tass--2020-10-13--Western accusations against Sputnik V vaccine contradict each other - RDIF CEO

NEW YORK , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Western countries regularly make groundless accusations against Russia ’ s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and these claims often contradict each other , Kirill Dmitriev , CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) , said in an interview with CNN released on Monday .
He was asked whether the Russian authorities exerted any pressure on the developers of this drug .
`` I think , if there is any political pressure , it is actually the political pressure from the West to undermine the Russian vaccine .
It is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to fight COVID , is really fighting the Russian vaccine all the time with different accusations and they are self-contradictory , '' Dmitriev answered .
`` There were accusations that all Russian billionaires get vaccinated and [ later ] they said that people are being forced to get vaccinated .
The West needs to make up their mind : it is billionaires who get vaccinated and the vaccine is sort of good or it is people who are being forced [ to get vaccinated ] and it is not so good , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO was also asked to comment on the assertions of Director of the United States National Counterintelligence and Security Center William Evanina that Russia , China and Iran are allegedly trying to prevent the United States from receiving a vaccine against coronavirus .
`` Frankly , to me it is very strange and surprising that people would try to paint Russia always in dark colors .
We basically say : Look at this vaccine .
We believe it works , let us work together on this and other vaccines , '' Dmitriev said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center and passed clinical trials in June-July .

NEW YORK, October 13. /TASS/. Western countries regularly make groundless accusations against Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and these claims often contradict each other, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), said in an interview with CNN released on Monday.
He was asked whether the Russian authorities exerted any pressure on the developers of this drug.
"I think, if there is any political pressure, it is actually the political pressure from the West to undermine the Russian vaccine. It is very fascinating that the West rather than to trying to fight COVID, is really fighting the Russian vaccine all the time with different accusations and they are self-contradictory," Dmitriev answered.
"There were accusations that all Russian billionaires get vaccinated and [later] they said that people are being forced to get vaccinated. The West needs to make up their mind: it is billionaires who get vaccinated and the vaccine is sort of good or it is people who are being forced [to get vaccinated]and it is not so good," the Russian official concluded.
RDIF CEO was also asked to comment on the assertions of Director of the United States National Counterintelligence and Security Center William Evanina that Russia, China and Iran are allegedly trying to prevent the United States from receiving a vaccine against coronavirus.
"Frankly, to me it is very strange and surprising that people would try to paint Russia always in dark colors. We basically say: Look at this vaccine. We believe it works, let us work together on this and other vaccines," Dmitriev said.
On August 11, Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center and passed clinical trials in June-July.


tass--2020-10-12--Sanya gained $598 mln in tourism revenue over the 'golden week'

SANYA , October 12 .
/TASS/ .
The revenue of Sanya 's tourism industry for the eight-day October holidays in China dubbed the `` golden week '' amounted to more than 4 billion yuan ( about $ 598 million ) .
More than 729,000 tourists visited Hainan 's resort town during the long fall weekend , the Hainan Daily reported .
This year , fall weekend in China ( October 1-8 ) lasted a day longer than last year ( October 1-7 ) .
This happened because this time the holiday week marking the Formation Day of the People 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coincided with the lunar Mid-Autumn Festival ( Zhongqiujie ) .
From 1 to 7 October this year , Sanya 's income increased by 39.3 % and the number of guests - by 12.7 % compared to the same period last year .
Over eight days of the `` golden week '' , more than 4.53 million tourists visited Hainan , the province 's tourism revenues amounted to about 6.62 billion yuan ( about $ 973 million ) .
The average occupancy rate of hotels on the island has reached about 75 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

SANYA, October 12. /TASS/. The revenue of Sanya's tourism industry for the eight-day October holidays in China dubbed the "golden week" amounted to more than 4 billion yuan (about $ 598 million). More than 729,000 tourists visited Hainan's resort town during the long fall weekend, the Hainan Daily reported.
This year, fall weekend in China (October 1-8) lasted a day longer than last year (October 1-7). This happened because this time the holiday week marking the Formation Day of the People's Republic of China (October 1) coincided with the lunar Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiujie). From 1 to 7 October this year, Sanya's income increased by 39.3% and the number of guests - by 12.7% compared to the same period last year.
Over eight days of the "golden week", more than 4.53 million tourists visited Hainan, the province's tourism revenues amounted to about 6.62 billion yuan (about $ 973 million). The average occupancy rate of hotels on the island has reached about 75%.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-10-14--New accounts of Russian ex-minister Abyzov uncovered and arrested — source

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
As part of the ongoing criminal proceedings against former Russian minister Mikhail Abyzov , the Investigative Committee of Russia has uncovered another portion of multimillion bank accounts under his control , a law enforcement source told TASS .
`` Finding those numerous bank accounts was possible thanks to meticulous work and efficient cooperation between investigators , operative services and prompt responses given by Russian and foreign banks .
The total sum of the assets , arrested by a court in the Russian capital , amounts to millions , obtained as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the source said .
Abyzov , who is an ex-minister of open government , was detained and arrested in the spring of 2019 .
He is accused of creating a criminal group using his official position , money laundering in particularly large amounts , illegal business activities and particularly large-scale fraud .
According to the investigation , in 2011-2014 , Abyzov was the beneficiary owner of a number of offshore commercial organizations , created and headed the criminal community .
Law enforcement agencies believe that , together with his accomplices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Siberian Energy Company and Regional Electric Grids , which produce and transmit electricity in the Novosibirsk Region .
According to the investigators , the stolen money in full was withdrawn abroad .
Investigators believe that , by their unlawful actions , the accomplices in this crime `` have put at risk the sustainable economic development and energy security of several regions of the country .
`` .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. As part of the ongoing criminal proceedings against former Russian minister Mikhail Abyzov, the Investigative Committee of Russia has uncovered another portion of multimillion bank accounts under his control, a law enforcement source told TASS.
"Finding those numerous bank accounts was possible thanks to meticulous work and efficient cooperation between investigators, operative services and prompt responses given by Russian and foreign banks. The total sum of the assets, arrested by a court in the Russian capital, amounts to millions, obtained as a result of criminal deeds by Abyzov and his accomplices," the source said.
Abyzov, who is an ex-minister of open government, was detained and arrested in the spring of 2019. He is accused of creating a criminal group using his official position, money laundering in particularly large amounts, illegal business activities and particularly large-scale fraud.
According to the investigation, in 2011-2014, Abyzov was the beneficiary owner of a number of offshore commercial organizations, created and headed the criminal community. Law enforcement agencies believe that, together with his accomplices, he fraudulently stole 4 bln rubles from the Siberian Energy Company and Regional Electric Grids, which produce and transmit electricity in the Novosibirsk Region. According to the investigators, the stolen money in full was withdrawn abroad. Investigators believe that, by their unlawful actions, the accomplices in this crime "have put at risk the sustainable economic development and energy security of several regions of the country.".


tass--2020-10-14--G20 capable of solving global economic problems instead of G7 — Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Taking meetings of the G20 format to the supreme level gave the group an opportunity to replace G7 in solving global economic problems , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday .
`` The Group of Twenty is practically an open recognition of mutipolarity and of the fact that the West in its broader sense - including , of course , Japan - is not capable of solving global economical and financial problems alone , '' Lavrov said during an on-line presentation of the report entitled ‘ History , to be Continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ authored by experts of the international discussion club Valdai .
`` G20 made all the way from fairly informal contacts at the level of financial ministers to the supreme-level events , '' the Russian top diplomat said .
`` The fact that this group has risen to the supreme level of contacts underscores the fact that the Group of Seven can no longer handle global economic problems on its own . ''
`` Economic and financial issues were suggested as the focus of new G20 summits , '' Lavrov continued , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together with the BRICS group of nations ( Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa ) and countries that share its vision - Indonesia , Saudi Arabia , Mexico and Argentina .
`` The Group of Twnty is a network structure , which is now undergoing the process of institutionalization , but retains its flexibility .
It has no written and institutionalized rules .
It reflects the understanding that the process of creating a multipolar world is an objective process , '' he added .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Taking meetings of the G20 format to the supreme level gave the group an opportunity to replace G7 in solving global economic problems, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
"The Group of Twenty is practically an open recognition of mutipolarity and of the fact that the West in its broader sense - including, of course, Japan - is not capable of solving global economical and financial problems alone," Lavrov said during an on-line presentation of the report entitled ‘History, to be Continued. The Utopia of a Diverse World,’ authored by experts of the international discussion club Valdai.
"G20 made all the way from fairly informal contacts at the level of financial ministers to the supreme-level events," the Russian top diplomat said. "The fact that this group has risen to the supreme level of contacts underscores the fact that the Group of Seven can no longer handle global economic problems on its own."
"Economic and financial issues were suggested as the focus of new G20 summits," Lavrov continued, adding that the group includes G7, together with the BRICS group of nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and countries that share its vision - Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Argentina.
"The Group of Twnty is a network structure, which is now undergoing the process of institutionalization, but retains its flexibility. It has no written and institutionalized rules. It reflects the understanding that the process of creating a multipolar world is an objective process," he added.


tass--2020-10-14--Russia’s new Doomsday plane to be based on Il-96-400M — source

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s new Airborne Command Post , also known as the Doomsday @ @ @ @ @ on the basis of an Il-96-400M quadjet long-haul wide-body airliner , an aircraft industry source @ @ @ @ @ an Il-80 plane is used for the purpose .
`` It is scheduled to replace @ @ @ @ @ It will allow to significantly increase the period of airborne combat duty and to extend @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Airborne Command Posts were nicknamed Doomsday planes in the United @ @ @ @ @ designed for use in the event of a nuclear war or a major disaster that @ @ @ @ @ The best-known jets of this class are US-made E-4B , based on Boeing 747 , @ @ @ @ @ on Il-86 passenger jets .
According to open-access sources , the Russian armed forces currently @ @ @ @ @ service .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Russia’s new Airborne Command Post, also known as the Doomsday plane, will be built on the basis of an Il-96-400M quadjet long-haul wide-body airliner, an aircraft industry source told TASS.
Currently, an Il-80 plane is used for the purpose.
"It is scheduled to replace it with an Il-96-400M. It will allow to significantly increase the period of airborne combat duty and to extend the radius for troop command," he said.
Airborne Command Posts were nicknamed Doomsday planes in the United States, as they are designed for use in the event of a nuclear war or a major disaster that destroys ground-based command infrastructure.
The best-known jets of this class are US-made E-4B, based on Boeing 747, and Russian Il-80, based on Il-86 passenger jets. According to open-access sources, the Russian armed forces currently have four such planes in service.


tass--2020-10-14--Abkhazia requests Russia to create field hospital for COVID-19 patients

SUKHUM , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Defense Minister Vladimir Anua requested his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu to create @ @ @ @ @ field hospital , needed to treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ assistance and send to the Republic of Abkhazia a field medical hospital with the capacity @ @ @ @ @ with medical personnel , special equipment and required medicines , '' reads the letter , @ @ @ @ @ Apsnypress news agency late on Tuesday .
In the letter , Anua said that epidemiological @ @ @ @ @ significantly worsened , and the number of COVID-19 cases spiked as of lately .
COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ to worsen on July 22 .
Between April 7 and June 15 , Abkhazia had @ @ @ @ @ one death .
From July 22 , the country registered 2,392 cases and 22 deaths @ @ @ @ @ only hospital accepting coronavirus patients , the Gudauta Central Regional Hospital , is filled to @ @ @ @ @ of those infected are undergoing treatment at home .

SUKHUM, October 14. /TASS/. Russian Defense Minister Vladimir Anua requested his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu to create in his country a 500-bed field hospital, needed to treat the growing number of COVID-19 patients.
"We ask you to provide urgent assistance and send to the Republic of Abkhazia a field medical hospital with the capacity of 500 beds, along with medical personnel, special equipment and required medicines," reads the letter, published by Abkhazia’s Apsnypress news agency late on Tuesday.
In the letter, Anua said that epidemiological situation in his country has significantly worsened, and the number of COVID-19 cases spiked as of lately.
COVID-19 situation in the republic started to worsen on July 22. Between April 7 and June 15, Abkhazia had only 38 coronavirus cases and one death. From July 22, the country registered 2,392 cases and 22 deaths. The republic’s only hospital accepting coronavirus patients, the Gudauta Central Regional Hospital, is filled to capacity, and the majority of those infected are undergoing treatment at home.


tass--2020-10-14--Russia views Norwegian allegations of cyberattack as provocation — embassy

HELSINKI , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia considers Norwegian accusations of involvement in a cyberattack a deliberate provocation , Russian Embassy in Oslo wrote in its Facebook account .
`` We consider such allegation against our country unacceptable .
We view this incident as a serious deliberate provocation , harmful for our bilateral relations , '' the Embassy said .
`` Russian state websites , including Russian extraterritorial structures in Norway , endure millions of cyberattacks every year ; for example , the Russian Foreign Ministry website endured 77 million attacks between January and September 2018 .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuse the authorities of the attacks ’ countries of origin , '' the embassy said .
The embassy pointed out that , `` in May 2020 , a note was sent to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry , explaining the procedure in case of computer incidents - there are official channels for investigation . ''
`` No reaction followed at the time , indication the unwillingness of the Norwegian authorities to conduct a dialogue .
It is a question then , why profile response mechanisms have been established in cooperation with the European nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explanation from the Norwegian side , '' the embassy said .
Earlier , Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide claimed that Russia was behind the cyberattack on the parliament that took place in August 2020 .
On September 1 , the Norwegian parliament announced that it was hit by a cyberattack , which leaked emails of lawmakers and parliamentary employees .
A `` number of immediate measures '' were taken in order to thwart a cyberattack , according to Marianne Andreassen , the parliament ’ s chief administrator .
Later , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it will investigate whether `` any state '' is behind the cyberattack , which took place on August 24 .

HELSINKI, October 13. /TASS/. Russia considers Norwegian accusations of involvement in a cyberattack a deliberate provocation, Russian Embassy in Oslo wrote in its Facebook account.
"We consider such allegation against our country unacceptable. We view this incident as a serious deliberate provocation, harmful for our bilateral relations," the Embassy said.
"Russian state websites, including Russian extraterritorial structures in Norway, endure millions of cyberattacks every year; for example, the Russian Foreign Ministry website endured 77 million attacks between January and September 2018. Still, does not make it possible to arbitrarily accuse the authorities of the attacks’ countries of origin," the embassy said.
The embassy pointed out that, "in May 2020, a note was sent to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, explaining the procedure in case of computer incidents - there are official channels for investigation."
"No reaction followed at the time, indication the unwillingness of the Norwegian authorities to conduct a dialogue. It is a question then, why profile response mechanisms have been established in cooperation with the European nations in the first place? We expect explanation from the Norwegian side," the embassy said.
Earlier, Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide claimed that Russia was behind the cyberattack on the parliament that took place in August 2020.
On September 1, the Norwegian parliament announced that it was hit by a cyberattack, which leaked emails of lawmakers and parliamentary employees. A "number of immediate measures" were taken in order to thwart a cyberattack, according to Marianne Andreassen, the parliament’s chief administrator. Later, the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) said it will investigate whether "any state" is behind the cyberattack, which took place on August 24.


tass--2020-10-14--Russia elected to UN Human Rights Council

UNITED NATIONS , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia was elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday , according to an announcement made during a plenary session of the 75th UN General Assembly .
The following nations were elected as members of the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year period beginning on January 1 , 2021 : Bolivia , China , Cote d ’ Ivoire , Gabon , Cuba , France , Malawi , Mexico , Nepal , Pakistan , the Russian Federation , Senegal , Ukraine , Uzbekistan , the United Kingdom .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current 75th session of the UN Security Council , '' said Brenden Varma , a spokesperson for the President of the 75th Session of the General Assembly .
`` The 15 vacant seats were distributed among regional groups as follows : four seats for the African states , four seats to the Asia-Pacific states , two seats for the Eastern European states , three seats for the Latin American and Caribbean states and two seats for the Western European and other states . ''
`` Membership in the Human Rights Council is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Council members serve for a period of three years , '' he continued .
`` The members are elected directly by secret ballot .
A candidate must receive at least 97 votes , which constitutes the majority of the General Assembly ’ s 193 states . ''
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the UN system .
It was established in 2006 , in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251 , to succeed the UN Commission on Human Rights , widely criticized for its biased approach .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @

UNITED NATIONS, October 14. /TASS/. Russia was elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday, according to an announcement made during a plenary session of the 75th UN General Assembly.
The following nations were elected as members of the UN Human Rights Council for a three-year period beginning on January 1, 2021: Bolivia, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Cuba, France, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Senegal, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom.
"This is the first elections of the current 75th session of the UN Security Council," said Brenden Varma, a spokesperson for the President of the 75th Session of the General Assembly. "The 15 vacant seats were distributed among regional groups as follows: four seats for the African states, four seats to the Asia-Pacific states, two seats for the Eastern European states, three seats for the Latin American and Caribbean states and two seats for the Western European and other states."
"Membership in the Human Rights Council is open for all UN member states, and Council members serve for a period of three years," he continued. "The members are elected directly by secret ballot. A candidate must receive at least 97 votes, which constitutes the majority of the General Assembly’s 193 states."
The Human Rights Council is an intergovernmental body within the UN system. It was established in 2006, in line with UN General Assembly Resolution 60/251, to succeed the UN Commission on Human Rights, widely criticized for its biased approach. The Human Rights Council has 47 members.


tass--2020-10-14--Syrian militants stage another provocation with toxic agents — Reconciliation center

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Militants are plotting another provocation with the use of toxic agents in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria , said Counter Adm. Alexander Grinkevich , who heads the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties .
`` The Russian reconciliation center was informed about a yet another attempt by members of illegal armed groups to stage a provocation with the use of toxic substances in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone , in order to accuse the pro-government forces of the Syrian Arab Republic of using chemical weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said .
In his words , terrorists have already delivered several canisters with chlorine to the area near the village of Sfukhon .
`` Members of the White Helmets pseudo-humanitarian organization arrived to the above-mentioned area aboard three vehicles in order to simulate assistance to those affected , '' Grinkevich added .
In late September , Grinkevich said that militants were plotting to stage a fake chemical attack against civilian population in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation zone as a provocation against government forces .
The settlements of Beitarun in the Aleppo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been chosen as sites for these provocations meant to accuse Syria ’ s government forces of useing chemical weapons against civilians , he said .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Militants are plotting another provocation with the use of toxic agents in the south of the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria, said Counter Adm. Alexander Grinkevich, who heads the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties.
"The Russian reconciliation center was informed about a yet another attempt by members of illegal armed groups to stage a provocation with the use of toxic substances in the southern part of the Idlib de-escalation zone, in order to accuse the pro-government forces of the Syrian Arab Republic of using chemical weapons against the civilian population," the official said.
In his words, terrorists have already delivered several canisters with chlorine to the area near the village of Sfukhon.
"Members of the White Helmets pseudo-humanitarian organization arrived to the above-mentioned area aboard three vehicles in order to simulate assistance to those affected," Grinkevich added.
In late September, Grinkevich said that militants were plotting to stage a fake chemical attack against civilian population in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone as a provocation against government forces. The settlements of Beitarun in the Aleppo governorate and Bdama in the Idlib governorate have been chosen as sites for these provocations meant to accuse Syria’s government forces of useing chemical weapons against civilians, he said.


tass--2020-10-14--Clashes in Karabakh continued throughout Tuesday — Armenia’s defense ministry

YEREVAN , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan launched an offensive at three or four directions in Nagorno-Karabakh , battles raged along the entire line of contact throughout the day , Armenian Defense Ministry Representative Artsrun Hovhannisyan told reporters on Tuesday .
`` Today , the armed forces of Azerbaijan launched an offensive in 3-4 directions , and battles continued throughout the day .
Particularly intense fighting occurred in the northern sector .
It was probably among the most difficult battles in this war , '' Hovhannisyan said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
At the talks held at Russia ’ s initiative in Moscow , Baku and Yerevan agreed a ceasefire , which came into effect at 12:00 local time on October 10 for humanitarian reasons in order to exchange detainees and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Shortly after noon the sides traded blame for violating the ceasefire agreement .
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 .

YEREVAN, October 13. /TASS/. The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan launched an offensive at three or four directions in Nagorno-Karabakh, battles raged along the entire line of contact throughout the day, Armenian Defense Ministry Representative Artsrun Hovhannisyan told reporters on Tuesday.
"Today, the armed forces of Azerbaijan launched an offensive in 3-4 directions, and battles continued throughout the day. Particularly intense fighting occurred in the northern sector. It was probably among the most difficult battles in this war," Hovhannisyan said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
At the talks held at Russia’s initiative in Moscow, Baku and Yerevan agreed a ceasefire, which came into effect at 12:00 local time on October 10 for humanitarian reasons in order to exchange detainees and the bodies of those killed in the fighting. Shortly after noon the sides traded blame for violating the ceasefire agreement.
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.


tass--2020-10-14--Russia registers 38 shellings by militants in Syria in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Militants in Syria ’ s Idlib de-escalation zone shelled settlements for 38 times @ @ @ @ @ Reconciliation Center for Syria deputy head Counter Admiral Alexander Grinkevich said Tuesday .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ no shelling was registered from militants under Turkish control .
Meanwhile , 38 shellings were @ @ @ @ @ positions , '' Grinkevich said .
He also disclosed that the Russian military resumed patrolling @ @ @ @ @ Aleppo province and patrolled three new routes in Aleppo , Raqqa and Haseke provinces .
@ @ @ @ @ air patrols between the Qamishli Airport and Huwayshah and back , '' he added .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Militants in Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone shelled settlements for 38 times in 24 hours, Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria deputy head Counter Admiral Alexander Grinkevich said Tuesday.
"In the past 24 hours, no shelling was registered from militants under Turkish control. Meanwhile, 38 shellings were registered from the Nusra Front positions," Grinkevich said.
He also disclosed that the Russian military resumed patrolling along two routes in the Aleppo province and patrolled three new routes in Aleppo, Raqqa and Haseke provinces.
"The army aviation conducted air patrols between the Qamishli Airport and Huwayshah and back," he added.


tass--2020-10-14--Moscow reports 52 coronavirus deaths in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow grew by 52 on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ the anti-coronavirus crisis center said .
`` A total of 52 patients , who were @ @ @ @ @ positive for the novel coronavirus infection , died in Moscow , '' the crisis center @ @ @ @ @ again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it is necessary @ @ @ @ @ a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment .
Moscow tops the list of Russian regions @ @ @ @ @ cases and the morbidity is now demonstrating upwards tendencies .
As of October 13 , @ @ @ @ @ cases , with 4,618 of them being confirmed during the past day .
As many @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , 1,326,178 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,031,785 @ @ @ @ @ disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 22,966 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow grew by 52 on Tuesday, reaching 5,739 in total, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said.
"A total of 52 patients, who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection, died in Moscow," the crisis center said.
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it is necessary to stay home, call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment.
Moscow tops the list of Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases and the morbidity is now demonstrating upwards tendencies. As of October 13, Moscow has reported 339,431 coronavirus cases, with 4,618 of them being confirmed during the past day. As many as 264,500 patients have recovered.
To date, 1,326,178 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,031,785 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 22,966 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-14--Only Russia can help stop Karabakh conflict — Armenian president

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian President Armen Sarkiskyan believes Russia is the only country who can not only mediate in Nagorno-Karabakh settlement , but also assist in cessation of hostilities between the fighting sides .
`` A ceasefire is a complicated business .
In this regard , we all must thank the Russian side , '' Sarkisyan said in his interview for Dozhd TV channel .
`` Russia has good relations with Armenia , close relations with Azerbaijan , so Russia is the country that can not only act as a mediator in negotiations , but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might act as a mediator in order to stop the military action on the [ contact ] line and behind it . ''
The president also noted the contribution of French President Emmanuel Macron to Nagorno-Karabakh settlement , but underscored that European efforts are not enough for resolution of the conflict .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
Following consultations in Moscow , Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to a ceasefire starting October 10 for exchange of prisoners of war and withdrawal of the fallen .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Armenian President Armen Sarkiskyan believes Russia is the only country who can not only mediate in Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, but also assist in cessation of hostilities between the fighting sides.
"A ceasefire is a complicated business. In this regard, we all must thank the Russian side," Sarkisyan said in his interview for Dozhd TV channel. "Russia has good relations with Armenia, close relations with Azerbaijan, so Russia is the country that can not only act as a mediator in negotiations, but, probably, is the only one who might act as a mediator in order to stop the military action on the [contact] line and behind it."
The president also noted the contribution of French President Emmanuel Macron to Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, but underscored that European efforts are not enough for resolution of the conflict.
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.
Following consultations in Moscow, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to a ceasefire starting October 10 for exchange of prisoners of war and withdrawal of the fallen.


tass--2020-10-14--Russian senior diplomat rejects US proposal to freeze nuclear arsenals, extend New START

MOSCOW , October 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov described as inadmissible Washington ’ s proposal to freeze Russian and US nuclear arsenals at the current level in exchange for extending the Russian-US New START treaty on further reduction of strategic offensive weapons .
`` This is an unacceptable proposal , '' the diplomat said , answering to a TASS request to comment on the initiative , voiced earlier in the day by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea .
Speaking at a video conference , organized by the Heritage Foundation on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to extend the New START if both states agree to a limitation or freeze of their nuclear arsenals .
`` We are , in fact , willing to extend the New START Treaty for some period of time , provided that they , in return , agree to a limitation or freeze on their nuclear arsenal .
We are willing to do the same , '' he said .
`` We have proposed a compromise : agree with us to freeze , and we will extend the New START for some period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strike this deal , we could strike it tomorrow , in fact , but Moscow is going to have to show the political will to do so as well , '' Billingslea added .
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( the New START Treaty ) entered into force on February 5 , 2011 .
The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( ICBM ) , submarine-launched ballistic missiles ( SLBM ) and strategic bombers , as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs , deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers , and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers , SLBM launchers and strategic bombers .
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years , until 2021 , unless it is replaced before that date by a subsequent agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms .
It can also be extended for no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until 2026 ) by the parties ’ mutual consent .
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington not to delay prolongation of the treaty it describes as the gold standard in the area of disarmament .
In an interview with the Financial Times in late June 2019 Russian President Vladimir Putin said that once this treaty ceased to exist , `` then there would be no instrument in the world to restrict the arms race .
`` .

MOSCOW, October 14. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov described as inadmissible Washington’s proposal to freeze Russian and US nuclear arsenals at the current level in exchange for extending the Russian-US New START treaty on further reduction of strategic offensive weapons.
"This is an unacceptable proposal," the diplomat said, answering to a TASS request to comment on the initiative, voiced earlier in the day by US Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea.
Speaking at a video conference, organized by the Heritage Foundation on Tuesday, Billingslea said his country was ready to extend the New START if both states agree to a limitation or freeze of their nuclear arsenals.
"We are, in fact, willing to extend the New START Treaty for some period of time, provided that they, in return, agree to a limitation or freeze on their nuclear arsenal. We are willing to do the same," he said. "We have proposed a compromise: agree with us to freeze, and we will extend the New START for some period of time."
"We are ready to strike this deal, we could strike it tomorrow, in fact, but Moscow is going to have to show the political will to do so as well," Billingslea added.
The Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (the New START Treaty) entered into force on February 5, 2011. The document stipulates that seven years after its entry into effect each party should have no more than a total of 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and strategic bombers, as well as no more than 1,550 warheads on deployed ICBMs, deployed SLBMs and strategic bombers, and a total of 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers and strategic bombers.
The New START Treaty will remain in force for 10 years, until 2021, unless it is replaced before that date by a subsequent agreement on the reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms. It can also be extended for no longer than 5 years (that is, until 2026) by the parties’ mutual consent.
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington not to delay prolongation of the treaty it describes as the gold standard in the area of disarmament.
In an interview with the Financial Times in late June 2019 Russian President Vladimir Putin said that once this treaty ceased to exist, "then there would be no instrument in the world to restrict the arms race.".


tass--2020-10-13--Putin, bin Salman underscore importance of cooperation within OPEC+ format

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed issues of bilateral cooperation , including within the @ @ @ @ @ phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman , which took place on Saudi @ @ @ @ @ The sides ] positively evaluated the achieved level of bilateral relations , expressed mutual intent @ @ @ @ @ cooperation in various fields .
[ The sides ] had a substantial exchange of opinions @ @ @ @ @ global energy markets .
[ The sides ] underscored the importance of further joint work @ @ @ @ @ format , '' Kremlin press-service said in its statement .
The updated OPEC+ agreement entered @ @ @ @ @ It implied reduction of oil output by 9.7 million barrels per day ( bpd ) @ @ @ @ @ According to the agreement , Russia and Saudi Arabia reduced their oil output equally - @ @ @ @ @ the baseline level of 11 million bpd .
The agreement will last for two years @ @ @ @ @ be reviewed in December 2021 .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed issues of bilateral cooperation, including within the OPEC+ format, during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, which took place on Saudi initiative Tuesday.
"[The sides] positively evaluated the achieved level of bilateral relations, expressed mutual intent for further development of Russian-Saudi cooperation in various fields. [The sides] had a substantial exchange of opinions regarding the current situation in global energy markets. [The sides] underscored the importance of further joint work, including in the OPEC+ format," Kremlin press-service said in its statement.
The updated OPEC+ agreement entered force on May 1. It implied reduction of oil output by 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) during May to July. According to the agreement, Russia and Saudi Arabia reduced their oil output equally - by 2.5 million bpd from the baseline level of 11 million bpd. The agreement will last for two years, although its parameters could be reviewed in December 2021.


tass--2020-10-13--Russian Navy nuclear-powered sub strikes target with cruise missile in Barents Sea drills

MURMANSK , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The crew of the nuclear-powered submarine Oryol struck a target with a Granit anti-ship cruise missile from its submerged position in the Barents Sea , the press office of the Northern Fleet reported on Tuesday .
`` Today , as part of measures to practice planned combat training assignments for the summer training period , the crew of the Northern Fleet ’ s nuclear-powered missile-carrying underwater cruiser Oryol fired a Granit anti-ship cruise missile against a naval target at the Fleet ’ s combat training ranges in the Barents Sea .
The fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the target that simulated a notional enemy ’ s large surface ship .
The target was located at a distance of over 120 km from the missile launch site , '' the press office said in a statement .
The missile firing was successful and the target that was struck was examined from the air by the crew of an Il-38 anti-submarine warfare plane of a separate composite air regiment of the Northern Fleet ’ s Air Force and Air Defense Army and the command noted high professionalism and naval skills of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press office specified .
The area of missile firings was closed for shipping and air flights in advance .
Ships of the Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces sealed off the area for the drills , the statement says .
Last week , the sub ’ s crew practiced anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures in interaction with a nuclear-powered submarine of a submarine force unit of the Northern Fleet and minesweepers of the Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces .
The third-generation nuclear-powered submarine K-266 ‘ Oryol ’ ( Project 949A ‘ Antey ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 1989 at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk in Russia ’ s northwest under factory No .
650 .
The sub was put on the list of the Soviet Navy ’ s warships on January 15 , 1990 .
The sub was named Severodvinsk in 1991 .
The submarine was floated out on May 22 , 1992 and made operational on December 30 that year .
The Russian Navy ’ s flag was raised on the vessel on January 20 , 1993 and the sub was named Oryol in April 1993 .

MURMANSK, October 13. /TASS/. The crew of the nuclear-powered submarine Oryol struck a target with a Granit anti-ship cruise missile from its submerged position in the Barents Sea, the press office of the Northern Fleet reported on Tuesday.
"Today, as part of measures to practice planned combat training assignments for the summer training period, the crew of the Northern Fleet’s nuclear-powered missile-carrying underwater cruiser Oryol fired a Granit anti-ship cruise missile against a naval target at the Fleet’s combat training ranges in the Barents Sea. The fire was conducted from the submerged position against the target that simulated a notional enemy’s large surface ship. The target was located at a distance of over 120 km from the missile launch site," the press office said in a statement.
The missile firing was successful and the target that was struck was examined from the air by the crew of an Il-38 anti-submarine warfare plane of a separate composite air regiment of the Northern Fleet’s Air Force and Air Defense Army and the command noted high professionalism and naval skills of the crew of the nuclear-powered submarine Oryol, the press office specified.
The area of missile firings was closed for shipping and air flights in advance. Ships of the Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces sealed off the area for the drills, the statement says.
Last week, the sub’s crew practiced anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures in interaction with a nuclear-powered submarine of a submarine force unit of the Northern Fleet and minesweepers of the Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces.
The third-generation nuclear-powered submarine K-266 ‘Oryol’ (Project 949A ‘Antey’) was laid down on January 19, 1989 at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk in Russia’s northwest under factory No. 650. The sub was put on the list of the Soviet Navy’s warships on January 15, 1990. The sub was named Severodvinsk in 1991.
The submarine was floated out on May 22, 1992 and made operational on December 30 that year. The Russian Navy’s flag was raised on the vessel on January 20, 1993 and the sub was named Oryol in April 1993.


tass--2020-10-13--EU wants to keep communication channels with Russia open

BRUSSELS , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
EU top diplomat Josep Borrell conducted a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday during which he stated the EU desire to keep the communication channels with Russia open and to enhance the cooperation , the statement by the European External Action Service said .
Additionally , the sides discussed the future EU sanctions over the incident with Russian blogger Alexey Navalny as well as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the situation in Belarus .
Relations with Russia and sanctions over Navalny The European Union wants to keep open channels of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues of mutual interest , the EU top diplomat told his Russian counterpart .
`` As illustrated by the phone call , the High Representative ( of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - TASS ) reiterated that the European Union wishes to maintain open channels of communication with Russia and to enhance cooperation on issues of mutual interest , '' the statement noted .
The High Representative has also informed Russia ’ s Foreign Minister on the results of the EU Foreign Affairs Council of October 12 , where , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia were discussed .
`` High Representative/Vice-President Borrell also informed Minister Lavrov of the agreement among EU Foreign Ministers to continue the current approach to EU-Russia relations , whereby the full implementation of the Minsk agreements remains key .
He called on Russia to fully implement the Minsk agreements , '' the statement informed .
The statement also noted that the High Representative informed Russia ’ s top diplomat about the political decision of the EU Council to introduce sanctions against those who , according to the EU , are responsible for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also urged to conduct an investigation in Russia .
`` The High Representative informed of the political agreement reached at the Foreign Affairs Council of 12 October to begin the preparatory work to sanction those linked to this assassination attempt .
High Representative Borrell underlined that the Russian government must do its utmost to investigate this crime thoroughly in full transparency and to fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons ( OPCW ) , '' the statement noted .
Earlier on Monday , Borrell stated at a press conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident with Alexey Navalny and the EU sanctions planned can not define the relations between the EU and Russia .
According to him , this incident should not interfere with the consideration of all other issues with Russia .
As the statement said , the EU top diplomat thanked his Russian counterpart for his efforts on the ceasefire agreement in Nagorno-Karabakh , emphasizing the importance of its observance .
`` On Nagorno-Karabakh , the High Representative/Vice-President thanked Minister Lavrov for his efforts in negotiating the 10 October ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be strictly observed , for all hostilities to cease immediately and for a de-escalation of tensions , including rhetoric , '' it noted .
According to his words , `` the loss of life and the toll on the civilian population on both sides are unacceptable . ''
`` The High Representative/Vice-President expressed the European Union ’ s full support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and reiterated that in his contacts with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan , he had called on both sides to urgently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The European Union stands ready to contribute to their efforts , '' the document said .
The EU top diplomat has also discussed with Russia ’ s Foreign Minister the situation in Belarus .
He urged Russia to support the OSCE initiative to facilitate a dialogue .
`` The European Union continues to support the proposal of the current and upcoming OSCE Chairmanships-in-Office to facilitate a much-needed inclusive national dialogue in Belarus .
The High Representative regretted that Belarus , as an OSCE participating State , was not responsive to this offer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating State , to support this initiative , '' the document noted .
He `` reiterated the European Union ’ s united and strong support to Belarus ’ independence and sovereignty . ''
`` High Representative Borrell underlined the democratic right of the Belarusian people to elect their president through new , free and fair elections , without external interference , '' the statement noted .
Additionally , the High Representative informed the Russian Foreign Minister that top diplomats of 27 countries of the EU at the October 12 meeting `` gave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the next sanctions package , including against Aleksandr Lukashenko .
`` .

BRUSSELS, October 13. /TASS/. EU top diplomat Josep Borrell conducted a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday during which he stated the EU desire to keep the communication channels with Russia open and to enhance the cooperation, the statement by the European External Action Service said.
Additionally, the sides discussed the future EU sanctions over the incident with Russian blogger Alexey Navalny as well as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the situation in Belarus.
Relations with Russia and sanctions over Navalny
The European Union wants to keep open channels of communication with Russia and strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual interest, the EU top diplomat told his Russian counterpart. "As illustrated by the phone call, the High Representative (of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy - TASS) reiterated that the European Union wishes to maintain open channels of communication with Russia and to enhance cooperation on issues of mutual interest," the statement noted.
The High Representative has also informed Russia’s Foreign Minister on the results of the EU Foreign Affairs Council of October 12, where, among other issues, the relations with Russia were discussed. "High Representative/Vice-President Borrell also informed Minister Lavrov of the agreement among EU Foreign Ministers to continue the current approach to EU-Russia relations, whereby the full implementation of the Minsk agreements remains key. He called on Russia to fully implement the Minsk agreements," the statement informed.
The statement also noted that the High Representative informed Russia’s top diplomat about the political decision of the EU Council to introduce sanctions against those who, according to the EU, are responsible for the alleged poisoning of blogger Alexey Navalny and also urged to conduct an investigation in Russia. "The High Representative informed of the political agreement reached at the Foreign Affairs Council of 12 October to begin the preparatory work to sanction those linked to this assassination attempt. High Representative Borrell underlined that the Russian government must do its utmost to investigate this crime thoroughly in full transparency and to fully cooperate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)," the statement noted.
Earlier on Monday, Borrell stated at a press conference after the EU Council meeting that the incident with Alexey Navalny and the EU sanctions planned cannot define the relations between the EU and Russia. According to him, this incident should not interfere with the consideration of all other issues with Russia.
Commendation for Karabakh
As the statement said, the EU top diplomat thanked his Russian counterpart for his efforts on the ceasefire agreement in Nagorno-Karabakh, emphasizing the importance of its observance. "On Nagorno-Karabakh, the High Representative/Vice-President thanked Minister Lavrov for his efforts in negotiating the 10 October ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and stressed the need for this ceasefire to be strictly observed, for all hostilities to cease immediately and for a de-escalation of tensions, including rhetoric," it noted.
According to his words, "the loss of life and the toll on the civilian population on both sides are unacceptable." "The High Representative/Vice-President expressed the European Union’s full support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and reiterated that in his contacts with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, he had called on both sides to urgently re-engage in meaningful negotiations without preconditions. The European Union stands ready to contribute to their efforts," the document said.
Crisis in Belarus
The EU top diplomat has also discussed with Russia’s Foreign Minister the situation in Belarus. He urged Russia to support the OSCE initiative to facilitate a dialogue. "The European Union continues to support the proposal of the current and upcoming OSCE Chairmanships-in-Office to facilitate a much-needed inclusive national dialogue in Belarus. The High Representative regretted that Belarus, as an OSCE participating State, was not responsive to this offer, and encouraged Russia, as an OSCE participating State, to support this initiative," the document noted.
He "reiterated the European Union’s united and strong support to Belarus’ independence and sovereignty." "High Representative Borrell underlined the democratic right of the Belarusian people to elect their president through new, free and fair elections, without external interference," the statement noted.
Additionally, the High Representative informed the Russian Foreign Minister that top diplomats of 27 countries of the EU at the October 12 meeting "gave the political green light to start the preparation of the next sanctions package, including against Aleksandr Lukashenko.".


tass--2020-10-13--Norwegian Foreign Ministry informs Russian Embassy of cyberattack allegations

HELSINKI , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Norwegian Foreign Ministry notified the Russian embassy in Oslo about Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ on the Norwegian Parliament in August , Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide said @ @ @ @ @ the Minister of Defense , the Minister of Justice and Public Security , I informed @ @ @ @ @ also summoned a [ representative ] of the Russian embassy , they were informed about @ @ @ @ @ said , according to Norwegian News Agency ( NTB ) .
Earlier , Eriksen Soreide @ @ @ @ @ the cyberattack on the parliament that took place in August 2020 .
`` We want @ @ @ @ @ Russia , but we also can not leave it without response , if the attack @ @ @ @ @ democratic interests , '' the Foreign Minister underscored .

HELSINKI, October 13. /TASS/. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry notified the Russian embassy in Oslo about Russia’s involvement in a cyberattack on the Norwegian Parliament in August, Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide said Tuesday.
"Together with the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Justice and Public Security, I informed the parliamentary structures. We also summoned a [representative] of the Russian embassy, they were informed about our attribution," she said, according to Norwegian News Agency (NTB).
Earlier, Eriksen Soreide claimed that Russia was behind the cyberattack on the parliament that took place in August 2020.
"We want good and pragmatic relations with Russia, but we also cannot leave it without response, if the attack involves our parliament and important democratic interests," the Foreign Minister underscored.


tass--2020-10-13--Oslo’s accusations of Russia’s involvement in cyberattacks groundless, says senator

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Konstantin Kosachev , Head of Russian Federation Council ’ s Committee on Foreign Affairs , considers Norway ’ s accusations of Russia ’ s involvement in cyberattack on the Norwegian parliament in August 2020 to be groundless .
`` As usual , accusations are posed with no effort made to present any proof or to propose to discuss the incident at an expert level , '' Kosachev told TASS Tuesday .
Meanwhile , the senator reminded about another incident , when `` a Federation Council employee has been apprehended without ground for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s false accusation . ''
`` When the accusations turned out to be false , neither the Norwegian Parliament , nor the Foreign Ministry bothered to apologize , '' Kosachev underscored .
On September 1 , the Norwegian parliament announced that it was hit by a cyberattack , which leaked emails of lawmakers and parliamentary employees .
A `` number of immediate measures '' were taken in order to thwart a cyberattack , according to Marianne Andreassen , the parliament ’ s chief administrator .
Later , the Norwegian Police Security Service ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` any state '' is behind the cyberattack , which took place on August 24 .
A Russian Federation Council employee Mikhail Bochkaryov was apprehended by the PST on September 21 , 2018 , in Oslo .
According to the Norwegian counter-intelligence , the Russian citizen allegedly collected data via wireless networks during a parliamentary IT seminar , where he was invited by the authorities .
The arrest was based on `` suspicious behavior '' of the Russian citizen , pointed out by the witnesses .
Russian embassy in Oslo stated that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was released on October 19 and returned to Russia the next day .
Russian senators expressed their protest over Bochkaryov ’ s apprehension and decided to refrain from visiting Norway for participation of inter-parliamentary events for a time being .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Konstantin Kosachev, Head of Russian Federation Council’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, considers Norway’s accusations of Russia’s involvement in cyberattack on the Norwegian parliament in August 2020 to be groundless.
"As usual, accusations are posed with no effort made to present any proof or to propose to discuss the incident at an expert level," Kosachev told TASS Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the senator reminded about another incident, when "a Federation Council employee has been apprehended without ground for a month, over a Norwegian lawmaker’s false accusation."
"When the accusations turned out to be false, neither the Norwegian Parliament, nor the Foreign Ministry bothered to apologize," Kosachev underscored.
On September 1, the Norwegian parliament announced that it was hit by a cyberattack, which leaked emails of lawmakers and parliamentary employees. A "number of immediate measures"were taken in order to thwart a cyberattack, according to Marianne Andreassen, the parliament’s chief administrator. Later, the Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) said it will investigate whether "any state" is behind the cyberattack, which took place on August 24.
A Russian Federation Council employee Mikhail Bochkaryov was apprehended by the PST on September 21, 2018, in Oslo. According to the Norwegian counter-intelligence, the Russian citizen allegedly collected data via wireless networks during a parliamentary IT seminar, where he was invited by the authorities. The arrest was based on "suspicious behavior" of the Russian citizen, pointed out by the witnesses.
Russian embassy in Oslo stated that the case was contrived. The Russian citizen was released on October 19 and returned to Russia the next day. Russian senators expressed their protest over Bochkaryov’s apprehension and decided to refrain from visiting Norway for participation of inter-parliamentary events for a time being.


tass--2020-10-13--Putin to discuss investment development of Russia with Cabinet on Wednesday

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold an ordinary meeting with Cabinet ministers , @ @ @ @ @ indicators will be discussed in particular , the Kremlin ’ s press service says on @ @ @ @ @ 14 , [ Vladimir ] Putin will hold an ordinary videoconference meeting with ministers of @ @ @ @ @ The key topic of the meeting will be the discussion of main tools to achieve @ @ @ @ @ the press service says .
Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov will present a report @ @ @ @ @ also be discussed , the Kremlin says .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold an ordinary meeting with Cabinet ministers, where achievement of investment development indicators will be discussed in particular, the Kremlin’s press service says on Tuesday.
"On October 14, [Vladimir] Putin will hold an ordinary videoconference meeting with ministers of the Russian Federation Government. The key topic of the meeting will be the discussion of main tools to achieve investment development indicators," the press service says.
Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov will present a report. Other current issues will also be discussed, the Kremlin says.


tass--2020-10-13--Latest torpedo recovery boat to enter service with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in 2021

SEVASTOPOL , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The new Project lead torpedo recovery boat is set to enter service with Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet in 2021 , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The TL-2195 torpedo recovery boat was floated out on October 9 , 2019 and in mid-September this year it arrived at the Novorossiysk naval base for passing shipbuilders ’ and state trials .
The boat ’ s inclusion in the structure of the Russian Navy is scheduled for 2021 , following which it will start its service in the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the press office said in a statement .
The latest boat has undergone the hull electromagnetic treatment as part of shipbuilders ’ trials in Novorossiysk where the Black Sea Fleet ’ s naval base is located , the statement says .
`` Ships and vessels undergo the electromagnetic treatment of their hulls to improve the operation of navigation systems and increase protection against enemy precision weapons , '' the press office specified .
The TL-2195 is the lead boat in its Project and is designated to search for , lift aboard or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launches , and also during firings at torpedo adjustment fire stations .
The torpedo recovery boat has a crew of 14 .
The boat ’ s living conditions and supplies provide for its 10-day endurance , which is sufficient for its participation in training measures at sea .

SEVASTOPOL, October 13. /TASS/. The new Project lead torpedo recovery boat is set to enter service with Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in 2021, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"The TL-2195 torpedo recovery boat was floated out on October 9, 2019 and in mid-September this year it arrived at the Novorossiysk naval base for passing shipbuilders’ and state trials. The boat’s inclusion in the structure of the Russian Navy is scheduled for 2021, following which it will start its service in the Black Sea Fleet’s naval forces," the press office said in a statement.
The latest boat has undergone the hull electromagnetic treatment as part of shipbuilders’ trials in Novorossiysk where the Black Sea Fleet’s naval base is located, the statement says.
"Ships and vessels undergo the electromagnetic treatment of their hulls to improve the operation of navigation systems and increase protection against enemy precision weapons," the press office specified.
The TL-2195 is the lead boat in its Project and is designated to search for, lift aboard or tow practice torpedoes fired during training torpedo launches, and also during firings at torpedo adjustment fire stations.
The torpedo recovery boat has a crew of 14. The boat’s living conditions and supplies provide for its 10-day endurance, which is sufficient for its participation in training measures at sea.


tass--2020-10-13--Hydroxychloroquine may be helpful against COVID-19 if used in small amounts, doctor says

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The use of hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 patients has exposed no negative side effects that might serve as arguments strong enough against such therapy , however , the doses of this medication must be small , the chief therapist and general medical practice specialist of Russia ’ s Health Ministry , director of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine , Oksana Drapkina , said on Tuesday .
`` I ’ ve treated many such outpatients [ with coronavirus infection ] and I can say honestly that I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to cancel it due to some risks , such as dangerous arrhythmia , '' Drapkina said during an on-line conference Pandemic 2020 : Challenges , Solutions and Consequences at the Russian Presidential Academy of the Economy and Public Administration ( RANEPA ) .
`` Small doses of it can be used during the first hours for comprehensive treatment of light and medium forms of the illness , and even in preventive patterns . ''
Some scientists and doctors are critical of hydroxychloroquine as a means of treating COVID-19 patients .
For instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists and the Institute of Health Technology Assessment as saying that hydroxychloroquine by no means improved patients ’ condition , but on the contrary might cause harm .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. The use of hydroxychloroquine for treating COVID-19 patients has exposed no negative side effects that might serve as arguments strong enough against such therapy, however, the doses of this medication must be small, the chief therapist and general medical practice specialist of Russia’s Health Ministry, director of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, Oksana Drapkina, said on Tuesday.
"I’ve treated many such outpatients [with coronavirus infection] and I can say honestly that I’ve seen no side effects that might force me to cancel it due to some risks, such as dangerous arrhythmia," Drapkina said during an on-line conference Pandemic 2020: Challenges, Solutions and Consequences at the Russian Presidential Academy of the Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA). "Small doses of it can be used during the first hours for comprehensive treatment of light and medium forms of the illness, and even in preventive patterns."
Some scientists and doctors are critical of hydroxychloroquine as a means of treating COVID-19 patients. For instance, the Peruvian radio broadcaster RPP quoted scientists and the Institute of Health Technology Assessment as saying that hydroxychloroquine by no means improved patients’ condition, but on the contrary might cause harm.


tass--2020-10-13--US policy undermines international law, trust in international organizations, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is not intending to limit its freedom of actions on the world arena and follow rules that are dictated by international treaties and multilateral organizations , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday .
`` The US simply does not want to comply with any treaties that in any way lay restrictions on Washington ’ s freedom of actions on the global arena , be it economic , trade , investment or any other sphere , '' he underlined .
`` The instruments used are evident : sanctions , threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes that the US policy is a universal clear reason behind the fact that international institutions are losing their efficiency .
`` The US first pulled out of the Anti·Ballistic Missile Treaty , followed by a relatively long period when there was a pause and then a knocking down of all arms control , non-proliferation and disarmament instruments ensued - the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty ( INF Treaty ) , the Open Skies Treaty , and now the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( New START ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is about the international law basis which provided stability , unequivocally deemed as good rather than evil by practically the whole international community . ''
As another example of the US destructive policy , Lavrov emphasized Washington ’ s treatment of international multilateral bodies .
`` They are the UN , specialized agencies created by it and , of course , the Bretton Woods institutions - the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) and the World Bank Group , '' he noted .
`` The US already quit UNESCO , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rights Council , '' Lavrov continued .
`` I think that they are scrupulously and seriously studying possibilities to exit the World Trade Organization , filibustering the staffing of the [ WTO ] Dispute Settlement Body , therefore , preventing this body from reaching a quorum necessary to resolve disputes on the WTO and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade basis .
`` .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. The United States is not intending to limit its freedom of actions on the world arena and follow rules that are dictated by international treaties and multilateral organizations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday.
"The US simply does not want to comply with any treaties that in any way lay restrictions on Washington’s freedom of actions on the global arena, be it economic, trade, investment or any other sphere," he underlined. "The instruments used are evident: sanctions, threats and ultimatums."
The top diplomat believes that the US policy is a universal clear reason behind the fact that international institutions are losing their efficiency. "The US first pulled out of the Anti·Ballistic Missile Treaty, followed by a relatively long period when there was a pause and then a knocking down of all arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament instruments ensued - the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty), the Open Skies Treaty, and now the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) is next," he explained. "This is about the international law basis which provided stability, unequivocally deemed as good rather than evil by practically the whole international community."
As another example of the US destructive policy, Lavrov emphasized Washington’s treatment of international multilateral bodies. "They are the UN, specialized agencies created by it and, of course, the Bretton Woods institutions - the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group," he noted.
"The US already quit UNESCO, the World Health Organization and the UN Human Rights Council," Lavrov continued. "I think that they are scrupulously and seriously studying possibilities to exit the World Trade Organization, filibustering the staffing of the [WTO] Dispute Settlement Body, therefore, preventing this body from reaching a quorum necessary to resolve disputes on the WTO and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade basis.".


tass--2020-10-13--IMF warns of potential greater impact from pandemic crisis

WASHINGTON , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The consequences of the crisis caused by the spread of the new coronavirus for the global economy may be more significant than anticipated , since the pandemic is not over yet , Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) Gita Gopinath said presenting at the videoconference the organization ’ s October report .
This time real , large-scale shocks , pandemic , health crisis essentially block the service sector around the world , as well as consumer demand , discouraging investment , Gopinath said , adding that the pandemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences could be even worse .
The IMF , Gopinath emphasized , hopes for positive results that may also be possible if significant progress is made in the health sector .
At the moment , according to her forecasts , in most countries , GDP growth rates will only return to the indicators that were seen before the pandemic by 2022 .
An outbreak of the disease caused by coronavirus infection was recorded at the end of 2019 in Central China and spread to most countries .
On March 11 , the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All countries and territories were forced to take various emergency sanitary and epidemiological measures , which led to a deep international economic crisis .
According to the IMF forecast , this year the global economy will record a significant decline of almost 4.4 % , but it will recover and grow by 5.2 % next year .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

WASHINGTON, October 13. /TASS/. The consequences of the crisis caused by the spread of the new coronavirus for the global economy may be more significant than anticipated, since the pandemic is not over yet, Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Gita Gopinath said presenting at the videoconference the organization’s October report.
This time real, large-scale shocks, pandemic, health crisis essentially block the service sector around the world, as well as consumer demand, discouraging investment, Gopinath said, adding that the pandemic is not over yet which means that its consequences could be even worse.
The IMF, Gopinath emphasized, hopes for positive results that may also be possible if significant progress is made in the health sector. At the moment, according to her forecasts, in most countries, GDP growth rates will only return to the indicators that were seen before the pandemic by 2022.
An outbreak of the disease caused by coronavirus infection was recorded at the end of 2019 in Central China and spread to most countries. On March 11, the World Health Organization recognized it as a pandemic. All countries and territories were forced to take various emergency sanitary and epidemiological measures, which led to a deep international economic crisis. According to the IMF forecast, this year the global economy will record a significant decline of almost 4.4%, but it will recover and grow by 5.2% next year.
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--2020-10-13--Decrease in COVID-19 lethality may be caused by its mutations, says expert

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The decrease in lethality values of the novel coronavirus infection in Europe may be related , among other things , to the mutations in the genome of the virus .
This opinion was voiced by professor of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Anatoly Altshtein in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Tuesday .
`` This huge difference in lethality which we have now , say , in Europe where during the spring wave it was about 10-15 % and now we observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical achievement alone .
I think the biological changes of the virus are also significant here , '' he said .
According to the expert , mutations in the genome of the coronavirus occur that are `` beneficial to humans , '' influencing the decrease in the lethality of the virus .
However , the expert added that the positive dynamics of this aspect in Europe is also related to the improved healthcare .
The number of fatalities due to the coronavirus infection in Western Europe in summer decreased two-three times with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of infections .
For instance , in Spain the share of deaths compared to the number of infections decreased two-fold - 6.6 % instead of 12 % .
In Great Britain , according to various estimates , the decrease in the lethality level over summer was from 55 to 80 % .
According to the latest statistics , about 37.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.08 mln deaths have been reported .
To date , 1,326,178 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,031,785 patients having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s latest data indicates 22,966 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. The decrease in lethality values of the novel coronavirus infection in Europe may be related, among other things, to the mutations in the genome of the virus. This opinion was voiced by professor of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Anatoly Altshtein in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Tuesday.
"This huge difference in lethality which we have now, say, in Europe where during the spring wave it was about 10-15% and now we observe 0.5%, this is unlikely the medical achievement alone. I think the biological changes of the virus are also significant here," he said.
According to the expert, mutations in the genome of the coronavirus occur that are "beneficial to humans," influencing the decrease in the lethality of the virus. However, the expert added that the positive dynamics of this aspect in Europe is also related to the improved healthcare.
The number of fatalities due to the coronavirus infection in Western Europe in summer decreased two-three times with the background of the growth in the total number of infections. For instance, in Spain the share of deaths compared to the number of infections decreased two-fold - 6.6% instead of 12%. In Great Britain, according to various estimates, the decrease in the lethality level over summer was from 55 to 80%.
According to the latest statistics, about 37.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.08 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 1,326,178 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,031,785 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 22,966 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-13--Counter-terrorism operation regime in Russia’s Grozny cancelled

GROZNY , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The counter-terrorism operation ( CTO ) regime is withdrawn in Grozny , where @ @ @ @ @ , the National Anti-Terrorism Committee ’ s regional operational headquarters told TASS Tuesday .
Chechen @ @ @ @ @ Chechnya came from Syria to launch attacks '' Measures and temporary restrictions , introduced earlier @ @ @ @ @ law ‘ on countering terrorism , ’ have been withdrawn , '' the announcement reads @ @ @ @ @ terror group has been thwarted as a result of the CTO .
The CTO regime @ @ @ @ @ district of Grozny on 7:40 Moscow time .
Four militants opened fire on the police @ @ @ @ @ , one sustained heavy injuries .
All four militants were eliminated during the CTO .
@ @ @ @ @ Kadyrov , the militants had been on a wanted list for a long time .
@ @ @ @ @ carry out terror attacks in Russia , he said .
The security agencies were informed @ @ @ @ @ The victims ’ relatives will be provided with aid .

GROZNY, October 13. /TASS/. The counter-terrorism operation (CTO) regime is withdrawn in Grozny, where four militants were eliminated earlier, the National Anti-Terrorism Committee’s regional operational headquarters told TASS Tuesday.
"Measures and temporary restrictions, introduced earlier in compliance with the Federal law ‘on countering terrorism,’ have been withdrawn," the announcement reads.
The operation of a terror group has been thwarted as a result of the CTO.
The CTO regime was introduced in the Oktyabrsky district of Grozny on 7:40 Moscow time. Four militants opened fire on the police officers. Two officers died, one sustained heavy injuries. All four militants were eliminated during the CTO.
According to Chechnya head Ramzan Kadyrov, the militants had been on a wanted list for a long time. They came from Syria to carry out terror attacks in Russia, he said. The security agencies were informed about it in advance. The victims’ relatives will be provided with aid.


tass--2020-10-13--Russia’s chief television tower to broadcast launch of manned spacecraft to ISS

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Ostankino TV Tower will broadcast live the launch of a Soyuz MS-17 manned spacecraft to the International Space Station ( ISS ) on October 14 , the press office of the Russian TV and Radio Broadcasting Network told TASS on Tuesday .
`` The Ostankino TV Tower in cooperation with Roscosmos will cover the launch of the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft from the Baikonur spaceport along the Earth-ISS route that will take place at 08:45 a.m. Moscow time on October 14 , 2020 .
The launch will be broadcast for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A TV link-up will connect the legendary Ostankino Tower , the Baikonur spaceport and the International Space Station , '' the press office said .
A Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the manned Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft is set to blast off from Site No .
31 ( Vostok launch pad ) of the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan at 08:45 a.m. Moscow time on October 14 to deliver Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins to the orbital outpost .
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the orbital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Moscow time on the same day .
Therefore , the flight will for the first time proceed using the two-orbit scheme .
During the new long-term expedition , Russian cosmonauts Ryzhikov and Kud-Sverchkov will carry out 55 scientific researches and experiments , including four new probes .
Three scientific experiments will be carried out without the crew ’ s participation .
The cosmonauts are also set to make two spacewalks .
One of them will run in November 2020 and the other in February 2021 .
Both spacewalks will be needed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
This is required for vacating the place for Russia ’ s new Nauka ( Science ) module that will be launched in April 2021 .
Currently , Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy are working aboard the orbital outpost .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. The Ostankino TV Tower will broadcast live the launch of a Soyuz MS-17 manned spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) on October 14, the press office of the Russian TV and Radio Broadcasting Network told TASS on Tuesday.
"The Ostankino TV Tower in cooperation with Roscosmos will cover the launch of the Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft from the Baikonur spaceport along the Earth-ISS route that will take place at 08:45 a.m. Moscow time on October 14, 2020. The launch will be broadcast for the first time from Europe’s tallest observation site. A TV link-up will connect the legendary Ostankino Tower, the Baikonur spaceport and the International Space Station," the press office said.
A Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with the manned Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft is set to blast off from Site No. 31 (Vostok launch pad) of the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan at 08:45 a.m. Moscow time on October 14 to deliver Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergei Ryzhikov and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and NASA astronaut Kathleen Rubins to the orbital outpost.
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the orbital outpost’s Rassvet module at 11:52 a.m. Moscow time on the same day. Therefore, the flight will for the first time proceed using the two-orbit scheme.
During the new long-term expedition, Russian cosmonauts Ryzhikov and Kud-Sverchkov will carry out 55 scientific researches and experiments, including four new probes. Three scientific experiments will be carried out without the crew’s participation. The cosmonauts are also set to make two spacewalks. One of them will run in November 2020 and the other in February 2021.
Both spacewalks will be needed for undocking and dumping the Pirs module next year. This is required for vacating the place for Russia’s new Nauka (Science) module that will be launched in April 2021.
Currently, Roscosmos cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy are working aboard the orbital outpost.


tass--2020-10-13--IEA calls $70/barrel by 2025 possible

IEA calls $70/barrel by 2025 possible

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
/ TASS / .
The cost of oil in the next 20 years @ @ @ @ @ per barrel , and in the baseline scenario may rise to $ 71 per barrel @ @ @ @ @ 76 by 2030 and to $ 85 per barrel by 2040 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ Agency ( IEA ) World Energy Outlook 2020 , received by TASS on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ 2040 , the IEA is considering several scenarios for the development of energy markets after @ @ @ @ @ in the basic scenario of the Stated Policies Scenario ( STEPS ) , the agency @ @ @ @ @ gradually be able to gain control over the coronavirus pandemic in 2021 .
In this @ @ @ @ @ will return to pre-crisis levels by the end of the same year .
Also in @ @ @ @ @ to implement their existing climate target policies .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. / TASS /. The cost of oil in the next 20 years will remain above $50 per barrel, and in the baseline scenario may rise to $71 per barrel by 2025, to $ 76 by 2030 and to $85 per barrel by 2040, according to the report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy Outlook 2020, received by TASS on Tuesday.
In a long-term forecast until 2040, the IEA is considering several scenarios for the development of energy markets after the pandemic. Thus, in the basic scenario of the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), the agency assumes that the world will gradually be able to gain control over the coronavirus pandemic in 2021. In this case, the global economy will return to pre-crisis levels by the end of the same year. Also in this scenario, countries continue to implement their existing climate target policies.


tass--2020-10-13--Russia, UNSC partners agreeing permanent five summit, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and its partners are currently agreeing the agenda and elements of final agreements of the upcoming summit of the UN Security Council five permanent members , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday .
`` You all know about the initiative of [ Russian ] President Putin to hold a face-to-face summit of the [ permanent ] five [ UNSC members ] .
We are expecting this summit to take place as soon as epidemiological situation allows , '' he said .
`` For now , we are in contact with our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit , its agenda , including elements of possible final agreements . ''
`` This year marks 75th anniversary of the [ WW2 ] Great Victory , the year the UN was founded .
We deeply believe that such qualities of leading countries ’ heads like wisdom , foresight and political will are needed now as they never were in the past decades .
We think that the leaders of five countries that are permanent members of the [ UN ] Security Council should be the first to display these qualities , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Putin delivered a speech at the World Holocaust Forum when he proposed organizing a summit for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council ( Russia , France , Germany , the United Kingdom and the United States ) in 2020 .
The other countries supported this initiative .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Russia and its partners are currently agreeing the agenda and elements of final agreements of the upcoming summit of the UN Security Council five permanent members, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday.
"You all know about the initiative of [Russian] President Putin to hold a face-to-face summit of the [permanent] five [UNSC members]. We are expecting this summit to take place as soon as epidemiological situation allows," he said. "For now, we are in contact with our partners to agree the concept of the summit, its agenda, including elements of possible final agreements."
"This year marks 75th anniversary of the [WW2] Great Victory, the year the UN was founded. We deeply believe that such qualities of leading countries’ heads like wisdom, foresight and political will are needed now as they never were in the past decades. We think that the leaders of five countries that are permanent members of the [UN] Security Council should be the first to display these qualities," the minister underlined.
On January 23, Putin delivered a speech at the World Holocaust Forum when he proposed organizing a summit for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States) in 2020. The other countries supported this initiative.


tass--2020-10-13--Kanat Isaev elected Kyrgyz parliament speaker

Isaev is the leader of the Kyrgyzstan parliamentary faction .
He was the only candidate nominated for that position .
@ @ @ @ @ on October 6 amid riots and clashes between police and protesters that erupted after the @ @ @ @ @ was taken up by representative of the Bir Bol ( Unity ) political party Myktybek @ @ @ @ @ his resignation .
Following the October 4 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan , supporters of those @ @ @ @ @ win seats in the parliament , organized mass riots in Bishkek .
The protesters seized @ @ @ @ @ President Almazbek Atambayev and some other politicians from custody .
The country ’ s Central @ @ @ @ @ voting results invalid .
The election commission must announce the date for new parliamentary elections @ @ @ @ @ time .

Isaev is the leader of the Kyrgyzstan parliamentary faction. He was the only candidate nominated for that position.
Former speaker Dastanbek Dzhumabekov resigned on October 6 amid riots and clashes between police and protesters that erupted after the parliamentary elections. The position was taken up by representative of the Bir Bol (Unity) political party Myktybek Abdyldaev who later on announced his resignation.
Following the October 4 parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan, supporters of those parties, which failed to win seats in the parliament, organized mass riots in Bishkek. The protesters seized government buildings and released former President Almazbek Atambayev and some other politicians from custody. The country’s Central Election Commission has declared the voting results invalid. The election commission must announce the date for new parliamentary elections within a month’s time.


tass--2020-10-13--UN still has untapped productive potential, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
The UN-centric world order formed after World War 2 still has untapped productive @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday .
`` We believe that the UN-centric @ @ @ @ @ the Second World War still has a lot of margin of safety and maintains untapped @ @ @ @ @ what relates to upholding global balance between the leading world actors , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ UN is doing its basic mission despite criticism , which is often well justified .
@ @ @ @ @ the Un that the world saved itself from a catastrophic conflict between great powers .
@ @ @ @ @ account all its evident shortcomings , we should say that nothing created by hands and @ @ @ @ @ minds of people is perfect .
Despite its evident shortcomings , we see no alternative @ @ @ @ @ '' he explained .

MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. The UN-centric world order formed after World War 2 still has untapped productive potential in upholding global balance, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday.
"We believe that the UN-centric architecture that was created following the Second World War still has a lot of margin of safety and maintains untapped productive potential, primarily in what relates to upholding global balance between the leading world actors," he said.
Lavrov underlined that the UN is doing its basic mission despite criticism, which is often well justified. "It is thanks to the Un that the world saved itself from a catastrophic conflict between great powers. Of course, taking into account all its evident shortcomings, we should say that nothing created by hands and, even more so, minds of people is perfect. Despite its evident shortcomings, we see no alternative to the UN today," he explained.


tass--2020-10-13--Entrepreneur files lawsuits against Navalny and his supporters

MOSCOW , October 13 .
/TASS/ .
Lawyers of Russian businessman and CEO of Concord company Yevgeny Prigozhin began filing lawsuits on protection of honor and dignity against Alexey Navalny , Lyubov Sobol , Leonid Volkov , Maxim Shevchenko and Vladimir Milov , Concord press service announced Tuesday .
`` The Concord press service informs that Yevgeny Prigozhin ’ s lawyers prepared and have already begun filing lawsuits on protection of honor and dignity against the following citizens : Alexey Navalny , Lyubov Sobol , Leonid Volkov , Maxim Shevchenko and Vladimir Milov , '' the announcement reads .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of insulting remarks towards the business , containing libel , '' is what caused the lawsuits .
The lawsuits aim to `` force the abovementioned citizens to respect other people ’ s rights and legitimate interests . ''
In October 2019 , the Moscow Court of Arbitration already ruled to collect about 29 million rubles ( $ 375,616 ) from Navalny , Sobol and Navalny ’ s Anti-Corruption Foundation each ( a total of about 88 million rubles , or $ 1,139,814 ) as moral compensation on the lawsuit of Moskovsky Shkolnik company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published online as damaging the company ’ s business reputation .
In August this year , Prigozhin bought the debt of Navalny , Sobol and the Foundation before Moskovsky Shkolnik .

MOSCOW, October 13 . /TASS/. Lawyers of Russian businessman and CEO of Concord company Yevgeny Prigozhin began filing lawsuits on protection of honor and dignity against Alexey Navalny, Lyubov Sobol, Leonid Volkov, Maxim Shevchenko and Vladimir Milov, Concord press service announced Tuesday.
"The Concord press service informs that Yevgeny Prigozhin’s lawyers prepared and have already begun filing lawsuits on protection of honor and dignity against the following citizens: Alexey Navalny, Lyubov Sobol, Leonid Volkov, Maxim Shevchenko and Vladimir Milov," the announcement reads.
According to the press service, "publication of insulting remarks towards the business, containing libel," is what caused the lawsuits.
The lawsuits aim to "force the abovementioned citizens to respect other people’s rights and legitimate interests."
In October 2019, the Moscow Court of Arbitration already ruled to collect about 29 million rubles ($375,616) from Navalny, Sobol and Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation each (a total of about 88 million rubles, or $1,139,814) as moral compensation on the lawsuit of Moskovsky Shkolnik company, and ruled to delete a video published online as damaging the company’s business reputation. In August this year, Prigozhin bought the debt of Navalny, Sobol and the Foundation before Moskovsky Shkolnik.