tass--2020-10-26--Russia hopes Turkey fulfills its obligations on Hagia Sophia, top diplomat says

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow hopes that Ankara will fulfill its obligations related to the status of the Hagia Sophia cathedral in Istanbul as a UNESCO World Heritage site , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Athens-Macedonian News Agency ( AMNA ) .
He emphasized that for Russians Hagia Sophia is particularly valuable from the spiritual point of view .
`` We proceed from the fact that the Turkish side , as we were assured numerous times , will be guided by principles of mutual respect , will treat the feelings of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfill the obligations it undertook to observe all rules and conditions related to the status of the site , will ensure its complete integrity and accessibility for tourists and pilgrims , '' the top diplomat pointed out .
He noted that the Russian side has regularly informed the Turkish partners of its position , both at high and the highest levels .
According to him , the activity of the monitoring mission of experts of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre is important for the evaluation of the cathedral ’ s condition .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the inspection conducted on October 5-9 of this year , the commission ’ s conclusions will be presented soon , including the expert report regarding the quality of the restoration work conducted by the Turkish side as well as ideas on observing open access to Hagia Sophia of representatives of all confessions , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Moscow hopes that Ankara will fulfill its obligations related to the status of the Hagia Sophia cathedral in Istanbul as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).
He emphasized that for Russians Hagia Sophia is particularly valuable from the spiritual point of view. "We proceed from the fact that the Turkish side, as we were assured numerous times, will be guided by principles of mutual respect, will treat the feelings of the Orthodox believers with due attention and will fulfill the obligations it undertook to observe all rules and conditions related to the status of the site, will ensure its complete integrity and accessibility for tourists and pilgrims," the top diplomat pointed out. He noted that the Russian side has regularly informed the Turkish partners of its position, both at high and the highest levels.
According to him, the activity of the monitoring mission of experts of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre is important for the evaluation of the cathedral’s condition. "We hope that according to the results of the inspection conducted on October 5-9 of this year, the commission’s conclusions will be presented soon, including the expert report regarding the quality of the restoration work conducted by the Turkish side as well as ideas on observing open access to Hagia Sophia of representatives of all confessions," he concluded.


tass--2020-10-26--Latest corvette built for Russia’s Pacific Fleet holds artillery firings in Sea of Japan

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 20380 latest corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov built for Russia ’ s Pacific Fleet carried out first artillery firings in the Sea of Japan as part of shipbuilders ’ sea trials , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` Structural tests of the shipborne armament were held in the Sea of Japan with a set of artillery firings .
The 100mm A-190 universal shipborne artillery gun and the AK-630 six-barrel automatic artillery systems were tested in various modes and jamming was conducted , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Pacific Fleet ’ s auxiliary vessels and also aircraft and helicopters of its naval aviation are providing support for the corvette ’ s trials at sea , the statement says .
The Project 20380 third corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering ( St. Petersburg ) is designed to accomplish green-water missions , fight enemy surface ships and submarines and provide artillery support for amphibious assault operations .
The corvette incorporates the latest solutions for reducing its physical fields .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its radar signature during the construction , using radio absorption materials and specially designing the ship ’ s hull and superstructure .
Project 20380 ships are armed with universal artillery guns , surface-to-air missile/artillery systems , supersonic missiles and automatic artillery launchers .
The Project 20380 corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter .
They displace 2,200 tonnes and have a crew of 99 .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The Project 20380 latest corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov built for Russia’s Pacific Fleet carried out first artillery firings in the Sea of Japan as part of shipbuilders’ sea trials, the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
"Structural tests of the shipborne armament were held in the Sea of Japan with a set of artillery firings. The 100mm A-190 universal shipborne artillery gun and the AK-630 six-barrel automatic artillery systems were tested in various modes and jamming was conducted," the press office said in a statement.
The Pacific Fleet’s auxiliary vessels and also aircraft and helicopters of its naval aviation are providing support for the corvette’s trials at sea, the statement says.
The Project 20380 third corvette Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering (St. Petersburg) is designed to accomplish green-water missions, fight enemy surface ships and submarines and provide artillery support for amphibious assault operations.
The corvette incorporates the latest solutions for reducing its physical fields. In particular, the shipbuilders significantly reduced its radar signature during the construction, using radio absorption materials and specially designing the ship’s hull and superstructure.
Project 20380 ships are armed with universal artillery guns, surface-to-air missile/artillery systems, supersonic missiles and automatic artillery launchers. The Project 20380 corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter. They displace 2,200 tonnes and have a crew of 99.


tass--2020-10-26--Rescue operation in Sea of Azov ended

Rescue operation in Sea of Azov ended

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The search and rescue operation in the Sea of Azov after the explosion on board the oil tanker has ended because there are no chances to find the three missed seamen alive , the press service of the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS .
Blast-hit tanker in Sea of Azov was in good repair , says emergencies ministry '' The search and rescue operation has ended today by the decision of the Marine Rescue Center because there are no chances to find the people alive , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The decision was made to tow the tanker to a berth in Port Krym after completion of the inspection , the Agency said .
`` The ship obtained sufficient buoyancy , obstacles were eliminated and the decision was taken on towing it to Port Krym , '' the press service noted .
`` A plating fragment hanging down the vessel collapsed in the morning without extra aid ; no additional work was needed in connection therewith and divers were not engaged , '' the press service added .
On Saturday evening , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product vapors occurred onboard the oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from Port Kavkaz to Rostov-on-Don without cargo .
There were 13 crewmembers on board .
Ten of them were rescued .
The cause of the emergency is being investigated .
Safety violations and hot work might have caused the blast , a source from the emergency services told TASS earlier .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The search and rescue operation in the Sea of Azov after the explosion on board the oil tanker has ended because there are no chances to find the three missed seamen alive, the press service of the Russian Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport told TASS.
Blast-hit tanker in Sea of Azov was in good repair, says emergencies ministry
"The search and rescue operation has ended today by the decision of the Marine Rescue Center because there are no chances to find the people alive," the Agency’s spokesperson told TASS.
The decision was made to tow the tanker to a berth in Port Krym after completion of the inspection, the Agency said.
"The ship obtained sufficient buoyancy, obstacles were eliminated and the decision was taken on towing it to Port Krym," the press service noted. "A plating fragment hanging down the vessel collapsed in the morning without extra aid; no additional work was needed in connection therewith and divers were not engaged," the press service added.
On Saturday evening, at about 19.00, an explosion of petroleum product vapors occurred onboard the oil tanker General Azi Aslanov sailing under the Russian flag from Port Kavkaz to Rostov-on-Don without cargo. There were 13 crewmembers on board. Ten of them were rescued.
The cause of the emergency is being investigated. Safety violations and hot work might have caused the blast, a source from the emergency services told TASS earlier.


tass--2020-10-26--Kremlin castigates Biden’s remark about Russia being biggest threat to US

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow regrets that attempts are being made in the US to spread hatred @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Peskov said , commenting on US presidential candidate Joe Biden ’ s statement that @ @ @ @ @ to the United States at the moment .
`` It ’ s not right , @ @ @ @ @ assertion , '' Peskov noted .
`` We can only regret that hatred against Russia @ @ @ @ @ and our country is depicted as an adversary , '' Peskov noted .
Biden said @ @ @ @ @ CBS that `` the biggest threat to America right now in terms of breaking up @ @ @ @ @ is Russia . ''
Biden said in September that he viewed Russia as an opponent @ @ @ @ @ presidential election is scheduled to take place on November 3 .
The major candidates are @ @ @ @ @ and Democrat former Vice President Joe Biden .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Moscow regrets that attempts are being made in the US to spread hatred against Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on US presidential candidate Joe Biden’s statement that Russia was the biggest threat to the United States at the moment.
"It’s not right, we strongly disagree with that assertion," Peskov noted. "We can only regret that hatred against Russia is being spread this way and our country is depicted as an adversary," Peskov noted.
Biden said earlier in an interview with CBS that "the biggest threat to America right now in terms of breaking up our security and our alliances is Russia." Biden said in September that he viewed Russia as an opponent.
The 2020 United States presidential election is scheduled to take place on November 3. The major candidates are Republican incumbent President Donald Trump and Democrat former Vice President Joe Biden.


tass--2020-10-26--128th Canton Fair Concludes, Empowering International Trade Recovery

GUANGZHOU , China , Oct. 26 .
/PRNewswire/ .
The 10-day 128th China Import and Export Fair ( Canton Fair ) concluded on its cutting-edge digital platform which has provided a unique opportunity for international businesses and buyers to embrace a barrier-free trade experience at their fingertip .
The Fair welcomed buyers from record-breaking 226 countries and regions .
As of October 24 , its platform has received 51.17 million visits , including over 7.89 million visits to companies ' virtual exhibition hall .
Xu Bing , Spokesperson of the Canton Fair and Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has brought extreme challenges as countries try to simultaneously expand their economies and save lives .
China endeavors to facilitate a return to normality for international industry and supply chains , as well as aiding in the recovery of international trade and investment .
26,000 exhibitors brought more than 2.47 million products , an increase of 16.5 percent from the last edition , including 8,500 products from 346 international exhibitors across 30 countries .
Among them , 730,000 new products were launched at the event , increasing by 21.6 percent .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant trending products with innovation in design , function , craftsmanship and materials .
131 products from 91 companies were rewarded for their bold and innovative designs , receiving prizes from the prestigious 2020 Canton Fair Design Awards .
The grand trade show also applies `` new '' technologies such as big data , cloud computing and artificial intelligence , offering an immersive experience to buyers through the use of graphics , videos , 3-D and virtual reality ( VR ) platforms .
The VR exhibition hall showcased products from 2,046 companies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while customized live streaming showrooms were also a hit , with 1.89 million people tuning in .
Buyers commented on this virtual Canton Fair that it has offered exceptional user experience from browsing new products , knowing new technologies and market insights to joining an interactive conversation .
The upgraded functions have enabled them efficiently to access high-quality products from a number of suppliers and manufacturers online .
In addition to exhibitions , the Canton Fair also hosted a series of online and offline supporting events to exploreand further boost international trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted in 37 countries and regions , and 6 business associations from Africa , Europe and Asia joined Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partnership Program .

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 26. /PRNewswire/. The 10-day 128th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) concluded on its cutting-edge digital platform which has provided a unique opportunity for international businesses and buyers to embrace a barrier-free trade experience at their fingertip.
The Fair welcomed buyers from record-breaking 226 countries and regions. As of October 24, its platform has received 51.17 million visits, including over 7.89 million visits to companies' virtual exhibition hall.
Xu Bing, Spokesperson of the Canton Fair and Deputy Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, noted that the current COVID-19 pandemic has brought extreme challenges as countries try to simultaneously expand their economies and save lives. China endeavors to facilitate a return to normality for international industry and supply chains, as well as aiding in the recovery of international trade and investment.
26,000 exhibitors brought more than 2.47 million products, an increase of 16.5 percent from the last edition, including 8,500 products from 346 international exhibitors across 30 countries. Among them, 730,000 new products were launched at the event, increasing by 21.6 percent.
This year's Canton Fair has seen a significant trending products with innovation in design, function, craftsmanship and materials. 131 products from 91 companies were rewarded for their bold and innovative designs, receiving prizes from the prestigious 2020 Canton Fair Design Awards.
The grand trade show also applies "new" technologies such as big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, offering an immersive experience to buyers through the use of graphics, videos, 3-D and virtual reality (VR) platforms. The VR exhibition hall showcased products from 2,046 companies, and was visited 163,200 times in total, while customized live streaming showrooms were also a hit, with 1.89 million people tuning in.
Buyers commented on this virtual Canton Fair that it has offered exceptional user experience from browsing new products, knowing new technologies and market insights to joining an interactive conversation. The upgraded functions have enabled them efficiently to access high-quality products from a number of suppliers and manufacturers online.
In addition to exhibitions, the Canton Fair also hosted a series of online and offline supporting events to exploreand further boost international trade. 38 virtual business matching events were hosted in 37 countries and regions, and 6 business associations from Africa, Europe and Asia joined Canton Fair Global Cooperative Partnership Program.


tass--2020-10-26--Russian online retailers can be obliged to accept cash, reports say

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare has developed @ @ @ @ @ law that can bind online retailers to provide buyers with different payment methods , including @ @ @ @ @ newspaper reports on Monday , citing the draft document .
The regulator suggests identifying unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ agreements infringing upon consumer rights and running counter to effective standards , the newspaper says @ @ @ @ @ when various online services do not provide buyers with an option of choosing payments in @ @ @ @ @ of Economic Development prepared a positive assessment of the regulatory impact for the draft document @ @ @ @ @ undergo interdepartmental coordination now , the newspaper says .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare has developed amendments to the consumer rights law that can bind online retailers to provide buyers with different payment methods, including by cash, the Izvestiya newspaper reports on Monday, citing the draft document.
The regulator suggests identifying unacceptable terms of sale and purchase agreements infringing upon consumer rights and running counter to effective standards, the newspaper says. This refers to cases when various online services do not provide buyers with an option of choosing payments in cash.
The Russian Ministry of Economic Development prepared a positive assessment of the regulatory impact for the draft document after its revision. Amendments undergo interdepartmental coordination now, the newspaper says.


tass--2020-10-26--Moscow ready not to deploy 9M729 missiles in European Russia, Putin says

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is prepared to refrain from deploying in its European part the 9M729 missiles , which Washington regards as a violation of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty , but on the condition of reciprocal steps by the NATO countries .
In that connection , Putin suggested considering different verification measures , including those regarding the Aegis Ashore systems at US and NATO bases in Europe and Russia 's facilities in the Kaliningrad Region .
Putin said that Russia remained committed to the moratorium on the deployment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and described as still relevant the invitation addressed to NATO for declaring a similar reciprocal moratorium .
Also , he urged all parties concerned to explore ways of maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific Region `` in a world without the INF treaty . ''
The full text of Putin 's statement is found below .
`` The Russian Federation remains of the opinion that the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty is a crucial element of the architecture of maintaining international security and strategic stability .
The treaty played a special role in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missile sphere in the European space .
We believe that the United States ' pullout from the INF Treaty , which resulted in its termination , was a serious mistake that exacerbated the risks of a missile weapons race , growth of the confrontation potential and slide into uncontrolled escalation .
In view of the lingering Russia-NATO tensions , the new threats to pan-European security are obvious .
In a situation like this , vigorous efforts are needed to ease the shortage of trust , to strengthen regional and global stability , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and disagreements in the field of missile weapons .
In this context , we reaffirm the commitment to the Russian Federation 's previously announced moratorium on the deployment of ground-launched intermediate-and shorter-range missiles as long as no similar class missile weapons of US manufacture emerge in the respective regions .
We also believe that our call addressed to the NATO countries for considering the possibility of declaring a reciprocal moratorium remains relevant .
In order to promote the search for compromise political and diplomatic solutions we are prepared for further steps geared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the INF Treaty on the basis of principles of equal and indivisible security and respect for the balance of interests .
Proceeding from our earlier proposal for devising instruments of control to back up the Russian initiative for reciprocal moratoriums we invite all parties concerned to consider options of mutual verification measures for lifting of the existing concern .
`` In particular , it might be possible to consider verification measures regarding the Aegis Ashore systems equipped with Mk 41 launchers at US and NATO bases in Europe and the 9M729 missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Region .
The purpose of such verification measures would be to confirm the absence from the facilities , encompassed by the agreements , of ground-launched intermediate and shorter range missiles as well as weapons whose parameters and classification have remained a controversy between the two parties ( Russia 's missile 9M729 ) .
While staying committed to the consistent position the 9M729 missile is in full conformity with the terminated INF Treaty , Russia nevertheless is prepared to act in the spirit of good will and to refrain from deploying the 9M729 missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but on the condition of reciprocal steps by the NATO countries , which will rule out the deployment in Europe of weapons that were outlawed under the INF Treaty .
We are calling upon all parties concerned to explore ways of maintaining stability and preventing missile crises `` in a world without the INF Treaty '' regarding the Asia-Pacific Region .
We are open to joint work along these lines . ''

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia is prepared to refrain from deploying in its European part the 9M729 missiles, which Washington regards as a violation of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty, but on the condition of reciprocal steps by the NATO countries. In that connection, Putin suggested considering different verification measures, including those regarding the Aegis Ashore systems at US and NATO bases in Europe and Russia's facilities in the Kaliningrad Region.
Putin said that Russia remained committed to the moratorium on the deployment of the ground-launched intermediate and shorter range missiles and described as still relevant the invitation addressed to NATO for declaring a similar reciprocal moratorium. Also, he urged all parties concerned to explore ways of maintaining stability in the Asia-Pacific Region "in a world without the INF treaty."
The full text of Putin's statement is found below.
"The Russian Federation remains of the opinion that the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty is a crucial element of the architecture of maintaining international security and strategic stability. The treaty played a special role in terms of maintaining the predictability and restraint in the missile sphere in the European space.
We believe that the United States' pullout from the INF Treaty, which resulted in its termination, was a serious mistake that exacerbated the risks of a missile weapons race, growth of the confrontation potential and slide into uncontrolled escalation. In view of the lingering Russia-NATO tensions, the new threats to pan-European security are obvious.
In a situation like this, vigorous efforts are needed to ease the shortage of trust, to strengthen regional and global stability, and to reduce the risks stemming from misunderstandings and disagreements in the field of missile weapons.
In this context, we reaffirm the commitment to the Russian Federation's previously announced moratorium on the deployment of ground-launched intermediate-and shorter-range missiles as long as no similar class missile weapons of US manufacture emerge in the respective regions.
We also believe that our call addressed to the NATO countries for considering the possibility of declaring a reciprocal moratorium remains relevant.
In order to promote the search for compromise political and diplomatic solutions we are prepared for further steps geared to minimizing the negative effects following the collapse of the INF Treaty on the basis of principles of equal and indivisible security and respect for the balance of interests.
Proceeding from our earlier proposal for devising instruments of control to back up the Russian initiative for reciprocal moratoriums we invite all parties concerned to consider options of mutual verification measures for lifting of the existing concern.
"In particular, it might be possible to consider verification measures regarding the Aegis Ashore systems equipped with Mk 41 launchers at US and NATO bases in Europe and the 9M729 missiles at Russian military facilities in the Kaliningrad Region. The purpose of such verification measures would be to confirm the absence from the facilities, encompassed by the agreements, of ground-launched intermediate and shorter range missiles as well as weapons whose parameters and classification have remained a controversy between the two parties (Russia's missile 9M729).
While staying committed to the consistent position the 9M729 missile is in full conformity with the terminated INF Treaty, Russia nevertheless is prepared to act in the spirit of good will and to refrain from deploying the 9M729 missiles in its European territory further on, but on the condition of reciprocal steps by the NATO countries, which will rule out the deployment in Europe of weapons that were outlawed under the INF Treaty.
We are calling upon all parties concerned to explore ways of maintaining stability and preventing missile crises "in a world without the INF Treaty" regarding the Asia-Pacific Region. We are open to joint work along these lines."


tass--2020-10-26--Baku says Aghjabedi district comes under artillery bombardment

BAKU , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan 's Defense Ministry on Monday said the Aghjabedi district neighboring on Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ from Armenia .
`` On October 26 , at 11:20 ( 10:20 Moscow time - @ @ @ @ @ forces violated the latest humanitarian truce to open artillery fire on the territory of the @ @ @ @ @ Defense Ministry said in a news release .
In the evening of October 25 , @ @ @ @ @ US-brokered humanitarian ceasefire in the area of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , which took effect on @ @ @ @ @ time .
Tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh flared up on September 27 .
Both sides report casualties @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , ceasefire agreements were concluded twice .
Both sides began to complain about violations @ @ @ @ @ Yerevan have disputed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh since February 1988 , when the region declared secession @ @ @ @ @ Republic .
In the 1992-1994 armed conflict Azerbaijan lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjoining @ @

BAKU, October 26. /TASS/. Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry on Monday said the Aghjabedi district neighboring on Nagorno-Karabakh has come under artillery bombardment from Armenia.
"On October 26, at 11:20 (10:20 Moscow time - TASS) the Armenian armed forces violated the latest humanitarian truce to open artillery fire on the territory of the Aghjabedi district," the Defense Ministry said in a news release.
In the evening of October 25, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed a US-brokered humanitarian ceasefire in the area of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which took effect on October 26 at 07:00 Moscow time. Tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh flared up on September 27. Both sides report casualties, including civilian ones. Earlier, ceasefire agreements were concluded twice. Both sides began to complain about violations shortly afterwards.
Baku and Yerevan have disputed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh since February 1988, when the region declared secession from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic. In the 1992-1994 armed conflict Azerbaijan lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjoining districts.


tass--2020-10-26--Press review: Time’s up on Belarus opposition’s ultimatum and one week to go till US vote

The ultimatum that Belarusian opposition figurehead Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had set for President Alexander Lukashenko expired on Sunday .
There were three major demands : an end to the crackdown on the government ’ s opponents and protesters , a release of political prisoners and Lukashenko ’ s resignation .
The opposition leader warned that if the authorities failed to fulfill these demands , a nationwide strike would erupt in Belarus , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to participate in opposition protests on Sunday .
The government 's supporters were expected to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstration was cancelled on Friday .
Lukashenko explained the decision , citing the risk of a stampede and mass coronavirus infections .
However , experts do n't rule out that there also is an external reason .
Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin visited Minsk on Thursday .
`` Perhaps , the main goal of the visit was to remind Moscow ’ s Belarusian partner of the promises he had given to the Kremlin in return for its support amid a deep political crisis in Belarus , '' political expert Alexander Klaskovsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time that Moscow had given Minsk to launch dialogue has already run out .
`` Russia believes that Lukashenko is wrong to think that the crisis can be resolved by he use of force , while there is a need to make concessions to the public .
Those concessions should include constitutional reform based on dialogue with society , which is important , as well as an early presidential election , '' political scientist Valery Karbalevich said .
On Saturday , Lukashenko held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the details of his talks with Naryshkin , remain unknown .
Several experts in Minsk suggest that Lukashenko seeks dialogue with the US in a bid to resume his favorite game of balancing between the East and the West .
Vedomosti : One week left before US presidential election The US presidential race has entered its final week , with the election scheduled to take place on November 3 .
According to most opinion polls , Democratic nominee Joe Biden has the lead over incumbent President Donald Trump both nationwide and in swing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s outcome will depend , Vedomosti writes .
According to political scientist Israel Marques II , Biden has every chance of winning the presidential race .
The reason is that the Democrat has been successful in the most crucial states , namely Florida , Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin .
`` In order to win the election , Trump needs to secure a victory in Florida and another two of those four states .
The problem is that these states tend to support Biden at the moment , '' the expert pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pro-Republican ( red ) states of Ohio and Texas but the situation is unlikely to change in the coming week .
`` Things that fundamentally affect elections don ’ t happen very often .
However , there is still a week before the vote takes place and anything is possible .
The course of events is totally unpredictable , which is particularly true for 2020 , '' the expert emphasized .
At the same time , in his view , early voting and mail-in ballots have spared the Americans radical changes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 51 mln voters have cast their ballots , and that does n't leave much to chance .
The political scientist also noted that Democrats have good chances of winning a majority in the US Senate .
`` And the Democrats will hardly lose the elections to the House , '' he concluded .
Washington and New Delhi plan to strike a deal on sharing satellite intelligence .
India has also invited Australia to participate in joint drills with the United States and Japan in the Indian Ocean .
New Delhi is gradually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears that Russia could form a military alliance with China , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
According to experts , the Indians were alarmed by the statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made at a Valdai Forum meeting that Moscow could form a military alliance with Beijing .
Dhruva Jaishankar , Director of the US Initiative at Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi , points out that Russia remains India ’ s main arms supplier so New Delhi is concerned about growing ties between Moscow and Beijing .
Moscow State Institute of International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India ’ s departure from its policy of non-alignment can not be ruled out . ''
`` However , it ’ s not quite possible at the moment because the dangers of relying on the US and retreating from the country ’ s foreign policy fundamentals are clear to Indian leaders .
There has been a nationwide consensus since the 1960s .
India has pursued a policy of balancing between blocs and now some leaders in India are calling for relying on the United States , but they have so far failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert noted .
As for a potential alliance between Moscow and Beijing , India is extremely sensitive to Russia-China ties .
`` New Delhi is confident that China will become India ’ s major opponent in the future .
The Indian public is set against China .
Naturally , the prospects for such an alliance cause much concern to the Indian government and experts , '' Lunev emphasized .
The Servant of the People party could have done better in Ukraine ’ s local elections had the president and his associates succeeded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue and improve relations with Russia , said experts interviewed by Izvestia .
Candidates from the president 's party failed to enter the mayoral runoff elections in Kiev and Odessa , and a number of irregularities in the vote undermine the credibility of the country 's election system .
The Ukrainian president ’ s party failed to clinch a victory in big cities because of the government ’ s inaction , Director of the Kiev Center for Political Studies and Conflictology Mikhail Pogrebinsky explained .
`` The Servant of the People party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of the ‘ green wave ’ that had covered Ukraine ’ s political map in the presidential election and continued in the parliamentary election .
This short period is coming to an end because the head of state is not keeping his promises .
Vladimir Zelensky has failed to change the aggressive anti-Russian and pro-Western policy that the country pursued under [ President ] Pyotr Poroshenko , '' the expert told the newspaper .
The outcome of the elections has made it clear that the public is disappointed by the activities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian State Duma Committee for CIS Affairs , Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Leonid Kalashnikov emphasized .
`` Many trusted Zelensky and his Servant of the People party .
However , over a year has passed , and there is still no result , '' the politician stressed .
Political scientists have also criticized the president 's initiative to hold a nationwide survey on the election day , asking voters for their views on plans to introduce life sentences for corruption convictions , create a free economic zone in Donbass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( parliament ) members and legalize cannabis for medical use , as well as on `` the security guarantees laid out in the Budapest Memorandum for restoring Ukraine ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity . ''
According to political commentators , the event was mostly aimed at scoring points for the president and using the survey ’ s results to justify political decisions .
Political scientist Rostislav Ishchenko noted that the objectivity of the study ’ s results could be questioned , particularly because the poll had been organized by the ruling party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil prices unlikely to be repeated The slow recovery in oil demand and the rise in coronavirus infections in many countries are setting off alarm bells that oil prices could drop again like they did in the spring .
However , the oil market is now better prepared for trouble and will manage to pull through another period of declining energy consumption .
Besides , the current evaluation of economic losses caused by the pandemic does not contribute to the reintroduction of restrictions , Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes .
`` Although ‘ the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be stronger than the spring one and the number of cases is higher , national political leaders aren ’ t announcing quarantine measures on the scale that they did in the spring , '' Commodity Market Analyst at Otkritie Broker Oksana Lukicheva noted .
Without full-scale quarantine restrictions worldwide , oil demand wo n't plummet to the April and March level , and given the current output cut , a drop wo n't have a significant impact on prices , unlike what happened in the spring .
`` The spring plunge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because as long as prices remain at about the $ 40 per barrel mark , the market volume appears balanced , '' KPMG Global Head of Oil and Gas Anton Usov said .
It doesn ’ t mean that the market will go through the second coronavirus wave in a painless way .
The slow recovery of demand , let alone a drop in demand , will affect export opportunities .
`` All producers will face roughly the same losses , unless OPEC+ makes new agreements to tighten quotas in its oil cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Corporate Ratings Group Vasily Tanurkov .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Opposition's ultimatum for Belarusian president expires The ultimatum that Belarusian opposition figurehead Svetlana Tikhanovskaya had set for President Alexander Lukashenko expired on Sunday. There were three major demands: an end to the crackdown on the government’s opponents and protesters, a release of political prisoners and Lukashenko’s resignation. The opposition leader warned that if the authorities failed to fulfill these demands, a nationwide strike would erupt in Belarus, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to participate in opposition protests on Sunday. The government's supporters were expected to hold a large-scale rally in response but their demonstration was cancelled on Friday. Lukashenko explained the decision, citing the risk of a stampede and mass coronavirus infections.
Read also Belarusian Coordination Council demands complete release of political prisoners
However, experts don't rule out that there also is an external reason. Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei Naryshkin visited Minsk on Thursday. "Perhaps, the main goal of the visit was to remind Moscow’s Belarusian partner of the promises he had given to the Kremlin in return for its support amid a deep political crisis in Belarus," political expert Alexander Klaskovsky noted. Analysts point out that the time that Moscow had given Minsk to launch dialogue has already run out. "Russia believes that Lukashenko is wrong to think that the crisis can be resolved by he use of force, while there is a need to make concessions to the public. Those concessions should include constitutional reform based on dialogue with society, which is important, as well as an early presidential election," political scientist Valery Karbalevich said. On Saturday, Lukashenko held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Its details, as well as the details of his talks with Naryshkin, remain unknown. Several experts in Minsk suggest that Lukashenko seeks dialogue with the US in a bid to resume his favorite game of balancing between the East and the West. Vedomosti: One week left before US presidential election The US presidential race has entered its final week, with the election scheduled to take place on November 3. According to most opinion polls, Democratic nominee Joe Biden has the lead over incumbent President Donald Trump both nationwide and in swing states, on which the election’s outcome will depend, Vedomosti writes. According to political scientist Israel Marques II, Biden has every chance of winning the presidential race. The reason is that the Democrat has been successful in the most crucial states, namely Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Read also Trump cast his ballot in person in 2020 election during early voting period
"In order to win the election, Trump needs to secure a victory in Florida and another two of those four states. The problem is that these states tend to support Biden at the moment," the expert pointed out. Trump has been doing well in the pro-Republican (red) states of Ohio and Texas but the situation is unlikely to change in the coming week. "Things that fundamentally affect elections don’t happen very often. However, there is still a week before the vote takes place and anything is possible. The course of events is totally unpredictable, which is particularly true for 2020," the expert emphasized. At the same time, in his view, early voting and mail-in ballots have spared the Americans radical changes. As of October 23, as many as 51 mln voters have cast their ballots, and that doesn't leave much to chance. The political scientist also noted that Democrats have good chances of winning a majority in the US Senate. "And the Democrats will hardly lose the elections to the House," he concluded. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: India concerned about potential alliance between Russia, China Washington and New Delhi plan to strike a deal on sharing satellite intelligence. India has also invited Australia to participate in joint drills with the United States and Japan in the Indian Ocean. New Delhi is gradually abandoning its policy of non-alignment particularly amid fears that Russia could form a military alliance with China, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. According to experts, the Indians were alarmed by the statement that Russian President Vladimir Putin had made at a Valdai Forum meeting that Moscow could form a military alliance with Beijing. Dhruva Jaishankar, Director of the US Initiative at Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, points out that Russia remains India’s main arms supplier so New Delhi is concerned about growing ties between Moscow and Beijing. Moscow State Institute of International Relations Professor Sergei Lunev believes that "India’s departure from its policy of non-alignment cannot be ruled out." "However, it’s not quite possible at the moment because the dangers of relying on the US and retreating from the country’s foreign policy fundamentals are clear to Indian leaders. There has been a nationwide consensus since the 1960s. India has pursued a policy of balancing between blocs and now some leaders in India are calling for relying on the United States, but they have so far failed to win the elite over," the expert noted. As for a potential alliance between Moscow and Beijing, India is extremely sensitive to Russia-China ties. "New Delhi is confident that China will become India’s major opponent in the future. The Indian public is set against China. Naturally, the prospects for such an alliance cause much concern to the Indian government and experts," Lunev emphasized. Izvestia: Ukrainian president’s party suffers defeat in local elections The Servant of the People party could have done better in Ukraine’s local elections had the president and his associates succeeded in fulfilling their promises to resolve the Donbass issue and improve relations with Russia, said experts interviewed by Izvestia. Candidates from the president's party failed to enter the mayoral runoff elections in Kiev and Odessa, and a number of irregularities in the vote undermine the credibility of the country's election system. The Ukrainian president’s party failed to clinch a victory in big cities because of the government’s inaction, Director of the Kiev Center for Political Studies and Conflictology Mikhail Pogrebinsky explained. "The Servant of the People party’s defeat in key regions marks the end of the ‘green wave’ that had covered Ukraine’s political map in the presidential election and continued in the parliamentary election. This short period is coming to an end because the head of state is not keeping his promises. Vladimir Zelensky has failed to change the aggressive anti-Russian and pro-Western policy that the country pursued under [President] Pyotr Poroshenko," the expert told the newspaper.
Read also Zelensky states ceasefire in Donbass holds 62 days
The outcome of the elections has made it clear that the public is disappointed by the activities of the president and his team, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee for CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Relations with Compatriots Leonid Kalashnikov emphasized. "Many trusted Zelensky and his Servant of the People party. However, over a year has passed, and there is still no result," the politician stressed. Political scientists have also criticized the president's initiative to hold a nationwide survey on the election day, asking voters for their views on plans to introduce life sentences for corruption convictions, create a free economic zone in Donbass, reduce the number of Verkhovna Rada (parliament) members and legalize cannabis for medical use, as well as on "the security guarantees laid out in the Budapest Memorandum for restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." According to political commentators, the event was mostly aimed at scoring points for the president and using the survey’s results to justify political decisions. Political scientist Rostislav Ishchenko noted that the objectivity of the study’s results could be questioned, particularly because the poll had been organized by the ruling party. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Spring plunge in oil prices unlikely to be repeated The slow recovery in oil demand and the rise in coronavirus infections in many countries are setting off alarm bells that oil prices could drop again like they did in the spring. However, the oil market is now better prepared for trouble and will manage to pull through another period of declining energy consumption. Besides, the current evaluation of economic losses caused by the pandemic does not contribute to the reintroduction of restrictions, Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes. "Although ‘the second wave’ of the pandemic is proving to be stronger than the spring one and the number of cases is higher, national political leaders aren’t announcing quarantine measures on the scale that they did in the spring," Commodity Market Analyst at Otkritie Broker Oksana Lukicheva noted.
Read also Recovery of global economy and oil demand may start in 2021 — Rosneft CEO


tass--2020-10-26--Demonstrators in Minsk form solidarity chains

MINSK , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Demonstrators formed solidarity chains in several parts of the Belarusian capital on Monday @ @ @ @ @ `` people 's ultimatum '' put forward by the opposition .
Medics from the cardiologic @ @ @ @ @ carrying red-and-white flags and emblems , lined up on Grushevka street .
A similar demonstration @ @ @ @ @ near the Mikhalovo metro station .
Witnesses have reported arrests on Pervomayskaya Street .
In @ @ @ @ @ protesters blocked roads .
Highway patrols were promptly dispatched there to restore traffic .
A @ @ @ @ @ the Belarusian State University are holding a sit-in protest in the university 's main building @ @ @ @ @ them .
Former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya 's ultimatum to President Alexander Lukashenko expired on @ @ @ @ @ called for strikes at industrial enterprises starting from Monday .

MINSK, October 26. /TASS/. Demonstrators formed solidarity chains in several parts of the Belarusian capital on Monday morning in support of the "people's ultimatum" put forward by the opposition.
Medics from the cardiologic research center Kardiologiya, many carrying red-and-white flags and emblems, lined up on Grushevka street. A similar demonstration is underway on Mayakovsky Street near the Mikhalovo metro station.
Witnesses have reported arrests on Pervomayskaya Street. In some parts of the city protesters blocked roads. Highway patrols were promptly dispatched there to restore traffic.
A group of 100 students at the Belarusian State University are holding a sit-in protest in the university's main building. More students have joined them.
Former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's ultimatum to President Alexander Lukashenko expired on Sunday. The opposition has called for strikes at industrial enterprises starting from Monday.


tass--2020-10-26--Police detain protesting students in downtown Minsk

MINSK , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Members of law enforcement in downtown Minsk are detaining students who supported the call of the opposition to hold a nationwide strike .
The riot police began to detain students in the procession of over 100 people in Minsk ’ s central Independence Avenue near the Belarusian National Technical University .
The majority of the protesters managed to escape , several people are being held in police vans , a TASS correspondent reported .
On Monday , a sit-in strike is also held at one of the departments of the Belarusian State University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Informatics and Radioelectronics , of the Minsk State Linguistic University express their disagreement with the state policy in various formats .
On October 25 , the term of the ultimatum issued by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko , expired .
The key demands of the ultimatum are resignation of Lukashenko , end to violence and release of political prisoners .
The opposition urged strikes at all industries starting Monday .
Alexandra Isayeva , spokeswoman of the Belarusian Prime Minister , reported that Belarusian enterprises are operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been halted .

MINSK, October 26. /TASS/. Members of law enforcement in downtown Minsk are detaining students who supported the call of the opposition to hold a nationwide strike.
The riot police began to detain students in the procession of over 100 people in Minsk’s central Independence Avenue near the Belarusian National Technical University. The majority of the protesters managed to escape, several people are being held in police vans, a TASS correspondent reported.
On Monday, a sit-in strike is also held at one of the departments of the Belarusian State University. The students of the Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics, of the Minsk State Linguistic University express their disagreement with the state policy in various formats.
On October 25, the term of the ultimatum issued by former presidential candidate Svetlana Tikhanovskaya to incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko, expired. The key demands of the ultimatum are resignation of Lukashenko, end to violence and release of political prisoners. The opposition urged strikes at all industries starting Monday.
Alexandra Isayeva, spokeswoman of the Belarusian Prime Minister, reported that Belarusian enterprises are operating in a usual mode, the production has not been halted.


tass--2020-10-26--Troops in Russia’s east to redeploy latest S-300 missile system to Kuril Islands in drills

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The troops in Russia ’ s east will redeploy the latest S-300V4 air defense missile system to Kuril Islands for the first time in drills , the press office of the Eastern Military District reported on Monday .
`` The Eastern Military District ’ s anti-aircraft missile formation stationed in the Jewish Autonomous Region has kicked off drills to redeploy one of its units to large distances .
The exercise is practicing performing a combined march to one of the islands of the Kuril Ridge , using railway and maritime transport , deploying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting notional saboteurs .
During the exercise , the S-300V4 teams will accomplish combat training assignments at unknown practice ranges in the District ’ s island zone , '' the press office said in a statement .
The Eastern Military District ’ s missile formation stationed in the Jewish Autonomous Region earlier received the latest S-300V4 tracked anti-aircraft missile system for the first time .
The S-300V4 personnel earlier underwent training in Orenburg in the Urals to learn to operate the new system , the statement says .
At the initial stage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technical measures were held to accept and check the operation of the system ’ s armament and its basic chassis .
Following this , the S-300V4 teams test-fired the missiles against low-size fast-speed targets at the Kapustin Yar training range .
Saman-type missiles launched from an Osa air defense missile system simulated enemy targets in the test-fire exercise , the press office said .
The S-300V4 is an advanced highly mobile air defense missile system designated to protect vital military and administrative facilities and groupings of forces against strikes by ballistic and aerodynamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth version of the upgraded S-300V battlefield anti-aircraft missile system .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The troops in Russia’s east will redeploy the latest S-300V4 air defense missile system to Kuril Islands for the first time in drills, the press office of the Eastern Military District reported on Monday.
"The Eastern Military District’s anti-aircraft missile formation stationed in the Jewish Autonomous Region has kicked off drills to redeploy one of its units to large distances. The exercise is practicing performing a combined march to one of the islands of the Kuril Ridge, using railway and maritime transport, deploying the unit in the designated areas and fighting notional saboteurs. During the exercise, the S-300V4 teams will accomplish combat training assignments at unknown practice ranges in the District’s island zone," the press office said in a statement.
The Eastern Military District’s missile formation stationed in the Jewish Autonomous Region earlier received the latest S-300V4 tracked anti-aircraft missile system for the first time. The S-300V4 personnel earlier underwent training in Orenburg in the Urals to learn to operate the new system, the statement says.
At the initial stage of mastering the latest weapon, organizational and technical measures were held to accept and check the operation of the system’s armament and its basic chassis. Following this, the S-300V4 teams test-fired the missiles against low-size fast-speed targets at the Kapustin Yar training range. Saman-type missiles launched from an Osa air defense missile system simulated enemy targets in the test-fire exercise, the press office said.
The S-300V4 is an advanced highly mobile air defense missile system designated to protect vital military and administrative facilities and groupings of forces against strikes by ballistic and aerodynamic air attack weapons. This is the fourth version of the upgraded S-300V battlefield anti-aircraft missile system.


tass--2020-10-26--Over 400,000 people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Moscow, 100,000 currently treated

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection in Moscow over the @ @ @ @ @ by 5,224 , bringing the total to 401,040 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters @ @ @ @ @ daily growth in the number of infections is at 1.3 % .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ that is , the patients who are currently undergoing treatment , in Moscow has risen @ @ @ @ @ Over 100,000 patients are being treated in the capital for the first time since May @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , 2,681 patients have been discharged in Moscow with 62 fatalities .
In @ @ @ @ @ been discharged , 6,442 died .

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection in Moscow over the past 24 hours has risen by 5,224, bringing the total to 401,040, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday.
The relative daily growth in the number of infections is at 1.3%.
The number of the so-called active cases, that is, the patients who are currently undergoing treatment, in Moscow has risen from 98,912 to 101,393. Over 100,000 patients are being treated in the capital for the first time since May 27.
Over the past 24 hours, 2,681 patients have been discharged in Moscow with 62 fatalities. In all, 293,205 patients have been discharged, 6,442 died.


tass--2020-10-26--Hainan's Sanya to host first beer festival in December

SANYA , October 25 .
/TASS/ .
The first Hainan International Beer Festival will take place in Sanya from December 24 , 2020 to January 2 , 2021 , according to Sanya Daily .
The maritime theme and traditional Hainan culture will prevail in the design of the Sanya Beer Festival , which , according to organizers , will be large-scale .
In total , over a thousand kinds of beer of various Chinese and foreign brands will be presented there .
The timing of the event was also not chosen randomly .
Celebrating Gregorian Christmas and New Year will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atmosphere at the event , the newspaper notes .
At the same time , golf competitions and a sailing regatta will be timed to coincide with the festival .
The festival , according to the calculations of its organizers , will increase the popularity of tourists not only for the city of Sanya , but for the entire island of Hainan , which meets the plans of the authorities to turn the province into an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' by 2025 .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

SANYA, October 25. /TASS/. The first Hainan International Beer Festival will take place in Sanya from December 24, 2020 to January 2, 2021, according to Sanya Daily.
The maritime theme and traditional Hainan culture will prevail in the design of the Sanya Beer Festival, which, according to organizers, will be large-scale. In total, over a thousand kinds of beer of various Chinese and foreign brands will be presented there.
The timing of the event was also not chosen randomly. Celebrating Gregorian Christmas and New Year will attract more participants and create a special atmosphere at the event, the newspaper notes. At the same time, golf competitions and a sailing regatta will be timed to coincide with the festival.
The festival, according to the calculations of its organizers, will increase the popularity of tourists not only for the city of Sanya, but for the entire island of Hainan, which meets the plans of the authorities to turn the province into an "international center for tourism and consumption" by 2025.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-10-26--Over 17,000 cases of COVID-19 infection detected in Russia

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ bringing the total to 1,531,224 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ , the relative daily growth over the past three days has been at 1.1 % @ @ @ @ @ rates were registered in the Republic of Chechnya ( 0.3 % ) , the Chukotka @ @ @ @ @ ) and the Republic of Dagestan ( 0.5 % ) .
Some 5,224 new cases @ @ @ @ @ were detected in Moscow , 715 in St. Petersburg , 499 cases in the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 312 cases in the Rostov Region , and 298 cases @ @ @ @ @ Region .
In all , currently there are 358,859 cases of the COVID-19 infection in @ @

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 17,347, bringing the total to 1,531,224, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday.
According to the crisis center, the relative daily growth over the past three days has been at 1.1%.
The lowest daily growth rates were registered in the Republic of Chechnya (0.3%), the Chukotka Autonomous Region (0.4%) and the Republic of Dagestan (0.5%).
Some 5,224 new cases over the past 24 hours were detected in Moscow, 715 in St. Petersburg, 499 cases in the Moscow Region, 376 cases in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 312 cases in the Rostov Region, and 298 cases were detected in the Arkhangelsk Region.
In all, currently there are 358,859 cases of the COVID-19 infection in Russia.


tass--2020-10-26--Biggest coastal rookery of walruses registered on Yamal

In October , 2019 , scientists found on Yamal ’ s north-western coast more than 1,000 walruses .
Earlier , walruses used to come there only occasionally , without forming permanent rookeries .
In July 2020 , walruses were seen returning to the area .
TASS , October 26 .
About 5,000 walruses organized a rookery on the Kara Sea ’ s coast in the Yamalo-Nenets Region - it is the biggest coastal rookery known to scientists , the region ’ s Governor Dmitry Artukhov wrote on Instagram .
`` Our scientists have just returned from an expedition to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Walrus Cape , '' the governor wrote .
`` This year , between three and five thousand walruses have come there - on the Kara Sea ’ s shore the scientists have registered the biggest ever coastal rookery .
Last year , about one thousand walruses were seen on Yamal . ''
The scientists have chipped some mammals to trace their movements , he continued .
`` Jointly with experts of the research and expedition center for marine mammals ’ studies , they will analyze this unique phenomenon .
Apparently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they ’ ve enjoyed staying here . ''
Walruses are large marine mammals listed in the Red Data Books of Russia and Yamal .
In autumn , when large areas in the Arctic seas are free from ice , walrus rookeries are places for recreation .
According to the Marine Mammals research and expedition center , the rookery that first appeared in 2019 on the northwestern coast of Yamal , has been the biggest rookery in the Kara Sea over the entire history of walruses ’ studies .
The regional government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the studies would be helpful to monitor the species , which may be used as an indicator of the marine ecosystem ’ s conditions .

In October, 2019, scientists found on Yamal’s north-western coast more than 1,000 walruses. Earlier, walruses used to come there only occasionally, without forming permanent rookeries. In July 2020, walruses were seen returning to the area.
TASS, October 26. About 5,000 walruses organized a rookery on the Kara Sea’s coast in the Yamalo-Nenets Region - it is the biggest coastal rookery known to scientists, the region’s Governor Dmitry Artukhov wrote on Instagram.
"Our scientists have just returned from an expedition to the Tiytey-Sale Cape, which name is translated as the Walrus Cape," the governor wrote. "This year, between three and five thousand walruses have come there - on the Kara Sea’s shore the scientists have registered the biggest ever coastal rookery. Last year, about one thousand walruses were seen on Yamal."
The scientists have chipped some mammals to trace their movements, he continued. "Jointly with experts of the research and expedition center for marine mammals’ studies, they will analyze this unique phenomenon. Apparently, walruses know a lot about beaches, and they’ve enjoyed staying here."
Walruses are large marine mammals listed in the Red Data Books of Russia and Yamal. In autumn, when large areas in the Arctic seas are free from ice, walrus rookeries are places for recreation. According to the Marine Mammals research and expedition center, the rookery that first appeared in 2019 on the northwestern coast of Yamal, has been the biggest rookery in the Kara Sea over the entire history of walruses’ studies.
The regional government’s press service told TASS earlier results of the studies would be helpful to monitor the species, which may be used as an indicator of the marine ecosystem’s conditions.


tass--2020-10-26--Another 2,681 COVID-19 patients recover in Moscow, deputy mayor says

MOSCOW , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The number of recoveries in Moscow after treatment for the coronavirus infection has @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova told journalists on Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ Moscow keeps growing .
Over the past day another 2,681 patients recovered after undergoing treatment @ @ @ @ @ people who recovered from the infection has risen to 293,205 , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ , the doctors conduct special tests after treatment to confirm the absence of the disease @ @ @ @ @ discharge , all patients who need to remain under observation receive appropriate recommendations .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ , have been asked to donate their plasma .
People aged 18 to 55 can @ @ @ @ @ provided they do not have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , and Hepatitis @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. The number of recoveries in Moscow after treatment for the coronavirus infection has increased by 2,681 over the past 24 hours, Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova told journalists on Monday.
"The number of recoveries in Moscow keeps growing. Over the past day another 2,681 patients recovered after undergoing treatment. The total number of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 293,205," she said.
According to the deputy mayor, the doctors conduct special tests after treatment to confirm the absence of the disease. She reiterated that upon discharge, all patients who need to remain under observation receive appropriate recommendations.
Moscow residents, who have recovered, have been asked to donate their plasma. People aged 18 to 55 can become blood plasma donors, provided they do not have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, and Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-10-26--Hainan's Sanya takes part in Makao trade and investment fair

SANYA , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
A delegation from Hainan 's Sanya took part in the 25th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair , reported www.hinews.cn .
The main theme of this year 's fair was `` Promotion of cooperation , joint creation of conditions for doing business . ''
According to the news outlet , a stand was set up in Sanya 's exhibition area to demonstrate the success of Hainan 's free trade port construction .
On the sidelines of the fair , a thematic forum was also held , its organizers spoke about the advantages of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's preferential policy , benefits for investors and the conditions for doing business in the Chinese province .
Apart from the exhibition , the 25th International Trade and Investment Fair also hosted forums and conferences , meetings of representatives of the business community .
The list of key issues that were discussed during the event from October 22 to 24 included financial services , development and improvement of the business climate , implementation of investment projects , etc .
The authorities presented a plan for the free trade port ’ s development on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan , the Hainan province will be turned into a special customs zone .
The country ’ s government intends in general to wrap up the creation of the free trade port on the island by 2025 : by this time the island should acquire a system to ensure free trade and investments .
By 2035 , the free trade port and its model will become more solid .
By this time , Hainan intends to ensure the freedom of trade and investments , trans-border movement of capital , people and shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

SANYA, October 26. /TASS/. A delegation from Hainan's Sanya took part in the 25th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair, reported www.hinews.cn.
The main theme of this year's fair was "Promotion of cooperation, joint creation of conditions for doing business."
According to the news outlet, a stand was set up in Sanya's exhibition area to demonstrate the success of Hainan's free trade port construction. On the sidelines of the fair, a thematic forum was also held, its organizers spoke about the advantages of Hainan's free port, the island's preferential policy, benefits for investors and the conditions for doing business in the Chinese province.
Apart from the exhibition, the 25th International Trade and Investment Fair also hosted forums and conferences, meetings of representatives of the business community. The list of key issues that were discussed during the event from October 22 to 24 included financial services, development and improvement of the business climate, implementation of investment projects, etc.
The authorities presented a plan for the free trade port’s development on June, 1. In accordance with the plan, the Hainan province will be turned into a special customs zone. The country’s government intends in general to wrap up the creation of the free trade port on the island by 2025: by this time the island should acquire a system to ensure free trade and investments.
By 2035, the free trade port and its model will become more solid. By this time, Hainan intends to ensure the freedom of trade and investments, trans-border movement of capital, people and shipping.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-10-26--Russian company to launch production of Canadian tractors

ROSTOV-ON-DON , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Rostselmash group , a Russian manufacturer of agricultural equipment , intends to launch the production of Versatile tractors currently assembled on the company ’ s site in Canada within the framework of building a new tractor plant in Rostov-on-Don , the press service of the Russian agricultural machinery producer told TASS on Monday .
`` The company ’ s plans include mastering of the production of Versatile tractors currently manufactured in Canada on its sites , '' its spokesperson says .
The production will be launched at a new tractor plant that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The manufacturer is already producing two lines of Versatile machinery .
Rostselmash will expand the current model line and will assemble tractors of two other lines currently produced in Canada only at its new plant .
The Russian producer plans to start the plant ’ s development work in March 2021 and start the conveyor as early as in 2023 .
The company will invest 4 bln rubles ( $ 52.3 mln ) into the project .
The corporate investment program by 2023 will amount to almost 20 bln rubles ( $ 261.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rostselmash is to cover all market segments with the in-house produced machinery , the company says .
Rostselmash focuses on production mastering of individual components and on cultivating a pool of Russian vendors for import substitution , the press service added .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, October 26. /TASS/. The Rostselmash group, a Russian manufacturer of agricultural equipment, intends to launch the production of Versatile tractors currently assembled on the company’s site in Canada within the framework of building a new tractor plant in Rostov-on-Don, the press service of the Russian agricultural machinery producer told TASS on Monday.
"The company’s plans include mastering of the production of Versatile tractors currently manufactured in Canada on its sites," its spokesperson says. The production will be launched at a new tractor plant that Rostselmash intends to build in Rostov-on-Don.
The manufacturer is already producing two lines of Versatile machinery. Rostselmash will expand the current model line and will assemble tractors of two other lines currently produced in Canada only at its new plant. The Russian producer plans to start the plant’s development work in March 2021 and start the conveyor as early as in 2023. The company will invest 4 bln rubles ($52.3 mln) into the project. The corporate investment program by 2023 will amount to almost 20 bln rubles ($261.6 mln).
The strategic objective of Rostselmash is to cover all market segments with the in-house produced machinery, the company says.
Rostselmash focuses on production mastering of individual components and on cultivating a pool of Russian vendors for import substitution, the press service added.


tass--2020-10-26--Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Judging Committee meets with Pope

ABU DHABI , UAE , October 26 .
/PRNewswire/ .
The Judging Committee for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity ( ZAHF ) was received by His Holiness the Pope today , following the first open launch for submissions in its second edition on Monday , October 19th .
During the meeting , Pope Francis welcomed the members of the Committee , and stressed the importance of their role and mission , as impartial and independent judges .
The Pope also encouraged members to identify worthy individuals who have benefitted humanity and are also motivated to continue their efforts beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I have shared bread with my brother , the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb , and I want you to help humankind , with the Committee , to share bread .
I will pray for you , and I hope you that you will pray for me . ''
In thanking the Pope for the meeting , members of the Judging Committee welcomed his support for the Committee 's goals , which are tied to the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity .
They also praised the global inspiration for fraternity that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided , in signing the Document , in Abu Dhabi , last year .
In recognition of this historic event , the Pope and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar , became the first honorary co-recipients of the award .
Organised by the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity ( HCHF ) , today 's visit highlights the award 's shared ambition and fundamental ties with the Document on Human Fraternity and the principles it promotes .
Ahead of their audience with Pope Francis , the Committee held its inaugural 2021 meeting , yesterday , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held throughout the submissions phase to discuss the nominations received .
The five-person judging committee , and HCHF Secretary-General , is an independent and neutral body , appointed by the HCHF .
They are : • HE Catherine Samba-Panza , former President of the Central African Republic • HE Muhammad Jusuf Kalla , former Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia • Cardinal Dominique Mamberti , Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura • Adama Dieng , former UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide The nominations phase runs from 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the awards ceremony on 4 February 2021 .
For more information go to : www.zayedaward.org .

ABU DHABI, UAE, October 26. /PRNewswire/. The Judging Committee for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity (ZAHF) was received by His Holiness the Pope today, following the first open launch for submissions in its second edition on Monday, October 19th.
During the meeting, Pope Francis welcomed the members of the Committee, and stressed the importance of their role and mission, as impartial and independent judges. The Pope also encouraged members to identify worthy individuals who have benefitted humanity and are also motivated to continue their efforts beyond receiving the award.
His Holiness concluded: "I have shared bread with my brother, the Grand Imam Al-Tayeb, and I want you to help humankind, with the Committee, to share bread. I will pray for you, and I hope you that you will pray for me."
In thanking the Pope for the meeting, members of the Judging Committee welcomed his support for the Committee's goals, which are tied to the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity. They also praised the global inspiration for fraternity that the Grand Imam and His Holiness have provided, in signing the Document, in Abu Dhabi, last year. In recognition of this historic event, the Pope and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, became the first honorary co-recipients of the award.
Organised by the Higher Committee for Human Fraternity (HCHF), today's visit highlights the award's shared ambition and fundamental ties with the Document on Human Fraternity and the principles it promotes.
Ahead of their audience with Pope Francis, the Committee held its inaugural 2021 meeting, yesterday, in Rome. These regular fortnightly meetings are held throughout the submissions phase to discuss the nominations received.
The five-person judging committee, and HCHF Secretary-General, is an independent and neutral body, appointed by the HCHF. They are:
HE Catherine Samba-Panza, former President of the Central African Republic
HE Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, former Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia
Rt. Hon. Michaelle Jean, 27th Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada
Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura
Adama Dieng, former UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide
Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam, Secretary-General of the HCHF
The nominations phase runs from 19 October 2020 – 1 December 2020, with the awards ceremony on 4 February 2021.
For more information go to: www.zayedaward.org.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1319161/Zayed_Award_Human_Fraternity_Pope_Francis.jpg
CONTACT: Aala Bashir, aala.bashir@edelman.com, +971 50 638 4232; Mohammed Al Daqqaq, mohammed.aldaqqaq@edelman.com, +971 50 662 7115


tass--2020-10-26--Multimedia News Release: Viewing Shenyang via a cloud tour

SHENYANG , China , October 26 .
/PRNewswire/ .
On October 22 , the `` Decode a Happy China via Cloud Tours-Foreign Media Online Interview '' , `` Together along Belt and Road '' Shenyang Promotion Day event kicked off in the Shenyang Omnimedia Conference Room , according to the Information Office of Shenyang People 's Government .
For broadcast quality video and high-res images , please visit the Multimedia News Release : http : //news.medianet.com.au/xinhua/viewing-shenyang-via-cloud-tour-1 Journalists from 20 mainstream media in 16 countries including Germany , Russia , Czech Republic , Romania , Tunisia , India , Pakistan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Indonesia , Serbia , North Macedonia , Mexico , Egypt , etc.
, met with Shenyang via a cloud tour , listening to the voice of Shenyang , exploring Shenyang technology , experiencing Shenyang culture , and enjoying the beauty of Shenyang .
The first session of this event , with the theme of `` Legend of Shengjing , Intelligent Manufacturing in Shenyang '' , through the display of urban culture and promotion of urban tourism , allowed overseas media reporters to see the revitalizing Shenyang and feel Shenyang 's profound historical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event , the `` Overseas Photographers Shenyang Photography Exhibition '' , which showcased the results of overseas photographers ' visit to Shenyang in 2019 , was also held simultaneously .
Through the exhibition , overseas media reporters saw Shenyang in the eyes of overseas photographers .

SHENYANG, China, October 26. /PRNewswire/. On October 22, the "Decode a Happy China via Cloud Tours-Foreign Media Online Interview", "Together along Belt and Road" Shenyang Promotion Day event kicked off in the Shenyang Omnimedia Conference Room, according to the Information Office of Shenyang People's Government.
For broadcast quality video and high-res images, please visit the Multimedia News Release:
http://news.medianet.com.au/xinhua/viewing-shenyang-via-cloud-tour-1
Journalists from 20 mainstream media in 16 countries including Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, Romania, Tunisia, India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Turkey, Afghanistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Mexico, Egypt, etc., met with Shenyang via a cloud tour, listening to the voice of Shenyang, exploring Shenyang technology, experiencing Shenyang culture, and enjoying the beauty of Shenyang.
The first session of this event, with the theme of "Legend of Shengjing, Intelligent Manufacturing in Shenyang", through the display of urban culture and promotion of urban tourism, allowed overseas media reporters to see the revitalizing Shenyang and feel Shenyang's profound historical culture and urban taste.
During this event, the "Overseas Photographers Shenyang Photography Exhibition", which showcased the results of overseas photographers' visit to Shenyang in 2019, was also held simultaneously. Through the exhibition, overseas media reporters saw Shenyang in the eyes of overseas photographers.
Source: The Information Office of Shenyang People's Government
Image Attachments Links:
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=374912
Caption: sugarcoated hawthorn berry
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1319567/sugarcoated_hawthorn_berry.jpg
CONTACT: Ms. Liu, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-10-26--New Japanese PM plans to finalize talks on Kuril Islands

Press review : NATO on guard over space threats and the ruble ’ s direction after US election Top stories @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , October 22

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-10-26--Baku accuses Yerevan of violating new ceasefire

TASS , October 26 .
The Azeri Defense Ministry has accused the Armenian Armed Forces of violating the ceasefire that entered into force on Monday at 08:00 local time .
`` Despite the announcement of a new humanitarian ceasefire at 08:00 on October 26 , the Armenian Armed Forces once again crudely violated the reached agreement , '' the ministry said via Telegram .
At the same time , the ministry underlined that Azerbaijan closely adheres to the ceasefire conditions .
On Sunday evening , the two states agreed a new humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh with the US mediation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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, October 26. The Azeri Defense Ministry has accused the Armenian Armed Forces of violating the ceasefire that entered into force on Monday at 08:00 local time.
"Despite the announcement of a new humanitarian ceasefire at 08:00 on October 26, the Armenian Armed Forces once again crudely violated the reached agreement," the ministry said via Telegram. At the same time, the ministry underlined that Azerbaijan closely adheres to the ceasefire conditions.
On Sunday evening, the two states agreed a new humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh with the US mediation.
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--Armenian PM assures Yerevan will abide by ceasefire

YEREVAN , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
Yerevan will abide by the ceasefire in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh as @ @ @ @ @ Sunday in Washington , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page Monday @ @ @ @ @ in Washington DC , with the US mediation , from 08.00 Armenian side will maintain @ @ @ @ @ he noted .
On Sunday evening , the top Armenian and Azeri diplomats signed a @ @ @ @ @ with the US mediation .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 @ @ @ @ @ in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the @ @ @ @ @ April 2016 and this past July .
However , two previous attempts to maintain a @ @ @ @ @ .

YEREVAN, October 26. /TASS/. Yerevan will abide by the ceasefire in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh as it was agreed late on Sunday in Washington, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page Monday.
"As agreed yesterday in Washington DC, with the US mediation, from 08.00 Armenian side will maintain the full ceasefire," he noted.
On Sunday evening, the top Armenian and Azeri diplomats signed a new humanitarian ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh with the US mediation.
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. However, two previous attempts to maintain a ceasefire failed as hostilities continued.


tass--2020-10-26--UN chief welcomes ceasefire between Armenia, Azerbaijan

TASS , October 26 .
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has lauded the agreement reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan on a ceasefire entering into force on October 26 .
`` The Secretary-General welcomes the joint statement issued today by the Governments of the United States , Armenia and Azerbaijan announcing that the humanitarian ceasefire agreed in Moscow on 10 October and reaffirmed in Paris on 17 October will take effect at 8 a.m. , local time , on Monday 26 October , '' Stephane Dujarric , Spokesman for the Secretary General , said in a statement Sunday .
The joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Department .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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, October 26. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has lauded the agreement reached by Armenia and Azerbaijan on a ceasefire entering into force on October 26.
"The Secretary-General welcomes the joint statement issued today by the Governments of the United States, Armenia and Azerbaijan announcing that the humanitarian ceasefire agreed in Moscow on 10 October and reaffirmed in Paris on 17 October will take effect at 8 a.m., local time, on Monday 26 October," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary General, said in a statement Sunday.
The joint document was earlier issued by the US State Department.
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--Biden says Russia key threat to US

Biden says Russia key threat to US

NEW YORK , October 26 .
/TASS/ .
US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden believes that Russia poses the biggest threat to the United States on the international arena , he said in an interview with CBS published Sunday .
The interviewer asked the former vice president which country he thinks to be the most dangerous for the US .
`` Well , I think the biggest threat to America right now in terms of breaking up our security and our alliances is Russia , '' he said .
`` Secondly , I think that the biggest competitor is China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we handle that will determine whether we 're competitors or we end up being in a more serious competition relating to force , '' Biden added .
He also underlined that policies of incumbent President Donald Trump also pose a significant danger to the US globally .
`` Look what he [ Trump ] does .
He embraces every dictator in sight , and he pokes his finger in the eye of all of our friends , '' the former vice president noted .
According to him , this approach of the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North Korea and `` Iran closer to < … > having enough fissile material to get a nuclear weapon than they had before . ''
`` You have our NATO allies backing away from us because they say , ‘ We ca n't count on , ’ us , '' Biden concluded .
The 2020 United States elections are scheduled for November 3 .
Nationwide , American citizens will go to the polls to elect 435 representatives to the House , 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States .
Incumbent Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are vying for the highest office in the land .
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 .
US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden believes that Moscow could have masterminded a campaign of disinformation against him on the eve of the presidential elections on November 3 , he told CBS .
The interviewer asked him whether the information leak from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attempts to spread disinformation attributed to Russia .
`` From what I 've read and know the intelligence community warned the president that [ Rudy ] Giuliani was being fed disinformation from the Russians .
And we also know that Putin is trying very hard to spread disinformation about Joe Biden , '' he claimed .
In mid-October , the New York Post published private messages obtained from Hunter Biden ’ s laptop .
The message exchanges show that Joe Biden ’ s son could have set up a meeting between his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , and a representative of Ukraine ’ s Burisma Holdings energy company .
Hunter Biden was then on Burisma ’ s board of directors .
Joe Biden also then called to fire Ukraine ’ s Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin who launched an investigation into Burisma .
The revelations gave Republicans a reason to accuse Biden and his son of corruption .
On October 19 , Director of US National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said that the US intelligence community has no reason to believe the scandal evolving around Hunter Biden ’ s messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign allegedly advanced by Russia .
Representatives of the State Department , FBI , Justice Department and Trump himself all expressed similar opinions .
The issue of potential interference in US elections is regularly raised in the context of claims made by US authorities that Russia is engaged in such actions .
Moscow has repeatedly denied these accusations .
In February , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow regrets to note that more and more claims of the sort would emerge in the US as the elections near .
According to Peskov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with reality .
`` .

NEW YORK, October 26. /TASS/. US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden believes that Russia poses the biggest threat to the United States on the international arena, he said in an interview with CBS published Sunday.
The interviewer asked the former vice president which country he thinks to be the most dangerous for the US. "Well, I think the biggest threat to America right now in terms of breaking up our security and our alliances is Russia," he said. "Secondly, I think that the biggest competitor is China." "And depending on how we handle that will determine whether we're competitors or we end up being in a more serious competition relating to force," Biden added.
He also underlined that policies of incumbent President Donald Trump also pose a significant danger to the US globally. "Look what he [Trump] does. He embraces every dictator in sight, and he pokes his finger in the eye of all of our friends," the former vice president noted. According to him, this approach of the White House occupant led to increased missile arsenal in North Korea and "Iran closer to <…> having enough fissile material to get a nuclear weapon than they had before." "You have our NATO allies backing away from us because they say, ‘We can't count on,’ us," Biden concluded.
The 2020 United States elections are scheduled for November 3. Nationwide, American citizens will go to the polls to elect 435 representatives to the House, 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate, and the President and Vice President of the United States. Incumbent Republican President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are vying for the highest office in the land. 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.
Disinformation campaign
US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden believes that Moscow could have masterminded a campaign of disinformation against him on the eve of the presidential elections on November 3, he told CBS.
The interviewer asked him whether the information leak from his son Hunter’s laptop is linked to attempts to spread disinformation attributed to Russia. "From what I've read and know the intelligence community warned the president that [Rudy] Giuliani was being fed disinformation from the Russians. And we also know that Putin is trying very hard to spread disinformation about Joe Biden," he claimed.
In mid-October, the New York Post published private messages obtained from Hunter Biden’s laptop. The message exchanges show that Joe Biden’s son could have set up a meeting between his father, when he served as vice president, and a representative of Ukraine’s Burisma Holdings energy company. Hunter Biden was then on Burisma’s board of directors. Joe Biden also then called to fire Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin who launched an investigation into Burisma. The revelations gave Republicans a reason to accuse Biden and his son of corruption.
On October 19, Director of US National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said that the US intelligence community has no reason to believe the scandal evolving around Hunter Biden’s messages and emails is part of a disinformation campaign allegedly advanced by Russia. Representatives of the State Department, FBI, Justice Department and Trump himself all expressed similar opinions.
The issue of potential interference in US elections is regularly raised in the context of claims made by US authorities that Russia is engaged in such actions. Moscow has repeatedly denied these accusations. In February, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow regrets to note that more and more claims of the sort would emerge in the US as the elections near. According to Peskov, these inventions "have nothing to do with reality.".