tass--2020-11-20--Biden says lawsuit against US administration for refusing to concede possible

NEW YORK , November 20 .
/TASS/ .
US Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , who is projected to win the US elections by major US networks , has not ruled out filing a lawsuit against the current US administration and the US General Services Administration ( GSA ) , which still have not recognized him as the election winner , he said Thursday at a press conference Wilmington , Delaware .
Biden was asked whether his campaign is considering lodging a lawsuit against incumbent US President Donald Trump ’ s administration and the GSA due to the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Biden himself still hasn ’ t been cleared to access coronavirus action plans .
`` It ’ s still an open question , '' he said .
`` We haven ’ t ruled it out , '' Biden added .
At the same time , the politician acknowledged that the legal proceedings would `` take a lot of time . ''
`` We ’ ll get further along by actually working with our Republican colleagues now , '' he said , clarifying that he is talking about the Republicans in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden also said , the refusal of incumbent Republican US President to recognize the results of the recent presidential elections is irresponsible .
`` I think we are witnessing incredible irresponsibility , an incredibly damaging message is being sent to the rest of the world about how the democracy functions , '' Biden said , noting that had to `` choose words . ''
`` I don ’ t know what his motives are , but I think it is totally irresponsible , '' he added .
Biden ’ s representatives earlier reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US General Services Administration ( GSA ) to officially recognize Biden as president-elect .
GSA head Emily Murphy is still refusing to sign the documents , pointing out that Trump has not conceded , while there are no official results proving that Biden indeed won .
In accordance with the US legislation , the GSA executive should deliver final verdict on who can be considered president-elect .
The United States held the presidential elections on November 3 .
Though the vote count is still underway , major US media outlets project that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
Both Fox News and Associated Press have put Biden over the top , beyond the needed 270 vote threshold .
Trump is challenging the current outcome , claiming irregularities in the ballot processing in key swing states , and has filed lawsuits to fight his case in court .

NEW YORK, November 20. /TASS/. US Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who is projected to win the US elections by major US networks, has not ruled out filing a lawsuit against the current US administration and the US General Services Administration (GSA), which still have not recognized him as the election winner, he said Thursday at a press conference Wilmington, Delaware.
Biden was asked whether his campaign is considering lodging a lawsuit against incumbent US President Donald Trump’s administration and the GSA due to the fact that transition of power is yet to begin, while Biden himself still hasn’t been cleared to access coronavirus action plans. "It’s still an open question," he said. "We haven’t ruled it out," Biden added.
At the same time, the politician acknowledged that the legal proceedings would "take a lot of time." "We’ll get further along by actually working with our Republican colleagues now," he said, clarifying that he is talking about the Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Biden also said, the refusal of incumbent Republican US President to recognize the results of the recent presidential elections is irresponsible. "I think we are witnessing incredible irresponsibility, an incredibly damaging message is being sent to the rest of the world about how the democracy functions," Biden said, noting that had to "choose words." "I don’t know what his motives are, but I think it is totally irresponsible," he added.
Biden’s representatives earlier reported that they had filed applications to the US General Services Administration (GSA) to officially recognize Biden as president-elect. GSA head Emily Murphy is still refusing to sign the documents, pointing out that Trump has not conceded, while there are no official results proving that Biden indeed won. In accordance with the US legislation, the GSA executive should deliver final verdict on who can be considered president-elect.
The United States held the presidential elections on November 3. Though the vote count is still underway, major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender has presumptively won the presidential election. Both Fox News and Associated Press have put Biden over the top, beyond the needed 270 vote threshold. Trump is challenging the current outcome, claiming irregularities in the ballot processing in key swing states, and has filed lawsuits to fight his case in court.


tass--2020-11-20--DPR warns there’ll be no prisoner swap until roadmap on Minsk Agreements approved

DONETSK , November 20 .
/TASS/ .
Prisoner swaps are current unrealistic until the Trilateral Contact Group aiming to settle the situation in east Ukraine agrees a roadmap to implement the Minsk Agreements , which will subsequently be approved by the Ukrainian parliament , envoy of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People ’ s Republic ( DPR ) to the Trilateral Contact Group ’ s humanitarian subgroup Darya Morozova reported Thursday .
`` Our opponents know well that the negotiating process remains blocked because of them , which renders prisoner swaps or shifts in any other spheres of work on the Minsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings in Minsk - TASS ) impossible right now .
The parties need to agree a document which would contain a mechanism to unblock the talks and reaffirmation of commitment to the Minsk Agreements to resume dialogue and reach constructive results , '' Morozova underlined .
According to her , the roadmap proposed by the self-proclaimed republics can serve as such a document after it is agreed with Kiev in the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group .
`` Only after this document is agreed in the Trilateral Contact Group and adopted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of criminal prosecution of previously released detainees , a realistic opportunity to set up next swaps can emerge , '' she underlined .
Earlier , head of the Ukrainian delegation Leonid Kravchuk urged to organize another mutual prisoner swap before the end of the year at the Trilateral Contact Group meeting on November 11 .

DONETSK, November 20. /TASS/. Prisoner swaps are current unrealistic until the Trilateral Contact Group aiming to settle the situation in east Ukraine agrees a roadmap to implement the Minsk Agreements, which will subsequently be approved by the Ukrainian parliament, envoy of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) to the Trilateral Contact Group’s humanitarian subgroup Darya Morozova reported Thursday.
"Our opponents know well that the negotiating process remains blocked because of them, which renders prisoner swaps or shifts in any other spheres of work on the Minsk forum (the Trilateral Contact Group holds meetings in Minsk - TASS) impossible right now. The parties need to agree a document which would contain a mechanism to unblock the talks and reaffirmation of commitment to the Minsk Agreements to resume dialogue and reach constructive results," Morozova underlined.
According to her, the roadmap proposed by the self-proclaimed republics can serve as such a document after it is agreed with Kiev in the framework of the Trilateral Contact Group. "Only after this document is agreed in the Trilateral Contact Group and adopted by the Ukrainian parliament, while also after end of criminal prosecution of previously released detainees, a realistic opportunity to set up next swaps can emerge," she underlined.
Earlier, head of the Ukrainian delegation Leonid Kravchuk urged to organize another mutual prisoner swap before the end of the year at the Trilateral Contact Group meeting on November 11.


tass--2020-11-20--DPR seeks Kiev’s confirmation that it’s ready to unblock talks

DONETSK , November 20 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev ’ s envoys to the Trilateral Contact Group aiming to settle the situation in east Ukraine should reaffirm their readiness to engage in constructive work by presenting their position on unblocking the negotiating process to the self-proclaimed Donbass republics , envoy of the Donetsk People ’ s Republic ( DPR ) to the group Natalya Nikonorova noted Thursday .
`` If the Ukrainian representatives are truly interested in true productive work and not just pompous media statements , they should first confirm their constructive intention to unblock the negotiating process by sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
Only after receiving these documents , can we make conclusions whether it is expedient to hold special meetings , '' Nikonorova ’ s statement reads .
The DPR envoy also underlined that Kiev first initiate special meetings of working groups and then itself disrupts them .
For instance , the Ukrainian envoys did not submit the meeting agenda of the security sub-group or a preliminary decision draft , while the request to convene a special meeting of the political subgroup has not been received at all , Nikonorova reported .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trilateral Contact Group suggested holding urgent meetings of the subgroups for security , political and humanitarian issues .
Nevertheless , the Ukrainian side did not send any documents to be discussed in the subgroups .
In the end , only the humanitarian subgroup managed to hold a meeting .
The envoys discussed operation mechanisms of checkpoints in Schastye and Zolotoye , however , no progress was achieved due to Kiev ’ s disruptive position , the Lugansk People ’ s Republic ( LPR ) reported .

DONETSK, November 20. /TASS/. Kiev’s envoys to the Trilateral Contact Group aiming to settle the situation in east Ukraine should reaffirm their readiness to engage in constructive work by presenting their position on unblocking the negotiating process to the self-proclaimed Donbass republics, envoy of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) to the group Natalya Nikonorova noted Thursday.
"If the Ukrainian representatives are truly interested in true productive work and not just pompous media statements, they should first confirm their constructive intention to unblock the negotiating process by sending their specific positions on these issues to us. Only after receiving these documents, can we make conclusions whether it is expedient to hold special meetings," Nikonorova’s statement reads.
The DPR envoy also underlined that Kiev first initiate special meetings of working groups and then itself disrupts them. For instance, the Ukrainian envoys did not submit the meeting agenda of the security sub-group or a preliminary decision draft, while the request to convene a special meeting of the political subgroup has not been received at all, Nikonorova reported.
Earlier on Thursday, the Kiev delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group suggested holding urgent meetings of the subgroups for security, political and humanitarian issues. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian side did not send any documents to be discussed in the subgroups. In the end, only the humanitarian subgroup managed to hold a meeting. The envoys discussed operation mechanisms of checkpoints in Schastye and Zolotoye, however, no progress was achieved due to Kiev’s disruptive position, the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) reported.


tass--2020-11-19--Russian peacekeepers escort another refugee group to Stepanakert

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
Another group of refugees has returned to the Nagorno-Karabakh capital of Stepanakert escorted @ @ @ @ @ Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday .
`` Another 1,235 refugees returned @ @ @ @ @ November 19 .
Twenty-seven buses were escorted by Russian peacekeepers and military police officers , @ @ @ @ @ According to the ministry , efforts to ensure the safety of refugees on their way @ @ @ @ @ the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Response Center .
About 4,000 civilians have returned to Stepanakert since November @ @ @ @ @ Response Center was established in the city in accordance with instructions from Russian Defense Minister @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin ’ s decree on additional measures aimed at maintaining peace in Nagorno-Karabakh .
@ @ @ @ @ General Andrei Volkov was formed in Stepanekert on November 14 as part of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ ensure the safe return of refugees .

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. Another group of refugees has returned to the Nagorno-Karabakh capital of Stepanakert escorted by Russian peacekeepers, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
"Another 1,235 refugees returned to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia on November 19. Twenty-seven buses were escorted by Russian peacekeepers and military police officers," the statement reads.
According to the ministry, efforts to ensure the safety of refugees on their way back home were overseen by the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Response Center.
About 4,000 civilians have returned to Stepanakert since November 14. The Inter-Agency Humanitarian Response Center was established in the city in accordance with instructions from Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu based on President Vladimir Putin’s decree on additional measures aimed at maintaining peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.
A unit led by Major General Andrei Volkov was formed in Stepanekert on November 14 as part of the Russian peacekeeping mission in order to ensure the safe return of refugees.


tass--2020-11-19--Low temperatures have no impact on coronavirus - chief sanitary doctor

MOSCOW , November 19./TASS/ .
Low temperatures have no effect on coronavirus , so one should not hope that the winter season will reverse the COVID-19 situation , Russia ’ s chief sanitary doctor Anna Popova said on Thursday .
`` No effect whatsoever , it is absolutely obvious .
Viruses are cold loving .
They live under the temperature of minus 70 , minus 20 ( degrees Celsius ) , and some vaccines that are being developed are stored exactly under these temperatures .
So there are no grounds to expect that it will fade away when winter comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in an interview with Vesti news program on Rossiya-1 television .
Experts haven ’ t detected any mutations in the coronavirus that could made it more dangerous , Anna Popova told Rossiya-1 ’ s Vesti news show .
`` The current mutations in the virus don ’ t affect its epidemiological potential , which means that it ’ s not getting more pathogenic , virulent and contagious , '' she pointed out .
`` Researchers all over the world don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complicate the situation , '' Popova added .
According to her , experts are keeping a close eye on changes in the virus and have carried out over 1,200 researches .
`` We are doing it not to miss the moment that may come at some point though the virus is not very changeable .
Judging by the current pace of changes , it can easily be detected by the test systems that we have and it ’ s possible to guard against the virus using the existing vaccines , '' Popova said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday that mutations in the coronavirus were appearing in Siberia .
However , in her words , mutations did not make the virus deadlier .
On March 11 , 2020 , the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest global statistics , over 56.2 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.3 million deaths have been reported .
To date , 2,015,608 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,526,656 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, November 19./TASS/. Low temperatures have no effect on coronavirus, so one should not hope that the winter season will reverse the COVID-19 situation, Russia’s chief sanitary doctor Anna Popova said on Thursday.
"No effect whatsoever, it is absolutely obvious. Viruses are cold loving. They live under the temperature of minus 70, minus 20 (degrees Celsius), and some vaccines that are being developed are stored exactly under these temperatures. So there are no grounds to expect that it will fade away when winter comes," the head of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing said in an interview with Vesti news program on Rossiya-1 television.
Mutations
Experts haven’t detected any mutations in the coronavirus that could made it more dangerous, Anna Popova told Rossiya-1’s Vesti news show.
"The current mutations in the virus don’t affect its epidemiological potential, which means that it’s not getting more pathogenic, virulent and contagious," she pointed out. "Researchers all over the world don’t expect the virus to mutate to further complicate the situation," Popova added.
According to her, experts are keeping a close eye on changes in the virus and have carried out over 1,200 researches. "We are doing it not to miss the moment that may come at some point though the virus is not very changeable. Judging by the current pace of changes, it can easily be detected by the test systems that we have and it’s possible to guard against the virus using the existing vaccines," Popova said.
The watchdog’s head said on Tuesday that mutations in the coronavirus were appearing in Siberia. However, in her words, mutations did not make the virus deadlier.
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest global statistics, over 56.2 million people have been infected worldwide and more than 1.3 million deaths have been reported.
To date, 2,015,608 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,526,656 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 34,850 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-11-19--Russia to attract extra funds worth 1 trillion rubles in 3 years for road construction

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian authorities plan to attract 1 trillion rubles ( $ 13.1 bln ) of non-budgetary funds for the construction of roads in the country in the next three years , Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told reporters during the Transport Week .
`` We have set the task of attracting extra-budgetary money - up to 1 trillion [ rubles ] -in the next three years .
Let us not expect that we will build at the expense of budget money - we have too many tasks and plans , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specializes in the construction and operation of toll roads in Russia , will issue infrastructure bonds worth 500 billion rubles ( $ 6.5 bln ) in 2021-2023 .
VEB.RF also plans to place infrastructure bonds worth 200 billion rubles ( $ 2.6 bln ) .
`` We are now setting the task of financing the construction of approach roads and roads within residential neighborhoods as part of housing construction at the expense of so-called infrastructure bonds .
We already have political decisions .
We have prepared a draft resolution , '' the Deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aspect of our plans is that we have now set the task to link the [ national project ] '' Safe and High-Quality Roads `` with housing construction , '' Khusnullin added .
According to him , another 300 billion rubles ( $ 3.9 bln ) will be attracted to housing projects with the help of DOM.RF .
Transport Week is an annual business event , held in accordance with the order of the Government of Russian Federation , which includes a series of nationwide and international activities dedicated to the transport industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past twelve years by the Russian Ministry of Transport , with organizational support from Business Dialogue .
The event promotes open discussion of the most pressing transport issues and the strengthening of mutual understanding between representatives of the government and the business community .
This year the week is held on November 16-20 at the Gostiny Dvor complex in Moscow .
TASS is the general information partner of the event .

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. The Russian authorities plan to attract 1 trillion rubles ($13.1 bln) of non-budgetary funds for the construction of roads in the country in the next three years, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told reporters during the Transport Week.
"We have set the task of attracting extra-budgetary money - up to 1 trillion [rubles] -in the next three years. Let us not expect that we will build at the expense of budget money - we have too many tasks and plans," he said.
The state-owned company Avtodor, which specializes in the construction and operation of toll roads in Russia, will issue infrastructure bonds worth 500 billion rubles ($6.5 bln) in 2021-2023. VEB.RF also plans to place infrastructure bonds worth 200 billion rubles ($2.6 bln).
"We are now setting the task of financing the construction of approach roads and roads within residential neighborhoods as part of housing construction at the expense of so-called infrastructure bonds. We already have political decisions. We have prepared a draft resolution," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"An important aspect of our plans is that we have now set the task to link the [national project]"Safe and High-Quality Roads "with housing construction," Khusnullin added. According to him, another 300 billion rubles ($3.9 bln) will be attracted to housing projects with the help of DOM.RF.
Transport Week is an annual business event, held in accordance with the order of the Government of Russian Federation, which includes a series of nationwide and international activities dedicated to the transport industry. It has been hosted for the past twelve years by the Russian Ministry of Transport, with organizational support from Business Dialogue. The event promotes open discussion of the most pressing transport issues and the strengthening of mutual understanding between representatives of the government and the business community. This year the week is held on November 16-20 at the Gostiny Dvor complex in Moscow. TASS is the general information partner of the event.


tass--2020-11-19--Citizens have reasonable claims against authorities, gov't must keep promises, says Putin

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin noted that Russians have many complaints against the authorities , @ @ @ @ @ , these complaints are grounded .
He said this at a meeting with the head @ @ @ @ @ Daniil Yegorov .
The head of the service reported to the President that acquiring the @ @ @ @ @ allows Russians to avoid unnecessary administrative burden .
`` This is also very good because @ @ @ @ @ and goals and implements them , '' the head of state responded .
`` Of @ @ @ @ @ a lot of complaints against the state , and for a good reason , as @ @ @ @ @ the state manages to implement the set goals and to meet their promises , it @ @ @ @ @ of development , in this case - in this sector of the economy.
`` Yegorov @ @ @ @ @ of self-employed in the country is growing by 5,000 people a day .

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin noted that Russians have many complaints against the authorities, and, as a rule, these complaints are grounded. He said this at a meeting with the head of the Federal Tax Service Daniil Yegorov.
The head of the service reported to the President that acquiring the status of a self-employed citizen allows Russians to avoid unnecessary administrative burden.
"This is also very good because the state declares some tasks and goals and implements them," the head of state responded.
"Of course, citizens always have a lot of complaints against the state, and for a good reason, as a rule. But if the state manages to implement the set goals and to meet their promises, it gives a very positive dynamics of development, in this case - in this sector of the economy. "
Yegorov also stressed that the number of self-employed in the country is growing by 5,000 people a day.


tass--2020-11-19--Syria settlement process moving forward despite pandemic, Lavrov says

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Syria settlement process is moving forward despite the coronavirus pandemic , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Thursday .
Lavrov ’ s opening remarks have been published on the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s website .
`` We can see that despite objective difficulties , primarily , the coronavirus pandemic , the Syria settlement process is moving forward , '' Lavrov pointed out .
`` We have also taken note of the need to further boost political efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the steps that you are taking in order to resume the Constitutional Committee ’ s activities .
We expect that the plans that we agreed with the Syrian parties , including Damascus , will be implemented after all , '' he added .
The situation has stabilized in much of Syria although hotbeds of terrorism remain in the country , Lavrov said .
`` The situation has considerably stabilized in much of Syria though the fight against terrorism is still relevant .
Hotbeds of terrorism remain in the country , '' Lavrov @ @ @

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. The Syria settlement process is moving forward despite the coronavirus pandemic, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen on Thursday. Lavrov’s opening remarks have been published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
"We can see that despite objective difficulties, primarily, the coronavirus pandemic, the Syria settlement process is moving forward," Lavrov pointed out. "We have also taken note of the need to further boost political efforts to resolve the issue, as well as of the steps that you are taking in order to resume the Constitutional Committee’s activities. We expect that the plans that we agreed with the Syrian parties, including Damascus, will be implemented after all," he added.
The situation has stabilized in much of Syria although hotbeds of terrorism remain in the country, Lavrov said.
"The situation has considerably stabilized in much of Syria though the fight against terrorism is still relevant. Hotbeds of terrorism remain in the country," Lavrov pointed out.


tass--2020-11-19--Lavrov, Armenian top diplomat discuss prospects for allied relations

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Armenia ’ s newly appointed top diplomat @ @ @ @ @ telephone conversation , discussing the prospects for allied relations , the Russian Foreign Ministry said @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Russian foreign minister congratulated his Armenian counterpart on his appointment , '' @ @ @ @ @ The two top diplomats discussed allied cooperation between Russia and Armenia , as well as @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry added .

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Armenia’s newly appointed top diplomat Ara Ayvazyan have held a telephone conversation, discussing the prospects for allied relations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
"The Russian foreign minister congratulated his Armenian counterpart on his appointment," the statement reads. "The two top diplomats discussed allied cooperation between Russia and Armenia, as well as the schedule of future contacts," the Russian Foreign Ministry added.


tass--2020-11-19--Serbia reports record-high number of new daily coronavirus cases

BELGRADE , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
Serbia has reported a record high number of new daily coronavirus cases , @ @ @ @ @ s Health Ministry .
The number of cases rose by 6,109 to 104,097 in the @ @ @ @ @ to the Health Ministry , 29 coronavirus patients died in the past day , bringing @ @ @ @ @ .
As many as 186 patients remain hooked up to ventilators .

BELGRADE, November 19. /TASS/. Serbia has reported a record high number of new daily coronavirus cases, according to the country’s Health Ministry.
The number of cases rose by 6,109 to 104,097 in the past 24 hours. According to the Health Ministry, 29 coronavirus patients died in the past day, bringing the death toll to 1,110. As many as 186 patients remain hooked up to ventilators.


tass--2020-11-19--Armenian defense minister praises role of Russian peacekeepers in Karabakh

`` David Tonoyan highly appreciated the role and efforts of the Russian Federation in the settlement of the military-political situation in the region , as well as progress and efficiency of the Russian peacekeeping missing in Artsakh ( unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic ) , '' it said .
YEREVAN , November 19./TASS/ .
Armenian Defense Minister David Tonoyan met on Thursday with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopyrkin , giving high marks to the role of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh , the Defense Ministry ’ s press service reports .
`` The sides emphasized the importance of the activity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the International Committee of the Red Cross in the exchange of the bodies of those killed and captives , as well as in finding missing persons , '' the report said .
Tonoyan extended condolences to the Russian diplomat over the death of crewmen of a Russian Mi-24 helicopter and handed over the decrees of President Armen Sarkissian to award medals `` For Combat Service '' to Major Yuri Ishchuk ( posthumously ) , Senior Lieutenant Roman Fedin ( posthumously ) and Senior Lieutenant Vladislav Gryazin .
A Russian Mi-24 military helicopter was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Azerbaijan on November 9 .
Two crewmembers died and the third pilot was wounded .
Azerbaijan ’ s Foreign Ministry admitted that the helicopter had been shot down by the Azeri armed forces by mistake and stated Baku was ready to pay compensation to Moscow over the incident .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a full ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh .
As the Russian leader said , Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to the region .

"David Tonoyan highly appreciated the role and efforts of the Russian Federation in the settlement of the military-political situation in the region, as well as progress and efficiency of the Russian peacekeeping missing in Artsakh (unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic)," it said.
YEREVAN, November 19./TASS/. Armenian Defense Minister David Tonoyan met on Thursday with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopyrkin, giving high marks to the role of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Defense Ministry’s press service reports.
"The sides emphasized the importance of the activity of the peacekeeping mission of the Russian Federation and the International Committee of the Red Cross in the exchange of the bodies of those killed and captives, as well as in finding missing persons," the report said.
Tonoyan extended condolences to the Russian diplomat over the death of crewmen of a Russian Mi-24 helicopter and handed over the decrees of President Armen Sarkissian to award medals "For Combat Service" to Major Yuri Ishchuk (posthumously), Senior Lieutenant Roman Fedin (posthumously) and Senior Lieutenant Vladislav Gryazin.
A Russian Mi-24 military helicopter was shot down over Armenia near the border with Azerbaijan on November 9. Two crewmembers died and the third pilot was wounded. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry admitted that the helicopter had been shot down by the Azeri armed forces by mistake and stated Baku was ready to pay compensation to Moscow over the incident.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a full ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. As the Russian leader said, Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will maintain the positions that they have held, while Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to the region.


tass--2020-11-19--Dodon says he will visit Russia as leader of Moldova’s largest political party

CHISINAU , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s incumbent president , Igor Dodon , has said that he will pay a working visit to Russia in the capacity of his country ’ s largest political party - the Party of Socialists - which he will lead when his current term of office expires .
`` We agreed with the deputy chief of Russia ’ s presidential staff , Dmitry Kozak , on my working visit to Russia for a discussion of a number of crucial issues of Moldovan-Russian cooperation .
In all likelihood , I will make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Socialists , which I will lead after leaving the post of the head of state .
Our party has agreements on cooperation with United Russia and other Russian political parties , '' Dodon told TASS .
When his presidency is over , Dodon said , he will focus on strengthening the Party of Socialists , the biggest political organization in his country .
`` Our party is the country ’ s largest .
It has the best infrastructure , with the largest faction in parliament and its members taking the posts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of cities and of the leaders of some regions .
It must be strengthened , though .
It has to be acknowledged that far from enough was done in recent years to make the party stronger .
In the meantime , the party is the social lift that ensured the election of the president , speaker of parliament , prime minister , many government ministers and heads of local authorities in districts and cities , '' Dodon said .
Special attention would be paid to enhancing international cooperation .

CHISINAU, November 19. /TASS/. Moldova’s incumbent president, Igor Dodon, has said that he will pay a working visit to Russia in the capacity of his country’s largest political party - the Party of Socialists - which he will lead when his current term of office expires.
"We agreed with the deputy chief of Russia’s presidential staff, Dmitry Kozak, on my working visit to Russia for a discussion of a number of crucial issues of Moldovan-Russian cooperation. In all likelihood, I will make the trip as the leader of the Party of Socialists, which I will lead after leaving the post of the head of state. Our party has agreements on cooperation with United Russia and other Russian political parties," Dodon told TASS.
When his presidency is over, Dodon said, he will focus on strengthening the Party of Socialists, the biggest political organization in his country.
"Our party is the country’s largest. It has the best infrastructure, with the largest faction in parliament and its members taking the posts of mayors in the capital Chisinau and a number of cities and of the leaders of some regions. It must be strengthened, though. It has to be acknowledged that far from enough was done in recent years to make the party stronger. In the meantime, the party is the social lift that ensured the election of the president, speaker of parliament, prime minister, many government ministers and heads of local authorities in districts and cities," Dodon said.
Special attention would be paid to enhancing international cooperation.


tass--2020-11-19--US may use Rodchenkov Act to squash unwanted sports rivals, warns Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Rodchenkov Act may morph into a dangerous instrument by the United States that could be wielded to stifle global sports achievements , which ‘ the US deems as unwanted , ’ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova cautioned on Thursday .
`` The most cynical fact right now is that in view of the large-scale and systematic doping abuse in the United States , the Rodchenkov Act has no power over professional North American leagues , namely the NBA , the NHL and the NFL , '' the diplomat pointed out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ further comments in this regard ?
Of course , not , '' she continued .
`` It is obvious that this is another tool put together to undermine global sports achievements , which are unfavorable to the United States , '' Zakharova emphasized .
On November 17 , the Senate passed the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act ( RADA ) , which empowers the United States to pursue criminal prosecution of violators of anti-doping rules around the world .
The Rodchenkov Act applies to all competitions where the World Anti-Doping Agency ( WADA ) rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North American leagues such as the National Basketball Association ( NBA ) and the National Hockey League ( NHL ) won ’ t be targeted by this law because they are not regulated by the WADA Code .
The act was named after a former director of the Moscow anti-doping laboratory , Grigory Rodchenkov , who is positioned as WADA ’ s chief informer in the case of doping violations in Russian sports .
In October , the bill was approved by the House of Representatives .
Now the US president has ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ex-boss of Moscow ’ s anti-doping lab and his allegations Rodchenkov told Western media in the spring of 2016 that Russian athletes largely used performance enhancing drugs at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi with the approval of the national sports authorities .
On the whole , the ex-doping official claimed that Russia ’ s sports authorities allegedly prepared a special doping program for national athletes in order to win most of the medals at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014 .
The former chief of the Moscow anti-doping laboratory also informed WADA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who on the eve of the 2014 Winter Olympics allegedly used a doping cocktail that he concocted himself and named after a popular Soviet-era soft drink dubbed the ‘ Duchess Cocktail.
’ On June 8 , 2016 , Russia ’ s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case against Rodchenkov on charges of abuse of power .
On September 21 , 2017 Moscow ’ s Basmanny District Court arrested him in absentia .
In November 2017 , the Russian Investigative Committee announced that it would seek the extradition of Rodchenkov , who absconded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , an obstruction of justice charge was filed against him .
He was also put on an international wanted list .

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. The Rodchenkov Act may morph into a dangerous instrument by the United States that could be wielded to stifle global sports achievements, which ‘the US deems as unwanted,’ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova cautioned on Thursday.
"The most cynical fact right now is that in view of the large-scale and systematic doping abuse in the United States, the Rodchenkov Act has no power over professional North American leagues, namely the NBA, the NHL and the NFL," the diplomat pointed out.
"Do we have to make any further comments in this regard? Of course, not," she continued.
"It is obvious that this is another tool put together to undermine global sports achievements, which are unfavorable to the United States," Zakharova emphasized.
On November 17, the Senate passed the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act (RADA), which empowers the United States to pursue criminal prosecution of violators of anti-doping rules around the world.
The Rodchenkov Act applies to all competitions where the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules are in place, however, professional North American leagues such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) won’t be targeted by this law because they are not regulated by the WADA Code.
The act was named after a former director of the Moscow anti-doping laboratory, Grigory Rodchenkov, who is positioned as WADA’s chief informer in the case of doping violations in Russian sports. In October, the bill was approved by the House of Representatives. Now the US president has ten days to sign it into law.
Ex-boss of Moscow’s anti-doping lab and his allegations
Rodchenkov told Western media in the spring of 2016 that Russian athletes largely used performance enhancing drugs at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi with the approval of the national sports authorities.
On the whole, the ex-doping official claimed that Russia’s sports authorities allegedly prepared a special doping program for national athletes in order to win most of the medals at the Winter Olympics in Sochi in 2014.
The former chief of the Moscow anti-doping laboratory also informed WADA about the so-called list of Russian athletes, who on the eve of the 2014 Winter Olympics allegedly used a doping cocktail that he concocted himself and named after a popular Soviet-era soft drink dubbed the ‘Duchess Cocktail.’
On June 8, 2016, Russia’s Investigative Committee launched a criminal case against Rodchenkov on charges of abuse of power. On September 21, 2017 Moscow’s Basmanny District Court arrested him in absentia.
In November 2017, the Russian Investigative Committee announced that it would seek the extradition of Rodchenkov, who absconded to the United States in 2015. In addition, an obstruction of justice charge was filed against him. He was also put on an international wanted list.


tass--2020-11-19--Russian coronavirus vaccine delivered to Hungary for trials

VIENNA , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The first samples of the Russian coronavirus vaccine have been delivered to Hungary for clinical trials , Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on Thursday .
`` A sample of the Russian vaccine has been delivered to Budapest .
Now , it is turn of Hungarian experts - they can start research to make their best grounded decision , '' the minister wrote on Facebook .
On November 13 , Szijjarto announced that Russia was preparing to supply a batch of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to Hungary for clinical trials .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hungarian health authorities to understand whether they can start using this vaccine in the country .
Also , one of the Hungarian pharmaceutical companies received technical documentation from Russia to launch local production of the Russian vaccine .
That means that Hungary may become the first country in the European Union to organize the production of the Russian vaccine .
On November 6 , Stefan de Keersmaecker , the European Commission spokesperson for public health , said that in case of emergency an EU country may exceptionally carry out a limited procurement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week earlier Eric Mamer , Chief Spokesman for the European Commission ( EC ) said that Hungary would be allowed to buy the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine only if it is certified in the EU .
On November 19 , Reuters reported citing the European Commission that Brussels is concerned about Hungary ’ s plans to import and possibly use Russia ’ s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine .
On August 11 , Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V , which was developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry .
The injection passed clinical trials in June-July .
The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections .
The Russian Health Ministry underlined that judging by the experience of using such vaccines , they are capable of providing a long-term immunity for up to two years .
The post-registration trials of Sputnik V began in Moscow on September 7 , volunteers received the first vaccine already on September 9 .
Overall , the trials include 40,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead of the vaccine .

VIENNA, November 19. /TASS/. The first samples of the Russian coronavirus vaccine have been delivered to Hungary for clinical trials, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on Thursday.
"A sample of the Russian vaccine has been delivered to Budapest. Now, it is turn of Hungarian experts - they can start research to make their best grounded decision," the minister wrote on Facebook.
On November 13, Szijjarto announced that Russia was preparing to supply a batch of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to Hungary for clinical trials. According to him, this will allow the Hungarian health authorities to understand whether they can start using this vaccine in the country. Also, one of the Hungarian pharmaceutical companies received technical documentation from Russia to launch local production of the Russian vaccine. That means that Hungary may become the first country in the European Union to organize the production of the Russian vaccine.
On November 6, Stefan de Keersmaecker, the European Commission spokesperson for public health, said that in case of emergency an EU country may exceptionally carry out a limited procurement of vaccines without European certification. However, a week earlier Eric Mamer, Chief Spokesman for the European Commission (EC) said that Hungary would be allowed to buy the Russian anti-coronavirus vaccine only if it is certified in the EU.
On November 19, Reuters reported citing the European Commission that Brussels is concerned about Hungary’s plans to import and possibly use Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.
Russian vaccine
On August 11, Russia became the first country in the world to register a coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik V, which was developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry. The injection passed clinical trials in June-July. The vaccine is based on an already known platform that was used to create a number of other injections. The Russian Health Ministry underlined that judging by the experience of using such vaccines, they are capable of providing a long-term immunity for up to two years. The post-registration trials of Sputnik V began in Moscow on September 7, volunteers received the first vaccine already on September 9. Overall, the trials include 40,000 people, 10,000 of them had placebo instead of the vaccine.


tass--2020-11-19--Air leakage from Russian module of ISS remains

MOSCOW , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
The crack in the previously isolated intermediate chamber of the module Zvezda remains , cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov told the Mission Control .
Earlier , the crew locked the hatches into the intermediate chamber .
The Mission Control asked whether the crew had measured the pressure before the hatch into that chamber was opened .
The crew reported that the pressure went down considerably in the smaller part of the compartment while it remained isolated from the rest of the station by an airtight hatch .
`` The pressure in the intermediate chamber went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ column to 685 millimeters , '' Ryzhikov said .
On Tuesday , the crew placed a new patch over the crack .
The Russian space corporation Roscosmos later told TASS that several measurements would be made with the aim of eventually identifying the cause of the leak .
On October 15 , the ISS crew told the Mission Control that the leak spot was tentatively found in the intermediate chamber of the Russian module Zvezda .
Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin later said that the possible crack looked like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 centimeters long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crack was about 4.5 centimeters long .
During a space walk on Wednesday the area of the suspected leak was photographed from outside .
The cosmonauts noticed no external damage in the area of the crack .

MOSCOW, November 19. /TASS/. The crack in the previously isolated intermediate chamber of the module Zvezda remains, cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov told the Mission Control.
Earlier, the crew locked the hatches into the intermediate chamber. The Mission Control asked whether the crew had measured the pressure before the hatch into that chamber was opened. The crew reported that the pressure went down considerably in the smaller part of the compartment while it remained isolated from the rest of the station by an airtight hatch.
"The pressure in the intermediate chamber went down from 723 mm of the mercury column to 685 millimeters," Ryzhikov said.
On Tuesday, the crew placed a new patch over the crack. The Russian space corporation Roscosmos later told TASS that several measurements would be made with the aim of eventually identifying the cause of the leak.
On October 15, the ISS crew told the Mission Control that the leak spot was tentatively found in the intermediate chamber of the Russian module Zvezda. Cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin later said that the possible crack looked like a curvilinear scratch 2-3 centimeters long. The cosmonauts later specified that the crack was about 4.5 centimeters long.
During a space walk on Wednesday the area of the suspected leak was photographed from outside. The cosmonauts noticed no external damage in the area of the crack.


tass--2020-11-19--Russian media watchdog backs bill to protect Russian Internet users

`` Roscomnadzor supports the bill .
It is necessary to additionally determine the amount of fines in relevant regulations of the Administrative Offences Code , '' the press service said .
MOSCOW , November 19./TASS/ .
The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications , Information Technology and Mass Media supported on Thursday the bill enabling it to block internet resources for censorship with regard to Russian media outlets , the press service of the watchdog said .
Such web resources may face the fine varying from several thousand rubles to 3 million rubles ( about $ 39,194 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , legislator Anton Gorelkin , told TASS on Thursday .
The bill introduces the status of `` the owner of the web resources involved in violations of fundamental rights and freedoms of the people and against the rights and freedoms of nationals of the Russian Federation '' .
In consultations with the Foreign Ministry , the nation ’ s prosecutor general may assign this status to the owner of a web resource permitting discrimination against Russian media content .
The media watchdog may get the right to partially or fully restrict access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interests of Russian Internet users is needed , but it must be thoroughly hammered out , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday in comments on the bill .

"Roscomnadzor supports the bill. It is necessary to additionally determine the amount of fines in relevant regulations of the Administrative Offences Code," the press service said.
MOSCOW, November 19./TASS/. The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media supported on Thursday the bill enabling it to block internet resources for censorship with regard to Russian media outlets, the press service of the watchdog said.
Such web resources may face the fine varying from several thousand rubles to 3 million rubles (about $39,194), one of the architects of the bill, legislator Anton Gorelkin, told TASS on Thursday.
The bill introduces the status of "the owner of the web resources involved in violations of fundamental rights and freedoms of the people and against the rights and freedoms of nationals of the Russian Federation". In consultations with the Foreign Ministry, the nation’s prosecutor general may assign this status to the owner of a web resource permitting discrimination against Russian media content. The media watchdog may get the right to partially or fully restrict access to these resources.
A mechanism to protect the interests of Russian Internet users is needed, but it must be thoroughly hammered out, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday in comments on the bill.


tass--2020-11-19--Condition of Serbian Patriarch Irinej serious but stable, says Serbian Orthodox Church

BELGRADE , November 19 .
/TASS/ .
Health condition of Serbian Patriarch Irinej has remained serious yet stable , the press service of Serbia ’ s Orthodox Church reported on Thursday after a number of Serbian news outlets reported of the passing of the patriarch .
`` In the morning of November 19 , the general condition of Patriarch Irinej due to COVID-19 got worse .
The permanent council of physicians in the presence of doctors from the Russian Federation after an examination and testing concluded that the aggravation is the consequence of COVID-19 and that Patriarch Irinej ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the statement said .
Earlier , the Military Health Department of the Serbian Defense Ministry refuted the information on the patriarch ’ s passing in a comment to TASS .
`` The information of the death of the Serbian Patriarch Irinej is not correct , '' the department ’ s representative reported .
The Serbian Patriarch Irinej who turned 90 in August contracted the coronavirus on November 4 and on November 5 was admitted to the Karaburma military medical center .
On August 15 , the press service of the Serbian Orthodox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition , however , the doctors managed to keep him stabilized .
Earlier , due to the consequences of the coronavirus infection , Serbian Orthodox Bishop Milutin of the Diocese of Valjevo passed away .
On October 30 , one of the top clerics of the Serbian Orthodox Church , Metropolitan of Montenegro and Littoral Amfilohije died of complications caused by the novel coronavirus infection .
According to the data of the Serbian Healthcare Ministry , on Wednesday , a new high in the number of the coronavirus infections was recorded in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 24 hours has increased by 5,613 .
The number of fatalities during the entire pandemic in the country is at 1,081 .

BELGRADE, November 19. /TASS/. Health condition of Serbian Patriarch Irinej has remained serious yet stable, the press service of Serbia’s Orthodox Church reported on Thursday after a number of Serbian news outlets reported of the passing of the patriarch.
"In the morning of November 19, the general condition of Patriarch Irinej due to COVID-19 got worse. The permanent council of physicians in the presence of doctors from the Russian Federation after an examination and testing concluded that the aggravation is the consequence of COVID-19 and that Patriarch Irinej’s health condition is serious but stable," the statement said.
Earlier, the Military Health Department of the Serbian Defense Ministry refuted the information on the patriarch’s passing in a comment to TASS. "The information of the death of the Serbian Patriarch Irinej is not correct," the department’s representative reported.
The Serbian Patriarch Irinej who turned 90 in August contracted the coronavirus on November 4 and on November 5 was admitted to the Karaburma military medical center. On August 15, the press service of the Serbian Orthodox Church reported of an aggravation of his condition, however, the doctors managed to keep him stabilized.
Earlier, due to the consequences of the coronavirus infection, Serbian Orthodox Bishop Milutin of the Diocese of Valjevo passed away. On October 30, one of the top clerics of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan of Montenegro and Littoral Amfilohije died of complications caused by the novel coronavirus infection.
According to the data of the Serbian Healthcare Ministry, on Wednesday, a new high in the number of the coronavirus infections was recorded in the republic. The number of confirmed cases over 24 hours has increased by 5,613. The number of fatalities during the entire pandemic in the country is at 1,081.


tass--2020-11-19--Russia expects Germany’s clarification on envoy’s words about Soviet goals in WWII

German Ambassador to Lithuania Matthias Sonn said earlier that by liberating Germany from Nazism , the Soviet Union had sought to establish Stalin 's oppressive regime in the defeated country .
`` We are outraged by the German ambassador ’ s words , '' Zakharova pointed out .
`` Given the history of World War II and the role of Germany and its people in the deadliest war of all time , the statement sounded particularly cynical and insolent .
I would like to emphasize that we expect Germany to provide a clarification and distance itself from the insinuations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not an isolated incident , '' the Russian diplomat added .
Zakharova also said that a pseudo-historical narrative was being promoted in Germany , which `` equates the Soviet Union to the Third Reich in the context of the causes of World War II , identifying the Communist with the National Socialist regime . ''
`` It is being done with a clear goal to pass the buck of Germany 's responsibility for the inhuman crimes of Nazism .
We strongly reject this approach as it calls into question the unprecedented process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German people , '' Zakharova stressed , adding that for the people of the Soviet Union , the war against Nazi Germany was a fight for freedom and independence in the face of the threat of being enslaved and killed by Nazis .

German Ambassador to Lithuania Matthias Sonn said earlier that by liberating Germany from Nazism, the Soviet Union had sought to establish Stalin's oppressive regime in the defeated country.
"We are outraged by the German ambassador’s words," Zakharova pointed out. "Given the history of World War II and the role of Germany and its people in the deadliest war of all time, the statement sounded particularly cynical and insolent. I would like to emphasize that we expect Germany to provide a clarification and distance itself from the insinuations of an individual, which, unfortunately, are not an isolated incident," the Russian diplomat added.
Zakharova also said that a pseudo-historical narrative was being promoted in Germany, which "equates the Soviet Union to the Third Reich in the context of the causes of World War II, identifying the Communist with the National Socialist regime." "It is being done with a clear goal to pass the buck of Germany's responsibility for the inhuman crimes of Nazism. We strongly reject this approach as it calls into question the unprecedented process of post-war reconciliation between the Russian and German people," Zakharova stressed, adding that for the people of the Soviet Union, the war against Nazi Germany was a fight for freedom and independence in the face of the threat of being enslaved and killed by Nazis.


tass--2020-11-19--Lavrov says US, France nursing ‘wounded pride’ over Moscow-brokered Karabakh peace deal

MOSCOW , November 19/TASS/ .
The US and France have been stricken with ‘ wounded pride ’ over the Moscow brokered Nagorno-Karabakh armistice , said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday .
`` In my contacts with American and French colleagues , as well as in contacts between President [ Emmanuel ] Macron and President [ Vladimir ] Putin on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue over the past few days , clearly there is wounded pride .
And this is sad , '' Lavrov said in an interview with RT television on Thursday .
Lavrov said that during his recent contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he had drawn his attention to the importance of guaranteeing the safety of local residents .
`` I tried to explain it to him that our concern is that people stay alive , that they don ’ t flee their homes and that the number of refugees and displaced persons does not run into huge amounts , '' he elaborated .
It was `` inappropriate and unethical from the standpoint of basic human ethics '' to promote claims in the situation when every minute could mean somebody ’ s life , Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin , President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a full ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh .
As the Russian leader said , Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will maintain the positions that they have held , while Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to the region .

MOSCOW, November 19/TASS/. The US and France have been stricken with ‘wounded pride’ over the Moscow brokered Nagorno-Karabakh armistice, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday.
"In my contacts with American and French colleagues, as well as in contacts between President [Emmanuel] Macron and President [Vladimir] Putin on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue over the past few days, clearly there is wounded pride. And this is sad," Lavrov said in an interview with RT television on Thursday.
Lavrov said that during his recent contacts with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, he had drawn his attention to the importance of guaranteeing the safety of local residents. "I tried to explain it to him that our concern is that people stay alive, that they don’t flee their homes and that the number of refugees and displaced persons does not run into huge amounts," he elaborated.
It was "inappropriate and unethical from the standpoint of basic human ethics" to promote claims in the situation when every minute could mean somebody’s life, Lavrov stressed.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a full ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. As the Russian leader said, Azerbaijani and Armenian forces will maintain the positions that they have held, while Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to the region.


tass--2020-11-19--Endpoint and McCreadie Group Software Integration

AN FRANCISCO and ANN ARBOR , Mich. , November 19 .
/PRNewswire/ .
Endpoint Clinical , the leading global interactive response technology ( IRT® ) company , and McCreadie Group , the market leader in automating manual processes in Investigational Drug Services ( IDS ) , have collaborated to increase study product accountability transparency for study sponsors , reduce site burdens associated with clinical study IMP management , and improve related data integrity via carefully balanced interfacing of McCreadie 's site-based Vestigo® application and endpoint 's PULSE® IRT .
The collaboration will leverage the unique investigational product accountability features of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's drug supply management features of IRT implementations .
`` Hearing issues raised by sponsors regarding the disposition of the study product and having an understanding of the valuable data Vestigo® provides , we knew there was a unique opportunity to partner together , '' said Ryan Keane , CCO , endpoint .
`` The convenience that sites gain by reduced training and time savings associated with avoidance of logging transactions in multiple applications is an obvious win-win situation . ''
The powerful combination of Vestigo and PULSE , when integrated , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceptional site experience .
Sponsors will benefit through improved data integrity consistent in format , lowered risk of protocol deviations due to data validation checks , access to site inventory levels , and visibility of IP disposition , including return and destruction information .
All these benefits help to achieve faster data closeout .
Site pharmacy teams will gain efficiency by eliminating the need to access multiple systems to document drug receipt , dispensing , and final disposition .
All the data entered by site pharmacists will be automatically populated via the integration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites for several years before joining McCreadie , I can attest that the integration of Vestigo and PULSE will improve the efficiency of IDS operations , '' says Richard Malone , Business Development Executive at McCreadie Group .
`` Elimination of duplicate work and streamlining daily functions such as the receipt of shipments and documentation of IMP dispensing , returns , destruction , and other status changes allows IDS staff members to shift focus to other duties .
Equally as significant is the resulting improvement in integrity and timeliness of data that should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and their partners ) , monitors , site personnel , and patients . ''
It is widely recognized that the traditional models of system interaction rely too heavily upon site staff , serving as almost a physical point of integration , and are rapidly becoming outmoded .
This new approach of directly interfacing site-owned software with the sponsor and CRO provisioned solutions like IRT represents an exciting new dimension to help drive best practices across the board .
About McCreadie The McCreadie Group , Inc. was founded in 2004 to provide software @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research , and educational settings .
McCreadie Group 's goal is to drive improvements in quality , efficiency , safety , and compliance in the pharmacy profession by delivering innovative software and consultative support .
To learn more about McCreadie Group and its products , visit www.mccreadiegroup.com .
endpoint is an interactive response technology ( IRT® ) systems and solutions provider that supports the life sciences industry .
For the past decade , their customer-obsessed team of professionals has been continuously evolving their suite of technologies to help Sponsors achieve clinical trial success @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ® , for patient randomization and management , site management , and drug supply management and leading-edge clinical supplies management tool , DRIVE , has proven to maximize the supply chain and minimize operational costs , and ensure timely and accurate patient dosing .
endpoint is headquartered in San Francisco , California , with offices across the US , EU , and Asia .
www.endpointclinical.com

AN FRANCISCO and ANN ARBOR, Mich., November 19. /PRNewswire/. Endpoint Clinical, the leading global interactive response technology (IRT®) company, and McCreadie Group, the market leader in automating manual processes in Investigational Drug Services (IDS), have collaborated to increase study product accountability transparency for study sponsors, reduce site burdens associated with clinical study IMP management, and improve related data integrity via carefully balanced interfacing of McCreadie's site-based Vestigo® application and endpoint's PULSE® IRT.
The collaboration will leverage the unique investigational product accountability features of the Vestigo site-focused software and PULSE software's drug supply management features of IRT implementations.
"Hearing issues raised by sponsors regarding the disposition of the study product and having an understanding of the valuable data Vestigo® provides, we knew there was a unique opportunity to partner together," said Ryan Keane, CCO, endpoint. "The convenience that sites gain by reduced training and time savings associated with avoidance of logging transactions in multiple applications is an obvious win-win situation."
The powerful combination of Vestigo and PULSE, when integrated, will deliver significant benefits to sponsors alongside an exceptional site experience. Sponsors will benefit through improved data integrity consistent in format, lowered risk of protocol deviations due to data validation checks, access to site inventory levels, and visibility of IP disposition, including return and destruction information. All these benefits help to achieve faster data closeout. Site pharmacy teams will gain efficiency by eliminating the need to access multiple systems to document drug receipt, dispensing, and final disposition. All the data entered by site pharmacists will be automatically populated via the integration.
"Having managed busy research pharmacy sites for several years before joining McCreadie, I can attest that the integration of Vestigo and PULSE will improve the efficiency of IDS operations," says Richard Malone, Business Development Executive at McCreadie Group. "Elimination of duplicate work and streamlining daily functions such as the receipt of shipments and documentation of IMP dispensing, returns, destruction, and other status changes allows IDS staff members to shift focus to other duties. Equally as significant is the resulting improvement in integrity and timeliness of data that should benefit all parties involved, including sponsors (and their partners), monitors, site personnel, and patients."
It is widely recognized that the traditional models of system interaction rely too heavily upon site staff, serving as almost a physical point of integration, and are rapidly becoming outmoded. This new approach of directly interfacing site-owned software with the sponsor and CRO provisioned solutions like IRT represents an exciting new dimension to help drive best practices across the board.
About McCreadie
The McCreadie Group, Inc. was founded in 2004 to provide software solutions for pharmacy applications in healthcare, research, and educational settings. McCreadie Group's goal is to drive improvements in quality, efficiency, safety, and compliance in the pharmacy profession by delivering innovative software and consultative support. To learn more about McCreadie Group and its products, visit www.mccreadiegroup.com.
About endpoint
endpoint is an interactive response technology (IRT®) systems and solutions provider that supports the life sciences industry. For the past decade, their customer-obsessed team of professionals has been continuously evolving their suite of technologies to help Sponsors achieve clinical trial success. Their dynamic IRT solution, PULSE ®, for patient randomization and management, site management, and drug supply management and leading-edge clinical supplies management tool, DRIVE, has proven to maximize the supply chain and minimize operational costs, and ensure timely and accurate patient dosing. endpoint is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with offices across the US, EU, and Asia. www.endpointclinical.com
Contacts:
Catherine Ditzler
Associate Director of Marketing
endpoint Clinical
1-415-688-3424
e: cditzler@endpointclinical.com
Jennifer Drabing
Senior Marketing Communications Manager
McCreadie Group
(734) 661-7955
e: jennifer@mccreadiegroup.com


tass--2020-11-21--US President Donald Trump to take part in virtual G20 summit

WASHINGTON , November 21 .
/TASS/ .
President of the United States Donald Trump will participate in the G20 summit , which is set to take place on November 21-22 in an online format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , a high-ranking official in the US President ’ s Administration told TASS late on Friday .
According to the official , President Trump would participate in the virtual G20 summit on Saturday and Sunday .
The G20 summit , chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud , is set to take place online on November 21-22 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss ways to restore economic growth in the wake of the coronavirus crisis .
Russia ’ s G20 Sherpa Svetlana Lukash told reporters on Friday that the upcoming virtual G20 summit would be closed to the media .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 57,880,460 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,376,750 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 40,093,770 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

WASHINGTON, November 21. /TASS/. President of the United States Donald Trump will participate in the G20 summit, which is set to take place on November 21-22 in an online format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a high-ranking official in the US President’s Administration told TASS late on Friday.
According to the official, President Trump would participate in the virtual G20 summit on Saturday and Sunday.
The G20 summit, chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is set to take place online on November 21-22. The meeting’s participants will particularly discuss ways to restore economic growth in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
Russia’s G20 Sherpa Svetlana Lukash told reporters on Friday that the upcoming virtual G20 summit would be closed to the media.
Global coronavirus crisis
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 57,880,460 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,376,750 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 40,093,770 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-11-21--US President Trump’s oldest son, Donald Jr., tests positive for novel coronavirus

NEW YORK , November 21 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump ’ s son , Donald Trump Jr. , has been diagnosed with a positive case of COVID-19 , his official spokesman announced in a statement late of Friday .
According to the statement , a test for COVID-19 of 42-year-old Donald Trump Jr. returned a positive result at the beginning of this week and he `` has been quarantining out at his cabin since the result . ''
`` He ’ s been completely asymptomatic so far and is following all medically recommended COVID-19 guidelines , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with COVID-19 in early October and was hospitalized for three days at Walter Reed Medical Center before returning to the White House .
According to US-based daily The Politico , `` Don Jr. is the latest member of the Trump family to have tested positive for the disease .
His girlfriend and top Trump campaign official Kimberly Guilfoyle tested positive for the virus over the 4th of July weekend in South Dakota . ''
US President Trump ’ s younger son , Baron Trump , 14 , was also diagnosed with the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father , he made a swift recovery from the disease .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and more than 1,376,750 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 40,093,770 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

NEW YORK, November 21. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has been diagnosed with a positive case of COVID-19, his official spokesman announced in a statement late of Friday.
According to the statement, a test for COVID-19 of 42-year-old Donald Trump Jr. returned a positive result at the beginning of this week and he "has been quarantining out at his cabin since the result."
"He’s been completely asymptomatic so far and is following all medically recommended COVID-19 guidelines," the statement reads.
President Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19 in early October and was hospitalized for three days at Walter Reed Medical Center before returning to the White House.
According to US-based daily The Politico, "Don Jr. is the latest member of the Trump family to have tested positive for the disease. His girlfriend and top Trump campaign official Kimberly Guilfoyle tested positive for the virus over the 4th of July weekend in South Dakota."
US President Trump’s younger son, Baron Trump, 14, was also diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in October and, according to his father, he made a swift recovery from the disease.
Global coronavirus crisis
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 57,880,460 people have been infected worldwide and more than 1,376,750 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 40,093,770 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-11-21--Azerbaijani, French top diplomats held talks on Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire

BAKU , November 21 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and France , Jeyhun Bayramov and Jean-Yves Le Drain correspondingly , held a telephone conversation on November 20 discussing the implementation of the trilateral agreement on the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire , the press office of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` The sides exchanged their views on the latest situation in the region , the implementation of the trilateral statement of 9 November , various issues stemming from the agreement , as well as humanitarian issues , '' according to the statement .
`` The Ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and preservation of historical and religious monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts and noted the cooperation to be realized in this regard , '' the statement added .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10 .
The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
According to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 agreement observance .
The peacekeeping mission ’ s command is stationed in the area of Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh .
The situation is being monitored around the clock .

BAKU, November 21. /TASS/. Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and France, Jeyhun Bayramov and Jean-Yves Le Drain correspondingly, held a telephone conversation on November 20 discussing the implementation of the trilateral agreement on the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire, the press office of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"The sides exchanged their views on the latest situation in the region, the implementation of the trilateral statement of 9 November, various issues stemming from the agreement, as well as humanitarian issues," according to the statement.
"The Ministers stressed the importance of studying the situation and preservation of historical and religious monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts and noted the cooperation to be realized in this regard," the statement added.
On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region.
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 agreement observance. The peacekeeping mission’s command is stationed in the area of Stepanakert in Nagorno-Karabakh. The situation is being monitored around the clock.


tass--2020-11-21--Russia’s preventive immunization strategy has all key priorities - WHO representative

MOSCOW , November 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s strategy of preventive immunization against infectious diseases has all key priorities in this sphere and is ahead of the European plan of action that is being discussed , Melita Vujnovic , WHO representative in Russia , said on Friday .
`` The current European strategy and plan of action expire in 2020 .
Discussion of a new strategy is underway .
Russia ’ s national strategy has outstripped the European one and we can say that it contains all the key priorities , '' she said at a roundtable meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventive immunization against infectious diseases at the Federation Council upper parliament house .
According to the WHO representative , it is planned to tell the WHO ’ s European office about Russia ’ s national strategy .
`` I want to say that we hope very much that the Russian health ministry will share its strategy at the level of the European region , '' she noted .
`` I can say that Russia has raised the bar and the WHO must reach it too . ''
A major priority of the immunization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled .
`` Russia has a colossal experience in terms of vaccination against flu and we expect it to share this experience with Europe .
We hope that Russian experts will join WHO activities in the European region at all levels , '' she added .
According to the Russian government ’ s press service , the 15-year strategy of preventive immunization against infectious diseases is geared to prevent a number of infections , such as diphtheria , measles , rubella , viral hepatitis B , seasonal flu .
It envisages inoculation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, November 21. /TASS/. Russia’s strategy of preventive immunization against infectious diseases has all key priorities in this sphere and is ahead of the European plan of action that is being discussed, Melita Vujnovic, WHO representative in Russia, said on Friday.
"The current European strategy and plan of action expire in 2020. Discussion of a new strategy is underway. Russia’s national strategy has outstripped the European one and we can say that it contains all the key priorities," she said at a roundtable meeting on state policies in the area of preventive immunization against infectious diseases at the Federation Council upper parliament house.
According to the WHO representative, it is planned to tell the WHO’s European office about Russia’s national strategy. "I want to say that we hope very much that the Russian health ministry will share its strategy at the level of the European region," she noted. "I can say that Russia has raised the bar and the WHO must reach it too."
A major priority of the immunization strategy is a vaccination plan, Vujnovic recalled. "Russia has a colossal experience in terms of vaccination against flu and we expect it to share this experience with Europe. We hope that Russian experts will join WHO activities in the European region at all levels," she added.
According to the Russian government’s press service, the 15-year strategy of preventive immunization against infectious diseases is geared to prevent a number of infections, such as diphtheria, measles, rubella, viral hepatitis B, seasonal flu. It envisages inoculation of at least 95% of the population.


tass--2020-11-21--Dodon dubs Sandu’s statement on Russian peacekeepers in Transnistria as mistake

CHISINAU , November 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moldovan President-elect Maia Sandu ’ s statement about the Russian peacekeepers ’ withdrawal from Transnistria was a serious mistake , Incumbent President Igor Dodon said in a televised interview for the NTV Moldova broadcaster on Friday , commenting on Sandu ’ s interview with the Ukrainian daily European Truth .
`` She has already said that the peacekeepers should be urgently removed from the banks of the Dniester River and that the Ukrainians need to put more pressure on Transnistria , Donbass and so on .
Was that the call of president-elect of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been resolved and where 35-50 % of the Russian-speaking population live ?
I view her words as a serious mistake , '' Dodon said pointing out that most Moldovans support a balanced foreign policy of good relationships with both the West and the East .
Dodon voiced regret that Sandu reneged on her pre-election pledge to cooperate with Russia .
`` She made a U-turn in two to three days .
Believe me that the citizens who made a choice in her favor will realize that and will regret it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president pursue an anti-Russian policy , nothing good will come out of it either for the country or that politician .
At the level of the country , we will compensate for that at the parliament and government and will pursue a balanced policy , '' Dodon concluded .
Moldova held the runoff presidential election on November 15 .
On Friday , the Central Election Commission confirmed that Sandu had won 57.7 % of the vote whereas incumbent President Igor Dodon secured 42.2 % Dodon ’ s term in office expires on December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue as acting head of state until the president elect is inaugurated .
Transnistria , a mostly Russian-speaking region , broke away from Moldova following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 .
Its relations with Moldova ’ s central government in Chisinau have been highly mixed and extremely tense at times ever since then .
In 1992 and 1993 , tensions erupted into a bloody armed conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of people on both sides .
The fratricidal war was stopped after a peace agreement was signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the conflict zone on July 29 , 1992 under the Agreement on the Principles for a Peaceful Settlement of the Armed Conflict in the Dniester Region of the Republic of Moldova .
The agreement was signed on July 21 , 1992 by the Russian and Moldovan presidents in the presence of the Transnistrian leader .
Currently , Russian peacekeepers are ensuring peace in the security zone disengaging the parties to conflict on the Dniester , alongside peacekeepers from Moldova and Transnistria and a group of military observers from Ukraine .

CHISINAU, November 21. /TASS/. Moldovan President-elect Maia Sandu’s statement about the Russian peacekeepers’ withdrawal from Transnistria was a serious mistake, Incumbent President Igor Dodon said in a televised interview for the NTV Moldova broadcaster on Friday, commenting on Sandu’s interview with the Ukrainian daily European Truth.
"She has already said that the peacekeepers should be urgently removed from the banks of the Dniester River and that the Ukrainians need to put more pressure on Transnistria, Donbass and so on. Was that the call of president-elect of the country where the Transnistrian conflict has not been resolved and where 35-50% of the Russian-speaking population live? I view her words as a serious mistake," Dodon said pointing out that most Moldovans support a balanced foreign policy of good relationships with both the West and the East.
Dodon voiced regret that Sandu reneged on her pre-election pledge to cooperate with Russia.
"She made a U-turn in two to three days. Believe me that the citizens who made a choice in her favor will realize that and will regret it," he stressed.
"Should the future president pursue an anti-Russian policy, nothing good will come out of it either for the country or that politician. At the level of the country, we will compensate for that at the parliament and government and will pursue a balanced policy," Dodon concluded.
Moldova held the runoff presidential election on November 15. On Friday, the Central Election Commission confirmed that Sandu had won 57.7% of the vote whereas incumbent President Igor Dodon secured 42.2% Dodon’s term in office expires on December 23. Following this date, he will continue as acting head of state until the president elect is inaugurated.
Transnistria, a mostly Russian-speaking region, broke away from Moldova following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Its relations with Moldova’s central government in Chisinau have been highly mixed and extremely tense at times ever since then. In 1992 and 1993, tensions erupted into a bloody armed conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of people on both sides.
The fratricidal war was stopped after a peace agreement was signed in Moscow and Russian peacekeepers were brought into the conflict zone on July 29, 1992 under the Agreement on the Principles for a Peaceful Settlement of the Armed Conflict in the Dniester Region of the Republic of Moldova. The agreement was signed on July 21, 1992 by the Russian and Moldovan presidents in the presence of the Transnistrian leader. Currently, Russian peacekeepers are ensuring peace in the security zone disengaging the parties to conflict on the Dniester, alongside peacekeepers from Moldova and Transnistria and a group of military observers from Ukraine.


tass--2020-11-20--74 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day - crisis center

MOSCOW , November 20 .
/TASS/ .
Seventy-four more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 8,200 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 8,233 .
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ necessary to stay at home , call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases .
As of today , Moscow has @ @ @ @ @ , including 6,902 during the past day .
As many as 394,252 patients have recovered @

MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. Seventy-four more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 8,200, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Friday.
"Seventy-four coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 8,233.
The center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it is necessary to stay at home, call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment.
Moscow tops the list of Russian regions in terms of confirmed coronavirus cases. As of today, Moscow has reported 539,970 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 6,902 during the past day. As many as 394,252 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-11-20--German Business Association calls on US to lift sanctions against Nord Stream 2

BERLIN , November 20 .
/TASS/ .
The German Eastern Business Association ( OAOEV ) has called on the US to abandon sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline , the Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Friday .
The newspaper cites the letter OAOEV sent to Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and number of influential members of the US Democratic Party .
`` Joe Biden 's victory holds a great promise to the German economy to revive the Transatlantic partnership , '' OAOEV representatives write .
However , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's victory , the Democrats want to introduce new extraterritorial sanctions against Nord Stream 2 , '' according to the message dated November 17 .
German business representatives are calling for the abandonment of restrictive measures , Handelsblatt writes .
The German Eastern Business Association ( OAOEV ) is the major regional initiative of the German economy for 29 countries in Central Europe , Eastern and Southeastern Europe , in the South Caucasus and in Central Asia .
The OAOEV supports its members in their projects , arranges contacts and answers questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May 2018 through the merging of the Eastern Committee ( founded in 1952 ) and the Eastern Europe Business Association of Germany ( founded in 1989 ) .
It is supported by six central associations of German business and has around 350 member companies .
In 2017 , the US Congress adopted the Countering America 's Adversaries Through Sanctions act ( CAATSA ) .
It envisages the introduction of sanctions against companies involved in the Nord Stream-2 project .
In July 2020 , the US Senate ’ s international relations committee supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in laying the pipeline .
In October , US State Department published a statement that US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 may also cover companies providing services or funding to vessels involved in the project .
The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates construction of two gas pipeline strings with the total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea .
The gas pipeline is 93 % complete to date .
The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

BERLIN, November 20. /TASS/. The German Eastern Business Association (OAOEV) has called on the US to abandon sanctions against the companies involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Friday.
The newspaper cites the letter OAOEV sent to Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and number of influential members of the US Democratic Party.
"Joe Biden's victory holds a great promise to the German economy to revive the Transatlantic partnership," OAOEV representatives write. However, the German business fears that "following Biden's victory, the Democrats want to introduce new extraterritorial sanctions against Nord Stream 2," according to the message dated November 17.
German business representatives are calling for the abandonment of restrictive measures, Handelsblatt writes.
About Association
The German Eastern Business Association (OAOEV) is the major regional initiative of the German economy for 29 countries in Central Europe, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, in the South Caucasus and in Central Asia. The OAOEV supports its members in their projects, arranges contacts and answers questions about market entry. The OAOEV was founded in May 2018 through the merging of the Eastern Committee (founded in 1952) and the Eastern Europe Business Association of Germany (founded in 1989). It is supported by six central associations of German business and has around 350 member companies.
US sanctions against Nord Stream 2
In 2017, the US Congress adopted the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions act (CAATSA). It envisages the introduction of sanctions against companies involved in the Nord Stream-2 project.
In July 2020, the US Senate’s international relations committee supported a special bill on restrictions against contractors involved in laying the pipeline.
In October, US State Department published a statement that US sanctions against Nord Stream 2 may also cover companies providing services or funding to vessels involved in the project.
The Nord Stream 2 project contemplates construction of two gas pipeline strings with the total capacity of 55 bln cubic meters per year from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea. The gas pipeline is 93% complete to date. The construction was suspended at the end of 2019 when the Swiss pipe-laying company Allseas stopped work due to US sanctions.


tass--2020-11-20--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 620,000 in past day - WHO

GENEVA , November 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 620,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 56.62 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Friday .
As of 17:59 Moscow time on November 20 , as many as 56,623,643 novel coronavirus cases and 1,355,963 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 620,744 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 10,516 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the countries .
Europe accounts for nearly 45 % of the COVID-19 daily tally ( 279,151 ) .
Next are North and South America ( 235,279 cases ) , and Southeast Asia ( 57,218 cases ) .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States ( 11,413,788 ) , India ( 9,004,365 ) , Brazil ( 5,945,849 ) , France ( 2,048,857 ) , Russia ( 2,039,926 ) , Spain ( 1,541,574 ) , the United Kingdom ( 1,453,260 ) , Argentina ( 1,339,337 ) , Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , Mexico ( 1,015,071 ) , and Peru ( 941,951 ) .

GENEVA, November 20. /TASS/. More than 620,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 56.62 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Friday.
As of 17:59 Moscow time on November 20, as many as 56,623,643 novel coronavirus cases and 1,355,963 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 620,744 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 10,516.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
Europe accounts for nearly 45% of the COVID-19 daily tally (279,151). Next are North and South America (235,279 cases), and Southeast Asia (57,218 cases).
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (11,413,788), India (9,004,365), Brazil (5,945,849), France (2,048,857), Russia (2,039,926), Spain (1,541,574), the United Kingdom (1,453,260), Argentina (1,339,337), Italy (1,308,528), Colombia (1,218,003), Mexico (1,015,071), and Peru (941,951).