tass--2020-12-23--Russia’s 1st regiment of Avangard hypersonic missiles to assume full strength in 2021

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
The first regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile systems that went on combat alert in late 2019 in the Orenburg Region will assume its full strength in late 2021 , a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The first regiment of the Yasny division of the Strategic Missile Force will have six silo-based launchers by the end of next year .
Therefore , it will be brought to its assigned strength , '' the source said .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work continued to rearm that regiment with Avangard hypersonic missile systems .
Under the Defense Ministry ’ s collection of materials on the main results of the Russian Armed Forces ’ activity in 2012-2020 obtained by TASS , four Avangard hypersonic missile systems should be on combat alert by late December .
According to the materials , Russia has conducted five successful launches of the intercontinental ballistic missiles with these hypersonic boost-glide vehicles .
A source earlier told TASS that the next two UR-100N UTTKh missiles with the Avangard hypersonic boost-glide warheads might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Yasny missile division of the Strategic Missile Force approximately on December 25 .
The Avangard boost-glide vehicle is capable of flying at a hypersonic speed of up to Mach 28 in the dense layers of the atmosphere , maneuvering by its flight path and its altitude and breaching any anti-missile defense .
The Avangard hypersonic weapon was first mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018 .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The first regiment of Avangard hypersonic missile systems that went on combat alert in late 2019 in the Orenburg Region will assume its full strength in late 2021, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Wednesday.
"The first regiment of the Yasny division of the Strategic Missile Force will have six silo-based launchers by the end of next year. Therefore, it will be brought to its assigned strength," the source said.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s enlarged board meeting on December 21 that work continued to rearm that regiment with Avangard hypersonic missile systems. Under the Defense Ministry’s collection of materials on the main results of the Russian Armed Forces’ activity in 2012-2020 obtained by TASS, four Avangard hypersonic missile systems should be on combat alert by late December.
According to the materials, Russia has conducted five successful launches of the intercontinental ballistic missiles with these hypersonic boost-glide vehicles.
A source earlier told TASS that the next two UR-100N UTTKh missiles with the Avangard hypersonic boost-glide warheads might go on combat duty in a regiment of the Yasny missile division of the Strategic Missile Force approximately on December 25.
The Avangard boost-glide vehicle is capable of flying at a hypersonic speed of up to Mach 28 in the dense layers of the atmosphere, maneuvering by its flight path and its altitude and breaching any anti-missile defense. The Avangard hypersonic weapon was first mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018.


tass--2020-12-23--Nord Stream 2 priority project for Russia, its implementation going ahead — Kremlin

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is a priority project @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Peskov told TASS , adding that Russia is going ahead with its implementation .
@ @ @ @ @ project and we are going ahead with its implementation , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ be addressed to - TASS ] the Americans , '' Peskov said when asked whether @ @ @ @ @ Nord Stream 2 project may change due to Joe Biden 's victory in the US @ @ @ @ @ Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two gas pipeline strings with the total capacity @ @ @ @ @ per year from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea .
The gas pipeline is @ @ @ @ @ .
The construction was suspended in December 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped @ @ @ @ @ sanctions .
However , on December 11 , 2020 , the work resumed .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is a priority project for Moscow, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS, adding that Russia is going ahead with its implementation.
"That is a priority project and we are going ahead with its implementation," he said.
"The remaining questions [should be addressed to - TASS] the Americans," Peskov said when asked whether the international agenda around the Nord Stream 2 project may change due to Joe Biden's victory in the US presidential election.
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two gas pipeline strings with the total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea. The gas pipeline is 93% complete to date. The construction was suspended in December 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped the work due to US sanctions. However, on December 11, 2020, the work resumed.


tass--2020-12-23--Russia declares two Colombian embassy’s staff personae non gratae

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia declared two staff members of Colombia ’ s embassy in Moscow personae non gratae in a tit-for-tat move following the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Colombia , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` The ambassador [ of Colombia in Moscow ] was informed that given the reciprocity principle , the Russian side declares personae non gratae two staff members of the Colombian diplomatic mission in Moscow , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry summoned Colombian Ambassador to Moscow Alfonso Pedro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expulsion of two Russian diplomats from the country , the ministry clarified .
`` The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Colombian Ambassador Alfonso Lopez Caballero on December 22 to protest against Colombia ’ s groundless decision to expel two diplomats from the Russian embassy in Bogota .
The move runs counter to the traditionally friendly and mutually respectful relations between Russia and Colombia , '' the statement reads .
Earlier , the head of Colombia ’ s migration service , Juan Francisco Espinosa Palacios , said two staff members of the Russian embassy left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Foreign Ministry of Colombia , their actions violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. Russia declared two staff members of Colombia’s embassy in Moscow personae non gratae in a tit-for-tat move following the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Colombia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The ambassador [of Colombia in Moscow] was informed that given the reciprocity principle, the Russian side declares personae non gratae two staff members of the Colombian diplomatic mission in Moscow," the Foreign Ministry said.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Colombian Ambassador to Moscow Alfonso Pedro Lazaro Lopez Caballero to protest against the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from the country, the ministry clarified.
"The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Colombian Ambassador Alfonso Lopez Caballero on December 22 to protest against Colombia’s groundless decision to expel two diplomats from the Russian embassy in Bogota. The move runs counter to the traditionally friendly and mutually respectful relations between Russia and Colombia," the statement reads.
Earlier, the head of Colombia’s migration service, Juan Francisco Espinosa Palacios, said two staff members of the Russian embassy left the country on December 8. According to the Foreign Ministry of Colombia, their actions violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.


tass--2020-12-23--Russia stabilizes economic situation disrupted by oil prices in 2020, says Kremlin

`` This year the [ energy ] sector faced very challenging conditions as the turbulent environment triggered instability both for @ @ @ @ @ all types of industry , unfortunately , '' he said .
`` However , I @ @ @ @ @ to find a way out of those difficulties , stabilize the situation , stabilize the @ @ @ @ @ , and what is most important - ensure absolute sustainability of the Russian economy , @ @ @ @ @ Spokesman added that it enables Russia , `` despite the continuing pandemic-related difficulties , to @ @ @ @ @ future of Russia ’ s fuel and energy sector next year and in the foreseeable @ @ @

"This year the [energy] sector faced very challenging conditions as the turbulent environment triggered instability both for the commodities sector and for all types of industry, unfortunately," he said. "However, I think that the country managed to find a way out of those difficulties, stabilize the situation, stabilize the global price environment as well, and what is most important - ensure absolute sustainability of the Russian economy," Peskov said.
Kremlin Spokesman added that it enables Russia, "despite the continuing pandemic-related difficulties, to still confidently look to the future of Russia’s fuel and energy sector next year and in the foreseeable future."


tass--2020-12-23--Moscow records 5,652 new daily coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 5,652 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past @ @ @ @ @ to 756,586 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday .
A total of 7,237 @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
The city ’ s coronavirus growth rate is 0.8 % .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ by 5,228 to 582,772 in the past day and the death toll increased by 73 @ @ @ @ @ currently 163,201 active coronavirus cases in the city .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. As many as 5,652 coronavirus cases were recorded in Moscow in the past day, bringing the total to 756,586, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Wednesday.
A total of 7,237 cases were identified in Moscow on Tuesday. The city’s coronavirus growth rate is 0.8%.
Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries rose by 5,228 to 582,772 in the past day and the death toll increased by 73 to 10,613. There are currently 163,201 active coronavirus cases in the city.


tass--2020-12-23--Russia’s coronavirus reproduction rate falls to 1.03

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus reproduction rate in Russia has fallen to 1.03 , the lowest level in the past five days , according to a TASS analysis based on data from the national anti-coronavirus crisis center .
Moscow ’ s rate has dropped from 1.19 to 1.11 .
The rate is below 1 in five of Russia ’ s top ten regions with the highest number of coronavirus cases .
It stands at 0.98 in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and at 0.99 in the Rostov , Voronezh , Arkhangelsk and Krasnoyarsk regions .
The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk regions and 1.03 in the Moscow region .
The coronavirus reproduction rate indicates the average number of people one sick person can infect .
It is one of the criteria to be considered when it comes to removing restrictions introduced in the spring to prevent the infection from spreading .
The country ’ s authorities particularly take the coronavirus reproduction rate into account when making decisions on resuming international flights .
According to the Russian sanitary watchdog , it is possible to reopen the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries ’ coronavirus reproduction rates remain at or below 1 for a week .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The coronavirus reproduction rate in Russia has fallen to 1.03, the lowest level in the past five days, according to a TASS analysis based on data from the national anti-coronavirus crisis center. Moscow’s rate has dropped from 1.19 to 1.11.
The rate is below 1 in five of Russia’s top ten regions with the highest number of coronavirus cases. It stands at 0.98 in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Region and at 0.99 in the Rostov, Voronezh, Arkhangelsk and Krasnoyarsk regions. The coronavirus reproduction rate is 1 in St. Petersburg, the Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk regions and 1.03 in the Moscow region.
The coronavirus reproduction rate indicates the average number of people one sick person can infect. It is one of the criteria to be considered when it comes to removing restrictions introduced in the spring to prevent the infection from spreading. The country’s authorities particularly take the coronavirus reproduction rate into account when making decisions on resuming international flights. According to the Russian sanitary watchdog, it is possible to reopen the country’s border to foreign nationals in case their countries’ coronavirus reproduction rates remain at or below 1 for a week.


tass--2020-12-23--One in 50 Russians has had coronavirus infection

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The share of Russia ’ s residents who have experienced the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ 2 % of the population , as follows from TASS calculations on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ anti-coronavirus task force .
A total of 2,933,753 COVID-19 cases have been identified in Russia @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s federal statistics service Rosstat estimates the country ’ s population at 146,748,600 @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow , where the pandemic rates are the country ’ s highest , the @ @ @ @ @ of the population .
In St. Petersburg it is close to 4 % .
On @ @ @ @ @ high infection rates are Gorny Altai ( more than 6 % ) , Yamal ( @ @ @ @ @ ( 5.1 % ) , the Murmansk Region ( 4.5 % ) , Tyva ( @ @ @ @ @ ( 4 % ) .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The share of Russia’s residents who have experienced the novel coronavirus infection has been up to 2% of the population, as follows from TASS calculations on the basis of statistics provided by the federal anti-coronavirus task force.
A total of 2,933,753 COVID-19 cases have been identified in Russia since the pandemic began. Russia’s federal statistics service Rosstat estimates the country’s population at 146,748,600.
TASS calculations show that in Moscow, where the pandemic rates are the country’s highest, the share of those infected is 6% of the population. In St. Petersburg it is close to 4%.
On the list of regions with high infection rates are Gorny Altai (more than 6%), Yamal (5.7%), Kalmykia (5.1%), the Murmansk Region (4.5%), Tyva (4.4%) and Karelia (4%).


tass--2020-12-23--Russia’s coronavirus case tally rises by 27,250 in the past day

The growth rate in cases dropped to 0.9 % for the first time since October 8 .
MOSCOW , December @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coronavirus cases rose by 27,250 in the past day and the total case @ @ @ @ @ anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
One in 50 Russians has had coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ were registered in the past 24 hours in the Chukotka Autonomous Region ( 0.2 % @ @ @ @ @ Altai , Tuva and the Nenets Autonomous Region ( 0.4 % ) .
Moscow confirmed @ @ @ @ @ the past day .
Some 3,749 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in St. Petersburg , @ @ @ @ @ , 498 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 416 in the Pskov Region and 402 @ @ @ @ @ Currently , 537,325 people are ill in Russia .

The growth rate in cases dropped to 0.9% for the first time since October 8.
MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases rose by 27,250 in the past day and the total case tally reached 2,933,753, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
One in 50 Russians has had coronavirus infection
The lowest growth rates were registered in the past 24 hours in the Chukotka Autonomous Region (0.2%), the Republics of Altai, Tuva and the Nenets Autonomous Region (0.4%).
Moscow confirmed 5,652 new coronavirus cases in the past day. Some 3,749 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in St. Petersburg, 1,540 in the Moscow Region, 498 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 416 in the Pskov Region and 402 in the Sverdlovsk Region.
Currently, 537,325 people are ill in Russia.


tass--2020-12-23--Nativex Joins the TikTok Marketing Partner Program

SAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 23 .
/PRNewswire/ .
, a leading mobile-first advertising platform dedicated to driving ROI , announced a strategic partnership with TikTok , the world 's leading destination for short-form mobile video with a mission to inspire creativity and bring joy .
XMP by Nativex is joining TikTok 's Marketing Partners program , bolstering the social platform 's campaign and creative management offered to global advertisers .
This partnership demonstrates Nativex 's status as a leader in the mobile marketing space .
Nativex 's XMP platform offers a streamlined approach to achieving results on TikTok .
Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , distribute , and manage all workflows associated with their campaigns .
Users have total transparency into the creative content of a given campaign , and can fully automate creative and campaign management across TikTok and other major advertising platforms .
Additionally , features such as batch and template-based ad creation allows advertisers to quickly and easily scale campaigns .
This news showcases Nativex 's commitment to pioneering solutions that move clients ' businesses forward .
`` Marketers and advertisers realize the new audience engagement opportunities surrounding TikTok , and are fighting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ye , head of XMP , Nativex .
`` This partnership ensures marketers and advertisers can better execute campaign initiatives through TikTok and achieve greater results .
We 're pleased to deliver the tools that meet our community 's growing needs , and ultimately benefit their bottom line . ''
XMP by Nativex is available now .
For more information , visit or visit the TikTok Marketing Partner Portal Nativex is dedicated to driving ROI and growth for all sectors of business in a digital and mobile-first world .
Nativex enables marketers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to digital channels across China and the rest of the world .
In addition to this , Nativex offers all the integrated tools needed for marketers to thrive and create a meaningful impact on their audiences .
Part of Mobvista , Nativex has a global presence with 16 offices worldwide .
Learn more at .

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23. /PRNewswire/. Nativex , a leading mobile-first advertising platform dedicated to driving ROI, announced a strategic partnership with TikTok, the world's leading destination for short-form mobile video with a mission to inspire creativity and bring joy. XMP by Nativex is joining TikTok's Marketing Partners program, bolstering the social platform's campaign and creative management offered to global advertisers. This partnership demonstrates Nativex's status as a leader in the mobile marketing space.
Nativex's XMP platform offers a streamlined approach to achieving results on TikTok. Through the XMP platform, users can create, distribute, and manage all workflows associated with their campaigns. Users have total transparency into the creative content of a given campaign, and can fully automate creative and campaign management across TikTok and other major advertising platforms. Additionally, features such as batch and template-based ad creation allows advertisers to quickly and easily scale campaigns. This news showcases Nativex's commitment to pioneering solutions that move clients' businesses forward.
"Marketers and advertisers realize the new audience engagement opportunities surrounding TikTok, and are fighting for a way in," said Jin Ye, head of XMP, Nativex. "This partnership ensures marketers and advertisers can better execute campaign initiatives through TikTok and achieve greater results. We're pleased to deliver the tools that meet our community's growing needs, and ultimately benefit their bottom line."
XMP by Nativex is available now. For more information, visit nativex.com/xmp or visit the TikTok Marketing Partner Portal ads.tiktok.com/marketing-partners
About Nativex
Nativex is dedicated to driving ROI and growth for all sectors of business in a digital and mobile-first world. Nativex enables marketers to create strong, sustainable growth through universal access to digital channels across China and the rest of the world. In addition to this, Nativex offers all the integrated tools needed for marketers to thrive and create a meaningful impact on their audiences. Part of Mobvista, Nativex has a global presence with 16 offices worldwide. Learn more at www.nativex.com .
CONTACT: Yichen Huang, +86 18520641501, pr@global.nativex.com


tass--2020-12-23--Crimea reports new weekly high of coronavirus deaths

SIMFEROPOL , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 53 coronavirus deaths were recorded in Crimea in the past @ @ @ @ @ Russian sanitary watchdog in Crimea and Sevastopol Natalya Penkovskaya said at a meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` As many as 53 coronavirus deaths were recorded in the past week @ @ @ @ @ weekly high .
I would like to point out that 144 fatalities have been recorded @ @ @ @ @ 75 deaths in October and 155 in November , '' she pointed out .

SIMFEROPOL, December 23. /TASS/. As many as 53 coronavirus deaths were recorded in Crimea in the past week, head of the Russian sanitary watchdog in Crimea and Sevastopol Natalya Penkovskaya said at a meeting of the regional anti-coronavirus crisis center on Wednesday.
"As many as 53 coronavirus deaths were recorded in the past week, which is a new weekly high. I would like to point out that 144 fatalities have been recorded in December, compared to 75 deaths in October and 155 in November," she pointed out.


tass--2020-12-23--Russia holds over 87 mln COVID-19 tests

Russia holds over 87 mln COVID-19 tests

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian medics have held over 87 mln COVID-19 tests since the start of @ @ @ @ @ Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing informed on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ held over 87 mln coronavirus tests , '' the message by the watchdog ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , 393,000 tests have been carried out .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ are under medical supervision on suspicion of having contracted COVID-19 .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. Russian medics have held over 87 mln COVID-19 tests since the start of the pandemic, the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing informed on Wednesday.
"The Russian Federation has held over 87 mln coronavirus tests," the message by the watchdog’s press service informed. In the past 24 hours, 393,000 tests have been carried out.
According to the watchdog, about 641,600 people are under medical supervision on suspicion of having contracted COVID-19.


tass--2020-12-23--Russia urges US to extend New START for the benefit of whole world

WASHINGTON , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is calling on Washington to use the little time that is left and extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ( New START ) for the benefit of the two countries and the whole world , the Russian Embassy in the US said in a comment on the 10th anniversary of the document ’ s ratification by the US Senate .
According to the diplomatic mission , New START is the last bilateral agreement verifiably and transparently limiting world ’ s two largest nuclear arsenals .
As of December 2020 , Russian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspections , visiting each other ’ s missile , submarine , and bomber bases .
The two sides have also exchanged over 21,000 notifications on the status of their strategic offensive arms .
`` As things stay now , the Treaty is doomed to expire on February 5 , 2021 .
President Vladimir Putin ’ s proposal from December 2019 to extend it for 5 years without preconditions still stands .
The extension will give Russia and the US time to find common ground on the ways to adopt the arms control regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Embassy stated .
`` We call the US side to use what little time we have left till February 5 to save New START for the benefit of our two countries and the whole world , '' the comment said .
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington to speed up the decision on whether to extend New START , describing this fundamental treaty as gold standard in arms control .
US President Donald Trump ’ s administration earlier suggested expanding the treaty to include China .
However , Beijing rejected this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported extending New START when campaigning .

WASHINGTON, December 23. /TASS/. Russia is calling on Washington to use the little time that is left and extend the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for the benefit of the two countries and the whole world, the Russian Embassy in the US said in a comment on the 10th anniversary of the document’s ratification by the US Senate.
According to the diplomatic mission, New START is the last bilateral agreement verifiably and transparently limiting world’s two largest nuclear arsenals. As of December 2020, Russian and US teams have carried out 328 on-site inspections, visiting each other’s missile, submarine, and bomber bases. The two sides have also exchanged over 21,000 notifications on the status of their strategic offensive arms.
"As things stay now, the Treaty is doomed to expire on February 5, 2021. President Vladimir Putin’s proposal from December 2019 to extend it for 5 years without preconditions still stands. The extension will give Russia and the US time to find common ground on the ways to adopt the arms control regime to today’s security environment," the Embassy stated.
"We call the US side to use what little time we have left till February 5 to save New START for the benefit of our two countries and the whole world," the comment said.
Moscow has repeatedly called on Washington to speed up the decision on whether to extend New START, describing this fundamental treaty as gold standard in arms control. US President Donald Trump’s administration earlier suggested expanding the treaty to include China. However, Beijing rejected this idea. US President-Elect Joe Biden openly supported extending New START when campaigning.


tass--2020-12-23--"Sports and Technology" help the High-quality Development of the Sport Industry in Guangxi

FANGCHENGGANG , China , Dec. 23 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ The China-ASEAN Sports Tourism Carnival High-quality Development Conference was held on December 19 , 2020 in Fangchenggang of Guangxi , under the theme of `` encouraging the quality growth of the sports industry and fostering a new development pattern '' .
Following activities such as `` Winter Tour in Guangxi '' and `` Green Ecological Sports in Guangxi '' , more than 40 major sports events above the city level will be held in the region .
These events are mainly oriented to the general public , including marathon , basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet the diverse fitness needs of the public .
It is estimated that the Carnival will garner more than 250,000 participants ( person-time ) , according to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Sports Bureau .
At the conference , the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Sports Bureau signed strategic cooperation agreements with Fangchenggang Municipal Government , Beijing Liandong Investment ( Group ) Co. , Ltd. , and KAILAS Group to work closely to construct a healthy sports industry park , integrate sports and education , and enhance sports events operation , while striving to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the development of the sports industry .
`` Driving new sports consumption models with digital technologies and promoting the digitalization and intelligentization of the sports industry is an essential part of the high-quality development of the industry , '' said Li Changzhu , vice president of Huawei 's Consumer BG , at the conference .
`` Technology changes our lives '' is a well-known slogan .
Science and technology are also crucial to sports .
`` As people are better aware of the importance of health , there is a growing demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Li added , and this has provided conditions conducive to the digital transformation of the sports industry .
At the opening ceremony , smart health equipment such as badminton robots , AR bicycles , and AR indoor rowers garnered great fanfare in the exhibition hall .
Among them , AR bicycles features real-time online management of user 's riding data , and users can team up for training or online competitions via the built-in cycling game , which is an entertaining training exercise .
Bao Mingxiao , a professor at Beijing Sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology and sports '' can quantify exercise , and the accurate and diverse exercise data generated in real time by smart devices can be analyzed to develop a scientific way of doing exercise .
`` After the epidemic , a growing number of people have realized that exercise is not only a 'good medicine ' , but also an innate fundamental 'vaccine ' with great safe and long-lasting effectiveness , '' Bao said .

FANGCHENGGANG, China, Dec. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ The China-ASEAN Sports Tourism Carnival High-quality Development Conference was held on December 19, 2020 in Fangchenggang of Guangxi, under the theme of "encouraging the quality growth of the sports industry and fostering a new development pattern". Following activities such as "Winter Tour in Guangxi" and "Green Ecological Sports in Guangxi", more than 40 major sports events above the city level will be held in the region. These events are mainly oriented to the general public, including marathon, basketball, table tennis, and football, to meet the diverse fitness needs of the public. It is estimated that the Carnival will garner more than 250,000 participants (person-time), according to Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Sports Bureau.
At the conference, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Sports Bureau signed strategic cooperation agreements with Fangchenggang Municipal Government, Beijing Liandong Investment (Group) Co., Ltd., and KAILAS Group to work closely to construct a healthy sports industry park, integrate sports and education, and enhance sports events operation, while striving to build a "new high land" for the development of the sports industry.
"Driving new sports consumption models with digital technologies and promoting the digitalization and intelligentization of the sports industry is an essential part of the high-quality development of the industry," said Li Changzhu, vice president of Huawei's Consumer BG, at the conference.
"Technology changes our lives" is a well-known slogan. Science and technology are also crucial to sports. "As people are better aware of the importance of health, there is a growing demand for scientific sports and health management," Li added, and this has provided conditions conducive to the digital transformation of the sports industry.
At the opening ceremony, smart health equipment such as badminton robots, AR bicycles, and AR indoor rowers garnered great fanfare in the exhibition hall. Among them, AR bicycles features real-time online management of user's riding data, and users can team up for training or online competitions via the built-in cycling game, which is an entertaining training exercise.
Bao Mingxiao, a professor at Beijing Sport University, holds the view that "technology and sports" can quantify exercise, and the accurate and diverse exercise data generated in real time by smart devices can be analyzed to develop a scientific way of doing exercise.
"After the epidemic, a growing number of people have realized that exercise is not only a 'good medicine', but also an innate fundamental 'vaccine' with great safe and long-lasting effectiveness," Bao said.
CONTACT: Mr. Zeng, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-12-23--TROUVER Launches Cost-effective Robot Vacuum Named Finder

BERLIN and MOSCOW , Dec. 23 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ TROUVER , a youthful new brand in the Xiaomi ecological chain focused on performance , trendsetting design , and quality , is set to launch its new robot vacuum Finder .
This high-performing and cost-effective robot vacuum is powered by Laser Distance Sensor ( LDS ) unmanned navigation and offers a sweep and mop two-in-one , freeing users from the burden of having to clean themselves .
Empowered with LDS laser navigation , Finder is capable to scan in 6 meter of radius with 2,080 times per second from 360 degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mapping ( SLAM ) path planning algorithm and dual-core processor , Finder boasts advanced mapping capabilities that enable it to offer customized cleaning .
Brand-new LDS laser navigation achieves a full scan of the space with higher accuracy and larger range .
Its nine sensors allow it to move intelligently and with precision across even 20mm obstacles , meaning users do n't need to worry about the vacuum colliding with household objects or getting stuck .
With its powerful 2,000Pa suction , four suction modes , and V-shaped high-speed roller brush , Finder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surfaces without leaving corners untouched thanks to a 270ml water tank and 570ml oversized dust box .
Its composite soft and hard fiber cloth enhances cleaning , wiping the floor effectively while locking in water and dust .
Finder 's five levels of noise reduction allows it to operate discreetly , while its 90-minute battery life means that it can clean large surfaces in a single run .
`` TROUVER is leveraging innovative technology to create effective vacuums that deliver users incredible value , '' said Weisheng , Zhang , President of TROUVER @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for housework , offering a smart and powerful cleaning experience .
In doing so , it helps free up time for users , so that they can enjoy more moments with their loved ones and pets , as well as pursue their hobbies . ''
TROUVER 's other vacuum models , such as the cordless vacuums Solo 10 and Power 11 , were enthusiastically welcomed by customers around the world during the Double 11 , Black Friday , and Cyber Monday shopping holidays .
Moreover , deep discounts will be launched during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideal New Year 's gift .
In the Russian market , Finder will retail for US $ 299 , with a promotional Christmas price of US $ 269.9 on AliExpress .
In the German market , the eBay retail price starts at Euro 259.99 , which will be available by late Janurary 2021 .
For more information , please visit .
TROUVER belongs to an important leading enterprise of Xiaomi ecological chain -- Dreame Technology .
Pioneering in technology , industrial design , art , and fashion crossover as well as supply chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next-level products that combine the powerful core technology for young people .

BERLIN and MOSCOW, Dec. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ TROUVER, a youthful new brand in the Xiaomi ecological chain focused on performance, trendsetting design, and quality, is set to launch its new robot vacuum Finder. This high-performing and cost-effective robot vacuum is powered by Laser Distance Sensor (LDS) unmanned navigation and offers a sweep and mop two-in-one, freeing users from the burden of having to clean themselves.
Empowered with LDS laser navigation, Finder is capable to scan in 6 meter of radius with 2,080 times per second from 360 degree. With its self-developed Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) path planning algorithm and dual-core processor, Finder boasts advanced mapping capabilities that enable it to offer customized cleaning. Brand-new LDS laser navigation achieves a full scan of the space with higher accuracy and larger range. Its nine sensors allow it to move intelligently and with precision across even 20mm obstacles, meaning users don't need to worry about the vacuum colliding with household objects or getting stuck.
With its powerful 2,000Pa suction, four suction modes, and V-shaped high-speed roller brush, Finder offers both sweeping and mopping, cleaning surfaces without leaving corners untouched thanks to a 270ml water tank and 570ml oversized dust box. Its composite soft and hard fiber cloth enhances cleaning, wiping the floor effectively while locking in water and dust. Finder's five levels of noise reduction allows it to operate discreetly, while its 90-minute battery life means that it can clean large surfaces in a single run.
"TROUVER is leveraging innovative technology to create effective vacuums that deliver users incredible value," said Weisheng, Zhang, President of TROUVER. "Finder is the ultimate partner for housework, offering a smart and powerful cleaning experience. In doing so, it helps free up time for users, so that they can enjoy more moments with their loved ones and pets, as well as pursue their hobbies."
TROUVER's other vacuum models, such as the cordless vacuums Solo 10 and Power 11, were enthusiastically welcomed by customers around the world during the Double 11, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday shopping holidays.
Moreover, deep discounts will be launched during the Christmas holiday season, making Finder an ideal New Year's gift. In the Russian market, Finder will retail for US$ 299, with a promotional Christmas price of US$269.9 on AliExpress. In the German market, the eBay retail price starts at Euro 259.99, which will be available by late Janurary 2021.
For more information, please visit.
About TROUVER
TROUVER belongs to an important leading enterprise of Xiaomi ecological chain -- Dreame Technology. Pioneering in technology, industrial design, art, and fashion crossover as well as supply chain matrix, TROUVER is committed to creating next-level products that combine the powerful core technology for young people.
CONTACT: Naiying Sun, sunny@dreame.tech, +86-139-1659-6764


tass--2020-12-23--Trump pardons 15 people, including figures in alleged ‘Russian meddling’ inquiry

Besides , the US leader commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional 5 individuals , the White House press service said .
WASHINGTON , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump pardoned 15 people on Tuesday , including two people convicted as part of US Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’ s inquiry into alleged Russian meddling into the 2016 US election .
Among those pardoned by Trump is former campaign aide George Papadopoulos , who was convicted in September 2018 for giving false statements to the FBI as part of Mueller ’ s inquiry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he had found no evidence of collusion in connection with Russia ’ s attempts to interfere in the election .
Nonetheless , the special counsel ’ s team still charged Papadopoulos with a process-related crime .
Another person pardoned by Trump was Alex van der Zwaan , a lawyer from the Netherlands who pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in 2018 in connection to the special counsel ’ s inquiry .
Trump also granted pardon to former congressmen Duncan Hunter ( convicted for misusing campaign funds ) and Christopher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges of conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI in 2019 .
The US intelligence services incriminate Russia of meddling in the 2016 US elections .
These alleged influence attempts were investigated by former head of FBI Robert Mueller for almost two years .
On April 18 , 2019 , the US Department of Justice made public his final report where the US special counselor acknowledged that no collusion has taken place between Russian authorities and the US presidential candidate Donald Trump who had won the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the election campaign .
Moscow also repeatedly denied rumors of attempts to influence the US elections .
Recently , FBI director Christopher Wray made a statement that Russia allegedly continues active attempts to influence the US electoral process through `` malign foreign influence . ''

Besides, the US leader commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional 5 individuals, the White House press service said.
WASHINGTON, December 23. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump pardoned 15 people on Tuesday, including two people convicted as part of US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s inquiry into alleged Russian meddling into the 2016 US election.
Among those pardoned by Trump is former campaign aide George Papadopoulos, who was convicted in September 2018 for giving false statements to the FBI as part of Mueller’s inquiry. Later, Mueller stated in his report that he had found no evidence of collusion in connection with Russia’s attempts to interfere in the election. Nonetheless, the special counsel’s team still charged Papadopoulos with a process-related crime.
Another person pardoned by Trump was Alex van der Zwaan, a lawyer from the Netherlands who pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in 2018 in connection to the special counsel’s inquiry.
Trump also granted pardon to former congressmen Duncan Hunter (convicted for misusing campaign funds) and Christopher Collins, who pled guilty to the charges of conspiring to commit securities fraud and making false statements to the FBI in 2019.
The US intelligence services incriminate Russia of meddling in the 2016 US elections. These alleged influence attempts were investigated by former head of FBI Robert Mueller for almost two years. On April 18, 2019, the US Department of Justice made public his final report where the US special counselor acknowledged that no collusion has taken place between Russian authorities and the US presidential candidate Donald Trump who had won the election. Trump himself repeatedly denied suspicions of any wrongful contacts with Russian officials during the election campaign. Moscow also repeatedly denied rumors of attempts to influence the US elections. Recently, FBI director Christopher Wray made a statement that Russia allegedly continues active attempts to influence the US electoral process through "malign foreign influence."


tass--2020-12-23--Russia carries out 10 successful launches of Yars ICBMs since 2012

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian armed forces performed 10 successful launches of the Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles ( ICBMs ) between 2012 and 2020 , the Russian Defense Ministry said in its bulletin , headlined ‘ Main results of the Russian Armed Forces ’ activities in 2012-2020 , ’ obtained by TASS .
`` In the period between 2012 and 2020 , ten successful launches of the Yars strategic-purpose missile system were held , '' the document says .
Besides , five successful launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles fitted with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle were held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached the speed of Mach 28 ( 7.5 kilometers per second ) .
According to the Defense Ministry ’ s document , the number of Yars and Avangard systems increased by 14 times and four times , respectively , in 2012-2020 .
The RS-24 Yars is a Russian strategic missile system comprising a mobile or silo-based solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRVed ( multiple independently targetable vehicle ) warheads .
The ICBM was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under the supervision of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Topol-M missile system .
The first missile regiment armed with Avangard hypersonic weapons assumed combat duty in the Yasny missile division in the Orenburg Region in late 2019 .
The Avangard boost-glide vehicle is capable of flying at a hypersonic speed of up to Mach 27 ( about 32,000 km/h ) in the dense layers of the atmosphere , maneuvering by its flight path and its altitude and breaching any anti-missile defense .
The Avangard hypersonic weapon was first mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018 .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. Russian armed forces performed 10 successful launches of the Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) between 2012 and 2020, the Russian Defense Ministry said in its bulletin, headlined ‘Main results of the Russian Armed Forces’ activities in 2012-2020,’ obtained by TASS.
"In the period between 2012 and 2020, ten successful launches of the Yars strategic-purpose missile system were held," the document says.
Besides, five successful launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles fitted with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle were held in the reported period. The missiles reached the speed of Mach 28 (7.5 kilometers per second).
According to the Defense Ministry’s document, the number of Yars and Avangard systems increased by 14 times and four times, respectively, in 2012-2020.
The RS-24 Yars is a Russian strategic missile system comprising a mobile or silo-based solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRVed (multiple independently targetable vehicle) warheads. The ICBM was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under the supervision of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Solomonov. The Yars is a modification of the Topol-M missile system.
The first missile regiment armed with Avangard hypersonic weapons assumed combat duty in the Yasny missile division in the Orenburg Region in late 2019. The Avangard boost-glide vehicle is capable of flying at a hypersonic speed of up to Mach 27 (about 32,000 km/h) in the dense layers of the atmosphere, maneuvering by its flight path and its altitude and breaching any anti-missile defense. The Avangard hypersonic weapon was first mentioned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018.


tass--2020-12-23--Every 100th person on Earth already contracted coronavirus

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
The overall number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide exceeded 77.95 million , or more than 1 % of the Earth ’ s population , according to TASS calculations based on data from authorities , experts and media .
The United Nations Population Fund estimated the planet ’ s population to be at 7.795 billion people in mid-2020 .
Therefore , every 100th person on the Earth has already contracted the virus .
The biggest percentage of infected citizens was registered in countries where the overall population is relatively low , such as Andorra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or 7,633 cases ) , Luxemburg ( 7.3 % or 44,809 ) and Montenegro ( 7.2 % , or 44,542 cases ) .
In the United States , which has the world ’ s biggest number of cases and fatalities , a total of 5.6 % of the population have contracted the novel coronavirus ( over 18.2 million people ) .
In Russia , the figure stands at about 1.9 % , or 2.9 million people .
The pace of the infection continues to increase worldwide .
Before the second wave of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 300,000 new cases of COVID-19 were registered every day .
The numbers doubled by October , reaching a daily average of approximately 600,000 .
The all-time high daily number of coronavirus cases was registered on December 20 , when 800,000 new cases of the infection were reported worldwide .
At the same time , mortality slightly declined compared to the first wave of the pandemic , when fatalities accounted for 6-7 % of all confirmed cases .
At present , the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths worldwide stands at more than 1.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered cases .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The overall number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide exceeded 77.95 million, or more than 1% of the Earth’s population, according to TASS calculations based on data from authorities, experts and media.
The United Nations Population Fund estimated the planet’s population to be at 7.795 billion people in mid-2020. Therefore, every 100th person on the Earth has already contracted the virus.
The biggest percentage of infected citizens was registered in countries where the overall population is relatively low, such as Andorra (9.9% of the population, or 7,633 cases), Luxemburg (7.3% or 44,809) and Montenegro (7.2%, or 44,542 cases). In the United States, which has the world’s biggest number of cases and fatalities, a total of 5.6% of the population have contracted the novel coronavirus (over 18.2 million people). In Russia, the figure stands at about 1.9%, or 2.9 million people.
The pace of the infection continues to increase worldwide. Before the second wave of the disease broke out in many countries, about 300,000 new cases of COVID-19 were registered every day. The numbers doubled by October, reaching a daily average of approximately 600,000. The all-time high daily number of coronavirus cases was registered on December 20, when 800,000 new cases of the infection were reported worldwide.
At the same time, mortality slightly declined compared to the first wave of the pandemic, when fatalities accounted for 6-7% of all confirmed cases. At present, the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths worldwide stands at more than 1.7 million, or 2.2% of all registered cases.


tass--2020-12-23--Over 900 drones enter service in Russia since 2012

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian armed forces have received more than 900 unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) since 2012 , the Russian Defense Ministry said in its bulletin , headlined ‘ Main results of the Russian Armed Forces ’ activities in 2012-2020 , ’ obtained by TASS .
`` Russia ’ a unmanned aviation received over 900 systems with UAVs , '' the document reads .
Among them are the Forpost and Inokhodets reconnaissance-and-combat unmanned aerial vehicle systems .
First modern scout unmanned combat aerial vehicles ( UCAV ) dubbed Inokhodets and Forpost are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told a defense meeting on Monday .
Medium-range Forpost is the biggest serial drone in the Russian armed forces .
The Aerospace Forces and the Navy operate several dozens of them .
The drones have been produced by the Ural Civil Aviation Plant since 2014 .
The drones are engaged to detect ground targets and adjust artillery and missile fire , as well as in humanitarian and monitoring missions .
Each system has three drones , weighting 450 kg , which can fly for 18 hours and are equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and radio equipment .
Inokhodets is a medium-range UAV for round-the-clock all-weather surveillance of objects on the ground and water surface .
Then Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said in late 2018 that a new modification of Inokhodets was about to complete trials .
In his words , it can carry a payload of 450 kg and fly for up to 30 hours .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The Russian armed forces have received more than 900 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) since 2012, the Russian Defense Ministry said in its bulletin, headlined ‘Main results of the Russian Armed Forces’ activities in 2012-2020,’ obtained by TASS.
"Russia’a unmanned aviation received over 900 systems with UAVs," the document reads.
Among them are the Forpost and Inokhodets reconnaissance-and-combat unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
First modern scout unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) dubbed Inokhodets and Forpost are now supplied to the Russian troops, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told a defense meeting on Monday.
Medium-range Forpost is the biggest serial drone in the Russian armed forces. The Aerospace Forces and the Navy operate several dozens of them. The drones have been produced by the Ural Civil Aviation Plant since 2014. The drones are engaged to detect ground targets and adjust artillery and missile fire, as well as in humanitarian and monitoring missions. Each system has three drones, weighting 450 kg, which can fly for 18 hours and are equipped with powerful optical reconnaissance means, transmitting and radio equipment.
Inokhodets is a medium-range UAV for round-the-clock all-weather surveillance of objects on the ground and water surface. Then Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said in late 2018 that a new modification of Inokhodets was about to complete trials. In his words, it can carry a payload of 450 kg and fly for up to 30 hours.


tass--2020-12-23--Number of long-range cruise missile carriers in Russia up 13 times since 2012

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of carriers for long-range cruise missiles in Russia grew by 13 @ @ @ @ @ , according to a bulletin , headlined ‘ Main results of the Russian Armed Forces @ @ @ @ @ ’ obtained by TASS .
`` [ The number of ] carriers for long-range cruise @ @ @ @ @ 13 times , '' the document says .
According to the document , the number @ @ @ @ @ long-range cruise missiles grew by 37 times in the reported period .
As an example @ @ @ @ @ Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile and the naval version of the Kalibr missile .
Russian Defense @ @ @ @ @ an annual extended collegium of the Ministry of Defense ’ s board on Monday that @ @ @ @ @ contracts for additional procurement of long-range high-precision missiles early next year .
The implementation of @ @ @ @ @ Russian MoD ’ s inventory of these weapons .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. The number of carriers for long-range cruise missiles in Russia grew by 13 times between 2012 and 2020, according to a bulletin, headlined ‘Main results of the Russian Armed Forces’ activities in 2012-2020,’ obtained by TASS.
"[The number of] carriers for long-range cruise missiles [increased] by 13 times," the document says.
According to the document, the number of land-based, sea-and air-launched long-range cruise missiles grew by 37 times in the reported period. As an example, the document cites the Kh-101 air-launched cruise missile and the naval version of the Kalibr missile.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at an annual extended collegium of the Ministry of Defense’s board on Monday that the MoD plans to sign contracts for additional procurement of long-range high-precision missiles early next year. The implementation of these agreements will double the Russian MoD’s inventory of these weapons.


tass--2020-12-23--Coronavirus strain that can be less susceptible to vaccine found in Denmark — agency

STOCKHOLM , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
About 10 % of people who tested positive for novel coronavirus in Denmark carry a mutated strain of the virus which can be less susceptible to a vaccine , the Ritzaus Bureau news agency reported on Tuesday , citing a research by the Statens Serum Institut ( SSI ) under the auspices of the Danish Ministry of Health According to the agency , the mutated N439K strain of the virus was first detected in Romania in May , and has since spread to several European countries , including Ireland , Czech Republic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus is more resistant to antibodies than the original Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2 .
`` We are worried by how efficient a vaccine will be in the case of N439K .
Therefore , it would be advisable to monitor the prevalence of this strain and whether it affects the most vulnerable groups , '' researcher Tyra Grove Krause said .
The mutated strain of the virus was discovered in 1,624 samples taken this fall in regions adjacent to the capital Kopenhagen and in the south of the Jutland peninsula .
No deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
N439K is not related to the virus that prompted the recent mass cull of minks in the country , and has no links to the SARS-CoV-2 strain recently found in the United Kingdom .

STOCKHOLM, December 23. /TASS/. About 10% of people who tested positive for novel coronavirus in Denmark carry a mutated strain of the virus which can be less susceptible to a vaccine, the Ritzaus Bureau news agency reported on Tuesday, citing a research by the Statens Serum Institut (SSI) under the auspices of the Danish Ministry of Health
According to the agency, the mutated N439K strain of the virus was first detected in Romania in May, and has since spread to several European countries, including Ireland, Czech Republic and Switzerland. According to Chinese researchers, the virus is more resistant to antibodies than the original Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2.
"We are worried by how efficient a vaccine will be in the case of N439K. Therefore, it would be advisable to monitor the prevalence of this strain and whether it affects the most vulnerable groups," researcher Tyra Grove Krause said.
The mutated strain of the virus was discovered in 1,624 samples taken this fall in regions adjacent to the capital Kopenhagen and in the south of the Jutland peninsula. No deaths from it have been registered so far. N439K is not related to the virus that prompted the recent mass cull of minks in the country, and has no links to the SARS-CoV-2 strain recently found in the United Kingdom.


tass--2020-12-23--No state can cope with annual COVID-19 vaccination — Italian expert

ROME , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
No healthcare system in the world can cope with annual vaccination against the novel coronavirus , said Andrea Crisanti , Italian full professor of Microbiology at the University of Padua .
According to the expert , 40 million people - or 70 % of Italy ’ s 60-million population , will have to be vaccinated every year to maintain herd immunity against the novel coronavirus .
`` It will be impossible to vaccinate 40 million people every year - not a single healthcare system anywhere in the world can cope with this load @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if annual vaccination against the novel coronavirus becomes necessary , '' he said .
The expert also commented on the new strain of the novel coronavirus , recently found in the United Kingdom .
`` This variant is scary , because certain mathematical models demonstrate that this mutation - a result of a special selective sequence - increased the virus ’ s ability to replicate .
Its R0 [ the basic reproduction number , which denotes the expected number of cases directly generated by one case in a population where all individuals are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there is nothing good about it .
And , since certain mutations affect the spike protein , there is also a question about the efficiency of a vaccine , which is based on a different variant , '' the expert said .
Crisanti believes that it would be easier to reduce the number of infections to zero than to try to keep the outbreak under control , maintaining the Rt value ( indicates the average number of people that one person with COVID-19 is expected to infect ) below the threshold of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hardest-hit countries , with about two million cases registered since the start of the pandemic .
More than 1.3 million patients have already recovered , about 70,000 died .

ROME, December 23. /TASS/. No healthcare system in the world can cope with annual vaccination against the novel coronavirus, said Andrea Crisanti, Italian full professor of Microbiology at the University of Padua.
According to the expert, 40 million people - or 70% of Italy’s 60-million population, will have to be vaccinated every year to maintain herd immunity against the novel coronavirus.
"It will be impossible to vaccinate 40 million people every year - not a single healthcare system anywhere in the world can cope with this load. And this will be a problem if annual vaccination against the novel coronavirus becomes necessary," he said.
The expert also commented on the new strain of the novel coronavirus, recently found in the United Kingdom.
"This variant is scary, because certain mathematical models demonstrate that this mutation - a result of a special selective sequence - increased the virus’s ability to replicate. Its R0 [the basic reproduction number, which denotes the expected number of cases directly generated by one case in a population where all individuals are susceptible to infection] is higher, and there is nothing good about it. And, since certain mutations affect the spike protein, there is also a question about the efficiency of a vaccine, which is based on a different variant," the expert said.
Crisanti believes that it would be easier to reduce the number of infections to zero than to try to keep the outbreak under control, maintaining the Rt value (indicates the average number of people that one person with COVID-19 is expected to infect) below the threshold of 1.
Italy is among the world’s hardest-hit countries, with about two million cases registered since the start of the pandemic. More than 1.3 million patients have already recovered, about 70,000 died.


tass--2020-12-23--Gazprom, Turkey discuss using TurkStream for gas supplies to Europe

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian energy giant Gazprom and its Turkish partners are currently in talks on how the TurkStream pipeline can be used for deliveries to the European market , said Elena Burmistrova , the chief executive of the Russian holding ’ s export arm Gazprom Export .
`` We are now in talks on the issue with our Turkish colleagues , '' she said at a conference with investment banks , when asked how the pipeline will be used for European deliveries .
Earlier , Burmistrova said that Gazprom may consider delivering some of TurkStream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the condition that the demand for gas in the country continues to decline .
Gas purchases in Turkey declined significantly since 2019 for a number of internal reasons , including excessive supplies of liquefied natural gas .
Nevertheless , in general , forecasts on gas consumption in Turkey are optimistic , she said back then .
Gazprom ’ s best year in Turkey was 2017 , when the Russian company delivered about 29 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the country , making it the second biggest market after Germany .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on January 1 , 2020 .
Presidents of Russia and Turkey held the official opening ceremony of the TurkStream on January 8 in Istanbul .
Throughput capacity of the 930-km long gas pipeline is 31.5 bln cubic meters of gas per year .
The first line with the capacity of 15.75 bln cubic meters of gas is intended for consumers in Turkey and the other one for Southern and Southeastern European nations .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian energy giant Gazprom and its Turkish partners are currently in talks on how the TurkStream pipeline can be used for deliveries to the European market, said Elena Burmistrova, the chief executive of the Russian holding’s export arm Gazprom Export.
"We are now in talks on the issue with our Turkish colleagues," she said at a conference with investment banks, when asked how the pipeline will be used for European deliveries.
Earlier, Burmistrova said that Gazprom may consider delivering some of TurkStream’s gas further to Europe, on the condition that the demand for gas in the country continues to decline. Gas purchases in Turkey declined significantly since 2019 for a number of internal reasons, including excessive supplies of liquefied natural gas.
Nevertheless, in general, forecasts on gas consumption in Turkey are optimistic, she said back then. Gazprom’s best year in Turkey was 2017, when the Russian company delivered about 29 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the country, making it the second biggest market after Germany.
Commercial deliveries via the TurkStream pipeline started on January 1, 2020. Presidents of Russia and Turkey held the official opening ceremony of the TurkStream on January 8 in Istanbul.
Throughput capacity of the 930-km long gas pipeline is 31.5 bln cubic meters of gas per year. The first line with the capacity of 15.75 bln cubic meters of gas is intended for consumers in Turkey and the other one for Southern and Southeastern European nations.


tass--2020-12-23--Crew of Russia’s Tu-95MS strategic bomber practices in-flight use of drone

MOSCOW , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
During recent exercises , the crew of a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber practiced in-flight guidance of an unmanned aerial vehicle from the cockpit , a Russian defense industry source told TASS on Wednesday '' Recently , flight trials were held to practice the interaction between a Tu-95MS and a drone .
In other words , they trained to guide the drone from the plane ’ s cockpit , '' the source said , adding that the plane had been refit with special drone guidance equipment .
The source did not specify the type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He also did not confirm that such trials ever involved the Okhotnik ( Hunter ) heavy strike drone , but did not rule out the possibility of such exercises in the future .
`` What really matters here is to practice the process itself , the type of drone would be irrelevant , '' he said .
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russia ’ s Aerospace Forces Lt. Gen. Sergei Dronov said on August 12 that during the development of UAVs , special attention is paid to integrating them into a single system with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy attack drone developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau performed its debut flight on August 3 , 2019 .
The flight lasted over 20 minutes under an operator ’ s control .
On September 27 , 2019 , the Okhotnik performed a flight together with a Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet .
The drone maneuvered in the air in the automated mode at an altitude of around 1,600 meters and its flight lasted over 30 minutes .
The Okhotnik features stealth technology and the flying wing design ( it lacks the tail ) and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The drone has a jet engine and is capable of developing a speed of around 1,000 km/h .
According to the data of Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , the drone has anti-radar coating and is outfitted with equipment for electro-optical , radar and other types of reconnaissance .

MOSCOW, December 23. /TASS/. During recent exercises, the crew of a Russian Tu-95MS strategic bomber practiced in-flight guidance of an unmanned aerial vehicle from the cockpit, a Russian defense industry source told TASS on Wednesday
"Recently, flight trials were held to practice the interaction between a Tu-95MS and a drone. In other words, they trained to guide the drone from the plane’s cockpit," the source said, adding that the plane had been refit with special drone guidance equipment.
The source did not specify the type of the drone used during the trials. He also did not confirm that such trials ever involved the Okhotnik (Hunter) heavy strike drone, but did not rule out the possibility of such exercises in the future.
"What really matters here is to practice the process itself, the type of drone would be irrelevant," he said.
Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Russia’s Aerospace Forces Lt. Gen. Sergei Dronov said on August 12 that during the development of UAVs, special attention is paid to integrating them into a single system with manned aircraft.
Russia’s Okhotnik heavy attack drone developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau performed its debut flight on August 3, 2019. The flight lasted over 20 minutes under an operator’s control. On September 27, 2019, the Okhotnik performed a flight together with a Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet. The drone maneuvered in the air in the automated mode at an altitude of around 1,600 meters and its flight lasted over 30 minutes.
The Okhotnik features stealth technology and the flying wing design (it lacks the tail) and has a take-off weight of 20 tonnes. The drone has a jet engine and is capable of developing a speed of around 1,000 km/h.
According to the data of Russia’s Defense Ministry, the drone has anti-radar coating and is outfitted with equipment for electro-optical, radar and other types of reconnaissance.


tass--2020-12-23--Israeli parliament dissolved, early elections set for March 23 — radio

TEL-AVIV , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
The 23rd convocation of the Knesset ( the parliament of Israel ) was @ @ @ @ @ time on Wednesday after the deadline for approving the country ’ s annual budget expired @ @ @ @ @ reported .
`` We are going to the polls again .
A difficult period is @ @ @ @ @ the 23rd convocation of the Knesset are now closed , '' Speaker Yariv Levin said @ @ @ @ @ plenary session of the parliament .
The session was broadcast live by the state-run parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ with the current legislation , early elections will take place on March 23 , 2021 @ @ @ @ @ his post as the country ’ s prime minister until a new cabinet , formed @ @ @ @ @ takes office .
It will be Israel ’ s fourth elections in less than two @ @ @ @ @ of Israel took oath on May 17 , 2020 .

TEL-AVIV, December 23. /TASS/. The 23rd convocation of the Knesset (the parliament of Israel) was automatically dissolved at 01:00 Moscow time on Wednesday after the deadline for approving the country’s annual budget expired, the state-run Kan Radio reported.
"We are going to the polls again. A difficult period is ahead. The doors of the 23rd convocation of the Knesset are now closed," Speaker Yariv Levin said, wrapping up the last plenary session of the parliament.
The session was broadcast live by the state-run parliamentary TV channel.
In line with the current legislation, early elections will take place on March 23, 2021. Benjamin Netanyahu will retain his post as the country’s prime minister until a new cabinet, formed after the early elections, takes office.
It will be Israel’s fourth elections in less than two years. The incumbent cabinet of Israel took its oath on May 17, 2020.


tass--2020-12-23--WHO reports all-time high of 4.6 million coronavirus cases registered in one week

GENEVA , December 23 .
/TASS/ .
More than 4.6 million newly confirmed novel coronavirus cases were registered worldwide in the past week , which is the all-time-high weekly count since the start of the pandemic , the World Health Organization said late on Tuesday .
According to the global organization ’ s data , a total of 4,612,790 novel coronavirus cases and 79,001 fatalities were registered worldwide between December 14 and 20 .
The previous all-time-high figures for a seven-day period were registered on December 7-13 , when 4,329,927 coronavirus cases and 75,038 fatalities were confirmed all over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were registered in North and South America - more than 2.3 million .
At the same time , Europe accounts for the majority of fatalities , registering a weekly death toll of over 36,000 .
Between December 14 and 20 , the case count increased by more than 1.6 million in the United States by more than 326,000 in Brazil , by over 194,000 in Turkey , by over 194,000 in Russia , by over 174,000 in India , and by over 173,000 in Germany .
The infection has also been spreading rapidly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases ) , Italy ( over 112,000 ) , France ( over 93,000 ) , Poland ( over 76,000 ) , the Netherlands ( over 73,000 ) and Colombia ( over 73,000 ) .

GENEVA, December 23. /TASS/. More than 4.6 million newly confirmed novel coronavirus cases were registered worldwide in the past week, which is the all-time-high weekly count since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said late on Tuesday.
According to the global organization’s data, a total of 4,612,790 novel coronavirus cases and 79,001 fatalities were registered worldwide between December 14 and 20. The previous all-time-high figures for a seven-day period were registered on December 7-13, when 4,329,927 coronavirus cases and 75,038 fatalities were confirmed all over the globe.
The majority of those cases were registered in North and South America - more than 2.3 million. At the same time, Europe accounts for the majority of fatalities, registering a weekly death toll of over 36,000.
Between December 14 and 20, the case count increased by more than 1.6 million in the United States by more than 326,000 in Brazil, by over 194,000 in Turkey, by over 194,000 in Russia, by over 174,000 in India, and by over 173,000 in Germany.
The infection has also been spreading rapidly the United Kingdom (over 173,000 new cases), Italy (over 112,000), France (over 93,000), Poland (over 76,000), the Netherlands (over 73,000) and Colombia (over 73,000).


tass--2020-12-23--Special flight from Argentina prepares to depart for Moscow to obtain Sputnik V vaccine

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
A special Aerolineas Argentinas flight will depart from Argentina to Moscow on Tuesday in order to deliver to the Latin American country the first batch of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus , the airline ’ s president Pablo Ceriani reported on his Twitter page .
`` Today at 19:30 ( 01:30 on Wednesday Moscow time - TASS ) a special flight will depart from Ezeiza [ airport ] for Moscow to bring to our country the first Sputnik V vaccines against COVID-19 , '' he wrote .
According to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Airbus A330 plane will be used , the entire process will take 40 hours with 20 participants involved .
The vaccine will be packaged in thermoboxes with a temperature of minus 18 Centigrade maintained .
Earlier , the official Twitter account of the Russian vaccine reported that the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the government of Argentina had signed a contract to deliver 10 mln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine .
Argentine President Alberto Fernandez stated that he will be the first in his country to get inoculated with the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. A special Aerolineas Argentinas flight will depart from Argentina to Moscow on Tuesday in order to deliver to the Latin American country the first batch of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus, the airline’s president Pablo Ceriani reported on his Twitter page.
"Today at 19:30 (01:30 on Wednesday Moscow time - TASS) a special flight will depart from Ezeiza [airport] for Moscow to bring to our country the first Sputnik V vaccines against COVID-19," he wrote. According to him, in order to transport the preparation an Airbus A330 plane will be used, the entire process will take 40 hours with 20 participants involved. The vaccine will be packaged in thermoboxes with a temperature of minus 18 Centigrade maintained.
Earlier, the official Twitter account of the Russian vaccine reported that the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the government of Argentina had signed a contract to deliver 10 mln doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez stated that he will be the first in his country to get inoculated with the Russian vaccine since he does not question its quality.


tass--2020-12-23--Chumakov Center to submit registration application for its COVID-19 vaccine in early 2021

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences will submit an application to register its vaccine against the coronavirus in late January - early February 2021 and simultaneously will launch Phase Three of trials of the vaccine , Deputy Director General of the Center Konstantin Chernov said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Tuesday .
`` We are going to submit [ the paperwork ] to register the vaccine in late January - early February .
< … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch Phase Three [ of clinical trials ] in order to register it already not according to the provisional government decree No .
441 but according to the permanent federal law No .
61 , '' he said .
The scientist noted that publishing of the results of trials of the vaccine by the Chumakov Center may be delayed by 2-3 weeks due to an increased number of test subjects and the involvement of new research centers in the process .
`` We decided to double the population [ of test subjects ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , < ... > as well as in St. Petersburg , Kirov and Novosibirsk , '' he added .
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center was created on the basis of the Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides of the Soviet Academy of Medical Sciences .
Its founder and the Institute ’ s first director ( until 1972 ) was member of the Soviet Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Chumakov .
Currently the Center is among the world leaders in medical virology , including enterovirus infections , tick-borne encephalitis , coronavirus , and viral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biotechnological vaccine production line .
The Center has developed its own whole-virion inactivated vaccine against the coronavirus .
The preparation has already successfully passed pre-clinical trials and is currently undergoing clinical trials .
Either artificially weakened viruses incapable of causing a disease or dead ( inactivated ) viruses are used in whole-virion vaccines .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences will submit an application to register its vaccine against the coronavirus in late January - early February 2021 and simultaneously will launch Phase Three of trials of the vaccine, Deputy Director General of the Center Konstantin Chernov said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel on Tuesday.
"We are going to submit [the paperwork] to register the vaccine in late January - early February. <…> And simultaneously with that we will launch Phase Three [of clinical trials] in order to register it already not according to the provisional government decree No. 441 but according to the permanent federal law No. 61," he said.
The scientist noted that publishing of the results of trials of the vaccine by the Chumakov Center may be delayed by 2-3 weeks due to an increased number of test subjects and the involvement of new research centers in the process. "We decided to double the population [of test subjects], engage another research center in Yekaterinburg, <...> as well as in St. Petersburg, Kirov and Novosibirsk," he added.
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center was created on the basis of the Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides of the Soviet Academy of Medical Sciences. Its founder and the Institute’s first director (until 1972) was member of the Soviet Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Chumakov. Currently the Center is among the world leaders in medical virology, including enterovirus infections, tick-borne encephalitis, coronavirus, and viral hepatitis. The Center has its own biotechnological vaccine production line. The Center has developed its own whole-virion inactivated vaccine against the coronavirus. The preparation has already successfully passed pre-clinical trials and is currently undergoing clinical trials. Either artificially weakened viruses incapable of causing a disease or dead (inactivated) viruses are used in whole-virion vaccines.


tass--2020-12-23--Russian State Duma introduces criminal responsibility for online libel

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian State Duma passed a bill in first reading that defines criminal responsibility for online libel , and generally tightens responsibility for this kind of statements .
The bill was supported by 296 lawmakers , while 95 voted against .
The initiative was authored by Dmitry Vyatkin , First Deputy Chairman of Duma Committee on development of civil society and social and religious organizations .
The bill amends the Criminal Code clause on libel .
Current legislation stipulates criminal responsibility for libel , expressed in a public speech , publicly displayed art , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no prison sentences .
The new bill proposes to add a sentence that stipulates responsibility for libel , carried out via informational networks , including the Internet , as well as libel against an undefined group of people .
The bill proposes a monetary fine of up to one million rubles , or obligatory community service for up to 240 hours , or forced labor for up to two years , arrest for up to two months or imprisonment for up to two years .
During the discussion of the bill , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there is often harsh criticism being expressed online , including against the authorities , although such statements have no underlying ill intention .
`` We must discern libel from verbal abuse , '' Vyatkin responded .
`` These are two very different things .
Verbal abuse is when a person is called certain names , but these words do not constitute libel , it is not purposefully false information that harms personal honor and dignity . ''
He reassured that the bill is aimed at protection of the citizens ’ constitutional rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ libel against former combatants , accused of adoption of false awards and ranks .
The bill also tightens responsibility on other constituent elements .
Thus , libel , carried out in office , will carry a punishment of three years in prison ; false claim that a person suffers from a contagious medical condition , will carry imprisonment of up to four years .
False claims of rape , severe or grievous crime will carry an imprisonment of five years .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian State Duma passed a bill in first reading that defines criminal responsibility for online libel, and generally tightens responsibility for this kind of statements. The bill was supported by 296 lawmakers, while 95 voted against.
The initiative was authored by Dmitry Vyatkin, First Deputy Chairman of Duma Committee on development of civil society and social and religious organizations.
The bill amends the Criminal Code clause on libel. Current legislation stipulates criminal responsibility for libel, expressed in a public speech, publicly displayed art, and the mass media, but includes no prison sentences. The new bill proposes to add a sentence that stipulates responsibility for libel, carried out via informational networks, including the Internet, as well as libel against an undefined group of people.
The bill proposes a monetary fine of up to one million rubles, or obligatory community service for up to 240 hours, or forced labor for up to two years, arrest for up to two months or imprisonment for up to two years.
During the discussion of the bill, the Liberal-Democratic Party lawmaker Dmitry Pyanykh pointed out that there is often harsh criticism being expressed online, including against the authorities, although such statements have no underlying ill intention.
"We must discern libel from verbal abuse," Vyatkin responded. "These are two very different things. Verbal abuse is when a person is called certain names, but these words do not constitute libel, it is not purposefully false information that harms personal honor and dignity."
He reassured that the bill is aimed at protection of the citizens’ constitutional rights. As an example, he mentioned libel against former combatants, accused of adoption of false awards and ranks.
The bill also tightens responsibility on other constituent elements. Thus, libel, carried out in office, will carry a punishment of three years in prison; false claim that a person suffers from a contagious medical condition, will carry imprisonment of up to four years. False claims of rape, severe or grievous crime will carry an imprisonment of five years.


tass--2020-12-23--Moscow documents 73 COVID-19 fatalities over 24 hours, total death toll rises to 10,613

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of fatalities due to the coronavirus infection in Moscow has increased @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , in all , 10,613 coronavirus patients died in the capital , the @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` In Moscow , 73 patients died with a confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia @ @ @ @ @ for the presence of the coronavirus infection , '' the crisis center reported .
In @ @ @ @ @ recorded 10,613 fatalities due to the coronavirus .
Moscow is in the first place nationwide @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus infections .
In all , 750,934 cases of the infection have been detected in @ @ @ @ @ over the past 24 hours .
Some 577,544 patients have recovered .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The number of fatalities due to the coronavirus infection in Moscow has increased by 73 over the past 24 hours, in all, 10,613 coronavirus patients died in the capital, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.
"In Moscow, 73 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 10,613 fatalities due to the coronavirus.
Moscow is in the first place nationwide by the number of the coronavirus infections. In all, 750,934 cases of the infection have been detected in the city, including 7,237 over the past 24 hours. Some 577,544 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-12-23--Arianespace confirms Soyuz launch from Kourou on December 28

PARIS , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
French launch services provider Arianespace confirmed on Tuesday that the launch of a Soyuz carrier rocket with a French defense satellite CSO-2will take place on December 28 from the Kourou space center in French Guiana .
According to the company ’ s statement , it will be its tenth and last launch in 2020 .
`` Arianespace will send the CSO-2 Earth observation satellite , intended for defense and security applications , into Sun-synchronous orbit , '' the statement reads .
According to the launch schedule , published by Arianespace , the blastoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Rogozin said the rocket will be rolled out to the launch pad on Wednesday .
`` At the launch center in Guiana , the commission decided to roll out the Soyuz carrier rocket to the launch pad on December 23 , '' Rogozin wrote in a Twitter post .
CSO-2 is the second satellite of the Optical Space Component program , a constellation of three satellites dedicated to Earth observation for defense and security purposes .
They are being placed into polar orbits at different altitudes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : reconnaissance for CSO-1 and CSO-3 ; and identification for CSO-2 .
The SCO-1 satellite was launched aboard the Soyuz-ST-A carrier rocket from Kourou in December 2018 .

PARIS, December 22. /TASS/. French launch services provider Arianespace confirmed on Tuesday that the launch of a Soyuz carrier rocket with a French defense satellite CSO-2will take place on December 28 from the Kourou space center in French Guiana .
According to the company’s statement, it will be its tenth and last launch in 2020.
"Arianespace will send the CSO-2 Earth observation satellite, intended for defense and security applications, into Sun-synchronous orbit," the statement reads.
According to the launch schedule, published by Arianespace, the blastoff will take place at 19:42 Moscow time.
Meanwhile, Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Rogozin said the rocket will be rolled out to the launch pad on Wednesday.
"At the launch center in Guiana, the commission decided to roll out the Soyuz carrier rocket to the launch pad on December 23," Rogozin wrote in a Twitter post.
CSO-2 is the second satellite of the Optical Space Component program, a constellation of three satellites dedicated to Earth observation for defense and security purposes. They are being placed into polar orbits at different altitudes, and will carry out two different missions: reconnaissance for CSO-1 and CSO-3; and identification for CSO-2. The SCO-1 satellite was launched aboard the Soyuz-ST-A carrier rocket from Kourou in December 2018.


tass--2020-12-22--Putin, Macron confirm readiness for further cooperation on Karabakh, Ukraine

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh in detail and confirmed their mutual readiness to continue the coordination on various aspects of the peaceful settlement , Kremlin press service said Tuesday .
`` Russian President underscored that the situation in the region stabilizes itself , and the November 9 agreements , achieved by the presidents of Russia , Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia - are generally being complied with .
The sides noted a successful work of the Russian peacekeepers , who ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the request of Baku and Yerevan .
The sides confirmed mutual readiness for further coordination on various aspects of the settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh , within the OSCE Minsk Group in particular , '' the press service said .
Humanitarian problems , connected to repatriation of refugees , restoration of infrastructure , preservation of religious and cultural memorials were named as the most pressing issues .
Previously , the two leaders discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh on November 16 .
At that time , Putin told his French counterpart about the stabilization of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacemaker contingent in the region .
Putin and Macron also exchanged opinions on settling the internal Ukrainian conflict and agreed on continuing work in the Normandy format , the Kremlin press service reported .
`` During the exchange of opinions on issues of settling the internal Ukrainian conflict an interest was expressed to activate efforts in order to implement key provisions of the 2015 Minsk Agreements as well as decisions coordinated at the `` Normandy Summit '' on December 9 , 2019 in Paris .
Due to that , the Russian side again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations on the political aspects of settlement , including the legalization of the special status of Donbass and enshrining the `` Steinmeier formula '' in the national legislation .
It was agreed on continuing work within the framework of the Normandy format , '' the statement said .
At the last meeting of leaders of the `` Normandy Four '' - Germany , Russia , Ukraine , and France on December 9 , 2019 in Paris , the participants approved a concluding statement in which , for instance , they supported amendments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steinmeier formula '' and expressed adherence to establishing a complete ceasefire in Donbass .
France urges to settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine politically , based on negotiations in the so-called Normandy format which existed since June 2014 when the leaders of Russia , Ukraine , France , and Germany who gathered in Normandy for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day discussed the settlement of the conflict in Donbass for the first time .
Currently , the peaceful process is based on the Minsk Agreements reached as a result of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Four . ''
They include , among others , a complete ceasefire , withdrawal of heavy weapons from the line of engagement of the conflicting parties , an amnesty , the renewal of economic ties , as well as a profound constitutional reform in Ukraine .
The two heads of state also addressed stepping up cooperation in fighting the coronavirus pandemic , the Kremlin press service reported .
`` A number of pressing issues of the bilateral cooperation were touched upon with the emphasis on fight against the coronavirus pandemic .
The intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two countries on issues of vaccine production and mass inoculation of residents was confirmed , '' the statement said .
The Kremlin press service noted that Putin wished Macron a happy belated birthday and hoped for his soonest recovery .
It was reported earlier that the French president tested positive for the coronavirus on December 17 .
On Monday , French government spokesman Gabriel Attal told journalists that , according to the report of a treating physician , `` the president still has symptoms after contracting the coronavirus . ''
At the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s condition is stable and he `` continues to work . ''
In August and November Putin and Macron discussed in phone conversations cooperation in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus .
For instance , the sides expressed interest in deepening the cooperation in vaccine production and development .
Syria , Libya and Iran were among other issues , raised by the two leaders during their phone conversation .
`` Regarding the situation around Iran ’ s nuclear program , both sides stated the demand for collective efforts directed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Action ( JCPOA - TASS ) .
The current situation in Syria and Libya was discussed .
Regarding Libya , the importance of observance of a ceasefire regime and promotion of the effective political process with the participation of representatives of all key Libyan forces was noted , '' the statement said .
The future of the JCPOA came into question after the US unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal on May 8 , 2018 and introduced oil export sanctions on Iran .
A year later , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear deal .
On January 5 , 2020 , Iran announced the final stage of scaling down such commitments .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh in detail and confirmed their mutual readiness to continue the coordination on various aspects of the peaceful settlement, Kremlin press service said Tuesday.
"Russian President underscored that the situation in the region stabilizes itself, and the November 9 agreements, achieved by the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia - are generally being complied with. The sides noted a successful work of the Russian peacekeepers, who ensure the ceasefire and the safety of civilians under the request of Baku and Yerevan. The sides confirmed mutual readiness for further coordination on various aspects of the settlement in Nagorno-Karabakh, within the OSCE Minsk Group in particular," the press service said.
Humanitarian problems, connected to repatriation of refugees, restoration of infrastructure, preservation of religious and cultural memorials were named as the most pressing issues.
Previously, the two leaders discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh on November 16. At that time, Putin told his French counterpart about the stabilization of situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and deployment of a peacemaker contingent in the region.
Ukrainian crisis
Putin and Macron also exchanged opinions on settling the internal Ukrainian conflict and agreed on continuing work in the Normandy format, the Kremlin press service reported.
"During the exchange of opinions on issues of settling the internal Ukrainian conflict an interest was expressed to activate efforts in order to implement key provisions of the 2015 Minsk Agreements as well as decisions coordinated at the "Normandy Summit" on December 9, 2019 in Paris. Due to that, the Russian side again emphasized the necessity of Ukraine fulfilling its obligations on the political aspects of settlement, including the legalization of the special status of Donbass and enshrining the "Steinmeier formula" in the national legislation. It was agreed on continuing work within the framework of the Normandy format," the statement said.
At the last meeting of leaders of the "Normandy Four" - Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and France on December 9, 2019 in Paris, the participants approved a concluding statement in which, for instance, they supported amendments to the Ukrainian constitution based on the "Steinmeier formula" and expressed adherence to establishing a complete ceasefire in Donbass.
France urges to settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine politically, based on negotiations in the so-called Normandy format which existed since June 2014 when the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany who gathered in Normandy for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day discussed the settlement of the conflict in Donbass for the first time. Currently, the peaceful process is based on the Minsk Agreements reached as a result of the February 2015 summit of the "Normandy Four." They include, among others, a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weapons from the line of engagement of the conflicting parties, an amnesty, the renewal of economic ties, as well as a profound constitutional reform in Ukraine.
Vaccine production
The two heads of state also addressed stepping up cooperation in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, the Kremlin press service reported.
"A number of pressing issues of the bilateral cooperation were touched upon with the emphasis on fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The intention to develop contacts between relevant organizations of the two countries on issues of vaccine production and mass inoculation of residents was confirmed," the statement said.
The Kremlin press service noted that Putin wished Macron a happy belated birthday and hoped for his soonest recovery. It was reported earlier that the French president tested positive for the coronavirus on December 17.
On Monday, French government spokesman Gabriel Attal told journalists that, according to the report of a treating physician, "the president still has symptoms after contracting the coronavirus." At the same time the spokesman stressed that Macron’s condition is stable and he "continues to work."
In August and November Putin and Macron discussed in phone conversations cooperation in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus. For instance, the sides expressed interest in deepening the cooperation in vaccine production and development.
Other issues
Syria, Libya and Iran were among other issues, raised by the two leaders during their phone conversation.
"Regarding the situation around Iran’s nuclear program, both sides stated the demand for collective efforts directed at preservation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA - TASS). The current situation in Syria and Libya was discussed. Regarding Libya, the importance of observance of a ceasefire regime and promotion of the effective political process with the participation of representatives of all key Libyan forces was noted," the statement said.
The future of the JCPOA came into question after the US unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear deal on May 8, 2018 and introduced oil export sanctions on Iran. A year later, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced that Tehran was reducing its commitments under the nuclear deal. On January 5, 2020, Iran announced the final stage of scaling down such commitments.


tass--2020-12-22--COVID-19 incidence in Moscow grows by 5% over last week, Mayor says

MOSCOW , December 22 .
/TASS/ .
Incidence of the coronavirus infection in Moscow has grown by 5 % over @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a session of the presidium of the state coordination council @ @ @ @ @ in the Russian Federation on Tuesday .
`` The situation in Moscow remains very complicated @ @ @ @ @ ago we had a 12 % decrease in incidence , while last week showed a @ @ @ @ @ The daily increase in hospitalizations has continued , '' he said .
The mayor added @ @ @ @ @ are engaged , 30 % of them being vacant .
`` The healthcare system is @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Moscow is in the first place nationwide by the number of @ @ @ @ @ all , 750,934 cases of the infection have been detected in the city , including @ @ @ @ @ hours .
Some 577,544 patients have recovered , 10,540 patients died .

MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. Incidence of the coronavirus infection in Moscow has grown by 5% over the past week, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said at a session of the presidium of the state coordination council to control the coronavirus incidence in the Russian Federation on Tuesday.
"The situation in Moscow remains very complicated, tense. A week ago we had a 12% decrease in incidence, while last week showed a growth of 5%. The daily increase in hospitalizations has continued," he said.
The mayor added that currently 18,000 hospital beds are engaged, 30% of them being vacant. "The healthcare system is coping with the load," he said.
Moscow is in the first place nationwide by the number of the coronavirus infections. In all, 750,934 cases of the infection have been detected in the city, including 7,237 over the past 24 hours. Some 577,544 patients have recovered, 10,540 patients died.