tass--2020-10-24--UN political mechanisms help avoid World War III, Medvedev says

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The mechanisms established by the UN Charter allowed the world to resolve many acute issues and not slip into the abyss of World War III , Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in his article published on Saturday on RT website on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations .
`` Despite all the problems and crises that the United Nations and its member states have faced over these years , it is hard to disagree that it is largely thanks to the international legal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we managed to avoid plunging into an all-out third world war and deal with many critical issues when shaping the post-war world order , '' Medvedev believes .
According to him , the UN bodies `` have put in a lot of work to make the world step back from the abyss , to launch mechanisms for settling conflicts within a legal framework '' .
Thus , disarmament , reduction , and elimination of all stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction constitute one of the main goals of the United Nations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an urgent need for us to continue working towards this end .
We hope that the UN Security Council will hold a face-to-face summit of the nuclear five to discuss the most pressing problems of humankind , '' he said .
According to Medvedev , the issue of prolongation of the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( the New START Treaty ) also needs to be promptly resolved .
`` We have already articulated our position concerning the extension of this crucial document , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , we need not only to ensure reduction of the existing arms but also to minimize the risks of possible new threats .
In this vein , Russia has declared a moratorium on deployment of new missile systems in Europe and other regions .
We expect to see our Western partners take reciprocal steps .
We also call for conclusion of a legally binding agreement with all space powers to place a comprehensive ban on militarization of space '' .
The role of the United Nations Attempts to undermine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create an alternative club of countries only divide humanity and lead to conflicts , Medvedev added .
`` Attempts to undermine the role of the UN and establish a certain `` community ( club ) of democratic nations '' instead of it are also of particular concern .
Such ideas do not unite but divide humanity , contribute to international tensions and ultimately lead to direct confrontation .
The United Nations was created alongside the development of the human rights concept and the humanistic turn in inter-state cooperation in all kinds of fields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medvedev , `` human rights issues have now permeated almost all agendas of UN bodies , from environment and personal data protection to cybersecurity and biotechnology .
Today , every state has legal safeguards in place against discrimination , torture , inhumane treatment and arbitrary interference in private life '' .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The mechanisms established by the UN Charter allowed the world to resolve many acute issues and not slip into the abyss of World War III, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in his article published on Saturday on RT website on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations.
"Despite all the problems and crises that the United Nations and its member states have faced over these years, it is hard to disagree that it is largely thanks to the international legal and political mechanisms established by the UN Charter that we managed to avoid plunging into an all-out third world war and deal with many critical issues when shaping the post-war world order," Medvedev believes.
According to him, the UN bodies "have put in a lot of work to make the world step back from the abyss, to launch mechanisms for settling conflicts within a legal framework". Thus, disarmament, reduction, and elimination of all stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction constitute one of the main goals of the United Nations, Medvedev noted.
"Today there is an urgent need for us to continue working towards this end. We hope that the UN Security Council will hold a face-to-face summit of the nuclear five to discuss the most pressing problems of humankind," he said.
According to Medvedev, the issue of prolongation of the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the New START Treaty) also needs to be promptly resolved. "We have already articulated our position concerning the extension of this crucial document," he said.
He noted, "At the same time, we need not only to ensure reduction of the existing arms but also to minimize the risks of possible new threats. In this vein, Russia has declared a moratorium on deployment of new missile systems in Europe and other regions. We expect to see our Western partners take reciprocal steps. We also call for conclusion of a legally binding agreement with all space powers to place a comprehensive ban on militarization of space".
The role of the United Nations
Attempts to undermine the role of the United Nations and create an alternative club of countries only divide humanity and lead to conflicts, Medvedev added.
"Attempts to undermine the role of the UN and establish a certain "community (club) of democratic nations" instead of it are also of particular concern. Such ideas do not unite but divide humanity, contribute to international tensions and ultimately lead to direct confrontation. The United Nations was created alongside the development of the human rights concept and the humanistic turn in inter-state cooperation in all kinds of fields," he said.
According to Medvedev, "human rights issues have now permeated almost all agendas of UN bodies, from environment and personal data protection to cybersecurity and biotechnology. Today, every state has legal safeguards in place against discrimination, torture, inhumane treatment and arbitrary interference in private life".


tass--2020-10-24--Expert: Russia’s COVID-19 infection rate may go down around February or March

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s COVID-19 infection rate is likely to go down in February-March 2021 , Deputy Director of Russia ’ s Central Research Institute of Epidemiology Alexander Gorelov told TASS .
Lately , Russia has been documenting more daily cases of the disease : on Friday , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported 17,340 coronavirus cases in 24 hours , the highest figure since the start of the pandemic in the country .
`` Usually , when the infection rate starts to go up , we expect a maximum increase over 28 days - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ten days of November should show us where it goes .
Then the process will stabilize , but we ’ re not talking about a decrease , because there should be a period when the epidemiological process remains stable , but the virus continues spreading .
After that , a steady decrease will take place , just like we witnessed in the spring after May 11 .
We are like to enter the decrease phase in February or March , '' he said .
Gorelov stressed that while there is no mass vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no alternative to sanitary restrictions .
`` When you wear a mask or use hand sanitizer , you are protecting not only yourself , but your loved ones .
There is no need to introduce draconian measures , so far , we prefer persuasion , '' he concluded .
Since the start of the pandemic , over 41.7 mln people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the world , 1.13 mln have died .
Russia has recorded 1,480,646 cases of infection , 1,119,251 patients have recovered and 25,525 have died .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Russia’s COVID-19 infection rate is likely to go down in February-March 2021, Deputy Director of Russia’s Central Research Institute of Epidemiology Alexander Gorelov told TASS.
Lately, Russia has been documenting more daily cases of the disease: on Friday, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported 17,340 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, the highest figure since the start of the pandemic in the country.
"Usually, when the infection rate starts to go up, we expect a maximum increase over 28 days - two incubation periods, so the first ten days of November should show us where it goes. Then the process will stabilize, but we’re not talking about a decrease, because there should be a period when the epidemiological process remains stable, but the virus continues spreading. After that, a steady decrease will take place, just like we witnessed in the spring after May 11. We are like to enter the decrease phase in February or March," he said.
Gorelov stressed that while there is no mass vaccination against COVID-19 in the country, there is no alternative to sanitary restrictions. "When you wear a mask or use hand sanitizer, you are protecting not only yourself, but your loved ones. There is no need to introduce draconian measures, so far, we prefer persuasion," he concluded.
Since the start of the pandemic, over 41.7 mln people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the world, 1.13 mln have died. Russia has recorded 1,480,646 cases of infection, 1,119,251 patients have recovered and 25,525 have died.


tass--2020-10-24--Russian ambassador called US sanctions against Russian research institute illegitimate

WASHINGTON , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia rejects the charges brought by the US against the Central Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics , deeming the sanctions illegitimate , Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov stated on Friday .
`` We completely reject the charges brought by the administration against the Federal State Unitary Enterprise `` Central Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics , '' Antonov said , quoted by the embassy press service .
`` We emphasize once again the illegitimacy of any one-sided restrictions .
Russia , unlike the United States , does not conduct offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated .
`` Malicious activity in the information space is contrary to the principles of our foreign policy , national interests and understanding of interstate relations . ''
`` We call on the United States to abandon the vicious practice of unfounded accusations .
We proceed from the fact that the interests of our countries are in line with a professional dialogue on international information security , which President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin proposed to restore , '' the ambassador stated .
The US Department of the Treasury informed on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Russia ’ s Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics ( TsNIIKhM ) .
According to their data , the restrictions were introduced within the framework of the Countering America 's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act ( CAATSA ) , a United States federal law .
According to the US authorities , the Institute is `` connected to the destructive Triton malware '' which `` was designed specifically to target and manipulate industrial safety systems '' .
Such systems allow the emergency shutdown of the equipment at an enterprise in case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ malware can hinder that .
Due to this fact , the agency noted that the virus is considered to be `` the most dangerous threat activity publicly known '' .
Inclusion in the sanctions list means asset freezing in the United States and the a ban for US citizens or firms on engaging in business with persons in the list .
On Thursday , October 22 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in response to a question of an American political scientist within the framework of the Valdai Discussion Club that Russia doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sphere , and it has been proven by numerous investigations in the US .
The Russian leader also offered to develop instruments of control over non-interference in internal affairs of states in cyberspace - immediately and without preconditions .
He expressed hope that Washington will react to these proposals after the presidential election which is to be held in less than two weeks , on November 3 .
Russia is ready to discuss cooperation on ensuring international information security with all interested partners , should the US reject such a dialogue .

WASHINGTON, October 24. /TASS/. Russia rejects the charges brought by the US against the Central Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics, deeming the sanctions illegitimate, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov stated on Friday.
"We completely reject the charges brought by the administration against the Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Central Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics," Antonov said, quoted by the embassy press service.
"We emphasize once again the illegitimacy of any one-sided restrictions. Russia, unlike the United States, does not conduct offensive operations in cyber domain," he stated. "Malicious activity in the information space is contrary to the principles of our foreign policy, national interests and understanding of interstate relations."
"We call on the United States to abandon the vicious practice of unfounded accusations. We proceed from the fact that the interests of our countries are in line with a professional dialogue on international information security, which President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin proposed to restore," the ambassador stated.
The US Department of the Treasury informed on Friday that the United States had introduced sanctions against Russia’s Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics (TsNIIKhM).
According to their data, the restrictions were introduced within the framework of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), a United States federal law. According to the US authorities, the Institute is "connected to the destructive Triton malware" which "was designed specifically to target and manipulate industrial safety systems". Such systems allow the emergency shutdown of the equipment at an enterprise in case of a dangerous situation, however, this malware can hinder that. Due to this fact, the agency noted that the virus is considered to be "the most dangerous threat activity publicly known".
Moscow has repeatedly refuted such allegations.
Inclusion in the sanctions list means asset freezing in the United States and the a ban for US citizens or firms on engaging in business with persons in the list.
On Thursday, October 22, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in response to a question of an American political scientist within the framework of the Valdai Discussion Club that Russia doesn’t "meddle" in cyber sphere, and it has been proven by numerous investigations in the US. The Russian leader also offered to develop instruments of control over non-interference in internal affairs of states in cyberspace - immediately and without preconditions. He expressed hope that Washington will react to these proposals after the presidential election which is to be held in less than two weeks, on November 3. Russia is ready to discuss cooperation on ensuring international information security with all interested partners, should the US reject such a dialogue.


tass--2020-10-25--WHO reports record increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases of over 465,000 in 24 hours

GENEVA , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases globally rose by more than 465,000 over the past 24 hours to over 42 mln , setting another record one-day increase .
According to the figures released by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) on Saturday , the death toll surged by more than 6,500 people to over 1.14 mln .
As of October 24 , 42,055,863 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,141,567 fatalities were registered by WHO .
The number of cases increased by 465,322 in one day , whereas the number of deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were considered as a record daily increase , which was posted on October 23 .
The WHO statistics only takes into account the officially confirmed data on infection cases and fatalities provided by countries .
As many as 221,898 new coronavirus cases were revealed in the European region by the WHO in one day .
North and South Americas come second with 143,313 cases , whereas Southeast Asia is the third with 66,084 cases .
The United States had the largest number of registered coronavirus cases as a country as of October 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization .
It is followed by India ( 7,814,682 cases ) , Brazil ( 5,323,630 ) , the Russian Federation ( 1,497,167 ) , Argentina ( 1,053,650 ) , Spain ( 1,046,132 ) , France ( 1,010,554 ) , Colombia ( 990,270 ) , Peru ( 879,876 ) , Mexico ( 874,171 ) , the UK ( 831,002 ) , and South Africa ( 712,412 ) .

GENEVA, October 25. /TASS/. The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases globally rose by more than 465,000 over the past 24 hours to over 42 mln, setting another record one-day increase. According to the figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday, the death toll surged by more than 6,500 people to over 1.14 mln.
As of October 24, 42,055,863 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,141,567 fatalities were registered by WHO. The number of cases increased by 465,322 in one day, whereas the number of deaths gained 6,572. Previously 445,419 confirmed cases were considered as a record daily increase, which was posted on October 23.
The WHO statistics only takes into account the officially confirmed data on infection cases and fatalities provided by countries.
As many as 221,898 new coronavirus cases were revealed in the European region by the WHO in one day. North and South Americas come second with 143,313 cases, whereas Southeast Asia is the third with 66,084 cases.
The United States had the largest number of registered coronavirus cases as a country as of October 24 - 8,320,491 people, according to the World Health Organization. It is followed by India (7,814,682 cases), Brazil (5,323,630), the Russian Federation (1,497,167), Argentina (1,053,650), Spain (1,046,132), France (1,010,554), Colombia (990,270), Peru (879,876), Mexico (874,171), the UK (831,002), and South Africa (712,412).


tass--2020-10-25--Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to come into force on Jan 22, 2021

MOSCOW , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons ( TPNW ) will come into force on January 22 , 2021 , International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons ( ICAN ) said in a statement on Saturday .
`` On October 24 , 2020 , the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons reached the required 50 states parties for its entry into force , after Honduras ratified just one day after Jamaica and Nauru submitted their ratifications .
In 90 days , the treaty will enter into force , cementing a categorical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after their first use , '' the statement said .
Prior to the TPNW ’ s adoption , nuclear weapons were the only weapons of mass destruction not banned under international law , despite their `` catastrophic humanitarian consequences , '' according to the statement .
`` This is a new chapter for nuclear disarmament .
Decades of activism have achieved what many said was impossible : nuclear weapons are banned , '' ICAN ’ s Executive Director Beatrice Fihn was quoted as saying .
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , 2017 , by a vote of 122 UN member-states following the talks , in which nuclear nations , including Russia , Britain , China , the US and France , did not participate .
Each state party undertakes `` never under any circumstances '' to develop , test , produce , manufacture , otherwise acquire , possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices , as well as use or threaten to use them .

MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) will come into force on January 22, 2021, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) said in a statement on Saturday.
"On October 24, 2020, the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons reached the required 50 states parties for its entry into force, after Honduras ratified just one day after Jamaica and Nauru submitted their ratifications. In 90 days, the treaty will enter into force, cementing a categorical ban on nuclear weapons, 75 years after their first use," the statement said.
Prior to the TPNW’s adoption, nuclear weapons were the only weapons of mass destruction not banned under international law, despite their "catastrophic humanitarian consequences," according to the statement.
"This is a new chapter for nuclear disarmament. Decades of activism have achieved what many said was impossible: nuclear weapons are banned," ICAN’s Executive Director Beatrice Fihn was quoted as saying.
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was adopted in New York on July 7, 2017, by a vote of 122 UN member-states following the talks, in which nuclear nations, including Russia, Britain, China, the US and France, did not participate. Each state party undertakes "never under any circumstances" to develop, test, produce, manufacture, otherwise acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, as well as use or threaten to use them.


tass--2020-10-25--Crew on blast-hit tanker in Sea of Azov are Russian sailors - source

KRASNODAR , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
All the members of the crew on the tanker hit by an explosion @ @ @ @ @ are Russian nationals , a source in the shipping industry told TASS on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ crew onboard , '' he said .
In the meantime , a source with the @ @ @ @ @ the search area for the sailors who had fallen overboard was widened .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ members will not be suspended until the morning .
Under the procedure , the search @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
On Saturday evening , at about 19.00 , there was an @ @ @ @ @ General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don without @ @ @ @ @ 13 crew onboard .
Ten of them were rescued .
A search and rescue operation @ @ @ @ @ missing sailors .

KRASNODAR, October 25. /TASS/. All the members of the crew on the tanker hit by an explosion in the Sea of Azov are Russian nationals, a source in the shipping industry told TASS on Saturday.
"There was a Russian crew onboard," he said.
In the meantime, a source with the emergency services told TASS that the search area for the sailors who had fallen overboard was widened.
"The searches for the missing crew members will not be suspended until the morning. Under the procedure, the search area has been widened," he said.
On Saturday evening, at about 19.00, there was an explosion on the oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don without a cargo. There were 13 crew onboard. Ten of them were rescued. A search and rescue operation is underway for the three missing sailors.


tass--2020-10-24--Tanker in Sea of Azov badly damaged above waterline, not taking on water

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The General Azi Aslanov tanker sailing in the Sea of Azov has been severely damaged above the waterline , so is not taking on water , the Russian Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS on Saturday .
`` The starboard side is badly damaged , but the damage is above the waterline .
No water is coming in .
The tilt of seven to ten degrees is not increasing , '' the spokesperson said .
According to him , water should be pumped out of the vessel to keep it afloat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will board the tanker very soon to install these machines , '' the agency said .
A rescue boat and a tug have arrived at the scene .
`` The Mercury [ rescue tugboat ] is still on her way .
The Alexander Sizontsev and Impuls have arrived , '' he said .
According to the Maritime Rescue Service , the Alexander Sizontsev is a rescue boat equipped with oil containment booms and with special apparatus to collect oil products in case of a spill .
On Saturday evening , at about 19.00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don without a cargo .
There were 13 crew onboard .
Ten of them were rescued .
A search and rescue operation is underway for the three missing sailors .
The cause of the emergency is being investigated .
Safety violations and hot work might have caused the explosion , a source from the emergency services told TASS earlier .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The General Azi Aslanov tanker sailing in the Sea of Azov has been severely damaged above the waterline, so is not taking on water, the Russian Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS on Saturday.
"The starboard side is badly damaged, but the damage is above the waterline. No water is coming in. The tilt of seven to ten degrees is not increasing," the spokesperson said.
According to him, water should be pumped out of the vessel to keep it afloat.
"A first group of specialists will board the tanker very soon to install these machines," the agency said.
A rescue boat and a tug have arrived at the scene.
"The Mercury [rescue tugboat] is still on her way. The Alexander Sizontsev and Impuls have arrived," he said.
According to the Maritime Rescue Service, the Alexander Sizontsev is a rescue boat equipped with oil containment booms and with special apparatus to collect oil products in case of a spill.
Incident on tanker
On Saturday evening, at about 19.00, an explosion rocked the oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don without a cargo. There were 13 crew onboard. Ten of them were rescued. A search and rescue operation is underway for the three missing sailors.
The cause of the emergency is being investigated. Safety violations and hot work might have caused the explosion, a source from the emergency services told TASS earlier.


tass--2020-10-24--No fire on General Azi Aslanov tanker in Sea of Azov

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The General Azi Aslanov tanker in distress in the Sea of Azov has @ @ @ @ @ press service of the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ no fire after the blast .
But the blast was powerful enough to tear part @ @ @ @ @ , '' the spokesperson said .
According to the spokesperson , searches for the three @ @ @ @ @ imaging cameras will be used and divers will be engaged .
According to the agency @ @ @ @ @ area is notorious for a strong current .
On Saturday evening , at about 19.00 @ @ @ @ @ oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to @ @ @ @ @ There were 13 crew onboard .
Ten of them were rescued .
The cause of @ @ @ @ @ .
Safety violations and hot work might have caused the explosion , a source from @ @ @ @ @ earlier .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The General Azi Aslanov tanker in distress in the Sea of Azov has not caught fire, the press service of the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS on Saturday.
"There was no fire after the blast. But the blast was powerful enough to tear part of the metal inside out," the spokesperson said.
According to the spokesperson, searches for the three sailors are ongoing. Thermal imaging cameras will be used and divers will be engaged. According to the agency’s representative, the area is notorious for a strong current.
Incident on tanker
On Saturday evening, at about 19.00, an explosion rocked the oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don without a cargo. There were 13 crew onboard. Ten of them were rescued.
The cause of the emergency is being investigated. Safety violations and hot work might have caused the explosion, a source from the emergency services told TASS earlier.


tass--2020-10-24--Sailors rescued from blast-hit tanker in Sea of Azov in satisfactory condition - source

KRASNODAR , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The sailors rescued from the General Azi Aslanov where there was an explosion in the Sea of Azov are in satisfactory condition and do not need medical assistance , a source from emergency services of the Krasnodar Region told TASS on Saturday .
`` The rescued [ sailors ’ ] condition is satisfactory and they do not need medical interference , '' he said adding that the captain was being questioned to establish the causes of the accident .
At about 19.00 on Saturday , the Palmali-owned General Azi Aslanov oil tanker flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cargo in the Sea of Azov .
The Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport reported that there was an explosion in the ballast compartment and the Russian Emergencies Ministry reported about a fire .
The tanker was sailing from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don .
There were 13 crew onboard .
Of those , six were rescued , four are still onboard and three more were reported missing .
Three rescue vessels are heading to the tanker .
The Bratsk ship which was sailing by is on the site .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The emergency could have been caused by safety violations or hot work .

KRASNODAR, October 24. /TASS/. The sailors rescued from the General Azi Aslanov where there was an explosion in the Sea of Azov are in satisfactory condition and do not need medical assistance, a source from emergency services of the Krasnodar Region told TASS on Saturday.
"The rescued [sailors’] condition is satisfactory and they do not need medical interference," he said adding that the captain was being questioned to establish the causes of the accident.
At about 19.00 on Saturday, the Palmali-owned General Azi Aslanov oil tanker flying the Russian flag was sailing without a cargo in the Sea of Azov. The Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport reported that there was an explosion in the ballast compartment and the Russian Emergencies Ministry reported about a fire. The tanker was sailing from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don. There were 13 crew onboard. Of those, six were rescued, four are still onboard and three more were reported missing. Three rescue vessels are heading to the tanker. The Bratsk ship which was sailing by is on the site. The tanker passed through the Kerch Strait. The emergency could have been caused by safety violations or hot work.


tass--2020-10-24--Moscow's death toll from confirmed COVID-19 cases rises by 68

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 68 in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian capital ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Saturday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ have passed away in Moscow .
Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested @ @ @ @ @ , '' the center informed .
The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 6,380 in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , Moscow recorded about 391,400 COVID-19 cases and about 287,900 recoveries .
To date , @ @ @ @ @ confirmed in Russia , with 1,130,818 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The death toll from confirmed coronavirus cases has risen by 68 in Moscow over the past 24 hours, the Russian capital’s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Saturday.
"As many as 68 patients have passed away in Moscow. Their diagnoses of pneumonia were confirmed and they tested positive for the coronavirus infection," the center informed.
The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 6,380 in Moscow. As of October 24, Moscow recorded about 391,400 COVID-19 cases and about 287,900 recoveries.
To date, 1,497,167 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,130,818 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 25,821 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-24--Safety violations may cause tanker explosion in Sea of Azov

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The explosion on a tanker in the Sea of Azov might have been @ @ @ @ @ hot work , a spokesperson for the emergencies services told TASS on Saturday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ .
According to a preliminary version , the emergency could have been caused by safety @ @ @ @ @ The tanker was empty , '' the source said adding that residual fuel vapor had @ @ @ @ @ was sailing from the port of Kavkaz to the port of Rostov-on-Don .
The crew @ @ @ @ @ Six were rescued , four remain on board and three overboard , '' the Emergencies @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport , ten people have been rescued and @ @ @ @ @ Three rescue vessels are heading to the site .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The explosion on a tanker in the Sea of Azov might have been caused by safety violations or hot work, a spokesperson for the emergencies services told TASS on Saturday.
"The cause is being investigated. According to a preliminary version, the emergency could have been caused by safety violations or hot work. The tanker was empty," the source said adding that residual fuel vapor had exploded.
"The tanker was sailing from the port of Kavkaz to the port of Rostov-on-Don. The crew of 13 were aboard. Six were rescued, four remain on board and three overboard," the Emergencies Ministry said.
According to the Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport, ten people have been rescued and three more are missing. Three rescue vessels are heading to the site.


tass--2020-10-24--Ten sailors rescued, three more missing after blast on tanker in Sea of Azov

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Ten sailors have been rescued , but three more are missing after an @ @ @ @ @ the Sea of Azov , the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport told @ @ @ @ @ The tanker was empty , but purportedly , there was an explosion of residual fuel @ @ @ @ @ been rescued .
Three are missing .
A search operation is underway , '' the @ @ @ @ @ occurred in the Sea of Azov when the General Azi Aslanov tanker was sailing under @ @ @ @ @ Rostov Region , having passed through the Kerch Strait .
A search and rescue operation @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Ten sailors have been rescued, but three more are missing after an explosion on a tanker in the Sea of Azov, the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS on Saturday.
"The tanker was empty, but purportedly, there was an explosion of residual fuel vapor. Ten people have been rescued. Three are missing. A search operation is underway," the spokesperson said.
An emergency occurred in the Sea of Azov when the General Azi Aslanov tanker was sailing under the Russian flag from the Rostov Region, having passed through the Kerch Strait. A search and rescue operation is underway.


tass--2020-10-24--Navigation in Kerch Strait not obstructed by blast-hit tanker

KRASNODAR , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The blast-hit tanker is located 13 nautical miles off the shore in the @ @ @ @ @ not create an obstacle for navigation in the Kerch Strait , the Russian Federal Agency @ @ @ @ @ told TASS on Saturday .
`` [ She is ] 13 miles off the shore @ @ @ @ @ Cape Fonar .
It does not obstruct [ the passage of ships ] , '' @ @ @ @ @ asked whether the tanker was obstructing navigation through the strait .

KRASNODAR, October 24. /TASS/. The blast-hit tanker is located 13 nautical miles off the shore in the Sea of Azov and does not create an obstacle for navigation in the Kerch Strait, the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS on Saturday.
"[She is] 13 miles off the shore. The nearest location is Cape Fonar. It does not obstruct [the passage of ships]," the spokesman told TASS when asked whether the tanker was obstructing navigation through the strait.


tass--2020-10-24--Search area for sailors missing after blast on tanker in Sea of Azov widened

KRASNODAR , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The search area for the sailors who fell overboard after the explosion on @ @ @ @ @ of Azov has been widened , a source from the emergency services told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ for the missing crew members will not be suspended until the morning .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ has been widened , '' he said .

KRASNODAR, October 24. /TASS/. The search area for the sailors who fell overboard after the explosion on their tanker in the Sea of Azov has been widened, a source from the emergency services told TASS on Saturday.
"The searches for the missing crew members will not be suspended until the morning. Under the procedure, the search area has been widened," he said.


tass--2020-10-24--Pompeo tells Lukashenko US committed to sovereignty of Belarus

MINSK , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone conversation with Belarusian leader @ @ @ @ @ that the United States is committed to sovereignty of Belarus and supports cooperation with that @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo discussed domestic political affairs in Belarus and the United States .
The Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ committed to our country ’ s sovereignty and independence and supports the development of cooperation @ @ @ @ @ the interlocutor about the national dialogue which is being actively held in Belarus now , @ @ @ @ @ ONT said .

MINSK, October 24. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone conversation with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko on Saturday said that the United States is committed to sovereignty of Belarus and supports cooperation with that country.
"Lukashenko and Pompeo discussed domestic political affairs in Belarus and the United States. The Secretary of State underlined that he remains committed to our country’s sovereignty and independence and supports the development of cooperation with Belarus. Lukashenko informed the interlocutor about the national dialogue which is being actively held in Belarus now," the Belarusian television channel ONT said.


tass--2020-10-24--Lukashenko tells Pompeo Russia does not interfere in Belarus affairs

MINSK , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Russia does not interfere in the country ’ s domestic affairs , emphasizing that Russia is Belarus ’ main ally .
`` Touching on the foreign policy issues , Lukashenko underlined that Russia is the main ally , and emphasized its support given in the current period .
It was also stated that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus , however , the countries are poised to team up in responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ television channel ONT said on Saturday .
In particular , the BelTA news agency reported that `` under the CSTO treaty [ Collective Security Treaty Organization - TASS ] on the protection of common space in case of external aggression from Poland , Lithuania and other countries , Belarus and Russia will have to respond . ''
Pompeo pointed out that Belarus should fear such a threat from neither NATO , nor Poland , not Lithuania , since there is not any .
Apart from that , Pompeo said in a phone conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sovereignty of Belarus and backs cooperation with that country .
`` Lukashenko and Pompeo discussed domestic political affairs in Belarus and the United States .
The Secretary of State underlined that he remains committed to our country ’ s sovereignty and independence and supports the development of cooperation with Belarus .
Lukashenko informed the interlocutor about the national dialogue which is being actively held in Belarus now , '' the TV channel said .
Lukashenko and Pompeo touched on the situation in the world .
`` In their shared opinion , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , there have been dramatic changes and more and more challenges are emerging , '' the ONT said .
`` Another topic of their conversation was about a US citizen in Belarus , '' the TV channel said .
Lukashenko said that Belarus was closely watching the US political campaign and wished success to the campaign in general and personally to US President Donald Trump .
The call was requested by Pompeo and lasted for about 30 minutes .

MINSK, October 24. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said in a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that Russia does not interfere in the country’s domestic affairs, emphasizing that Russia is Belarus’ main ally.
"Touching on the foreign policy issues, Lukashenko underlined that Russia is the main ally, and emphasized its support given in the current period. It was also stated that Russia does not interfere in the internal affairs of Belarus, however, the countries are poised to team up in responding to emerging external threats," the Belarusian television channel ONT said on Saturday.
In particular, the BelTA news agency reported that "under the CSTO treaty [Collective Security Treaty Organization - TASS] on the protection of common space in case of external aggression from Poland, Lithuania and other countries, Belarus and Russia will have to respond."
Pompeo pointed out that Belarus should fear such a threat from neither NATO, nor Poland, not Lithuania, since there is not any. Apart from that, Pompeo said in a phone conversation with Lukashenko that the US is committed to sovereignty of Belarus and backs cooperation with that country.
"Lukashenko and Pompeo discussed domestic political affairs in Belarus and the United States. The Secretary of State underlined that he remains committed to our country’s sovereignty and independence and supports the development of cooperation with Belarus. Lukashenko informed the interlocutor about the national dialogue which is being actively held in Belarus now," the TV channel said.
Lukashenko and Pompeo touched on the situation in the world. "In their shared opinion, after Pompeo’s visit to Minsk in February, there have been dramatic changes and more and more challenges are emerging," the ONT said.
"Another topic of their conversation was about a US citizen in Belarus," the TV channel said. Lukashenko said that Belarus was closely watching the US political campaign and wished success to the campaign in general and personally to US President Donald Trump.
The call was requested by Pompeo and lasted for about 30 minutes.


tass--2020-10-24--Trump cast his ballot in person in 2020 election during early voting period

WASHINGTON , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump cast his ballot in person for the 2020 presidential election in Palm Beach , Florida , on Saturday , which was broadcast live by American news television channels .
`` I voted for a guy named Trump , '' he told reporters leaving the polling station .
`` It was a very secure vote , much more secure than when you send in a ballot , I can tell you that .
Everything was perfect , very strict , '' he said adding , `` It ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wore a mask when entering the local library which serves as a polling location .
In 2016 , Trump cast his ballot in New York , but last year the president switched his official residence in Trump Tower in Manhattan ’ s Fifth Avenue for Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida .
According to the United States Elections Project set up by Dr. Michael McDonald , Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Florida , at least 50 million Americans have already cast their ballots during the early voting period .
Texas with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tops the rating of the early vote , followed by California ( 5.8 million ) , Florida ( 4.77 million ) and North Carolina ( 2.69 million ) .
At the November 3 presidential election , the United States will elect 435 representatives to the House , 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate , and President and Vice President .
In addition , voters will head to the ballot boxes to decide on 13 US state and territorial governorships , and numerous other local elections will be held .
The Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged by Democratic nominee Joe Biden .

WASHINGTON, October 24. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump cast his ballot in person for the 2020 presidential election in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, which was broadcast live by American news television channels.
"I voted for a guy named Trump," he told reporters leaving the polling station.
"It was a very secure vote, much more secure than when you send in a ballot, I can tell you that. Everything was perfect, very strict," he said adding, "It’s an honor to be voting."
Trump wore a mask when entering the local library which serves as a polling location.
In 2016, Trump cast his ballot in New York, but last year the president switched his official residence in Trump Tower in Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue for Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
According to the United States Elections Project set up by Dr. Michael McDonald, Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Florida, at least 50 million Americans have already cast their ballots during the early voting period. Texas with more than 6.38 million Americans casting their ballots tops the rating of the early vote, followed by California (5.8 million), Florida (4.77 million) and North Carolina (2.69 million).
At the November 3 presidential election, the United States will elect 435 representatives to the House, 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate, and President and Vice President. In addition, voters will head to the ballot boxes to decide on 13 US state and territorial governorships, and numerous other local elections will be held. The Republican president, Donald Trump, is being challenged by Democratic nominee Joe Biden.


tass--2020-10-24--Lukashenko, Pompeo hold phone talks

Lukashenko, Pompeo hold phone talks

MINSK , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held talks by phone with US Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ agency said on Saturday .
`` US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Lukashenko @ @ @ @ @ .
No details of the conversation were reported .
On October 24 , Pompeo said @ @ @ @ @ from the Belarusian government accountability for those who , in Washington ’ s version , @ @ @ @ @ the suppression of democracy '' in the country .
Apart from that , the US @ @ @ @ @ Minsk to allow the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus , Archbishop Tadeusz @ @ @ @ @ to the country .

MINSK, October 24. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held talks by phone with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, BelTA news agency said on Saturday.
"US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Lukashenko," the agency reported.
No details of the conversation were reported.
On October 24, Pompeo said that the United States demanded from the Belarusian government accountability for those who, in Washington’s version, are to blame for "the suppression of democracy" in the country. Apart from that, the US Secretary of State called on Minsk to allow the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Belarus, Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, to come back to the country.


tass--2020-10-24--Baku reports 65 civilian deaths in Azerbaijan since escalation in Karabakh

BAKU , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s Prosecutor General ’ s Office said on Saturday that the @ @ @ @ @ country had risen to 65 , while 297 civilians were wounded .
`` Sixty-five civilians @ @ @ @ @ more wounded in the shelling against inhabited localities by the Armenian side since August 27 @ @ @ @ @ '' the press release says .
Earlier , it was reported that 63 civilians were @ @ @ @ @ Apart from that , according to the Prosecutor General ’ s Office , 398 civil @ @ @ @ @ and 90 apartment buildings were damaged .

BAKU, October 24. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General’s Office said on Saturday that the civilian death toll in the country had risen to 65, while 297 civilians were wounded.
"Sixty-five civilians have been killed and 297 more wounded in the shelling against inhabited localities by the Armenian side since August 27 and up to date," the press release says.
Earlier, it was reported that 63 civilians were killed and 298 wounded.
Apart from that, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office, 398 civil facilities, 2,174 private houses and 90 apartment buildings were damaged.


tass--2020-10-24--Russia a trusted mediator in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict - Armenian president

YEREVAN , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is a trusted and pro-active mediator concerning resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict @ @ @ @ @ ’ s press office said on Saturday , citing his interview with Egypt ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , Russia is a trusted and pro-active mediator between @ @ @ @ @ plays a crucial role here , and it demonstrated its commitment to finding a peaceful @ @ @ @ @ brokering a ceasefire on 10 October .
We must admit that this was a courageous @ @ @ @ @ though the Azeri side remained aggressively stubborn and destructive , '' Sarkissian said .
Renewed @ @ @ @ @ erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July @ @ @ @ @ imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported @ @ @ @ @ .

YEREVAN, October 24. /TASS/. Russia is a trusted and pro-active mediator concerning resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian’s press office said on Saturday, citing his interview with Egypt’s Al-Ahram Weekly.
"In the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Russia is a trusted and pro-active mediator between the conflicting sides. Russia plays a crucial role here, and it demonstrated its commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict by brokering a ceasefire on 10 October. We must admit that this was a courageous and timely move, even though the Azeri side remained aggressively stubborn and destructive," Sarkissian said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-24--US embassy advises US citizens in Belarus to have three-day supplies of food, cash

MINSK , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The US embassy to Belarus has released recommendations for the Americans in Minsk and the rest of Belarus to maintain supplies of food and cash and to avoid mass gatherings in connection with the `` People ’ s Ultimatum '' declared by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , the embassy posted a security alert on its site on Saturday .
`` Last week , a ‘ People ’ s Ultimatum ’ was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25 .
As part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met , consequences were also announced ( protests , strikes , blocking traffic , and other measures ) .
Considering the ultimatum , security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests , demonstrations , rallies , and other similar large gatherings , '' the embassy said .
`` The Embassy encourages US citizens to avoid public demonstrations , to remain aware of their surroundings , and that gatherings intended to be peaceful can quickly become confrontational and escalate into violence .
Furthermore , these activities may cause disruptions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street closures , and an increased police presence around rally sites , '' the diplomats warned .
The embassy advises the US citizens to `` maintain at least a three-day supply of food , water , medications , cash and other essential items for emergency use . ''
Tikhanovskaya said earlier that if the Belarusian government fails to meet the opposition ’ s demands by October 25 , including Alexander Lukashenko ’ s resignation , on October 26 the current president ’ s opponents will be allegedly able to organize strikes on enterprises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters not to buy goods at state-owned stores .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 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, October 24. /TASS/. The US embassy to Belarus has released recommendations for the Americans in Minsk and the rest of Belarus to maintain supplies of food and cash and to avoid mass gatherings in connection with the "People’s Ultimatum" declared by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the embassy posted a security alert on its site on Saturday.
"Last week, a ‘People’s Ultimatum’ was declared calling for the Government of Belarus to meet certain demands by the deadline of October 25. As part of the ultimatum, if demands were not met, consequences were also announced (protests, strikes, blocking traffic, and other measures). Considering the ultimatum, security forces and protesters might escalate their use of force during protests, demonstrations, rallies, and other similar large gatherings," the embassy said.
"The Embassy encourages US citizens to avoid public demonstrations, to remain aware of their surroundings, and that gatherings intended to be peaceful can quickly become confrontational and escalate into violence. Furthermore, these activities may cause disruptions to public transportation services, traffic delays and/or street closures, and an increased police presence around rally sites," the diplomats warned.
The embassy advises the US citizens to "maintain at least a three-day supply of food, water, medications, cash and other essential items for emergency use."
Tikhanovskaya said earlier that if the Belarusian government fails to meet the opposition’s demands by October 25, including Alexander Lukashenko’s resignation, on October 26 the current president’s opponents will be allegedly able to organize strikes on enterprises, block roads and call on their supporters not to buy goods at state-owned stores.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities.
During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-24--Over 344,000 people remain under surveillance in Russia due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Over 344,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to suspicions of @ @ @ @ @ , press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human @ @ @ @ @ `` 344,498 people remain under medical supervision in the Russian Federation , '' the report @ @ @ @ @ department , more than 56.7 mln tests for coronavirus have been carried out , 564,000 @ @ @ @ @ day .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Over 344,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia due to suspicions of contracting a new coronavirus infection, press service of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said on Saturday.
"344,498 people remain under medical supervision in the Russian Federation," the report said.
According to the department, more than 56.7 mln tests for coronavirus have been carried out, 564,000 tests were done over the day.


tass--2020-10-24--Moscow ranks fourth in 100 best cities for living and business list

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow took fourth place in the international rating The World 's 100 Best Cities , which analyzes the attractiveness of the world 's megacities in terms of tourism , accommodation , and business , according to the website of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow .
`` Moscow has improved its performance in the prestigious international ranking The World ’ s 100 Best Cities , moving up one more position and taking the fourth place , '' the statement said .
London , New York , and Paris were ahead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow historically has been one of the international cultural and civilizational centers , Deputy Mayor of the capital Natalia Sergunina noted .
`` Thanks to the comprehensive development programs launched in recent years , we have been able to strengthen our position in all key areas : we have strengthened the economy , increased innovation potential , created a digital ecosystem for residents and businesses .
A new standard for the quality of the urban environment has been set .
It assumes that every district of Moscow should have modern public spaces and @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Moscow took fourth place in the international rating The World's 100 Best Cities, which analyzes the attractiveness of the world's megacities in terms of tourism, accommodation, and business, according to the website of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow.
"Moscow has improved its performance in the prestigious international ranking The World’s 100 Best Cities, moving up one more position and taking the fourth place," the statement said. London, New York, and Paris were ahead of the capital of Russia in the list.
Moscow historically has been one of the international cultural and civilizational centers, Deputy Mayor of the capital Natalia Sergunina noted. "Thanks to the comprehensive development programs launched in recent years, we have been able to strengthen our position in all key areas: we have strengthened the economy, increased innovation potential, created a digital ecosystem for residents and businesses. A new standard for the quality of the urban environment has been set. It assumes that every district of Moscow should have modern public spaces and infrastructure," she added.


tass--2020-10-24--Early presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan scheduled for January 10

BISHKEK , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Early presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan are scheduled for January 10 , press secretary of the Central Election Commission of the republic Ruslan Izrekov told TASS .
`` Early presidential elections are scheduled for January 10 , 2021 , '' he said .
On October 4 , Kyrgyzstan held parliamentary elections .
The next day , representatives of political parties that failed to secure seats in the parliament engaged in mass unrest in Bishkek , seized a number of state power buildings and released former President Almazbek Atambayev from a detention center as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov .
Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov and Parliament Speaker Dastanbek Jumabekov resigned .
After that the head of state declared the state of emergency in Bishkek and the Central Election Commission declared the election results null and void .
In accordance with the legislation , the Commission has to set a new date for an election rerun before November 6 .
On Tuesday and Wednesday , new speaker and prime minister were elected in Kyrgyzstan .
On October 14 , President Jeenbekov announced his resignation , the election of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months .
According to the legislation , the interim president can not take part in the election .

BISHKEK, October 24. /TASS/. Early presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan are scheduled for January 10, press secretary of the Central Election Commission of the republic Ruslan Izrekov told TASS.
"Early presidential elections are scheduled for January 10, 2021," he said.
On October 4, Kyrgyzstan held parliamentary elections. The next day, representatives of political parties that failed to secure seats in the parliament engaged in mass unrest in Bishkek, seized a number of state power buildings and released former President Almazbek Atambayev from a detention center as well as some other politicians, including the new Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov.
Prime Minister Kubatbek Boronov and Parliament Speaker Dastanbek Jumabekov resigned. After that the head of state declared the state of emergency in Bishkek and the Central Election Commission declared the election results null and void. In accordance with the legislation, the Commission has to set a new date for an election rerun before November 6. On Tuesday and Wednesday, new speaker and prime minister were elected in Kyrgyzstan. On October 14, President Jeenbekov announced his resignation, the election of a new president should take place within three months. According to the legislation, the interim president cannot take part in the election.


tass--2020-10-24--Armenia denies information about destroyed aircraft in Karabakh conflict zone

YEREVAN , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The statement of the Azerbaijani side about the destruction of the Armenian aircraft @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh conflict does not represent reality , press secretary of the Armenian Defense Ministry Shushan @ @ @ @ @ channel on Saturday .
`` The statement about the destruction of the Armenian plane is @ @ @ @ @ she said .
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry earlier announced destruction of an Armenian Air Force @ @ @ @ @ Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in @ @ @ @ @ July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both @ @ @ @ @ reported casualties , among them civilians .

YEREVAN, October 24. /TASS/. The statement of the Azerbaijani side about the destruction of the Armenian aircraft in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict does not represent reality, press secretary of the Armenian Defense Ministry Shushan Stepanyan wrote in her telegram channel on Saturday.
"The statement about the destruction of the Armenian plane is an absolute lie," she said.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry earlier announced destruction of an Armenian Air Force combat aircraft in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.


tass--2020-10-24--Baku announces destroying Armenian combat aircraft

BAKU , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced destroying an Armenian Air Force combat aircraft in Nagorno-Karabakh on Saturday .
`` On the afternoon of October 24 , a combat aircraft of the Armenian Air Force was shot down by Azerbaijani air defense units , '' the ministry said in a statement .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, October 24. /TASS/. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced destroying an Armenian Air Force combat aircraft in Nagorno-Karabakh on Saturday.
"On the afternoon of October 24, a combat aircraft of the Armenian Air Force was shot down by Azerbaijani air defense units," the ministry said in a statement.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-25--Putin says US presence in Afghanistan is good for security

MOSCOW , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the continued presence of American troops in Afghanistan is beneficial for overall security .
`` Initially , we backed US forces ’ presence in Afghanistan and earlier voted in favor of a respective UN Security Council resolution .
I still believe that US presence in Afghanistan does not run counter to our external interests , '' Putin said in an interview with `` Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin '' program on Rossiya-1 TV channel .
`` On the contrary , when it was announced that the Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - yes , our official position is that maybe this creates additional conditions for a kind of Afghan reconciliation - but I personally think that this creates many risks , '' Putin said .
`` First , we will have to spend more to maintain stability and second , no matter what , still US presence in Afghanistan contributes to stability in the country and their exit creates risks , '' the Russian leader explained , also noting that the two countries ’ special services continued working in this direction .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an anti-terrorist effort , '' Putin stressed .

MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the continued presence of American troops in Afghanistan is beneficial for overall security.
"Initially, we backed US forces’ presence in Afghanistan and earlier voted in favor of a respective UN Security Council resolution. I still believe that US presence in Afghanistan does not run counter to our external interests," Putin said in an interview with "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" program on Rossiya-1 TV channel.
"On the contrary, when it was announced that the Americans are preparing to withdraw their military contingent - yes, our official position is that maybe this creates additional conditions for a kind of Afghan reconciliation - but I personally think that this creates many risks," Putin said.
"First, we will have to spend more to maintain stability and second, no matter what, still US presence in Afghanistan contributes to stability in the country and their exit creates risks," the Russian leader explained. "We don’t have to fight against the Americans’ presence there."
Putin noted that the two countries’ special services continued working in this direction. "We are cooperating with the US despite numerous contradictions on a lot of areas, still cooperation at the level of special services is underway," he said. In particular, this is cooperation on de-conflicting in Syria and a very good working contact was established at the operational level and at the level of military units’ chiefs.
War on terror
According to Putin, the Americans share data on anti-terror with their Russian colleagues. "We view the Americans’ effort in Afghanistan as an anti-terrorist effort," Putin stressed.
"They hand over and repeatedly handed over [data] to us. I thanked incumbent President [Donald Trump] because information that we received from America helped us prevent several terrorist acts in Russia," Putin noted. "In our turn, we are trying to do the same and we have such an agreement with the incumbent US president that if this information emerges, we will share it and help each other.".


tass--2020-10-25--Russia records over 114,500 new coronavirus cases this week

MOSCOW , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus case tally grew by 114,543 in the past seven @ @ @ @ @ since the start of the pandemic , according to TASS estimates based on the anti-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , the crisis center confirmed 100,616 new cases .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ On October 12-18 , the crisis center recorded 1,590 deaths from coronavirus , and on @ @ @ @ @ 1,863 deaths ( a 17 % increase ) .
However , the mortality rate declined @ @ @ @ @ to 1.72 % this Sunday .
In the past seven days , 67,946 people recovered @ @ @ @ @ , according to the crisis center .
However , amid the rising morbidity rate the @ @ @ @ @ decline from 76.5 % a week ago to 75.2 % .

MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus case tally grew by 114,543 in the past seven days, a record high since the start of the pandemic, according to TASS estimates based on the anti-coronavirus crisis center’s data.
Last week, the crisis center confirmed 100,616 new cases.
The number of registered deaths significantly grew. On October 12-18, the crisis center recorded 1,590 deaths from coronavirus, and on October 19-25, it confirmed 1,863 deaths (a 17% increase).
However, the mortality rate declined from 1.73% last Sunday to 1.72% this Sunday.
In the past seven days, 67,946 people recovered against 50,134 a week earlier, according to the crisis center. However, amid the rising morbidity rate the share of recoveries continued to decline from 76.5% a week ago to 75.2%.


tass--2020-10-25--Russia’s coronavirus case tally exceeds 1.5 mln

MOSCOW , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 16,710 in the past day to 1,513,877 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday .
Immunity against coronavirus may be long-term , expert says A 1.1 % growth rate was recorded in the past two days , the crisis center reported .
The lowest growth rate in the past day was registered in the Chechen Republic ( 0.4 % ) , the Moscow Region , the Chuvash Republic , the Dagestan Republic and the Tatarstan Republic ( 0.6 % ) .
Most cases were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Petersburg ( 709 ) , the Moscow Region ( 491 ) , the Nizhny Novgorod Region ( 396 ) and the Rostov Region ( 306 ) .
Currently , 349,305 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia .
Russia ’ s coronavirus recoveries rose by 7,704 in the past day to 1,138,522 .
According to the crisis center , the share of recoveries dropped to 75.2 % .
In the past day , 2,614 patients were discharged in Moscow , 387 in St. Petersburg , 318 in the Moscow Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 224 in the Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk Regions .
Russia ’ s coronavirus death toll rose by 229 in the past day versus 296 a day earlier .
Russia ’ s total death toll from the coronavirus hit 26,050 .
The average mortality rate dropped to 1.72 % .
Over the past 24 hours , 68 deaths were recorded in Moscow , 25 in St. Petersburg , 11 in the Rostov and Nizhny Novgorod Regions , nine in the Moscow and Irkutsk Regions , in the Republic of Dagestan and in another 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 .

MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 16,710 in the past day to 1,513,877, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday.
Immunity against coronavirus may be long-term, expert says
A 1.1% growth rate was recorded in the past two days, the crisis center reported.
The lowest growth rate in the past day was registered in the Chechen Republic (0.4%), the Moscow Region, the Chuvash Republic, the Dagestan Republic and the Tatarstan Republic (0.6%).
Most cases were confirmed in Moscow (4,455), St. Petersburg (709), the Moscow Region (491), the Nizhny Novgorod Region (396) and the Rostov Region (306).
Currently, 349,305 people are undergoing treatment for the coronavirus in Russia.
Recovered patients
Russia’s coronavirus recoveries rose by 7,704 in the past day to 1,138,522.
According to the crisis center, the share of recoveries dropped to 75.2%.
In the past day, 2,614 patients were discharged in Moscow, 387 in St. Petersburg, 318 in the Moscow Region, 228 in the Altai Region, 224 in the Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk Regions.
Number of coronavirus deaths
Russia’s coronavirus death toll rose by 229 in the past day versus 296 a day earlier.
Russia’s total death toll from the coronavirus hit 26,050. The average mortality rate dropped to 1.72%.
Over the past 24 hours, 68 deaths were recorded in Moscow, 25 in St. Petersburg, 11 in the Rostov and Nizhny Novgorod Regions, nine in the Moscow and Irkutsk Regions, in the Republic of Dagestan and in another 30 regions the death toll did not exceed 8.


tass--2020-10-25--Armenia says situation in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone remains tense

YEREVAN , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
Fighting continues in the conflict zone in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic , Armenian Defense Ministry Press Secretary Shushan Stepanyan wrote on her Telegram channel on Sunday .
`` At night the situation in the area of the standoff between Artsakh [ the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic ] and Azerbaijan remained stably tense .
In some areas artillery battles continued , '' Stepanyan said .
According to her , late on Saturday Azerbaijan ’ s Armed Forces shelled from artillery weapons the settlements in the Martuninsky and Askeransky districts in Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` Currently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all directions of the frontline , '' Stepanyan said .
The Artsakh Defense Army ’ s units continue operations against sabotage and reconnaissance groups of Azerbaijan ’ s Armed Forces , she added .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Fighting continues in the region despite two declared ceasefire agreements .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
The conflict between Armenia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

YEREVAN, October 25. /TASS/. Fighting continues in the conflict zone in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Armenian Defense Ministry Press Secretary Shushan Stepanyan wrote on her Telegram channel on Sunday.
"At night the situation in the area of the standoff between Artsakh [the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic] and Azerbaijan remained stably tense. In some areas artillery battles continued," Stepanyan said.
According to her, late on Saturday Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces shelled from artillery weapons the settlements in the Martuninsky and Askeransky districts in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"Currently, battles of a local scale are underway in all directions of the frontline," Stepanyan said. The Artsakh Defense Army’s units continue operations against sabotage and reconnaissance groups of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces, she added.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Fighting continues in the region despite two declared ceasefire agreements. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-25--Baku says Azerbaijani forces advance in some Nagorno-Karabakh areas

BAKU , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s forces have been advancing in a number of directions during the ongoing battles in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone , the Defense Ministry reported on Sunday .
`` On October 24 and on October 25 night fighting continued with various intensity in the Agderinsky , Hodzhavendsky , Fisuli , Gadrutsky , Gubadlinsky and Lachinsky directions of the frontline .
The enemy shelled the Azerbaijan army ’ s positions from small arms , mortars and machine guns .
< ... > The Azerbaijani forces , which dealt a serious blow to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lachinsky districts , advanced to the new positions in various directions , '' the ministry said .
According to the Defense Ministry , a significant number of Armenian forces ’ military hardware was destroyed , including two tanks , two infantry fighting vehicles , four D-30 howitzers and seven vehicles .
`` Currently , combat actions are ongoing along the entire frontline .
Azerbaijan ’ s forces are controlling the operational situation , '' the ministry said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fighting continues in the region despite two declared ceasefire agreements .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, October 25. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s forces have been advancing in a number of directions during the ongoing battles in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, the Defense Ministry reported on Sunday.
"On October 24 and on October 25 night fighting continued with various intensity in the Agderinsky, Hodzhavendsky, Fisuli, Gadrutsky, Gubadlinsky and Lachinsky directions of the frontline. The enemy shelled the Azerbaijan army’s positions from small arms, mortars and machine guns. <...> The Azerbaijani forces, which dealt a serious blow to the enemy in the Hodzhavendsky, Gubadlinsky and Lachinsky districts, advanced to the new positions in various directions," the ministry said.
According to the Defense Ministry, a significant number of Armenian forces’ military hardware was destroyed, including two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, four D-30 howitzers and seven vehicles.
"Currently, combat actions are ongoing along the entire frontline. Azerbaijan’s forces are controlling the operational situation," the ministry said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Fighting continues in the region despite two declared ceasefire agreements. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-25--Over 348,000 remain under medical supervision over coronavirus in Russia

MOSCOW , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
More than 348,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected @ @ @ @ @ watchdog said on Sunday .
`` Some 348,791 people remain under medical supervision in Russia @ @ @ @ @ for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported .
More than 57.3 mln @ @ @ @ @ out , including 550,000 tests in the past day , according to the sanitary watchdog @

MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. More than 348,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection, the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday.
"Some 348,791 people remain under medical supervision in Russia," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported.
More than 57.3 mln COVID-19 tests have been carried out, including 550,000 tests in the past day, according to the sanitary watchdog.


tass--2020-10-25--Pompeo urges Lukashenko to let political strategist Shklyarov leave Belarus

WASHINGTON , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in a @ @ @ @ @ political strategist Vitaly Shklyarov , a US citizen , leave the territory of Belarus immediately @ @ @ @ @ US Department of State told TASS .
`` The Secretary of State urged a full @ @ @ @ @ Belarus of the illegitimately detained US citizen Vitaly Shklyarov , '' the representative said .
@ @ @ @ @ July in Gomel and accused of organizing and preparing actions disturbing public order .
The @ @ @ @ @ Belarus but lived in the US for several years .
His wife and a child @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, October 25. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in a telephone conversation to let the political strategist Vitaly Shklyarov, a US citizen, leave the territory of Belarus immediately, a representative of the US Department of State told TASS.
"The Secretary of State urged a full release and immediate departure from Belarus of the illegitimately detained US citizen Vitaly Shklyarov," the representative said.
Shklyarov was detained in late July in Gomel and accused of organizing and preparing actions disturbing public order. The political strategist was born in Belarus but lived in the US for several years. His wife and a child are US citizens.


tass--2020-10-25--Blast-hit tanker in Sea of Azov was in good repair, says emergencies ministry

MOSCOW , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian tanker General Azi Aslanov hit by an explosion in the Sea @ @ @ @ @ repair , chief of the Emergency Ministry ’ s directorate in the Krasnodar Region Oleg @ @ @ @ @ According to the information we obtained , the vessel that underwent maintenance was in good @ @ @ @ @ the explosion will be defined by a commission , '' he said .
The emergency @ @ @ @ @ scene of the accident concerning a possible oil and petroleum products spill , he added @ @ @ @ @ oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
There were 13 crew members onboard .
Ten of them were rescued .
@ @ @ @ @ is being investigated .
Safety violations and hot work might have caused the explosion , @ @ @ @ @ services told TASS earlier .

MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. The Russian tanker General Azi Aslanov hit by an explosion in the Sea of Azov was in good repair, chief of the Emergency Ministry’s directorate in the Krasnodar Region Oleg Volynkin told reporters.
"According to the information we obtained, the vessel that underwent maintenance was in good repair. The reason of the explosion will be defined by a commission," he said.
The emergency response group will examine the scene of the accident concerning a possible oil and petroleum products spill, he added.
An explosion rocked the oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from the Kavkaz port to Rostov-on-Don without a cargo on Saturday. There were 13 crew members onboard. Ten of them were rescued.
The cause of the emergency is being investigated. Safety violations and hot work might have caused the explosion, a source in the emergency services told TASS earlier.


tass--2020-10-26--Russian observers to carry out flight over Slovenia under Open Skies Treaty

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian observers will carry out a flight aboard an An-30B jet over Slovenia @ @ @ @ @ Skies , head of the Russian National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergei Ryzhkov said Monday @ @ @ @ @ implementing the international Treaty on Open Skies , a Russian group of inspectors is planning @ @ @ @ @ aboard an An-30B observation plane over the territory of Slovenia , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ flight will take place between October 26 and 30 , 2020 from open skies air @ @ @ @ @ ’ s maximum distance will be 500 km .
The Russian plane will follow the @ @ @ @ @ specialists on board will supervise the use of observation equipment and adherence to the treaty @ @ @ @ @ flights under the treaty are carried out to boost openness and transparency in military activities @ @ @ @ @ as strengthen confidence building measures .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russian observers will carry out a flight aboard an An-30B jet over Slovenia under the Treaty on Open Skies, head of the Russian National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergei Ryzhkov said Monday.
"As part of implementing the international Treaty on Open Skies, a Russian group of inspectors is planning to perform an observation flight aboard an An-30B observation plane over the territory of Slovenia," he said.
According to him, the flight will take place between October 26 and 30, 2020 from open skies air strip Ljubljana. The flight’s maximum distance will be 500 km.
The Russian plane will follow the agreed route, while Slovene specialists on board will supervise the use of observation equipment and adherence to the treaty’s provisions.
Observation flights under the treaty are carried out to boost openness and transparency in military activities of the signatories as well as strengthen confidence building measures.


tass--2020-10-26--Trump congratulates Yerevan, Baku on reaching ceasefire agreement

WASHINGTON , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump has offered congratulations Sunday to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on reaching an agreement on establishing a ceasefire which will come into effect October 26 .
`` Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev , who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight .
Many lives will be saved .
Proud of my team US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , [ his first deputy ] Steve Biegun and the White House National Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earlier on Sunday , the US State Department issued a joint statement of the US , Armenia and Azerbaijan .
The document noted that the parties to the conflict confirmed their commitment to `` implement and abide by the humanitarian ceasefire agreed in Moscow on October 10 . ''
It will take effect at 08:00 am local time on October 26 .
The peaceful settlement talks to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been going on since 1992 in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group headed by its three co-chairs , Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 , 2020 , Vladimir Putin , Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron as the leaders three co-chairing countries adopted a statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh situation , condemning escalation of violence along the line of contact and calling for an immediate ceasefire .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

WASHINGTON, October 26. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has offered congratulations Sunday to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on reaching an agreement on establishing a ceasefire which will come into effect October 26.
"Congratulations to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who just agreed to adhere to a cease fire effective at midnight. Many lives will be saved. Proud of my team US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, [his first deputy] Steve Biegun and the White House National Security Council," he said via Twitter.
Earlier on Sunday, the US State Department issued a joint statement of the US, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The document noted that the parties to the conflict confirmed their commitment to "implement and abide by the humanitarian ceasefire agreed in Moscow on October 10." It will take effect at 08:00 am local time on October 26.
The peaceful settlement talks to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been going on since 1992 in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group headed by its three co-chairs, Russia, the US and France. On October 1, 2020, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron as the leaders three co-chairing countries adopted a statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh situation, condemning escalation of violence along the line of contact and calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-26--Russia’s Glonass-K satellite successfully launched into calculated orbit

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Fregat booster has successfully placed the Glonass-K satellite into the calculated orbit , the Russian Defense Ministry reported .
`` The Soyuz-2.1b middle class carrier rocket launched on Sunday , October 25 , at 22:08 Moscow time from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk Region has successfully placed the Russian Glonass-K navigation spacecraft into the calculated orbit in the scheduled time , '' the ministry noted .
The ministry ’ s information department pointed out that the launch and the operation were carried out as planned .
It was also emphasized that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Aerospace Forces ’ ground aids .
`` The Russian Glonass-K navigation spacecraft < … > was taken under control of ground aids of the Titov Main Test and Space Systems Control Centre of the Russian Space Forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces , '' the ministry informed , adding that connection with the satellite was successfully established and is now maintained .
Glonass-K systems are functioning as normal .
The group of Glonass satellites comprises 24 spacecraft in circular orbits .
At present , the group has 27 spacecraft with 24 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials , another one is in the reserve , and yet another one is in maintenance .
Two of the spacecraft are of the Glonass-K series ( with the launched satellite to become third ) , while the rest are of the Glonass-M series .
In the future , all spacecraft are planned to be changed for Glonass-K ones .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The Fregat booster has successfully placed the Glonass-K satellite into the calculated orbit, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
"The Soyuz-2.1b middle class carrier rocket launched on Sunday, October 25, at 22:08 Moscow time from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk Region has successfully placed the Russian Glonass-K navigation spacecraft into the calculated orbit in the scheduled time," the ministry noted.
The ministry’s information department pointed out that the launch and the operation were carried out as planned. It was also emphasized that the satellite was placed under control of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ ground aids. "The Russian Glonass-K navigation spacecraft <…> was taken under control of ground aids of the Titov Main Test and Space Systems Control Centre of the Russian Space Forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces," the ministry informed, adding that connection with the satellite was successfully established and is now maintained. Glonass-K systems are functioning as normal.
The group of Glonass satellites comprises 24 spacecraft in circular orbits. At present, the group has 27 spacecraft with 24 of them operational, one is undergoing flight trials, another one is in the reserve, and yet another one is in maintenance. Two of the spacecraft are of the Glonass-K series (with the launched satellite to become third), while the rest are of the Glonass-M series. In the future, all spacecraft are planned to be changed for Glonass-K ones.