tass--2020-12-15--Available data testify to high effectiveness of vaccine Sputnik V — French virologist

MADRID , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
French virologist Marie-Paule Kieny has said that the available data concerning the Russian vaccine Sputnik V testify to its high effectiveness , as follows from her interview to the Spanish daily El Pais .
Kieny led a delegation of France ’ s scientific committee at negotiations with the Russian Direct Investment Fund on the issue of the production and distribution of anti-coronavirus vaccines held at the end of November .
`` The data that we have seen [ concerning Sputnik V ] apparently indicate that the vaccine is effective , '' Kieny said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publish the full results of their research in science magazines as soon as possible to achieve greater transparency and trust of the international community , '' Kieny said .
`` The results that we , the French delegates , were able to see , calmed our fears and indicated that this vaccine works and is extremely effective . ''
`` Now we know that the first vaccines against COVID demonstrate excellent protection results at the peak of the immune response , '' she said .
`` The manufacturers of RNA vaccines and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of above 90 % . ''
`` It remains to be seen whether this protection will last , '' Kieny went on to say .
`` We will have to wait for one year after the vaccination to see whether this protection will remain for a whole year .
At this point we can not know this . ''
`` It looks like there are not very many distinctions in the protection of elderly people and younger persons , which is also good news .
What we still do not know about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , because the producers themselves still have no such data . ''
On August 11 , 2020 , Russia became the first country to have registered an anti-coronavirus vaccine , called Sputnik V. It was developed at the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology .
Post-registration studies began in Moscow on September 7 .
The first group of volunteers was vaccinated on September 9 .
A total of 40,000 people are participating in the program .
Ten thousand of them had placebo injections .
The effectiveness of Sputnik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is above 95 % on the 42nd day after the injection of the first dose on the condition the patient gets another dose .

MADRID, December 15. /TASS/. French virologist Marie-Paule Kieny has said that the available data concerning the Russian vaccine Sputnik V testify to its high effectiveness, as follows from her interview to the Spanish daily El Pais.
Kieny led a delegation of France’s scientific committee at negotiations with the Russian Direct Investment Fund on the issue of the production and distribution of anti-coronavirus vaccines held at the end of November.
"The data that we have seen [concerning Sputnik V] apparently indicate that the vaccine is effective," Kieny said.
"We asked Russian scientists to publish the full results of their research in science magazines as soon as possible to achieve greater transparency and trust of the international community," Kieny said. "The results that we, the French delegates, were able to see, calmed our fears and indicated that this vaccine works and is extremely effective."
"Now we know that the first vaccines against COVID demonstrate excellent protection results at the peak of the immune response," she said. "The manufacturers of RNA vaccines and the Russian vaccine Sputnik V have declared effectiveness of above 90%."
"It remains to be seen whether this protection will last," Kieny went on to say. "We will have to wait for one year after the vaccination to see whether this protection will remain for a whole year. At this point we cannot know this."
"It looks like there are not very many distinctions in the protection of elderly people and younger persons, which is also good news. What we still do not know about the vaccines is whether they prevent the transfer of the virus, because the producers themselves still have no such data."
On August 11, 2020, Russia became the first country to have registered an anti-coronavirus vaccine, called Sputnik V. It was developed at the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Post-registration studies began in Moscow on September 7. The first group of volunteers was vaccinated on September 9. A total of 40,000 people are participating in the program. Ten thousand of them had placebo injections.
The effectiveness of Sputnik V, according to preliminary results, is above 95% on the 42nd day after the injection of the first dose on the condition the patient gets another dose.


tass--2020-12-15--Press review: India gears up for two-front war and what are the global challenges in 2021

Economists believe that the possible inefficiency of mass vaccination and new waves of the coronavirus pandemic will be the main challenges holding back economic recovery in many countries in 2021 .
Moreover , widespread poverty and protests may bring crucial changes to current redistribution policies , Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes .
The further spread of COVID-19 is the main risk that 2021 will bring , Director of the Center for Market Studies at the Higher School of Economics Georgy Ostapkovich pointed out .
In this regard , mass vaccination can boost economic recovery .
Otherwise , `` lockdowns will reduce business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian University of Economics Diana Stepanova added .
Besides , restrictions are negatively affecting workforce productivity , Ostapkovich said .
Even if vaccinations prove effective , many industries , namely the public catering and the hospitality sectors , will need a long time to recover .
At the same time , the expert expects investment in the pharmaceutical industry to grow .
`` Healthcare is becoming the new oil , '' he said .
Another risk that 2021 will bring comes from the possibility of a financial crisis .
`` Aggressive quantitative easing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a temporary decline in sovereign and corporate bond yields .
The process threatens to reduce confidence in the leading global currencies and , consequently , in sovereign debt , '' leading analyst at Otkritie Broker Andrey Kochetkov warned .
Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences ' Institute of Economics Ruslan Grinberg sees the increase in poverty and mass protests to be the main risk of 2021 .
`` It will require resource redistribution efforts , '' he said .
Meanwhile , according to Stepanova , the main threat that Russia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and foremost come from new US sanctions .
According to official sources cited by the Indian media , the country ’ s armed forces are urgently replenishing ammunition and weapons , gearing up for a possible war with China and Pakistan amid Beijing ’ s military buildup along the disputed border in the Himalayas and tensions in Kashmir .
Experts believe that only Russia can quickly meet India ’ s demand for military equipment , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
It seems that the emergency steps that India has taken largely stem from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Consultant Editor at the India Strategic monthly Vinay Shukla , New Delhi has had a 15-day war doctrine in its pocket for a long time now .
`` This is how long it will take the army to accomplish its objectives .
We do n't have a defense industry that would allow us to carry out military activities for longer than 15 days .
We have to send equipment to Russia for repairs , '' he pointed out .
`` However , relations between India and Russia are n't that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between India , Russia and China , but China contiues to stage provocations against India .
We expected Russia to influence China and urge it to show restraint but Russia is silent .
It seems that Russia has become dependent on China , '' the Indian expert concluded .
Timofei Borisov , a researcher at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies , told the newspaper that `` in fact , India developed a two-front war strategy back in the 1960s . ''
`` Media reports don ’ t mean that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming days but they make it possible for the armed forces to replenish stocks and express concern about the situation on the border , '' he added .
`` Nevertheless , it will be difficult for India to purchase a large amount of weapons .
All state agencies , including the Defense Ministry , had to cut their spending due to the pandemic so the ministry will have to rely on domestic arms manufacturers .
As for foreign parnters , Russia enjoys competitive advantages because it is the only country that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardware that it needs on short notice .
Besides , Western-made weapons are far more expensive than Russian ones , '' the expert emphasized .
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) has reduced its projected global oil demand for 2021 , pointing out that the impact the coronavirus pandemic would have on Europe 's demand for fuel in the first half of the year was unclear .
However , experts are confident that Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development members , namely , India and China , will ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In November , China 's economy pushed US LNG prices up by 20 % and made Russia the world leader in oil supplies , Izvestia writes .
The expected decline in oil demand is explained by the lockdowns that European Union countries are introducing for the holiday season , WMT Consult Managing Partner Ekaterina Kosareva pointed out .
`` Nevertheless , it ’ s hard to say at the moment if a number of European countries will extend the lockdowns .
This is where all the uncertainty comes from .
I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will grow in a month , '' Kosareva added .
Meanwhile , daily oil imports have exceeded the 11-mln-barrel mark thanks to the activities of Chinese independent oil refineries , given that the figure stood at 10.1 mln in October .
However , OPEC said in its December report that in 2021 , oil demand would depend on US policies , the situation around Brexit and trade talks , primarily with China .
All the above-mentioned factors will influence the hydrocarbon market in the first half of 2021 , but only one will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more stable , and that is the distribution of coronavirus vaccines and their effectiveness , Raiffeisenbank analyst Andrei Polishchuk noted .
`` Only real signs of economic recovery in countries will boost confidence on the oil market , '' the expert emphasized .
Rossiyskaya Gazeta : Russian stock market sets records in hopes of victory over pandemic The Russian stock market is growing for the seventh consecutive week .
This positive trend is strengthened by a rise in individual investors , whose number more than doubled in the past 11 months , reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As soon as news started coming about vaccine supplies , we saw an increase in market activities and expect more new investors to enter the market than the same period in previous years , '' Head of Investment and Brokerage Services Development at Tinkoff Investments Anton Kitsun noted .
According to Head of Market Analysis at Otkritie Broker Anton Zatolokin , there are several factors that are boosting Russian asset prices , most of which are long-term and fundamentally based .
These include low base rates across the world and expectations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory over COVID-19 .
The market expects that trade wars will end once Washington ’ s policy changes , which has already led to an influx of portfolio investment into developing markets .
Interest rates in Russia are declining , and there have been no new sanctions , while the low cost estimates of Russian assets only boost their attractiveness for investors .
The medium-term economic growth potential , created by the end of 2020 , is one of the strongest in the past 25 years .
However , that doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the horizon .
They may take place , first and foremost , if there is no progress in the fight against the pandemic and new sanctions initiatives against Russia come up after Joe Biden takes office as US president , Zatolokin noted .
The Shopping Index based on the number of customers per 1,000 square meters of retail space at Moscow 's shopping malls rose by 4 % in the first two weeks of December compared to late November .
Watcom Group President Roman Skorokhodov attributes the positive trend to the upcoming holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cloudy , retail operators stay positive .
Commercial real estate analyst at Accent Capital Anastasia Kostomakhina expects customer traffic to recover to 85 % of the pre-crisis level before the new year .
Research analyst at Cushman & Wakefield Yevgenia Safonova has no doubts that retaliers will see a surge in sales in December though the total sales volume will be lower than the year before .
Retail Real Estate Manager at Knight Frank Yevgenia Khakberdiyeva expects , however , that the fall will be minimal .
`` People have grown tired of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ malls looking for a certain atmosphere , '' she said .
Director of the Retail Space Department at CBRE Marina Malakhatko predicts that the average retail turnover will drop by 9 % this year .
According to her , customer activity always grows during the holiday season , even in the years of crisis .
Today , however , there is an additional negative factor for shopping malls as the share of online sales has grown up to 30 % , the expert pointed out .
TASS is not responsible for the material @ @ @ @ @ @

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Experts list major economic challenges of 2021
Economists believe that the possible inefficiency of mass vaccination and new waves of the coronavirus pandemic will be the main challenges holding back economic recovery in many countries in 2021. Moreover, widespread poverty and protests may bring crucial changes to current redistribution policies, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. The further spread of COVID-19 is the main risk that 2021 will bring, Director of the Center for Market Studies at the Higher School of Economics Georgy Ostapkovich pointed out. In this regard, mass vaccination can boost economic recovery. Otherwise, "lockdowns will reduce business activities," Associate Professor at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Diana Stepanova added. Besides, restrictions are negatively affecting workforce productivity, Ostapkovich said. Even if vaccinations prove effective, many industries, namely the public catering and the hospitality sectors, will need a long time to recover. At the same time, the expert expects investment in the pharmaceutical industry to grow. "Healthcare is becoming the new oil," he said. Another risk that 2021 will bring comes from the possibility of a financial crisis. "Aggressive quantitative easing measures taken by central banks have led to a temporary decline in sovereign and corporate bond yields. The process threatens to reduce confidence in the leading global currencies and, consequently, in sovereign debt," leading analyst at Otkritie Broker Andrey Kochetkov warned. Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Economics Ruslan Grinberg sees the increase in poverty and mass protests to be the main risk of 2021. "It will require resource redistribution efforts," he said. Meanwhile, according to Stepanova, the main threat that Russia is going to face in 2021 will first and foremost come from new US sanctions. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: India gears up for two-front war
According to official sources cited by the Indian media, the country’s armed forces are urgently replenishing ammunition and weapons, gearing up for a possible war with China and Pakistan amid Beijing’s military buildup along the disputed border in the Himalayas and tensions in Kashmir. Experts believe that only Russia can quickly meet India’s demand for military equipment, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. It seems that the emergency steps that India has taken largely stem from the growing defense cooperation between China and Pakistan. According to Consultant Editor at the India Strategic monthly Vinay Shukla, New Delhi has had a 15-day war doctrine in its pocket for a long time now. "This is how long it will take the army to accomplish its objectives. We don't have a defense industry that would allow us to carry out military activities for longer than 15 days. We have to send equipment to Russia for repairs," he pointed out. "However, relations between India and Russia aren't that smooth. Trilateral meetings have taken place between India, Russia and China, but China contiues to stage provocations against India. We expected Russia to influence China and urge it to show restraint but Russia is silent. It seems that Russia has become dependent on China," the Indian expert concluded. Timofei Borisov, a researcher at the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, told the newspaper that "in fact, India developed a two-front war strategy back in the 1960s." "Media reports don’t mean that a war is expected to break out in the coming days but they make it possible for the armed forces to replenish stocks and express concern about the situation on the border," he added. "Nevertheless, it will be difficult for India to purchase a large amount of weapons. All state agencies, including the Defense Ministry, had to cut their spending due to the pandemic so the ministry will have to rely on domestic arms manufacturers. As for foreign parnters, Russia enjoys competitive advantages because it is the only country that is capable of providing India with the military hardware that it needs on short notice. Besides, Western-made weapons are far more expensive than Russian ones," the expert emphasized. Izvestia: Chinese economy boosts fuel demand
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has reduced its projected global oil demand for 2021, pointing out that the impact the coronavirus pandemic would have on Europe's demand for fuel in the first half of the year was unclear. However, experts are confident that Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development members, namely, India and China, will ensure a surge in demand in 2021. In November, China's economy pushed US LNG prices up by 20% and made Russia the world leader in oil supplies, Izvestia writes. The expected decline in oil demand is explained by the lockdowns that European Union countries are introducing for the holiday season, WMT Consult Managing Partner Ekaterina Kosareva pointed out. "Nevertheless, it’s hard to say at the moment if a number of European countries will extend the lockdowns. This is where all the uncertainty comes from. I don’t rule out that the projected demand will grow in a month," Kosareva added. Meanwhile, daily oil imports have exceeded the 11-mln-barrel mark thanks to the activities of Chinese independent oil refineries, given that the figure stood at 10.1 mln in October. However, OPEC said in its December report that in 2021, oil demand would depend on US policies, the situation around Brexit and trade talks, primarily with China. All the above-mentioned factors will influence the hydrocarbon market in the first half of 2021, but only one will be able to make the market situation more stable, and that is the distribution of coronavirus vaccines and their effectiveness, Raiffeisenbank analyst Andrei Polishchuk noted. "Only real signs of economic recovery in countries will boost confidence on the oil market," the expert emphasized. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Russian stock market sets records in hopes of victory over pandemic
Read also Business travel revenues down 80% due to pandemic
The Russian stock market is growing for the seventh consecutive week. This positive trend is strengthened by a rise in individual investors, whose number more than doubled in the past 11 months, reaching eight million, Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes. "As soon as news started coming about vaccine supplies, we saw an increase in market activities and expect more new investors to enter the market than the same period in previous years," Head of Investment and Brokerage Services Development at Tinkoff Investments Anton Kitsun noted. According to Head of Market Analysis at Otkritie Broker Anton Zatolokin, there are several factors that are boosting Russian asset prices, most of which are long-term and fundamentally based. These include low base rates across the world and expectations that vaccinations will pave the way for a victory over COVID-19. The market expects that trade wars will end once Washington’s policy changes, which has already led to an influx of portfolio investment into developing markets. Interest rates in Russia are declining, and there have been no new sanctions, while the low cost estimates of Russian assets only boost their attractiveness for investors. The medium-term economic growth potential, created by the end of 2020, is one of the strongest in the past 25 years. However, that doesn’t mean radical changes aren’t on the horizon. They may take place, first and foremost, if there is no progress in the fight against the pandemic and new sanctions initiatives against Russia come up after Joe Biden takes office as US president, Zatolokin noted. Kommersant: Russian retailers expect sales to grow ahead of holiday season
Analysts are pointing to a rise in customer activity in Russia ahead of the holiday season. Market participants expect that customer traffic will recover to 85% of the pre-crisis level in the last month of the year, Kommersant writes.
Read also Russia’s Father Frost says every tenth letter he receives is from adults


tass--2020-12-15--The $ Trillion Opportunities within Country Positioning in Mind

ATLANTA and SHANGHAI , Dec. 15 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ .
Fortune ( China ) and Ries Positioning Strategy & Consulting have released the first global positioning strategy report – 'The $ Trillion Opportunities : Building Global Brands with Country Positioning in Mind ' – in the United States .
The positioning report points out that each country has different 'positioning in mind ' qualities and that companies should effectively grasp the concept and rely on categories to build a global brand .
The research for the positioning report was based on the unique theoretical framework created by Ries Consulting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research into six core markets , the United States , China , United Kingdom , France , Germany and India .
It importantly locks in potential category opportunities in these markets .
It also provides guidelines for the development of potential categories in the global market and is the world 's first positioning report focusing on cognition and category .
`` We 're at an important time when global business is facing great challenges , and businesses and brands need to explore the global 'blue ocean ' opportunities , '' The global CMO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the background to the positioning strategy project , `` Ries Consulting is a global strategic positioning leader , famous for pioneering a positioning theory which combines 'perception ' and 'category ' in its business models .
We have collaborated to capture the world 's most potential product categories . ''
The positioning report points out that `` country positioning in mind '' represents consumers ' unique first experienced perceptions of a certain country .
Of all the countries researched , China and India have enjoyed rapid development but their in-mind country positioning is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany have become leaders in technology and innovation but India has yet to shake off its traditional agriculture image in the minds of global consumers .
The UK and France are distinguished by good design , fashion and high-end products , showing their advantages in wealthy consumer categories such as luxury and jewelry .
Brand , category and country positioning in mind could deeply influence each other , the report says .
Therefore , when building a global brand , the key is to combine different categories , and each country has its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in mind .
When categories are combined with the superior aspects of a country 's positioning in mind , category innovations are born , and these could form new global advantages in the consumer mind .
The report also specifically analyzes opportunities in the global market for tea , apparel , electric vehicles and other categories .
Michael Brandtner , Global Partner of Ries Consulting , assessed the future global business opportunities in conjunction with release of the report , `` The key to winning global competition is building a powerful brand in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process of doing this , 'country positioning in mind ' is a key factor , however it 's often overlooked by a lot of companies , especially also by entrepreneurs .
That means : Exploring and using country positioning in mind and maximizing its influence is very helpful in building a global brand . ''
Michael continued , `` This is what Ries Consulting has adhered to and has been proven in business practice in the past 60 years .
In the 21st century , the global competition between brands will get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grow into a global brand will become a 'to be , or not to be ' decision .
Even though the international situation is really complicated today , only by correctly understanding the law of perception and by creating new categories we can successfully build powerful global brands . ''

ATLANTA and SHANGHAI, Dec. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/. Fortune (China) and Ries Positioning Strategy & Consulting have released the first global positioning strategy report – 'The $ Trillion Opportunities: Building Global Brands with Country Positioning in Mind' – in the United States.
The positioning report points out that each country has different 'positioning in mind' qualities and that companies should effectively grasp the concept and rely on categories to build a global brand.
The research for the positioning report was based on the unique theoretical framework created by Ries Consulting, and explored through consumer analysis and category research into six core markets, the United States, China, United Kingdom, France, Germany and India. It importantly locks in potential category opportunities in these markets. It also provides guidelines for the development of potential categories in the global market and is the world's first positioning report focusing on cognition and category.
"We're at an important time when global business is facing great challenges, and businesses and brands need to explore the global 'blue ocean' opportunities," The global CMO of Fortune, Michael Joselof, introduced the background to the positioning strategy project, "Ries Consulting is a global strategic positioning leader, famous for pioneering a positioning theory which combines 'perception' and 'category' in its business models. We have collaborated to capture the world's most potential product categories."
The positioning report points out that "country positioning in mind" represents consumers' unique first experienced perceptions of a certain country. Of all the countries researched, China and India have enjoyed rapid development but their in-mind country positioning is divided.
The U.S., China and Germany have become leaders in technology and innovation but India has yet to shake off its traditional agriculture image in the minds of global consumers. The UK and France are distinguished by good design, fashion and high-end products, showing their advantages in wealthy consumer categories such as luxury and jewelry.
Brand, category and country positioning in mind could deeply influence each other, the report says. Therefore, when building a global brand, the key is to combine different categories, and each country has its own distinctive leaders with unique country positioning in mind.
When categories are combined with the superior aspects of a country's positioning in mind, category innovations are born, and these could form new global advantages in the consumer mind. The report also specifically analyzes opportunities in the global market for tea, apparel, electric vehicles and other categories.
Michael Brandtner, Global Partner of Ries Consulting, assessed the future global business opportunities in conjunction with release of the report, "The key to winning global competition is building a powerful brand in the mind of global consumers. In the process of doing this, 'country positioning in mind' is a key factor, however it's often overlooked by a lot of companies, especially also by entrepreneurs. That means: Exploring and using country positioning in mind and maximizing its influence is very helpful in building a global brand."
Michael continued, "This is what Ries Consulting has adhered to and has been proven in business practice in the past 60 years. In the 21st century, the global competition between brands will get even tougher. The decision about whether to grow into a global brand will become a 'to be, or not to be' decision. Even though the international situation is really complicated today, only by correctly understanding the law of perception and by creating new categories we can successfully build powerful global brands."
CONTACT: Yan Chen, yan.chen@ries.com.cn, +86-021-58778501


tass--2020-12-15--Russia’s top brass inks deal on six corvettes for Pacific Fleet

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry and the Amur Shipyard in the Russian Far @ @ @ @ @ on building six Project 20380 and 20385 corvettes , the ministry ’ s press office @ @ @ @ @ In compliance with the terms of the contract , the Pacific Fleet will receive two @ @ @ @ @ 20385 corvettes in 2024-2028 , '' the press office said in a statement .
The @ @ @ @ @ corvettes will enable the Russian Navy to boost the efficiency of detecting and eliminating enemy @ @ @ @ @ vessels and protect naval bases , the coastline and sea lanes , the statement says @ @ @ @ @ in Russia today are unrivaled in the world by some operational characteristics and armament and @ @ @ @ @ These are advanced warships outfitted with the latest multi-functional radars , Redut surface-to-air missile systems @ @ @ @ @ ( Project 20380 ) , Paket-NK anti-submarine warfare complexes and the universal shipborne launchers ( @ @ @ @ @ cruise missiles and eventually for Tsirkon hypersonic missiles .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry and the Amur Shipyard in the Russian Far East have signed a contract on building six Project 20380 and 20385 corvettes, the ministry’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"In compliance with the terms of the contract, the Pacific Fleet will receive two Project 20380 and four Project 20385 corvettes in 2024-2028," the press office said in a statement.
The Project 20380 and Project 20385 corvettes will enable the Russian Navy to boost the efficiency of detecting and eliminating enemy submarines, surface ships and vessels and protect naval bases, the coastline and sea lanes, the statement says.
The corvettes under construction in Russia today are unrivaled in the world by some operational characteristics and armament and have vast upgrade potential. These are advanced warships outfitted with the latest multi-functional radars, Redut surface-to-air missile systems and Uran anti-ship missile launchers (Project 20380), Paket-NK anti-submarine warfare complexes and the universal shipborne launchers (Project 20385) for Kalibr-NK cruise missiles and eventually for Tsirkon hypersonic missiles.


tass--2020-12-15--Moscow reports 1,773 daily coronavirus hospitalizations

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 1,773 coronavirus patients were taken to hospitals in Moscow in the past day , the city ’ s coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` As many as 5,418 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow in the past day and 1,773 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals .
A total of 419 patients are hooked up to ventilators , '' the statement reads .
According to the center , 12.9 % of the patients are children , 40.3 % are aged between 18 and 45 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65 , 11.8 % are aged between 66 and 79 and 4.2 % are aged over 80 .
All patients and their contacts remain under medical observation .
The center reiterated the need for people over the age of 65 and those with chronic diseases , as well as for students studying remotely , to self-isolate , and for everyone to wear face masks and gloves in public places and abide by social distancing measures .
Moscow has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide .
The city has so far recorded 703,502 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. As many as 1,773 coronavirus patients were taken to hospitals in Moscow in the past day, the city’s coronavirus monitoring center said in a statement on Tuesday.
"As many as 5,418 coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow in the past day and 1,773 COVID-19 patients were admitted to hospitals. A total of 419 patients are hooked up to ventilators," the statement reads.
According to the center, 12.9% of the patients are children, 40.3% are aged between 18 and 45, 30.8% are aged between 46 and 65, 11.8% are aged between 66 and 79 and 4.2% are aged over 80.
All patients and their contacts remain under medical observation.
The center reiterated the need for people over the age of 65 and those with chronic diseases, as well as for students studying remotely, to self-isolate, and for everyone to wear face masks and gloves in public places and abide by social distancing measures.
Moscow has the highest number of coronavirus cases nationwide. The city has so far recorded 703,502 cases, 539,859 recoveries and 10,022 deaths.


tass--2020-12-15--Over 1,400 volunteers get Russia's first EpiVacCorona vaccine jab

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 1,316 volunteers over the age of 18 and 122 volunteers over the age of 60 have received the first shot of Russia 's EpiVacCorona coronavirus vaccine as part of post-registration trials , the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Tuesday .
`` As part of placebo-controlled , post-registration clinical trials of the EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the sanitary watchdog ’ s Vector State Research Center , 1,316 volunteers over the age of 18 and 122 volunteers over the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine , '' the statement reads .
All volunteers are feeling well , no negative consequences of the vaccination have been detected , the watchdog added .
On July 24 , the Vector center received permission from the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine on volunteers .
That phase of trials completed on September 30 and the vaccine was registered in mid-October .
On November 16 , the Health Ministry granted permission to the center to conduct post-registration trials on 150 volunteers over the age of 60 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry out trials on 3,000 volunteers was issued .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. As many as 1,316 volunteers over the age of 18 and 122 volunteers over the age of 60 have received the first shot of Russia's EpiVacCorona coronavirus vaccine as part of post-registration trials, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in a statement on Tuesday.
"As part of placebo-controlled, post-registration clinical trials of the EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the sanitary watchdog’s Vector State Research Center, 1,316 volunteers over the age of 18 and 122 volunteers over the age of 60 have received the first shot of the vaccine," the statement reads.
All volunteers are feeling well, no negative consequences of the vaccination have been detected, the watchdog added.
On July 24, the Vector center received permission from the Russian Health Ministry to conduct clinical trials of its coronavirus vaccine on volunteers. That phase of trials completed on September 30 and the vaccine was registered in mid-October. On November 16, the Health Ministry granted permission to the center to conduct post-registration trials on 150 volunteers over the age of 60. On November 18, permission to carry out trials on 3,000 volunteers was issued.


tass--2020-12-15--Russia records 26,689 new daily coronavirus cases

According to data from the crisis center , the coronavirus growth rate has been at or below 1 for two @ @ @ @ @ 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia 's coronavirus cases rose by 26,689 to 2,707,945 in the @ @ @ @ @ anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
The rate is the lowest in the Tuva @ @ @ @ @ , the Nenets autonomous region ( 0.4 % ) , the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous region , @ @ @ @ @ and Altai regions ( 0.6 % ) .
In particular , 3,765 coronavirus cases were @ @ @ @ @ the past day , 1,392 in the Moscow region , 489 in the Nizhny Novgorod @ @ @ @ @ Arkhangelsk region , and 85 in the Voronezh region .
According to the crisis center @ @ @ @ @ active coronavirus cases in Russia .

According to data from the crisis center, the coronavirus growth rate has been at or below 1 for two days.
MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russia's coronavirus cases rose by 26,689 to 2,707,945 in the past 24 hours, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
The rate is the lowest in the Tuva region (0.3%), the Nenets autonomous region (0.4%), the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous region, the Mari El, Magadan and Altai regions (0.6%).
In particular, 3,765 coronavirus cases were recorded in St. Petersburg in the past day, 1,392 in the Moscow region, 489 in the Nizhny Novgorod region, 402 in the Arkhangelsk region, and 85 in the Voronezh region.
According to the crisis center, there are currently 510,367 active coronavirus cases in Russia.


tass--2020-12-15--Latest radar station goes on combat alert in Russia’s south

ROSTOV-ON-DON , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The latest Nebo-UM radar station capable of identifying low-flying and stealth targets has gone on combat alert in the Rostov Region in Russia ’ s south , the press office of the Southern Military District reported on Tuesday .
`` A new Nebo-UM radar station has gone on combat duty in the Rostov Region .
The new radar will considerably enhance the capabilities of detecting various air targets , including low-flying objects and those with a small radar cross-section , '' the press office said in a statement .
The new radar station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a follow-up of its systems .
The station is capable of detecting and tracking aircraft , helicopters , cruise missiles , missile warheads and other targets , identifying their state affiliation and transmitting data to the command post or anti-aircraft complexes , the press office said .
The new radar can also identify the direction of jamming sources and determine their location , it said .
The troops of Russia ’ s Southern Military District received eight new and modernized radar stations in 2020 , including Podlyot-K1 , RLS39N6 and Desna radars .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of altimeters underwent upgrade , the press office said .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, December 15. /TASS/. The latest Nebo-UM radar station capable of identifying low-flying and stealth targets has gone on combat alert in the Rostov Region in Russia’s south, the press office of the Southern Military District reported on Tuesday.
"A new Nebo-UM radar station has gone on combat duty in the Rostov Region. The new radar will considerably enhance the capabilities of detecting various air targets, including low-flying objects and those with a small radar cross-section," the press office said in a statement.
The new radar station has replaced its Nebo-U predecessor and is a follow-up of its systems. The station is capable of detecting and tracking aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, missile warheads and other targets, identifying their state affiliation and transmitting data to the command post or anti-aircraft complexes, the press office said.
The new radar can also identify the direction of jamming sources and determine their location, it said.
The troops of Russia’s Southern Military District received eight new and modernized radar stations in 2020, including Podlyot-K1, RLS39N6 and Desna radars. Also, Terek radar stations and a number of altimeters underwent upgrade, the press office said.


tass--2020-12-15--Putin congratulates Joe Biden on US presidential election victory

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram to Joe Biden to congratulate him on the US presidential election victory , the Kremlin reported Tuesday .
`` In his telegram , Putin wished every success to the president-elect and expressed confidence that Russia and the US , who bear special responsibility for global security and stability , could , despite their differences , help solve many problems and challenges that the world now faces , '' the Kremlin noted .
The Russian leader also noted that the Russian-American cooperation based on principles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests of both nations and the entire international community .
`` For my part , I am ready to cooperate and maintain contact with you , '' Putin said in his message to Biden .
On December 14 , the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden ’ s election victory .
The Democrat received 306 votes , while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes .
With 538 electors , a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not conceded , said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden .
In light of this remark , the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a telegram to Joe Biden to congratulate him on the US presidential election victory, the Kremlin reported Tuesday.
"In his telegram, Putin wished every success to the president-elect and expressed confidence that Russia and the US, who bear special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, help solve many problems and challenges that the world now faces," the Kremlin noted.
The Russian leader also noted that the Russian-American cooperation based on principles of equality and mutual respect would meet the interests of both nations and the entire international community.
"For my part, I am ready to cooperate and maintain contact with you," Putin said in his message to Biden.
On December 14, the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden’s election victory. The Democrat received 306 votes, while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes. With 538 electors, a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States. In late November, Trump, who has still not conceded, said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden. In light of this remark, the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight.


tass--2020-12-15--Over 5,300 COVID-19 patients recover in Moscow in past 24 hours

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s coronavirus recoveries grew by 5,307 in the past 24 hours @ @ @ @ @ center said on Tuesday .
Kremlin says no plans for another lockdown in Russia amid @ @ @ @ @ anti-coronavirus crisis center informs that 5,307 patients have recovered after treatment in the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ of recoveries has reached 539,859 , '' it said .
Those who recover from the @ @ @ @ @ blood plasma donors .
People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ , provided they don ’ t have chronic diseases and test negative for HIV , @ @ @ @ @ who have recovered can also become social volunteers and help those who are being treated @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Moscow’s coronavirus recoveries grew by 5,307 in the past 24 hours, Moscow's anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
Kremlin says no plans for another lockdown in Russia amid coronavirus pandemic
"The Moscow anti-coronavirus crisis center informs that 5,307 patients have recovered after treatment in the past 24 hours. The total number of recoveries has reached 539,859," it said.
Those who recover from the disease are offered to become blood plasma donors. People aged between 18 and 55 who have recovered from COVID-19 can become blood plasma donors, provided they don’t have chronic diseases and test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
People who have recovered can also become social volunteers and help those who are being treated at home.


tass--2020-12-15--More than 600 big companies open offices in Sanya's business district

SANYA , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
More than 600 big companies have opened a representative office in the business center of Hainan 's Sanya , at least 15 of them are included in the Fortune Global 500 ranking of the world 's largest companies , www.hinews.cn reported .
According to the newspaper , on December 13 , a ceremony of signing agreements between the Sanya authorities and representatives of a number of enterprises was held at the Hainan International Exhibition and Congress Center .
The event took place as part of the promotion of Hainan 's free trade port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the publication of the program for the construction of the port and the introduction of favorable conditions for doing business , more and more companies are showing interest in the island .
Following the ceremony , three more companies will start working in Sanya .
Hengli Group , for example , ranked 107th in the Fortune Global 500 and 28th in the 500 largest enterprises in China .
The company specializes in the oil refining and petrochemical industries , as well as the textile industry .
Two more companies are representatives of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On June 1 , the Chinese Central Committee and the State Council published a program for the creation of Hainan 's free trade port .
The document provides for several dozen targets , tasks and measures that the country 's leadership sets for the region 's development .
According to the government 's instructions , China will turn the entire island into a special customs zone .
The Chinese authorities plan to complete the creation of Hainan 's free port in 2025 : by this time a system for ensuring free trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ island .

SANYA, December 15. /TASS/. More than 600 big companies have opened a representative office in the business center of Hainan's Sanya, at least 15 of them are included in the Fortune Global 500 ranking of the world's largest companies, www.hinews.cn reported.
According to the newspaper, on December 13, a ceremony of signing agreements between the Sanya authorities and representatives of a number of enterprises was held at the Hainan International Exhibition and Congress Center. The event took place as part of the promotion of Hainan's free trade port. As the newspaper writes, since the publication of the program for the construction of the port and the introduction of favorable conditions for doing business, more and more companies are showing interest in the island.
Following the ceremony, three more companies will start working in Sanya. Hengli Group, for example, ranked 107th in the Fortune Global 500 and 28th in the 500 largest enterprises in China. The company specializes in the oil refining and petrochemical industries, as well as the textile industry. Two more companies are representatives of the yachting industry, CCTD and Zhongwang Group.
On June 1, the Chinese Central Committee and the State Council published a program for the creation of Hainan's free trade port. The document provides for several dozen targets, tasks and measures that the country's leadership sets for the region's development. According to the government's instructions, China will turn the entire island into a special customs zone.
The Chinese authorities plan to complete the creation of Hainan's free port in 2025: by this time a system for ensuring free trade and investment should be ensured on the island.


tass--2020-12-15--About 85% of Russians plan to spend New Year holidays at home — poll

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The majority of Russians ( 85 % ) plan to spend their New Year holidays at home , while those who decided to travel plan to visit Sochi , Moscow , St. Petersburg , Yalta and Kazan , the Yandex.Travel service informed on the outcomes of the poll held in October-December .
Some 9,500 people took part in the poll : 13 % of those polled said that they would not travel due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 , 9 % cite regional restrictive measures , 34 % stated that they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 29 % are used to spending their New Year holidays at home .
Experts calculated the most popular travel destinations on websites used to book flights and hotels in different cities and countries .
Russian travelers are mostly interested in domestic destinations , with Sochi and Moscow among the most popular cities to visit .
St. Petersburg comes in third , despite the COVID-19 restrictions introduced in the city for the New Year holidays .
Yalta and Kazan also made the top-5 of most popular destinations .
Those few Russians who decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booked trips to Turkey , Abkhazia and the United Arab Emirates .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The majority of Russians (85%) plan to spend their New Year holidays at home, while those who decided to travel plan to visit Sochi, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yalta and Kazan, the Yandex.Travel service informed on the outcomes of the poll held in October-December.
Some 9,500 people took part in the poll: 13% of those polled said that they would not travel due to the risk of contracting COVID-19, 9% cite regional restrictive measures, 34% stated that they do not have enough money to travel, and 29% are used to spending their New Year holidays at home.
Experts calculated the most popular travel destinations on websites used to book flights and hotels in different cities and countries. Russian travelers are mostly interested in domestic destinations, with Sochi and Moscow among the most popular cities to visit. St. Petersburg comes in third, despite the COVID-19 restrictions introduced in the city for the New Year holidays.
Yalta and Kazan also made the top-5 of most popular destinations.
Those few Russians who decided to travel abroad for the holidays have booked trips to Turkey, Abkhazia and the United Arab Emirates.


tass--2020-12-15--Supermicro Hosts Live CTO Roundtable with Industry Luminaries on Cloud Infrastructure

PRNewswire , Dec. 15 .
On December 16 , 2020 , Supermicro hosts a live CTO roundtable with industry experts on global cloud infrastructure .
Executives from Intel , Red Hat , VMWare , and Supermicro will share insights and updates on the industry 's movement to cloud-based data management and storage , and the impact of open-standard hardware and software architectures .
Attendees will hear a wide range of opinions , strategies , and actions on technology innovation that data center managers can leverage to plan their next-generation cloud operations .
Where : This is a digital-only event – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and live Q & A .
When : December 16 , 2020 , 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time .
A recording of the roundtable session and Q & A will be available for a year .
Please click here for more information and to register .
Supermicro ( Nasdaq : SMCI ) , the leading innovator in high-performance , high-efficiency server and storage technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions® for Enterprise Data Center , Cloud Computing , Artificial Intelligence , and Edge Computing Systems worldwide .
Supermicro is committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We Keep IT Green® '' initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient , environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market .
Supermicro , Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer , Inc. All other brands , names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners .

PRNewswire, Dec. 15. On December 16, 2020, Supermicro hosts a live CTO roundtable with industry experts on global cloud infrastructure. Executives from Intel, Red Hat, VMWare, and Supermicro will share insights and updates on the industry's movement to cloud-based data management and storage, and the impact of open-standard hardware and software architectures. Attendees will hear a wide range of opinions, strategies, and actions on technology innovation that data center managers can leverage to plan their next-generation cloud operations.
Roundtable Participants:
Intel: Shesha Krishnapura, Fellow and IT CTO
Red Hat: Chris Wright, SVP & CTO
VMware: Kit Colbert, VP & CTO, Cloud Platform BU
Supermicro: Vik Malyala: SVP
What: Power of Cloud Infrastructure Innovation
Where: This is a digital-only event – it will include a moderated roundtable discussion and live Q&A.
When: December 16, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. A recording of the roundtable session and Q&A will be available for a year.
Please click here for more information and to register.
About Super Micro Computer, Inc.
Supermicro (Nasdaq: SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server and storage technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions® for Enterprise Data Center, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Edge Computing Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green®" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.
Supermicro, Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc. All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Greg Kaufman
Super Micro Computer, Inc.
pr@supermicro.com


tass--2020-12-15--Shanghai Electric Receives AAA Credit Rating for International Projects

SHANGHAI , December 15 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Shanghai Electric ( the `` Company '' ) ( SEHK : 02727 , SSE : 601727 ) , the world 's leading manufacturer and supplier of electric power generation equipment , industrial equipment and integration services , has recently been accredited with a AAA credit rating for international projects .
Published in the China International Contractors Association 's ( CHINCA ) 2020 Enterprise Credit Assessment for Chinese International Contractors and Labor Service Companies ' report , AAA is the highest given credit rating and marks Shanghai Electric as being a reliable partner for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CHINCA are the authoritative measure of creditworthiness in China and are formally recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce .
The department closely examines an organization 's comprehensive quality , competitiveness , financial status , credit history , overseas market development , and actual project implementation procedures .
The results of this evaluation are an important testament to the organizational quality of Shanghai Electric and the Group 's ability to operate overseas and undertake foreign projects .
Despite COVID-19 , the Company has been striving to achieve its annual goals for 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on ensuring proper OHS standards , implementing rigorous anti-epidemic control measures across the board .
Despite international travel restrictions and limited access to construction sites , Shanghai Electric ensures resources and materials arrive at construction sites through careful organization and thorough strategic planning , guaranteeing completion of critical parts of projects without excessive time delay or costs .
One of Shanghai Electric 's largest international projects , the Thar Coal Block-1 2x660MW Power Plant Project in Pakistan , has been moving ahead with the successful installation of the steel structure for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nearby Thar Coal Mine , excavation at a daily rate of 330,000 square meters has moved a total volume of 28.75 million square meters of earth , accounting for 70 percent of the planned total .
The joint Pakistani-Chinese project is soon to enter the final stages , with the construction of the heating surface and excavation of the remaining 30 percent of earth to begin soon .
PR Manager of the project , Qian Xiaolei said , `` In order to ensure that the unit was lifted on time , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenges .
From preliminary planning and coordination to the deployment of on-site construction resources , we ensured a safe and smooth on-site hoisting procedure . ''
The Company is also involved in the United Arab Emirates ' renewable energy transition with the 950MW CSP/PV Hybrid Power Generation Project .
The solar power station , comprised of 700MW CSP and 250MW PV , is the fourth phase of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park , a project developed by the Dubai Water and Power Authority ( DEWA ) as part of Dubai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On November 14 , the construction progress of the 950MW CSP/PV Hybrid Power Generation Project in Dubai hit a new milestone with the successful fitting of a 1,600-ton all-steel roof truss .
In a recent visit to the site of the power plant , HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President , Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai said the solar park will contribute to the clean energy development of the UAE .
In recent years , the Company is planning to further accelerate its pace to support the development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , the Group signed an agreement on the fifth phase of 900MW Engineering , Construction and Procurement ( EPC ) contractor in Dubai .
As the official partner of the Dubai World Expo in 2021 , Shanghai Electric has been strengthening ties in the Middle East , looking to show the world its commitment to new energy and international cooperation .

SHANGHAI, December 15. /PRNewswire/. Shanghai Electric (the "Company") (SEHK: 02727, SSE: 601727), the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of electric power generation equipment, industrial equipment and integration services, has recently been accredited with a AAA credit rating for international projects. Published in the China International Contractors Association's (CHINCA) 2020 Enterprise Credit Assessment for Chinese International Contractors and Labor Service Companies' report, AAA is the highest given credit rating and marks Shanghai Electric as being a reliable partner for international projects.
Credit ratings granted by CHINCA are the authoritative measure of creditworthiness in China and are formally recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The department closely examines an organization's comprehensive quality, competitiveness, financial status, credit history, overseas market development, and actual project implementation procedures. The results of this evaluation are an important testament to the organizational quality of Shanghai Electric and the Group's ability to operate overseas and undertake foreign projects.
Despite COVID-19, the Company has been striving to achieve its annual goals for 2020. Regarding outstanding overseas projects, the Company focused on ensuring proper OHS standards, implementing rigorous anti-epidemic control measures across the board. Despite international travel restrictions and limited access to construction sites, Shanghai Electric ensures resources and materials arrive at construction sites through careful organization and thorough strategic planning, guaranteeing completion of critical parts of projects without excessive time delay or costs.
One of Shanghai Electric's largest international projects, the Thar Coal Block-1 2x660MW Power Plant Project in Pakistan, has been moving ahead with the successful installation of the steel structure for the second boiler on November 12. For the nearby Thar Coal Mine, excavation at a daily rate of 330,000 square meters has moved a total volume of 28.75 million square meters of earth, accounting for 70 percent of the planned total. The joint Pakistani-Chinese project is soon to enter the final stages, with the construction of the heating surface and excavation of the remaining 30 percent of earth to begin soon.
PR Manager of the project, Qian Xiaolei said, "In order to ensure that the unit was lifted on time, the project planning department had to overcome many challenges. From preliminary planning and coordination to the deployment of on-site construction resources, we ensured a safe and smooth on-site hoisting procedure."
The Company is also involved in the United Arab Emirates' renewable energy transition with the 950MW CSP/PV Hybrid Power Generation Project. The solar power station, comprised of 700MW CSP and 250MW PV, is the fourth phase of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a project developed by the Dubai Water and Power Authority (DEWA) as part of Dubai's "clean energy strategy". On November 14, the construction progress of the 950MW CSP/PV Hybrid Power Generation Project in Dubai hit a new milestone with the successful fitting of a 1,600-ton all-steel roof truss.
In a recent visit to the site of the power plant, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai said the solar park will contribute to the clean energy development of the UAE.
In recent years, the Company is planning to further accelerate its pace to support the development of the solar power industry. In July, the Group signed an agreement on the fifth phase of 900MW Engineering, Construction and Procurement (EPC) contractor in Dubai. As the official partner of the Dubai World Expo in 2021, Shanghai Electric has been strengthening ties in the Middle East, looking to show the world its commitment to new energy and international cooperation.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1159638/LOGO_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Shen Jin, +86(21)23196217, shenjin@shanghai-electric.com


tass--2020-12-15--Nearly 40,000 refugees return to Nagorno-Karabakh

`` Today 566 people were delivered by buses from Yerevan to Stepanakert .
< ... > More than 39,700 refugees have returned to their places of residence in Nagorno-Karabakh , '' the ministry stated .
MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
More than 39,700 refugees have come back home in Nagorno-Karabakh since the combat actions ended in the region , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday .
Russia ’ s peacekeepers are in Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the agreements confirmed by the November 9 joint statement on a full ceasefire in the region made by Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan .
According to the Russian Defense Ministry , the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh is comprised of units from the 15th separate motor rifle ( peacekeeping ) brigade of the Central Military District .
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance .
The peacekeeping mission ’ s command is stationed in the area of Stepanakert , the de facto capital of Nagorno-Karabakh .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

"Today 566 people were delivered by buses from Yerevan to Stepanakert. <...> More than 39,700 refugees have returned to their places of residence in Nagorno-Karabakh," the ministry stated.
MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. More than 39,700 refugees have come back home in Nagorno-Karabakh since the combat actions ended in the region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
Russia’s peacekeepers are in Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the agreements confirmed by the November 9 joint statement on a full ceasefire in the region made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh is comprised of units from the 15th separate motor rifle (peacekeeping) brigade of the Central Military District.
The Russian peacekeepers have set up observation posts along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command is stationed in the area of Stepanakert, the de facto capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation is being monitored round-the-clock.


tass--2020-12-15--Eleven killed as fire breaks out in care home in Russia’s Bashkortostan

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
Eleven bodies were discovered at the scene of a firefighting effort in a @ @ @ @ @ a republic in Russia 's southern Urals , the Emergencies Ministry ’ s press service @ @ @ @ @ `` At 00:53 Moscow Time a fire was reported on Kizilskaya Street in Ishbuldino , @ @ @ @ @ district .
Eleven bodies were found at the firefighting scene , '' the press service @ @ @ @ @ meters of the private care home were on fire .
Four people managed to leave @ @ @ @ @ was extinguished at 04:00 Moscow Time .
Careless handling of fire is a preliminary cause @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson for the emergencies services said .
An investigation is ongoing .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. Eleven bodies were discovered at the scene of a firefighting effort in a care home in Bashkortostan, a republic in Russia's southern Urals, the Emergencies Ministry’s press service told TASS on Tuesday.
"At 00:53 Moscow Time a fire was reported on Kizilskaya Street in Ishbuldino, in Bashkortostan’s Abzelilovsky district. Eleven bodies were found at the firefighting scene," the press service said.
Some 162 square meters of the private care home were on fire. Four people managed to leave the building. The blaze was extinguished at 04:00 Moscow Time.
Careless handling of fire is a preliminary cause of the blaze, a spokesperson for the emergencies services said. An investigation is ongoing.


tass--2020-12-15--US coronavirus death toll surpasses 300,000

MOSCOW , December 15 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from the novel coronavirus in the United States reached 300,267 @ @ @ @ @ the Johns Hopkins University , which relies on data provided by international organizations , federal @ @ @ @ @ the start of the pandemic in the country , as many as 16,388,504 people have @ @ @ @ @ were confirmed in California ( 1,598,389 ) , Texas ( 1,411,749 ) , Florida ( @ @ @ @ @ 856,118 ) and New York ( 784,204 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city @ @ @ @ @ China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the @ @ @ @ @ in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 72.3 mln people @ @ @ @ @ more than 1.6 mln deaths have been reported .

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The death toll from the novel coronavirus in the United States reached 300,267 on Monday, according to the Johns Hopkins University, which relies on data provided by international organizations, federal and local authorities.
Since the start of the pandemic in the country, as many as 16,388,504 people have been infected. Most cases were confirmed in California (1,598,389), Texas (1,411,749), Florida (1,134,383), Illinois (856,118) and New York (784,204).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 72.3 mln people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.6 mln deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-12-16--Trump’s adviser cuts short European tour amid reports of cyberattacks — paper

WASHINGTON , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Robert O ’ Brien , the national security adviser for US President Donald Trump , had to cut short his visit to several European countries due to a massive cyberattack on US government agencies , the Politico newspaper reported citing own sources .
According to the paper ’ s sources , O ’ Brien flew back to Washington from Paris on December 15 to address the attack , which targeted the Departments of Treasury , Commerce , Homeland Security and Defense .
The source said the change in plans was a reflection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation .
In the coming days , O ’ Brien will hold a series of meetings in the White House to discuss this problem .
The White House has not answered to a TASS request for a comment at the time of the publication .
The US National Security Council announced on Tuesday it was setting up a coordination group on cyber security to ensure the continuity and unity of effort .
It described the attack as a significant cyber incident .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said earlier that the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a group of hackers , presumably linked to Russia , hacked into computer systems of several US governmental agencies .
Earlier , the US Department of Commerce confirmed to TASS that the computer network of its agency called the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ( NTIA ) had been hacked .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing into the incident .
According to a Reuters report , the US intelligence community suspects that those who attacked the NTIA and also the Department of the Treasury might have used the same technique against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so serious that , according to the news agency , an urgent meeting of the National Security Council was held at the White House .
The Washington Post quotes sources as saying hackers working for the Russian government were behind the attack , which also targeted the US Department of State .
The newspaper provided no evidence to back up its claims , though .
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed US accusations Russian hackers are behind cyberattacks against its organizations on Monday and called upon the US authorities to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his words , it was Russian President Vladimir Putin who invited the American side to agree and conclude an agreement on cooperation in the field of cybersecurity .
`` This would let both countries cooperate and resist cybercrimes and attempts at cyber blackmail and so on and so forth , '' he added .

WASHINGTON, December 16. /TASS/. Robert O’Brien, the national security adviser for US President Donald Trump, had to cut short his visit to several European countries due to a massive cyberattack on US government agencies, the Politico newspaper reported citing own sources.
According to the paper’s sources, O’Brien flew back to Washington from Paris on December 15 to address the attack, which targeted the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security and Defense.
The source said the change in plans was a reflection of how seriously the US authorities view the situation.
In the coming days, O’Brien will hold a series of meetings in the White House to discuss this problem.
The White House has not answered to a TASS request for a comment at the time of the publication.
The US National Security Council announced on Tuesday it was setting up a coordination group on cyber security to ensure the continuity and unity of effort. It described the attack as a significant cyber incident.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said earlier that the US authorities were aware of media reports that a group of hackers, presumably linked to Russia, hacked into computer systems of several US governmental agencies.
Earlier, the US Department of Commerce confirmed to TASS that the computer network of its agency called the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) had been hacked. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing into the incident. According to a Reuters report, the US intelligence community suspects that those who attacked the NTIA and also the Department of the Treasury might have used the same technique against other US government agencies. The situation is so serious that, according to the news agency, an urgent meeting of the National Security Council was held at the White House.
The Washington Post quotes sources as saying hackers working for the Russian government were behind the attack, which also targeted the US Department of State. The newspaper provided no evidence to back up its claims, though.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has dismissed US accusations Russian hackers are behind cyberattacks against its organizations on Monday and called upon the US authorities to stop "groundlessly blame Russians." In his words, it was Russian President Vladimir Putin who invited the American side to agree and conclude an agreement on cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. "This would let both countries cooperate and resist cybercrimes and attempts at cyber blackmail and so on and so forth," he added.


tass--2020-12-16--Egypt’s parliament ratifies deal on strategic cooperation with Russia

CAIRO , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The parliament of Egypt ratified on Tuesday a deal on comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with Russia , the Al Ahram newspaper reported .
In a Facebook post , the Russian embassy welcomed the move as `` an important step toward developing friendly relations between Russia and Egypt , which are based on deep traditions of friendship , mutual warm feeling between our peoples and bilateral intention to boost cooperation . ''
The agreement was signed in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on October 17 , 2018 , during the Egyptian president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower chamber of the Russian parliament , the State Duma , ratified it in July 2019 .
The deal is aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries .
Under the agreement , the parties agreed to exchange the presidents ’ visits on a regular basis and hold regular ministerial meetings in between , including `` two plus two '' consultations between the Russian and Egyptian foreign and defense ministers .
Also , an agreement was reached on setting up an interdepartmental working group on combating international terrorism co-chaired by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The document enshrines both countries ’ willingness to maintain cooperation between its economy ministries and entrepreneurs , including holding annual meetings of the joint Russian-Egyptian commission on trade , economic , scientific and technical cooperation and the Russian-Egyptian Business Council in each of the two countries alternately .
Other areas of cooperation under the treaty include the military and military-technical spheres , science and education , tourism , humanitarian and cultural ties , exchanges between non-governmental , youth and sports organizations .
The agreement will be valid for ten years .
It will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if neither party notifies in writing through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate it no later than six months before the expiration of the next period .

CAIRO, December 16. /TASS/. The parliament of Egypt ratified on Tuesday a deal on comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with Russia, the Al Ahram newspaper reported.
In a Facebook post, the Russian embassy welcomed the move as "an important step toward developing friendly relations between Russia and Egypt, which are based on deep traditions of friendship, mutual warm feeling between our peoples and bilateral intention to boost cooperation."
The agreement was signed in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on October 17, 2018, during the Egyptian president’s visit to Russia. The lower chamber of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, ratified it in July 2019. The deal is aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Under the agreement, the parties agreed to exchange the presidents’ visits on a regular basis and hold regular ministerial meetings in between, including "two plus two" consultations between the Russian and Egyptian foreign and defense ministers. Also, an agreement was reached on setting up an interdepartmental working group on combating international terrorism co-chaired by the two countries’ deputy foreign ministers.
The document enshrines both countries’ willingness to maintain cooperation between its economy ministries and entrepreneurs, including holding annual meetings of the joint Russian-Egyptian commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation and the Russian-Egyptian Business Council in each of the two countries alternately.
Other areas of cooperation under the treaty include the military and military-technical spheres, science and education, tourism, humanitarian and cultural ties, exchanges between non-governmental, youth and sports organizations.
The agreement will be valid for ten years. It will be automatically extended for subsequent five-year periods, if neither party notifies in writing through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate it no later than six months before the expiration of the next period.


tass--2020-12-16--WHO reports all-time high of 4.3 million coronavirus cases registered in one week

GENEVA , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
More than 4.3 million newly confirmed novel coronavirus cases were registered worldwide in the past week , which is the all-time-high weekly count since the start of the pandemic , the World Health Organization said late on Tuesday .
According to the global organization ’ s data , a total of 4,329,927 novel coronavirus cases and 75,038 fatalities were registered worldwide between December 7 and 13 .
The previous all-time-high figures for a seven-day period were registered on November 16-22 , when 4,060,891 coronavirus cases were confirmed all over the globe .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe bear the brunt of the pandemic , accounting for 85 % of new cases and 86 % of new deaths .
However , in contrast to the North and South America , where the case count continues to grow , the epidemiological situation in the European region tends to stabilize .
The spread of the infection intensified in Africa in the reported period , while Southeast Asia demonstrates a steady decline after peak figures were reached in September .
Over 2 million new cases and over 29,000 deaths were registered between December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America .
About 1.6 million cases and over 34,000 deaths were registered in Europe in the reported period .
Southeast Asia accounts for over 290,000 cases and some 4,400 deaths .
The case count increased by more than 1.4 million in the United States , by more than 302,000 in Brazil , by over 219,000 in Turkey , by over 212,000 in India , by over 193,000 in Russia and by over 149,000 in Germany in the past seven days .
The infection has also been spreading rapidly the United Kingdom ( over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 115,000 ) , France ( over 82,000 ) , Ukraine ( over 80,000 ) , Mexico ( over 72,000 ) and Poland ( over 72,000 ) .

GENEVA, December 16. /TASS/. More than 4.3 million newly confirmed novel coronavirus cases were registered worldwide in the past week, which is the all-time-high weekly count since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said late on Tuesday.
According to the global organization’s data, a total of 4,329,927 novel coronavirus cases and 75,038 fatalities were registered worldwide between December 7 and 13. The previous all-time-high figures for a seven-day period were registered on November 16-22, when 4,060,891 coronavirus cases were confirmed all over the globe.
The World Health Organization said the America and Europe bear the brunt of the pandemic, accounting for 85% of new cases and 86% of new deaths. However, in contrast to the North and South America, where the case count continues to grow, the epidemiological situation in the European region tends to stabilize. The spread of the infection intensified in Africa in the reported period, while Southeast Asia demonstrates a steady decline after peak figures were reached in September.
Over 2 million new cases and over 29,000 deaths were registered between December 7 and 13 in North and South America. About 1.6 million cases and over 34,000 deaths were registered in Europe in the reported period. Southeast Asia accounts for over 290,000 cases and some 4,400 deaths.
The case count increased by more than 1.4 million in the United States, by more than 302,000 in Brazil, by over 219,000 in Turkey, by over 212,000 in India, by over 193,000 in Russia and by over 149,000 in Germany in the past seven days.
The infection has also been spreading rapidly the United Kingdom (over 124,000 new cases), Italy (over 115,000), France (over 82,000), Ukraine (over 80,000), Mexico (over 72,000) and Poland (over 72,000).


tass--2020-12-16--Russian-Serbian mutual return of cultural values delayed due to pandemic — Putin’s aide

BELGRADE , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian-Serbian mutual return of cultural values has been postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic , Russian president ’ s aide Vladimir Medinsky said during his visit to Belgrade on Tuesday .
`` An intergovernmental agreement was signed in October last year , according to which a page of the Miroslav Gospel will be returned to Serbia in exchange for seven paintings by Nicholas Roerich .
If it wasn ’ t for quarantine , this would have happened long ago .
The work in this domain is an illustration to the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a will .
It would be incorrect to refer to it as an exchange , it is a sign of friendship made by both sides , '' Medinsky said .
The Russian president ’ s aide said it was vital for Serbia to restore the integrity of its most important manuscript .
On July 13 , Putin signed the law to ratify the agreement with Serbia to exchange Miroslav Gospel page 166 for seven paintings by Nicholas Roerich .
The agreement to exchange these treasures was reached by Belgrade and Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit to the Serbian capital on January 17 .
The agreement itself to hand a page of the medieval Cyrillic manuscript back to Belgrade was inked during Russian then Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ’ s Belgrade visit in October .
The document also states that Serbia will hand over seven early Roerich paintings to Russia .
The issue of returning the page from the ancient Cyrillic manuscript to Belgrade had been discussed for decades .
As for Roerich ’ s paintings , they simply vanished between 1941 and March 2017 , when a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s National Museum .
Miroslav Gospel was written in approximately 1180 .
It is Serbia ’ s oldest manuscript written in Cyrillic , which is housed at the National Museum of Serbia in Belgrade .
In 2005 , Miroslav Gospel was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World list .
Lately , a new tradition emerged when Serbian presidents swear on the gospel ’ s copy to take the oath of the office when inaugurated .
Written by deacon Gregory , the manuscript was commissioned by Prince Miroslav Zavidovic , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Nemanjic dynasty .
Later , the Gospel was named after Prince Miroslav .
In about 1845 , Archimandrite Porphyrius ( Uspensky ) discovered the manuscript at the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos .
He extracted one page from it and brought it to Russia .
The fate of the paintings by Nicholas Roerich in question , discovered in the collection of the National Museum of Serbia , remained unknown since the moment Nazi Germany attacked Yugoslavia in April 1941 .
The seven paintings on the list are Berendej Village ( 1921 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Church Bells Tolling ( 1919 ) , Burgustan on Caucasus , St. Sergius of Radonezh ( 1922 ) , and two costume sketches for Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov ’ s opera Snow Maiden ( 1921 ) .
One of the paintings on the list was reportedly Roerich ’ s gift to the Belgrade Museum .
The others had been brought there for a personal exhibition .
World War II prevented the exhibits ’ return to Russia .

BELGRADE, December 16. /TASS/. The Russian-Serbian mutual return of cultural values has been postponed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Russian president’s aide Vladimir Medinsky said during his visit to Belgrade on Tuesday.
"An intergovernmental agreement was signed in October last year, according to which a page of the Miroslav Gospel will be returned to Serbia in exchange for seven paintings by Nicholas Roerich. If it wasn’t for quarantine, this would have happened long ago. The work in this domain is an illustration to the fact that everything can be agreed upon if there is a will. It would be incorrect to refer to it as an exchange, it is a sign of friendship made by both sides," Medinsky said.
The Russian president’s aide said it was vital for Serbia to restore the integrity of its most important manuscript.
Cultural exchange
On July 13, Putin signed the law to ratify the agreement with Serbia to exchange Miroslav Gospel page 166 for seven paintings by Nicholas Roerich.
The agreement to exchange these treasures was reached by Belgrade and Moscow during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Serbian capital on January 17. The agreement itself to hand a page of the medieval Cyrillic manuscript back to Belgrade was inked during Russian then Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s Belgrade visit in October. The document also states that Serbia will hand over seven early Roerich paintings to Russia.
The issue of returning the page from the ancient Cyrillic manuscript to Belgrade had been discussed for decades. As for Roerich’s paintings, they simply vanished between 1941 and March 2017, when a TASS correspondent discovered the masterpieces in Serbia’s National Museum.
Miroslav Gospel
Miroslav Gospel was written in approximately 1180. It is Serbia’s oldest manuscript written in Cyrillic, which is housed at the National Museum of Serbia in Belgrade. In 2005, Miroslav Gospel was added to the UNESCO Memory of the World list. Lately, a new tradition emerged when Serbian presidents swear on the gospel’s copy to take the oath of the office when inaugurated.
Written by deacon Gregory, the manuscript was commissioned by Prince Miroslav Zavidovic, a brother of Stefan Nemanja, the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty. Later, the Gospel was named after Prince Miroslav. In about 1845, Archimandrite Porphyrius (Uspensky) discovered the manuscript at the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. He extracted one page from it and brought it to Russia.
Roerich’s paintings
The fate of the paintings by Nicholas Roerich in question, discovered in the collection of the National Museum of Serbia, remained unknown since the moment Nazi Germany attacked Yugoslavia in April 1941. The seven paintings on the list are Berendej Village (1921), Holy Guests (1923), Church Bells Tolling (1919), Burgustan on Caucasus, St. Sergius of Radonezh (1922), and two costume sketches for Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera Snow Maiden (1921). One of the paintings on the list was reportedly Roerich’s gift to the Belgrade Museum. The others had been brought there for a personal exhibition. World War II prevented the exhibits’ return to Russia.


tass--2020-12-16--Hundreds of entrepreneurs continue rally in downtown Kiev

KIEV , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
Several hundred of representatives of Ukraine ’ s small-sized and micro-businesses continue their protest against quarantine-related restrictions in Kiev ’ s Khreschatyk Street and the Independence Square early on Wednesday .
According to the Ukraina-24 TV channel , the situation is generally calm , with no clashes with law-enforcement reported .
Some of the protestors vow to spend the night in buses and tents .
Organizers pledge to continue the rally on Wednesday .
About 1,500 protestors gathered in downtown Kiev on Tuesday afternoon , protesting against restrictions on business activities , imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The event turned violent later in the day , when law enforcement forces tried to prevent protestors from setting up a tent camp .
As police started to dismantle tents , the crowd responded by throwing flares and smoke pellets at them .
Police said 40 officers sustained injuries in the standoff , including three persons who were hospitalized with severe bruises .
A criminal case was launched .
Protestors also reported that dozens of people in their ranks sustained injuries as well , but the information has not been officially confirmed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the SaveFOP movement , which Ukrainian media links to former president Pyotr Poroshenko .
Several nationalist groups declared their support for the protest .
Participants said their protest was not time-limited and will be over only after their demands are met in full .

KIEV, December 16. /TASS/. Several hundred of representatives of Ukraine’s small-sized and micro-businesses continue their protest against quarantine-related restrictions in Kiev’s Khreschatyk Street and the Independence Square early on Wednesday.
According to the Ukraina-24 TV channel, the situation is generally calm, with no clashes with law-enforcement reported. Some of the protestors vow to spend the night in buses and tents. Organizers pledge to continue the rally on Wednesday.
About 1,500 protestors gathered in downtown Kiev on Tuesday afternoon, protesting against restrictions on business activities, imposed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The event turned violent later in the day, when law enforcement forces tried to prevent protestors from setting up a tent camp. As police started to dismantle tents, the crowd responded by throwing flares and smoke pellets at them.
Police said 40 officers sustained injuries in the standoff, including three persons who were hospitalized with severe bruises. A criminal case was launched. Protestors also reported that dozens of people in their ranks sustained injuries as well, but the information has not been officially confirmed as of yet.
The protest was organized by the SaveFOP movement, which Ukrainian media links to former president Pyotr Poroshenko. Several nationalist groups declared their support for the protest.
Participants said their protest was not time-limited and will be over only after their demands are met in full.


tass--2020-12-16--Russia’s first Sarmat ICBM to enter combat duty in 2022

He also praised Russia ’ s Avangard hypersonic ICBM , which is already in service MOSCOW , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
The first Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) , which can penetrate any existing missile defense , will enter service with Russia ’ s Strategic Missile Forces ( RVSN ) in 2022 , RVSN commander Sergey Karakayev said .
He also praised Russia ’ s Avangard strategic intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) system , saying that it heralds a new era of strategic hypersonic weapons .
`` At present , defense industry enterprises continue to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarmat ICBM system , '' he said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper .
`` It [ Sarmat ] is scheduled to enter combat duty in 2022 . ''
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in March that modernization of production lines , needed for launching serial production of the state-of-the-art Russian ICBM , had been completed .
The RS-28 Sarmat is a Russian advanced silo-based system with a heavy liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile .
It has been in the process of its development since the 2000s to replace the R-36M2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tonnes and has a throw weight of around 10 tonnes .
The Sarmat is capable of breaching any existing and future missile defenses .
Russia ’ s Avangard strategic intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) system got its name - which means ‘ avant-garde ’ in Russian - for heralding a new era of strategic hypersonic weapons , Russia ’ s Strategic Missile Forces ( RVSN ) commander said .
`` As far as the name of this missile system is concerned - it truly speaks for itself .
By the way , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very start , at the stage of research and development .
This missile system is by right at the forefront of the effort to create new types of weaponry , ushering in the era of strategic hypersound weapons , '' Karakayev said .
In his words , Avangard will lay the basis for developing new types of combat elements for present-day and prospective strategic missiles .
`` The Avangard missile system will undoubtedly become an efficient element in RVSN ’ s inventory of weapons , expanding the combat potential of the troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new types of combat elements for modern and prospective strategic missiles , '' he said .
`` I hope that the role that RVSN currently plays in the country ’ s strategic triad became even more significant when this new missile system , Avangard , entered duty . ''
The Avangard is a strategic intercontinental ballistic missile system equipped with a hypersonic boost-glide vehicle .
According to open sources , the breakthrough weapon was developed by the Research and Production Association of Machine-Building ( the town of Reutov in the Moscow Region ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost-glide vehicle is capable of flying at over 20 times the speed of sound in the dense layers of the atmosphere , maneuvering by its flight path and its altitude and breaching any anti-missile defense .
The first missile regiment armed with Avangard entered duty near the southern Urals city of Orenburg late last year .

He also praised Russia’s Avangard hypersonic ICBM, which is already in service
MOSCOW, December 16. /TASS/. The first Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which can penetrate any existing missile defense, will enter service with Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) in 2022, RVSN commander Sergey Karakayev said. He also praised Russia’s Avangard strategic intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system, saying that it heralds a new era of strategic hypersonic weapons.
Read also Russia completes upgrade of facilities for serial production of Sarmat ICBMs
Sarmat ICBM "At present, defense industry enterprises continue to get ready for state flight trials of the Sarmat ICBM system," he said in an interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper. "It [Sarmat] is scheduled to enter combat duty in 2022." Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said in March that modernization of production lines, needed for launching serial production of the state-of-the-art Russian ICBM, had been completed. The RS-28 Sarmat is a Russian advanced silo-based system with a heavy liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile. It has been in the process of its development since the 2000s to replace the R-36M2 Voyevoda ICBM. It weighs about 200 tonnes and has a throw weight of around 10 tonnes. The Sarmat is capable of breaching any existing and future missile defenses. Avangard ICBM Russia’s Avangard strategic intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system got its name - which means ‘avant-garde’ in Russian - for heralding a new era of strategic hypersonic weapons, Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) commander said.


tass--2020-12-16--White House press secretary refuses to comment on Putin’s congratulations to Biden

WASHINGTON , December 16 .
/TASS/ .
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said she would not comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s congratulations to Joseph Biden on his victory in the US presidential election .
`` No comment on that .
I ’ ll leave it to the president to react to that , '' she told reporters during a White House news briefing on Tuesday .
She said she had no information about Trump and Putin having a conversation with each other after the Russian leader had sent his congratulatory letter to Biden .
`` Not that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
Earlier on Tuesday , the Kremlin press service said Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent a telegram to Joe Biden to congratulate him for the US presidential election victory .
`` In his telegram , Putin wished every success to the president-elect and expressed confidence that Russia and the US , who bear special responsibility for global security and stability , can facilitate resolution of many problems and challenges faced by the world now despite disagreements , '' the Kremlin said .
On December 14 , the US Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory .
The Democrat received 306 votes , while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes .
With 538 electors , a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States .
In late November , Trump , who has still not conceded , said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden .
In light of this remark , the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight .

WASHINGTON, December 16. /TASS/. White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said she would not comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s congratulations to Joseph Biden on his victory in the US presidential election.
"No comment on that. I’ll leave it to the president to react to that," she told reporters during a White House news briefing on Tuesday.
She said she had no information about Trump and Putin having a conversation with each other after the Russian leader had sent his congratulatory letter to Biden. "Not that I’m aware, no" she said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Kremlin press service said Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent a telegram to Joe Biden to congratulate him for the US presidential election victory. “In his telegram, Putin wished every success to the president-elect and expressed confidence that Russia and the US, who bear special responsibility for global security and stability, could, despite their differences, help solve many problems and challenges that the world now faces," the Kremlin stated.
On December 14, the US Electoral College convened and confirmed Biden’s election victory. The Democrat received 306 votes, while incumbent President Donald Trump secured 232 votes. With 538 electors, a candidate needs to get 270 votes to be elected to the office of President of the United States.
In late November, Trump, who has still not conceded, said that he would leave the White House only if the Electoral College voted for Biden. In light of this remark, the procedure which is normally considered a formality drew enormous media spotlight.