tass--2020-11-26--Learning through research: how do they study space at Samara University

Studying at a university has long been more than just attending lectures and passing the exams .
In many professional fields , trends and working methods tend to run ahead of the theoretical background studied by university students .
This is what forces the world ’ s leading universities to focus on practical studies .
Samara National Research University named after academician S. P. Korolev ( or Samara University for short ) represents a real embodiment of such approach indeed .
Undergraduate and postgraduate students of this university are being actively involved in space industry projects and related scientific experiments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Back in 1980s , the specialists of the Samara University ( back then , it was known as Kuibyshev Aviation Institute or KuAI ) started developing their own spacecraft .
In 1989 , first `` Pion '' satellites entered orbit to explore the upper atmosphere .
Six satellites of this type were launched between 1989 and 1992 .
In April 2016 , Vostochny Cosmodrome saw the launch of satellite Lomonosov together with small spacecraft Ayist-2D developed and constructed through the joint efforts of the scientists from Samara University and the engineers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ayist-2D was designed for scientific experiments and remote sensing of the Earth .
The in-built scientific equipment allows it to study the qualitative influence caused by space environment on the scientific and technological experiments , explore micrometeoroids and space debris , and much more .
After four years of Ayist-2D ’ s operation , the specialists from the RSC Progress have photographed more than 8 600 routes .
Cartography is the key sphere to which the resulting data applies .
For example , the resulting space imagery is being sent to Priroda research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ map refinement .
Apart from that , remote sensing data is being used by the Ministry of Forestry , Environmental Protection and Nature Management of Samara Region .
It helps in detecting illegal mining and solid waste dumps .
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies of Kirov Region has been using the data obtained from Ayist-2D for the same purposes .
Moreover , the said information came in handy when assessing forest damage as well as monitoring and dealing with wild growing plants noxious weeds at arable lands .
Scientists from Samara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Problems , National Academy of Sciences ( Belarus ) ( UIIP-NASB ) plunged into collaborative development of the ways and means of using nano-satellites for exploring Earth ’ s ionosphere .
The ionosphere is the part of Earth ’ s atmosphere which is saturated with charged particles due to its exposure to cosmic rays .
The concentration of these particles influences radio-wave propagation and , as a consequence , affects the efficiency of various technical systems , including space navigation and communications .
The development of methods and means of processing and transforming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems is necessary in order to build dynamic models of the ionosphere state .
In the future , this will help to improve the reliability and accuracy of both spacecraft and ground vehicles .
On top of that , better understanding of certain ionospheric processes and phenomena will open new possibilities for use of promising information transmission technologies .
`` The study of wave processes alongside with the detection of local electronic density fluctuations is to be undertaken .
This will expand our knowledge about the mechanics underlying the processes taking place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , head of the interuniversity space research department , Doctor of Technical Sciences at Samara University , who heads up the project , emphasizes - `` This is the first joint project involving Russian and Belorussian scientific communities to be conducted in Samara University .
The results obtained under this grant project would be called upon during the practical implementation of the consortium of Russian universities under the aegis of Samara University aimed at the creation of a constellation of nano-satellites purposed at the ionosphere exploration '' .
This collaborative research project is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the walls of Samara University .
For instance , a research lab called `` Advanced fundamental and applied nanosatellite space research '' was established within the framework of a project carried out by the scientists from Samara University and Lebedev Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences ( LPI RAS ) .
It is assumed that the lab will establish scientific and technical foundations for creating small-sized scientific research equipment usable in space experiments in the field of near-Earth environment control and solar activity monitoring .
The research will be carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science and engineering .
The planned work is aimed at the development of ways and means of near-Earth space exploration with the help of nano-class spacecraft .
`` In addition to Sun research this grant program presupposes the exploration of geophysical fields , that is , both the geomagnetic field and the ionosphere .
The construction of two prototype research nanosatellites is planned : first one late in 2021 , and the second one in 2023 '' , - Igor Belokonov , the appointed head of the lab , explained .
The idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including those from LPI RAS , Samara branch of the Research Institute of Radio Engineering , Ulyanovsk State University and the Institute of Applied Physics of the RAS - will work together in this lab .
Students enrolled in bachelor ’ s and magister ’ s degree courses at the chair of space research will be welcome to participate in the program as well .
Scholars from Samara University have been participating in construction and development of scientific equipment assigned for the Russian biology research satellite Bion-M2 .
Purposed for research in biomedicine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orbital laboratory is under construction at the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara .
It is expected that mice , fruit-flies and seeds of various plant species will be sent to orbit for experiments .
Subject to testing will be not only biological but also technical objects , say , semiconductors and semiconductor devices .
`` Specialists from Modeling Problem and Management Research Institute at Samara University are developing Carbon-2 , MRI-2 and Sigma-2 scientific research devices .
This equipment will be needed to carry out ten technological and biomedical experiments at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kurganskaya - PhD in Physics and Mathematics and the lead researcher for the Mathematical Modeling and Research Institute - specified .
According to her explanation , Carbon-2 device will make it possible to examine the influence of open space-related factors on characteristics and parameters of various semiconductive instrumental structures .
Carbon-2 will measure and record electrophysical and optical parameters , as well as volt-ampere , voltage-capacitance and other characteristics of samples that will be put to open space during the flight .
MRI-2 device is designed to maintain certain temperatures needed inside each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sigma-2 will allow for onboard microbiological research and experiments with invitro cells .
The device will be also instrumental in the exploration into the effect of space flight upon seeds and cell tissues of medical , rare and crop plants .
Experimental setup is also being prepared by scholars and specialists from Samara State Medical University , Institute of Biomedical Problems of the RAS , Dynasty Medical Centre ( Samara ) and Samara Research Institute of Agriculture named after N.M. Tulaikov .
Research equipment for Bion-2M satellite is being designed by the Space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For instance , three Monitor multiple sensor units will measure acceleration , temperature , pressure and magnetic field intensity inside the lander , whereas navigator receivers will derive Bion ’ s three-dimensional position of SSMC-2 ( Space system of micro-acceleration compensation-2 ) complex will make it possible to check the micro-acceleration compensation algorithms and allow for more accurate spacecraft movement dynamics estimation during the orbital flight .
`` Scientists are very eager to get more data concerning the micro-acceleration level and movement dynamics during space flight , descent and landing of a spacecraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know how biological objects behave in extreme conditions , and what impact do they suffer when a spacecraft lands or is being launched '' , - Mikhail Kalaev , senior researcher at the Space Engineering Institute , emphasized .
Samara University is also a co-executor in the project aimed at the development of one of the most important instrumental complexes to be installed on board of the space laboratory that is being currently constructed , namely , the life-support system ( LSS ) .
`` The control and commutation unit we are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain for the LSS .
It will be constantly controlling and monitoring oxygen supply , as well as carbon dioxide and ammonia extraction .
The unit will provide for gas mixture ventilation and control temperature and pressure inside gas cylinders fetched to the spacecraft ’ s hull .
The system will also be recording all the changes , that is , keeping a sort of logbook with all the data about how do these small living `` cosmonauts '' live and breathe while flying onboard '' , - Dmitry Rodin , senior researcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samara University , noted .

Studying at a university has long been more than just attending lectures and passing the exams. In many professional fields, trends and working methods tend to run ahead of the theoretical background studied by university students. This is what forces the world’s leading universities to focus on practical studies. Samara National Research University named after academician S. P. Korolev (or Samara University for short) represents a real embodiment of such approach indeed. Undergraduate and postgraduate students of this university are being actively involved in space industry projects and related scientific experiments: they even launch their own satellites. Remote sensing Back in 1980s, the specialists of the Samara University (back then, it was known as Kuibyshev Aviation Institute or KuAI) started developing their own spacecraft. In 1989, first "Pion" satellites entered orbit to explore the upper atmosphere. Six satellites of this type were launched between 1989 and 1992.
In April 2016, Vostochny Cosmodrome saw the launch of satellite Lomonosov together with small spacecraft Ayist-2D developed and constructed through the joint efforts of the scientists from Samara University and the engineers from the Progress Rocket and Space Centre. Ayist-2D was designed for scientific experiments and remote sensing of the Earth. The in-built scientific equipment allows it to study the qualitative influence caused by space environment on the scientific and technological experiments, explore micrometeoroids and space debris, and much more. After four years of Ayist-2D’s operation, the specialists from the RSC Progress have photographed more than 8 600 routes. Cartography is the key sphere to which the resulting data applies. For example, the resulting space imagery is being sent to Priroda research and production centre and used for topographical map refinement. Apart from that, remote sensing data is being used by the Ministry of Forestry, Environmental Protection and Nature Management of Samara Region. It helps in detecting illegal mining and solid waste dumps. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies of Kirov Region has been using the data obtained from Ayist-2D for the same purposes. Moreover, the said information came in handy when assessing forest damage as well as monitoring and dealing with wild growing plants noxious weeds at arable lands. Nano-class spacecraft Scientists from Samara University and the United Institute of Informatics Problems, National Academy of Sciences (Belarus) (UIIP-NASB) plunged into collaborative development of the ways and means of using nano-satellites for exploring Earth’s ionosphere. The ionosphere is the part of Earth’s atmosphere which is saturated with charged particles due to its exposure to cosmic rays. The concentration of these particles influences radio-wave propagation and, as a consequence, affects the efficiency of various technical systems, including space navigation and communications. The development of methods and means of processing and transforming the data coming from GLONASS and GPS systems is necessary in order to build dynamic models of the ionosphere state. In the future, this will help to improve the reliability and accuracy of both spacecraft and ground vehicles. On top of that, better understanding of certain ionospheric processes and phenomena will open new possibilities for use of promising information transmission technologies. "The study of wave processes alongside with the detection of local electronic density fluctuations is to be undertaken. This will expand our knowledge about the mechanics underlying the processes taking place in the ionosphere", - Igor Belokonov, head of the interuniversity space research department, Doctor of Technical Sciences at Samara University, who heads up the project, emphasizes - "This is the first joint project involving Russian and Belorussian scientific communities to be conducted in Samara University. The results obtained under this grant project would be called upon during the practical implementation of the consortium of Russian universities under the aegis of Samara University aimed at the creation of a constellation of nano-satellites purposed at the ionosphere exploration".
This collaborative research project is not the only nanosatellites-oriented program to unfold in the walls of Samara University. For instance, a research lab called "Advanced fundamental and applied nanosatellite space research" was established within the framework of a project carried out by the scientists from Samara University and Lebedev Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (LPI RAS). It is assumed that the lab will establish scientific and technical foundations for creating small-sized scientific research equipment usable in space experiments in the field of near-Earth environment control and solar activity monitoring. The research will be carried out both in the spheres of fundamental science and engineering. The planned work is aimed at the development of ways and means of near-Earth space exploration with the help of nano-class spacecraft. "In addition to Sun research this grant program presupposes the exploration of geophysical fields, that is, both the geomagnetic field and the ionosphere. The construction of two prototype research nanosatellites is planned: first one late in 2021, and the second one in 2023", - Igor Belokonov, the appointed head of the lab, explained. The idea is that more than 30 scientists - including those from LPI RAS, Samara branch of the Research Institute of Radio Engineering, Ulyanovsk State University and the Institute of Applied Physics of the RAS - will work together in this lab. Students enrolled in bachelor’s and magister’s degree courses at the chair of space research will be welcome to participate in the program as well. Devices for tailed and winged "cosmonauts" Scholars from Samara University have been participating in construction and development of scientific equipment assigned for the Russian biology research satellite Bion-M2. Purposed for research in biomedicine, gravitational biology and biotechnology, this orbital laboratory is under construction at the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in Samara. It is expected that mice, fruit-flies and seeds of various plant species will be sent to orbit for experiments. Subject to testing will be not only biological but also technical objects, say, semiconductors and semiconductor devices. "Specialists from Modeling Problem and Management Research Institute at Samara University are developing Carbon-2, MRI-2 and Sigma-2 scientific research devices. This equipment will be needed to carry out ten technological and biomedical experiments at the orbital laboratory", - Liubov Kurganskaya - PhD in Physics and Mathematics and the lead researcher for the Mathematical Modeling and Research Institute - specified. According to her explanation, Carbon-2 device will make it possible to examine the influence of open space-related factors on characteristics and parameters of various semiconductive instrumental structures. Carbon-2 will measure and record electrophysical and optical parameters, as well as volt-ampere, voltage-capacitance and other characteristics of samples that will be put to open space during the flight. MRI-2 device is designed to maintain certain temperatures needed inside each of the research equipment containments, whereas Sigma-2 will allow for onboard microbiological research and experiments with invitro cells. The device will be also instrumental in the exploration into the effect of space flight upon seeds and cell tissues of medical, rare and crop plants. Experimental setup is also being prepared by scholars and specialists from Samara State Medical University, Institute of Biomedical Problems of the RAS, Dynasty Medical Centre (Samara) and Samara Research Institute of Agriculture named after N.M. Tulaikov.


tass--2020-11-26--Kiev’s joining EU sanctions against Minsk won’t be left unanswered — top diplomat

MINSK , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey has announced that the step taken by Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ by the European Union against Minsk is a non-independent move which will not be left @ @ @ @ @ not but view this step as completely hostile and as an attempt to interfere in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s joining the EU sanctions is another , as we see it , non-independent @ @ @ @ @ that our southern neighbors are advancing inconsistent policies .
To be honest , we consider @ @ @ @ @ common sense , '' Makey said Thursday as he summarized the results of the meeting @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministries ’ boards .
According to him , Ukraine `` is trying to paint @ @ @ @ @ terms of respecting human rights and democracy . ''
`` Ukraine is not a paragon @ @ @ @ @ and can not act as a mentor or teacher in this situation for Belarus , @ @ @ @ @

MINSK, November 26. /TASS/. Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey has announced that the step taken by Ukraine to join the sanctions imposed by the European Union against Minsk is a non-independent move which will not be left unanswered.
"We cannot but view this step as completely hostile and as an attempt to interfere in Belarusian domestic affairs. Ukraine’s joining the EU sanctions is another, as we see it, non-independent decision of Kiev which demonstrates that our southern neighbors are advancing inconsistent policies. To be honest, we consider this practically as mockery of common sense," Makey said Thursday as he summarized the results of the meeting of the Russian and Belarusian Foreign Ministries’ boards.
According to him, Ukraine "is trying to paint itself as an ideal in terms of respecting human rights and democracy." "Ukraine is not a paragon in human rights for us and cannot act as a mentor or teacher in this situation for Belarus," the minister stressed.
He added that Minsk had already drafted and would implement the relevant measures. According to the top diplomat, Belarus had prepared sanctions against a number of Ukrainian officials. "Initially, we also compiled a relevant sanction list against certain Ukrainian officials. <…> We will not leave any Ukrainian action aimed against the Belarusian state unanswered," Makey emphasized.
The foreign minister also noted that when Kiev says it cares about the betterment of the country or the people of Belarus, "it raises eyebrows." "They [Ukrainian authorities - TASS] said that they put all relations on hold, that there needs to be pressure for the true democracy, as they see it, to come. At the same time, they join the sanctions against Belarus. In other words, they help the people and the country through sanctions and toughening up cooperation. This is perverted logic, we categorically oppose this approach," the Belarusian minister pointed out.
Earlier, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell reported that seven EU partners, including Ukraine, had joined the union’s sanctions against Belarusian authorities imposed in light of election rigging and human rights violations, as Brussels put it.


tass--2020-11-26--‘Complete lie’: Lavrov bashes Belarusian opposition’s claims of ‘contacts’ with Moscow

MINSK , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Statements made by Pavel Latushko , board member of the Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition , regarding contacts with the Russian authorities are a lie , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday .
`` [ Latushko ] not only spoke about possible unofficial contacts with Moscow , but he states that such contacts take place , that they are coordinated ; he states shamelessly that , while he can not say names , these contacts take place on a rather high level .
He speculates whether I would be allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would like to answer your question briefly : it ’ s a complete lie , '' Lavrov said , answering a question from TASS .
`` This is yet another characterization of those who seeks to build a shady career on a foreign payroll , '' the minister said .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
Between 2002 and 2008 , Pavel Latushko served as Belarus ’ ambassador to Poland and later to France , Spain and Portugal .
In January 2019 , he was dismissed , and in March , he became a Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater director , only to be fired with a scandal after he supported the protests against the Belarusian election outcome .
Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latushko became its board member , but left Belarus for Poland shortly .

MINSK, November 26. /TASS/. Statements made by Pavel Latushko, board member of the Coordination Council of the Belarusian opposition, regarding contacts with the Russian authorities are a lie, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday.
"[Latushko] not only spoke about possible unofficial contacts with Moscow, but he states that such contacts take place, that they are coordinated; he states shamelessly that, while he cannot say names, these contacts take place on a rather high level. He speculates whether I would be allowed to tell our Belarusian friends about this. I would like to answer your question briefly: it’s a complete lie," Lavrov said, answering a question from TASS.
"This is yet another characterization of those who seeks to build a shady career on a foreign payroll," the minister said.
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.
Between 2002 and 2008, Pavel Latushko served as Belarus’ ambassador to Poland and later to France, Spain and Portugal. In January 2019, he was dismissed, and in March, he became a Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater director, only to be fired with a scandal after he supported the protests against the Belarusian election outcome. Following the establishment of the Coordination Council, Latushko became its board member, but left Belarus for Poland shortly.


tass--2020-11-26--MC-21 airplane can be certified by 2021 year-end

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian passenger jet MC-21 can be certified by the end of 2021 @ @ @ @ @ earlier planned timeframe is associated with restrictions of other countries on supply of components and @ @ @ @ @ Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov told TASS in an interview on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ this [ the certification - TASS ] by the end of the next year , @ @ @ @ @ face in this year .
In the first instance , the postponement is due to @ @ @ @ @ in terms of operations of component supply enterprises and restrictions on air travel of specialists @ @ @ @ @ and in startup of the equipment used to produce this airplane , '' the minister @ @ @ @ @ MC-21 civil jet are underway since 2017 .
Certification confirms the possibility of safe operation @ @ @ @ @ is impossible to deliver airplanes to air carriers without certificates .
The certificate in Russia @ @ @ @ @ Air Transport Agency .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The Russian passenger jet MC-21 can be certified by the end of 2021 and the change in the earlier planned timeframe is associated with restrictions of other countries on supply of components and air travel of specialists, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov told TASS in an interview on Friday.
"We hope to do this [the certification - TASS] by the end of the next year, considering all the challenges we face in this year. In the first instance, the postponement is due to restrictions introduced by foreign authorities in terms of operations of component supply enterprises and restrictions on air travel of specialists that participated in test flights and in startup of the equipment used to produce this airplane," the minister said.
Flights tests of MC-21 civil jet are underway since 2017. Certification confirms the possibility of safe operation of the jet and it is impossible to deliver airplanes to air carriers without certificates. The certificate in Russia is issued by the Federal Air Transport Agency.


tass--2020-11-26--The 8th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Unveiled in Nanning

NANNING , China , Nov. 26 .
/PRNewswire/ .
The 8th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation ( hereinafter referred to as the `` Forum '' ) , hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the People 's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , and organized by Guangxi Science and Technology Department and China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center , was officially unveiled on November 26 in Nanning , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region .
With the theme `` Empower the Future with Opening-up and Innovation , '' the Forum consisted of opening activities and a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2nd ASEAN Plus Three Young Scientist Innovation Forum , the 17th China-ASEAN Expo Advanced Technology Exhibition , China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Matchmakings , and China-ASEAN International Forum on Sustainable Development and Innovation Cooperation , in a bid to facilitate the orderly circulation and integrated development of innovation elements between China and ASEAN .
Six ministerial-level officials from science & technology departments of ASEAN member states such as Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines and Thailand delivered video speeches at the opening ceremony .
Representatives from Japan , South Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of technology and innovation shared their experience regarding the construction of joint laboratory at the 2nd ASEAN Plus Three Young Scientist Innovation Forum online or offline .
The opening ceremony witnessed the announcement and signing of a large number of innovation cooperation achievements .
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional People 's Government signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chang'an University .
China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center ( CATTC ) Bangkok Innovation Center and China-Thailand-ASEAN Innovation Port were unveiled online .
The China-ASEAN Big Earth Data Innovation Center project spearheaded by academician Guo Huadong was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would drive the technology and innovation cooperation between China and ASEAN , and jointly fuel the high-quality development of regional economy .
This year 's forum marked the 8th successful session since 2013 .
Over the years , the Forum actively serves the communication and matchmaking between China and ASEAN governments , enterprises and organizations , which have effectively boosted the regional technology transfer and innovation cooperation , and played a crucial and positive role in deepening the implementation of Guangxi 's `` three positioning '' outlined by the central government and fostering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighborliness .
Caption : The 8th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation

NANNING, China, Nov. 26. /PRNewswire/. The 8th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation (hereinafter referred to as the "Forum"), hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and organized by Guangxi Science and Technology Department and China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, was officially unveiled on November 26 in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. With the theme "Empower the Future with Opening-up and Innovation," the Forum consisted of opening activities and a series of events such as the main forum, the 2nd ASEAN Plus Three Young Scientist Innovation Forum, the 17th China-ASEAN Expo Advanced Technology Exhibition, China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Matchmakings, and China-ASEAN International Forum on Sustainable Development and Innovation Cooperation, in a bid to facilitate the orderly circulation and integrated development of innovation elements between China and ASEAN.
Six ministerial-level officials from science & technology departments of ASEAN member states such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand delivered video speeches at the opening ceremony. Representatives from Japan, South Korea and ASEAN member states in the field of technology and innovation shared their experience regarding the construction of joint laboratory at the 2nd ASEAN Plus Three Young Scientist Innovation Forum online or offline. The opening ceremony witnessed the announcement and signing of a large number of innovation cooperation achievements. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional People's Government signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Chang'an University. China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center (CATTC) Bangkok Innovation Center and China-Thailand-ASEAN Innovation Port were unveiled online. The China-ASEAN Big Earth Data Innovation Center project spearheaded by academician Guo Huadong was also launched at the forum. These signings would drive the technology and innovation cooperation between China and ASEAN, and jointly fuel the high-quality development of regional economy.
This year's forum marked the 8th successful session since 2013. Over the years, the Forum actively serves the communication and matchmaking between China and ASEAN governments, enterprises and organizations, which have effectively boosted the regional technology transfer and innovation cooperation, and played a crucial and positive role in deepening the implementation of Guangxi's "three positioning" outlined by the central government and fostering global and regional win-win cooperation and good neighborliness.
Caption: The 8th Forum on China-ASEAN Technology Transfer and Collaborative Innovation
CONTACT: Mr. Zeng, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-11-26--Russian frigate successfully test-launches Tsirkon hypersonic missile in White Sea

Russia to hold three more test launches of Tsirkon hypersonic missile by year-end MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet ’ s frigate Admiral Gorshkov successfully test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the White Sea against a target in the Barents Sea , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry announced on Thursday .
`` The Project 22350 lead frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov carried out the next test-launch of a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile from the White Sea against a complex target position in the Barents Sea , '' the statement says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of the trials of new weapons , '' Russia ’ s Defense Ministry said .
The missile struck a target at a 450 km distance , developing a speed of over Mach 8 , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday .
`` According to the recording data , the Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missile successfully struck a sea target at a distance of 450 km , '' the ministry said in a statement .
`` In its flight , the missile developed a speed of over Mach 8 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gorshkov test-fried a Tsirkon hypersonic missile for the first time in early October .
The missile launched from the White Sea struck a sea target in the Barents Sea , flying at eight times the speed of sound at an altitude of 28 km .
In February 2011 , then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with a hypersonic missile .
According to media reports , the missile ’ s flight tests began in 2015 .
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled .
As the Russian leader said , the Tsirkon was capable of developing a speed of about Mach 9 and its striking range capability could exceed 1,000 km .
The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets .
Putin specified at the time there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines , including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles .
Russia uses the 3S-14 universal shipborne launcher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kalibr cruise missiles .
These launchers , in particular , are operational on Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes .

Russia to hold three more test launches of Tsirkon hypersonic missile by year-end
MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet’s frigate Admiral Gorshkov successfully test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the White Sea against a target in the Barents Sea, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Thursday.
"The Project 22350 lead frigate Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov carried out the next test-launch of a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile from the White Sea against a complex target position in the Barents Sea," the statement says.
The missile test-launch was carried out "as part of the trials of new weapons," Russia’s Defense Ministry said.
The missile struck a target at a 450 km distance, developing a speed of over Mach 8, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday. "According to the recording data, the Tsirkon hypersonic anti-ship missile successfully struck a sea target at a distance of 450 km," the ministry said in a statement.
"In its flight, the missile developed a speed of over Mach 8," the ministry stressed.
The frigate Admiral Gorshkov test-fired a Tsirkon hypersonic missile for the first time in early October. The missile launched from the White Sea struck a sea target in the Barents Sea, flying at eight times the speed of sound at an altitude of 28 km.
In February 2011, then-Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin announced plans to develop the Tsirkon shipborne system with a hypersonic missile. According to media reports, the missile’s flight tests began in 2015.
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled. As the Russian leader said, the Tsirkon was capable of developing a speed of about Mach 9 and its striking range capability could exceed 1,000 km. The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets. Putin specified at the time there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines, including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles.
Russia uses the 3S-14 universal shipborne launcher for the launches of Tsirkon hypersonic weapons and Kalibr cruise missiles. These launchers, in particular, are operational on Russian Navy Project 22350 frigates and Project 20380 corvettes.


tass--2020-11-26--China's Hainan Free Trade Port Holds the 21st Carnival

HAIKOU , China , Nov. 26 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Recently , the 2020 ( 21st ) Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival officially kicked off in Hainan , China .
More than 170 activities , including concerts , beer festivals , beach sports and culture week , are carried out in the province .
Hainan Free Trade Port welcomed the first joyous event in its opening year .
This Carnival 's activities are more abundant than those of previous years , including the 2020 Brocade and Embroidery World Culture Week , 2021 `` Voice of Free Trade Port '' New Year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brocade '' Classical Folk Concert , 2020 BMW Hood to Coast China-Hainan Relay , etc .
More than 170 activities covering conventions and exhibitions , culture and art , sports events , sales promotion and other fields are held simultaneously in Haikou , as well as in Sanya , Danzhou , Qionghai , Wanning and Lingshui .
Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival , as Hainan 's signature tourism and culture event , has had 20 successful sessions .
It has become an important platform for Hainan to strengthen tourism and cultural exchanges and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window for Hainan to fully display its image of opening up to the world .
This Carnival is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People 's Government of Hainan Province .
Fu Caixiang , Vice Governor of the People 's Government of Hainan Province , said in her speech that this Carnival is a large-scale tourism festival held in Hainan amid regular pandemic prevention and control , and the first Carnival held in Hainan Free Trade Port in its opening year .
It is an internationally influential cultural and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create , and an effective way to construct an international tourism consumption center and to promote economic development and the upgrading of tourism consumption .

HAIKOU, China, Nov. 26. /PRNewswire/. Recently, the 2020 (21st) Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival officially kicked off in Hainan, China. More than 170 activities, including concerts, beer festivals, beach sports and culture week, are carried out in the province. Hainan Free Trade Port welcomed the first joyous event in its opening year.
This Carnival's activities are more abundant than those of previous years, including the 2020 Brocade and Embroidery World Culture Week, 2021 "Voice of Free Trade Port" New Year Concert, "Add Flowers to the Brocade" Classical Folk Concert, 2020 BMW Hood to Coast China-Hainan Relay, etc. More than 170 activities covering conventions and exhibitions, culture and art, sports events, sales promotion and other fields are held simultaneously in Haikou, as well as in Sanya, Danzhou, Qionghai, Wanning and Lingshui.
Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival, as Hainan's signature tourism and culture event, has had 20 successful sessions. It has become an important platform for Hainan to strengthen tourism and cultural exchanges and cooperation with the world and an important window for Hainan to fully display its image of opening up to the world. This Carnival is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People's Government of Hainan Province.
Fu Caixiang, Vice Governor of the People's Government of Hainan Province, said in her speech that this Carnival is a large-scale tourism festival held in Hainan amid regular pandemic prevention and control, and the first Carnival held in Hainan Free Trade Port in its opening year. It is an internationally influential cultural and tourism signature event that Hainan strives to create, and an effective way to construct an international tourism consumption center and to promote economic development and the upgrading of tourism consumption.
Image Attachments Links: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=378211
Caption: Actors perform Hainan-style dance at the 2020 (21st) Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival.
CONTACT: Ms. Qiu, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-11-26--Russian Biathlon Union confirms positive COVID-19 case of biathlete Anton Babikov

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Biathlon Union ( RBU ) confirmed on Thursday that national team ’ s biathlete Anton Babikov had been diagnosed with a positive case of the novel coronavirus .
TASS reported earlier citing its sources that four positive COVID-19 cases were registered in the Russian national men ’ s biathlon team ahead of the opening stage of the 2020/2021 IBU ( the International Biathlon Union ) World Cup series in Finland ’ s Kontiolahti .
The infection was found in the national team ’ s doctors Roman Leifer and Yevgeny Shutov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Babikov .
The first two stages of the 2020/2021 IBU World Cup are scheduled to be hosted by Finland ’ s Kontiolahti on November 27-29 and on December 3-6 .
The Russian national team lined up 14 biathletes for the opening stage of the World Cup series .
If follow-up COVID-19 tests return positive results , the Russian national biathlon team will be barred from the first stage of the IBU World Cup in Finland .
Positive COVID-19 cases were also reported earlier in the national teams of Latvia and Moldova .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 60,821,210 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,428,910 deaths have been reported .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , 2,187,990 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,685,492 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 38,062 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) confirmed on Thursday that national team’s biathlete Anton Babikov had been diagnosed with a positive case of the novel coronavirus.
TASS reported earlier citing its sources that four positive COVID-19 cases were registered in the Russian national men’s biathlon team ahead of the opening stage of the 2020/2021 IBU (the International Biathlon Union) World Cup series in Finland’s Kontiolahti. The infection was found in the national team’s doctors Roman Leifer and Yevgeny Shutov, massage therapist Valery Lashin and biathlete Anton Babikov.
The first two stages of the 2020/2021 IBU World Cup are scheduled to be hosted by Finland’s Kontiolahti on November 27-29 and on December 3-6. The Russian national team lined up 14 biathletes for the opening stage of the World Cup series.
If follow-up COVID-19 tests return positive results, the Russian national biathlon team will be barred from the first stage of the IBU World Cup in Finland. Positive COVID-19 cases were also reported earlier in the national teams of Latvia and Moldova.
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 60,821,210 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,428,910 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 42,143,740 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, 2,187,990 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,685,492 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 38,062 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-11-26--West uses technologies of staging mass riots in Russia and Belarus, says Lavrov

MINSK , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Western countries are employing technologies of organizing mass riots in Russia and Belarus @ @ @ @ @ ultimatums against Moscow and Minsk , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ under pressure aimed at changing our stance and limiting our countries ’ development .
The @ @ @ @ @ nearly ultimatums against us .
There have been too many facts of meddling in domestic @ @ @ @ @ the technology of organizing mass riots , and the opposition gets financial and other support @ @ @ @ @ a board meeting of the two countries ’ Foreign Ministries .
In this situation the @ @ @ @ @ game without rules '' style , Lavrov noted .
`` Without giving any evidence they @ @ @ @ @ The work of cooperation formats , which had been built for years , is frozen @ @ @ @ @ top diplomat said .

MINSK, November 26. /TASS/. Western countries are employing technologies of organizing mass riots in Russia and Belarus, while their officials set ultimatums against Moscow and Minsk, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday.
"Russia and Belarus are under pressure aimed at changing our stance and limiting our countries’ development. The Western media and officials voice nearly ultimatums against us. There have been too many facts of meddling in domestic affairs. They are using the technology of organizing mass riots, and the opposition gets financial and other support," Lavrov said after a board meeting of the two countries’ Foreign Ministries.
In this situation the West is playing "a game without rules" style, Lavrov noted. "Without giving any evidence they are slapping unilateral sanctions. The work of cooperation formats, which had been built for years, is frozen," Russia’s top diplomat said.


tass--2020-11-26--Russia expects situation in Belarus to normalize soon

MINSK , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow hopes that the situation in Belarus will normalize soon and the initiative on the Constitutional reform will facilitate this process , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a board meeting of the foreign ministries of both countries on Thursday .
`` First of all , I would like to thank our Belarusian hosts for the traditional Belarusian hospitality and our splendidly organized session .
Such meetings we hold annually help coordinate positions on essential issues of the international agenda in line with the program of agreed actions in the sphere of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are always ready to be in Minsk , which was one of the calmest cities in the post-Soviet space , '' Lavrov pointed out .
`` Of course , we are concerned over the current situation in Belarus and hope that it will finally come to normal soon , particularly thanks to the initiative by the president of Belarus on the Constitutional reform and modernization of the political system , '' Russia ’ s top diplomat said .
`` We denounce the attempts of interference in the internal affairs of Belarus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outside and imposing unilateral mediation services , '' Lavrov stressed .
Mass protests have been taking place in Belarus for over three months since the republic ’ s presidential elections were held on August 9 .
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1 % of the vote .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered as his key rival garnered 10.12 % of the vote .
However , she did not recognize the outcome of the polls and initiated setting up the Belarusian Opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide for power transfer as its main goal .
The opposition urges to continue protests in the republic while the authorities are demanding that illegal actions be stopped .

MINSK, November 26. /TASS/. Moscow hopes that the situation in Belarus will normalize soon and the initiative on the Constitutional reform will facilitate this process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a board meeting of the foreign ministries of both countries on Thursday.
"First of all, I would like to thank our Belarusian hosts for the traditional Belarusian hospitality and our splendidly organized session. Such meetings we hold annually help coordinate positions on essential issues of the international agenda in line with the program of agreed actions in the sphere of foreign policy and the Union State. We are always ready to be in Minsk, which was one of the calmest cities in the post-Soviet space," Lavrov pointed out.
"Of course, we are concerned over the current situation in Belarus and hope that it will finally come to normal soon, particularly thanks to the initiative by the president of Belarus on the Constitutional reform and modernization of the political system," Russia’s top diplomat said.
"We denounce the attempts of interference in the internal affairs of Belarus and the attempts of fueling confrontational activity from the outside and imposing unilateral mediation services," Lavrov stressed.
Mass protests have been taking place in Belarus for over three months since the republic’s presidential elections were held on August 9.
According to the final data of the Central Election Commission, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won 80.1% of the vote. Svetlana Tikhanovskaya who was considered as his key rival garnered 10.12% of the vote. However, she did not recognize the outcome of the polls and initiated setting up the Belarusian Opposition Coordination Council, which declared measures to provide for power transfer as its main goal.
The opposition urges to continue protests in the republic while the authorities are demanding that illegal actions be stopped.


tass--2020-11-26--Kremlin expects to begin mass inoculation against COVID-19 in Russia before year’s end

`` I can not name the exact date [ of the beginning of a mass inoculation ] but it should begin before New Year ’ s Eve , that ’ s the expectation , '' the Kremlin representative told journalists on Thursday .
MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin expects that a mass inoculation against the coronavirus infection in Russia will begin before the end of the year .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that it will be conducted in stages and taking into account the geographical particularities of the country .
He emphasized that the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involvement .
The spokesman thinks that it is premature to name the deadlines when everyone wishing to get inoculated against the coronavirus may do so .
`` Without a doubt , this will be done in stages , taking into account the geography of our country and the particulars of storage of various substances , '' he noted .
According to him `` the task is to minimize those stages and to provide as quickly as possible [ an opportunity to get a shot ] for everyone who wants to do so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` monumental task . ''
`` Every country is facing this task , and so are we , '' the Kremlin representative stated .
The spokesman assured that the Kremlin is aware that some pharmaceutical companies in Russia experience problems with the vaccine production launch .
`` Some companies indeed experience problems with purchasing the necessary equipment , some don ’ t , so it depends on the company , the situation is different in every company , '' he noted .
The spokesman stated that there are `` several manufacturers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some have been more successful , some less , some companies succeed , some don ’ t , this is an absolutely normal process , '' he said .
The Kremlin representative added that `` the volume of bioreactors used is growing gradually , they serve to prepare the second component [ of a vaccine ] . ''
The Kremlin spokesman did not respond to a question on how many dozes will be produced before the end of the year , redirecting it to the Industry and Trade Ministry .
`` The Industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of vaccines , '' he explained .
The spokesman reiterated that recently Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with the vaccine manufacturers .
`` This is something that our headquarters and our manufacturers are occupied with constantly now , '' he assured .
`` The deadlines are being discussed but , if necessary , they should be announced by the headquarters , '' he specified .

"I cannot name the exact date [of the beginning of a mass inoculation] but it should begin before New Year’s Eve, that’s the expectation," the Kremlin representative told journalists on Thursday.
MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The Kremlin expects that a mass inoculation against the coronavirus infection in Russia will begin before the end of the year. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that it will be conducted in stages and taking into account the geographical particularities of the country.
He emphasized that the main principle in this issue is a voluntary involvement. The spokesman thinks that it is premature to name the deadlines when everyone wishing to get inoculated against the coronavirus may do so. "Without a doubt, this will be done in stages, taking into account the geography of our country and the particulars of storage of various substances," he noted.
According to him "the task is to minimize those stages and to provide as quickly as possible [an opportunity to get a shot] for everyone who wants to do so." In his opinion, this is a "monumental task." "Every country is facing this task, and so are we," the Kremlin representative stated.
The spokesman assured that the Kremlin is aware that some pharmaceutical companies in Russia experience problems with the vaccine production launch. "Some companies indeed experience problems with purchasing the necessary equipment, some don’t, so it depends on the company, the situation is different in every company," he noted. The spokesman stated that there are "several manufacturers, not just one manufacturer." "Some have been more successful, some less, some companies succeed, some don’t, this is an absolutely normal process," he said. The Kremlin representative added that "the volume of bioreactors used is growing gradually, they serve to prepare the second component [of a vaccine]."
The Kremlin spokesman did not respond to a question on how many doses will be produced before the end of the year, redirecting it to the Industry and Trade Ministry. "The Industry and Trade Ministry oversees the domestic production of vaccines," he explained. The spokesman reiterated that recently Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin met with the vaccine manufacturers. "This is something that our headquarters and our manufacturers are occupied with constantly now," he assured. "The deadlines are being discussed but, if necessary, they should be announced by the headquarters," he specified.


tass--2020-11-26--Calls on Russia ‘to take a step back’ on Donbass won’t lead to progress — Kremlin

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The arguments that Moscow needs to `` take a step back '' in @ @ @ @ @ to result in any progress , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday , commenting @ @ @ @ @ chief of the Ukrainian president ’ s staff Andrei Bogdan who earlier called on Putin @ @ @ @ @ back '' and review the Minsk Agreements .
`` Musings about ‘ steps back ’ @ @ @ @ @ with elusive ones , about covert attempts to disavow the existing agreements and so on @ @ @ @ @ not facilitate reaching the settlement track but , on the contrary , throw us back @ @ @ @ @ The Kremlin spokesman also said , `` there should not be any steps taken back @ @ @ @ @ The assumed obligations should be implemented .
It is all crystal clear , '' he @ @

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The arguments that Moscow needs to "take a step back" in Donbass settlement are not going to result in any progress, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday, commenting on the remark of former chief of the Ukrainian president’s staff Andrei Bogdan who earlier called on Putin to "take a step back" and review the Minsk Agreements.
"Musings about ‘steps back’, about substituting some agreements with elusive ones, about covert attempts to disavow the existing agreements and so on - all of this does not facilitate reaching the settlement track but, on the contrary, throws us back," Peskov stressed.
The Kremlin spokesman also said, "there should not be any steps taken back or forward." "The assumed obligations should be implemented. It is all crystal clear," he concluded.


tass--2020-11-26--Kremlin cannot forecast whether Russian-US dialogue on Donbass will resume

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin can not forecast whether the Russian-US dialogue on Donbass will resume @ @ @ @ @ told journalists on Thursday .
`` Lately our American colleagues were much less predictable than @ @ @ @ @ going to forecast anything in our bilateral relations , '' he said in response to @ @ @ @ @ spokesman didn ’ t specify how long the period of unpredictability may last on this @ @ @ @ @ with Donald Trump ’ s presidential term .
`` The recent years , at least @ @ @ @ @ Answering the follow-up question on who will oversee the work if the bilateral dialogue on @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t give any names .
`` We don ’ t know with whom @ @ @ @ @ how can we talk about who will represent the Russian Federation ? ''
the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ in general this issue is supervised by deputy chief of Russia ’ s presidential staff @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The Kremlin cannot forecast whether the Russian-US dialogue on Donbass will resume, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday.
"Lately our American colleagues were much less predictable than before so we are not going to forecast anything in our bilateral relations," he said in response to a corresponding question.
The spokesman didn’t specify how long the period of unpredictability may last on this issue and whether it coincides with Donald Trump’s presidential term. "The recent years, at least," he noted.
Answering the follow-up question on who will oversee the work if the bilateral dialogue on Donbass resumes, the spokesman didn’t give any names. "We don’t know with whom, which mechanism, so how can we talk about who will represent the Russian Federation?" the Kremlin representative said, reiterating that in general this issue is supervised by deputy chief of Russia’s presidential staff Dmitry Kozak.


tass--2020-11-26--Kremlin says it’s wrong to presume Russia refuses to accept Biden ‘win’

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin believes that it ’ s absolutely wrong to view the lack of congratulations from the Russian president as a refusal to accept Joe Biden ’ s projected victory , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday .
`` This is an absolutely erroneous interpretation , '' Peskov said , answering a respective question .
`` The president will congratulate the US President-Elect in due time , after the results of the election are summed up . ''
`` As soon as this process is over , the Russian president will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Kremlin spokesman stressed .
Peskov also noted that the congratulations sent to the US by the leaders of other countries won ’ t influence Putin ’ s plans .
The US presidential election was held on November 3 .
Major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender Joe Biden has presumptively won the presidential election , securing over 270 electoral votes .
Incumbent US President Donald Trump is challenging the current outcome , claiming irregularities in the ballot processing in key swing states , and has filed lawsuits to @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. The Kremlin believes that it’s absolutely wrong to view the lack of congratulations from the Russian president as a refusal to accept Joe Biden’s projected victory, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
"This is an absolutely erroneous interpretation," Peskov said, answering a respective question. "The president will congratulate the US President-Elect in due time, after the results of the election are summed up."
"As soon as this process is over, the Russian president will congratulate his future counterpart in due time," the Kremlin spokesman stressed.
Peskov also noted that the congratulations sent to the US by the leaders of other countries won’t influence Putin’s plans.
The US presidential election was held on November 3. Major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender Joe Biden has presumptively won the presidential election, securing over 270 electoral votes. Incumbent US President Donald Trump is challenging the current outcome, claiming irregularities in the ballot processing in key swing states, and has filed lawsuits to fight his case in court.


tass--2020-11-26--Moscow residents bring flowers to Argentinian Embassy to pay tribute to Diego Maradona

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Residents of the Russian capital are laying flowers at the Argentinian Embassy in @ @ @ @ @ to world ’ s legendary footballer Diego Maradona , who passed away on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ are being placed at the entrance to the Argentinian diplomatic mission , located on Bolshaya @ @ @ @ @ An improvised pedestal was set up near the building and covered with the national flag @ @ @ @ @ is placed on the pedestal near a note , which was handwritten in Spanish saying @ @ @ @ @ !
We will always remember ! ''
Argentine football legend and coach Diego Maradona died @ @ @ @ @ cardiac arrest at the age of 60 .
Playing for the national team of Argentina @ @ @ @ @ in his 113 match appearances .
In 1986 he led his national team to win @ @ @ @ @ Mexico .
Late on Wednesday , Alberto Fernandez , the president of Argentina , announced @ @ @ @ @ following the news of Maradona 's death .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Residents of the Russian capital are laying flowers at the Argentinian Embassy in Moscow to pay their tribute to world’s legendary footballer Diego Maradona, who passed away on Wednesday.
Bouquets of carnations and roses are being placed at the entrance to the Argentinian diplomatic mission, located on Bolshaya Ordynka Street in Moscow. An improvised pedestal was set up near the building and covered with the national flag of Argentina.
A football is placed on the pedestal near a note, which was handwritten in Spanish saying "We are with you! We will always remember!"
Argentine football legend and coach Diego Maradona died on November 25 from a cardiac arrest at the age of 60.
Playing for the national team of Argentina, Maradona scored 50 goals in his 113 match appearances. In 1986 he led his national team to win the FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
Late on Wednesday, Alberto Fernandez, the president of Argentina, announced three days of national mourning following the news of Maradona's death.


tass--2020-11-26--Russia’s online trade up 300% in 2020

Russia’s online trade up 300% in 2020

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s online trade turnover soared by 300 % this year amid @ @ @ @ @ and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS .
`` When we @ @ @ @ @ decline of retail trade turnover - TASS ] that is 4.8 % , particularly considering @ @ @ @ @ 300 % - in online trade , '' he said .
`` It is clear @ @ @ @ @ used that possibility and resource to avoid going to stores , and ordered any products @ @ @ @ @ - online , '' the minister added .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Russia’s online trade turnover soared by 300% this year amid the coronavirus spread, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with TASS.
"When we take general figures [on decline of retail trade turnover - TASS] that is 4.8%, particularly considering a large increase - by 300% - in online trade," he said.
"It is clear that people stayed home and used that possibility and resource to avoid going to stores, and ordered any products - both food and non-food - online," the minister added.


tass--2020-11-26--All Russian children evacuated from Syria recently handed over to relatives

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
All Russian children repatriated from Syria on November 13 have been handed over to their relatives , the press service of Russian children ’ s rights commissioner , Anna Kuznetsova , reported on Thursday .
`` The first group of children was discharged [ from hospital ] last Friday .
Other children needed to stay in hospital under medical supervision for a longer time .
Today doctors let two remaining children go home and they have already met with their relatives , '' the press service cited Kuznetsova as saying .
Children have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dagestan , Ingushetia , the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania , the Karachay-Cherkess Republic , the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and the Chechen Republic .
The commissioner noted that the effort on returning Russian children back home was ongoing .
`` Now documents for nearly 90 underage Russian citizens are ready , '' Kuznetsova said .
On November 13 , 31 Russian children were repatriated from Syria onboard a Russian plane .
The effort to locate and bring back underage Russians from Iraq and Syria was launched in the summer of 2017 .
Russian children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflicts under the instruction of Russian President Vladimir Putin .
A special commission was set up under the Russian children ’ s rights commissioner ’ s office in 2017 .
According to the office , over 220 children have returned to Russia since December 2018 .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. All Russian children repatriated from Syria on November 13 have been handed over to their relatives, the press service of Russian children’s rights commissioner, Anna Kuznetsova, reported on Thursday.
"The first group of children was discharged [from hospital] last Friday. Other children needed to stay in hospital under medical supervision for a longer time. Today doctors let two remaining children go home and they have already met with their relatives," the press service cited Kuznetsova as saying.
Children have come back to six Russian regions - Dagestan, Ingushetia, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region and the Chechen Republic.
The commissioner noted that the effort on returning Russian children back home was ongoing. "Now documents for nearly 90 underage Russian citizens are ready," Kuznetsova said.
On November 13, 31 Russian children were repatriated from Syria onboard a Russian plane.
The effort to locate and bring back underage Russians from Iraq and Syria was launched in the summer of 2017. Russian children are being repatriated from zones of armed conflicts under the instruction of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A special commission was set up under the Russian children’s rights commissioner’s office in 2017. According to the office, over 220 children have returned to Russia since December 2018.


tass--2020-11-26--Belarus ready to overcome modern problems together with Russia, Lukashenko says

MINSK , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus is ready to overcome problems existing in the modern world together with @ @ @ @ @ pandemic and the US ambitions for `` the ultimate world domination , '' Belarusian President @ @ @ @ @ .
The Belarusian leader met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Minsk .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the modern world , you are aware of them .
And you should know that @ @ @ @ @ go through this together with Russia , if Russia wants to , overcoming these problems @ @ @ @ @ and ending with various ambitions , above all , by the US , for the @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko said .
The Belarusian president emphasized that Minsk has `` never welcomed and won @ @ @ @ @ ultimate domination .

MINSK, November 26. /TASS/. Belarus is ready to overcome problems existing in the modern world together with Russia, including the coronavirus pandemic and the US ambitions for "the ultimate world domination," Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated on Thursday.
The Belarusian leader met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Minsk.
"There are many challenges in the modern world, you are aware of them. And you should know that we are always ready to go through this together with Russia, if Russia wants to, overcoming these problems - beginning with the pandemic and ending with various ambitions, above all, by the US, for the ultimate world domination," Lukashenko said.
The Belarusian president emphasized that Minsk has "never welcomed and won’t welcome" this ultimate domination.


tass--2020-11-26--Head of Russian division of Aum Shinrikyo terror group sentenced to 15 years in prison

ROSTOV-ON-DON , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Mikhail Ustyantsev , leader of the Russian division of the Aum Shinrikyo ( currently known as Aleph ) international terror group , has been sentenced to 15 years in prison , Southern District military court press service told journalists Thursday .
`` By the ruling of the court , the defendant was sentenced to a penalty of 15 years in a penal colony , '' the press service said .
Previously , the state prosecutor asked for a penalty of 18 years .
The court began reviewing Ustyantsev ’ s case , initiated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terror group with a goal of propaganda , justification and support of terrorism ; '' `` organization of a group deemed terrorist by the Russian law ; '' and `` creation of a religious group , whose activity involves violence or causation of other harm to the citizens . ''
According to the investigation , in 2010 , Ustyantsev conspired with people , wanted by the federal authorities , as well as with unidentified people , and created and led a division of the Aum Shinrikyo terror group division .
The defendant organized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of Moscow , St. Petersburg and Volgograd , which coerced the adepts to present him money , which he transferred to the leadership in Japan .
Ustyantsev was apprehended on May 1 , 2018 , during organization of a meeting .
Arrest warrants have been issued against his accomplices .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, November 26. /TASS/. Mikhail Ustyantsev, leader of the Russian division of the Aum Shinrikyo (currently known as Aleph) international terror group, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison, Southern District military court press service told journalists Thursday.
"By the ruling of the court, the defendant was sentenced to a penalty of 15 years in a penal colony," the press service said.
Previously, the state prosecutor asked for a penalty of 18 years.
The court began reviewing Ustyantsev’s case, initiated over charges of "establishment of a terror group with a goal of propaganda, justification and support of terrorism;" "organization of a group deemed terrorist by the Russian law;" and "creation of a religious group, whose activity involves violence or causation of other harm to the citizens."
According to the investigation, in 2010, Ustyantsev conspired with people, wanted by the federal authorities, as well as with unidentified people, and created and led a division of the Aum Shinrikyo terror group division. The defendant organized dissemination of a religious doctrine among the residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Volgograd, which coerced the adepts to present him money, which he transferred to the leadership in Japan.
Ustyantsev was apprehended on May 1, 2018, during organization of a meeting. Arrest warrants have been issued against his accomplices.


tass--2020-11-26--Press review: Will Iran nuke deal be revived and US to ground Russian aircraft projects

Although Joe Biden has not yet taken the reins as the US president , the United Kingdom , Germany and France have already discussed how to work with the new US administration on resurrecting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , better known as the Iranian nuclear deal .
However , the path back is expected to be rather bumpy and some pitfalls are very likely , Izvestia writes .
Biden announced plans to join the JCPOA on condition that Iran backpedals and rectifies its violations under this deal , including the excessive stockpiling of enriched uranium .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step towards reviving the nuclear deal could be Iran ’ s move to scale back its activity on enriching uranium in exchange for lifting US sanctions against Tehran related to its nuclear program .
Meanwhile , the Biden administration will apparently face challenges in convincing the Senate , which remains under Republican control , that the return to cooperation with Iran is advisable .
Another obstacle could be Biden ’ s intention to update the nuclear deal and include the issue on Iran ’ s missile program there .
Anicee Van Engeland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Cranfield Forensic Institute , notes that this will be rather problematic given that during the previous round of talks , the Iranians had refused to bind nuclear demands to any other issues .
In turn , Iran could put forward new demands for the US , including firm guarantees of fulfilling the deal in the future .
Both US and European experts don ’ t rule out that Tehran could also demand compensation for sanctions after Washington ’ s withdrawal from the JCPOA two years ago .
However , now Tehran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orientalist scholar Roland Bidzhamov , Iran is well aware that Donald Trump will remain in office until January 20 and Tehran does not want to provoke him .
`` In general , under Biden the situation could change for the better for Iran .
At least the new administration will act in a balanced and professional way and its policy will become predictable , '' the expert said .
The United States could slap sanctions on Russia ’ s Defense Ministry and a number of defense enterprises and the civilian industry .
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating the MC-21 medium-haul airliner , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
The proposed US blacklist includes 89 Chinese and 28 Russian companies with military ties .
For the first time , these new sanctions could target several key civilian aircraft construction enterprises in Russia and China .
The document includes more than 10 enterprises , which produce helicopters and aircraft engines .
Among them is the Irkut Corporation , which manufactures the MC-21 medium-haul airliners and plans to create the CR929 long-range wide-body twinjet airliner jointly with China ’ s COMAC ( also on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s MC-21 is a serious rival for US Boeing and European Airbus .
According to Director of the Institute of the Far East at the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexei Maslov , by slapping new restrictions on Beijing and Moscow , Washington wants to hinder the successful implementation of the Russian-Chinese project to create the CR929 .
`` The US is very afraid that the Russian-Chinese aircraft will deal a heavy blow to Boeing .
If the CR929 project is a success , Russia and China won ’ t depend on imported supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Maslov did not rule out that Biden could lift sanctions introduced under Trump .
Experts told the newspaper that the US sanctions could end up bolstering bilateral cooperation between Russian and Chinese aircraft construction companies and boosting positions of Russian producers on this track .
According to Executive Director of AviaPort Oleg Panteleyev , the potential sanctions could affect the supplies of foreign-made components for the aircraft and therefore Russia should speed up its import replacement program .
Rosneft ’ s Vostok Oil project in the Russian Arctic will boost the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sectors , thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs .
The project ’ s implementation will offer extra incentives for localizing high-tech equipment and guarantee growing domestic demand in products in various fields to the tune of 2 % of GDP per year , Rosneft ’ s press service told Izvestia after a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and the company ’ s CEO Igor Sechin .
In turn , experts highlight that Asian countries - mainly China and India - will ensure primary demand for oil until 2025 .
In light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched at the right time .
According to the KPMG company , the Arctic investments will rake in more than 30 trln rubles ( nearly $ 400 bln ) by 2038 .
According to Deputy Director General of the National Energy Institute Alexander Frolov , Vostok Oil will ensure logistic flexibility for the produced oil .
Zvezda shipyard ’ s dependence on foreign companies will be reduced .
The analyst noted that Vostok Oil is both a major project on developing mineral resources in a challenging region and a promising cargo source for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project will satisfy the projected demand in ‘ black gold ’ and make the Northern Sea Route more attractive , '' the expert pointed out .
Deputy Director of Alpari ’ s Analytical Department Natalya Milchakova notes that `` this year China is already becoming a leader in oil refining and this means that there are good prospects for cooperation with Russia . ''
Rosneft will remain a major oil supplier to China for at least the next five years , the analyst explained .
Russian shipbuilders will benefit from the project since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to expand tanker fleets , she stressed .
This is also a vital step for Russia given that the demand for oil in the world and the need to ship it remains high .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : New US administration to push Iraq towards Russian arms purchases Moscow is ready to satisfy any of Iraq ’ s demand for Russian-made defense goods , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after talks with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Moscow .
Pundits believe that in the future , Iraq should make up its mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US administration is pushing it for this , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
In early 2020 , reports said that Baghdad was ready to purchase Russia ’ s S-300 missile systems .
According to Western media reports , Moscow also offered Iraq an option on S-400 supplies .
The reason for this Iraqi interest was the decision of the Trump administration to draw down US troops from the Middle East .
Samuel Ramani , an international relations specialist and PhD candidate at St. Antony 's College , University of Oxford , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear stance on the Biden administration .
This is mainly because the incoming Democrat backed the idea of Iraq ’ s territorial division after the 2003 invasion .
Baghdad has fears that if the US tries to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , known as the Iranian nuclear deal , in its original form , which does not demand Iran ’ s commitment to refrain from proxy wars in the Middle East , then Tehran could increase its destabilizing behavior in Iraq , the analyst explained .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq will develop ties with alternative partners on the economic and security track , such as Russia and China .
At the same time , the analyst notes that Russian-Iraqi talks have become routine .
Just last year the two countries ’ officials had nearly 60 contacts .
Ramani admitted that Baghdad could purchase Russian weapons in the future and there were even rumors on the S-400 missile systems .
However , now the Iraqi side is not planning to give clear signals on this .
Baghdad may boost contacts with Russia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps when it enters the White House .
Russia saw an increase in bread sales for the first time in the past five years .
Market participants link consumers ’ choice to buy cheaper and more filling food to their falling revenues .
A surge in consumption was observed in the low price segment .
As a result , by the year ’ s end , the volume of bread sales in Russia could rise by 60,000 tonnes .
Players expect that bread consumption will drop after the economic situation in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive Director of Rusprodsoyuz association Dmitry Vostrikov , the sales of bread , one of the cheapest products , are always on the rise during a crisis .
Last time the association recorded a similar trend in 2008 .
The Russian Federal State Statistics Service notes that Russians ’ real revenues dropped 8.4 % in the second quarter of 2020 and 4.8 % in the third quarter .
So , the priorities of consumers also changed , President of the Russian Union of Bakers Alexei Lyalin said .
People start focusing more on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think tank expects that the market will drop 0.3-1.3 % annually to 7.4 mln tonnes by 2024 .
However , the share of small bakeries , which are carrying out an aggressive marketing campaign , will grow , while chain stores will also make more bread of their own .
According to the Russian Union of Bakers , today some 70 % of Russian bread is made by industrial enterprises and another 30 % by bakeries and chain stores .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Biden 'win' offers prospects for reviving Iran nuclear deal
Read also Weapons embargo against Iran not linked with nuclear deal — diplomat
Although Joe Biden has not yet taken the reins as the US president, the United Kingdom, Germany and France have already discussed how to work with the new US administration on resurrecting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, better known as the Iranian nuclear deal. However, the path back is expected to be rather bumpy and some pitfalls are very likely, Izvestia writes. Biden announced plans to join the JCPOA on condition that Iran backpedals and rectifies its violations under this deal, including the excessive stockpiling of enriched uranium. According to European diplomats, the most logical first step towards reviving the nuclear deal could be Iran’s move to scale back its activity on enriching uranium in exchange for lifting US sanctions against Tehran related to its nuclear program. Meanwhile, the Biden administration will apparently face challenges in convincing the Senate, which remains under Republican control, that the return to cooperation with Iran is advisable. Another obstacle could be Biden’s intention to update the nuclear deal and include the issue on Iran’s missile program there. Anicee Van Engeland, Senior Lecturer in International Security and Law at the Cranfield Forensic Institute, notes that this will be rather problematic given that during the previous round of talks, the Iranians had refused to bind nuclear demands to any other issues. In turn, Iran could put forward new demands for the US, including firm guarantees of fulfilling the deal in the future. Both US and European experts don’t rule out that Tehran could also demand compensation for sanctions after Washington’s withdrawal from the JCPOA two years ago. However, now Tehran is behaving very cautiously. According to orientalist scholar Roland Bidzhamov, Iran is well aware that Donald Trump will remain in office until January 20 and Tehran does not want to provoke him. "In general, under Biden the situation could change for the better for Iran. At least the new administration will act in a balanced and professional way and its policy will become predictable," the expert said. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US moves to ground Russia’s aircraft
The United States could slap sanctions on Russia’s Defense Ministry and a number of defense enterprises and the civilian industry. These sanctions could also jeopardize a project on creating the MC-21 medium-haul airliner, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. The proposed US blacklist includes 89 Chinese and 28 Russian companies with military ties. For the first time, these new sanctions could target several key civilian aircraft construction enterprises in Russia and China. The document includes more than 10 enterprises, which produce helicopters and aircraft engines. Among them is the Irkut Corporation, which manufactures the MC-21 medium-haul airliners and plans to create the CR929 long-range wide-body twinjet airliner jointly with China’s COMAC (also on the new blacklist). Russia’s MC-21 is a serious rival for US Boeing and European Airbus. According to Director of the Institute of the Far East at the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexei Maslov, by slapping new restrictions on Beijing and Moscow, Washington wants to hinder the successful implementation of the Russian-Chinese project to create the CR929. "The US is very afraid that the Russian-Chinese aircraft will deal a heavy blow to Boeing. If the CR929 project is a success, Russia and China won’t depend on imported supplies," the expert noted. Meanwhile, Maslov did not rule out that Biden could lift sanctions introduced under Trump. Experts told the newspaper that the US sanctions could end up bolstering bilateral cooperation between Russian and Chinese aircraft construction companies and boosting positions of Russian producers on this track. According to Executive Director of AviaPort Oleg Panteleyev, the potential sanctions could affect the supplies of foreign-made components for the aircraft and therefore Russia should speed up its import replacement program. Izvestia: Rosneft project to boost Russian economy, Northern Sea Route’s status
Read also Rosneft starts exploration drilling at Vostok Oil project in Arctic
Rosneft’s Vostok Oil project in the Russian Arctic will boost the entire Russian economy, and stimulate other related sectors, thereby creating tens of thousands of jobs. The project’s implementation will offer extra incentives for localizing high-tech equipment and guarantee growing domestic demand in products in various fields to the tune of 2% of GDP per year, Rosneft’s press service told Izvestia after a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and the company’s CEO Igor Sechin. In turn, experts highlight that Asian countries - mainly China and India - will ensure primary demand for oil until 2025. In light of this, the Vostok Oil project was launched at the right time. According to the KPMG company, the Arctic investments will rake in more than 30 trln rubles (nearly $400 bln) by 2038. According to Deputy Director General of the National Energy Institute Alexander Frolov, Vostok Oil will ensure logistic flexibility for the produced oil. Zvezda shipyard’s dependence on foreign companies will be reduced. The analyst noted that Vostok Oil is both a major project on developing mineral resources in a challenging region and a promising cargo source for the Northern Sea Route. "The project will satisfy the projected demand in ‘black gold’ and make the Northern Sea Route more attractive," the expert pointed out. Deputy Director of Alpari’s Analytical Department Natalya Milchakova notes that "this year China is already becoming a leader in oil refining and this means that there are good prospects for cooperation with Russia." Rosneft will remain a major oil supplier to China for at least the next five years, the analyst explained. Russian shipbuilders will benefit from the project since they will get orders from oil producers to expand tanker fleets, she stressed. This is also a vital step for Russia given that the demand for oil in the world and the need to ship it remains high. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: New US administration to push Iraq towards Russian arms purchases
Read also Risks of escalation in Iraq persist, Putin says
Moscow is ready to satisfy any of Iraq’s demand for Russian-made defense goods, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said after talks with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Moscow. Pundits believe that in the future, Iraq should make up its mind on purchasing Russian armaments. The shift in the US administration is pushing it for this, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. In early 2020, reports said that Baghdad was ready to purchase Russia’s S-300 missile systems. According to Western media reports, Moscow also offered Iraq an option on S-400 supplies. The reason for this Iraqi interest was the decision of the Trump administration to draw down US troops from the Middle East. Samuel Ramani, an international relations specialist and PhD candidate at St. Antony's College, University of Oxford, told the newspaper that Baghdad has not developed a clear stance on the Biden administration. This is mainly because the incoming Democrat backed the idea of Iraq’s territorial division after the 2003 invasion. Baghdad has fears that if the US tries to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, known as the Iranian nuclear deal, in its original form, which does not demand Iran’s commitment to refrain from proxy wars in the Middle East, then Tehran could increase its destabilizing behavior in Iraq, the analyst explained. According to Ramani, amid all these concerns, Iraq will develop ties with alternative partners on the economic and security track, such as Russia and China. At the same time, the analyst notes that Russian-Iraqi talks have become routine. Just last year the two countries’ officials had nearly 60 contacts. Ramani admitted that Baghdad could purchase Russian weapons in the future and there were even rumors on the S-400 missile systems. However, now the Iraqi side is not planning to give clear signals on this. Baghdad may boost contacts with Russia and wait for the Biden administration’s steps when it enters the White House. Kommersant: Bread sales rise as Russians’ incomes drop
Read also Almost half of Russians suffered financial losses due to coronavirus pandemic — poll


tass--2020-11-26--Social media administration politically biased, Russian diplomat says

MOSCOW , November 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russian digital diplomacy in the social media faces increasingly strong censorship elements and political bias of its administration , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a video address to the Digital Technologies and Science Diplomacy conference participants .
The spokeswoman noted that while digitalization of the information space made it possible to deliver Russian foreign policy positions , assessments and approaches to the widest audiences , it also `` brought disinformation to a new level . ''
`` Consequently , debunking fake news , unfortunately disseminated by Western media , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she pointed out .
`` Another problem is the political bias of the social media administration .
We have to effectively act on a hostile territory amid increasingly strong elements of censorship and unfair competition . ''
There have been a lot of such situations recently , the diplomat added .
`` Yet still , we don ’ t give up .
Working in the social media helps us open up the boundaries somewhat and stimulate direct contacts between both the countries and the ordinary people , who are far from politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridges and removing conflict barriers .
This is a perfect platform to make objective information about Russia available to everyone , '' she concluded .
In 2020 , Facebook began labelling state-run accounts .
Shortly , Twitter took the same decision in respect of accounts of governments and government media , though leaving media with independent editorial policy on the government payroll unlabeled .
The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Western media , unlike that of Russia , remained unlabelled , which , according to the ministry , constituted a violation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Later , Instagram followed suit .
Maria Zakharova commented at the time that actions of Twitter , Facebook and Instagram appear to be coordinated .
YouTube also repeatedly restricted access to Russian media content .
On October 30 , the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications , Information Technology and Mass Media demanded that Google stop censoring Russian media materials .

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Russian digital diplomacy in the social media faces increasingly strong censorship elements and political bias of its administration, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a video address to the Digital Technologies and Science Diplomacy conference participants.
The spokeswoman noted that while digitalization of the information space made it possible to deliver Russian foreign policy positions, assessments and approaches to the widest audiences, it also "brought disinformation to a new level."
"Consequently, debunking fake news, unfortunately disseminated by Western media, has become a part of the routine," she pointed out. "Another problem is the political bias of the social media administration. We have to effectively act on a hostile territory amid increasingly strong elements of censorship and unfair competition."
There have been a lot of such situations recently, the diplomat added. "Yet still, we don’t give up. Working in the social media helps us open up the boundaries somewhat and stimulate direct contacts between both the countries and the ordinary people, who are far from politics. We see our goal in building bridges and removing conflict barriers. This is a perfect platform to make objective information about Russia available to everyone," she concluded.
In 2020, Facebook began labelling state-run accounts. Shortly, Twitter took the same decision in respect of accounts of governments and government media, though leaving media with independent editorial policy on the government payroll unlabeled. The Russian Foreign Ministry pointed out that Western media, unlike that of Russia, remained unlabelled, which, according to the ministry, constituted a violation of democratic principles of freedom of information. Later, Instagram followed suit. Maria Zakharova commented at the time that actions of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram appear to be coordinated.
YouTube also repeatedly restricted access to Russian media content. On October 30, the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media demanded that Google stop censoring Russian media materials.


tass--2020-11-26--Nornickel: Investments in Murmansk Region tourism cluster to make $166 million

TASS , November 26 .
The Norilsk Nickel Company ( Nornickel ) plans to organize a tourism cluster in the Murmansk Region with investments of 12.5 billion rubles ( $ 166 million ) , the company ’ s Vice Present Andrei Grachev said on Wednesday during the forum Days of Arctic and Antarctic in Moscow .
`` We have been working on a project in the Murmansk Region < … > to organize a tourism cluster and develop ecology tourism .
Our total financial investments are about 12.5 billion rubles , '' he said , stressing the project has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s press service told TASS , the cluster will be named the Liinakhamari Port .
It will have world-class infrastructures to serve cruise liners , yachts , to develop diving and sea fishing .
The project has been granted the status of the Arctic Zone ’ s resident .
The new cluster is among five tourism clusters , organized under the Arctic Zone ’ s Development Strategy , approved by Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin .
The forum Days of Arctic and Antarctic in Moscow continues online to November 27 .

TASS, November 26. The Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) plans to organize a tourism cluster in the Murmansk Region with investments of 12.5 billion rubles ($166 million), the company’s Vice Present Andrei Grachev said on Wednesday during the forum Days of Arctic and Antarctic in Moscow.
"We have been working on a project in the Murmansk Region <…> to organize a tourism cluster and develop ecology tourism. Our total financial investments are about 12.5 billion rubles," he said, stressing the project has been supported by Governor Andrei Chibis.
Nornickel’s press service told TASS, the cluster will be named the Liinakhamari Port. It will have world-class infrastructures to serve cruise liners, yachts, to develop diving and sea fishing. The project has been granted the status of the Arctic Zone’s resident. The new cluster is among five tourism clusters, organized under the Arctic Zone’s Development Strategy, approved by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
The forum Days of Arctic and Antarctic in Moscow continues online to November 27.


tass--2020-11-26--Nornickel: Relocation of North residents is subject of agreement with local authorities

Earlier , the Russian Federation Council ( parliament 's upper house ) recommended the parties to enter the agreement on Norilsk ’ s development programs before February 1 , 2021 .
TASS , November 26 .
The relocation of residents from Norilsk and Dudinka to the country ’ s regions with better climate is a task , which will be reflected in a four-party agreement between the Russian government , the Krasnoyarsk Region , Norilsk ’ s administration and Nornickel , the company ’ s Vice President Dmitry Pristanskov said on Wednesday during the forum Arctic and Antarctic Days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflect the most vital aspects for the city and the region in it , '' the company ’ s representative said .
`` One of the aspects is relocation of residents to Russian regions with better climate conditions . ''
Without waiting for the agreement to be inked , Nornickel has allocated the sum of 830 million rubles ( $ 11 million ) for the relocation in 2021 .
In 2011 , Russia ’ s Ministry for Regional Development , the Krasnoyarsk Region , Norilsk and Nornickel signed an agreement on providing support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dudinka .
Those eligible for the program are people , who have worked in the Far North for at least 15 years .
From 2016 , the federal center stopped its participation in the program that helped more than 6,000 families move southbound .
The forum Arctic and Antarctic Days in Moscow continues online to November 27 .

Earlier, the Russian Federation Council (parliament's upper house) recommended the parties to enter the agreement on Norilsk’s development programs before February 1, 2021.
TASS, November 26. The relocation of residents from Norilsk and Dudinka to the country’s regions with better climate is a task, which will be reflected in a four-party agreement between the Russian government, the Krasnoyarsk Region, Norilsk’s administration and Nornickel, the company’s Vice President Dmitry Pristanskov said on Wednesday during the forum Arctic and Antarctic Days in Moscow.
"The task is to reflect the most vital aspects for the city and the region in it," the company’s representative said. "One of the aspects is relocation of residents to Russian regions with better climate conditions."
Without waiting for the agreement to be inked, Nornickel has allocated the sum of 830 million rubles ($11 million) for the relocation in 2021.
In 2011, Russia’s Ministry for Regional Development, the Krasnoyarsk Region, Norilsk and Nornickel signed an agreement on providing support in relocation of residents from Norilsk and Dudinka. Those eligible for the program are people, who have worked in the Far North for at least 15 years. From 2016, the federal center stopped its participation in the program that helped more than 6,000 families move southbound.
The forum Arctic and Antarctic Days in Moscow continues online to November 27.