tass--2020-12-22--Low-cost airline Pobeda will resume flights to Slovakia from January 28

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Low-cost airline Pobeda will open cargo and passenger flights to Bratislava ( Slovakia ) from January 28 , according to the statement from Vnukovo airport .
`` At the end of December , Pobeda Airlines will open a flight program from Vnukovo International Airport to Germany and Slovakia .
From December 27 , 2020 , on Sundays , flights will leave from Moscow ( Vnukovo ) to Berlin , from December 26 on Saturdays - to Cologne , and from January 28 on Thursdays - to Bratislava .
The airline will use Boeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airport said in a statement .
In March of this year , Russia suspended all commercial passenger flights abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Carriers continued to operate only repatriation flights - to return Russians from abroad and send foreigners home .
Russia canceled repatriation flights in September , now air carriers can carry out cargo and passenger transportation abroad - for passengers of these flights there are restrictions depending on the country of arrival .
Russia has partially resumed flights to a number of countries : Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Arab Emirates , Turkey , the United Kingdom , Switzerland , Tanzania , Serbia , Japan , the Maldives , and Cuba .
Also , flights with Ethiopia and the Seychelles were formally resumed , but so far none of the Russian airlines has announced the start of flights .
In addition , Russia has recently temporarily suspended flights with the UK due to a new strain of coronavirus detected country .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Low-cost airline Pobeda will open cargo and passenger flights to Bratislava (Slovakia) from January 28, according to the statement from Vnukovo airport.
"At the end of December, Pobeda Airlines will open a flight program from Vnukovo International Airport to Germany and Slovakia. From December 27, 2020, on Sundays, flights will leave from Moscow (Vnukovo) to Berlin, from December 26 on Saturdays - to Cologne, and from January 28 on Thursdays - to Bratislava. The airline will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft on these routes," the airport said in a statement.
In March of this year, Russia suspended all commercial passenger flights abroad amid the coronavirus pandemic. Carriers continued to operate only repatriation flights - to return Russians from abroad and send foreigners home. Russia canceled repatriation flights in September, now air carriers can carry out cargo and passenger transportation abroad - for passengers of these flights there are restrictions depending on the country of arrival.
Russia has partially resumed flights to a number of countries: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Tanzania, Serbia, Japan, the Maldives, and Cuba. Also, flights with Ethiopia and the Seychelles were formally resumed, but so far none of the Russian airlines has announced the start of flights. In addition, Russia has recently temporarily suspended flights with the UK due to a new strain of coronavirus detected country.


tass--2020-12-22--Lavrov, Makei reaffirm commitment to coordinating actions in foreign policy

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei reiterated their @ @ @ @ @ of coordinated actions in foreign policy within the Union State in a phone call on @ @ @ @ @ ] reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the program of coordinated actions in the foreign policy @ @ @ @ @ Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State for 2020-2021 , '' the Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ .
The parties also discussed topical bilateral issues on the agenda and interaction at international @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Belarusian counterpart Vladimir Makei reiterated their commitment to implementing the program of coordinated actions in foreign policy within the Union State in a phone call on Tuesday.
"[They] reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the program of coordinated actions in the foreign policy of the parties to the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State for 2020-2021," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The parties also discussed topical bilateral issues on the agenda and interaction at international platforms, the ministry added.


tass--2020-12-22--Russian paratroopers’ air-droppable artillery gun enters preliminary trials

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Lotos air-droppable self-propelled artillery gun developed by the Central Research Institute of Precision Machine-Building ( TsNIITochMash , part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) for the Airborne Force has entered preliminary trials , the Rostec press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The Lotos will demonstrate its operation on the move , afloat and in air-dropping .
Out of 600 km of its run , soil roads will account for 50 % and cobblestone and rubble roads for 30 % and the vehicle will cover 10 % of the distance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help assess the self-propelled gun ’ s capabilities for overcoming various obstacles , '' the press office quoted Rostec Industrial Director for the Armament Cluster Bekkhan Ozdoyev as saying .
The combat vehicle will also fire 300 shots .
`` The firing trials will check the maximum and minimum ranges and the accuracy of fire on the terrain , the accuracy and density of shots by direct fire and the rate of fire by various munitions , '' Rostec explained .
Overall , the program of preliminary trials includes over 80 points .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s tactical and technical and operational characteristics , its compliance with the specifications and work out recommendations for state trials , the press office said .
The Lotos self-propelled artillery gun has been developed on the basis of the BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicle .
The self-propelled artillery vehicle is outfitted with a combat module with a 120mm gun that features highly automated operations of preparing for and delivering fire .
The vehicle weighs no more than 18 tonnes , can develop a maximum speed of 70 km/h , has a 450hp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than 500 km .
The Lotos self-propelled artillery vehicle has a combat team of four .
Its rate of fire is 6-8 shots per minute and its firing range is up to 13 km .
The Lotos self-propelled artillery gun successfully completed acceptance trials in November .
TsNIITochMash military representatives confirmed the prototype ’ s compliance with the working design documentation and the vehicle ’ s readiness for preliminary trials .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The Lotos air-droppable self-propelled artillery gun developed by the Central Research Institute of Precision Machine-Building (TsNIITochMash, part of the state tech corporation Rostec) for the Airborne Force has entered preliminary trials, the Rostec press office reported on Tuesday.
"The Lotos will demonstrate its operation on the move, afloat and in air-dropping. Out of 600 km of its run, soil roads will account for 50% and cobblestone and rubble roads for 30% and the vehicle will cover 10% of the distance on cross-country terrain. The trials will particularly help assess the self-propelled gun’s capabilities for overcoming various obstacles," the press office quoted Rostec Industrial Director for the Armament Cluster Bekkhan Ozdoyev as saying.
The combat vehicle will also fire 300 shots. "The firing trials will check the maximum and minimum ranges and the accuracy of fire on the terrain, the accuracy and density of shots by direct fire and the rate of fire by various munitions," Rostec explained.
Overall, the program of preliminary trials includes over 80 points. Specialists will determine and evaluate the prototype’s tactical and technical and operational characteristics, its compliance with the specifications and work out recommendations for state trials, the press office said.
The Lotos self-propelled artillery gun has been developed on the basis of the BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicle. The self-propelled artillery vehicle is outfitted with a combat module with a 120mm gun that features highly automated operations of preparing for and delivering fire. The vehicle weighs no more than 18 tonnes, can develop a maximum speed of 70 km/h, has a 450hp engine and a cruising range of no less than 500 km.
The Lotos self-propelled artillery vehicle has a combat team of four. Its rate of fire is 6-8 shots per minute and its firing range is up to 13 km.
The Lotos self-propelled artillery gun successfully completed acceptance trials in November. TsNIITochMash military representatives confirmed the prototype’s compliance with the working design documentation and the vehicle’s readiness for preliminary trials.


tass--2020-12-22--Belarus starts pilot operation of nuclear power plant’s first power unit

Djokovic becomes second male tennis player in history to spend 300 weeks as world No .
1 Previously , Swiss @ @ @ @ @ to achieve the feat , with 310 weeks as world No .
1

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
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tass--2020-12-22--Kremlin believes current format of the State Council’s Presidium effective

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin believes that the format of discussions within the working groups of the State Council , which have now been converted to 18 commissions , is effective enough , Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media , when asked if more vigorous discussions should be expected within the reformed State Council commissions .
Peskov said that debates in the working groups were active enough before .
`` The new format of the Presidium ’ s work has existed for several years now .
It is a relevant discussion format and very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated its effectiveness , '' Peskov said .
Asked about the importance of the struggle against the coronavirus for the activity of State Council ’ s commissions Peskov said that this issue `` leaves its imprint on all other branches and spheres of life one way or another . ''
President Vladimir Putin on Monday approved a new composition of the 104-seat State Council and also the makeup of the Presidium of this body , which after the introduction of amendments to the Constitution obtained the official status .
The State Council ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 18 governors , who lead the State Council ’ s commissions .
Presidential aide Igor Levitin , who holds the position of the State Council ’ s secretary , explained that the commissions vested with specific functions , would replace the working groups that existed before .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The Kremlin believes that the format of discussions within the working groups of the State Council, which have now been converted to 18 commissions, is effective enough, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media, when asked if more vigorous discussions should be expected within the reformed State Council commissions.
Peskov said that debates in the working groups were active enough before.
"The new format of the Presidium’s work has existed for several years now. It is a relevant discussion format and very useful one, too, which has demonstrated its effectiveness," Peskov said.
Asked about the importance of the struggle against the coronavirus for the activity of State Council’s commissions Peskov said that this issue "leaves its imprint on all other branches and spheres of life one way or another."
President Vladimir Putin on Monday approved a new composition of the 104-seat State Council and also the makeup of the Presidium of this body, which after the introduction of amendments to the Constitution obtained the official status. The State Council’s Presidium consists of 28 members, including 18 governors, who lead the State Council’s commissions. Presidential aide Igor Levitin, who holds the position of the State Council’s secretary, explained that the commissions vested with specific functions, would replace the working groups that existed before.


tass--2020-12-22--Lavrov to hold talks with Qatar’s top diplomat on December 23

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister @ @ @ @ @ will hold talks in Moscow on December 23 , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on @ @ @ @ @ 23 , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks in Moscow with Qatari Deputy @ @ @ @ @ Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani , '' the ministry said .
According to the Foreign @ @ @ @ @ diplomats will pay attention to trade and economic cooperation , discuss regional crises , in @ @ @ @ @ Libya , and the Middle East settlement process .
`` It is also planned to @ @ @ @ @ related to the lasting stabilization of the situation in the Persian Gulf area through the @ @ @ @ @ by regional countries aimed at strengthening mutual trust and creating favorable conditions for establishing dialogue @ @ @ @ @ the ministry noted .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani will hold talks in Moscow on December 23, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
"On December 23, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold talks in Moscow with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani," the ministry said.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the two top diplomats will pay attention to trade and economic cooperation, discuss regional crises, in particular, in Syria and Libya, and the Middle East settlement process.
"It is also planned to discuss a range of issues related to the lasting stabilization of the situation in the Persian Gulf area through the coordination of specific practical steps by regional countries aimed at strengthening mutual trust and creating favorable conditions for establishing dialogue and easing tensions," the ministry noted.


tass--2020-12-22--Kremlin blasts outgoing US administration for trying to ‘kick around’ ties with Russia

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin regards the recent decision by the outgoing US administration to impose a de facto ban on the purchase of certain types of American goods and technologies for Russian companies as another hostile step , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
New spiral of US sanctions gives additional impetus for work , Rostec says '' This is another hostile step against Russia .
We can only regret that another outgoing US administration prefers to kick around the bilateral Russian-American relationship , which is already in very bad shape , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every single kick pushes [ both countries ] away from the moment of normalization [ of bilateral relations ] and makes it extremely difficult to get out of this tailspin , which is harmful to our bilateral relations , '' Peskov explained .
The Kremlin official vowed that Moscow will protect its interests `` properly . ''
The United States Department of Commerce has published a list of 103 Russian and Chinese companies and enterprises , which Washington suspects of cooperating with both superpowers ’ militaries .
The entities on this list will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of US goods and technologies .
A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian entities ( actually 41 as some structures are repeated ) have been put on this blacklist .
The US government determined that these companies are ‘ military end users.
’ The Russian part of the lists include the Admiralty Shipyard ( part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation ) , the United Aircraft Corporation , the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia , the Irkut Corporation , Oboronprom , Rostec @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tupolev JSC , the JSC Rocket and Space Center - Progress and institutes of the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The Kremlin regards the recent decision by the outgoing US administration to impose a de facto ban on the purchase of certain types of American goods and technologies for Russian companies as another hostile step, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
New spiral of US sanctions gives additional impetus for work, Rostec says
"This is another hostile step against Russia. We can only regret that another outgoing US administration prefers to kick around the bilateral Russian-American relationship, which is already in very bad shape," the Kremlin spokesman said.
"Every single kick pushes [both countries] away from the moment of normalization [of bilateral relations] and makes it extremely difficult to get out of this tailspin, which is harmful to our bilateral relations," Peskov explained.
The Kremlin official vowed that Moscow will protect its interests "properly."
Washington’s sanctions
The United States Department of Commerce has published a list of 103 Russian and Chinese companies and enterprises, which Washington suspects of cooperating with both superpowers’ militaries. The entities on this list will not be able to purchase a number of US goods and technologies.
A total of 58 Chinese and 45 Russian entities (actually 41 as some structures are repeated) have been put on this blacklist. The US government determined that these companies are ‘military end users.’
The Russian part of the lists include the Admiralty Shipyard (part of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation), the United Aircraft Corporation, the Federal State Budgetary Enterprise Special Flight Unit Rossiya of the Administration of the President of Russia, the Irkut Corporation, Oboronprom, Rostec, Russian Helicopters, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, Tupolev JSC, the JSC Rocket and Space Center - Progress and institutes of the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation.


tass--2020-12-22--Russian, Chinese strategic bombers carry out joint air patrol in Asia-Pacific region

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Two Russian Tu-95MS and four Chinese H-6K strategic bombers carried out the second joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday .
`` The Russian Aerospace Force and the Air Force of the Chinese People ’ s Liberation Army conducted the second joint air patrol by long-range aircraft in the Asia-Pacific Region .
The air group consisting of two Tu-95MS strategic bombers of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force and four Hong-6K strategic bombers of the Air Force of China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted the air patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea , '' the ministry said in a statement .
The aircraft of both countries operated in strict compliance with the provisions of international law , the ministry stressed .
`` There were no violations of the airspace of foreign states , '' it said .
As Russia ’ s Defense Ministry pointed out , `` the measure was conducted as part of implementing the provisions of the 2020 military cooperation plan and is not aimed against third countries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deepen and develop the Russian-Chinese relations , raise the level of interaction between the armed forces of both countries and improve their capabilities for conducting joint measures and strengthening global strategic stability , the ministry explained .
The newspaper Chosun Ilbo earlier reported , citing the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff that four Chinese and 15 Russian military aircraft had allegedly intruded into South Korea ’ s air defense identification zone ( KADIZ ) , prompting Seoul to scramble its fighter jets .
The concept of the air defense identification zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is not sealed in international law .
The extension of such zones is declared by specific countries or territories and is not necessarily limited to their boundaries .
As the South Korean military reported , the aircraft had flown over the Sea of Japan .
South Korea ’ s so-called air defense identification zone covers both the republic ’ s airspace and partially the area referred to the international airspace .
Despite this , the South Korean military demand that they get information in advance about the intention to enter the identification @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If they get no such information , they scramble warplanes for intercepts even if foreign aircraft do not violate the republic ’ s airspace .
In October 2019 , when South Korea reported about the flight of Russian planes in the KADIZ zone , Russia ’ s embassy stressed that this zone had been established unilaterally and created no legal commitments for other states .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Two Russian Tu-95MS and four Chinese H-6K strategic bombers carried out the second joint air patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.
"The Russian Aerospace Force and the Air Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army conducted the second joint air patrol by long-range aircraft in the Asia-Pacific Region. The air group consisting of two Tu-95MS strategic bombers of Russia’s Aerospace Force and four Hong-6K strategic bombers of the Air Force of China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted the air patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea," the ministry said in a statement.
The aircraft of both countries operated in strict compliance with the provisions of international law, the ministry stressed.
"There were no violations of the airspace of foreign states," it said.
As Russia’s Defense Ministry pointed out, "the measure was conducted as part of implementing the provisions of the 2020 military cooperation plan and is not aimed against third countries."
The air patrols are carried out to deepen and develop the Russian-Chinese relations, raise the level of interaction between the armed forces of both countries and improve their capabilities for conducting joint measures and strengthening global strategic stability, the ministry explained.
The newspaper Chosun Ilbo earlier reported, citing the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff that four Chinese and 15 Russian military aircraft had allegedly intruded into South Korea’s air defense identification zone (KADIZ), prompting Seoul to scramble its fighter jets.
The concept of the air defense identification zone, in which civil aircraft are identified, is not sealed in international law. The extension of such zones is declared by specific countries or territories and is not necessarily limited to their boundaries. As the South Korean military reported, the aircraft had flown over the Sea of Japan.
South Korea’s air defense identification zone
South Korea’s so-called air defense identification zone covers both the republic’s airspace and partially the area referred to the international airspace. Despite this, the South Korean military demand that they get information in advance about the intention to enter the identification zone and the goals of a flight. If they get no such information, they scramble warplanes for intercepts even if foreign aircraft do not violate the republic’s airspace.
In October 2019, when South Korea reported about the flight of Russian planes in the KADIZ zone, Russia’s embassy stressed that this zone had been established unilaterally and created no legal commitments for other states.


tass--2020-12-22--‘Compares himself to Jesus’: Kremlin derides Navalny as having ‘delusions of grandeur’

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov is of the opinion that Russian opposition figurehead Alexey Navalny has delusions of grandeur and delusions of persecution , he told reporters on Tuesday , stressing that this is his personal opinion .
`` I think I ’ ll let myself speak out of turn and express my personal opinion , which I usually don ’ t do , because it is not within my rights .
You can say that this patient has a severe case of delusions of persecution , and we can also detect clear symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he even compares himself to Jesus .
As for the rest they are Freudian-like symptoms , this relentless fixation over his own codpiece and so on , '' Peskov said .
The spokesman noted that this is his opinion of the investigation in which Navalny claims that he was poisoned by Russian intelligence agencies .
Peskov added that the Kremlin administration had not seen the video , as they have `` enough work to do . ''
The Kremlin official pointed out that people should base their opinions on the official statement issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
`` You know that the Federal Security Service commented on this in a rather succinct and explicit manner .
So there is no point in adding anything to it , '' he concluded .
No `` investigations '' into the incident involving blogger Alexei Navalny can discredit Russia ’ s Federal Security Service , Peskov said .
`` It was an attempt at discreditation but such attempts can not compromise the Federal Security Service , '' Peskov said , when asked if the FSB would seek to reject allegations about its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution , the Federal Security Service plays a very important role , protecting us all from terrorism , extremism and other deadly threats , and it has definitely been very effective in that role , '' the Russian presidential spokesman pointed out .
At the same time , Peskov said that the question as to whether Russian President Vladimir Putin trusted the FSB was inappropriate .
Russian blogger Alexey Navalny ’ s so-called investigation into his alleged poisoning with a nerve agent is a provocation prepared with the support of foreign intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( FSB ) press service said on Monday .
The intelligence agency also stated that the video footage containing a phone call between Navalny and an alleged FSB employee is a fake .
Earlier , Navalny published a recording of his conversation with a person that he named among those behind his alleged poisoning in a joint investigation by Bellingcat , The Insider and Russia ’ s Anti-Corruption Foundation with the participation of CNN and Der Spiegel .
Last Thursday , Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned during his annual news conference that Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agencies . ''
`` If that is the case , then [ our ] intelligence agencies must , of course , watch over him .
But that does not mean he should be poisoned , who even cares about him ? ''
Putin said .
Earlier , Russian authorities informed that doctors in Omsk diagnosed Navalny with `` disruption of carbohydrate metabolism . ''
Russia has not launched a criminal investigation into the incident , as the diagnosis `` poisoning '' has not been confirmed by local medics and toxicologists .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov is of the opinion that Russian opposition figurehead Alexey Navalny has delusions of grandeur and delusions of persecution, he told reporters on Tuesday, stressing that this is his personal opinion.
"I think I’ll let myself speak out of turn and express my personal opinion, which I usually don’t do, because it is not within my rights. You can say that this patient has a severe case of delusions of persecution, and we can also detect clear symptoms of delusions of grandeur. Some say he even compares himself to Jesus. As for the rest they are Freudian-like symptoms, this relentless fixation over his own codpiece and so on," Peskov said.
The spokesman noted that this is his opinion of the investigation in which Navalny claims that he was poisoned by Russian intelligence agencies. Peskov added that the Kremlin administration had not seen the video, as they have "enough work to do."
The Kremlin official pointed out that people should base their opinions on the official statement issued by the Federal Security Service (FSB). "You know that the Federal Security Service commented on this in a rather succinct and explicit manner. So there is no point in adding anything to it," he concluded.
FSB’s effectiveness
No "investigations" into the incident involving blogger Alexei Navalny can discredit Russia’s Federal Security Service, Peskov said.
"It was an attempt at discreditation but such attempts cannot compromise the Federal Security Service," Peskov said, when asked if the FSB would seek to reject allegations about its role in the incident.
"Under the Constitution, the Federal Security Service plays a very important role, protecting us all from terrorism, extremism and other deadly threats, and it has definitely been very effective in that role," the Russian presidential spokesman pointed out.
At the same time, Peskov said that the question as to whether Russian President Vladimir Putin trusted the FSB was inappropriate.
FSB’s reaction
Russian blogger Alexey Navalny’s so-called investigation into his alleged poisoning with a nerve agent is a provocation prepared with the support of foreign intelligence services, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) press service said on Monday. The intelligence agency also stated that the video footage containing a phone call between Navalny and an alleged FSB employee is a fake.
Earlier, Navalny published a recording of his conversation with a person that he named among those behind his alleged poisoning in a joint investigation by Bellingcat, The Insider and Russia’s Anti-Corruption Foundation with the participation of CNN and Der Spiegel.
Last Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned during his annual news conference that Navalny "enjoys the support of US intelligence agencies."
"If that is the case, then [our] intelligence agencies must, of course, watch over him. But that does not mean he should be poisoned, who even cares about him?" Putin said.
Earlier, Russian authorities informed that doctors in Omsk diagnosed Navalny with "disruption of carbohydrate metabolism." Russia has not launched a criminal investigation into the incident, as the diagnosis "poisoning" has not been confirmed by local medics and toxicologists.


tass--2020-12-22--Biden’s on-air vaccination no reason for Putin to undergo public inoculation, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The live TV vaccination of US President-elect Joe Biden against COVID-19 doesn ’ t serve as a justification for Russian leader Vladimir Putin to be inoculated in public , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
`` Absolutely [ not ] , '' he replied , when asked whether Biden ’ s example could prompt Putin to go through that procedure in public .
`` We are a country that can stand on its own two feet , we have a completely self-reliant president who is just as experienced as Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that `` the president continually deals with the issue of people ’ s vaccination , he is the driving force that is pushing all government agencies to continue mass vaccination in all regions . ''
Peskov noted that Putin had provided an exhaustive explanation at his annual press conference on why he had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus .
On Monday , US President-elect Joe Biden received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech live on TV .
At his annual news conference on December 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus as soon as possible .
Putin explained that he heeded the recommendations of experts concerning age restrictions for inoculation at this stage .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The live TV vaccination of US President-elect Joe Biden against COVID-19 doesn’t serve as a justification for Russian leader Vladimir Putin to be inoculated in public, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"Absolutely [not]," he replied, when asked whether Biden’s example could prompt Putin to go through that procedure in public. "We are a country that can stand on its own two feet, we have a completely self-reliant president who is just as experienced as Mr. Biden," Peskov insisted.
He added that "the president continually deals with the issue of people’s vaccination, he is the driving force that is pushing all government agencies to continue mass vaccination in all regions."
Peskov noted that Putin had provided an exhaustive explanation at his annual press conference on why he had not yet been vaccinated against coronavirus.
On Monday, US President-elect Joe Biden received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech live on TV.
At his annual news conference on December 17, the Russian leader assured that he would be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus as soon as possible. Putin explained that he heeded the recommendations of experts concerning age restrictions for inoculation at this stage.


tass--2020-12-22--US abuses notion of national security to accommodate American officials — ex-PM Medvedev

New spiral of US sanctions gives additional impetus for work , Rostec says MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ Security Council Dmitry Medvedev believes that the United States abuses the notion of national security @ @ @ @ @ that gains heft by fanning the flames of Russophobia and Sinophobia , he wrote in @ @ @ @ @ comment on the US sanctions against Russia and China .
`` Essentially , this [ @ @ @ @ @ notion of national security to accommodate the part of the US establishment that scores points @ @ @ @ @ in the US , '' he noted .

New spiral of US sanctions gives additional impetus for work, Rostec says
MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev believes that the United States abuses the notion of national security to please the American establishment that gains heft by fanning the flames of Russophobia and Sinophobia, he wrote in his social media accounts to comment on the US sanctions against Russia and China.
"Essentially, this [sanctions] is abusing the notion of national security to accommodate the part of the US establishment that scores points for inciting Russophobia and Sinophobia in the US," he noted.


tass--2020-12-22--Top virologist affirms COVID-19 strains analyzed in Russia pose no major threat

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus strains circulating in Russia have no significant changes , and their analysis did not reveal any greater risks , Director General of the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Rinat Maksyutov said on Tuesday .
`` Concerning those strains that we have analyzed , we are not talking about any greater risks of new coronavirus variants for humanity as a whole .
We have detected over 1,400 different point mutations in Russian novel coronavirus isolates over the entire observation period , but most of them do not have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview broadcast by the Rossiya 24 TV channel .
According to Maksyutov , the novel coronavirus , just like any other virus , is changing all the time and accumulates its genetic changes .
He noted that the Vector research center was studying the genetic changes of the novel coronavirus in Russia .
`` Every month , we receive novel coronavirus isolates from all regions across the nation .
We pinpoint those changes , which accumulate in this pathogen , '' he explained .
The Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it was keeping the situation related to the identification of a new coronavirus strain in the UK under control .
On December 14 , UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for the high infection rates in southeastern England .
Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those uncovered previously .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters at a news conference on Saturday that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new strain might be 70 % more contagious .
He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the mutated virus posed a higher fatality risk .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The coronavirus strains circulating in Russia have no significant changes, and their analysis did not reveal any greater risks, Director General of the Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Rinat Maksyutov said on Tuesday.
"Concerning those strains that we have analyzed, we are not talking about any greater risks of new coronavirus variants for humanity as a whole. We have detected over 1,400 different point mutations in Russian novel coronavirus isolates over the entire observation period, but most of them do not have any significant changes," he said in an interview broadcast by the Rossiya 24 TV channel.
According to Maksyutov, the novel coronavirus, just like any other virus, is changing all the time and accumulates its genetic changes. He noted that the Vector research center was studying the genetic changes of the novel coronavirus in Russia. "Every month, we receive novel coronavirus isolates from all regions across the nation. We pinpoint those changes, which accumulate in this pathogen," he explained.
The Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing earlier said that it was keeping the situation related to the identification of a new coronavirus strain in the UK under control.
On December 14, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for the high infection rates in southeastern England. Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those uncovered previously. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters at a news conference on Saturday that, according to the current findings, the new strain might be 70% more contagious. He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the mutated virus posed a higher fatality risk.


tass--2020-12-22--Putin signs law enabling ex-presidents to become lifetime senators

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the law on the updated rules of the formation of the upper chamber of parliament , which , among other things , enables former presidents to serve as lifetime senators if they wish to do so .
The document was published on Tuesday on the official legal information portal .
The formation of the Russian Federation Council ( upper chamber of parliament ) is now in accordance with the updated Russian Constitution .
Besides representatives of the legislative and executive branches of Russian regions , the Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as lifetime senators , and no more than 30 representatives of the Russian Federation appointed by the president , out of which no more than seven can be appointed lifetime senators .
The rest of senators are appointed for six years .
The appointment of senators is a presidential prerogative , but not a duty , so the president can use it at any time .
Under the Russian Constitution , the citizens distinguished for outstanding state and public services to the country could be appointed lifetime members of the Federation Council .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The requirements for former presidents are envisaged in a separate clause .
A Russian president , who has ended their tenure after a presidential term has expired or prematurely , will acquire the status of a senator immediately after sending an application , with all the required documents attached , to the Federation Council .
The application may be submitted once within three months after the president leaves office .
Along with this , the president whose tenure ended before the given bill is adopted may file this application within three months since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under the bill , a citizen of the Russian Federation aged over 30 with an impeccable reputation , who permanently resides in Russia , who has no citizenship of a foreign state or residence permit or any other document substantiating their right to permanent residence in a foreign state can become a member of the Federation Council .
Persons with convictions for grave offences , serious and moderately serious crimes will not be eligible for this position .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the law on the updated rules of the formation of the upper chamber of parliament, which, among other things, enables former presidents to serve as lifetime senators if they wish to do so. The document was published on Tuesday on the official legal information portal.
The formation of the Russian Federation Council (upper chamber of parliament) is now in accordance with the updated Russian Constitution. Besides representatives of the legislative and executive branches of Russian regions, the Federation Council can now accept former Russian presidents as lifetime senators, and no more than 30 representatives of the Russian Federation appointed by the president, out of which no more than seven can be appointed lifetime senators. The rest of senators are appointed for six years.
The appointment of senators is a presidential prerogative, but not a duty, so the president can use it at any time. Under the Russian Constitution, the citizens distinguished for outstanding state and public services to the country could be appointed lifetime members of the Federation Council. The new law includes this provision.
The requirements for former presidents are envisaged in a separate clause. A Russian president, who has ended their tenure after a presidential term has expired or prematurely, will acquire the status of a senator immediately after sending an application, with all the required documents attached, to the Federation Council. The application may be submitted once within three months after the president leaves office. Along with this, the president whose tenure ended before the given bill is adopted may file this application within three months since the day the law enters into force.
Under the bill, a citizen of the Russian Federation aged over 30 with an impeccable reputation, who permanently resides in Russia, who has no citizenship of a foreign state or residence permit or any other document substantiating their right to permanent residence in a foreign state can become a member of the Federation Council. Persons with convictions for grave offences, serious and moderately serious crimes will not be eligible for this position.


tass--2020-12-22--Xinhua Silk Road: The 13th China Photography Festival opens in central China's Henan

BEIJING , Dec. 22 .
/PRNewswire/ .
The 13th China Photography Festival and the City of Swan - the 4th China Sanmenxia Natural Ecology International Photography Exhibition opened on December 20 in Sanmenxia , central China 's Henan Province .
During the festival , a series of exhibitions such as the poverty alleviation photography exhibition and an exhibition themed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic will be launched , showing 4,000 works by more than 1,100 photographers and presenting a wonderful visual feast for all the audience .
In 2018 , the 12th China Photography Festival was successfully held in Sanmenxia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nanchang , party chief of Sanmenxia , adding that since 2016 , with the strong support of the Chinese Photographers Association , Sanmenxia has held three consecutive sessions of China Sanmenxia Natural Ecology International Photography Exhibition , creating a brand of Sanmenxia 's international photography exhibition for natural wonders .
With the joint efforts of the China Photographers Association and the Sanmenxia government , it is expected that China 's contemporary photographic culture can be enriched through exchanges and integration during the festival , said Li Ge , chairman of the China Photographic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been vigorously developing the photography industry and speeding up the construction of China 's photography culture center , according to Liu .
During the opening ceremony , the Golden Statue Award Ceremony for China Photography was also held .
19 photographers were awarded three categories of awards respectively , including documentary photography , artistic photography and commercial photography .
Founded in 1989 , the China Photography Festival is the earliest photography festival in China with a lasting attention and a wide range of influence , playing an important role in leading creation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This year 's festival was co-hosted by China Federation of Literary and Art Circles , Publicity Department of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and China Photographers Association .

BEIJING, Dec. 22. /PRNewswire/. The 13th China Photography Festival and the City of Swan - the 4th China Sanmenxia Natural Ecology International Photography Exhibition opened on December 20 in Sanmenxia, central China's Henan Province.
During the festival, a series of exhibitions such as the poverty alleviation photography exhibition and an exhibition themed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic will be launched, showing 4,000 works by more than 1,100 photographers and presenting a wonderful visual feast for all the audience.
In 2018, the 12th China Photography Festival was successfully held in Sanmenxia for the first time, said Liu Nanchang, party chief of Sanmenxia, adding that since 2016, with the strong support of the Chinese Photographers Association, Sanmenxia has held three consecutive sessions of China Sanmenxia Natural Ecology International Photography Exhibition, creating a brand of Sanmenxia's international photography exhibition for natural wonders.
With the joint efforts of the China Photographers Association and the Sanmenxia government, it is expected that China's contemporary photographic culture can be enriched through exchanges and integration during the festival, said Li Ge, chairman of the China Photographic Association.
In recent years, Sanmenxia has been vigorously developing the photography industry and speeding up the construction of China's photography culture center, according to Liu.
During the opening ceremony, the Golden Statue Award Ceremony for China Photography was also held. 19 photographers were awarded three categories of awards respectively, including documentary photography, artistic photography and commercial photography.
Founded in 1989, the China Photography Festival is the earliest photography festival in China with a lasting attention and a wide range of influence, playing an important role in leading creation, recommending talents, and promoting exchanges.
This year's festival was co-hosted by China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Publicity Department of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and China Photographers Association.
See the original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/318448.html
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CONTACT: Gao Jingyan, +86-13552905167


tass--2020-12-22--Envoys of Germany, France and Sweden summoned in light of anti-Russian sanctions

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Ambassadors of Germany , France and Sweden in Moscow have been summoned to @ @ @ @ @ the European Union introduced anti-Russian sanctions , Spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told @ @ @ @ @ light of introduction of anti-Russian sanctions by the EU , heads of diplomatic missions of @ @ @ @ @ were summoned to the Foreign Ministry today at 11:00 am , '' she noted .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Ambassadors of Germany, France and Sweden in Moscow have been summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry after the European Union introduced anti-Russian sanctions, Spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told TASS Tuesday.
"In light of introduction of anti-Russian sanctions by the EU, heads of diplomatic missions of Germany, France and Sweden were summoned to the Foreign Ministry today at 11:00 am," she noted.


tass--2020-12-22--Marken Opens Two New GMP Depots

Marken Opens Two New GMP Depots

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK , North Carolina , Dec. 22 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Marken announced today the launch of two new facilities in Kiev , Ukraine and in Los Angeles , United States .
A brand new pharmaceutical depot in Kiev will allow more opportunities for clients to store clinical trial drug products and supplies closer to patients , while a new Good Manufacturing Practice ( GMP ) depot and apheresis kit-building facility in Los Angeles ( LA ) expands the company 's ability to meet GMP storage and cell and gene supply chain services in the U.S .
The LA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full range of temperature-controlled storage options including a liquid nitrogen filling station .
The apheresis kit production operation in the Los Angeles depot is a new service Marken is adding to its portfolio for its cell and gene clients .
The apheresis market , which includes apheresis machines and disposable apheresis kits , is expected to exceed more than US $ 3.5 billion by 2024 and will grow at a CAGR of more than 11.5 % .1 All of Marken 's 12 global depots are compliant with GMP regulations , designed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : +15 to +25°C controlled ambient storage , +2 to +8°C refrigerated storage , -15 to -25°C frozen storage and -80°C ultra-low freezers .
Marken 's depots offer a full complement of services including receipt , pick and pack , hybrid shipping , returns handling and destruction , re-labeling and inventory reconciliation .
Ariette van Strien , Marken 's President , commented , `` Ukraine continues to be important in Eastern Europe 's clinical trial market and our Kiev depot will strengthen our position in the region .
Our Los Angeles depot will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the West Coast and supplement our Philadelphia depot on the East Coast . ''
Marken is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UPS Healthcare division .
With Polar Speed and Marken included , the UPS Healthcare division staffs 128 locations with 5500 employees worldwide .
Marken offers a state-of-the-art GMP-compliant depot network and logistic hubs for clinical drug product storage and distribution in 56 locations worldwide , while maintaining the leading position for Direct to Patient and Home Health care services , biological sample shipments and biological kit production .
Marken 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product and biological sample shipments every month at all temperature ranges in more than 220 countries .
Additional services such as ancillary material sourcing , storage and distribution , shipment lane verification and qualifications , as well as GDP , regulatory and compliance consultancy add to Marken 's unique position in the pharma and logistics industry .

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, North Carolina, Dec. 22. /PRNewswire/. Marken announced today the launch of two new facilities in Kiev, Ukraine and in Los Angeles, United States. A brand new pharmaceutical depot in Kiev will allow more opportunities for clients to store clinical trial drug products and supplies closer to patients, while a new Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) depot and apheresis kit-building facility in Los Angeles (LA) expands the company's ability to meet GMP storage and cell and gene supply chain services in the U.S.
The LA depot includes space for pallet storage and a full range of temperature-controlled storage options including a liquid nitrogen filling station. The apheresis kit production operation in the Los Angeles depot is a new service Marken is adding to its portfolio for its cell and gene clients. The apheresis market, which includes apheresis machines and disposable apheresis kits, is expected to exceed more than US$ 3.5 billion by 2024 and will grow at a CAGR of more than 11.5%.1
All of Marken's 12 global depots are compliant with GMP regulations, designed to accommodate storage of all temperature ranges including: +15 to +25°C controlled ambient storage, +2 to +8°C refrigerated storage, -15 to -25°C frozen storage and -80°C ultra-low freezers. Marken's depots offer a full complement of services including receipt, pick and pack, hybrid shipping, returns handling and destruction, re-labeling and inventory reconciliation.
Ariette van Strien, Marken's President, commented, "Ukraine continues to be important in Eastern Europe's clinical trial market and our Kiev depot will strengthen our position in the region. Our Los Angeles depot will allow our U.S. demand to be served on the West Coast and supplement our Philadelphia depot on the East Coast."
1 Market Watch, August 28, 2020
About Marken
Marken is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UPS Healthcare division. With Polar Speed and Marken included, the UPS Healthcare division staffs 128 locations with 5500 employees worldwide. Marken offers a state-of-the-art GMP-compliant depot network and logistic hubs for clinical drug product storage and distribution in 56 locations worldwide, while maintaining the leading position for Direct to Patient and Home Health care services, biological sample shipments and biological kit production. Marken's dedicated 1600 staff members manage 100,000 drug product and biological sample shipments every month at all temperature ranges in more than 220 countries. Additional services such as ancillary material sourcing, storage and distribution, shipment lane verification and qualifications, as well as GDP, regulatory and compliance consultancy add to Marken's unique position in the pharma and logistics industry.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/732970/MARKEN_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Christine Noble, info@marken.com, www.marken.com


tass--2020-12-22--Press review: Russia sends military aid to CAR and Navalny unveils ‘call’ with FSB agent

Russia has sent its troops to the Central African Republic ( CAR ) to help the republic ’ s government stop the advance of insurgents on the capital , a spokesman for the CAR government informed .
Moscow has not commented on the statement , expressing concern over `` reports of a mutiny . ''
Russian military aides have been in CAR for a long time , along with private military contractors , Kommersant reports .
Earlier , the local media reported that a group of `` Russian mercenaries '' had been defeated in the city of Mbaiki about 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital .
Meanwhile , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that `` currently there is no threat to the lives of any Russian citizens . ''
Tensions in the Central African Republic escalated at the end of last week .
The republic plans to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on December 27 .
Leaders of several armed rebel groups declared a new coalition , whose forces include over 9,000 people .
Back on Friday , the coalition forces began to advance on CAR ’ s capital of Bangui .
The country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who was not allowed to take part in the presidential election by the Constitutional Court , just like back in 2014 , the nation ’ s government issued an international order for his arrest .
Bozize is accused of murder , unlawful arrests , kidnapping and torture .
On Sunday evening , CAR ’ s government addressed its `` friendly and brotherly countries , '' Russia and Rwanda , with a request for aid in ensuring the security of the election process .
At the same time , reports on social networks informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , supposedly transporting weapons and Russian mercenaries .
Spokesman for the CAR Government Ange Maxime Kazagui told the AFP agency that Russia had sent several hundred people from its regular forces and heavy equipment within its bilateral cooperation agreement .
He did not specify the exact number of Russian officers nor the date of their arrival .
`` Russia-related business and businessmen have always been in CAR , however , [ Russia ] was only able to enter the country strategically back in 2018 , possibly through Sudan and the UAE , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African armed Muslim opposition and their business community .
However , it was the letdown in the policy of France , which always bet on the titular political groups of the capital , as well as in the work of the UN , which created a favorable backdrop for Russia ’ s arrival , '' expert on African affairs Alexei Tselunov told Kommersant .
He recalled that France ’ s Operation Sangaris had deepened the rift in the country between the groups under control of the central government in the capital and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not see the country ’ s Muslim opposition as members of the negotiation process , deeming the opposition Islamic radicals , which does not correspond to the truth , the expert explained .
Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny has published a recording of his conversation with a person that he named among those behind his alleged poisoning in a joint investigation by Bellingcat , The Insider and Russia ’ s Anti-Corruption Foundation with the participation of CNN and Der Spiegel .
The phone call , published on Monday , details Navalny ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged member of a group of FSB operatives tasked with poisoning the Russian politician , Kommersant informs .
Navalny introduced himself as an aide of Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev .
The alleged FSB operative told him about the work with Navalny ’ s clothes seized after the incident in Tomsk .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) dismissed the phone call as a `` planned provocation '' against Russian security forces , which could not have been carried out without `` the technical support of foreign intelligence services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk .
He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit .
On August 22 , he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital .
In late September , Navalny was discharged from hospital .
He currently is continuing his recovery in Germany .
Berlin later claimed that having examined Navalny ’ s test samples , German government toxicologists had concluded that the blogger had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Novichok family .
Russia has dismissed the accusations , demanding that Germany provide the evidence pointing to Navalny ’ s poisoning .
Meanwhile , the opposition blogger is accusing the FSB and the Russian leadership of staging the alleged attack .
In the published recording , the alleged FSB officer mainly talks about his efforts to cover up the traces of the alleged poisoning .
Several experts quizzed by Kommersant expressed doubt in the recording ’ s authenticity .
A Kommersant source in the FSB called it `` an outrageous fake '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence officers would ever discuss the details of a special operation over the phone .
`` There is an instruction that you learn by heart when you ’ re hired , '' another intelligence officer told the paper .
`` This recording definitely has nothing to do with us .
It just can ’ t be true : if he really was involved in some investigation related to him [ Alexey Navalny - Kommersant ] , he would have known everything about him , both his phone number and his voice . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer in London , later known as writer Mikhail Lyubimov , told Kommersant that he considers the Navalny poisoning saga a `` farce , '' which `` involves intelligence agencies from all sides . ''
It is impossible to believe any of the sides in this situation , Lyubimov said , expressing concern over `` the FSB ’ s helplessness . ''
International cooperation in the sphere of vaccine development is necessary to stop the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to any potential new strains of the novel coronavirus , experts told Izvestia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of intent between the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology , the Russian Direct Investment Fund , R-Pharm and UK-Swedish company AstraZeneca .
The combination of Russia ’ s Sputnik V vaccine and the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca may boost the effectiveness of immune response and create more lasting protection .
On December 21 , Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call timed for the signing of the memorandum , in which he said that international cooperation alone can improve the results of separate countries and companies .
Alexey Agranovsky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow State University ’ s Faculty of Biology , told Izvestia that the world does not need `` a vaccine race '' right now .
The expert stressed that the signing of the memorandum is an important event , considering the skeptical opinion of some foreign colleagues regarding the Russian vaccine .
`` There were reports that the vaccine had been registered against all rules and so on .
Although it received a temporary registration under our laws .
Gradually , the situation changed , and the opinion shifted .
Calm and informative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media worked .
Our foreign partners realized that we can do something useful as well .
In this situation , it is better to unite efforts than to compete , '' he said .
The pandemic and its consequences affect every country , so international cooperation is of crucial importance , member of the Russian Federation Council and a doctor in medical sciences Vladimir Krugly said .
According to him , it is important to avoid any politicization of the issues related to the fight against coronavirus .
Besides , it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of countries or certain sectors of society get privileged access to the vaccine .
The expert told Izvestia that international cooperation is also required to provide an adequate response to the appearance of new coronavirus strains .
Tokyo has named its key potential adversaries - Beijing and Pyongyang - with Russia looming in the background , Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported .
Japan has approved a new defense budget , with the money allocated for stealth fighter jets , the defense of the islands claimed by China , and long-range missiles for preventive strikes on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war , Tokyo is counting on US support , however , the new government seeks to make Japan an independent military power .
Compared to the previous fiscal year , Japan ’ s military spending is only up 1.1 % , however , in the future , the Japanese armed forces intend to create their own next-generation military equipment or purchase it from the United States .
The administration of new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will continue the course set by his predecessor Shinzo Abe .
Japan ’ s military spending has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a row .
In the next fiscal year , Japan ’ s military budget will reach $ 51.7 bln , compared to Russia ’ s $ 46 bln , the paper pointed out .
Although during Abe ’ s rule , Moscow and Tokyo made numerous efforts to normalize relations and establish cooperation , the Southern Kurils issue remains a source of disputes and mutual misunderstandings .
Commander of the US Armed Forces in Japan Kevin Schneider said earlier that `` there 's little to no return on investment in any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispute continues to be a source of tension between Japan and Russia .
This , in turn , allows the Americans to maintain a firmer grip on Japan .
Valery Kistanov , who heads of the Center of Japanese Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of Far Eastern Studies , told Nezavisimaya Gazeta : `` The corresponding agencies in Russia monitor everything related to Japan ’ s military plans .
For example , Russia was concerned over the fact that Japan had planned to deploy the Aegis missile defense system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part of our Far East .
It could also be used to launch cruise missiles .
Japan refused to go through with this .
Now the system will be deployed on destroyers .
Nevertheless , when Japan obtains long-range missiles , Russia will see this as a big threat .
If the Japanese choose the path of building up attack potential aimed against other states , Russia may take response measures .
Namely on the Kurils , I do not rule this out . ''
Izvestia : New coronavirus strain affects markets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is unlikely to experience a profound collapse over the outcomes of the discovery of a new coronavirus strain and a drop in oil prices , experts quizzed by Izvestia noted , adding that the ultra-loose monetary policy of central banks supports the current appetite for risk assets .
However , the position of the Russian national currency will depend on the epidemiological situation in Europe and on the effectiveness of the vaccines .
By the end of the year , the Russian ruble exchange rate is likely to oscillate between 73-76 rubles to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euro .
The escalation of the pandemic in the Eurozone will affect the dynamics of the ruble exchange rate until the end of 2020 and at the beginning of 2021 , Finam analyst Anna Zaytseva told the paper .
The lack of precise information on the response of the new virus strain to the vaccine creates a high level of uncertainty on global markets , affecting the prices of risk assets , namely the price of the Russian currency , she stated .
Under a positive scenario , if restrictive measures in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the first two months of 2021 , the average ruble exchange rate next year will reach about 71-72 rubles to the dollar , Associate Director of ACRA ’ s Sovereign Ratings and Macroeconomic Analysis Group Dmitry Kulikov told Izvestia .
A more pessimistic forecast suggests that if the amount and the period of the restrictive measures is similar to 2020 , the Russian currency will be much weaker , reaching about 77-78 rubles to the dollar , he stressed .
Meanwhile , experts suggest that during the holidays , private investors need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market .
The market ’ s high volatility and the sudden changes in prices may give a wrong impression on new trends , analysts note .
Head of the information and analytical content department of BCS World of Investments Vasily Karpunin told Izvestia that there is no reason to expect a sharp drop on the stock market if there isn ’ t any highly negative news related to the pandemic .
The ultra-loose monetary policy of central banks all over the world will support the demand for risk assets , including the stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the influx of retail investors that entered the market in 2020 has a positive effect as well .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Kommersant: Central African Republic requests Russian troops for aid
Read also Central African Republic leader appeals to UN to lift arms embargo
Russia has sent its troops to the Central African Republic (CAR) to help the republic’s government stop the advance of insurgents on the capital, a spokesman for the CAR government informed. Moscow has not commented on the statement, expressing concern over "reports of a mutiny." Russian military aides have been in CAR for a long time, along with private military contractors, Kommersant reports. Earlier, the local media reported that a group of "Russian mercenaries" had been defeated in the city of Mbaiki about 100 km away from the country’s capital. Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that "currently there is no threat to the lives of any Russian citizens." Tensions in the Central African Republic escalated at the end of last week. The republic plans to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on December 27. Leaders of several armed rebel groups declared a new coalition, whose forces include over 9,000 people. Back on Friday, the coalition forces began to advance on CAR’s capital of Bangui. The country’s government accused former President Francois Bozize, who was not allowed to take part in the presidential election by the Constitutional Court, just like back in 2014, the nation’s government issued an international order for his arrest. Bozize is accused of murder, unlawful arrests, kidnapping and torture. On Sunday evening, CAR’s government addressed its "friendly and brotherly countries," Russia and Rwanda, with a request for aid in ensuring the security of the election process. At the same time, reports on social networks informed of Russian planes arriving in the republic, supposedly transporting weapons and Russian mercenaries. Spokesman for the CAR Government Ange Maxime Kazagui told the AFP agency that Russia had sent several hundred people from its regular forces and heavy equipment within its bilateral cooperation agreement. He did not specify the exact number of Russian officers nor the date of their arrival. "Russia-related business and businessmen have always been in CAR, however, [Russia] was only able to enter the country strategically back in 2018, possibly through Sudan and the UAE, which had ties to members of the Central African armed Muslim opposition and their business community. However, it was the letdown in the policy of France, which always bet on the titular political groups of the capital, as well as in the work of the UN, which created a favorable backdrop for Russia’s arrival," expert on African affairs Alexei Tselunov told Kommersant. He recalled that France’s Operation Sangaris had deepened the rift in the country between the groups under control of the central government in the capital and the uncontrollable north. Meanwhile, the UN did not see the country’s Muslim opposition as members of the negotiation process, deeming the opposition Islamic radicals, which does not correspond to the truth, the expert explained. Kommersant: Navalny publishes alleged call with Russian FSB officer
Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny has published a recording of his conversation with a person that he named among those behind his alleged poisoning in a joint investigation by Bellingcat, The Insider and Russia’s Anti-Corruption Foundation with the participation of CNN and Der Spiegel. The phone call, published on Monday, details Navalny’s conversation with Konstantin Kudryavtsev, an alleged member of a group of FSB operatives tasked with poisoning the Russian politician, Kommersant informs. Navalny introduced himself as an aide of Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev. The alleged FSB operative told him about the work with Navalny’s clothes seized after the incident in Tomsk. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) dismissed the phone call as a "planned provocation" against Russian security forces, which could not have been carried out without "the technical support of foreign intelligence services." Navalny was rushed to a local hospital in the Siberian city of Omsk on August 20 after collapsing on a Moscow-bound flight from Tomsk. He fell into a coma and was put on a ventilator in an intensive care unit. On August 22, he was airlifted to Berlin and admitted to the Charite hospital. In late September, Navalny was discharged from hospital. He currently is continuing his recovery in Germany. Berlin later claimed that having examined Navalny’s test samples, German government toxicologists had concluded that the blogger had been affected by a toxic agent belonging to the Novichok family. Russia has dismissed the accusations, demanding that Germany provide the evidence pointing to Navalny’s poisoning. Meanwhile, the opposition blogger is accusing the FSB and the Russian leadership of staging the alleged attack. In the published recording, the alleged FSB officer mainly talks about his efforts to cover up the traces of the alleged poisoning. Several experts quizzed by Kommersant expressed doubt in the recording’s authenticity. A Kommersant source in the FSB called it "an outrageous fake": according to the source, no intelligence officers would ever discuss the details of a special operation over the phone. "There is an instruction that you learn by heart when you’re hired," another intelligence officer told the paper. "This recording definitely has nothing to do with us. It just can’t be true: if he really was involved in some investigation related to him [Alexey Navalny - Kommersant], he would have known everything about him, both his phone number and his voice." Former KGB officer and a Soviet intelligence officer in London, later known as writer Mikhail Lyubimov, told Kommersant that he considers the Navalny poisoning saga a "farce," which "involves intelligence agencies from all sides." It is impossible to believe any of the sides in this situation, Lyubimov said, expressing concern over "the FSB’s helplessness." Izvestia: Gamaleya Research Center and AstraZeneca unite against COVID-19
Read also AstraZeneca and Sputnik V investor and developer sign agreement of cooperation on vaccines
International cooperation in the sphere of vaccine development is necessary to stop the COVID-19 pandemic and respond to any potential new strains of the novel coronavirus, experts told Izvestia, commenting on the signing of a memorandum of intent between the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, R-Pharm and UK-Swedish company AstraZeneca. The combination of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine and the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca may boost the effectiveness of immune response and create more lasting protection. On December 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video call timed for the signing of the memorandum, in which he said that international cooperation alone can improve the results of separate countries and companies. Alexey Agranovsky, Professor of the Department of Virology at Moscow State University’s Faculty of Biology, told Izvestia that the world does not need "a vaccine race" right now. The expert stressed that the signing of the memorandum is an important event, considering the skeptical opinion of some foreign colleagues regarding the Russian vaccine. "There were reports that the vaccine had been registered against all rules and so on. Although it received a temporary registration under our laws. Gradually, the situation changed, and the opinion shifted. Calm and informative answers in the research community and in the media worked. Our foreign partners realized that we can do something useful as well. In this situation, it is better to unite efforts than to compete," he said. The pandemic and its consequences affect every country, so international cooperation is of crucial importance, member of the Russian Federation Council and a doctor in medical sciences Vladimir Krugly said. According to him, it is important to avoid any politicization of the issues related to the fight against coronavirus. Besides, it cannot be allowed that only a handful of countries or certain sectors of society get privileged access to the vaccine. The expert told Izvestia that international cooperation is also required to provide an adequate response to the appearance of new coronavirus strains. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Japan sees China, North Korea as potential military rivals
Read also US position on Kuril Islands fuels revanchist mood, Russian foreign ministry says
Tokyo has named its key potential adversaries - Beijing and Pyongyang - with Russia looming in the background, Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported. Japan has approved a new defense budget, with the money allocated for stealth fighter jets, the defense of the islands claimed by China, and long-range missiles for preventive strikes on enemy bases. In case of a war, Tokyo is counting on US support, however, the new government seeks to make Japan an independent military power. Compared to the previous fiscal year, Japan’s military spending is only up 1.1%, however, in the future, the Japanese armed forces intend to create their own next-generation military equipment or purchase it from the United States. The administration of new Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will continue the course set by his predecessor Shinzo Abe. Japan’s military spending has been on the rise for nine years in a row. In the next fiscal year, Japan’s military budget will reach $51.7 bln, compared to Russia’s $46 bln, the paper pointed out. Although during Abe’s rule, Moscow and Tokyo made numerous efforts to normalize relations and establish cooperation, the Southern Kurils issue remains a source of disputes and mutual misunderstandings. Commander of the US Armed Forces in Japan Kevin Schneider said earlier that "there's little to no return on investment in any of those conversations," so the territorial dispute continues to be a source of tension between Japan and Russia. This, in turn, allows the Americans to maintain a firmer grip on Japan. Valery Kistanov, who heads of the Center of Japanese Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Far Eastern Studies, told Nezavisimaya Gazeta: "The corresponding agencies in Russia monitor everything related to Japan’s military plans. For example, Russia was concerned over the fact that Japan had planned to deploy the Aegis missile defense system on land. Its radars would cover a part of our Far East. It could also be used to launch cruise missiles. Japan refused to go through with this. Now the system will be deployed on destroyers. Nevertheless, when Japan obtains long-range missiles, Russia will see this as a big threat. If the Japanese choose the path of building up attack potential aimed against other states, Russia may take response measures. Namely on the Kurils, I do not rule this out." Izvestia: New coronavirus strain affects markets and the Russian ruble
Read also WHO says no data available yet on how new coronavirus strain influences mortality


tass--2020-12-22--Russia strikes back at EU over Navalny-fueled sanctions

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
In the light of the European Union ’ s anti-Russian sanctions over the blogger Alexey Navalny case Russia has made a decision to expand the retaliatory list of EU representatives who are prohibited from entering Russia , the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday .
The Foreign Ministry dismissed as `` categorically unacceptable '' the introduction of illegal restrictive measures ( initiated by the EU ’ s leading member-states ) against a number of Russians on the pretext of their alleged involvement in the Navalny case .
`` The countries that initiated this measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities , in defiance of repeated requests dispatched to them , or to their own partners in the EU .
Under the veil of secrecy the EU Council adopted a hasty confrontational political decision running counter to the international legal prerogatives of the UN Security Council and the Helsinki principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs , cooperation among states and diligent compliance with obligations assumed under international law .
The concrete names were selected arbitrarily to match the EU Council ’ s decision in question , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the principle of retaliation a decision has been made to expand the list of EU countries ’ representatives who are prohibited from entering Russia .
The persons on the list are responsible for stepping up anti-Russian sanction activity in the European Union , '' the Foreign Ministry stated .
The chiefs of German , French and Swedish diplomatic missions were handed the corresponding verbal notes .
Such a note was dispatched to the office of the EU mission in Moscow , too .
`` We confirm that unfriendly steps by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adequate response , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
On October 15 , the EU included in its Navalny case-related sanction list the director of the federal security service FSB Alexander Bortnikov , first deputy chief of the presidential staff , Sergey Kiriyenko , chief of the presidential staff ’ s domestic policy directorate , Andrey Yarin , deputy defense ministers Alexei Krivoruchko and Pavel Popov and presidential representative in the Siberian Federal District , Sergey Menyailo .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. In the light of the European Union’s anti-Russian sanctions over the blogger Alexey Navalny case Russia has made a decision to expand the retaliatory list of EU representatives who are prohibited from entering Russia, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
The Foreign Ministry dismissed as "categorically unacceptable" the introduction of illegal restrictive measures (initiated by the EU’s leading member-states) against a number of Russians on the pretext of their alleged involvement in the Navalny case.
"The countries that initiated this measure presented no evidence either to the Russian authorities, in defiance of repeated requests dispatched to them, or to their own partners in the EU. Under the veil of secrecy the EU Council adopted a hasty confrontational political decision running counter to the international legal prerogatives of the UN Security Council and the Helsinki principles of non-intervention in the internal affairs, cooperation among states and diligent compliance with obligations assumed under international law. The concrete names were selected arbitrarily to match the EU Council’s decision in question," the Foreign Ministry said.
"In connection with the aforesaid and in accordance with the principle of retaliation a decision has been made to expand the list of EU countries’ representatives who are prohibited from entering Russia. The persons on the list are responsible for stepping up anti-Russian sanction activity in the European Union," the Foreign Ministry stated.
The chiefs of German, French and Swedish diplomatic missions were handed the corresponding verbal notes. Such a note was dispatched to the office of the EU mission in Moscow, too.
"We confirm that unfriendly steps by Western countries will continue to entail an adequate response," the Foreign Ministry said.
On October 15, the EU included in its Navalny case-related sanction list the director of the federal security service FSB Alexander Bortnikov, first deputy chief of the presidential staff, Sergey Kiriyenko, chief of the presidential staff’s domestic policy directorate, Andrey Yarin, deputy defense ministers Alexei Krivoruchko and Pavel Popov and presidential representative in the Siberian Federal District, Sergey Menyailo.


tass--2020-12-22--Russian paratroopers receive latest parachutes for Arctic operation

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Technodinamika Group ( part of the state tech corporation Rostec ) has started the deliveries of the latest Stayer special-purpose parachutes allowing paratroopers to skydive from high altitudes and in Arctic conditions , the Rostec press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The work on developing the Stayer for the Defense Ministry was carried out on the company ’ s own initiative .
The system is unrivaled on the Russian market , has unique capabilities and has proven its reliability during drills .
As of today , the Stayer has been accepted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sent to the troops , '' the press office quoted Technodinamika CEO Igor Nasenkov as saying .
The Stayer is designated for special forces ’ airdrops from aircraft flying at speeds of up to 350 km/h , with an additional payload of up to 50 kg and can be used in the conditions of the Extreme North .
The latest parachute has been developed under the Yunker-O experimental design work by specialists of the Polyot Ivanovo Parachute Plant within Technodinamika Group .
The Stayer is a wing-type parachute system , which allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meters , with a maximum flight weight of up to 180 kg .
`` The wing-type system features increased maneuverability in its control and considerably boosts the capacity of Russian special operations forces for accomplishing tactical tasks , '' the Rostec press office said .
In April 2020 , a group of Russian paratroopers used the latest parachute systems in severe Arctic conditions , making a joint jump in the conditions of the Far North for the first time in the world from the lower boundary of the stratosphere - an altitude of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ archipelago .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Technodinamika Group (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) has started the deliveries of the latest Stayer special-purpose parachutes allowing paratroopers to skydive from high altitudes and in Arctic conditions, the Rostec press office reported on Tuesday.
"The work on developing the Stayer for the Defense Ministry was carried out on the company’s own initiative. The system is unrivaled on the Russian market, has unique capabilities and has proven its reliability during drills. As of today, the Stayer has been accepted for service and the first systems have already been sent to the troops," the press office quoted Technodinamika CEO Igor Nasenkov as saying.
The Stayer is designated for special forces’ airdrops from aircraft flying at speeds of up to 350 km/h, with an additional payload of up to 50 kg and can be used in the conditions of the Extreme North.
The latest parachute has been developed under the Yunker-O experimental design work by specialists of the Polyot Ivanovo Parachute Plant within Technodinamika Group.
The Stayer is a wing-type parachute system, which allows jumping from altitudes of 700 to 10,000 meters, with a maximum flight weight of up to 180 kg.
"The wing-type system features increased maneuverability in its control and considerably boosts the capacity of Russian special operations forces for accomplishing tactical tasks," the Rostec press office said.
In April 2020, a group of Russian paratroopers used the latest parachute systems in severe Arctic conditions, making a joint jump in the conditions of the Far North for the first time in the world from the lower boundary of the stratosphere - an altitude of 10,000 meters over the Franz Josef Land archipelago.


tass--2020-12-22--Moscow reports 7,237 daily COVID-19 cases

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Another 7,237 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the city since the start of the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ reporters on Tuesday .
Moscow reported 7,797 new cases a day earlier .
According to @ @ @ @ @ growth rate stands at 1 % .
Meanwhile , 5,003 patients were discharged in the @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , 71 people died .
To date , 577,544 recoveries and @ @ @ @ @ .
At present , 162,850 patients in Moscow continue treatment .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Another 7,237 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow in the past 24 hours. A total of 750,934 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the city since the start of the pandemic, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Tuesday.
Moscow reported 7,797 new cases a day earlier. According to the crisis center, the growth rate stands at 1%.
Meanwhile, 5,003 patients were discharged in the Russian capital after treatment in the past 24 hours, 71 people died.
To date, 577,544 recoveries and 10,540 fatalities have been reported. At present, 162,850 patients in Moscow continue treatment.


tass--2020-12-22--Diplomat slams attempts to derail presidential election in Central African Republic

`` There are destructive forces that seek to disrupt the constitutional process , the upcoming election and create an atmosphere of instability through the use of force , '' he said .
`` All that deserves condemnation . ''
According to Bogdanov , Russia backs up the legitimate authorities of the Central African Republic ( CAR ) but not through the use of military force .
`` Of course , we support the policy of the legitimate government formed after the previous elections .
Let the people go and choose whoever they want , but the democratic process can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian diplomat underlined , at the same time , that Russia `` doesn ’ t have army there [ in the CAR ] , '' commenting on the reports that the Russian military were allegedly sent to the CAR .
He emphasized that the country `` is in a different situation compared to Syria , for instance . ''
`` There is a mission of the Defense Ministry in accordance with an inter-state agreement .
We announced it earlier .
There are officers within the UN peacekeeping forces .
The UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure security and stability in the country , including the preparations for and holding of the elections in normal conditions , '' he said , commenting on the reports of Russia ’ s expanded military presence in the CAR .
Three key armed rebel groups established the Coalition of Patriots for Change against the government in the CAR last week .
On December 18 , the coalition launched hostilities to cut off main supply routes to Bangui and block off the capital .
The rebels are opposing President Faustin Archange Touadera who seeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the rebel forces have been pushed back by government troops and militia .
Against this backdrop , some Western media outlets published reports that Russia and Rwanda had sent military to the CAR to back the legitimate authorities .

"There are destructive forces that seek to disrupt the constitutional process, the upcoming election and create an atmosphere of instability through the use of force," he said. "All that deserves condemnation."
According to Bogdanov, Russia backs up the legitimate authorities of the Central African Republic (CAR) but not through the use of military force. "Of course, we support the policy of the legitimate government formed after the previous elections. Let the people go and choose whoever they want, but the democratic process cannot be forcefully disrupted," he noted.
The Russian diplomat underlined, at the same time, that Russia "doesn’t have army there [in the CAR]," commenting on the reports that the Russian military were allegedly sent to the CAR. He emphasized that the country "is in a different situation compared to Syria, for instance." "There is a mission of the Defense Ministry in accordance with an inter-state agreement. We announced it earlier. There are officers within the UN peacekeeping forces. The UN peacekeeping mission to the CAR aims to ensure security and stability in the country, including the preparations for and holding of the elections in normal conditions," he said, commenting on the reports of Russia’s expanded military presence in the CAR.
Three key armed rebel groups established the Coalition of Patriots for Change against the government in the CAR last week. On December 18, the coalition launched hostilities to cut off main supply routes to Bangui and block off the capital. The rebels are opposing President Faustin Archange Touadera who seeks reelection for a second term. Currently, the rebel forces have been pushed back by government troops and militia. Against this backdrop, some Western media outlets published reports that Russia and Rwanda had sent military to the CAR to back the legitimate authorities.


tass--2020-12-22--Number of active COVID-19 cases not dropping yet in Russia, minister says

`` The number of patients with the novel coronavirus infection in acute form is not dropping yet , '' he @ @ @ @ @ 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of patients currently ill with COVID-19 is not changing @ @ @ @ @ Minister Mikhail Murashko said Tuesday .
At the same time , the minister underlined that @ @ @ @ @ in the Russian regions where restrictions are used effectively .
In late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the @ @ @ @ @ central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by @ @ @ @ @ reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .
To date , 2,906,503 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , @ @ @ @ @ from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 51,912 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"The number of patients with the novel coronavirus infection in acute form is not dropping yet," he noted.
MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The number of patients currently ill with COVID-19 is not changing or dropping, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Tuesday.
At the same time, the minister underlined that the situation is more manageable in the Russian regions where restrictions are used effectively.
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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
To date, 2,906,503 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,319,520 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 51,912 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-22--Russia documents 28,776 COVID-19 cases in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has confirmed 28,776 cases of COVID-19 , a disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , with the total case count going up to 2,906,503 , the @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
The day before , 29,350 daily cases were recorded , which was @ @ @ @ @ the start of the pandemic .
In the past seven days , 19.3 daily cases @ @ @ @ @ in Russia were recorded .
Moscow has documented 7,237 cases of COVID-19 in the past @ @ @ @ @ - 3,760 , the Moscow Region - 1,498 , the Nizhny Novgorod Region - 503 @ @ @ @ @ 400 , the Pskov Region - 398 , the crisis center informed .
The number @ @ @ @ @ is , the amount of patients currently undergoing treatment in Russia has risen to 535,071 @

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russia has confirmed 28,776 cases of COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the past 24 hours, with the total case count going up to 2,906,503, the anti-coronavirus crisis center informed reporters on Tuesday.
The day before, 29,350 daily cases were recorded, which was the highest daily figure since the start of the pandemic.
In the past seven days, 19.3 daily cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents in Russia were recorded.
Moscow has documented 7,237 cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, St. Petersburg - 3,760, the Moscow Region - 1,498, the Nizhny Novgorod Region - 503, the Sverdlovsk Region - 400, the Pskov Region - 398, the crisis center informed.
The number of active cases, that is, the amount of patients currently undergoing treatment in Russia has risen to 535,071.


tass--2020-12-22--Infortrend Wins Storage Awards Again This Year

TAIPEI , December 22 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Infortrend® Technology , Inc. ( TWSE : 2495 ) , the industry-leading enterprise storage provider , is honored to announce that two years in a row , overcoming Tier 1 storage vendors , it receives two prestigious awards from Storage Magazine in UK : `` Editor 's Choice - Company '' and `` Cloud Product of the Year '' for EonStor GS Gen2 .
Due to the extraordinary circumstances of 2020 , this year 's Storage Awards ceremony was held virtually , attracting storage industry vendors , resellers , and distributors .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magazine readers and websites visitors .
`` The 'Editor 's Choice - Company ' award this year goes to the company that we have covered a lot over the last twelve months in the magazine in terms of not just product announcements , but the growth of the company itself - Infortrend… And just as a proof of what I have just been saying , literally singing the praises of this company 's products , the winner of 'Cloud Product of the Year ' award is Infortrend 's EonStor GS Gen2 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Storage Magazine .
The winning product , EonStor GS Gen2 , is a high availability hybrid cloud solution exclusively designed for enterprises .
It integrates SAN and NAS services as well as Cloud Gateway to connect on-premises storage to various cloud storages .
Enterprises can synchronize their file and block-level data between the GS and cloud with desired frequency , so that remote colleagues can get access via common protocols and effortlessly collaborate on the same files and applications .
`` We are excited to announce that this year we won two awards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a big honor to receive such a prestigious recognition of our efforts , and both awards ( 'Editor 's Choice - Company ' and 'Cloud Product of the Year ' ) confirm that we are moving in the right direction developing EonStor GS as a comprehensive hybrid cloud solution for enterprises , '' said Frank Lee , Senior Director of Product Planning .
Infortrend ( TWSE : 2495 ) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993 .
With a strong emphasis on in-house design , testing , and manufacturing , Infortrend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest standards , user friendly data services , personal after-sales support , and unrivaled value .
For more information , please visit www.infortrend.com Infortrend® and EonStor® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology , Inc. ; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

TAIPEI, December 22. /PRNewswire/. Infortrend® Technology, Inc. (TWSE: 2495), the industry-leading enterprise storage provider, is honored to announce that two years in a row, overcoming Tier 1 storage vendors, it receives two prestigious awards from Storage Magazine in UK: "Editor's Choice - Company" and "Cloud Product of the Year" for EonStor GS Gen2.
Due to the extraordinary circumstances of 2020, this year's Storage Awards ceremony was held virtually, attracting storage industry vendors, resellers, and distributors. The awards are voted for by 20,000+ Storage Magazine readers and websites visitors. "The 'Editor's Choice - Company' award this year goes to the company that we have covered a lot over the last twelve months in the magazine in terms of not just product announcements, but the growth of the company itself - Infortrend… And just as a proof of what I have just been saying, literally singing the praises of this company's products, the winner of 'Cloud Product of the Year' award is Infortrend's EonStor GS Gen2," said David Taylor, the editor of Storage Magazine.
The winning product, EonStor GS Gen2, is a high availability hybrid cloud solution exclusively designed for enterprises. It integrates SAN and NAS services as well as Cloud Gateway to connect on-premises storage to various cloud storages. Enterprises can synchronize their file and block-level data between the GS and cloud with desired frequency, so that remote colleagues can get access via common protocols and effortlessly collaborate on the same files and applications.
"We are excited to announce that this year we won two awards from Storage Magazine again! It is a big honor to receive such a prestigious recognition of our efforts, and both awards ('Editor's Choice - Company' and 'Cloud Product of the Year') confirm that we are moving in the right direction developing EonStor GS as a comprehensive hybrid cloud solution for enterprises," said Frank Lee, Senior Director of Product Planning.
Learn more about EonStor GS Gen2
About Infortrend
Infortrend (TWSE: 2495) has been developing and manufacturing storage solutions since 1993. With a strong emphasis on in-house design, testing, and manufacturing, Infortrend storage delivers performance and scalability with the latest standards, user friendly data services, personal after-sales support, and unrivaled value. For more information, please visit www.infortrend.com
Infortrend® and EonStor® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Infortrend Technology, Inc.; other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Winnie Tsai, +886-2-2226-0126 #8557, winnie.tsai@infortrend.com