tass--2020-12-20--Karabakh rescuers find bodies of 22 Armenian soldiers

YEREVAN , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Rescuers of the Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s emergencies ministry have found the bodies of 22 Armenian soldiers and removed them from former areas of combat operations , the press service of the Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s emergencies ministry said on Sunday .
`` Rescuers who conducted search operations have removed the bodies of 22 soldiers from Goradiz , Jebrail , and Ishkhanadzor , '' it said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 2016 and this past July .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
Under the document , the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to @ @ @ @ @ @ @

YEREVAN, December 20. /TASS/. Rescuers of the Nagorno-Karabakh’s emergencies ministry have found the bodies of 22 Armenian soldiers and removed them from former areas of combat operations, the press service of the Nagorno-Karabakh’s emergencies ministry said on Sunday.
"Rescuers who conducted search operations have removed the bodies of 22 soldiers from Goradiz, Jebrail, and Ishkhanadzor," it said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. Under the document, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the region. The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance.


tass--2020-12-20--Russia needs to protect borders given risks of smoldering regional conflicts - Putin

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the need to effectively protect its state border given the risks of smoldering conflicts in neighboring countries .
`` We need to ensure a more effective protection of the state border , moreover given the risks of smoldering regional conflicts near our borders , '' Putin highlighted during a visit to the Foreign Intelligence Service ’ s headquarters .
Putin ordered to pay serious attention to information security , fight against extremism , corruption and economic crimes .
In their turn , staff members of the Federal Protective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state facilities and vital events , while the Main Directorate of Special Programs should handle `` a broad range of tasks on boosting stability of work of key state bodies and communications systems in any and even the most challenging situation , '' he said .
Russia ’ s intelligence services should continue a resolute struggle against terrorism , which has made it possible to significantly cut the number of such crimes , Russian President noted .
According to Putin , the number of terrorism-related crimes in Russia over the past years has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were registered in the past 11 months of this year compared with 36 in 2015 .
`` A huge everyday dangerous and hard work and its new quality are behind this statistics .
The staff of the Federal Security Service and other services under the auspices of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee should continue acting in the same resolute and consistent way , '' he stated .
Putin also compared the current situation not only with the mid-1990s and early 2000s , but also with 2010 , when some 779 terrorism-related crimes were recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a score to settle with '' international terrorism , Putin noted .
`` We remember everyone who died defending Russia against this harsh enemy , which our country faced at the most challenging time of its history , '' the president stated .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the need to effectively protect its state border given the risks of smoldering conflicts in neighboring countries.
"We need to ensure a more effective protection of the state border, moreover given the risks of smoldering regional conflicts near our borders," Putin highlighted during a visit to the Foreign Intelligence Service’s headquarters.
Putin ordered to pay serious attention to information security, fight against extremism, corruption and economic crimes.
In their turn, staff members of the Federal Protective Service should continue effectively ensuring security of state facilities and vital events, while the Main Directorate of Special Programs should handle "a broad range of tasks on boosting stability of work of key state bodies and communications systems in any and even the most challenging situation," he said.
Struggle against terrorism
Russia’s intelligence services should continue a resolute struggle against terrorism, which has made it possible to significantly cut the number of such crimes, Russian President noted.
According to Putin, the number of terrorism-related crimes in Russia over the past years has significantly decreased. Just two such crimes were registered in the past 11 months of this year compared with 36 in 2015.
"A huge everyday dangerous and hard work and its new quality are behind this statistics. The staff of the Federal Security Service and other services under the auspices of the National Anti-Terrorism Committee should continue acting in the same resolute and consistent way," he stated.
Putin also compared the current situation not only with the mid-1990s and early 2000s, but also with 2010, when some 779 terrorism-related crimes were recorded in Russia.
The Russian people "have a score to settle with" international terrorism, Putin noted. "We remember everyone who died defending Russia against this harsh enemy, which our country faced at the most challenging time of its history," the president stated.


tass--2020-12-20--Russia plans to vaccinate elderly people against COVID-19 next week

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia plans to vaccinate people above 60 years of age against COVID-19 next week , the country ’ s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced in an interview with the news program on Rossiya-1 TV channel on Sunday .
`` Yes , we hope so , '' the health minister stated in response to the question , whether the elderly people ’ s vaccination could begin next week .
According to him , the vaccine ’ s clinical trials on people aged above 60 are now nearing end .
`` We would recommend that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination , '' Murashko said .
On August 11 , Russia was the first in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry .
Later , the Novosibirsk-based Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing registered another domestic vaccine .
A third vaccine created by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russia plans to vaccinate people above 60 years of age against COVID-19 next week, the country’s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced in an interview with the news program on Rossiya-1 TV channel on Sunday.
"Yes, we hope so," the health minister stated in response to the question, whether the elderly people’s vaccination could begin next week.
According to him, the vaccine’s clinical trials on people aged above 60 are now nearing end.
"We would recommend that regions also engage patients with diabetes in vaccination," Murashko said.
On August 11, Russia was the first in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry. Later, the Novosibirsk-based Vector State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing registered another domestic vaccine. A third vaccine created by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences may be registered soon.


tass--2020-12-20--Vucic eyes launching production of Russian coronavirus vaccine in Serbia

BELGRADE , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expects that it is possible to launch joint production of Russia ’ s coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in Serbia .
`` I believe that there is such a prospect [ of joint production of Sputnik V vaccine ] and we spoke about this with [ Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ] .
If all indicators are good , and now they are positive , I believe this is possible in Serbia , '' the Serbian leader stressed on Sunday during his visit to a new hospital for coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is undergoing studies [ in Serbia ’ s Medicines Agency ] .
We received some documents on the first and second phases and we are waiting for documents on the third phase .
I was informed that people from our Medicines Agency are very satisfied by quality .
We plan on carrying out vaccination as soon as possible and we wish you in Russia to get rid of the coronavirus as soon as possible , like we are doing so in Serbia , '' Vucic said .
On November 12 , Vucic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.8 mln doses of US-German Pfizer ’ s COVID-19 vaccine under COVAX program .
On December 4 , Vucic announced that the first 20 doses of Russia ’ s COVID-19 vaccine had arrived in Serbia .
Serbian specialists will study the medication and will later take a decision whether it could be used for vaccinating citizens .
Earlier , Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic announced that Belgrade was interested in launching joint production of the coronavirus vaccine .

BELGRADE, December 20. /TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expects that it is possible to launch joint production of Russia’s coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V in Serbia.
"I believe that there is such a prospect [of joint production of Sputnik V vaccine] and we spoke about this with [Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov]. If all indicators are good, and now they are positive, I believe this is possible in Serbia," the Serbian leader stressed on Sunday during his visit to a new hospital for coronavirus patients in Krusevac.
"The Sputnik V vaccine is undergoing studies [in Serbia’s Medicines Agency]. We received some documents on the first and second phases and we are waiting for documents on the third phase. I was informed that people from our Medicines Agency are very satisfied by quality. We plan on carrying out vaccination as soon as possible and we wish you in Russia to get rid of the coronavirus as soon as possible, like we are doing so in Serbia," Vucic said.
On November 12, Vucic announced that Serbia had agreed on purchasing 1.8 mln doses of US-German Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine under COVAX program.
On December 4, Vucic announced that the first 20 doses of Russia’s COVID-19 vaccine had arrived in Serbia. Serbian specialists will study the medication and will later take a decision whether it could be used for vaccinating citizens.
Earlier, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic announced that Belgrade was interested in launching joint production of the coronavirus vaccine.


tass--2020-12-20--Miss Belarus-2008 beauty pageant winner walks free after 42 days of arrest

MINSK , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
The winner of Miss Belarus-2008 beauty pageant and former press secretary of Dynamo Brest football club Olga Khizhinkova walked free after 42 days of her administrative arrest , Belarusian portal tut.by reported on Sunday .
`` Miss Belarus-2008 and former press secretary of Dynamo Brest Khizhinkova was released in the city of Zhodzina , '' the report said .
Khizhinkova was detained at a rally on November 8 .
On November 11 , the court ruled to place her under arrest for 12 days for taking part in an unauthorized mass event .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled that she should remain behind bars for another 15 days for taking part in the October 11 event .
On November 26 , the Minsk court ruled on 15 days of arrest for Khizhinkova .
According to tut.by , investigators used a photo posted on the Instagram social network and a video footage on October 25 to bring new charges .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome and left the country .
The opposition ’ s Coordination Council , established in the republic , calls for further protests , while the Belarusian authorities demand to stop these unauthorized demonstrations .

MINSK, December 20. /TASS/. The winner of Miss Belarus-2008 beauty pageant and former press secretary of Dynamo Brest football club Olga Khizhinkova walked free after 42 days of her administrative arrest, Belarusian portal tut.by reported on Sunday.
"Miss Belarus-2008 and former press secretary of Dynamo Brest Khizhinkova was released in the city of Zhodzina," the report said.
Khizhinkova was detained at a rally on November 8. On November 11, the court ruled to place her under arrest for 12 days for taking part in an unauthorized mass event. Shortly after a district court in Minsk ruled that she should remain behind bars for another 15 days for taking part in the October 11 event.
On November 26, the Minsk court ruled on 15 days of arrest for Khizhinkova. According to tut.by, investigators used a photo posted on the Instagram social network and a video footage on October 25 to bring new charges.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome and left the country. The opposition’s Coordination Council, established in the republic, calls for further protests, while the Belarusian authorities demand to stop these unauthorized demonstrations.


tass--2020-12-20--Russia sees no ‘drastic increase’ in COVID-19 cases, health minister says

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s COVID-19 incidence rate remains high but there was no drastic increase in cases over the past weeks , Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with Vesti Nedeli program on Rossiya-1 TV channel on Sunday .
`` The incidence rate still remains high .
The only positive thing that we can probably say is that now there is no drastic growth over the past weeks , '' Murashko said .
According to the health minister , in some Russian regions the growth has stabilized .
`` The situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stable , '' he noted .
However , there are still some regions in Russia , which see a rather high incidence rate .
`` These are mainly cities with a million-plus population , '' he said .
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic , nearly 76.3 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.6 mln deaths have been reported .
To date , 2,848,377 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 2,275,657 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 50,858 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russia’s COVID-19 incidence rate remains high but there was no drastic increase in cases over the past weeks, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with Vesti Nedeli program on Rossiya-1 TV channel on Sunday.
"The incidence rate still remains high. The only positive thing that we can probably say is that now there is no drastic growth over the past weeks," Murashko said.
According to the health minister, in some Russian regions the growth has stabilized. "The situation in the Novosibirsk and Kurgan Regions is now stable," he noted.
However, there are still some regions in Russia, which see a rather high incidence rate. "These are mainly cities with a million-plus population," he said.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, nearly 76.3 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.6 mln deaths have been reported. To date, 2,848,377 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 2,275,657 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 50,858 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-20--Over 1,500 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Moscow in the past 24 hours

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Some 1,574 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in Moscow over the past day , while 489 people were put on ventilators , the Russian capital ’ s crisis center for controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported on Sunday .
`` < ... > Some 7,263 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the capital .
This past week saw an increase in the number of new cases compared with the previous week .
In the last 24 hours , a total of 1,574 coronavirus patients have been sent to hospitals .
There are 489 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the crisis center .
Moscow ’ s crisis center specified that 10.9 % among the patients were children , 39.6 % - aged from 18 to 45 , 31.9 % - from 46 to 65 , and another 13.1 % - from 66 to 79 .
As many as 4.5 % of patients are over 80 years old .
All patients , as well as those who have been in close contact with them , are under medical care .
The crisis center recalled that people over the age of 65 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Furthermore , it is essential to wear masks and gloves in public places and keep a social distance .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Some 1,574 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized in Moscow over the past day, while 489 people were put on ventilators, the Russian capital’s crisis center for controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported on Sunday.
"<...> Some 7,263 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the capital. This past week saw an increase in the number of new cases compared with the previous week. In the last 24 hours, a total of 1,574 coronavirus patients have been sent to hospitals. There are 489 people on ventilators in Moscow," according to the crisis center.
Moscow’s crisis center specified that 10.9% among the patients were children, 39.6% - aged from 18 to 45, 31.9% - from 46 to 65, and another 13.1% - from 66 to 79. As many as 4.5% of patients are over 80 years old. All patients, as well as those who have been in close contact with them, are under medical care.
The crisis center recalled that people over the age of 65 years and chronic patients should self-isolate. Furthermore, it is essential to wear masks and gloves in public places and keep a social distance.


tass--2020-12-20--Russia reports highest coronavirus case tally over past two weeks

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus cases rose by 28,948 in the past day , the highest number since December 6 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday .
Since the start of the pandemic the total case tally has reached 2,848,377 or more than 1.9 % of citizens .
The highest daily caseload in the country was registered two weeks ago when the crisis center reported as many as 29,039 cases .
The lowest growth rates were confirmed in the Republic of Tuva , the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region , the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Kemerovo Region and the Magadan Region ( 0.6 % ) .
Moscow confirmed 7,263 new coronavirus cases and since the start of the pandemic the total case tally in the Russian capital reached 735,900 .
A day earlier , some 6,459 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Moscow .
The growth rate reached 1 % .
At the moment , 157,143 patients are undergoing treatment in the capital , according to the crisis center .
Another 3,759 cases were registered in St. Petersburg and since the start of the pandemic a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been confirmed in the city .
A day earlier 3,754 cases of the new infection were recorded in the city .
Some 76,841 patients with COVID-19 are undergoing treatment in St. Petersburg now , according to the crisis center .
Some 1,539 coronavirus cases were recorded in the Moscow Region , 499 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 403 in the Sverdlovsk Region , 397 in the Arkhangelsk Region and 395 in the Pskov Region .
Currently , 521,862 people are ill in Russia .
Russia ’ s coronavirus recoveries rose by 20,915 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the crisis center , the total number of recoveries remained at 79.9 % of all those infected .
As many as 567,743 people have recovered in Moscow since the start of the pandemic or 77.1 % of all those infected , and another 10,394 died ( 1.41 % ) .
Over the past day , 2,326 patients were discharged after recovering in St. Petersburg , 1,098 patients were in the Moscow Region , 590 in the Republic of Karelia , 508 in the Khabarovsk Region , 437 in the Nizhny Novgorod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 397 in the Krasnoyarsk Region .
Russia ’ s coronavirus death toll rose by 511 in the past day versus 585 a day earlier and the total death toll hit 50,858 .
The average mortality rate remained at 1.79 % , according to the crisis center .
In particular , Moscow registered 77 COVID-19 deaths and St. Petersburg reported 73 fatalities .
Another 22 coronavirus deaths were registered in the Voronezh Region , 21 in the Rostov Region , 19 in the Perm Region , 18 in the Irkutsk Region and 16 @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus cases rose by 28,948 in the past day, the highest number since December 6, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Sunday.
Since the start of the pandemic the total case tally has reached 2,848,377 or more than 1.9% of citizens. The highest daily caseload in the country was registered two weeks ago when the crisis center reported as many as 29,039 cases.
The lowest growth rates were confirmed in the Republic of Tuva, the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Region, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Region, the Republic of Mari El, the Kemerovo Region and the Magadan Region (0.6%).
Moscow confirmed 7,263 new coronavirus cases and since the start of the pandemic the total case tally in the Russian capital reached 735,900. A day earlier, some 6,459 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Moscow. The growth rate reached 1%. At the moment, 157,143 patients are undergoing treatment in the capital, according to the crisis center.
Another 3,759 cases were registered in St. Petersburg and since the start of the pandemic a total of 200,813 cases of infection have been confirmed in the city. A day earlier 3,754 cases of the new infection were recorded in the city. Some 76,841 patients with COVID-19 are undergoing treatment in St. Petersburg now, according to the crisis center.
Some 1,539 coronavirus cases were recorded in the Moscow Region, 499 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 403 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 397 in the Arkhangelsk Region and 395 in the Pskov Region.
Currently, 521,862 people are ill in Russia.
Coronavirus recoveries and death toll
Russia’s coronavirus recoveries rose by 20,915 in the past day to 2,275,657.
According to the crisis center, the total number of recoveries remained at 79.9% of all those infected.
As many as 567,743 people have recovered in Moscow since the start of the pandemic or 77.1% of all those infected, and another 10,394 died (1.41%).
Over the past day, 2,326 patients were discharged after recovering in St. Petersburg, 1,098 patients were in the Moscow Region, 590 in the Republic of Karelia, 508 in the Khabarovsk Region, 437 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 409 in the Sverdlovsk Region and 397 in the Krasnoyarsk Region.
Russia’s coronavirus death toll rose by 511 in the past day versus 585 a day earlier and the total death toll hit 50,858.
The average mortality rate remained at 1.79%, according to the crisis center.
In particular, Moscow registered 77 COVID-19 deaths and St. Petersburg reported 73 fatalities. Another 22 coronavirus deaths were registered in the Voronezh Region, 21 in the Rostov Region, 19 in the Perm Region, 18 in the Irkutsk Region and 16 in the Sverdlovsk Region.


tass--2020-12-20--Over 612,000 remain under medical supervision over coronavirus in Russia

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 612,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected @ @ @ @ @ watchdog said on Sunday .
`` Some 612,676 people remain under medical supervision in Russia @ @ @ @ @ for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported .
More than 85.9 mln @ @ @ @ @ out , including 523,000 tests in the past day , according to the sanitary watchdog @

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. More than 612,000 people remain under medical supervision in Russia over a suspected coronavirus infection, the sanitary watchdog said on Sunday.
"Some 612,676 people remain under medical supervision in Russia," the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported.
More than 85.9 mln COVID-19 tests have been carried out, including 523,000 tests in the past day, according to the sanitary watchdog.


tass--2020-12-20--Russia delivers new batch of humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Emergencies Ministry delivered another batch of humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh by rail , the ministry ’ s press service told TASS on Sunday .
`` On December 19 , specialists of the Russian Emergencies Ministry ’ s joint grouping unloaded 17 rail cars with Russia ’ s humanitarian assistance .
This is 300 cubic meters of lumber and a platform with a truck-mounted crane , '' the press service said .
The cargo has been delivered to Stepanakert , the de-facto capital of the unrecognized republic .
Later the aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the second part of the humanitarian assistance delivered by the Russian Emergencies Ministry by rail .
So far , nine out of 54 train cars have arrived .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .
The Russian rescuers arrived in the region on November 16 .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry delivered another batch of humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh by rail, the ministry’s press service told TASS on Sunday.
"On December 19, specialists of the Russian Emergencies Ministry’s joint grouping unloaded 17 rail cars with Russia’s humanitarian assistance. This is 300 cubic meters of lumber and a platform with a truck-mounted crane," the press service said.
The cargo has been delivered to Stepanakert, the de-facto capital of the unrecognized republic. Later the aid will be distributed among the neighborhoods.
This is the second part of the humanitarian assistance delivered by the Russian Emergencies Ministry by rail. So far, nine out of 54 train cars have arrived.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed. The Russian rescuers arrived in the region on November 16.


tass--2020-12-20--Moscow reports over 4,700 coronavirus recoveries in the past day

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s coronavirus recoveries rose by 4,790 in the past day , reaching 567,763 , the city ’ s crisis center for controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported on Sunday .
`` The crisis center for controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow reported that another 4,790 patients had recovered in the capital after undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection .
The total number of people who recovered from the infection rose to 567,763 , '' the crisis center reported .
All patients will remain under medical supervision after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The recovered Moscow citizens have been asked to donate their plasma to treat coronavirus patients .
People aged 18 to 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors , provided they don ’ t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV , Hepatitis B and C. In late December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries rose by 4,790 in the past day, reaching 567,763, the city’s crisis center for controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation reported on Sunday.
"The crisis center for controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow reported that another 4,790 patients had recovered in the capital after undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection. The total number of people who recovered from the infection rose to 567,763," the crisis center reported.
All patients will remain under medical supervision after being discharged from hospitals and will receive recommendations.
The recovered Moscow citizens have been asked to donate their plasma to treat coronavirus patients. People aged 18 to 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic illnesses and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.


tass--2020-12-20--President of Kazakhstan bans government employees from holding accounts with foreign banks

NUR-SULTAN , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law introducing amendments and supplements into @ @ @ @ @ of citizens ’ rights in criminal proceedings and the corruption control .
Government officials are @ @ @ @ @ foreign banks since now , the press service of the head of state says .
@ @ @ @ @ on opening and holding accounts ( deposits ) and keeping cash and valuables in foreign @ @ @ @ @ .
Such measure covers persons holding responsible government offices or authorized to perform state functions @ @ @ @ @ , diet members and judges will be subjected to the ban on foreign accounts .
@ @ @ @ @ norms aimed at greater competitiveness and openness of criminal proceedings , with an opportunity provided @ @ @ @ @ the electronic format with consideration of opinion of participants in the process .

NUR-SULTAN, December 20. /TASS/. President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law introducing amendments and supplements into the legislation to strengthen protection of citizens’ rights in criminal proceedings and the corruption control. Government officials are banned from holding accounts with foreign banks since now, the press service of the head of state says.
The law stipulates the ban on opening and holding accounts (deposits) and keeping cash and valuables in foreign banks situated outside the Republic. Such measure covers persons holding responsible government offices or authorized to perform state functions and officials. State officials, diet members and judges will be subjected to the ban on foreign accounts.
The document also sets forth norms aimed at greater competitiveness and openness of criminal proceedings, with an opportunity provided to conduct criminal proceedings in the electronic format with consideration of opinion of participants in the process.


tass--2020-12-21--Unclear if new coronavirus strain will lead to higher fatality rate - WHO expert

PARIS , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) currently has no evidence to prove @ @ @ @ @ strain will lead to a higher fatality rate , Director of the Pandemic and Epidemic @ @ @ @ @ Sylvie Briand told France ’ s BFMTV .
`` Viruses change and what is happening @ @ @ @ @ .
In order to figure out whether the impact of the virus on human health @ @ @ @ @ to conduct additional laboratory research .
At this point , we don ’ t see @ @ @ @ @ , '' the expert pointed out .
When asked if the new virus strain could @ @ @ @ @ , Briand emphasized the need `` for additional research . ''
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ the virus will hardly affect the vaccines ’ performance . ''
`` I believe that @ @ @ @ @ taken in the United Kingdom will make it possible to stop it from spreading in @ @ @ @ @ of vaccines , '' Briand added .

PARIS, December 21. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently has no evidence to prove that the newly emerged coronavirus strain will lead to a higher fatality rate, Director of the Pandemic and Epidemic Diseases Department at the WHO Sylvie Briand told France’s BFMTV.
"Viruses change and what is happening now comes as no surprise. In order to figure out whether the impact of the virus on human health will change, we need to conduct additional laboratory research. At this point, we don’t see any changes in fatality rates," the expert pointed out.
When asked if the new virus strain could affect the effectiveness of vaccines, Briand emphasized the need "for additional research." At the same time, she said that "the virus will hardly affect the vaccines’ performance."
"I believe that the measures that have been taken in the United Kingdom will make it possible to stop it from spreading in the run-up to the launch of vaccines," Briand added.


tass--2020-12-21--Baghdad’s Green Zone comes under missile attack - TV

TASS , December 20 .
Baghdad ’ s Green Zone came under missile attack on Sunday , Al Arabiya reported @ @ @ @ @ channel , at least three missiles hit this district of the Iraqi capital city .
@ @ @ @ @ damages were immediately available .
The Green Zone , or the International Zone , is @ @ @ @ @ government area in Baghdad .
The US embassy is located in the Green Zone , @ @ @ @ @ mortar attacks many times in the recent months .
Washington has repeatedly blamed these attacks @ @ @ @ @ in Iraq .

TASS, December 20. Baghdad’s Green Zone came under missile attack on Sunday, Al Arabiya reported.
According to the television channel, at least three missiles hit this district of the Iraqi capital city. No data about casualties or damages were immediately available.
The Green Zone, or the International Zone, is a heavy guarded diplomatic and government area in Baghdad. The US embassy is located in the Green Zone, which came under missile and mortar attacks many times in the recent months. Washington has repeatedly blamed these attacks on pro-Iranian armed groups operating in Iraq.


tass--2020-12-20--Over 140 protesters detained in Belarus during Sunday’s protests, human rights center says

MINSK , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 140 people were detained during Sunday ’ s protests in Minsk and other Belarusian cities , the Vesna unregistered human rights center reported .
The list of those detained posted on Vesna ’ s website includes 146 names .
Most of them were detained in Minsk .
Detentions were also reported from Borisov , Borovlyany , Grodno , Novopolotsk , Smilovichi , and Soligorsk .
Spokeswoman for the Minsk police department Natalia Ganusevich said earlier in the day that about 100 people had been detained in Minsk during unauthorized rallies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hundreds in a number of Minsk ’ s dwelling quarters on Sunday .
The police tried to stop their movement and disperse the protesters .
The second Sunday in the row , the authorities did not close metro stations and block mobile communication during the protests .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .
The biggest protests are held in Minsk and a number of other cities on Sundays .

MINSK, December 20. /TASS/. More than 140 people were detained during Sunday’s protests in Minsk and other Belarusian cities, the Vesna unregistered human rights center reported.
The list of those detained posted on Vesna’s website includes 146 names. Most of them were detained in Minsk. Detentions were also reported from Borisov, Borovlyany, Grodno, Novopolotsk, Smilovichi, and Soligorsk.
Spokeswoman for the Minsk police department Natalia Ganusevich said earlier in the day that about 100 people had been detained in Minsk during unauthorized rallies.
Protesters gathered in groups of from tens to hundreds in a number of Minsk’s dwelling quarters on Sunday. The police tried to stop their movement and disperse the protesters. The second Sunday in the row, the authorities did not close metro stations and block mobile communication during the protests.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped. The biggest protests are held in Minsk and a number of other cities on Sundays.


tass--2020-12-20--Russia’s Chumakov Center can develop a vaccine against any coronavirus strains - director

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products at the Russian Academy of Sciences has enough experience and technologies to develop a vaccine against any mutated SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains , the Center ’ s director , Aidar Ishmukhametov , told TASS .
`` Our experience show that the coronavirus strains we detect do not differ dramatically , which means that the pace of its mutation is not rapid .
But even if we learn that it has mutated seriously , we have a technology to simply change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather simple solution , '' he said .
Speaking about cases of reinfection , he noted that so far there are no reliable data that such cases are frequent .
`` Cases when RNA was recovered to prove it was the coronavirus and some time later RNA was recovered again - such cases are rare .
So , I would rather not be in a hurry to share the viewpoint that there are a lot of reinfection cases .
The more so , when some are trying to link it with mutations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products was created on the basis of the Institute of Poliomyelitis and Virus Encephalitis of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences .
Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Chumakov was the Institute ’ s founder and first director ( until 1972 ) .
Today the Chumakov Center is a leading world research organization in the sphere of medical virology .
The Center has developed its own dead whole-virion vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection .
The vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whole-virion vaccines are based either on artificially weakened viruses incapable of causing a disease or killed ( inactivated ) viruses .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products at the Russian Academy of Sciences has enough experience and technologies to develop a vaccine against any mutated SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, the Center’s director, Aidar Ishmukhametov, told TASS.
"Our experience show that the coronavirus strains we detect do not differ dramatically, which means that the pace of its mutation is not rapid. But even if we learn that it has mutated seriously, we have a technology to simply change the primary strain. It is a rather simple solution," he said.
Speaking about cases of reinfection, he noted that so far there are no reliable data that such cases are frequent. "Cases when RNA was recovered to prove it was the coronavirus and some time later RNA was recovered again - such cases are rare. So, I would rather not be in a hurry to share the viewpoint that there are a lot of reinfection cases. The more so, when some are trying to link it with mutations of the virus," he said.
The Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products was created on the basis of the Institute of Poliomyelitis and Virus Encephalitis of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Chumakov was the Institute’s founder and first director (until 1972). Today the Chumakov Center is a leading world research organization in the sphere of medical virology.
The Center has developed its own dead whole-virion vaccine against the novel coronavirus infection. The vaccine is currently subject to clinical test.
Whole-virion vaccines are based either on artificially weakened viruses incapable of causing a disease or killed (inactivated) viruses.


tass--2020-12-20--Aeroflot says has no information about suspension of flights with UK

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
Aeroflot , the only Russian air carrier performing regular flights from Moscow to London , has no information about possible suspension of air service with the United Kingdom , Aeroflot spokesman Mikhail Demin told TASS on Sunday .
`` It is up to a governmental headquarters to take decisions on suspension and resumption of air service .
As of now , we have no information about such a decision , '' he said .
The Russian anti-coronavirus crisis center told TASS earlier in the day that the issue of air service with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus has been detected , was under control and any decision on that matter would be made public after being taken .
Air service between Russia and the United Kingdom was resumed from August 1 .
Regular flights between Moscow and London are performs by Russia ’ s Aeroflot and British Airways .
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on December 14 that a new variant of the coronavirus had been identified by British researchers and that this newly-identified variant `` may be associated '' with the faster spread in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson told a news conference on Saturday that , according to preliminary data , the new strain could be by 70 % more transmissible , adding however that no evidence to its bigger lethality were available .
On Saturday , the United Kingdom ’ s death toll from the coronavirus infection exceeded 67,000 , Europe ’ s second highest mortality after Italy , and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeded two million .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Aeroflot, the only Russian air carrier performing regular flights from Moscow to London, has no information about possible suspension of air service with the United Kingdom, Aeroflot spokesman Mikhail Demin told TASS on Sunday.
"It is up to a governmental headquarters to take decisions on suspension and resumption of air service. As of now, we have no information about such a decision," he said.
The Russian anti-coronavirus crisis center told TASS earlier in the day that the issue of air service with the United Kingdom, where a new mutation of the novel coronavirus has been detected, was under control and any decision on that matter would be made public after being taken.
Air service between Russia and the United Kingdom was resumed from August 1. Regular flights between Moscow and London are performs by Russia’s Aeroflot and British Airways.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on December 14 that a new variant of the coronavirus had been identified by British researchers and that this newly-identified variant "may be associated" with the faster spread in the south-east of England. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a news conference on Saturday that, according to preliminary data, the new strain could be by 70% more transmissible, adding however that no evidence to its bigger lethality were available.
On Saturday, the United Kingdom’s death toll from the coronavirus infection exceeded 67,000, Europe’s second highest mortality after Italy, and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeded two million.


tass--2020-12-20--WHO reports over 795,000 new daily cases of COVID-2019

GENEVA , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 795,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 75.09 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Sunday .
As of 17:05 Moscow time on December 20 , as many as 77,098,369 novel coronavirus cases and 1,680,339 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 795,942 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 10,256 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the countries .
North and South America account for more than 64 % of the COVID-19 daily tally ( 511,893 cases ) .
Next are Europe ( 200,694 cases ) , and Southeast Asia ( 38,197 cases ) .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 17,314,834 ) , India ( 10,031,223 ) , Brazil ( 7,162,978 ) , Russia ( 2,848,377 ) , France ( 2,418,439 ) , the United Kingdom ( 2,004,223 ) , Italy ( 1,938,083 ) , Spain ( 1,797,236 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1,494,009 ) , Colombia ( 1,482,072 ) , and Mexico ( 1,301,546 ) .

GENEVA, December 20. /TASS/. More than 795,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 75.09 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Sunday.
As of 17:05 Moscow time on December 20, as many as 77,098,369 novel coronavirus cases and 1,680,339 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 795,942 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 10,256.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
North and South America account for more than 64% of the COVID-19 daily tally (511,893 cases). Next are Europe (200,694 cases), and Southeast Asia (38,197 cases).
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (17,314,834), India (10,031,223), Brazil (7,162,978), Russia (2,848,377), France (2,418,439), the United Kingdom (2,004,223), Italy (1,938,083), Spain (1,797,236), Argentina (1,531,374), Germany (1,494,009), Colombia (1,482,072), and Mexico (1,301,546).


tass--2020-12-20--Issue of air service between Russia and UK under control

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
The issues of air service with the United Kingdom , where a new coronavirus mutation has been detected , is under control , a spokesman for the anti-coronavirus crisis center told TASS on Sunday .
`` The situation is under control of the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
All decisions on that matter will be announced when taken , '' the spokesman said .
Air service between Russia and the United Kingdom was resumed from August 1 .
Regular flights between Moscow and London are performs by Russia ’ s Aeroflot and British Airways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 14 that a new variant of the coronavirus had been identified by British researchers and that this newly-identified variant `` may be associated '' with the faster spread in the south-east of England .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a news conference on Saturday that , according to preliminary data , the new strain could be by 70 % more transmissible , adding however that no evidence to its bigger lethality were available .
On Saturday , the United Kingdom ’ s death toll from the coronavirus infection exceeded 67,000 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeded two million .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. The issues of air service with the United Kingdom, where a new coronavirus mutation has been detected, is under control, a spokesman for the anti-coronavirus crisis center told TASS on Sunday.
"The situation is under control of the anti-coronavirus crisis center. All decisions on that matter will be announced when taken," the spokesman said.
Air service between Russia and the United Kingdom was resumed from August 1. Regular flights between Moscow and London are performs by Russia’s Aeroflot and British Airways.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on December 14 that a new variant of the coronavirus had been identified by British researchers and that this newly-identified variant "may be associated" with the faster spread in the south-east of England. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a news conference on Saturday that, according to preliminary data, the new strain could be by 70% more transmissible, adding however that no evidence to its bigger lethality were available.
On Saturday, the United Kingdom’s death toll from the coronavirus infection exceeded 67,000, Europe’s second highest mortality after Italy, and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeded two million.


tass--2020-12-20--Around 100 protesters detained in Minsk

Around 100 protesters detained in Minsk

MINSK , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
About 100 people were detained during protests in Minsk on Sunday , spokeswoman for the Minsk police department Natalia Ganusevich said .
`` Participants in unauthorized rallies were warned about inadmissibility of illegal action more than once .
After that the most active protesters - around 100 people , were detained , '' she said in a commentary posted on the website of the Minsk police department .
According to Ganusevich , small groups of protesters gathered on Sunday in some of Minsk ’ s districts .
Police , in her words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unauthorized rallies .
They also continue to identify car drivers who `` beeped horn with no reasons for that thus violating traffic rules and creating crash situations for other road users . ''
Protesters gathered in groups of tens to hundreds in a number of Minsk ’ s dwelling quarters on Sunday .
The police tried to stop their movement and disperse the protesters .
The second Sunday in the row , the authorities did not close metro stations and block mobile communication during the protests .
According to Belarusian human rights activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vitebsk , Soligorsk , Borisov , Novopolots , and Brest .
According to the Belarusian interior ministry , 270 protesters were detained last Sunday .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of other cities on Sundays .

MINSK, December 20. /TASS/. About 100 people were detained during protests in Minsk on Sunday, spokeswoman for the Minsk police department Natalia Ganusevich said.
"Participants in unauthorized rallies were warned about inadmissibility of illegal action more than once. After that the most active protesters - around 100 people, were detained," she said in a commentary posted on the website of the Minsk police department.
According to Ganusevich, small groups of protesters gathered on Sunday in some of Minsk’s districts. Police, in her words, continue to identify those taking part in unauthorized rallies. They also continue to identify car drivers who "beeped horn with no reasons for that thus violating traffic rules and creating crash situations for other road users."
Protesters gathered in groups of tens to hundreds in a number of Minsk’s dwelling quarters on Sunday. The police tried to stop their movement and disperse the protesters. The second Sunday in the row, the authorities did not close metro stations and block mobile communication during the protests.
According to Belarusian human rights activists, protesters were detained also in Grodno, Vitebsk, Soligorsk, Borisov, Novopolots, and Brest.
According to the Belarusian interior ministry, 270 protesters were detained last Sunday.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped. The biggest protests are held in Minsk and a number of other cities on Sundays.


tass--2020-12-20--Coronavirus situation in Russia to stabilize in spring, health minister says

MOSCOW , December 20 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus incidence rates will begin to stabilize in Russia in the @ @ @ @ @ on the herd immunity development rate , Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ on the herd immunity development rates .
We are to begin the spring with much @ @ @ @ @ stabilization of the situation , '' he said in an interview with the Vesti Nedeli @ @ @ @ @ Rossiya-1 television channel .
Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog began a population study in June @ @ @ @ @ involved more than 74,000 volunteers in 26 Russian regions .
The picture was mosaic-like , @ @ @ @ @ from four to 50 % .
The second stage , conducted in September-October 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ herd immunity .
The third stage of the study began on December 9 .

MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. /TASS/. Coronavirus incidence rates will begin to stabilize in Russia in the spring but it will depend on the herd immunity development rate, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Sunday.
"Everything depends directly on the herd immunity development rates. We are to begin the spring with much lower morbidity and with the stabilization of the situation," he said in an interview with the Vesti Nedeli weekly news roundup on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
Russia’s sanitary watchdog began a population study in June 2020. The first stage involved more than 74,000 volunteers in 26 Russian regions. The picture was mosaic-like, with herd immunity indices raging from four to 50%. The second stage, conducted in September-October 2020, yielded a two-fold growth in herd immunity. The third stage of the study began on December 9.


tass--2020-12-21--Russian Navy to get four submarines in 2021

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Navy will receive four submarines in 2021 , including two advanced Borei-A nuclear-powered subs armed with ballistic missiles , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s enlarged board meeting on Monday .
`` To accept two Project Borei-A nuclear-powered underwater cruisers - the Knyaz Oleg and the Generalissimus Suvorov armed with Bulava ballistic missiles for service in the Fleet , '' the defense chief said , outlining plans for the next year .
Overall , the Russian Navy will accept four submarines and six surface ships as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for service , Shoigu said .
The Sevmash Shipyard ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) floated out the submarine Knyaz Oleg on July 16 this year .
This is the first improved Project 955A ( Borei-A ) strategic submarine .
It carries 16 Bulava ballistic missiles as its basic armament .
The Russian Navy currently operates three baseline Project 955 Borei submarines and one improved Project 955A ( Borei-A ) sub .
The Generalissimus Suvorov is the third submarine laid down under the modified Project 955A and the sixth representative of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 26 , 2014 .
Compared to the baseline Borei series , Borei-A subs feature better acoustic stealth , maneuvering and deep-sea running capabilities and an improved armament control system .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Russian Navy will receive four submarines in 2021, including two advanced Borei-A nuclear-powered subs armed with ballistic missiles, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s enlarged board meeting on Monday.
"To accept two Project Borei-A nuclear-powered underwater cruisers - the Knyaz Oleg and the Generalissimus Suvorov armed with Bulava ballistic missiles for service in the Fleet," the defense chief said, outlining plans for the next year.
Overall, the Russian Navy will accept four submarines and six surface ships as well as 22 boats and support vessels for service, Shoigu said.
The Sevmash Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) floated out the submarine Knyaz Oleg on July 16 this year. This is the first improved Project 955A (Borei-A) strategic submarine. It carries 16 Bulava ballistic missiles as its basic armament.
The Russian Navy currently operates three baseline Project 955 Borei submarines and one improved Project 955A (Borei-A) sub.
The Generalissimus Suvorov is the third submarine laid down under the modified Project 955A and the sixth representative of Borei subs. It was laid down on December 26, 2014.
Compared to the baseline Borei series, Borei-A subs feature better acoustic stealth, maneuvering and deep-sea running capabilities and an improved armament control system.


tass--2020-12-21--Putin hopes there will be favorable conditions for COVID-19 vaccination in 2021

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that COVID-19 vaccination is an important global goal .
He expressed hope that there will be favorable conditions in the world for coronavirus vaccination in 2021 .
During the video conference timed to the signing of the memorandum of intent between the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology and AstraZeneca on combining COVID-19 vaccines , the Russian president commended the `` attack position '' of AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot with the goal to make sure the world population is protected against the pandemic .
`` I want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian market , but on global markets as well , and to express hope that the new year will be favorable both for your firm and for the implementation of the goals we are discussing right now , '' Putin addressed the AstraZeneca head .
According to the president , this is `` a crucial goal , '' and to implement it , the company will unite efforts with its colleagues , in this case , with Russia .
`` We monitor what is happening overseas , we monitor what is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been forced to introduce a strict lockdown , which will be reflected , of course , on the economy and the social sphere , '' the Russian leader said , talking about the scale of the pandemic .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that COVID-19 vaccination is an important global goal. He expressed hope that there will be favorable conditions in the world for coronavirus vaccination in 2021.
During the video conference timed to the signing of the memorandum of intent between the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology and AstraZeneca on combining COVID-19 vaccines, the Russian president commended the "attack position" of AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot with the goal to make sure the world population is protected against the pandemic.
"I want to wish you success not only on the Russian market, but on global markets as well, and to express hope that the new year will be favorable both for your firm and for the implementation of the goals we are discussing right now," Putin addressed the AstraZeneca head. According to the president, this is "a crucial goal," and to implement it, the company will unite efforts with its colleagues, in this case, with Russia.
"We monitor what is happening overseas, we monitor what is going on in some European countries that have been forced to introduce a strict lockdown, which will be reflected, of course, on the economy and the social sphere," the Russian leader said, talking about the scale of the pandemic.


tass--2020-12-21--Trials of COVID-19 vaccines combinations to start in 3 countries - Direct Investment Fund

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) and the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 vaccines combinations in three countries , head of RDIF Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday @ @ @ @ @ AstraZeneca can use one of the components of our vaccine to create another effective medication @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Gamaleya National Research Center .
It will @ @ @ @ @ vaccine in combination with adenovirus of the Sputnik [ vaccine ] of serotype 26 in @ @ @ @ @ countries , including the countries of the CIS and Middle East , '' Dmitriev said @ @ @ @ @ memorandum of intent signed between the Gamaleya National Research Center , RDIF , R-Pharm and @ @ @ @ @ for the parties ’ cooperation on developing vaccines against the coronavirus .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca will start clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines combinations in three countries, head of RDIF Kirill Dmitriev said on Monday.
"We suggested that AstraZeneca can use one of the components of our vaccine to create another effective medication. AstraZeneca accepted the offer of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Gamaleya National Research Center. It will start clinical trials of its vaccine in combination with adenovirus of the Sputnik [vaccine] of serotype 26 in the near future in three countries, including the countries of the CIS and Middle East," Dmitriev said at a meeting on the memorandum of intent signed between the Gamaleya National Research Center, RDIF, R-Pharm and AstraZeneca. The document provides for the parties’ cooperation on developing vaccines against the coronavirus.


tass--2020-12-21--Putin approves State Council membership

Putin approves State Council membership

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin approved the new membership of the State Council of the @ @ @ @ @ order has been published on the official legal information website .
`` [ … ] @ @ @ @ @ the State Council of the Russian Federation , '' reads the document , adopted in @ @ @ @ @ on the State Council .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin approved the new membership of the State Council of the Russian Federation. The executive order has been published on the official legal information website.
"[…] Approve the attached membership of the State Council of the Russian Federation," reads the document, adopted in compliance with the new law on the State Council.


tass--2020-12-21--Sputnik V trials on people over 60 may be completed this week

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Trials of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus on volunteers over 60 years of age may be completed by the end of this week , Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel .
`` Now they are already being completed , these are the last days of clinical trials of a vaccine on individuals over 60 years of age .
We hope that at some point after [ December ] 23rd - 24th the trials proper will be over , the documents will be assessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take place , '' he said .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country worldwide to register a vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry .
It passed clinical trials in June-July .
Post-registration trials began in Moscow on September 7 , the first vaccine was administered to volunteers on September 9 .
In all , 40,000 people participate in the program , with 10,000 of them receiving a @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Trials of the Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus on volunteers over 60 years of age may be completed by the end of this week, Russian Healthcare Minister Mikhail Murashko said in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel.
"Now they are already being completed, these are the last days of clinical trials of a vaccine on individuals over 60 years of age. We hope that at some point after [December] 23rd - 24th the trials proper will be over, the documents will be assessed by experts and a review of indications will take place," he said.
On August 11, Russia became the first country worldwide to register a vaccine against the coronavirus which was named Sputnik V. The preparation was developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Healthcare Ministry. It passed clinical trials in June-July. Post-registration trials began in Moscow on September 7, the first vaccine was administered to volunteers on September 9. In all, 40,000 people participate in the program, with 10,000 of them receiving a placebo instead of the vaccine.


tass--2020-12-21--India, Russia discussing cooperation in agriculture, transport, says envoy

NEW DELHI , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Expansion of cooperation in agriculture and development of transport corridors remain on @ @ @ @ @ cooperation , Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said in an interview with Russian reporters @ @ @ @ @ food problem solution is one of the areas of the Russian-Indian cooperation , which is @ @ @ @ @ cooperation agreement is relevant now , '' he said .
Transport corridors are necessary for @ @ @ @ @ of the two countries , the ambassador noted , adding that transport agreements on the @ @ @ @ @ as well as on sea links between India ’ s Chennai and Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ and Russia ’ s Far East , the Coast , are on the agenda .
@ @ @ @ @ need both legal support and customs convoy .
Those are green corridors that will inevitably @ @ @ @ @ delivery to make sure that the confidentiality of our economic relationship meets the nature of @ @ @ @ @ , '' he explained .

NEW DELHI, December 21. /TASS/. Expansion of cooperation in agriculture and development of transport corridors remain on the agenda of the Russia-Indian cooperation, Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said in an interview with Russian reporters on Monday.
"The food problem solution is one of the areas of the Russian-Indian cooperation, which is why upgrading of the agriculture cooperation agreement is relevant now," he said.
Transport corridors are necessary for connecting production and economic potential of the two countries, the ambassador noted, adding that transport agreements on the North-South international transport corridor, as well as on sea links between India’s Chennai and Russia’s Vladivostok that will connect India and Russia’s Far East, the Coast, are on the agenda.
"Those ambitious projects naturally need both legal support and customs convoy. Those are green corridors that will inevitably be needed for easing cargoes delivery to make sure that the confidentiality of our economic relationship meets the nature of confidentiality of our political ties," he explained.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia inks export contracts to the tune of over $380 mln at Army-2020 Forum

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia made contracts with foreign customers amounting to more than $ 380 mln @ @ @ @ @ staged in August , Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu says on Monday at the extended Board @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Participants in military-technical cooperation concluded export contracts for supply of defense products to @ @ @ @ @ $ 380 mln and a range of international agreements was signed on the Forum sidelines @ @ @ @ @ Delegations from 92 foreign countries were guests and participants in the Forum , while the @ @ @ @ @ 1.4 mln , the Minister said .
`` Furthermore , 41 government contracts with 27 @ @ @ @ @ in the amount over 1.16 trillion rubles ( $ 15.4 bln ) , '' Shoigu @ @ @ @ @ military and technical forum was staged from August 23 to 29 , 2020 in the @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russia made contracts with foreign customers amounting to more than $380 mln during the Army-2020 international forum staged in August, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu says on Monday at the extended Board meeting of the Defense Ministry.
"Participants in military-technical cooperation concluded export contracts for supply of defense products to foreign customers worth more than $380 mln and a range of international agreements was signed on the Forum sidelines," Shoigu says.
Delegations from 92 foreign countries were guests and participants in the Forum, while the number of visitors was over 1.4 mln, the Minister said.
"Furthermore, 41 government contracts with 27 defense industry companies were made in the amount over 1.16 trillion rubles ($15.4 bln)," Shoigu added.
The Army-2020 international military and technical forum was staged from August 23 to 29, 2020 in the Moscow Region.


tass--2020-12-21--Putin says Army’s provision with advanced weapons guarantees Russia’s security

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The level of the Russian Armed Forces ’ provision with advanced weapons demonstrates their ability to guarantee the country ’ s security , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a board meeting of the Defense Ministry on Monday .
`` By mid-December 2020 , the share of advanced types of armament and military hardware in the Russian troops equals already over 70 % in general-purpose forces and 86 % in nuclear forces , '' the head of state said .
`` Therefore , the army and the nuclear triad have reached the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Putin stressed .
The Russian leader cited the Defense Ministry ’ s data on the Army ’ s provision with modern weapons in previous years .
`` During the Soviet period , the Army ’ s provision with the then-modern weapons equaled 54 % for general-purpose forces and 65-70 % for the strategic nuclear forces .
This is a good level , '' he pointed out .
Putin also cited the figures for 2000 .
`` The level of advanced weapons fell to a critically low level of 12 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nuclear deterrence forces . ''
`` I remember my first talks with then-Defense Minister [ Igor ] Sergeyev very well .
He was a very decent person and a missile troop professional .
He told me at the time : ‘ What can I do ?
There is not enough money even for maintaining the nuclear forces , '' Putin recalled .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The level of the Russian Armed Forces’ provision with advanced weapons demonstrates their ability to guarantee the country’s security, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a board meeting of the Defense Ministry on Monday.
"By mid-December 2020, the share of advanced types of armament and military hardware in the Russian troops equals already over 70% in general-purpose forces and 86% in nuclear forces," the head of state said.
"Therefore, the army and the nuclear triad have reached the level that allows guaranteeing Russia’s security," Putin stressed.
The Russian leader cited the Defense Ministry’s data on the Army’s provision with modern weapons in previous years. "During the Soviet period, the Army’s provision with the then-modern weapons equaled 54% for general-purpose forces and 65-70% for the strategic nuclear forces. This is a good level," he pointed out.
Putin also cited the figures for 2000. "The level of advanced weapons fell to a critically low level of 12% in general-purpose forces and to 35% in the nuclear deterrence forces."
"I remember my first talks with then-Defense Minister [Igor] Sergeyev very well. He was a very decent person and a missile troop professional. He told me at the time: ‘What can I do? There is not enough money even for maintaining the nuclear forces," Putin recalled.


tass--2020-12-21--AI use in controlling weaponry in future will largely determine battle outcome — Putin

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is certain that the use of artificial intelligence in controlling weapons in the future will largely determine the way battles will pan out , he told an expanded meeting of the Defense Ministry 's Board Monday .
`` Weapons and hardware with elements of artificial intelligence should be more actively integrated , tested and employed in combat training , '' Putin said .
He underlined that `` such weapons boost the potential of units and formations manyfold not just today but will also largely determine the battle outcome in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that technical modernization of the army and navy requires introduction of new forms and means of field activity and called to develop warfare science .
According to Putin , it is vital to not only study experience of modern armed conflicts and local wars but also make predictions for the future .
`` Particularly , considering emergence of weaponry based on new physical principles in certain foreign armies , '' he underlined .
The Russian president also emphasized that the Russian military are aware of this and work in this direction .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is certain that the use of artificial intelligence in controlling weapons in the future will largely determine the way battles will pan out, he told an expanded meeting of the Defense Ministry's Board Monday.
"Weapons and hardware with elements of artificial intelligence should be more actively integrated, tested and employed in combat training," Putin said. He underlined that "such weapons boost the potential of units and formations manyfold not just today but will also largely determine the battle outcome in the near future."
The leader noted that technical modernization of the army and navy requires introduction of new forms and means of field activity and called to develop warfare science. According to Putin, it is vital to not only study experience of modern armed conflicts and local wars but also make predictions for the future. "Particularly, considering emergence of weaponry based on new physical principles in certain foreign armies," he underlined. The Russian president also emphasized that the Russian military are aware of this and work in this direction.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia hopes incoming US administration to restore communication mechanisms

WASHINGTON , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow would like to hope that during term of office of the United States ’ incoming administration the mechanisms of contacts between Russian and US officials will be restored and efforts will begin to be exerted to eliminate annoyances in bilateral relations , Russia ’ s ambassador to the United States , Anatoly Antonov , told TASS in an interview .
Asked about what steps he would like the new US administration to take first thing in Russian-US relations in the short and medium term , Antonov replied `` it is essential to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` After power in the United States changes hands the paramount task will be to restore channels of regular interaction between the security councils , foreign and defense ministries , secret services and legislators .
It is also necessary to move towards the resumption of ‘ two-plus-two ’ meetings , '' Antonov said .
The ‘ two-plus-two ’ format Antonov mentioned provides for joint meetings of foreign and defense ministers .
This mechanism of Russian-US consultations was created in 2002 in accordance with the joint declaration on new strategic relations .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in August 2013 .
No such talks have taken place since due to a sharp worsening of Russian-US relations .
`` We believe that alongside this it will be crucial to work for the elimination of numerous annoyances in the bilateral sphere , '' Antonov said .
`` The return of diplomatic properties , which were illegally confiscated from us , and an end to the ‘ visa war ’ are the most sensitive issues . ''
Also , Antonov stressed the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties and contacts between non-governmental organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US court ’ s decision to sustain a lawsuit filed by the religious organization Agudas Chassidei Chabad against Russia in the Schneerson Collection case all exhibition exchanges [ between Russian and US museums ] have been paused , '' Antonov recalled .
In this connection he expressed the hope that `` a future administration will pay attention to the need for promoting all-round exchanges between Russian and US citizens . ''
`` It is necessary to go keep in the limelight the common historical destiny of our peoples .
In particular , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War II , when our countries presented a common front against Nazism .
It is important to encourage Russian-US interaction in science .
In particular , in such spheres as peaceful uses of outer space , Arctic exploration , and , what is of particular importance , the development of effective means of struggle against the pandemic , '' Antonov said .

WASHINGTON, December 21. /TASS/. Moscow would like to hope that during term of office of the United States’ incoming administration the mechanisms of contacts between Russian and US officials will be restored and efforts will begin to be exerted to eliminate annoyances in bilateral relations, Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, told TASS in an interview.
Asked about what steps he would like the new US administration to take first thing in Russian-US relations in the short and medium term, Antonov replied "it is essential to gradually restore the ruined mechanisms of communication."
"After power in the United States changes hands the paramount task will be to restore channels of regular interaction between the security councils, foreign and defense ministries, secret services and legislators. It is also necessary to move towards the resumption of ‘two-plus-two’ meetings," Antonov said.
The ‘two-plus-two’ format Antonov mentioned provides for joint meetings of foreign and defense ministers. This mechanism of Russian-US consultations was created in 2002 in accordance with the joint declaration on new strategic relations. The latest one took place in Washington in August 2013. No such talks have taken place since due to a sharp worsening of Russian-US relations.
"We believe that alongside this it will be crucial to work for the elimination of numerous annoyances in the bilateral sphere," Antonov said. "The return of diplomatic properties, which were illegally confiscated from us, and an end to the ‘visa war’ are the most sensitive issues."
Also, Antonov stressed the importance of cultural and humanitarian ties and contacts between non-governmental organizations.
"Since 2010, following a US court’s decision to sustain a lawsuit filed by the religious organization Agudas Chassidei Chabad against Russia in the Schneerson Collection case all exhibition exchanges [between Russian and US museums] have been paused," Antonov recalled.
In this connection he expressed the hope that "a future administration will pay attention to the need for promoting all-round exchanges between Russian and US citizens."
"It is necessary to go keep in the limelight the common historical destiny of our peoples. In particular, this concerns the relations of alliance during World War II, when our countries presented a common front against Nazism. It is important to encourage Russian-US interaction in science. In particular, in such spheres as peaceful uses of outer space, Arctic exploration, and, what is of particular importance, the development of effective means of struggle against the pandemic," Antonov said.


tass--2020-12-21--Putin says cooperation with AstraZeneca to allow breakthrough medicines development

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Cooperation with AstraZeneca will enable Russian scientists to make breakthrough in development of not only the coronavirus vaccine , but a whole number of essential medications , President Vladimir Putin said during the ceremony of signing of a memorandum of intent between the Gamaleya Research Institute , Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) and R-Pharm with AstraZeneca on cooperation in development of the coronavirus vaccine on Monday .
AstraZeneca is successfully implementing a number of investment projects on the Russian market , financing joint research and training of specialists , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will `` strongly support such sentiment '' both from the side of AstraZeneca and from the side of other partners that have long and actively been working in the pharmaceutical industry in various Russian regions .
`` I believe that the cooperation of Russian colleagues and AstraZeneca in this case will allow making breakthrough in development of not only vaccines , but a whole range of other essential medications , '' he said .
Such an agreement between Russian structures and AstraZeneca `` shows an example of leadership in joining international efforts '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized , adding that it is important to act together , realizing that it is cooperation that is able to multiply the results of separate countries and companies , which have already been reached .
`` Russia is obviously ready for such joint work , particularly in the fields aimed at protecting the life and health of people , '' he said .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Cooperation with AstraZeneca will enable Russian scientists to make breakthrough in development of not only the coronavirus vaccine, but a whole number of essential medications, President Vladimir Putin said during the ceremony of signing of a memorandum of intent between the Gamaleya Research Institute, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and R-Pharm with AstraZeneca on cooperation in development of the coronavirus vaccine on Monday.
AstraZeneca is successfully implementing a number of investment projects on the Russian market, financing joint research and training of specialists, the president noted, adding that the Russian authorities will "strongly support such sentiment" both from the side of AstraZeneca and from the side of other partners that have long and actively been working in the pharmaceutical industry in various Russian regions.
"I believe that the cooperation of Russian colleagues and AstraZeneca in this case will allow making breakthrough in development of not only vaccines, but a whole range of other essential medications," he said.
Such an agreement between Russian structures and AstraZeneca "shows an example of leadership in joining international efforts" to tackle the dangerous virus, Putin emphasized, adding that it is important to act together, realizing that it is cooperation that is able to multiply the results of separate countries and companies, which have already been reached. "Russia is obviously ready for such joint work, particularly in the fields aimed at protecting the life and health of people," he said.


tass--2020-12-21--Bound to be successful: Putin upbeat on Russia’s effort with AstraZeneca on COVID vaccine

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed optimism that cooperation between Russian manufacturers of @ @ @ @ @ be successful .
`` Today , all of us are talking within the G20 and @ @ @ @ @ to pool efforts , and everyone is corroborating that this process will certainly be productive @ @ @ @ @ '' he said on Monday at a videoconference on the occasion of the signing of @ @ @ @ @ the Gamaleya Research Center , the Russian Direct Investment Fund , R-Pharm and AstraZeneca on @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed optimism that cooperation between Russian manufacturers of coronavirus vaccines and AstraZeneca will be successful.
"Today, all of us are talking within the G20 and the UN about the need to pool efforts, and everyone is corroborating that this process will certainly be productive and highly sought after," he said on Monday at a videoconference on the occasion of the signing of a memorandum of intent between the Gamaleya Research Center, the Russian Direct Investment Fund, R-Pharm and AstraZeneca on COVID-19 prevention.


tass--2020-12-21--Putin instructs to focus on developing all components of nuclear triad

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin gave instructions on Monday to focus on developing all @ @ @ @ @ s nuclear triad .
`` I instruct to focus on dealing with the next key @ @ @ @ @ the nuclear forces ’ high combat readiness and developing all the components of the nuclear @ @ @ @ @ important to reliably guarantee the security of our country and keep strategic parity in the @ @ @ @ @ at a board meeting of the Defense Ministry .
Russia ’ s approaches in this @ @ @ @ @ and were outlined in the document adopted in 2020 on the fundamentals of the state @ @ @ @ @ nuclear deterrence , '' the Russian leader said .
Russia will continue developing its Armed @ @ @ @ @ readiness and efficiency , Putin said .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin gave instructions on Monday to focus on developing all the components of Russia’s nuclear triad.
"I instruct to focus on dealing with the next key tasks. First, maintaining the nuclear forces’ high combat readiness and developing all the components of the nuclear triad. This is fundamentally important to reliably guarantee the security of our country and keep strategic parity in the world," Putin said at a board meeting of the Defense Ministry.
Russia’s approaches in this sphere are "completely defensive and were outlined in the document adopted in 2020 on the fundamentals of the state policy in the sphere of nuclear deterrence," the Russian leader said.
Russia will continue developing its Armed Forces and raising their combat readiness and efficiency, Putin said.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia to halt air service with UK from December 22

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will suspend the air traveling to and from the United Kingdom for a week from December 22 in view of a new coronavirus strain appeared there , the coronavirus infection response center told reporters on Monday .
`` The response center for novel coronavirus infection import and spread prevention made a decision to temporarily halt the air service with the United Kingdom in view of worsened epidemiological situation .
Restrictions will come into force from 00 hours 00 minutes of December 22 , 2020 and will be in effect for a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation with appearance of a new coronavirus strain in the United Kingdom .
Further decisions will be taken after completion of its review , '' the response center said .
Flights between Russia and the United Kingdom were resumed from August 1 .
The scheduled air service between Moscow and London is provided by Aeroflot and British Airways .
On December 14 , United Kingdom ’ s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care , Matt Hancock , said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England .
Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70 % more contagious .
He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the virus mutation was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russia will suspend the air traveling to and from the United Kingdom for a week from December 22 in view of a new coronavirus strain appeared there, the coronavirus infection response center told reporters on Monday.
"The response center for novel coronavirus infection import and spread prevention made a decision to temporarily halt the air service with the United Kingdom in view of worsened epidemiological situation. Restrictions will come into force from 00 hours 00 minutes of December 22, 2020 and will be in effect for a week. The response center is thoroughly examining the situation with appearance of a new coronavirus strain in the United Kingdom. Further decisions will be taken after completion of its review," the response center said.
Flights between Russia and the United Kingdom were resumed from August 1. The scheduled air service between Moscow and London is provided by Aeroflot and British Airways.
On December 14, United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, said British scientists had identified a new coronavirus strain that might be to blame for high infection rates in southeastern England. Hancock said preliminary analysis indicated that the newly-discovered virus strain was spreading faster than any of those exposed previously. Prime Minister Boris Johnson told an urgent news conference on Saturday that according to the current findings the new strain might be 70% more contagious. He added that British experts had not yet found any proof that the virus mutation was fraught with a greater risk of lethal outcome.


tass--2020-12-21--Russia’s Aerospace Force gets 5 upgraded Tu-95MS strategic bombers

Two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers perform flight over Sea of Japan and Pacific MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ forces have received five upgraded Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers , Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said @ @ @ @ @ board meeting on Monday .
`` The airborne strategic nuclear forces have received five upgraded @ @ @ @ @ Shoigu said .

Two Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers perform flight over Sea of Japan and Pacific
MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. Russia’s strategic nuclear forces have received five upgraded Tu-95MS strategic missile-carrying bombers, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s board meeting on Monday.
"The airborne strategic nuclear forces have received five upgraded Tu-95MS missile-carrying bombers," Shoigu said.


tass--2020-12-21--Russian diplomat declared persona non grata leaves Bulgaria

SOFIA , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The military , air and naval attache to the Russian embassy in Bulgaria @ @ @ @ @ he was declared persona non grata on Friday due to accusations of espionage , the @ @ @ @ @ told TASS .
`` The Russian diplomat has left Bulgarian territory through the border with @ @ @ @ @ midday , '' TASS was told .
The Bulgarian authorities have labeled the head of @ @ @ @ @ to the Russian embassy in Sofia as persona non grata on Friday .
He was @ @ @ @ @ within 72 hours .
He has become the sixth Russian diplomat expelled from the country @ @ @ @ @ .
He is claimed to have been engaged in spying in the country since 2017 @ @ @ @ @ he was gathering intelligence about the US military participation in drills in Bulgaria .
The @ @ @ @ @ evidence was presented to back up these claims .
Moscow said that it can come @ @ @ @ @ .

SOFIA, December 21. /TASS/. The military, air and naval attache to the Russian embassy in Bulgaria has left the country after he was declared persona non grata on Friday due to accusations of espionage, the Russian diplomatic mission in Sofia told TASS.
"The Russian diplomat has left Bulgarian territory through the border with Turkey on Monday at around midday," TASS was told.
The Bulgarian authorities have labeled the head of the Russian Defense Ministry mission to the Russian embassy in Sofia as persona non grata on Friday. He was instructed to leave the country within 72 hours. He has become the sixth Russian diplomat expelled from the country in the last two years. He is claimed to have been engaged in spying in the country since 2017. The accusations allege that he was gathering intelligence about the US military participation in drills in Bulgaria.
The Russian embassy stressed that no evidence was presented to back up these claims. Moscow said that it can come up with a similar response.


tass--2020-12-21--Kremlin concerned about situation in CAR where government forces confront rebels

MOSCOW , December 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin is concerned about the situation in the Central African Republic ( @ @ @ @ @ between government forces and rebels continues , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ keeping a close eye on the situation , receive information from there and analyze it @ @ @ @ @ from there gives rise to deep concern , '' he said .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ , `` there is no threat now to lives of any of Russians there , @ @ @ @ @ say .
`` But this is also why we are monitoring the news coming from @ @ @ @ @ he explained .
Last week , three armed rebel groups in the Central African Republic @ @ @ @ @ Patriots for Change to oppose President Faustin Archange Touadera who is seeking re-election for a @ @ @ @ @ are trying to cut the principal supply routes of Bangui , the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 21. /TASS/. The Kremlin is concerned about the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) where a standoff between government forces and rebels continues, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"We are keeping a close eye on the situation, receive information from there and analyze it. The information that comes from there gives rise to deep concern," he said.
According to the information obtained by the Kremlin, "there is no threat now to lives of any of Russians there," Peskov went on to say. "But this is also why we are monitoring the news coming from there very closely," he explained.
Last week, three armed rebel groups in the Central African Republic formed the anti-government Coalition of Patriots for Change to oppose President Faustin Archange Touadera who is seeking re-election for a second term. Rebel forces are trying to cut the principal supply routes of Bangui, the country’s capital, and block it.