tass--2020-09-27--OSCE PA speaker calls on Yerevan, Baku to resume Minsk Group-mediated talks

STOCKHOLM , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) George Tsereteli has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs-mediated talks to ease tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` I call on both sides to cease hostilities in the interests of civilians who live in the area and recommit to negotiations under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in pursuit of long-term resolution of the conflict , '' the OSCE PA quoted Tsereteli as saying .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalation , particularly by reports of civilian deaths and the threat that it poses to regional security .
As stated today by the Co-Chairs , the sides must take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground .
There is no alternative to a political solution . ''
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella , in turn , stressed that the Parliamentary Assembly will continue to offer a forum for dialogue between Azerbaijani and Armenian parliamentarians .
`` The OSCE PA is ready to host parliamentary talks between the parties if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` While the Minsk Group is the OSCE platform where this dispute ultimately needs to be settled , the Assembly can complement these efforts by helping to build confidence between the sides . ''
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

STOCKHOLM, September 27. /TASS/. Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) George Tsereteli has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs-mediated talks to ease tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"I call on both sides to cease hostilities in the interests of civilians who live in the area and recommit to negotiations under the auspices of the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in pursuit of long-term resolution of the conflict," the OSCE PA quoted Tsereteli as saying. "I am deeply concerned by this most recent escalation, particularly by reports of civilian deaths and the threat that it poses to regional security. As stated today by the Co-Chairs, the sides must take all necessary measures to stabilize the situation on the ground. There is no alternative to a political solution."
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, in turn, stressed that the Parliamentary Assembly will continue to offer a forum for dialogue between Azerbaijani and Armenian parliamentarians. "The OSCE PA is ready to host parliamentary talks between the parties if requested by both sides," Montella said. "While the Minsk Group is the OSCE platform where this dispute ultimately needs to be settled, the Assembly can complement these efforts by helping to build confidence between the sides."
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists. Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--NATO’s presence near Russian, Belarusian borders seen as potential threat - diplomat

MINSK , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
NATO ’ s presence near the Russian and Belarusian borders can not be seen as anything but a potential threat and muscle flexing , Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said on Sunday .
`` Not long ago , I met with a number of ambassadors from European Union countries at the initiative of my colleagues .
I asked a very simple question : ‘ What should we think about NATO tanks , including American tanks , being present in the Baltic countries , in the exact proximity to the borders of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer was not very clear because it can not be seen as anything but muscle flexing and a potential threat to the Union State and thee two brotherly republics , '' he said in an interview with the STV television channel .
`` And once it is so , our response to it is consolidation of the armed forces , including at the Slavic Brotherhood drills , '' he said , adding that the Slavic Brotherhood-2020 drills that were held in Belarus from September 14 through 25 demonstrated that no one should doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend its borders .
The European Union ’ s statements on non-recognition of Alexander Lukashenko as Belarusian president after his inauguration can be seen as an example of interference into domestic affairs of a sovereign state , Dmitry Mezentsev said .
`` The format of the statements that came from a number of European capitals , including from the European Union ’ s capital , to my mind , is an example of unfair attitude , violation of the practice of partner relations and interference into domestic affairs of the country , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does not deserve , '' he said in an interview with the STV television channel .
The Russian diplomat expressed the hope that his colleagues from the EU nations will behave more calmly `` regardless of the orders issued by their capitals . ''
Lukashenko was inaugurated for his sixth presidential term on Wednesday .
The ceremony ’ s date was not announced beforehand .
After the inauguration ceremony , a number of nations came up with statements on non-recognition of Lukashenko ’ s legitimacy .
High Representative of the EU for Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday the European Union does not think Lukashenko ’ s inauguration and a new office term enjoy enough democratic legitimacy and will revise its relations with that country .

MINSK, September 27. /TASS/. NATO’s presence near the Russian and Belarusian borders cannot be seen as anything but a potential threat and muscle flexing, Russian Ambassador to Belarus Dmitry Mezentsev said on Sunday.
"Not long ago, I met with a number of ambassadors from European Union countries at the initiative of my colleagues. I asked a very simple question: ‘What should we think about NATO tanks, including American tanks, being present in the Baltic countries, in the exact proximity to the borders of Russia and Belarus?’ Regrettably, the answer was not very clear because it cannot be seen as anything but muscle flexing and a potential threat to the Union State and thee two brotherly republics," he said in an interview with the STV television channel.
"And once it is so, our response to it is consolidation of the armed forces, including at the Slavic Brotherhood drills," he said, adding that the Slavic Brotherhood-2020 drills that were held in Belarus from September 14 through 25 demonstrated that no one should doubt the Union State’s determination to defend its borders.
Interference into domestic affairs
The European Union’s statements on non-recognition of Alexander Lukashenko as Belarusian president after his inauguration can be seen as an example of interference into domestic affairs of a sovereign state, Dmitry Mezentsev said.
"The format of the statements that came from a number of European capitals, including from the European Union’s capital, to my mind, is an example of unfair attitude, violation of the practice of partner relations and interference into domestic affairs of the country, an attempt to give assessments a sovereign state does not deserve," he said in an interview with the STV television channel.
The Russian diplomat expressed the hope that his colleagues from the EU nations will behave more calmly "regardless of the orders issued by their capitals."
Lukashenko was inaugurated for his sixth presidential term on Wednesday. The ceremony’s date was not announced beforehand. After the inauguration ceremony, a number of nations came up with statements on non-recognition of Lukashenko’s legitimacy. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Thursday the European Union does not think Lukashenko’s inauguration and a new office term enjoy enough democratic legitimacy and will revise its relations with that country.


tass--2020-09-27--No general mobilization announced in Azerbaijan - state service

BAKU , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Martial law in Azerbaijan does not imply nationwide mobilization , a spokesman for Azerbaijan ’ s state mobilization and army recruitment service said on Sunday .
`` Martial law has been imposed in Azerbaijan but no general mobilization has been announced , '' he said , adding that `` if necessary , under the current laws , reservists will be called up to take part in measures to ensure the country ’ s defense and security . ''
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, September 27. /TASS/. Martial law in Azerbaijan does not imply nationwide mobilization, a spokesman for Azerbaijan’s state mobilization and army recruitment service said on Sunday.
"Martial law has been imposed in Azerbaijan but no general mobilization has been announced," he said, adding that "if necessary, under the current laws, reservists will be called up to take part in measures to ensure the country’s defense and security."
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists. Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Estonia plans to initiate UNSC consultations on Nagorno-Karabakh

TALLINN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Tallinn will initiate United Nations Security Council consultations on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh , Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said on Sunday .
`` As a member of the United Nation Security Council , Estonia will initiate consultations to discuss the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh , '' the Estonian foreign ministry ’ s press service quoted him as saying .
Estonia is a non-permanent member of the Un Security Council in 2020-201 .
`` I call on the parties to immediately stop hostilities and take all possible measures to avoid further escalation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The use of violence to settle difference deserves condemnation .
It is important that the parties immediately stop hostilities and begin peaceful settlement of differences . ''
He also said he plans to contact the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers .
`` The situation is extremely serious as it is fraught with dramatic consequences for peace and security in the entire region , '' he added .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

TALLINN, September 27. /TASS/. Tallinn will initiate United Nations Security Council consultations on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said on Sunday.
"As a member of the United Nation Security Council, Estonia will initiate consultations to discuss the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh," the Estonian foreign ministry’s press service quoted him as saying.
Estonia is a non-permanent member of the Un Security Council in 2020-201.
"I call on the parties to immediately stop hostilities and take all possible measures to avoid further escalation of the situation," the minister stressed. "The use of violence to settle difference deserves condemnation. It is important that the parties immediately stop hostilities and begin peaceful settlement of differences."
He also said he plans to contact the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers. "The situation is extremely serious as it is fraught with dramatic consequences for peace and security in the entire region," he added.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists. Azerbaijan also imposed martial law on the entire territory of the country.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia supports renewable resources-based economy concept - energy minister

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia supports the concept of the Closed Carbon Cycle Economy based of renewable @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Novak sais on Sunday at a meeting of Group of Twenty energy ministers .
@ @ @ @ @ thank , first of all , Saudi Arabia for high-quality presidency ( in the Group @ @ @ @ @ and offering a G20 energy agenda , in particular , for the focus on the @ @ @ @ @ Cycle Economy geared to promote cleaner energy systems , '' he said .
`` Russia @ @ @ @ @ cycle economy concept , which envisages a comprehensive and all-round approach to the sustainability of @ @ @ @ @ is a viable benchmark for the future , reckoning with the economic , political and @ @ @ @ @ Group of Twenty nations , '' Novak added .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russia supports the concept of the Closed Carbon Cycle Economy based of renewable resources, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak sais on Sunday at a meeting of Group of Twenty energy ministers.
"I would like to thank, first of all, Saudi Arabia for high-quality presidency (in the Group of Twenty - TASS) and offering a G20 energy agenda, in particular, for the focus on the concept of the Closed Carbon Cycle Economy geared to promote cleaner energy systems," he said.
"Russia generally supports the closed carbon cycle economy concept, which envisages a comprehensive and all-round approach to the sustainability of economic growth and development and is a viable benchmark for the future, reckoning with the economic, political and social contexts of all the Group of Twenty nations," Novak added.


tass--2020-09-27--16 Karabakh defense army soldiers killed - defense ministry

YEREVAN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The defense army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic has reported 16 killed and more than 100 wounded in clashes with Azerbaijani troops , Armenian Defense Ministry Spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said on Sunday .
`` Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh republic ) Deputy Defense Minister Artur Sarkisyan says that the Armenian side , according to preliminary data , l.ost 16 soldiers .
More than a hundred were wounded , '' she wrote on her Facebook account .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, September 27. /TASS/. The defense army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic has reported 16 killed and more than 100 wounded in clashes with Azerbaijani troops, Armenian Defense Ministry Spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said on Sunday.
"Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh republic) Deputy Defense Minister Artur Sarkisyan says that the Armenian side, according to preliminary data, l.ost 16 soldiers. More than a hundred were wounded," she wrote on her Facebook account.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Armenian PM informs Putin about situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

YEREVAN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stressed the inadmissibility of further escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh and involvement of off-region forces into the conflict , the press service of the Armenian government said on Sunday .
`` Prime Minister Pashinyan informed [ Putin ] in detail about the situation along the contact line between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed forces .
Nikol Pashinyan expressed profound concern over Azerbaijan ’ s unleashing combat operation , saying that they are seen as an aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement of off-region forces [ in the conflict ] , '' it said .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, September 27. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stressed the inadmissibility of further escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh and involvement of off-region forces into the conflict, the press service of the Armenian government said on Sunday.
"Prime Minister Pashinyan informed [Putin] in detail about the situation along the contact line between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani armed forces. Nikol Pashinyan expressed profound concern over Azerbaijan’s unleashing combat operation, saying that they are seen as an aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh. He stressed the inadmissibility of further escalation, involvement of off-region forces [in the conflict]," it said.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Azerbaijan reports about 19 civilians wounded in shelling by Armenian side

BAKU , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Nineteen civilians were wounded in Azerbaijan in shelling by the Armenian side , the Azerbaijani prosecutor general ’ s office said on Sunday .
`` Nineteen civilians were wounded .
All of them were taken to hospitals , '' it said .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, September 27. /TASS/. Nineteen civilians were wounded in Azerbaijan in shelling by the Armenian side, the Azerbaijani prosecutor general’s office said on Sunday.
"Nineteen civilians were wounded. All of them were taken to hospitals," it said.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Azerbaijani, Russian top diplomats discuss situation in Karabakh over phone

BAKU , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed his Russian counterpart , Sergey Lavrov , about the situation at the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh , the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said on Sunday after their telephone conversation .
`` Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov had a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on September 27 at the initiative of the Russian side .
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told his Russian counterpart that on September 27 the Armenian army had blatantly violated the ceasefire and shelled Azerbaijani positions along the contact line from heavy weapons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Russian top diplomat `` expressed concern over the current situation in the region and stressed the importance of resuming the ceasefire , '' it said .
Bayramov , in turn , stressed that `` the Azerbaijani side is taking corresponding countermeasures against the Armenian army as part of its right to self-defense and to ensure security of civilian population , '' the ministry added .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, September 27. /TASS/. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, about the situation at the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said on Sunday after their telephone conversation.
"Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov had a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on September 27 at the initiative of the Russian side. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told his Russian counterpart that on September 27 the Armenian army had blatantly violated the ceasefire and shelled Azerbaijani positions along the contact line from heavy weapons, mortars and artillery systems," it said.
The Russian top diplomat "expressed concern over the current situation in the region and stressed the importance of resuming the ceasefire," it said.
Bayramov, in turn, stressed that "the Azerbaijani side is taking corresponding countermeasures against the Armenian army as part of its right to self-defense and to ensure security of civilian population," the ministry added.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Decline of global GDP will be 4-4.5% in 2020 - Economic Development Ministry

MOSCOW , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
The decline of global GDP will be 4-4.5 % in 2020 , the recovery will not be quick , according to the forecast of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development of the socio-economic development of Russia for 2021-2023 .
According to the forecast , persisting restrictions aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus in a significant number of countries restrain the growth of the economies of their trading partners .
At the same time , even the countries that have lifted strict quarantine measures , continue to used restrictions on the activities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the economies of some countries - tourism , air travel , catering , leisure and entertainment ) .
In these conditions , the global GDP is expected to decline by 4.0-4.5 % this year .
In addition , the new rules of `` social distancing '' and transferring a significant number of employees to remote work can lead to long-term structural changes in the dynamics of labor productivity and consumer behavior of the population .
`` At the same time , the scale of these effects can not be accurately assessed , @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. The decline of global GDP will be 4-4.5% in 2020, the recovery will not be quick, according to the forecast of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development of the socio-economic development of Russia for 2021-2023.
According to the forecast, persisting restrictions aimed at combating the spread of coronavirus in a significant number of countries restrain the growth of the economies of their trading partners. At the same time, even the countries that have lifted strict quarantine measures, continue to used restrictions on the activities of entire industries that play an important role for the economies of some countries - tourism, air travel, catering, leisure and entertainment).
In these conditions, the global GDP is expected to decline by 4.0-4.5% this year.
In addition, the new rules of "social distancing" and transferring a significant number of employees to remote work can lead to long-term structural changes in the dynamics of labor productivity and consumer behavior of the population. "At the same time, the scale of these effects cannot be accurately assessed," the ministry added.


tass--2020-09-27--Azerbaijan imposes martial law from September 28

BAKU , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Martial law will be imposed in Azerbaijan from September 28 under a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday , presidential aide Khikmet Gajiyev told journalists .
`` Martial law will be imposed on the entire territory of Azerbaijan from 00:00 on September 28 , '' he said .
Apart from that , a curfew will be imposed in a number of regions and cities , including Baku .
In will be in place from 21:00 to 06:00 local time .
The decree was endorsed by the parliament on Sunday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BAKU, September 27. /TASS/. Martial law will be imposed in Azerbaijan from September 28 under a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday, presidential aide Khikmet Gajiyev told journalists.
"Martial law will be imposed on the entire territory of Azerbaijan from 00:00 on September 28," he said.
Apart from that, a curfew will be imposed in a number of regions and cities, including Baku. In will be in place from 21:00 to 06:00 local time.
The decree was endorsed by the parliament on Sunday.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Energy sector recovery will take long time, says Russian energy minister

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The energy market recovery is not going to be quick and it will take a long time for it to regain the pre-crisis dynamics , Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday at a meeting of the Group of Twenty energy ministers .
`` It is obvious that the structure of the energy sector will be transformed both from the point of view of demand and from the point of view of supply .
Recovery will not be quick and it will take quite a long time to reach the pre-crisis indices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that as a driving force of the global economy the energy sector should be an outrider in terms of effective crisis overcoming and subsequent recovery .
According to Novak , oil demand in 2020 will be down by ten percent on the previous year .
`` Demand for oil products has dropped by about 28-30 % , mostly due to the decrease trucking operations .
Investments in oil production have shrunk by 25 % This year , we expect a drop in demand at about ten percent , '' he said .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to balance the energy market and will spare no effort to prevent a collapse in the global economy .
`` Russia has undertaken unprecedented liabilities on market balancing ( under the OPEC+ oil production cut deal - TASS ) , as a responsible energy market participant .
We are doing our best to prevent a collapse on the energy market and , hence , in the global economy , '' he said .
`` We can say that despite all the problems the energy sector has demonstrated sustainability .
All services concerning electricity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being provided non-stop and the energy sector is among those sectors that have been most affected because of a dramatic slump in demand , '' Novak added .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The energy market recovery is not going to be quick and it will take a long time for it to regain the pre-crisis dynamics, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday at a meeting of the Group of Twenty energy ministers.
"It is obvious that the structure of the energy sector will be transformed both from the point of view of demand and from the point of view of supply. Recovery will not be quick and it will take quite a long time to reach the pre-crisis indices," he said.
He stressed that as a driving force of the global economy the energy sector should be an outrider in terms of effective crisis overcoming and subsequent recovery. According to Novak, oil demand in 2020 will be down by ten percent on the previous year.
"Demand for oil products has dropped by about 28-30%, mostly due to the decrease trucking operations. Investments in oil production have shrunk by 25% This year, we expect a drop in demand at about ten percent," he said.
He stressed that Russia had undertaken unprecedented liabilities to balance the energy market and will spare no effort to prevent a collapse in the global economy.
"Russia has undertaken unprecedented liabilities on market balancing (under the OPEC+ oil production cut deal - TASS), as a responsible energy market participant. We are doing our best to prevent a collapse on the energy market and, hence, in the global economy," he said.
"We can say that despite all the problems the energy sector has demonstrated sustainability. All services concerning electricity, heal, oil products supplies are being provided non-stop and the energy sector is among those sectors that have been most affected because of a dramatic slump in demand," Novak added.


tass--2020-09-27--EU foreign policy chief calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan for immediate ceasefire

BRUSSELS , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Sunday spoke over the phone with the Armenian and Azerbaijani top diplomats and called for immediate ceasefire .
`` I spoke to ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan and stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire , '' he wrote on his Twitter account .
`` There is no military solution to the conflict .
The only way forward is the return to negotiating table without preconditions under OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs , '' he underscored .
The situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

BRUSSELS, September 27. /TASS/. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on Sunday spoke over the phone with the Armenian and Azerbaijani top diplomats and called for immediate ceasefire.
"I spoke to ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan and stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire," he wrote on his Twitter account.
"There is no military solution to the conflict. The only way forward is the return to negotiating table without preconditions under OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs," he underscored.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Putin expresses concern over escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed serious concern over the escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh , the Kremlin press service said on Sunday after Putin ’ s telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan .
`` The conversation focused on the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
Th Russian side expressed serious concern over large-scale armed clashes .
It was noted that it is important now to do everything possible to prevent further escalation of the conflict and stop hostilities , '' the press service said .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between Armenia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed serious concern over the escalation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday after Putin’s telephone conversation with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
"The conversation focused on the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Th Russian side expressed serious concern over large-scale armed clashes. It was noted that it is important now to do everything possible to prevent further escalation of the conflict and stop hostilities," the press service said.
The telephone call was initiated by the Armenian side.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Foreign Ministers of Russia, Turkey emphasize need to stabilize Nagorno-Karabakh situation

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Turkey - Sergey Lavrov and Mevlut Cavusoglu - during a telephone conversation stressed the need for an early ceasefire and stabilization of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday .
`` The need for an early ceasefire and stabilization of the situation on the contact line was emphasized .
Condolences were expressed to the families and friends of the victims , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
On Sunday morning , Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and settlements , with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population .
In turn , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988 , when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR .
During the conflict of 1992-1994 , Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions .
Since 1992 , negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Russia , the United States , and France .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. The Foreign Ministers of Russia and Turkey - Sergey Lavrov and Mevlut Cavusoglu - during a telephone conversation stressed the need for an early ceasefire and stabilization of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
"The need for an early ceasefire and stabilization of the situation on the contact line was emphasized. Condolences were expressed to the families and friends of the victims," the Foreign Ministry said.
On Sunday morning, Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements, with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population. In turn, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. Since 1992, negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, chaired by Russia, the United States, and France.


tass--2020-09-27--Two die in single-engine plane crash in Nizhny Novgorod - emergencies ministry

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Two people have died in the crash of a single-engine plane in Nizhny @ @ @ @ @ the Russian emergencies ministry told TASS on Sunday .
`` Currently , the plane is @ @ @ @ @ .
According to preliminary information , two people were killed , '' the spokesman said @ @ @ @ @ the Volga River near the village of Mikhalchikovo at about 14:40 Moscow time .
The @ @ @ @ @ has launched a probe into the accident .
It has already been found out that @ @ @ @ @ without a corresponding permit .
According to the emergencies ministry , the pilot lost control @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Two people have died in the crash of a single-engine plane in Nizhny Novgorod, a spokesman for the Russian emergencies ministry told TASS on Sunday.
"Currently, the plane is being retrieved from the water. According to preliminary information, two people were killed," the spokesman said.
The plane crashed into the Volga River near the village of Mikhalchikovo at about 14:40 Moscow time. The regional prosecutor’s office has launched a probe into the accident.
It has already been found out that the flight had been made without a corresponding permit. According to the emergencies ministry, the pilot lost control of the aircraft.


tass--2020-09-27--Armenia to look at recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence - PM

YEREVAN , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia ’ s government plans to look as recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s independence , Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Sunday .
`` Yes , we should consider the issue of recognizing Artsakh ’ ( the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic ) independence .
Such issue is on our agenda .
We should discuss it very seriously .
We are weighing all scenarios of possible developments , '' he said addressing the parliament .
According to the Armenian prime minister , armed clashes are reported along the entire contact line .
`` Both we and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 , when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia .
Armenia , in turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .

YEREVAN, September 27. /TASS/. Armenia’s government plans to look as recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Sunday.
"Yes, we should consider the issue of recognizing Artsakh’ (the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh republic) independence. Such issue is on our agenda. We should discuss it very seriously. We are weighing all scenarios of possible developments," he said addressing the parliament.
According to the Armenian prime minister, armed clashes are reported along the entire contact line. "Both we and our enemy are sustaining serious losses," he added.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27, when Azerbaijan said its positions had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Supporting development of nuclear industry is Russia’s priority - PM

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the nuclear industry workers on their professional @ @ @ @ @ for the industry is an absolute priority for the state .
`` The nuclear industry @ @ @ @ @ sectors in the Russian economy .
Supporting and developing it is an absolute priority for @ @ @ @ @ said in an address written to mark the 75th anniversary of the nuclear industry .
@ @ @ @ @ fulfills strategic tasks related to the country 's energy security and its defense capabilities , @ @ @ @ @ the world market , makes it possible to apply innovative technologies and developments in all @ @ @ @ @ from nuclear medicine to nuclear icebreakers , and floating nuclear power plants .
He thanked @ @ @ @ @ industry , who laid down the industry 's traditions and pass them on to the @ @ @ @ @ workers .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the nuclear industry workers on their professional holiday and assured that support for the industry is an absolute priority for the state.
"The nuclear industry is one of the key sectors in the Russian economy. Supporting and developing it is an absolute priority for the state," he said in an address written to mark the 75th anniversary of the nuclear industry.
Mishustin noted that the industry fulfills strategic tasks related to the country's energy security and its defense capabilities, makes Russia a leader in the world market, makes it possible to apply innovative technologies and developments in all spheres of human life - from nuclear medicine to nuclear icebreakers, and floating nuclear power plants. He thanked the veterans of the nuclear industry, who laid down the industry's traditions and pass them on to the new generations of Russian nuclear workers.


tass--2020-09-27--Production of medicine and materials by 2023 will grow by 42.4% - forecast

MOSCOW , September 26 .
/TASS/ .
Production of medicine and materials used for medical purposes can grow by 42.4 @ @ @ @ @ according to the forecast of the socio-economic development of Russia for 2021 and for the @ @ @ @ @ 2023 , published by the Ministry of Economic Development .
`` The production index for @ @ @ @ @ Production of medicine and materials used for medical purposes ’ in 2023 will grow by @ @ @ @ @ level of 2019 , '' the forecast said .
In 2019 , production of medicine @ @ @ @ @ % , in 2020 it will grow by 14 % , in 2021 - by @ @ @ @ @ - by 7.7 % , in 2023 - by 7.9 % , the ministry said @

MOSCOW, September 26. /TASS/. Production of medicine and materials used for medical purposes can grow by 42.4% in three years, according to the forecast of the socio-economic development of Russia for 2021 and for the planning period of 2022 and 2023, published by the Ministry of Economic Development.
"The production index for the type of activity ‘Production of medicine and materials used for medical purposes’ in 2023 will grow by 42.4% compared to the level of 2019," the forecast said.
In 2019, production of medicine and materials increased by 21.6%, in 2020 it will grow by 14%, in 2021 - by 7.5%, in 2022 - by 7.7%, in 2023 - by 7.9%, the ministry said.


tass--2020-09-27--Red Cross calls on conflicting parties in Karabakh to observe humanitarian law

GENEVA , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
The International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ) has called on the conflicting parties to observe the principles of humanitarian law in Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` Red Cross ( ICRC ) is concerned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict escalation along the line of contact , which started in the morning of 27 September 2020 .
There are civilians among the casualties reported on both sides , '' it said in a press statement on Sunday .
`` The ICRC calls on the sides to take all measures necessary to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protected , in line with their obligation to respect basic rules of international humanitarian law , '' it stressed .
`` We reiterate our commitment to assist and support those affected by this escalation as well as to act as a neutral intermediary '' , it quoted regional director Martin Schuepp as saying .
`` We urge the sides to exercise all the efforts possible at all times to abide by the principles of the international humanitarian law '' .
Azerbaijan said on Sunday positions of its army had come under extensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn , said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh , including its administrative center Stepanakert , had come under shelling by Azerbaijan .
Both sides report casualties , including among civilians .
Armenia ’ s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

GENEVA, September 27. /TASS/. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called on the conflicting parties to observe the principles of humanitarian law in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"Red Cross (ICRC) is concerned about the humanitarian impact of the conflict escalation along the line of contact, which started in the morning of 27 September 2020. There are civilians among the casualties reported on both sides," it said in a press statement on Sunday.
"The ICRC calls on the sides to take all measures necessary to ensure that civilian life and infrastructure is respected and protected, in line with their obligation to respect basic rules of international humanitarian law," it stressed.
"We reiterate our commitment to assist and support those affected by this escalation as well as to act as a neutral intermediary", it quoted regional director Martin Schuepp as saying. "We urge the sides to exercise all the efforts possible at all times to abide by the principles of the international humanitarian law".
Azerbaijan said on Sunday positions of its army had come under extensive fire from Armenia. Armenia, in turn, said the Azerbaijani army had staged ab offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said a number of settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh, including its administrative center Stepanakert, had come under shelling by Azerbaijan. Both sides report casualties, including among civilians. Armenia’s authorities have imposed martial law and announced mobilization of reservists.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-27--Russia concerned about continuing shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , September 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov , during a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov , expressed concern over the ongoing shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday .
`` The ministers discussed the sharp aggravation of the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
Lavrov expressed serious concerns over the continuing shelling along the contact line , which entailed casualties , including the civilian population , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
The ministry added that the Russian side stressed the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , together with other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group , will continue to undertake mediation efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation , '' the ministry said .
On Sunday morning , Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements , with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population .
In turn , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR .
During the conflict of 1992-1994 , Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions .
Since 1992 , negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group , chaired by Russia , the United States , and France .

MOSCOW, September 27. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, expressed concern over the ongoing shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
"The ministers discussed the sharp aggravation of the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Lavrov expressed serious concerns over the continuing shelling along the contact line, which entailed casualties, including the civilian population," the Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry added that the Russian side stressed the need for an early ceasefire. "Russia, together with other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, will continue to undertake mediation efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation," the ministry said.
On Sunday morning, Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan said that Armenia began intensive shelling on the positions of the Azerbaijani army and settlements, with reported casualties and wounded among the civilian population. In turn, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an offensive in the direction of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The conflict between Baku and Yerevan began in February 1988, when the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the conflict of 1992-1994, Azerbaijan lost control over Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions. Since 1992, negotiations have been held on a peaceful settlement of the conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, chaired by Russia, the United States, and France.


tass--2020-09-28--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Belarus approaches 78,000

MINSK , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 337 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 77,900 , the country ’ health ministry reported on Sunday .
`` As many as 77,946 people , or some 0.8 % of the country ’ s population , have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' it said , adding that the daily tally was 337 .
`` A total of 822 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths were registered during the day .
According to the latest update , as many as 74,167 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease , including 47 during the day .
A total of 1,835,232 , or 19.5 % of the population , have been tested for the novel coronavirus , including 9,751 during the day .
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns , with mass gathering not being banned .
The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than 900 patients tested positive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November or December .

MINSK, September 28. /TASS/. As many as 337 more novel coronavirus cases were confirmed in Belarus in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 77,900, the country’ health ministry reported on Sunday.
"As many as 77,946 people, or some 0.8% of the country’s population, have tested positive for COVID-19," it said, adding that the daily tally was 337.
"A total of 822 coronavirus patients with a number of chronic diseases have died since the epidemic outbreak," it said, adding that four coronavirus-related deaths were registered during the day. According to the latest update, as many as 74,167 coronavirus patients have recovered from the disease, including 47 during the day. A total of 1,835,232, or 19.5% of the population, have been tested for the novel coronavirus, including 9,751 during the day.
Belarus did not impose any coronavirus lockdowns, with mass gathering not being banned. The maximal daily tally of newly confirmed coronavirus cases was reported in April when more than 900 patients tested positive in one day. The country’s health ministry anticipates a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in November or December.


tass--2020-09-28--Armenia ready to request military assistance from Russia, ambassador says

MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
Armenia is ready to request additional military assistance from Russia but sees no reason to do it at the moment , Armenian Ambassador to Moscow Vardan Toganyan told the Govorit Moskva radio station on Monday .
According to him , Yerevan and Moscow continue to boost defense cooperation .
`` We believe that should the need arise , we will request Russia [ for additional military assistance ] , '' the envoy pointed out .
`` As of today , we don ’ t think that we need additional troops or other forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we do believe that Russia has a major role in the Caucasus and is capable of using political methods to put an end to bloodshed , '' Toganyan emphasized .
On September 27 , Baku said that Armenia had shelled the Azerbaijani army ’ s positions and Yerevan , in turn , claimed that Azerbaijan ’ s Armed Forces had launched an offensive towards Nagorno-Karabakh , shelling regional settlements , including the capital , Stepanakert .
Both parties reported casualties , including civilian casualties .
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have declared martial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. Armenia is ready to request additional military assistance from Russia but sees no reason to do it at the moment, Armenian Ambassador to Moscow Vardan Toganyan told the Govorit Moskva radio station on Monday.
According to him, Yerevan and Moscow continue to boost defense cooperation. "We believe that should the need arise, we will request Russia [for additional military assistance]," the envoy pointed out. "As of today, we don’t think that we need additional troops or other forces," he added.
"However, we do believe that Russia has a major role in the Caucasus and is capable of using political methods to put an end to bloodshed," Toganyan emphasized.
On September 27, Baku said that Armenia had shelled the Azerbaijani army’s positions and Yerevan, in turn, claimed that Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces had launched an offensive towards Nagorno-Karabakh, shelling regional settlements, including the capital, Stepanakert. Both parties reported casualties, including civilian casualties. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have declared martial law and announced a mobilization.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-09-28--Isolation of ISS crew in Russian modules to search for air leak ends

`` The crew of the 64th long-term expedition to the International Space Station have completed the operations to open the hatches and now resumed standard work inside all of the station 's segments , '' the news release runs .
MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
The International Space Station 's crew have ended a brief isolation inside the Russian segment of the ISS during the search for an air leak , the Russian space corporation Roscosmos said in a news release on Monday .
The space corporation said that all data concerning the air parameters on board had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The ISS mission control group is currently studying the obtained data in an attempt to identify the degree and place of the leak on the basis of accurate data , obtained as a result of the crew 's isolation inside the Russian segment of the station , '' Roscosmos said .
Earlier , a source in the main control group of the Russian segment of the ISS told TASS it was too early to say where the air was escaping from the station and in what amounts .
Pressure inside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and payload equipment was turned off .
The source speculated that the leak might happen when this equipment was turned on .
During the isolation , Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and US astronaut Chris Cassidy could move about the modules Zarya , Zvezda and Poisk , cargo spacecraft Progress MS and manned spacecraft Soyuz MS .
In August , a source told TASS that the Russian-US crew of the ISS was trying to localize an air leak , `` registered by instruments of the station 's Russian segment , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air . ''
The ISS crew then moved to the Russian modules for three days to let specialists monitor pressure inside the US segment .

"The crew of the 64th long-term expedition to the International Space Station have completed the operations to open the hatches and now resumed standard work inside all of the station's segments," the news release runs.
MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. The International Space Station's crew have ended a brief isolation inside the Russian segment of the ISS during the search for an air leak, the Russian space corporation Roscosmos said in a news release on Monday.
The space corporation said that all data concerning the air parameters on board had been transmitted to specialists on the ground.
"The ISS mission control group is currently studying the obtained data in an attempt to identify the degree and place of the leak on the basis of accurate data, obtained as a result of the crew's isolation inside the Russian segment of the station," Roscosmos said.
Earlier, a source in the main control group of the Russian segment of the ISS told TASS it was too early to say where the air was escaping from the station and in what amounts. Pressure inside the US segment was checked while all support and payload equipment was turned off. The source speculated that the leak might happen when this equipment was turned on.
During the isolation, Russian cosmonauts Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and US astronaut Chris Cassidy could move about the modules Zarya, Zvezda and Poisk, cargo spacecraft Progress MS and manned spacecraft Soyuz MS.
In August, a source told TASS that the Russian-US crew of the ISS was trying to localize an air leak, "registered by instruments of the station's Russian segment, which identified changes in the content of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air." The ISS crew then moved to the Russian modules for three days to let specialists monitor pressure inside the US segment.


tass--2020-09-28--Mass vaccination against coronavirus to start in Russia in late October, expert says

`` The third phase of the vaccine ’ s trials is scheduled to be over in late October .
Mass vaccination will begin as soon as the third phase is over .
I hope it will be successful , '' he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel .
MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
Mass inoculation against the novel coronavirus infection with the Sputnik V vaccine may begin in Russia in late October , Fyodor Lisitsyn of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , said on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is expected to be organized at three or four production sites .
It is also looked at organizing its production jointly with foreign partners .
`` Pharmaceutical companies in India alone are capable of manufacturing vaccine enough for literally half of the planet if they work to their full capacity , '' he said .
On August 11 , Russia registered the world ’ s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus .
The vaccine , dubbed Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trials were successfully completed in June-July .
The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines .
According to the Russian Health Ministry , these vaccines have proved their ability to form lasting immunity for a period of up to two years .
Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on September 9 phase three of Sputnik V clinical trials had kicked off .

"The third phase of the vaccine’s trials is scheduled to be over in late October. Mass vaccination will begin as soon as the third phase is over. I hope it will be successful," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.
MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. Mass inoculation against the novel coronavirus infection with the Sputnik V vaccine may begin in Russia in late October, Fyodor Lisitsyn of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, said on Monday.
According to Lisitsyn, the vaccine production is expected to be organized at three or four production sites. It is also looked at organizing its production jointly with foreign partners. "Pharmaceutical companies in India alone are capable of manufacturing vaccine enough for literally half of the planet if they work to their full capacity," he said.
On August 11, Russia registered the world’s first vaccine against the novel coronavirus. The vaccine, dubbed Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July. The vaccine was developed on a platform that had been used for a number of other vaccines. According to the Russian Health Ministry, these vaccines have proved their ability to form lasting immunity for a period of up to two years. Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on September 9 phase three of Sputnik V clinical trials had kicked off.


tass--2020-09-28--Gonets-M satellites first time orbited by Soyuz-2.1b rocket from Plesetsk

MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
A Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying three communication satellites Gonets-M and 19 smaller satellites blasted @ @ @ @ @ Plesetsk on Monday , the Defense Ministry 's press service said .
`` A delivery @ @ @ @ @ of space satellites Gonets-M and a payload of 19 smaller satellites has been launched , @ @ @ @ @ news release reads .
The rocket blasted off at 14:20 Moscow time .
This is @ @ @ @ @ satellites this year and the first one carried out by a rocket of the Soyuz-2.1b @ @ @ @ @ satellites were orbited by the converted missile Rokot .

MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. A Soyuz-2.1b rocket carrying three communication satellites Gonets-M and 19 smaller satellites blasted off from the space site Plesetsk on Monday, the Defense Ministry's press service said.
"A delivery vehicle Soyuz-2.1b carrying a cluster of space satellites Gonets-M and a payload of 19 smaller satellites has been launched," the Defense Ministry's news release reads. The rocket blasted off at 14:20 Moscow time.
This is the first launch of Gonets-M satellites this year and the first one carried out by a rocket of the Soyuz-2.1b family. Earlier, such satellites were orbited by the converted missile Rokot.
All pre-launch preparations and the launch itself were normal. The Aerospace Force's ground systems monitored the launch and the rocket's flight, the press service said.
It was the fourth launch of a medium class rocket Soyuz-2 from Plesetsk this year. The previous one was on May 22.
Gonets-M satellites
In September, the CEO of the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems, Nikolai Testoyedov, told TASS in an interview that two Gonets-M satellites were due to be put in space in 2020: one in September, and the other, in November. A source in the space rocket industry told TASS that the second launch might take place on November 16.
Gonets is Russia's sole low-orbit system of mobile satellite communication, meant for global information exchanges with mobile and stationary facilities and also for creating relay communication channels for various purposes.


tass--2020-09-28--Russia never meddles in internal affairs of its neighbors, says Putin

SOCHI , September 28./TASS/ .
Russia never meddles in internal affairs of the neighboring countries and it always supports their authorities in efforts to stabilize the situation , Russian President Vladimir Putin said as he met with President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Monday .
`` You know , we never meddle in internal affairs of our neighbors , or any other country , but we always support efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation , at a full-fledged dialogue between political forces , we always support the authorities in power in their bid to stabilize the situation , and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kyrgyzstan , '' Putin told his counterpart .
The Russian leader said that he was also referring to economic aid to the country .
`` Whenever we meet , you raise the issue of support for citizens of Kyrgyzstan working in Russia .
With this in view , we have adopted certain decision , and we will certainly continue addressing this issue , '' Putin said .
The Russian president offered his counterpart to continue the conversation at a working lunch , stressing that they could discuss all matters in that format .

SOCHI, September 28./TASS/. Russia never meddles in internal affairs of the neighboring countries and it always supports their authorities in efforts to stabilize the situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said as he met with President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Monday.
"You know, we never meddle in internal affairs of our neighbors, or any other country, but we always support efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation, at a full-fledged dialogue between political forces, we always support the authorities in power in their bid to stabilize the situation, and we will also unfailingly behave this way towards Kyrgyzstan," Putin told his counterpart.
The Russian leader said that he was also referring to economic aid to the country. "Whenever we meet, you raise the issue of support for citizens of Kyrgyzstan working in Russia. With this in view, we have adopted certain decision, and we will certainly continue addressing this issue," Putin said.
The Russian president offered his counterpart to continue the conversation at a working lunch, stressing that they could discuss all matters in that format.


tass--2020-09-28--Russian investment fund supplies Sputnik V vaccine to Belarus for clinical trials

MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) has delivered the first batch of the Russian vaccine against coronavirus , Sputnik V , to the Republic of Belarus for clinical trials , the Fund said in a statement on Monday .
`` Vaccination of volunteers in Belarus will begin on October 1 as part of double-blind , randomized , placebo-controlled clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine .
RDIF is funding these clinical trials in Belarus with the participation of 100 people who will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against coronavirus with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia , '' the statement reads .
Belarus has become the first country to start clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine after its registration in Russia , RDIF noted .
`` Clinical trials will be carried out in eight medical institutions selected as research centers in Belarus .
Two Belarusian clinics have already received the first batches of the Sputnik V vaccine , '' the Fund added .
Similar clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine are planned in a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India , Saudi Arabia Egypt and the United Arab Emirates , according to RDIF Chief Executive Officer Kirill Dmitriev .
More than 50 countries in CIS , Europe , Asia , Middle East and Latin America have applied for Sputnik V , RDIF said .
Earlier it announced supply agreements with Mexico for 32 mln doses , with Brazil for up to 50 mln doses , with India for 100 mln doses and with Uzbekistan for up to 35 mln doses .

MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has delivered the first batch of the Russian vaccine against coronavirus, Sputnik V, to the Republic of Belarus for clinical trials, the Fund said in a statement on Monday.
"Vaccination of volunteers in Belarus will begin on October 1 as part of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine. RDIF is funding these clinical trials in Belarus with the participation of 100 people who will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against coronavirus with a vaccine developed by the Gamaleya National Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia," the statement reads.
Belarus has become the first country to start clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine after its registration in Russia, RDIF noted. "Clinical trials will be carried out in eight medical institutions selected as research centers in Belarus. Two Belarusian clinics have already received the first batches of the Sputnik V vaccine," the Fund added.
Similar clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine are planned in a number of other countries, including Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, according to RDIF Chief Executive Officer Kirill Dmitriev.
More than 50 countries in CIS, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Latin America have applied for Sputnik V, RDIF said. Earlier it announced supply agreements with Mexico for 32 mln doses, with Brazil for up to 50 mln doses, with India for 100 mln doses and with Uzbekistan for up to 35 mln doses.


tass--2020-09-28--German government confirms Merkel visited Navalny in hospital

`` Yes , I can confirm it , '' he said in response to a TASS request .
According to @ @ @ @ @ t a secret visit but rather a private one , and , in his words @ @ @ @ @ announce Merkel ’ s private meetings .
`` It was the chancellor ’ s private @ @ @ @ @ was not a secret one in any way but it wasn ’ t open to @ @ @ @ @ said , refusing to provide any details .
At the same time , the German @ @ @ @ @ did not have any new information on the Navalny incident .
Der Spiegel wrote earlier @ @ @ @ @ had visited Navalny when he was undergoing treatment at the Charite hospital .
According to @ @ @ @ @ visit proves that the German chancellor is unwilling to soft-pedal the Navalny case and will @ @ @ @ @ of the incident that happened to him .

"Yes, I can confirm it," he said in response to a TASS request.
According to Seibert, it wasn’t a secret visit but rather a private one, and, in his words, the cabinet does not announce Merkel’s private meetings. "It was the chancellor’s private meeting with Navalny. It was not a secret one in any way but it wasn’t open to the public," Seibert said, refusing to provide any details. At the same time, the German cabinet spokesman said that Berlin did not have any new information on the Navalny incident.
Der Spiegel wrote earlier that German Chancellor Angela Merkel had visited Navalny when he was undergoing treatment at the Charite hospital. According to the news outlet, the visit proves that the German chancellor is unwilling to soft-pedal the Navalny case and will continue probing into the circumstances of the incident that happened to him.
Navalny case


tass--2020-09-28--Kremlin says Russian ruble will recover despite current volatility

MOSCOW , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov is confident that despite the current volatility of the ruble , the position of the Russian currency will be restored .
`` There is , of course , current volatility of the exchange rate .
It 's hard not to notice it , '' Peskov said .
`` After periods when the ruble loses its strength , there are periods when it regains its strength .
Another question is how long it would take , '' he noted .
He added that `` this is market volatility , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruble will recover its positions . ''
As of 13:25 Moscow time on Monday , the dollar rate grew by 0.7 % to 78.75 rubles , while the euro rose by 1 % and traded at 91.84 rubles .
Earlier , the Ministry of Economic Development explained the weakening of the ruble by an increase in the assessment of geopolitical and other risks by financial market participants due to temporary factors .
The ministry expressed confidence that as they decrease , the ruble exchange rate is expected to return to fundamentally sound levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The average annual ruble exchange rate in 2020 will be 71.2 rubles for the dollar , the ministry said .

MOSCOW, September 28. /TASS/. Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov is confident that despite the current volatility of the ruble, the position of the Russian currency will be restored.
"There is, of course, current volatility of the exchange rate. It's hard not to notice it," Peskov said. "After periods when the ruble loses its strength, there are periods when it regains its strength. Another question is how long it would take," he noted.
He added that "this is market volatility, and there is no doubt that the ruble will recover its positions."
As of 13:25 Moscow time on Monday, the dollar rate grew by 0.7% to 78.75 rubles, while the euro rose by 1% and traded at 91.84 rubles.
Earlier, the Ministry of Economic Development explained the weakening of the ruble by an increase in the assessment of geopolitical and other risks by financial market participants due to temporary factors. The ministry expressed confidence that as they decrease, the ruble exchange rate is expected to return to fundamentally sound levels in late 2020 - early 2021. The average annual ruble exchange rate in 2020 will be 71.2 rubles for the dollar, the ministry said.


tass--2020-09-28--EU to sanction two Russian individuals, four companies

BRUSSELS , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
Ambassadors of the European Union agreed to include two individuals and four companies @ @ @ @ @ because of their participation in the construction of the Crimean Bridge , a European diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Ambassadors agreed to add two individuals and four companies who participated in the @ @ @ @ @ list of restive measures , '' the source said .
`` The EU Council will @ @ @ @ @ on the written procedure , '' the source added .
The written decision-making procedure at @ @ @ @ @ in the EU after endorsement of the decision and in case of absence of any @ @ @ @ @ Committee ( COREPER ) .
This procedure is a technical one and does not provide @ @ @ @ @ will come into force after the approval by the EU Council and publication in the @ @ @ @ @ Union .

BRUSSELS, September 28. /TASS/. Ambassadors of the European Union agreed to include two individuals and four companies in the anti-Russian sanction list because of their participation in the construction of the Crimean Bridge, a European diplomatic source told TASS on Monday.
"Ambassadors agreed to add two individuals and four companies who participated in the Crimean Bridge construction to the list of restrictive measures," the source said. "The EU Council will make a formal decision based on the written procedure," the source added.
The written decision-making procedure at the ministerial level is launched in the EU after endorsement of the decision and in case of absence of any objections in the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER). This procedure is a technical one and does not provide for discussions. The sanctions will come into force after the approval by the EU Council and publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.


tass--2020-09-28--Interior Ministry says 22 protest activities took place in Belarus on Sunday

MINSK , September 28 .
/TASS/ .
Twenty-two protest activities took place in Belarus on Sunday , the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ a statement on Telegram .
`` Twenty-two protest activities were recorded in Belarus on September @ @ @ @ @ reads .
`` Over 350 people were taken into custody until administrative hearings are held @ @ @ @ @ .
The ministry also said that police in the country ’ s capital of Minsk @ @ @ @ @ against participants in unauthorized protests .

MINSK, September 28. /TASS/. Twenty-two protest activities took place in Belarus on Sunday, the country’s Interior Ministry said in a statement on Telegram.
"Twenty-two protest activities were recorded in Belarus on September 27," the statement reads. "Over 350 people were taken into custody until administrative hearings are held," the ministry added.
The ministry also said that police in the country’s capital of Minsk had received hundreds of complaints against participants in unauthorized protests.