tass--2020-12-27--NATO’s activity near Russian borders may cause major incidents - deputy defense minister

MOSCOW , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
NATO ’ s growing air and naval activity may be fraught with the risk of major incidents , Russia ’ s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said in an interview to the government-published Rossiiskaya Gazeta .
`` The outgoing year saw a major upsurge in the alliance ’ s air and naval activity .
Situations capable of resulting in major incidents have been ever more frequent , '' Fomin said .
He recalled that on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War a group of NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sea .
In August and September 2020 there were more than 15 flights by US strategic bombers B-52H and B-1B near Russia ’ s borders .
On October 13 , 2020 Britain ’ s destroyer The Dragon carried out a voyage through Russia ’ s territorial sea in the area of Cape Khersones , and on November 24 , 2020 the US destroyer The John McCain entered the Peter the Great Gulf .
`` The aforesaid actions were openly provocative .
Incidents were avoided entirely thanks to the high professionalism of Russian air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He stressed that he would strongly advise one and all to refrain from trying to treat Russia from the position of strength , contrary to calls by Germany ’ s Defense Minister Annegret Kramp Karrenbauer in the Bundestag .
`` Threats to use force are a direct violation of the UN Charter .
Such actions will not remain without our proper response .
We ’ ve always proceeded from the understanding that the most complicated problems must be addressed at the negotiating table .
We are prepared for a professional and constructive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles of mutual respect and each other ’ s interests , '' Fomin said .

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. NATO’s growing air and naval activity may be fraught with the risk of major incidents, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said in an interview to the government-published Rossiiskaya Gazeta.
"The outgoing year saw a major upsurge in the alliance’s air and naval activity. Situations capable of resulting in major incidents have been ever more frequent," Fomin said.
He recalled that on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War a group of NATO ships held an exercise in the Barents Sea. In August and September 2020 there were more than 15 flights by US strategic bombers B-52H and B-1B near Russia’s borders. On October 13, 2020 Britain’s destroyer The Dragon carried out a voyage through Russia’s territorial sea in the area of Cape Khersones, and on November 24, 2020 the US destroyer The John McCain entered the Peter the Great Gulf.
"The aforesaid actions were openly provocative. Incidents were avoided entirely thanks to the high professionalism of Russian air pilots and sailors," Fomin said.
He stressed that he would strongly advise one and all to refrain from trying to treat Russia from the position of strength, contrary to calls by Germany’s Defense Minister Annegret Kramp Karrenbauer in the Bundestag.
"Threats to use force are a direct violation of the UN Charter. Such actions will not remain without our proper response. We’ve always proceeded from the understanding that the most complicated problems must be addressed at the negotiating table. We are prepared for a professional and constructive dialogue on the condition of observance of principles of mutual respect and each other’s interests," Fomin said.


tass--2020-12-27--More than 434,000 new COVID-19 cases registered worldwide - WHO’s daily statistics

GENEVA December 27 .
/TASS/ .
The overall number of novel coronavirus infection cases confirmed since the beginning of the pandemic has climbed to above 79.23 million , going up by 443,000 over the past 24 hours .
As follows from statistics the World Health Organization released on Sunday , the number of fatalities grew by 7,400 to exceed 1.75 million .
By 16:22 Moscow time of December 27 the WHO had received information about 79,232,555 infected persons and 1,754,493 fatalities .
The WHO reports only officially confirmed data provided by individual countries .
More than 47 % of newly-identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours were reported from North America and South America ( 208,518 ) .
Europe is second ( 152,625 ) , and Southeast Asia , third ( 29,062 ) .
The largest number of confirmed infections is in the United States 18,648,989 .
There follow India ( 10,187,850 ) , Brazil ( 7,448,560 ) , Russia ( 3,050,248 ) , France ( 2,507,532 ) , Britain ( 2,256,009 ) , Italy ( 2,038,759 ) , Spain ( 1,854,951 ) , Germany ( 1,640,858 ) , Colombia ( 1,574,707 ) , Argentina ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

GENEVA December 27. /TASS/. The overall number of novel coronavirus infection cases confirmed since the beginning of the pandemic has climbed to above 79.23 million, going up by 443,000 over the past 24 hours. As follows from statistics the World Health Organization released on Sunday, the number of fatalities grew by 7,400 to exceed 1.75 million.
By 16:22 Moscow time of December 27 the WHO had received information about 79,232,555 infected persons and 1,754,493 fatalities.
The WHO reports only officially confirmed data provided by individual countries.
More than 47% of newly-identified cases of the coronavirus infection over the past 24 hours were reported from North America and South America (208,518). Europe is second (152,625), and Southeast Asia, third (29,062).
The largest number of confirmed infections is in the United States 18,648,989. There follow India (10,187,850), Brazil (7,448,560), Russia (3,050,248), France (2,507,532), Britain (2,256,009), Italy (2,038,759), Spain (1,854,951), Germany (1,640,858), Colombia (1,574,707), Argentina (1,574,554) and Mexico (1,372,243).


tass--2020-12-27--World arms market to regain pre-crisis rates in 2023 - Russia’s deputy defense minister

MOSCOW , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
The world market of military products will get back to the growth rates that were observed before the novel coronavirus pandemic no earlier than 2023 , Russia ’ s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told the government-published daily Rossiiskaya Gazeta in an interview .
`` The novel coronavirus pandemic has greatly harmed the world economy .
According to experts ’ estimates , the world GDP may go down by 4 % -5 % in 2020-2021 in contrast to 2019 .
Regrettably , Russia ’ s main partners in the field of military-technical cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India , China and others , are among the hardest-hit , '' Fomin said .
He stressed that the decline in world economic growth rates had caused world military spending and arms purchases to shrink .
`` It is expected that over two years to come world military spending will fall by 8 % and the world export of military products , by 4 % .
Experts predict that the world market of weapons may be expected to get back to pre-crisis growth rates no earlier than 2023 , '' he remarked .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ products to some customers had been reconsidered .
`` One of the reasons for this is it was impossible to host foreign specialists for conducting pre-delivery inspections in Russia or to delegate Russian representatives for handover procedures and the servicing of products in the clients ’ territories , '' he added .

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. The world market of military products will get back to the growth rates that were observed before the novel coronavirus pandemic no earlier than 2023, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told the government-published daily Rossiiskaya Gazeta in an interview.
"The novel coronavirus pandemic has greatly harmed the world economy. According to experts’ estimates, the world GDP may go down by 4%-5% in 2020-2021 in contrast to 2019. Regrettably, Russia’s main partners in the field of military-technical cooperation, such as Algeria, Egypt, India, China and others, are among the hardest-hit," Fomin said.
He stressed that the decline in world economic growth rates had caused world military spending and arms purchases to shrink.
"It is expected that over two years to come world military spending will fall by 8% and the world export of military products, by 4%. Experts predict that the world market of weapons may be expected to get back to pre-crisis growth rates no earlier than 2023," he remarked.
Fomin added that the dates of delivering products to some customers had been reconsidered.
"One of the reasons for this is it was impossible to host foreign specialists for conducting pre-delivery inspections in Russia or to delegate Russian representatives for handover procedures and the servicing of products in the clients’ territories," he added.


tass--2020-12-27--Pandemic has not changed Putin or nature of his work - Peskov

MOSCOW , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused no change to the essence of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s work , for whom the end result is the main goal , presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview to the program Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin on the federal television channel Rossiya-1 on Sunday .
`` No .
I would not say so , '' Peskov said when asked if Putin had changed over the past year amid the pandemic .
The Kremlin said that `` the world has become different '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been shifted into the anti-crisis mode but undergone absolutely no change . ''
`` Possibly , we were able to see the president more often on the TV screen during video conferences , but essentially nothing has changed , '' Peskov said .
He added that the pace of crucial working trips remained the same , although these days they were somewhat fewer than before .
`` He has always believed that the question of form is of secondary importance .
The content enjoys top priority while the end result of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peskov stated .
He explained that if the desirable result could be achieved in the process of a video conference , Putin used this form of work .
`` If it is necessary to go somewhere to provide moral or effective support by means of holding some substantive meeting , then he goes and does this , '' Peskov said .

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused no change to the essence of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s work, for whom the end result is the main goal, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview to the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin on the federal television channel Rossiya-1 on Sunday.
"No. I would not say so," Peskov said when asked if Putin had changed over the past year amid the pandemic.
The Kremlin said that "the world has become different" and the Russian president’s work "has been shifted into the anti-crisis mode but undergone absolutely no change."
"Possibly, we were able to see the president more often on the TV screen during video conferences, but essentially nothing has changed," Peskov said. He added that the pace of crucial working trips remained the same, although these days they were somewhat fewer than before.
"He has always believed that the question of form is of secondary importance. The content enjoys top priority while the end result of the work is of paramount importance," Peskov stated. He explained that if the desirable result could be achieved in the process of a video conference, Putin used this form of work.
"If it is necessary to go somewhere to provide moral or effective support by means of holding some substantive meeting, then he goes and does this," Peskov said.


tass--2020-12-27--Zelensky’s statements about Great Patriotic War were a mistake, Peskov said

MOSCOW , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has described as a mistake Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky ’ s remarks about the Great Patriotic War .
`` It was a tremendous mistake , made in the year of the 75th anniversary of the Victory , '' the Kremlin spokesman said in an interview to the program Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin , which the federal television news channel Rossiya-1 aired on Sunday .
He believes that that such statements were `` heart-hurting not only for President Putin , but also for a large number of veterans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory of the former Soviet Union and whose ancestors participated in that war . ''
`` All of them were deeply hurt .
In Ukraine itself there are many such people , '' Peskov stated .
During his visit to Poland in January 2020 Zelensky blamed World War II on the Soviet Union alongside Nazi Germany .
He argued that Poland and the Polish people were the first to feel the effects of collusion by totalitarian regimes , which eventually triggered the war .
Earlier , Putin said in reply to these statements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Russia-Ukraine relations .
Also , he warned that there was nothing good about this for Zelensky himself .

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has described as a mistake Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s remarks about the Great Patriotic War.
"It was a tremendous mistake, made in the year of the 75th anniversary of the Victory," the Kremlin spokesman said in an interview to the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin, which the federal television news channel Rossiya-1 aired on Sunday.
He believes that that such statements were "heart-hurting not only for President Putin, but also for a large number of veterans and all those who live in the territory of the former Soviet Union and whose ancestors participated in that war."
"All of them were deeply hurt. In Ukraine itself there are many such people," Peskov stated.
During his visit to Poland in January 2020 Zelensky blamed World War II on the Soviet Union alongside Nazi Germany.
He argued that Poland and the Polish people were the first to feel the effects of collusion by totalitarian regimes, which eventually triggered the war.
Earlier, Putin said in reply to these statements that they would cause a negative effect on Russia-Ukraine relations. Also, he warned that there was nothing good about this for Zelensky himself.


tass--2020-12-27--Russia to be ready for any unfriendly manifestations by other countries, Peskov said

MOSCOW , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow will be prepared for any unfriendly actions by other countries , Russian @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that such manifestations were likely to continue next year .
`` Russia @ @ @ @ @ the international community .
Even despite the disagreements we may have ( between Russia and @ @ @ @ @ of course , will keep in mind our own red lines .
They will never @ @ @ @ @ in an interview to the program Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin on the federal television @ @ @ @ @ Of course , Russia will be prepared for any unfriendly manifestations , which regrettably will @ @ @ @ @ '' Peskov said .
As he shared his forecast for 2021 , the Kremlin spokesman @ @ @ @ @ wake up on January 1 , after seeing in the New Year , the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ , and it is likewise obvious that on January 1 the world economy will not @ @ @ @ @ .
`` .

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. Moscow will be prepared for any unfriendly actions by other countries, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said, adding that such manifestations were likely to continue next year.
"Russia is an important member of the international community. Even despite the disagreements we may have (between Russia and other countries) we, of course, will keep in mind our own red lines. They will never disappear," Peskov said in an interview to the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin on the federal television news channel Rossiya-1.
"Of course, Russia will be prepared for any unfriendly manifestations, which regrettably will not disappear next year," Peskov said.
As he shared his forecast for 2021, the Kremlin spokesman remarked that "when we wake up on January 1, after seeing in the New Year, the COVID-19 pandemic will be still there, and it is likewise obvious that on January 1 the world economy will not show a 5% growth.".


tass--2020-12-27--Putin is immune to media attacks, ignores lies, Peskov said

MOSCOW , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
Media attacks against Russian President Vladimir Putin have lasted for the past two decades , a period of time long enough for the Russian leader to develop immunity against them , presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said .
`` There have been attacks against Putin from the West and from the inside for the past twenty years .
Naturally , the president has developed certain immunity , '' Peskov said in an interview to the program Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin on the federal television channel Rossiya-1 in an interview .
Peskov recalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` attacks will be attacks , but it is most important whether the person does the job right . ''
`` Reacting to each insinuation , or , in common parlance , to any lie ?
No , he has never done that , and I am certain he will not ever do so , '' the presidential spokesman said .
`` It is impossible to imagine Putin reacting emotionally , the way some vulnerable youth might do .
He is far more stable than all of his critics think him to be @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. Media attacks against Russian President Vladimir Putin have lasted for the past two decades, a period of time long enough for the Russian leader to develop immunity against them, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
"There have been attacks against Putin from the West and from the inside for the past twenty years. Naturally, the president has developed certain immunity," Peskov said in an interview to the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin on the federal television channel Rossiya-1 in an interview.
Peskov recalled Putin’s remark to the effect "attacks will be attacks, but it is most important whether the person does the job right."
"Reacting to each insinuation, or, in common parlance, to any lie? No, he has never done that, and I am certain he will not ever do so," the presidential spokesman said.
"It is impossible to imagine Putin reacting emotionally, the way some vulnerable youth might do. He is far more stable than all of his critics think him to be," Peskov stated.


tass--2020-12-27--Putin-Erdogan relationship allows for resolving disputes harmoniously, Peskov said

MOSCOW , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
Personal relations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and their constructive mood allow for identifying harmonious solutions of disputes , Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview to the program Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin on the federal television channel Rossiya-1 in an interview .
`` Alongside this we have a vast potential of bilateral relations to rely on .
Besides , the two countries are governed by leaders who regard each other as people of honor and action .
This is a prerequisite that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will allow for getting out of the situation harmoniously even when there may occur a conflict of interests , '' he said .
Peskov added that Russia and Turkey were both major geopolitical actors , who could and must make tangible contributions to the cause of peace and stability in the region .
`` At least , they can ensure there should be no war , '' he concluded .
Earlier , Putin told the customary year-end news conference Erdogan was a person who `` keeps his word '' , although their views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For his part the Turkish leader responded to Putin with a similar statement .
He said he regarded the Russian president as a man of honor .

MOSCOW, December 27. /TASS/. Personal relations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and their constructive mood allow for identifying harmonious solutions of disputes, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview to the program Moscow. Kremlin. Putin on the federal television channel Rossiya-1 in an interview.
"Alongside this we have a vast potential of bilateral relations to rely on. Besides, the two countries are governed by leaders who regard each other as people of honor and action. This is a prerequisite that guarantees the two leaders’ constructive attitude will allow for getting out of the situation harmoniously even when there may occur a conflict of interests," he said.
Peskov added that Russia and Turkey were both major geopolitical actors, who could and must make tangible contributions to the cause of peace and stability in the region.
"At least, they can ensure there should be no war," he concluded.
Earlier, Putin told the customary year-end news conference Erdogan was a person who "keeps his word", although their views on some issues might be different. For his part the Turkish leader responded to Putin with a similar statement. He said he regarded the Russian president as a man of honor.


tass--2020-12-28--First batches of Sputnik V vaccine to arrive in Serbia before year’s end

BELGRADE , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
First batches of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus will arrive in Serbia before the end of this year , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated at the end-of-year press conference on Monday .
`` We expect that before the end of the year our country will receive first volumes of vaccine from Russia .
Yet this doesn ’ t mean anything until it obtains a permit from the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency .
So we can talk about vaccination with this preparation only after the approval of relevant medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serbian leader noted that Belgrade is also conducting talks with Western and Chinese vaccine manufacturers .
On December 24 , Serbia launched vaccination with a preparation by American Pfizer .
As the Serbian president reported earlier , his country paid the EU 2 mln euros for the vaccine development and then 4.87 mln euros under the COVAX program but received half as many doses as it ordered - 4,800 instead of 10,000 .
On December 4 , the first 20 doses of Sputnik V arrived in Serbia .
They are still being studied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decision whether this preparation is suitable for the inoculation of the country ’ s residents .
Director of the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia Sasa Jacovic stated that its staff is working literally around the clock inspecting Russian and Chinese vaccines to ensure that Serbian citizens have access to a high-grade and effective vaccine .

BELGRADE, December 28. /TASS/. First batches of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus will arrive in Serbia before the end of this year, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated at the end-of-year press conference on Monday.
"We expect that before the end of the year our country will receive first volumes of vaccine from Russia. Yet this doesn’t mean anything until it obtains a permit from the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. So we can talk about vaccination with this preparation only after the approval of relevant medical services," he said.
The Serbian leader noted that Belgrade is also conducting talks with Western and Chinese vaccine manufacturers.
On December 24, Serbia launched vaccination with a preparation by American Pfizer. As the Serbian president reported earlier, his country paid the EU 2 mln euros for the vaccine development and then 4.87 mln euros under the COVAX program but received half as many doses as it ordered - 4,800 instead of 10,000.
On December 4, the first 20 doses of Sputnik V arrived in Serbia. They are still being studied by local specialists in order to make a decision whether this preparation is suitable for the inoculation of the country’s residents. Director of the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency of Serbia Sasa Jacovic stated that its staff is working literally around the clock inspecting Russian and Chinese vaccines to ensure that Serbian citizens have access to a high-grade and effective vaccine.


tass--2020-12-28--Oil market may recover to pre-crisis levels in 2021, says Novak

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The emergence of coronavirus vaccines on the global market is helping to restore oil demand , and the market may return to pre-crisis parameters during 2021 , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel .
`` Before the end of 2020 , we have already seen a recovery in demand , but , nevertheless , we did not reach the parameters that we had before the crisis .
We hope that throughout 2021 we will , however , reach pre-pandemic figures , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil in 2021 , according to optimistic forecasts , may grow by 5-6 million barrels per day .
`` Today , demand has not yet recovered by about 7-8 million barrels per day compared to the pre-crisis period .
Although , in general , I have already said that , the decline was much bigger , and this year most of it [ demand ] has already recovered .
Next year , we expect additional growth in demand of about 5-6 million barrels [ per day ] .
This is an optimistic forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time , according to him , construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is `` at a high degree of readiness , '' it will be completed , as the European partners are interested in it .
`` Nord Stream 2 , is at a high degree of readiness .
This is a commercial project our foreign partners , European partners , are primarily interested in , namely - in the delivery of a highly environmentally friendly energy source .
I am confident that Nord Stream 2 will be completed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being taken to complete it , '' he said .
Novak noted that the sanctions against this project that are being discussed now are negative for commercial projects .
`` It will be necessary to somehow adjust , if such measures are taken by countries that are trying to stop the implementation of such projects .
There are such measures indeed .
We will continue to work , as we worked in these conditions , '' he added .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The emergence of coronavirus vaccines on the global market is helping to restore oil demand, and the market may return to pre-crisis parameters during 2021, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel.
"Before the end of 2020, we have already seen a recovery in demand, but, nevertheless, we did not reach the parameters that we had before the crisis. We hope that throughout 2021 we will, however, reach pre-pandemic figures," he said.
Novak added that global demand for oil in 2021, according to optimistic forecasts, may grow by 5-6 million barrels per day. "Today, demand has not yet recovered by about 7-8 million barrels per day compared to the pre-crisis period. Although, in general, I have already said that, the decline was much bigger, and this year most of it [demand] has already recovered. Next year, we expect additional growth in demand of about 5-6 million barrels [per day]. This is an optimistic forecast," he said.
At the same time, according to him, construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is "at a high degree of readiness," it will be completed, as the European partners are interested in it. "Nord Stream 2, is at a high degree of readiness. This is a commercial project our foreign partners, European partners, are primarily interested in, namely - in the delivery of a highly environmentally friendly energy source. I am confident that Nord Stream 2 will be completed, all the more, measures are already being taken to complete it," he said.
Novak noted that the sanctions against this project that are being discussed now are negative for commercial projects.
"It will be necessary to somehow adjust, if such measures are taken by countries that are trying to stop the implementation of such projects. There are such measures indeed. We will continue to work, as we worked in these conditions," he added.


tass--2020-12-28--Tariff-free exports from Moldova extended following ex-leader Dodon’s Russia visit

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Former President of Moldova Igor Dodon highlighted extension of the tariff-free preferential exports from the country to Russia as the key achievement of his visit to Moscow in an interview with TASS .
`` The result of the visit is the decision to extend [ the tariff-free regime ] , '' he said .
`` I am glad that our delegation managed to convince the Russian partners to extend the tariff-free export of five Moldovan items of goods from Moldova to Russia .
Thanks to these preferences , we save around $ 20-25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , this decision is especially important in the current political climate when Moldovan President Maia Sandu `` criticizes Russia . ''
`` I believe that Russian authorities made the right and a balanced decision , a decision in the interest of people and producers rather than politics , '' Dodon underscored .
`` We had a meeting with [ State Duma Speaker ] Vyacheslav Volodin , with [ State ] Duma factions < … > .
Of course , we spoke with the presidential administration , with Dmitry Kozak , because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last few years . ''
`` It was a very good and productive visit that lasted a few days , our delegation is now heading home , '' the former leader underscored .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Former President of Moldova Igor Dodon highlighted extension of the tariff-free preferential exports from the country to Russia as the key achievement of his visit to Moscow in an interview with TASS.
"The result of the visit is the decision to extend [the tariff-free regime]," he said. "I am glad that our delegation managed to convince the Russian partners to extend the tariff-free export of five Moldovan items of goods from Moldova to Russia. Thanks to these preferences, we save around $20-25 million a year."
According to him, this decision is especially important in the current political climate when Moldovan President Maia Sandu "criticizes Russia." "I believe that Russian authorities made the right and a balanced decision, a decision in the interest of people and producers rather than politics," Dodon underscored. "We had a meeting with [State Duma Speaker] Vyacheslav Volodin, with [State] Duma factions <…>. Of course, we spoke with the presidential administration, with Dmitry Kozak, because we have enjoyed very good working relations in the last few years."
"It was a very good and productive visit that lasted a few days, our delegation is now heading home," the former leader underscored.


tass--2020-12-28--Turkish foreign minister plans to discuss Azerbaijan border security with Lavrov

ANKARA , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu plans to discuss Azerbaijan border security with his @ @ @ @ @ the upcoming talks in Russia ’ s Sochi .
`` We cooperate with Russia in @ @ @ @ @ our views differ on some issues .
We have different opinions on Syria , but @ @ @ @ @ to the Astana process continues .
We are on different sides in Libya as well @ @ @ @ @ Russia our high-level work that was done to establish a permanent ceasefire .
We will @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan and Armenia .
It is necessary that Azerbaijan border security be ensured within the @ @ @ @ @ On this issue , we will consider the steps that need to be made , @ @ @ @ @ said during a press conference in Ankara on Monday .
The Russian Foreign Ministry informed @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Sochi on December 29 to take part in the eight session of @ @ @ @ @ , which forms part of the Turkish-Russian High Level Cooperation Council .

ANKARA, December 28. /TASS/. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu plans to discuss Azerbaijan border security with his Russian colleague Sergey Lavrov during the upcoming talks in Russia’s Sochi.
"We cooperate with Russia in many spheres, even though our views differ on some issues. We have different opinions on Syria, but our cooperation that started due to the Astana process continues. We are on different sides in Libya as well, but we shared with Russia our high-level work that was done to establish a permanent ceasefire. We will also discuss the matter of Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is necessary that Azerbaijan border security be ensured within the framework of international law. On this issue, we will consider the steps that need to be made," the Turkish top diplomat said during a press conference in Ankara on Monday.
The Russian Foreign Ministry informed earlier that Cavusoglu would visit Russia’s Sochi on December 29 to take part in the eight session of the Joint Strategic Planning Group, which forms part of the Turkish-Russian High Level Cooperation Council.


tass--2020-12-28--Over 1 mln people recover in Poland after coronavirus

WARSAW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of patients in Poland who have recovered after being infected with the coronavirus has reached more than 1 mln , the Ministry of Health reported on Monday .
At the end of the last day , the Ministry of Health reported 5,766 recovered , 3,211 new coronavirus cases , 29 deaths .
In total , starting from March 4 , when the first case of coronavirus was detected in the republic , 1,261,010 people were infected with it , 27,147 died , 1,005,376 recovered .
In recent weeks , the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per day .
In Polish hospitals , about 17,000 patients with coronavirus are now housed , 1,599 of them are connected to mechanical ventilation devices .
More than 141,000 people are in quarantine .
At the moment , the country has 35,200 beds for COVID-19 patients and 3,000 ventilators .
Poland maintains the pandemic regime announced by the authorities in March .
From December 28 to January 17 , a nationwide quarantine is in effect in the country .
Cultural institutions , sports complexes , hotels , ski slopes and shops are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household stores and pharmacies .
People are encouraged to stay at home and work remotely .
A mask regime has been introduced throughout the country , restaurants , cafes and bars are only open to take away .
Gathering in groups of more than five people is prohibited .
On Sunday , vaccination of the population began in Poland .
First , vaccinations are given to medical workers , after them - the elderly aged 60 and over .
From January 15 , everyone will be added to the waiting list .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in two stages , free , and voluntary .
All vaccinated will be issued a certificate and an electronic code confirming the fact of vaccination and making it possible not to comply with a number of current restrictions .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

WARSAW, December 28. /TASS/. The number of patients in Poland who have recovered after being infected with the coronavirus has reached more than 1 mln, the Ministry of Health reported on Monday.
At the end of the last day, the Ministry of Health reported 5,766 recovered, 3,211 new coronavirus cases, 29 deaths. In total, starting from March 4, when the first case of coronavirus was detected in the republic, 1,261,010 people were infected with it, 27,147 died, 1,005,376 recovered. In recent weeks, the number of new infections did not exceed 15,000 per day.
In Polish hospitals, about 17,000 patients with coronavirus are now housed, 1,599 of them are connected to mechanical ventilation devices. More than 141,000 people are in quarantine. At the moment, the country has 35,200 beds for COVID-19 patients and 3,000 ventilators.
Poland maintains the pandemic regime announced by the authorities in March. From December 28 to January 17, a nationwide quarantine is in effect in the country. Cultural institutions, sports complexes, hotels, ski slopes and shops are closed, with the exception of food, household stores and pharmacies. People are encouraged to stay at home and work remotely. A mask regime has been introduced throughout the country, restaurants, cafes and bars are only open to take away. Gathering in groups of more than five people is prohibited.
On Sunday, vaccination of the population began in Poland. First, vaccinations are given to medical workers, after them - the elderly aged 60 and over. From January 15, everyone will be added to the waiting list. It is reported that vaccinations will be given in two stages, free, and voluntary. All vaccinated will be issued a certificate and an electronic code confirming the fact of vaccination and making it possible not to comply with a number of current restrictions.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-12-28--Fate of world’s sole orbiter may be decided early next year — Russian deputy PM

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The fate of the International Space Station ( ISS ) after 2024 may be decided at the beginning of next year , Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV Channel on Monday .
`` The fate of the ISS has not been finally decided yet and it will perhaps be determined in the first quarter of next year , '' the vice-premier said .
In 2021 , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos may launch a new segment of the orbital outpost , which may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station , Borisov said .
Under the agreement between the participants in the ISS project , there are plans to use the space station until 2024 while negotiations are also underway on its possible operation after the expiry of this term .
Roscosmos Executive Director for Manned Space Programs Sergei Krikalyov earlier said that work was proceeding to complete technical tests confirming the space station ’ s ability to operate until 2024 and hold discussions with the project ’ s partners .
All the partners are interested in continuing the operation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the space agency was monitoring the state of the International Space Station but generally it is early to retire it , even though some modules are operating beyond their service life .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The fate of the International Space Station (ISS) after 2024 may be decided at the beginning of next year, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV Channel on Monday.
"The fate of the ISS has not been finally decided yet and it will perhaps be determined in the first quarter of next year," the vice-premier said.
In 2021, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos may launch a new segment of the orbital outpost, which may eventually become the base for the Russian station, Borisov said.
Under the agreement between the participants in the ISS project, there are plans to use the space station until 2024 while negotiations are also underway on its possible operation after the expiry of this term.
Roscosmos Executive Director for Manned Space Programs Sergei Krikalyov earlier said that work was proceeding to complete technical tests confirming the space station’s ability to operate until 2024 and hold discussions with the project’s partners. All the partners are interested in continuing the operation of the space station beyond 2024, Krikalyov stressed.
Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin earlier said that the space agency was monitoring the state of the International Space Station but generally it is early to retire it, even though some modules are operating beyond their service life.


tass--2020-12-28--Hainan develops an effective strategy for increasing the population of unique gibbons

HAIKOU , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities have developed an effective strategy to increase the population of native gibbons , a rare primate species that can be found only on Hainan , announced the local administration .
According to information obtained by TASS , an important role in this direction is played by the state center for the study and protection of these animals , set up in August in Haikou ( the administrative center of the province ) .
One of its main tasks is to build up cooperation and exchange experience with the best specialists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
At the same time , the government is facilitating funding for activities aimed at increasing the number of gibbons , which are still endangered .
Thus , this year , a special fund at the Hainan Institute of National Parks allocated 15 million yuan ( more than $ 2.2 million ) for research projects , the purpose of which is to preserve the population and completely restore the ecology of forests in the habitats of these primates .
The active measures taken by the Hainan government are already yielding positive results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing .
At the same time , the area of forests suitable for their habitation is also expanding .
Scientists have discovered that Hainan gibbons prefer to find food for themselves and move through the forest in small groups .
In total , there are five flocks that live on an area of 16 square kilometers .
It is expected that thanks to the efforts of the authorities and environmentalists , this area will gradually expand .
Due to uncontrolled hunting and large-scale deforestation , the number of Hainan gibbons on the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 7 in the 1980s .
To save them from total extinction , the local government created the Bawanlin Nature Reserve in the area where the last surviving primates of this species were discovered .
Following that move , an intensive planting of trees , which are vital for these primates , was initiated in the conservation area .
Over the past two decades , about 100,000 trees were planted , which allowed to restore the forests to some extent .
The Hainan gibbons , currently preserved only on this Chinese island , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live on trees at an altitude of about 10 meters .
All these factors significantly complicate their maintenance and population growth in artificial conditions .

HAIKOU, December 28. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities have developed an effective strategy to increase the population of native gibbons, a rare primate species that can be found only on Hainan, announced the local administration.
According to information obtained by TASS, an important role in this direction is played by the state center for the study and protection of these animals, set up in August in Haikou (the administrative center of the province). One of its main tasks is to build up cooperation and exchange experience with the best specialists in the field of primatology from other countries.
At the same time, the government is facilitating funding for activities aimed at increasing the number of gibbons, which are still endangered. Thus, this year, a special fund at the Hainan Institute of National Parks allocated 15 million yuan (more than $ 2.2 million) for research projects, the purpose of which is to preserve the population and completely restore the ecology of forests in the habitats of these primates.
The active measures taken by the Hainan government are already yielding positive results — the number of gibbons is gradually increasing. At the same time, the area of forests suitable for their habitation is also expanding.
Scientists have discovered that Hainan gibbons prefer to find food for themselves and move through the forest in small groups. In total, there are five flocks that live on an area of 16 square kilometers. It is expected that thanks to the efforts of the authorities and environmentalists, this area will gradually expand.
Unique animals
Due to uncontrolled hunting and large-scale deforestation, the number of Hainan gibbons on the island from the 1950s decreased from 2000 species to 7 in the 1980s. To save them from total extinction, the local government created the Bawanlin Nature Reserve in the area where the last surviving primates of this species were discovered. Following that move, an intensive planting of trees, which are vital for these primates, was initiated in the conservation area. Over the past two decades, about 100,000 trees were planted, which allowed to restore the forests to some extent.
The Hainan gibbons, currently preserved only on this Chinese island, rarely descend to the ground, preferring to live on trees at an altitude of about 10 meters. All these factors significantly complicate their maintenance and population growth in artificial conditions.


tass--2020-12-28--Important to persuade Russians to inoculate against COVID-19, says vaccine developer

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center Alexander Gintsburg has stated that it @ @ @ @ @ that inoculation against coronavirus is important .
`` Another issue is that people should realize @ @ @ @ @ keep safe from this infection is to get vaccinated .
And all these claims that @ @ @ @ @ touch me '' or `` I will have a light form and develop immunity '' @ @ @ @ @ '' he said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel , part of which @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center Alexander Gintsburg has stated that it is necessary to convince Russians that inoculation against coronavirus is important.
"Another issue is that people should realize that the only way to keep safe from this infection is to get vaccinated. And all these claims that "it won’t touch me" or "I will have a light form and develop immunity" are simply scientifically unsound," he said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel, part of which was aired on Monday.


tass--2020-12-28--Scientists: Soil contamination from fuel spill in Norilsk is below heavy pollution levels

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists studied petroleum products ’ concentrations in soil in Norilsk , where fuel spilled from a tank at a power plant , and said they did not find ecology hazardous contamination levels there , the Great Norilsk Expedition said in its final report .
The expedition was organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch .
“ The evaluation and analysis of petroleum products ’ concentrations in surveyed soils of examined watersheds has not pointed to their high , ecologically hazardous levels even in the soil not far from the accident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads .
“ Often , maximum high concentrations of petroleum products were seen not on the surface , but inside the lower layer of soil .
Contamination of soil at depths more than 30-40 cm has not been registered.
” The structure of floodplain soils near the accident area is mostly of sand with a high share of big particles and a low concentration of silt and organic matter , thus they are not able to absorb and retain significant amounts of petroleum products and other chemicals , scientists said .
The small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be explained by the soil ’ s frozen state , which did not allow the petroleum products to get accumulated in the soils or to get deeper into them .
However , the floodplain soils differ in structures : near the power plant they are mostly sandy and sandy loam , and further down they are loamy .
“ In terms of contamination levels and the levels of ground ecosystems ’ transformations the surveyed territory may be divided preliminary into four zones : the area near Norilsk to the sources of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sources of the Ambarnaya River to the sources of the Pyasina River – satisfactory conditions ; from the middle part of the Pyasina River ( Kresty ) to the Tareya – good conditions ; the territories free from the anthropogenic impact from the Norilsk Industrial District are from the Tareya to the Kara Sea – they are in excellent soil-ecology conditions , ” the report reads .
During the Great Norilsk Expedition ’ s field stage between July 27 and August 21 , experts of the Institute of Soil Science and Agro-Chemistry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover ’ s conditions on a vast territory – from the accident site to the Kara Sea .
Along the Bezymyannyi Brook , the Daldykan , Ambarnaya , Pyasina , Dudypta and Tareya Rivers and at the southern and northern shores of Lake Pyasino they picked more than 60 key areas to collect samples .
The experts have tested 66 floral and 62 soil samples .
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula , at the invitation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct a large-scale survey of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic .
The expedition ’ s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya , and Lake Pyasino .
In August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils , plants and sediments and later began tests at the institutes ’ labs .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Scientists studied petroleum products’ concentrations in soil in Norilsk, where fuel spilled from a tank at a power plant, and said they did not find ecology hazardous contamination levels there, the Great Norilsk Expedition said in its final report.
The expedition was organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch.
“The evaluation and analysis of petroleum products’ concentrations in surveyed soils of examined watersheds has not pointed to their high, ecologically hazardous levels even in the soil not far from the accident’s area,” the report reads. “Often, maximum high concentrations of petroleum products were seen not on the surface, but inside the lower layer of soil. Contamination of soil at depths more than 30-40 cm has not been registered.”
The structure of floodplain soils near the accident area is mostly of sand with a high share of big particles and a low concentration of silt and organic matter, thus they are not able to absorb and retain significant amounts of petroleum products and other chemicals, scientists said. The small depth of petroleum products in the soil could be explained by the soil’s frozen state, which did not allow the petroleum products to get accumulated in the soils or to get deeper into them. However, the floodplain soils differ in structures: near the power plant they are mostly sandy and sandy loam, and further down they are loamy.
“In terms of contamination levels and the levels of ground ecosystems’ transformations the surveyed territory may be divided preliminary into four zones: the area near Norilsk to the sources of the Ambarnaya River – unsatisfactory conditions; from the sources of the Ambarnaya River to the sources of the Pyasina River – satisfactory conditions; from the middle part of the Pyasina River (Kresty) to the Tareya – good conditions; the territories free from the anthropogenic impact from the Norilsk Industrial District are from the Tareya to the Kara Sea – they are in excellent soil-ecology conditions,” the report reads.
During the Great Norilsk Expedition’s field stage between July 27 and August 21, experts of the Institute of Soil Science and Agro-Chemistry surveyed changes in biodiversity and the soil cover’s conditions on a vast territory – from the accident site to the Kara Sea. Along the Bezymyannyi Brook, the Daldykan, Ambarnaya, Pyasina, Dudypta and Tareya Rivers and at the southern and northern shores of Lake Pyasino they picked more than 60 key areas to collect samples. The experts have tested 66 floral and 62 soil samples.
Expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula, at the invitation of Nornickel, a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale survey of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic.
The expedition’s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya, and Lake Pyasino. In August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils, plants and sediments and later began tests at the institutes’ labs.


tass--2020-12-28--Two law enforcement officers killed in shooting in Russia’s Grozny

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Two law enforcement officers were killed in a shooting in Grozny , the @ @ @ @ @ Chechen Republic , the attacker was eliminated , a source in the law enforcement told @ @ @ @ @ preliminary information , as a result of the attack , two law enforcement officers were @ @ @ @ @ Grozny .
One militant was eliminated , '' the source said .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Two law enforcement officers were killed in a shooting in Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechen Republic, the attacker was eliminated, a source in the law enforcement told TASS.
"According to preliminary information, as a result of the attack, two law enforcement officers were killed in the shooting in Grozny. One militant was eliminated," the source said.


tass--2020-12-28--Fuel spill near Norilsk affects vegetation along one brook, two rivers, scientists say

TASS , December 28 .
The survey of consequences from the fuel spill at a power plant in Norilsk showed that the accident had affected plants in watersheds of one brook and two rivers .
The Ambarnaya River suffered most of all , the Great Norilsk Expedition , organized by Russia ’ s Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch , said in its final report .
“ The fuel spill has affected only the vegetation in floodplains of Bezymyannyi Brook and the Daldykan and the Ambarnaya rivers .
The biggest impact was evident in the floodplain of the Ambarnaya River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much bigger area and the higher diversity of vegetation communities , affected by petroleum products .
There , the species diversity of vegetation communities has shrunk by three times : before the accident , there were about 9 species per 1 background community , and after it – 3 per 1 similarly affected community , while the general cover of plants has shrunk by 2.8 times – from 70 % to 25 % , ” the report reads .
As for the floodplain of Bezymyannyi Brook , its species diversity at affected areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 species to 4 , and the projective cover has shrunk by 2.2 times – from 53 % to 24 % .
In the Daldykan River ’ s floodplain the species diversity has dropped by 1.7 times and the projective cover – by 1.5 times .
“ In the Daldykan River , specialists have observed only one stage of the destructive process , which , probably , may be explained by the fact that by the time of the spill the brook ’ s waters were high , and most vegetation communities remained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report reads .
“ At the same time , in the area of contact with the petroleum products there were a few small areas of shallow water with dispersed vegetation , which were not covered by the brook ’ s high waters.
” The biggest impact from the petroleum products on plants and vegetation was registered in the areas , which the water covered only partially , scientists said .
Water plants and communities , which remained under the water , did not suffer or suffered much less .
A strong impact was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , certain damage to the species diversity was seen in the midstream of the Pyasina River , while in its mouth the species diversity is above the background levels .
Besides , surveys of mosses showed that their biggest amounts were in the sources of the Pyasina River .
In the river ’ s conditionally contaminated areas , their numbers are twice higher than the background levels , which points indirectly to an absence of contamination with petroleum products , not dissolved in water .
Generally speaking , the communities ’ diversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a partial degradation was observed in five communities , the report reads .
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula , at the invitation of Nornickel , a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale survey of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic .
The expedition ’ s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils , plants and sediments and later began tests at the institutes ’ labs .

TASS, December 28. The survey of consequences from the fuel spill at a power plant in Norilsk showed that the accident had affected plants in watersheds of one brook and two rivers. The Ambarnaya River suffered most of all, the Great Norilsk Expedition, organized by Russia’s Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch, said in its final report.
“The fuel spill has affected only the vegetation in floodplains of Bezymyannyi Brook and the Daldykan and the Ambarnaya rivers. The biggest impact was evident in the floodplain of the Ambarnaya River, which can be explained by its much bigger area and the higher diversity of vegetation communities, affected by petroleum products. There, the species diversity of vegetation communities has shrunk by three times: before the accident, there were about 9 species per 1 background community, and after it – 3 per 1 similarly affected community, while the general cover of plants has shrunk by 2.8 times – from 70% to 25%,” the report reads.
As for the floodplain of Bezymyannyi Brook, its species diversity at affected areas has shrunk by 2.8 times – from 11 species to 4, and the projective cover has shrunk by 2.2 times – from 53% to 24%. In the Daldykan River’s floodplain the species diversity has dropped by 1.7 times and the projective cover – by 1.5 times.
“In the Daldykan River, specialists have observed only one stage of the destructive process, which, probably, may be explained by the fact that by the time of the spill the brook’s waters were high, and most vegetation communities remained covered with spring waters,” the report reads. “At the same time, in the area of contact with the petroleum products there were a few small areas of shallow water with dispersed vegetation, which were not covered by the brook’s high waters.”
The biggest impact from the petroleum products on plants and vegetation was registered in the areas, which the water covered only partially, scientists said. Water plants and communities, which remained under the water, did not suffer or suffered much less. A strong impact was caused to the floodplain communities.
Experts say, certain damage to the species diversity was seen in the midstream of the Pyasina River, while in its mouth the species diversity is above the background levels. Besides, surveys of mosses showed that their biggest amounts were in the sources of the Pyasina River. In the river’s conditionally contaminated areas, their numbers are twice higher than the background levels, which points indirectly to an absence of contamination with petroleum products, not dissolved in water. Generally speaking, the communities’ diversity has not been affected by the spill, and a partial degradation was observed in five communities, the report reads.
Expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time over recent years has sent to the Taimyr Peninsula, at the invitation of Nornickel, a big scientific expedition to conduct a large-scale survey of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present nature-friendly solutions and suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic.
The expedition’s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino. In August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils, plants and sediments and later began tests at the institutes’ labs.


tass--2020-12-28--Freight traffic of Hainan's Yangpu port in 2020 exceeded 1 million TEU

SANYA , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The cargo turnover of Hainan 's port of Yangpu in 2020 exceeded 1 million TEU ( the equivalent of a standard 20-foot container ) , according to the newspaper `` Nangodu Shibao '' .
In 2019 , this figure amounted to 708,000 TEU .
The Hainan authorities draw great importance to the construction of the Yangpu port infrastructure in order to increase both domestic and foreign cargo turnover through it , which is an important part of Hainan 's project to create a free trade port .
In 2020 , work was actively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet the requirements necessary to ensure future freight traffic of about 10 million TEU annually .
The daily international cargo traffic is planned to increase from 2,500 TEU to more than 4,000 TEU , the newspaper writes .
By 2035 , the Chinese authorities intend to turn the port city of Yangpu in the northwest of Hainan into a key point for the distribution of the flow of goods from various regions of China to Southeast Asia and Oceania , Europe and North America .
At the same time , the Yangpu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the implementation of the plan for the formation of a new integrated sea and land corridor — the project of the Chinese State Committee for Development and Reforms aimed at boosting and increasing the efficiency of regional and global trade and economic projects , and providing advanced customs and logistics services .
By 2025 , it should turn into a regional transport hub .
Then the port will transport up to 5 million containers per year .

SANYA, December 28. /TASS/. The cargo turnover of Hainan's port of Yangpu in 2020 exceeded 1 million TEU (the equivalent of a standard 20-foot container), according to the newspaper "Nangodu Shibao".
In 2019, this figure amounted to 708,000 TEU. The Hainan authorities draw great importance to the construction of the Yangpu port infrastructure in order to increase both domestic and foreign cargo turnover through it, which is an important part of Hainan's project to create a free trade port. In 2020, work was actively carried out to prepare the Yangpu port to meet the requirements necessary to ensure future freight traffic of about 10 million TEU annually. The daily international cargo traffic is planned to increase from 2,500 TEU to more than 4,000 TEU, the newspaper writes.
By 2035, the Chinese authorities intend to turn the port city of Yangpu in the northwest of Hainan into a key point for the distribution of the flow of goods from various regions of China to Southeast Asia and Oceania, Europe and North America. At the same time, the Yangpu port will play an important role in the implementation of the plan for the formation of a new integrated sea and land corridor — the project of the Chinese State Committee for Development and Reforms aimed at boosting and increasing the efficiency of regional and global trade and economic projects, and providing advanced customs and logistics services. By 2025, it should turn into a regional transport hub. Then the port will transport up to 5 million containers per year.


tass--2020-12-28--‘No veil of secrecy’: Putin’s life not shrouded in mystery, assures Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The life of Russian President Vladimir Putin is not shrouded in secrecy , but he prefers not to make some information public , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` There is practically no veil of secrecy .
Everyone knows perfectly well where he ( Putin ) lives and works .
Yes , he has daughters .
As for who they are , he prefers not to make this information public , and he has explained why on numerous occasions .
He is quite consistent in his stance , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov stressed .
He branded publications about people who are linked with the head of state as `` information exercises '' that have continued throughout the years of Putin ’ s presidency and premiership .
`` The only thing that the president does not plan to change is his work , [ or ] the style of his work , because , in his view , the most important thing is how the head of state fulfills his duties , how he works and what the results of this work are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin spokesman , the president expects people to be receptive and understanding about his privacy .
`` When people vote for the president < … > , it becomes clear that people give him the right to such personal space , '' he explained .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The life of Russian President Vladimir Putin is not shrouded in secrecy, but he prefers not to make some information public, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"There is practically no veil of secrecy. Everyone knows perfectly well where he (Putin) lives and works. Yes, he has daughters. As for who they are, he prefers not to make this information public, and he has explained why on numerous occasions. He is quite consistent in his stance, and many citizens react to that with understanding," Peskov stressed.
He branded publications about people who are linked with the head of state as "information exercises" that have continued throughout the years of Putin’s presidency and premiership.
"The only thing that the president does not plan to change is his work, [or] the style of his work, because, in his view, the most important thing is how the head of state fulfills his duties, how he works and what the results of this work are," Peskov specified.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, the president expects people to be receptive and understanding about his privacy. "When people vote for the president <…>, it becomes clear that people give him the right to such personal space," he explained.


tass--2020-12-28--Russian, Finnish leaders reaffirm commitment to strengthening bilateral ties — Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto have exchanged congratulations @ @ @ @ @ reiterated their commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation in a telephone conversation @ @ @ @ @ said on Monday .
`` The heads of state exchanged congratulations and warm wishes on @ @ @ @ @ Year holidays , '' the report reads .
The two leaders also discussed the main @ @ @ @ @ and Finland in 2020 .
`` They expressed satisfaction with the current level of bilateral @ @ @ @ @ , which is particularly important in light of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between @ @ @ @ @ December 31 , 2020 , '' the Kremlin noted .
In addition , Putin and @ @ @ @ @ to further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economy and effective coordination in the @ @ @ @ @ They also raised some topical global issues , including relations between Russia and the European @ @ @ @ @ contacts at various levels , the press service added .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto have exchanged congratulations on the upcoming holidays and reiterated their commitment to strengthening mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation in a telephone conversation, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.
"The heads of state exchanged congratulations and warm wishes on the occasion of the New Year holidays," the report reads.
The two leaders also discussed the main results of cooperation between Russia and Finland in 2020. "They expressed satisfaction with the current level of bilateral good-neighborly relations and constructive partnership, which is particularly important in light of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Finland marked on December 31, 2020," the Kremlin noted.
In addition, Putin and Niinisto reiterated their "commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economy and effective coordination in the fight against the coronavirus. They also raised some topical global issues, including relations between Russia and the European Union, and agreed on contacts at various levels, the press service added.


tass--2020-12-28--Russian Black Sea Fleet frigate on its way home after Mediterranean deployment

SEVASTOPOL , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s frigate Admiral Essen is returning to its naval base in Sevastopol from the Mediterranean Sea where it was accomplishing missions within the Russian Navy ’ s permanent taskforce , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` The Black Sea Fleet ’ s frigate Admiral Essen has transited the Black Sea ’ s Dardanelles and Bosporus straits and entered the Black Sea .
The warship is returning to its home base after accomplishing missions within the Navy ’ s Mediterranean standing taskforce , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During its transit in the Black Sea , the frigate ’ s crew will practice a set of tasks , following which it will enter the Black Sea Fleet ’ s main naval base of Sevastopol , the statement says .
The Admiral Essen had been accomplishing missions in the Mediterranean Sea from October .
It was replaced by the same-type frigate Admiral Grigorovich in the distant maritime zone , the press office said .
The warships like the Admiral Grigorovich and the Admiral Essen represent a new series of Project 11356R/M @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also used ) .
These frigates are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels , submarines and ground installations , carry out patrols and defend sea lanes .
The frigates of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface , coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km .
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1 , Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems , A-190 100mm universal artillery guns , torpedo tubes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a take-off and landing strip and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter ( Ka-27 or Ka-31 ) .
The Soviet Navy ’ s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present .
The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period .
Its main rival was the US Navy ’ s 6th Fleet .
The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31 , 1992 , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union .
In 2013 , Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce .
Russia ’ s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations , including warding off threats to Russia ’ s national and military security .

SEVASTOPOL, December 28. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet’s frigate Admiral Essen is returning to its naval base in Sevastopol from the Mediterranean Sea where it was accomplishing missions within the Russian Navy’s permanent taskforce, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
"The Black Sea Fleet’s frigate Admiral Essen has transited the Black Sea’s Dardanelles and Bosporus straits and entered the Black Sea. The warship is returning to its home base after accomplishing missions within the Navy’s Mediterranean standing taskforce," the press office said in a statement.
During its transit in the Black Sea, the frigate’s crew will practice a set of tasks, following which it will enter the Black Sea Fleet’s main naval base of Sevastopol, the statement says.
The Admiral Essen had been accomplishing missions in the Mediterranean Sea from October. It was replaced by the same-type frigate Admiral Grigorovich in the distant maritime zone, the press office said.
The warships like the Admiral Grigorovich and the Admiral Essen represent a new series of Project 11356R/M frigates (the Project 11357 designation is also used). These frigates are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels, submarines and ground installations, carry out patrols and defend sea lanes.
The frigates of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface, coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km.
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1, Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems, A-190 100mm universal artillery guns, torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers. The frigates also have a take-off and landing strip and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter (Ka-27 or Ka-31).
Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron
The Soviet Navy’s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present. The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period. Its main rival was the US Navy’s 6th Fleet. The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31, 1992, a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
In 2013, Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce. Russia’s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations, including warding off threats to Russia’s national and military security.


tass--2020-12-28--Moldova can hold snap parliamentary elections on May 9, says former president

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Moldovan early parliamentary elections could be held next year on Victory Day @ @ @ @ @ President Igor Dodon believes .
`` I think that the faster the better for the @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with TASS when asked about the potential date .
`` However , @ @ @ @ @ be held on the basis of constitutional norms .
< … > Therefore , we @ @ @ @ @ It can be on May 9 , Victory Day , and it falls on Sunday @ @

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The Moldovan early parliamentary elections could be held next year on Victory Day, May 9, former President Igor Dodon believes.
"I think that the faster the better for the country," he said in an interview with TASS when asked about the potential date. "However, they [elections] should be held on the basis of constitutional norms. <…> Therefore, we are focusing on May. It can be on May 9, Victory Day, and it falls on Sunday."


tass--2020-12-28--‘I don’t trust Western vaccines’: Ex-Moldovan leader set for Russia’s Sputnik V jab only

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon has said in an interview with TASS that he is ready to be inoculated only with the Russian coronavirus vaccine , since he distrusts its Western analogues .
`` Regarding the vaccine , we do not have a vaccine in Moldova yet .
Of course , I am ready to be inoculated , but only with the Russian vaccine , I have said this repeatedly .
I do not trust these Western analogues , which were made hastily to show that there is not only the Russian vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s like the arms race during the Cold War era , '' he noted .
`` Now , they saw that Russia had developed an effective vaccine , they quickly made something and say that they have it as well .
I am not going to take the risk .
I have advised and I do advise all our citizens who decide to be vaccinated [ to choose ] the Russian vaccine only , '' the former president emphasized .
`` Our partners in the [ State ] Duma said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] as soon as possible and begin vaccinating at least some part of the population during the first months of next year , '' the politician added .
Dodon noted that the coronavirus situation in Moldova was worse than in Russia as far as the number of infections per 100,000 people is concerned .
Moldova is in the risk zone , given the large diaspora outside the country , he explained .
`` Mostly in Italy and other European countries , from where the outbreak began to spread in March and April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are coping with it .
We have everything necessary for that : medical professionals , hospital beds and means to combat the pandemic , '' he specified .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon has said in an interview with TASS that he is ready to be inoculated only with the Russian coronavirus vaccine, since he distrusts its Western analogues.
"Regarding the vaccine, we do not have a vaccine in Moldova yet. Of course, I am ready to be inoculated, but only with the Russian vaccine, I have said this repeatedly. I do not trust these Western analogues, which were made hastily to show that there is not only the Russian vaccine, but that they have it too. It’s like the arms race during the Cold War era," he noted. "Now, they saw that Russia had developed an effective vaccine, they quickly made something and say that they have it as well. I am not going to take the risk. I have advised and I do advise all our citizens who decide to be vaccinated [to choose] the Russian vaccine only," the former president emphasized.
"Our partners in the [State] Duma said that we should address [the issue] as soon as possible and begin vaccinating at least some part of the population during the first months of next year," the politician added.
Dodon noted that the coronavirus situation in Moldova was worse than in Russia as far as the number of infections per 100,000 people is concerned. Moldova is in the risk zone, given the large diaspora outside the country, he explained. "Mostly in Italy and other European countries, from where the outbreak began to spread in March and April. The situation is complicated, but we are coping with it. We have everything necessary for that: medical professionals, hospital beds and means to combat the pandemic," he specified.


tass--2020-12-28--Putin’s Covid vaccine delay doesn’t undermine trust in Russian vaccine, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s delayed decision to get the coronavirus vaccine does not reflect badly in any way on the Russian vaccine , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
Putin likely to announce about receiving COVID-19 vaccine soon , Kremlin says '' Absolutely not , '' he said when asked the relevant question .
The Kremlin representative highlighted that Russia had already launched vaccination for the population , while vaccine production is being boosted .
`` Therefore , we don ’ t see any connection here .
After the Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , other vaccines will follow then , and then the president will make a decision , '' he added .
Peskov also noted Putin could not get inoculated with coronavirus vaccine without it being recognized as safe for people over 60 .
The Kremlin representative earlier pointed out that the president had made the decision to get vaccinated but was waiting for `` all formalities to be over . ''
`` He told us that he will be vaccinated himself , '' Peskov recalled .
`` But he will say himself when and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Putin will get the jab live , Peskov responded , `` I don ’ t know , it depends on how he will make the decision . ''
Putin told his annual press conference on December 17 that he would get vaccinated as soon as possible .
Putin then explained that he follows guidelines of specialists regarding age restrictions at this stage .
Last week , Peskov said that Putin can soon announce his vaccination .
According to him , the president has repeatedly said that he will get the vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Sputnik V vaccine to be used for seniors over 60 .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s delayed decision to get the coronavirus vaccine does not reflect badly in any way on the Russian vaccine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Putin likely to announce about receiving COVID-19 vaccine soon, Kremlin says
"Absolutely not," he said when asked the relevant question. The Kremlin representative highlighted that Russia had already launched vaccination for the population, while vaccine production is being boosted. "Therefore, we don’t see any connection here. After the Health Ministry’s conclusion on one vaccine, other vaccines will follow then, and then the president will make a decision," he added.
Peskov also noted Putin could not get inoculated with coronavirus vaccine without it being recognized as safe for people over 60.
The Kremlin representative earlier pointed out that the president had made the decision to get vaccinated but was waiting for "all formalities to be over."
"He told us that he will be vaccinated himself," Peskov recalled. "But he will say himself when and how it happened."
When asked if Putin will get the jab live, Peskov responded, "I don’t know, it depends on how he will make the decision."
Putin told his annual press conference on December 17 that he would get vaccinated as soon as possible. Putin then explained that he follows guidelines of specialists regarding age restrictions at this stage.
Last week, Peskov said that Putin can soon announce his vaccination. According to him, the president has repeatedly said that he will get the vaccine.
Earlier, the Russian Health Ministry cleared Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine to be used for seniors over 60.


tass--2020-12-28--We foiled a ‘Moldovan Maidan’: Dodon on why he dissuaded people from taking to the streets

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon has said in an interview with TASS that @ @ @ @ @ pouring into the streets after the presidential election in order to prevent a `` Maidan @ @ @ @ @ West that would lead to destabilizing the country .
`` Bringing people out into the @ @ @ @ @ course of destabilization would definitely be tantamount to following the pattern of these puppeteers from @ @ @ @ @ that my political rival during the election [ race ] was a pro-American candidate .
@ @ @ @ @ hatching the infamous ‘ Maidan ’ [ upheaval ] and destabilization , '' he explained @ @ @ @ @ not bringing people into the streets , but rather challenging the election outcome in court @ @ @ @ @ `` After having gone through all the judiciary levels , we offered our congratulations and @ @ @ @ @ '' Dodon specified .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon has said in an interview with TASS that he had discouraged people from pouring into the streets after the presidential election in order to prevent a "Maidan" scenario backed by the West that would lead to destabilizing the country.
"Bringing people out into the streets and embarking on a course of destabilization would definitely be tantamount to following the pattern of these puppeteers from abroad, because everyone understands that my political rival during the election [race] was a pro-American candidate. We knew that they were hatching the infamous ‘Maidan’ [upheaval] and destabilization," he explained.
In his view, not bringing people into the streets, but rather challenging the election outcome in court was the right decision. "After having gone through all the judiciary levels, we offered our congratulations and got down to work," Dodon specified.


tass--2020-12-28--Russia’s top brass shows Orion strike drone with armament for first time

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry presented two 2021 calendars , with one of them showing the Orion long-range drone in its strike and reconnaissance version ( the ‘ Inokhodets ’ experimental design work ) for the first time .
`` The Defense Ministry of Russia shows the ‘ Inokhodets ’ reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle , '' the ministry said in a statement .
In the photo , the drone is shown with beam holders under the wings for fastening the armament and the attached ammunition .
The drone has a desert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Inokhodets ’ experimental design work ) is a medium-altitude , long-duration unmanned aerial system with a maximum take-off weight of 1 tonne and a maximum payload weight of 200 kg .
The drone has a service ceiling of 7.5 km and its flight endurance is 24 hours with the standard payload .
It can develop a speed of up to 200 km/h .
The calendar also shows the photos of the Su-57 fifth-generation multirole fighter , the BMPT-72 ‘ Terminator ’ tank support combat vehicle , the heavy Armata infantry fighting vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be downloaded on the ministry ’ s website .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry presented two 2021 calendars, with one of them showing the Orion long-range drone in its strike and reconnaissance version (the ‘Inokhodets’ experimental design work) for the first time.
"The Defense Ministry of Russia shows the ‘Inokhodets’ reconnaissance and strike unmanned aerial vehicle," the ministry said in a statement.
In the photo, the drone is shown with beam holders under the wings for fastening the armament and the attached ammunition. The drone has a desert camouflage color.
The Orion (the ‘Inokhodets’ experimental design work) is a medium-altitude, long-duration unmanned aerial system with a maximum take-off weight of 1 tonne and a maximum payload weight of 200 kg. The drone has a service ceiling of 7.5 km and its flight endurance is 24 hours with the standard payload. It can develop a speed of up to 200 km/h.
The calendar also shows the photos of the Su-57 fifth-generation multirole fighter, the BMPT-72 ‘Terminator’ tank support combat vehicle, the heavy Armata infantry fighting vehicle and other military hardware.
The calendars can be downloaded on the ministry’s website.