tass--2020-10-02--Russia concerned by US military buildup in Eastern Mediterranean — foreign ministry

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is concerned by clearly anti-Russian US plans to boost its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean region , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday .
`` We are concerned by Washington ’ s plans to boost its military forces in Eastern Mediterranean , because [ those plans ] clearly have anti-Russian nature , reflect the aggressive policy of the United States and , generally speaking , run counter to promoting peace and security in this region , '' she said .
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement on further cooperation in science and technology , aimed at boosting investment and encouraging the development of strategic dialogue between the two states .
On Tuesday , the US top diplomat visited the US military base at Souda Bay in Crete , Greece .
On October 5 , 2019 , Greece and the United States agreed to amend the previous agreement on defense cooperation , signed in 1990 .
According to the document , the US military will reinforce the base at Souda Bay , use the Larissa air base , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prefecture ) and the port of Alexandroupoli in northeastern Greece .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Russia is concerned by clearly anti-Russian US plans to boost its military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday.
"We are concerned by Washington’s plans to boost its military forces in Eastern Mediterranean, because [those plans] clearly have anti-Russian nature, reflect the aggressive policy of the United States and, generally speaking, run counter to promoting peace and security in this region," she said.
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo visited Greece on September 27-28 to sign an agreement on further cooperation in science and technology, aimed at boosting investment and encouraging the development of strategic dialogue between the two states. On Tuesday, the US top diplomat visited the US military base at Souda Bay in Crete, Greece.
On October 5, 2019, Greece and the United States agreed to amend the previous agreement on defense cooperation, signed in 1990. According to the document, the US military will reinforce the base at Souda Bay, use the Larissa air base, the army aviation base in Stefanovikio (Magnesia Prefecture) and the port of Alexandroupoli in northeastern Greece.


tass--2020-10-02--Moscow reports 28 coronavirus-related deaths in the past 24 hours — crisis center

MOSCOW , October 1./TASS/ .
Moscow recorded 28 coronavirus fatalities in the past 24 hours , the anti-coronavirus crisis center @ @ @ @ @ Twenty-eight patients with confirmed pneumonia and testing positive for coronavirus have died in Moscow , @ @ @ @ @ , Moscow reports 5,282 coronavirus-related deaths .
Moscow is the hardest hit by COVID-19 among @ @ @ @ @ it has been seeing rising levels of the virus of late .
Overall , the @ @ @ @ @ , including 2,424 in the past 24 hours .
As many as 249,861 patients have @ @

MOSCOW, October 1./TASS/. Moscow recorded 28 coronavirus fatalities in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday.
"Twenty-eight patients with confirmed pneumonia and testing positive for coronavirus have died in Moscow," it said. Overall, Moscow reports 5,282 coronavirus-related deaths.
Moscow is the hardest hit by COVID-19 among the Russian regions, and it has been seeing rising levels of the virus of late. Overall, the city reports 295,025 coronavirus cases, including 2,424 in the past 24 hours. As many as 249,861 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-10-02--Four drones detected in Armenia’s airspace, three of them downed — premier

YEREVAN , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Four drones were detected on Thursday evening in Armenia ’ s provinces of Kotayk and Gegharkunik , three of them were shot down , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a Facebook post .
`` Four of the enemy ’ s unmanned aerial vehicles were detected in the airspace above the provinces of Kotayk and Gegharkunik .
Armenia ’ s air defense forces downed three of them , '' he said .
Late on Thursday , Armenia ’ s Defense Ministry warned that its air defense systems were engaging targets in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s air defense units are working .
Don ’ t worry , air defense systems make some noise when used , '' ministry spokesman Artsrun Ovannisyan said on his Facebook page .
Meanwhile , Armenian Defense Ministry ’ s press secretary Shushan Stepanyan said a drone was downed in the city of Abovyan , a few kilometers away from the country ’ s capital Yerevan .
`` An unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by Armenia ’ s air defense forces in the Kotayk Province , '' she said .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan shelled the territory of Armenia on Thursday evening , killing one civilian and injuring two .
`` The enemy used artillery in the zone of the Shatvan village near the town of Vardenis .
Also , a drone fired a projectile at the village of Mets-Masrik .
A civilian named Gevorg Vardanyan was killed in the attack .
Two more civilians received injuries of varying degrees , '' she said .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

YEREVAN, October 1. /TASS/. Four drones were detected on Thursday evening in Armenia’s provinces of Kotayk and Gegharkunik, three of them were shot down, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a Facebook post.
"Four of the enemy’s unmanned aerial vehicles were detected in the airspace above the provinces of Kotayk and Gegharkunik. Armenia’s air defense forces downed three of them," he said.
Late on Thursday, Armenia’s Defense Ministry warned that its air defense systems were engaging targets in the republic’s airspace.
"Armenia’s air defense units are working. Don’t worry, air defense systems make some noise when used," ministry spokesman Artsrun Ovannisyan said on his Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Armenian Defense Ministry’s press secretary Shushan Stepanyan said a drone was downed in the city of Abovyan, a few kilometers away from the country’s capital Yerevan.
"An unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down by Armenia’s air defense forces in the Kotayk Province," she said.
In addition, Stepanyan said the armed forces of Azerbaijan shelled the territory of Armenia on Thursday evening, killing one civilian and injuring two.
"The enemy used artillery in the zone of the Shatvan village near the town of Vardenis. Also, a drone fired a projectile at the village of Mets-Masrik. A civilian named Gevorg Vardanyan was killed in the attack. Two more civilians received injuries of varying degrees," she said.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--Mariinsky Mine negotiates export of precious stones in 2021

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Mariinsky Mine , the sole Russian emeralds miner , has negotiated export sales @ @ @ @ @ and beryls production in 2021 , a mine spokesperson told TASS .
`` The mine @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 in the amount over 100 mln rubles ( $ 1.3 mln ) .
@ @ @ @ @ in the demand for precious stones , the enterprise managed to contract the annual volume @ @ @ @ @ has never occurred before in the mine ’ s history , '' the spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ ready to contract procurement of 20 kg of emeralds in 2021 at the same time @ @ @ @ @ enterprise established on the basis of the Malyshevskoe emerald and beryl deposit , one of @ @ @ @ @ globe .
The mine annually processes 94,000 tonnes of ore and produces 150 kg of @ @ @ @ @ alexandrites and over 5 tonnes of beryls .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Mariinsky Mine, the sole Russian emeralds miner, has negotiated export sales amounting to the annual emeralds and beryls production in 2021, a mine spokesperson told TASS.
"The mine will supply emeralds for exports in 2021 in the amount over 100 mln rubles ($1.3 mln). Despite the 80% drop in the demand for precious stones, the enterprise managed to contract the annual volume of raw crystals. This has never occurred before in the mine’s history," the spokesperson said.
One of companies is ready to contract procurement of 20 kg of emeralds in 2021 at the same time.
Mariinsky Mine is the enterprise established on the basis of the Malyshevskoe emerald and beryl deposit, one of three such deposits across the globe. The mine annually processes 94,000 tonnes of ore and produces 150 kg of emeralds, 15 kg of alexandrites and over 5 tonnes of beryls.


H&M posts $139 mln losses in 9 months 2019-2020

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Losses of one of the largest international clothing retailers H & M amounted @ @ @ @ @ 1.24 bn Swedish krona ) in 9 months of 2019-2020 financial year ( from December @ @ @ @ @ 31 , 2020 ) against the net profit of $ 1 bn ( 9.23 bn @ @ @ @ @ year earlier , the company reports .
H & M revenues contracted by 21 % @ @ @ @ @ 134.48 bn krona ) , the retailer reports .
Russia and Switzerland were the only @ @ @ @ @ revenues among the states of H & M presence .
Sales in Russia gained 1 @ @ @ @ @ ( 2.07 bn krona ) in the third quarter ( from June 1 to August @ @ @ @ @ M operates 150 stores in Russia in total .
Brands of H & M Group @ @ @ @ @ Russia from this fall , while Russian online buyers can purchase H & M goods @ @ @

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Losses of one of the largest international clothing retailers H&M amounted to $139 mln (1.24 bn Swedish krona) in 9 months of 2019-2020 financial year (from December 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020) against the net profit of $1 bn (9.23 bn Swedish krona) earned a year earlier, the company reports.
H&M revenues contracted by 21% to $15 bn (134.48 bn krona), the retailer reports.
Russia and Switzerland were the only countries showing an increase in revenues among the states of H&M presence. Sales in Russia gained 1% to $232.2 mln (2.07 bn krona) in the third quarter (from June 1 to August 31). H&M operates 150 stores in Russia in total. Brands of H&M Group will be available online in Russia from this fall, while Russian online buyers can purchase H&M goods since 2015.


tass--2020-10-01--Russian Foreign Minister to meet AEB members on October 5

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold a meeting with members of the @ @ @ @ @ AEB ) on October 5 to discuss cooperation with the EU against the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry Maria Zakharova said at the briefing on Thursday .
`` On October 5 @ @ @ @ @ foreign policy establishment Sergey Lavrov will meet members of the Association of European Businesses in @ @ @ @ @ .
The status and prospects of cooperation between Russia and the European Union will be @ @ @ @ @ specifically on the back of the coronavirus pandemic , she added .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will hold a meeting with members of the Association of European Businesses (AEB) on October 5 to discuss cooperation with the EU against the coronavirus pandemic background, official spokeswoman of the Ministry Maria Zakharova said at the briefing on Thursday.
"On October 5, head of the Russian foreign policy establishment Sergey Lavrov will meet members of the Association of European Businesses in Russia," Zakharova said.
The status and prospects of cooperation between Russia and the European Union will be discussed at the meeting, specifically on the back of the coronavirus pandemic, she added.


tass--2020-10-01--Azerbaijan targets civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh, says Armenian Foreign Ministry

YEREVAN , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Azerbaijani Armed Forces are deliberately targeting civilians and civilian facilities in Nagorno-Karabakh , Armenian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Anna Nagdalyan said at a briefing on Thursday .
`` Azerbaijan is deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure facilities , causing casualties and damage , '' she pointed out , mentioning an incident when Armenian and foreign journalists came under fire .
According to Nagdalyan , `` Azerbaijan targeted the journalists after '' the Armenian Foreign Ministry had said that about 200 reporters were working in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic .
The Armenian authorities said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come under Azerbaijani fire in Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s town of Martuni .
Two reporters with the French newspaper Le Monde , a reporter with the 24news.am media outlet and a cameraman with the Armenia TV channel suffered wounds .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

YEREVAN, October 1. /TASS/. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces are deliberately targeting civilians and civilian facilities in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Anna Nagdalyan said at a briefing on Thursday.
"Azerbaijan is deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure facilities, causing casualties and damage," she pointed out, mentioning an incident when Armenian and foreign journalists came under fire.
According to Nagdalyan, "Azerbaijan targeted the journalists after" the Armenian Foreign Ministry had said that about 200 reporters were working in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
The Armenian authorities said earlier that a group of journalists had come under Azerbaijani fire in Nagorno-Karabakh’s town of Martuni. Two reporters with the French newspaper Le Monde, a reporter with the 24news.am media outlet and a cameraman with the Armenia TV channel suffered wounds.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--Russian communication operators ready for abandonment of roaming with Belarus

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Major Russian communication operators are technically ready for roaming cancellation in the Union @ @ @ @ @ and await positive decisions of Belarusian partners , companies told TASS on Thursday .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree making possible to fully identify an international call initiated @ @ @ @ @ foreign state and completed in the territory of Russia in networks of Russian communication operators @ @ @ @ @ traffic substitution .
Everything is ready for roaming cancellation in technical terms , MTS , @ @ @ @ @ The company completed the whole roadmap activities package and waits for Belarusian partners to complete @ @ @ @ @ MTS added .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Major Russian communication operators are technically ready for roaming cancellation in the Union State of Russia and Belarus and await positive decisions of Belarusian partners, companies told TASS on Thursday.
Earlier on Thursday, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree making possible to fully identify an international call initiated from the territory of the foreign state and completed in the territory of Russia in networks of Russian communication operators and reduce thereby risks of traffic substitution.
Everything is ready for roaming cancellation in technical terms, MTS, Beeline and Tele2 said. The company completed the whole roadmap activities package and waits for Belarusian partners to complete all the required activities, MTS added.


tass--2020-10-01--Navalnly's allegations in Der Spiegel are surprising, says Russian ambassador

BERLIN , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
The journalists who laid the groundwork of Germany 's Der Spiegel magazine in @ @ @ @ @ hardly found it appropriate to offer the magazine 's pages to groundless allegations by blogger @ @ @ @ @ ambassador in Belin Sergey Nechayev told TASS , when asked for a comment about an @ @ @ @ @ published on Thursday .
`` It is surprising and a reason for sincere disappointment that @ @ @ @ @ as an impartial media outlet has published statements containing groundless and insulting allegations against the @ @ @ @ @ '' Nechayev said .
`` It is very hard to imagine that the renowned journalists @ @ @ @ @ , who stood at the cradle of this periodical , would have found this cheap @ @ @ @ @ pages . ''

BERLIN, October 1. /TASS/. The journalists who laid the groundwork of Germany's Der Spiegel magazine in its early days would have hardly found it appropriate to offer the magazine's pages to groundless allegations by blogger Alexey Navalny, Russia's ambassador in Belin Sergey Nechayev told TASS, when asked for a comment about an interview with Navalny the magazine published on Thursday.
"It is surprising and a reason for sincere disappointment that a magazine that positions itself as an impartial media outlet has published statements containing groundless and insulting allegations against the Russian head of state," Nechayev said. "It is very hard to imagine that the renowned journalists, well-known in our country, who stood at the cradle of this periodical, would have found this cheap stuff worth publishing on its pages."


tass--2020-10-01--Belarus to allocate about $1.6 bln to repay external debt in 2021

MINSK , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus next year will allocate 4.2 bln Belarusian rubles ( about $ .6 billion ) in 2021 to pay off its external public debt , Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday .
`` 4.9 billion rubles will be allocated to repay the public debt in 2021 , in particular 4.2 billion to repay the external public debt and 700 million rubles on internal [ debt ] , '' he said , as quoted by the press service of the Council of Ministers .
Golovchenko disagrees with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' that `` the country will collapse under debt . ''
`` Nothing will collapse .
These funds are envisages .
The country , as always , pays off all debt obligations in a timely manner without impairment of meeting its social obligations and development goals , '' the head of the Belarusian government said .
Golovchenko said that the country 's budget for 2021 is formed in conditions of limited resources .
`` This is the budget of the pandemic era and an unprecedented global crisis .
Direct losses from external factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated at 380 million [ Belarusian rubles ] ( $ 145mln ) , '' the Belarusian Prime Minister said .
This year , Belarus is to allocate about $ 3.6 billion to repay the external public debt .

MINSK, October 1. /TASS/. Belarus next year will allocate 4.2 bln Belarusian rubles (about $ .6 billion) in 2021 to pay off its external public debt, Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
"4.9 billion rubles will be allocated to repay the public debt in 2021, in particular 4.2 billion to repay the external public debt and 700 million rubles on internal [debt]," he said, as quoted by the press service of the Council of Ministers.
Golovchenko disagrees with the comments of "certain media outlets" that "the country will collapse under debt."
"Nothing will collapse. These funds are envisages. The country, as always, pays off all debt obligations in a timely manner without impairment of meeting its social obligations and development goals," the head of the Belarusian government said.
Golovchenko said that the country's budget for 2021 is formed in conditions of limited resources. "This is the budget of the pandemic era and an unprecedented global crisis. Direct losses from external factors, we cannot influence, are estimated at 380 million [Belarusian rubles] ($145mln)," the Belarusian Prime Minister said.
This year, Belarus is to allocate about $3.6 billion to repay the external public debt.


tass--2020-10-01--NATO's exercises in Arctic arouse concerns, Moscow says

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Last month 's Arctic military exercise by the naval forces of Britain , the United States and Norway in cooperation with the Danish Air Force , which , according to NATO , was held to guarantee the freedom of shipping , arouse serious concerns , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday .
`` We are certain that such activities and , in general , NATO 's growing military presence in the high latitudes by no means promotes peace and stability in the Arctic , but on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Zakharova said .
As far as the Arctic is concerned , Zakharova said , London prefers to focus on military and political aspects first and foremost .
`` In 2018 , Britain was the first non-Arctic country to declare a national Arctic military strategy .
British forces have regularly participated in NATO 's exercises in the high latitudes , '' Zakharova said .
`` We believe that if the British side paid attention not so much to building up its military potential as to expanding opportunities for constructive cooperation in the Arctic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strengthening peace and stability in this region , '' Zakharova said .
She stressed that precisely this constructive approach was enshrined in the statement adopted by the Arctic Council 's foreign ministers in May 2019 .
Britain has the status of an observer in the Arctic Council .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Last month's Arctic military exercise by the naval forces of Britain, the United States and Norway in cooperation with the Danish Air Force, which, according to NATO, was held to guarantee the freedom of shipping, arouse serious concerns, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday.
"We are certain that such activities and, in general, NATO's growing military presence in the high latitudes by no means promotes peace and stability in the Arctic, but on the contrary escalates tensions in the region," Zakharova said.
As far as the Arctic is concerned, Zakharova said, London prefers to focus on military and political aspects first and foremost.
"In 2018, Britain was the first non-Arctic country to declare a national Arctic military strategy. British forces have regularly participated in NATO's exercises in the high latitudes," Zakharova said.
"We believe that if the British side paid attention not so much to building up its military potential as to expanding opportunities for constructive cooperation in the Arctic, this would better match the goal of strengthening peace and stability in this region," Zakharova said.
She stressed that precisely this constructive approach was enshrined in the statement adopted by the Arctic Council's foreign ministers in May 2019. Britain has the status of an observer in the Arctic Council.


tass--2020-10-01--Russia concerned about US plans to achieve dominance in space, says senior diplomat

ZVENIGOROD , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is concerned about Washington ’ s activities aimed at achieving military dominance @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on the PIR Center International School ’ s platform on @ @ @ @ @ States ’ activities aimed at achieving dominance and military superiority , up to total domination @ @ @ @ @ concern , '' he pointed out .
`` The doctrines of Western countries and NATO @ @ @ @ @ , '' Ryabkov added .
In this regard , he stressed that Russia stood for @ @ @ @ @ sort of weapons . ''
`` We believe that there is a need to make @ @ @ @ @ all space nations that would guarantee that weapons won ’ t be deployed to space @ @ @ @ @ draft document on the prevention of the placement of weapons in space and the threat @ @ @ @ @ against space objects , '' the senior Russian diplomat noted .

ZVENIGOROD, October 1. /TASS/. Moscow is concerned about Washington’s activities aimed at achieving military dominance in space, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on the PIR Center International School’s platform on Thursday.
"The United States’ activities aimed at achieving dominance and military superiority, up to total domination, in space cause particular concern," he pointed out. "The doctrines of Western countries and NATO view space as a battlefield," Ryabkov added.
In this regard, he stressed that Russia stood for "space free of any sort of weapons." "We believe that there is a need to make a legally binding agreement involving all space nations that would guarantee that weapons won’t be deployed to space, based on a Russian-Chinese draft document on the prevention of the placement of weapons in space and the threat and the use of force against space objects," the senior Russian diplomat noted.


tass--2020-10-01--EU blacklists 2 individuals, 4 Russian companies over Crimean bridge construction

BRUSSELS , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
The EU Council has blacklisted two Russian citizens and four Russian companies involved in the construction of the railway section of the Crimean Bridge .
This is stated in the publication in the Official Journal of the EU .
`` On 23 December 2019 , the President of the Russian Federation , Vladimir Putin , announced the opening of a railway bridge over the Kerch Strait , which marked the implementation of the broader project of connecting the railway infrastructures of the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula [ this is how Brussels calls the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referendum of 2014 - TASS ] and those of Russia , '' the EU Council stated .
In this regard , the Council considers that `` four entities and two individuals should be added to the list of persons , entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures as set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP for their role in designing , building or using the railway infrastructure linking Russia and the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula , '' according to the document .
The blacklisted companies are Lenpromtransproyekt , the Berkakit-Tommot-Yakutsk Railway Line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Railway Federal State Unitary Enterprise , the First Crimean Insurance Company .
The individuals added to the list are : Leonid Ryzhenkin , deputy general director for infrastructure projects at Stroigazmontazh ( SGM ) , who since 2015 had supervised the construction of the bridge over the Kerch Strait , and Alexander Ganov , general director of the JSC TC Grand Service Express , which operates railway service between Russia and the Crimean peninsula .
All persons involved in the blacklist are banned from entering the EU , their assets in European banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are subject to freezing .
European businesses are also prohibited from doing business with listed companies .
The 19-kilometer Crimean Bridge , the longest one in Russia and Europe , links the Taman Peninsula ( Russia ’ s Krasnodar region ) and the Kerch Peninsula ( Crimea ) .
The bridge consists of two parallel rail and car roads built together .
It ensures an uninterrupted transport link between Crimea and other regions of Russia .
The vehicle section of the bridge opened in May 2018 .
The construction of the railway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on December 18 , 2019 .
On December 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the official opening ceremony of the crossing .

BRUSSELS, October 1. /TASS/. The EU Council has blacklisted two Russian citizens and four Russian companies involved in the construction of the railway section of the Crimean Bridge. This is stated in the publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
"On 23 December 2019, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, announced the opening of a railway bridge over the Kerch Strait, which marked the implementation of the broader project of connecting the railway infrastructures of the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula [this is how Brussels calls the reunification of Crimea with Russia following the referendum of 2014 - TASS] and those of Russia," the EU Council stated.
In this regard, the Council considers that "four entities and two individuals should be added to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures as set out in the Annex to Decision 2014/145/CFSP for their role in designing, building or using the railway infrastructure linking Russia and the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula," according to the document.
The blacklisted companies are Lenpromtransproyekt, the Berkakit-Tommot-Yakutsk Railway Line’s Construction Directorate, the Crimea Railway Federal State Unitary Enterprise, the First Crimean Insurance Company.
The individuals added to the list are: Leonid Ryzhenkin, deputy general director for infrastructure projects at Stroigazmontazh (SGM), who since 2015 had supervised the construction of the bridge over the Kerch Strait, and Alexander Ganov, general director of the JSC TC Grand Service Express, which operates railway service between Russia and the Crimean peninsula.
All persons involved in the blacklist are banned from entering the EU, their assets in European banks, if such assets are found there, are subject to freezing. European businesses are also prohibited from doing business with listed companies.
The 19-kilometer Crimean Bridge, the longest one in Russia and Europe, links the Taman Peninsula (Russia’s Krasnodar region) and the Kerch Peninsula (Crimea). The bridge consists of two parallel rail and car roads built together. It ensures an uninterrupted transport link between Crimea and other regions of Russia. The vehicle section of the bridge opened in May 2018.
The construction of the railway part of the bridge was officially completed on December 18, 2019. On December 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the official opening ceremony of the crossing.


tass--2020-10-01--Brent prices below $40 per barrel first time from September 15

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil futures with delivery in December fell by 5.56 % to $ @ @ @ @ @ London-based ICE on Thursday , according to trading data .
Brent prices were below $ @ @ @ @ @ on September 15 of this year .
Oil prices slightly recovered later to $ 40.17 @ @ @ @ @ % .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Brent oil futures with delivery in December fell by 5.56% to $39.95 a barrel on the London-based ICE on Thursday, according to trading data.
Brent prices were below $40 per barrel last time on September 15 of this year. Oil prices slightly recovered later to $40.17 per barrel, down 5.04%.
WTI futures lost 5.84% to $37.87 per barrel.


tass--2020-10-01--No second coronavirus wave in Moscow, mayor says

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s authorities are confident that the city is not facing a @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Sobyanin told the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday .
`` There is no second @ @ @ @ @ wave comes when those who have already recovered from the infection fall ill again .
@ @ @ @ @ anything like that , '' he noted .
However , Sobyanin admitted that there had @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest statistics , about 34 mln people have been infected worldwide @ @ @ @ @ have been reported .
To date , 1,185,231 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 20,891 fatalities nationwide .
@ @ @ @ @ set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .
@ @ @ @ @ of cases nationwide , the number of infections have been growing recently .
The city @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases , 249,861 recoveries and 5,254 deaths .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Moscow’s authorities are confident that the city is not facing a second coronavirus wave, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told the Rossiya-24 TV channel on Thursday.
"There is no second coronavirus wave because a second wave comes when those who have already recovered from the infection fall ill again. We don’t see anything like that," he noted. However, Sobyanin admitted that there had been a rise in cases.
According to the latest statistics, about 34 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,010,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, 1,185,231 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 964,242 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 20,891 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.
Moscow has the highest number of cases nationwide, the number of infections have been growing recently. The city has so far recorded 295,025 coronavirus cases, 249,861 recoveries and 5,254 deaths.


tass--2020-10-01--Scientist: Upper limit of damage to water reservoirs from Norilsk accident is $884,000

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
The damage to water reservoirs from the fuel spill in Norilsk is preliminary estimated at less than 68 million rubles ( $ 884,000 ) , leader of the Great Norilsk Expedition ’ s hydrobiology team , Mikhail Gladyshev of the Biophysics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch said in an interview with TASS .
“ We have sent the first preliminary estimation to the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch , where the calculation was made under the methods approved by Rosrybolovstvo [ Russian fishery authority - TASS ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage is 68.4 million rubles ( $ 884,000 ) – this is the top limit .
In reality , our estimation regarding the Daldykan , Ambarnaya and Pyasino will be lower , since we can see living organisms in some of the samples we have taken.
” According to the plan , the institute will finalize the calculation by the end of November , he continued .
It will not include expenses on restocking the water with fry , because the reception capacity of the water reservoirs considering their feed base and water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Regardless of the oil contamination , released fish would simply die of hunger there , ” he said .
“ The water quality there is very low , and it has nothing to do with this accident .
After the 1980s , Lake Pyasino not only badly lacks fodder , but is even dystrophic , thus stocking it with fish would be throwing money away , and throwing fry to death.
” The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years , at the invitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expedition to the Taimyr Peninsula to conduct a large-scale examination of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic , on how to preserve the nature .
The expedition ’ s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino .
The expedition ’ s term is five months – from July to November .
Before the end of August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sediments and are now conducting tests at the institutes ’ labs .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. The damage to water reservoirs from the fuel spill in Norilsk is preliminary estimated at less than 68 million rubles ($884,000), leader of the Great Norilsk Expedition’s hydrobiology team, Mikhail Gladyshev of the Biophysics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch said in an interview with TASS.
“We have sent the first preliminary estimation to the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch, where the calculation was made under the methods approved by Rosrybolovstvo [Russian fishery authority - TASS],” he said. “The damage is 68.4 million rubles ($884,000) – this is the top limit. In reality, our estimation regarding the Daldykan, Ambarnaya and Pyasino will be lower, since we can see living organisms in some of the samples we have taken.”
According to the plan, the institute will finalize the calculation by the end of November, he continued. It will not include expenses on restocking the water with fry, because the reception capacity of the water reservoirs considering their feed base and water qualities are actually close to zero.
“Regardless of the oil contamination, released fish would simply die of hunger there,” he said. “The water quality there is very low, and it has nothing to do with this accident. After the 1980s, Lake Pyasino not only badly lacks fodder, but is even dystrophic, thus stocking it with fish would be throwing money away, and throwing fry to death.”
Expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years, at the invitation of Nornickel, sent a big scientific expedition to the Taimyr Peninsula to conduct a large-scale examination of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic, on how to preserve the nature.
The expedition’s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino. The expedition’s term is five months – from July to November. Before the end of August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils, plants and sediments and are now conducting tests at the institutes’ labs.


tass--2020-10-01--Scientists confirm Lake Pyasino’s ecosystem remains unchanged after accident in Norilsk

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Ecosystems of Lake Pyasino and the Pyasina River remain unchanged after the fuel spill in Norilsk , leader of the Great Norilsk Expedition ’ s hydrobiology team , Mikhail Gladyshev of the Biophysics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch said in an interview with TASS .
“ In Lake Pyasino and in the Pyasina River we practically have not registered any notable changes in the ecosystem .
< … > The overall situation , without details as yet , is that severe degradation of the ecosystem was registered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is practically towards the estuary , to the booms on the Daldykan River and the Ambarnaya River .
The degradation is severe , though it has not reached zero level .
This means we have not registered extinction of all organisms , ” the scientist said .
No wonder , he continued .
Scientific literature contains descriptions of yet bigger accidents in the Russian Arctic zone .
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years , at the invitation of Nornickel , sent a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct a large-scale examination of the area .
Scientists will use the expedition ’ s results to present suggestions for industrial companies , working in the Arctic , on how to preserve the nature .
The expedition ’ s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina , Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino .
The expedition ’ s term is five months – from July to November .
Before the end of August , experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences ’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests at the institutes ’ labs .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Ecosystems of Lake Pyasino and the Pyasina River remain unchanged after the fuel spill in Norilsk, leader of the Great Norilsk Expedition’s hydrobiology team, Mikhail Gladyshev of the Biophysics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch said in an interview with TASS.
“In Lake Pyasino and in the Pyasina River we practically have not registered any notable changes in the ecosystem. <…> The overall situation, without details as yet, is that severe degradation of the ecosystem was registered in the areas of highest contamination – that is practically towards the estuary, to the booms on the Daldykan River and the Ambarnaya River. The degradation is severe, though it has not reached zero level. This means we have not registered extinction of all organisms,” the scientist said.
No wonder, he continued. Scientific literature contains descriptions of yet bigger accidents in the Russian Arctic zone.
Expedition to Taimyr
The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the first time in recent years, at the invitation of Nornickel, sent a big scientific expedition to the Taimyr Peninsula to conduct a large-scale examination of the area. Scientists will use the expedition’s results to present suggestions for industrial companies, working in the Arctic, on how to preserve the nature.
The expedition’s key points were watersheds of the Rivers Pyasina, Norilka and Ambarnaya and Lake Pyasino. The expedition’s term is five months – from July to November. Before the end of August, experts from 14 research institutes of the Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch collected samples of soils, plants and sediments and are now conducting tests at the institutes’ labs.


tass--2020-10-01--Russia, US seek to resolve tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh, says diplomat

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow expects that dialogue with Washington on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will help find a way out of the current situation , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Thursday .
According to him , Russia and the United States are in intensive contact on the issue .
`` We expect that these efforts will bear political fruit in terms of finding a way out of the current crisis situation , '' he pointed out .
`` Dialogue is underway with a focus on giving political impetus to efforts to ease tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he added .
At the same time , the senior Russian diplomat stressed that since the Nagorno-Karabakh issue `` concerns a number of countries and there is a time-tested mechanism , dialogue with the US is neither a substitution nor an alternative for it . ''
According to Ryabkov , the dialogue involves `` special envoys and top diplomats . ''
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Moscow expects that dialogue with Washington on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will help find a way out of the current situation, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Thursday.
According to him, Russia and the United States are in intensive contact on the issue. "We expect that these efforts will bear political fruit in terms of finding a way out of the current crisis situation," he pointed out. "Dialogue is underway with a focus on giving political impetus to efforts to ease tensions and stabilize the situation in the region," he added.
At the same time, the senior Russian diplomat stressed that since the Nagorno-Karabakh issue "concerns a number of countries and there is a time-tested mechanism, dialogue with the US is neither a substitution nor an alternative for it." According to Ryabkov, the dialogue involves "special envoys and top diplomats."
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--President Putin sends telegram of congratulations to new Emir of Kuwait

MOSCOW , October 1./TASS/ .
Cooperation between Russia and Kuwait meets the interests of the two countries and aims to @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a telegram of congratulations to @ @ @ @ @ Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah over his accession to the throne .
Relations of Russia and @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian president stressed , confirming a bid to continue joint work to develop @ @ @ @ @ , as well as partnership cooperation in international affairs .
`` This certainly meets the @ @ @ @ @ and goes in line with the strengthening of peace and security in the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ circulated by the Kremlin press service on Thursday .
The 83-year-old Crown Prince succeeded to @ @ @ @ @ Emir , Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah , died at the age of 91 on @ @

MOSCOW, October 1./TASS/. Cooperation between Russia and Kuwait meets the interests of the two countries and aims to strengthen peace and security in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a telegram of congratulations to Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah over his accession to the throne.
Relations of Russia and Kuwait are friendly and constructive, the Russian president stressed, confirming a bid to continue joint work to develop bilateral cooperation along different trajectories, as well as partnership cooperation in international affairs. "This certainly meets the interests of the two peoples and goes in line with the strengthening of peace and security in the Middle East," said the telegram circulated by the Kremlin press service on Thursday.
The 83-year-old Crown Prince succeeded to the throne after Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, died at the age of 91 on Tuesday.


tass--2020-10-01--German re-unification 30 years on: Lavrov says Berlin embarks on course to hinder Russia

MOSCOW , October 1./TASS/ .
Germany has embarked on the path of stonewalling Moscow , but chances still remain to overcome these tensions , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his address to a forum marking the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany .
Lavrov reiterated the treaty ’ s substantial role in ending the Cold War , noting that adding it to UNESCO ’ s Memory of the World Register was a natural and appropriate move .
`` Thirty years later , it is worth noting that it was our country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the early reunification of Germany , which , by the way , was opposed by a number of allies of the [ then ] Federal Republic of Germany , '' the top Russian diplomat pointed out .
The signing of such fundamental agreements between the then USSR and Germany , like the Agreement on Good Neighborliness , Partnership and Cooperation , was a logical result of the treaty .
All this time , Russia has been devoting its utmost efforts towards having a zone of peace , equal and indivisible security , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Atlantic to the Pacific .
`` Numerous Russian initiatives were intended for this objective , including the 2008 proposal to sign a treaty on European security , '' the diplomat pointed out .
However , as a result of a short-sighted NATO-leaning policy and geopolitical games , Europe is going through a major crisis of trust , while the enormous potential of Russian-German cooperation remains untapped .
`` Moreover , Berlin is now set on deterring Russia .
We can hear unfounded accusations , ultimatums and threats hurled at us , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes in the memory of some German politicians about the historical destiny of our countries in European and world affairs , '' he went on to say .
However , this phase of tensions can be surmounted for the sake of the fundamental interests of Russia and Germany .
`` Chances for this remain , '' he emphasized .
`` Much will depend on maturity of the members of civil society , their ability to carefully and honestly defend the truth , passing their knowledge and experience on to the younger generations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany laid the foundation for reunification of Germany .

MOSCOW, October 1./TASS/. Germany has embarked on the path of stonewalling Moscow, but chances still remain to overcome these tensions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in his address to a forum marking the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany.
Lavrov reiterated the treaty’s substantial role in ending the Cold War, noting that adding it to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register was a natural and appropriate move. "Thirty years later, it is worth noting that it was our country that played a key, crucial role for the early reunification of Germany, which, by the way, was opposed by a number of allies of the [then] Federal Republic of Germany," the top Russian diplomat pointed out.
The signing of such fundamental agreements between the then USSR and Germany, like the Agreement on Good Neighborliness, Partnership and Cooperation, was a logical result of the treaty.
All this time, Russia has been devoting its utmost efforts towards having a zone of peace, equal and indivisible security, and far-reaching economic and humanitarian cooperation from the Atlantic to the Pacific. "Numerous Russian initiatives were intended for this objective, including the 2008 proposal to sign a treaty on European security," the diplomat pointed out.
However, as a result of a short-sighted NATO-leaning policy and geopolitical games, Europe is going through a major crisis of trust, while the enormous potential of Russian-German cooperation remains untapped. "Moreover, Berlin is now set on deterring Russia. We can hear unfounded accusations, ultimatums and threats hurled at us," Lavrov added. "There are gaping holes in the memory of some German politicians about the historical destiny of our countries in European and world affairs," he went on to say.
However, this phase of tensions can be surmounted for the sake of the fundamental interests of Russia and Germany. "Chances for this remain," he emphasized. "Much will depend on maturity of the members of civil society, their ability to carefully and honestly defend the truth, passing their knowledge and experience on to the younger generations," Lavrov stressed.
The Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany laid the foundation for reunification of Germany.


tass--2020-10-01--Russian diplomat slams third parties’ bellicose statements on Nagorno-Karabakh

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Bellicose statements and actions by third parties concerning the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh may raise tensions in the South Caucasus , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday .
`` We consider any bellicose statements and actions by third parties that can escalate tensions further and destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus as counterproductive and irresponsible , which may have unpredictable consequences , '' she pointed out .
Zakharova reiterated Russia ’ s calls on the parties to the conflict to `` show maximum restraint . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior Russian diplomat stressed .
She noted that there was no alternative to finding a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
`` Regional issues should be resolved through political and diplomatic means , '' Zakharova concluded .
Russia knows from its own sources that foreign militants are being moved to the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said , when asked what information the Russian Foreign Ministry relied on when it issued a commentary on Wednesday it was impermissible to let militants be deployed to the conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence .
There is such information at our disposal .
You are quite right .
There were such materials , borrowed from the social networks and corresponding publications , but in the commentary that was uploaded to the Foreign Ministry 's website we certainly relied on our own findings , facts and sources , '' Zakharova said .
`` The commentary underscored our general concern over these facts , but in this particular case I would prefer not to disclose the details , '' she said when asked what countries were using militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry said in a commentary on its website on Wednesday that militants from Syria and Libya were being redeployed to the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for participation in hostilities .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Bellicose statements and actions by third parties concerning the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh may raise tensions in the South Caucasus, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.
"We consider any bellicose statements and actions by third parties that can escalate tensions further and destabilize the situation in the South Caucasus as counterproductive and irresponsible, which may have unpredictable consequences," she pointed out. Zakharova reiterated Russia’s calls on the parties to the conflict to "show maximum restraint."
"Bloodshed must end immediately," the senior Russian diplomat stressed. She noted that there was no alternative to finding a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
"Regional issues should be resolved through political and diplomatic means," Zakharova concluded.
Proof of militants' relocation to conflict zone
Russia knows from its own sources that foreign militants are being moved to the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said, when asked what information the Russian Foreign Ministry relied on when it issued a commentary on Wednesday it was impermissible to let militants be deployed to the conflict area.
"We do have such evidence. There is such information at our disposal. You are quite right. There were such materials, borrowed from the social networks and corresponding publications, but in the commentary that was uploaded to the Foreign Ministry's website we certainly relied on our own findings, facts and sources," Zakharova said.
"The commentary underscored our general concern over these facts, but in this particular case I would prefer not to disclose the details," she said when asked what countries were using militants in the conflict.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a commentary on its website on Wednesday that militants from Syria and Libya were being redeployed to the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for participation in hostilities.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--Belarus estimates direct losses from external factors at $146 mln — PM

MINSK , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Direct losses of Belarus from external factors are estimated at 380 mln Belarusian @ @ @ @ @ ) , Prime Minister of the Republic Roman Golovchenko said on Thursday .
The country @ @ @ @ @ is formed in conditions of limited resources , the official said .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic and the unprecedented global crisis .
Direct losses from external factors we @ @ @ @ @ at 380 mln rubles , '' Golovchenko said , cited by his press service .
@ @ @ @ @ bln Belarusian rubles ( about $ 1.6 bln ) for the external state debt repayment @ @ @ @ @ .

MINSK, October 1. /TASS/. Direct losses of Belarus from external factors are estimated at 380 mln Belarusian rubles ($146 mln), Prime Minister of the Republic Roman Golovchenko said on Thursday.
The country’s budget for 2021 is formed in conditions of limited resources, the official said."This is the budget of the epoch of the pandemic and the unprecedented global crisis. Direct losses from external factors we cannot control are estimated at 380 mln rubles," Golovchenko said, cited by his press service.
The country will allocate 4.2 bln Belarusian rubles (about $1.6 bln) for the external state debt repayment next year, Golovchenko added.


tass--2020-10-01--Paris says has proof Turkish militants involved in Nagorno-Karabakh

BRUSSELS , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
France has `` precise information '' that Syrian militants from Turkey are involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh fighting , French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday after he arrived to the EU summit in Brussels .
`` We have precise information that indicates that the Syrian militants have abandoned the battlefield in Gaziantep [ southern Turkey ] in order to join the fighting in Karabakh .
This is very serious .
In the upcoming hours , we will discuss it here at the summit , '' he said .
The French President underscored that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he will do everything he can to make the countries return to the negotiations table .
`` We will do everything to stop the fighting and return to the peaceful way , '' he said .
Macron also noted that France , Russia and the US adopted a joint statement on Karabakh and agreed to exchange the information on the situation .
`` We agreed with President Trump and President Putin to exchange all information on this situation , in order to make all necessary conclusions .
As participants of the OSCE Minsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return the situation to its normal state and to ensure an unconditional ceasefire , '' he added .
Previously , the three presidents , as the leaders of the co-chair countries of the Minsk Group , adopted a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh .
The leaders stated their decisive condemnation of the escalation of violence in the conflict area and called to cessation of fighting between the sides ’ armed forces .
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27 ; battles go on at the disputed territory .
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia enacted martial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of several Karabakh settlements and strategic heights .
Yerevan debunks these statements and says territories of mainland Armenia are being shelled as well .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .

BRUSSELS, October 1. /TASS/. France has "precise information" that Syrian militants from Turkey are involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh fighting, French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday after he arrived to the EU summit in Brussels.
"We have precise information that indicates that the Syrian militants have abandoned the battlefield in Gaziantep [southern Turkey] in order to join the fighting in Karabakh. This is very serious. In the upcoming hours, we will discuss it here at the summit," he said.
The French President underscored that the situation in Karabakh is serious and that he will do everything he can to make the countries return to the negotiations table.
"We will do everything to stop the fighting and return to the peaceful way," he said.
Macron also noted that France, Russia and the US adopted a joint statement on Karabakh and agreed to exchange the information on the situation.
"We agreed with President Trump and President Putin to exchange all information on this situation, in order to make all necessary conclusions. As participants of the OSCE Minsk Group, we act in order to return the situation to its normal state and to ensure an unconditional ceasefire," he added.
Previously, the three presidents, as the leaders of the co-chair countries of the Minsk Group, adopted a statement on Nagorno-Karabakh. The leaders stated their decisive condemnation of the escalation of violence in the conflict area and called to cessation of fighting between the sides’ armed forces.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh escalated on September 27; battles go on at the disputed territory. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia enacted martial law and declared mobilization. Baku claims control of several Karabakh settlements and strategic heights. Yerevan debunks these statements and says territories of mainland Armenia are being shelled as well.
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.


tass--2020-10-01--Russia, Malta signed a protocol to revise tax agreement

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Malta signed a protocol on amendments to the agreement on the double tax avoidance , Russia ’ s Finance Ministry reported on its website .
The amendments imply the increase of the interest and dividend tax to 15 % .
According to the ministry , the protocol is to be ratified before the end of this year , so that its provisions come into effect on January 1 , 2021.The ministry also noted that , similar to the previously signed protocol with Cyprus , the document defines a list of exceptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investments , as well as for public companies , which have at least 15 % of their shares in free float , and those who own at least 15 % of the company ’ s capital and pay these incomes during the year .
For such income , the tax rate is set at 5 % , '' according to the statement .
According to the ministry , the changes will not affect interest income paid on Eurobonds , bonded loans of Russian companies , as well as loans provided by foreign banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Sazanov and Malta 's ambassador to Russia Pierre Clive Agius .
According to the Russian Finance Ministry , the agreements need to be amended due to the economic situation both in Russia and in the world , which requires the concentration of financial resources to provide measures to support the population and the economy amid the pandemic .
According to Sazanov , Russia plans to sign the next revised taxed agreement with Luxembourg .
`` Today we have taken another step in our struggle for the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank my colleagues from Malta for the high level of cooperation and constructive dialogue .
Now we are working on amending tax agreements with other jurisdictions .
The next signing of a similar agreement is planned with Luxembourg .
Negotiations are ongoing with the Netherlands , '' the Russian official said as quoted by the statement .
The Russian authorities want to increase the tax on dividends that are withdrawn abroad , from 2 % to 15 % .
This measure requires adjustment of agreements on avoidance of double taxation with some countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement with Russia .
The Finance Ministry calculated that starting next year , the budget will additionally receive 130-150 billion rubles ( $ 1.6-1.9 bln ) annually from the increase tax on dividends in Cyprus .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Russia and Malta signed a protocol on amendments to the agreement on the double tax avoidance, Russia’s Finance Ministry reported on its website.
The amendments imply the increase of the interest and dividend tax to 15%. According to the ministry, the protocol is to be ratified before the end of this year, so that its provisions come into effect on January 1, 2021.The ministry also noted that, similar to the previously signed protocol with Cyprus, the document defines a list of exceptions.
"Exceptions are provided for institutional investments, as well as for public companies, which have at least 15% of their shares in free float, and those who own at least 15% of the company’s capital and pay these incomes during the year. For such income, the tax rate is set at 5 %," according to the statement.
According to the ministry, the changes will not affect interest income paid on Eurobonds, bonded loans of Russian companies, as well as loans provided by foreign banks.
The protocol was signed by Russia’s Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Sazanov and Malta's ambassador to Russia Pierre Clive Agius.
According to the Russian Finance Ministry, the agreements need to be amended due to the economic situation both in Russia and in the world, which requires the concentration of financial resources to provide measures to support the population and the economy amid the pandemic.
According to Sazanov, Russia plans to sign the next revised taxed agreement with Luxembourg.
"Today we have taken another step in our struggle for the Russian tax base. I would like to thank my colleagues from Malta for the high level of cooperation and constructive dialogue. Now we are working on amending tax agreements with other jurisdictions. The next signing of a similar agreement is planned with Luxembourg. Negotiations are ongoing with the Netherlands," the Russian official said as quoted by the statement.
The Russian authorities want to increase the tax on dividends that are withdrawn abroad, from 2% to 15%. This measure requires adjustment of agreements on avoidance of double taxation with some countries.
Cyprus has already agreed to amend the agreement with Russia. The Finance Ministry calculated that starting next year, the budget will additionally receive 130-150 billion rubles ($1.6-1.9 bln) annually from the increase tax on dividends in Cyprus.


tass--2020-10-01--EU needs dialogue with Russia to resolve bilateral, international issues — Macron

`` Relations with Russia are very important to us , Europeans .
We need an exacting dialogue with Russia , @ @ @ @ @ on our bilateral relations as well as to resolve numerous crises in the zone of @ @ @ @ @ he noted .
Among other subjects of the summit , he added , are the @ @ @ @ @ discussion of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict .
The French president added that recently he had intensive @ @ @ @ @ his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump .
He also stressed the @ @ @ @ @ relations with Turkey in the context of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region where this @ @ @ @ @ of natural gas deposits in the area disputed by Cyprus and Greece .
Due to @ @ @ @ @ of Cyprus by the EU , Nicosia has been blocking the approval of sanctions against @ @ @ @ @ Council .

"Relations with Russia are very important to us, Europeans. We need an exacting dialogue with Russia, it needs to be conducted on our bilateral relations as well as to resolve numerous crises in the zone of our immediate vicinity," he noted.
Among other subjects of the summit, he added, are the relations with Belarus and the discussion of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The French president added that recently he had intensive discussions on these subjects with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump. He also stressed the importance of discussing the EU relations with Turkey in the context of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region where this country is conducting geological exploration of natural gas deposits in the area disputed by Cyprus and Greece. Due to the lack of clear support of Cyprus by the EU, Nicosia has been blocking the approval of sanctions against Belarusian government at the European Council.


tass--2020-10-01--Macron  agrees to exchange information on Nagorno-Karabakh with Putin, Trump

BRUSSELS , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
French President Emmanuel Macron has agreed to exchange information on the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region with his Russian and US counterparts , Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump , as Macron himself said upon arrival at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday .
`` President Trump , President Putin and I have agreed to exchange all the information we have on the situation in order to make the necessary conclusions , '' he said .
`` As members of the OSCE Minsk Group , we are working to bring the situation back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preconditions , as well as to resolve the issue through talks based on international law , '' Macron added .
According to him , France `` will do everything possible to end the conflict as soon as possible . ''
`` The strikes that were launched from Azerbaijan ’ s territory on Sunday can not be justified , in my view , '' the French president said , adding that he `` told Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev about it . ''
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

BRUSSELS, October 1. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron has agreed to exchange information on the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region with his Russian and US counterparts, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, as Macron himself said upon arrival at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.
"President Trump, President Putin and I have agreed to exchange all the information we have on the situation in order to make the necessary conclusions," he said. "As members of the OSCE Minsk Group, we are working to bring the situation back to normal and achieve a ceasefire without preconditions, as well as to resolve the issue through talks based on international law," Macron added.
According to him, France "will do everything possible to end the conflict as soon as possible." "The strikes that were launched from Azerbaijan’s territory on Sunday cannot be justified, in my view," the French president said, adding that he "told Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev about it."
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--Russia resumes fuel imports

Russia resumes fuel imports

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
The ban on fuel import effective in Russia from June 2 was lifted @ @ @ @ @ lots of Belarusian petroleum products appeared at the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange , traders @ @ @ @ @ first volumes [ from Belarusian refineries ] have appeared today , '' one of traders @ @ @ @ @ posted small lots of diesel fuel today and transactions have already been made , he @ @

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. The ban on fuel import effective in Russia from June 2 was lifted on October 1 and first lots of Belarusian petroleum products appeared at the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange, traders say.
"Yes, first volumes [from Belarusian refineries] have appeared today," one of traders told TASS. Belarusian refineries posted small lots of diesel fuel today and transactions have already been made, he added.


tass--2020-10-01--Small size attack drones to be integrated with new generation combat gear

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Small size attack drones and also robots and exoskeletons will be integrated with Russia 's new generation soldier gear , the commander of ground forces , General of the Army Oleg Salyukov told the government-published Rossiiskaya Gazeta in an interview .
`` One of the current research and development projects , being carried out at the request of the ground forces ' command , envisages creation of a new generation combat gear incorporating elements that enhance the personnel 's physical abilities , such as combat and special exoskeletons , and the integration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconnaissance and attack drones of small and mini class , '' Salyukov said .
Such equipment will enhance each soldier 's situational awareness , facilitate the performance of combat missions and minimize the level of physical effort and risks to life .
Earlier , the Russian corporation Rostec said that the new generation combat gear Sotnik , being developed by one of its affiliates - the Central Scientific-Research Institute for Precision Machine Engineering TasNIItochMash - will incorporate micro-drones , connected with a tactical level automated command system .
Images from its cameras will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or protective glasses .
The corporation said nothing about plans for integrating attack drones with the new generation combat gear , though .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Small size attack drones and also robots and exoskeletons will be integrated with Russia's new generation soldier gear, the commander of ground forces, General of the Army Oleg Salyukov told the government-published Rossiiskaya Gazeta in an interview.
"One of the current research and development projects, being carried out at the request of the ground forces' command, envisages creation of a new generation combat gear incorporating elements that enhance the personnel's physical abilities, such as combat and special exoskeletons, and the integration of combat and support robots as well as reconnaissance and attack drones of small and mini class," Salyukov said.
Such equipment will enhance each soldier's situational awareness, facilitate the performance of combat missions and minimize the level of physical effort and risks to life.
Earlier, the Russian corporation Rostec said that the new generation combat gear Sotnik, being developed by one of its affiliates - the Central Scientific-Research Institute for Precision Machine Engineering TasNIItochMash - will incorporate micro-drones, connected with a tactical level automated command system. Images from its cameras will be projected to the helmet's visor or protective glasses. The corporation said nothing about plans for integrating attack drones with the new generation combat gear, though.


tass--2020-10-01--Paris to send plane to Karabakh to evacuate injured journalists

BRUSSELS , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
France does everything it can to return the French journalists , injured by @ @ @ @ @ , as soon as possible , French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday after he arrived @ @ @ @ @ Brussels .
`` A sanitary plane is ready to depart to repatriate the journalists , @ @ @ @ @ that everything is being done to repatriate them as soon as possible .

BRUSSELS, October 1. /TASS/. France does everything it can to return the French journalists, injured by the Azerbaijani shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh, as soon as possible, French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday after he arrived to the EU summit in Brussels.
"A sanitary plane is ready to depart to repatriate the journalists," he said, underscoring that everything is being done to repatriate them as soon as possible.


tass--2020-10-01--Nord Stream 2 AG mulls different options of restarting work in Danish waters

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Nord Stream 2 AG , the Swiss-based operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project , has obtained all the required permits for operation from countries whose waters are crossed by the gas pipeline .
The company is currently considering different options of restarting the pipelay , the operator told TASS .
Earlier on Thursday , the Danish Energy Agency ( DEA ) issued a permit to Nord Stream 2 AG for operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on the country ’ s shelf subject to certain conditions providing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In other countries , like for example Sweden and Finland , the construction permits already comprise the permit to operate , '' the company said .
`` We continue consideration of different options of resuming the pipe-laying activities in Denmark and will timely inform about our plans , '' Nord Stream 2 AG added .
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
To date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been finished .
The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Nord Stream 2 AG, the Swiss-based operator of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project, has obtained all the required permits for operation from countries whose waters are crossed by the gas pipeline. The company is currently considering different options of restarting the pipelay, the operator told TASS.
Earlier on Thursday, the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) issued a permit to Nord Stream 2 AG for operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on the country’s shelf subject to certain conditions providing for safe operation of the gas pipeline. "In other countries, like for example Sweden and Finland, the construction permits already comprise the permit to operate," the company said.
"We continue consideration of different options of resuming the pipe-laying activities in Denmark and will timely inform about our plans," Nord Stream 2 AG added.
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 93.5% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.


tass--2020-10-01--Two Le Monde journalists injured in shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh, Yerevan says

`` Two Le Monde journalists were injured following a shelling by the Azerbaijani armed forces in the city of Martuni [ eastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh - TASS ] .
They are citizens of France ; they are currently being transported to the Martuni city hospital , '' the report says .
According to the report , Armenia TV channel cameraman Aram Grigoryan was also lightly injured in the shelling .
On Thursday , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia reported that over 200 foreign journalists are currently in the republic .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 and this past July .
Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

"Two Le Monde journalists were injured following a shelling by the Azerbaijani armed forces in the city of Martuni [eastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh - TASS]. They are citizens of France; they are currently being transported to the Martuni city hospital," the report says.
According to the report, Armenia TV channel cameraman Aram Grigoryan was also lightly injured in the shelling. On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia reported that over 200 foreign journalists are currently in the republic.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the highland region of Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--Putin, Macron, Trump call for talks on Nagorno-Karabakh without preconditions

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France in a joint statement have called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions .
`` We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations , in good faith and without preconditions , under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs , '' the statement reads .
The presidents urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh .
`` We call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relevant military forces . ''
They also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in their joint statement .
`` We mourn the victims and express our condolences to the families of those killed and wounded , '' the presidents said , according to the Public Radio of Armenia .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014 , in April 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts .
Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties , among them civilians .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group , led by its three co-chairs - Russia , France and the United States .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Donald Trump of the United States and Emmanuel Macron of France in a joint statement have called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict without preconditions.
"We also call on the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to commit without delay to resuming substantive negotiations, in good faith and without preconditions, under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs," the statement reads.
The presidents urged an immediate cessation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh. "We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the relevant military forces."
They also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in their joint statement. "We mourn the victims and express our condolences to the families of those killed and wounded," the presidents said, according to the Public Radio of Armenia.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area experienced flare-ups of violence in the summer of 2014, in April 2016 and this past July. Azerbaijan and Armenia have imposed martial law and launched mobilization efforts. Both parties to the conflict have reported casualties, among them civilians.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them. Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement have been ongoing since 1992 under the OSCE Minsk Group, led by its three co-chairs - Russia, France and the United States.


tass--2020-10-01--Denmark authorizes Nord Stream 2 AG to operate gas pipeline on national shelf

MOSCOW , October 1 .
/TASS/ .
The Danish Energy Agency ( DEA ) issued a permit to Nord Stream 2 AG for operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on the country ’ s shelf subject to certain conditions providing for safe operation of gas pipelines , the regulator said on Thursday .
`` The Danish Energy Agency has granted a permit to Nord Stream 2 AG to operate a section of the Nord Stream 2 pipelines on a number of conditions to ensure a safe operation of the pipelines , '' DEA said .
`` Commissioning can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pipelines has been tested , verified and when relevant conditions in the construction permit and the operations permit have been met , '' the regulator noted .
Nord Stream 2 AG applied for the permit on November 18 , 2019 .
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany .
To date , 93.5 % of Nord Stream 2 has been finished .
The construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions .

MOSCOW, October 1. /TASS/. The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) issued a permit to Nord Stream 2 AG for operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on the country’s shelf subject to certain conditions providing for safe operation of gas pipelines, the regulator said on Thursday.
"The Danish Energy Agency has granted a permit to Nord Stream 2 AG to operate a section of the Nord Stream 2 pipelines on a number of conditions to ensure a safe operation of the pipelines," DEA said.
"Commissioning can only take place when at least one of the pipelines has been tested, verified and when relevant conditions in the construction permit and the operations permit have been met," the regulator noted.
Nord Stream 2 AG applied for the permit on November 18, 2019.
The Nord Stream 2 project envisages the construction of two pipeline strings with a total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from the coast of Russia through the Baltic Sea to Germany. To date, 93.5% of Nord Stream 2 has been finished. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.


tass--2020-10-01--Over 150,000 Lugansk republic residents obtain Russian passports

`` A Russian Federation passport has been obtained by 150,000 residents of our republic , '' Lugansk Media Centre quotes @ @ @ @ @ The number of papers filed for citizenship of both the LPR and the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ not dwindle . ''
The authorities of the republic and its officials do everything they @ @ @ @ @ of obtaining LPR and Russian passports `` as easy , efficient and accessible as possible @ @ @ @ @ On April 24 , 2019 , Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order , allowing @ @ @ @ @ obtain Russian citizenship via a simplified procedure ; one year later , the state fee @ @ @ @ @ cancelled .

"A Russian Federation passport has been obtained by 150,000 residents of our republic," Lugansk Media Centre quotes Pasechnik as saying. "The number of papers filed for citizenship of both the LPR and the Russian Federation indicates that the demand does not dwindle."
The authorities of the republic and its officials do everything they can to make the process of obtaining LPR and Russian passports "as easy, efficient and accessible as possible," Pasechnik noted.
On April 24, 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order, allowing LPR and DPR residents to obtain Russian citizenship via a simplified procedure; one year later, the state fee for the Russian passport was cancelled.