tass--2020-09-30--Changes unlikely in relations with Russia after US election - ambassador

WASHINGTON , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian-US relations are unlikely to change drastically after the US presidential election @ @ @ @ @ Anatoly Antonov said in a televised interview with Rossiya ’ 24 channel on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ believe that we will wake up in a different world tomorrow , but any dramatic @ @ @ @ @ in the relations between the United States and Russia , whoever would be at the @ @ @ @ @ , '' Antonov said .
`` [ US ] presidents used to set a goal @ @ @ @ @ expand them , but their potential has not been used up by today , '' @ @ @ @ @ that , he pointed out that the US sanctions create obstacles for local businesses which @ @ @ @ @ Russia and in their expansion into its market .
`` Well , and of course @ @ @ @ @ to be renewed , '' the ambassador concluded .

WASHINGTON, September 30. /TASS/. The Russian-US relations are unlikely to change drastically after the US presidential election, Russia’s Ambassador Anatoly Antonov said in a televised interview with Rossiya’24 channel on Wednesday.
"I do want to believe that we will wake up in a different world tomorrow, but any dramatic changes will hardly take place in the relations between the United States and Russia, whoever would be at the helm in the White House," Antonov said.
"[US] presidents used to set a goal to improve relations and to expand them, but their potential has not been used up by today," he added.
Apart from that, he pointed out that the US sanctions create obstacles for local businesses which are interested in cooperation with Russia and in their expansion into its market.
"Well, and of course, our political contacts need to be renewed," the ambassador concluded.


tass--2020-09-30--Russian scientists to create a 'digital twin' of Aist satellite

September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists from Samara National Research University named are preparing to present the first Russian digital twin of the power supply system for the small satellite `` Aist '' , which will reduce the number of abnormal situations on board , reported the press service of the university .
`` Samara National Research University began he development of a digital twin of the power supply system for small spacecraft 'Aist ' .
The software complex should reduce the number of abnormal situations on board , and thereby increase the lifespan of satellites '' , the statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a postgraduate student of the General Designer D.I .
Kozlov Department of Space Engineering Maxim Ivanushkin .
He analyzed data on the operation of satellites of this type and came to the conclusion that most of the abnormal situations on board arise due to failures of the power supply system .
The creation of a digital twin of the satellite system in the form of a program that recreates an analogue of a physical object in virtual space will make it more reliable by simulating a variety of situations on board both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he explained .
`` The digital twin should take into account , as much as possible , all the features of its original .
For example , take into account the degradation of storage batteries and solar batteries , as well as the cut-off situation and its effect on the energy balance and the abilities of the rest of the spacecraft 's equipment , '' the university 's press service quoted Ivanushkin as saying .
It is expected that this digital twin will be included in the software of the ground control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will be used in the operation of the Aist series satellites .
In the future , the twin can be adapted to work with other spacecraft and be used not only in universities , but also at enterprises developing onboard equipment , as well as on the basis of space companies , the author believes .
The project to create a digital twin won the competition of the UMNIK program and received financial support from the Innovation Promotion Fund .
`` Aist '' is a small spacecraft , which was created in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University in cooperation with the Progress Space Rocket Center .
The satellites of the first series , used in orbit since 2013 , are designed to solve educational and scientific problems , for example , measuring the Earth 's magnetic field and testing the apparatus systems , testing promising types of solar batteries in space .
A representative of the second generation of satellites ( `` Aist-2D '' ) was launched into orbit in 2016 for remote sensing of the Earth .
At present , the Progress Center is developing a complex of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Earth 's surface based on Aist-2 platform .

September 30. /TASS/. Scientists from Samara National Research University named are preparing to present the first Russian digital twin of the power supply system for the small satellite "Aist", which will reduce the number of abnormal situations on board, reported the press service of the university.
"Samara National Research University began he development of a digital twin of the power supply system for small spacecraft 'Aist'. The software complex should reduce the number of abnormal situations on board, and thereby increase the lifespan of satellites", the statement reads.
The author of the project is a postgraduate student of the General Designer D.I. Kozlov Department of Space Engineering Maxim Ivanushkin. He analyzed data on the operation of satellites of this type and came to the conclusion that most of the abnormal situations on board arise due to failures of the power supply system. The creation of a digital twin of the satellite system in the form of a program that recreates an analogue of a physical object in virtual space will make it more reliable by simulating a variety of situations on board both in real time and in forecast mode, he explained.
"The digital twin should take into account, as much as possible, all the features of its original. For example, take into account the degradation of storage batteries and solar batteries, as well as the cut-off situation and its effect on the energy balance and the abilities of the rest of the spacecraft's equipment," the university's press service quoted Ivanushkin as saying.
It is expected that this digital twin will be included in the software of the ground control complex for small spacecraft of the university and will be used in the operation of the Aist series satellites. In the future, the twin can be adapted to work with other spacecraft and be used not only in universities, but also at enterprises developing onboard equipment, as well as on the basis of space companies, the author believes.
The project to create a digital twin won the competition of the UMNIK program and received financial support from the Innovation Promotion Fund.
About the satellite
"Aist" is a small spacecraft, which was created in 2006 by students of Samara National Research University in cooperation with the Progress Space Rocket Center. The satellites of the first series, used in orbit since 2013, are designed to solve educational and scientific problems, for example, measuring the Earth's magnetic field and testing the apparatus systems, testing promising types of solar batteries in space. A representative of the second generation of satellites ("Aist-2D") was launched into orbit in 2016 for remote sensing of the Earth.
At present, the Progress Center is developing a complex of two Aist-2T satellites for stereoscopic imaging of the Earth's surface based on Aist-2 platform.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia concerned about movement of militants to Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is concerned about reports of the movement of militants from Syria and @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` Reports are @ @ @ @ @ illegal armed groups are being moved to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone , particularly from Syria @ @ @ @ @ part in military activities .
We are deeply concerned about these developments that can not @ @ @ @ @ the conflict zone but also create long-term security threats for all countries in the region @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We call on the interested countries to take effective measures to prevent attempts @ @ @ @ @ mercenaries in the conflict and immediately remove them from the region , '' the Russian @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Moscow is concerned about reports of the movement of militants from Syria and Libya to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Reports are coming in that members of illegal armed groups are being moved to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, particularly from Syria and Libya, to take part in military activities. We are deeply concerned about these developments that can not only raise tensions further in the conflict zone but also create long-term security threats for all countries in the region," the statement reads.
"We call on the interested countries to take effective measures to prevent attempts to engage foreign terrorists and mercenaries in the conflict and immediately remove them from the region," the Russian Foreign Ministry added.


tass--2020-09-30--COVID-19 death toll surpasses 35,500 in Africa, WHO reports

PRETORIA , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
African nations have recorded a single-day rise in coronavirus cases by 4,332 to 1,470,055 , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Regional Office for Africa said on Wednesday .
According to the Regional Office for Africa , the number of coronavirus-related deaths has risen by 97 to 35,554 over the past 24 hours , while the number of recoveries surpassed 1.2 million .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of coronavirus cases across Africa - 671,669 with 16,586 fatalities .
The death toll in Egypt tops 5,914 , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has registered 1,719 deaths from the coronavirus .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Nigeria is ranked second to South Africa ( 58,460 cases and 1,111 deaths ) and is followed by Ghana ( 46,222 cases and 299 deaths ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

PRETORIA, September 30. /TASS/. African nations have recorded a single-day rise in coronavirus cases by 4,332 to 1,470,055, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said on Wednesday.
According to the Regional Office for Africa, the number of coronavirus-related deaths has risen by 97 to 35,554 over the past 24 hours, while the number of recoveries surpassed 1.2 million.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of coronavirus cases across Africa - 671,669 with 16,586 fatalities. The death toll in Egypt tops 5,914, while 103,079 cases have been confirmed. Algeria has registered 1,719 deaths from the coronavirus.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is ranked second to South Africa (58,460 cases and 1,111 deaths) and is followed by Ghana (46,222 cases and 299 deaths).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified 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.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia's Armenian, Azerbaijani communities call for peace in Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
The President of the Federal Ethnic-Cultural Autonomy of Russia 's Azerbaijanis , Mekhriban Sadygova , and President of the Federal Ethnic-Cultural Autonomy of Russia 's Armenians , Ara Abramyan , have issued a joint call addressed to their compatriots , the press-service of the Federal Agency for the Nationalities Affairs told TASS on Wednesday .
They condemned the attempts at expanding the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh by recruiting volunteers from the ethnic diasporas and urged their respective communities to avoid yielding to provocations .
`` The Federal Ethnic-Cultural Autonomy of Russia 's Azerbaijanis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenians believe that trying to solve the conflict from the position of strength is impermissible .
We are calling upon both parties for a political and diplomatic settlement .
We insistently urge our compatriots to observe calm , display respect towards each other and avoid yielding to provocations .
It is essential to analyze the situation in a soberly-minded way , to respect and observe the laws of our country and to preserve inter-ethnic accord , '' the joint statement obtained by TASS runs .
The leaders of the ethnic-cultural autonomies strongly condemned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including attempts to recruit volunteers from the Azerbaijani and Armenian diasporas . ''
They expressed the hope that the wisdom of both peoples and their common history of peaceful coexistence in Russia would serve as an example for the conflicting parties and help establish peace and stability in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The meeting devoted to the aggravation of tensions in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , where the joint statement was signed , took place at the Federal Agency for the Nationalities Affairs .
It was held with support from the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. The President of the Federal Ethnic-Cultural Autonomy of Russia's Azerbaijanis, Mekhriban Sadygova, and President of the Federal Ethnic-Cultural Autonomy of Russia's Armenians, Ara Abramyan, have issued a joint call addressed to their compatriots, the press-service of the Federal Agency for the Nationalities Affairs told TASS on Wednesday.
They condemned the attempts at expanding the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh by recruiting volunteers from the ethnic diasporas and urged their respective communities to avoid yielding to provocations.
"The Federal Ethnic-Cultural Autonomy of Russia's Azerbaijanis and the Federal Ethnic-Cultural Autonomy of Russia's Armenians believe that trying to solve the conflict from the position of strength is impermissible. We are calling upon both parties for a political and diplomatic settlement. We insistently urge our compatriots to observe calm, display respect towards each other and avoid yielding to provocations. It is essential to analyze the situation in a soberly-minded way, to respect and observe the laws of our country and to preserve inter-ethnic accord," the joint statement obtained by TASS runs.
The leaders of the ethnic-cultural autonomies strongly condemned "attempts at expanding the military conflict, including attempts to recruit volunteers from the Azerbaijani and Armenian diasporas." They expressed the hope that the wisdom of both peoples and their common history of peaceful coexistence in Russia would serve as an example for the conflicting parties and help establish peace and stability in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The meeting devoted to the aggravation of tensions in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, where the joint statement was signed, took place at the Federal Agency for the Nationalities Affairs. It was held with support from the Russian presidential council for inter-ethnic relations.


tass--2020-09-30--Tajikistan records 9,769 coronavirus cases

DUSHANBE , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Tajikistan has recorded 43 new coronavirus cases in the past day , bringing the total to 9,769 , the Ministry for Health and Social Protection of the Population said on Wednesday .
Tajikistan reports that 0.1 % of its 9.3-million population has been infected with coronavirus , which reproduction number ( R ) has risen to 0.9 in the past eight days .
According to the health ministry , the death toll from this disease has risen by one in the past 24 hours to climb to 76 .
The ministry added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the cases ) recovered from the disease so far .
In the past 24 hours , 41 patients were discharged from hospitals , while 74 people remain under medical supervision .
Tajikistan confirmed its first coronavirus cases on April 30 , and in the following two weeks around 30 to 80 cases were reported daily .
The peak was hit on May 15 , when 211 new cases were recorded .
Until May 22 , more than 200 cases were registered in the country daily .
Since June 1 , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since August 15 the daily rise was within 40 cases for a month .
Nevertheless , COVID-19 daily cases have been on the rise since September 15 .
The country began to lift the quarantine restrictions on June 15 , reopening non-food markets , shopping malls , hotels , public catering outlets and beauty parlors .
Nevertheless , wearing face coverings is made compulsory in public spaces , on transport , in stores and health institutions , with fines introduced for violators .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

DUSHANBE, September 30. /TASS/. Tajikistan has recorded 43 new coronavirus cases in the past day, bringing the total to 9,769, the Ministry for Health and Social Protection of the Population said on Wednesday.
Tajikistan reports that 0.1% of its 9.3-million population has been infected with coronavirus, which reproduction number (R) has risen to 0.9 in the past eight days.
According to the health ministry, the death toll from this disease has risen by one in the past 24 hours to climb to 76. The ministry added that 8,572 patients (or 87.7% of all the cases) recovered from the disease so far. In the past 24 hours, 41 patients were discharged from hospitals, while 74 people remain under medical supervision.
Tajikistan confirmed its first coronavirus cases on April 30, and in the following two weeks around 30 to 80 cases were reported daily. The peak was hit on May 15, when 211 new cases were recorded. Until May 22, more than 200 cases were registered in the country daily. Since June 1, the number of cases had begun gradually declining and since August 15 the daily rise was within 40 cases for a month. Nevertheless, COVID-19 daily cases have been on the rise since September 15.
The country began to lift the quarantine restrictions on June 15, reopening non-food markets, shopping malls, hotels, public catering outlets and beauty parlors. Nevertheless, wearing face coverings is made compulsory in public spaces, on transport, in stores and health institutions, with fines introduced for violators.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified 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.


tass--2020-09-30--Scientists discover bacteria able to 'digest' bioplastic in the permafrost zone

September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists at Siberian Federal University discovered the ability of soil bacteria found in one of the regions of the Krasnoyarsk Region to `` digest '' biopolymers , the press service of the university told TASS on Wednesday .
`` Siberian Federal University scientists conducted a series of studies devoted to the processes of decomposition and 'assimilation ' by soil bacteria and fungi of special biopolymers produced at Siberian Federal University .
They were the first in the world to reveal the ability of the microbial community inhabiting the soil of Evenkia ( Krasnoyarsk Region ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's statement reads .
Evenkia is a region rich in oil and gas reserves , occupying almost a third of the Krasnoyarsk Region .
It belongs to the permafrost zone ; it is very cold here most of the year .
Despite the reduced metabolism due to the climate , local soil microorganisms were able to efficiently process bioplastic based on polyhydroxyalkanoates .
The authors found such peculiarities in bacterial strains Bacillus pumilus , as well as Pseudomonas , Variovorax , Rhodococcus .
Good results were also obtained by studies of the properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The ability of cryogenic soils to 'absorb ' bioplastics without harmful effects on the environment has been experimentally proven , which , I hope , will replace a significant share of synthetic plastic on the market in the future , ” the SFU press service quotes the co-author of the study , professor of the basic department of biotechnology Svetlana Prudnikova .
The study 's results are published in the journal Chemosphere .

September 30. /TASS/. Scientists at Siberian Federal University discovered the ability of soil bacteria found in one of the regions of the Krasnoyarsk Region to "digest" biopolymers, the press service of the university told TASS on Wednesday.
"Siberian Federal University scientists conducted a series of studies devoted to the processes of decomposition and 'assimilation' by soil bacteria and fungi of special biopolymers produced at Siberian Federal University. They were the first in the world to reveal the ability of the microbial community inhabiting the soil of Evenkia (Krasnoyarsk Region) to metabolize bioplastic", the university's statement reads.
Evenkia is a region rich in oil and gas reserves, occupying almost a third of the Krasnoyarsk Region. It belongs to the permafrost zone; it is very cold here most of the year. Despite the reduced metabolism due to the climate, local soil microorganisms were able to efficiently process bioplastic based on polyhydroxyalkanoates. The authors found such peculiarities in bacterial strains Bacillus pumilus, as well as Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Rhodococcus. Good results were also obtained by studies of the properties of microscopic fungi — aspergillus and penicilli.
“The ability of cryogenic soils to 'absorb' bioplastics without harmful effects on the environment has been experimentally proven, which, I hope, will replace a significant share of synthetic plastic on the market in the future,” the SFU press service quotes the co-author of the study, professor of the basic department of biotechnology Svetlana Prudnikova.
The study's results are published in the journal Chemosphere.


tass--2020-09-30--Lavrov ready to meet in Moscow with Azerbaijani, Armenian counterparts

MOSCOW , September 30./TASS/ .
In separate phone calls with Azerbaijan 's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bairamov and Armenia 's Foreign Minister Zograb Mnatsakanyan on Wednesday , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed readiness to offer Moscow as a platform for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the venue for a trilateral meeting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a report .
`` Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia will continue mediatory efforts , both individually and together with the other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group , aimed at creating conditions for the settlement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' it said .
The Russian diplomat also `` confirmed readiness to offer the Moscow platform for organizing respective contacts , including for holding a new meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan , Armenia and Russia , '' the ministry added .
The top Russian diplomat also emphasized the need to get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible .
`` Russia expressed serious concern over the continuing large-scale combat operations .
A call was issued for prompt ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions , and also for the prevention of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stressed for the sides to return to the negotiating table , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27 .
Fighting is underway in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Baku and Yerevan have declared martial law and mobilization .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , including among the civilian population .
Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Yerevan denies this and reports shelling of its territory .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

MOSCOW, September 30./TASS/. In separate phone calls with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bairamov and Armenia's Foreign Minister Zograb Mnatsakanyan on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed readiness to offer Moscow as a platform for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the venue for a trilateral meeting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a report.
"Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia will continue mediatory efforts, both individually and together with the other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, aimed at creating conditions for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict politically and diplomatically," it said.
The Russian diplomat also "confirmed readiness to offer the Moscow platform for organizing respective contacts, including for holding a new meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia," the ministry added.
The top Russian diplomat also emphasized the need to get back to the negotiating table as soon as possible.
"Russia expressed serious concern over the continuing large-scale combat operations. A call was issued for prompt ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions, and also for the prevention of provocative and belligerent rhetoric. The need was stressed for the sides to return to the negotiating table," the Foreign Ministry said.
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27. Fighting is underway in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku and Yerevan have declared martial law and mobilization. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, including among the civilian population. Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan denies this and reports shelling of its territory.
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--2020-09-30--Foreign countries refuse to supply radio electronic systems for Russian aircraft

YALTA , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s foreign partners refuse to supply radio electronic systems for Russian @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Industry and Trade Vasily Shpak told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ for our airplanes , publicly or privately , informed our aircraft producers that they will @ @ @ @ @ aircraft manufacturers either under existing contracts or under new contracts .
Actually , without announcement @ @ @ @ @ they would not supply [ radio electronic ] systems anymore , '' Shpak said .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian civil aviation industry in such way , the official said .

YALTA, September 30. /TASS/. Russia’s foreign partners refuse to supply radio electronic systems for Russian aircraft, department director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Vasily Shpak told reporters on Wednesday.
"Our foreign partners supplying ready systems for our airplanes, publicly or privately, informed our aircraft producers that they will not continue relations with our aircraft manufacturers either under existing contracts or under new contracts. Actually, without announcement of sanctions, they said they would not supply [radio electronic] systems anymore," Shpak said.
Foreign countries attempt to stop Russian civil aviation industry in such way, the official said.
Subsequent restrictions may cover microelectronics, he added.


tass--2020-09-30--Industry minister excoriates rumors about Novichok reserves in Russia

CHEBOKSARY , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov has dismissed as foolish the rumors about @ @ @ @ @ stock in Russia .
`` Listen , I 'm not in the mood to discuss @ @ @ @ @ ve been through all of this before , let ’ s move on .
Apparently @ @ @ @ @ do at all , so they feel the need to drum up some sort of @ @ @ @ @ the media , when asked if in the wake of the incident with blogger Alexey @ @ @ @ @ provide proof to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) there @ @ @ @ @ Novichok agent in Russia .
Russia and the United States were obliged to dispose of @ @ @ @ @ accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention , which took effect in 1997 .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ to be completed no later than 2007 , but eventually the deadlines had to be @ @ @ @ @ reasons .
Russia eliminated its last chemical weapons in 2017 .

CHEBOKSARY, September 30. /TASS/. Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov has dismissed as foolish the rumors about Novichok reserves allegedly kept in stock in Russia.
"Listen, I'm not in the mood to discuss this foolishness. We’ve been through all of this before, let’s move on. Apparently some people have nothing to do at all, so they feel the need to drum up some sort of agenda," he told the media, when asked if in the wake of the incident with blogger Alexey Navalny Moscow was prepared to provide proof to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) there were no amounts of the Novichok agent in Russia.
Russia and the United States were obliged to dispose of their chemical weapons stockpiles in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, which took effect in 1997. Under the original timetable the process was to be completed no later than 2007, but eventually the deadlines had to be revised for technical and financial reasons. Russia eliminated its last chemical weapons in 2017.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia continues talks with Dutch authorities on revising tax deals, finance minister says

CHEBOKSARY , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia considers the Netherlands to be a high-priority jurisdiction for revising tax agreements @ @ @ @ @ continuing , Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters .
on Wednesday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ Nevertheless , we will move according to our plans in order to conclude agreements with @ @ @ @ @ identified as top priority ones for sealing new deals by the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ top finance official said .
Negotiations with the Netherlands on adjusting the double taxation agreements @ @ @ @ @ obstacles , Siluanov noted earlier .
The Russian Finance Ministry expects to complete them in @ @ @ @ @ to hike the tax on dividends transferred abroad from 2 % to 15 % .
@ @ @ @ @ taxation conventions with certain countries .
Cyprus has already consented to adjust its bilateral agreement @ @ @ @

CHEBOKSARY, September 30. /TASS/. Russia considers the Netherlands to be a high-priority jurisdiction for revising tax agreements, and talks here are continuing, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters. on Wednesday.
"The negotiating process is underway. Nevertheless, we will move according to our plans in order to conclude agreements with those jurisdictions that we have identified as top priority ones for sealing new deals by the end of the year," Russia’s top finance official said.
Negotiations with the Netherlands on adjusting the double taxation agreements have been bogged down with obstacles, Siluanov noted earlier. The Russian Finance Ministry expects to complete them in 2020.
Russian officials want to hike the tax on dividends transferred abroad from 2% to 15%. This measure entails revising double taxation conventions with certain countries. Cyprus has already consented to adjust its bilateral agreement with Russia accordingly.


tass--2020-09-30--Civilian killed in shelling of Azerbaijan’s Horadiz, prosecutor general’s office says

BAKU , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
One civilian died and another three suffered wounds in the artillery shelling of the Azerbaijani town of Horadiz , located in the Fizuli district adjacent to the Nagorno-Karabakh region , the Prosecutor General ’ s Office said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` An artillery shell fired by the Armenian forces fell near a petrol station in the town of Horadis in the Fizuli district .
As a result , Murad Rustamov , a resident of the town , was killed and another three people suffered wounds .
The petrol station sustained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A criminal case has been launched over the incident .
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27 .
Fighting is underway in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Baku and Yerevan have introduced martial law and mobilization .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , including civilian casualties .
Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Yerevan reports shelling of its territory .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

BAKU, September 30. /TASS/. One civilian died and another three suffered wounds in the artillery shelling of the Azerbaijani town of Horadiz, located in the Fizuli district adjacent to the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the Prosecutor General’s Office said in a statement on Wednesday.
"An artillery shell fired by the Armenian forces fell near a petrol station in the town of Horadis in the Fizuli district. As a result, Murad Rustamov, a resident of the town, was killed and another three people suffered wounds. The petrol station sustained serious damage," the statement reads.
A criminal case has been launched over the incident.
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27. Fighting is underway in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku and Yerevan have introduced martial law and mobilization. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, including civilian casualties. Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan reports shelling of its territory.
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--2020-09-30--US military transport plane conducts emergency landing in Odessa, report says

Macron : It was a mistake not to establish European dialogue with Russia over disarmament The French president believes that @ @ @ @ @ dialogue with Moscow instead of delegating the issue to NATO

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
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tass--2020-09-30--Russian population to decrease to 146.4 mln people in 2022-2023

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/ TASS / .
The Ministry of Economic Development predicts a decrease in Russian population in 2021 to 146.5 mln people , in 2022-2023 - to 146.4 mln people , according to the forecast of the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation submitted to the State Duma on Wednesday along with the draft budget for 2021 and the planning period of 2022 and 2023 .
It is noted that in 2020 the population will be 146.7 mln people .
Moreover , in 2019 the figure was 146.8 million people .
In addition , an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the population over working age are projected .
So , in 2021 the working-age population will be 82.6 mln people , in 2022 - 82.9 mln people , in 2023 - 83.3 mln people .
It is noted that in 2019 there were 82 mln working-age population in the country , in 2020 82.3 mln people are expected .
At the same time , the number of Russians over working age , taking into account changes in the boundaries of working age , will gradually decrease : from 36.9 million people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the forecast says .
In addition , an increase in the working-age population and a decline in the population over working age are projected .
So , in 2021 the working-age population will be 82.6 mln people , in 2022 - 82.9 mln people , in 2023 - 83.3 mln people .
It is noted that in 2019 there were 82 million working-age population in the country , in 2020 82.3 mln people are expected .
At the same time , the number of Russians over working age , taking into account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will gradually decrease from 36.9 mln people in 2020 to 35.7 mln people in 2023 , the forecast says .

MOSCOW, September 30. / TASS /. The Ministry of Economic Development predicts a decrease in Russian population in 2021 to 146.5 mln people, in 2022-2023 - to 146.4 mln people, according to the forecast of the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation submitted to the State Duma on Wednesday along with the draft budget for 2021 and the planning period of 2022 and 2023.
It is noted that in 2020 the population will be 146.7 mln people. Moreover, in 2019 the figure was 146.8 million people.
In addition, an increase in the working-age population and a decline in the population over working age are projected. So, in 2021 the working-age population will be 82.6 mln people, in 2022 - 82.9 mln people, in 2023 - 83.3 mln people. It is noted that in 2019 there were 82 mln working-age population in the country, in 2020 82.3 mln people are expected.
At the same time, the number of Russians over working age, taking into account changes in the boundaries of working age, will gradually decrease: from 36.9 million people in 2020 to 35.7 million people in 2023, the forecast says.
In addition, an increase in the working-age population and a decline in the population over working age are projected. So, in 2021 the working-age population will be 82.6 mln people, in 2022 - 82.9 mln people, in 2023 - 83.3 mln people. It is noted that in 2019 there were 82 million working-age population in the country, in 2020 82.3 mln people are expected.
At the same time, the number of Russians over working age, taking into account changes in the boundaries of working age, will gradually decrease from 36.9 mln people in 2020 to 35.7 mln people in 2023, the forecast says.


tass--2020-09-30--Azerbaijan to stop military action if Armenia withdraws from Nagorno-Karabakh, says Aliyev

BAKU , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan will stop military action in Karabakh , if Armenian forces withdraw from @ @ @ @ @ , Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said during a meeting with injured servicemen in a hospital @ @ @ @ @ Armenian Prime Minister put forth seven conditions that we rejected .
We have one condition @ @ @ @ @ completely and immediately leave our lands .
This condition stays , and , should the @ @ @ @ @ the fighting will stop , there will be no bloodshed , the peace will come @ @ @ @ @ Aliyev said .
According to the president , `` it ’ s not too late @ @ @ @ @ would like to say once again that Armenia must leave our lands immediately .
The @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani land , Azerbaijan is restoring its territorial integrity , and we have right to @ @ @ @ @ said .
The head of state underscored that Azerbaijan wants peace .

BAKU, September 30. /TASS/. Azerbaijan will stop military action in Karabakh, if Armenian forces withdraw from the region completely and unconditionally, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev said during a meeting with injured servicemen in a hospital in Baku.
"The Armenian Prime Minister put forth seven conditions that we rejected. We have one condition: they must unconditionally, completely and immediately leave our lands. This condition stays, and, should the Armenian government fulfill it, the fighting will stop, there will be no bloodshed, the peace will come to our region," Aliyev said.
According to the president, "it’s not too late yet."
"I would like to say once again that Armenia must leave our lands immediately. The fighting is going on the Azerbaijani land, Azerbaijan is restoring its territorial integrity, and we have right to do that," Aliyev said.
The head of state underscored that Azerbaijan wants peace.


tass--2020-09-30--Azerbaijan’s president rejects calls for dialogue with Armenia as inappropriate

`` As we know , there is an international mechanism for talks .
Unfortunately , this mechanism has failed to achieve results .
This is why I believe that in the current situation , calls for dialogue are inappropriate , '' Aliyev pointed out .
BAKU , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Calls for dialogue with Armenia amid rising tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh region are inappropriate , Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with wounded military servicemen at a military hospital in the country ’ s capital of Baku on Wednesday .
Azerbaijan ’ s president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls for dialogue from the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
`` The reason is that the OSCE has a mandate .
But if someone says : launch dialogue and we will help you - there is no need for that , '' Aliyev said .
He added that Azerbaijan `` will never forget the countries and organizations that supported us on these days . ''
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27 .
Fighting is underway in the disputed region of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ martial law and mobilization .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , including civilian casualties .
Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Yerevan reports shelling of its territory .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

"As we know, there is an international mechanism for talks. Unfortunately, this mechanism has failed to achieve results. This is why I believe that in the current situation, calls for dialogue are inappropriate," Aliyev pointed out.
BAKU, September 30. /TASS/. Calls for dialogue with Armenia amid rising tensions in the Nagorno-Karabakh region are inappropriate, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting with wounded military servicemen at a military hospital in the country’s capital of Baku on Wednesday.
Azerbaijan’s president stressed that the country took for granted calls for dialogue from the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). "The reason is that the OSCE has a mandate. But if someone says: launch dialogue and we will help you - there is no need for that," Aliyev said. He added that Azerbaijan "will never forget the countries and organizations that supported us on these days."
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27. Fighting is underway in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku and Yerevan have introduced martial law and mobilization. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, including civilian casualties. Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan reports shelling of its territory.
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--2020-09-30--Macron: It was a mistake not to establish European dialogue with Russia over disarmament

RIGA , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
It was a mistake that there was no dialogue between Europe and Russia over arms reductions , French President Emmanuel Macron said at a joint news conference with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins on Wednesday .
`` The disarmament agreements were concluded between the United States and Russia and we were not even a party to them , but in the recent 15 years those agreements have been scrapped , '' he said .
`` We are no longer protected .
In particular , it concerns the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And what is instead ?
Nothing . ''
According to Macron , `` It could have happened as Europe failed to build dialogue with Russia over the Europe-related disarmament issues . ''
`` It was a mistake , '' he believes .
`` We will never resolve the issues of disarmament and protection of Europe without discussing them with Russia , '' Macron stressed .
The French president concluded that Europe should build its own dialogue with Moscow instead of delegating the issue to NATO .
On August 2 , 2019 the Intermediate-Range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terminated at the US initiative .
Washington argued that Russia had refused to meet the US ultimatum-like demand for eliminating new generation cruise missiles 9M729 , which the United States and its NATO allies see as a violation of the treaty .
Moscow dismissed these charges , saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile were within the INF Treaty ’ s permissible parameters and put forward its own counterclaims over Washington ’ s non-compliance , for instance , referring to the US missile defense system in Europe .
The US warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its intention to quit the treaty .
It said it could do so in accordance with Article 15 of the treaty unless Russia met its demands , which first and foremost included the destruction of 9M729 missiles .
Moscow rejected Washington ’ s steps as absolutely unacceptable ultimatums .
John Bolton , who was the US national security adviser at the time , admitted later that Washington ’ s decision-making had been influenced also by the factor that China was not a party to the INF Treaty .
In September 2019 , Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several countries , including NATO member states , with a proposal for imposing a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe and other regions .
The United States consequently turned this initiative down .

RIGA, September 30. /TASS/. It was a mistake that there was no dialogue between Europe and Russia over arms reductions, French President Emmanuel Macron said at a joint news conference with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins on Wednesday.
"The disarmament agreements were concluded between the United States and Russia and we were not even a party to them, but in the recent 15 years those agreements have been scrapped," he said. "We are no longer protected. In particular, it concerns the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty that the United States quitted. And what is instead? Nothing."
According to Macron, "It could have happened as Europe failed to build dialogue with Russia over the Europe-related disarmament issues." "It was a mistake," he believes.
"We will never resolve the issues of disarmament and protection of Europe without discussing them with Russia," Macron stressed.
The French president concluded that Europe should build its own dialogue with Moscow instead of delegating the issue to NATO.
INF Treaty
On August 2, 2019 the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was terminated at the US initiative. Washington argued that Russia had refused to meet the US ultimatum-like demand for eliminating new generation cruise missiles 9M729, which the United States and its NATO allies see as a violation of the treaty. Moscow dismissed these charges, saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile were within the INF Treaty’s permissible parameters and put forward its own counterclaims over Washington’s non-compliance, for instance, referring to the US missile defense system in Europe.
The US warned back on February 2, 2019 about its intention to quit the treaty. It said it could do so in accordance with Article 15 of the treaty unless Russia met its demands, which first and foremost included the destruction of 9M729 missiles. Moscow rejected Washington’s steps as absolutely unacceptable ultimatums.
John Bolton, who was the US national security adviser at the time, admitted later that Washington’s decision-making had been influenced also by the factor that China was not a party to the INF Treaty.
In September 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the leaders of several countries, including NATO member states, with a proposal for imposing a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe and other regions. The United States consequently turned this initiative down.


tass--2020-09-30--Russia does its utmost to de-escalate conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, says diplomat

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia maintains contacts with both Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh and will spare no effort to help de-escalate the conflict , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday .
`` We are doing our best to get the situation from this acutest phase back into a phase of a political and diplomatic solution , '' the diplomat stressed .
When asked whether Moscow would be ready to provide a venue for talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan in case a corresponding request is submitted , Zakharova said , `` As you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter which side we are talking about .
It is normal diplomatic practice .
We maintain this kind of contacts with all the parties . ''
`` I think that since the first minutes - not even hours - when this situation spiraled into an acute phase of the conflict , Russia has been in touch with all the sides , including with those that are involved in one way or another , '' she said .
`` Everything possible is being done to help the parties settle the situation , getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and putting this fire out . ''

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Russia maintains contacts with both Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh and will spare no effort to help de-escalate the conflict, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
"We are doing our best to get the situation from this acutest phase back into a phase of a political and diplomatic solution," the diplomat stressed.
When asked whether Moscow would be ready to provide a venue for talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan in case a corresponding request is submitted, Zakharova said, "As you know, any request will be considered, no matter which side we are talking about. It is normal diplomatic practice. We maintain this kind of contacts with all the parties."
"I think that since the first minutes - not even hours - when this situation spiraled into an acute phase of the conflict, Russia has been in touch with all the sides, including with those that are involved in one way or another," she said. "Everything possible is being done to help the parties settle the situation, getting it back to the course of peace and putting this fire out."


tass--2020-09-30--Yerevan debunks reports of Tochka-U missile system use in Nagorno-Karabakh

`` The Armenian Ministry of Defense officially states that the reports by the Azerbaijani media regarding the use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system by the Armenian side are false .
At the same time , we also warn that , if the Azerbaijani side intends to use this disinformation to justify the use of a similar system or a system of a higher caliber , our response will be immediate and devastating , '' the statement runs .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 ; battles go on at the disputed territory .
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baku claims control of several Karabakh settlements and strategic heights .
Yerevan debunks these statements and says territories of mainland Armenia are being shelled as well .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

"The Armenian Ministry of Defense officially states that the reports by the Azerbaijani media regarding the use of a Tochka-U tactical missile system by the Armenian side are false. At the same time, we also warn that, if the Azerbaijani side intends to use this disinformation to justify the use of a similar system or a system of a higher caliber, our response will be immediate and devastating," the statement runs.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27; battles go on at the disputed territory. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia enacted martial law and declared mobilization. Baku claims control of several Karabakh settlements and strategic heights. Yerevan debunks these statements and says territories of mainland Armenia are being shelled as well.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-30--COVID-19 peak, plateau periods in Russia will vary by region, says expert

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Peak periods of incidence of the coronavirus infection and the stabilization of the @ @ @ @ @ will begin at different times , thus one shouldn ’ t talk about precise dates @ @ @ @ @ research department of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Surveillance @ @ @ @ @ Human Wellbeing Tatyana Ruzhentsova told TASS on Wednesday .
`` As of today , I @ @ @ @ @ any specific dates .
In different regions they will be different .
They can be @ @ @ @ @ the number of people vaccinated , the promptness of isolation and treatment of the infected @ @ @ @ @ conditions , and , probably most importantly , the sense of responsibility of our citizens @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Peak periods of incidence of the coronavirus infection and the stabilization of the epidemiological situation in Russian regions will begin at different times, thus one shouldn’t talk about precise dates, head of the clinical research department of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Tatyana Ruzhentsova told TASS on Wednesday.
"As of today, I wouldn’t talk about any specific dates. In different regions they will be different. They can be influenced by many factors: the number of people vaccinated, the promptness of isolation and treatment of the infected, social activity, weather conditions, and, probably most importantly, the sense of responsibility of our citizens," she said.


tass--2020-09-30--Belarus never went back on its word on constitutional reform — diplomat

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow doesn ’ t think that Minsk has withdrawn its statements on constitutional reform , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday in an interview with TASS , answering the question whether Russia is alarmed that statements on constitutional reform have been voiced more and more seldom by Belarus .
`` I think nobody went back on anybody ’ s word .
At least , I haven ’ t seen it yet , '' she said .
The spokeswoman stressed that it is unacceptable to interfere in the internal affairs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s residents what needs to be done .
`` A lot is going on these days around Belarus but the most important thing is to let Belarusian people , Belarus as a state , go through this rather difficult period on their own , to sort it out and to make decisions , '' she continued .
`` Moreover , the appropriate statements on the necessity of reforms were made , they were supported by Russian representatives information-wise as well when they were asked this question .
Even in this studio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lavrov was deliberating on this topic , '' she added .
Earlier Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko proposed to introduce changes to the constitution in order to redistribute the powers of authorities at various levels and relegate a portion of powers `` down . ''
He also proposed to include in the fundamental document the compulsory requirement of prior military service for presidential candidates .
According to him , the new constitution should be approved at a referendum .
After the constitution is adopted , Lukashenko doesn ’ t exclude the possibility of conducting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the reform have not been announced yet .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Moscow doesn’t think that Minsk has withdrawn its statements on constitutional reform, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday in an interview with TASS, answering the question whether Russia is alarmed that statements on constitutional reform have been voiced more and more seldom by Belarus.
"I think nobody went back on anybody’s word. At least, I haven’t seen it yet," she said.
The spokeswoman stressed that it is unacceptable to interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus and to point out to the country’s residents what needs to be done. "A lot is going on these days around Belarus but the most important thing is to let Belarusian people, Belarus as a state, go through this rather difficult period on their own, to sort it out and to make decisions," she continued. "Moreover, the appropriate statements on the necessity of reforms were made, they were supported by Russian representatives information-wise as well when they were asked this question. Even in this studio [Russian Foreign Minister] Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov was deliberating on this topic," she added.
Earlier Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko proposed to introduce changes to the constitution in order to redistribute the powers of authorities at various levels and relegate a portion of powers "down." He also proposed to include in the fundamental document the compulsory requirement of prior military service for presidential candidates. According to him, the new constitution should be approved at a referendum. After the constitution is adopted, Lukashenko doesn’t exclude the possibility of conducting presidential election ahead of schedule. Dates of the reform have not been announced yet.


tass--2020-09-30--Russian lawmaker does not rule out external pressure on Germany over Navalny incident

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Berlin may lose some of its economic sovereignty using the Navalny incident to escape US sanctions over the Nord Stream 2 project , Chairman of the Russian State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Wednesday , commenting on German Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s statements .
`` German Chancellor Angela Merkel ’ s calls for clarifying the incident involving blogger Navalny look particularly cynical given that the German authorities have in fact refused to respond to Russia ’ s requests .
Instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep hearing accusations and ultimatums , '' the senior Russian lawmaker noted .
According to Slutsky , `` it ’ s becoming increasingly clear that there are some forces behind the situation around the Russian blogger that seek to influence the future of the Nord Stream 2 project in the first place . ''
`` I don ’ t rule out that Germany is facing some external pressure .
However , Ms. Merkel , as Germany ’ s chancellor , should refrain from using far-fetched excuses to save her political face and escape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berlin lose some of its economic sovereignty , '' Slutsky stressed .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a federal budget debate in the Bundestag that the Navalny incident was an international issue .
The German authorities intend to wait for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ’ conclusions and discuss a response with other EU members .
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny ’ s system prior to his transfer to Berlin @

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Berlin may lose some of its economic sovereignty using the Navalny incident to escape US sanctions over the Nord Stream 2 project, Chairman of the Russian State Duma (the lower house of parliament) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Wednesday, commenting on German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s statements.
"German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s calls for clarifying the incident involving blogger Navalny look particularly cynical given that the German authorities have in fact refused to respond to Russia’s requests. Instead of conclusions made by German doctors, we keep hearing accusations and ultimatums," the senior Russian lawmaker noted.
According to Slutsky, "it’s becoming increasingly clear that there are some forces behind the situation around the Russian blogger that seek to influence the future of the Nord Stream 2 project in the first place." "I don’t rule out that Germany is facing some external pressure. However, Ms. Merkel, as Germany’s chancellor, should refrain from using far-fetched excuses to save her political face and escape looming US sanctions. It can make Berlin lose some of its economic sovereignty," Slutsky stressed.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said during a federal budget debate in the Bundestag that the Navalny incident was an international issue. The German authorities intend to wait for the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ conclusions and discuss a response with other EU members.
Navalny case
Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. He pointed out that no poisonous substances had been detected in Navalny’s system prior to his transfer to Berlin.


tass--2020-09-30--International community shows rare unity on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict — Russian diplomat

`` Although the international community rarely manages to unite , but this time , to their credit , the heads of international organizations , the heads of state , politicians and public figures echo one another , in a good way , '' she pointed out .
Zakharova noted that the international community called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations , as well as for the resumption of political and diplomatic efforts `` to resolve this long-standing problem . ''
`` There is no alternative to finding a political , diplomatic and peaceful solution , it is reflected in documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she stressed .
When speaking about Russia ’ s mediation efforts , the diplomat noted that Moscow was doing everything possible to calm the situation down and was calling for a ceasefire .
`` Russia is doing that both in its national capacity and as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group .
We have heard bellicose statements , which are , unfortunately , aimed at raising tensions and expanding the armed conflict .
But I would like to reiterate that there have been few statements of this kind , '' the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27 .
Fighting is underway in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Baku and Yerevan have introduced martial law and mobilization .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , including civilian ones .
Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Yerevan reports shelling of its territory .

"Although the international community rarely manages to unite, but this time, to their credit, the heads of international organizations, the heads of state, politicians and public figures echo one another, in a good way," she pointed out.
Zakharova noted that the international community called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, as well as for the resumption of political and diplomatic efforts "to resolve this long-standing problem." "There is no alternative to finding a political, diplomatic and peaceful solution, it is reflected in documents developed in the past years," she stressed.
When speaking about Russia’s mediation efforts, the diplomat noted that Moscow was doing everything possible to calm the situation down and was calling for a ceasefire. "Russia is doing that both in its national capacity and as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. We have heard bellicose statements, which are, unfortunately, aimed at raising tensions and expanding the armed conflict. But I would like to reiterate that there have been few statements of this kind," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman emphasized.
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia escalated on September 27. Fighting is underway in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku and Yerevan have introduced martial law and mobilization. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, including civilian ones. Baku claims to have taken control of several villages and strategic heights in Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan reports shelling of its territory.


tass--2020-09-30--Germany to consult with EU on Navalny case after getting OPCW results, says Merkel

BERLIN , September 30./TASS/ .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel views the case of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny as an issue that should be addressed globally , and not just a matter between Germany and Russia .
`` This is not a bilateral case , but a crime that occurred on Russian territory and that violates the Chemical Weapons Convention , which makes it also an international issue , '' the chancellor said in the Bundestag during a debate on the federal budget for the next year .
`` We will wait for the results from the OPCW and then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Union , '' Merkel said .
`` We urged Russia , and I am doing this once again today - to carry out a full-scale and transparent investigation into the attack , '' she said , adding that Germany would adhere to certain principles in relations with Russia .
Alexey Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
On September 2 , Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly said that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany .
On September 23 , he said that Moscow wanted to sort out what happened to the opposition figure , but so far Russian investigators have no facts that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his body , especially military grade agents .

BERLIN, September 30./TASS/. German Chancellor Angela Merkel views the case of Russian blogger Alexey Navalny as an issue that should be addressed globally, and not just a matter between Germany and Russia.
"This is not a bilateral case, but a crime that occurred on Russian territory and that violates the Chemical Weapons Convention, which makes it also an international issue," the chancellor said in the Bundestag during a debate on the federal budget for the next year.
"We will wait for the results from the OPCW and then we will discuss the necessary response within the European Union," Merkel said.
"We urged Russia, and I am doing this once again today - to carry out a full-scale and transparent investigation into the attack," she said, adding that Germany would adhere to certain principles in relations with Russia.
Navalny’s ‘poisoning’ saga
Alexey Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital.
On September 2, Berlin claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had come to the conclusion that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has repeatedly said that Russia is ready for comprehensive cooperation with Germany. On September 23, he said that Moscow wanted to sort out what happened to the opposition figure, but so far Russian investigators have no facts that would indicate the presence of toxic substances in his body, especially military grade agents.


tass--2020-09-30--Damascus unlikely to make concessions in Geneva talks before elections, expert says

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Damascus is unlikely to make concessions with regard to the Syrian Constitutional Committee before the 2021 presidential election , Russian International Affairs Council expert Ruslan Mamedov said during a Valdai Discussion Club meeting dedicated to the fifth anniversary of Russia ’ s military operation in Syria .
According to him , Damascus understands that the country ’ s foreign and domestic policies need changes .
`` However , I see no reason why Damascus should make political concessions before next year ’ s election .
There are a lot of issues hindering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The expert went on to say that the Astana platform had made it possible to achieve medium-term success in Syria .
`` Indeed , de-escalation zones were established and transformed to resolve some issues .
But there has been no progress since the Constitutional Committee started meeting in Geneva , '' he noted .
According to Mamedov , Russia needs to make a greater effort to help the parties to the Syrian conflict find a political solution .
At the same time , in his words , there are other external powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be taken into account .
`` Under these circumstances , Damascus will continue to hold elections - a parliamentary election has taken place this year - because the state has to continue to function .
If there is no progress regarding the Constitutional Committee next year , Damascus will hold elections in accordance with the current Constitution , '' the expert concluded .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Damascus is unlikely to make concessions with regard to the Syrian Constitutional Committee before the 2021 presidential election, Russian International Affairs Council expert Ruslan Mamedov said during a Valdai Discussion Club meeting dedicated to the fifth anniversary of Russia’s military operation in Syria.
According to him, Damascus understands that the country’s foreign and domestic policies need changes. "However, I see no reason why Damascus should make political concessions before next year’s election. There are a lot of issues hindering the political process," Mamedov pointed out.
The expert went on to say that the Astana platform had made it possible to achieve medium-term success in Syria. "Indeed, de-escalation zones were established and transformed to resolve some issues. But there has been no progress since the Constitutional Committee started meeting in Geneva," he noted.
According to Mamedov, Russia needs to make a greater effort to help the parties to the Syrian conflict find a political solution. At the same time, in his words, there are other external powers that influence the process and their interests need to be taken into account. "Under these circumstances, Damascus will continue to hold elections - a parliamentary election has taken place this year - because the state has to continue to function. If there is no progress regarding the Constitutional Committee next year, Damascus will hold elections in accordance with the current Constitution," the expert concluded.


tass--2020-09-30--No one will make Baku leave Nagorno-Karabakh soil under its control, says president

BAKU , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
No one will force Azerbaijan to leave the territories , which it took under control during four-day battles in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone , Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev stressed on Wednesday .
`` During four-day battles the Azerbaijani army carried out successful operations , liberating strategic heights and several settlements .
After a long pause we returned to our lands , hoisted there our flag and no one will be able to make us leave these lands now , '' Aliyev said during his visit to a military hospital in Baku @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment .
The Azerbaijani leader vowed that `` Azerbaijan would restore its territorial integrity . ''
On September 27 , the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated and intense fighting has been underway in the disputed region .
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia imposed martial law and declared mobilization .
Both sides reported a growing number of casualties , including among the civilians .
Baku claimed that it had taken control of several Karabakh villages and strategic positions .
Yerevan reported about the shelling on Armenia ’ s soil .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

BAKU, September 30. /TASS/. No one will force Azerbaijan to leave the territories, which it took under control during four-day battles in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev stressed on Wednesday.
"During four-day battles the Azerbaijani army carried out successful operations, liberating strategic heights and several settlements. After a long pause we returned to our lands, hoisted there our flag and no one will be able to make us leave these lands now," Aliyev said during his visit to a military hospital in Baku, where the wounded servicemen are undergoing treatment.
The Azerbaijani leader vowed that "Azerbaijan would restore its territorial integrity."
On September 27, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated and intense fighting has been underway in the disputed region. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia imposed martial law and declared mobilization. Both sides reported a growing number of casualties, including among the civilians. Baku claimed that it had taken control of several Karabakh villages and strategic positions. Yerevan reported about the shelling on Armenia’s soil.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-30--Microsoft: No government around the world is responsible for increase in cyberattacks

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
US multinational technology company Microsoft in its latest report on digital defense did not accuse the governments of certain states of supporting hackers but just drew attention to the origin of these attacks , the company ’ s press service told TASS on Wednesday .
In its Digital Defense Report , published on Tuesday , Microsoft said that most cyberattacks recorded by its specialists over the past two years originated in Russia ( 52 % ) , Iran ( 25 % ) , China ( 12 % ) and North Korea and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company noted that in cases when a customer ( organization or individual account holder ) is targeted or compromised by steps carried out by nation-state actors , the company delivers a nation-state notification ( NSN ) to the customer .
Over the past two years , Microsoft has forwarded over 13,000 NSNs .
The highest percentage of NSNs referred to activity originating in Russia , followed by Iran , China , North Korea and other countries .
`` This report is based on commitment to protecting our clients and their data across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention to the groups , which as we see attack our clients as well as territories from which they act .
No state is responsible for the cyberattacks trend , and we believe that a global dialogue is needed for ironing out this issue , '' the company ’ s press service said .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. US multinational technology company Microsoft in its latest report on digital defense did not accuse the governments of certain states of supporting hackers but just drew attention to the origin of these attacks, the company’s press service told TASS on Wednesday.
In its Digital Defense Report, published on Tuesday, Microsoft said that most cyberattacks recorded by its specialists over the past two years originated in Russia (52%), Iran (25%), China (12%) and North Korea and other countries (11%). The company noted that in cases when a customer (organization or individual account holder) is targeted or compromised by steps carried out by nation-state actors, the company delivers a nation-state notification (NSN) to the customer. Over the past two years, Microsoft has forwarded over 13,000 NSNs. The highest percentage of NSNs referred to activity originating in Russia, followed by Iran, China, North Korea and other countries.
"This report is based on commitment to protecting our clients and their data across the world. Therefore, occasionally we draw attention to the groups, which as we see attack our clients as well as territories from which they act. No state is responsible for the cyberattacks trend, and we believe that a global dialogue is needed for ironing out this issue," the company’s press service said.


tass--2020-09-30--Armenia uses Tochka-U tactical missiles in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan says

Ankara vows readiness to help Baku resolve Karabakh issue in every way BAKU , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
The @ @ @ @ @ claimed Wednesday that the Armenian forces used a Tochka-U tactical missile system against the Azernaijani @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Some time ago , the Armed Forces of Armenia used a Tochka-U tactical @ @ @ @ @ announcement said , adding that the three fired missiles failed to explode .

Ankara vows readiness to help Baku resolve Karabakh issue in every way
BAKU, September 30. /TASS/. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan claimed Wednesday that the Armenian forces used a Tochka-U tactical missile system against the Azernaijani troops at the contact line.
"Some time ago, the Armed Forces of Armenia used a Tochka-U tactical missile system," the announcement said, adding that the three fired missiles failed to explode.


tass--2020-09-30--Khmeimim base turns into homey neighborhood over five years — personnel

AIRBASE KHMEIMIM , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
Over the five years since its establishment , Russia 's airbase Khmeimim in Syria has turned into a homey neighborhood with all essential conveniences for its military personnel , while the intensity of flights has eased considerably , Russian military officials told the media .
`` At this spot where we are now there was only an impenetrable thicket and these white concrete lego-like modular houses .
Here , on an asphalt square , we began to deploy the food battalion and the lunchroom .
You can see the stark contrast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the deputy chief of staff of the Khmeimim base 's material and logistics service , Igor Tsaryov , said .
The officer remarked that the deployment of such a base was an opportunity for the Russian army 's logistic service to obtain invaluable experience .
Over the five years since its emergence the airbase has turned into a homey neighborhood with its own places of interest , blocks and streets .
Some of them were named after the heroes of the military operation in Syria , who lost their lives while on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pilot of the Sukhoi Su-24 bomber , shot down by the Turkish Air Force in 2015 , and Roman Filippov , the pilot of a Sukhoi Su-25 fighter-bomber , who was killed in 2018 .
A Russian pilot who introduced himself as Ivan said that the timetable of flights today was not as tight as it used to be several years ago .
Most of them are conducted for reconnaissance and training purposes .
`` The flights are not as intensive as before .
Flying today is much easier .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All flight personnel who chanced to perform combat missions here has acquired combat and flying skills that are very different from those one may obtain during training at the tactical proving grounds at home .
Here it is very different , '' the officer said , adding that he flew his first sortie from Khmeimim in 2016 .
Over the five years that Russia 's Aerospace Group has been in Syria its pilots have flown more than 44,000 sorties .
As soon as the active phase of the operation was over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanent locations in Russia .
The group remaining in Syria is necessary for maintaining stability in the region .
Although the terrorists have been defeated and the postwar reconstruction process is on , an air group called Zaslon ( Screen ) , armed with Sukhoi Su-35 jets , remains on permanent combat alert .
September 30 , 2020 marks precisely five years since the beginning of the military operation for providing assistance to the people of Syria in clearing the country of international terrorist groups .

AIRBASE KHMEIMIM, September 30. /TASS/. Over the five years since its establishment, Russia's airbase Khmeimim in Syria has turned into a homey neighborhood with all essential conveniences for its military personnel, while the intensity of flights has eased considerably, Russian military officials told the media.
"At this spot where we are now there was only an impenetrable thicket and these white concrete lego-like modular houses. Here, on an asphalt square, we began to deploy the food battalion and the lunchroom. You can see the stark contrast. Today it's a flourishing garden," the deputy chief of staff of the Khmeimim base's material and logistics service, Igor Tsaryov, said.
The officer remarked that the deployment of such a base was an opportunity for the Russian army's logistic service to obtain invaluable experience. Over the five years since its emergence the airbase has turned into a homey neighborhood with its own places of interest, blocks and streets. Some of them were named after the heroes of the military operation in Syria, who lost their lives while on combat duty, including Oleg Peshkov, the pilot of the Sukhoi Su-24 bomber, shot down by the Turkish Air Force in 2015, and Roman Filippov, the pilot of a Sukhoi Su-25 fighter-bomber, who was killed in 2018.
Intensity of flights
A Russian pilot who introduced himself as Ivan said that the timetable of flights today was not as tight as it used to be several years ago. Most of them are conducted for reconnaissance and training purposes.
"The flights are not as intensive as before. Flying today is much easier. We have much more time for rest and recreation. All flight personnel who chanced to perform combat missions here has acquired combat and flying skills that are very different from those one may obtain during training at the tactical proving grounds at home. Here it is very different," the officer said, adding that he flew his first sortie from Khmeimim in 2016.
Russian Aerospace Group
Over the five years that Russia's Aerospace Group has been in Syria its pilots have flown more than 44,000 sorties. As soon as the active phase of the operation was over, most planes and helicopters returned to their permanent locations in Russia.
The group remaining in Syria is necessary for maintaining stability in the region. Although the terrorists have been defeated and the postwar reconstruction process is on, an air group called Zaslon (Screen), armed with Sukhoi Su-35 jets, remains on permanent combat alert.
September 30, 2020 marks precisely five years since the beginning of the military operation for providing assistance to the people of Syria in clearing the country of international terrorist groups.


tass--2020-09-30--Second stage of inoculation against COVID-19 begins in Moscow

MOSCOW , September 30 .
/TASS/ .
The second stage of inoculation against the coronavirus within the framework of clinical studies has begun in Moscow , the second shot has already been administered to six people , Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova said on Wednesday .
`` The second component of the vaccine against the coronavirus has been received already by six participants of the study .
Today it is planned to inoculate about 20 people .
Sputnik V is a two-component vaccine and the second inoculation is needed to strengthen the immune response developed as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the first inoculation which has already been administered to over 5,700 people , we see that the absolute majority is in good health , '' she said .
The second stage of the inoculation has already begun at the medical institutions where the first study participants were vaccinated .
There are four of them : outpatient clinics No .
2 , No .
62 , and No .
220 , as well as the outpatient division of the Konchalovsky clinical hospital .
Soon the second stage will begin in all institutions involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration of the first and the second component of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus is 21 days .
The components differ by their active ingredients .
`` Post-registration clinical trials of the vaccine against the coronavirus started in Moscow on September 7 , while the first participants were inoculated on September 9 .
One can take part in the study now at 19 Moscow medical institutions .
The study will help in obtaining a permanent registration certificate and also include the over 60 age group .
The study lasts 180 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From the moment of inoculation doctors will monitor the health condition of the post-registration study participants for six months .
Volunteers will be contacted by a doctor of the telemedical center .
The participants can also report on their condition using a mobile application .
Additionally , one can contact the medics over the phone .

MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. The second stage of inoculation against the coronavirus within the framework of clinical studies has begun in Moscow, the second shot has already been administered to six people, Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova said on Wednesday.
"The second component of the vaccine against the coronavirus has been received already by six participants of the study. Today it is planned to inoculate about 20 people. Sputnik V is a two-component vaccine and the second inoculation is needed to strengthen the immune response developed as a result of the first injection. According to the results of the first inoculation which has already been administered to over 5,700 people, we see that the absolute majority is in good health," she said.
The second stage of the inoculation has already begun at the medical institutions where the first study participants were vaccinated. There are four of them: outpatient clinics No. 2, No. 62, and No. 220, as well as the outpatient division of the Konchalovsky clinical hospital. Soon the second stage will begin in all institutions involved in the study.
The interval between the administration of the first and the second component of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus is 21 days. The components differ by their active ingredients.
"Post-registration clinical trials of the vaccine against the coronavirus started in Moscow on September 7, while the first participants were inoculated on September 9. One can take part in the study now at 19 Moscow medical institutions. The study will help in obtaining a permanent registration certificate and also include the over 60 age group. The study lasts 180 days," the deputy mayor reiterated.
From the moment of inoculation doctors will monitor the health condition of the post-registration study participants for six months. Volunteers will be contacted by a doctor of the telemedical center. The participants can also report on their condition using a mobile application. Additionally, one can contact the medics over the phone.


tass--2020-10-02--Global community should closely monitor work of US biological labs — diplomat

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is watchful of US biological labs operating in foreign countries , including @ @ @ @ @ and urges the global community to closely monitor their work , the Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ Maria Zakharova , told reporters on Thursday .
`` We are extremely cautious about US @ @ @ @ @ Frankly , in this case , we should not expect any scientific breakthrough from [ @ @ @ @ @ believe that the global community should keep an eye on what they are doing in @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
Earlier , Zakharova hinted at the possibility that US biological labs @ @ @ @ @ running projects to create and modify various dangerous pathogens , including for military purposes .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Russia is watchful of US biological labs operating in foreign countries, including in the post-Soviet space, and urges the global community to closely monitor their work, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told reporters on Thursday.
"We are extremely cautious about US activities in this domain. Frankly, in this case, we should not expect any scientific breakthrough from [these labs]. We believe that the global community should keep an eye on what they are doing in a most careful manner," she said.
Earlier, Zakharova hinted at the possibility that US biological labs in foreign countries could be running projects to create and modify various dangerous pathogens, including for military purposes.


tass--2020-10-02--Coronavirus will be defeated in Moscow within several months — mayor

MOSCOW , October 1./TASS/ .
Moscow will manage to defeat the coronavirus pandemic in several months with the help of mass vaccination , Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin told Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday .
`` The sooner we have a vaccine , the sooner the population is vaccinated , the sooner we will do away with this infection , '' the mayor said .
`` I am confident that the pandemic will be over in a few months , and the mankind will continue to develop and live normally , '' Sobyanin stressed .
Earlier , the mayor announced new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a growth in coronavirus cases in the recent days , and an expected surge in cold-related diseases .
Sobyanin advised Moscow residents over 65 and those with chronic illnesses to stay at home due to the increased incidence of the coronavirus .
`` Moscow residents over 65 years of age and younger citizens with chronic illnesses shouldn ’ t , unless absolutely necessary , leave their homes or summer retreats , '' the mayor wrote on his personal blog last week .
He also added that working Moscow residents over 65 and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remotely starting on September 28 .
Strolls and physical activity outdoors are not restricted .
Also , the management of enterprises were asked to switch 30 % of their personnel to work from home as well as to ensure strict compliance with anti-epidemic measures at workplaces .
School students will go on two-week holidays on October 5 .
Kindergartens will continue working routinely .
To date , 1,185,231 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 964,242 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 20,891 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 1./TASS/. Moscow will manage to defeat the coronavirus pandemic in several months with the help of mass vaccination, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin told Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday.
"The sooner we have a vaccine, the sooner the population is vaccinated, the sooner we will do away with this infection," the mayor said. "I am confident that the pandemic will be over in a few months, and the mankind will continue to develop and live normally," Sobyanin stressed.
Earlier, the mayor announced new preventive measures in Moscow in view of a growth in coronavirus cases in the recent days, and an expected surge in cold-related diseases. Sobyanin advised Moscow residents over 65 and those with chronic illnesses to stay at home due to the increased incidence of the coronavirus.
"Moscow residents over 65 years of age and younger citizens with chronic illnesses shouldn’t, unless absolutely necessary, leave their homes or summer retreats," the mayor wrote on his personal blog last week. He also added that working Moscow residents over 65 and people with chronic illnesses should switch to working remotely starting on September 28. Strolls and physical activity outdoors are not restricted.
Also, the management of enterprises were asked to switch 30% of their personnel to work from home as well as to ensure strict compliance with anti-epidemic measures at workplaces.
School students will go on two-week holidays on October 5. Kindergartens will continue working routinely.
To date, 1,185,231 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 964,242 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 20,891 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.