tass--2020-09-24--Press review: The ‘all or nothing’ New START bid and Lukashenko’s hush-hush inauguration

Izvestia : Strategic ultimatum - US insists on involving China in New START The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ( New START ) , which now remains the only tool of control over strategic armaments , is expiring this coming February .
The attempts by Moscow and Washington to agree on the terms of extending the treaty or signing a similar deal have not yielded any results .
The US insists that the future treaty should become multilateral and involve China .
Meanwhile , Washington absolutely rejects Moscow ’ s stance that two more countries from the `` nuclear club '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should become parties to the nuclear arms reduction treaty , Izvestia writes .
Moscow was up in arms over the ideas recently voiced by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea .
However , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia was ready for any scenario on New START , stressing that `` all systems have been created '' to ensure national security and the security of allies .
Members of the Russian parliament were emotional in their assessments of the so-called Billingslea plan .
Chairman of the Federation Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Washington was deliberately complicating the negotiating process and putting forth its ultimatums .
Konstantin Bogdanov , a senior researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences , told Izvestia that the US demand on China ’ s participation was aimed at encouraging Russia to persuade Beijing `` to make a decision , which it does not need . ''
However , Moscow reiterated the idea that the disarmament talks should involve five nuclear powers , while stressing that it ’ s none of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In general , this can be roughly described as `` all or nothing '' : we either preserve the bilateral format of talks on nuclear and strategic weapons for a certain period , or we take a powerful step forward and immediately proceed to multilateral framework negotiations , or we find ourselves in a deadlock and remain without any nuclear arms reduction treaties at all , '' Bogdanov noted .
`` The first scenario is more realistic from a political point of view ( it would be a reasonable compromise ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of developing arms control itself , but in reality the third option is most likely . ''
The expert is not predicting any crisis after New START expires , recalling that several times before , the world remained without any nuclear arms reduction treaties .
Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in as president of Belarus for the sixth time on September 23 .
The date and time of the inauguration ceremony , held in the Palace of Independence in Minsk , was kept in secret until the very last moment and no foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Belarusian Ministry of Justice , inviting envoys is not compulsory and the inauguration was held in line with the law , Vedomosti writes .
According to Valery Karbalevich , an expert from the Strategy think tank in Belarus , Lukashenko ’ s secret inauguration can be attributed to the complex political process in Belarus .
The public does not recognize the results of the election or the president ’ s legitimacy .
Lukashenko faced a serious dilemma .
A public inauguration ceremony would have been marred by clashes between protesters and security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media image for the president .
`` But this secret inauguration also looks very strange .
An inauguration is a public process and a way to prove legitimacy .
The state is not a Masonic lodge .
But in this situation , Lukashenko chose the lesser of the evils , '' the expert noted .
The ongoing political strife in Belarus will continue regardless of the ceremony , Karbalevich asserted .
`` The mere fact of a secret inauguration shows that Lukashenko does not hope very much to have society ’ s support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s backing , '' the expert noted .
Nikolai Mezhevich , who heads the Center for Belarusian Studies at the Institute of Europe at the Russian Academy of Sciences and an expert at the Valdai International Discussion Club , believes Lukashenko ’ s choice to hold a secret inauguration ceremony allowed him to avoid any further confrontation .
According to him , Lukashenko made the right decision because the current situation demands an unconventional solution .
However , Andrei Suzdaltsev , a senior lecturer at the Higher School of Economics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would only stimulate more street protests .
On Wednesday , Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny was discharged from Berlin ’ s Charite hospital after undergoing treatment there for more than a month .
Doctors say Navalny ’ s condition after the alleged poisoning is satisfactory and he is now receiving physical therapy and later plans to return to Russia .
Meanwhile , European politicians demand that Russia conduct investigation into the incident .
Russian authorities and law enforcement agencies are still waiting for solid proof from Germany and France that Navalny had allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer at Navalny ’ s Anti-Corruption Foundation , confirmed that Navalny would continue living in Russia because it would be difficult to carry out political activity outside the country .
However , neither Navalny , nor his allies have announced the exact date of his return .
Russia ’ s Interior Ministry is continuing its probe into the incident although formally its 30-day deadline has expired .
Some 200 people have been questioned in connection with the case , including Navalny ’ s allies .
Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation Ivan Zhdanov noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not agree to be questioned anymore because this procedure `` was just for show . ''
Zhdanov noted that since the deadline of the probe had expired , a criminal case should be either opened or the investigators should refuse to launch it .
Zhdanov also alleged that the probe was extended in order not to return Navalny ’ s clothes because traces of poison could be found there .
EU member-states continue demanding that Russia carry out the investigation into Navalny ’ s alleged poisoning .
In response , the Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of Navalny ’ s alleged poisoning by a supposed Novichok nerve agent .
Uzbekistan ’ s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a sensational speech at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly , outlining a new approach to the problem of bringing peace to Afghanistan .
Diplomats from the world ’ s powers have been struggling to iron out the crisis for more than 40 years .
But the greater the efforts they take , the more chaos the war-torn country comes under , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
The Uzbek leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Central Asia .
The key message of Uzbekistan ’ s president was that `` It ’ s time to stop the war in Afghanistan and start building there . ''
This approach is not selfish , like that of other extra regional powers , which focus on their geopolitical interests , and is purely pragmatic , the paper writes .
Mirziyoyev did not only manage to preserve the continuity of the country ’ s foreign policy on Afghanistan but also brought new ideas , which make it possible to translate those words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to establish peace in the long-suffering country .
Afghanistan should be considered not as a source of threats but as a source of opportunities for the region , according to Tashkent .
The March 2018 International Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan , initiated by Mirziyoyev , was the first important step in this direction .
Its major significance was to draw the global community ’ s attention to the ongoing bloodshed in the Islamic Republic .
According to Mehmood Ul Hassan , an expert at Pakistan ’ s Center for Global & Strategic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s policy in Afghanistan from the very beginning has been based on a workable formula : winning Afghan citizens ’ hearts by ‘ intensive economic cooperation ’ with Kabul , the successful implementation of transport and logistic projects and also expanding educational programs . ''
Izvestia : Russians ’ debt burden drops for the first time since 2015 Amid the coronavirus pandemic the Russians ’ debt burden declined for the first time since 2015 , Director of the Central Bank ’ s Financial Stability Department Elizaveta Danilova told Izvestia .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 0.2 percentage points to 10.7 % .
This is related to both the reduced lending opportunities for the public and the declining key rate .
However , analysts predict that the falling debt burden is unlikely to become a trend .
There is a risk that those Russians , whose applications for loans were rejected , could turn to shady creditors .
After the coronavirus was declared a pandemic in March and citizens started panic buying food , Russian banks issued loans to the tune of 1.4 trln rubles ( $ 18.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bank .
However , in late March many regions introduced self-isolation measures and the situation drastically changed .
In April , the total volume of new credits reached 755 bln rubles ( $ 8.7 bln ) and in May the figure stood at 852 bln rubles ( $ 11 bln ) .
`` When estimating the debt burden , we consider not a single loan like banks do , but the situation in the economy in general .
The estimated credit payments are compared with all citizens ’ revenues .
This is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 42 mln citizens have loans , but this is a useful figure at the macro level , '' Danilova explained .
Nearly 40 % of borrowers work in fields that were the hardest hit by the pandemic - the service sector , non-food sales , hotels and the restaurant business , President of the National Association of Professional Collection Agencies Elman Mekhtiyev said .
The revenues of these citizens declined 10-70 % depending on their profession .
Many of them still don ’ t have the revenues , which they used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Strategic ultimatum - US insists on involving China in New START
The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which now remains the only tool of control over strategic armaments, is expiring this coming February. The attempts by Moscow and Washington to agree on the terms of extending the treaty or signing a similar deal have not yielded any results. The US insists that the future treaty should become multilateral and involve China. Meanwhile, Washington absolutely rejects Moscow’s stance that two more countries from the "nuclear club" - the United Kingdom and France - should become parties to the nuclear arms reduction treaty, Izvestia writes. Moscow was up in arms over the ideas recently voiced by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea. However, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia was ready for any scenario on New START, stressing that "all systems have been created" to ensure national security and the security of allies. Members of the Russian parliament were emotional in their assessments of the so-called Billingslea plan. Chairman of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev said Washington was deliberately complicating the negotiating process and putting forth its ultimatums. Konstantin Bogdanov, a senior researcher at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Izvestia that the US demand on China’s participation was aimed at encouraging Russia to persuade Beijing "to make a decision, which it does not need." However, Moscow reiterated the idea that the disarmament talks should involve five nuclear powers, while stressing that it’s none of its business to draw China to these talks. "In general, this can be roughly described as "all or nothing": we either preserve the bilateral format of talks on nuclear and strategic weapons for a certain period, or we take a powerful step forward and immediately proceed to multilateral framework negotiations, or we find ourselves in a deadlock and remain without any nuclear arms reduction treaties at all," Bogdanov noted. "The first scenario is more realistic from a political point of view (it would be a reasonable compromise), the second is more promising in terms of developing arms control itself, but in reality the third option is most likely." The expert is not predicting any crisis after New START expires, recalling that several times before, the world remained without any nuclear arms reduction treaties. Vedomosti: Lukashenko holds secret swearing-in ceremony
Read also EU believes Lukashenko’s inauguration lacks legitimacy
Alexander Lukashenko was sworn in as president of Belarus for the sixth time on September 23. The date and time of the inauguration ceremony, held in the Palace of Independence in Minsk, was kept in secret until the very last moment and no foreign ambassadors had been invited. According to the Belarusian Ministry of Justice, inviting envoys is not compulsory and the inauguration was held in line with the law, Vedomosti writes. According to Valery Karbalevich, an expert from the Strategy think tank in Belarus, Lukashenko’s secret inauguration can be attributed to the complex political process in Belarus. The public does not recognize the results of the election or the president’s legitimacy. Lukashenko faced a serious dilemma. A public inauguration ceremony would have been marred by clashes between protesters and security forces and would have created a bad media image for the president. "But this secret inauguration also looks very strange. An inauguration is a public process and a way to prove legitimacy. The state is not a Masonic lodge. But in this situation, Lukashenko chose the lesser of the evils," the expert noted. The ongoing political strife in Belarus will continue regardless of the ceremony, Karbalevich asserted. "The mere fact of a secret inauguration shows that Lukashenko does not hope very much to have society’s support. He relies only on force and Russia’s backing," the expert noted. Nikolai Mezhevich, who heads the Center for Belarusian Studies at the Institute of Europe at the Russian Academy of Sciences and an expert at the Valdai International Discussion Club, believes Lukashenko’s choice to hold a secret inauguration ceremony allowed him to avoid any further confrontation. According to him, Lukashenko made the right decision because the current situation demands an unconventional solution. However, Andrei Suzdaltsev, a senior lecturer at the Higher School of Economics, warned that Lukashenko’s secret inauguration would only stimulate more street protests. Kommersant: Navalny discharged from Berlin hospital
Read also Navalny discharged from Charite hospital
On Wednesday, Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny was discharged from Berlin’s Charite hospital after undergoing treatment there for more than a month. Doctors say Navalny’s condition after the alleged poisoning is satisfactory and he is now receiving physical therapy and later plans to return to Russia. Meanwhile, European politicians demand that Russia conduct investigation into the incident. Russian authorities and law enforcement agencies are still waiting for solid proof from Germany and France that Navalny had allegedly been poisoned. Lyubov Sobol, a lawyer at Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, confirmed that Navalny would continue living in Russia because it would be difficult to carry out political activity outside the country. However, neither Navalny, nor his allies have announced the exact date of his return. Russia’s Interior Ministry is continuing its probe into the incident although formally its 30-day deadline has expired. Some 200 people have been questioned in connection with the case, including Navalny’s allies. Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation Ivan Zhdanov noted that the organization’s members would not agree to be questioned anymore because this procedure "was just for show." Zhdanov noted that since the deadline of the probe had expired, a criminal case should be either opened or the investigators should refuse to launch it. Zhdanov also alleged that the probe was extended in order not to return Navalny’s clothes because traces of poison could be found there. EU member-states continue demanding that Russia carry out the investigation into Navalny’s alleged poisoning. In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry insists that the West should provide evidence of Navalny’s alleged poisoning by a supposed Novichok nerve agent. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Uzbekistan unveils new approach to settling Afghan crisis
Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made a sensational speech at the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, outlining a new approach to the problem of bringing peace to Afghanistan. Diplomats from the world’s powers have been struggling to iron out the crisis for more than 40 years. But the greater the efforts they take, the more chaos the war-torn country comes under, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. The Uzbek leader stressed that Afghanistan is part and parcel of Central Asia. The key message of Uzbekistan’s president was that "It’s time to stop the war in Afghanistan and start building there." This approach is not selfish, like that of other extra regional powers, which focus on their geopolitical interests, and is purely pragmatic, the paper writes. Mirziyoyev did not only manage to preserve the continuity of the country’s foreign policy on Afghanistan but also brought new ideas, which make it possible to translate those words into practical steps, giving a real chance to establish peace in the long-suffering country. Afghanistan should be considered not as a source of threats but as a source of opportunities for the region, according to Tashkent. The March 2018 International Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan, initiated by Mirziyoyev, was the first important step in this direction. Its major significance was to draw the global community’s attention to the ongoing bloodshed in the Islamic Republic. According to Mehmood Ul Hassan, an expert at Pakistan’s Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), "Tashkent’s policy in Afghanistan from the very beginning has been based on a workable formula: winning Afghan citizens’ hearts by ‘intensive economic cooperation’ with Kabul, the successful implementation of transport and logistic projects and also expanding educational programs." Izvestia: Russians’ debt burden drops for the first time since 2015
Read also Banks issue $51.61 mln of loans to Russian businesses to pay salaries


tass--2020-09-24--Moscow regrets Sofia’s decision to declare two Russian diplomats as personae non gratae

MOSCOW , September 24./TASS/ .
Sofia ’ s declaring diplomats from the Russian trade mission as personae non gratae will @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry said in a report circulated on Thursday .
`` We express regret @ @ @ @ @ Sofia to declare employees of the Russian trade mission in Bulgaria as personae non gratae @ @ @ @ @ '' the ministry stressed .
`` We see this as a deliberate attempt to damage @ @ @ @ @ the ministry stressed .
Retaliatory steps will be announced later , it said .
On @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian Minister-Counsellor Mikhail Barilovich and announced its decision to expel @ @ @ @ @ trade mission .
It is alleged that the two have been engaged in espionage activities @ @ @ @ @ collecting data on plans to update the Bulgarian army and maintain technical readiness of military @ @

MOSCOW, September 24./TASS/. Sofia’s declaring diplomats from the Russian trade mission as personae non gratae will damage bilateral cooperation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a report circulated on Thursday.
"We express regret over the decision by official Sofia to declare employees of the Russian trade mission in Bulgaria as personae non gratae based on far-fetched accusations," the ministry stressed. "We see this as a deliberate attempt to damage constructive Russian-Bulgarian cooperation," the ministry stressed.
Retaliatory steps will be announced later, it said.
On September 23, the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Russian Minister-Counsellor Mikhail Barilovich and announced its decision to expel two employees of the Russian trade mission. It is alleged that the two have been engaged in espionage activities in Bulgaria since 2016, collecting data on plans to update the Bulgarian army and maintain technical readiness of military hardware.


tass--2020-09-24--Swarm of drones used in Kavkaz-2020 exercise first time against enemy forces

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Three models of drones - Forpost , Orlan-10 and Eleron-3 - were pooled into one group for participation in drills during the command and staff exercise Kavkaz-2020 , the Russian Defense Ministry told the media on Thursday .
`` At the Kapustin Yar proving ground a combined group of unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAV ) was created .
It incorporated Southern Military District units armed with drones Forpost , Orlan-10 , Eleron-3 and others , '' the Defense Ministry said .
UAVs are used at altitudes ranging 100 meters to 5,000 meters for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitting ground targets .
The drones are capable of spotting military units on the move , command centers , weapons , military equipment and manpower to adjust fire strikes being delivered against the identified targets .
Also , they are an integral element of radio-electronic warfare .
The Kavkaz-2020 exercise is being held on September 21-September 26 in the Southern Military District and the Black and Caspian seas under the command of the chief of Russia ’ s General Staff Valery Gerasimov .
All in all , about 80,000 servicemen , Emergencies Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1,000 troops from Armenia , Belarus , Iran , China , Myanmar and Pakistan are taking part .
The drills falling under the restrictions of the 2011 Vienna document on confidence-building measures involve no more than 12,900 troops .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Three models of drones - Forpost, Orlan-10 and Eleron-3 - were pooled into one group for participation in drills during the command and staff exercise Kavkaz-2020, the Russian Defense Ministry told the media on Thursday.
"At the Kapustin Yar proving ground a combined group of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) was created. It incorporated Southern Military District units armed with drones Forpost, Orlan-10, Eleron-3 and others," the Defense Ministry said.
UAVs are used at altitudes ranging from 100 meters to 5,000 meters for exposing the enemy’s defenses and hitting ground targets.
The drones are capable of spotting military units on the move, command centers, weapons, military equipment and manpower to adjust fire strikes being delivered against the identified targets. Also, they are an integral element of radio-electronic warfare.
The Kavkaz-2020 drills, running from September 21- 26, led by Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, are underway in Russia’s Southern Military District and in the Black and Caspian Seas. The exercise involves about 80,000 personnel, including officers from the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Russian National Guard. Furthermore, this is a multinational endeavor which includes up to 1,000 servicemen from Armenia, Belarus, China, Myanmar and Pakistan. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka are participating as observers, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. In addition, Russia’s top brass said that roughly 250 tanks, up to 450 mechanized infantry fighting vehicles and APCs, as well as up to 200 artillery systems and multiple-launch rocket systems were set to be used in the exercise on firing grounds. About 12,900 troops are going to take part in activities in line with the 2011 Vienna Document of the Negotiations on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures.


tass--2020-09-24--Situation in Minsk calm after protests against Lukashenko’s inauguration

MINSK , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Minsk on Thursday morning is calm and nothing reminds of the protests that broke out on Wednesday after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko ’ s inauguration .
Traffic on central highways and roads leading to the downtown Belarusian capital is normal for a Thursday morning , according to a TASS correspondent .
However , users of social networks report that in some Minsk neighborhoods drivers slowed down on purpose in order to create traffic jams .
No signs of Wednesday ’ s rallies were seen on Victors and Dzerzhinsky Avenues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wire fence near the Minsk Hero City Obelisk has been removed .
There are no restrictions for traffic on Independence Square .
The Minsk metro is working as normal .
At noon on Wednesday Belarusian state media announced that Alexander Lukashenko had been sworn in at an unannounced inauguration ceremony in his residence in Minsk .
In the evening hours , protesters took to the Minsk streets as the state television began broadcasting the ceremony .
The protests were held in downtown Minsk and other areas of the city , including suburbs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tear gas .
According to human rights activists , more than 200 people were detained at the rallies .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MINSK, September 24. /TASS/. The situation in Minsk on Thursday morning is calm and nothing reminds of the protests that broke out on Wednesday after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s inauguration.
Traffic on central highways and roads leading to the downtown Belarusian capital is normal for a Thursday morning, according to a TASS correspondent. However, users of social networks report that in some Minsk neighborhoods drivers slowed down on purpose in order to create traffic jams.
No signs of Wednesday’s rallies were seen on Victors and Dzerzhinsky Avenues and other streets in central Minsk. A wire fence near the Minsk Hero City Obelisk has been removed. There are no restrictions for traffic on Independence Square. The Minsk metro is working as normal.
At noon on Wednesday Belarusian state media announced that Alexander Lukashenko had been sworn in at an unannounced inauguration ceremony in his residence in Minsk. In the evening hours, protesters took to the Minsk streets as the state television began broadcasting the ceremony. The protests were held in downtown Minsk and other areas of the city, including suburbs. The security forces used water cannons and tear gas. According to human rights activists, more than 200 people were detained at the rallies.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-09-24--Moscow reports more than 1,000 new coronavirus infections for first time since June 23

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow identified 1,050 new cases of coronavirus in a single day , the @ @ @ @ @ , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Thursday .
The daily increase accelerated to 0.4 @ @ @ @ @ cases were reported in the city yesterday .
In the past 24 hours , 1,304 @ @ @ @ @ from hospitals , while 15 people died from coronavirus-related causes .
Overall , 280,408 people @ @ @ @ @ , 241,656 of them recovered , while 5,115 died .
Currently , there are 33,637 @ @ @ @ @ capital .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Moscow identified 1,050 new cases of coronavirus in a single day, the highest number since June 23, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters Thursday.
The daily increase accelerated to 0.4%, while 970 new cases were reported in the city yesterday.
In the past 24 hours, 1,304 patients recovered and were discharged from hospitals, while 15 people died from coronavirus-related causes.
Overall, 280,408 people contracted the virus in Moscow, 241,656 of them recovered, while 5,115 died. Currently, there are 33,637 active cases in the Russian capital.


tass--2020-09-24--Black Sea Fleet upsets delivery of supplies to ‘terrorists’ during Kavkaz exercise

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Black Sea Fleet ships have frustrated attempts to deliver weapons and supplies to `` international terrorists '' on the coast of the Krasnodar Territory within the framework of the strategic exercise Kavkaz-2020 , the Defense Ministry said on Thursday .
`` At this stage of the exercise the crews of patrol ships The Pavel Derzhavin and The Dmitry Rogachyov , acting in concert with crews of antisabotage boats , practiced cooperation in searching for and eliminating surface ships of a hypothetical enemy carrying ammunition and food to a terrorist group on the ground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Participating in the Kavkaz-2020 exercise are more than 20 ships and boats of the Black Sea Fleet , including the flagship - missile cruiser The Moskva , patrol ship The Pytlivy and amphibious ships the Tsezar Kunikov , The Azov and The Novocherkassk .
The Kavkaz-2020 exercise is being held on September 21-September 26 in the Southern Military District and the Black and Caspian seas under the command of the chief of Russia ’ s General Staff Valery Gerasimov .
All in all , about 80,000 servicemen , Emergencies Ministry and national guard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Armenia , Belarus , Iran , China , Myanmar and Pakistan are taking part .
The drills falling under the restrictions of the 2011 Vienna document on confidence-building measures involve no more than 12,900 troops .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Black Sea Fleet ships have frustrated attempts to deliver weapons and supplies to "international terrorists" on the coast of the Krasnodar Territory within the framework of the strategic exercise Kavkaz-2020, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
"At this stage of the exercise the crews of patrol ships The Pavel Derzhavin and The Dmitry Rogachyov, acting in concert with crews of antisabotage boats, practiced cooperation in searching for and eliminating surface ships of a hypothetical enemy carrying ammunition and food to a terrorist group on the ground," the Defense Ministry said.
Participating in the Kavkaz-2020 exercise are more than 20 ships and boats of the Black Sea Fleet, including the flagship - missile cruiser The Moskva, patrol ship The Pytlivy and amphibious ships the Tsezar Kunikov, The Azov and The Novocherkassk.
The Kavkaz-2020 exercise is being held on September 21-September 26 in the Southern Military District and the Black and Caspian seas under the command of the chief of Russia’s General Staff Valery Gerasimov. All in all, about 80,000 servicemen, Emergencies Ministry and national guard Rosgvardiya personnel and up to 1,000 troops from Armenia, Belarus, Iran, China, Myanmar and Pakistan are taking part. The drills falling under the restrictions of the 2011 Vienna document on confidence-building measures involve no more than 12,900 troops.


tass--2020-09-24--JA Solar's New DeepBlue 3.0 Modules Earn Multiple Certifications for Global Market

BEIJING , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ JA Solar announced today that its new DeepBlue 3.0 series modules passed certification testing conducted by TUV SUD to the standards of IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 .
These standards certify quality across various product attributes such as design , structure , materials , components and production technologies .
The certification demonstrates the reliability and safety of the product line , and its readiness to be introduced into the global PV market .
The DeepBlue 3.0 modules are built using 182 mm x 182 mm wafers ( thus known as `` 182 modules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new product launched by JA Solar in May 2020 .
The module 's efficiency is above 21.0 % , and the power output of mass-produced 72-cell type could reach 545W .
As one of the first 182 modules to get the TUV certification , DeepBlue 3.0 integrates the advantages of multiple high-efficiency and low-degradation technologies including the new-generation PERC high-efficiency cell technology PERCIUM+ , and Ga-doped silicon wafers , which enables the product having great performance in reliability , conversion efficiency , and power generation .
It could effectively reduce the LCOE and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 60-cell , 66-cell , and 72-cell etc.
, the DeepBlue 3.0 series can be widely used in different application environments .
In August , JA Solar announced the mass production of DeepBlue 3.0 products , with large production capacity planning .
It is expected that by the end of 2021 , the production capacity of JA Solar 182 module DeepBlue 3.0 will take over 50 % of the company 's total capacity .
In recent years , demand for high power and high-efficiency modules has been growing across the global PV market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size 166mm x 166mm last year , larger wafer sizes roll out this year and have won wide recognition .
Among them , 182 module has clear advantages in its technology maturity and equipment compatibility with the whole industry chain , a distinction when compared to other large-size products promoted by PV manufacturers .
The product 's advantages of stability , reliability , high efficiency , cost advantage in the manufacturing part , and high compatibility with the system have been fully verified , and it can effectively decrease LCOE by 7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the location of different projects ) , and is believed to be the best option to help achieve grid parity in 2021 .
As a high-quality product designed with large wafers , DeepBlue 3.0 was also successfully certified by LVD and EMC , which means that this series of products are approved to enter the European Union 's PV market .
This market has high barriers to entry for PV products and thus , DeepBlue 3.0 offers EU customers a new choice of high-quality and high-power products .
Jin Baofang , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of JA Solar said , `` The quality of JA Solar 's new DeepBlue 3.0 products are demonstrated by the rapid certification by these leading testing institutions .
We will continue to focus on product and technology research and development to provide high-quality and high-efficiency products to our global customers .
We intend to continue popularizing photovoltaic technologies and products that will help the development of the entire industry . ''

BEIJING, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ JA Solar announced today that its new DeepBlue 3.0 series modules passed certification testing conducted by TUV SUD to the standards of IEC 61215 and IEC 61730. These standards certify quality across various product attributes such as design, structure, materials, components and production technologies. The certification demonstrates the reliability and safety of the product line, and its readiness to be introduced into the global PV market. The DeepBlue 3.0 modules are built using 182 mm x 182 mm wafers (thus known as "182 modules").
DeepBlue 3.0 is a new product launched by JA Solar in May 2020. The module's efficiency is above 21.0%, and the power output of mass-produced 72-cell type could reach 545W. As one of the first 182 modules to get the TUV certification, DeepBlue 3.0 integrates the advantages of multiple high-efficiency and low-degradation technologies including the new-generation PERC high-efficiency cell technology PERCIUM+, and Ga-doped silicon wafers, which enables the product having great performance in reliability, conversion efficiency, and power generation. It could effectively reduce the LCOE and increase customer revenue. Designed in configurations of 60-cell, 66-cell, and 72-cell etc., the DeepBlue 3.0 series can be widely used in different application environments. In August, JA Solar announced the mass production of DeepBlue 3.0 products, with large production capacity planning. It is expected that by the end of 2021, the production capacity of JA Solar 182 module DeepBlue 3.0 will take over 50% of the company's total capacity.
In recent years, demand for high power and high-efficiency modules has been growing across the global PV market. Following the launch of the wafer size 166mm x 166mm last year, larger wafer sizes roll out this year and have won wide recognition. Among them, 182 module has clear advantages in its technology maturity and equipment compatibility with the whole industry chain, a distinction when compared to other large-size products promoted by PV manufacturers. The product's advantages of stability, reliability, high efficiency, cost advantage in the manufacturing part, and high compatibility with the system have been fully verified, and it can effectively decrease LCOE by 7% - 9% (the number varies based on the location of different projects), and is believed to be the best option to help achieve grid parity in 2021.
As a high-quality product designed with large wafers, DeepBlue 3.0 was also successfully certified by LVD and EMC, which means that this series of products are approved to enter the European Union's PV market. This market has high barriers to entry for PV products and thus, DeepBlue 3.0 offers EU customers a new choice of high-quality and high-power products.
Jin Baofang, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of JA Solar said, "The quality of JA Solar's new DeepBlue 3.0 products are demonstrated by the rapid certification by these leading testing institutions. We will continue to focus on product and technology research and development to provide high-quality and high-efficiency products to our global customers. We intend to continue popularizing photovoltaic technologies and products that will help the development of the entire industry."


tass--2020-09-24--Huawei Brings Digital Transformation to Industries Through Innovative HMS Solutions

SHANGHAI , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ Huawei introduced the fully-open capabilities of Huawei Mobile Services ( HMS ) ecosystem at HUAWEI CONNECT 2020 in Shanghai today .
Zhang Ping'an , President of Consumer Cloud Service , Huawei Consumer Business Group , highlighted Huawei 's innovative HMS solutions , and the cooperation with various sectors – including finance , government , education , enterprise , entertainment , business and more – as part of his keynote speech titled , 'Together , Let 's Play with HMS ' .
`` Huawei is committed to opening software , hardware , and cloud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to empower all business and industries to deliver digital experience for more consumers , via innovative digital services , '' said Zhang .
With Huawei 's fully open capabilities , partners are empowered to innovate and achieve digital transformation .
As a result , digitalisation in sectors such as finance , government , education , enterprise , entertainment are accelerated , enabling them to introduce more inclusive and innovative digital services .
In recent years , Huawei has been working on providing a mobile-centric digital financial experience .
HUAWEI Wallet , for instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovative features , such as mobile POS , HUAWEI Card and more .
Huawei has also developed a security engine designed for data , account , apps and payment protection based on a comprehensive security and protection mechanism .
It includes hardware-level security certifications , Trusted Execution Environment ( TEE ) , and cloud risk control system .
HMS core capabilities are also fully open to empower banks , and other industry partners to offer a broader range of digital financial services .
HUAWEI City Service is a convenient one-stop government affairs service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It covers 6 broad areas and more than 30 frequently-used government services – including expenses , medical , and immigration services , among others .
In the future , users can transact with all branches of the government through a single HUAWEI ID allowing them to access local citizen services anytime and anywhere .
In the education and workforce sector , Huawei launched Link Now , an online education and work coordination platform , offering features such as instant messaging , live collaboration and distant learning .
Huawei seeks to make education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through technological empowerment .
That way , every Huawei user in the world can enjoy an enhanced and more efficient experience .
Huawei also announced HUAWEI Business Touch at the event .
It is a platform for merchant to push promotional or customer service messages to customers in a timely fashion .
These messages can be delivered through various channels , including the leftmost screen , HUAWEI Life Service app .
Huawei also unveiled smart business solution based on integrated 2D/3D maps , AR navigation and more capabilities , as well as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Huawei has developed an all-new smart attractions solution for the cultural tourism sector .
Huawei users can keep information such as eID , entry passes , car keys and hotel keys in their devices , and subsequently bring them up automatically on HUAWEI AI Pass when approaching the terminal .
Users can then simply tap the terminal with the device and proceed with their activities .
The solution also provides services such as routes recommendations , real-time updates for places of interest , as well as AR navigation .
Huawei is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brand-new travel experience to visitors .
Huawei has opened five basic service engines to global developers , including payment , ads , browsing , map , search .
Through HMS Core 5.0 , Huawei provides leading software , hardware , and cloud capabilities , empowering partners and developers to accelerate the innovation as well as digitalisation process .
Huawei 's HMS ecosystem is currently the world 's third largest mobile app ecosystem , with over 1.8 million registered developers worldwide and 96,000 applications integrated with HMS Core .
Huawei has also invested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to encourage developers to join the HMS ecosystem and incentivise innovation in app development .
With plans for further expansion , the Shining-Star Programme has accumulatively inspired more than 10,000 innovative apps worldwide , including over 1,000 vertical industry partners .
Huawei has been working with global partners and developers on innovation in digital transformation as well as implementation of TECH4ALL digital inclusion program .
Moving forward , Huawei is committed to opening more capabilities to other industries and sectors to accelerate their digital transformation .
This allows Huawei and the industries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers and improve their quality of life .
`` At Huawei , we see our developers , partners and global consumers as stars that brighten the future .
We hope to work together with our stars to illuminate our paths ahead and create a new world that 's more vibrant , '' Zhang added .

SHANGHAI, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ Huawei introduced the fully-open capabilities of Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) ecosystem at HUAWEI CONNECT 2020 in Shanghai today. Zhang Ping'an, President of Consumer Cloud Service, Huawei Consumer Business Group, highlighted Huawei's innovative HMS solutions, and the cooperation with various sectors – including finance, government, education, enterprise, entertainment, business and more – as part of his keynote speech titled, 'Together, Let's Play with HMS'.
"Huawei is committed to opening software, hardware, and cloud capabilities to industry partners. We seek to empower all business and industries to deliver digital experience for more consumers, via innovative digital services," said Zhang.
With Huawei's fully open capabilities, partners are empowered to innovate and achieve digital transformation. As a result, digitalisation in sectors such as finance, government, education, enterprise, entertainment are accelerated, enabling them to introduce more inclusive and innovative digital services.
In recent years, Huawei has been working on providing a mobile-centric digital financial experience. HUAWEI Wallet, for instance, has been upgraded to include several innovative features, such as mobile POS, HUAWEI Card and more. Huawei has also developed a security engine designed for data, account, apps and payment protection based on a comprehensive security and protection mechanism. It includes hardware-level security certifications, Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), and cloud risk control system. HMS core capabilities are also fully open to empower banks, and other industry partners to offer a broader range of digital financial services.
HUAWEI City Service is a convenient one-stop government affairs service platform jointly established with local government partners. It covers 6 broad areas and more than 30 frequently-used government services – including expenses, medical, and immigration services, among others. In the future, users can transact with all branches of the government through a single HUAWEI ID allowing them to access local citizen services anytime and anywhere.
In the education and workforce sector, Huawei launched Link Now, an online education and work coordination platform, offering features such as instant messaging, live collaboration and distant learning. Huawei seeks to make education and collaboration among working teams more accessible through technological empowerment. That way, every Huawei user in the world can enjoy an enhanced and more efficient experience.
Huawei also announced HUAWEI Business Touch at the event. It is a platform for merchant to push promotional or customer service messages to customers in a timely fashion. These messages can be delivered through various channels, including the leftmost screen, HUAWEI Life Service app. Huawei also unveiled smart business solution based on integrated 2D/3D maps, AR navigation and more capabilities, as well as an enterprise mobile solution, Huawei Enterprise Manager.
Huawei has developed an all-new smart attractions solution for the cultural tourism sector. Huawei users can keep information such as eID, entry passes, car keys and hotel keys in their devices, and subsequently bring them up automatically on HUAWEI AI Pass when approaching the terminal. Users can then simply tap the terminal with the device and proceed with their activities. The solution also provides services such as routes recommendations, real-time updates for places of interest, as well as AR navigation. Huawei is currently partnering with Dujiangyan scenic spot to bring a brand-new travel experience to visitors.
Huawei has opened five basic service engines to global developers, including payment, ads, browsing, map, search. Through HMS Core 5.0, Huawei provides leading software, hardware, and cloud capabilities, empowering partners and developers to accelerate the innovation as well as digitalisation process. Huawei's HMS ecosystem is currently the world's third largest mobile app ecosystem, with over 1.8 million registered developers worldwide and 96,000 applications integrated with HMS Core.
Huawei has also invested USD 1 billion into its Shining-Star Programme to encourage developers to join the HMS ecosystem and incentivise innovation in app development. With plans for further expansion, the Shining-Star Programme has accumulatively inspired more than 10,000 innovative apps worldwide, including over 1,000 vertical industry partners.
Huawei has been working with global partners and developers on innovation in digital transformation as well as implementation of TECH4ALL digital inclusion program. Moving forward, Huawei is committed to opening more capabilities to other industries and sectors to accelerate their digital transformation. This allows Huawei and the industries to collaboratively provide an enhanced digital experience for consumers and improve their quality of life.
"At Huawei, we see our developers, partners and global consumers as stars that brighten the future. We hope to work together with our stars to illuminate our paths ahead and create a new world that's more vibrant," Zhang added.


tass--2020-09-24--Russia reports over 6,500 new coronavirus cases

According to its data , in the past six days , the daily growth did not exceed 0.6 % .
@ @ @ @ @ reached 1,128,836 .
MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ past day , a record high since July 12 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus cases worldwide up by almost 2 mln in one week — WHO Some @ @ @ @ @ recorded in St. Petersburg , 205 in the Moscow Region , 189 in the Rostov @ @ @ @ @ Voronezh Region and 160 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region .
The lowest growth rates in @ @ @ @ @ in the Chukotka Autonomous Region , the Chechen Republic ( 0.2 % ) , the @ @ @ @ @ Region , the Tula Region , Tatarstan and the Chuvash Republic ( 0.3 % ) @ @ @ @ @ are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia .

According to its data, in the past six days, the daily growth did not exceed 0.6%. Russia’s case tally reached 1,128,836.
MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 6,595 in the past day, a record high since July 12, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday.
Number of coronavirus cases worldwide up by almost 2 mln in one week — WHO
Some 215 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in St. Petersburg, 205 in the Moscow Region, 189 in the Rostov Region, 162 in the Voronezh Region and 160 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The lowest growth rates in the past day were recorded in the Chukotka Autonomous Region, the Chechen Republic (0.2%), the Moscow Region, the Smolensk Region, the Tula Region, Tatarstan and the Chuvash Republic (0.3%).
Currently, 179,059 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia.


tass--2020-09-24--Aeroflot resuming flights from Moscow to Bishkek

Regular flight SU1882 Moscow-Bishkek will be performed once a week on Thursdays , while the return flight SU1883 Bishkek-Moscow will depart on Fridays .
MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s flagship air carrier Aeroflot is resuming flights from Moscow to Bishkek ( Kyrgyzstan ) starting September 24 , the company said in a statement .
Russia ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center decided earlier to resume passenger air service with Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan and Belarus starting September 21 , and with South Korea - starting September 27 .
Later the Russian cabinet announced lifting of restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
Flights to Belarus SU1842 Moscow-Minsk and SU1843 Minsk-Moscow will be performed once a week on Saturdays starting September 26 , Aeroflot said earlier .
Flights to the capital of Kazakhstan will be launched on September 27 .
Flights SU1956 Moscow-Nur-Sulan and SU1957 Nur-Sultan-Moscow will be carried out once a week on Sundays .
Aeroflot planes will travel to the South Korean capital of Seoul once a week on Thursdays ( flight SU0250 Moscow-Seoul ) .
The return flight SU0251 Seoul-Moscow will be performed on Saturdays .
As international air service revives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company noted .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree in early September resuming international air service with Egypt , the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives on a reciprocal basis .
Earlier Russia resumed flights to Turkey , Britain , Switzerland , and Tanzania .

Regular flight SU1882 Moscow-Bishkek will be performed once a week on Thursdays, while the return flight SU1883 Bishkek-Moscow will depart on Fridays.
MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Russia’s flagship air carrier Aeroflot is resuming flights from Moscow to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) starting September 24, the company said in a statement.
Russia’s anti-coronavirus crisis center decided earlier to resume passenger air service with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Belarus starting September 21, and with South Korea - starting September 27. Later the Russian cabinet announced lifting of restrictions on movement of citizens between Russia and those countries.
Flights to Belarus SU1842 Moscow-Minsk and SU1843 Minsk-Moscow will be performed once a week on Saturdays starting September 26, Aeroflot said earlier.
Flights to the capital of Kazakhstan will be launched on September 27. Flights SU1956 Moscow-Nur-Sulan and SU1957 Nur-Sultan-Moscow will be carried out once a week on Sundays.
Aeroflot planes will travel to the South Korean capital of Seoul once a week on Thursdays (flight SU0250 Moscow-Seoul). The return flight SU0251 Seoul-Moscow will be performed on Saturdays.
As international air service revives the frequency of flights may change, the company noted.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree in early September resuming international air service with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives on a reciprocal basis. Earlier Russia resumed flights to Turkey, Britain, Switzerland, and Tanzania.


tass--2020-09-24--EU believes Lukashenko’s inauguration lacks legitimacy

BRUSSELS , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union considers the inauguration and new presidential term of Alexander Lukashenko to be lacking democratic legitimacy and is reviewing its ties with Belarus , EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement Thursday .
He also warned that the recent inauguration can only worsen the political crisis gripping the country .
`` The EU once again reiterates that the 9 August Belarus Presidential elections were neither free nor fair .
The European Union does not recognise their falsified results .
On this basis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 2020 and the new mandate claimed by Aleksandr Lukashenko lack any democratic legitimacy , '' the statement notes .
`` In light of the current situation , the EU is reviewing its relations with Belarus . ''
Borrell also believes that `` this ‘ inauguration ’ directly contradicts the will of large parts of the Belarusian population , as expressed in numerous , unprecedented and peaceful protests since the elections , and serves to only further deepen the political crisis in Belarus . ''
`` The European Union ’ s position is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be represented by those they freely choose through new inclusive , transparent and credible elections , '' the high representative added .
Borrell again called on the Belarusian authorities to refrain from any violence and immediately release all people who were detained during the presidential election campaign and subsequent protests .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

BRUSSELS, September 24. /TASS/. The European Union considers the inauguration and new presidential term of Alexander Lukashenko to be lacking democratic legitimacy and is reviewing its ties with Belarus, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said in a statement Thursday. He also warned that the recent inauguration can only worsen the political crisis gripping the country.
"The EU once again reiterates that the 9 August Belarus Presidential elections were neither free nor fair. The European Union does not recognise their falsified results. On this basis, the so-called ‘inauguration’ of 23 September 2020 and the new mandate claimed by Aleksandr Lukashenko lack any democratic legitimacy," the statement notes. "In light of the current situation, the EU is reviewing its relations with Belarus."
Borrell also believes that "this ‘inauguration’ directly contradicts the will of large parts of the Belarusian population, as expressed in numerous, unprecedented and peaceful protests since the elections, and serves to only further deepen the political crisis in Belarus." "The European Union’s position is clear: Belarusian citizens deserve the right to be represented by those they freely choose through new inclusive, transparent and credible elections," the high representative added.
Borrell again called on the Belarusian authorities to refrain from any violence and immediately release all people who were detained during the presidential election campaign and subsequent protests.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-09-24--Hainan braces for a week of national holidays

HAIKOU , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities have unveiled a set of preventive measures and epidemiological regulations on the eve of the `` golden week '' — national holidayson October 1-8 on the occasion of the Day of the People 's Republic of China ( due on October 1 — TASS ) , reported the Hainan Daily .
In accordance with the rules , all cafes , restaurants , catering facilities in the province must be disinfected daily .
Employees at tourist sites , supermarkets , shopping malls , public transport and other crowded places are required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measurements before starting their work shifts .
All tourist facilities must be supplied with antiseptics , free for visitors , the statement indicates .
Particular attention should be paid to handrails , elevator buttons , public toilets and waste collection areas when disinfecting public areas .
The document emphasizes the need for ventilation of the premises .
Taxis and urban public transport must also be kept clean , the newspaper writes .
The rules also state that all those arriving in the province from abroad crossing Hainan 's border are required to undergo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must pass two tests for the coronavirus .
The first days of the 10th month in China fall on weekends and are considered the `` golden week '' .
At this time , the Chinese leave big cities for their hometowns or go on a trip around the country .
Traditionally , Hainan is one of the most popular travel destinations .
This year 's holiday week coincided with the lunar Mid-Autumn Festival ( Zhongqiujie ) .
This time it falls on October 1 .

HAIKOU, September 24. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities have unveiled a set of preventive measures and epidemiological regulations on the eve of the "golden week" — national holidayson October 1-8 on the occasion of the Day of the People's Republic of China (due on October 1 — TASS), reported the Hainan Daily.
In accordance with the rules, all cafes, restaurants, catering facilities in the province must be disinfected daily. Employees at tourist sites, supermarkets, shopping malls, public transport and other crowded places are required to wear masks and take body temperature measurements before starting their work shifts.
All tourist facilities must be supplied with antiseptics, free for visitors, the statement indicates. Particular attention should be paid to handrails, elevator buttons, public toilets and waste collection areas when disinfecting public areas. The document emphasizes the need for ventilation of the premises. Taxis and urban public transport must also be kept clean, the newspaper writes.
The rules also state that all those arriving in the province from abroad crossing Hainan's border are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, during which they must pass two tests for the coronavirus.
The first days of the 10th month in China fall on weekends and are considered the "golden week". At this time, the Chinese leave big cities for their hometowns or go on a trip around the country. Traditionally, Hainan is one of the most popular travel destinations.
This year's holiday week coincided with the lunar Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiujie). This time it falls on October 1.


tass--2020-09-24--Bolivia gets permission to export beef to Russia

BUENOS AIRES , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Bolivia has been granted a permission to export beef to Russia and @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s interim president Jeanine Ane said on Wednesday .
`` We would @ @ @ @ @ received a permission to export meat to Russia , Belarus , Armenia , Kyrgyzstan and @ @ @ @ @ today , on September 23 , '' she told the Unitel TV channel .
Bolivia @ @ @ @ @ beef last year .
Its main export markets are Peru , Ecuador and China .

BUENOS AIRES, September 24. /TASS/. Bolivia has been granted a permission to export beef to Russia and some other ex-Soviet countries, the country’s interim president Jeanine Ane said on Wednesday.
"We would like to announce that we received a permission to export meat to Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The news came today, on September 23," she told the Unitel TV channel.
Bolivia exported about 3,500 tonnes of beef last year. Its main export markets are Peru, Ecuador and China.


tass--2020-09-24--NDB prices USD 2 billion benchmark bond to further support COVID emergency response

SHANGHAI , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 22 , 2020 , the New Development Bank ( NDB ) priced its USD 2 billion , 5-year COVID Response Bond in the international capital markets , following its inaugural issuance on June 16 , 2020 .
This is the NDB 's largest-ever USD benchmark bond to date .
The net proceeds of the bond issuance will be used to finance sustainable development activities in the Bank 's member countries , including COVID-related emergency assistance programs .
NDB is targeting to provide up to USD 10 billion in crisis-related assistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expenditures , as well as supporting economic recovery efforts .
NDB has approved USD 4 billion of COVID-19 related emergency assistance projects to date .
The transaction marks NDB 's second foray into the international capital markets following a highly successful inaugural benchmark issuance .
The transaction garnered notable demand from a geographically diverse investor base , and substantial participation from central banks and official institutions , which accounted for 66 % of final allocations .
The geographic distribution of investors of the final bond book was : Asia – 57 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 % .
The 5-year benchmark bond was issued at a spread of 37 bps over mid-swaps and pays a fixed annual coupon of 0.625 % .
Bank of China , Barclays , Citi , Goldman Sachs International and Standard Chartered Bank are acting as lead managers of the bond issuance .
`` We are grateful for the enthusiastic response from investors to our second benchmark transaction which supports NDB 's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak in our member countries .
The transaction resonated well with investors and led to an extremely high-quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from central banks and official institutions , '' said Mr. Leslie Maasdorp , NDB Vice President and Chief Financial Officer .
`` I would like to express my appreciation to investors for their continued support for NDB and our sustainable development mandate .
It allows us to work together with our member countries to respond to the adverse public health and economic challenges caused by the pandemic . ''
Qiu Wei , Deputy General Manager , Investment Banking & Asset Management Department at Bank of China said : `` The successful pricing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's market impact and JLMs ' expertise , but also strengthens the ties between NDB and its member countries .
Furthermore , this issuance will help push forward NDB 's efforts to help member countries in fighting the challenges brought by the COVID-19 epidemic . ''
Harry Koppel , Managing Director , SSAR Origination at Barclays said : `` Huge congratulations to the New Development Bank for this remarkable result on their second-ever USD benchmark transaction in the international capital markets .
NDB took another large step forward , issuing both a larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its debut issue .
And indeed , this was all achieved with a minimum new issue concession vs. estimated fair value .
It has been a privilege to work with the NDB team on this transaction , beginning all the way back in July with virtual marketing , and this outcome is a testament to all the work and dedication by the team . ''
Philip Brown , Head of Public Sector Debt Origination at Citi said : `` This was a terrific second Dollar Benchmark for the NDB , who is seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program of investor relations .
Building on the successful debut 3-year benchmark in June , we 've now gone longer , larger and tighter .
Congratulations to the NDB Treasury team , it 's been our privilege to travel on this exciting journey with them as NDB builds out its capital markets presence so successfully . ''
Maud Le Moine , Head of SSA DCM at Goldman Sachs International at Goldman Sachs International said : `` NDB 's second COVID-response USD benchmark comes at a critical time when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the success and performance of their debut USD issuance before the summer , today 's USD transaction extends the NDB curve with a new $ 2bn 5yr , priced 1bp inside of their inaugural issue .
The deal achieved an orderbook of $ 2.4bn and 66 % participation from official institutions , a testament to NDB 's continuous marketing effort globally .
It has been an honour to be a part of NDB 's story this year and we congratulate the team on another incredible milestone . ''
Annemarie Ganatra , Managing Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` Standard Chartered is honoured to support New Development Bank 's highly successful second USD benchmark bond issuance .
The 5yr issue , NDB 's largest to date , achieved a flat yield and spread to the outstanding 3yr USD benchmark , and attracted a diverse and high-quality order book ; a testament to the borrower 's strong profile in the international SSA markets . ''
In December 2019 , the NDB registered its inaugural USD 50 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme in the international capital markets .
The Programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been assigned 'AA+ ' long-term and ' A-1+ ' short-term issue ratings by S & P .
The Base Prospectus , each supplement thereto and any Final Terms published in relation to any series of Notes is or will be available for viewing at The NDB established Emergency Assistance Facility to meet the emergency needs of its member countries .
Emergency loans to the member countries could be used to finance direct expenses related to the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak or provide support to governmental measures contributing to economic recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to USD 10 billion in crisis-related assistance .
As at September 22 , 2020 , the Bank has provided RMB 7 billion Emergency Assistant Program Loan to the Government of China , USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of India , USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of the republic of South Africa and USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of Federative Republic Brazil .
The NDB was established by Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries , complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development .
The NDB received 'AA+ ' long-term issuer credit ratings from S & P and Fitch and 'AAA ' foreign currency long-term issuer rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency ( JCR ) and Analytical Credit Rating Agency ( ACRA ) .

SHANGHAI, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 22, 2020, the New Development Bank (NDB) priced its USD 2 billion, 5-year COVID Response Bond in the international capital markets, following its inaugural issuance on June 16, 2020. This is the NDB's largest-ever USD benchmark bond to date.
The net proceeds of the bond issuance will be used to finance sustainable development activities in the Bank's member countries, including COVID-related emergency assistance programs. NDB is targeting to provide up to USD 10 billion in crisis-related assistance, including financing healthcare and social safety-related expenditures, as well as supporting economic recovery efforts. NDB has approved USD 4 billion of COVID-19 related emergency assistance projects to date.
The transaction marks NDB's second foray into the international capital markets following a highly successful inaugural benchmark issuance. The transaction garnered notable demand from a geographically diverse investor base, and substantial participation from central banks and official institutions, which accounted for 66% of final allocations. The geographic distribution of investors of the final bond book was: Asia – 57%, EMEA – 34%, Americas – 9%.
The 5-year benchmark bond was issued at a spread of 37 bps over mid-swaps and pays a fixed annual coupon of 0.625%. Bank of China, Barclays, Citi, Goldman Sachs International and Standard Chartered Bank are acting as lead managers of the bond issuance.
"We are grateful for the enthusiastic response from investors to our second benchmark transaction which supports NDB's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak in our member countries. The transaction resonated well with investors and led to an extremely high-quality book, which saw a significant contribution from central banks and official institutions," said Mr. Leslie Maasdorp, NDB Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "I would like to express my appreciation to investors for their continued support for NDB and our sustainable development mandate. It allows us to work together with our member countries to respond to the adverse public health and economic challenges caused by the pandemic."
Qiu Wei, Deputy General Manager, Investment Banking & Asset Management Department at Bank of China said: "The successful pricing of the USD bond not only demonstrates NDB's market impact and JLMs' expertise, but also strengthens the ties between NDB and its member countries. Furthermore, this issuance will help push forward NDB's efforts to help member countries in fighting the challenges brought by the COVID-19 epidemic."
Harry Koppel, Managing Director, SSAR Origination at Barclays said: "Huge congratulations to the New Development Bank for this remarkable result on their second-ever USD benchmark transaction in the international capital markets. NDB took another large step forward, issuing both a larger size and at a longer tenor than its debut issue. And indeed, this was all achieved with a minimum new issue concession vs. estimated fair value. It has been a privilege to work with the NDB team on this transaction, beginning all the way back in July with virtual marketing, and this outcome is a testament to all the work and dedication by the team."
Philip Brown, Head of Public Sector Debt Origination at Citi said: "This was a terrific second Dollar Benchmark for the NDB, who is seeing the benefit of their considerable and continuous program of investor relations. Building on the successful debut 3-year benchmark in June, we've now gone longer, larger and tighter. Congratulations to the NDB Treasury team, it's been our privilege to travel on this exciting journey with them as NDB builds out its capital markets presence so successfully."
Maud Le Moine, Head of SSA DCM at Goldman Sachs International at Goldman Sachs International said: "NDB's second COVID-response USD benchmark comes at a critical time when the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many countries globally. Building on the success and performance of their debut USD issuance before the summer, today's USD transaction extends the NDB curve with a new $2bn 5yr, priced 1bp inside of their inaugural issue. The deal achieved an orderbook of $2.4bn and 66% participation from official institutions, a testament to NDB's continuous marketing effort globally. It has been an honour to be a part of NDB's story this year and we congratulate the team on another incredible milestone."
Annemarie Ganatra, Managing Director, Capital Markets at Standard Chartered Bank said: "Standard Chartered is honoured to support New Development Bank's highly successful second USD benchmark bond issuance. The 5yr issue, NDB's largest to date, achieved a flat yield and spread to the outstanding 3yr USD benchmark, and attracted a diverse and high-quality order book; a testament to the borrower's strong profile in the international SSA markets."
Bond Summary Terms
Issuer New Development Bank (NDB) Issuer rating AA+ (S&P) / AA+ (Fitch) / AAA (JCR) / AAA (ACRA) Format Reg S, Registered form Size USD 2,000,000,000 Settlement date 29 September, 2020 Maturity date 29 September, 2025 Issue price 99.651% Issue yield 0.695% Coupon 0.625%, Fixed, Annual 30/360 Denomination USD 200k+1k Listing Euronext Dublin Regulated Market – Irish Stock Exchange Lead managers Bank of China, Barclays, Citi, Goldman Sachs International, Standard Chartered Bank Co-managers China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, HSBC, Nomura, TD Securities, Royal Bank of Canada
Background information
In December 2019, the NDB registered its inaugural USD 50 billion Euro Medium Term Note Programme in the international capital markets. The Programme has been rated 'AA+' by Fitch and has been assigned 'AA+' long-term and 'A-1+' short-term issue ratings by S&P. The Base Prospectus, each supplement thereto and any Final Terms published in relation to any series of Notes is or will be available for viewing at here.
The NDB established Emergency Assistance Facility to meet the emergency needs of its member countries. Emergency loans to the member countries could be used to finance direct expenses related to the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak or provide support to governmental measures contributing to economic recovery. The NDB targets to provide up to USD 10 billion in crisis-related assistance. As at September 22, 2020, the Bank has provided RMB 7 billion Emergency Assistant Program Loan to the Government of China, USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of India, USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of the republic of South Africa and USD 1 billion Emergency Assistance Program Loan to the Government of Federative Republic Brazil.
The NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development. The NDB received 'AA+' long-term issuer credit ratings from S&P and Fitch and 'AAA' foreign currency long-term issuer rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) and Analytical Credit Rating Agency (ACRA).
CONTACT: Evan Liu, (852) 5622 1735, evan.liu@ketchum.com


tass--2020-09-24--Casio to Release MT-G Series Watches with Newly Developed Dual Core Guard Structure

TOKYO , Sept. 24 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio Computer Co. , Ltd. announced today the latest additions to its G-SHOCK line of shock-resistant watches .
The new MTG-B2000 models are part of the MT-G series of watches , which are known for a construction that makes the most of the properties of both metal and resin .
The MTG-B2000 features a new innovation—the Dual Core Guard structure—which accentuates the beauty and feel of metal while retaining a mid-sized case .
The new MTG-B2000 watches further advance the Metal Core Guard Structure used in previous MT-G series watches by employing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorporates a carbon fiber-reinforced resin case , leveraging the light weight and rigidity of carbon fiber .
The watch features a dual structure with a carbon monocoque case that seamlessly integrates the case and case back .
This is surrounded by metal frame , giving the watch a refined metal look when viewed straight on and from the sides .
This new structure achieved a watch with more visible metal while retaining the popular mid-sized case and weight that users found to be so wearable in the MTG-B1000 released in 2018 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resist dropping shocks , centrifugal gravity , and vibration , ensuring toughness .
The MTG-B2000BD and MTG-B2000D models both come with a new layered-composite band made with a higher proportion of resin , paired with metal parts .
They are both about 15 % lighter than the predecessor model .
* The MTG-B2000B comes with a soft urethane band for enhanced wearability and optimum fit , which also accentuates the bold impression of the watch .
These new watches are the first in the MT-G series to be equipped with three dual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hands .
In addition to receiving radio wave time-calibration signals , the watch automatically adjusts the time when paired with a smartphone using a dedicated app .
Other outstanding features include automatic time adjustment to the local time zone when crossing zones without any need for the user to operate the buttons .
These features make the MTG-B2000 models ideal shock-resistant watches in a business setting .

TOKYO, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the latest additions to its G-SHOCK line of shock-resistant watches. The new MTG-B2000 models are part of the MT-G series of watches, which are known for a construction that makes the most of the properties of both metal and resin. The MTG-B2000 features a new innovation—the Dual Core Guard structure—which accentuates the beauty and feel of metal while retaining a mid-sized case.
The new MTG-B2000 watches further advance the Metal Core Guard Structure used in previous MT-G series watches by employing a new Dual Core Guard Structure that incorporates a carbon fiber-reinforced resin case, leveraging the light weight and rigidity of carbon fiber. The watch features a dual structure with a carbon monocoque case that seamlessly integrates the case and case back. This is surrounded by metal frame, giving the watch a refined metal look when viewed straight on and from the sides. This new structure achieved a watch with more visible metal while retaining the popular mid-sized case and weight that users found to be so wearable in the MTG-B1000 released in 2018. The MTG-B2000 watches also feature Triple G Resist to resist dropping shocks, centrifugal gravity, and vibration, ensuring toughness.
The MTG-B2000BD and MTG-B2000D models both come with a new layered-composite band made with a higher proportion of resin, paired with metal parts. They are both about 15% lighter than the predecessor model.* The MTG-B2000B comes with a soft urethane band for enhanced wearability and optimum fit, which also accentuates the bold impression of the watch.
* MTG-B1000D (released in 2018)
These new watches are the first in the MT-G series to be equipped with three dual coil motors, for swift operation of the hands. In addition to receiving radio wave time-calibration signals, the watch automatically adjusts the time when paired with a smartphone using a dedicated app. Other outstanding features include automatic time adjustment to the local time zone when crossing zones without any need for the user to operate the buttons. These features make the MTG-B2000 models ideal shock-resistant watches in a business setting.
G-SHOCK official website: https://world.g-shock.com/
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1278106/MTG_B2000BD.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1278105/CASIO_2.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1278104/CASIO_2.jpg
CONTACT: pr@casio.co.jp, +81-3-5334-4830


tass--2020-09-24--Russian, Iranian top diplomats to meet in Moscow for discussions on nuclear deal

MOSCOW , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Moscow on Thursday to discuss the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program and the situation in Syria .
`` It was scheduled to discuss a range of pressing international issues , including the state of affairs regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran ’ s nuclear program , as well as the situation in Syria , Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf zone , '' Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , Zarif paid a visit to Moscow on July 21 .
In late August , the United States once again accused Iran of violating the nuclear deal and the US Secretary of State requested the UN Security Council re-impose the sanction on Iran .
Under the Iran nuclear deal , any signatory to it can trigger the snapback of the sanctions if Teheran violates its commitments under the deal .
However , the United States quitted the deal in 2018 and hence , its request can not be satisfied , as was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dian Triansyah Djani ) on August 25 .
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that allows Washington to sanction those involved in arms trade with Iran .
The US will be able to impose restrictions on individuals and legal entities engaged in supplies , sales and transfer of conventional weapons to Tehran .

MOSCOW, September 24. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Moscow on Thursday to discuss the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program and the situation in Syria.
"It was scheduled to discuss a range of pressing international issues, including the state of affairs regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program, as well as the situation in Syria, Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf zone," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Wednesday.
Last time, Zarif paid a visit to Moscow on July 21.
In late August, the United States once again accused Iran of violating the nuclear deal and the US Secretary of State requested the UN Security Council re-impose the sanction on Iran. Under the Iran nuclear deal, any signatory to it can trigger the snapback of the sanctions if Teheran violates its commitments under the deal. However, the United States quitted the deal in 2018 and hence, its request cannot be satisfied, as was said by UNSC President (Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dian Triansyah Djani) on August 25.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that allows Washington to sanction those involved in arms trade with Iran. The US will be able to impose restrictions on individuals and legal entities engaged in supplies, sales and transfer of conventional weapons to Tehran.


tass--2020-09-24--Islamic State warlord killed in Libya — source

CAIRO , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
A leader of the Northern African branch of the Islamic State terrorist group ( outlawed in Russia ) was killed in a Libyan National Army ( LNA ) operation in southern Libya , an LNA source told TASS .
According to reports on September 15 , LNA forces conducted a major operation in the southern city of Sabha some 750 km away from the capital Tripoli , where a group of radicals took shelter in a well-fortified cluster of houses .
A shootout ensued , lasting more than six hours .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ servicemen were killed .
Among those killed were one citizen of Egypt , two Libyans , three residents of Saudi Arabia and an Ausralian passport holder .
Two women who accompanied the extremists - citizens of Egypt and Libya - were detained .
The LNA source told TASS that the identification and inquiry was completed last week .
`` The investigation revealed that one of those killed was a leader of the Islamic State in North Africa , known as Abu Abdullah al-Iraqi , a man of the Iraqi Kurd origin whose real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said .
According to the source , the extremist arrived to Libya via Turkey in 2014 .
Islamic State followers were forced to flee to several southern districts of Libya after being pushed out from their former strongholds of Benghazi , Sirte and Derna .
Last year , LNA conducted a large-scale military operation in southwestern regions , targeting terrorists , criminal gangs and Chad opposition groups .
In a few months , the army regained control over main cities and oil fields in the south of the country .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of its forces from Libya ’ s south to its ongoing offensive against the Tripoli government forces .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government , seated in the east of the country , along with the elected parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
The conflicting parties have been fighting for control over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After Haftar launched an offensive in April 2019 with an aim of what he called liberation of the city from terrorists , the Government of National Accord turn to Turkey for support and signed a memorandum of military cooperation with it in November 2019 .

CAIRO, September 24. /TASS/. A leader of the Northern African branch of the Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) was killed in a Libyan National Army (LNA) operation in southern Libya, an LNA source told TASS.
According to reports on September 15, LNA forces conducted a major operation in the southern city of Sabha some 750 km away from the capital Tripoli, where a group of radicals took shelter in a well-fortified cluster of houses. A shootout ensued, lasting more than six hours. As a result, nine militants and three LNA servicemen were killed.
Among those killed were one citizen of Egypt, two Libyans, three residents of Saudi Arabia and an Ausralian passport holder. Two women who accompanied the extremists - citizens of Egypt and Libya - were detained.
The LNA source told TASS that the identification and inquiry was completed last week.
"The investigation revealed that one of those killed was a leader of the Islamic State in North Africa, known as Abu Abdullah al-Iraqi, a man of the Iraqi Kurd origin whose real name is Abdullah al-Rabie," the source said.
According to the source, the extremist arrived to Libya via Turkey in 2014.
Islamic State followers were forced to flee to several southern districts of Libya after being pushed out from their former strongholds of Benghazi, Sirte and Derna. Last year, LNA conducted a large-scale military operation in southwestern regions, targeting terrorists, criminal gangs and Chad opposition groups. In a few months, the army regained control over main cities and oil fields in the south of the country.
However, militants intensified their attacks after LNA redeployed some of its forces from Libya’s south to its ongoing offensive against the Tripoli government forces.
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government, seated in the east of the country, along with the elected parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. The conflicting parties have been fighting for control over the capital city for more than a year. After Haftar launched an offensive in April 2019 with an aim of what he called liberation of the city from terrorists, the Government of National Accord turn to Turkey for support and signed a memorandum of military cooperation with it in November 2019.


tass--2020-09-24--German minister self-isolates after presumed contact with coronavirus carrier

BERLIN , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
German Economic Minister Peter Altmaier decided to self-isolate after one of his possible @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , the minister said in a Twitter post on Wednesday night .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ official who accompanied an EU trade minister during the EU trade ministers ’ meeting in @ @ @ @ @ .
I decided to go into precautionary self-isolation , '' Altmaier said , adding that @ @ @ @ @ .
Altmaier is the second German cabinet minister who decided to self-isolate this week .
@ @ @ @ @ Minister Heiko Maas put himself into quarantine after a member of his personal protection team @ @ @ @ @ The minister ’ s first test was negative .
Last week , Maas attended the @ @ @ @ @ in Brussels .

BERLIN, September 24. /TASS/. German Economic Minister Peter Altmaier decided to self-isolate after one of his possible contacts tested positive for novel coronavirus, the minister said in a Twitter post on Wednesday night.
"This afternoon I learned that an official who accompanied an EU trade minister during the EU trade ministers’ meeting in Berlin tested positive for coronavirus. I decided to go into precautionary self-isolation," Altmaier said, adding that his coronavirus test was negative.
Altmaier is the second German cabinet minister who decided to self-isolate this week. On Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas put himself into quarantine after a member of his personal protection team was infected with COVID-19. The minister’s first test was negative. Last week, Maas attended the EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.


tass--2020-09-24--UN, UK plan to hold climate summit on December 12

UNITED NATIONS , September 24 .
/TASS/ .
The United Kingdom and the United Nations plan to hold a summit on fighting the climate change on December 12 , the UN press service said in a statement on Thursday .
`` Recent data shows greenhouse gas concentrations reaching record levels , and worsening climate impacts - from unprecedented wildfires , hurricanes , air pollution , droughts and floods - destroying lives , jobs and businesses , '' the statement says .
`` In light of this urgency , the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders on 12 December this year to rally much greater climate action and ambition , '' it says .
At the same time , the organization did not specify whether it would be a face-to-face meeting or an online conference .
The climate change summit will be timed to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement .
The Paris Agreement , signed at the COP 21 UN Climate Change Conference in the French capital on December 12 , 2015 , sets a goal of keeping global warming below two degrees Celsius @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The agreement , in particular , provides for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions .
In Russia , the agreement came into force in November 2019 .

UNITED NATIONS, September 24. /TASS/. The United Kingdom and the United Nations plan to hold a summit on fighting the climate change on December 12, the UN press service said in a statement on Thursday.
"Recent data shows greenhouse gas concentrations reaching record levels, and worsening climate impacts - from unprecedented wildfires, hurricanes, air pollution, droughts and floods - destroying lives, jobs and businesses," the statement says.
"In light of this urgency, the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will co-host a landmark global event convening global leaders on 12 December this year to rally much greater climate action and ambition," it says.
At the same time, the organization did not specify whether it would be a face-to-face meeting or an online conference.
The climate change summit will be timed to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement.
The Paris Agreement, signed at the COP 21 UN Climate Change Conference in the French capital on December 12, 2015, sets a goal of keeping global warming below two degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial average by 2100. The agreement, in particular, provides for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In Russia, the agreement came into force in November 2019.