tass--2020-12-28--Press review: Is Russia at risk from new COVID strain and nixed India summit causes furor

Izvestia : How the new COVID-19 strain impacts Russia The `` UK '' strain of coronavirus is approximately 80 % similar to what is common in Russia , Head of the MIPT ’ s genomic engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov told Izvestia .
The existing differences are not enough for it to be able to escape from the immune response of already developed vaccines .
According to the expert , it will be possible to talk about more serious mutations with the advent of targeted drugs that will make the infection evolve .
However , this should not be expected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK ’ s COVID-19 strain was found in Canada , which means it continues to spread .
According to Volchkov , the possibility that the new strain of the virus will get to Russia can not be completely ruled out .
However , there are a number of things that make this possibility less daunting .
`` There are great similarities between the current Russian strain and the `` UK '' one .
Analysis shows that they are 80 % similar .
The difference is in the mutations that the `` UK '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientist noted .
For the media , the danger of the `` UK '' virus is greatly inflated , the scientist said .
Widespread lockdowns are more of a precautionary measure .
Meanwhile , Russia ’ s headquarters for the fight against coronavirus on December 27 reported 28,284 new coronavirus cases .
`` This time the process of reaching the plateau is much longer than it was in the spring , '' member of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection Boris Mendelevich told Izvestia .
`` The second wave turned out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
Russia became the fourth country in the world after the United States , Brazil , and India , with the number of confirmed coronavirus cases surpassing 3 mln .
Moscow and New Delhi are preparing for a Russian-Indian summit , which could take place in the first half of 2021 , India ’ s Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma told Kommersant , commenting on the scandal in Delhi over the cancellation of the annual Russian-Indian summit this year .
Indian media reported on the friction between Moscow and Delhi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused the authorities of `` destroying traditional ties with Moscow . ''
At the same time , sources told Kommersant that Moscow ’ s statements about India getting closer to the United States and being drawn into the `` anti-Chinese games '' are causing increasing bewilderment in Delhi .
The Indian Ambassador to Russia told Kommersant that both parties continue to closely interact in laying the groundwork for a new Russian-Indian summit in the first half of next year .
The diplomat rejected suggestions that political tensions could be the reason for cancelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2020 .
The clarification came after Russian-Indian relations for the first time in their history found themselves at the center of a scandal in India .
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of pursuing policies that undermined the achievements of previous decades by destroying the country ’ s traditional relationship with Russia .
His statement was immediately disavowed by India ’ s key foreign policy agency .
The India-Russia summit did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the Indian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment as irresponsible .
However , Kommersant ’ s sources in India put the spotlight on some assessments by Russian officials about India 's relations with the United States and China that is causing growing confusion in the Indian capital .
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava noted that the Indo-Pacific strategy , which has rattled Moscow , is not directed against any particular country .
In 2020 , China 's reputation in the eyes of the West , and in the developing world has deteriorated , according to polls .
Many disliked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fight against the pandemic as evidence of the superiority of its political system .
The outspokenness with which Chinese diplomats publicly rebuff critics of Beijing 's policies also played a negative role .
At the same time , experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta , since China ’ s power is growing and it often uses force to strengthen its territorial claims , it was impossible to avoid aggravating the contradictions between China and the United States , as well as their allies .
Paradoxically , attitudes towards China have worsened because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the fight against coronavirus to the outside world .
China says it has helped other nations buy time to prepare the healthcare field for the impending disaster , but it is widely believed in the West that China is hiding something , and that its actions in the fight against the pandemic are murky , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Head of the HSE Department of International Relations Alexander Lukin told the newspaper , `` The main challenge for China in 2020 was the aggravation of relations with the United States and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty well .
The economy is recovering .
However , China has indeed lost its prestige .
But not because it was hiding the truth about coronavirus .
Beijing lost its prestige rather because of the new diplomatic style , with Chinese diplomats teaching everyone what to do and scolding everybody .
This style is dubbed wolf warrior diplomacy '' .
According to opinion polls , the world ’ s positive outlook on China is steadily declining .
The good attitudes decreased by 10 % , and the negative ones increased .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only under conditions of good relations with other countries .
It is very much tied to exports and to world markets .
If relations deteriorate , it will sooner or later affect China 's foreign trade , Lukin concluded .
Izvestia : Russians dream of travelling to Italy in 2021 , but borders might be open only in summer When flights to other countries are allowed , every tenth Russian wants to go to Italy , according to a poll by Tutu.ru prepared for Izvestia .
A slightly smaller share of respondents plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russians also would like to visit Germany , Greece , Turkey and the Czech Republic .
Representatives of the travel industry noted that tours to Egypt , Tunisia , Montenegro , and Croatia are among the leaders in terms of requests for 2021 .
However , virologists told Izvestia that the borders will not be open before summer , and even then , it is better to refrain from traveling .
Vice-president of ATOR Dmitry Gorin attributed Russians ’ choices to the fact that Italy and Spain were not available for travel in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tourism is a very important sector of the economy , so they also want to open their borders as soon as possible .
However , there are clear criteria that will allow this to be done : 40 cases per 100,000 of the population , the transmission and infection rate is 1 % .
So far , only 16 international destinations are open to Russians .
Among them are Ghana , Mexico , Chile , but there are no direct flights to these countries .
And this is an important fact for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expert told Izvestia .
Gorin also noted that after the borders are opened , the price of tourism services in the host countries will not change to support the industry .
And the industry 's recovery will stretch over the next three years .
The tourism sector hopes that the borders with Europe will open in the spring .
However , virologists interviewed by Izvestia believe that this will only happen in the summer .
`` Borders should be opened when the situation with the spread of coronavirus normalizes , and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Butenko , a virologist from the Gamaleya Center told Izvestia .
The only way travelling across Europe becomes safer is by getting vaccinated , Head of the MIPT genomic engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov added .
The Bank of Russia hammered out amendments to a number of existing laws that restrict the admission of unqualified investors to financial instruments six months earlier than had been expected .
The document will be submitted to the State Duma by the end of 2020 , Vedomosti writes .
The regulator has repeatedly stated , the purpose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex financial instruments is to protect these investors .
This is especially important now , when many individuals enter the stock market for the first time , actively transferring funds from bank deposits .
Only shares of companies from the Bank of Russia ’ s quotation lists , OFZs , bonds of Russian companies with high ratings , shares of open-ended , exchange-traded and interval mutual funds , sovereign bonds of the EU or EAEU countries , the United Kingdom and Ireland , as well as corporate bonds of companies registered in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Experts noted that , on the one hand , this list covers 99 % of the needs of an ordinary unqualified investor , but on the other hand , it can alienate some novice investors .
The new bill leaves them ( at least for the next couple of years ) with access only to low-risk and , thus , not very profitable instruments .
`` The restrictions proposed by the Bank of Russia will not prevent retail investors from entering the stock market , but will limit their access to protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as to margin transactions , '' President of the National Association of Securities Market Participants ( NAUFOR ) Alexey Timofeev told Vedomosti .
President and Chairman of the Board of Finam Group Vladislav Kochetkov calls the new restrictions unexpected and unreasonably tough .
`` The consequences will be extremely painful for the stock market .
On the other hand , insurance companies , foreign brokers and other organizations will thrive , receiving additional benefits by artificially limiting competition , '' he told the newspaper .
TASS is not responsible for the @ @ @ @ @ @

Izvestia: How the new COVID-19 strain impacts Russia The "UK" strain of coronavirus is approximately 80% similar to what is common in Russia, Head of the MIPT’s genomic engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov told Izvestia. The existing differences are not enough for it to be able to escape from the immune response of already developed vaccines. According to the expert, it will be possible to talk about more serious mutations with the advent of targeted drugs that will make the infection evolve. However, this should not be expected in the near future. Meanwhile, the UK’s COVID-19 strain was found in Canada, which means it continues to spread.
Read also Russia sees surge of 27,787 coronavirus cases in 24 hours
According to Volchkov, the possibility that the new strain of the virus will get to Russia cannot be completely ruled out. However, there are a number of things that make this possibility less daunting. "There are great similarities between the current Russian strain and the "UK" one. Analysis shows that they are 80% similar. The difference is in the mutations that the "UK" strain acquired relatively recently," the scientist noted. For the media, the danger of the "UK" virus is greatly inflated, the scientist said. Widespread lockdowns are more of a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, Russia’s headquarters for the fight against coronavirus on December 27 reported 28,284 new coronavirus cases. "This time the process of reaching the plateau is much longer than it was in the spring," member of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection Boris Mendelevich told Izvestia. "The second wave turned out to be larger than we expected," he added. Russia became the fourth country in the world after the United States, Brazil, and India, with the number of confirmed coronavirus cases surpassing 3 mln. Kommersant: Indian opposition triggers dispute over cancelled summit with Russia Moscow and New Delhi are preparing for a Russian-Indian summit, which could take place in the first half of 2021, India’s Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma told Kommersant, commenting on the scandal in Delhi over the cancellation of the annual Russian-Indian summit this year. Indian media reported on the friction between Moscow and Delhi, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi directly accused the authorities of "destroying traditional ties with Moscow." At the same time, sources told Kommersant that Moscow’s statements about India getting closer to the United States and being drawn into the "anti-Chinese games" are causing increasing bewilderment in Delhi. The Indian Ambassador to Russia told Kommersant that both parties continue to closely interact in laying the groundwork for a new Russian-Indian summit in the first half of next year. The diplomat rejected suggestions that political tensions could be the reason for cancelling meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2020. The clarification came after Russian-Indian relations for the first time in their history found themselves at the center of a scandal in India. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of pursuing policies that undermined the achievements of previous decades by destroying the country’s traditional relationship with Russia. His statement was immediately disavowed by India’s key foreign policy agency. The India-Russia summit did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman said, chiding Gandhi’s comment as irresponsible. However, Kommersant’s sources in India put the spotlight on some assessments by Russian officials about India's relations with the United States and China that is causing growing confusion in the Indian capital. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava noted that the Indo-Pacific strategy, which has rattled Moscow, is not directed against any particular country. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: China’s coronavirus success irks foreign partners In 2020, China's reputation in the eyes of the West, and in the developing world has deteriorated, according to polls. Many disliked the fact that Beijing is demonstrating success in the fight against the pandemic as evidence of the superiority of its political system. The outspokenness with which Chinese diplomats publicly rebuff critics of Beijing's policies also played a negative role. At the same time, experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta, since China’s power is growing and it often uses force to strengthen its territorial claims, it was impossible to avoid aggravating the contradictions between China and the United States, as well as their allies.
Read also Over 80 mln people worldwide infected with coronavirus
Paradoxically, attitudes towards China have worsened because of the way Beijing presents its indisputable successes in the fight against coronavirus to the outside world. China says it has helped other nations buy time to prepare the healthcare field for the impending disaster, but it is widely believed in the West that China is hiding something, and that its actions in the fight against the pandemic are murky, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Head of the HSE Department of International Relations Alexander Lukin told the newspaper, "The main challenge for China in 2020 was the aggravation of relations with the United States and the pandemic. It coped with the pandemic pretty well. The economy is recovering. However, China has indeed lost its prestige. But not because it was hiding the truth about coronavirus. Beijing lost its prestige rather because of the new diplomatic style, with Chinese diplomats teaching everyone what to do and scolding everybody. This style is dubbed wolf warrior diplomacy". According to opinion polls, the world’s positive outlook on China is steadily declining. The good attitudes decreased by 10%, and the negative ones increased. But the Chinese economy can exist and develop only under conditions of good relations with other countries. It is very much tied to exports and to world markets. If relations deteriorate, it will sooner or later affect China's foreign trade, Lukin concluded. Izvestia: Russians dream of travelling to Italy in 2021, but borders might be open only in summer When flights to other countries are allowed, every tenth Russian wants to go to Italy, according to a poll by Tutu.ru prepared for Izvestia. A slightly smaller share of respondents plan to vacation in Spain and Thailand. Russians also would like to visit Germany, Greece, Turkey and the Czech Republic. Representatives of the travel industry noted that tours to Egypt, Tunisia, Montenegro, and Croatia are among the leaders in terms of requests for 2021. However, virologists told Izvestia that the borders will not be open before summer, and even then, it is better to refrain from traveling.
Read also Moscow, Brussels resume direct charter flights
Vice-president of ATOR Dmitry Gorin attributed Russians’ choices to the fact that Italy and Spain were not available for travel in 2020. "For Italy and Spain, tourism is a very important sector of the economy, so they also want to open their borders as soon as possible. However, there are clear criteria that will allow this to be done: 40 cases per 100,000 of the population, the transmission and infection rate is 1%. So far, only 16 international destinations are open to Russians. Among them are Ghana, Mexico, Chile, but there are no direct flights to these countries. And this is an important fact for the restoration of tourist links," the expert told Izvestia. Gorin also noted that after the borders are opened, the price of tourism services in the host countries will not change to support the industry. And the industry's recovery will stretch over the next three years. The tourism sector hopes that the borders with Europe will open in the spring. However, virologists interviewed by Izvestia believe that this will only happen in the summer. "Borders should be opened when the situation with the spread of coronavirus normalizes, and this can happen in July-August," Aleksandr Butenko, a virologist from the Gamaleya Center told Izvestia. The only way travelling across Europe becomes safer is by getting vaccinated, Head of the MIPT genomic engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov added. Vedomosti: Bank of Russia restricts investors' access to risky assets The Bank of Russia hammered out amendments to a number of existing laws that restrict the admission of unqualified investors to financial instruments six months earlier than had been expected. The document will be submitted to the State Duma by the end of 2020, Vedomosti writes. The regulator has repeatedly stated, the purpose of limiting the access of unqualified investors to complex financial instruments is to protect these investors. This is especially important now, when many individuals enter the stock market for the first time, actively transferring funds from bank deposits.
Read also Ruble not actually responding to key rate reduction


tass--2020-12-28--Four suspected Islamic State members arrested in Dagestan, says source

MAKHACHKALA , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Makhachkala ’ s Sovetsky District Court has ordered the arrest of four residents @ @ @ @ @ members of the Islamic State ( IS ) terror group ( outlawed in Russia ) @ @ @ @ @ ’ s law enforcement agencies told TASS .
`` The suspects were arrested until February @ @ @ @ @ the request of investigators , '' the source said .
On Saturday , the Public @ @ @ @ @ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) informed TASS that on December 25 , the @ @ @ @ @ Russian Interior Ministry , had thwarted preparations for a terror attack in Makhachkala .
Four @ @ @ @ @ .

MAKHACHKALA, December 28. /TASS/. Makhachkala’s Sovetsky District Court has ordered the arrest of four residents of Dagestan suspected of being members of the Islamic State (IS) terror group (outlawed in Russia), a source in Dagestan’s law enforcement agencies told TASS.
"The suspects were arrested until February 25, 2021, at the request of investigators," the source said.
On Saturday, the Public Relations Center of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) informed TASS that on December 25, the FSB, together with the Russian Interior Ministry, had thwarted preparations for a terror attack in Makhachkala. Four IS cell members were apprehended.


tass--2020-12-28--Armenian police start detaining protesters in Yerevan

YEREVAN , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Armenian police have started detaining protesters who gathered near the parliament building @ @ @ @ @ reports .
Currently , the Armenian parliament is holding an urgent session .
A clash @ @ @ @ @ demanding that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resign , and one of the ruling party @ @ @ @ @ rocked by protests for more than a month now .
The Armenian opposition believes that @ @ @ @ @ Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan , Russian President Vladimir Putin and @ @ @ @ @ November 9 essentially came to be an act of capitulation .
Opponents of the incumbent @ @ @ @ @ on him for economic and social problems of the country .

YEREVAN, December 28. /TASS/. The Armenian police have started detaining protesters who gathered near the parliament building in central Yerevan, TASS reports.
Currently, the Armenian parliament is holding an urgent session. A clash broke out between the protesters demanding that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resign, and one of the ruling party lawmakers.
Armenia has been rocked by protests for more than a month now. The Armenian opposition believes that the trilateral statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on November 9 essentially came to be an act of capitulation. Opponents of the incumbent Armenian leader also pin responsibility on him for economic and social problems of the country.


tass--2020-12-28--Russia sees surge of 27,787 coronavirus cases in 24 hours

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases grew by 27,787 in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ people have been infected by now , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday @ @ @ @ @ center , the growth rate has not exceeded 0.9 % over the past four days @

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases grew by 27,787 in the past 24 hours. A total of 3,078,035 people have been infected by now, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Monday.
According to the crisis center, the growth rate has not exceeded 0.9% over the past four days.


tass--2020-12-28--Source says 17 sailors from Russian boat that sank in Barents Sea believed to be dead

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Sailors who went missing after their fishing boat sank in the Barents Sea @ @ @ @ @ reports , an emergency service source told TASS Monday .
`` According to the preliminary @ @ @ @ @ survivors apart from two rescued sailors .
The frozen vessel sank instantly during a storm @ @ @ @ @ for anyone to be saved in the freezing waters , '' the source noted .
@ @ @ @ @ received that the Onega vessel had sunk in the Barents Sea near Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Region .
The crew had 19 people .
Two people were rescued .
The vessel @ @ @ @ @ noted to be the reason Onega sank .
A TASS source in emergency services clarified @ @ @ @ @ to look for potential survivors .
One of them saved two sailors alive , they @ @ @ @ @ is no connection with the rest .
Onega is a fishing boat constructed in 1979 @ @ @ @ @ flag .
A criminal case was launched into violation of safety rules .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Sailors who went missing after their fishing boat sank in the Barents Sea have died according to preliminary reports, an emergency service source told TASS Monday.
"According to the preliminary data, there are no survivors apart from two rescued sailors. The frozen vessel sank instantly during a storm, leaving practically no chance for anyone to be saved in the freezing waters," the source noted.
At 07:30, information was received that the Onega vessel had sunk in the Barents Sea near Russia’s Novaya Zemlya in the Arkhangelsk Region. The crew had 19 people. Two people were rescued. The vessel was fishing, freezing is noted to be the reason Onega sank.
A TASS source in emergency services clarified that five boats were sent to look for potential survivors. One of them saved two sailors alive, they were wearing wetsuits, there is no connection with the rest.
Onega is a fishing boat constructed in 1979, it flies the Russian flag. A criminal case was launched into violation of safety rules.


tass--2020-12-28--Around 40% of Russian universities teaching students remotely

`` We have 64 % of students [ studying remotely ] .
Correspondingly , I think it is a little under 40 % of universities that are teaching students remotely or in a fully remote format , '' Falkov emphasized .
MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
More than 60 % of students in Russia are studying remotely , while some 40 % of Russian universities have switched to remote studying , Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov told reporters .
The minister stressed that distance learning is now organized in approximately half of all Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I reiterate that probably at least half of Russian regions have remote studying organized , '' he said .
According to the minister , he started receiving calls from rectors already in November , telling him that there are so many ill or quarantining teaching staffers that `` nobody can teach students in person , everybody is staying home , it is only possible to teach remotely . ''
`` I ’ ll tell you this , there are no miracles .
If a region has difficult epidemiological situation , universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while there is a rather large number of those who contracted the disease .
Because it is society , universities are not [ operating ] in a void , '' Falkov underscored .

"We have 64% of students [studying remotely]. Correspondingly, I think it is a little under 40% of universities that are teaching students remotely or in a fully remote format," Falkov emphasized.
MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. More than 60% of students in Russia are studying remotely, while some 40% of Russian universities have switched to remote studying, Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov told reporters.
The minister stressed that distance learning is now organized in approximately half of all Russian regions. "Regions have different situations, but I reiterate that probably at least half of Russian regions have remote studying organized," he said.
According to the minister, he started receiving calls from rectors already in November, telling him that there are so many ill or quarantining teaching staffers that "nobody can teach students in person, everybody is staying home, it is only possible to teach remotely."
"I’ll tell you this, there are no miracles. If a region has difficult epidemiological situation, universities generally also moved to remote studying, while there is a rather large number of those who contracted the disease. Because it is society, universities are not [operating] in a void," Falkov underscored.


tass--2020-12-28--Fishing boat sinks off Russia’s Novaya Zemlya, two people rescued

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
A boat has sunk near Russia ’ s Novaya Zemlya Archipelago , the @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` At 07:30 , information was received that the Onega vessel < … @ @ @ @ @ Barents Sea near Novaya Zemlya in the Arkhangelsk Region .
The crew had 19 people @ @ @ @ @ , '' the ministry said , adding that searches are underway .
The vessel was @ @ @ @ @ to be the reason Onega sank .
A TASS source in emergency services clarified that @ @ @ @ @ look for potential survivors .
One of them saved two sailors alive , they were @ @ @ @ @ no connection with the rest .
Onega is a fishing boat constructed in 1979 , @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. A boat has sunk near Russia’s Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, the Russian Emergency Ministry told TASS Monday.
"At 07:30, information was received that the Onega vessel <…> had sunk in the Barents Sea near Novaya Zemlya in the Arkhangelsk Region. The crew had 19 people. Two people were rescued," the ministry said, adding that searches are underway.
The vessel was fishing, freezing is noted to be the reason Onega sank.
A TASS source in emergency services clarified that five boats were sent to look for potential survivors. One of them saved two sailors alive, they were wearing wetsuits, there is no connection with the rest.
Onega is a fishing boat constructed in 1979, it flies the Russian flag.


tass--2020-12-28--Moscow theater launches ‘Batman Vs Brezhnev’ play pre-premiere performances

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow Drama Theater on Malaya Bronnaya street , led by Konstantin Bogomolov , launches a series of pre-premiere performances of the `` Batman vs Brezhnev '' play , written and directed by Sasha Denisova , the theater spokeswoman Maria Malkina told TASS .
`` Sasha Denisova is a famous dramatist , prosaic , playwright and director .
Her new play is a phantasy on what Batman would do , if he were a citizen of the USSR during the Period of Stagnation .
This story is told by a little girl , Batman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is woven of everything Soviet that is familiar to us - lifestyle , movies , songs , destinies , '' Malkina said .
According to the script , the protagonist is writer Anatoly Dudochkin , who lives a common life .
`` He suffers his mother-in-law ’ s attacks .
He goes to work to the Gotham daily and writes articles about Socialist competition resonating with millions of Soviet people .
He stands in lines .
He wants to get his wife French perfume , '' Sasha Denisova explains .
`` The Soviet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To turn a blind eye and live like everyone else ?
To make friends with the useful people ?
Or to fight the forces of evil - the Secretary General and the Politburo , who seem to have poisoned the Gotham ’ s atmosphere and have no intention to go .
A comic book as a symbol of the West ’ s corrupting culture become a world behind the looking glass , where the Secretary General turns into Penguin , the news anchor becomes Catwoman , and the KGB informant becomes Joker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the theater spokeswoman , the pre-premiere performances will take place on December 28 and January 13 , 20 , and 29 in the Yauza Palace Theatre Hall , provided to the Theater for the duration of its historic building renovation .
The January 31 premiere will take place in the Palace , as well .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Moscow Drama Theater on Malaya Bronnaya street, led by Konstantin Bogomolov, launches a series of pre-premiere performances of the "Batman vs Brezhnev" play, written and directed by Sasha Denisova, the theater spokeswoman Maria Malkina told TASS.
"Sasha Denisova is a famous dramatist, prosaic, playwright and director. Her new play is a phantasy on what Batman would do, if he were a citizen of the USSR during the Period of Stagnation. This story is told by a little girl, Batman’s daughter, and the story is woven of everything Soviet that is familiar to us - lifestyle, movies, songs, destinies," Malkina said.
The play
According to the script, the protagonist is writer Anatoly Dudochkin, who lives a common life.
"He suffers his mother-in-law’s attacks. He goes to work to the Gotham daily and writes articles about Socialist competition resonating with millions of Soviet people. He stands in lines. He wants to get his wife French perfume," Sasha Denisova explains.
"The Soviet Batman is torn by an inner conflict. To turn a blind eye and live like everyone else? To make friends with the useful people? Or to fight the forces of evil - the Secretary General and the Politburo, who seem to have poisoned the Gotham’s atmosphere and have no intention to go. A comic book as a symbol of the West’s corrupting culture become a world behind the looking glass, where the Secretary General turns into Penguin, the news anchor becomes Catwoman, and the KGB informant becomes Joker," the author said.
According to the theater spokeswoman, the pre-premiere performances will take place on December 28 and January 13, 20, and 29 in the Yauza Palace Theatre Hall, provided to the Theater for the duration of its historic building renovation. The January 31 premiere will take place in the Palace, as well.


tass--2020-12-28--Shanghai bans plastic bags in all stores on January 1

SHANGHAI , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
A total ban on plastic bags , both biodegradable and otherwise , will enter force in Shanghai on January 1 , 2021 , according to Shanghai Daily .
Starting Friday , all Shanghai stores , from pharmacies to shopping malls , will stop selling plastic bags or provide them free of charge .
Food delivery services will also be banned from using non-degradable plastic bags , and restaurants will no longer serve food and drinks in plastic package or with plastic drinking straw .
The ban does not cover package for freshly cooked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plastic bag use even before the introduction of the restriction .
The city administration adopted a plastic bag limiting policy in 2008 : since then , the authorities sought to encourage people to use bags made of paper and other materials , without imposing strict bans .
This policy will cover other fields in the upcoming years , as well .
According to the report , by the end of year 2021 , plastic bags must be abolished by all star-rated Shanghai hotels , while all other city hotels will have to drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming years , the Shanghai mail service and express deliveries will also stop using bags and packing tape made of non-degradable plastic .

SHANGHAI, December 28. /TASS/. A total ban on plastic bags, both biodegradable and otherwise, will enter force in Shanghai on January 1, 2021, according to Shanghai Daily.
Starting Friday, all Shanghai stores, from pharmacies to shopping malls, will stop selling plastic bags or provide them free of charge. Food delivery services will also be banned from using non-degradable plastic bags, and restaurants will no longer serve food and drinks in plastic package or with plastic drinking straw. The ban does not cover package for freshly cooked food.
Many Shanghai stores limited their plastic bag use even before the introduction of the restriction. The city administration adopted a plastic bag limiting policy in 2008: since then, the authorities sought to encourage people to use bags made of paper and other materials, without imposing strict bans.
This policy will cover other fields in the upcoming years, as well. According to the report, by the end of year 2021, plastic bags must be abolished by all star-rated Shanghai hotels, while all other city hotels will have to drop plastic bags by 2023. In the upcoming years, the Shanghai mail service and express deliveries will also stop using bags and packing tape made of non-degradable plastic.


tass--2020-12-28--Mutated coronavirus strain found in Jordanian couple returning from London, says minister

BEIRUT , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The first cases of the mutated coronavirus infection were registered in Jordan , Health Minister Nazir Obeidat announced Sunday .
According to the Minister , the new strain was found in a married couple who returned from London on December 19 .
`` The spouses currently feel normal , but they remain in total isolation on a 14-day quarantine , '' Obeidat said .
Jordan suspended accepting flight from the UK between December 21 and January 3 .
The Health Minister explained that this decision was made due to the epidemic situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new mutated strain of the coronavirus .
On December 14 , UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced that British scientists had identified a mutated version of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus , which might explain the rapid spread of the disease in Southeastern England .
According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the new strain could be up to 70 % more contagious , although there is no indication that the strain is more lethal than its previous variant .
According to the statistics , 1,590 COVID-19 cases were registered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 29 deaths , which bring the total case count in the kingdom to 287,946 .
A total of 3,758 people died , while 261,514 have recovered .

BEIRUT, December 28. /TASS/. The first cases of the mutated coronavirus infection were registered in Jordan, Health Minister Nazir Obeidat announced Sunday.
According to the Minister, the new strain was found in a married couple who returned from London on December 19.
"The spouses currently feel normal, but they remain in total isolation on a 14-day quarantine," Obeidat said.
Jordan suspended accepting flight from the UK between December 21 and January 3. The Health Minister explained that this decision was made due to the epidemic situation in the United Kingdom, which reported a new mutated strain of the coronavirus.
On December 14, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced that British scientists had identified a mutated version of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which might explain the rapid spread of the disease in Southeastern England. According to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the new strain could be up to 70% more contagious, although there is no indication that the strain is more lethal than its previous variant.
According to the statistics, 1,590 COVID-19 cases were registered in Jordan in the past 24 hours, with 29 deaths, which bring the total case count in the kingdom to 287,946. A total of 3,758 people died, while 261,514 have recovered.


tass--2020-12-27--Media: Hainan international beer festival draws attention

HAIKOU , December 27 .
/TASS/ .
The first Hainan International Beer Festival , held in the southernmost Chinese province , drew the attention of tens of thousands of beer lovers who enjoy this ancient alcoholic drink with its wide assortment .
According to www.hinews.cn , the residents and guests of the island , first of all , were pleased with the richest gustatory variety .
The organizers invited the public to learn more about the national and foreign beer products , which are characterized by a wide range in terms of the proportion of alcohol content — from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The presented beers include traditional and craft beers , light and dark , regular and unfiltered , with frothy foam and not that frothy .
Visitors were able to sample drinks with both low , moderate and extremely high gravity wort .
Like at any major beer festival , the brewers have demonstrated their best product for every taste — from lager to ale , porter and stout .
`` Beer has an extremely wide circle of admirers .
< ... > We hope that this festival will be held annually and stimulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreation at sea , '' the Hainan Tourism Department commented on the event .
The festival is expected to enhance the popularity of the island 's distinctive culture .
Residents and guests of the province can learn more about the richest assortment of low-alcohol drink , brewed both according to traditional and unusual , including unique recipes .
Visitors are offered to dive deep into the atmosphere of fascinating performances and exciting shows , try the delights of local cuisine , go shopping and even take part in sports events .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , performances of well-known Chinese musical ensembles will take place , there will be clowns , a parade of Disney characters will take place .
Entertainment programs with the participation of more than a hundred actresses in colorful bikinis were a real blast .
The festival takes place in the resort town of Sanya from December 24 , 2020 to January 2 , 2021 .
During the event , where visitors were invited to to taste more than 1,000 names of national and foreign beer products , the marine theme and traditional Hainan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sailing regatta are timed to this large-scale event , it coincided with the celebration of Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar and the New Year .
Many participants interested in the event from all over China arrived on the island .
One of the key tasks of the holiday is to increase the popularity of Hainan among tourists , to accelerate the implementation of the government program to create a developed international consumer zone on the island .

HAIKOU, December 27. /TASS/. The first Hainan International Beer Festival, held in the southernmost Chinese province, drew the attention of tens of thousands of beer lovers who enjoy this ancient alcoholic drink with its wide assortment. According to www.hinews.cn, the residents and guests of the island, first of all, were pleased with the richest gustatory variety.
The organizers invited the public to learn more about the national and foreign beer products, which are characterized by a wide range in terms of the proportion of alcohol content — from the usual 3-4 to unprecedented 75 degrees. The presented beers include traditional and craft beers, light and dark, regular and unfiltered, with frothy foam and not that frothy. Visitors were able to sample drinks with both low, moderate and extremely high gravity wort. Like at any major beer festival, the brewers have demonstrated their best product for every taste — from lager to ale, porter and stout.
"Beer has an extremely wide circle of admirers. <...> We hope that this festival will be held annually and stimulate the development of a multi-faceted culture of recreation at sea," the Hainan Tourism Department commented on the event.
The festival is expected to enhance the popularity of the island's distinctive culture. Residents and guests of the province can learn more about the richest assortment of low-alcohol drink, brewed both according to traditional and unusual, including unique recipes. Visitors are offered to dive deep into the atmosphere of fascinating performances and exciting shows, try the delights of local cuisine, go shopping and even take part in sports events.
According to the published program, during the festival, performances of well-known Chinese musical ensembles will take place, there will be clowns, a parade of Disney characters will take place. Entertainment programs with the participation of more than a hundred actresses in colorful bikinis were a real blast.
Hainan Beer Festival
The festival takes place in the resort town of Sanya from December 24, 2020 to January 2, 2021. During the event, where visitors were invited to to taste more than 1,000 names of national and foreign beer products, the marine theme and traditional Hainan culture prevail. A golf competition and a sailing regatta are timed to this large-scale event, it coincided with the celebration of Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar and the New Year.
Many participants interested in the event from all over China arrived on the island. One of the key tasks of the holiday is to increase the popularity of Hainan among tourists, to accelerate the implementation of the government program to create a developed international consumer zone on the island.


tass--2020-12-29--Former Russian monk detained after taking control of Urals monastery - source

YEKATERINBURG , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Father Sergiy , a former Russian monk who denied the coronavirus existence and took control of a women ’ s monastery in the Urals , has been detained and is being questioned , a source in the law enforcement agencies told TASS .
`` The law enforcement agencies are carrying out an investigation at the Sredneuralsk monastery .
Romanov [ Father Sergiy ] has been detained for questioning , '' the source said .
The former monk was detained after posting a video on YouTube encouraging his followers `` to die for Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Father Sergiy was twice fined for inciting hatred and hostility and spreading fake socially important information during his sermons .
In particular , he called on people to go to church despite the lockdown and described the coronavirus situation as a `` fake pandemic . ''
Some media reports claimed that in 1986 Romanov was sentenced to 13 years in colony for burglary and murdering a school teacher .
After walking free , he became a monk .
Father Sergiy was suspended by the church leadership in late May 2020 after violating a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave the women ’ s monastery , but he continued holding church services there .
The church leadership has described the situation as a takeover .
On September 10 , a church court defrocked Father Sergiy and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church confirmed this decision on October 19 .

YEKATERINBURG, December 29. /TASS/. Father Sergiy, a former Russian monk who denied the coronavirus existence and took control of a women’s monastery in the Urals, has been detained and is being questioned, a source in the law enforcement agencies told TASS.
"The law enforcement agencies are carrying out an investigation at the Sredneuralsk monastery. Romanov [Father Sergiy] has been detained for questioning," the source said.
Father Sergiy will be sent to Moscow. "Yes, there are plans to send him to Moscow," the source said.
The former monk was detained after posting a video on YouTube encouraging his followers "to die for Russia," according to the source. Father Sergiy was twice fined for inciting hatred and hostility and spreading fake socially important information during his sermons. In particular, he called on people to go to church despite the lockdown and described the coronavirus situation as a "fake pandemic."
Some media reports claimed that in 1986 Romanov was sentenced to 13 years in colony for burglary and murdering a school teacher. After walking free, he became a monk.
Father Sergiy was suspended by the church leadership in late May 2020 after violating a ban on sermons. He was ordered to leave the women’s monastery, but he continued holding church services there. The church leadership has described the situation as a takeover. On September 10, a church court defrocked Father Sergiy and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church confirmed this decision on October 19.


tass--2020-12-29--Russian dubbed ‘world’s heaviest boy’ by Guinness dies aged 21

NALCHIK , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
Dzhambulat Khatokhov , named the world 's heaviest child by the Guinness Book @ @ @ @ @ 21 , President of Sumo and Mas-wrestling Federation in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic , in Russia @ @ @ @ @ Betal Gubzhev wrote on his Instagram account .
`` The record holder of the Guinness @ @ @ @ @ first sumo wrestler of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Dzhambulat Khatokhov has passed away .
My condolences @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Gubzhev , who is also a coach of Russia ’ s mas-wrestling @ @ @ @ @ of his death has not been revealed .
At the age of 3.5 , Dzhambulat @ @ @ @ @ than children of the same age .
The boy weighted 48 kg ( 105 lb @ @ @ @ @ was 32 and he had a unique power .
Doctors confirmed that the child , @ @ @ @ @ weights , was absolutely healthy .
After appearing on a popular Russian TV show , @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
German journalists also made a film about him .

NALCHIK, December 29. /TASS/. Dzhambulat Khatokhov, named the world's heaviest child by the Guinness Book of Records, died aged 21, President of Sumo and Mas-wrestling Federation in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, in Russia’s North Caucasus, Betal Gubzhev wrote on his Instagram account.
"The record holder of the Guinness Book of Records, the first sumo wrestler of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic Dzhambulat Khatokhov has passed away. My condolences to the relatives and friends," said Gubzhev, who is also a coach of Russia’s mas-wrestling junior team.
The cause of his death has not been revealed.
At the age of 3.5, Dzhambulat Khatokhov was a head higher than children of the same age. The boy weighted 48 kg (105 lb), his shoe size was 32 and he had a unique power. Doctors confirmed that the child, who easily played with heavy weights, was absolutely healthy. After appearing on a popular Russian TV show, the child gained fame in Russia. German journalists also made a film about him.


tass--2020-12-29--Russian prison authority threatens to revoke Navalny’s suspended sentence

MOSCOW , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow branch of Russia ’ s Federal Penitentiary Service ( FSIN ) has threatened to overturn a suspended sentence for Alexey Navalny for evading oversight and have him serve a real prison time .
FSIN referred to an article by The Lancet medical journal published on December 22 , 2020 based on the data of a German clinic Charite .
According to this publication , Navalny was discharged from the clinic on September 20 and by October 12 all consequences of his alleged poisoning had passed .
`` So , the person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties assigned to him by the court and is evading control of the prison inspectorate , '' the FSIN said .
On December 28 , Navalny was notified that he must visit the inspectorate .
His lawyer and a spokesperson have also received this information .
In case it is confirmed that Navalny is evading oversight , he will be held liable under Part 4 of Article 190 of the Russian Penal Code .
According to this article , in case persons under suspended sentence systematically fail to fulfill the terms of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can file a petition with the court to revoke their suspended sentence and replace it with a real prison term .
On December 30 , 2014 , Alexey Navalny was given a 3.5-year suspended sentence with a 5-year probation under the Yves Rocher fraud case .

MOSCOW, December 29. /TASS/. The Moscow branch of Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN) has threatened to overturn a suspended sentence for Alexey Navalny for evading oversight and have him serve a real prison time.
FSIN referred to an article by The Lancet medical journal published on December 22, 2020 based on the data of a German clinic Charite. According to this publication, Navalny was discharged from the clinic on September 20 and by October 12 all consequences of his alleged poisoning had passed.
"So, the person under suspended sentence is not fulfilling the duties assigned to him by the court and is evading control of the prison inspectorate," the FSIN said.
On December 28, Navalny was notified that he must visit the inspectorate. His lawyer and a spokesperson have also received this information.
In case it is confirmed that Navalny is evading oversight, he will be held liable under Part 4 of Article 190 of the Russian Penal Code. According to this article, in case persons under suspended sentence systematically fail to fulfill the terms of their probation or evade monitoring, the FSIN can file a petition with the court to revoke their suspended sentence and replace it with a real prison term.
On December 30, 2014, Alexey Navalny was given a 3.5-year suspended sentence with a 5-year probation under the Yves Rocher fraud case.


tass--2020-12-29--New coronavirus strains to become challenge for healthcare in 2021 - WHO Director-General

GENEVA , December 29 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) thinks that the global community in @ @ @ @ @ to studies of new strains of the coronavirus , including those detected in the UK @ @ @ @ @ research information on this subject , WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday at @ @ @ @ @ He emphasized that in 2021 the global community will face `` new challenges '' and @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` At present , we are working closely with scientists all over the @ @ @ @ @ and all changes to the virus and how these changes affect its ability to spread @ @ @ @ @ or any potential impact on available tests , treatments and vaccines , '' the Director-General @ @ @ @ @ share promptly with the WHO and other countries `` epidemiological , virological , and full @ @ @ @ @ the newly detected strains of the coronavirus .
According to him , `` we must @ @ @ @ @ punished for transparently sharing new scientific findings . ''

GENEVA, December 29. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) thinks that the global community in 2021 should pay special attention to studies of new strains of the coronavirus, including those detected in the UK and South Africa and share research information on this subject, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday at a briefing in Geneva.
He emphasized that in 2021 the global community will face "new challenges" and "new variants of COVID-19." "At present, we are working closely with scientists all over the world to better understand any and all changes to the virus and how these changes affect its ability to spread or make people sick, or any potential impact on available tests, treatments and vaccines," the Director-General said. He urged to share promptly with the WHO and other countries "epidemiological, virological, and full genome sequence information" of the newly detected strains of the coronavirus. According to him, "we must ensure that countries are not punished for transparently sharing new scientific findings."


tass--2020-12-28--WHO documents over 441,000 COVID-19 cases worldwide in past 24 hours

GENEVA , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has documented over 441,000 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours , with the overall number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world hitting 79.67 mln .
The data published by WHO on Monday informs that the COVID-19 death toll has risen by over 6,800 in the past 24 hours , surpassing 1.76 mln in total .
As of 18:56 Moscow time December 28 , the WHO documented 79,673,754 cases of COVID-19 and 1,761,381 coronavirus-related deaths .
The number of those infected has risen by 441,861 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up by 6,807 .
The WHO statistical data only includes official information provided by the states .
Over half of new cases is reported in North and South America ( 227,490 ) , with Europe coming in second with 146,109 daily cases and Southeast Asia ranking third with 29,532 .
The US has recorded the highest overall number of COVID-19 cases ( 18,827,300 ) , followed by India ( 10,207,871 ) , Brazil ( 7,465,806 ) , Russia ( 3,078,035 ) , France ( 2,516,348 ) , the UK ( 2,288,349 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,854,951 ) , Germany ( 1,651,834 ) , Colombia ( 1,584,903 ) , Argentina ( 1,578,267 ) and Mexico ( 1,377,217 ) .

GENEVA, December 28. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented over 441,000 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, with the overall number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the world hitting 79.67 mln. The data published by WHO on Monday informs that the COVID-19 death toll has risen by over 6,800 in the past 24 hours, surpassing 1.76 mln in total.
As of 18:56 Moscow time December 28, the WHO documented 79,673,754 cases of COVID-19 and 1,761,381 coronavirus-related deaths. The number of those infected has risen by 441,861, and the death toll has gone up by 6,807.
The WHO statistical data only includes official information provided by the states.
Over half of new cases is reported in North and South America (227,490), with Europe coming in second with 146,109 daily cases and Southeast Asia ranking third with 29,532.
The US has recorded the highest overall number of COVID-19 cases (18,827,300), followed by India (10,207,871), Brazil (7,465,806), Russia (3,078,035), France (2,516,348), the UK (2,288,349), Italy (2,047,696), Spain (1,854,951), Germany (1,651,834), Colombia (1,584,903), Argentina (1,578,267) and Mexico (1,377,217).


tass--2020-12-28--Shooting in Nagorno-Karabakh violates ceasefire, Ankara asserts

ANKARA , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey ’ s Foreign Ministry asserted on Monday that shooting in the Hadrut @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Attacks upon Azerbaijan ’ s Armed Forces by Armenian elements who refused to @ @ @ @ @ retreat in Nagorno-Karabakh are an obvious violation of a ceasefire established by the November 9 @ @ @ @ @ '' the press release said .
Earlier on Monday , the Russian Defense Ministry reported @ @ @ @ @ will check reports of shooting in the Hadrut district .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ the ceasefire regime is observed along the entire line of engagement .

ANKARA, December 28. /TASS/. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry asserted on Monday that shooting in the Hadrut district is a ceasefire violation.
"Attacks upon Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces by Armenian elements who refused to lay down the arms and retreat in Nagorno-Karabakh are an obvious violation of a ceasefire established by the November 9, 2020 trilateral statement," the press release said.
Earlier on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh will check reports of shooting in the Hadrut district. At the same time, according to the ministry, the ceasefire regime is observed along the entire line of engagement.


tass--2020-12-28--Moscow documents 75 COVID-19 fatalities over 24 hours

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of fatalities due to the coronavirus infection in Moscow has increased by 75 over the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Monday .
`` In Moscow , 75 patients died with a confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia and a positive test result for the presence of the coronavirus infection , '' the crisis center reported .
In all , the capital has recorded 11,064 fatalities due to the coronavirus .
Moscow is in the first place nationwide by the number of the coronavirus infections .
As of December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection have been detected in the city , including 6,253 over the past 24 hours .
Some 609,770 patients have recovered .
According to the latest global statistics , about 80.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and over 1.7 mln deaths have been reported .
To date , 3,078,035 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,471,309 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 55,265 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The number of fatalities due to the coronavirus infection in Moscow has increased by 75 over the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Monday.
"In Moscow, 75 patients died with a confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia and a positive test result for the presence of the coronavirus infection," the crisis center reported.
In all, the capital has recorded 11,064 fatalities due to the coronavirus.
Moscow is in the first place nationwide by the number of the coronavirus infections. As of December 28, some 792,457 cases of the infection have been detected in the city, including 6,253 over the past 24 hours. Some 609,770 patients have recovered.
According to the latest global statistics, about 80.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and over 1.7 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 3,078,035 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,471,309 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 55,265 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-28--Argentina hopes to receive 5 mln doses of Sputnik V vaccine in January - Health Minister

BUENOS AIRES , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Argentine government hopes to receive 5 mln doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus in January , including 1 mln doses of the second component of the preparation , Argentine Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia reported on Monday .
`` According to the contract , 5 mln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine should arrive in January .
There should be 4 mln doses of the first component and 1 mln of the second one , '' he told the AM 750 radio station .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another 14.7 mln doses of Sputnik V. The Health Ministry also hopes that by late February - early March the country will begin to receive vaccines by British-Swedish AstraZeneca .
In all , the Latin American republic purchased 22 mln doses of this preparation .
`` We continue talks with two Chinese manufacturers , '' the minister noted .
The first batch of Sputnik V numbering 300,000 doses arrived in Argentina on December 24 .
A day earlier the country ’ s Health Ministry approved the emergency use of the preparation .
Mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @

BUENOS AIRES, December 28. /TASS/. Argentine government hopes to receive 5 mln doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus in January, including 1 mln doses of the second component of the preparation, Argentine Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia reported on Monday.
"According to the contract, 5 mln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine should arrive in January. There should be 4 mln doses of the first component and 1 mln of the second one," he told the AM 750 radio station.
According to the minister, in February, Argentina expects another 14.7 mln doses of Sputnik V. The Health Ministry also hopes that by late February - early March the country will begin to receive vaccines by British-Swedish AstraZeneca. In all, the Latin American republic purchased 22 mln doses of this preparation. "We continue talks with two Chinese manufacturers," the minister noted.
The first batch of Sputnik V numbering 300,000 doses arrived in Argentina on December 24. A day earlier the country’s Health Ministry approved the emergency use of the preparation. Mass inoculation should start on December 29.


tass--2020-12-28--Turkish troops shelling Syrian settlements in Hasakah and Raqqa provinces - agency

BEIRUT , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish troops have shelled several settlements located to the east of the border town of Ras al-Ayn in the Syrian province of Hasakah , local residents told the SANA news agency .
There have been no reports of injuries so far , however , several residential buildings in the area have been damaged .
According to the agency , the Turkish troops and the Ankara-supported Syrian armed opposition formations have shelled the city of Tell Tamer located 40 km away from Hasakah ’ s administrative center .
SANA informs that local residents are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to safer areas .
Turkish forces and militants opened fire on the outskirts of the town of Ayn Issa , where Kurdish units from the Syrian Democratic Forces coalition are active .
Since early December , clashes between the sides have been reported in the area .
The Kurdish forces repelled several attacks of the opposition formations supported by the Turkish army and drones .
As a result of the clashes , units of the Syrian Democratic Forces killed 24 opposition militants , and the Kurds have lost five militants .
On December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria , informed that military police units had been sent to Syria ’ s Ayn Issa to stabilize the situation .
According to Sytnik , earlier , during the talks with the Turkish side , agreements were reached to place joint Russian-Syrian observation posts due to the unstable situation in the area .
The Russian military official called on commanders of illegal armed formations to `` abandon provocations and step on the path of peaceful regulation of the situation in the areas under @ @ @ @ @

BEIRUT, December 28. /TASS/. Turkish troops have shelled several settlements located to the east of the border town of Ras al-Ayn in the Syrian province of Hasakah, local residents told the SANA news agency. There have been no reports of injuries so far, however, several residential buildings in the area have been damaged.
According to the agency, the Turkish troops and the Ankara-supported Syrian armed opposition formations have shelled the city of Tell Tamer located 40 km away from Hasakah’s administrative center. SANA informs that local residents are forced to leave their homes and relocate to safer areas.
Turkish forces and militants opened fire on the outskirts of the town of Ayn Issa, where Kurdish units from the Syrian Democratic Forces coalition are active. Since early December, clashes between the sides have been reported in the area. The Kurdish forces repelled several attacks of the opposition formations supported by the Turkish army and drones. As a result of the clashes, units of the Syrian Democratic Forces killed 24 opposition militants, and the Kurds have lost five militants.
On December 27, Vyacheslav Sytnik, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria, informed that military police units had been sent to Syria’s Ayn Issa to stabilize the situation. According to Sytnik, earlier, during the talks with the Turkish side, agreements were reached to place joint Russian-Syrian observation posts due to the unstable situation in the area. The Russian military official called on commanders of illegal armed formations to "abandon provocations and step on the path of peaceful regulation of the situation in the areas under their control.".


tass--2020-12-28--Lukashenko signs decree on holding All Belarusian People's Assembly

MINSK , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree on holding the 6th All Belarusian People 's Assembly on February 11-12 , 2021 , on Monday , the BelTA news agency reported citing the presidential press service .
According to the decree , participants of the assembly will discuss main provisions of the program of socio-economic development of Belarus in 2021-2025 and directions of social and political development of the country .
Some 2,700 participants and guests will take part in the assembly .
They include leaders of state bodies and organizations , representatives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , media outlets , staff of diplomatic agencies and consulates of foreign countries in Belarus , representatives of Belarusian diasporas , international and foreign organizations in Belarus .
According to BelTA , the website of the assembly was launched on Monday .
The selection of delegates will begin on December 29 .
The Belarusian president stated that this assembly will be held in the conditions of an unprecedented external pressure on the country .
Against the background of the protest rallies , Lukashenko stated the necessity to change the constitution , noting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of authorities at various levels and hand over some rights `` downstream . ''
In relation to this , he noted the important role of the nationwide assembly for the discussion of the constitutional reform .
On October 2 , House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus ( lower house of the parliament ) began to accept proposals on constitutional amendments .
The Belarusian opposition refused to discuss the constitutional amendments with the government , insisting on holding a new presidential election .

MINSK, December 28. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree on holding the 6th All Belarusian People's Assembly on February 11-12, 2021, on Monday, the BelTA news agency reported citing the presidential press service.
According to the decree, participants of the assembly will discuss main provisions of the program of socio-economic development of Belarus in 2021-2025 and directions of social and political development of the country.
Some 2,700 participants and guests will take part in the assembly. They include leaders of state bodies and organizations, representatives of local councils of lawmakers, civic associations, media outlets, staff of diplomatic agencies and consulates of foreign countries in Belarus, representatives of Belarusian diasporas, international and foreign organizations in Belarus. According to BelTA, the website of the assembly was launched on Monday. The selection of delegates will begin on December 29. The Belarusian president stated that this assembly will be held in the conditions of an unprecedented external pressure on the country.
Against the background of the protest rallies, Lukashenko stated the necessity to change the constitution, noting that he was ready to redistribute the powers of authorities at various levels and hand over some rights "downstream." In relation to this, he noted the important role of the nationwide assembly for the discussion of the constitutional reform. On October 2, House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus (lower house of the parliament) began to accept proposals on constitutional amendments. The Belarusian opposition refused to discuss the constitutional amendments with the government, insisting on holding a new presidential election.


tass--2020-12-28--Mortality in young people with obesity 10 times higher, physician says

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
About 40 mln people in Russia suffer from obesity .
At the same time , the mortality among young patients with a severe form of obesity is 10-12 times higher than among people of the same age with a normal weight , Director of the National Medical Research Endocrinology Center of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Natalya Mokrysheva said at a press conference at TASS on Monday .
`` Obesity is widespread in Russia < ... > , practically 40 mln people in Russia suffer from obesity .
< ... > A severe form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have a high fatality risk , and mortality increases several-fold among young people , for example , 10-12 times , compared to people without obesity of the same age , '' she said .
She also noted that about 5 mln diabetes patients are registered in the country , almost half of them already have serious complications .
A decrease in mortality of population older than working age , an increase in birth rate and healthy life expectancy are one of the key goals of the Demography National Project .
Currently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updating the results of the national project that was extended until 2030 .
The event was organized by the Healthy Society project of the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Content Foundation for the Development of Expert and Analytical Activity .
TASS serves as the information partner of the event .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. About 40 mln people in Russia suffer from obesity. At the same time, the mortality among young patients with a severe form of obesity is 10-12 times higher than among people of the same age with a normal weight, Director of the National Medical Research Endocrinology Center of the Russian Healthcare Ministry Natalya Mokrysheva said at a press conference at TASS on Monday.
"Obesity is widespread in Russia <...>, practically 40 mln people in Russia suffer from obesity. <...> A severe form of obesity, these are the people who have a high fatality risk, and mortality increases several-fold among young people, for example, 10-12 times, compared to people without obesity of the same age," she said.
She also noted that about 5 mln diabetes patients are registered in the country, almost half of them already have serious complications.
A decrease in mortality of population older than working age, an increase in birth rate and healthy life expectancy are one of the key goals of the Demography National Project. Currently, relevant ministries and agencies are working on updating the results of the national project that was extended until 2030.
The event was organized by the Healthy Society project of the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Content Foundation for the Development of Expert and Analytical Activity. TASS serves as the information partner of the event.


tass--2020-12-28--Russian military suspends vehicle escort on Syrian motorway due to escalated tensions

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian military police have suspended civilian vehicle escort on the M4 motorway in Syria due to an escalation of tensions in the area of Ayn Issa , Vyacheslav Sytnik , deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria , said during Monday ’ s briefing .
`` Due to an escalation of tensions , the escort of civilian vehicles by the Russian military police on a section of the M4 motorway from Tell Tamer to Ayn Issa has been suspended .
It will be resumed as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Russian military official , units of the Russian military police are fulfilling objectives on observation posts in the province of Raqqa along with Syrian military officers .
On Sunday , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria informed that military police units had been sent to Syria ’ s Ayn Issa to stabilize the situation .
According to Sytnik , earlier , during the talks with the Turkish side , agreements were reached to place joint Russian-Syrian observation posts due to the unstable situation in the @ @

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The Russian military police have suspended civilian vehicle escort on the M4 motorway in Syria due to an escalation of tensions in the area of Ayn Issa, Vyacheslav Sytnik, deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria, said during Monday’s briefing.
"Due to an escalation of tensions, the escort of civilian vehicles by the Russian military police on a section of the M4 motorway from Tell Tamer to Ayn Issa has been suspended. It will be resumed as the situation is regulated," Sytnik said.
According to the Russian military official, units of the Russian military police are fulfilling objectives on observation posts in the province of Raqqa along with Syrian military officers.
On Sunday, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria informed that military police units had been sent to Syria’s Ayn Issa to stabilize the situation. According to Sytnik, earlier, during the talks with the Turkish side, agreements were reached to place joint Russian-Syrian observation posts due to the unstable situation in the area.


tass--2020-12-28--Lavrov, Cavusoglu to confirm intention to cooperate on vaccine - Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu intend to confirm mutual interest in expanding cooperation on the Russian Sputnik V vaccine during a meeting in Sochi on December 29 , the commentary made public by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday said .
`` The pandemic determined an emergence of such a prospective direction of interaction between Russian and Turkish partners as a localization in Turkey of a production of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus .
During the meeting [ the sides ] intend to confirm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the diplomatic agency pointed out .
Earlier , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reported at a briefing that during the meeting the sides will discuss a wide range of pressing regional and international issues .
For instance , it is planned to discuss the activity of the Joint Russian-Turkish Center to control a ceasefire in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
The Turkish top diplomat will visit Sochi on December 29 in order to participate in the 8th meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group which acts within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu intend to confirm mutual interest in expanding cooperation on the Russian Sputnik V vaccine during a meeting in Sochi on December 29, the commentary made public by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Monday said.
"The pandemic determined an emergence of such a prospective direction of interaction between Russian and Turkish partners as a localization in Turkey of a production of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus. During the meeting [the sides] intend to confirm interest in expanding cooperation in this sphere," the diplomatic agency pointed out.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reported at a briefing that during the meeting the sides will discuss a wide range of pressing regional and international issues. For instance, it is planned to discuss the activity of the Joint Russian-Turkish Center to control a ceasefire in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The Turkish top diplomat will visit Sochi on December 29 in order to participate in the 8th meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group which acts within the framework of the Russian-Turkish High Level Cooperation Council.


tass--2020-12-28--Nord Stream 2 segment in German exclusive economic zone completed

BERLIN , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Construction work on the 2.6-km long segment of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline @ @ @ @ @ of Germany has been completed , DPA news agency reported on Monday , citing Nord @ @ @ @ @ The pipelay of two parallel strings of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the @ @ @ @ @ is expected to start in mid-January , the news agency said .
Nord Stream 2 @ @ @ @ @ plans in due course , DPA added .
Construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas @ @ @ @ @ .
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a @ @ @ @ @ cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany @ @ @ @ @ % of Nord Stream 2 has been finished .
The construction was suspended at the @ @ @ @ @ Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions .

BERLIN, December 28. /TASS/. Construction work on the 2.6-km long segment of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the exclusive economic zone of Germany has been completed, DPA news agency reported on Monday, citing Nord Stream 2 AG company.
The pipelay of two parallel strings of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline in the exclusive economic zone of Denmark is expected to start in mid-January, the news agency said. Nord Stream 2 AG will inform about further plans in due course, DPA added.
Construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline resumed on December 11.
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 94% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.


tass--2020-12-28--Gas supplies to China to be 59.7-80.6% above contract at year-end — Gazprom

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom continues boosting gas exports to China over the Power of Siberia gas @ @ @ @ @ significantly above contracted volumes in late December , the Russian gas holding said on Monday @ @ @ @ @ , gas supplies to China are provided with volumes exceeding daily contractual commitments by 59.7 @ @ @ @ @ December 29-31 will be above contractual commitments by 66.7 % , 73.6 % , and @ @ @ @ @ the company said .
The Power of Siberia is the largest gas transportation system in @ @ @ @ @ to consumers in the Far East and China .
Russian gas supplies over the Power @ @ @ @ @ until mid-December of this year amounted to about 3.8 bln cubic meters .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Gazprom continues boosting gas exports to China over the Power of Siberia gas pipeline and deliveries will be significantly above contracted volumes in late December, the Russian gas holding said on Monday.
"On December 28, gas supplies to China are provided with volumes exceeding daily contractual commitments by 59.7%, while deliveries on December 29-31 will be above contractual commitments by 66.7%, 73.6%, and 80.6% respectively," the company said.
The Power of Siberia is the largest gas transportation system in Eastern Russia, providing gas to consumers in the Far East and China. Russian gas supplies over the Power of Siberia from its launch until mid-December of this year amounted to about 3.8 bln cubic meters.


tass--2020-12-28--About 700,000 Sputnik V vaccine doses enter civilian circulation in Russia

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Nearly 700,000 doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine have entered civilian circulation in Russia , head of the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said on Monday .
`` Right now , there are about 700,000 vaccine doses in civilian circulation , '' he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
Gintsburg recalled that the Sputnik V vaccine was proven to be safe and effective on the outcomes of clinical trials .
`` 30,000 volunteers in Moscow that received the vaccine are fully protected from serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by this virus unlike those who got the placebo dose , '' he said , adding that nearly 92 % of those vaccinated do not get infected with the virus .
He stressed that the effectiveness of the Russian vaccine can be compared to many international COVID-19 vaccines , surpassing them in some ways .
Russia registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world under the name of Sputnik V on August 11 .
The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology .
Post-registration testing of the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with first volunteers getting the first vaccine shot on September 9 .
Overall , the trials should have included 40,000 people , with 10,000 receiving a placebo dose instead of the vaccine .
However , the Russian Health Ministry decided to stop vaccinating volunteers after some 31,000 people had taken part in the trials .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Nearly 700,000 doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine have entered civilian circulation in Russia, head of the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said on Monday.
"Right now, there are about 700,000 vaccine doses in civilian circulation," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
Gintsburg recalled that the Sputnik V vaccine was proven to be safe and effective on the outcomes of clinical trials. "30,000 volunteers in Moscow that received the vaccine are fully protected from serious and moderate cases of the disease caused by this virus unlike those who got the placebo dose," he said, adding that nearly 92% of those vaccinated do not get infected with the virus.
He stressed that the effectiveness of the Russian vaccine can be compared to many international COVID-19 vaccines, surpassing them in some ways.
Russia registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world under the name of Sputnik V on August 11. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. Post-registration testing of the vaccine began in Moscow on September 7, with first volunteers getting the first vaccine shot on September 9. Overall, the trials should have included 40,000 people, with 10,000 receiving a placebo dose instead of the vaccine. However, the Russian Health Ministry decided to stop vaccinating volunteers after some 31,000 people had taken part in the trials.


tass--2020-12-28--Pandemic to recede in 2021, Deputy PM hopes

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Pandemic will recede in 2021 , according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana @ @ @ @ @ , there are all grounds for this .
`` I very much hope that after @ @ @ @ @ will recede , we will overcome those difficulties we had in 2020 .
We have @ @ @ @ @ difficulties , '' she said at a briefing on Monday .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ mln people have been infected worldwide and over 1.7 mln deaths have been reported .
@ @ @ @ @ cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,471,309 patients having recovered from the disease @ @ @ @ @ data indicates 55,265 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet @ @ @ @ @ updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Pandemic will recede in 2021, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. In her opinion, there are all grounds for this.
"I very much hope that after the New Year the disease will recede, we will overcome those difficulties we had in 2020. We have all grounds to overcome these difficulties," she said at a briefing on Monday.
According to the latest global statistics, about 80.8 mln people have been infected worldwide and over 1.7 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 3,078,035 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,471,309 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 55,265 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-28--Hungary receives 6,000 doses of Russian vaccine against coronavirus

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Hungary has just received 6,000 doses of the Russian vaccine against the new coronavirus , Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on Monday .
`` Cooperation between Russia and Hungary will continue on the basis of our agreement .
6,000 doses of the Russian vaccine have just arrived in Hungary , '' he wrote on Facebook .
The minister noted that Hungarian experts will continue to study the Russian vaccine in order to make a decision on its use in the country .
In November , Hungary became the first EU country to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine for research .
The implementation of the plans for the supply of the Russian vaccine was discussed at a meeting of the Russian-Hungarian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation held on November 27 in Budapest .
Its work was co-chaired by Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto .
According to Johns Hopkins University , which provides calculations based on information from international organizations , federal and local authorities , more than 316,000 cases of coronavirus infection have been recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have died from the consequences of the infection in that country .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Hungary has just received 6,000 doses of the Russian vaccine against the new coronavirus, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on Monday.
"Cooperation between Russia and Hungary will continue on the basis of our agreement. 6,000 doses of the Russian vaccine have just arrived in Hungary," he wrote on Facebook.
The minister noted that Hungarian experts will continue to study the Russian vaccine in order to make a decision on its use in the country.
In November, Hungary became the first EU country to receive samples of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine for research. The implementation of the plans for the supply of the Russian vaccine was discussed at a meeting of the Russian-Hungarian intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation held on November 27 in Budapest. Its work was co-chaired by Minister of Health of the Russian Federation Mikhail Murashko and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto.
According to Johns Hopkins University, which provides calculations based on information from international organizations, federal and local authorities, more than 316,000 cases of coronavirus infection have been recorded in Hungary. More than 9,000 people have died from the consequences of the infection in that country.


tass--2020-12-28--COVID-19 not a seasonal disease like the flu, says Russian expert

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
COVID-19 is not a seasonal disease like the flu , it is active at any time of the year , head of the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said on Monday .
`` We have determined that unlike the flu , which is a seasonal disease where a vaccine that provides protection for three-four months should be used , this disease is not seasonal , we have seen that it is active all year round .
It spreads just as well in the winter , in the summer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel .
He noted that the research center had initially planned to develop a vaccine that can protect people from the disease for a year , two years or even longer .
Russia registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world under the name of Sputnik V on August 11 .
The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology .
Post-registration testing of the vaccine began in Moscow on September 7 , with first volunteers getting the first vaccine shot on September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have included 40,000 people , with 10,000 receiving a placebo instead of the vaccine .
However , the Russian Health Ministry decided to stop vaccinating volunteers after some 31,000 people had taken part in the trials .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. COVID-19 is not a seasonal disease like the flu, it is active at any time of the year, head of the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg said on Monday.
"We have determined that unlike the flu, which is a seasonal disease where a vaccine that provides protection for three-four months should be used, this disease is not seasonal, we have seen that it is active all year round. It spreads just as well in the winter, in the summer and in the fall," he said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel.
He noted that the research center had initially planned to develop a vaccine that can protect people from the disease for a year, two years or even longer.
Russia registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world under the name of Sputnik V on August 11. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. Post-registration testing of the vaccine began in Moscow on September 7, with first volunteers getting the first vaccine shot on September 9. Overall, the trials should have included 40,000 people, with 10,000 receiving a placebo instead of the vaccine. However, the Russian Health Ministry decided to stop vaccinating volunteers after some 31,000 people had taken part in the trials.


tass--2020-12-28--CAR authorities managed to hold elections despite provocations — Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
The authorities of the Central African Republic ( CAR ) have managed to hold elections despite provocations by destructive forces , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Monday .
`` Despite provocations and attempts by destructive forces , relying on the militants of illegal armed groups , to upset the election process the authorities of the Central African Republic , enjoying firm support from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central Africa ( MINUSCA ) and international partners managed to conduct the voting in most constituencies , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Central African Republic ’ s national election commission , operating in no easy conditions , managed to properly organize the activity of polling stations .
The turnout for the elections was high , '' the commentary runs .
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that according to preliminary comments by local observers , the incumbent president , Faustin-Archange Touadera , is well ahead of his rivals by the number of votes cast .
The Central African Republic held the elections of a new head of state and parliament - the National Assembly - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are to be officially announced before January 4 , 2021 .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The authorities of the Central African Republic (CAR) have managed to hold elections despite provocations by destructive forces, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Monday.
"Despite provocations and attempts by destructive forces, relying on the militants of illegal armed groups, to upset the election process the authorities of the Central African Republic, enjoying firm support from the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Central Africa (MINUSCA) and international partners managed to conduct the voting in most constituencies," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"The Central African Republic’s national election commission, operating in no easy conditions, managed to properly organize the activity of polling stations. The turnout for the elections was high," the commentary runs.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that according to preliminary comments by local observers, the incumbent president, Faustin-Archange Touadera, is well ahead of his rivals by the number of votes cast.
The Central African Republic held the elections of a new head of state and parliament - the National Assembly - on December 27. Preliminary election returns are to be officially announced before January 4, 2021.


tass--2020-12-28--Complex production will not hamper supplies of Sputnik V vaccine, says manufacturer

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Difficulties that may arise in production of each of the two components of @ @ @ @ @ should not be the reason for the delay in supplies , Dmitry Morozov , general @ @ @ @ @ company , said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine - TASS ] are technically different , the production of each of the @ @ @ @ @ .
The first technology makes it possible to produce the vaccine more calmly and quickly @ @ @ @ @ its own peculiarities , but this is not a reason for delays in the delivery @ @ @ @ @ said responding to the question of whether differences in the production of vaccine components can @ @ @ @ @ population .
On September 23 , 2020 , Biocad signed an agreement with the Gamaleya @ @ @ @ @ Microbiology under the Ministry of Health of Russia on the industrial production of the Sputnik @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Difficulties that may arise in production of each of the two components of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine should not be the reason for the delay in supplies, Dmitry Morozov, general director of the Biocad biotechnological company, said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Monday.
"They [the components of the vaccine - TASS] are technically different, the production of each of the components has differences in technology. The first technology makes it possible to produce the vaccine more calmly and quickly. The second technology has its own peculiarities, but this is not a reason for delays in the delivery of vaccines," he said responding to the question of whether differences in the production of vaccine components can affect its delivery to the population.
On September 23, 2020, Biocad signed an agreement with the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology under the Ministry of Health of Russia on the industrial production of the Sputnik V vaccine.


tass--2020-12-28--Serious COVID-19 mutations may require testing vaccine effectiveness, developer says

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
An inspection of effectiveness of vaccines against the coronavirus may be needed in @ @ @ @ @ the pathogen , Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of @ @ @ @ @ developed the Sputnik V vaccine Alexander Gintsburg said on Monday .
According to him , @ @ @ @ @ of the virus are involved which should not significantly influence the effectiveness of preparations since @ @ @ @ @ S-protein and not its separate parts .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. An inspection of effectiveness of vaccines against the coronavirus may be needed in case of serious mutations of the pathogen, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry that developed the Sputnik V vaccine Alexander Gintsburg said on Monday.
According to him, currently "point mutations" of the virus are involved which should not significantly influence the effectiveness of preparations since they use the entire so-called S-protein and not its separate parts.


tass--2020-12-28--FSB detains 28 bootleg firearms makes in Russia’s 13 regions

MOSCOW , December 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s federal security service FSB has detained 28 bootleg firearms makers in 13 regions and eliminated 11 underground workshops that were upgrading weapons and manufacturing ammunition , the FSB ’ s public relations center told TASS on Monday .
`` The federal security service in cooperation with the police and national guard Rosgvardiya has upset the activity of 28 persons in 13 regions of the country involved in restoring the combat capabilities of civilian weapons in bootleg workshops and in their marketing , including sales to recipients abroad , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The operatives seized 123 pieces of firearms of Russian and foreign manufacture and more than 9,000 cartridges .
`` The activity of 11 underground workshops that upgraded weapons and manufactured ammunition was terminated , '' the FSB said .
The operation was held in the Republic of Karelia and the Primorye , Belgorod , Vladimir , Voronezh , Nizhni Novgorod , Leningrad , Moscow , Murmansk , Tver , Tomsk , Chelyabinsk and Yaroslavl regions .
On the list of the seized weapons there were 19 automatic rifles ( AKM , AKS-74U @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rifle Val , 24 submachine-guns , 23 rifles , 57 pistols and revolvers , 15 mortar shells of different caliber , 12 hand grenades ( F-1 and RGD-5 ) , 165 key firearms components , 7 kilograms of powder and 20 blade weapons .

MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russia’s federal security service FSB has detained 28 bootleg firearms makers in 13 regions and eliminated 11 underground workshops that were upgrading weapons and manufacturing ammunition, the FSB’s public relations center told TASS on Monday.
"The federal security service in cooperation with the police and national guard Rosgvardiya has upset the activity of 28 persons in 13 regions of the country involved in restoring the combat capabilities of civilian weapons in bootleg workshops and in their marketing, including sales to recipients abroad," the FSB’s public relations center said.
The operatives seized 123 pieces of firearms of Russian and foreign manufacture and more than 9,000 cartridges.
"The activity of 11 underground workshops that upgraded weapons and manufactured ammunition was terminated," the FSB said.
The operation was held in the Republic of Karelia and the Primorye, Belgorod, Vladimir, Voronezh, Nizhni Novgorod, Leningrad, Moscow, Murmansk, Tver, Tomsk, Chelyabinsk and Yaroslavl regions.
On the list of the seized weapons there were 19 automatic rifles (AKM, AKS-74U, AK-103 and AK-104, special automatic rifle Val, 24 submachine-guns, 23 rifles, 57 pistols and revolvers, 15 mortar shells of different caliber, 12 hand grenades (F-1 and RGD-5), 165 key firearms components, 7 kilograms of powder and 20 blade weapons.