tass--2020-10-30--Moldovan authorities, OSCE mission to team up to ensure security during election

CHISINAU , October 29./TASS/ .
The government of Moldova and the OSCE Mission to Moldova will coordinate their activity to ensure security during the voting of residents of the unrecognized republic of Transnistria at the upcoming presidential election , says a report circulated after a meeting of Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Cristina Lesnik and the head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova , Claus Neukirch .
The sides also discussed priorities for a possible meeting in the 5+2 format ( Moldova , Transnistria , the OSCE , Russia , Ukraine and observers from the US and the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in the Security Zone and at ammunition depots in Cobasna .
Earlier , the Transnistrian delegation in the Joint Control Commission made a statement about a possible destabilization in the Security Zone on the day of the presidential election .
It was noted that unidentified people were spreading leaflets with an appeal to prevent Transnistria ’ s residents with Moldovan passports from voting in the Moldovan presidential election .
The Transnistrian conflict erupted in March 1992 , when initial clashes occurred between Moldovan police and Transnistrian militia near the city of Dubossary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of armed hostilities .
By the summer , it had morphed into a large-scale conflict in Bendery , where about 1,000 people were killed and tens of thousands were wounded and ended up as refugees .
The civil war was brought to an end following a peace agreement signed in Moscow in July 1992 and Russian peacekeepers were brought into the conflict zone .
Negotiations on peacefully settling the conflict known as the 5+2 format talks had started after that .

CHISINAU, October 29./TASS/. The government of Moldova and the OSCE Mission to Moldova will coordinate their activity to ensure security during the voting of residents of the unrecognized republic of Transnistria at the upcoming presidential election, says a report circulated after a meeting of Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Cristina Lesnik and the head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, Claus Neukirch.
The sides also discussed priorities for a possible meeting in the 5+2 format (Moldova, Transnistria, the OSCE, Russia, Ukraine and observers from the US and the European Union) before the yearend, the situation in the Security Zone and at ammunition depots in Cobasna.
Earlier, the Transnistrian delegation in the Joint Control Commission made a statement about a possible destabilization in the Security Zone on the day of the presidential election. It was noted that unidentified people were spreading leaflets with an appeal to prevent Transnistria’s residents with Moldovan passports from voting in the Moldovan presidential election.
Moldova’s Transnistrian quagmire
The Transnistrian conflict erupted in March 1992, when initial clashes occurred between Moldovan police and Transnistrian militia near the city of Dubossary. They were followed by an outbreak of armed hostilities. By the summer, it had morphed into a large-scale conflict in Bendery, where about 1,000 people were killed and tens of thousands were wounded and ended up as refugees.
The civil war was brought to an end following a peace agreement signed in Moscow in July 1992 and Russian peacekeepers were brought into the conflict zone. Negotiations on peacefully settling the conflict known as the 5+2 format talks had started after that.


tass--2020-10-30--Moscow records another 69 coronavirus deaths

MOSCOW , October 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow recorded 69 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours , the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ statement on Thursday .
`` Another 69 patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested @ @ @ @ @ died in Moscow , '' the statement reads .
The city ’ s overall coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
Moscow , which has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide , has recently @ @ @ @ @ .
The city has so far recorded 413,928 cases , with 4,906 patients identified in @ @ @ @ @ total of 303,831 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow .

MOSCOW, October 30. /TASS/. Moscow recorded 69 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, the coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Thursday.
"Another 69 patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for the coronavirus have died in Moscow," the statement reads.
The city’s overall coronavirus death toll has reached 6,713.
Moscow, which has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide, has recently seen a rise in infections.
The city has so far recorded 413,928 cases, with 4,906 patients identified in the past day. A total of 303,831 coronavirus patients have recovered in Moscow.


tass--2020-10-29--WHO registers over 479,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours worldwide

GENEVA , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
The number of the confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 44 mln , rising over 24 hours by more than 479,000 .
This is the second highest increase in incidence after a record high registered on October 24 ( over 489,000 ) , according to the data of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) published on Thursday .
As of 19:15 Moscow time on October 29 , the WHO received reports of 44,351,506 infections and 1,171,255 fatalities .
The number of infections over 24 hours has increased by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The WHO statistics takes into account only officially confirmed data on incidence and fatalities submitted by the states .
In the European region , over 24 hours , the WHO detected 239,085 new cases of COVID-19 .
North and South America are in the second place ( 143,411 cases ) with Southeast Asia in the third place ( 59,127 ) .
According to the WHO , as of October 29 , the majority of the infections were recorded in the US - 8,683,298 , followed by India ( 8,040,203 ) , Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , France ( 1,203,068 ) , Spain ( 1,136,503 ) , Argentina ( 1,116,609 ) , Colombia ( 1,033,218 ) , Great Britain ( 942,279 ) , Mexico ( 901,268 ) , Peru ( 892,497 ) and South Africa ( 719,714 ) .

GENEVA, October 29. /TASS/. The number of the confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection worldwide has surpassed 44 mln, rising over 24 hours by more than 479,000. This is the second highest increase in incidence after a record high registered on October 24 (over 489,000), according to the data of the World Health Organization (WHO) published on Thursday.
As of 19:15 Moscow time on October 29, the WHO received reports of 44,351,506 infections and 1,171,255 fatalities. The number of infections over 24 hours has increased by 479,417 while the fatalities rose by 7,126. The WHO statistics takes into account only officially confirmed data on incidence and fatalities submitted by the states.
In the European region, over 24 hours, the WHO detected 239,085 new cases of COVID-19. North and South America are in the second place (143,411 cases) with Southeast Asia in the third place (59,127).
According to the WHO, as of October 29, the majority of the infections were recorded in the US - 8,683,298, followed by India (8,040,203), Brazil (5,439,641), Russia (1,581,693), France (1,203,068), Spain (1,136,503), Argentina (1,116,609), Colombia (1,033,218), Great Britain (942,279), Mexico (901,268), Peru (892,497) and South Africa (719,714).


tass--2020-10-29--Lavrov, Bosnian Serb leader discuss implementation of Dayton Agreement

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik held a telephone conversation on Thursday , discussing bilateral matters and the implementation of the Dayton Agreement , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday .
`` Since Sergey Lavrov ’ s working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina , scheduled for October 28 , had to be delayed , the parties discussed bilateral issues and matters concerning the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina ( the Dayton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to revise the document , which is crucial for security in the Balkans and has to be respected by everyone , including EU members and NATO , '' the statement reads .
The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina ( the Dayton Agreement ) was reached in Dayton , United States , on November 1 , 1995 , and signed in Paris on December 14 , 1995 .
The agreement , which put an end to the Bosnian War , particularly concerns the state structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina and @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Milorad Dodik held a telephone conversation on Thursday, discussing bilateral matters and the implementation of the Dayton Agreement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
"Since Sergey Lavrov’s working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, scheduled for October 28, had to be delayed, the parties discussed bilateral issues and matters concerning the implementation of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Dayton Agreement) and ways to oppose attempts to revise the document, which is crucial for security in the Balkans and has to be respected by everyone, including EU members and NATO," the statement reads.
The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Dayton Agreement) was reached in Dayton, United States, on November 1, 1995, and signed in Paris on December 14, 1995. The agreement, which put an end to the Bosnian War, particularly concerns the state structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina and various aspects of the settlement process.


tass--2020-10-29--Lukashenko calls to be ready to react to threats from NATO

MINSK , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
It is actually important to still be ready to adequately react to possible external threats despite US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s assurances of no threat from NATO , Poland and Lithuania , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday .
`` We must understand that NATO has not gone quiet there beyond our border , no matter what they say , '' he said , according to BelTA news agency .
In this regard , the president mentioned his recent phone talk with Mike Pompeo , noting that Pompeo `` demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warm , kind conversation . ''
`` But I told him straightforwardly , like a friend : ‘ Mike , I do realize what is going on.
’ And I warned him : if someone as much as makes a move in Poland , Lithuania , and , maybe , Ukraine… [ … ] well , we will respond , '' Lukashenko said , adding that the Secretary of State assured him that `` there will be no such threats and there can not be any . ''
`` And I say : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear it , but we must react , '' the President said .
According to Lukashenko , `` one must not self-soothe on the account that they , the Poles , need the entire Belarus . ''
`` You know , even if the entire NATO enters Belarus , they won ’ t get it .
Even if we end up alone , they won ’ t get it .
We will all die for our country , god forbid .
They must know that , '' Lukashenko said .

MINSK, October 29. /TASS/. It is actually important to still be ready to adequately react to possible external threats despite US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s assurances of no threat from NATO, Poland and Lithuania, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday.
"We must understand that NATO has not gone quiet there beyond our border, no matter what they say," he said, according to BelTA news agency.
In this regard, the president mentioned his recent phone talk with Mike Pompeo, noting that Pompeo "demanded nothing, and it was a very warm, kind conversation."
"But I told him straightforwardly, like a friend: ‘Mike, I do realize what is going on.’ And I warned him: if someone as much as makes a move in Poland, Lithuania, and, maybe, Ukraine… […] well, we will respond," Lukashenko said, adding that the Secretary of State assured him that "there will be no such threats and there cannot be any."
"And I say: okay, I hear you. We hear it, but we must react," the President said.
According to Lukashenko, "one must not self-soothe on the account that they, the Poles, need the entire Belarus."
"You know, even if the entire NATO enters Belarus, they won’t get it. Even if we end up alone, they won’t get it. We will all die for our country, god forbid. They must know that," Lukashenko said.


tass--2020-10-29--In Germany, car rams into group of passersby with one person killed, three injured

BERLIN , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
An automobile has rammed into a group of pedestrians in Germany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ of North Rhine-Westphalia ) with one person killed and at least three seriously injured , @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
The incident occurred around 16:36 ( 18:36 Moscow time ) .
According to @ @ @ @ @ car left the road for unknown reasons and plowed into people standing on the sidewalk @ @ @ @ @ to a hospital aboard a rescue helicopter .
According to the RTL TV channel , @ @ @ @ @ The police stated that there has been no information yet that the driver targeted the @ @ @

BERLIN, October 29. /TASS/. An automobile has rammed into a group of pedestrians in Germany’s Kempen (the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia) with one person killed and at least three seriously injured, the Bild newspaper reported on Thursday.
The incident occurred around 16:36 (18:36 Moscow time). According to the preliminary data, the car left the road for unknown reasons and plowed into people standing on the sidewalk. The injured were taken to a hospital aboard a rescue helicopter. According to the RTL TV channel, a child was killed.
The police stated that there has been no information yet that the driver targeted the pedestrians intentionally.


tass--2020-10-29--No plans to further tighten coronavirus restrictions in Moscow, mayor says

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow authorities don ’ t plan to introduce additional coronavirus restrictions like in European countries , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told Rossiya-1 ’ s Vesti program .
`` If we strictly abide by the existing rules , there will be no need to take additional measures .
I do hope that we won ’ t have to introduce tough restrictions like in European countries , namely France and Germany , and some others .
At least , the current situation makes it clear that we can avoid it , '' Sobyanin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures due to the surging number of coronavirus cases in the capital and an anticipated rise in respiratory infections .
In particular , employers were ordered to shift at least 30 % of their staff to telecommuting and enforce disease control measures at workplaces .
All employees over 65 years of age and those who suffer from chronic diseases listed by the health department were to be transferred to remote work , unless their presence at work was crucial .
Besides , Moscow residents over 65 and those with chronic diseases were recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth-11th graders were shifted to remote learning , while first to fifth graders returned to schools .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. The Moscow authorities don’t plan to introduce additional coronavirus restrictions like in European countries, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told Rossiya-1’s Vesti program.
"If we strictly abide by the existing rules, there will be no need to take additional measures. I do hope that we won’t have to introduce tough restrictions like in European countries, namely France and Germany, and some others. At least, the current situation makes it clear that we can avoid it," Sobyanin said.
The Moscow mayor earlier announced preventive measures due to the surging number of coronavirus cases in the capital and an anticipated rise in respiratory infections. In particular, employers were ordered to shift at least 30% of their staff to telecommuting and enforce disease control measures at workplaces. All employees over 65 years of age and those who suffer from chronic diseases listed by the health department were to be transferred to remote work, unless their presence at work was crucial. Besides, Moscow residents over 65 and those with chronic diseases were recommended to self-isolate. On October 19, sixth-11th graders were shifted to remote learning, while first to fifth graders returned to schools.


tass--2020-10-29--Diplomat shrugs off as nonsense allegations about Russia’s meddling in US elections

MOSCOW , October 29./TASS/ .
Allegations that Russia has been meddling in the election process in the US are nonsense , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Rossiya-24 television on Thursday when asked whether Russia had meddled in US elections .
`` In point of fact , this question can already be regarded rather as grim humor , '' the diplomat said .
`` It is scientists dealing with smear campaigns , dirty technologies and paid for campaigns who must answer this question in a serious way and explore this idea profoundly , '' the diplomat said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can , but must find out eventually who is behind all this nonsense called ‘ Russian meddling ’ and all that is connected with this , '' Zakharova said .
According to the diplomat , it is necessary nowadays for the globe to join efforts to solve global problems of terrorism and the pandemic .
Last week , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed as totally unfounded all accusations against Russia of trying to meddle in the electoral processes in the United States .
`` Accusations are pouring in every day , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on anything .
It is rather a tribute to the domestic political processes related to the upcoming [ US presidential ] election , '' he said .
The issue of an alleged meddling in US elections has been repeatedly brought up in connection with allegations from US authorities about Russia ’ s role .
Moscow has repeatedly dismissed them .

MOSCOW, October 29./TASS/. Allegations that Russia has been meddling in the election process in the US are nonsense, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Rossiya-24 television on Thursday when asked whether Russia had meddled in US elections.
"In point of fact, this question can already be regarded rather as grim humor," the diplomat said. "It is scientists dealing with smear campaigns, dirty technologies and paid for campaigns who must answer this question in a serious way and explore this idea profoundly," the diplomat said. "It is these specialists who not only can, but must find out eventually who is behind all this nonsense called ‘Russian meddling’ and all that is connected with this," Zakharova said.
According to the diplomat, it is necessary nowadays for the globe to join efforts to solve global problems of terrorism and the pandemic.
Last week, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed as totally unfounded all accusations against Russia of trying to meddle in the electoral processes in the United States. "Accusations are pouring in every day, they are all absolutely groundless, they are not based on anything. It is rather a tribute to the domestic political processes related to the upcoming [US presidential] election," he said. The issue of an alleged meddling in US elections has been repeatedly brought up in connection with allegations from US authorities about Russia’s role. Moscow has repeatedly dismissed them.


tass--2020-10-29--Russia to discuss violations of journalists’ rights with US - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Washington will discuss the violations of Russian journalists ’ rights on a bilateral basis , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday .
`` They have been unable to protest our reporters from violence and attacks .
And as far as we understand , it is for reasons of principle , '' she said .
`` It is about prejudice against Russian journalists , as well as against many Russian nationals , '' Zakharova added .
`` It seems , they do it because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ obligations to protect rights , freedom of expression , journalism and other things , '' the Russian diplomat noted .
`` We certainly will raise the issue before the relevant agencies… on a bilateral level , '' she said .
Zakharova also stressed that Russophobia had become the focus of the United States ’ political life .
`` The pandemic has brought some changes in developments around the world but unfortunately , Russophobia in the US only got stronger , '' she said .
The Russian embassy in Washington said earlier that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RT reporter Konstantin Rozhkov at a New York City airport .
In addition , Channel One journalists were attacked in the city of Philadelphia .
Russia demands thorough probes into the attacks , Zakharova emphasized .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Moscow and Washington will discuss the violations of Russian journalists’ rights on a bilateral basis, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday.
"They have been unable to protest our reporters from violence and attacks. And as far as we understand, it is for reasons of principle," she said. "It is about prejudice against Russian journalists, as well as against many Russian nationals," Zakharova added.
"It seems, they do it because they are unable to fulfill the United States’ obligations to protect rights, freedom of expression, journalism and other things," the Russian diplomat noted. "We certainly will raise the issue before the relevant agencies… on a bilateral level," she said.
Zakharova also stressed that Russophobia had become the focus of the United States’ political life. "The pandemic has brought some changes in developments around the world but unfortunately, Russophobia in the US only got stronger," she said.
The Russian embassy in Washington said earlier that US intelligence agencies had once again interrogated RT reporter Konstantin Rozhkov at a New York City airport. In addition, Channel One journalists were attacked in the city of Philadelphia. Russia demands thorough probes into the attacks, Zakharova emphasized.


tass--2020-10-29--Russian, Iranian diplomats discuss situation related to nuclear deal

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has held a meeting with his Iranian @ @ @ @ @ the situation related to the Iran nuclear deal , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in @ @ @ @ @ `` The focus was on developments related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( @ @ @ @ @ s nuclear program , cooperation between Russia and Iran , as well as cooperation involving @ @ @ @ @ at preserving the agreement and ensuring its implementation , '' the statement reads .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss the situation related to the Iran nuclear deal, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
"The focus was on developments related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for Iran’s nuclear program, cooperation between Russia and Iran, as well as cooperation involving other JCPOA members, aimed at preserving the agreement and ensuring its implementation," the statement reads.


tass--2020-10-29--Russia does not refocus economy on political motives, says Putin

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is not dealing with economic refocusing to different regions because of political @ @ @ @ @ realities instead , President Vladimir Putin says on Thursday at the Russia Calling !
VTB @ @ @ @ @ Asia comes to the fore with us by the trade volume , when comparing with @ @ @ @ @ current realities and therefore we do not make any special refocusing , especially because of @ @ @ @ @ simply look at current realities , assess prospects and want to be ready for the @ @ @ @ @ good , partner and very often even friendly relations with our friends in Asia - @ @ @ @ @ Republic of China , with India and other our partners in Asia , certainly contribute @ @ @ @ @ our plans , '' Putin says .
Such political background promotes growth of the confidence @ @ @ @ @ ties , the head of state added .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russia is not dealing with economic refocusing to different regions because of political motives but proceeds from current realities instead, President Vladimir Putin says on Thursday at the Russia Calling! VTB Capital Investment Forum.
"Asia comes to the fore with us by the trade volume, when comparing with Europe. These are the current realities and therefore we do not make any special refocusing, especially because of some political considerations. We simply look at current realities, assess prospects and want to be ready for the further change. Our very good, partner and very often even friendly relations with our friends in Asia - with the People’s Republic of China, with India and other our partners in Asia, certainly contribute to these changes and such our plans," Putin says.
Such political background promotes growth of the confidence level underlying development of economic ties, the head of state added.


tass--2020-10-29--Moscow mayor points to decline in coronavirus hospitalizations

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus discharges surpassed new admissions in Moscow in the past two days for the first time in weeks , the city ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday .
`` For the first time in weeks , hospital discharges surpassed new admissions in the past two days , which eased the burden on hospitals , '' Sobyanin pointed out .
According to him , about 2,700 coronavirus patients have been admitted to temporary hospitals .
Sobyanin added that those hospitals were equipped better than other medical facilities because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
`` We admit about 1,200 patients to the hospitals every day , it ’ s a lot , but about the same number of people are discharged from hospitals .
In the past two days , the number of hospital admissions declined , '' the Moscow mayor noted .
`` Moscow also has enough medicine to treat coronavirus patients at home , '' he noted , adding that only patients in serious and critical condition were taken to the hospitals .
Moscow has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified in the city so far .
A total of 303,831 patients have recovered and 6,644 have died .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Coronavirus discharges surpassed new admissions in Moscow in the past two days for the first time in weeks, the city’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday.
"For the first time in weeks, hospital discharges surpassed new admissions in the past two days, which eased the burden on hospitals," Sobyanin pointed out.
According to him, about 2,700 coronavirus patients have been admitted to temporary hospitals. Sobyanin added that those hospitals were equipped better than other medical facilities because they had been designed to combat the coronavirus.
"We admit about 1,200 patients to the hospitals every day, it’s a lot, but about the same number of people are discharged from hospitals. In the past two days, the number of hospital admissions declined," the Moscow mayor noted. "Moscow also has enough medicine to treat coronavirus patients at home," he noted, adding that only patients in serious and critical condition were taken to the hospitals.
Moscow has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide. As many as 413,928 patients have been identified in the city so far. A total of 303,831 patients have recovered and 6,644 have died.


tass--2020-10-29--All Belarusian participants in trials of Russian COVID-19 vaccine receive first injection

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
All Belarusian participants in the post-registration trials of Russia ’ s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine received the first injection , and 11 volunteers got the second injection , the Russian Health Ministry said in a statement on Thursday .
`` The first phase of double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials of the Sputnik V ( Gam-Covid-Vac ) vaccine was completed in Belarus on October 29 , 2020 , as 100 people received the first component of the vaccine .
Eleven participants received the second component as of October 29 , '' the statement reads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ volunteers will remain under observation for 180 days following the first injection and experts will study the effectiveness , immunogenic properties and safety of the vaccine .
`` Russia and Belarus share a common approach to the pattern of research , which will ensure the comparability of data received in the two countries , paving the way for a decision on the possibility of the further vaccine registration process in Belarus , '' the statement added .
Belarus was the first country to launch clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine , which was named Sputnik V. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and underwent clinical trials in June and July .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. All Belarusian participants in the post-registration trials of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine received the first injection, and 11 volunteers got the second injection, the Russian Health Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
"The first phase of double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trials of the Sputnik V (Gam-Covid-Vac) vaccine was completed in Belarus on October 29, 2020, as 100 people received the first component of the vaccine. Eleven participants received the second component as of October 29," the statement reads.
According to the Health Ministry, all volunteers will remain under observation for 180 days following the first injection and experts will study the effectiveness, immunogenic properties and safety of the vaccine.
"Russia and Belarus share a common approach to the pattern of research, which will ensure the comparability of data received in the two countries, paving the way for a decision on the possibility of the further vaccine registration process in Belarus," the statement added.
Belarus was the first country to launch clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine, they will take place at eight medical facilities.
On August 11, Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine, which was named Sputnik V. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology and underwent clinical trials in June and July.


tass--2020-10-29--Russia may host future intra-Afghan talks, says diplomat

MOSCOW , October 29./TASS/ .
Moscow does not rule out that Russia may host future intra-Afghan talks if the parties to the conflict request , Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday '' We don ’ t rule out that intra-Afghan talks could be organized on the territory of our country in the future if we receive a respective appeal from the parties , '' the diplomat said .
Zakharova reiterated that in the early days of the intra-Afghan dialogue , Russia had repeatedly provided a venue for meetings of different political forces of Afghanistan and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation and achieve peace in Afghanistan .
`` For example , meetings held in Moscow in 2019 encouraged the process of a peace settlement in Afghanistan .
Participants in those events noted that our efforts to facilitate national reconciliation were much needed , '' she stressed .
Focusing on talks in Doha , Zakharova noted that work to achieve consensus between the delegations of Kabul and the Taliban on procedural matters was stalled there .
`` We still hope that the parties will show flexibility and will get down to substantive talks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out .
Preliminary dialogue on framework conditions for the start of direct negotiations on peace in Afghanistan is currently underway in Doha , Qatar , between delegations of the Afghan government and the Taliban ( outlawed in Russia ) .
Contacts have repeatedly been suspended over differences on issues of the religious component of the talks and the role of the US deal with the Taliban as the basis for the Afghan settlement .
The United States and the Taliban radical movement ( outlawed in Russia ) signed a peace deal in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement , the United States , its allies and the coalition forces are expected to pull out all the troops from Afghanistan within 14 months .
In turn , the Taliban group guarantees that it will not use the territory of Afghanistan for operations that pose a threat to the security of the United States and its allies .

MOSCOW, October 29./TASS/. Moscow does not rule out that Russia may host future intra-Afghan talks if the parties to the conflict request, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday
"We don’t rule out that intra-Afghan talks could be organized on the territory of our country in the future if we receive a respective appeal from the parties," the diplomat said.
Zakharova reiterated that in the early days of the intra-Afghan dialogue, Russia had repeatedly provided a venue for meetings of different political forces of Afghanistan and the Taliban to discuss ways to settle the situation and achieve peace in Afghanistan. "For example, meetings held in Moscow in 2019 encouraged the process of a peace settlement in Afghanistan. Participants in those events noted that our efforts to facilitate national reconciliation were much needed," she stressed.
Focusing on talks in Doha, Zakharova noted that work to achieve consensus between the delegations of Kabul and the Taliban on procedural matters was stalled there. "We still hope that the parties will show flexibility and will get down to substantive talks, thus ending a stalemate," she pointed out.
Preliminary dialogue on framework conditions for the start of direct negotiations on peace in Afghanistan is currently underway in Doha, Qatar, between delegations of the Afghan government and the Taliban (outlawed in Russia). Contacts have repeatedly been suspended over differences on issues of the religious component of the talks and the role of the US deal with the Taliban as the basis for the Afghan settlement.
The United States and the Taliban radical movement (outlawed in Russia) signed a peace deal in Doha on February 29. Under the agreement, the United States, its allies and the coalition forces are expected to pull out all the troops from Afghanistan within 14 months.
In turn, the Taliban group guarantees that it will not use the territory of Afghanistan for operations that pose a threat to the security of the United States and its allies.


tass--2020-10-29--COVID-19 situation in Moscow stabilized, Mayor says

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Situation with the spread of the coronavirus in the capital has stabilized , @ @ @ @ @ indicators has decreased almost ten-fold , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday in an @ @ @ @ @ channel .
`` In the previous weeks , the growth dynamics of the main indicators @ @ @ @ @ , And this week we see the figures that do not surpass last week ’ @ @ @ @ @ means that there are no sharp dynamics and escalation of this process and it has @ @ @ @ @ important thing for us now is to retain this level , '' the Mayor said @

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Situation with the spread of the coronavirus in the capital has stabilized, the growth dynamics of main indicators has decreased almost ten-fold, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday in an interview with the Russia-24 TV channel.
"In the previous weeks, the growth dynamics of the main indicators has slowed down almost ten-fold, And this week we see the figures that do not surpass last week’s values. And this means that there are no sharp dynamics and escalation of this process and it has stabilized. And the most important thing for us now is to retain this level," the Mayor said.


tass--2020-10-29--Azerbaijan records new record high number of daily coronavirus cases

BAKU , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 1,015 coronavirus cases were identified in Azerbaijan in the past @ @ @ @ @ since the start of the pandemic , the government ’ s anti-crisis center said on @ @ @ @ @ s overall case tally has reached 53,152 .
As many as 1,331,287 coronavirus tests have @ @ @ @ @ far , with 11,813 tests carried out in the past day .
The national coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ 0.94 for eight days .
According to the crisis center , the number of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ 42,516 in the past 24 hours .
The death toll has climbed to 708 .
@ @ @ @ @ patients remain hospitalized .
The country reported its first coronavirus case on February 28 .
@ @ @ @ @ in Azerbaijan in early summer .
The highest number of new cases ( 590 ) @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of new infections started to decline in mid July .
However , @ @ @ @ @ started to rise again in early October .

BAKU, October 29. /TASS/. As many as 1,015 coronavirus cases were identified in Azerbaijan in the past day, the highest number since the start of the pandemic, the government’s anti-crisis center said on Thursday.
The country’s overall case tally has reached 53,152. As many as 1,331,287 coronavirus tests have been conducted in Azerbaijan so far, with 11,813 tests carried out in the past day. The national coronavirus reproduction rate has remained at 0.94 for eight days.
According to the crisis center, the number of coronavirus recoveries rose by 483 to 42,516 in the past 24 hours. The death toll has climbed to 708. A total of 10,636 coronavirus patients remain hospitalized.
The country reported its first coronavirus case on February 28. The pandemic reached its peak in Azerbaijan in early summer. The highest number of new cases (590) was recorded on June 24. The number of new infections started to decline in mid July. However, the number of new cases started to rise again in early October.


tass--2020-10-29--Nornickel continues supporting relocation of residents from Norilsk, Dudinka

KRASNOYARSK , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Norilsk Nickel Company ( Nornickel ) will allocate 830 million rubles ( $ 11 million ) within 2021 to support southbound relocation of residents from Norilsk and Dudinka .
The current program ’ s term expires in 2020 , but Nornickel will continue the work , the company ’ s Vice President Andrei Grachev told TASS .
In 2011 , Russia ’ s Ministry for Regional Development , the Krasnoyarsk Region , Norilsk and Nornickel signed an agreement on support in relocation of residents from Norilsk and Dudinka .
The program ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked in the Far North for at least 15 years .
From 2016 , the federal center stopped its participation in the program .
`` The company has been allocating 830 million rubles every year , '' the vice president said .
`` The company ’ s President Vladimir Potanin has decided to allocate 830 million rubles for year 2021 , regardless of the program ’ s term , < … > be it even unilaterally . ''
More than 6,000 families have moved southbound under the program .
Most people prefer moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ districts .
Many chose to move to Moscow and St. Petersburg regions .

KRASNOYARSK, October 29. /TASS/. The Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) will allocate 830 million rubles ($11 million) within 2021 to support southbound relocation of residents from Norilsk and Dudinka. The current program’s term expires in 2020, but Nornickel will continue the work, the company’s Vice President Andrei Grachev told TASS.
In 2011, Russia’s Ministry for Regional Development, the Krasnoyarsk Region, Norilsk and Nornickel signed an agreement on support in relocation of residents from Norilsk and Dudinka. The program’s participants are people, who have worked in the Far North for at least 15 years. From 2016, the federal center stopped its participation in the program.
"The company has been allocating 830 million rubles every year," the vice president said. "The company’s President Vladimir Potanin has decided to allocate 830 million rubles for year 2021, regardless of the program’s term, <…> be it even unilaterally."
More than 6,000 families have moved southbound under the program. Most people prefer moving to the Krasnoyarsk Region’s southern districts. Many chose to move to Moscow and St. Petersburg regions.


tass--2020-10-29--FSB charges scientist Lukanin with high treason in favor of Asian state

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Investigators of Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) charged Tomsk scientist Alexander Lukanin with high treason in favor of an Asian country , a source in law-enforcement agencies told TASS on Thursday .
`` Alexander Lukanin was pressed with the charges under article 275 of Russia ’ s Criminal Code ( ‘ High Treason ’ ) in favor of an Asian country , '' the source said .
Lawyer Dmitry Myltsyn told TASS he did not know whether his defendant had been pressed with charges .
Myltsyn earlier said Lukanin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Siberian city of Tomsk arrested Lukanin following his apprehension in the criminal probe of high treason .
A source in law-enforcement agencies specified for TASS that Lukanin had been detained on suspicion of handing over to China secret Russian developments `` related to alternative power sources . ''
The source did not disclose details of the case , citing the ‘ strictly confidential ’ status of the criminal case .
Later , Lukanin was taken to the Lefortovo pre-trial detention facility in Moscow .
As the data of open sources suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polytechnic University and later at the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Study within the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences where he was developing jointly with a group of scientists high-voltage power sources and was invited to Shenyang University in China after his retirement .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Investigators of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) charged Tomsk scientist Alexander Lukanin with high treason in favor of an Asian country, a source in law-enforcement agencies told TASS on Thursday.
"Alexander Lukanin was pressed with the charges under article 275 of Russia’s Criminal Code (‘High Treason’) in favor of an Asian country," the source said.
Lawyer Dmitry Myltsyn told TASS he did not know whether his defendant had been pressed with charges. Myltsyn earlier said Lukanin had rejected his services.
A court in the Siberian city of Tomsk arrested Lukanin following his apprehension in the criminal probe of high treason.
A source in law-enforcement agencies specified for TASS that Lukanin had been detained on suspicion of handing over to China secret Russian developments "related to alternative power sources." The source did not disclose details of the case, citing the ‘strictly confidential’ status of the criminal case. Later, Lukanin was taken to the Lefortovo pre-trial detention facility in Moscow.
As the data of open sources suggest, 64-year-old Lukanin worked at the Tomsk Polytechnic University and later at the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Study within the Siberian branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences where he was developing jointly with a group of scientists high-voltage power sources and was invited to Shenyang University in China after his retirement.


tass--2020-10-29--Nornickel to allocate $25 million for support of indigenous peoples in Krasnoyarsk Region

KRASNOYARSK , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Norilsk Nickel Company ( Nornickel ) over five years will allocate 2 @ @ @ @ @ million ) for support of the North ’ s low-numbered indigenous peoples on the Taimyr @ @ @ @ @ s Vice President Andrei Grachev told TASS .
`` We plan about 2 billion rubles @ @ @ @ @ ’ s low-numbered indigenous peoples over five years , '' he said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ ’ distribution . ''
About 10,000 representatives of the North ’ s low-numbered and indigenous @ @ @ @ @ Peninsula .
Many of them are employed in traditional crafts and occupations .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ for the damage from the fuel spill at its power plant near Norilsk and would @ @ @ @ @ the indigenous people ’ s communities .

KRASNOYARSK, October 29. /TASS/. The Norilsk Nickel Company (Nornickel) over five years will allocate 2 billion rubles ($25 million) for support of the North’s low-numbered indigenous peoples on the Taimyr Peninsula, the company’s Vice President Andrei Grachev told TASS.
"We plan about 2 billion rubles for support of the North’s low-numbered indigenous peoples over five years," he said. "We have been planning the funds’ distribution."
About 10,000 representatives of the North’s low-numbered and indigenous peoples live on the Taimyr Peninsula. Many of them are employed in traditional crafts and occupations.
Earlier, Nornickel announced it would compensate for the damage from the fuel spill at its power plant near Norilsk and would undertake a program to support the indigenous people’s communities.


tass--2020-10-29--Nornickel invests $83 million in upgrade of Norilsk railroad’s locomotive park

KRASNOYARSK , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Nornickel ’ s Polar Division will invest before 2023 in upgrade of the locomotive park at the Norilsk Railroad ( a technological railway line ) , one of the world ’ s northernmost railroads , more than 6.5 billion rubles ( $ 83 million ) , the Polar Division ’ s press service said .
The Norilsk Railroad is isolated from other rail networks .
It serves transportation of cargoes between the Dudinka port and the Norilsk Industrial District .
The line ’ s construction began in 1935 , and before 1998 it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 365 kilometers long .
`` In the upgrade of the locomotive park the company will invest more than 6.5 billion rubles , '' the press service said .
The funds will be used to buy eight new mainline and 19 shunting locomotives .
The railway ’ s current park is 54 locomotives .
Besides , the money will be spent to service 23 locomotives and to upgrade two diesel locomotives .
The company forecasts growing amounts of transported cargo .
In 2019 , the railroad served 18.4 million tonnes , and by 2030 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonnes .
Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company , the world ’ s largest producer of refined nickel and palladium and a leading producer of platinum , cobalt , copper and rhodium .
The company also produces gold , silver , iridium , selenium , ruthenium and tellurium .
The company ’ s units are located at the Norilsk Industrial District , on the Kola Peninsula and in Chita region in Russia as well as in Finland and South Africa .

KRASNOYARSK, October 29. /TASS/. Nornickel’s Polar Division will invest before 2023 in upgrade of the locomotive park at the Norilsk Railroad (a technological railway line), one of the world’s northernmost railroads, more than 6.5 billion rubles ($83 million), the Polar Division’s press service said.
The Norilsk Railroad is isolated from other rail networks. It serves transportation of cargoes between the Dudinka port and the Norilsk Industrial District. The line’s construction began in 1935, and before 1998 it served passenger traffic. The line is 365 kilometers long.
"In the upgrade of the locomotive park the company will invest more than 6.5 billion rubles," the press service said. The funds will be used to buy eight new mainline and 19 shunting locomotives. The railway’s current park is 54 locomotives. Besides, the money will be spent to service 23 locomotives and to upgrade two diesel locomotives.
The company forecasts growing amounts of transported cargo. In 2019, the railroad served 18.4 million tonnes, and by 2030 it may be serving about 21.9 million tonnes.
Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company, the world’s largest producer of refined nickel and palladium and a leading producer of platinum, cobalt, copper and rhodium. The company also produces gold, silver, iridium, selenium, ruthenium and tellurium. The company’s units are located at the Norilsk Industrial District, on the Kola Peninsula and in Chita region in Russia as well as in Finland and South Africa.


tass--2020-10-29--Russian security official, top Egyptian diplomat hash over anti-terrorism, COVID-19

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry have @ @ @ @ @ fight against coronavirus and other aspects of bilateral cooperation at a meeting in Moscow Thursday @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Various aspects of the Russian-Egyptian security cooperation were discussed .
Separate emphasis was @ @ @ @ @ in the sphere of countering spread of the coronavirus infection , '' the statement says @ @ @ @ @ considered issues of boosting stability and security in the Middle East and North Africa .
@ @ @ @ @ Shoukry highlighted the proximity of approaches in Moscow and Cairo on key global and regional @ @ @ @ @ the high level of Russian-Egyptian cooperation in the spirit of the inter-governmental treaty on multifaceted @ @ @ @ @ '' the press service noted .
The Egyptian foreign minister arrived in Moscow for a @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry have discussed fight against terrorism, fight against coronavirus and other aspects of bilateral cooperation at a meeting in Moscow Thursday, the Security Council reported.
"Various aspects of the Russian-Egyptian security cooperation were discussed. Separate emphasis was placed on anti-terrorist cooperation and in the sphere of countering spread of the coronavirus infection," the statement says.
The two officials also considered issues of boosting stability and security in the Middle East and North Africa.
"Nikolai Patrushev and Sameh Shoukry highlighted the proximity of approaches in Moscow and Cairo on key global and regional issues, expressing satisfaction with the high level of Russian-Egyptian cooperation in the spirit of the inter-governmental treaty on multifaceted partnership and strategic cooperation," the press service noted.
The Egyptian foreign minister arrived in Moscow for a visit Tuesday.


tass--2020-10-29--Epidemic situation worsening in tourist destinations, diplomat says

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has urged Russians to approach foreign travel @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the coronavirus in tourist destinations may get worse .
`` We are @ @ @ @ @ the situation in tourist destinations remains rather unstable , this can get worse any moment @ @ @ @ @ already in some world regions .
We are addressing our citizens again with a request @ @ @ @ @ when making a decision on foreign travel and avoid unjustified risks , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ .
The spokeswoman added that the epidemic situation at a number of foreign resorts traditionally @ @ @ @ @ unfolding following the global tendencies despite the fact that local authorities undertake very active measures @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has urged Russians to approach foreign travel reasonably because the situation with the spread of the coronavirus in tourist destinations may get worse.
"We are proceeding from the fact that the situation in tourist destinations remains rather unstable, this can get worse any moment and we are observing this already in some world regions. We are addressing our citizens again with a request to evaluate thoroughly all circumstances when making a decision on foreign travel and avoid unjustified risks," she said at a briefing on Thursday.
The spokeswoman added that the epidemic situation at a number of foreign resorts traditionally popular with Russian tourists is unfolding following the global tendencies despite the fact that local authorities undertake very active measures to control the spread of the coronavirus.


tass--2020-10-29--Russia bewildered over US statement on hypersonic missiles in Europe — diplomat

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
The statements by US National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien on Washington ’ s readiness to deploy hypersonic missiles in Europe for deterring Russia cause bewilderment , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
`` Considering the statements US politicians allow themselves , I would like to advise the American political elite to deter itself rather than Russia , '' the diplomat said .
`` The perseverance of the United States in its efforts to create pre-requisites for the emergence of a new missile crisis in Europe can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Zakharova said .
The actions US National Security Adviser O ’ Brien spoke about do not strengthen the security of the United States and its allies in any way , the Russian diplomat said .
`` The only thing Washington manages to deter by such methods relates to any feeble efforts by Europeans to display independence and try to establish constructive relations with Russia in the sphere of security and stability , '' she said .
`` To all appearances , this is the goal Washington is pursuing now , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediate- and shorter-range missiles earlier banned by the INF ( Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ) Treaty `` would be an extremely risky and destabilizing step , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed .
`` This is why Russia has declared a unilateral moratorium on deploying such weapons in the regions where similar US-made systems will be absent .
Our commitments remain in force in full , '' the diplomat said .
US National Security Adviser O ’ Brien said in a speech at the Hudson Institute in Washington on October 28 that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe , if necessary , to deter Russia .
The United States was also ready to take similar steps in the Indo-Pacific Region to deter China , which was not party to the INF Treaty and had deployed thousands of missiles that were aimed at US allies and could be used against the US Navy , O ’ Brien said .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. The statements by US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien on Washington’s readiness to deploy hypersonic missiles in Europe for deterring Russia cause bewilderment, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"Considering the statements US politicians allow themselves, I would like to advise the American political elite to deter itself rather than Russia," the diplomat said.
"The perseverance of the United States in its efforts to create pre-requisites for the emergence of a new missile crisis in Europe cannot but cause profound and sincere bewilderment," Zakharova said.
The actions US National Security Adviser O’Brien spoke about do not strengthen the security of the United States and its allies in any way, the Russian diplomat said.
"The only thing Washington manages to deter by such methods relates to any feeble efforts by Europeans to display independence and try to establish constructive relations with Russia in the sphere of security and stability," she said.
"To all appearances, this is the goal Washington is pursuing now," the Russian diplomat said.
The deployment of intermediate- and shorter-range missiles earlier banned by the INF (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty "would be an extremely risky and destabilizing step," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed.
"This is why Russia has declared a unilateral moratorium on deploying such weapons in the regions where similar US-made systems will be absent. Our commitments remain in force in full," the diplomat said.
US National Security Adviser O’Brien said in a speech at the Hudson Institute in Washington on October 28 that the United States would be ready to deploy intermediate- and shorter-range missiles in Europe, if necessary, to deter Russia.
The United States was also ready to take similar steps in the Indo-Pacific Region to deter China, which was not party to the INF Treaty and had deployed thousands of missiles that were aimed at US allies and could be used against the US Navy, O’Brien said.


tass--2020-10-29--Lukashenko hands down instructions to tighten border security

MINSK , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
There is a need to tighten security on the Belarusian border with Poland @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , refraining from building an iron curtain , Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said , @ @ @ @ @ .
`` You did a lot when I said that we needed to close the @ @ @ @ @ does not mean turning it into an iron curtain , no one wants that .
@ @ @ @ @ where people make friends .
But you can see that we have been challenged .
@ @ @ @ @ with friendship… However , it ’ s not the people ’ s fault , '' @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko as saying .

MINSK, October 29. /TASS/. There is a need to tighten security on the Belarusian border with Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine, refraining from building an iron curtain, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said, announcing staff changes on Thursday.
"You did a lot when I said that we needed to close the border. Closing the border does not mean turning it into an iron curtain, no one wants that. The border is an area where people make friends. But you can see that we have been challenged. It has nothing to do with friendship… However, it’s not the people’s fault," the BelTA news agency quoted Lukashenko as saying.


tass--2020-10-29--‘Balance of interests’: Putin’s formula for settling Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

MOSCOW , October 29./TASS/ .
A balance of interests between Azerbaijan and Armenia must be found in order to iron out the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh , Russian President Vladimir Putin told the ‘ Russia Calling ’ VTB Capital Investment Forum on Thursday .
`` What is or where is this long-term settlement ?
[ It is ] in finding a balance of interests that would suit both sides - the Azerbaijani people who we have unwavering respect for , as well as the interests of the Armenian people , '' the president said .
The conflict began with ethnic clashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership of the Soviet Union took no effective action to ensure safety of the people .
Armenians took up arms and did it themselves , '' he noted .
`` Whether what they did was good or bad , but it was initially the negative developments on the ethnic ground that prompted them to action , '' he added .
This brought Nagorno-Karabakh itself and seven territories of Azerbaijan under the control of Armenia , Putin noted .
Now , Azerbaijan insists on its right to get the seven territories that have nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and then to look into who Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to , he added .
`` Everyone has their own truth .
There are no simple solutions , since the knot is tied in a very complicated way , '' the Russian leader stressed .
Russia ’ s position remains open , he emphasized .
`` We initially went on a premise that the possibility of transferring five plus two regions to Azerbaijan must be discussed with ensuring a certain regime for the Karabakh zone and cooperation with Armenia , '' he explained .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be settled so that people could feel safe ; at the same time conditions must be created for an efficient development of the territories .
`` [ This ] would make it possible , including for many of the participants in our today ’ s discussion , to take part in the development of these territories , to invest , '' the president noted .
`` And there is room for investment there .
People are very efficient and talented in both of these countries , '' he stressed .
The decades-long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two sides , he added .
An end must be put to hostilities and casualties at the first stage , the parties must sit down to the negotiating table and find a consensus and a balance of interests based on proposals from the OSCE Minsk Group , Putin believes .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

MOSCOW, October 29./TASS/. A balance of interests between Azerbaijan and Armenia must be found in order to iron out the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the ‘Russia Calling’ VTB Capital Investment Forum on Thursday.
"What is or where is this long-term settlement? [It is] in finding a balance of interests that would suit both sides - the Azerbaijani people who we have unwavering respect for, as well as the interests of the Armenian people," the president said.
The conflict began with ethnic clashes, Putin recalled. "The then leadership of the Soviet Union took no effective action to ensure safety of the people. Armenians took up arms and did it themselves," he noted. "Whether what they did was good or bad, but it was initially the negative developments on the ethnic ground that prompted them to action," he added. This brought Nagorno-Karabakh itself and seven territories of Azerbaijan under the control of Armenia, Putin noted. Now, Azerbaijan insists on its right to get the seven territories that have nothing to do with the ethnic conflict back, and then to look into who Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to, he added. "Everyone has their own truth. There are no simple solutions, since the knot is tied in a very complicated way," the Russian leader stressed.
Russia’s position remains open, he emphasized. "We initially went on a premise that the possibility of transferring five plus two regions to Azerbaijan must be discussed with ensuring a certain regime for the Karabakh zone and cooperation with Armenia," he explained.
According to the president, the conflict must be settled so that people could feel safe; at the same time conditions must be created for an efficient development of the territories. "[This] would make it possible, including for many of the participants in our today’s discussion, to take part in the development of these territories, to invest," the president noted. "And there is room for investment there. People are very efficient and talented in both of these countries," he stressed.
The decades-long conflict hinders an efficient development of the two sides, he added. An end must be put to hostilities and casualties at the first stage, the parties must sit down to the negotiating table and find a consensus and a balance of interests based on proposals from the OSCE Minsk Group, Putin believes.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.
In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-29--Moscow hopes common sense in ties with Russia will prevail after US elections — diplomat

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is not losing hope that after the presidential elections the United States will realize that the anti-Russian policy harms itself , spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing Thursday .
Russia ready to work with any new US administration — Putin '' We are not losing hope that common sense will slowly start prevailing after the elections .
Washington will finally realize that betting on further propagation of anti-Russian myths doesn ’ t hurt us as much as it serves to further fuel political passions and whip up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the diplomat noted .
`` We also hope that the US colleagues will come to realize that the most complex modern challenges - from arms control and settlement of regional crises to the coronavirus pandemic - can be resolved only by uniting or at least combining efforts and potentials of the leading world actors . ''
`` In this sense , sustainable and predictable cooperation between Russia and the US , as responsible guarantors of international stability and security , is in the mutual interests and meets the demands of the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the same time , the diplomat underscored that Russia is realistic about the prospects of bilateral cooperation in the current conditions and does not raise the bar of expectations too high .
Zakharova stressed that Washington ’ s policy is openly anti-Russian today as new sanctions continue to be imposed on Moscow and unfriendly steps are taken , particularly attempts to block the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Moscow is not losing hope that after the presidential elections the United States will realize that the anti-Russian policy harms itself, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told a briefing Thursday.
Russia ready to work with any new US administration — Putin
"We are not losing hope that common sense will slowly start prevailing after the elections. Washington will finally realize that betting on further propagation of anti-Russian myths doesn’t hurt us as much as it serves to further fuel political passions and whip up atmosphere of distrust in American society," the diplomat noted. "We also hope that the US colleagues will come to realize that the most complex modern challenges - from arms control and settlement of regional crises to the coronavirus pandemic - can be resolved only by uniting or at least combining efforts and potentials of the leading world actors."
"In this sense, sustainable and predictable cooperation between Russia and the US, as responsible guarantors of international stability and security, is in the mutual interests and meets the demands of the entire international community," she added.
At the same time, the diplomat underscored that Russia is realistic about the prospects of bilateral cooperation in the current conditions and does not raise the bar of expectations too high.
Zakharova stressed that Washington’s policy is openly anti-Russian today as new sanctions continue to be imposed on Moscow and unfriendly steps are taken, particularly attempts to block the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.


tass--2020-10-29--Putin vows to cut Russia's poverty rate in half over the coming years

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
The poverty rate ( the share of population with monthly incomes falling below the poverty line ) will reduce by half in Russia in the coming years , President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday .
`` Today we have a completely different country and a different economy , '' the head of state said , speaking at the Russia Calling VTB Capital Investment Forum .
`` The level of income of citizens is completely different .
If we take a look , I have already said this , we see that there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the latest data , it is around 20 million , and in the 2000s there were more than 42 [ million ] of them .
So we have cut it twice .
In the coming years we will reduce it again , I am sure of that , by another half , `` Putin said .
Earlier , Labor and Social Protection Minister Anton Kotyakov stated that almost 20 million people , or 13.5 % of the population of Russia , can be regarded as people living behind the poverty line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in 2017 , 18.9 million people in Russia had incomes below the subsistence minimum , which is 12.9 % of the population .
At the end of 2019 , the indicator dropped to 18.1 million , which is 12.3 % of the Russian population .
In July 2020 , Putin set a goal to halve the country 's poverty rate compared to 2017 by 2030 .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. The poverty rate (the share of the population with monthly incomes falling below the poverty line) in Russia will halve in the coming years, President Vladimir Putin pledged on Thursday.
"Today, we have a completely different country and a different economy," the head of state said, speaking at the Russia Calling VTB Capital Investment Forum. "The income level of citizens is completely different. If we take a look, and I have already said this, we see that there are many citizens below the poverty line. According to the latest data, it is around 20 million, and in the 2000s there were more than 42 [million] of them. So we have cut it in half. In the coming years, we will reduce it again, I am sure of that, by another half," Putin promised.
Earlier, Labor and Social Protection Minister Anton Kotyakov stated that almost 20 million people, or 13.5% of Russia’s population, can be regarded as people living below the poverty line.
According to the Federal Statistics Service, in 2017, 18.9 million people in Russia had incomes below the minimum subsistence level, which translates to 12.9% of the population. At the end of 2019, this indicator dropped to 18.1 million, which is 12.3% of the Russian population. In July 2020, Putin set a goal to halve the country's poverty rate compared to 2017 by 2030.


tass--2020-10-29--Russia ready to cooperate with other countries in war on terror, Putin assures Macron

`` A cynical and brutal crime committed in a church is particularly outrageous .
We once again saw that terrorists don ’ t share human moral values .
Clearly , the fight against international terrorism requires practical steps to pool the efforts of the entire international community , '' the Kremlin press service quoted the message as saying .
MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is ready to closely cooperate with other countries in the fight against terrorism , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Thursday .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s readiness to boost close cooperation with its partners in France and other countries in all areas related to counterterrorism . ''
Putin emphasized that Russians shared the anger and grief of the French people and passed his sympathies to the families and friends of the victims .
On Thursday , a knife-wielding man attacked people in Nice ’ s Notre-Dame cathedral .
Three were killed and several others suffered injuries .
The attacker was apprehended by police , he was shot several times and taken to the hospital .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept shouting `` Allahu Akbar . ''
Soon after that , knife attacks took place in the French city of Avignon and outside the French consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah .
On October 16 , Samuel Paty , a history and geography teacher , was decapitated after exhibiting Charlie Hebdo ’ s caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad during a class , dedicated to freedom of expression .
After the killing , French President Macron announced a campaign against followers of radical ideologies and related organizations and promised that France would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , Macron vowed to fight against supporters of radical ideas .

"A cynical and brutal crime committed in a church is particularly outrageous. We once again saw that terrorists don’t share human moral values. Clearly, the fight against international terrorism requires practical steps to pool the efforts of the entire international community," the Kremlin press service quoted the message as saying.
MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Moscow is ready to closely cooperate with other countries in the fight against terrorism, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Thursday.
According to the Kremlin, Putin "reiterated Russia’s readiness to boost close cooperation with its partners in France and other countries in all areas related to counterterrorism."
Putin emphasized that Russians shared the anger and grief of the French people and passed his sympathies to the families and friends of the victims.
French attacks
On Thursday, a knife-wielding man attacked people in Nice’s Notre-Dame cathedral. Three were killed and several others suffered injuries. The attacker was apprehended by police, he was shot several times and taken to the hospital. According to Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi, the attacker kept shouting "Allahu Akbar." Soon after that, knife attacks took place in the French city of Avignon and outside the French consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
On October 16, Samuel Paty, a history and geography teacher, was decapitated after exhibiting Charlie Hebdo’s caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad during a class, dedicated to freedom of expression. After the killing, French President Macron announced a campaign against followers of radical ideologies and related organizations and promised that France would not renounce publishing the caricatures. Following the attack, Macron vowed to fight against supporters of radical ideas.


tass--2020-10-29--Snowden expectant father, baby to get Russian citizenship, says lawyer

MOSCOW , October 29./TASS/ .
Former National Security Agency ( NSA ) whistleblower Edward Snowden , who has obtained an open-ended Russian residency permit , is going to be a father soon , his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told TASS on Thursday .
The baby will have citizenship of the Russian Federation , Kucherena affirmed .
`` They [ Snowden and his wife Lindsay Mills - TASS ] are expecting their child soon .
The citizenship will be that of the place of birth , '' he added , saying that the child is due at the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to obtain Russian citizenship for now , his attorney said .
`` We have not discussed this issue so far .
As soon as he makes the decision , he will divulge this on his own , '' the lawyer noted .
In October 2014 , American acrobat and blogger Lindsay Mills left the US for Moscow to join fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden .
They got married in 2017 .
In 2013 , Snowden leaked information about electronic surveillance methods being used by US intelligence services , including illegally eavesdropping on foreign leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US federal authorities , Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries , including Russia .
On August 1 , 2014 , he obtained a temporary Russian residence permit .
Back in the United States , Snowden is facing two counts of violating the Espionage Act , and he risks up to ten years in prison on each count .
American officials have repeatedly said that they regard Snowden as a traitor and have no intention of absolving him , because he caused serious harm to the US national security .

MOSCOW, October 29./TASS/. Former National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower Edward Snowden, who has obtained an open-ended Russian residency permit, is going to be a father soon, his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena told TASS on Thursday.
The baby will have citizenship of the Russian Federation, Kucherena affirmed. "They [Snowden and his wife Lindsay Mills - TASS] are expecting their child soon. The citizenship will be that of the place of birth," he added, saying that the child is due at the end of the year.
Snowden has not expressed a wish to obtain Russian citizenship for now, his attorney said. "We have not discussed this issue so far. As soon as he makes the decision, he will divulge this on his own," the lawyer noted.
In October 2014, American acrobat and blogger Lindsay Mills left the US for Moscow to join fugitive whistleblower Edward Snowden. They got married in 2017.
In 2013, Snowden leaked information about electronic surveillance methods being used by US intelligence services, including illegally eavesdropping on foreign leaders’ conversations. Fleeing punitive consequences from US federal authorities, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia. On August 1, 2014, he obtained a temporary Russian residence permit. Back in the United States, Snowden is facing two counts of violating the Espionage Act, and he risks up to ten years in prison on each count. American officials have repeatedly said that they regard Snowden as a traitor and have no intention of absolving him, because he caused serious harm to the US national security.


tass--2020-10-29--‘Spoke in the wheel’: Putin castigates schemes to stonewall Russian gas projects

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin excoriated schemes to `` put a spoke in the wheel '' of Russia ’ s gas projects branding them a non-market way to restrict the competitiveness of the Russian economy , during a speech on Thursday at the Russia Calling !
VTB Capital Investment Forum .
`` Blue fuel exports and export prices are much higher than prices for the domestic consumer , which enable us , in particular , to carry out plans for developing our country ’ s gas supply network .
Not only do they provide additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our European partners do not always agree with , they try to put spokes in our wheels , which is , in my opinion , absolutely ungrounded , '' Putin said .
`` Indeed , this is our natural competitive advantage , why does someone think that it is necessary to constrain it in a nonmarket way ?
I think that this is wrong , unfair and not the market way whatsoever , '' Putin stressed .
Putin noted that at the moment he `` can not say that he is satisfied with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development . ''
The average level of gasification is about 70 % , and in the Central Federal District it is 85 % .
`` We will keep on carrying out gasification programs within the country , '' he vowed .
In late December 2019 , the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was suspended after the Swiss Allseas company refused to lay pipes due to possible sanctions from Washington .
To date , Nord Stream 2 is 93 % complete .
The Nord Stream 2 project is aimed at constructing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 55 billion cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin excoriated schemes to "put a spoke in the wheel" of Russia’s gas projects branding them a non-market way to restrict the competitiveness of the Russian economy, during a speech on Thursday at the Russia Calling! VTB Capital Investment Forum.
"Blue fuel exports and export prices are much higher than prices for the domestic consumer, which enable us, in particular, to carry out plans for developing our country’s gas supply network. Not only do they provide additional elements of competitiveness for our economy that our European partners do not always agree with, they try to put spokes in our wheels, which is, in my opinion, absolutely ungrounded," Putin said.
"Indeed, this is our natural competitive advantage, why does someone think that it is necessary to constrain it in a nonmarket way? I think that this is wrong, unfair and not the market way whatsoever," Putin stressed.
Putin noted that at the moment he "cannot say that he is satisfied with the country’s pace of gasification development." The average level of gasification is about 70%, and in the Central Federal District it is 85%.
"We will keep on carrying out gasification programs within the country," he vowed.
In late December 2019, the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was suspended after the Swiss Allseas company refused to lay pipes due to possible sanctions from Washington. To date, Nord Stream 2 is 93% complete. The Nord Stream 2 project is aimed at constructing two pipelines with a total capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany.


tass--2020-10-29--Putin hopes mass vaccination of Russians against COVID-19 will begin by the end of 2020

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks that mass vaccination of Russians against COVID-19 will begin by the end of 2020 .
`` The vaccine has been delivered to all regions .
I hope that we can begin mass vaccination by the end of the year , '' he said on Thursday during the VTB Capital Investment Forum `` Russia Calling ! ''
.
`` Our first partner that has received this vaccine is Belarus , '' the president added .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country to register a coronavirus vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko informed that the vaccine created by the 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 August 15 , the Russian Health Ministry announced the launch of vaccine production .
The first batch of the vaccine was sent to Russian regions on September 12 .
Post-registration testing of the EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Vector '' will begin in November-December after the first batch of the vaccine is produced .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks that mass vaccination of Russians against COVID-19 will begin by the end of 2020.
"The vaccine has been delivered to all regions. I hope that we can begin mass vaccination by the end of the year," he said on Thursday during the VTB Capital Investment Forum "Russia Calling!".
"Our first partner that has received this vaccine is Belarus," the president added.
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 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 August 15, the Russian Health Ministry announced the launch of vaccine production. The first batch of the vaccine was sent to Russian regions on September 12.
Post-registration testing of the EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector" will begin in November-December after the first batch of the vaccine is produced.


tass--2020-10-29--No need to amend Union State Treaty with Belarus, Putin says

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not consider it necessary to amend the Union @ @ @ @ @ he told the VTB Capital Investment Forum `` Russia Calling ! ''
He recalled that @ @ @ @ @ the Union State began back in 1999 .
`` Everything is mentioned in the Union @ @ @ @ @ not consider it necessary to amend anything , '' he said Thursday .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin does not consider it necessary to amend the Union State agreement with Belarus, he told the VTB Capital Investment Forum "Russia Calling!"
He recalled that the process of creation of the Union State began back in 1999. "Everything is mentioned in the Union State agreement. We do not consider it necessary to amend anything," he said Thursday.


tass--2020-10-29--Business support measures require fine-tuning — Putin

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Measures for business support , particularly for small and medium enterprises , require @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin said on Thursday .
`` Certainly , support measures for enterprises and entrepreneurs @ @ @ @ @ environment .
Such measures should be of operational and long-term nature , '' the head @ @ @ @ @ We pay particular attention to support of small and medium enterprises , '' Putin said @ @ @ @ @ such companies were reduced from 30 to 15 % at once , and not merely @ @ @ @ @ but on a going basis , '' the president noted .
`` Deferrals for taxes @ @ @ @ @ first quarter of this year were extended to small and medium companies working in exposed @ @ @ @ @ such a deferral is up to six months , '' Putin added .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Measures for business support, particularly for small and medium enterprises, require further adjustment, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
"Certainly, support measures for enterprises and entrepreneurs require fine-tuning in the current environment. Such measures should be of operational and long-term nature," the head of state said.
"We pay particular attention to support of small and medium enterprises," Putin said. "Insurance contributions for such companies were reduced from 30 to 15% at once, and not merely for the current crisis period but on a going basis," the president noted.
"Deferrals for taxes and insurance contributions for the first quarter of this year were extended to small and medium companies working in exposed sectors; the duration of such a deferral is up to six months," Putin added.


tass--2020-10-29--Man plotting knife attack apprehended in France’s Lyon

Sberbank CEO Gref certain the world will never get back to pre-covid life The businessman believes that wearing medical masks @ @ @ @ @ on

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
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tass--2020-10-29--Russia ready to work with any new US administration — Putin

MOSCOW , October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to work with any new US administration , no matter who will form part of it , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during the VTB Capital Investment Forum `` Russia Calling ! ''
`` We will accept any decision of the American people and we will work with any administration , '' Putin stated .
He expressed hope that Washington ’ s decisions will be measured in the future .
`` In any case , we feel calm , '' Putin noted .
The Russian head of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced new sanctions against Russia , its legal entities and economic operators 46 times .
`` This hasn ’ t happened before yet at the same time during the previous year the trade volume increased by 30 % , as strange as it seems , despite these restrictions , '' Putin stated .
He also recalled that Russia and the US worked together rather effectively on the stabilization of energy markets .
According to him , US President Donald Trump participated in this process personally , `` actively and rather effectively . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This also means that in those situations where we can join efforts , we act rather efficiently and there are spheres of activity , including economy , that are of common interest for all our countries , '' Putin concluded .
Western partners are capable of `` latching onto anything '' in attempt to prove Moscow ’ s supposed interference in the US elections , Vladimir Putin stated .
`` You know , I wouldn ’ t want to touch upon the US election topic because some of our partners will latch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supposed interference in the US electoral process , whatever I would say , '' the president said .
At the same time , the Russian leader underscored that the US politics is very important in the global world .
He emphasized that the US is a superpower and an economic supergiant which has its effect on the world as a whole .
Some ideas of US presidential candidate Joe Biden ’ s team could require serious budgetary expenses , but that is not a bad thing , Vladimir Putin told the business forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rather socialized approach to a number of problems both within the US and on the international arena .
In some way , it reminds me of the European social democracy , '' Putin said .
`` Some solutions are possible here which will require , should they be implemented by Mr. Biden ’ s team , < … > some rather significant budgetary spending on healthcare , other social fields , education , etc.
, '' the Russian leader said .
He noted that real plans of both competing teams are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing bad in the Dems ’ social emphasis .
`` I ’ m just speculating , what consequences this may bear .
It will require additional spending .
Considering that the US already enjoys the record-high state debt , we of course are concerned over how this may affect , in this case , the global economy ? ''
the Russian leader asked rhetorically .

MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. Russia is ready to work with any new US administration, no matter who will form part of it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during the VTB Capital Investment Forum "Russia Calling!"
"We will accept any decision of the American people and we will work with any administration," Putin stated. He expressed hope that Washington’s decisions will be measured in the future. "In any case, we feel calm," Putin noted.
The Russian head of state recalled that the current US administration had introduced new sanctions against Russia, its legal entities and economic operators 46 times. "This hasn’t happened before yet at the same time during the previous year the trade volume increased by 30%, as strange as it seems, despite these restrictions," Putin stated.
He also recalled that Russia and the US worked together rather effectively on the stabilization of energy markets. According to him, US President Donald Trump participated in this process personally, "actively and rather effectively." "We managed to do this together. This also means that in those situations where we can join efforts, we act rather efficiently and there are spheres of activity, including economy, that are of common interest for all our countries," Putin concluded.
Allegations of election meddling
Western partners are capable of "latching onto anything" in attempt to prove Moscow’s supposed interference in the US elections, Vladimir Putin stated. "You know, I wouldn’t want to touch upon the US election topic because some of our partners will latch onto anything to prove Russia’s supposed interference in the US electoral process, whatever I would say," the president said.
At the same time, the Russian leader underscored that the US politics is very important in the global world. He emphasized that the US is a superpower and an economic supergiant which has its effect on the world as a whole.
Ideas of Biden’s team
Some ideas of US presidential candidate Joe Biden’s team could require serious budgetary expenses, but that is not a bad thing, Vladimir Putin told the business forum. "The Democratic Party adheres to a rather socialized approach to a number of problems both within the US and on the international arena. In some way, it reminds me of the European social democracy," Putin said.
"Some solutions are possible here which will require, should they be implemented by Mr. Biden’s team, <…> some rather significant budgetary spending on healthcare, other social fields, education, etc.," the Russian leader said.
He noted that real plans of both competing teams are not known for sure, but he sees nothing bad in the Dems’ social emphasis. "I’m just speculating, what consequences this may bear. It will require additional spending. Considering that the US already enjoys the record-high state debt, we of course are concerned over how this may affect, in this case, the global economy?" the Russian leader asked rhetorically.


tass--2020-10-29--Scientists from Russia, Taiwan find a way to make a laser scalpel twice thinner

October 29 .
/TASS/ .
Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University and Saratov State University teamed up with colleagues from Taiwan and found a way to reduce the thickness of a laser scalpel by half , giving it a curvilinear shape .
According to the press service of Tomsk Polytechnic University , this will expand the possibilities of its application in medicine .
`` Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University with the participation of Saratov State University , together with colleagues from Taiwan , proposed to create a laser 'blade ' for a medical scalpel with a given curved shape using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laser scalpels only with an axisymmetric focus area , that is , their blade is cylindrical .
According to scientists , changing the shape of the blade will expand the possibilities of using the laser in medicine , while it is approximately two times thinner than the cylindrical version , '' said the statement .
The shapes of a conventional surgical scalpel vary , and doctors choose them for a specific task .
With a laser scalpel , surgeons cut or remove tissue .
Its beam raises the temperature in a limited area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , and small blood vessels along the edges of the cut are `` sealed '' .
The advantages of a laser scalpel are also that the incisions are very thin and the radiation is sterile .
`` In order to bend the laser beam , we proposed one of the simplest possible solutions : place an amplitude or phase mask at the end of the fiber .
This is a thin plate made of metal or dielectric material , like glass .
The mask redistributes the energy flow inside the fiber and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of the fiber , that is , a photonic 'hook ' .
Simulation showed that such a curved blade has a length of up to three millimeters , its thickness is about 500 microns ( a human hair has a diameter of 100 microns — TASS ) `` , the press service quoted the project manager , Professor of the Department of Electronic Engineering at TPU , Igor Minin .
The research was supported by a grant from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research .
An article on the theoretical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Journal of Biophotonics , the experimental part will be carried out by the National Yang-Ming University scientists ( Taiwan ) .

October 29. /TASS/. Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University and Saratov State University teamed up with colleagues from Taiwan and found a way to reduce the thickness of a laser scalpel by half, giving it a curvilinear shape. According to the press service of Tomsk Polytechnic University, this will expand the possibilities of its application in medicine.
"Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University with the participation of Saratov State University, together with colleagues from Taiwan, proposed to create a laser 'blade' for a medical scalpel with a given curved shape using a photonic 'hook'. Currentlly there are laser scalpels only with an axisymmetric focus area, that is, their blade is cylindrical. According to scientists, changing the shape of the blade will expand the possibilities of using the laser in medicine, while it is approximately two times thinner than the cylindrical version," said the statement.
The shapes of a conventional surgical scalpel vary, and doctors choose them for a specific task. With a laser scalpel, surgeons cut or remove tissue. Its beam raises the temperature in a limited area up to 400°С, it instantly burns out, and small blood vessels along the edges of the cut are "sealed". The advantages of a laser scalpel are also that the incisions are very thin and the radiation is sterile.
"In order to bend the laser beam, we proposed one of the simplest possible solutions: place an amplitude or phase mask at the end of the fiber. This is a thin plate made of metal or dielectric material, like glass. The mask redistributes the energy flow inside the fiber and forms a curved region of radiation localization at the end of the fiber, that is, a photonic 'hook'. Simulation showed that such a curved blade has a length of up to three millimeters, its thickness is about 500 microns (a human hair has a diameter of 100 microns — TASS) ", the press service quoted the project manager, Professor of the Department of Electronic Engineering at TPU, Igor Minin.
The research was supported by a grant from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. An article on the theoretical substantiation of the concept was published in the Journal of Biophotonics, the experimental part will be carried out by the National Yang-Ming University scientists (Taiwan).