tass--2020-11-01--Minsk police confirm warning shots in the air were fired during demonstration

MINSK , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Minsk police spokeswoman Natalya Ganusevich has confirmed to TASS police fired several warning @ @ @ @ @ a protest demonstration by the opposition in Independence Avenue on Sunday .
`` Yes , @ @ @ @ @ warning shots in the air were made , '' Ganusevkich said .

MINSK, November 1. /TASS/. Minsk police spokeswoman Natalya Ganusevich has confirmed to TASS police fired several warning shots in the air during a protest demonstration by the opposition in Independence Avenue on Sunday.
"Yes, it is true, several warning shots in the air were made," Ganusevkich said.
She added that "a decision has been made today not to disclose any further information regarding the use of special gear."
"All information will be available on Monday," she said.
On Sunday, opposition supporters turned out for an unauthorized protest demonstration in Minsk once again. The march entitled Dzedy (Grandfathers, or Ancestors) was timed for the Ancestral Remembrance Day, marked on November 2. On this day the Belarusian opposition has held marches for many years. One of the traditional processions is from the center of Minsk to the locality called Kuropaty, in a suburb of the capital, the site of mass graves of victims of Stalinist repression. This year the march was not authorized by the authorities to have become part of the protest demonstrations that have continued since the August 9 presidential election.


tass--2020-11-01--Russia’s coronavirus spread rate climbs to 1.09

MOSCOW , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus spread rate rose to 1.09 on Sunday and in Moscow the figure grew to 1.15 , according to TASS data based on the anti-coronavirus crisis center ’ s data .
In nine out of ten Russian regions with the biggest caseload the rate has been above 1 .
The only exception is the Sverdlovsk Region ( 0.99 ) , where the figure is below 1 for the first time since September 23 .
In the Rostov Region the rate dropped to 1 and in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Region it rose to 1.04 .
In the Moscow Region and the Krasnoyarsk Region the rate stood at 1.06 , and in the Voronezh and Irkutsk Regions at 1.07 and 1.08 .
In St. Petersburg the rate was at Moscow ’ s level - 1.15 .
Russia has been registering a growing number of COVID-19 cases since early September , with the highest growth rate recorded in early October when the country ’ s average spread rate climbed to 1.2 .
This rate has dropped in the past few days and almost returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decrease in the COVID-19 spread rate , even though over 18,000 daily coronavirus cases were registered in Russia in the past three days .
The coronavirus spread rate shows the number of people one patient can infect before being isolated .
Along with other criteria , it was used to define the regions ’ readiness for a step-by-step removal of restrictions introduced this spring to combat the epidemic .
Now this rate is used to adopt decisions on resuming regular passenger service with foreign countries .
In accordance with the Federal Service for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wellbeing ’ s recommendations , the borders with a country may be opened if the coronavirus spread rate does not exceed 1 for a week .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus spread rate rose to 1.09 on Sunday and in Moscow the figure grew to 1.15, according to TASS data based on the anti-coronavirus crisis center’s data.
In nine out of ten Russian regions with the biggest caseload the rate has been above 1. The only exception is the Sverdlovsk Region (0.99), where the figure is below 1 for the first time since September 23.
In the Rostov Region the rate dropped to 1 and in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region to 1.01, while in the Nizhny Novgorod Region it rose to 1.04. In the Moscow Region and the Krasnoyarsk Region the rate stood at 1.06, and in the Voronezh and Irkutsk Regions at 1.07 and 1.08. In St. Petersburg the rate was at Moscow’s level - 1.15.
Russia has been registering a growing number of COVID-19 cases since early September, with the highest growth rate recorded in early October when the country’s average spread rate climbed to 1.2. This rate has dropped in the past few days and almost returned to 1. This may indicate a decrease in the COVID-19 spread rate, even though over 18,000 daily coronavirus cases were registered in Russia in the past three days.
The coronavirus spread rate shows the number of people one patient can infect before being isolated. Along with other criteria, it was used to define the regions’ readiness for a step-by-step removal of restrictions introduced this spring to combat the epidemic. Now this rate is used to adopt decisions on resuming regular passenger service with foreign countries.
In accordance with the Federal Service for Surveillance of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing’s recommendations, the borders with a country may be opened if the coronavirus spread rate does not exceed 1 for a week.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-01--Aliyev: Armenia has no grounds to request Russia’s assistance

BAKU , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia has no grounds to request Russia ’ s assistance over the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh , Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev said at talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday .
`` Azerbaijan carries out military operations on its internationally recognized territory .
No operations are conducted on Armenia ’ s soil , we don ’ t have such plans , '' Aliyev said according to Azerbaijan State News Agency ( AZERTAC ) .
In case Baku had such plans `` we would have done this in July , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia attacked us on the state border and we chased [ the attackers ] from our soil without crossing Armenia ’ s border , '' Aliyev said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
Three ceasefire agreements had been reached but shortly after the conflicting sides traded blame for violations .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

BAKU, November 1. /TASS/. Armenia has no grounds to request Russia’s assistance over the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said at talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday.
"Azerbaijan carries out military operations on its internationally recognized territory. No operations are conducted on Armenia’s soil, we don’t have such plans," Aliyev said according to Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC).
In case Baku had such plans "we would have done this in July," the Azerbaijani leader said. "Then Armenia attacked us on the state border and we chased [the attackers] from our soil without crossing Armenia’s border," Aliyev said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians. Three ceasefire agreements had been reached but shortly after the conflicting sides traded blame for violations.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-11-01--Riot police start brutally detaining protesters in Minsk

MINSK , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Riot police started brutally detaining opposition protesters at Sunday ’ s march dubbed @ @ @ @ @ Square in Minsk .
According to a TASS correspondent , the protesters were dispersed and @ @ @ @ @ detained .
Riot police fired several warning shots in the air as protesters approached their @ @ @ @ @ in Minsk .
Later the protesters bypassed a cordon of nearly 300 riot police officers @ @ @ @ @ avenue .
No clashes between protesters and police were registered .

MINSK, November 1. /TASS/. Riot police started brutally detaining opposition protesters at Sunday’s march dubbed 'Grandfathers' on the Independence Square in Minsk.
According to a TASS correspondent, the protesters were dispersed and at least 20 people were detained.
Riot police fired several warning shots in the air as protesters approached their cordon on the Independence Square in Minsk.
Later the protesters bypassed a cordon of nearly 300 riot police officers and continued marching along the avenue. No clashes between protesters and police were registered.


tass--2020-11-01--Death toll from earthquake in western Turkey rises to 58 - Erdogan

ANKARA , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
At least 58 people were killed and 896 others were wounded in a @ @ @ @ @ in western Turkey , President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on Sunday .
`` Some @ @ @ @ @ in the quake , 896 people were injured , '' the Turkish leader said in @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier reports said 55 people had been killed .
According to Health Minister Fahrettin @ @ @ @ @ a search effort at the site of eight destroyed houses .
More than 680 people @ @ @ @ @ and another 214 those injured are receiving medical assistance , the minister said .
The @ @ @ @ @ Turkey 's Aegean coast and north of the Greek island of Samos on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ Istanbul and Athens .
At least 20 houses in Izmir were ruined and some destruction @ @ @ @ @ Greek town of Karlovasi .

ANKARA, November 1. /TASS/. At least 58 people were killed and 896 others were wounded in a powerful earthquake in Izmir, in western Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on Sunday.
"Some 58 our citizens were killed in the quake, 896 people were injured," the Turkish leader said in his speech on national television.
Earlier reports said 55 people had been killed.
According to Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, 2,076 rescuers continue a search effort at the site of eight destroyed houses. More than 680 people have been discharged from hospitals and another 214 those injured are receiving medical assistance, the minister said.
The 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off Turkey's Aegean coast and north of the Greek island of Samos on Friday. It was also felt in Istanbul and Athens. At least 20 houses in Izmir were ruined and some destruction was also reported in the Greek town of Karlovasi.


tass--2020-11-01--At least 11 Russians die from coronavirus in Turkey - embassy

ANKARA , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
At least 11 Russian citizens died from the novel coronavirus in Turkey , @ @ @ @ @ Russian embassy in Turkey said on Sunday .
`` Eleven Russians have died from the @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press attache said .

ANKARA, November 1. /TASS/. At least 11 Russian citizens died from the novel coronavirus in Turkey, a press attache for the Russian embassy in Turkey said on Sunday.
"Eleven Russians have died from the coronavirus in Turkey by now," the press attache said.


tass--2020-11-01--Over 1,100 coronavirus patients hospitalized in Moscow in the past day

MOSCOW , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Some 1,131 patients were hospitalized with the coronavirus in Moscow , the city ’ s crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported .
`` The crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow reported that 5,261 new cases of the coronavirus infection were confirmed in the capital .
Some 1,131 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to hospitals in the past day , '' it said .
Some 12 % of those ill are children , 45.4 % are aged between 18 and 45 , another 29.2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and another 9.6 % are aged between 66 and 79 .
Some 3.8 % of those infected are above 80 .
All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision .
Moscow citizens over 65 and those with chronic diseases must self-isolate , while all people must wear masks and gloves in public transport and observe social distance , the crisis center said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Some 1,131 patients were hospitalized with the coronavirus in Moscow, the city’s crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported.
"The crisis center for control and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow reported that 5,261 new cases of the coronavirus infection were confirmed in the capital. Some 1,131 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to hospitals in the past day," it said.
Some 12% of those ill are children, 45.4% are aged between 18 and 45, another 29.2% are aged between 46 and 65, and another 9.6% are aged between 66 and 79. Some 3.8% of those infected are above 80.
All patients and their close contacts are under medical supervision.
Moscow citizens over 65 and those with chronic diseases must self-isolate, while all people must wear masks and gloves in public transport and observe social distance, the crisis center said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-11-01--Over 61 mln COVID-19 tests carried out in Russia

MOSCOW , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
More than 61 mln tests for the novel coronavirus were carried out in @ @ @ @ @ said on Sunday .
`` Over 61 mln tests for the coronavirus were conducted in @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported .
In @ @ @ @ @ tests were carried out .
According to the sanitary watchdog , 389,600 remain under medical @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. More than 61 mln tests for the novel coronavirus were carried out in Russia, the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday.
"Over 61 mln tests for the coronavirus were conducted in the Russian Federation," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported. In the past day, 587,000 tests were carried out.
According to the sanitary watchdog, 389,600 remain under medical supervision in Russia.


tass--2020-11-01--Russia registers record-high 18,665 daily COVID-19 case tally - crisis center

MOSCOW , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia registered 18,665 new coronavirus cases in the past day , a record high number since the start of the pandemic , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday .
The total coronavirus case tally grew to 1,636,781 .
The average growth rate rose to 1.2 % , according to the crisis center .
The lowest growth rate in the past 24 hours was registered in the Chechen Republic , the Republics of Tatarstan and Dagestan ( 0.5 % ) , the Moscow Region , the Chuvash Republic ( 0.6 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) .
Some 5,261 cases were recorded in Moscow , 896 in St. Petersburg , 545 in the Moscow Region , 394 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 365 in the Arkhangelsk Region .
Currently , 382,873 people are undergoing treatment in Russia .
Russia ’ s coronavirus death toll rose by 245 in the past day to 28,235 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday .
The average mortality rate remained at 1.73 % , the crisis center said .
On Saturday , 334 people died from the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were registered in Moscow , 29 in St. Petersburg , 13 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 11 in the Rostov Region , 10 in the Udmurt Republic , 9 in the Moscow Region and Buryatia , and in another 38 regions the death toll did not exceed 7 .
Some 10,259 people in Russia recovered from the coronavirus in the past day and the total number of recoveries reached 1,225,673 .
The number of recoveries dropped to 74.9 % of all those infected .
Over the past day , 3,341 patients were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Petersburg , 408 in the Moscow Region , 353 in the Voronezh Region , 281 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 269 in the Udmurt Republic .

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Russia registered 18,665 new coronavirus cases in the past day, a record high number since the start of the pandemic, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday.
The total coronavirus case tally grew to 1,636,781. The average growth rate rose to 1.2%, according to the crisis center.
The lowest growth rate in the past 24 hours was registered in the Chechen Republic, the Republics of Tatarstan and Dagestan (0.5%), the Moscow Region, the Chuvash Republic (0.6%) and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region (0.7%).
Some 5,261 cases were recorded in Moscow, 896 in St. Petersburg, 545 in the Moscow Region, 394 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and 365 in the Arkhangelsk Region.
Currently, 382,873 people are undergoing treatment in Russia.
Russia’s coronavirus death toll rose by 245 in the past day to 28,235, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday.
The average mortality rate remained at 1.73%, the crisis center said. On Saturday, 334 people died from the coronavirus.
In the past day 52 deaths were registered in Moscow, 29 in St. Petersburg, 13 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 11 in the Rostov Region, 10 in the Udmurt Republic, 9 in the Moscow Region and Buryatia, and in another 38 regions the death toll did not exceed 7.
Some 10,259 people in Russia recovered from the coronavirus in the past day and the total number of recoveries reached 1,225,673.
The number of recoveries dropped to 74.9% of all those infected.
Over the past day, 3,341 patients were discharged in Moscow, 457 in St. Petersburg, 408 in the Moscow Region, 353 in the Voronezh Region, 281 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 269 in the Udmurt Republic.


tass--2020-11-01--Georgia’s ruling party wins over 48% with 78.16% of votes counted - CEC

TBILISI , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
The ruling party , Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia , secured 48.36 % at Saturday ’ s parliamentary polls after 78.16 % of votes were counted , the official portal reported .
The party secured 76 mandates , according to preliminary data , gaining the right to unilaterally form the future government , the party ’ s Executive Secretary Irakly Kobakhidze told a briefing on Sunday .
`` In the proportional voting and based on those election results published on the Central Election Commission ’ s website , the Georgian Dream won 62 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates elected MPs through a majority system has been counted and we can say now that 14 of them won .
Given this , by simple arithmetic we can say that the Georgian Dream guaranteed 76 mandates , '' Kobakhidze said , noting that this gives the party the right to unilaterally form the government .
According to the Central Election Commission , the opposition bloc Strength is in Unity - United Opposition , which also comprises the United National Movement founded by ex-president Mihail Saakashvili , garnered 26.35 % .
The run-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In case the ruling party ’ s candidates win in these constituencies , the Georgian Dream will have 92 mandates in the parliament .
European Georgian-Movement for Liberty , which split from the National Movement in 2017 , comes in third with 3.79 % of the vote .
Seven parties and two blocs have overcome a 1 % threshold .
The party of former parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze , the Democratic Movement - United Georgia , won just 0.86 % of the vote , below the required minimum .
One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , led by Shalva Natelashvili , will join the parliament , garnering 1.01 % of the vote .
Georgia held parliamentary elections on Saturday .
The country ’ s 150-seat parliament will be made up of 120 members elected through a proportional voting system and 30 members elected through a majority system .
As many as 48 political parties and two blocs ran for 150 seats .
More than 3.5 mln citizens are eligible to vote in Georgia .
Over 3,800 polling stations were opened .
According to the CEC , the voter @ @ @ @ @

TBILISI, November 1. /TASS/. The ruling party, Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia, secured 48.36% at Saturday’s parliamentary polls after 78.16% of votes were counted, the official portal reported.
The party secured 76 mandates, according to preliminary data, gaining the right to unilaterally form the future government, the party’s Executive Secretary Irakly Kobakhidze told a briefing on Sunday.
"In the proportional voting and based on those election results published on the Central Election Commission’s website, the Georgian Dream won 62 mandates. Besides, the data on candidates elected MPs through a majority system has been counted and we can say now that 14 of them won. Given this, by simple arithmetic we can say that the Georgian Dream guaranteed 76 mandates," Kobakhidze said, noting that this gives the party the right to unilaterally form the government.
According to the Central Election Commission, the opposition bloc Strength is in Unity - United Opposition, which also comprises the United National Movement founded by ex-president Mihail Saakashvili, garnered 26.35%. The run-off will take place in 16 single-seat constituencies. In case the ruling party’s candidates win in these constituencies, the Georgian Dream will have 92 mandates in the parliament.
European Georgian-Movement for Liberty, which split from the National Movement in 2017, comes in third with 3.79% of the vote.
Seven parties and two blocs have overcome a 1% threshold. The party of former parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze, the Democratic Movement - United Georgia, won just 0.86% of the vote, below the required minimum. One of the oldest political forces, the Labor Party, led by Shalva Natelashvili, will join the parliament, garnering 1.01% of the vote.
Georgia held parliamentary elections on Saturday. The country’s 150-seat parliament will be made up of 120 members elected through a proportional voting system and 30 members elected through a majority system. As many as 48 political parties and two blocs ran for 150 seats. More than 3.5 mln citizens are eligible to vote in Georgia. Over 3,800 polling stations were opened. According to the CEC, the voter turnout reached 56.11%.


tass--2020-11-01--Over 3,300 coronavirus patients recover in Moscow in the past day

MOSCOW , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Another 3,341 people recovered from the coronavirus in the Russian capital , Deputy @ @ @ @ @ reporters on Sunday .
`` The number of recoveries in Moscow keeps rising .
Over @ @ @ @ @ 3,341 patients recovered after undergoing treatment .
The total number of people who recovered from @ @ @ @ @ 314,791 , '' Rakova said .
All patients will remain under medical supervision after being @ @ @ @ @ receive recommendations .
The recovered Moscow citizens have been asked to donate their plasma to @ @ @ @ @ aged 18 to 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors , @ @ @ @ @ have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , Hepatitis B and C .

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Another 3,341 people recovered from the coronavirus in the Russian capital, Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasiya Rakova told reporters on Sunday.
"The number of recoveries in Moscow keeps rising. Over the past day, another 3,341 patients recovered after undergoing treatment. The total number of people who recovered from the infection has climbed to 314,791," Rakova said.
All patients will remain under medical supervision after being discharged from hospitals and will receive recommendations.
The recovered Moscow citizens have been asked to donate their plasma to treat coronavirus patients. People aged 18 to 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.


tass--2020-11-01--Voting in Moldovan presidential election kicks off in Moldova

CHISINAU , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s presidential election began at 07:00 local time ( 08:00 Moscow Time ) with 2,004 polling stations opened across the country , a spokesperson for the Central Election Commission Rodica Sirbu told TASS on Sunday .
Nearly 2,500 observers will monitor the voting , including representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States , the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe , the European Union , as well as Russia , the United States and other countries .
Over 6,000 police officers will ensure order during the polls .
They will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The presidential election comes amid tense epidemiological situation .
In order to ensure measures on curbing the coronavirus spread the authorities purchased face masks , which will be given to voters free of charge .
All ballot stations will be disinfected and voters will observe social distance .
Another 139 polling stations will be opened on Sunday in 26 countries .
In Russia , where the majority of Moldovan labor migrants are working , some 17 ballot stations will be opened .
The vote will take place in Moscow , the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sochi , Tula , Kostroma , Kursk , Ryazan and Lipetsk .
Eight candidates are running in the election , however , according to opinion polls , incumbent President Igor Dodon is the most likely candidate to win .
His main opponent in the election is Maia Sandu , former PM and the current leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity ( PAS ) .
The president will be elected for a four-year term .
The candidate who gets at least 50 % of the vote will win the election .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run-off will be held in two weeks .

CHISINAU, November 1. /TASS/. Moldova’s presidential election began at 07:00 local time (08:00 Moscow Time) with 2,004 polling stations opened across the country, a spokesperson for the Central Election Commission Rodica Sirbu told TASS on Sunday.
Nearly 2,500 observers will monitor the voting, including representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union, as well as Russia, the United States and other countries.
Over 6,000 police officers will ensure order during the polls. They will monitor the situation outside the polling stations.
The presidential election comes amid tense epidemiological situation. In order to ensure measures on curbing the coronavirus spread the authorities purchased face masks, which will be given to voters free of charge. All ballot stations will be disinfected and voters will observe social distance.
Another 139 polling stations will be opened on Sunday in 26 countries. In Russia, where the majority of Moldovan labor migrants are working, some 17 ballot stations will be opened. The vote will take place in Moscow, the Moscow Region, St. Petersburg, Surgut, Sochi, Tula, Kostroma, Kursk, Ryazan and Lipetsk.
Eight candidates are running in the election, however, according to opinion polls, incumbent President Igor Dodon is the most likely candidate to win. His main opponent in the election is Maia Sandu, former PM and the current leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). The president will be elected for a four-year term. The candidate who gets at least 50% of the vote will win the election. If no candidate gets enough votes, a run-off will be held in two weeks.


tass--2020-11-01--Former US Secretary of State calls withdrawal from INF Treaty a ‘giant mistake’

NEW YORK , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a giant mistake , former US Secretary of State George Shultz said in an interview with The New York Times .
`` Withdrawing from the INF treaty was a giant mistake , '' said Shultz , who will turn 100 on December 13 .
`` You lose not only the agreement itself , but you lose all those verification provisions that we worked so hard on . ''
Shultz , who served as the top US diplomat in 1982-1989 , called for enhancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary changes in education , migration , national security , technology and economics .
`` We seem to be in an upset state of affairs where it ’ s hard to get things accomplished , '' he said , lamenting the Trump administration ’ s allergy to international accords .
`` They seem to be skeptical of these agreements , of any agreement .
Agreements aren ’ t usually perfect .
You don ’ t get everything you want .
You compromise a little bit .
But they ’ re way better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he hoped the Trump administration would seek to extend the New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) with Russia , which is due to expire in February 2021 .
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty , signed by the Soviet Union and the United States on December 8 , 1987 , took effect on June 1 , 1988 .
It applied to deployed and non-deployed ground-based missiles of intermediate range ( 1,000-5,000 kilometers ) and shorter range ( 500-1,000 kilometers ) .
Washington repeatedly accused Russia of violating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations and , in its turn , expressed grievances over Washington ’ s non-compliance .
On February 1 , 2019 , US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced the suspension of Washington ’ s obligations under the INF starting on February 2 .
On February 2 , Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow was also suspending the agreement .
On August 2 , 2019 Washington formally withdrew from the INF Treaty and the Russian Foreign Ministry , in turn , officially confirmed that the Treaty had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

NEW YORK, November 1. /TASS/. US withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a giant mistake, former US Secretary of State George Shultz said in an interview with The New York Times.
"Withdrawing from the INF treaty was a giant mistake," said Shultz, who will turn 100 on December 13. "You lose not only the agreement itself, but you lose all those verification provisions that we worked so hard on."
Shultz, who served as the top US diplomat in 1982-1989, called for enhancing international cooperation in order to carry out necessary changes in education, migration, national security, technology and economics.
"We seem to be in an upset state of affairs where it’s hard to get things accomplished," he said, lamenting the Trump administration’s allergy to international accords. "They seem to be skeptical of these agreements, of any agreement. Agreements aren’t usually perfect. You don’t get everything you want. You compromise a little bit. But they’re way better than nothing."
Shultz did not hide that he hoped the Trump administration would seek to extend the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) with Russia, which is due to expire in February 2021.
INF Treaty issue
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed by the Soviet Union and the United States on December 8, 1987, took effect on June 1, 1988. It applied to deployed and non-deployed ground-based missiles of intermediate range (1,000-5,000 kilometers) and shorter range (500-1,000 kilometers). Washington repeatedly accused Russia of violating the accord, but Moscow vehemently dismissed all accusations and, in its turn, expressed grievances over Washington’s non-compliance.
On February 1, 2019, US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo announced the suspension of Washington’s obligations under the INF starting on February 2. On February 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow was also suspending the agreement. On August 2, 2019 Washington formally withdrew from the INF Treaty and the Russian Foreign Ministry, in turn, officially confirmed that the Treaty had been terminated at the United States’ initiative.


tass--2020-11-01--Georgian opposition plans to hold rally in downtown Tbilisi on Sunday

TBILISI , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Georgian opposition does not agree with the preliminary results of Saturday ’ s parliamentary election and calls on people to take part in a protest rally in the country ’ s capital of Tbilisi on Sunday , National Movement member Nika Melia said .
`` It was not an election , it was a war and we haven ’ t lost the war , '' he pointed out .
After the Central Election Commission ’ s chief announced the preliminary results of the vote , representatives of several opposition parties came together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they did not agree with the results .
Georgia held its parliamentary election on Saturday .
The country ’ s 150-seat parliament will be made up of 120 members elected through a proportional voting system and 30 members elected through a majority system .
According to the Central Election Commission , the Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party gained 49.98 % of the vote with 50.45 % of ballots counted and the bloc `` United National Movement - United Opposition 'Strength is in Unity ' '' garnered 25.42 % .
Candidates from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all 30 single-mandate constituencies .
As many as 48 political parties and two blocs participated in the election , according to preliminary results , five parties and two blocs will enter parliament .

TBILISI, November 1. /TASS/. The Georgian opposition does not agree with the preliminary results of Saturday’s parliamentary election and calls on people to take part in a protest rally in the country’s capital of Tbilisi on Sunday, National Movement member Nika Melia said.
"It was not an election, it was a war and we haven’t lost the war," he pointed out.
After the Central Election Commission’s chief announced the preliminary results of the vote, representatives of several opposition parties came together to develop a unified action plan and said they did not agree with the results.
Georgia held its parliamentary election on Saturday. The country’s 150-seat parliament will be made up of 120 members elected through a proportional voting system and 30 members elected through a majority system. According to the Central Election Commission, the Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party gained 49.98% of the vote with 50.45% of ballots counted and the bloc "United National Movement - United Opposition 'Strength is in Unity'" garnered 25.42%. Candidates from the Georgian Dream party are reportedly winning in all 30 single-mandate constituencies. As many as 48 political parties and two blocs participated in the election, according to preliminary results, five parties and two blocs will enter parliament.


tass--2020-11-01--Earthquake death toll in Turkey rises to 43

ANKARA , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people killed in a powerful earthquake that hit Turkey ’ @ @ @ @ @ to 43 , the Turkish emergency agency said in a statement .
`` Forty-three people @ @ @ @ @ the statement reads .
According to the agency , 896 people suffered injuries .
The @ @ @ @ @ Turkey 's Aegean coast and north of the Greek island of Samos on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ Istanbul and Athens .

ANKARA, November 1. /TASS/. The number of people killed in a powerful earthquake that hit Turkey’s Izmir region has risen to 43, the Turkish emergency agency said in a statement.
"Forty-three people lost their lives," the statement reads. According to the agency, 896 people suffered injuries.
The 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off Turkey's Aegean coast and north of the Greek island of Samos on Friday. It was also felt in Istanbul and Athens.


tass--2020-11-02--WHO head Ghebreyesus self-isolates after contact with COVID-19 carrier

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
World Health Organization ( WHO ) head Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus went into @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 carrier , the official said in his Twitter Monday .
`` I have @ @ @ @ @ of someone who has tested positive for COVID19 .
I am well and without symptoms @ @ @ @ @ coming days , in line with WHO protocols , and work from home , '' @ @ @ @ @ that it is critically important for everyone to comply with coronavirus health guidance .
Over @ @ @ @ @ the disease since the beginning of the outbreak , over 1.19 million died .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. World Health Organization (WHO) head Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus went into self-isolation after a contact with a COVID-19 carrier, the official said in his Twitter Monday.
"I have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID19. I am well and without symptoms but will self-quarantine over the coming days, in line with WHO protocols, and work from home," the official tweeted, added that it is critically important for everyone to comply with coronavirus health guidance.
Over 46 million people have contracted the disease since the beginning of the outbreak, over 1.19 million died.


tass--2020-11-02--Second round of presidential elections in Moldova to take place on November 15

CHISINAU , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The second round of presidential elections will take place in Moldova on November @ @ @ @ @ Igor Dodon against Maia Sandu , head of the pro-European opposition Party of Action and @ @ @ @ @ of ballots were counted , Igor Dodon secured 35.7 % versus Sandu ’ s 32.2 @ @ @ @ @ to win in the second round , a candidate must secure 50 % plus one @ @ @ @ @ round is needed to determine the winner , '' Dodon said .
The Central Electoral @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
The Commission must announce official results within five days after elections .
@ @ @ @ @ statements until Monday morning , both campaigns told TASS .

CHISINAU, November 2. /TASS/. The second round of presidential elections will take place in Moldova on November 15, pitting incumbent president Igor Dodon against Maia Sandu, head of the pro-European opposition Party of Action and Solidarity. After 94% of ballots were counted, Igor Dodon secured 35.7% versus Sandu’s 32.2%.
"In order to win in the second round, a candidate must secure 50% plus one vote, therefore a second round is needed to determine the winner," Dodon said.
The Central Electoral Commission will announce final results on Monday. The Commission must announce official results within five days after elections.
Both leading candidates postponed making statements until Monday morning, both campaigns told TASS.


tass--2020-11-02--Death toll of earthquake in Turkey grows to 76

TASS , November 2 .
The death toll of the earthquake that happened in Turkey ’ s Izmir increased to @ @ @ @ @ reported Monday .
`` A total of 76 our citizens have died ; 743 people @ @ @ @ @ been released , 219 people remain in hospitals , '' the Directorate said .
A @ @ @ @ @ at sea , 19 km northwest of Samos Island .
Underground shocks collapsed at least @ @ @ @ @ some damage has also been caused to the Greek city of Neon Karlovasi .

TASS, November 2. The death toll of the earthquake that happened in Turkey’s Izmir increased to 79, Turkish emergency Directorate reported Monday.
"A total of 79 our citizens have died; 743 people out of 962 injured have been released, 219 people remain in hospitals," the Directorate said.
Previously, the Directorate reported 76 deaths.
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake was registered at sea, 19 km northwest of Samos Island. Underground shocks collapsed at least 20 houses in Izmir; some damage has also been caused to the Greek city of Neon Karlovasi.


tass--2020-11-02--Fire in a mine in Russia’s Komi could have been caused by short circuit during drilling

SYKTYVKAR , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The fire in a mine in Russia ’ s Komi Region could have been caused by short circuit during drilling operations , says Lukoil-Komi , the Yareganeft parent company .
`` According to the preliminary information , the fire has been caused by a short circuit in a starter belonging to contractor Neftegazmash ( NGM ) during drilling operations , '' the company said .
The fire was reported at 20:03 ( Moscow time ) .
At the time of the incident , 82 employees of the company and its contractors were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NGM employees first attempted to quench the fire themselves , but , after their attempts failed , informed their customer - Yareganeft .
The company decided to immediately evacuate all people from the oil mine and then proceed with emergency measures .
The mine ’ s operation has been suspended .
Almost all people have been evacuated to the surface .
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations ’ regional directorate , two people remain missing .
Rescue teams work at the site .
The Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yareganeft develops the Timano-Pechory - Yaregskoye oil field , one of the oldest in operation .
The oil field has been developed since 1939 .
Its oil , found at 165-200 meters deep , is highly viscous and has trace amounts of natural gas .

SYKTYVKAR, November 2. /TASS/. The fire in a mine in Russia’s Komi Region could have been caused by short circuit during drilling operations, says Lukoil-Komi, the Yareganeft parent company.
"According to the preliminary information, the fire has been caused by a short circuit in a starter belonging to contractor Neftegazmash (NGM) during drilling operations," the company said.
The fire was reported at 20:03 (Moscow time). At the time of the incident, 82 employees of the company and its contractors were at the site.
According to Lukoil-Komi, the NGM employees first attempted to quench the fire themselves, but, after their attempts failed, informed their customer - Yareganeft. The company decided to immediately evacuate all people from the oil mine and then proceed with emergency measures. The mine’s operation has been suspended. Almost all people have been evacuated to the surface.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations’ regional directorate, two people remain missing. Rescue teams work at the site. The Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General’s Office perform inspections over the incident.
Yareganeft develops the Timano-Pechory - Yaregskoye oil field, one of the oldest in operation. The oil field has been developed since 1939. Its oil, found at 165-200 meters deep, is highly viscous and has trace amounts of natural gas.


tass--2020-11-02--ISS crew congratulated all involved with 20th anniversary of station’s manned operation

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The International Space Station crew members Sergei Ryzhikov , Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Kathleen Rubins congratulated everyone involved with 20th anniversary of ISS ’ s manned operation .
Station commander Sergei Ryzhikov reminded that the ISS first main crew of Sergei Krikalyov , Yuri Gidzenko and William Shepherd arrived to the station on November 2 , 2000 .
`` This date is considered the starting point of ISS ’ s manned operation , '' Ryzhikov noted in his video address .
`` We congratulate all participants of this incredible international project and would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kud-Sverchkov added .
The cosmonaut also thanked everyone who stood at the origins of the project , who provided and continues to provide it with support and who aid the crew in its difficult work .
`` Thanks to the first ISS crew , who did a fantastic job bringing the ISS and all its systems to life , '' Kud-Sverchkov added .
NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins called the ISS a symbol of international cooperation and expressed her certainty that the experience , obtained on the station would be used in new projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took off on October 31 , 2000 , spent over 136 days onboard and returned home on March 2001 , on a US space shuttle .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The International Space Station crew members Sergei Ryzhikov, Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Kathleen Rubins congratulated everyone involved with 20th anniversary of ISS’s manned operation.
Station commander Sergei Ryzhikov reminded that the ISS first main crew of Sergei Krikalyov, Yuri Gidzenko and William Shepherd arrived to the station on November 2, 2000.
"This date is considered the starting point of ISS’s manned operation," Ryzhikov noted in his video address.
"We congratulate all participants of this incredible international project and would like to thank all of them," Kud-Sverchkov added.
The cosmonaut also thanked everyone who stood at the origins of the project, who provided and continues to provide it with support and who aid the crew in its difficult work.
"Thanks to the first ISS crew, who did a fantastic job bringing the ISS and all its systems to life," Kud-Sverchkov added.
NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins called the ISS a symbol of international cooperation and expressed her certainty that the experience, obtained on the station would be used in new projects on Earth.
The first ISS crew took off on October 31, 2000, spent over 136 days onboard and returned home on March 2001, on a US space shuttle.


tass--2020-11-02--Dodon is front-runner in Moldova's presidential election with 34.3% - CEC

Moscow hopes common sense in ties with Russia will prevail after US elections — diplomat The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ about the prospects of bilateral cooperation in the current conditions and does not raise the @ @ @ @ @

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-11-02--Moldova's incumbent says presidential election was free, democratic

CHISINAU , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova 's presidential election was free , legally correct and democratic , the @ @ @ @ @ Igor Dodon told a news briefing after the polling stations closed Sunday evening .
`` @ @ @ @ @ legally correct and democratic .
As the incumbent head of state I would like to @ @ @ @ @ 's citizens who participated in the elections regardless of whom they voted for , '' @ @ @

CHISINAU, November 2. /TASS/. Moldova's presidential election was free, legally correct and democratic, the incumbent head of state, Igor Dodon told a news briefing after the polling stations closed Sunday evening.
"The election was free, legally correct and democratic. As the incumbent head of state I would like to thank all of the country's citizens who participated in the elections regardless of whom they voted for," Dodon said.


tass--2020-11-02--Militants in Idlib use civilians to make fake videos of alleged bombardments

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Militants in Syria are plotting another provocation in the Idlib de-escalation zone for which they use local civilians in making faked videos of alleged bombardments , the deputy chief of the Russian center for the reconciliation of conflicting parties in Syria , Rear Admiral Alexander Grinkevich , told a news briefing on Sunday .
He said the reconciliation center was getting evidence terrorist groups were plotting more provocations in the Idlib de-escalation zone with the aim of blaming the Syrian government forces for ceasefire violations and strikes against communities .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were using local civilians in the communities of Tekad and Kafr Noran for participation in fake videos showing what should look like the effects of alleged strikes by government forces .
The Russian center for reconciliation did not confirm clashes between government forces and militants in this area .
The reconciliation center `` is urging the field commanders of illegal armed groups to give up armed provocations and embark on the track of peace settlement in the areas under their control , '' Grinkevich said .
Over the past day militants from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ) shelled the Idlib zone of de-escalation 29 times .
Idlib , Aleppo , Latakia and Hama provinces came under fire .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Militants in Syria are plotting another provocation in the Idlib de-escalation zone for which they use local civilians in making faked videos of alleged bombardments, the deputy chief of the Russian center for the reconciliation of conflicting parties in Syria, Rear Admiral Alexander Grinkevich, told a news briefing on Sunday.
He said the reconciliation center was getting evidence terrorist groups were plotting more provocations in the Idlib de-escalation zone with the aim of blaming the Syrian government forces for ceasefire violations and strikes against communities.
There have been confirmations, Grinkevich said, that militants were using local civilians in the communities of Tekad and Kafr Noran for participation in fake videos showing what should look like the effects of alleged strikes by government forces.
The Russian center for reconciliation did not confirm clashes between government forces and militants in this area.
The reconciliation center "is urging the field commanders of illegal armed groups to give up armed provocations and embark on the track of peace settlement in the areas under their control," Grinkevich said.
Over the past day militants from the terrorist group Jabhat al-Nusra (outlawed in Russia) shelled the Idlib zone of de-escalation 29 times. Idlib, Aleppo, Latakia and Hama provinces came under fire.


tass--2020-11-01--No signs relations with Georgia may get better after election - Kosachyov

MOSCOW , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Opportunities for an improvement of relations between Russia and Georgia will emerge only if Tbilisi recognizes its mistakes that resulted in the self-proclaimed independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia .
For the time being , there is no reason to expect bilateral relations may begin to mend whatever the outcome of the Georgian elections , the chairman of the Federation Council 's international affairs committee , Konstantin Kosachyov , said on Sunday .
`` The way I see it , there have been no chance for an improvement of bilateral relations regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will emerge when Georgian politicians agree to recognize the naked truth , however unpleasant they may find it : the self-proclaimed independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia , which became a reality in 2008 , was not a result of Russia 's policies .
The blame is to be placed on Georgia 's own erroneous policies that lasted for many decades , even back in the Soviet era , '' Kosachyov told TASS .
In his opinion , if and when Georgian politicians agree to recognize this and have the courage to invite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dialogue as equals , `` Russian-Georgian relations will have the chance of turning normal and good-neighborly . ''
`` Alas , such honest and brave politicians in modern nationalistic Georgia are very few , '' Kosachyov said .

MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. Opportunities for an improvement of relations between Russia and Georgia will emerge only if Tbilisi recognizes its mistakes that resulted in the self-proclaimed independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. For the time being, there is no reason to expect bilateral relations may begin to mend whatever the outcome of the Georgian elections, the chairman of the Federation Council's international affairs committee, Konstantin Kosachyov, said on Sunday.
"The way I see it, there have been no chance for an improvement of bilateral relations regardless of the election returns. Such a chance will emerge when Georgian politicians agree to recognize the naked truth, however unpleasant they may find it: the self-proclaimed independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which became a reality in 2008, was not a result of Russia's policies. The blame is to be placed on Georgia's own erroneous policies that lasted for many decades, even back in the Soviet era," Kosachyov told TASS.
In his opinion, if and when Georgian politicians agree to recognize this and have the courage to invite the Abkhazians and South Ossetians to conduct a dialogue as equals, "Russian-Georgian relations will have the chance of turning normal and good-neighborly."
"Alas, such honest and brave politicians in modern nationalistic Georgia are very few," Kosachyov said.


tass--2020-11-01--More than 200 detained during Sunday's protest demonstrations in Belarus

MINSK , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of those detained during Sunday 's protest demonstrations in Belarus has @ @ @ @ @ the unregistered human right center Vesna , there are 206 names on its list of @ @ @ @ @ most frequent in Mogilyov , Grodno and Zhodishki .
On Sunday , opposition supporters turned @ @ @ @ @ demonstration in Minsk once again .
The march entitled Dzyady ( Grandfathers , or Ancestors @ @ @ @ @ Ancestral Remembrance Day , marked on November 2 .
On this day the Belarusian , @ @ @ @ @ many years .
One of the traditional processions is from the center of Minsk to @ @ @ @ @ in a suburb of the capital , the site of mass graves of victims of @ @ @ @ @ the march was not authorized by the authorities to have become part of the protest @ @ @ @ @ the August 9 presidential election .

MINSK, November 1. /TASS/. The number of those detained during Sunday's protest demonstrations in Belarus has exceeded 200. According to the unregistered human right center Vesna, there are 206 names on its list of the detainees. Detentions were most frequent in Mogilyov, Grodno and Zhodishki.
On Sunday, opposition supporters turned out for an unauthorized protest demonstration in Minsk once again. The march entitled Dzyady (Grandfathers, or Ancestors) was timed for the Ancestral Remembrance Day, marked on November 2. On this day the Belarusian, opposition has held marches for many years. One of the traditional processions is from the center of Minsk to the locality called Kuropaty, in a suburb of the capital, the site of mass graves of victims of Stalinist repression. This year the march was not authorized by the authorities to have become part of the protest demonstrations that have continued since the August 9 presidential election.


tass--2020-11-01--Russian embassy denies death of two Russian border guards in southern Armenia

YEREVAN , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Media allegations about the death of two Russian border guards on Armenia 's @ @ @ @ @ do with the reality , the Russian embassy 's press-service said in Yerevan on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ media requests for a comment on rumors by several sources about the death of two @ @ @ @ @ that they have nothing to do with the reality .
We urge the mass media @ @ @ @ @ balanced attitude to such fakes , '' the statement runs .
Russia 's border guards @ @ @ @ @ accordance with the treaty On the Status of the Border Guard Troops of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ Armenia and the Terms of their Functioning , of September 30 , 1992 .

YEREVAN, November 1. /TASS/. Media allegations about the death of two Russian border guards on Armenia's southern border have nothing to do with the reality, the Russian embassy's press-service said in Yerevan on Sunday.
"In connection with media requests for a comment on rumors by several sources about the death of two Russian border guards we say that they have nothing to do with the reality. We urge the mass media to take a cautious and balanced attitude to such fakes," the statement runs.
Russia's border guards are present in Armenia in accordance with the treaty On the Status of the Border Guard Troops of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Armenia and the Terms of their Functioning, of September 30, 1992.


tass--2020-11-01--Thousands protest Georgian election returns in front of parliament building

TBILISI , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Demonstrators angry about the results of the October 31 parliamentary elections have put up two tents in front of the parliament building in the capital Tbilisi , the leader of the oppositional party United National Movement , Khatiya Dekanoidze , has told the media .
`` I am very angry .
I would like to express my protest as an ordinary citizen .
May those who wish to go home do so .
And may those who wish to stay remain here .
I will stay right here in front of the parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dekanoidze said .
At first police tried to prevent demonstrators from creating a tent camp and even took one tent way , but later decided not to intervene .
Opposition members say they are determined to picket the parliament building throughout the night .
A rally in the center of Tbilisi has continued for several hours now , with several thousand representatives of opposition parties and their supporters taking part .
The opposition is reluctant to recognize the returns from last Saturday 's parliamentary elections , in which the ruling party Georgian dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winner .
The authorities ' critics argue that the elections were illegitimate due to violations .
Georgia on Saturday held parliamentary elections on the basis of a mixed system : 120 legislators were to be elected on party tickets and 30 , in single-mandate constituencies .
There were 48 parties and two political blocs contesting the 150 parliamentary seats .
After the counting of 99 % of the votes the party Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia is the front-runner with more than 48 % of the votes .
The bloc Strength is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Saakashvili 's United National Movement is second , with 27 % of the votes .
The opposition 's candidate leads only in one of the 30 single-mandate constituencies , while in 13 others Georgian Dream candidates secured victory in the first round , having collected more than 50 % of the votes .

TBILISI, November 1. /TASS/. Demonstrators angry about the results of the October 31 parliamentary elections have put up two tents in front of the parliament building in the capital Tbilisi, the leader of the oppositional party United National Movement, Khatiya Dekanoidze, has told the media.
"I am very angry. I would like to express my protest as an ordinary citizen. May those who wish to go home do so. And may those who wish to stay remain here. I will stay right here in front of the parliament building, near the stairway," Dekanoidze said.
At first police tried to prevent demonstrators from creating a tent camp and even took one tent way, but later decided not to intervene. Opposition members say they are determined to picket the parliament building throughout the night.
A rally in the center of Tbilisi has continued for several hours now, with several thousand representatives of opposition parties and their supporters taking part. The opposition is reluctant to recognize the returns from last Saturday's parliamentary elections, in which the ruling party Georgian dream - Democratic Georgia is about to emerge the winner. The authorities' critics argue that the elections were illegitimate due to violations.
Georgia on Saturday held parliamentary elections on the basis of a mixed system: 120 legislators were to be elected on party tickets and 30, in single-mandate constituencies. There were 48 parties and two political blocs contesting the 150 parliamentary seats. After the counting of 99% of the votes the party Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia is the front-runner with more than 48% of the votes. The bloc Strength is in Unity - United Opposition, incorporating Mikhail Saakashvili's United National Movement is second, with 27% of the votes. The opposition's candidate leads only in one of the 30 single-mandate constituencies, while in 13 others Georgian Dream candidates secured victory in the first round, having collected more than 50% of the votes.


tass--2020-11-01--Georgia's ruling party gains 48.1% support with 99% of the votes counted

TBILISI , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Georgia 's ruling party Georgian dream - Democratic Georgia has gained the support @ @ @ @ @ electorate after the counting of 99 % of the votes , thus winning the parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ the latest statistics uploaded to the website of the Central Election Commission on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ seven parties and two blocs have secured seats in parliament , including the runner-up - @ @ @ @ @ is in Unity-United Opposition , to which the party United National Movement , founded by @ @ @ @ @ Saakashvili , is affiliated .
As for the majoritarian part of the election , the @ @ @ @ @ in 13 of the 30 single-mandate constituencies .
In the seventeen others there will have @ @ @ @ @ as none of the candidates managed to clear the 50 % hurdle .

TBILISI, November 1. /TASS/. Georgia's ruling party Georgian dream - Democratic Georgia has gained the support of 48.16% of the electorate after the counting of 99% of the votes, thus winning the parliamentary elections, as follows from the latest statistics uploaded to the website of the Central Election Commission on Sunday.
According to the CEC, seven parties and two blocs have secured seats in parliament, including the runner-up - the bloc calling itself Strength is in Unity-United Opposition, to which the party United National Movement, founded by the former president, Mikhail Saakashvili, is affiliated. As for the majoritarian part of the election, the ruling party emerged the winner in 13 of the 30 single-mandate constituencies. In the seventeen others there will have to be a runoff, as none of the candidates managed to clear the 50% hurdle.


tass--2020-11-01--Yerevan understands Russia's neutrality over Nagorno-Karabakh - Pashinyan

YEREVAN , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
Yerevan reacts with understanding to Russia 's neutrality as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement , Armenia 's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told the television broadcaster Al Jazeera in an interview , the Armenian government 's press service said on Sunday .
`` Russia is a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group , a go-between , and by virtue of its status it is obliged to observe neutrality .
This is clear .
Russia has been Armenia 's strategic ally , and it remains so today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ally Russia has no neutrality , '' he said .
Pashinyan recalled that the Russian authorities had said more than once they would comply with their duties to Armenia in terms of ensuring security , if need be .
Tensions in the region surged up on September 27 .
Hostilities began in the disputed territory .
Both sides report casualties , including civilian ones .
Ceasefire has been agreed on thrice , but each time both parties began to complain about violations shortly afterwards .
Baku and Yerevan have disputed sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared secession from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic .
In the 1992-1994 armed conflict Azerbaijan lost control of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjoining districts .

YEREVAN, November 1. /TASS/. Yerevan reacts with understanding to Russia's neutrality as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told the television broadcaster Al Jazeera in an interview, the Armenian government's press service said on Sunday.
"Russia is a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, a go-between, and by virtue of its status it is obliged to observe neutrality. This is clear. Russia has been Armenia's strategic ally, and it remains so today. In the capacity of Armenia's strategic ally Russia has no neutrality," he said.
Pashinyan recalled that the Russian authorities had said more than once they would comply with their duties to Armenia in terms of ensuring security, if need be.
Tensions in the region surged up on September 27. Hostilities began in the disputed territory. Both sides report casualties, including civilian ones. Ceasefire has been agreed on thrice, but each time both parties 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--2020-11-01--Moldova's presidential election declared valid, with turnout above 33.3% - CEC

CHISINAU , November 1 .
/TASS/ .
The turnout in Moldova 's presidential election has climbed to above 33.3 % @ @ @ @ @ enough to declare the election valid , the Central Election Commission 's secretary , Maxim @ @ @ @ @ .
`` According to preliminary statistics , the turnout has exceeded the required threshold of @ @ @ @ @ voters .
The election can be declared valid , '' Lebedinsky said .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ Cimil said that no violations that might have influenced the outcome of the voting had @ @ @ @ @ stations are to close at 21:00 local time ( 22:00 ) Moscow time .
The @ @ @ @ @ , if one-third of the registered voters participate ( 3.2 million ) .
The candidate @ @ @ @ @ than half of the votes will be declared the winner .
Otherwise , the two @ @ @ @ @ in the second round to be held in two weeks ' time .

CHISINAU, November 1. /TASS/. The turnout in Moldova's presidential election has climbed to above 33.3%, which is a reason enough to declare the election valid, the Central Election Commission's secretary, Maxim Lebedinsky, has told TASS.
"According to preliminary statistics, the turnout has exceeded the required threshold of 33.3% of the registered voters. The election can be declared valid," Lebedinsky said.
Earlier, the CEC's chief Dorin Cimil said that no violations that might have influenced the outcome of the voting had been exposed.
The polling stations are to close at 21:00 local time (22:00) Moscow time. The election will be recognized valid, if one-third of the registered voters participate (3.2 million). The candidate who has collected no less than half of the votes will be declared the winner. Otherwise, the two front-runners will contest the presidency in the second round to be held in two weeks' time.


tass--2020-11-03--Belarus has no gas debts to Russia - PM

Belarus has no gas debts to Russia - PM

MINSK , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus and Russia continue talks on natural gas pricing in 2021 and Minsk @ @ @ @ @ gas at present , Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko said on Monday on the @ @ @ @ @ Channel .
`` Settlements for consumed gas have been completed ; we have no debt @ @ @ @ @ We would like to negotiate in the near future the natural gas pricing for Belarus @ @ @ @ @ expecting that it will be attractive for us , '' Golovchenko said .
Belarus made @ @ @ @ @ for gas deliveries in January - September 2020 , the Belarusian Ministry of Energy said @ @ @ @ @ was received by the Finance Ministry of Belarus from the Eurasian Stability and Development Fund @ @ @ @ @ 16 .

MINSK, November 3. /TASS/. Belarus and Russia continue talks on natural gas pricing in 2021 and Minsk has no debts for consumed gas at present, Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko said on Monday on the air with the Belarus-1 TV Channel.
"Settlements for consumed gas have been completed; we have no debt to the Russian Federation. We would like to negotiate in the near future the natural gas pricing for Belarus in the next year, expecting that it will be attractive for us," Golovchenko said.
Belarus made the complete payment to Gazprom for gas deliveries in January - September 2020, the Belarusian Ministry of Energy said after the $500-mln loan was received by the Finance Ministry of Belarus from the Eurasian Stability and Development Fund, as reported on October 16.


tass--2020-11-03--Death toll after shooting in Vienna increasing to two - Mayor

VIENNA , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll among civilians after the shooting incident in Vienna has increased @ @ @ @ @ of the Austrian capital Michael Ludwig says on the air with the ORF-2 TV Channel @ @ @ @ @ from the suffered wound , '' the Mayor said .
One fatal case was reported @ @ @ @ @ operation continues in the capital of Austria .

VIENNA, November 3. /TASS/. The death toll among civilians after the shooting incident in Vienna has increased to two persons, Mayor of the Austrian capital Michael Ludwig says on the air with the ORF-2 TV Channel.
"A woman died from the suffered wound," the Mayor said.
One fatal case was reported earlier. A large-scale search operation continues in the capital of Austria.


tass--2020-11-03--Belarus to get the bulk of oil supplies over pipeline from Russia - PM

MINSK , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus will receive the bulk of oil deliveries in 2021 over the pipeline @ @ @ @ @ will also take place , Prime Minister of the country Roman Golovchenko said on Monday @ @ @ @ @ Belarus-1 TV Channel .
`` We have no problems with volumes of suppliers .
Concerning @ @ @ @ @ be used in this year also but Belarus will purchase the base quantity of oil @ @ @ @ @ Russia , '' Golovchenko said .
The annual volume of Russian oil deliveries to Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ -20 mln tonnes , Golovchenko noted .
`` Specific volumes to be delivered will depend @ @ @ @ @ terms of technical refining , on the situation evolving in the petroleum products market , @ @ @ @ @ .

MINSK, November 3. /TASS/. Belarus will receive the bulk of oil deliveries in 2021 over the pipeline from Russia but alternative deliveries will also take place, Prime Minister of the country Roman Golovchenko said on Monday on the air with the Belarus-1 TV Channel.
"We have no problems with volumes of suppliers. Concerning alternative deliveries, they will be used in this year also but Belarus will purchase the base quantity of oil using the pipeline transport from Russia," Golovchenko said.
The annual volume of Russian oil deliveries to Belarusian refineries is estimated at 18 -20 mln tonnes, Golovchenko noted. "Specific volumes to be delivered will depend on capabilities of enterprises in terms of technical refining, on the situation evolving in the petroleum products market," the Prime Minister added.


tass--2020-11-03--Russia offers condolences to Austria in view of terrorist act in Vienna - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia offers condolences to Austria in light of the terrorist act occurred in @ @ @ @ @ the Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told TASS .
`` We express condolences to Austria , @ @ @ @ @ Russian embassy in Vienna is in contact with Austrian competent authorities to clarify the issue @ @ @ @ @ died and wounded during the terrorist attack , the diplomat added .
The attack in @ @ @ @ @ , Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz said earlier .

MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. Russia offers condolences to Austria in light of the terrorist act occurred in Vienna, official spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told TASS.
"We express condolences to Austria," Zakharova said.
The Russian embassy in Vienna is in contact with Austrian competent authorities to clarify the issue regarding the nationality of individuals died and wounded during the terrorist attack, the diplomat added.
The attack in Vienna was the terrorist act, Chancellor of Austria Sebastian Kurz said earlier.


tass--2020-11-03--Death toll after earthquake in Turkey increases to 95 - emergencies department

MOSCOW , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll after the earthquake in Izmir Province in Western Turkey increased @ @ @ @ @ s department of emergencies says on Tuesday .
`` 95 individuals died as a result @ @ @ @ @ from 994 injured individuals were discharged [ from hospitals ] , '' the department reports @ @ @ @ @ in medical institutions .
Search and rescue operations continue on sites of five collapsed and @ @ @ @ @ .
The offshore earthquake with the magnitude of 6.7 was registered on October 30 , @ @ @ @ @ Island of Samos .
The first shock was followed by aftershocks , where some of @ @ @ @ @ 4 .
At least 20 houses in Turkey 's Izmir collapsed as a result of @ @ @ @ @ occurred also in the city of Neon Karlovasi , Greece .

MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. The death toll after the earthquake in Izmir Province in Western Turkey increased to 95, Turkey’s department of emergencies says on Tuesday.
"95 individuals died as a result of the earthquake. 847 from 994 injured individuals were discharged [from hospitals]," the department reports.
About 147 individuals remain in medical institutions. Search and rescue operations continue on sites of five collapsed and highly damaged buildings in Izmir.
The offshore earthquake with the magnitude of 6.7 was registered on October 30, 19 km northwestward from the Island of Samos. The first shock was followed by aftershocks, where some of them had the magnitude above 4. At least 20 houses in Turkey's Izmir collapsed as a result of the earthquake, with bursts occurred also in the city of Neon Karlovasi, Greece.


tass--2020-11-03--Fifteen persons wounded in Vienna shooting incident - City Mayor

VIENNA , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
Fifteen individuals were wounded during the shooting incident in Vienna , Mayor of @ @ @ @ @ says on the air with the ORF-2 TV Channel .
`` Fifteen persons are hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ seriously wounded , '' the Mayor said .

VIENNA, November 3. /TASS/. Fifteen individuals were wounded during the shooting incident in Vienna, Mayor of the Austrian capital Michael Ludwig says on the air with the ORF-2 TV Channel.
"Fifteen persons are hospitalized; seven of them are seriously wounded," the Mayor said.


tass--2020-11-03--One individual died, several wounded in Vienna shooting incident - police

VIENNA , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
Several persons armed with rifles made shooting in six different areas in Vienna @ @ @ @ @ s police tweeted on Tuesday .
`` The incident occurred in six areas in total @ @ @ @ @ and several gravely injured individuals , including a police officer , '' the Police said @ @ @ @ @ shot down by the police .
A special search for attackers is currently underway in @ @ @ @ @ forces and law enforcement authorities .
Reinforced police squads with dogs and heavy weapons patrol @ @ @ @ @ .
Several police helicopters are flying over the city .
The shooting in Vienna was @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Federal Minister of Interior Karl Nehammer said earlier .

VIENNA, November 3. /TASS/. Several persons armed with rifles made shooting in six different areas in Vienna, the Austrian capital’s police tweeted on Tuesday.
"The incident occurred in six areas in total. There is one fatality and several gravely injured individuals, including a police officer," the Police said.
One of attackers was shot down by the police.
A special search for attackers is currently underway in Vienna with involvement of special forces and law enforcement authorities. Reinforced police squads with dogs and heavy weapons patrol city streets, TASS reports. Several police helicopters are flying over the city.
The shooting in Vienna was the terrorist act, Austria’s Federal Minister of Interior Karl Nehammer said earlier.


tass--2020-11-03--Terrorist act occurred in Vienna - Austrian Interior Minister

VIENNA , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
The shooting in Vienna was the terrorist act , Austria ’ s Federal @ @ @ @ @ told reporters on Monday .
`` We were exposed to the obvious terrorist attack , @ @ @ @ @ The attack in the Austrian capital continues , Nehammer said .
Several individuals were wounded @ @ @ @ @ The population is recommended not to leave their houses .
One policeman got a severe @ @ @ @ @ was detained , the Ministry of Interior said .
The Vienna police earlier confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ downtown Vienna , with several individuals wounded .

VIENNA, November 3. /TASS/. The shooting in Vienna was the terrorist act, Austria’s Federal Minister of Interior Karl Nehammer told reporters on Monday.
"We were exposed to the obvious terrorist attack," the Minister said.
The attack in the Austrian capital continues, Nehammer said. Several individuals were wounded and one person died. The population is recommended not to leave their houses.
One policeman got a severe wound and one of attackers was detained, the Ministry of Interior said.
The Vienna police earlier confirmed that shots had been fired in downtown Vienna, with several individuals wounded.


tass--2020-11-03--Argentina to buy 15 mln doses of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine - newspaper

BUENOS AIRES , November 3 .
/TASS/ .
The government of Argentina intends to buy 15 mln doses of the @ @ @ @ @ , La Voz newspaper says on Monday .
10 mln more doses will be handed @ @ @ @ @ aid , newspaper ’ s sources in the government say .
First vaccines are expected @ @ @ @ @ December .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) denied information about free transfer @ @ @ @ @ `` Information regarding donation is not true to facts , '' a RDIF spokesperson told @ @ @ @ @ start supplying the Russian coronavirus vaccine to Argentina and Peru , Fund ’ s chief @ @ @ @ @ October .

BUENOS AIRES, November 3. /TASS/. The government of Argentina intends to buy 25 mln doses of the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, La Voz newspaper says on Monday.
The authorities are to buy 15 mln doses in December and 10 mln more doses will be delivered in January 2021, newspaper’s sources in the government say.
According to the sources, currently the authorities are working on a protocol for vaccination of the population.
Earlier, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev said that the Sputnik V vaccine for Argentina will be produced by RDIF partners in India, [South] Korea, China and a number of other countries that are establishing their own production of the Russian vaccine.
In October, Dmitriev announced that the fund plans to start supplying the Russian coronavirus vaccine to Argentina and Peru.


tass--2020-11-02--Seven people could have been killed in a shooting in downtown Vienna

VIENNA , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Fire has been opened in central Vienna on Monday , several people are injured , the Vienna police reported Monday .
`` Shots fired in the Inner City district - there are persons injured - KEEP AWAY from all public places or public Transport , '' the police wrote on Twitter , asking people not to share any photos or videos .
Large special forces units are working at the site .
Austria ’ s Kronen Zeitung reports that an attacker detonated himself using an explosive device .
The Austrian Interior Ministry does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a synagogue in Vienna , the Austrian News Agency reported , citing the ministry .
According to unconfirmed media reports , a synagogue could have been targeted by the attack .
One of the attackers is either eliminated or detained .
Seven people could have been killed in a shooting in downtown Vienna , Austria ’ s OE24 TV reported Monday .
`` The police do not rule out that seven people could be dead in the shooting , '' the channel noted .
According to the channel , several people could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that shots were fired in central Vienna , a few people were injured .
City residents were asked not to share any photos and videos of the incident and to avoid public places and transport .
Large special forces units are working at the shooting site .
Austria ’ s Kronen Zeitung reports that an attacker detonated himself using an explosive device .

VIENNA, November 2. /TASS/. Fire has been opened in central Vienna on Monday, several people are injured, the Vienna police reported Monday.
"Shots fired in the Inner City district - there are persons injured - KEEP AWAY from all public places or public Transport," the police wrote on Twitter, asking people not to share any photos or videos.
Large special forces units are working at the site. Austria’s Kronen Zeitung reports that an attacker detonated himself using an explosive device.
The Austrian Interior Ministry does not rule out a terror attack near a synagogue in Vienna, the Austrian News Agency reported, citing the ministry.
According to unconfirmed media reports, a synagogue could have been targeted by the attack. One of the attackers is either eliminated or detained.
Seven people could have been killed in a shooting in downtown Vienna, Austria’s OE24 TV reported Monday.
"The police do not rule out that seven people could be dead in the shooting," the channel noted.
According to the channel, several people could have opened fire.
The Vienna police earlier confirmed that shots were fired in central Vienna, a few people were injured.
City residents were asked not to share any photos and videos of the incident and to avoid public places and transport. Large special forces units are working at the shooting site.
Austria’s Kronen Zeitung reports that an attacker detonated himself using an explosive device.


tass--2020-11-02--Shooting reported near synagogue in downtown Vienna

VIENNA , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
A shooting incident has taken place near a synagogue in downtown Vienna , @ @ @ @ @ newspaper reported on Monday , adding that a police officer had suffered injuries .
According @ @ @ @ @ suspected shooter has been detained , police are working to establish the cause of the @ @ @ @ @ said .

VIENNA, November 2. /TASS/. A shooting incident has taken place near a synagogue in downtown Vienna, Austria’s Kronen Zeitung newspaper reported on Monday, adding that a police officer had suffered injuries.
According to preliminary reports, a suspected shooter has been detained, police are working to establish the cause of the incident, law enforcement sources said.


tass--2020-11-02--Putin talks Nagorno-Karabakh settlement with leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 1 and 2 thoroughly discussed issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev , the Kremlin reported Monday .
`` On November 1 and November 2correspondingly , Russian President Vladimir Putin had phone calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev .
Issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement were thoroughly discussed , '' the statement reads .
Earlier , Putin told Valdai Discussion Club on October 22 that no one is interested more in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him , he is in very close contact with Pashinyan and Aliyev and talks with them on the phone `` a couple times a day '' .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three ceasefire agreements so far but each one of them failed almost immediately as both sides started reporting violations .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 1 and 2 thoroughly discussed issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, the Kremlin reported Monday.
"On November 1 and November 2correspondingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin had phone calls with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev. Issues of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement were thoroughly discussed," the statement reads.
Earlier, Putin told Valdai Discussion Club on October 22 that no one is interested more in settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh than Russia. According to him, he is in very close contact with Pashinyan and Aliyev and talks with them on the phone "a couple times a day".
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. Baku and Yerevan have reached three ceasefire agreements so far but each one of them failed almost immediately as both sides started reporting violations.
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--2020-11-02--Russian actress to head to ISS in 2021 to star in first feature film in space

MOSCOW , November 2./TASS/ .
The lead role in the first feature film to be shot in space will be female , the press service of Russia ’ s TV Channel One said on Monday .
`` This decision was made by the film producers in the interests of the plot .
Earlier , the producers of the project planned to hold casting sessions both among male and female actors , having two versions of the scenario on hand .
However , in the process of work and discussion , they came to the conclusion that a female character would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report obtained by TASS .
A space drama under the tentative title ‘ Challenge ’ is a joint project of Russia ’ s Roscosmos space agency , Channel One and Yellow , Black and White studio .
The filming at the International Space Station is scheduled for the autumn of 2021 .
According to the press service , Channel One will shortly announce a Russia-wide open contest , where the female protagonist will be selected , as well as her stunt double .
The winner will have to undergo training at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the flight commission of Roscosmos .
Earlier reports said that Klim Shipenko would be the film director .
He said he was planning to head to the International Space Station to shoot the movie .
Film director Doug Liman and actor Tom Cruise also plan to go into space in October 2021 on board Crew Dragon for the filming .

MOSCOW, November 2./TASS/. The lead role in the first feature film to be shot in space will be female, the press service of Russia’s TV Channel One said on Monday.
"This decision was made by the film producers in the interests of the plot. Earlier, the producers of the project planned to hold casting sessions both among male and female actors, having two versions of the scenario on hand. However, in the process of work and discussion, they came to the conclusion that a female character would certainly be more actable," reads the report obtained by TASS.
A space drama under the tentative title ‘Challenge’ is a joint project of Russia’s Roscosmos space agency, Channel One and Yellow, Black and White studio. The filming at the International Space Station is scheduled for the autumn of 2021.
According to the press service, Channel One will shortly announce a Russia-wide open contest, where the female protagonist will be selected, as well as her stunt double. The winner will have to undergo training at a school for cosmonauts and be ok'd by the flight commission of Roscosmos.
Earlier reports said that Klim Shipenko would be the film director. He said he was planning to head to the International Space Station to shoot the movie.
Film director Doug Liman and actor Tom Cruise also plan to go into space in October 2021 on board Crew Dragon for the filming.


tass--2020-11-02--German lawmaker calls for creating mechanism to prevent conflicts with Russia

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
There is a need to create a mechanism to prevent conflicts between Germany and Russia , member of the German Bundestag Robby Schlund , who chairs the German-Russian Parliamentary Friendship Group , told reporters following a meeting with the Russian State Duma ’ s commission investigating foreign interference in Russia ’ s domestic affairs .
`` Most of the current problems concern all countries , they include issues such as terrorism , the pandemic and a number of unresolved international conflicts .
This is why I believe that it would be a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevention .
It is not just a confidence-building measure but also a special mechanism that would be used when issues emerge between our countries , '' Schlund pointed out .
He expressed determination to make efforts together with his colleagues in order to create such a mechanism .
`` At the end of the day , dialogue is the only thing that matters on the international stage and dialogue should never stop , '' the German lawmaker noted .
According to him , Berlin and Moscow particularly need to work on political , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friendship Group .
Member of the State Duma ’ s commission on countering foreign interference Adalbi Shkhagoshev , in turn , told TASS that Russia always cooperated with all international organizations , particularly on issues related to the fight against terrorism and the coronavirus pandemic .
According to him , a mechanism for conflict prevention could allow Russian and German lawmakers to exchange views on the war on terror .
Moscow earlier called for compiling lists of terrorists and harmonizing national laws on counterterrorism .
`` The main thing is for German legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that no one can hinder the German government ’ s efforts to achieve major goals .
Our advice is that they should act based on their national interests without looking at the US and other forces , including the EU , as long as it is about security and the need to protect national interests , '' Shkhagoshev concluded .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. There is a need to create a mechanism to prevent conflicts between Germany and Russia, member of the German Bundestag Robby Schlund, who chairs the German-Russian Parliamentary Friendship Group, told reporters following a meeting with the Russian State Duma’s commission investigating foreign interference in Russia’s domestic affairs.
"Most of the current problems concern all countries, they include issues such as terrorism, the pandemic and a number of unresolved international conflicts. This is why I believe that it would be a good idea to create a mechanism for conflict prevention. It is not just a confidence-building measure but also a special mechanism that would be used when issues emerge between our countries," Schlund pointed out.
He expressed determination to make efforts together with his colleagues in order to create such a mechanism. "At the end of the day, dialogue is the only thing that matters on the international stage and dialogue should never stop," the German lawmaker noted. According to him, Berlin and Moscow particularly need to work on political, cultural and healthcare issues within the Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Member of the State Duma’s commission on countering foreign interference Adalbi Shkhagoshev, in turn, told TASS that Russia always cooperated with all international organizations, particularly on issues related to the fight against terrorism and the coronavirus pandemic. According to him, a mechanism for conflict prevention could allow Russian and German lawmakers to exchange views on the war on terror.
Moscow earlier called for compiling lists of terrorists and harmonizing national laws on counterterrorism. "The main thing is for German legislators to do everything possible to make sure that no one can hinder the German government’s efforts to achieve major goals. Our advice is that they should act based on their national interests without looking at the US and other forces, including the EU, as long as it is about security and the need to protect national interests," Shkhagoshev concluded.


tass--2020-11-02--US sentences Russian national to 8 years behind bars for cyber fraud

WASHINGTON , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian citizen Aleksandr Brovko has been sentenced to eight years in prison in @ @ @ @ @ involved in an Internet fraud scheme ; the sentence was delivered on October 30 , @ @ @ @ @ in a press release Monday .
`` A Russian national was sentenced Oct. 30 to @ @ @ @ @ his role in operating a sophisticated scheme to steal and traffic sensitive personal and financial @ @ @ @ @ underground that resulted in an estimated loss of over $ 100 million , '' the @ @ @ @ @ to them , Brovko was engaged in the criminal activity `` for over a decade @ @ @ @ @ press release , Brovko , 36 , who was previously a Czech national , in @ @ @ @ @ to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud . ''
`` According to court documents @ @ @ @ @ member of several elite , online forums designed for Russian-speaking cybercriminals to gather and exchange @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Justice Department notes .

WASHINGTON, November 2. /TASS/. Russian citizen Aleksandr Brovko has been sentenced to eight years in prison in the United States for being involved in an Internet fraud scheme; the sentence was delivered on October 30, the US Justice Department said in a press release Monday.
"A Russian national was sentenced Oct. 30 to eight years in prison for his role in operating a sophisticated scheme to steal and traffic sensitive personal and financial information in the online criminal underground that resulted in an estimated loss of over $100 million," the US authorities noted. According to them, Brovko was engaged in the criminal activity "for over a decade."
According to the press release, Brovko, 36, who was previously a Czech national, in February 2020 pleaded guilty "to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud." "According to court documents, Brovko was an active member of several elite, online forums designed for Russian-speaking cybercriminals to gather and exchange their criminal tools and services," the Justice Department notes.


tass--2020-11-02--Russia to deploy Marathon communications satellite cluster within 3 years

MOSCOW , November 2 .
/TASS/ .
The effort to deploy a constellation of 264 Marathon IoT communications satellites will take three years , Deputy CEO of the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company Alexander Kuzovnikov said on Monday .
`` Currently , we have about 2,000 square meters of vacant premises , clean zones that can be equipped to organize the assembly , integration and testing of these space vehicles … in order to deploy and orbit 264 satellites over three years , '' the deputy chief executive said at the roundtable discussion , Place of Satellite Technologies on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Reshetnev Company is currently working on the constellation ’ s preliminary design .
Next year , the Company plans to develop the project ’ s conceptual design , according to the presentation made by Kuzovnikov at the roundtable discussion .
The presentation also notes that the manufacture and the launch of six demonstrator satellites is planned in the second quarter of 2023 .
Roscosmos First Deputy Head for Orbital Group Development and Long-Term Projects Yuri Urlichich earlier said in a presentation that the prototypes of Marathon communications satellites would be developed within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IoT/M2M global data transmission system will make part of Russia ’ s Sfera cluster of next-generation satellites .
Roscosmos Executive Director for Science and Long-Term Programs Alexander Bloshenko earlier said that the Marathon satellite constellation would provide services to search for people , including in mountains .
The data will be directly transmitted to the Emergencies Ministry or search services .

MOSCOW, November 2. /TASS/. The effort to deploy a constellation of 264 Marathon IoT communications satellites will take three years, Deputy CEO of the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company Alexander Kuzovnikov said on Monday.
"Currently, we have about 2,000 square meters of vacant premises, clean zones that can be equipped to organize the assembly, integration and testing of these space vehicles … in order to deploy and orbit 264 satellites over three years," the deputy chief executive said at the roundtable discussion, Place of Satellite Technologies on the Market of the Internet of Things.
The Reshetnev Company is currently working on the constellation’s preliminary design. Next year, the Company plans to develop the project’s conceptual design, according to the presentation made by Kuzovnikov at the roundtable discussion.
The presentation also notes that the manufacture and the launch of six demonstrator satellites is planned in the second quarter of 2023.
Roscosmos First Deputy Head for Orbital Group Development and Long-Term Projects Yuri Urlichich earlier said in a presentation that the prototypes of Marathon communications satellites would be developed within four years by 2024. The Marathon IoT/M2M global data transmission system will make part of Russia’s Sfera cluster of next-generation satellites.
Roscosmos Executive Director for Science and Long-Term Programs Alexander Bloshenko earlier said that the Marathon satellite constellation would provide services to search for people, including in mountains. The data will be directly transmitted to the Emergencies Ministry or search services.