tass--2020-11-22--Russia to seek firm guarantees that parties to Open Skies Treaty meet their commitments

MOSCOW , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will seek firm guarantees that the remaining parties to the Treaty on Open Skies will meet their commitments in full , the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday in connection with the US withdrawal from the treaty .
`` Now , after withdrawing from the Treaty on Open Skies , the US side expects that its allies , on the one hand , will hinder Russian observation flights above US military facilities in Europe and on the other hand , share with Washington their files on photo surveillance of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unacceptable for Russia , '' the ministry stated .
`` We will seek firm guarantees that the remaining parties to the Treaty on Open Skies meet their commitments .
First , on ensuring the possibility of observing their entire territory and second , on non-transfer of files on observation flights to third countries , which are not participants of the Treaty on Open Skies , '' the ministry stated .
Moscow states that if other member-states want Russia to keep its membership in the agreement , they should think how to allay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the US withdrawal from the treaty did not increase security of the US and its allies .
`` Now many in the West ask a question how Russia will react [ to the US withdrawal from the agreement ] ?
The answer is simple .
We have repeatedly stated that we are open to all options , '' the ministry stated .
`` We are carefully watching and analyzing how the words of other parties to the Treaty match their actions .
Judging by security interests of Russia and our allies we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stance on the Treaty on Open Skies worsened after Russian flights over US soil became normal practice and also after Russia started using digital equipment for surveillance , according to the statement .
Since that moment , the Americans began to create obstacles for the treaty ’ s implementation , the diplomats said .
`` The United States arrogantly ignored our proposals on ironing out these problems , while insisting on the immediate satisfaction of its claims , the answers to which we have repeatedly given .
Realizing that in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should take reciprocal steps aimed at allaying Russian concerns , they interrupted the consultations and began accusing our country of `` violating '' the Treaty , '' the ministry said .
`` These far-fetched accusations were used by them as a pretext , first to take `` countermeasures '' and then to withdraw from the Treaty.
`` According to the Russian Foreign Ministry , Washington deliberately sought to undermine the treaty and the statement that the US was ready to remain a party to it in case of certain steps from Russia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries ’ leadership .
On May 21 , US President Donald Trump declared that Washington was going to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty , which provides for inspection flights over member countries ’ territories to monitor military activities .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained in a written statement that the decision on Washington ’ s withdrawal from the agreement would enter into force in six months , starting from May 22 , i.e .
on November 22 .
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements , broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has 33 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26 , 2001 .
For the past several years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the treaty in a selective manner and of violating some of its provisions .
Russia has also put forward some objections regarding the way the United States has been implementing the agreement .
In 2017 , Washington imposed certain restrictions on Russian observation flights above its territory ; Moscow came up with a tit-for-tat response some time later .

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Russia will seek firm guarantees that the remaining parties to the Treaty on Open Skies will meet their commitments in full, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday in connection with the US withdrawal from the treaty.
"Now, after withdrawing from the Treaty on Open Skies, the US side expects that its allies, on the one hand, will hinder Russian observation flights above US military facilities in Europe and on the other hand, share with Washington their files on photo surveillance of Russia’s territory. Certainly, this is unacceptable for Russia," the ministry stated.
"We will seek firm guarantees that the remaining parties to the Treaty on Open Skies meet their commitments. First, on ensuring the possibility of observing their entire territory and second, on non-transfer of files on observation flights to third countries, which are not participants of the Treaty on Open Skies," the ministry stated.
Moscow states that if other member-states want Russia to keep its membership in the agreement, they should think how to allay its fears. Meanwhile, Russian diplomats said the US withdrawal from the treaty did not increase security of the US and its allies.
"Now many in the West ask a question how Russia will react [to the US withdrawal from the agreement]? The answer is simple. We have repeatedly stated that we are open to all options," the ministry stated. "We are carefully watching and analyzing how the words of other parties to the Treaty match their actions. Judging by security interests of Russia and our allies we will take relevant decisions."
US withdrawal
Washington’s stance on the Treaty on Open Skies worsened after Russian flights over US soil became normal practice and also after Russia started using digital equipment for surveillance, according to the statement. Since that moment, the Americans began to create obstacles for the treaty’s implementation, the diplomats said.
"The United States arrogantly ignored our proposals on ironing out these problems, while insisting on the immediate satisfaction of its claims, the answers to which we have repeatedly given. Realizing that in order to reach an agreement, Washington should should take reciprocal steps aimed at allaying Russian concerns, they interrupted the consultations and began accusing our country of "violating" the Treaty," the ministry said. "These far-fetched accusations were used by them as a pretext, first to take "countermeasures" and then to withdraw from the Treaty. "
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Washington deliberately sought to undermine the treaty and the statement that the US was ready to remain a party to it in case of certain steps from Russia in fact were just aimed at misleading European countries’ leadership.
On May 21, US President Donald Trump declared that Washington was going to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained in a written statement that the decision on Washington’s withdrawal from the agreement would enter into force in six months, starting from May 22, i.e. on November 22.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements, broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has 33 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.
For the past several years, Washington has been accusing Moscow of implementing the treaty in a selective manner and of violating some of its provisions. Russia has also put forward some objections regarding the way the United States has been implementing the agreement. In 2017, Washington imposed certain restrictions on Russian observation flights above its territory; Moscow came up with a tit-for-tat response some time later.


tass--2020-11-22--Russia’s coronavirus cases rise by 24,581 in the past day

MOSCOW , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 24,581 in the past day to a total of 2,089,329 , the crisis center told reporters on Sunday .
In the past three days , the number of new cases of infection exceeded 24,000 .
According to the crisis center , the average growth rate over the past four days did not surpass 1.2 % .
The lowest growth rates over the past day were registered in Dagestan , the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region ( 0.6 % ) , Kalmykia , Karachayevo-Cherkessia , Kabardino-Balkaria and Mariy El @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,575 new COVID-19 cases in the past day .
Another 2,668 cases were recorded in St. Petersburg , 949 in the Moscow Region , 448 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 385 in the Sverdlovsk Region .
Currently , 457,707 people are undergoing treatment in Russia .
Russia ’ s death toll from the coronavirus grew by 401 in the past day , reaching 36,179 .
The average mortality rate remained at 1.73 % , according to its data .
In the past day , 75 deaths were registered in Moscow , 57 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krasnoyarsk Region , 16 in the Moscow Region and 15 in the Irkutsk Region .
Russia ’ s coronavirus recoveries rose by 18,008 in the past day to a total of 1,595,443 .
According to the crisis center , the share of recoveries remained at 76.4 % of the total number of those infected .
In the past 24 hours , 5,245 patients were discharged in Moscow , 1,335 in St. Petersburg , 695 in the Saratov Region , 571 in the Moscow Region and 387 in the Sverdlovsk Region .

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 24,581 in the past day to a total of 2,089,329, the crisis center told reporters on Sunday.
In the past three days, the number of new cases of infection exceeded 24,000. According to the crisis center, the average growth rate over the past four days did not surpass 1.2%.
The lowest growth rates over the past day were registered in Dagestan, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region (0.6%), Kalmykia, Karachayevo-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Mariy El (0.7%).
Moscow confirmed 6,575 new COVID-19 cases in the past day. Another 2,668 cases were recorded in St. Petersburg, 949 in the Moscow Region, 448 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 385 in the Sverdlovsk Region.
Currently, 457,707 people are undergoing treatment in Russia.
Deaths
Russia’s death toll from the coronavirus grew by 401 in the past day, reaching 36,179.
The average mortality rate remained at 1.73%, according to its data.
In the past day, 75 deaths were registered in Moscow, 57 in St. Petersburg, 20 in the Krasnoyarsk Region, 16 in the Moscow Region and 15 in the Irkutsk Region.
Recoveries
Russia’s coronavirus recoveries rose by 18,008 in the past day to a total of 1,595,443.
According to the crisis center, the share of recoveries remained at 76.4% of the total number of those infected.
In the past 24 hours, 5,245 patients were discharged in Moscow, 1,335 in St. Petersburg, 695 in the Saratov Region, 571 in the Moscow Region and 387 in the Sverdlovsk Region.


tass--2020-11-22--Over 5,200 more patients recover from coronavirus in Moscow

MOSCOW , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s coronavirus recoveries rose by 5,245 in the past day to @ @ @ @ @ s crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation said on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow reports that another 5,245 patients recovered after undergoing @ @ @ @ @ .
The total number of people who recovered from the infection grew to 405,577 , @ @ @ @ @ .
All patients will remain under medical supervision after being discharged from hospitals and will @ @ @ @ @ Moscow citizens have been asked to donate their plasma to treat coronavirus patients .
People @ @ @ @ @ have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors , provided they don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ negative for HIV , Hepatitis B and C .

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries rose by 5,245 in the past day to 405,577, the city’s crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation said on Sunday.
"The crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow reports that another 5,245 patients recovered after undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection. The total number of people who recovered from the infection grew to 405,577," the crisis center said.
All patients will remain under medical supervision after being discharged from hospitals and will receive recommendations.
The recovered Moscow citizens have been asked to donate their plasma to treat coronavirus patients. People aged 18 to 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-11-22--Russian checkpoint’s work not affected by lockdown in China border city

BEIJING , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities ’ decision to impose a lockdown in Manzhouli , a city in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region , northeast China , has not affected the work of the Russian-Chinese border crossing Zabaykalsk-Manchuria , Russia ’ s Consul-General in Harbin Vladimir Oschepkov told TASS on Sunday .
`` We are carefully watching the developing epidemiological situation in the near-border Chinese city of Manzhouli , '' Oschepkov said .
`` According to our data , the railway and automobile checkpoints on the border with Russia are working with some restrictions as previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , since April 9 China ’ s authorities have suspended passenger service through the Zabaykalsk-Manchuria checkpoint .
Freight traffic through it continues but is limited due to increased anti-epidemic measures .
Earlier China ’ s authorities imposed a lockdown in Manzhouli over two cases of pneumonia there caused by the coronavirus .
Passenger and railway service with the city was temporarily suspended and a ban was imposed on meetings and mass events .
Entertainment facilities , schools and kindergartens were closed .
The authorities announced plans to carry out mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home for nearly 172,000 people .
In the past day , China ’ s authorities recorded 17 new coronavirus cases : three of them were confirmed among Chinese citizens ( two in Manzhouli and one in Shanghai ) and 14 others were registered among passengers who had arrived from abroad .

BEIJING, November 22. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities’ decision to impose a lockdown in Manzhouli, a city in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, northeast China, has not affected the work of the Russian-Chinese border crossing Zabaykalsk-Manchuria, Russia’s Consul-General in Harbin Vladimir Oschepkov told TASS on Sunday.
"We are carefully watching the developing epidemiological situation in the near-border Chinese city of Manzhouli," Oschepkov said. "According to our data, the railway and automobile checkpoints on the border with Russia are working with some restrictions as previously," the diplomat stressed.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, since April 9 China’s authorities have suspended passenger service through the Zabaykalsk-Manchuria checkpoint. Freight traffic through it continues but is limited due to increased anti-epidemic measures.
Earlier China’s authorities imposed a lockdown in Manzhouli over two cases of pneumonia there caused by the coronavirus. Passenger and railway service with the city was temporarily suspended and a ban was imposed on meetings and mass events. Entertainment facilities, schools and kindergartens were closed. The authorities announced plans to carry out mass testing among all citizens. Manzhouli is home for nearly 172,000 people.
In the past day, China’s authorities recorded 17 new coronavirus cases: three of them were confirmed among Chinese citizens (two in Manzhouli and one in Shanghai) and 14 others were registered among passengers who had arrived from abroad.


tass--2020-11-22--G20 should take lead in ensuring economic recovery after pandemic: Japan’s PM

TOKYO , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Japan expects the G20 to take the lead to ensure economic recovery , resumption of international travel and international order following the coronavirus pandemic , Japan ’ s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Saturday .
He was speaking during the online G20 summit , which is being chaired by Saudi Arabia .
`` The G20 must make it clear that it will take the initiative to secure measures against the pandemic , restoring economic growth , resuming international travel and creating an international order after the pandemic , '' he said as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suga also noted the importance of creating a global environment , where everyone can have access to medical diagnostics , treatment and vaccines .
In addition , the Japanese Prime Minister pointed out the need to develop digitalization and strengthen reliable supply chains .
Touching upon the Olympic Games in Tokyo postponed to next year , Suga promised to make them a symbol of the victory of humanity over the coronavirus .
The G20 is an international forum for governments and central banks of the largest economically developed and developing countries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes 19 states ( Australia , Argentina , Brazil , Germany , India , Indonesia , Italy , Canada , China , Mexico , Russia , Saudi Arabia , the UK , the USA , Turkey , France , South Africa , South Korea , Japan ) and the European Union .
According to the World Bank , the G20 countries account for 80 % of global GDP .
The G20 summit , chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud , is held online on November 21-22 .
The meeting ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore economic growth in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .

TOKYO, November 22. /TASS/. Japan expects the G20 to take the lead to ensure economic recovery, resumption of international travel and international order following the coronavirus pandemic, Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Saturday. He was speaking during the online G20 summit, which is being chaired by Saudi Arabia.
"The G20 must make it clear that it will take the initiative to secure measures against the pandemic, restoring economic growth, resuming international travel and creating an international order after the pandemic," he said as quoted by the NHK TV channel.
Suga also noted the importance of creating a global environment, where everyone can have access to medical diagnostics, treatment and vaccines. In addition, the Japanese Prime Minister pointed out the need to develop digitalization and strengthen reliable supply chains. Touching upon the Olympic Games in Tokyo postponed to next year, Suga promised to make them a symbol of the victory of humanity over the coronavirus.
The G20 is an international forum for governments and central banks of the largest economically developed and developing countries. The forum was founded in 1999. It includes 19 states (Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Canada, China, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the USA, Turkey, France, South Africa, South Korea, Japan) and the European Union. According to the World Bank, the G20 countries account for 80% of global GDP.
The G20 summit, chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is held online on November 21-22. The meeting’s participants will particularly discuss ways to restore economic growth in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.


tass--2020-11-22--US withdrawal from Open Skies Treaty comes into force on Sunday

WASHINGTON , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
The United States ceased being a party to the Open Skies Treaty ( OST ) on Sunday .
On May 21 , US President Donald Trump declared that Washington was going to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty , which provides for inspection flights over member countries ’ territories to monitor military activities .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained in a written statement that the decision on Washington ’ s withdrawal from the agreement would enter into force in six months , starting from May 22 , i.e .
on November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements , broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has 33 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For the past several years , Washington has been accusing Moscow of implementing the treaty in a selective manner and of violating some of its provisions .
Russia has also put forward some objections regarding the way the United States has been implementing the agreement .
In 2017 , Washington imposed certain restrictions on Russian observation flights above its territory ; Moscow came up with a mirror-like response some time later .
Democrat Joseph Biden , who , according to the American media , won the presidential election in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw from the Treaty short-sighted , noting that it would increase tensions between the West and Russia , as well as increase the risk of miscalculation and conflict .

WASHINGTON, November 22. /TASS/. The United States ceased being a party to the Open Skies Treaty (OST) on Sunday.
On May 21, US President Donald Trump declared that Washington was going to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained in a written statement that the decision on Washington’s withdrawal from the agreement would enter into force in six months, starting from May 22, i.e. on November 22.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements, broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has 33 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.
For the past several years, Washington has been accusing Moscow of implementing the treaty in a selective manner and of violating some of its provisions. Russia has also put forward some objections regarding the way the United States has been implementing the agreement. In 2017, Washington imposed certain restrictions on Russian observation flights above its territory; Moscow came up with a mirror-like response some time later.
Democrat Joseph Biden, who, according to the American media, won the presidential election in the United States, called Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Treaty short-sighted, noting that it would increase tensions between the West and Russia, as well as increase the risk of miscalculation and conflict.


tass--2020-11-22--Trump believes he has enough data on fraudulent votes to change election results

WASHINGTON , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump believes that the data he has about fraud is enough to change the results of voting in four states and , as a result , in the whole country as well .
`` Why is Joe Biden so quickly forming a Cabinet when my investigators have found hundreds of thousands of fraudulent votes , enough to `` flip '' at least four States , which in turn is more than enough to win the Election ?
Hopefully the Courts and/or Legislatures will have the courage to do what has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our Elections , and the United States of America itself .
The whole world is watching !
!
!
, '' Trump wrote on Twitter .
The United States held the presidential elections on November 3 .
Though the vote count is still underway , major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender has presumptively won the presidential election .
Both Fox News and Associated Press have put Biden over the top , beyond the needed 270 vote threshold .
Trump is challenging the current outcome , claiming irregularities in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has filed lawsuits to fight his case in court .

WASHINGTON, November 22. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump believes that the data he has about fraud is enough to change the results of voting in four states and, as a result, in the whole country as well.
"Why is Joe Biden so quickly forming a Cabinet when my investigators have found hundreds of thousands of fraudulent votes, enough to "flip" at least four States, which in turn is more than enough to win the Election? Hopefully the Courts and/or Legislatures will have the courage to do what has to be done to maintain the integrity of our Elections, and the United States of America itself. The whole world is watching!!!," Trump wrote on Twitter.
The United States held the presidential elections on November 3. Though the vote count is still underway, major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender has presumptively won the presidential election. Both Fox News and Associated Press have put Biden over the top, beyond the needed 270 vote threshold. Trump is challenging the current outcome, claiming irregularities in the ballot processing in key swing states, and has filed lawsuits to fight his case in court.


tass--2020-11-22--Minsk to blacklist senior officials from EU, some European countries - top diplomat

MINSK , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus will blacklist a number of senior officials from the European Union and some of European nations , Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey said on Sunday .
`` If they hurt us , if they impose sanction on us , naturally , we will have to respond adequately .
You know that the European Union has imposed extra sanctions on some 15 people .
We will also expand our sanction lists and will include senior officials from the European Union and from a number of European states , '' he said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled that opponents of the Belarusian authorities , who previously called only for tougher personal sanctions against Belarusian officials , now insist economic sanctions against the country be toughened .
According to Makey , Minsk plans to discuss with the West the expediency of economic sanctions .
`` There calls for economic sanctions ( voiced by the Belarusian opposition p- TASS ) , to my mind , are not just a silly thing , they are a big threat to Belarus ’ statehood in general .
If anyone thinks it will do good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Naturally , we will speak with our Western partners on this matter , '' he said , adding that there is understanding in the West about the expediency of such measures .
`` If someone wants a fire in this region , '' Minsk will find a way to respond .
`` And in this case , it will be hot around Belarus as well , '' he stressed .
The Belarusian top diplomat pledged that his country will never initiate any destructive steps against its partners .
`` We stand for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an initiator of any destructive actions against our partners , '' he emphasized .

MINSK, November 22. /TASS/. Belarus will blacklist a number of senior officials from the European Union and some of European nations, Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey said on Sunday.
"If they hurt us, if they impose sanction on us, naturally, we will have to respond adequately. You know that the European Union has imposed extra sanctions on some 15 people. We will also expand our sanction lists and will include senior officials from the European Union and from a number of European states," he said in an interview with the Belarus-1 television channel.
He recalled that opponents of the Belarusian authorities, who previously called only for tougher personal sanctions against Belarusian officials, now insist economic sanctions against the country be toughened. According to Makey, Minsk plans to discuss with the West the expediency of economic sanctions. "There calls for economic sanctions (voiced by the Belarusian opposition p- TASS), to my mind, are not just a silly thing, they are a big threat to Belarus’ statehood in general. If anyone thinks it will do good, he or she are mistaken. Naturally, we will speak with our Western partners on this matter," he said, adding that there is understanding in the West about the expediency of such measures.
"If someone wants a fire in this region," Minsk will find a way to respond. "And in this case, it will be hot around Belarus as well," he stressed.
The Belarusian top diplomat pledged that his country will never initiate any destructive steps against its partners. "We stand for the logic of cooperation, we will never be an initiator of any destructive actions against our partners," he emphasized.


tass--2020-11-22--71 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day - crisis center

MOSCOW , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Seventy-one more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 8,370 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 8,379 .
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ necessary to stay at home , call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases .
As of today , Moscow has @ @ @ @ @ , including 7,168 during the past day .
As many as 400,332 patients have recovered @

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. Seventy-one more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 8,370, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Sunday.
"Seventy-one coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 8,379.
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it is necessary to stay at home, call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment.
Moscow tops the list of Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases. As of today, Moscow has reported 547,138 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 7,168 during the past day. As many as 400,332 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-11-22--Belarus to begin production of Russian anti-COVID Sputnik V vaccine this year - minister

MOSCOW , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
The first batch of the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V will be laboratory-produced in Belarus this year , Belarus ’ acting Health Minister Dmitry Pinevich said on Sunday .
`` The first [ batches of the vaccine ] will be manufactured this year .
Say , Russia started from laboratory production .
So , the first batch will be manufactured in laboratory conditions this year , I am sure , '' he said in an interview with the Belarus-1 television channel when asked when the vaccine production in Belarus will be launched .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will kick off in 2021 .
`` It will be maximally quickly to begin vaccination , '' he noted .
`` I would like to stress : resources have already been booked and the vaccine will be manufactured in any event . ''
Belarus is the first foreign country to begin clinical tests of the Sputnik V vaccine after its registration in Russia .
Trials will be conducted in eight Belarusian medical establishments .
In a telephone conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on November 4 , Russian leader Vladimir Putin supported his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine in his country .
On August 11 , Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .
The third , post-registration , stage of clinical tests began on August 25 .
The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines @

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. The first batch of the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V will be laboratory-produced in Belarus this year, Belarus’ acting Health Minister Dmitry Pinevich said on Sunday.
"The first [batches of the vaccine] will be manufactured this year. Say, Russia started from laboratory production. So, the first batch will be manufactured in laboratory conditions this year, I am sure," he said in an interview with the Belarus-1 television channel when asked when the vaccine production in Belarus will be launched.
Mass production, in his words, will kick off in 2021. "Vaccinations will begin extremely quickly," he noted. "I would like to stress: resources have already been booked and the vaccine will be manufactured in any event."
Belarus is the first foreign country to begin clinical tests of the Sputnik V vaccine after its registration in Russia. Trials will be conducted in eight Belarusian medical establishments.
In a telephone conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on November 4, Russian leader Vladimir Putin supported his Belarusian counterpart’s initiative to organize production of the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine in his country.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. The third, post-registration, stage of clinical tests began on August 25. The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines.


tass--2020-11-22--Belarus’ foreign policy to be focused on Russia - top diplomat

MINSK , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus ’ foreign policy will be basically focused on Russia but the country will not drop the policy of multi-vector approach , Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey said on Sunday .
`` We have always said that Russia is our major strategic ally and key partner and whether we like it or not , the key vector of our cooperation will be geared in this direction , '' he said in an interview with the Belarus-1 television channel .
However , in his words , Belarus is not going to refuse from other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 50 % of Belarusian exports go to the European Union and other foreign countries , '' he explained .
The minister noted that all world nations are trying to pursue a multi-vector policy and such small countries as Belarus , which can not boast a serious economic potential , simply must conduct such policies .
`` It is wrong to chide Belarus for its seeking to pursue a multi-vector policy , '' Makey stressed .
`` It is a matter of Belarus ’ survival as a state . ''
However , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t mean the country `` will be friends with everyone to the same extent . ''
`` The balance of power changes and Belarus must take into account the way other partners are treating it , '' he stressed .

MINSK, November 22. /TASS/. Belarus’ foreign policy will be basically focused on Russia but the country will not drop the policy of multi-vector approach, Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey said on Sunday.
"We have always said that Russia is our major strategic ally and key partner and whether we like it or not, the key vector of our cooperation will be geared in this direction," he said in an interview with the Belarus-1 television channel.
However, in his words, Belarus is not going to refuse from other directions of cooperation. "Since more than 50% of Belarusian exports go to the European Union and other foreign countries," he explained.
The minister noted that all world nations are trying to pursue a multi-vector policy and such small countries as Belarus, which cannot boast a serious economic potential, simply must conduct such policies. "It is wrong to chide Belarus for its seeking to pursue a multi-vector policy," Makey stressed. "It is a matter of Belarus’ survival as a state."
However, according to the Belarusian top diplomat, it doesn’t mean the country "will be friends with everyone to the same extent." "The balance of power changes and Belarus must take into account the way other partners are treating it," he stressed.


tass--2020-11-22--Over 1,400 refugees return to Nagorno-Karabakh during past day - Russian defense ministry

MOSCOW , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
More than 1,400 refugees returned from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh during the past day .
The convoy of buses and cars with the refugees was escorted by Russian peacekeepers , the Russian defense ministry said on Sunday .
`` Thirty-four buses arrived from Yerevan to the main square of the city of Stepanakert .
The convoy was escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police .
Russian servicemen ensured security when the busses were crossing the contact line .
More than 1,400 people returned to their homes , '' the ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for the safe return of civilians across the contact line .
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 .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
Under the document , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the positions that they held and Russian peacekeepers are to be deployed to the region .
The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh basically comprises units of the 15th separate motor rifle ( peacekeeping ) brigade of the Central Military District .

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. More than 1,400 refugees returned from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh during the past day. The convoy of buses and cars with the refugees was escorted by Russian peacekeepers, the Russian defense ministry said on Sunday.
"Thirty-four buses arrived from Yerevan to the main square of the city of Stepanakert. The convoy was escorted by patrols of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police. Russian servicemen ensured security when the busses were crossing the contact line. More than 1,400 people returned to their homes," the ministry said, adding that Russian servicemen were responsible for the safe return of civilians across the contact line.
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.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. Under the document, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides are to maintain the positions that they held and Russian peacekeepers are to be deployed to the region. The Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh basically comprises units of the 15th separate motor rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District.


tass--2020-11-22--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 604,000 in past day - WHO

GENEVA , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
More than 604,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 57.88 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Sunday .
As of 16:31 Moscow time on November 22 , as many as 57,882,183 novel coronavirus cases and 1,377,395 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 604,943 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 9,237 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the countries .
North and South America accounts for more than 44 % of the COVID-19 daily tally ( 270,290 ) .
Next are Europe ( 232,897 cases ) , and Southeast Asia ( 55,697 cases ) .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 11,789,012 ) , India ( 9,095,806 ) , Brazil ( 6,020,164 ) , France ( 2,089,353 ) , Russia ( 2,089,329 ) , Spain ( 1,556,730 ) , the United Kingdom ( 1,493,387 ) , Italy ( 1,380,531 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,233,969 ) , Mexico ( 1,025,969 ) , and Peru ( 946,087 ) .

GENEVA, November 22. /TASS/. More than 604,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 57.88 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Sunday.
As of 16:31 Moscow time on November 22, as many as 57,882,183 novel coronavirus cases and 1,377,395 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 604,943 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 9,237.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
North and South America accounts for more than 44% of the COVID-19 daily tally (270,290). Next are Europe (232,897 cases), and Southeast Asia (55,697 cases).
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (11,789,012), India (9,095,806), Brazil (6,020,164), France (2,089,353), Russia (2,089,329), Spain (1,556,730), the United Kingdom (1,493,387), Italy (1,380,531), Argentina (1,359,042), Colombia (1,233,969), Mexico (1,025,969), and Peru (946,087).


tass--2020-11-22--Over 200 protesters detained in Minsk on Sunday - police

MINSK , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
More than 200 protesters were detained in Minsk on Sunday , as follows @ @ @ @ @ by the Minsk police department on its website .
`` More than 200 people were @ @ @ @ @ of violations of the law on mass gatherings , '' Natalia , Ganusevich , a @ @ @ @ @ department , was quoted as saying .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August @ @ @ @ @ most massive rallies are held in Minsk and several other cities on Sundays .
On @ @ @ @ @ special vehicles with police arrive in downtown Belarusian capital and the supposed venues of protests @ @ @ @ @ are closed and access to mobile Internet is limited .

MINSK, November 22. /TASS/. More than 200 protesters were detained in Minsk on Sunday, as follows from a press statement posted by the Minsk police department on its website.
"More than 200 people were detained in Minsk on charges of violations of the law on mass gatherings," Natalia, Ganusevich, a spokeswoman for the Minsk police department, was quoted as saying.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. The most massive rallies are held in Minsk and several other cities on Sundays. On these days in the morning special vehicles with police arrive in downtown Belarusian capital and the supposed venues of protests, while nearby metro stations are closed and access to mobile Internet is limited.


tass--2020-11-22--G20 pledges to help countries most affected by coronavirus pandemic

CAIRO , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Group of Twenty has pledged to help countries most hit by the @ @ @ @ @ follows from the G20 summit declaration released on Sunday .
We remain determined to support @ @ @ @ @ countries as they face the intertwined health , economic , and social effects of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We will continue to spare no effort to protect lives , provide support @ @ @ @ @ the most vulnerable . ''
The G20 leader stressed that they `` stand united in @ @ @ @ @ action , solidarity , and multilateral cooperation are more necessary today than ever to overcome @ @ @ @ @ opportunities of the 21st century for all by empowering people , safeguarding the planet , @ @ @ @ @ '' `` We are committed to leading the world in shaping a strong , sustainable @ @ @ @ @ era , '' the declaration says .

CAIRO, November 22. /TASS/. The Group of Twenty has pledged to help countries most hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic, as follows from the G20 summit declaration released on Sunday.
We remain determined to support all developing and least developed countries as they face the intertwined health, economic, and social effects of COVID-19," the document says. "We will continue to spare no effort to protect lives, provide support with a special focus on the most vulnerable."
The G20 leader stressed that they "stand united in our conviction that coordinated global action, solidarity, and multilateral cooperation are more necessary today than ever to overcome the current challenges and realize opportunities of the 21st century for all by empowering people, safeguarding the planet, and shaping new frontiers."
"We are committed to leading the world in shaping a strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive post-COVID-19 era," the declaration says.


tass--2020-11-22--G20 extends Debt Service Suspension Initiative until June 2021

CAIRO , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Group of Twenty has extended Debt Service Suspension Initiative until June 2021 @ @ @ @ @ Group of Twenty summit declaration released on Sunday .
`` We are committed to implementing @ @ @ @ @ ( DSSI ) including its extension through June 2021 , allowing DSSI-eligible countries to suspend @ @ @ @ @ , '' the document says .
The move is necessary because many countries are unable @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis it has provoked .
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed @ @ @ @ @ after the virtual summit that poor countries would be offered assistance in the short-term and @ @ @ @ @ of this assistance have been agreed , he said , adding that delays would tell @ @ @ @ @ The Group of Twenty adopted the Debt Service Suspension Initiative in April .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ 46 countries have requested to benefit from the DSSI , amounting to an estimated USD @ @ @ @ @ service deferral , '' the declaration says .

CAIRO, November 22. /TASS/. The Group of Twenty has extended Debt Service Suspension Initiative until June 2021, as follows from the Group of Twenty summit declaration released on Sunday.
"We are committed to implementing the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) including its extension through June 2021, allowing DSSI-eligible countries to suspend official bilateral debt service payments," the document says.
The move is necessary because many countries are unable to repay their debts amid the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis it has provoked. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan told a news conference after the virtual summit that poor countries would be offered assistance in the short-term and medium-term perspective. The parameters of this assistance have been agreed, he said, adding that delays would tell adversely on all countries.
The Group of Twenty adopted the Debt Service Suspension Initiative in April. "As of 13 November 2020, 46 countries have requested to benefit from the DSSI, amounting to an estimated USD 5.7 billion of 2020 debt service deferral," the declaration says.


tass--2020-11-22--Russian lawmaker calls on NATO signatories to Open Skies Treaty not to share data with US

MOSCOW , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
NATO nations that are parties to the Open Skies Treaty must provide legal guarantees that data they collect during observation flights are not shared with the United States , Leonid Slutsky , chairman of the international committee of the Russian State Duma lower parliament house , said on Sunday .
He slammed the United Nations withdrawal from the Treaty as a `` lopsided game . ''
`` Washington treacherously breaks agreements hiding behind false accusations that Russia violates the Treaty on Open Skies whereas other signatory nations to the Treaty that are NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to continue the practice of observation flights over our country , '' he said .
However , he said he doubted that their pledges and promises to strictly obey by all the provisions of the Open Skies Treaty would be in keeping with what they actually do .
`` Notable , the United States wants its allies sign documents on sharing such information and on barring Russian Open Skies missions from making their flights over US military facilities in Europe , '' Slutsky noted .
`` Naturally , such a situation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to act based on our own security interests .
Other parties to the Open Skies Treaty that are concurrently members of the North Atlantic alliance must give clear legally-binding guarantees that they will not share data of their observation flights over Russia with Washington .
I think our further steps on the Treaty on Open Skies should be based on that .
It should be understood that Russia needs the Open Skies Treaty to an extent other partners need it , '' he stressed .
US President Donald Trump declared on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Treaty on Open Skies , which provides for inspection flights over member countries ’ territories to monitor military activities .
He motivated this step by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22 .
Moscow denies these accusations saying its is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims .
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements , broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has more than 30 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26 , 2001 .

MOSCOW, November 22. /TASS/. NATO nations that are parties to the Open Skies Treaty must provide legal guarantees that data they collect during observation flights are not shared with the United States, Leonid Slutsky, chairman of the international committee of the Russian State Duma lower parliament house, said on Sunday.
He slammed the United Nations withdrawal from the Treaty as a "lopsided game." "Washington treacherously breaks agreements hiding behind false accusations that Russia violates the Treaty on Open Skies whereas other signatory nations to the Treaty that are NATO members declare their commitment to it and want to continue the practice of observation flights over our country," he said.
However, he said he doubted that their pledges and promises to strictly obey by all the provisions of the Open Skies Treaty would be in keeping with what they actually do. "Notable, the United States wants its allies sign documents on sharing such information and on barring Russian Open Skies missions from making their flights over US military facilities in Europe," Slutsky noted.
"Naturally, such a situation is inadmissible for Russia. So, we will have to act based on our own security interests. Other parties to the Open Skies Treaty that are concurrently members of the North Atlantic alliance must give clear legally-binding guarantees that they will not share data of their observation flights over Russia with Washington. I think our further steps on the Treaty on Open Skies should be based on that. It should be understood that Russia needs the Open Skies Treaty to an extent other partners need it," he stressed.
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. He motivated this step by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22. Moscow denies these accusations saying its is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements, broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has more than 30 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.


tass--2020-11-22--US officially confirms it is no longer party to Open Skies Treaty

WASHINGTON , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Washington has officially confirmed on Sunday that it is no longer a party to the Open Skies Treaty .
`` Today marks six months since the United States submitted our notice of withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies .
We are now no longer a party to this treaty that Russia flagrantly violated for years , '' the National Security Council under the White House wrote on its Twitter account citing US National Security Advisor Robert O ’ Brien as saying .
According to O ’ Brien , the Treaty on Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaties and agreements '' that are beneficial for the US ’ `` adversaries at the expense of our national security , '' which the United States should withdraw from .
US President Donald Trump `` has never ceased to put America first by withdrawing us from outdated treaties and agreements that have benefited our adversaries at the expense of our national security , '' O ’ Brien said .
The US Department of State also released at press statement on Sunday concerning the country ’ s withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. withdrawal took effect on November 22 , 2020 , and the United States is no longer a State Party to the Treaty on Open Skies.
, '' it reads .
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which provides for inspection flights over member countries ’ territories to monitor military activities .
He motivated this step by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come into effect in six months after May 22 .
Moscow denies these accusations saying its is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims .
During the presidential campaign in the United States , Trumps ’ Democrat rival Joseph Biden slammed this step as short-sighted as it would only add to tensions between the West and Russia and increase the risks of errors and conflicts .
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the open skies regime are to develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements , broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has more than 30 signatory states .
Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26 , 2001 .

WASHINGTON, November 22. /TASS/. Washington has officially confirmed on Sunday that it is no longer a party to the Open Skies Treaty.
"Today marks six months since the United States submitted our notice of withdrawal from the Treaty on Open Skies. We are now no longer a party to this treaty that Russia flagrantly violated for years," the National Security Council under the White House wrote on its Twitter account citing US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien as saying.
According to O’Brien, the Treaty on Open Skies is one of the "outdated treaties and agreements" that are beneficial for the US’ "adversaries at the expense of our national security," which the United States should withdraw from. US President Donald Trump "has never ceased to put America first by withdrawing us from outdated treaties and agreements that have benefited our adversaries at the expense of our national security," O’Brien said.
The US Department of State also released at press statement on Sunday concerning the country’s withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty.
"Six months having elapsed, the U.S. withdrawal took effect on November 22, 2020, and the United States is no longer a State Party to the Treaty on Open Skies.," it reads.
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. He motivated this step by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22. Moscow denies these accusations saying its is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims.
During the presidential campaign in the United States, Trumps’ Democrat rival Joseph Biden slammed this step as short-sighted as it would only add to tensions between the West and Russia and increase the risks of errors and conflicts.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements, broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has more than 30 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.


tass--2020-11-22--Belarusian interior ministry confirms use of riot control tools against protesters

MINSK , November 22 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus ’ interior ministry has confirmed the use of riot control tools against protesters in Minsk on Sunday .
`` Groups of people in Minsk violated public order , stepping out onto trafficway and blocking traffic .
Police warned them about the inadmissibility of public order violation more than once .
Some of them offered resistance to police officers during the detention and the police was forced to use riot control tools , '' Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS on Sunday .
She also said that protests were subsiding across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that the number of participants in unauthorized rallies is gradually decreasing .
As of 16:00 local time , no mass rallies were registered in the country , except Minsk , '' she said .
According to Belarusian human rights activists , more than 100 people were detained during Sunday ’ protests , with most of them being apprehended in the capital city Minsk .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
The most massive rallies are held in Minsk and several other cities on Sundays .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with police arrive in downtown Belarusian capital and the supposed venues of protests , while nearby metro stations are closed and access to mobile Internet is limited .

MINSK, November 22. /TASS/. Belarus’ interior ministry has confirmed the use of riot control tools against protesters in Minsk on Sunday.
"Groups of people in Minsk violated public order, stepping out onto trafficway and blocking traffic. Police warned them about the inadmissibility of public order violation more than once. Some of them offered resistance to police officers during the detention and the police was forced to use riot control tools," Belarusian Interior Ministry Spokeswoman Olga Chemodanova told TASS on Sunday.
She also said that protests were subsiding across the country. "It should be noted that the number of participants in unauthorized rallies is gradually decreasing. As of 16:00 local time, no mass rallies were registered in the country, except Minsk," she said.
According to Belarusian human rights activists, more than 100 people were detained during Sunday’ protests, with most of them being apprehended in the capital city Minsk.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. The most massive rallies are held in Minsk and several other cities on Sundays. On these days in the morning special vehicles with police arrive in downtown Belarusian capital and the supposed venues of protests, while nearby metro stations are closed and access to mobile Internet is limited.


tass--2020-11-23--Moscow eyes proposal for Belarus to build fertilizer terminal in Russian port

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Transport can suggest that Belarusian shippers construct their fertilizer @ @ @ @ @ , Deputy Minister Yuri Tsvetkov told reporters on Monday .
`` This issue [ the @ @ @ @ @ Russian ports ] is now being addressed .
The Ministry of Transport together with the @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Industry and Trade continues working on it and holding discussions .
The traffic @ @ @ @ @ traced with the participation of the Belarusian government and business representatives .
The railway is @ @ @ @ @ territory of Belarus and Russia ; the cost of handling for such cargo types in @ @ @ @ @ freight are also taken into account , '' the official said .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Transport can suggest that Belarusian shippers construct their fertilizer terminal in a Russian port, Deputy Minister Yuri Tsvetkov told reporters on Monday.
"This issue [the transshipment of Belarusian products in Russian ports] is now being addressed. The Ministry of Transport together with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Industry and Trade continues working on it and holding discussions. The traffic chain of such goods was traced with the participation of the Belarusian government and business representatives. The railway is used for carriage over the territory of Belarus and Russia; the cost of handling for such cargo types in ports and the cost of freight are also taken into account," the official said.
Russian Railways already provides a 50-percent discount for its Belarusian colleagues, Tsvetkov said. The throughput cost in ports is often higher though because there are no long-term Take-or-Pay contracts. No discounts from the budget are planned to reduce the transportation cost of Belarusian goods. Russia will also probably offer construction of a fertilizer terminal in one of its ports to Belarus.


tass--2020-11-23--Kiev can stick to Transnistria scenario in Minsk talks — expert

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev ’ s position in the Minsk negotiations aiming to achieve settlement in Donbass possibly indicates that Ukraine seeks to implement the Transnistria scenario of freezing the conflict , political expert Denis Denisov told an online roundtable discussion organized by TASS Monday .
`` Imitation of the negotiating process in the [ Trilateral ] Contact Group will lead to the necessity to review the philosophy of this process and , if needed , to act the way the parties to the Dniester River conflict did 14 years ago .
The political aspect was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the ‘ political basket ’ has not been discussed at all since 2006 , '' he noted .
According to Denisov , this scenario is unfavorable in settling the Donbass crisis .
`` I think it would not be right if it was all frozen , but things are heading that way .
The very spirit of these negotiations on the political track , I think , pushes towards it , '' the expert underscored .
In early October , representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadmap to the Trilateral Contact Group aiming to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine .
The roadmap represents a step-by-step plan of comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Donbass conflict based on the Minsk Agreements .
Later , on November 20 , the DPR Foreign Ministry published the `` plan of joint steps '' drafted by Kiev in response to the proposals of the self-proclaimed republics .
In comments to the document , DPR envoys underlined that it vastly contradicts the Minsk Agreements , concluding that Ukraine doesn ’ t demonstrate a true intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envoys pointed out at the Trilateral Contact Group meeting that Kiev had completely distorted the essence of the republics ’ initiative to unblock the Minsk process .
Russia ’ s permanent envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group Boris Gryzlov had a similar opinion of the Ukrainian document .
According to him , Kiev ’ s plan shows that Ukraine is not planning to engage in dialogue with Donbass residents and is not going to stop but only to `` expand military actions '' in the region .
Gryzlov emphasized that Kiev ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step to fully reject the Minsk Agreements .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. Kiev’s position in the Minsk negotiations aiming to achieve settlement in Donbass possibly indicates that Ukraine seeks to implement the Transnistria scenario of freezing the conflict, political expert Denis Denisov told an online roundtable discussion organized by TASS Monday.
"Imitation of the negotiating process in the [Trilateral] Contact Group will lead to the necessity to review the philosophy of this process and, if needed, to act the way the parties to the Dniester River conflict did 14 years ago. The political aspect was fully taken out of the agenda there, while the ‘political basket’ has not been discussed at all since 2006," he noted.
According to Denisov, this scenario is unfavorable in settling the Donbass crisis. "I think it would not be right if it was all frozen, but things are heading that way. The very spirit of these negotiations on the political track, I think, pushes towards it," the expert underscored.
In early October, representatives of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) submitted a draft roadmap to the Trilateral Contact Group aiming to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The roadmap represents a step-by-step plan of comprehensive peaceful settlement of the Donbass conflict based on the Minsk Agreements.
Later, on November 20, the DPR Foreign Ministry published the "plan of joint steps" drafted by Kiev in response to the proposals of the self-proclaimed republics. In comments to the document, DPR envoys underlined that it vastly contradicts the Minsk Agreements, concluding that Ukraine doesn’t demonstrate a true intention to achieve peace.
Earlier, Donbass envoys pointed out at the Trilateral Contact Group meeting that Kiev had completely distorted the essence of the republics’ initiative to unblock the Minsk process.
Russia’s permanent envoy to the Trilateral Contact Group Boris Gryzlov had a similar opinion of the Ukrainian document. According to him, Kiev’s plan shows that Ukraine is not planning to engage in dialogue with Donbass residents and is not going to stop but only to "expand military actions" in the region. Gryzlov emphasized that Kiev’s roadmap can only be regarded as a step to fully reject the Minsk Agreements.


tass--2020-11-23--Azerbaijan establishes justice departments on territories under its control near Karabakh

BAKU , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Azerbaijani authorities have established regional departments of justice in the districts placed under Baku ’ s control after the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh , Azerbaijan ’ s Justice Minister Fikrat Mammadov announced on Monday .
`` The Karabakh regional department of justice has been established , '' the Azerbaijani Justice Ministry quoted Mammadov as saying .
The justice department `` will prioritize specifying the damage done to the courts and the infrastructure of justice bodies , '' he said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh , starting from November 10 .
Under the peace deal , the Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will remain at their current positions , following which some districts will pass over to Baku ’ s control .
The sides will exchange the bodies of those killed and Russian peacekeepers will be deployed along the contact line and the Lachinsky corridor that connects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States .

BAKU, November 23. /TASS/. The Azerbaijani authorities have established regional departments of justice in the districts placed under Baku’s control after the escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan’s Justice Minister Fikrat Mammadov announced on Monday.
"The Karabakh regional department of justice has been established," the Azerbaijani Justice Ministry quoted Mammadov as saying.
The justice department "will prioritize specifying the damage done to the courts and the infrastructure of justice bodies," he said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, starting from November 10.
Under the peace deal, the Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will remain at their current positions, following which some districts will pass over to Baku’s control. The sides will exchange the bodies of those killed and Russian peacekeepers will be deployed along the contact line and the Lachinsky corridor that connects Karabakh with Armenia.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.
In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-11-23--Moscow vows tough response if parties to Open Skies Treaty share data with US

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will take tough response measures in case other parties to the Treaty on Open Skies share data with the United States after its withdrawal from the treaty and restrict Russia ’ s flights over US facilities in Europe , Konstantin Gavrilov , Russia ’ s chief negotiator at the Vienna talks on military security and arms control , said on Monday .
`` We learnt not long ago that Washington is indulging in behind-the-scenes games and demands its allies sign documents binding them to share materials of observation flights over Russia with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Europeans bar Russia from making observation flights over US military facilities in Europe .
It is a blatant violation of the treaty .
If the rest of the parties to the treaty go on a leash of the United States , we won ’ t hesitate to take tough response measures , '' he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel .
If Russia ’ s partners under the treaty want to ensure its viability , they should give guarantees that aerial survey data from their observation flights are classified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gavrilov stressed .
`` We will spare no effort to ensure the strictest observance of the treaty ’ s provisions on non-sharing these data by the European partners .
Today , we submitted a draft of an updated resolution of the Consultative Commission unequivocally banning any mention of actions [ under the treaty ] , '' he added .
If the decision is made by Washington to return to the Treaty on Open Skies , it will be done on basic rights and conditions of all member states , according to Gavrilov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US quit the treaty .
If they decide to return to the treaty , they will do it , join it , on general basis with agreement and conditions of all member states , '' he said .
`` One of these conditions is recognizing and accepting all decisions that will be made by the Open Skies Consultative Commission without the US participation , '' Gavrilov said .
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies , which provides for inspection flights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military activities .
He motivated this step by Russia ’ s alleged violation of the treaty .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22 , i.e .
on November 22 .
Moscow denies these accusations saying it is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims .
On Sunday , Washington officially confirmed it was no longer party to the treaty .
A statement to this effect was released by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency , render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements , broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations .
The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants .
Now , the treaty has more than 30 signatory states .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 26 , 2001 .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. Russia will take tough response measures in case other parties to the Treaty on Open Skies share data with the United States after its withdrawal from the treaty and restrict Russia’s flights over US facilities in Europe, Konstantin Gavrilov, Russia’s chief negotiator at the Vienna talks on military security and arms control, said on Monday.
"We learnt not long ago that Washington is indulging in behind-the-scenes games and demands its allies sign documents binding them to share materials of observation flights over Russia with the United States. The US demands the Europeans bar Russia from making observation flights over US military facilities in Europe. It is a blatant violation of the treaty. If the rest of the parties to the treaty go on a leash of the United States, we won’t hesitate to take tough response measures," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.
If Russia’s partners under the treaty want to ensure its viability, they should give guarantees that aerial survey data from their observation flights are classified and are note shared with thirds parties, Gavrilov stressed.
"We will spare no effort to ensure the strictest observance of the treaty’s provisions on non-sharing these data by the European partners. Today, we submitted a draft of an updated resolution of the Consultative Commission unequivocally banning any mention of actions [under the treaty]," he added.
If the decision is made by Washington to return to the Treaty on Open Skies, it will be done on basic rights and conditions of all member states, according to Gavrilov.
"In any case, the US quit the treaty. If they decide to return to the treaty, they will do it, join it, on general basis with agreement and conditions of all member states," he said.
"One of these conditions is recognizing and accepting all decisions that will be made by the Open Skies Consultative Commission without the US participation," Gavrilov said.
US President Donald Trump declared on May 21 Washington was going to withdraw from the Treaty on Open Skies, which provides for inspection flights over member countries’ territories to monitor military activities. He motivated this step by Russia’s alleged violation of the treaty. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a written statement that the decision to withdraw from the treaty will come into effect in six months after May 22, i.e. on November 22. Moscow denies these accusations saying it is committed to the treaty and puts forward counterclaims.
On Sunday, Washington officially confirmed it was no longer party to the treaty. A statement to this effect was released by the US Department of State.
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in March 1992 in Helsinki by 23 member nations of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The main purposes of the open skies regime are to develop transparency, render assistance in monitoring compliance with the existing or future arms control agreements, broaden possibilities for preventing crises and managing crisis situations. The treaty establishes a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over the entire territory of its participants. Now, the treaty has more than 30 signatory states. Russia ratified the Treaty on Open Skies on May 26, 2001.


tass--2020-11-23--Apple received frequencies to test wireless technology

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The State Commission for Radio Frequencies authorized US-based Apple to test in Russia the corporate wireless technology Ultra-Wide Band ( UWB ) , an improved counterpart of the Bluetooth system , Deputy Minister for Digital Development Oleg Ivanov told reporters on Monday after the Commission ’ s meeting .
`` We always endorse tests , '' the official said .
`` Then , assume tests are positive , an application will be submitted and the consideration on the merits will follow , '' Ivanov noted .
According to documents prepared for the Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Apple Rus would receive the 6,240-8,236.8 MHz frequency band `` to perform scientific , research , pilot , experimental and design work on clarification of conditions of EMC for ultra-broadband small range wireless devices with radio electronic systems of various purposes . ''
UWB is a wireless data transmission technology enabling transmission of huge data quantities to a small range .
Compared to Bluetooth , UWB has greater throughput capacity against a small coverage area radius and is suitable for wireless transmission of high quality multimedia content , for example , HD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection of a smartphone with a projector during presentations .
The UWB technology is available in iPhone 11 model smartphones and has already been used as a replacement for Bluetooth , although Apple does not have a relevant authorization in Russia so far .
Tests on allocated frequencies are needed to find out whether UWB generates noise for communication aids operating in cross-bands .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The State Commission for Radio Frequencies authorized US-based Apple to test in Russia the corporate wireless technology Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), an improved counterpart of the Bluetooth system, Deputy Minister for Digital Development Oleg Ivanov told reporters on Monday after the Commission’s meeting.
"We always endorse tests," the official said. "Then, assume tests are positive, an application will be submitted and the consideration on the merits will follow," Ivanov noted.
According to documents prepared for the Commission’s meeting, it was planned that Apple Rus would receive the 6,240-8,236.8 MHz frequency band "to perform scientific, research, pilot, experimental and design work on clarification of conditions of EMC for ultra-broadband small range wireless devices with radio electronic systems of various purposes."
UWB is a wireless data transmission technology enabling transmission of huge data quantities to a small range. Compared to Bluetooth, UWB has greater throughput capacity against a small coverage area radius and is suitable for wireless transmission of high quality multimedia content, for example, HD format digital video streams or a wireless connection of a smartphone with a projector during presentations.
The UWB technology is available in iPhone 11 model smartphones and has already been used as a replacement for Bluetooth, although Apple does not have a relevant authorization in Russia so far. Tests on allocated frequencies are needed to find out whether UWB generates noise for communication aids operating in cross-bands.


tass--2020-11-23--Russian Helicopters delivers first Ansat helicopter to Republika Srpska

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Helicopters holding has delivered the first Ansat helicopter with the medical outfit to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republika Srpska , an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina , the Russian helicopter producer said on Monday .
`` This is the first aircraft transferred as part of the contract for three helicopters .
The Ansat for the Republika Srpska is fitted with a medical module with the litter and the medical shelf , '' the company said .
Two more Ansat helicopters for police needs will be handed over to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CEO of Russian Helicopters Andrei Boginsky said .
They will be further equipped with searchlights , a direct deployment system , a hoist and an external load system , he added .
`` The compartment has an area to carry an injured individual and two seats for accompanying medical workers .
The medical outfit comprises an artificial lung ventilation system , a tele-ECG for online monitoring of cardiac performance and other equipment to evacuate patients with varying degrees of severity .
The supply kit comprises five seats that can be mounted instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers in the helicopter compartment .
A vibration damping system is also mounted on board the helicopter , '' Russian Helicopters said .
The lightweight twin-engine multirole Ansat helicopter has been produced since 2013 .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The Russian Helicopters holding has delivered the first Ansat helicopter with the medical outfit to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republika Srpska, an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Russian helicopter producer said on Monday.
"This is the first aircraft transferred as part of the contract for three helicopters. The Ansat for the Republika Srpska is fitted with a medical module with the litter and the medical shelf," the company said.
Two more Ansat helicopters for police needs will be handed over to the Republika Srpska in 2021 and 2022, CEO of Russian Helicopters Andrei Boginsky said. They will be further equipped with searchlights, a direct deployment system, a hoist and an external load system, he added.
"The compartment has an area to carry an injured individual and two seats for accompanying medical workers. The medical outfit comprises an artificial lung ventilation system, a tele-ECG for online monitoring of cardiac performance and other equipment to evacuate patients with varying degrees of severity. The supply kit comprises five seats that can be mounted instead of the medical module to carry 7 passengers in the helicopter compartment. A vibration damping system is also mounted on board the helicopter," Russian Helicopters said.
The lightweight twin-engine multirole Ansat helicopter has been produced since 2013.


tass--2020-11-23--More than 340 protesters detained in Belarus on November 22

The agency underlined that calls for mass rallies were not met with response by citizens in regions .
`` Despite the numerous calls of destructive Telegram channels to join protests , they were not met with the expected support of people in regions of the country apart from the capital , '' the statement notes .
According to the ministry ’ s information , Minsk saw a different situation as protesters gathered in groups there despite warnings , with some of them stepping into car traffic lanes , blocking movement and disputing public order .
Belarus held presidential elections on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 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 , but they have been continuing for more than 3 months now .

The agency underlined that calls for mass rallies were not met with response by citizens in regions. "Despite the numerous calls of destructive Telegram channels to join protests, they were not met with the expected support of people in regions of the country apart from the capital," the statement notes. According to the ministry’s information, Minsk saw a different situation as protesters gathered in groups there despite warnings, with some of them stepping into car traffic lanes, blocking movement and disputing public order.
Belarus held presidential elections on August 9. 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, but they have been continuing for more than 3 months now.


tass--2020-11-23--Putin signs law on raising income tax rate to 15% for incomes over 5 mln rubles

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin signed a law raising the personal income tax rate from 13 % to 15 % for incomes exceeding 5 million rubles ( $ 65,866 ) per year .
The document was published on the official portal of legal information on Monday .
The law was drafted by the order of the President to create an additional source of funding for the treatment of children with severe life-threatening and chronic diseases , including rare ones .
According to the financial and economic feasibility study , the increase in the tax rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the amount of 60 bln rubles ( $ 790 mln ) in 2021 , 64 bln rubles ( $ 843 mln ) in 2022 , and 68.5 bln rubles ( $ 902 mln ) in 2023 .
These allocations have already been reserved for the formation of the draft federal budget for 2021 and the planning period of 2022 and 2023 under the Healthcare Development state program .
The new law stipulates that the personal income tax rate remains at 13 % for incomes of individuals ( Russian tax residents ) , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their shares in it , incomes in the form of the cost of property obtained by way of gift , as well as for taxable incomes individuals receive in the form of insurance payments under insurance agreements and in the form of pensions payments .
The exception is made for securities .
The bill emphasizes that a fixed income over 5 mln rubles a year , raised by a foreign company is subject to a 15 % income tax .
This also applies to dividends an individual receives from a foreign entity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As for control over the raised personal income tax rate payment , the bill envisages that tax agents will be exempt from liability for tax violations for the first quarter of 2021 .
They are also exempt from paying the corresponding amounts of penalties in case they voluntarily transfer specified tax amounts to the budget system of the Russian Federation until July 1 , 2021 .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin signed a law raising the personal income tax rate from 13% to 15% for incomes exceeding 5 million rubles ($65,866) per year. The document was published on the official portal of legal information on Monday.
The law was drafted by the order of the President to create an additional source of funding for the treatment of children with severe life-threatening and chronic diseases, including rare ones.
According to the financial and economic feasibility study, the increase in the tax rate will lead to additional tax receipts in the amount of 60 bln rubles ($790 mln) in 2021, 64 bln rubles ($843 mln) in 2022, and 68.5 bln rubles ($ 902 mln) in 2023. These allocations have already been reserved for the formation of the draft federal budget for 2021 and the planning period of 2022 and 2023 under the Healthcare Development state program.
The new law stipulates that the personal income tax rate remains at 13% for incomes of individuals (Russian tax residents), which are raised from sale of property and their shares in it, incomes in the form of the cost of property obtained by way of gift, as well as for taxable incomes individuals receive in the form of insurance payments under insurance agreements and in the form of pensions payments.
The exception is made for securities. The bill emphasizes that a fixed income over 5 mln rubles a year, raised by a foreign company is subject to a 15% income tax. This also applies to dividends an individual receives from a foreign entity and declares in his or her tax return.
As for control over the raised personal income tax rate payment, the bill envisages that tax agents will be exempt from liability for tax violations for the first quarter of 2021. They are also exempt from paying the corresponding amounts of penalties in case they voluntarily transfer specified tax amounts to the budget system of the Russian Federation until July 1, 2021.


tass--2020-11-23--Business travel revenues down 80% due to pandemic

MOSCOW , November 23 .
/TASS/ .
The revenues of the business travel industry in Russia due to the situation with the coronavirus decreased by 80 % compared to 2019 , Head of the Department of State Tourism Projects and Tourism Safety of the Federal Agency for Tourism Elena Lysenkova said on Monday , '' Before the end of this year and , according to our expectations , in the first half of next year , event activity throughout the country will not be restored .
The business travel and travel sector has not recovered , which led to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enterprises , and still the largest cities of the country and hotel and tourism enterprises [ in this sector ] are experiencing a drop in revenues to 80 % from the indicators of 2019 , '' Lysenkova said .
The situation is better in the hotels of the resort segment , where there was an increased demand in the summer , and the season was extended to October due to good weather , but even here it is impossible to talk about a complete recovery , she said .
`` It [ working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October ] helped restore the economic indicators of these enterprises , although , unfortunately , it did not allow them , even taking into account the increased demand , to return the lost financial indicators of the beginning of summer and spring of last year , '' Lysenkova added .
At the same time , in March - June of this year , most tourist enterprises `` experienced a drop in revenue of up to 90 % '' compared to 2019 , with a few exceptions for those organizations that provided observatory services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, November 23. /TASS/. The revenues of the business travel industry in Russia due to the situation with the coronavirus decreased by 80% compared to 2019, Head of the Department of State Tourism Projects and Tourism Safety of the Federal Agency for Tourism Elena Lysenkova said on Monday,
"Before the end of this year and, according to our expectations, in the first half of next year, event activity throughout the country will not be restored. The business travel and travel sector has not recovered, which led to a significant drop in the income of these enterprises, and still the largest cities of the country and hotel and tourism enterprises [in this sector] are experiencing a drop in revenues to 80% from the indicators of 2019," Lysenkova said.
The situation is better in the hotels of the resort segment, where there was an increased demand in the summer, and the season was extended to October due to good weather, but even here it is impossible to talk about a complete recovery, she said.
"It [working with a good workload from July to October] helped restore the economic indicators of these enterprises, although, unfortunately, it did not allow them, even taking into account the increased demand, to return the lost financial indicators of the beginning of summer and spring of last year," Lysenkova added.
At the same time, in March - June of this year, most tourist enterprises "experienced a drop in revenue of up to 90%" compared to 2019, with a few exceptions for those organizations that provided observatory services or placed medical workers in their rooms, she said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.