages .
`` This is a very alarming sign , meaning that the disease is found at very late stages .
In April , the time difference between the increase in morbidity and the increase in mortality was up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was 13 days , and in Mexico it was about six .
This means that many cases in Russia were registered at an early stage of the disease , '' Director of the Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology , Tropical and Vector-borne Diseases , virologist Alexander Lukashev told Izvestia .
The experts added that the second wave of COVID-19 in the regions would be much more powerful than the first .
`` The first wave virtually did not affect regions , so there was no immune layer in humans .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regions will catch up with Moscow , '' the virologist said .
The head of the department of microbiology of latent infections at the Gamaleya Institute , virologist Viktor Zuev believes that the return of children to schools , and students to universities , the end of the holiday season , as well as the opening of bars and cafes , affected the infection statistics .
In addition , `` loose discipline and carelessness '' caused the rise in susceptibility to the infection and morbidity , the expert noted .
Kommersant : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by largest vendors Telecommunication Technologies Consortium ( ANO TT ) prepared a strategy for the development of telecom equipment production , in which it is proposed to oblige telecom operators to build networks using equipment with an open interface - in particular , the Open Radio Access Network ( OpenRAN ) , General Director of the Consortium Gulnara Khasyanova told Kommersant .
According to the newspaper , this could make it possible to move away from binding networks to a specific supplier , which at the moment includes foreign companies like Huawei , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrate Russian equipment into them .
Some companies , however , doubt that such transition should be legally obligatory , as it could lead to higher prices .
`` The market currently has a proprietary model , when the supplier makes all the elements of the network and there is only a single vendor 's equipment at each site .
It is possible to switch to another manufacturer only by completely replacing the network , '' Khasyanova explained .
In her opinion , the policy of open interfaces should solve the problem of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The biggest suppliers of Russian telecom operators are now foreign ones - China ’ s Huawei , Sweden ’ s Ericsson , and Finland ’ s Nokia .
Domestic equipment based on OpenRAN , including for 5G networks , is being developed by Element ( owned by Sistema and Rostec ) in cooperation with Skoltech and MTS .
Other telecom operators are skeptical about the idea of any legislative regulation of OpenRAN .
MegaFon is already using equipment with open interfaces from different vendors , the company said .
But OpenRAN covers only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be wrong to focus solely on this technology .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: Following week-long clashes, Yerevan and Baku still nowhere near negotiations A week has passed since the current conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh erupted, and this recent flare-up of hostilities is not dying down, whatsoever. On the contrary, things are heating up. On October 4, Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanged missile strikes against the peaceful regions of Stepanakert and Ganja with casualties in both cities. At the moment, neither side is ready for negotiations, Izvestia writes, yet only Yerevan is talking about bringing peacekeepers into the region. Nevertheless, Presidential Adviser of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic David Babayan told the newspaper that first it is necessary to resolve the situation on the battlefield.
Read also Armenia demands ECHR take interim measures against Turkey
Bringing Russian peacekeepers to Nagorno-Karabakh could be discussed within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said. However, so far neither Baku nor Yerevan has taken any real steps towards peaceful negotiations without conditions. Babayan told Izvestia that it is too early to talk about the introduction of a peacekeeping contingent. "We are forced to stop enemy attacks every second. Let's talk about peacekeepers and other aspects after we smash the backbone of this terrorism, which Azerbaijan and Turkey embody," the politician insisted. Rasim Musabekov, a member of the Azerbaijani parliament, told Izvestia that the issue with the peacekeepers can be discussed only after Armenia withdraws its military from Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to political scientist Denis Denisov, until a third party intervenes in the conflict, it is bound to continue until one side potentially is victorious. In the meantime, the situation does little to ensure that Baku and Yerevan would voluntarily end the mutual shelling and sit down at the negotiating table. Deploying peacekeepers, he added, is not a simple mechanism, since the consent of both sides is needed, as well as a UN mandate. Hastiness in this matter can greatly harm the entire process and endanger the peacekeepers themselves, the expert believes. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Lukashenko strikes back at EU sanctions As the anti-government demonstrations carry on in Belarus, President Alexander Lukashenko, who is not recognized by many world capitals as the national leader, is not shy about choosing his means to hang on to power, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Special equipment was used against the protesters, and foreign journalists were prohibited from working. In response to the introduction of EU visa sanctions, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry recalled its ambassadors from Lithuania and Poland "for consultations" and demanded that these countries do the same and reduce their embassies’ staff.
Read also Minsk imposes symmetrical sanctions against UK, Canadian officials
Minsk’s reaction, according to analysts, has gone over the top. "Even Brussels understands the symbolism of its actions, and that is why the sanctions are so modest. The list is several times shorter than in 2011, and without Lukashenko in it," political analyst Artem Shraibman said. Lukashenko is now driven by the desire to retain power at any cost, he is indifferent to any Western reaction, so his tough response to Europe’s symbolic sanctions represents his desire to flex his political muscles, the newspaper writes. Experts noted that the West has no leverage to influence Lukashenko, so after relations have already been ruined, most likely, they will not be restored under this leadership. According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, the majority of experts consider two factors to be decisive for the outcome of the Belarusian protests: Russia’s stance and the activity of the protesters themselves. Experts do not see a decrease in activity, but the fact that the "toxicity" of Lukashenko may bother Russian President Vladimir Putin is heard more and more often. Putin can listen to what they say in the West, if Belarus becomes part of some larger deal arranged like so: "we’ll forgive you about Navalny, so you should press Lukashenko in favor of OSCE mediation and a transfer of power in 2021," Shraibman noted. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Iran may buy weapons from Russia to the tune of $5 bln The UN ban on arms supplies to Iran expires in two weeks. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin hashed over the repercussions of the embargo being lifted. Washington, however, is planning to prevent the sale of weapons to Tehran and has announced sanctions against possible suppliers, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Experts believe that the threat of sanctions will not stop military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. The volume of military exports from Russia to Iran is estimated at $5 bln for the next five years. "The long-term arms embargo against Iran has led to the fact that Tehran is interested in upgrading most of its weapons. But Iran's financial capabilities are limited, and therefore it will carefully select priorities for future purchases," Director of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies Ruslan Pukhov explained. These priorities can be combat aviation, air defense, or military transport aviation.
Read also Russia has no fear of potential US sanctions over arms deals with Iran — senior diplomat
Iran's internal economic problems will be in the spotlight during the 2021 Iranian presidential election, the political commentator added. Moreover, China may be an obvious competitor to Russian weapons. However, since Chinese aircraft engines are less reliable this leaves niches open for the Russian technology on the Iranian market. Moscow will also have to consider the position of Israel, which may object to the sale of certain types of weapons to Tehran, Pukhov said. "According to my estimates, in the next five years, Russia can expect supplies of arms and military equipment to Iran for about $5 bln. Although, the volume could be larger," Pukhov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Izvestia: Virologists await second wave of COVID-19 in Russian regions On Sunday, October 4, Russia reported a record increase in COVID-19 infections in recent months - 10,499 cases. The last time the 10,000 benchmark was surpassed was on May 15. Back then, the country was in quarantine. Over the past week, the number of recorded coronavirus cases per day has increased by 2,632 people. The second wave, virologists predict, will cover the regions, and the situation there may be worse than in Moscow, Izvestia writes. At the same time, an alarming trend is also emerging in the capital: a doubling of mortality against the background of a sharp jump in infection rates indicates that the disease is detected at later stages.
Read also No second coronavirus wave in Moscow, mayor says


tass--2020-10-05--Baku reports over 120 wounded civilians since escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh

BAKU , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 24 Azerbaijani civilians were killed and 121 others were wounded @ @ @ @ @ the area of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , Azerbaijan ’ s Prosecutor General ’ s Office @ @ @ @ @ A total of 24 civilians were killed and 121 others were wounded as a result @ @ @ @ @ Armenian side from September 27 to date , '' it said .
As many as @ @ @ @ @ houses were damaged in the shelling , the Prosecutor General ’ s Office said .

BAKU, October 5. /TASS/. A total of 24 Azerbaijani civilians were killed and 121 others were wounded since renewed clashes erupted in the area of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office reported on Monday.
"A total of 24 civilians were killed and 121 others were wounded as a result of shelling attacks by the Armenian side from September 27 to date," it said.
As many as 56 civil facilities and 306 houses were damaged in the shelling, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.


tass--2020-10-05--Baku reports more shelling of settlements around Nagorno-Karabakh

BAKU , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported new shelling of settlements around the @ @ @ @ @ Currently , the Armenian armed forces shell the city of Horadiz ( Fizuli district ) @ @ @ @ @ , the city of Terter and settlements of the Terter district , as well as @ @ @ @ @ district , '' the Ministry said .
According to the Defense Ministry , appropriate response @ @ @ @ @ Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in @ @ @ @ @ July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both @ @ @ @ @ reported casualties , among them civilians .

BAKU, October 5. /TASS/. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan reported new shelling of settlements around the Nagorno-Karabakh region Monday.
"Currently, the Armenian armed forces shell the city of Horadiz (Fizuli district), settlements of Aghjabadi district, the city of Terter and settlements of the Terter district, as well as territories of Goranboy and Goygol district," the Ministry said.
According to the Defense Ministry, appropriate response measures are being taken.
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.


tass--2020-10-05--Armenia reports Stepanakert shelled with Smerch, Polonez systems

YEREVAN , October 5 /TASS/ .
The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan shell the capital city of the unrecognized republic of @ @ @ @ @ and Turkey-made T-300 Kasirga multiple launch missile systems , Armenian Defense Ministry representative Artsrun Hovhannisyan @ @ @ @ @ shells Stepanakert with missiles .
It uses Smerch and Polonez systems , as well as @ @ @ @ @ he said during a briefing .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September @ @ @ @ @ raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in @ @ @ @ @ in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law @ @ @ @ @ Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .

YEREVAN, October 5 /TASS/. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan shell the capital city of the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh with Smerch, Polonez and Turkey-made T-300 Kasirga multiple launch missile systems, Armenian Defense Ministry representative Artsrun Hovhannisyan said Monday.
"Azerbaijan shells Stepanakert with missiles. It uses Smerch and Polonez systems, as well as Turkish-made Kasirga missiles," he said during a briefing.
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.


tass--2020-10-05--Russian Navy monitoring UK warship in Black Sea

MOSCOW , October 5 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet is tracking the UK Navy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Black Sea , the Defense Ministry ’ s National Defense Control Center reported on @ @ @ @ @ Sea Fleet ’ s forces and capabilities have started to track the UK Navy ’ @ @ @ @ @ the Black Sea on October 4 , 2020 , '' the Center said .
The @ @ @ @ @ the Type 45 designated to operate as part of carrier multi-purpose groups , provide air @ @ @ @ @ fight enemy surface and submarine forces , deliver missile strikes against ground targets and carry @ @ @ @ @ destroyer Dragon is armed with the Sea Viper anti-aircraft missile system with a multi-functional radar @ @ @ @ @ several air targets and is also outfitted with other hi-tech weapon systems and sensors .
@ @ @ @ @ the Type 45 have been built .
A serial-produced destroyer of this Type was estimated @ @ @ @ @ in 2010 .

MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is tracking the UK Navy’s destroyer Dragon that has entered the Black Sea, the Defense Ministry’s National Defense Control Center reported on Monday.
"The Black Sea Fleet’s forces and capabilities have started to track the UK Navy’s destroyer Dragon that entered the Black Sea on October 4, 2020," the Center said.
The Dragon is a destroyer of the Type 45 designated to operate as part of carrier multi-purpose groups, provide air and anti-submarine warfare defense, fight enemy surface and submarine forces, deliver missile strikes against ground targets and carry out other missions.
The destroyer Dragon is armed with the Sea Viper anti-aircraft missile system with a multi-functional radar that simultaneously tracks and intercepts several air targets and is also outfitted with other hi-tech weapon systems and sensors.
Overall, 6 destroyers of the Type 45 have been built.
A serial-produced destroyer of this Type was estimated at 900 million British pounds in 2010.