tass--2020-10-29--Putin will participate in Russia Calling investment forum

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will speak on Thursday at the 12th Russia Calling VTB Capital Investment Forum held online this year , Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS .
In previous years , Putin visited the forum and in his speeches he touched on both global trends in the economy and the situation in its individual industries , the situation in Russia as a whole .
Recently , Putin gave his assessment of the situation in Russia at a meeting on economic issues .
He stated that on a number of items the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already begun , and also noted price stability and a gradual recovery in consumer demand .
`` There are still enough questions and problems , but nevertheless it [ demand ] is recovering , '' Putin said .
`` However , experts are still showing caution - and rightly so .
They say that this trend may be unstable , '' he added .
VTB press service clarified that the president will also traditionally answer questions from business representatives and investors from different countries .
In addition , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chairman of the Accounts Chamber Alexey Kudrin , Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov , and Adviser to the President Maxim Oreshkin will take part in the forum .
They will discuss issues of macroeconomic policy in the context of the current epidemiological situation , the impact of the consequences of the pandemic on the world economy , the situation on the financial markets and the labor market , measures to support the economy by governments of different countries .
On the second day of the forum , October 30 , panelists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of capital markets this year and investment strategies for 2021 , as well as discuss digital business transformation and new practices that have appeared on the market during the pandemic .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will speak on Thursday at the 12th Russia Calling VTB Capital Investment Forum held online this year, Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS.
In previous years, Putin visited the forum and in his speeches he touched on both global trends in the economy and the situation in its individual industries, the situation in Russia as a whole.
Recently, Putin gave his assessment of the situation in Russia at a meeting on economic issues. He stated that on a number of items the recovery of the country's economy has already begun, and also noted price stability and a gradual recovery in consumer demand. "There are still enough questions and problems, but nevertheless it [demand] is recovering," Putin said. "However, experts are still showing caution - and rightly so. They say that this trend may be unstable," he added.
VTB press service clarified that the president will also traditionally answer questions from business representatives and investors from different countries. In addition, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, the Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina, Chairman of the Accounts Chamber Alexey Kudrin, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, and Adviser to the President Maxim Oreshkin will take part in the forum. They will discuss issues of macroeconomic policy in the context of the current epidemiological situation, the impact of the consequences of the pandemic on the world economy, the situation on the financial markets and the labor market, measures to support the economy by governments of different countries.
On the second day of the forum, October 30, panelists will touch on topics such as the state of capital markets this year and investment strategies for 2021, as well as discuss digital business transformation and new practices that have appeared on the market during the pandemic.


tass--2020-10-29--White House’s remarks about readiness to deploy ballistic missiles incite instability - MP

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien ’ s remarks that Washington is poised to deploy intermediate-and shorter-range missiles in Europe are not constructive as these steps might trigger a new missile crisis , Chairman of the Russian State Duma ’ s Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Wednesday .
`` The White House ’ s statements about readiness to deploy US intermediate-and shorter-range missiles to Europe are far from being constructive , '' Slutsky said recalling that Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier confirmed Moscow ’ s compliance with the moratorium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions along the EU borders until US missiles appear there .
`` And immediately , a more aggressive stance was voiced from the United States by Trump ’ s adviser , '' the committee ’ s chairman stated .
Slutsky pointed out that `` Washington is inciting instability and creating a threat to global security . ''
`` Those irresponsible and politicized steps , in case the US does opt for deploying their missiles to the territories of its European allies , are fraught with a new missile crisis , '' the member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s parliament warned .
Speaking at a seminar in Washington ’ s Hudson Institute earlier in the day , O ’ Brien pointed out that if necessary , the US would deploy intermediate-and shorter-range ballistic missiles in Europe to deter Russia .
According to O ’ Brien , the United States will take similar steps in the Indo-Pacific to deter China , which is not party to the treaty , and that had deployed thousands of its missiles to create `` anti-access/area denial '' to `` keep our ships and our navy away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of China , '' he said .
On August 2 , 2019 the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty was terminated at the US initiative .
Washington argued that Russia had refused to meet the US ultimatum-like demand for eliminating new generation cruise missiles 9M729 , which the United States and its NATO allies see as a violation of the treaty .
Moscow dismissed these charges , saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile were within the INF Treaty ’ s permissible parameters and put forward its own counterclaims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance , referring to the US missile defense system in Europe .
The US warned then that in accordance with Article 15 of the Treaty , the country will withdraw unless Russia meets their demands , which first and foremost included the destruction of 9M729 missiles .
Moscow rejected Washington ’ s steps as absolutely unacceptable ultimatums .
On August 2 , 2019 , the United States withdrew from the INF Treaty .
Nevertheless , John Bolton , who was the US national security adviser at the time , admitted later that Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the factor that China was not a party to the INF Treaty .
In September 2019 , Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the leaders of several countries , including NATO member-states , with a proposal for imposing a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe and other regions .
The United States consequently turned this initiative down .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien’s remarks that Washington is poised to deploy intermediate-and shorter-range missiles in Europe are not constructive as these steps might trigger a new missile crisis, Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Wednesday.
"The White House’s statements about readiness to deploy US intermediate-and shorter-range missiles to Europe are far from being constructive," Slutsky said recalling that Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier confirmed Moscow’s compliance with the moratorium on deployment of Russian missiles in the regions along the EU borders until US missiles appear there.
"And immediately, a more aggressive stance was voiced from the United States by Trump’s adviser," the committee’s chairman stated.
Slutsky pointed out that "Washington is inciting instability and creating a threat to global security."
"Those irresponsible and politicized steps, in case the US does opt for deploying their missiles to the territories of its European allies, are fraught with a new missile crisis," the member of the lower house of Russia’s parliament warned.
Speaking at a seminar in Washington’s Hudson Institute earlier in the day, O’Brien pointed out that if necessary, the US would deploy intermediate-and shorter-range ballistic missiles in Europe to deter Russia. According to O’Brien, the United States will take similar steps in the Indo-Pacific to deter China, which is not party to the treaty, and that had deployed thousands of its missiles to create "anti-access/area denial" to "keep our ships and our navy away from our allies in the region and out of China," he said.
INF Treaty
On August 2, 2019 the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty was terminated at the US initiative. Washington argued that Russia had refused to meet the US ultimatum-like demand for eliminating new generation cruise missiles 9M729, which the United States and its NATO allies see as a violation of the treaty. Moscow dismissed these charges, saying that the technical parameters of the 9M729 missile were within the INF Treaty’s permissible parameters and put forward its own counterclaims over Washington’s non-compliance, for instance, referring to the US missile defense system in Europe.
The US warned then that in accordance with Article 15 of the Treaty, the country will withdraw unless Russia meets their demands, which first and foremost included the destruction of 9M729 missiles. Moscow rejected Washington’s steps as absolutely unacceptable ultimatums. On August 2, 2019, the United States withdrew from the INF Treaty.
Nevertheless, John Bolton, who was the US national security adviser at the time, admitted later that Washington’s decision-making had been influenced also by the factor that China was not a party to the INF Treaty.
In September 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the leaders of several countries, including NATO member-states, with a proposal for imposing a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles in Europe and other regions. The United States consequently turned this initiative down.


tass--2020-10-28--Belarusian human rights activists report over 500 election-related criminal cases

MINSK , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian human rights activists reported over 500 criminal cases initiated against presidential election participants , protesters and activists since the beginning of the presidential campaign earlier this year .
`` Throughout almost five months since the beginning of the 2020 presidential race in Belarus , over 500 criminal cases have been initiated against race participants , campaign activists and peaceful protesters , '' the Vesna human rights center said on its website Wednesday .
The majority of cases ( at least 143 known cases ) have been initiated over charges of mass riots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization or participation in group actions blatantly violating public order ; resistance to law enforcement officer ; and violence or threat of violence against a police officer .
Several cases have been initiated over charges of tax evasion : in particular , activists of ex-candidate Viktor Babariko 's campaign were charged with this violation .
Some cases have been initiated over charges of libel , disorderly conduct and other clauses of the Criminal Code .
By October 28 , the human rights activists collected names of almost 390 people from different cities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential campaign or the events that followed .
According to the activists , 96 people from this list qualify as political prisoners .
Meanwhile , the activists state that not a single criminal case has been initiated over numerous facts of police brutality against the protesters .
The Prosecutor General ’ s Office confirmed that over 500 criminal cases have been initiated over mass riots and consequences of protests - most of them over events in Minsk - adding that every perpetrator will be identified .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9 , mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MINSK, October 28. /TASS/. Belarusian human rights activists reported over 500 criminal cases initiated against presidential election participants, protesters and activists since the beginning of the presidential campaign earlier this year.
"Throughout almost five months since the beginning of the 2020 presidential race in Belarus, over 500 criminal cases have been initiated against race participants, campaign activists and peaceful protesters," the Vesna human rights center said on its website Wednesday.
The majority of cases (at least 143 known cases) have been initiated over charges of mass riots. Other frequently used charges were: organization or participation in group actions blatantly violating public order; resistance to law enforcement officer; and violence or threat of violence against a police officer.
Several cases have been initiated over charges of tax evasion: in particular, activists of ex-candidate Viktor Babariko's campaign were charged with this violation. Some cases have been initiated over charges of libel, disorderly conduct and other clauses of the Criminal Code.
Almost 100 political prisoners
By October 28, the human rights activists collected names of almost 390 people from different cities of Belarus, whose cases are tied to the presidential campaign or the events that followed. According to the activists, 96 people from this list qualify as political prisoners. Meanwhile, the activists state that not a single criminal case has been initiated over numerous facts of police brutality against the protesters.
The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that over 500 criminal cases have been initiated over mass riots and consequences of protests - most of them over events in Minsk - adding that every perpetrator will be identified.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-28--Participants of India-Central Asia dialogue urge for cooperation in fighting COVID-19

TASHKENT , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Leaders of Foreign Ministries of India , Uzbekistan , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , and Afghanistan during the second meeting of the India-Central Asia dialogue conducted in a video format have urged to continue cooperation in fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus , the press service of Uzbekistan ’ s Foreign Ministry reported on Wednesday .
`` Leaders of Foreign Ministries urged to continue the close cooperation between sanitary-epidemiological services of India and Central Asian countries in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic , '' the statement said .
It noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pressing issues of interaction of India and the Central Asian countries in political , trade and economic , investment , transportation and municipal , ecological , and tourist spheres .
According to the press service , during the video conference Uzbekistan urged to strengthen the coordination of law enforcement bodies of these countries , enhance the dialogue in fighting trans-border challenges and threats .
In relation to that it was proposed to implement regular meetings of experts for the detection of key regional problems .
The statement noted that the India-Central Asia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` is a highly sought and efficient mechanism to expand regional cooperation .
`` .

TASHKENT, October 28. /TASS/. Leaders of Foreign Ministries of India, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan during the second meeting of the India-Central Asia dialogue conducted in a video format have urged to continue cooperation in fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus, the press service of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry reported on Wednesday.
"Leaders of Foreign Ministries urged to continue the close cooperation between sanitary-epidemiological services of India and Central Asian countries in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement said. It noted that during the event the participants discussed the pressing issues of interaction of India and the Central Asian countries in political, trade and economic, investment, transportation and municipal, ecological, and tourist spheres.
According to the press service, during the video conference Uzbekistan urged to strengthen the coordination of law enforcement bodies of these countries, enhance the dialogue in fighting trans-border challenges and threats. In relation to that it was proposed to implement regular meetings of experts for the detection of key regional problems.
The statement noted that the India-Central Asia diplomatic platform launched in 2019 in Samarkand "is a highly sought and efficient mechanism to expand regional cooperation.".


tass--2020-10-28--Russia, France highlight importance of will in Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian underlined in a phone call the importance of manifesting political will by opposing sides to achieve a ceasefire in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` Sergey Lavrov and Jean-Yves Le Drian pointed out the importance of showing political will to stop hostilities by the opposing parties , '' the document reads .
`` In the conversation , the ministers substantially discussed the developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone , expressed serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on the opposing sides to achieve a quick and full ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions , '' the statement reads .
The sides underlined that there is no alternative to diplomatic resolution of the conflict and highlighted the need to continue concerted actions of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group .
`` Possible scenarios of future developments were considered , '' the ministry noted .
Lavrov and Le Drian also touched upon the issue of cooperation between the national law enforcement agencies , particularly in light of possible visit of French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The ministers discussed a number of current issues on the bilateral agenda .
The emphasis was placed on the need to develop cooperation of law enforcement agencies , particularly in the context of possible visit of French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to Russia to discuss a large range of issues linked to countering terrorism and extremist ideology , '' the ministry noted .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Baku and Yerevan have reached three ceasefire agreements so far but each one of them failed almost immediately as both sides started reporting violations .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian underlined in a phone call the importance of manifesting political will by opposing sides to achieve a ceasefire in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"Sergey Lavrov and Jean-Yves Le Drian pointed out the importance of showing political will to stop hostilities by the opposing parties," the document reads.
"In the conversation, the ministers substantially discussed the developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, expressed serious concerns over the unending large-scale hostilities and called on the opposing sides to achieve a quick and full ceasefire and de-escalation of tensions," the statement reads.
The sides underlined that there is no alternative to diplomatic resolution of the conflict and highlighted the need to continue concerted actions of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. "Possible scenarios of future developments were considered," the ministry noted.
Lavrov and Le Drian also touched upon the issue of cooperation between the national law enforcement agencies, particularly in light of possible visit of French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to Russia. "The ministers discussed a number of current issues on the bilateral agenda. The emphasis was placed on the need to develop cooperation of law enforcement agencies, particularly in the context of possible visit of French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to Russia to discuss a large range of issues linked to countering terrorism and extremist ideology," the ministry noted.
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. Baku and Yerevan have reached three ceasefire agreements so far but each one of them failed almost immediately as both sides started reporting violations.
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--2020-10-28--Russia, US can extend New START by one year if agree verification measures - White House

WASHINGTON , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and the United States will extend the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms ( New START treaty ) if they can settle the issues linked to verification procedures , US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said Wednesday .
`` We ’ ve made an offer to the Russians and I think there ’ s been progress on this front .
I went to Geneva and met with my counterpart General Patrushev .
I had a very business-like meeting with him , '' he said , commenting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ START .
`` We suggested that we renew or extend New START for a year and , at the same time , that both parties , Russia and the United States , agree to cap their weapons production during that year and see if that gives us time to negotiate a new really terrific long-term arms control deal with the Russians .
So , I think we are getting close .
I think we are going to need to work on verification procedure for that year-time frame .
If we can get through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to be able to get to a deal .
We ’ ll just have to see how serious Russians are about arms control , '' O ’ Brien pointed out .

WASHINGTON, October 28. /TASS/. Russia and the United States will extend the Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START treaty) if they can settle the issues linked to verification procedures, US National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien said Wednesday.
"We’ve made an offer to the Russians and I think there’s been progress on this front. I went to Geneva and met with my counterpart General Patrushev. I had a very business-like meeting with him," he said, commenting on the talks concerning the future of New START.
"We suggested that we renew or extend New START for a year and, at the same time, that both parties, Russia and the United States, agree to cap their weapons production during that year and see if that gives us time to negotiate a new really terrific long-term arms control deal with the Russians. So, I think we are getting close. I think we are going to need to work on verification procedure for that year-time frame. If we can get through the verification issues, I think we are going to be able to get to a deal. We’ll just have to see how serious Russians are about arms control," O’Brien pointed out.


tass--2020-10-28--Top Russian, French diplomats hash over law enforcement cooperation

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian have @ @ @ @ @ to discuss cooperation between the national law enforcement agencies , particularly in light of possible @ @ @ @ @ Gerald Darmanin to Russia , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of current issues on the bilateral agenda .
The emphasis was placed on the need @ @ @ @ @ enforcement agencies , particularly in the context of possible visit of French Interior Minister Gerald @ @ @ @ @ a large range of issues linked to countering terrorism and extremist ideology , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian have had a phone call Wednesday to discuss cooperation between the national law enforcement agencies, particularly in light of possible visit of French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to Russia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The ministers discussed a number of current issues on the bilateral agenda. The emphasis was placed on the need to develop cooperation of law enforcement agencies, particularly in the context of possible visit of French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin to Russia to discuss a large range of issues linked to countering terrorism and extremist ideology," the ministry noted.


tass--2020-10-28--France’s Macron says necessary to restore trust in relations with Russia

PARIS , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
It is necessary to restore trust between Russia and the EU , French @ @ @ @ @ his meeting with Prime Minister of Estonia Juri Ratas .
`` Security in Europe can @ @ @ @ @ restoration of trust in relations with Russia , '' he noted .
`` Our initiatives @ @ @ @ @ security and stability of all European countries . ''
According to the French leader , @ @ @ @ @ agenda .
`` The security problems become are multiplying , '' Macron said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ are the latest examples . ''
Macron expressed his satisfaction with development of relations with @ @ @ @ @ for taking part in the counter-terrorist operation in the Sahel area .

PARIS, October 28. /TASS/. It is necessary to restore trust between Russia and the EU, French President Emmanuel Macron said after his meeting with Prime Minister of Estonia Juri Ratas.
"Security in Europe cannot be guaranteed without consistent restoration of trust in relations with Russia," he noted. "Our initiatives in this field aim for security and stability of all European countries."
According to the French leader, this dialogue has a wide agenda.
"The security problems become are multiplying," Macron said. "Situations in Belarus and Nagorno-Karabakh are the latest examples."
Macron expressed his satisfaction with development of relations with Tallinn. He thanked Estonia for taking part in the counter-terrorist operation in the Sahel area.


tass--2020-10-28--Germany's claims Russia quit INF Treaty basically wrong, Moscow says

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Claims by the German Foreign Ministry 's spokesman Russia quit the Intermediate Nuclear @ @ @ @ @ discretion is fundamentally wrong , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ is important to point out above all that saying Russia quit the INF Treaty is @ @ @ @ @ no action to leave the treaty , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ unilaterally pulled out of the agreement , thus terminating it .
In the meantime , @ @ @ @ @ INF Treaty throughout its period of operation and systematically exerted efforts for preserving it up @ @ @ @ @ For the sake of resolving the existing counter-claims we put forward a number of initiatives @ @ @ @ @ would have certainly allowed for preserving the treaty .
`` .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. Claims by the German Foreign Ministry's spokesman Russia quit the Intermediate Nuclear Force Treaty at its sole discretion is fundamentally wrong, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Wednesday.
"We believe it is important to point out above all that saying Russia quit the INF Treaty is fundamentally wrong. Russia took no action to leave the treaty," the Foreign Ministry said. "It was the United States that unilaterally pulled out of the agreement, thus terminating it. In the meantime, Russia remained committed to the INF Treaty throughout its period of operation and systematically exerted efforts for preserving it up to the last moment. For the sake of resolving the existing counter-claims we put forward a number of initiatives, which, if implemented would have certainly allowed for preserving the treaty.".


tass--2020-10-28--Prosecutor's office approves indictment in case of Michael Calvey

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
The General Prosecutor 's Office has approved the indictment in case of Michael Calvey , founder of the Baring Vostok private equity firm , Varvara Knutova , lawyer of one of the defendants in the case , told TASS on Wednesday .
`` According to our information , the prosecutor 's office approved the indictment in the case of Calvey and other defendants .
On Wednesday , the defense was summoned to familiarize themselves with it .
At the next stage , the case will be submitted to the court for consideration on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In February 2019 , Serzod Yusupov , a minority shareholder in Vostochny Bank filed a complaint with Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) .
In addition , Artyom Avetisyan , another Vostochny shareholder , along with the deputy chairman of the bank ’ s board Konstantin Rogov testified against Michael Calvey .
Russia ’ s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case into the embezzlement of 2.5 bln rubles ( $ 31.7 mln ) from the Vostochny Bank on February 13 .
Michael Calvey is the key defendant in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement agencies arrested Calvey and five others : Vagan Abgaryan , Philippe Delpale , Ivan Zyuzin , Maxim Vladimirov and Alexey Kordichev .
They are all facing charges under part 4 article 159 of Russia ’ s Criminal Code ( fraud committed on a large scale by an organized group ) .
According to the initial version of the investigation , Calvey and his accomplices put together a scheme , where the `` First Collection Bureau '' , under their control , waived its right to a 59.9 % stake in a Luxembourg-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( IFTG ) , to the Vostochny bank to pay it back for a 2.5 billion-ruble debt .
Before the deal , IFTG ’ s shares were valued at 3 bln rubles .
However , the investigation is examining another estimate of 600,000 rubles ( according to a Cyprus-based company ’ s valuation ) .
That said , the Central Bank claimed that the price of these shares was close to zero , the investigator noted .
The defense later challenged that appraisal of shares referring to lack of results of the financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and says that his prosecution is an illegal attempt of the Vostochny bank ’ s minority shareholders to resolve a corporate dispute .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. The General Prosecutor's Office has approved the indictment in case of Michael Calvey, founder of the Baring Vostok private equity firm, Varvara Knutova, lawyer of one of the defendants in the case, told TASS on Wednesday.
"According to our information, the prosecutor's office approved the indictment in the case of Calvey and other defendants. On Wednesday, the defense was summoned to familiarize themselves with it. At the next stage, the case will be submitted to the court for consideration on the merits," the lawyer said.
Baring Vostok’s case
In February 2019, Serzod Yusupov, a minority shareholder in Vostochny Bank filed a complaint with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). In addition, Artyom Avetisyan, another Vostochny shareholder, along with the deputy chairman of the bank’s board Konstantin Rogov testified against Michael Calvey.
Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case into the embezzlement of 2.5 bln rubles ($31.7 mln) from the Vostochny Bank on February 13. Michael Calvey is the key defendant in the case.
On February 15, law enforcement agencies arrested Calvey and five others: Vagan Abgaryan, Philippe Delpale, Ivan Zyuzin, Maxim Vladimirov and Alexey Kordichev. They are all facing charges under part 4 article 159 of Russia’s Criminal Code (fraud committed on a large scale by an organized group).
According to the initial version of the investigation, Calvey and his accomplices put together a scheme, where the "First Collection Bureau", under their control, waived its right to a 59.9% stake in a Luxembourg-based company called the International Financial Technology Group (IFTG), to the Vostochny bank to pay it back for a 2.5 billion-ruble debt. Before the deal, IFTG’s shares were valued at 3 bln rubles. However, the investigation is examining another estimate of 600,000 rubles (according to a Cyprus-based company’s valuation). That said, the Central Bank claimed that the price of these shares was close to zero, the investigator noted. The defense later challenged that appraisal of shares referring to lack of results of the financial expertise. Calvey denies all the charges and says that his prosecution is an illegal attempt of the Vostochny bank’s minority shareholders to resolve a corporate dispute.


tass--2020-10-28--Russia urges NATO to carefully study Putin’s INF proposal

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow urges NATO to carefully study Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s statement on de-escalating tension around the deployment of intermediate-and shorter range missiles and his proposal on mutual inspections of facilities that cause the parties ’ concern , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Wednesday .
`` We are urging at least to carefully study and analyze the Russian initiative for the beginning .
We are ready to explain our proposals .
We are still open for constructive work on minimizing the negative consequences of the collapse of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty on the basis of the principles of equal and indivisible security and the respect for the balance of the parties ’ interests .
We expect NATO members , in particular , Germany , to display responsibility , '' the ministry said .
Putin ’ s statement stipulates practical measures that would help remove the concerns of both Russia and NATO countries , the commentary says .
In this regard , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry called `` at least strange '' the claims by German Foreign Ministry Spokesman Andrea Sasse that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The statement by the German Foreign Ministry 's spokesman that Russia allegedly quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force Treaty at its sole discretion is `` fundamentally wrong , '' the commentary says .
`` Russia took no action to leave the treaty .
It was the United States that unilaterally pulled out of the agreement , thus terminating it .
In the meantime , Russia remained committed to the INF Treaty throughout its period of operation and systematically exerted efforts for preserving it up to the last moment .
For the sake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward a number of initiatives , which , if implemented , would have certainly allowed for preserving the treaty , '' Russia 's Foreign Ministry stressed .
The INF Treaty banning Moscow and Washington from possessing land-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 km to 5,500 km was signed in 1987 and was terminated in August 2019. in September 2019 , it was announced that Putin had put forward a proposal to the leaders of a number of countries , including NATO member states , to introduce a moratorium on deploying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the United States actually rejected this initiative .
On October 26 , Putin reaffirmed Russia ’ s commitment to the moratorium on deploying land-based intermediate-and shorter-range missiles as long as `` US-made missiles of similar classes are absent from the respective regions . ''
Putin also stressed the importance of Russia ’ s call on NATO countries for declaring a reciprocal moratorium and stated Moscow ’ s readiness `` for further steps to minimize the negative consequences of the INF Treaty ’ s collapse , based on the principles of equal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the parties ’ interests . ''
The Russian president also proposed specific measures for de-escalating the situation .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. Moscow urges NATO to carefully study Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement on de-escalating tension around the deployment of intermediate-and shorter range missiles and his proposal on mutual inspections of facilities that cause the parties’ concern, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on Wednesday.
"We are urging at least to carefully study and analyze the Russian initiative for the beginning. We are ready to explain our proposals. We are still open for constructive work on minimizing the negative consequences of the collapse of the INF [Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces] Treaty on the basis of the principles of equal and indivisible security and the respect for the balance of the parties’ interests. We expect NATO members, in particular, Germany, to display responsibility," the ministry said.
Putin’s statement stipulates practical measures that would help remove the concerns of both Russia and NATO countries, the commentary says.
In this regard, Russia’s Foreign Ministry called "at least strange" the claims by German Foreign Ministry Spokesman Andrea Sasse that there was nothing new in the Russian initiative.
The statement by the German Foreign Ministry's spokesman that Russia allegedly quit the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Force Treaty at its sole discretion is "fundamentally wrong," the commentary says.
"Russia took no action to leave the treaty. It was the United States that unilaterally pulled out of the agreement, thus terminating it. In the meantime, Russia remained committed to the INF Treaty throughout its period of operation and systematically exerted efforts for preserving it up to the last moment. For the sake of resolving the existing counter-claims, we put forward a number of initiatives, which, if implemented, would have certainly allowed for preserving the treaty," Russia's Foreign Ministry stressed.
The INF Treaty banning Moscow and Washington from possessing land-based ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 km to 5,500 km was signed in 1987 and was terminated in August 2019. in September 2019, it was announced that Putin had put forward a proposal to the leaders of a number of countries, including NATO member states, to introduce a moratorium on deploying such missiles in Europe and other regions but the United States actually rejected this initiative.
On October 26, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to the moratorium on deploying land-based intermediate-and shorter-range missiles as long as "US-made missiles of similar classes are absent from the respective regions."
Putin also stressed the importance of Russia’s call on NATO countries for declaring a reciprocal moratorium and stated Moscow’s readiness "for further steps to minimize the negative consequences of the INF Treaty’s collapse, based on the principles of equal and indivisible security and respect for the balance of the parties’ interests."
The Russian president also proposed specific measures for de-escalating the situation.


tass--2020-10-28--Volume of daily COVID-19 testing in Moscow increases by 79% over past 2 months

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of daily tests for the presence of the coronavirus in Moscow has surpassed the average volume of testing in Russia more than four times .
Over the past two months , this figure has increased by 79 % , the official website of the capital directorate of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Wednesday .
`` The scope of daily testing over the past two months has increased by 79 % and on October 25 , 2020 , was 687.9 per 100,000 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the average testing figures across the Russian Federation , '' the statement noted .
The site also reported that over the past three weeks the number of individuals hospitalized daily hasn ’ t changed .
The share of patients in serious and critical condition in the general structure of hospitalizations did not increase .
Over half of the hospitalizations are among people over 65 years of age .
`` The number of symptomless forms of the disease according to primary operating data increased 1.5 times and made up over half of all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing for the presence of the COVID-19 among population , '' the agency noted .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. The number of daily tests for the presence of the coronavirus in Moscow has surpassed the average volume of testing in Russia more than four times. Over the past two months, this figure has increased by 79%, the official website of the capital directorate of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing reported on Wednesday.
"The scope of daily testing over the past two months has increased by 79% and on October 25, 2020, was 687.9 per 100,000 of population which more than 4 times surpasses the average testing figures across the Russian Federation," the statement noted.
The site also reported that over the past three weeks the number of individuals hospitalized daily hasn’t changed. The share of patients in serious and critical condition in the general structure of hospitalizations did not increase. Over half of the hospitalizations are among people over 65 years of age.
"The number of symptomless forms of the disease according to primary operating data increased 1.5 times and made up over half of all the infected which is related to the large-scale testing for the presence of the COVID-19 among population," the agency noted.


tass--2020-10-28--Only two ministers from last Kyrgyz government held on to their posts

BISHKEK , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Only two ministers from the previous Kyrgyz cabinet headed by Kubatbek Boronov , @ @ @ @ @ crisis which engulfed the country after the recent presidential elections , managed to enter the @ @ @ @ @ to their positions .
The full list of the ministers picked by new Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ was published by his press service after the government members were sworn in .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov and members of the Kyrgyz government were sworn in @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Council ( unicameral parliament - TASS ) , '' the statement reads .
@ @ @ @ @ most ministers and executive power agency heads .
Only Economy Minister Sanjar Mukanbetov and Justice @ @ @ @

BISHKEK, October 28. /TASS/. Only two ministers from the previous Kyrgyz cabinet headed by Kubatbek Boronov, who resigned amid a political crisis which engulfed the country after the recent presidential elections, managed to enter the new government by holding on to their positions. The full list of the ministers picked by new Prime Minister and acting President Sadyr Japarov was published by his press service after the government members were sworn in.
"Acting President and Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov and members of the Kyrgyz government were sworn in at a plenary session of the Supreme Council (unicameral parliament - TASS)," the statement reads.
Currently, Kyrgyzstan has appointed most ministers and executive power agency heads. Only Economy Minister Sanjar Mukanbetov and Justice Minister Marat Jamankulov.


tass--2020-10-28--Moscow extends coronavirus measures for month, but decides against more restrictions

Among the restrictions re-imposed until November 29 are self-isolation for Moscow residents older than 65 , for those with chronic diseases , and pregnant women .
City employees were ordered to transfer 30 % of their staff to remote work .
Customers have to register with their phone number to enter late-night entertainment venues .
MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced on Wednesday that the current restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus spike would be extended until late November , adding that there was no need to tighten them , yet `` it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the `` check-in '' system would include the city government ’ s branches , but did not elaborate how it would operate .
Earlier , the city government suggested that registration would be needed to enter trading enterprises , but this is not in question so far .
Until Monday , November 9 , remote learning for school students of Grades 6-11 is extended , and the decision to prolong it or cancel could be made at the end of next week .
The control over mask-and glove-wearing requirements will not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough Sobyanin pointed out that the past two weeks could inspire `` cautious optimism '' and the authorities saw `` the first signs of improvement '' in the epidemiological situation , as the number of confirmed cases was growing slower than the number of coronavirus tests , while the number of hospitalized Moscow residents had stabilized at the level of 1,200 per day .
More than 5,000 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients , or twice the number compared to a previous month , are available in Moscow , so there is no need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained .
The growth rate of new COVID-19 cases has stabilized indeed in Moscow , as only 3,670 new cases were recorded in the city on Wednesday , which is a minimum since October 8 , and the number of patients undergoing treatment has increased by only 18 .
Nevertheless , the risk of the resurgence in COVID-19 cases can not be ruled out , Sobyanin admitted , pointing out that the situation would depend on both Moscow residents ’ behavior and objective factors , or on how fast herd immunity is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions .

Among the restrictions re-imposed until November 29 are self-isolation for Moscow residents older than 65, for those with chronic diseases, and pregnant women. City employees were ordered to transfer 30% of their staff to remote work. Customers have to register with their phone number to enter late-night entertainment venues.
MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced on Wednesday that the current restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus spike would be extended until late November, adding that there was no need to tighten them, yet "it is premature" to loosen them.
Sobyanin said that the "check-in" system would include the city government’s branches, but did not elaborate how it would operate. Earlier, the city government suggested that registration would be needed to enter trading enterprises, but this is not in question so far.
Until Monday, November 9, remote learning for school students of Grades 6-11 is extended, and the decision to prolong it or cancel could be made at the end of next week.
The control over mask-and glove-wearing requirements will not be weakened.
Better, but not enough
Sobyanin pointed out that the past two weeks could inspire "cautious optimism" and the authorities saw "the first signs of improvement" in the epidemiological situation, as the number of confirmed cases was growing slower than the number of coronavirus tests, while the number of hospitalized Moscow residents had stabilized at the level of 1,200 per day.
More than 5,000 hospital beds for COVID-19 patients, or twice the number compared to a previous month, are available in Moscow, so there is no need in reorganizing regular hospitals, the mayor explained.
The growth rate of new COVID-19 cases has stabilized indeed in Moscow, as only 3,670 new cases were recorded in the city on Wednesday, which is a minimum since October 8, and the number of patients undergoing treatment has increased by only 18.
Nevertheless, the risk of the resurgence in COVID-19 cases cannot be ruled out, Sobyanin admitted, pointing out that the situation would depend on both Moscow residents’ behavior and objective factors, or on how fast herd immunity is being formed and the impact from the neighboring regions.


tass--2020-10-28--Azerbaijan’s Aliyev thanks Turkey’s Erdogan for help in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

`` Your firm and unambiguous position on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict , your unwavering support of our cause are a shining example of our solidarity , which is very valuable for our people .
Azerbaijan , for its part , supports the brotherly Turkey in all matters , '' Aliyev said in his message to Erdogan , dedicated to the Day of the Republic national holiday , celebrated on October 29 .
BAKU , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev thanked his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his help in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in and around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Wednesday .
`` In recent years , your fraternal country has become a center of power by conducting an independent policy on a global scale , and by displaying comprehensive political , economic , social , military and technological development , '' Aliyev said .
`` The Azerbaijani-Turkish unity and strategic alliance , based on the will and common national and moral values of our people , are at its peak now , thanks to our joint effort . ''
`` I am certain that the unwavering Azerbaijani-Turkish unity and fraternity - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - will keep developing and strengthening in compliance with the ‘ one nation , two states ’ concept , '' Aliyev said .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 .
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia report killed and injured , including among civilians .
Ankara repeatedly stated its support of Baku and proposed assistance both at the negotiation table and on the battlefield .

"Your firm and unambiguous position on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, your unwavering support of our cause are a shining example of our solidarity, which is very valuable for our people. Azerbaijan, for its part, supports the brotherly Turkey in all matters," Aliyev said in his message to Erdogan, dedicated to the Day of the Republic national holiday, celebrated on October 29.
BAKU, October 28. /TASS/. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev thanked his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan for his help in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, Aliyev’s press service announced Wednesday.
"In recent years, your fraternal country has become a center of power by conducting an independent policy on a global scale, and by displaying comprehensive political, economic, social, military and technological development," Aliyev said. "The Azerbaijani-Turkish unity and strategic alliance, based on the will and common national and moral values of our people, are at its peak now, thanks to our joint effort."
"I am certain that the unwavering Azerbaijani-Turkish unity and fraternity - our greatest legacy for the upcoming generations - will keep developing and strengthening in compliance with the ‘one nation, two states’ concept," Aliyev said.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia report killed and injured, including among civilians. Ankara repeatedly stated its support of Baku and proposed assistance both at the negotiation table and on the battlefield.


tass--2020-10-28--Azerbaijan’s Aliyev says control seized of over 10 settlements in Nagorno-Karabakh

Turkish F-16 may be used in case of external aggression against Azerbaijan — Aliyev According to the head of state @ @ @ @ @ five to six '' Turkish F-16 jets in Azerbaijan

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--2020-10-28--Upgraded Ka-27 helicopters practice landings on latest frigate’s deck in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Upgraded Kamov Ka-27 shipborne anti-submarine warfare helicopters practiced take-offs and landings on the deck of the latest frigate Admiral Kasatonov in the Barents Sea , the Northern Fleet ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` The crews of four upgraded Ka-27 helicopters of the Northern Fleet ’ s separate shipborne helicopter anti-submarine warfare air regiment performed landings and take-offs from the helipad of the latest frigate Fleet Admiral Kasatonov in the Barents Sea , '' the press office said in a statement .
The pilots held their training immediately after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The helicopter crews made several landings on the ship ’ s deck while the frigate was on the move and adrift , the statement says .
A Ka-27 young pilot carried out his first landing onto and take-off from the frigate ’ s helipad on his own under the control of experienced pilots under the drills ’ program , the press office said .
The helicopter crews made flights to the area of the drills with the frigate Admiral Kasatonov in the Barents Sea from the home airfield of Severomorsk-1 .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they safely returned to their airbase , the statement says .
A Ka-27 helicopter developed by the Kamov Design Bureau is designated to detect , track and eliminate enemy submarines operating at depths of up to 500 meters and at speeds of up to 75 km/h in the search areas within 200 km from the carrier ship and at the Sea State as rough as 5 degrees , day and night and in any weather conditions .
A Ka-27 helicopter is capable of operating both from a coastal airfield and from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MURMANSK, October 28. /TASS/. Upgraded Kamov Ka-27 shipborne anti-submarine warfare helicopters practiced take-offs and landings on the deck of the latest frigate Admiral Kasatonov in the Barents Sea, the Northern Fleet’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"The crews of four upgraded Ka-27 helicopters of the Northern Fleet’s separate shipborne helicopter anti-submarine warfare air regiment performed landings and take-offs from the helipad of the latest frigate Fleet Admiral Kasatonov in the Barents Sea," the press office said in a statement.
The pilots held their training immediately after the frigate’s crew accomplished missile firings. The helicopter crews made several landings on the ship’s deck while the frigate was on the move and adrift, the statement says.
A Ka-27 young pilot carried out his first landing onto and take-off from the frigate’s helipad on his own under the control of experienced pilots under the drills’ program, the press office said.
The helicopter crews made flights to the area of the drills with the frigate Admiral Kasatonov in the Barents Sea from the home airfield of Severomorsk-1. After practicing all the training assignments at sea, they safely returned to their airbase, the statement says.
A Ka-27 helicopter developed by the Kamov Design Bureau is designated to detect, track and eliminate enemy submarines operating at depths of up to 500 meters and at speeds of up to 75 km/h in the search areas within 200 km from the carrier ship and at the Sea State as rough as 5 degrees, day and night and in any weather conditions.
A Ka-27 helicopter is capable of operating both from a coastal airfield and from a ship deck in all the geographical latitudes.


tass--2020-10-28--Putin urges to use every effort to implement common plan on national targets

NOVO-OGARYOVO , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin considers completion of drafting the common plan on reaching @ @ @ @ @ milestone .
`` That is a key , important milestone in our work , '' @ @ @ @ @ with cabinet members on Wednesday .
`` I expect us all to use every effort @ @ @ @ @ Putin added .
After reporting that drafting of the common plan for reaching national development @ @ @ @ @ planned period through 2030 has been completed , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted that all @ @ @ @ @ experts , parliamentarians were held as the document was drafted , adding that now it @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are ready to present it at the meeting of the President ’ @ @ @ @ @ and national projects as was requested , '' PM said .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin considers completion of drafting the common plan on reaching national development targets a key milestone.
"That is a key, important milestone in our work," he said at a meeting with cabinet members on Wednesday. "I expect us all to use every effort to implement it," Putin added.
After reporting that drafting of the common plan for reaching national development targets through 2024 and the planned period through 2030 has been completed, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted that all required consultations with businesses, experts, parliamentarians were held as the document was drafted, adding that now it will be submitted to President. "We are ready to present it at the meeting of the President’s Council on strategic development and national projects as was requested," PM said.


tass--2020-10-28--Sberbank CEO Gref certain the world will never get back to pre-covid life

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Sberbank CEO Herman Gref believes that the world will never get back to what he described as `` pre-covid life '' and that wearing medical masks will be obligatory from now on .
`` I do n't think we will be able to get back completely to the pre-covid life , '' Gref said in an interview the round-the-clock TV news channel Rossiya-24 aired on Wednesday .
`` COVID-19 has forced all of us to take extra precautions .
I am afraid , forever .
Wearing masks will be a basic trait of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a soar throat , I put on a mask , thus taking care not only of myself , but of all those around .
I 've never done that before .
Of course , there 's going to be a fundamental change of habits . ''
Gref believes that business models are undergoing considerable transformations , too .
Everybody is encouraged to shift to distance work , to obtain an ever larger amount of services via the Internet and so on and so forth .
`` The effects of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I find it hard to think of a parallel in terms of such a large-scale impact on all customary features of our life , '' he said .
The Sberbank CEO is certain that even amid the growing infection rates the situation in the country 's economy and in the health service will not worsen considerably .
`` The way I see it , everything is far clearer today than before .
I should say that our expectations are far more optimistic .
Even though there are no effective medications or mass vaccination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Gref said .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. Sberbank CEO Herman Gref believes that the world will never get back to what he described as "pre-covid life" and that wearing medical masks will be obligatory from now on.
"I don't think we will be able to get back completely to the pre-covid life," Gref said in an interview the round-the-clock TV news channel Rossiya-24 aired on Wednesday. "COVID-19 has forced all of us to take extra precautions. I am afraid, forever. Wearing masks will be a basic trait of our culture. Today, when I have a soar throat, I put on a mask, thus taking care not only of myself, but of all those around. I've never done that before. Of course, there's going to be a fundamental change of habits."
Gref believes that business models are undergoing considerable transformations, too. Everybody is encouraged to shift to distance work, to obtain an ever larger amount of services via the Internet and so on and so forth.
"The effects of the novel coronavirus are multifaceted and so deep, that I find it hard to think of a parallel in terms of such a large-scale impact on all customary features of our life," he said.
The Sberbank CEO is certain that even amid the growing infection rates the situation in the country's economy and in the health service will not worsen considerably.
"The way I see it, everything is far clearer today than before. I should say that our expectations are far more optimistic. Even though there are no effective medications or mass vaccination, nevertheless there is the invaluable experience," Gref said.


tass--2020-10-28--30% of Russians got flu shots, Deputy Prime Minister says

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
About 43.8 mln Russians got flu shots , this is almost a third @ @ @ @ @ population .
However , in some regions the inoculation is conducted in insufficient volumes , @ @ @ @ @ said at a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the members of the government @ @ @ @ @ date , 43.8 mln of our citizens have been inoculated , this is 30 % @ @ @ @ @ in a number of regions the situation with vaccination is different , it is conducted @ @ @ @ @ we also drew attention of the regions to this situation in order to achieve the @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. About 43.8 mln Russians got flu shots, this is almost a third of the country’s population. However, in some regions the inoculation is conducted in insufficient volumes, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the members of the government on Wednesday.
"To date, 43.8 mln of our citizens have been inoculated, this is 30% of our population. Yet in a number of regions the situation with vaccination is different, it is conducted at insufficient levels, and we also drew attention of the regions to this situation in order to achieve the values which were indicated," she said.


tass--2020-10-28--Belarusian police to use lethal weapons only in case of sabotage, terror attack

MINSK , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian police officers may use combat ( lethal ) weapons against protesters only in case of sabotage or terror attack , Belarusian Minister of the Interior Yuri Karayev said in an interview , published in Germany ’ s World Economy e-zine Wednesday .
`` Combat weapon could be used to stop criminals , when all other methods are already exhausted .
Use of weapons is possible only from the standpoint of legality and restoration of order .
Nobody says it could be used against peaceful protesters indiscriminately , '' the minister said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out sabotage or a terror attack , attacks police officers , < ... > of course , they must be stopped via any means at a police officer ’ s disposal - from physical force to combat weapon , '' the minister said .
Karayev pointed out that it is his job to convey the importance of preservation of a police officer ’ s life in case of an attack to his subordinates .
`` I keep asking : why a police officer only made a warning shot after he had been on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several minutes already , including attempted gun grab ?
[ … ] I understand that our officers were not ready to kill compatriots .
We ’ ve been getting off to a slow start for 26 years .
And it bit us when the situation changed dramatically .
It is my job now , to convey to every district policeman that their life depends on how fast they can reach for their gun and decide that they are being killed already , and the time for persuasion is over . ''
The minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers will be thwarted decisively .
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election .
According to the Central Election Commission ’ s official results , incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide , garnering 80.10 % of the vote .
His closest rival in the race , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , came in second , with 10.12 % of the ballot .
However , she refused to recognize the election ’ s outcome , and left Belarus for Lithuania .
After the results of the exit polls were announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities .
During the early post-election period , the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police .
The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition ’ s Coordination Council , which has been beating the drum for more protests .
In response , the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped .

MINSK, October 28. /TASS/. Belarusian police officers may use combat (lethal) weapons against protesters only in case of sabotage or terror attack, Belarusian Minister of the Interior Yuri Karayev said in an interview, published in Germany’s World Economy e-zine Wednesday.
"Combat weapon could be used to stop criminals, when all other methods are already exhausted. Use of weapons is possible only from the standpoint of legality and restoration of order. Nobody says it could be used against peaceful protesters indiscriminately," the minister said. "[If] a person carries out sabotage or a terror attack, attacks police officers, <...> of course, they must be stopped via any means at a police officer’s disposal - from physical force to combat weapon," the minister said.
Karayev pointed out that it is his job to convey the importance of preservation of a police officer’s life in case of an attack to his subordinates.
"I keep asking: why a police officer only made a warning shot after he had been on a receiving end of a beating for several minutes already, including attempted gun grab? […] I understand that our officers were not ready to kill compatriots. We’ve been getting off to a slow start for 26 years. And it bit us when the situation changed dramatically. It is my job now, to convey to every district policeman that their life depends on how fast they can reach for their gun and decide that they are being killed already, and the time for persuasion is over."
The minister underscored that all attempted attacks on police officers will be thwarted decisively.
Nationwide demonstrations have engulfed Belarus following the August 9 presidential election. According to the Central Election Commission’s official results, incumbent President Alexander Lukashenko won by a landslide, garnering 80.10% of the vote. His closest rival in the race, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, came in second, with 10.12% of the ballot. However, she refused to recognize the election’s outcome, and left Belarus for Lithuania. After the results of the exit polls were announced late on August 9, mass protests erupted in downtown Minsk and other Belarusian cities. During the early post-election period, the rallies snowballed into fierce clashes between the protesters and police. The current unrest is being cheered on by the opposition’s Coordination Council, which has been beating the drum for more protests. In response, the Belarusian authorities have castigated the ongoing turmoil and demanded that these unauthorized demonstrations be stopped.


tass--2020-10-28--Dutch court removes judge as requested by Ukraine in Scythian gold case

Kiev succeeded in its second attempt to recuse the judge as Oranje ’ s objectivity was questioned in light of the fact that he represented interests of a Russian company 10 years ago and used to work closely with the lawyers who are now defending interests of Crimean museums in the case .
Kiev ’ s first attempt failed last year , while reports that Ukraine obtained new evidence emerged this past July .
The Amsterdam Court of Appeal dealt with the request and backed the Ukrainian side .
According to the court , Oranje provided partial or incorrect information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first recusal hearing which undermined trust in the judge and could not guarantee impartiality .
`` We think it is the right decision [ to recuse the judge ] , '' lawyer Maarten Sanders , who represents Ukraine , told TASS .
`` As the court said , there are too many things where his testimony appeared to be unreliable .
He may not have done it on purpose but it ’ s too much .
So , there is reason for you to have sufficient doubt about his impartiality , and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` We will have to wait for the court in the main proceeding , it will be repositioned , and they will say how the proceedings will continue . ''
the lawyer added .
`` The [ provisional ] decision is still there but I assume we will have an opportunity to argue about it if we feel the need .
So , the new court may revisit the things that have been decided . ''
The Scythian Gold collection of over 2,000 items was put on view at the Allard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February 2014 when Crimea was still part of Ukraine .
However , after the peninsula reunited with Russia in March 2014 , an uncertainty over the collection arose as both Russia and Ukraine claimed the exhibits .
In this regard , the University of Amsterdam suspended the handover until either the dispute is legally resolved or the parties come to terms .
The Central Museum of Tavrida , the Kerch Historical and Cultural Preserve , the Bakhchysarai Historical and Cultural Preserve and the Chersonesus Historical and Cultural Preserve are among the museums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided for the exhibition by a Kiev museum , were returned to Ukraine .
Both Ukraine and Crimea consider the collection to be part of their cultural heritage .
The Crimean museums are fearful that if the collection returns to Ukraine they will never get it back , so they demand that the collection be returned to them in accordance with their loan agreement with the Allard Pierson Museum .
In December 2016 , the Amsterdam District Court ruled that the Scythian gold treasures be returned to Ukraine .
Crimea ’ s museums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Amsterdam Court of Appeal later postponed the verdict in the case , emphasizing the need for the parties to provide additional information , particularly on property rights .

Kiev succeeded in its second attempt to recuse the judge as Oranje’s objectivity was questioned in light of the fact that he represented interests of a Russian company 10 years ago and used to work closely with the lawyers who are now defending interests of Crimean museums in the case. Kiev’s first attempt failed last year, while reports that Ukraine obtained new evidence emerged this past July.
The Amsterdam Court of Appeal dealt with the request and backed the Ukrainian side. According to the court, Oranje provided partial or incorrect information on a number of issues in the first recusal hearing which undermined trust in the judge and could not guarantee impartiality.
"We think it is the right decision [to recuse the judge]," lawyer Maarten Sanders, who represents Ukraine, told TASS. "As the court said, there are too many things where his testimony appeared to be unreliable. He may not have done it on purpose but it’s too much. So, there is reason for you to have sufficient doubt about his impartiality, and for that reason we need to recuse him."
"We will have to wait for the court in the main proceeding, it will be repositioned, and they will say how the proceedings will continue." the lawyer added. "The [provisional] decision is still there but I assume we will have an opportunity to argue about it if we feel the need. So, the new court may revisit the things that have been decided."
Six years of hearings
The Scythian Gold collection of over 2,000 items was put on view at the Allard Pierson Museum of the University of Amsterdam in February 2014 when Crimea was still part of Ukraine. However, after the peninsula reunited with Russia in March 2014, an uncertainty over the collection arose as both Russia and Ukraine claimed the exhibits. In this regard, the University of Amsterdam suspended the handover until either the dispute is legally resolved or the parties come to terms.
The Central Museum of Tavrida, the Kerch Historical and Cultural Preserve, the Bakhchysarai Historical and Cultural Preserve and the Chersonesus Historical and Cultural Preserve are among the museums whose items remain in Amsterdam. Items provided for the exhibition by a Kiev museum, were returned to Ukraine in September 2014.
Both Ukraine and Crimea consider the collection to be part of their cultural heritage. The Crimean museums are fearful that if the collection returns to Ukraine they will never get it back, so they demand that the collection be returned to them in accordance with their loan agreement with the Allard Pierson Museum.
In December 2016, the Amsterdam District Court ruled that the Scythian gold treasures be returned to Ukraine. Crimea’s museums filed an appeal against the decision. The Amsterdam Court of Appeal later postponed the verdict in the case, emphasizing the need for the parties to provide additional information, particularly on property rights.


tass--2020-10-28--Regions should stay ready to convert hospital beds to COVID-19 patients, Putin warns

NOVO-OGARYOVO , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
`` We would not like '' to reorganize hospital units to treat COVID-19 patients , but regional governors will have to make those decisions if necessary , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday .
`` If more beds are to be put up , it must be done in case something needs to be reorganized .
Certainly , we would not like to , since the work should be done in the current mode .
However , but if there is such a need , will you please evaluate this necessity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with your specialists , stay in touch with them during this period and make relevant decisions ? ''
the president told regional governors at the Wednesday meeting with cabinet members .
Putin recalled that in certain regions about 95 % of the hospital beds are already occupied .
According to the president , not only has the coronavirus pandemic caused the problem , but also the current surge of flu and cold cases .
`` I want to ask the heads of the regions of the Russian Federation , we follow , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation ] in each region , we are helping and will be helping , but please do not forget about your responsibility and about what you should do at the soonest possible time .
We must take very seriously what has to be done right now , '' the president emphasized .
To date , 1,563,976 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,171,301 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 26,935 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, October 28. /TASS/. "We would not like" to reorganize hospital units to treat COVID-19 patients, but regional governors will have to make those decisions if necessary, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"If more beds are to be put up, it must be done in case something needs to be reorganized. Certainly, we would not like to, since the work should be done in the current mode. However, but if there is such a need, will you please evaluate this necessity and consult with specialists of the Health Ministry, with your specialists, stay in touch with them during this period and make relevant decisions?" the president told regional governors at the Wednesday meeting with cabinet members.
Putin recalled that in certain regions about 95% of the hospital beds are already occupied. According to the president, not only has the coronavirus pandemic caused the problem, but also the current surge of flu and cold cases.
"I want to ask the heads of the regions of the Russian Federation, we follow, as Tatyana Golikova said, [the situation] in each region, we are helping and will be helping, but please do not forget about your responsibility and about what you should do at the soonest possible time. We must take very seriously what has to be done right now," the president emphasized.
To date, 1,563,976 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,171,301 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 26,935 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-10-28--Urals army aviation brigade beefed up with world’s largest Mi-26 transport helicopter

YEKATERINBURG , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
The world ’ s largest serial-produced Mil Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter arrived for a squadron of the Central Military District ’ s army aviation brigade stationed in the Chelyabinsk Region , the District ’ s press office reported on Wednesday .
`` The Mi-26 crew and the formation ’ s ground personnel received the combat vehicle at the manufacturing factory in the Rostov Region where the helicopter had undergone profound maintenance and its assemblies , systems and navigation equipment had been upgraded , '' the press office said in a statement .
Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a distance of over 2,000 km with two re-fueling operations and arrived at the home airfield .
The helicopter entered service with the transport helicopter unit and completed the unit ’ s formation , the statement says .
A Mi-26 heavy multi-purpose transport helicopter is the world ’ s largest serial-produced transport chopper with a maximum take-off weight of 56 tonnes and a lifting capacity of 20 tonnes .
The helicopter can transport up to 70 paratroopers or 85 passengers .
The Urals army aviation brigade was set up on December 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gunships , Mi-8MTV5-1 transport and combat helicopters and the world ’ s biggest Mi-26 heavy transport and air assault rotorcraft .

YEKATERINBURG, October 28. /TASS/. The world’s largest serial-produced Mil Mi-26 heavy transport helicopter arrived for a squadron of the Central Military District’s army aviation brigade stationed in the Chelyabinsk Region, the District’s press office reported on Wednesday.
"The Mi-26 crew and the formation’s ground personnel received the combat vehicle at the manufacturing factory in the Rostov Region where the helicopter had undergone profound maintenance and its assemblies, systems and navigation equipment had been upgraded," the press office said in a statement.
Following this, the pilots made a flight to a distance of over 2,000 km with two re-fueling operations and arrived at the home airfield. The helicopter entered service with the transport helicopter unit and completed the unit’s formation, the statement says.
A Mi-26 heavy multi-purpose transport helicopter is the world’s largest serial-produced transport chopper with a maximum take-off weight of 56 tonnes and a lifting capacity of 20 tonnes. The helicopter can transport up to 70 paratroopers or 85 passengers.
The Urals army aviation brigade was set up on December 1, 2018. The brigade operates Mi-24P gunships, Mi-8MTV5-1 transport and combat helicopters and the world’s biggest Mi-26 heavy transport and air assault rotorcraft.


tass--2020-10-28--179 Organizations Worldwide Call on Google to Ban Apps that Encourage Smoking and Vaping

WASHINGTON , Oct. 28 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids today along with 179 organizations from 62 countries called on Google to adopt a new policy prohibiting applications that encourage the purchase or consumption of smoking and vaping products in the Google Play store and to remove all current apps promoting smoking or vaping from Google Play .
Apple , Amazon and many other companies have already adopted similar policies that prohibit the promotion of tobacco or vaping products .
Following a November 2019 announcement by Apple that the company would prohibit and remove apps promoting use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related apps were removed from the Apple Store .
In a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai , the groups stated , `` In recent years , tobacco companies have increasingly used technology platforms to target young people .
Over the last few months , tobacco and nicotine companies have exploited the COVID-19 crisis to market and promote special online and mobile delivery application offers for their harmful products .
Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco have flooded Instagram and Facebook with ads for cigarettes like Marlboro and Lucky Strike and heated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Juul has fueled a youth e-cigarette epidemic in the U.S. , driven by the company 's `` patently youth-oriented '' social media advertising . ''
`` Time is truly of the essence to protect the next generation from the global tobacco epidemic and we urge you to act immediately , '' the letter concludes .
The letter highlights several of the apps currently available in the Google Play store that promote smoking and vaping .
These include apps that provide users with directions to create vape liquids , as well as apps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marlboro cigarettes .
`` Google has already acknowledged its responsibility not to promote the use of tobacco products by youth when it prohibited ads for tobacco and e-cigarettes in its search engine , but it has left open a loophole that is undermining this goal , '' said Matthew L. Myers , president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids .
`` Google needs to remove the remaining apps that encourage purchase and use of tobacco products by youth . ''
Tobacco use is the world 's leading cause of preventable death and kills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Without urgent action , tobacco use will kill one billion people this century .

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids today along with 179 organizations from 62 countries called on Google to adopt a new policy prohibiting applications that encourage the purchase or consumption of smoking and vaping products in the Google Play store and to remove all current apps promoting smoking or vaping from Google Play.
Apple, Amazon and many other companies have already adopted similar policies that prohibit the promotion of tobacco or vaping products. Following a November 2019 announcement by Apple that the company would prohibit and remove apps promoting use of tobacco and e-cigarette products, nearly 200 related apps were removed from the Apple Store.
In a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the groups stated, "In recent years, tobacco companies have increasingly used technology platforms to target young people. Over the last few months, tobacco and nicotine companies have exploited the COVID-19 crisis to market and promote special online and mobile delivery application offers for their harmful products. Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco have flooded Instagram and Facebook with ads for cigarettes like Marlboro and Lucky Strike and heated cigarettes like IQOS and Glo. Similarly, Juul has fueled a youth e-cigarette epidemic in the U.S., driven by the company's "patently youth-oriented" social media advertising."
"Time is truly of the essence to protect the next generation from the global tobacco epidemic and we urge you to act immediately," the letter concludes.
The letter highlights several of the apps currently available in the Google Play store that promote smoking and vaping. These include apps that provide users with directions to create vape liquids, as well as apps produced by Altria that promote coupons for Marlboro cigarettes.
"Google has already acknowledged its responsibility not to promote the use of tobacco products by youth when it prohibited ads for tobacco and e-cigarettes in its search engine, but it has left open a loophole that is undermining this goal," said Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Google needs to remove the remaining apps that encourage purchase and use of tobacco products by youth."
Tobacco use is the world's leading cause of preventable death and kills eight million people worldwide each year. Without urgent action, tobacco use will kill one billion people this century.


tass--2020-10-28--Crack aboard ISS could have emerged due to space station’s natural wear, says cosmonaut

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
The crack found aboard the International Space Station ( ISS ) and the air leak it caused may be evidence of the orbital outpost ’ s natural wear and tear after 20 years of operation , cosmonaut Ivan Vagner said at a post-flight press conference on Wednesday .
`` Twenty years are actually an absolute record for all space stations now .
And we see now that something is changing and something requires greater [ attention ] .
Again , if we go back to the leak , the hull is already beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is , we see the limits [ of the ISS structure ’ s service life ] , '' the cosmonaut said .
The cosmonaut said , however , Russian space agency Roscosmos specialists had the understanding that the term of the space station ’ s operation could be extended .
The experience of operating the ISS will allow forecasting the service life of future space stations and determine the nature of the materials they will be made of , the Russian cosmonaut said .
A source told TASS in August that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working on tracing an air leak aboard the orbital outpost .
Later , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos confirmed this information .
The ISS crew reported to Russia ’ s Flight Control Center on the morning of October 15 that the cosmonauts had found the possible air leak spot in the inter-section compartment of the Zvezda module with the help of a tea bag .
As the cosmonauts said , the air was possibly leaking through a fracture .
The crack was no more than 4 cm wide and posed no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety , Roscosmos specified .
Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin said at a post-flight press conference on Wednesday the air leak spot looked more like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 cm long .
The air leak spot has now been sealed with temporary means .
Meanwhile , a source in the space industry told TASS that the air leak would be fully eliminated after the Soyuz MS-16 spacecraft ’ s landing .
As the source explained , this measure was required to make some measurements with the closed hatches .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. The crack found aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the air leak it caused may be evidence of the orbital outpost’s natural wear and tear after 20 years of operation, cosmonaut Ivan Vagner said at a post-flight press conference on Wednesday.
"Twenty years are actually an absolute record for all space stations now. And we see now that something is changing and something requires greater [attention]. Again, if we go back to the leak, the hull is already beginning to give cracks and scratches somewhere, that is, we see the limits [of the ISS structure’s service life]," the cosmonaut said.
The cosmonaut said, however, Russian space agency Roscosmos specialists had the understanding that the term of the space station’s operation could be extended.
The experience of operating the ISS will allow forecasting the service life of future space stations and determine the nature of the materials they will be made of, the Russian cosmonaut said.
A source told TASS in August that the space station’s Russian-American crew was working on tracing an air leak aboard the orbital outpost. Later, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos confirmed this information.
The ISS crew reported to Russia’s Flight Control Center on the morning of October 15 that the cosmonauts had found the possible air leak spot in the inter-section compartment of the Zvezda module with the help of a tea bag. As the cosmonauts said, the air was possibly leaking through a fracture. The crack was no more than 4 cm wide and posed no threat to the space station’s safety, Roscosmos specified.
Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin said at a post-flight press conference on Wednesday the air leak spot looked more like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 cm long.
The air leak spot has now been sealed with temporary means. Meanwhile, a source in the space industry told TASS that the air leak would be fully eliminated after the Soyuz MS-16 spacecraft’s landing. As the source explained, this measure was required to make some measurements with the closed hatches.


tass--2020-10-28--COVID-19 antibodies developed by people over 60 after vaccination may be less effective

MOSCOW , October 28 .
/TASS/ .
People over 60 will develop COVID-19 antibodies after vaccination , however , they may be less effective than those produced by younger people , head of the Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg told TASS on Wednesday .
On October 13 , the Russian Health Ministry ’ s press service informed that the ministry had approved separate clinical trials of the Russian `` Sputnik-V '' COVID-19 vaccine on people over 60 years of age .
`` Vaccination has definitely started , a certain number of people aged 60 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinated .
We do not expect anything out of the ordinary , there will be no additional side effects , they will develop antibodies .
The only thing is to what extent the antibodies will neutralize the virus : younger people develop antibodies that interact with the virus very well , while the elderly develop antibodies that interact with the virus much less - dozens or even hundreds times less , '' Gintsburg explained .
The expert added that the elderly may develop the same side effects as younger people after vaccination : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and muscle ache .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine , which was named `` Sputnik V. '' Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials .
It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines .
On September 9 , first volunteers got the vaccine shot within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40,000 volunteers are taking part in the trials , 10,000 of whom will receive a placebo .

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. People over 60 will develop COVID-19 antibodies after vaccination, however, they may be less effective than those produced by younger people, head of the Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg told TASS on Wednesday.
On October 13, the Russian Health Ministry’s press service informed that the ministry had approved separate clinical trials of the Russian "Sputnik-V" COVID-19 vaccine on people over 60 years of age.
"Vaccination has definitely started, a certain number of people aged 60, 70, maybe even 80 has been vaccinated. We do not expect anything out of the ordinary, there will be no additional side effects, they will develop antibodies. The only thing is to what extent the antibodies will neutralize the virus: younger people develop antibodies that interact with the virus very well, while the elderly develop antibodies that interact with the virus much less - dozens or even hundreds times less," Gintsburg explained.
The expert added that the elderly may develop the same side effects as younger people after vaccination: an increase in body temperature, headache and muscle ache.
On August 11, Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine, which was named "Sputnik V." Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the N. F. Gamaleya Federal Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology had shown its effectiveness and safety on the outcomes of clinical trials. It was created on a platform that had been used for the development of a number of other vaccines. On September 9, first volunteers got the vaccine shot within the post-registration trials stage. In total, 40,000 volunteers are taking part in the trials, 10,000 of whom will receive a placebo.


tass--2020-10-29--‘Cautious on non-traditional things’: Putin comments on same-sex marriages, demographics

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
When replying to a question leading to the topic of same-sex marriages , @ @ @ @ @ being ‘ cautious ’ on the subject , though he emphasized that he treats the @ @ @ @ @ , as he himself said at the Russia Calling !
Forum on Thursday .
In @ @ @ @ @ the possibility of introducing non-traditional methods into Russia ’ s monetary policy , the head @ @ @ @ @ `` We are a bit cautious about all non-traditional things but we also have an @ @ @ @ @ `` That includes non-traditional marriages , '' he added .
`` When I say ‘ @ @ @ @ @ would like people to focus on this word .
We have an understanding but we @ @ @ @ @ head of state , I must tackle the demographic problem and as everyone knows , @ @ @ @ @ produce children , '' Putin said with a smile .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. When replying to a question leading to the topic of same-sex marriages, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted being ‘cautious’ on the subject, though he emphasized that he treats the topic with ‘understanding’, as he himself said at the Russia Calling! Forum on Thursday.
In response to a question about the possibility of introducing non-traditional methods into Russia’s monetary policy, the head of state pointed out: "We are a bit cautious about all non-traditional things but we also have an understanding for them."
"That includes non-traditional marriages," he added. "When I say ‘an understanding,’ I would like people to focus on this word. We have an understanding but we are cautious because as the head of state, I must tackle the demographic problem and as everyone knows, non-traditional marriages don’t produce children," Putin said with a smile.
The president noted that discussions on monetary policy tools were underway in Russia. "In this area, non-traditional regulatory tools can be effective in certain cases," Putin admitted. "Are they applicable to our economy at this particular moment? That remains to be seen," he noted.
Putin went on to say that the Russian authorities "are keeping a close eye on developments in some countries to figure out which tools are being used and how effective they are." According to him, "many central banks do purchase government bonds." "I was told recently that the [United States’] Federal Reserve System, for instance, is buying the debt obligations of major US companies, we need to check if it’s true but in our view, it’s not the main task of financial market regulators, the Russian Central Bank included," Putin said.
In his view, "it’s relevant if there is a lack of development resources." In this regard, the Russian head of state mentioned Chile and Poland. "We can see no negative consequences so far, it’s true, we are keeping a close eye on that but Poland’s budget deficit stands at about 10%," Putin stressed, adding that Russia’s budget deficit "is half the size and is expected to halve to 2.4% next year."


tass--2020-10-29--Both Russian COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective, says Putin

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Both Russian COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective , Russian President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ VTB Capital Investment Forum `` Russia Calling ! ''
.
`` The most important thing @ @ @ @ @ be safe and effective .
And both these requirements are met in both cases , @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A third vaccine is on the way , '' he added .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Both Russian COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during the VTB Capital Investment Forum "Russia Calling!".
"The most important thing is that the vaccine must be safe and effective. And both these requirements are met in both cases," the Russian leader stressed. "A third vaccine is on the way," he added.


tass--2020-10-29--Security officer of French consulate in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah injured in attack

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
A security officer of the French consulate in Saudi city of Jeddah was @ @ @ @ @ armed with a sharp object , Sky News Arabia reported Thursday .
The attacker has @ @ @ @ @ police said , adding that he is a `` subject of the kingdom of Saudi @ @ @ @ @ the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia , a `` private security company employee '' was @ @ @ @ @ was hospitalized , and his condition `` causes no concerns . ''
The French Embassy @ @ @ @ @ called on French citizens in Saudi Arabia to exercise maximum caution .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. A security officer of the French consulate in Saudi city of Jeddah was injured by an unidentified man armed with a sharp object, Sky News Arabia reported Thursday.
The attacker has been apprehended, the local police said, adding that he is a "subject of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
According to the French Embassy in Saudi Arabia, a "private security company employee" was attacked in Jeddah. He was hospitalized, and his condition "causes no concerns."
The French Embassy decisively condemned this attack and called on French citizens in Saudi Arabia to exercise maximum caution.