tass--2020-12-04--Press review: OPEC+ move to boost market and legislator to battle big tech ‘dictatorship’

Izvestia : OPEC+ decision to have positive impact on oil market The OPEC+ decision to increase oil output by 500,000 barrels per day in January 2021 will stabilize oil prices , said experts interviewed by Izvestia .
However , analysts expect prices to fall to $ 45 per barrel in the short term .
`` On the one hand , the second coronavirus wave and rising oil production in Libya create the risk of an imbalance .
But on the other hand , the market faced an oil shortage of more than three mln barrels per day in October .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tactical one , '' said Darya Kozlova , who heads oil and gas regulation at Vygon Consulting .
The move itself won ’ t have a significant impact on the market and current oil prices , but it shows the group ’ s determination to continue promptly responding to the changing situation , the analyst added .
The decision will have a stabilizing effect on oil prices , commodity market expert Shamil Dzhazayev pointed out .
`` Oil prices can be expected to fall in the short term because the meeting ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the price drop won ’ t be significant , Brent crude will cost about $ 46-48 per barrel in late 2020 and early 2021 , '' he noted .
`` The OPEC+ decision is a compromise between two options , which included exposing the market to the risk of destabilization amid weak demand and maintaining the existing quota , thus pushing the deal ’ s participants to break the agreement , '' Director of the Investment and Banking Department at QBF Dmitry Kipa said .
According to him , the compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia will benefit from the OPEC+ decision .
On the one hand , the group will continue to control oil prices but on the other , a gradual rise in production will make it possible for Russia to secure extra oil and gas revenues , emphasized Natalya Milchakova , deputy head of the Alpari analytical center .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Karabakh airfield could become Russia ’ s second Khmeimim Moscow is considering the possibility of using the only airfield in the Nagorno-Karabakh region .
The airfield in Khojaly , located ten kilometers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can become an important air transport hub , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Retired military expert Colonel Vladimir Popov believes that the airfield can turn into a foothold for Russia ’ s peacekeeping mission in the region .
At present , Russian planes arrive in Yerevan and from there goods are delivered to Nagorno-Karabakh by road .
`` If goods could be brought straight to Stepanakert by air , that would be the best option , '' Popov said .
Is it possible to view the Khojaly airfield as a military base similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
At first glance , there indeed are similarities .
The Russian military has set up a makeshift hospital like the one established at Syria ’ s Khmeimim air base .
There also is room for logistics facilities .
Moscow needs to agree on legal issues related to the setup of such a base with Baku .
It seems that steps are being taken in this direction .
The newspaper ’ s sources in the Russian Defense Ministry said that Moscow was likely to get permission to use the Khojaly airfield in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in the effectiveness of Russia ’ s peacekeeping mission in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone .
Meanwhile , the use of the Khojaly airfield will also create some problems for Russia .
According to retired military expert Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev , the airfield needs to be upgraded because it is currently unfit for heavy military cargo planes .
`` The runway ’ s upgrading will cost at least one billion rubles ( $ 13.4 mln ) .
It is unclear if Russia will go for that .
Armenia does not have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan is interested in an airport near Stepanakert .
I don ’ t rule out that Azerbaijan and maybe Turkey will invest in it , '' the expert said .
Rossiyskaya Gazeta : Legislator vows to battle US big tech 'dictatorship ' on Russian soil Russia ’ s State Duma will soon consider a bill making it possible to introduce restrictions against foreign social media networks and even ban them .
Chairman of the Federation Council Commission on Information Policy Alexei Pushkov , one of the legislation ’ s sponsors , clarified its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Pushkov , social media giants must obey Russian laws on Russian soil , refraining from replacing the country ’ s legislation with corporate decisions .
The senator pointed out that in 2020 alone , access to Russian content on YouTube and other foreign online platforms was blocked 24 times .
`` About 200 such incidents took place in the past few years .
It is about blatant political censorship .
At the same time , the public is not widely aware of the fact that foreign networks violate Russian laws in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they often times refuse to block access to websites banned in Russia , which promote drugs and incite suicide , '' Pushkov added .
At the moment , the courts resolve such issues by way of fines .
However , Moscow does not currently have the legal tools to respond to discrimination against Russian media outlets .
Moreover , foreign social media companies `` often argue that they don ’ t accept the jurisdiction of Russian courts . ''
Pushkov emphasized that Russian lawmakers `` don ’ t seek to block YouTube and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the goal is to encourage social media companies to abide by Russian laws and refrain from censoring Russian online content .
`` `` If we don ’ t do anything , we will become hostage to an online dictatorship that will decide what we can and can ’ t read and watch , '' Pushkov concluded .
Russian banks are calling for tightening penalties for stealing and disclosing information that is subject to bank secrecy .
There are plans to introduce amendments to the Russian Criminal Code , RBC reports .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discussed at a meeting of the Association of Russian Banks on December 3 .
Market participants suggested that illegal access to bank secrecy should be punished by a prison term of 10-20 years .
`` The current penalty is inadequate , given the damage done [ by the disclosure of such information ] , '' the association ’ s Vice President Alexei Voilukov told the news outlet .
According to him , a relevant bill will be hammered out in the near future .
There are plans to amend Article 183 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalties for the unlawful acquisition and disclosure of information constituting commercial , tax or banking secrets , and defines what is the meaning of `` unlawful access '' and `` unlawful collection '' of banking data .
`` There is a need to separate the term ‘ bank secrecy ’ from other secrets because access to this kind of information has become endemic .
Nearly two million customers seeking access to bank secrecy are registered in the Russian segment of Darknet , '' Voikukov explained .
Russia ’ s Central Bank supports the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesperson told RBC .
`` However , the initiative put forward by market participants requires a deep legal analysis , '' he added .
The share of data leaks attributed to company personnel stands at 72 % in Russia , which is twice as high as the global average .
The financial industry comes in second as far as data theft is concerned , accounting for 18.9 % of such incidents .
Customers can now not only chill out but also work in Moscow restaurants .
City residents have always had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafe to dine and work on their laptops for a couple of hours .
But now that many have shifted to remote work , dining establishments are moving to set up special business zones , Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes .
There is everything that one needs to work in such zones , including WiFi access , printing devices and stationery items .
And it ’ s rent free , clients only have to make a deposit that they can use to pay for their food , Tatyana Sharayeva , the founder of the Foodworking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Office Operators and Coworking Companies , told the paper .
The cheapest table costs 700 rubles ( $ 9.40 ) per person at one such restaurant in Moscow .
The Ruski restaurant in the Moscow City district has the highest price tag at 2,000 rubles ( $ 26.80 ) .
`` It ’ s possible to hold talks with new partners and clients here .
Newcomers will definitely be impressed with Moscow ’ s skyline views and exquisite cuisine , '' Sharayeva noted .
This is a great opportunity for dining establishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decline in customers .
The expert explained that `` there are ‘ dead hours ’ at every restaurant , when no one comes to eat . ''
`` This is why they have no problem setting up a separate zone where their clients can work , '' she added , noting that both restaurants and customers benefited from that .
Restaurants also plan to establish pay-by-the-hour meeting rooms and start hosting business events at the beginning of next year .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews @

Izvestia: OPEC+ decision to have positive impact on oil market
The OPEC+ decision to increase oil output by 500,000 barrels per day in January 2021 will stabilize oil prices, said experts interviewed by Izvestia. However, analysts expect prices to fall to $45 per barrel in the short term. "On the one hand, the second coronavirus wave and rising oil production in Libya create the risk of an imbalance. But on the other hand, the market faced an oil shortage of more than three mln barrels per day in October. This is why the OPEC+ decision is a tactical one," said Darya Kozlova, who heads oil and gas regulation at Vygon Consulting. The move itself won’t have a significant impact on the market and current oil prices, but it shows the group’s determination to continue promptly responding to the changing situation, the analyst added. The decision will have a stabilizing effect on oil prices, commodity market expert Shamil Dzhazayev pointed out. "Oil prices can be expected to fall in the short term because the meeting’s results came as no surprise. However, the price drop won’t be significant, Brent crude will cost about $46-48 per barrel in late 2020 and early 2021," he noted. "The OPEC+ decision is a compromise between two options, which included exposing the market to the risk of destabilization amid weak demand and maintaining the existing quota, thus pushing the deal’s participants to break the agreement," Director of the Investment and Banking Department at QBF Dmitry Kipa said. According to him, the compromise will encourage moderate optimism on the market. Russia will benefit from the OPEC+ decision. On the one hand, the group will continue to control oil prices but on the other, a gradual rise in production will make it possible for Russia to secure extra oil and gas revenues, emphasized Natalya Milchakova, deputy head of the Alpari analytical center.
Read also Russian peacekeepers defuse about 100 explosive devices in Nagorno-Karabakh
Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Karabakh airfield could become Russia’s second Khmeimim Moscow is considering the possibility of using the only airfield in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The airfield in Khojaly, located ten kilometers from the Karabakh capital of Stepanakert, can become an important air transport hub, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Retired military expert Colonel Vladimir Popov believes that the airfield can turn into a foothold for Russia’s peacekeeping mission in the region. At present, Russian planes arrive in Yerevan and from there goods are delivered to Nagorno-Karabakh by road. "If goods could be brought straight to Stepanakert by air, that would be the best option," Popov said. Is it possible to view the Khojaly airfield as a military base similar to the one that Russia has in Syria? At first glance, there indeed are similarities. The Russian military has set up a makeshift hospital like the one established at Syria’s Khmeimim air base. There also is room for logistics facilities. Moscow needs to agree on legal issues related to the setup of such a base with Baku. It seems that steps are being taken in this direction. The newspaper’s sources in the Russian Defense Ministry said that Moscow was likely to get permission to use the Khojaly airfield in the near future since the Azerbaijani authorities were interested in the effectiveness of Russia’s peacekeeping mission in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Meanwhile, the use of the Khojaly airfield will also create some problems for Russia. According to retired military expert Lieutenant General Yuri Netkachev, the airfield needs to be upgraded because it is currently unfit for heavy military cargo planes. "The runway’s upgrading will cost at least one billion rubles ($13.4 mln). It is unclear if Russia will go for that. Armenia does not have the money to do it. However, Azerbaijan is interested in an airport near Stepanakert. I don’t rule out that Azerbaijan and maybe Turkey will invest in it," the expert said. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Legislator vows to battle US big tech 'dictatorship' on Russian soil
Read also Social media administration politically biased, Russian diplomat says
Russia’s State Duma will soon consider a bill making it possible to introduce restrictions against foreign social media networks and even ban them. Chairman of the Federation Council Commission on Information Policy Alexei Pushkov, one of the legislation’s sponsors, clarified its main provisions to Rossiyskaya Gazeta. According to Pushkov, social media giants must obey Russian laws on Russian soil, refraining from replacing the country’s legislation with corporate decisions. The senator pointed out that in 2020 alone, access to Russian content on YouTube and other foreign online platforms was blocked 24 times. "About 200 such incidents took place in the past few years. It is about blatant political censorship. At the same time, the public is not widely aware of the fact that foreign networks violate Russian laws in other fields as well. For instance, they often times refuse to block access to websites banned in Russia, which promote drugs and incite suicide," Pushkov added. At the moment, the courts resolve such issues by way of fines. However, Moscow does not currently have the legal tools to respond to discrimination against Russian media outlets. Moreover, foreign social media companies "often argue that they don’t accept the jurisdiction of Russian courts." Pushkov emphasized that Russian lawmakers "don’t seek to block YouTube and Facebook." According to him, "the goal is to encourage social media companies to abide by Russian laws and refrain from censoring Russian online content.""If we don’t do anything, we will become hostage to an online dictatorship that will decide what we can and can’t read and watch," Pushkov concluded. RBC: Russian banks demand stricter penalties for theft of confidential client data
Read also Sberbank plans to open Russia's first AI institute
Russian banks are calling for tightening penalties for stealing and disclosing information that is subject to bank secrecy. There are plans to introduce amendments to the Russian Criminal Code, RBC reports. The initiative to tighten the relevant penalties was discussed at a meeting of the Association of Russian Banks on December 3. Market participants suggested that illegal access to bank secrecy should be punished by a prison term of 10-20 years. "The current penalty is inadequate, given the damage done [by the disclosure of such information]," the association’s Vice President Alexei Voilukov told the news outlet. According to him, a relevant bill will be hammered out in the near future. There are plans to amend Article 183 of the Russian Criminal Code, which determines the penalties for the unlawful acquisition and disclosure of information constituting commercial, tax or banking secrets, and defines what is the meaning of "unlawful access" and "unlawful collection" of banking data. "There is a need to separate the term ‘bank secrecy’ from other secrets because access to this kind of information has become endemic. Nearly two million customers seeking access to bank secrecy are registered in the Russian segment of Darknet," Voikukov explained. Russia’s Central Bank supports the idea of stricter penalties for cyber crimes, a spokesperson told RBC. "However, the initiative put forward by market participants requires a deep legal analysis," he added. The share of data leaks attributed to company personnel stands at 72% in Russia, which is twice as high as the global average. The financial industry comes in second as far as data theft is concerned, accounting for 18.9% of such incidents. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Restaurants set up remote work zones to soften pandemic's bite


tass--2020-12-04--FSB thwarts illegal border crossing attempt by three armed perpetrators from Ukraine

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian border guards have foiled an illegal border crossing attempt by three armed @ @ @ @ @ the Public Relations Center of the Federal Security Service ( FSB ) told TASS , @ @ @ @ @ them was killed , two others fled .
`` The incident occurred at the section @ @ @ @ @ FSB Directorate for the Belgorod and Voronezh Regions on December 4 .
A border guard @ @ @ @ @ attempt from Ukraine into the Russian Federation by three armed unidentified individuals .
During an @ @ @ @ @ the perpetrators responded with armed resistance , '' the Public Relations Center reported .
As @ @ @ @ @ fire , one of them was fatally injured , the two others fled to the @ @ @ @ @ investigation is underway .
The FSB has not reported yet other details of the incident @

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russian border guards have foiled an illegal border crossing attempt by three armed perpetrators from Ukraine. As the Public Relations Center of the Federal Security Service (FSB) told TASS, after exchanging fire one of them was killed, two others fled.
"The incident occurred at the section of the border under the FSB Directorate for the Belgorod and Voronezh Regions on December 4. A border guard detachment thwarted the border violation attempt from Ukraine into the Russian Federation by three armed unidentified individuals. During an attempt to detain them, the perpetrators responded with armed resistance," the Public Relations Center reported.
As a result of a retaliatory fire, one of them was fatally injured, the two others fled to the territory of Ukraine.
The investigation is underway. The FSB has not reported yet other details of the incident.


tass--2020-12-04--Vatican hopes for closer convergence of Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches

VATICAN , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church are becoming @ @ @ @ @ with mutual respect for each other ’ s traditions , Vatican Secretary for Relations with @ @ @ @ @ TASS in an interview .
According to the official , the historic 2016 meeting of @ @ @ @ @ of Moscow in Havana provided an important impetus to the development of these relations .
@ @ @ @ @ likes to say , this step is not a separate isolated event , but gives @ @ @ @ @ mutual understanding and more saturated cooperation , '' Gallagher said .
He noted that Vatican @ @ @ @ @ Metropolitan bishop Hilarion , chairman of the external church relations department of the Moscow patriarchy @ @ @ @ @ the two churches hold meetings on permanent basis and carry out joint initiative of cultural @ @ @ @ @ .
`` All this gives hope that we walk down the right path towards fraternal @ @ @ @ @ traditions , '' the hierarch said .

VATICAN, December 4. /TASS/. Relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church are becoming closer and more brotherly, with mutual respect for each other’s traditions, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher told TASS in an interview.
According to the official, the historic 2016 meeting of Pope Francis and Patriach Kirill of Moscow in Havana provided an important impetus to the development of these relations.
"As the Pope himself likes to say, this step is not a separate isolated event, but gives start for established of better mutual understanding and more saturated cooperation," Gallagher said.
He noted that Vatican regularly holds regular meeting with Metropolitan bishop Hilarion, chairman of the external church relations department of the Moscow patriarchy, adding that representatives of the two churches hold meetings on permanent basis and carry out joint initiative of cultural, academic and social nature.
"All this gives hope that we walk down the right path towards fraternal convergence with mutual respect of traditions," the hierarch said.


tass--2020-12-04--Vatican, US always differed in views and approaches, says Holy See envoy

VATICAN , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Vatican considers its relations with the US good and reliable , although the Holy See always had certain disagreements with Washington , Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher said in an interview for TASS .
`` One could say that the relations of the Holy See and the United States of America are good and strong since their establishment in 1984 .
There have always been contact points with different administrations - be it Republicans or Democrats - as well as certain differences in views and approaches .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights and religious freedoms is a priority both for the Holy See and the US .
But our approaches to this matter differ somewhat , '' the archbishop said .
He underscored that the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church avoid any politicization and ideologization of such an important topic .
`` We had an open , friendly and constructive dialogue with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on this issue .
Peace , human dignity , value of every life , human rights , and , in particular , religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Holy See diplomacy .
And we had an opportunity to confirm that to Pompeo , as well as to remind [ Washington ] that the Pope , various dicasteries of the Holy See and institutions of the Roman Catholic Church fight on the front lines and protect the religious freedoms , '' Gallagher said .
Mike Pompeo visited Vatican two months ago .
At that time , after the secretary of state published an article , in which he criticized Vatican ’ s policy course to interact with China , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relations between Washington and the Holy See had escalated .
Speaking about China , Gallagher noted that Vatican considers the agreement a step towards the improvement of the situation with the freedom of religion .
`` In relation to China , the Holy See believes in the logic of direct dialogue and small steps .
Our agreement serves to improve the situation with the freedom of religion .
We know that a lot of things could still be improved , but one can not deny that this agreement yielded good results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 2019 , the Chinese authorities approved the candidacy of the head of a eparchy on its territory - for the first time since signing an agreement with Vatican .
Before that , the Catholic Church in China appointed bishops on its own , without consulting with the Pope .
In October , the term of this agreement , effective `` on an experimental basis '' was extended .

VATICAN, December 4. /TASS/. The Vatican considers its relations with the US good and reliable, although the Holy See always had certain disagreements with Washington, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Paul Richard Gallagher said in an interview for TASS.
"One could say that the relations of the Holy See and the United States of America are good and strong since their establishment in 1984. There have always been contact points with different administrations - be it Republicans or Democrats - as well as certain differences in views and approaches. There are no doubts that the protection of human rights and religious freedoms is a priority both for the Holy See and the US. But our approaches to this matter differ somewhat," the archbishop said.
He underscored that the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church avoid any politicization and ideologization of such an important topic.
"We had an open, friendly and constructive dialogue with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on this issue. Peace, human dignity, value of every life, human rights, and, in particular, religious freedoms have always been in the focus of the Holy See diplomacy. And we had an opportunity to confirm that to Pompeo, as well as to remind [Washington] that the Pope, various dicasteries of the Holy See and institutions of the Roman Catholic Church fight on the front lines and protect the religious freedoms," Gallagher said.
Mike Pompeo visited Vatican two months ago. At that time, after the secretary of state published an article, in which he criticized Vatican’s policy course to interact with China, including in appointing bishops, some believed that the relations between Washington and the Holy See had escalated. Speaking about China, Gallagher noted that Vatican considers the agreement a step towards the improvement of the situation with the freedom of religion.
"In relation to China, the Holy See believes in the logic of direct dialogue and small steps. Our agreement serves to improve the situation with the freedom of religion. We know that a lot of things could still be improved, but one cannot deny that this agreement yielded good results," Vatican's envoy said.
In August 2019, the Chinese authorities approved the candidacy of the head of a eparchy on its territory - for the first time since signing an agreement with Vatican. Before that, the Catholic Church in China appointed bishops on its own, without consulting with the Pope. In October, the term of this agreement, effective "on an experimental basis" was extended.


tass--2020-12-04--Number of COVID-19 infections in Russia increases by 27,403 in 24 hours

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ bringing the total to 2,402,949 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told journalists on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ , the relative growth has not surpassed 1.2 % for the past two days .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The number of confirmed COVID-19 infections in Russia over the past 24 hours has increased by 27,403, bringing the total to 2,402,949, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told journalists on Friday.
According to the crisis center, the relative growth has not surpassed 1.2% for the past two days.


tass--2020-12-04--Moscow sees 82-percent surge in plasma donors with COVID-19 antibodies

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The number of plasma donors in Moscow with antibodies to the coronavirus has @ @ @ @ @ November , the Moscow Mayor ’ s official website said .
`` In the capital @ @ @ @ @ more of those who , thanks to doctors , have successfully recovered from the novel @ @ @ @ @ , as many as 2,645 people donated blood plasma with antibodies to the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ than the month before when there were 1,453 donors .
In all , over 6,700 @ @ @ @ @ after recovering from COVID-19 , with 12.6 % of them donating blood multiple times .
@ @ @ @ @ each donation may help save lives and health of two or three patients , '' @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Anastasia Rakova as saying .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The number of plasma donors in Moscow with antibodies to the coronavirus has grown by 82% in November, the Moscow Mayor’s official website said.
"In the capital, every day there are more of those who, thanks to doctors, have successfully recovered from the novel coronavirus infection. In November, as many as 2,645 people donated blood plasma with antibodies to the coronavirus, this is 82% more than the month before when there were 1,453 donors. In all, over 6,700 capital residents became plasma donors after recovering from COVID-19, with 12.6% of them donating blood multiple times. This is indeed important since each donation may help save lives and health of two or three patients," the statement quoted Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova as saying.


tass--2020-12-04--Moscow opens registration for inoculation against coronavirus

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Electronic registration for inoculation against the coronavirus has been launched in the capital .
In all , 70 vaccination stations were opened in the city , the Moscow Mayor ’ s official website said .
`` First of all , according to the assignment of the Russian President and the Moscow Mayor , we are inoculating the major risk groups .
Those are the people who due to their work have to interact more often with a large number of people .
Those are employees of the city , federal , and private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and workers of the city social services .
Please note that not only doctors and teachers can receive the vaccine , '' the statement quoted Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova as saying .
She added that hospital attendants , school and social workers have lots of contacts with residents and their risk of getting infected is just as great .
`` As early as today they can register on their own at one of the 70 stations for a free vaccination against the coronavirus , '' the deputy mayor said .
As more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of categories eligible for the inoculation will be expanded .
In the future , it will be accessible to all residents of the capital .
The registration is open for two weeks in advance on the Moscow city web portal .
The inoculation stations will work daily from 08:00 to 20:00 .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Electronic registration for inoculation against the coronavirus has been launched in the capital. In all, 70 vaccination stations were opened in the city, the Moscow Mayor’s official website said.
"First of all, according to the assignment of the Russian President and the Moscow Mayor, we are inoculating the major risk groups. Those are the people who due to their work have to interact more often with a large number of people. Those are employees of the city, federal, and private medical institutions, staff of educational institutions and workers of the city social services. Please note that not only doctors and teachers can receive the vaccine," the statement quoted Deputy Moscow Mayor Anastasia Rakova as saying.
She added that hospital attendants, school and social workers have lots of contacts with residents and their risk of getting infected is just as great.
"As early as today they can register on their own at one of the 70 stations for a free vaccination against the coronavirus," the deputy mayor said.
As more vaccines are received by institutions, the list of categories eligible for the inoculation will be expanded. In the future, it will be accessible to all residents of the capital.
The registration is open for two weeks in advance on the Moscow city web portal. The inoculation stations will work daily from 08:00 to 20:00.


tass--2020-12-04--Uzbekistan receives first samples of Sputnik V vaccine

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Industry and Trade Ministry has reported that first samples of the Sputnik V vaccine had arrived in Uzbekistan in order to conduct trials before its subsequent industrial production , the Ministry ’ s website reported on Friday .
`` Industry and Trade Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov personally delivered to the republic ’ s capital samples of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 .
The valuable cargo was received by Deputy Head of the Service for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Uzbek side in order to conduct the trials necessary to obtain registration and launch industrial production of the vaccine in Uzbekistan , '' the statement said .
Additionally , the agency reported that the volume of vaccines produced will soon reach 2 mln doses which would allow to launch inoculation in Russia .
On August 11 , Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow on September 7 , the first vaccine was administered to volunteers on September 9 .
In all , 40,000 people participate in the program , with 10,000 of them receiving a placebo instead of the vaccine .
The effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine , according to the interim trial results , surpasses 95 % on Day 42 after administration of a first dose of the preparation if a patient receives a second dose .
Requests to obtain over 1.2 bln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine were received from over 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be manufactured by international partners in India , Brazil , China , South Korea , and other countries .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Russia’s Industry and Trade Ministry has reported that first samples of the Sputnik V vaccine had arrived in Uzbekistan in order to conduct trials before its subsequent industrial production, the Ministry’s website reported on Friday.
"Industry and Trade Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov personally delivered to the republic’s capital samples of the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19. The valuable cargo was received by Deputy Head of the Service for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan Holmamat Norboyev. The samples were submitted to the Uzbek side in order to conduct the trials necessary to obtain registration and launch industrial production of the vaccine in Uzbekistan," the statement said.
Additionally, the agency reported that the volume of vaccines produced will soon reach 2 mln doses which would allow to launch inoculation in Russia.
The Sputnik V vaccine
On August 11, Russia became the first worldwide to register the vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry. Post-registration trials began in Moscow on September 7, the first vaccine was administered to volunteers on September 9. In all, 40,000 people participate in the program, with 10,000 of them receiving a placebo instead of the vaccine.
The effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine, according to the interim trial results, surpasses 95% on Day 42 after administration of a first dose of the preparation if a patient receives a second dose.
Requests to obtain over 1.2 bln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine were received from over 50 countries. The vaccine for foreign markets will be manufactured by international partners in India, Brazil, China, South Korea, and other countries.


tass--2020-12-04--Event organized by CBMM highlights green hydrogen

SAO PAULO , December 4 .
/PRNewswire/ .
In the search for solutions that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions , governments and scientists around the world are encouraging a movement to adopt more sustainable and efficient technologies .
To that end , hydrogen has emerged as a key element in the decarbonization of the economy .
Scientists from renowned universities and industry specialists will discuss how hydrogen production technologies and their use in fuel cells can revolutionize the energy and mobility sectors during the Charles Hatchett Award Webinar 2020 , a virtual event that will be held on December 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The keynote presentation will be delivered by Manish Chhowolla , professor of Materials Science at Cambridge University , and winner of the 2020 Charles Hatchett Award , an annual prize ratified by UK-based Institute of Materials , Minerals and Mining ( IOM3 ) .
`` New solutions in the energy transition have a strong connection with our technological development program and our growth strategy .
Hydrogen emerges as a sustainable solution to the complex challenges of our society , as it leads to a cycle completely free of carbon emissions , '' explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy program .
Organized by CBMM , global leader in niobium product development , the webinar will also count on the participation of Silke Frank , CEO of Mission Hydrogen ; Ricardo Lima , vice president of CBMM ; Robson Monteiro , senior market development specialist at CBMM ; Katsuyoshi Kakinuma , professor at the Center for Fuel Cell Nanomaterials at Yamanashi University ; Barr Zulevi , president and CTO of Pajarito Powder ; and Shanna Knights , director of technology at Ballard Power Systems .
Check out the event schedule and register @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : //niobium.tech/CharlesHatchettAwardWebinar2020 World leader in the production and commercialization of Niobium products , CBMM has more than 400 customers in 40 countries .
Headquartered in Brazil , with offices and subsidiaries in China , the Netherlands , Singapore , Switzerland and the United States , the company supplies cutting-edge products and technology to the infrastructure , mobility , aerospace and energy sectors .
In 2019 , CBMM invested in 2DM , a company dedicated to graphene .

SAO PAULO, December 4. /PRNewswire/. In the search for solutions that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, governments and scientists around the world are encouraging a movement to adopt more sustainable and efficient technologies. To that end, hydrogen has emerged as a key element in the decarbonization of the economy.
Scientists from renowned universities and industry specialists will discuss how hydrogen production technologies and their use in fuel cells can revolutionize the energy and mobility sectors during the Charles Hatchett Award Webinar 2020, a virtual event that will be held on December 7 at 2:00 pm (CET).
The keynote presentation will be delivered by Manish Chhowolla, professor of Materials Science at Cambridge University, and winner of the 2020 Charles Hatchett Award, an annual prize ratified by UK-based Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).
"New solutions in the energy transition have a strong connection with our technological development program and our growth strategy. Hydrogen emerges as a sustainable solution to the complex challenges of our society, as it leads to a cycle completely free of carbon emissions," explains Rogerio Pastore, head of CBMM's energy program.
Organized by CBMM, global leader in niobium product development, the webinar will also count on the participation of Silke Frank, CEO of Mission Hydrogen; Ricardo Lima, vice president of CBMM; Robson Monteiro, senior market development specialist at CBMM; Katsuyoshi Kakinuma, professor at the Center for Fuel Cell Nanomaterials at Yamanashi University; Barr Zulevi, president and CTO of Pajarito Powder; and Shanna Knights, director of technology at Ballard Power Systems.
Check out the event schedule and register for the free webinar at: https://niobium.tech/CharlesHatchettAwardWebinar2020
About CBMM
World leader in the production and commercialization of Niobium products, CBMM has more than 400 customers in 40 countries. Headquartered in Brazil, with offices and subsidiaries in China, the Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States, the company supplies cutting-edge products and technology to the infrastructure, mobility, aerospace and energy sectors. In 2019, CBMM invested in 2DM, a company dedicated to graphene.


tass--2020-12-04--Maxonrow partners with National Chiao Tung University

HSINCHU , Taiwan , December 4 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Blockchain tech startup company Maxonrow and Taiwan 's leading university National Chiao Tung University jointly established the `` Technology Management and Blockchain Research Center '' which is dedicated towards the development of blockchain technology applications , promote cross-domain integrated application systems , and contribute to the development of blockchain-industry ecosystem alliance .
The inauguration ceremony of research center was held recently on 24th November , 2020 .
The `` Technology Management and Blockchain Research Center '' which was founded by National Chiao Tung University 's Institute of Technology Management Professor Grace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CTO ) Don Hsieh .
The former is positioned as director of the research center , whereas the latter is taking on technical director role .
In addition , the research center successfully collaborated with many public sector organizations , academic units and well-known corporations , including Chunghwa Telecom , General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China , Taiwan Blockchain Alliance , Hsinchu City Government , and Industrial Technology Research Institute — the very initial collaboration that has received firm support from political , business and academic circle .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment for the approval of STO virtual securities financial regulations .
Also , the domestic demand for blockchain technology on commercial applications is gradually sprouting and expanding .
National Chiao Tung University is well-known for its science and engineering , which comprises of leading academicians and conducive research atmosphere , has occupied the global leading position in electronics , information communications , optoelectronics and many other relevant fields .
By collaborating with blockchain tech startup company Maxonrow , which has leading advantages of being highly familiar with blockchain and matured True Asset Issuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center aims to focus on : • Agricultural and fishery production along with its sales record management With the evolution of blockchain technology , rapid adaptation and successful transformation has became a key factor in today 's organizations .
The research center aims to assist organizations in seeking a compatible future development , and building a highly interactive ecosystem alliance between industry experts and academic achievers .
The `` Technology Management and Blockchain Research Centre '' is looking forward to realizing the true potential of blockchain applications by introducing cutting-edge technology in near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , visit www.maxonrow.com .
Maxonrow is a leading technology company committed to building a safe and efficient digital world .
The company develops an array of products and services powered by blockchain technology , focusing on increasing security and efficiency in digital processes , including DMS ( document management system ) , tokenization services ( FT & NFT ) and digital identity wallet solutions .
Maxonrow works proactively with global regulators and governments to build a healthy ecosystem for new technologies to flourish .
With Maxonrow , companies can enjoy all the benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @

HSINCHU, Taiwan, December 4. /PRNewswire/. Blockchain tech startup company Maxonrow and Taiwan's leading university National Chiao Tung University jointly established the "Technology Management and Blockchain Research Center" which is dedicated towards the development of blockchain technology applications, promote cross-domain integrated application systems, and contribute to the development of blockchain-industry ecosystem alliance. The inauguration ceremony of research center was held recently on 24th November, 2020.
The "Technology Management and Blockchain Research Center" which was founded by National Chiao Tung University's Institute of Technology Management Professor Grace Lin and Maxonrow Taiwan Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Don Hsieh. The former is positioned as director of the research center, whereas the latter is taking on technical director role.
In addition, the research center successfully collaborated with many public sector organizations, academic units and well-known corporations, including Chunghwa Telecom, General Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of China, Taiwan Blockchain Alliance, Hsinchu City Government, and Industrial Technology Research Institute — the very initial collaboration that has received firm support from political, business and academic circle.
At present, Taiwan is at a crucial moment for the approval of STO virtual securities financial regulations. Also, the domestic demand for blockchain technology on commercial applications is gradually sprouting and expanding. National Chiao Tung University is well-known for its science and engineering, which comprises of leading academicians and conducive research atmosphere, has occupied the global leading position in electronics, information communications, optoelectronics and many other relevant fields.
By collaborating with blockchain tech startup company Maxonrow, which has leading advantages of being highly familiar with blockchain and matured True Asset Issuing (TAI) technology, the research center aims to focus on:
Medical biotechnology industry
Agricultural and fishery production along with its sales record management
FinTech applications
Smart logistics and cold chain
Smart Factory Industry 4.0
Renewable energy management
Enterprise information security certificate software
With the evolution of blockchain technology, rapid adaptation and successful transformation has became a key factor in today's organizations. The research center aims to assist organizations in seeking a compatible future development, and building a highly interactive ecosystem alliance between industry experts and academic achievers. The "Technology Management and Blockchain Research Centre" is looking forward to realizing the true potential of blockchain applications by introducing cutting-edge technology in near future.
For more information on Maxonrow, visit www.maxonrow.com.
About Maxonrow Ltd ("Maxonrow")
Maxonrow is a leading technology company committed to building a safe and efficient digital world. The company develops an array of products and services powered by blockchain technology, focusing on increasing security and efficiency in digital processes, including DMS (document management system), tokenization services (FT & NFT) and digital identity wallet solutions. Maxonrow works proactively with global regulators and governments to build a healthy ecosystem for new technologies to flourish. With Maxonrow, companies can enjoy all the benefits blockchain offers without sacrificing regulatory oversight.
CONTACT: Emily Yap - emily.yap@maxonrow.com


tass--2020-12-04--Successful Outcomes for the 2020 World Industrial Design Conference

YANTAI , China , December 4 .
/PRNewswire/ .
On November 30 , the Information Office of the Yantai Municipal People 's Government convened a press conference to announce the outcomes of the 2020 World Industrial Design Conference .
On November 29 , the 2020 World Industrial Design Conference came to a successful conclusion .
An innovative and far-reaching conference in the field of industrial design , it achieved a series of successful outcomes .
With the theme 'Intelligent Design & Road to the Future ' , the conference innovatively launched 100 online sub-venues worldwide with a view to exploring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 2020 China Excellent Industrial Design ( CEID ) Award Exhibition held during the conference attracted 7.5 million online viewers and 100,000 offline visitors .
Almost one thousand local enterprises , industrial parks , social organizations , colleges , and universities in Yantai City participated in the exhibition .
There were also special exhibitions staged in a number of cities and regions .
158 investment promotion personnel conducted business matching sessions with 803 companies including BYD , MESDA , Shandong Groot Industrial Equipment , Shandong Zhonghang Electromechanical Equipment and Yijiahe Technology .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reached 2.995 billion yuan in investment , technical cooperation , trade and other business activities .
The conference attracted the attention of many domestic and foreign media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency and CCTV .
To date , the keywords of the conference have generated more than 300 million internet clicks , pageviews , and exposures .
Caption : Visitors are appreciating the gold award winner of the 2020 CEID award : the concept vehicle of ultra-low wind resistance electric passenger vehicle .

YANTAI, China, December 4. /PRNewswire/. On November 30, the Information Office of the Yantai Municipal People's Government convened a press conference to announce the outcomes of the 2020 World Industrial Design Conference.
On November 29, the 2020 World Industrial Design Conference came to a successful conclusion. An innovative and far-reaching conference in the field of industrial design, it achieved a series of successful outcomes.
With the theme 'Intelligent Design & Road to the Future', the conference innovatively launched 100 online sub-venues worldwide with a view to exploring the latest concepts in intelligent manufacturing. The 2020 China Excellent Industrial Design (CEID) Award Exhibition held during the conference attracted 7.5 million online viewers and 100,000 offline visitors. Almost one thousand local enterprises, industrial parks, social organizations, colleges, and universities in Yantai City participated in the exhibition. There were also special exhibitions staged in a number of cities and regions. 158 investment promotion personnel conducted business matching sessions with 803 companies including BYD, MESDA, Shandong Groot Industrial Equipment, Shandong Zhonghang Electromechanical Equipment and Yijiahe Technology. This resulted in the possibility of 174 projects and reached 2.995 billion yuan in investment, technical cooperation, trade and other business activities.
The conference attracted the attention of many domestic and foreign media outlets such as Xinhua News Agency and CCTV. To date, the keywords of the conference have generated more than 300 million internet clicks, pageviews, and exposures.
Image Attachments Links:
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=379074
Caption: Gold Award Winner of the 2020 CEID Award: TX-100 railway track sewage suction machine
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=379079
Caption: Gold Award Winner of the 2020 CEID Award: Bosideng Mountaineering Collection Series
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=379080
Caption: Gold Award Winner of the 2020 CEID Award: Weichai Power WP13G power assembly
Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=379081
Caption: Visitors are appreciating the gold award winner of the 2020 CEID award: the
concept vehicle of ultra-low wind resistance electric passenger vehicle.
CONTACT: Ms. Zhang, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-12-04--Japan allocates $4.5 billion in aid to developing countries over COVID-19 pandemic

TOKYO , December 4 .
The Japanese government announced on early Friday a decision to allocate the sum of $ 4.5 billion to help developing countries in the fight against the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus .
`` Japan has been working closely with the international community to overcome the crisis under the concept of human security since the beginning of COVID-19 , '' the statement reads .
`` To address COVID-19 , Japan has already provided foreign aid of 1.54 billion dollars to developing countries in a few months since this February with unprecedented speed . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical , as they will turn the tide of the global fight against COVID-19 , '' the statement continued .
`` Japan has established the ‘ COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan ’ of 4.5 billion dollars over the next two years .
The distribution of funds has already begun . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 65,535,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,511,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 45,375,900 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TOKYO, December 4. The Japanese government announced on early Friday a decision to allocate the sum of $4.5 billion to help developing countries in the fight against the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus.
"Japan has been working closely with the international community to overcome the crisis under the concept of human security since the beginning of COVID-19," the statement reads. "To address COVID-19, Japan has already provided foreign aid of 1.54 billion dollars to developing countries in a few months since this February with unprecedented speed."
"The development and delivery of vaccines are critical, as they will turn the tide of the global fight against COVID-19," the statement continued. "Japan has established the ‘COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan’ of 4.5 billion dollars over the next two years. The distribution of funds has already begun."
Global coronavirus crisis
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 65,535,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,511,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 45,375,900 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-12-04--Russian health minister condemns attempts of politicizing COVID-19 pandemic

UN , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia condemns all attempts of some countries ’ to politicize COVID-19 pandemic , including the issue of the vaccination against the disease , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said addressing the UN General Assembly ’ s session .
`` We condemn intentions of a number of countries as well as of some organizations to politicize COVID-19 pandemic in regard to a host of issues , including the population ’ s vaccination . ''
`` Russia is taking an active part in the international efforts on the fight against COVID-19 at all levels , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the bilateral and multilateral formats , '' 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 Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched .
The third , post-registration , stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first dose of the vaccine on September .
As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials , with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo .
According to the interim test results , the vaccine ’ s efficiency exceeds 95 % on the 42nd day after inoculation with the first dose in case the patient received the second dose as well .
Orders for more than 1.2 billion doses of the Sputnik V vaccine have come from more than 50 countries .
International partners of the Russian Direct Investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , South Korea and other countries will manufacture the vaccine for exports .
Two domestically-developed anti-coronavirus vaccines have been registered in Russia .
One of them , Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , the other one , Epivaccorona , was developed by the Vector Center .
Another one , developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products is expected to be registered soon .
In late December 2019 , Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 65,535,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,511,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 45,375,900 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the globe .

UN, December 4. /TASS/. Russia condemns all attempts of some countries’ to politicize COVID-19 pandemic, including the issue of the vaccination against the disease, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said addressing the UN General Assembly’s session.
"We condemn intentions of a number of countries as well as of some organizations to politicize COVID-19 pandemic in regard to a host of issues, including the population’s vaccination."
"Russia is taking an active part in the international efforts on the fight against COVID-19 at all levels, including our help to pandemic-hit countries both at the bilateral and multilateral formats," 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 Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched. The third, post-registration, stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7. Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September. As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials, with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo.
According to the interim test results, the vaccine’s efficiency exceeds 95% on the 42nd day after inoculation with the first dose in case the patient received the second dose as well.
Orders for more than 1.2 billion doses of the Sputnik V vaccine have come from more than 50 countries. International partners of the Russian Direct Investment Fund in India, Brazil, China, South Korea and other countries will manufacture the vaccine for exports.
Two domestically-developed anti-coronavirus vaccines have been registered in Russia. One of them, Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, the other one, Epivaccorona, was developed by the Vector Center.
Another one, developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products is expected to be registered soon.
Global coronavirus crisis
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 65,535,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,511,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 45,375,900 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-12-04--Serbian president says first batch of Russian Sputnik V anti-COVID vaccine delivered

BELGARDE , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
A pilot batch of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine of 20 doses was delivered to Serbia , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said .
`` Our task is to provide vaccines and let people make their choice as every vaccine , which will be officially registered in major states , is good , '' Vucic said in an interview with Serbian television channel RTS late on Thursday .
`` I can deliver exclusive information by saying that today a first batch of the Russian vaccine , 20 doses , was delivered to Serbia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president also stated that he was not taking into account recommendations from Brussels regarding the choice of the offered anti-COVID vaccines .
`` It does not interest me at all ; I respect Brussels , but I love Serbia more , and I love the most people living in Serbia , '' Vucic said , when asked by journalists , whether Serbia would decide to make a choice of the Russian vaccine over the one from China .
`` If we manage to save another life , I ’ ll be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brussels , Washington , Moscow and Beijing , '' he continued .
`` If I decided against the Russian or Chinese vaccine over the opinion of Brussels , how would I go to sleep knowing that people , who could have been saved , are dying ; how would I have lived with that ? ''
Vucic added .
The Serbian leader also stated that the delivered batch of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine would be thoroughly examined by Serbian experts , who would decide whether it should be used for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 that he was ready to be the first to test the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine `` when Serbian specialists say it is good . ''
On November 12 , he said his country had agreed on the purchase of 1.8 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and was negotiating possible purchase of vaccines from China and Russia .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its clinical trials were successfully completed in June-July .
The Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched .
The third , post-registration , stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7 .
Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September .
As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials , with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo .
According to the interim test results , the vaccine ’ s efficiency exceeds 95 % on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first dose in case the patient received the second dose as well .
Orders for more than 1.2 billion doses of the Sputnik V vaccine have come from more than 50 countries .
International partners of the Russian Direct Investment Fund in India , Brazil , China , South Korea and other countries will manufacture the vaccine for exports .
Two domestically-developed anti-coronavirus vaccines have been registered in Russia .
One of them , Sputnik V , was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was developed by the Vector Center .
Another one , developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products is expected to be registered soon .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 65,418,220 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,509,430 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 45,266,290 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BELGARDE, December 4. /TASS/. A pilot batch of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine of 20 doses was delivered to Serbia, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said.
"Our task is to provide vaccines and let people make their choice as every vaccine, which will be officially registered in major states, is good," Vucic said in an interview with Serbian television channel RTS late on Thursday.
"I can deliver exclusive information by saying that today a first batch of the Russian vaccine, 20 doses, was delivered to Serbia," Vucic said.
The Serbian president also stated that he was not taking into account recommendations from Brussels regarding the choice of the offered anti-COVID vaccines.
"It does not interest me at all; I respect Brussels, but I love Serbia more, and I love the most people living in Serbia," Vucic said, when asked by journalists, whether Serbia would decide to make a choice of the Russian vaccine over the one from China.
"If we manage to save another life, I’ll be able to withstand any reprimand from Brussels. From Brussels, Washington, Moscow and Beijing," he continued.
"If I decided against the Russian or Chinese vaccine over the opinion of Brussels, how would I go to sleep knowing that people, who could have been saved, are dying; how would I have lived with that?" Vucic added.
The Serbian leader also stated that the delivered batch of the Russian Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine would be thoroughly examined by Serbian experts, who would decide whether it should be used for the national population.
Vucic announced on August 11 that he was ready to be the first to test the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine "when Serbian specialists say it is good." On November 12, he said his country had agreed on the purchase of 1.8 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and was negotiating possible purchase of vaccines from China and Russia.
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 Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched. The third, post-registration, stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7. Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September. As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials, with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo.
According to the interim test results, the vaccine’s efficiency exceeds 95% on the 42nd day after inoculation with the first dose in case the patient received the second dose as well.
Orders for more than 1.2 billion doses of the Sputnik V vaccine have come from more than 50 countries. International partners of the Russian Direct Investment Fund in India, Brazil, China, South Korea and other countries will manufacture the vaccine for exports.
Two domestically-developed anti-coronavirus vaccines have been registered in Russia. One of them, Sputnik V, was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, the other one, Epivaccorona, was developed by the Vector Center.
Another one, developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products is expected to be registered soon.
Global coronavirus crisis
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 65,418,220 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,509,430 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 45,266,290 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-12-04--Number of coronavirus cases worldwide exceeds 65 million

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide exceeded 65 million @ @ @ @ @ US-based Johns Hopkins University , which relies on data from international organizations , federal and @ @ @ @ @ research university reports that at present , the global number of people infected with the @ @ @ @ @ , while the death toll has reached 1,502,728 .
Over 41,705,000 patients have already recovered @ @ @ @ @ United States is the leading country in terms of confirmed novel coronavirus cases ( 14,086,016 @ @ @ @ @ ( 9,534,964 ) and Brazil ( 6,436,650 ) .
According to Johns Hopkins University , @ @ @ @ @ terms of reported positive COVID-19 cases .
To date , 2,375,546 coronavirus cases have been @ @ @ @ @ 1,859,851 patients having recovered from the disease , according to the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
@ @ @ @ @ indicates 41,607 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus worldwide exceeded 65 million on Thursday, according the US-based Johns Hopkins University, which relies on data from international organizations, federal and local authorities.
The US-based research university reports that at present, the global number of people infected with the novel coronavirus stands at 65,016,336, while the death toll has reached 1,502,728. Over 41,705,000 patients have already recovered from the disease.
The United States is the leading country in terms of confirmed novel coronavirus cases (14,086,016), followed by India (9,534,964) and Brazil (6,436,650).
According to Johns Hopkins University, Russia is ranked 4th in terms of reported positive COVID-19 cases.
To date, 2,375,546 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,859,851 patients having recovered from the disease, according to the anti-coronavirus crisis center. Russia’s latest data indicates 41,607 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-12-03--First batch of duty free auxiliary goods delivered to China's Hainan

HAIKOU , December 3 .
/TASS/ .
The first batch of duty free auxiliary goods arrived in China 's Hainan , reported Xinhua .
Since the beginning of December , the Chinese authorities have canceled the import duty , VAT and consumption tax on a wide range of imported auxiliary goods and raw materials purchased by Hainan .
The first such shipment to arrive in the province was a shipment of weather radar transceivers from Hainan Airlines .
Equipment for the air carrier worth 3.8 million yuan ( about $ 579,000 ) was exempt from taxes in the amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In November , the Chinese Ministry of Finance ordered the exemption from import duties on raw materials and auxiliary goods imported by Hainan .
The list of 169 categories includes the goods used in manufacturing and services .
In particular , it included agricultural products , energy resources , chemical raw materials , various types of wood , boat motors , parts from boats and yachts , radar and aerospace equipment .
These products are exclusively for businesses registered in Hainan and can not be sold or exported outside the island .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, December 3. /TASS/. The first batch of duty free auxiliary goods arrived in China's Hainan, reported Xinhua.
Since the beginning of December, the Chinese authorities have canceled the import duty, VAT and consumption tax on a wide range of imported auxiliary goods and raw materials purchased by Hainan. The first such shipment to arrive in the province was a shipment of weather radar transceivers from Hainan Airlines. Equipment for the air carrier worth 3.8 million yuan (about $ 579,000) was exempt from taxes in the amount of 530,000 yuan (about $ 80,000).
In November, the Chinese Ministry of Finance ordered the exemption from import duties on raw materials and auxiliary goods imported by Hainan. The list of 169 categories includes the goods used in manufacturing and services. In particular, it included agricultural products, energy resources, chemical raw materials, various types of wood, boat motors, parts from boats and yachts, radar and aerospace equipment. These products are exclusively for businesses registered in Hainan and cannot be sold or exported outside the island.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-12-03--French authorities increasingly strangling civil liberties, Russian diplomat says

`` Although the French authorities traditionally tout the protection of human rights as one of the state ’ s key policy priorities , lately France has ever more frequently resorted to restricting civil rights and freedoms , justifying it by claiming national security , '' she said .
The diplomat noted that the problem of police brutality and the violent suppression of protests , which often descend into altercations with the police , is widely discussed in France right now .
She pointed out that , during the 2018-2019 Yellow Vests demonstrations , around 14,000 rubber bullets were fired at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured , over 12,000 people were apprehended and some 2,000 convictions were handed down .
She added that journalists covering protests , including Russian ones , often find themselves in hot water .
The spokeswoman recalled that , amid rising crime rates and the Islamic terror threat , the National Assembly of France passed a bill on comprehensive security in the first reading .
Zakharova pointed out that this triggered large-scale rallies by opponents of this bill , followed by clashes with police .
According to the diplomat , this testifies to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macron 's policy course that is headed towards restricting freedom of information .
The National Assembly began reviewing the bill , dubbed The Fauverge Law after one of its authors , a former police officer and politician , Jean-Michel Fauverge , on November 18 .
The first protests in Paris followed immediately .
The bill has primarily come under fire over Article 24 , which prohibits `` disseminating , by any means or medium whatsoever , with the aim of harming their physical or mental integrity , the image of the face or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the national police or member of the national gendarmerie when acting during a police operation.
” On November 28 , one of the biggest rallies not seen since the time of the Yellow Vests occurred , drawing roughly 133,000 people .
Police say some 46,000 protesters flooded the streets of Paris , to demonstrate against the bill and demand the resignation of certain officials .
The protest took a violent turn and descended into massive riots , in which 98 police officers were injured and some 80 rioters were apprehended .

"Although the French authorities traditionally tout the protection of human rights as one of the state’s key policy priorities, lately France has ever more frequently resorted to restricting civil rights and freedoms, justifying it by claiming national security," she said.
The diplomat noted that the problem of police brutality and the violent suppression of protests, which often descend into altercations with the police, is widely discussed in France right now. She pointed out that, during the 2018-2019 Yellow Vests demonstrations, around 14,000 rubber bullets were fired at protesters, and roughly 2,500 citizens were injured, over 12,000 people were apprehended and some 2,000 convictions were handed down. She added that journalists covering protests, including Russian ones, often find themselves in hot water.
The spokeswoman recalled that, amid rising crime rates and the Islamic terror threat, the National Assembly of France passed a bill on comprehensive security in the first reading. Zakharova pointed out that this triggered large-scale rallies by opponents of this bill, followed by clashes with police. According to the diplomat, this testifies to the public’s backlash against President Emmanuel Macron's policy course that is headed towards restricting freedom of information.
The National Assembly began reviewing the bill, dubbed The Fauverge Law after one of its authors, a former police officer and politician, Jean-Michel Fauverge, on November 18. The first protests in Paris followed immediately. The bill has primarily come under fire over Article 24, which prohibits "disseminating, by any means or medium whatsoever, with the aim of harming their physical or mental integrity, the image of the face or any other identifying element of an officer of the national police or member of the national gendarmerie when acting during a police operation.”
On November 28, one of the biggest rallies not seen since the time of the Yellow Vests occurred, drawing roughly 133,000 people. Police say some 46,000 protesters flooded the streets of Paris, to demonstrate against the bill and demand the resignation of certain officials. The protest took a violent turn and descended into massive riots, in which 98 police officers were injured and some 80 rioters were apprehended.


tass--2020-12-05--President Dodon expects Moldova to receive Russian vaccine soon

MOSCOW , December 5 .
/TASS/ .
Moldovan President Igor Dodon expressed hope that his country would receive Russian-made vaccine against the novel coronavirus soon .
`` Literally this week , a phone conversation took place between Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin .
We have also filed an official request .
We hope that this vaccine would arrive to Moldova within the shortest possible timeframe , because the pandemic is on the rise , and we won ’ t be able to tackle it without a vaccine , '' he told the Rossiya-24 TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched .
The third , post-registration , stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7 .
Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the trials , with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo .
According to the interim test results , the vaccine ’ s efficiency exceeds 95 % on the 42nd day after inoculation with the first dose in case the patient received the second dose as well .

MOSCOW, December 5. /TASS/. Moldovan President Igor Dodon expressed hope that his country would receive Russian-made vaccine against the novel coronavirus soon.
"Literally this week, a phone conversation took place between Moldovan Prime Minister Ion Chicu and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. We have also filed an official request. We hope that this vaccine would arrive to Moldova within the shortest possible timeframe, because the pandemic is on the rise, and we won’t be able to tackle it without a vaccine," he told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
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 Russian health ministry said on August 15 that production of the vaccine had been launched. The third, post-registration, stage of clinical tests began in Moscow on September 7. Volunteers were inoculated with the first dose of the vaccine on September. As many as 40,000 people are involved in the trials, with 10,000 of them being inoculated with a placebo.
According to the interim test results, the vaccine’s efficiency exceeds 95% on the 42nd day after inoculation with the first dose in case the patient received the second dose as well.


tass--2020-12-05--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 628,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , December 5 .
/TASS/ .
More than 628,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 64.6 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin published early on Saturday .
As of 20:09 Moscow time on December 4 , as many as 64,603,428 novel coronavirus cases and 1,500,614 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 628,592 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 12,161 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases ( 667,964 ) was reported on November 14 and the highest daily death toll ( 12,482 ) was reported on April 17 .
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries .
North and South America account for more than 46 % of the COVID-19 daily tally ( 293,320 cases ) .
Next are Europe ( 234,667 cases ) , and Southeast Asia ( 50,086 cases ) .
The biggest national coronavirus case count was reported in the United States ( 13,759,500 ) , India ( 9,571,559 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 2,402,949 ) , France ( 2,217,873 ) , Spain ( 1,675,902 ) , the United Kingdom ( 1,674,138 ) , Italy ( 1,664,829 ) , Argentina ( 1,440,103 ) , Colombia ( 1,334,089 ) , Mexico ( 1,133,613 ) , and Germany ( 1,130,237 ) .

GENEVA, December 5. /TASS/. More than 628,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 64.6 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin published early on Saturday.
As of 20:09 Moscow time on December 4, as many as 64,603,428 novel coronavirus cases and 1,500,614 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 628,592 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 12,161.
The highest daily tally of coronavirus cases (667,964) was reported on November 14 and the highest daily death toll (12,482) was reported on April 17.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
North and South America account for more than 46% of the COVID-19 daily tally (293,320 cases). Next are Europe (234,667 cases), and Southeast Asia (50,086 cases).
The biggest national coronavirus case count was reported in the United States (13,759,500), India (9,571,559), Brazil (6,436,650), Russia (2,402,949), France (2,217,873), Spain (1,675,902), the United Kingdom (1,674,138), Italy (1,664,829), Argentina (1,440,103), Colombia (1,334,089), Mexico (1,133,613), and Germany (1,130,237).


tass--2020-12-05--Moldova’s outgoing president accuses successor of attempts to destabilize situation

MOSCOW , December 4 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s outgoing President Igor Dodon believes that his successor , president-elect Maia Sandu , is trying to destabilize situation in the country by urging citizens to protest on Sunday .
`` They won the presidential polls .
We recognized the result .
We are not making any attempts to hamper them from entering the president ’ s office .
On December 10 , literally next week , the Constitutional Court will approve the election results , and the new president will be sworn in on December 24 .
What ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` It seems to me that their current agenda is < … > not related to domestic affairs .
They pursue external agenda , attempting to destabilize the situation in Moldova , '' Dodon continued .
In his words , calls for mass gatherings are `` very dangerous '' both in terms of the country ’ s stability and amid the pandemic .
On December 6 , Sandu announced a mass protest on Chisinau ’ s central square with a demand to dissolve the parliament .
The Moldovan president also said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Information and Security Service , must not be subordinated to the president , because his successor Maia Sandu has dual Moldovan-Romanian citizenship .
`` The Information and Security Service always was under the parliament ’ s control , '' Dodon said .
`` Moreover , we think that in a situation when the president of the country has the citizenship of another country as well - and our next president holds the Romanian citizenship as well - it would be wrong to leave the Information and Security Service in the hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Moldovan leader said he planned to sign a bill on the issue soon .
`` By the way , the law on the Information and Security Service clearly states that none of its employees has the right to have dual citizenship , '' he said .
`` The people who head this organization will continue working there .
We are not going to change anything . ''
Runoff presidential elections were held in Moldova on November 15 .
Sandu won the polls .
Results of the voting are yet to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 10 .
Dodon ’ s office term expires on December 23 and Sandu ’ s inauguration is scheduled for the following day .
The ruling majority of the Party of Socialists and the Democratic Party in the Moldovan parliament broke down ahead of the presidential elections and Dodon called for early parliamentary polls in May or June next year but insisted legal procedures be observed when dissolving the parliament .
Sandu , in turn , insists the parliament be dissolved immediately and has called on her supporters to organize protests in support @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 4. /TASS/. Moldova’s outgoing President Igor Dodon believes that his successor, president-elect Maia Sandu, is trying to destabilize situation in the country by urging citizens to protest on Sunday.
"They won the presidential polls. We recognized the result. We are not making any attempts to hamper them from entering the president’s office. On December 10, literally next week, the Constitutional Court will approve the election results, and the new president will be sworn in on December 24. What’s the problem?" the outgoing president said.
"It seems to me that their current agenda is <…> not related to domestic affairs. They pursue external agenda, attempting to destabilize the situation in Moldova," Dodon continued.
In his words, calls for mass gatherings are "very dangerous" both in terms of the country’s stability and amid the pandemic.
On December 6, Sandu announced a mass protest on Chisinau’s central square with a demand to dissolve the parliament.
Citizenship issue
The Moldovan president also said the country’s principal intelligence agency, the Information and Security Service, must not be subordinated to the president, because his successor Maia Sandu has dual Moldovan-Romanian citizenship.
"The Information and Security Service always was under the parliament’s control," Dodon said. "Moreover, we think that in a situation when the president of the country has the citizenship of another country as well - and our next president holds the Romanian citizenship as well - it would be wrong to leave the Information and Security Service in the hands of a foreign country’s national."
The Moldovan leader said he planned to sign a bill on the issue soon.
"By the way, the law on the Information and Security Service clearly states that none of its employees has the right to have dual citizenship," he said. "The people who head this organization will continue working there. We are not going to change anything."
Runoff presidential elections were held in Moldova on November 15. Sandu won the polls. Results of the voting are yet to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court on November 10. Dodon’s office term expires on December 23 and Sandu’s inauguration is scheduled for the following day.
The ruling majority of the Party of Socialists and the Democratic Party in the Moldovan parliament broke down ahead of the presidential elections and Dodon called for early parliamentary polls in May or June next year but insisted legal procedures be observed when dissolving the parliament. Sandu, in turn, insists the parliament be dissolved immediately and has called on her supporters to organize protests in support of this demand on Sunday.


tass--2020-12-05--Moldovan president vows to sign Russian language bill before Sandu takes office

MOSCOW , December 5 .
/TASS/ .
Moldovan President Igor Dodon expects to sign the bill on raising the status of the Russian language in his country before president-elect Maia Sandu takes office , the outgoing Moldovan leader told the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` It is of principle importance for us to have those bills adopted in the second reading before the new president ’ s inauguration , so that I could sign them .
It seems to me , that the next president won ’ t sign those bills , '' Dodon said .
According to the outgoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Moldovan population are Russian speakers and practically every citizen speaks Russian fluently .
On December 3 , the Moldovan parliament approved in the first reading draft bills on raising the status of the Russian language in the country , lifting the ban on Russian TV broadcasts , and strengthening the status of Moldova ’ s autonomous region of Gagauzia .
The bill on Russian language vests it with the status of the language of inter-ethnic communication .
If the law is adopted , governmental officials will be obliged to give their written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This provision will be of particular importance for Russian speakers in Moldova , who are obliged to pay to translators during litigation in court .

MOSCOW, December 5. /TASS/. Moldovan President Igor Dodon expects to sign the bill on raising the status of the Russian language in his country before president-elect Maia Sandu takes office, the outgoing Moldovan leader told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"It is of principle importance for us to have those bills adopted in the second reading before the new president’s inauguration, so that I could sign them. It seems to me, that the next president won’t sign those bills," Dodon said.
According to the outgoing president, at least one third of the Moldovan population are Russian speakers and practically every citizen speaks Russian fluently.
On December 3, the Moldovan parliament approved in the first reading draft bills on raising the status of the Russian language in the country, lifting the ban on Russian TV broadcasts, and strengthening the status of Moldova’s autonomous region of Gagauzia.
The bill on Russian language vests it with the status of the language of inter-ethnic communication. If the law is adopted, governmental officials will be obliged to give their written responses in Russian, if requested. This provision will be of particular importance for Russian speakers in Moldova, who are obliged to pay to translators during litigation in court.


tass--2020-12-05--Group of OSCE nations urges Minsk to join crisis settlement effort

VIENNA , December 5 .
/TASS/ .
Minsk should support the presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in its attempts to promote national dialogue in Belarus , 37 OSCE member states said in a joint statement on Friday .
The statement was delivered on behalf of the signatories by Paivi Laivola de Rosiere , Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE , at the OSCE Ministerial Council on Friday .
Russia is not on the list of signatories .
`` We urge Belarus to engage in dialogue within the OSCE and lend our full support to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their efforts to facilitate a national dialogue in Belarus .
We stand ready to support and facilitate an inclusive national dialogue in order to resolve the present crisis in a sustainable way , safeguarding Belarus ’ s sovereignty and independence , as well as its safe , democratic and prosperous future , '' the document says .
`` For the past several months , we have witnessed serious and ongoing violations and abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus since the fraudulent Presidential election of 9 August 2020 .
Moscow Mechanism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided us with a large number of evidence-based accounts of peaceful protesters who were violently attacked and tortured by the authorities , simply for insisting on free and fair elections and a better , democratic future for their country , '' it says .
The 37 OSCE member states believe that `` according to credible reports , the number of arrests of peaceful protesters , journalists and human rights defenders is estimated at 30,000 since the Presidential election . ''
`` The number of politically motivated criminal cases is reaching 900 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and contains more than 100 names .
There is no indication that the authorities are investigating the thousands of well-documented reports of police brutality and torture filed since mid-August or the killings of protesters .
We condemn the use of force against Belarusians exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms , '' the document says .
The signatories also believe that the Belarusian authorities were violating OSCE principles and commitments on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms , and democratic principles of government .
An OSCE Moscow mechanism report , published on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election in Belarus was rigged , while the country ’ s law enforcement bodies committed mass and systematic human rights violations when responding to peaceful demonstrations .
The document recommends that the authorities cancel the election results and order a re-vote , stop torture and violence against peaceful protestors and ensure safety and unhampered work of journalists .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

VIENNA, December 5. /TASS/. Minsk should support the presidency of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in its attempts to promote national dialogue in Belarus, 37 OSCE member states said in a joint statement on Friday.
The statement was delivered on behalf of the signatories by Paivi Laivola de Rosiere, Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE, at the OSCE Ministerial Council on Friday. Russia is not on the list of signatories.
"We urge Belarus to engage in dialogue within the OSCE and lend our full support to the current and incoming OSCE Chairs and their efforts to facilitate a national dialogue in Belarus. We stand ready to support and facilitate an inclusive national dialogue in order to resolve the present crisis in a sustainable way, safeguarding Belarus’s sovereignty and independence, as well as its safe, democratic and prosperous future," the document says.
"For the past several months, we have witnessed serious and ongoing violations and abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Belarus since the fraudulent Presidential election of 9 August 2020. Moscow Mechanism Rapporteur Professor Wolfgang Benedek’s report provided us with a large number of evidence-based accounts of peaceful protesters who were violently attacked and tortured by the authorities, simply for insisting on free and fair elections and a better, democratic future for their country," it says.
Number of violations grows
The 37 OSCE member states believe that "according to credible reports, the number of arrests of peaceful protesters, journalists and human rights defenders is estimated at 30,000 since the Presidential election."
"The number of politically motivated criminal cases is reaching 900. The list of political prisoners continues to grow and contains more than 100 names. There is no indication that the authorities are investigating the thousands of well-documented reports of police brutality and torture filed since mid-August or the killings of protesters. We condemn the use of force against Belarusians exercising their human rights and fundamental freedoms," the document says.
The signatories also believe that the Belarusian authorities were violating OSCE principles and commitments on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and democratic principles of government.
An OSCE Moscow mechanism report, published on November 5, says that the presidential election in Belarus was rigged, while the country’s law enforcement bodies committed mass and systematic human rights violations when responding to peaceful demonstrations. The document recommends that the authorities cancel the election results and order a re-vote, stop torture and violence against peaceful protestors and ensure safety and unhampered work of journalists.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.