tass--2020-10-23--Next few months to be very difficult COVID-wise, WHO head says

GENEVA , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Several upcoming months will be especially difficult in regards to the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ said during a briefing in Geneva Friday .
`` We are at a critical juncture @ @ @ @ @ particularly in the Northern hemisphere , '' he said .
`` The next few months @ @ @ @ @ tough and some countries are on a dangerous track . ''
Too many countries now @ @ @ @ @ infections , `` and that is now leading to hospitals and intensive care units running @ @ @ @ @ and we ’ re still only in October '' , he said .

GENEVA, October 23. /TASS/. Several upcoming months will be especially difficult in regards to the coronavirus, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing in Geneva Friday.
"We are at a critical juncture in the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the Northern hemisphere," he said. "The next few months are going to be very tough and some countries are on a dangerous track."
Too many countries now see an exponential increase in infections, "and that is now leading to hospitals and intensive care units running close or above capacity — and we’re still only in October", he said.


tass--2020-10-23--Pilot launch of digital rubles is possible in late 2021

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The prospects for the introduction of the digital ruble in the near future are realistic , a pilot launch is possible at the end of 2021 , head of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina said during an online conference following a meeting of the regulator 's board of directors .
`` After the discussion of the consultation report takes place , we will collect feedback by the end of the year .
Then we will process them .
If a decision is made on the feasibility of launching the digital ruble , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then , in our opinion , there should be a a pilot stage with a limited number users in order to work out everything , so that we understand how it works .
We think that this kind of pilot project is possible somewhere by the end of next year , `` she said .
When asked , how realistic the launch of the digital ruble in the near future is , Nabiullina said : `` It is quite real . ''
She stressed that the regulator does not set the task of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the digital ruble .
`` We do not set the task of ousting any kind of money , it will be , in fact , the third form of money , along with cash and non-cash , '' she explained .
Citizens and businesses themselves will choose for which cases what type of ruble is more convenient for them to use , she added .
Earlier this month the Vedomosti newspaper reported that the Bank of Russia is exploring the possibility of issuing digital rubles .
According to the regulator , digital rubles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with cash and non-cash .
The digital ruble will be available to everyone : citizens , businesses , financial market participants , and the state and could make payments faster and safer .
However , experts interviewed by Vedomosti believe that its launch could take several years .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. The prospects for the introduction of the digital ruble in the near future are realistic, a pilot launch is possible at the end of 2021, head of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina said during an online conference following a meeting of the regulator's board of directors.
"After the discussion of the consultation report takes place, we will collect feedback by the end of the year. Then we will process them. If a decision is made on the feasibility of launching the digital ruble, we will prepare a full-fledged concept. Then, in our opinion, there should be a a pilot stage with a limited number users in order to work out everything, so that we understand how it works. We think that this kind of pilot project is possible somewhere by the end of next year, "she said.
When asked, how realistic the launch of the digital ruble in the near future is, Nabiullina said: "It is quite real."
She stressed that the regulator does not set the task of ousting paper money with the introduction of the digital ruble.
"We do not set the task of ousting any kind of money, it will be, in fact, the third form of money, along with cash and non-cash," she explained.
Citizens and businesses themselves will choose for which cases what type of ruble is more convenient for them to use, she added.
Earlier this month the Vedomosti newspaper reported that the Bank of Russia is exploring the possibility of issuing digital rubles. According to the regulator, digital rubles can become a new form of money along with cash and non-cash. The digital ruble will be available to everyone: citizens, businesses, financial market participants, and the state and could make payments faster and safer. However, experts interviewed by Vedomosti believe that its launch could take several years.


tass--2020-10-23--Azerbaijani, US top diplomats discuss situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

BAKU , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The situation around Nagorno-Karabakh was in focus of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov ’ s meeting with US Secretary of States Michael Pompeo , the press service of the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said on Friday .
`` During his working visit to the United States , Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on October 23 .
The sides discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The Azerbaijani minister informed his US counterpart about Armenia ’ s destructive policy , deliberate shelling of Azerbaijani civilian population , mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' it said .
Bayramov stressed that `` Azerbaijan ’ s fair position is based on four United Nations Security Council resolutions and corresponding documents of other international organizations , '' the ministry said .
`` The sides also exchanged views on the Azerbaijani-US ties . ''
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 .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

BAKU, October 23. /TASS/. The situation around Nagorno-Karabakh was in focus of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov’s meeting with US Secretary of States Michael Pompeo, the press service of the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said on Friday.
"During his working visit to the United States, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on October 23. The sides discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijani minister informed his US counterpart about Armenia’s destructive policy, deliberate shelling of Azerbaijani civilian population, mass recruitment of foreign mercenaries and terrorists," it said.
Bayramov stressed that "Azerbaijan’s fair position is based on four United Nations Security Council resolutions and corresponding documents of other international organizations," the ministry said. "The sides also exchanged views on the Azerbaijani-US ties."
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. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of 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.


tass--2020-10-23--Kyrgyzstan remains adherent to international obligations, says Foreign Minister

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Kyrgyzstan remains adherent to all its international obligations , and guarantees protection of rights of foreign investors and foreign citizens on its territory , Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbayev said during his press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov .
The top diplomat noted that the political situation in the republic has stabilized , that political processes have returned to the legal dimension and that the state authorities are legitimate .
`` In this regard , Kyrgyzstan states that it remains adherent to all its international obligations and strict compliance to all previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as protection of the investors ’ rights and security of foreign citizens on its territory , '' Kazakbayev underscored .
The Minister disclosed that the sides underscored that events within the previously announced cross-year of Kyrgyzstan and Russia must continue `` with consideration of the epidemic situation in the countries , '' adding that the cross-year closure ceremony should take place in Kyrgyzstan in 2021 .
Besides , the top diplomat expressed his gratitude for `` Russia ’ s invaluable support of the Kyrgyz people during a difficult period . ''
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the events in Kyrgyzstan a `` calamity '' of the Kyrgyz people .
He viewed the recent coup with regret but expressed his hope that the situation will normalize , the Republic will develop and Russia will preserve `` the best relations '' with it .
Mass riots engulfed the Kyrgyzstan capital city of Bishkek after the October 4 elections .
The Central Electoral Commission voided the results and the scheduled repeat elections to December 20 .
The Prime Minister and the speaker of the parliament resigned .
Kanat Isayev has become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the new Prime Minister .
He has also become the acting President after Sooronbay Jeenbekov resigned on October 15 .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Kyrgyzstan remains adherent to all its international obligations, and guarantees protection of rights of foreign investors and foreign citizens on its territory, Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbayev said during his press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.
The top diplomat noted that the political situation in the republic has stabilized, that political processes have returned to the legal dimension and that the state authorities are legitimate.
"In this regard, Kyrgyzstan states that it remains adherent to all its international obligations and strict compliance to all previously signed bilateral and multilateral treaties, as well as protection of the investors’ rights and security of foreign citizens on its territory," Kazakbayev underscored.
The Minister disclosed that the sides underscored that events within the previously announced cross-year of Kyrgyzstan and Russia must continue "with consideration of the epidemic situation in the countries," adding that the cross-year closure ceremony should take place in Kyrgyzstan in 2021.
Besides, the top diplomat expressed his gratitude for "Russia’s invaluable support of the Kyrgyz people during a difficult period."
Earlier Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the events in Kyrgyzstan a "calamity" of the Kyrgyz people. He viewed the recent coup with regret but expressed his hope that the situation will normalize, the Republic will develop and Russia will preserve "the best relations" with it.
Mass riots engulfed the Kyrgyzstan capital city of Bishkek after the October 4 elections. The Central Electoral Commission voided the results and the scheduled repeat elections to December 20. The Prime Minister and the speaker of the parliament resigned. Kanat Isayev has become the new speaker, while Sadyr Japarov has become the new Prime Minister. He has also become the acting President after Sooronbay Jeenbekov resigned on October 15.


tass--2020-10-23--Sweden’s anti-Russian phobias stem from pressure from NATO, says Russian diplomat

`` Invented anti-Russian phobias in no small way stem from the deliberate pressure on Stockholm , first of all , from NATO , which , as we believe , is responsible for fanning tensions and escalation of military activities in Northern Europe , one of the most stable regions in the world until recently , '' she said .
She stressed that it was Sweden ’ s sovereign right to elaborate its national security strategy .
`` But such a dramatic increase in defense spending comparable , according to Swedish analysts , with the cold war era can not but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft strategy does not rule out an alarmist scenario of an armed aggression against Sweden and Russia is mentioned more than one hundred times as a potential source of threats to Sweden ’ s security in the majority of cases , '' Zakharova said .
The Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that Northern Europe has no conflicts or contradictions requiring a military solution .
`` On our part , we are ready for an open and meaningful dialogue on topics of strengthening security and stability with all Northern European partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our contacts with the Swedish side , '' she added .
Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist said earlier that its was planned to increase defense spending by 40 % in a period from 2021 to 2025 .
According to Hultqvist , the overall growth will be by 85 % in a period from 2014 to 2025 , the biggest growth of defense spending since the 1950s .

"Invented anti-Russian phobias in no small way stem from the deliberate pressure on Stockholm, first of all, from NATO, which, as we believe, is responsible for fanning tensions and escalation of military activities in Northern Europe, one of the most stable regions in the world until recently," she said.
She stressed that it was Sweden’s sovereign right to elaborate its national security strategy. "But such a dramatic increase in defense spending comparable, according to Swedish analysts, with the cold war era cannot but be alarming. The more so as the draft strategy does not rule out an alarmist scenario of an armed aggression against Sweden and Russia is mentioned more than one hundred times as a potential source of threats to Sweden’s security in the majority of cases," Zakharova said.
The Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that Northern Europe has no conflicts or contradictions requiring a military solution. "On our part, we are ready for an open and meaningful dialogue on topics of strengthening security and stability with all Northern European partners. We have repeatedly stressed that in our contacts with the Swedish side," she added.
Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist said earlier that its was planned to increase defense spending by 40% in a period from 2021 to 2025. According to Hultqvist, the overall growth will be by 85% in a period from 2014 to 2025, the biggest growth of defense spending since the 1950s.


tass--2020-10-23--Biden won debate but US elections may produce surprises, says expert

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Public debate between the incumbent US president , Donald Trump , and presidential candidate from the Democratic Party , Joseph Biden , have produced no clarity regarding the outcome of the race , so surprises are still possible , the president of the Primakov Institute of the World Economy and International Relations , Alexander Dynkin , said .
As far as the content of the debate is concerned , Dynkin said that Trump was ahead of his opponent on such subjects as the economy , which is well seen in opinion polls .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy matters , but , naturally , fell far behind on three other major issues , such as the coronavirus pandemic , climate change and racial problems , '' Dynkin told the TASS online news conference Results of the Public Debate Between Donald Trump and Joseph Biden on Friday .
He stressed that the final round of the debate was devoted to some real problems .
`` However , the way I see it , it produced no clarity .
The situation remains very uncertain and hazy , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ratings , Trump has won back two percentage points as follows from opinion polls , so the chances have remained practically unchanged , '' Dynkin said .
He recalled the situation of four years ago , when Trump and Hillary Clinton confronted each other in a public debate .
Clinton won all rounds but lost the election .
`` The last round changed the rating by one point in Clinton ’ s favor .
Statistically the gap was insignificant .
As follows from a CNN opinion poll Biden won in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump at Belmont University , Nashville , Tennessee on Thursday night .
According the TV network , 53 % said Biden emerged the winner in the verbal duel with Trump , while 39 % awarded victory to the incumbent .
The debate in Nashville was the last one ahead of the November 3 general election .
Nationwide , American citizens will go to the polls to elect 435 representatives to the House , 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate and the President and Vice President of the United States .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot boxes to decide on 13 US state and territorial governorships .
Numerous other local elections are due .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Public debate between the incumbent US president, Donald Trump, and presidential candidate from the Democratic Party, Joseph Biden, have produced no clarity regarding the outcome of the race, so surprises are still possible, the president of the Primakov Institute of the World Economy and International Relations, Alexander Dynkin, said.
As far as the content of the debate is concerned, Dynkin said that Trump was ahead of his opponent on such subjects as the economy, which is well seen in opinion polls. "Nor did he lose on foreign policy matters, but, naturally, fell far behind on three other major issues, such as the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and racial problems," Dynkin told the TASS online news conference Results of the Public Debate Between Donald Trump and Joseph Biden on Friday.
He stressed that the final round of the debate was devoted to some real problems. "However, the way I see it, it produced no clarity. The situation remains very uncertain and hazy," he said.
"As for the way it is reflected in the ratings, Trump has won back two percentage points as follows from opinion polls, so the chances have remained practically unchanged," Dynkin said.
He recalled the situation of four years ago, when Trump and Hillary Clinton confronted each other in a public debate. Clinton won all rounds but lost the election.
"The last round changed the rating by one point in Clinton’s favor. Statistically the gap was insignificant.
US debate
As follows from a CNN opinion poll Biden won in the final round of the television debate with Trump at Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday night. According the TV network, 53% said Biden emerged the winner in the verbal duel with Trump, while 39% awarded victory to the incumbent.
The debate in Nashville was the last one ahead of the November 3 general election. Nationwide, American citizens will go to the polls to elect 435 representatives to the House, 35 senators out of 100 to the Senate and the President and Vice President of the United States. In addition, voters will head to the ballot boxes to decide on 13 US state and territorial governorships. Numerous other local elections are due.


tass--2020-10-23--In Moscow children infect family members 1.5 times more often than adults — crisis center

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists have established that children infect the family members with the coronavirus 1.5 @ @ @ @ @ , the capital anti-coronavirus crisis center reported .
`` Children transmit the coronavirus infection to @ @ @ @ @ household 1.5 times more often than adults .
Based on analytical data obtained as a @ @ @ @ @ each case , over the period from June 1 to October 21 , 17 % @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus regardless of seriousness of the course of the disease , subsequently infected the family @ @ @ @ @ .
Among the affected adult population the infection was transmitted by only 11 % , @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Specialists have established that children infect the family members with the coronavirus 1.5 times more often than adults, the capital anti-coronavirus crisis center reported.
"Children transmit the coronavirus infection to the relatives in the same household 1.5 times more often than adults. Based on analytical data obtained as a result of epidemiological investigation of each case, over the period from June 1 to October 21, 17% of children infected with the coronavirus regardless of seriousness of the course of the disease, subsequently infected the family members in the same household. Among the affected adult population the infection was transmitted by only 11%," the crisis center said.


tass--2020-10-23--This week in photos: Protests erupt in Prague, Trump counting cash, and geese get a ride

Lukashenko promises to restore order in Minsk on Sunday if more protests are organized According to the president , students @ @ @ @ @ should be face with a choice : either to continue studying or be called up @ @ @

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
Read more


tass--2020-10-23--Erdogan vows to continue testing S-400 air defense systems disregarding US position

ANKARA , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey intends to continue testing S-400 air defense systems purchased from Russia and will ignore the US position on this issue , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters after the Friday prayer .
`` The information on the tests [ of S-400 systems ] is true .
The US approach does not concern us and we will not ask it about this .
Greece has S-300 systems but does the US say anything on this issue ?
The trials of S-400s will be continued and we will confidently go our own way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 , Turkey test-fired S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems near the town of Sinop in the country ’ s north on the Black Sea coast .
Following the test-fire , the US State Department warned Ankara of potentially serious consequences , if Turkey activated the Russian-made surface-to-air missile systems .
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara .
Under the contract , Ankara received a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems ( two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side .
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia .
The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12 , 2019 .
Turkey ’ s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a backlash from the United States and NATO as a whole .
The United States is not abandoning its attempts to make Turkey give up the Russian air defense systems .
As Turkey has not yielded to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not give up the S-400 systems , Washington has excluded Ankara from the US program of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber .
The United States is also threatening Turkey with unilateral sanctions over the purchase of S-400 air defense systems but is in no hurry to take these steps out of fear of further worsening relations with a major NATO ally while Ankara has warned it will not leave the imposition of these restrictions unanswered .
The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km .

ANKARA, October 23. /TASS/. Turkey intends to continue testing S-400 air defense systems purchased from Russia and will ignore the US position on this issue, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters after the Friday prayer.
"The information on the tests [of S-400 systems] is true. The US approach does not concern us and we will not ask it about this. Greece has S-300 systems but does the US say anything on this issue? The trials of S-400s will be continued and we will confidently go our own way," Erdogan stressed.
On October 16, Turkey test-fired S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems near the town of Sinop in the country’s north on the Black Sea coast. Following the test-fire, the US State Department warned Ankara of potentially serious consequences, if Turkey activated the Russian-made surface-to-air missile systems.
S-400 deal
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara. Under the contract, Ankara received a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems (two battalions). The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side.
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia. The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12, 2019.
Turkey’s decision to acquire the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile systems has caused a backlash from the United States and NATO as a whole. The United States is not abandoning its attempts to make Turkey give up the Russian air defense systems.
As Turkey has not yielded to the pressure and has said that it will not give up the S-400 systems, Washington has excluded Ankara from the US program of developing the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber.
The United States is also threatening Turkey with unilateral sanctions over the purchase of S-400 air defense systems but is in no hurry to take these steps out of fear of further worsening relations with a major NATO ally while Ankara has warned it will not leave the imposition of these restrictions unanswered.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-10-23--Moscow Region court sentences student to 6 years for attempted classmates shooting

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow Region ’ s Zaraysk sentence Boris Banin , a student of @ @ @ @ @ Industry , who planned an attack on his classmates , to six years in prison @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` By ruling of the Zaraysk city court , Boris Banin found guilty @ @ @ @ @ or more people .
He is sentence to six years in penal colony and restriction @ @ @ @ @ , '' the press service said .
The court determined that Banin planned to shoot @ @ @ @ @ during classes .
A Makarov pistol has been found on him during apprehension .
A @ @ @ @ @ enforcement told TASS that Banin was born in Serebryanye Prudi , studied in Zaraysk and @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the source , Banin had constant conflicts with his neighbors , who @ @ @ @ @ Those were his intended targets , as well as a teacher who also had conflicts @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. The Moscow Region’s Zaraysk sentence Boris Banin, a student of Lukhovitsy College of Agriculture and Industry, who planned an attack on his classmates, to six years in prison, the court press service said.
"By ruling of the Zaraysk city court, Boris Banin found guilty of attempted murder of two or more people. He is sentence to six years in penal colony and restriction of freedom for one year," the press service said.
The court determined that Banin planned to shoot his classmates and one teacher during classes. A Makarov pistol has been found on him during apprehension.
A TASS source in the law enforcement told TASS that Banin was born in Serebryanye Prudi, studied in Zaraysk and lived in a dormitory there. According to the source, Banin had constant conflicts with his neighbors, who beat him several times. Those were his intended targets, as well as a teacher who also had conflicts with Banin.


tass--2020-10-23--Azeri leader says Baku liberated 13 communities in 4 districts of Nagorno-Karabakh

`` The Azeri army liberated two villages in the Khojavend District , five villages in the Jabrayil District , two villages in the Zangilan District and the Gubadlin District , '' he wrote on Twitter .
BAKU , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has announced Friday that the Azeri army has taken control over 13 villages in four districts of the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
As a result of the Russia-initiated consultations in Moscow Baku and Yerevan agreed to cease fire starting from 12:00 local time of October 10 for humanitarian purposes for exchanging prisoners of war and bodies of the dead .
However , both parties to the conflict reported violations the very same day .
On October 17 , the two foreign ministries announced a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 .
Meanwhile , hostilities continue , while both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 .

"The Azeri army liberated two villages in the Khojavend District, five villages in the Jabrayil District, two villages in the Zangilan District and the Gubadlin District," he wrote on Twitter.
BAKU, October 23. /TASS/. Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has announced Friday that the Azeri army has taken control over 13 villages in four districts of the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
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. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
As a result of the Russia-initiated consultations in Moscow Baku and Yerevan agreed to cease fire starting from 12:00 local time of October 10 for humanitarian purposes for exchanging prisoners of war and bodies of the dead. However, both parties to the conflict reported violations the very same day. On October 17, the two foreign ministries announced a new humanitarian ceasefire starting with 00:00 on October 18. Meanwhile, hostilities continue, while both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of 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.


tass--2020-10-23--German defense attache summoned to Russian Defense Ministry

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry said on Friday it told the German side that the country ’ s participation in NATO exercises where its army honed the skills of using US tactical nuclear weapons constitutes violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty , or NPT , and entails further growth of tension along the Russia-NATO contact line .
The ministry said it had summoned the German embassy ’ s defense attache earlier in the day .
`` The German defense attache was informed about the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s position concerning Germany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Resilient Guard exercises , during which elements of the use of US tactical nuclear weapons are drilled , '' the ministry said .
According to the ministry , the defense attache was told that involvement of personnel and dual-use aviation of non-nuclear NATO countries , such as Germany , in drilling scenarios of the use of nuclear weapons is a flagrant violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty .
`` Such actions entail lowering of the threshold of nuclear weapons use , provoke further growth of tensions along the Russia-NATO contact line and tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , '' the ministry stressed .
The DPA agency reported on October 15 citing its sources that German soldiers along with NATO partners were taking part in Steadfast Noon drills at the Norvenich airbase in North Rhine-Westphalia .
Along with other skills , soldiers practiced the use of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons .
Concurrently , the Resilient Guard exercises were held in Buchel ( Rhineland-Palatinate ) to drill scenarios of defense actions that envisaged attacks by a potential enemy .
According to unofficial data , up to 20 US nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stored at the Buchel airbase as part of NATO ’ s strategic concept of nuclear deterrence .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry said on Friday it told the German side that the country’s participation in NATO exercises where its army honed the skills of using US tactical nuclear weapons constitutes violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty, or NPT, and entails further growth of tension along the Russia-NATO contact line.
The ministry said it had summoned the German embassy’s defense attache earlier in the day. "The German defense attache was informed about the Russian Defense Ministry’s position concerning Germany’s participation in NATO’s Steadfast Noon and Resilient Guard exercises, during which elements of the use of US tactical nuclear weapons are drilled," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the defense attache was told that involvement of personnel and dual-use aviation of non-nuclear NATO countries, such as Germany, in drilling scenarios of the use of nuclear weapons is a flagrant violation of the Nonproliferation Treaty. "Such actions entail lowering of the threshold of nuclear weapons use, provoke further growth of tensions along the Russia-NATO contact line and tell adversely on the level of trust in Europe," the ministry stressed.
The DPA agency reported on October 15 citing its sources that German soldiers along with NATO partners were taking part in Steadfast Noon drills at the Norvenich airbase in North Rhine-Westphalia. Along with other skills, soldiers practiced the use of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Concurrently, the Resilient Guard exercises were held in Buchel (Rhineland-Palatinate) to drill scenarios of defense actions that envisaged attacks by a potential enemy. According to unofficial data, up to 20 US nuclear warheads of the B61 type are still stored at the Buchel airbase as part of NATO’s strategic concept of nuclear deterrence.


tass--2020-10-23--Russia is among world leaders in coronavirus testing coverage, minister says

VERONA /Italy/ , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has reached one of the highest coronavirus testing coverages in the @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Murashko said Friday , speaking at the 13th Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona via @ @ @ @ @ have one of the highest levels of testing among countries , '' Murashko noted , @ @ @ @ @ test kits to detect coronavirus and antibodies and 80 of them are made by Russian @

VERONA /Italy/, October 23. /TASS/. Russia has reached one of the highest coronavirus testing coverages in the world, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said Friday, speaking at the 13th Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona via video link.
"We have one of the highest levels of testing among countries," Murashko noted, underlining that there are 200 test kits to detect coronavirus and antibodies and 80 of them are made by Russian.


tass--2020-10-23--About 200,000 hospital beds prepared in Russia for COVID-19 patients

VERONA /Italy/ , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
About 200,000 hospital beds have been prepared in Russia for coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ Murashko said via a video link-up at the Eurasian Economic Forum on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ 200,000 hospital beds have been deployed to treat COVID-19 patients , '' the health minister @ @ @ @ @ has increased the infectious service ’ s stock of hospital beds fourfold from 52,000 beds @ @ @ @ @ he said .

VERONA /Italy/, October 23. /TASS/. About 200,000 hospital beds have been prepared in Russia for coronavirus patients, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said via a video link-up at the Eurasian Economic Forum on Friday.
"As of today, about 200,000 hospital beds have been deployed to treat COVID-19 patients," the health minister said.
Therefore, Russia has increased the infectious service’s stock of hospital beds fourfold from 52,000 beds operational before the pandemic, he said.


tass--2020-10-23--Diabetes patients get infected with COVID-19 10 times more often, Deputy PM says

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus infection is encountered over ten times more often in diabetes patients .
@ @ @ @ @ with a serious form of the infection , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova stated on @ @ @ @ @ , among patients with diabetes the coronavirus infection is encountered 10.3 times more often .
@ @ @ @ @ to have a more serious course of the disease , a more common development of @ @ @ @ @ , of respiratory insufficiency , the need in artificial lung ventilation , and , unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ a concomitant disease , diabetes is encountered in 27 % of the confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ the group of patients with serious cases , complicated by hyperglycemia in 90 % of @ @ @ @ @ at a Council on Guardianship in the Social Sphere under the Government of the Russian @ @

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Coronavirus infection is encountered over ten times more often in diabetes patients. This disease prevails among patients with a serious form of the infection, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova stated on Friday.
"In general, among patients with diabetes the coronavirus infection is encountered 10.3 times more often. The diabetes patients are observed to have a more serious course of the disease, a more common development of an acute respiratory distress syndrome, of respiratory insufficiency, the need in artificial lung ventilation, and, unfortunately, higher mortality. As a concomitant disease, diabetes is encountered in 27% of the confirmed coronavirus cases and most often prevails in the group of patients with serious cases, complicated by hyperglycemia in 90% of cases," she said at a Council on Guardianship in the Social Sphere under the Government of the Russian Federation.


tass--2020-10-23--Russian, Greek diplomats discuss preparations for Lavrov’s visit to Athens

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Preparations for Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ’ s upcoming visit to Athens @ @ @ @ @ focus of a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko and Greek Ambassador to @ @ @ @ @ Russian foreign ministry said on Friday .
The sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and @ @ @ @ @ attention was paid to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean , '' the ministry said @ @ @ @ @ by the Greek side .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Preparations for Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s upcoming visit to Athens on October 26 were in focus of a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko and Greek Ambassador to Russia ·ikaterini Nasika, the Russian foreign ministry said on Friday.
The sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional affairs. "Special attention was paid to the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean," the ministry said.
The meeting was initiated by the Greek side.


tass--2020-10-23--World won’t go back to ‘previous normal’ after pandemic, says Russian official

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Head of the Russian Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights Valery Fadeyev believes that there could not be a return to the `` previous normal '' after the coronavirus pandemic , he told the 13th Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona .
`` There can not be any return to the previous normal .
The world is facing a need to change radically .
If there are no substantial ideas with moral grounds , we will face problems .
We need to come from the betterment of the majority , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as saying at the forum ’ s session entitled ‘ Overcoming social inequality and poverty as today ’ s society evolves . ''
Fadeyev recalled that Italy went through a very serious outbreak of coronavirus .
`` What did the EU do to help it ?
Nothing .
These signals that we saw this spring regarding the state of the EU , I believe , are much stronger than the United Kingdom ’ s exit from the EU .
We saw that there is no solidarity in the EU .
Russia offered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear signal that it is ready to help , it is very strong morally , '' the council head noted .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Head of the Russian Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights Valery Fadeyev believes that there could not be a return to the "previous normal" after the coronavirus pandemic, he told the 13th Eurasian Economic Forum in Verona.
"There cannot be any return to the previous normal. The world is facing a need to change radically. If there are no substantial ideas with moral grounds, we will face problems. We need to come from the betterment of the majority," the council’s press service quoted him as saying at the forum’s session entitled ‘Overcoming social inequality and poverty as today’s society evolves."
Fadeyev recalled that Italy went through a very serious outbreak of coronavirus. "What did the EU do to help it? Nothing. These signals that we saw this spring regarding the state of the EU, I believe, are much stronger than the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU. We saw that there is no solidarity in the EU. Russia offered a helping hand to Italy. This was a clear signal that it is ready to help, it is very strong morally," the council head noted.


tass--2020-10-23--Russian, Turkish diplomats meet in Moscow to discuss Libya, Syria

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on Thursday held consultations with @ @ @ @ @ .
The two men discussed Syria and Libya and security in the Persian Gulf .
@ @ @ @ @ discussion of crucial issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council , including Libya @ @ @ @ @ the Persian Gulf and the Middle East settlement , '' the Foreign Ministry said in @ @ @ @ @ .
The negotiators stressed that there was no alternative to a political and diplomatic solution @ @ @ @ @ the basis of the universally recognized international regulatory basis , such as UN resolutions , @ @ @ @ @ and territorial integrity of the region ’ s countries .
Onal , who paid a @ @ @ @ @ , earlier led the Turkish delegation at the negotiations on Syria and Libya , held @ @ @ @ @ and September 1 , as well as inter-departmental consultations on a settlement in Libya in @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin on Thursday held consultations with his Turkish counterpart Sedat Onal. The two men discussed Syria and Libya and security in the Persian Gulf.
"There was a detailed discussion of crucial issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council, including Libya and Syria, security in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East settlement," the Foreign Ministry said in a news release on Friday.
The negotiators stressed that there was no alternative to a political and diplomatic solution of the existing conflicts on the basis of the universally recognized international regulatory basis, such as UN resolutions, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the region’s countries.
Onal, who paid a visit to Moscow on Thursday, earlier led the Turkish delegation at the negotiations on Syria and Libya, held in Moscow on August 31 and September 1, as well as inter-departmental consultations on a settlement in Libya in Ankara on July 21-12.


tass--2020-10-23--FSB cracks down on underground drug laboratory near Moscow

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service FSB has eliminated an underground laboratory that @ @ @ @ @ more then 31 kilograms of mephedrone , the FSB ’ s Public Relations Center told @ @ @ @ @ in the Naro-Fominsky district produced large amounts of synthetic drugs and sold them on the @ @ @ @ @ the crime ring was arrested on the spot .
FSB operatives confiscated 31.4 kilograms of @ @ @ @ @ chemical substances .
The FSB ’ s Investigative Department opened a criminal case under part @ @ @ @ @ the Criminal Code ( production of large amounts of narcotic drugs ) .
This offence @ @ @ @ @ terms or life imprisonment .
FSB operatives are probing into the detainees ’ complicity in @ @ @ @ @ other underground laboratories .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service FSB has eliminated an underground laboratory that manufactured synthetic drugs, confiscating more then 31 kilograms of mephedrone, the FSB’s Public Relations Center told TASS.
The underground laboratory in the Naro-Fominsky district produced large amounts of synthetic drugs and sold them on the Internet. One member of the crime ring was arrested on the spot. FSB operatives confiscated 31.4 kilograms of mephedrone, laboratory equipment and chemical substances.
The FSB’s Investigative Department opened a criminal case under part 5 of article 228.1 of the Criminal Code (production of large amounts of narcotic drugs). This offence is punishable with long jail terms or life imprisonment. FSB operatives are probing into the detainees’ complicity in other crimes and operation of other underground laboratories.


tass--2020-10-23--Settling scores between states may lead to chaos, says Medvedev

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
It is important to avoid settling scores between particular countries , because this may lead to chaos in states and macroregions , says Dmitry Medvedev , chairman of the United Russia political party and Deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council .
He pointed out that `` certain countries look for scapegoats for their internal problems in foreign countries , and not just look for , but also seek to use corresponding rhetoric to achieve their political goals - electoral goals in particular - and view this as a chance to inflict maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , all this damages the international security as well .
Therefore , in this complicated situation , we must adhere to all existing agreements in order to avoid settling scores between certain nations and persecution of political and ideological opponents , '' Medvedev underscored .
According to the official , `` eventually , this will no longer be an issue of partisan relations or a certain one or another political power . ''
`` This may lead to chaos both in certain countries and even in certain macroregions .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global pandemic , '' Medvedev said .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. It is important to avoid settling scores between particular countries, because this may lead to chaos in states and macroregions, says Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the United Russia political party and Deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council.
He pointed out that "certain countries look for scapegoats for their internal problems in foreign countries, and not just look for, but also seek to use corresponding rhetoric to achieve their political goals - electoral goals in particular - and view this as a chance to inflict maximum damage to their competitors."
"However, all this damages the international security as well. Therefore, in this complicated situation, we must adhere to all existing agreements in order to avoid settling scores between certain nations and persecution of political and ideological opponents," Medvedev underscored.
According to the official, "eventually, this will no longer be an issue of partisan relations or a certain one or another political power."
"This may lead to chaos both in certain countries and even in certain macroregions. This is a very dangerous trend, especially during the global pandemic," Medvedev said.


tass--2020-10-23--Gazprom to sell around 6 mln tonnes of LNG in 2020, boost volumes starting 2021

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s top gas producer Gazprom plans to sell around 6 mln tonnes of liquified natural gas in 2020 and boost volumes starting 2021 due to commissioning of new projects , Deputy Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee , Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Export Elena Burmistrova said in an interview with a corporate magazine .
`` We are actively expanding our LNG portfolio and managed to almost double it in the past several years .
Particularly , we plan to sell around 6 mln tonnes of LNG by the end of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the holding expects additional sales volumes due to the planned commissioning of an LNG complex in the area of the Portovaya compressor station , Burmistrova added .
Its capacity is 1.5 mln tonnes of LNG per year .
`` In the future large volumes of LNG will be produced under an integrated project on refining and liquefaction of natural gas in Ust-Luga .
The planned capacity of the plant is 13 mln tonnes of LNG per year , which is why sales of its products will bring our trade to a brand-new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains the driver of LNG demand growth globally , with formation and development of new regional and niche consumption centers persisting amid ongoing globalization of the markets .
`` Today the main part of purchasers under our supplies portfolio are in Asian-Pacific countries .
Moreover , we are also involved in the gradual strengthening of our positions in the work with traditional and new consumers in Southeast Asian , African and Middle Eastern countries , as well as with niche clients , for example , in the bunkering segment .
Here the regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seas are of interest , '' Burmistrova explained .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia’s top gas producer Gazprom plans to sell around 6 mln tonnes of liquified natural gas in 2020 and boost volumes starting 2021 due to commissioning of new projects, Deputy Chairman of Gazprom Management Committee, Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Export Elena Burmistrova said in an interview with a corporate magazine.
"We are actively expanding our LNG portfolio and managed to almost double it in the past several years. Particularly, we plan to sell around 6 mln tonnes of LNG by the end of 2020," she said.
Starting 2021, the holding expects additional sales volumes due to the planned commissioning of an LNG complex in the area of the Portovaya compressor station, Burmistrova added. Its capacity is 1.5 mln tonnes of LNG per year.
"In the future large volumes of LNG will be produced under an integrated project on refining and liquefaction of natural gas in Ust-Luga. The planned capacity of the plant is 13 mln tonnes of LNG per year, which is why sales of its products will bring our trade to a brand-new level," she noted.
Asia remains the driver of LNG demand growth globally, with formation and development of new regional and niche consumption centers persisting amid ongoing globalization of the markets.
"Today the main part of purchasers under our supplies portfolio are in Asian-Pacific countries. Moreover, we are also involved in the gradual strengthening of our positions in the work with traditional and new consumers in Southeast Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries, as well as with niche clients, for example, in the bunkering segment. Here the regions of the Baltic, North and Mediterranean seas are of interest," Burmistrova explained.


tass--2020-10-23--Russia, Kyrgyzstan to expand bilateral, regional cooperation

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Bishkek have confirmed commitment to strengthen bilateral and interregional cooperation , @ @ @ @ @ said Friday at a press conference following talks with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev .
@ @ @ @ @ all aspects of our bilateral cooperation .
We confirmed the readiness to facilitate maintenance of @ @ @ @ @ strengthening of our bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expansion of interregional cooperation , '' @ @ @ @ @ that co-chairs of an intergovernmental commission of the two countries on trade and economy plan @ @ @ @ @ of October .
Moscow and Bishkek are actively cooperating on multilateral forums , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ act from concurring positions in organizations such as the UN , OSCE , CIS , @ @ @ @ @ spoke in detail today about specific issues that will be discussed at the upcoming sessions @ @ @ @ @ mentioned .
We spoke about the need to strengthen integration processes in the EAEU framework @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Moscow and Bishkek have confirmed commitment to strengthen bilateral and interregional cooperation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday at a press conference following talks with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev.
"Today, we discussed all aspects of our bilateral cooperation. We confirmed the readiness to facilitate maintenance of political dialogue, deepening and strengthening of our bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expansion of interregional cooperation," Lavrov noted. He informed that co-chairs of an intergovernmental commission of the two countries on trade and economy plan to meet before the end of October.
Moscow and Bishkek are actively cooperating on multilateral forums, the Russian minister underscored. "We act from concurring positions in organizations such as the UN, OSCE, CIS, CSTO and SCO. We spoke in detail today about specific issues that will be discussed at the upcoming sessions of the multilateral structures I mentioned. We spoke about the need to strengthen integration processes in the EAEU framework," the minister said.


tass--2020-10-23--Lavrov says Kyrgyzstan overcame danger point of crisis, now returning to legal stability

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia maintains that Kyrgyzstan has pulled through the critical juncture of its domestic political crisis , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters at a news conference following talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart Ruslan Kazakbaev .
`` Russia has kept a close eye on the developments of our friend , Kyrgyzstan , following the announcement of the outcome of the parliamentary elections , '' Lavrov said .
`` Today we stressed that , according to our estimates , the domestic political situation is returning to the legal framework and the critical juncture has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following Kyrgyzstan ’ s parliamentary elections on October 4 , supporters of those political parties , which had failed to gain seats in the legislature , staged mass riots in the capital of Bishkek .
The Central Election Commission declared the election results invalid .
Kanat Isaev was elected the speaker of parliament and Sadyr Japarov , who was freed from jail as a result of pressure from demonstrators , took the prime minister ’ s seat .
On October 15 , President Sooronbay Jeenbekov stepped down , and Japarov took over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
On October 22 , the parliament decided to put off the new parliamentary and presidential elections until next spring .
Russia is looking at operating more flights to Kyrgyzstan but the decision will depend on the epidemiological situation , Sergey Lavrov said .
`` Yes , such a possibility is being looked at .
It will depend on the epidemiological situation , '' he said .
`` This matter is being addressed by Rosaviatsiya [ Russia ’ s Federal Air Transport Agency - TASS ] and our corresponding structure which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for combating the coronavirus infection , '' Lavrov added .
Russia suspended passenger air service with foreign countries in the spring in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection .
Since the summer , flights have partially been resumed to a number of countries , including Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , South Korea , Egypt , the United Arab Emirates , Turkey , the United Kingdom , Switzerland , Tanzania and the Maldives .
The number of flights has however been restricted .
Russia ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Mishustin ’ s resolution that flights would be resumed to Serbia , Cuba and Japan .
The Azur Air company said earlier it planned to begin flights to Cuba from November 4 .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia maintains that Kyrgyzstan has pulled through the critical juncture of its domestic political crisis, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters at a news conference following talks with his Kyrgyz counterpart Ruslan Kazakbaev.
"Russia has kept a close eye on the developments of our friend, Kyrgyzstan, following the announcement of the outcome of the parliamentary elections," Lavrov said. "Today we stressed that, according to our estimates, the domestic political situation is returning to the legal framework and the critical juncture has by and large been overcome."
Following Kyrgyzstan’s parliamentary elections on October 4, supporters of those political parties, which had failed to gain seats in the legislature, staged mass riots in the capital of Bishkek. The Central Election Commission declared the election results invalid. Kanat Isaev was elected the speaker of parliament and Sadyr Japarov, who was freed from jail as a result of pressure from demonstrators, took the prime minister’s seat. On October 15, President Sooronbay Jeenbekov stepped down, and Japarov took over the reins as Kyrgyzstan’s head of state. On October 22, the parliament decided to put off the new parliamentary and presidential elections until next spring.
Flights to Kyrgyzstan
Russia is looking at operating more flights to Kyrgyzstan but the decision will depend on the epidemiological situation, Sergey Lavrov said. "Yes, such a possibility is being looked at. It will depend on the epidemiological situation," he said.
"This matter is being addressed by Rosaviatsiya [Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency - TASS] and our corresponding structure which are monitoring the epidemic situation and are responsible for combating the coronavirus infection," Lavrov added.
Russia suspended passenger air service with foreign countries in the spring in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. Since the summer, flights have partially been resumed to a number of countries, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Tanzania and the Maldives. The number of flights has however been restricted. Russia’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said last week citing Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s resolution that flights would be resumed to Serbia, Cuba and Japan. The Azur Air company said earlier it planned to begin flights to Cuba from November 4.


tass--2020-10-23--CGTN: China marks 70th Anniversary of War to Resist U.S. Aggression

BEIJING , Oct. 23 .
/PRNewswire/ .
China on Friday held an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People 's Volunteers ( CPV ) army entering the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea ( DPRK ) in the War to Resist U.S .
Aggression and Aid Korea ( 1950-1953 ) .
Chinese President Xi Jinping , also general secretary of the Communist Party of China ( CPC ) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission ( CMC ) , delivered a speech at the event , urging the nation to remember history , carry forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialism with new characteristics .
Speaking at event , the Chinese president stressed that the great victory of the War to Resist U.S .
Aggression and Aid Korea will forever be engraved in the history of the Chinese nation and the history of peace , development and progress of mankind .
Xi hailed the historic significance of the War to Resist U.S. aggression and Aid Korea , noting the `` great war '' defied the invasion and expansion of imperialism and safeguarded the security of New China .
The war also safeguarded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stabilized the situation in the Korean Peninsula and upheld peace in Asia and the world , he said .
Eight months after the founding of the People 's Republic of China , the Korean War broke out in June 1950 .
The flames of war soon reached the Yalu River , the China-DPRK border river and wreaked havoc in Dandong , in northeast China 's Liaoning Province , with buildings bombed and civilians killed in U.S. air strikes .
It was a time when the new China had its armed forces poorly equipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , at the request of the DPRK , Chinese People 's Volunteers ( CPV ) army entered the Korean Peninsula in October 1950 to aid the DPRK until a truce was reached in 1953 .
President Xi said the victory is a declaration that the Chinese have stood firm in the East , adding that the victory laid a foundation for New China 's status in Asian and international affairs .
A total of 2.9 million CPV soldiers joined the battlefield over two years and nine month .
And more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the war .
Xi lauded the great patriotism demonstrated by the CPV in their battle against a powerful enemy , urging the Chinese people to carry forward the spirit in the new era and striving to achieve national rejuvenation .
Xi pointed out that the CPV army demonstrated their patriotism , heroism , optimism , devotion to their mission and also a spirit that strives for world peace and justice in the war .
All these should be passed down from generation to generation , he stressed .
The Chinese president added the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese people and the whole nation to defy hegemony , unite and to boost the fighting abilities with determination to overcome all challenges and difficulties in their way .
By commemorating the war , China does not intend to continue any hatred .
Rather , it is time to draw courage from history to bravely tackle the new challenges of today and better promote world peace and development .
Xi in his speech stressed that the victory of the war has shown that justice is sure to prevail over power , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He urged efforts to safeguard world peace and justice , saying China as a major responsible country is ready to work with the world people to build a community with a shared future for humanity .
China has reiterated it pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature .
President Xi also pointed out China 's military will always be a staunch force that safeguards world peace .
Xi also said the Chinese people cherish peace but will never compromise in face of threats or be subdued by suppression .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and firmly opposes hegemonism and power politics , '' he pointed out , adding that China will never allow its national sovereignty , security and development interests to be undermined .
Chinese people are firm and confident while looking ahead to the bright prospect of the national rejuvenation , Xi stressed .

BEIJING, Oct. 23. /PRNewswire/. China on Friday held an event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) army entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953).
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivered a speech at the event, urging the nation to remember history, carry forward the spirit of the CPV and advance socialism with new characteristics.
Read the original article here.
Remembering the war
Speaking at event, the Chinese president stressed that the great victory of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea will forever be engraved in the history of the Chinese nation and the history of peace, development and progress of mankind.
Xi hailed the historic significance of the War to Resist U.S. aggression and Aid Korea, noting the "great war" defied the invasion and expansion of imperialism and safeguarded the security of New China.
The war also safeguarded the peaceful life of the Chinese people, stabilized the situation in the Korean Peninsula and upheld peace in Asia and the world, he said.
Eight months after the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Korean War broke out in June 1950. The flames of war soon reached the Yalu River, the China-DPRK border river and wreaked havoc in Dandong, in northeast China's Liaoning Province, with buildings bombed and civilians killed in U.S. air strikes.
It was a time when the new China had its armed forces poorly equipped, without combat-able air and navy forces. However, at the request of the DPRK, Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) army entered the Korean Peninsula in October 1950 to aid the DPRK until a truce was reached in 1953.
President Xi said the victory is a declaration that the Chinese have stood firm in the East, adding that the victory laid a foundation for New China's status in Asian and international affairs.
Carry forward CPV's spirit
A total of 2.9 million CPV soldiers joined the battlefield over two years and nine month. And more than 197,000 of them sacrificed their lives in the war.
Xi lauded the great patriotism demonstrated by the CPV in their battle against a powerful enemy, urging the Chinese people to carry forward the spirit in the new era and striving to achieve national rejuvenation.
Xi pointed out that the CPV army demonstrated their patriotism, heroism, optimism, devotion to their mission and also a spirit that strives for world peace and justice in the war. All these should be passed down from generation to generation, he stressed.
The Chinese president added the tenacity forged during the war will inspire the Chinese people and the whole nation to defy hegemony, unite and to boost the fighting abilities with determination to overcome all challenges and difficulties in their way.
Safeguard world peace
By commemorating the war, China does not intend to continue any hatred. Rather, it is time to draw courage from history to bravely tackle the new challenges of today and better promote world peace and development.
Xi in his speech stressed that the victory of the war has shown that justice is sure to prevail over power, and peaceful development is an irreversible historic trend.
He urged efforts to safeguard world peace and justice, saying China as a major responsible country is ready to work with the world people to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
China has reiterated it pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. President Xi also pointed out China's military will always be a staunch force that safeguards world peace.
Xi also said the Chinese people cherish peace but will never compromise in face of threats or be subdued by suppression.
"China never seeks hegemony or expansion and firmly opposes hegemonism and power politics," he pointed out, adding that China will never allow its national sovereignty, security and development interests to be undermined.
Chinese people are firm and confident while looking ahead to the bright prospect of the national rejuvenation, Xi stressed.


tass--2020-10-23--Environment is top priority: Kremlin comments on Trump’s ecological remark about Russia

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia , just like other countries , is facing pollution problems , but @ @ @ @ @ environmental issues , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday commenting on remarks by US @ @ @ @ @ Russia among countries with poor ecology and air pollution , along with China and India @ @ @ @ @ debate .
`` Of course , there are places with air pollution in Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ all countries around the world .
However , in Russia , ecology is a top-priority @ @ @ @ @ of the national development plan , '' he pointed out .
Peskov stressed that `` @ @ @ @ @ environmental problems alone , '' highlighting the need for international cooperation on the issue .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. Russia, just like other countries, is facing pollution problems, but it is working to tackle environmental issues, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday commenting on remarks by US President Donald Trump who mentioned Russia among countries with poor ecology and air pollution, along with China and India, during the final election debate.
"Of course, there are places with air pollution in Russia. There are such places in all countries around the world. However, in Russia, ecology is a top-priority issue, it is part of the national development plan," he pointed out.
Peskov stressed that "no country can cope with environmental problems alone," highlighting the need for international cooperation on the issue.


tass--2020-10-23--Over 46,000 people in Moscow fined for not wearing face masks since September 1

MOSCOW , October 23 .
/TASS/ .
More than 46,000 people in Moscow have been fined for not wearing face masks since September 1 , chief of Moscow ’ s Main Control Department , Yevgeny Danchikov , said on Friday .
`` Inspections are first of all held at big shopping centers , offices , cinemas , theaters and sports and concert facilities .
Since September 1 , more than 46,000 people have been brought to administrative liability .
It means that some people are dodging obligatory use of face masks and gloves , '' he said .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other organizations have been holding inspections since the outbreak of the epidemic ’ s second wave .
Both visitors and employees of trading centers and shops in Moscow are obliged to wear face masks and gloves .
The measure was imposed from May 12 in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection .
People without masks and gloves are not attended to at shops .
If a person refuses to put on a mask or leave a shop , employees can call the police .
The fine for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 4,000 rubles ( over 52 US dollars ) per person .

MOSCOW, October 23. /TASS/. More than 46,000 people in Moscow have been fined for not wearing face masks since September 1, chief of Moscow’s Main Control Department, Yevgeny Danchikov, said on Friday.
"Inspections are first of all held at big shopping centers, offices, cinemas, theaters and sports and concert facilities. Since September 1, more than 46,000 people have been brought to administrative liability. It means that some people are dodging obligatory use of face masks and gloves," he said.
According to Danchikov, sanitary watchdog agencies, police and other organizations have been holding inspections since the outbreak of the epidemic’s second wave.
Both visitors and employees of trading centers and shops in Moscow are obliged to wear face masks and gloves. The measure was imposed from May 12 in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. People without masks and gloves are not attended to at shops. If a person refuses to put on a mask or leave a shop, employees can call the police.
The fine for not wearing face masks and gloves stands at 4,000 rubles (over 52 US dollars) per person.


tass--2020-10-24--Russian Foreign Ministry considers truce between Libyan conflict parties important step

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry believes that the ceasefire agreement reached by the parties @ @ @ @ @ Geneva on Friday will be an important step towards resolving the crisis in the North @ @ @ @ @ the commentary by official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ important step towards overcoming the prolonged acute crisis in Libya , establishing a sustainable comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ ultimate goal of restoring the country 's unity , creating capable government bodies , and @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement said .
Zakharova also called on the parties to follow the agreements @ @ @ @ @ a rollback to civil strife .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry believes that the ceasefire agreement reached by the parties to the Libyan conflict in Geneva on Friday will be an important step towards resolving the crisis in the North African republic, according to the commentary by official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.
"We regard this event as an important step towards overcoming the prolonged acute crisis in Libya, establishing a sustainable comprehensive political dialogue, with the ultimate goal of restoring the country's unity, creating capable government bodies, and reviving its socio-economic infrastructure," the statement said.
Zakharova also called on the parties to follow the agreements reached in order to prevent a rollback to civil strife.


tass--2020-10-24--Number of recovered from coronavirus rises by 2 ,639 per day in Moscow, Deputy Mayor says

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of patients recovered from coronavirus increased in Moscow by 2,639 over @ @ @ @ @ 287,910 , Deputy Mayor of the capital Anastasia Rakova told reporters on Saturday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ recovered in Moscow continues to increase .
Over the past day , another 2,639 patients @ @ @ @ @ .
The total number of people who have recovered from the virus has increased to @ @ @ @ @ .
Recovered residents of Moscow can become plasma donors .
People who have recovered from @ @ @ @ @ social volunteers and help those who are being treated at home .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The number of patients recovered from coronavirus increased in Moscow by 2,639 over the past day and reached 287,910, Deputy Mayor of the capital Anastasia Rakova told reporters on Saturday.
"The number of people who recovered in Moscow continues to increase. Over the past day, another 2,639 patients have recovered after undergoing treatment. The total number of people who have recovered from the virus has increased to 287,910," she said.
Recovered residents of Moscow can become plasma donors. People who have recovered from the coronavirus can also become social volunteers and help those who are being treated at home.


tass--2020-10-24--Russia reports 16,521 coronavirus cases in 24 hours

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia increased by 16,521 over the past day to 1,497,167 , the operational headquarters to combat coronavirus told reporters on Saturday .
Immunity against coronavirus may be long-term , expert says In relative terms , the growth , according to the headquarters , slowed down to 1.1 % .
In particular , 4,453 cases were detected per day in Moscow , 713 in St. Petersburg , 480 in the Moscow region , 384 in the Nizhny Novgorod region , and 301 in the Rostov region .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment in Russia .
The number of recovered coronavirus patients in Russia increased by 11,567 over the past day , approaching the maximum figure registered on June 24 .
A day earlier , 11,263 people were discharged in Russia , and on Thursday , the headquarters reported 11,428 recovered .
In total , 1,130,818 people have recovered , or 75.5 % of those infected .
In particular , 2,639 patients were discharged over the last day after recovery in Moscow , 480 in the Nizhny Novgorod region , 401 in St. Petersburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Rostov region .
Meanwhile , the number of deaths due to coronavirus in Russia increased by 296 over the day against 283 the day before , the headquarters said .
The total number of deaths due to coronavirus in the country , according to the headquarters , reached 25,821 .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia increased by 16,521 over the past day to 1,497,167, the operational headquarters to combat coronavirus told reporters on Saturday.
Immunity against coronavirus may be long-term, expert says
In relative terms, the growth, according to the headquarters, slowed down to 1.1%.
In particular, 4,453 cases were detected per day in Moscow, 713 in St. Petersburg, 480 in the Moscow region, 384 in the Nizhny Novgorod region, and 301 in the Rostov region.
A total of 340,528 people are currently undergoing treatment in Russia.
Recovered patients
The number of recovered coronavirus patients in Russia increased by 11,567 over the past day, approaching the maximum figure registered on June 24.
A day earlier, 11,263 people were discharged in Russia, and on Thursday, the headquarters reported 11,428 recovered.
In total, 1,130,818 people have recovered, or 75.5% of those infected.
In particular, 2,639 patients were discharged over the last day after recovery in Moscow, 480 in the Nizhny Novgorod region, 401 in St. Petersburg, 357 in the Moscow region, 324 in the Rostov region.
Number of coronavirus deaths
Meanwhile, the number of deaths due to coronavirus in Russia increased by 296 over the day against 283 the day before, the headquarters said. The total number of deaths due to coronavirus in the country, according to the headquarters, reached 25,821.


tass--2020-10-24--Polish President tests positive for coronavirus

WARSAW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Polish leader Andrzej Duda has tested positive for the coronavirus , presidential spokesman @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Yesterday , President Andrzej Duda was tested for the presence of coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ The President is feeling well .
We are in constant contact with the relevant medical @ @ @ @ @ .
The Polish authorities introduced a pandemic regime in mid-March , which continues to this @ @ @ @ @ the recent increase in morbidity , on October 10 , a widespread mask regime was @ @ @ @ @ restrictions were introduced in the work of establishments , in holding mass events , and @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 , Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases @ @ @ @ @ named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe @ @ @ @ @ March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

WARSAW, October 24. /TASS/. Polish leader Andrzej Duda has tested positive for the coronavirus, presidential spokesman Blazej Spychalski wrote on Twitter.
"Yesterday, President Andrzej Duda was tested for the presence of coronavirus. The result was positive. The President is feeling well. We are in constant contact with the relevant medical services," he wrote.
The Polish authorities introduced a pandemic regime in mid-March, which continues to this day. In connection with the recent increase in morbidity, on October 10, a widespread mask regime was restored in the country, restrictions were introduced in the work of establishments, in holding mass events, and family holidays.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-10-24--World needs universal agreement on security in the information sphere, Medvedev says

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called for the development of a universal international treaty on information security at the United Nations , he wrote in his article published on Saturday on RT website on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations .
`` UN bodies could serve as a platform for elaborating a universal international treaty based on generally recognized principles and norms of international law and consistent with common interests in the information domain .
Such instrument should be helpful in maintaining international peace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for purposes inconsistent with international law , '' Medvedev said .
According to him , `` Regrettably , in spite of all the efforts to maintain peace , we are still witnessing unilateral aggressive actions and blatant attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign state undertaken , inter alia , by the U.S. and its NATO allies '' .
At the moment , `` in many corners of the world , hotbeds of military confrontation persist , people are dying every day '' , he added .
`` In the era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hybrid warfare , there is the risk that black would be presented as white , unlawful as legitimate , and true facts would be buried behind catchy TV images and social media posts , '' he noted .
Medvedev believes that `` In this regard , ensuring security in the global information space is of particular importance .
The international cybersecurity architecture should be fit to respond to modern challenges as well as cater for future technological progress '' .
He noted that Russia has repeatedly called on the world community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensure stability in the information domain .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called for the development of a universal international treaty on information security at the United Nations, he wrote in his article published on Saturday on RT website on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations.
"UN bodies could serve as a platform for elaborating a universal international treaty based on generally recognized principles and norms of international law and consistent with common interests in the information domain. Such instrument should be helpful in maintaining international peace and security and preventing the use of technologies for purposes inconsistent with international law," Medvedev said.
According to him, "Regrettably, in spite of all the efforts to maintain peace, we are still witnessing unilateral aggressive actions and blatant attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign state undertaken, inter alia, by the U.S. and its NATO allies". At the moment, "in many corners of the world, hotbeds of military confrontation persist, people are dying every day", he added. "In the era of fake news, falsification of facts and hybrid warfare, there is the risk that black would be presented as white, unlawful as legitimate, and true facts would be buried behind catchy TV images and social media posts," he noted.
Medvedev believes that "In this regard, ensuring security in the global information space is of particular importance. The international cybersecurity architecture should be fit to respond to modern challenges as well as cater for future technological progress". He noted that Russia has repeatedly called on the world community to agree on new mechanisms to address cybercrime and ensure stability in the information domain.


tass--2020-10-24--Pandemic shows political freedoms alone cannot save people, Medvedev says

MOSCOW , October 24 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus pandemic has confirmed the need for a strong state , without which the lives of people can not be saved by any political freedoms , Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in his article published on Saturday on RT website on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations .
`` The COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed that political freedoms as such can do little to save people 's lives .
There is a need for efficient and affordable medical and social care systems , nation-wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts at all levels of public authority .
Strong states that proved capable of mobilizing their economies and political institutions to fight back the pandemic , succeeded in overcoming its consequences and preserved millions of lives , '' he said .
`` The current world economic recession caused by the global pandemic pushes states towards revisiting their values and prioritizing the protection of people 's lives and health as well as human rights to guarantee decent and safe existence '' , Medvedev noted .
`` Civilized nations , on whose behalf the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came into existence in the late 1940 's through 1950 's , were called to prevent the horrors of World War II , genocide , war crimes , abuse of fundamental human rights and freedoms , humiliation of human dignity from happening ever again .
They saw the best solution in restricting , as much as possible , the government 's involvement in social development , absolutizing private and individual freedoms , continuously expanding the scope of subjective rights , often to the detriment of public interest .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assigned , in the context of the so-called `` positive obligations , '' with increasingly significant obligations not only to refrain from violating an individual 's rights , but to ensure their respect as well as provide `` good '' governance , '' the politician believes .
At the same time , in his opinion , `` ensuring due balance between different human rights categories is of primary importance '' .
`` For this reason , the Soviet Union pointed out the need to enshrine an extensive list of social and economic rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This point proves valid today .
The current world economic recession caused by the global pandemic pushes states towards revisiting their values and prioritizing the protection of people 's lives and health as well as human rights to guarantee decent and safe existence , '' Medvedev said .
Medvedev is confident that no political considerations should interfere with the cooperation of countries in order to save lives .
`` Amid the continuing global epidemic , we need to guarantee unhindered supply of food , equipment and technology to the most affected areas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and financial restrictions on humanitarian shipments worldwide .
Political considerations should not affect cooperation to save lives , '' he said .
According to Medvedev , `` We should not forget that the UN has been founded as an organization that should seek solutions to the most pressing global problems and stand guard of the interests of peace and security .
It is designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war , reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights , ensure compliance with international law and improve living conditions for people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the United Nations has been created to attain '' .
Medvedev believes that pluralism and unlimited freedom of speech are not enough to ensure stable development of mankind .
`` The Black Lives Matter movement , which has swept across the western world in 2020 , clearly demonstrates that there is an unsatisfied global demand for a just world order , for bridging the gap between the rich and the poor and for access to adequate healthcare , modern education and decent wages for all , regardless of color or social status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inequalities in dozens of countries .
Many people were left to fend for themselves , '' he noted .
`` These circumstances prove that social justice can not be restored only through developing the market economy without interference from the state ( according to the principle of `` laissez faire '' ) or through generous but sporadic charity projects .
This requires involvement of the state , a sensible fiscal policy , a responsible and stable government , and a clear vision of the long-term social and economic development goals .
States need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national economies and political systems to the modern challenges , '' Medvedev said .

MOSCOW, October 24. /TASS/. The coronavirus pandemic has confirmed the need for a strong state, without which the lives of people cannot be saved by any political freedoms, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev wrote in his article published on Saturday on RT website on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations.
"The COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed that political freedoms as such can do little to save people's lives. There is a need for efficient and affordable medical and social care systems, nation-wide sanitary safety programs, utmost coordination of efforts at all levels of public authority. Strong states that proved capable of mobilizing their economies and political institutions to fight back the pandemic, succeeded in overcoming its consequences and preserved millions of lives," he said.
"The current world economic recession caused by the global pandemic pushes states towards revisiting their values and prioritizing the protection of people's lives and health as well as human rights to guarantee decent and safe existence", Medvedev noted.
"Civilized nations, on whose behalf the UN was created alongside other international organizations that came into existence in the late 1940's through 1950's, were called to prevent the horrors of World War II, genocide, war crimes, abuse of fundamental human rights and freedoms, humiliation of human dignity from happening ever again. They saw the best solution in restricting, as much as possible, the government's involvement in social development, absolutizing private and individual freedoms, continuously expanding the scope of subjective rights, often to the detriment of public interest. At the same time, it is national states that have been assigned, in the context of the so-called "positive obligations," with increasingly significant obligations not only to refrain from violating an individual's rights, but to ensure their respect as well as provide "good" governance," the politician believes.
At the same time, in his opinion, "ensuring due balance between different human rights categories is of primary importance". "For this reason, the Soviet Union pointed out the need to enshrine an extensive list of social and economic rights when working on the Universal Declaration. This point proves valid today. The current world economic recession caused by the global pandemic pushes states towards revisiting their values and prioritizing the protection of people's lives and health as well as human rights to guarantee decent and safe existence," Medvedev said.
Cooperation to save lives
Medvedev is confident that no political considerations should interfere with the cooperation of countries in order to save lives.
"Amid the continuing global epidemic, we need to guarantee unhindered supply of food, equipment and technology to the most affected areas. Russia has consistently called for renouncing trade and financial restrictions on humanitarian shipments worldwide. Political considerations should not affect cooperation to save lives," he said.
According to Medvedev, "We should not forget that the UN has been founded as an organization that should seek solutions to the most pressing global problems and stand guard of the interests of peace and security. It is designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, ensure compliance with international law and improve living conditions for people. Ultimately, these are the high ideals that the United Nations has been created to attain".
Medvedev believes that pluralism and unlimited freedom of speech are not enough to ensure stable development of mankind. "The Black Lives Matter movement, which has swept across the western world in 2020, clearly demonstrates that there is an unsatisfied global demand for a just world order, for bridging the gap between the rich and the poor and for access to adequate healthcare, modern education and decent wages for all, regardless of color or social status. The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare inequalities in dozens of countries. Many people were left to fend for themselves," he noted.
"These circumstances prove that social justice cannot be restored only through developing the market economy without interference from the state (according to the principle of "laissez faire") or through generous but sporadic charity projects. This requires involvement of the state, a sensible fiscal policy, a responsible and stable government, and a clear vision of the long-term social and economic development goals. States need to take decisive steps to adapt their national economies and political systems to the modern challenges," Medvedev said.