tass--2020-12-08--Number of COVID-19 recoveries in Moscow surpasses 500,000

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow doctors have cured another 5,532 patients infected with the coronavirus , the @ @ @ @ @ journalists on Tuesday .
`` Moscow ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center reports that another 5,532 @ @ @ @ @ after undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection .
The total number of people who recovered @ @ @ @ @ to 501,403 , '' the statement said .
After treatment , the doctors conduct special @ @ @ @ @ of the disease .
Upon discharge , all patients who need to remain under observation @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Moscow doctors have cured another 5,532 patients infected with the coronavirus, the capital anti-coronavirus crisis center told journalists on Tuesday.
"Moscow’s anti-coronavirus crisis center reports that another 5,532 patients in the capital recovered after undergoing treatment for the coronavirus infection. The total number of people who recovered from the infection has risen to 501,403," the statement said.
After treatment, the doctors conduct special tests to confirm the absence of the disease. Upon discharge, all patients who need to remain under observation receive appropriate recommendations.


tass--2020-12-08--Anhui Tianzhu Mountain: Pillars Holding the Sky' was published on Russian Newspapers

HEFEI , China , Dec. 8 .
/PRNewswire/ .
According to the Department of Culture and Tourism of Anhui Province , on December 1 , local time , a tourism promotion article , namely Anhui Tianzhu Mountain : Pillars Holding the Sky was published by Russian Newspaper ( Rossiyskaya Gazeta ) .
After the publication of the article , great enthusiasm among Russian readers were immediately aroused .
What kind of place is the most suitable for health preservation ?
Everyone has his/her own idea in the heart , and Tianzhu Mountain has its own answer .
Far away on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East , this is a magical place where people always yearn for .
Located in Qianshan City , Anhui Province , Tianzhu Mountain is a World Geopark and a 5A-grade scenic spot in China .
This is the real `` Green Museum '' .
It has four distinct seasons , mild climate and rich species .
The forest coverage rate reaches around 97 % .
Here gave birth to the exercise of Tianzhu Mountain health preservation and has maintained creatures with the pursuit of health .
With the excellent ecological environment and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of thousands of Russian tourists come here every year .
People call the gathering place of Russian tourists at the foot of the mountain as Chinese `` Russian village '' .
According to the statistics of Tianzhu Mountain Management Committee , in 2019 , Tianzhu Mountain scenic area received 1.542 million tourists and 92,000 foreign tourists , including nearly 20,000 Russian tourists .
The link of `` Russian village '' settled in Tianzhu Mountain is Chinese martial arts .
Tianzhu Mountain health preserving exercise combines the theory of traditional Chinese medicine with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the special quiet and comfortable environment of Tianzhu Mountain , it is manifested in the form of rigid and elegant Chinese Kungfu in order to achieve the purpose of keeping fit and purifying the mind .
As `` One Belt , One Road '' Initiative is implemented in China , Anhui has a closer cooperation with Russia .
The Russian village is not only a good choice for sightseeing and recreation , but also an important platform for cultural exchanges between China and Russia .

HEFEI, China, Dec. 8. /PRNewswire/. According to the Department of Culture and Tourism of Anhui Province, on December 1, local time, a tourism promotion article, namely Anhui Tianzhu Mountain: Pillars Holding the Sky was published by Russian Newspaper (Rossiyskaya Gazeta). After the publication of the article, great enthusiasm among Russian readers were immediately aroused.
What kind of place is the most suitable for health preservation? Everyone has his/her own idea in the heart, and Tianzhu Mountain has its own answer.
Far away on the 30 degrees north latitude in the East, this is a magical place where people always yearn for. Located in Qianshan City, Anhui Province, Tianzhu Mountain is a World Geopark and a 5A-grade scenic spot in China. This is the real "Green Museum". It has four distinct seasons, mild climate and rich species. The forest coverage rate reaches around 97%.
Here gave birth to the exercise of Tianzhu Mountain health preservation and has maintained creatures with the pursuit of health.
With the excellent ecological environment and the good way to keep healthy, tens of thousands of Russian tourists come here every year. People call the gathering place of Russian tourists at the foot of the mountain as Chinese "Russian village". According to the statistics of Tianzhu Mountain Management Committee, in 2019, Tianzhu Mountain scenic area received 1.542 million tourists and 92,000 foreign tourists, including nearly 20,000 Russian tourists.
The link of "Russian village" settled in Tianzhu Mountain is Chinese martial arts. Tianzhu Mountain health preserving exercise combines the theory of traditional Chinese medicine with the training of physiological body. Located in the special quiet and comfortable environment of Tianzhu Mountain, it is manifested in the form of rigid and elegant Chinese Kungfu in order to achieve the purpose of keeping fit and purifying the mind.
As "One Belt, One Road" Initiative is implemented in China, Anhui has a closer cooperation with Russia. The Russian village is not only a good choice for sightseeing and recreation, but also an important platform for cultural exchanges between China and Russia.
CONTACT: Mr. Zou, Tel: +86-10-63074558


tass--2020-12-08--Kazakhstan’s coronavirus case tally surpasses 137,000

In the past eight days , some 670-819 new daily COVID-19 cases were registered .
Some 0.7 % of Kazakhstan ’ s 18.8 mln population were infected .
The coronavirus spread rate in the past eight days reached 0.96 .
The highest daily number of 1,962 cases was registered on July 9 .
NUR-SULTAN , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakhstan ’ s doctors registered 670 new coronavirus cases in the past day , and the total case tally reached 137,653 , the government ’ s commission for preventing the coronavirus spread said on Tuesday .
According to the commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours .
A day earlier , 621 recoveries were reported .
The death toll from the coronavirus has climbed to 2,088 .
As of December 7 , a total of 4,775,869 tests for the coronavirus were carried out .
On August 1 , the Kazakh Health Ministry changed its method for counting coronavirus cases .
Apart from confirmed COVID-19 patients , the data now includes patients diagnosed with pneumonia who test negative for the coronavirus but have symptoms similar to COVID-19 .
As many as 43,106 such cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of December 7 .
A state of coronavirus emergency was in effect in Kazakhstan between March 16 and May 11 .
Due to a rise in infections , the country ’ s authorities introduced a number of additional quarantine restrictions on July 5 .
The gradual easing of restrictions began on August 17 .
However , restrictions were tightened in mid-October in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty , as well as in some other regions of the country , in order to prevent a second coronavirus wave .
Since November 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including for cargo companies , were tightened .

In the past eight days, some 670-819 new daily COVID-19 cases were registered. Some 0.7% of Kazakhstan’s 18.8 mln population were infected. The coronavirus spread rate in the past eight days reached 0.96. The highest daily number of 1,962 cases was registered on July 9.
NUR-SULTAN, December 8. /TASS/. Kazakhstan’s doctors registered 670 new coronavirus cases in the past day, and the total case tally reached 137,653, the government’s commission for preventing the coronavirus spread said on Tuesday.
According to the commission, 121,347 people recovered, including 548 in the past 24 hours. A day earlier, 621 recoveries were reported. The death toll from the coronavirus has climbed to 2,088.
As of December 7, a total of 4,775,869 tests for the coronavirus were carried out.
On August 1, the Kazakh Health Ministry changed its method for counting coronavirus cases. Apart from confirmed COVID-19 patients, the data now includes patients diagnosed with pneumonia who test negative for the coronavirus but have symptoms similar to COVID-19. As many as 43,106 such cases and 454 deaths were recorded in the country as of December 7.
A state of coronavirus emergency was in effect in Kazakhstan between March 16 and May 11. Due to a rise in infections, the country’s authorities introduced a number of additional quarantine restrictions on July 5. The gradual easing of restrictions began on August 17. However, restrictions were tightened in mid-October in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty, as well as in some other regions of the country, in order to prevent a second coronavirus wave. Since November 9, restrictions for crossing the state border, including for cargo companies, were tightened.


tass--2020-12-08--Russian journalists return home after detention in Istanbul

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russian reporters working for NTV TV channel , who were detained last week in Turkey , have been deported to Russia , the television company said on its official website on Tuesday .
`` Our colleagues , staff of Tsentralnoye Televidenie ( Central Television ) Alexey Petrushko and Ivan Malyshkin are back in Moscow .
They arrived by a night flight .
They are fine .
We thank the Russian Foreign Ministry , the Russian Embassy in Ankara and Russia ’ s Consulate General in Istanbul for their assistance .
And certainly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting us these days , '' the television company said .
On December 4 , the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that contact had been lost with two Russian journalists in Istanbul .
The ministry said that the Russian journalists , reporter Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin from Russia ’ s NTV channel , had last contacted their colleagues on December 3 .
They said then that they had been detained by unknown people who were taking them somewhere .
Earlier , the broadcaster said that their employees stopped getting in touch after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their detention by police officers near Istanbul .
The journalists were detained near the building of Baykar Savunma , a Turkish company specializing in the production of UAVs , a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS on Friday .
The reporters had no accreditation , the source said .
Baykar Savunma produces , in particular , Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle for the Turkish army .

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Russian reporters working for NTV TV channel, who were detained last week in Turkey, have been deported to Russia, the television company said on its official website on Tuesday.
"Our colleagues, staff of Tsentralnoye Televidenie (Central Television) Alexey Petrushko and Ivan Malyshkin are back in Moscow. They arrived by a night flight. They are fine. We thank the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Russian Embassy in Ankara and Russia’s Consulate General in Istanbul for their assistance. And certainly, all colleagues from mass media outlets, supporting us these days," the television company said.
On December 4, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that contact had been lost with two Russian journalists in Istanbul. The ministry said that the Russian journalists, reporter Alexey Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin from Russia’s NTV channel, had last contacted their colleagues on December 3. They said then that they had been detained by unknown people who were taking them somewhere. Earlier, the broadcaster said that their employees stopped getting in touch after they had informed the editorial office about their detention by police officers near Istanbul.
The journalists were detained near the building of Baykar Savunma, a Turkish company specializing in the production of UAVs, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS on Friday. The reporters had no accreditation, the source said. Baykar Savunma produces, in particular, Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle for the Turkish army.


tass--2020-12-08--Center for legalizing militants who laid down arms opens in southwestern Syria

DARAA , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
A center of the commission for regulating the status of militants who agreed @ @ @ @ @ obtain new documents , has opened in southwestern Syria ’ s Daraa Governorate .
The @ @ @ @ @ to a joint effort of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides , Syrian @ @ @ @ @ .
Every day dozens of people come here to apply for a peaceful status .
@ @ @ @ @ citizens will get a full package of documents , which will enable them to start @ @ @ @ @ will be excluded from the databases of wanted persons created by security agencies .
This @ @ @ @ @ least twice per month , '' Deputy Head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of @ @ @ @ @ Sytnik said .

DARAA, December 8. /TASS/. A center of the commission for regulating the status of militants who agreed to lay down arms and obtain new documents, has opened in southwestern Syria’s Daraa Governorate.
The facility was set up thanks to a joint effort of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides, Syrian security agencies and local administrations. Every day dozens of people come here to apply for a peaceful status.
"After the regulation process citizens will get a full package of documents, which will enable them to start a peaceful life and they will be excluded from the databases of wanted persons created by security agencies. This database will be updated at least twice per month," Deputy Head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria Vyacheslav Sytnik said.


tass--2020-12-08--Venezuelan president hopes to visit Russia in April-June 2021

BOGOTA , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro wants to visit Russia in April-June 2021 and meet @ @ @ @ @ , he said during his speech in Caracas .
`` I hope that in April @ @ @ @ @ June I will be able to visit Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin , '' @ @ @ @ @ broadcast on state television .
The Venezuelan leader noted that in the near future the @ @ @ @ @ pay a visit to the Russian capital .

BOGOTA, December 8. /TASS/. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro wants to visit Russia in April-June 2021 and meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he said during his speech in Caracas.
"I hope that in April, in May or in June I will be able to visit Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin," Maduro said in a statement broadcast on state television.
The Venezuelan leader noted that in the near future the parliamentary delegation also planned to pay a visit to the Russian capital.


tass--2020-12-07--Erdogan administration confirms release of Russian reporters

`` Two Russian nationals , who were taken into custody on Thursday as they attempted to film a military facility without permission , were released earlier this afternoon .
We appreciate the cooperation of our Russian counterparts over the last couple of days and urge all foreign journalists to follow official visa and accreditation guidelines and comply with our laws during their stay , '' the statement reads .
In turn , NTV said that they have no information about the journalists ’ whereabouts .
`` We have not heard from the colleagues , '' the channel wrote on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry reported that contact had been lost with two Russian journalists in Istanbul .
The ministry said that the journalists , reporter Alexei Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin from Russia ’ s NTV channel , had last contacted their colleagues on December 3 .
They said then that they had been detained by unknown people who were taking them somewhere .
Earlier , the broadcaster said that their employees stopped getting in touch after informing the editorial office about their detention by police officers near Istanbul .
The journalists were detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Turkish company specializing in the production of UAVs , a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS on Friday .
The reporters had no accreditation , the source said .
Baykar Savunma produces , in particular , Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle for the Turkish army .

"Two Russian nationals, who were taken into custody on Thursday as they attempted to film a military facility without permission, were released earlier this afternoon. We appreciate the cooperation of our Russian counterparts over the last couple of days and urge all foreign journalists to follow official visa and accreditation guidelines and comply with our laws during their stay," the statement reads.
In turn, NTV said that they have no information about the journalists’ whereabouts. "We have not heard from the colleagues," the channel wrote on its website.
On December 4, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that contact had been lost with two Russian journalists in Istanbul. The ministry said that the journalists, reporter Alexei Petrushko and cameraman Ivan Malyshkin from Russia’s NTV channel, had last contacted their colleagues on December 3. They said then that they had been detained by unknown people who were taking them somewhere. Earlier, the broadcaster said that their employees stopped getting in touch after informing the editorial office about their detention by police officers near Istanbul.
The journalists were detained near the building of Baykar Savunma, a Turkish company specializing in the production of UAVs, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS on Friday. The reporters had no accreditation, the source said. Baykar Savunma produces, in particular, Bayraktar TB2 unmanned combat aerial vehicle for the Turkish army.


tass--2020-12-09--Five dead in helicopter crash in eastern France — TV

MOSCOW , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The helicopter crash in eastern France killed five out of the six people @ @ @ @ @ television reported on Wednesday citing local authorities .
According to the prefecture of France ’ @ @ @ @ @ pilot survived , but is in critical condition .
According to an earlier BFM report @ @ @ @ @ French air navigation service crashed at approximately 19:00 Paris time ( 21:00 Moscow time ) @ @ @ @ @ at the altitude of 1,800 meters above the sea level .
It had four air @ @ @ @ @ rescuers on board .

MOSCOW, December 9. /TASS/. The helicopter crash in eastern France killed five out of the six people on board, the BFM television reported on Wednesday citing local authorities.
According to the prefecture of France’s Savoie Department, the pilot survived, but is in critical condition.
According to an earlier BFM report, a helicopter of the French air navigation service crashed at approximately 19:00 Paris time (21:00 Moscow time) not far from Albertville, at the altitude of 1,800 meters above the sea level. It had four air navigation service employees and two rescuers on board.


tass--2020-12-09--US House of Representatives passes 2021 defense budget

WASHINGTON , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The House of Representatives of the US Congress voted on Tuesday ( Wednesday Moscow time ) to approve the draft defense budget for fiscal year 2021 , which began on October 1 .
The $ 740-billion defense budget envisages allocating $ 635.5 billion for the Pentagon ’ s basic needs , $ 26.6 billion - for national security programs ran by the Department of Energy and $ 69 billion for overseas operations .
The document also envisages tougher sanctions against Russia ’ s Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipeline projects .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air defense systems from Russia .
The draft budget also allocates $ 250 million for military assistance to Ukraine .
The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and the Republican-dominated Senate prepared their versions of the draft defense budget for fiscal year 2021 .
In order to reconcile the two versions , a special commission comprising members of both chambers has been set up .
The coordinated document was prepared last week .
The document received support from two thirds of the House of Representatives , needed to override the expected presidential veto .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Senate in the next few days and , if passed , will go to US President Donald Trump for signing .
It is expected to win support from two thirds of Senators as well .
The outgoing president earlier vowed to veto the document .
His major objection is that it does not include the abolition of a law known as Section 230 , which protects social media websites from lawsuits for hosting , deleting or moderating user-generated content on their platforms .
Moreover , Trump opposes the bill ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military bases that honor Confederate heroes of the US Civil War ( 1861-1865 ) and orders elimination of all other symbols of the pro-slavery South .
The US president also criticized the bill for restrictions regarding the US military presence abroad .

WASHINGTON, December 9. /TASS/. The House of Representatives of the US Congress voted on Tuesday (Wednesday Moscow time) to approve the draft defense budget for fiscal year 2021, which began on October 1.
The $740-billion defense budget envisages allocating $635.5 billion for the Pentagon’s basic needs, $26.6 billion - for national security programs ran by the Department of Energy and $69 billion for overseas operations.
The document also envisages tougher sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipeline projects.
It also stipulates sanctions against Turkey for purchasing S-400 air defense systems from Russia.
The draft budget also allocates $250 million for military assistance to Ukraine.
The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and the Republican-dominated Senate prepared their versions of the draft defense budget for fiscal year 2021. In order to reconcile the two versions, a special commission comprising members of both chambers has been set up. The coordinated document was prepared last week.
The document received support from two thirds of the House of Representatives, needed to override the expected presidential veto.
The draft is yet to be considered by the US Senate in the next few days and, if passed, will go to US President Donald Trump for signing. It is expected to win support from two thirds of Senators as well.
The outgoing president earlier vowed to veto the document. His major objection is that it does not include the abolition of a law known as Section 230, which protects social media websites from lawsuits for hosting, deleting or moderating user-generated content on their platforms.
Moreover, Trump opposes the bill’s section that introduces obligatory renaming of US military bases that honor Confederate heroes of the US Civil War (1861-1865) and orders elimination of all other symbols of the pro-slavery South.
The US president also criticized the bill for restrictions regarding the US military presence abroad.


tass--2020-12-09--Biden nominates Lloyd Austin as secretary of defense

NEW YORK , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
In an article published by The Atlantic magazine , US president-elect Joseph Biden announced he had chosen retired General Lloyd Austin as his defense secretary .
In an article , headlined ‘ Why I Chose Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense , ’ Biden says : `` We need a leader who is tested , and matched to the challenges we face in this moment . ''
In his words , Austin `` played a crucial role in bringing 150,000 American troops home from the theater of war . ''
`` Pulling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skill and strategy of a seasoned soldier .
It required Austin to practice diplomacy , building relationships with our Iraqi counterparts and with our partners in the region , '' Biden continued .
`` He served as a statesman , representing our country with honor and dignity and always , above all , looking out for his people . ''
`` Today , I ask Lloyd Austin to once more take on a mission for the United States of America - this time as the secretary-designate of the Department of Defense .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the president-elect said .
Austin retired more than four years ago , but , according to US laws , an officer must have left the service at least seven years before becoming secretary of defense .
`` But I hope that Congress will grant a waiver to Secretary-designate Austin , just as Congress did for Secretary Jim Mattis .
Given the immense and urgent threats and challenges our nation faces , he should be confirmed swiftly , '' Biden said .
Austin led the US Central Command in 2013-2016 .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he will become the first African American to head the Pentagon .
The US presidential election was held on November 3 .
Major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender Joe Biden has presumptively won the presidential election , securing over 270 electoral votes .
Incumbent US President Donald 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 .
The US General Services Administration acknowledged Biden ’ s win , formally informing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the budget funds required to begin the transition process in the run-up to his inauguration .
The inauguration ceremony is planned for January 20 .

NEW YORK, December 9. /TASS/. In an article published by The Atlantic magazine, US president-elect Joseph Biden announced he had chosen retired General Lloyd Austin as his defense secretary.
In an article, headlined ‘Why I Chose Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense,’ Biden says: "We need a leader who is tested, and matched to the challenges we face in this moment."
In his words, Austin "played a crucial role in bringing 150,000 American troops home from the theater of war."
"Pulling that off took more than just the skill and strategy of a seasoned soldier. It required Austin to practice diplomacy, building relationships with our Iraqi counterparts and with our partners in the region," Biden continued. "He served as a statesman, representing our country with honor and dignity and always, above all, looking out for his people."
"Today, I ask Lloyd Austin to once more take on a mission for the United States of America - this time as the secretary-designate of the Department of Defense. I know he will do an outstanding job," the president-elect said.
Austin retired more than four years ago, but, according to US laws, an officer must have left the service at least seven years before becoming secretary of defense.
"But I hope that Congress will grant a waiver to Secretary-designate Austin, just as Congress did for Secretary Jim Mattis. Given the immense and urgent threats and challenges our nation faces, he should be confirmed swiftly," Biden said.
Austin led the US Central Command in 2013-2016. If his candidacy is approved by the Senate, he will become the first African American to head the Pentagon.
The US presidential election was held on November 3. Major US media outlets project that the Democratic contender Joe Biden has presumptively won the presidential election, securing over 270 electoral votes. Incumbent US President Donald 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. The US General Services Administration acknowledged Biden’s win, formally informing him that they are ready to transfer the budget funds required to begin the transition process in the run-up to his inauguration. The inauguration ceremony is planned for January 20.


tass--2020-12-09--US Supreme Court rejects Republican lawsuit to invalidate Pennsylvania vote

WASHINGTON , December 9 .
/TASS/ .
The US Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a Republican lawsuit to roll back @ @ @ @ @ s election results and the victory of Joseph Biden there .
The lawsuit was filed @ @ @ @ @ party members , including Congressman Michael Kelly .
It was aimed at declaring the universal @ @ @ @ @ state , and , therefore , invalidating approximately 2.5 million ballots submitted by mail .

WASHINGTON, December 9. /TASS/. The US Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a Republican lawsuit to roll back the certification of Pennsylvania’s election results and the victory of Joseph Biden there.
The lawsuit was filed by a group of Republican party members, including Congressman Michael Kelly. It was aimed at declaring the universal mail-in voting unconstitutional in the state, and, therefore, invalidating approximately 2.5 million ballots submitted by mail.


tass--2020-12-09--Helicopter with six people on board crashes in eastern France — TV

PARIS , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
A helicopter with six people on board crashed late on Tuesday in the @ @ @ @ @ , the BFM television reported citing a spokesperson for the department ’ s prefecture .
@ @ @ @ @ French air navigation service crashed at approximately 19:00 Paris time ( 21:00 Moscow time ) @ @ @ @ @ employees and two rescuers on board , '' the spokesperson said .
The rotorcraft crashed @ @ @ @ @ at the altitude of 1800 meters above the sea level .
Prior to the incident @ @ @ @ @ a distress call .
A search for the survivors is under way .
The large-scale @ @ @ @ @ and more than 40 employees of avarious services .

PARIS, December 8. /TASS/. A helicopter with six people on board crashed late on Tuesday in the Savoie Department in eastern France, the BFM television reported citing a spokesperson for the department’s prefecture.
"The helicopter of the French air navigation service crashed at approximately 19:00 Paris time (21:00 Moscow time). It had four service employees and two rescuers on board," the spokesperson said.
The rotorcraft crashed not far from Albertville, at the altitude of 1800 meters above the sea level. Prior to the incident, the pilot had issued a distress call.
A search for the survivors is under way. The large-scale rescue effort involves three helicopters and more than 40 employees of avarious services.


tass--2020-12-09--AI unlikely to match human intellect within next 70 years — expert

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
The artificial intelligence ( AI ) technology is unlikely to reach the point when it can rival a human brain within the next 70 years , the Russian presidential representative on digital and technological development , Dmitry Peskov , told reporters on Tuesday .
`` A clear line should be drawn between creativity and intelligence .
Artificial intelligence can not have creative potential .
It is limited to inventing something new only by means of combination , of processing various scenarios , '' Peskov said , when asked about threats that AI might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t see the possibility of the sci-fi scenario with AI rivalling humans , at least within the next 70-100 years . ''
However , the official said he was worried about another scenario involving AI .
`` The problem is not being defeated by a ‘ smart ’ AI , the problem is that we can degrade to the level of a ‘ dumb ’ AI .
It may sound weird , but , in fact , ‘ dumb ’ AI makes us change the way we think , and the example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the past , young chess players learned by reading books and practicing against each other , thus training their imagination .
Now their main opponent is AI , optimized to various levels of professionalism .
And the new generation of chess players is now learning to think the way AI does , '' he said .
In his words , this trend can be observed in other spheres as well .
For example , drivers more and more often rely on navigation services instead of trying to figure out the route themselves @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. The artificial intelligence (AI) technology is unlikely to reach the point when it can rival a human brain within the next 70 years, the Russian presidential representative on digital and technological development, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters on Tuesday.
"A clear line should be drawn between creativity and intelligence. Artificial intelligence cannot have creative potential. It is limited to inventing something new only by means of combination, of processing various scenarios," Peskov said, when asked about threats that AI might pose to humans. "I don’t see the possibility of the sci-fi scenario with AI rivalling humans, at least within the next 70-100 years."
However, the official said he was worried about another scenario involving AI.
"The problem is not being defeated by a ‘smart’ AI, the problem is that we can degrade to the level of a ‘dumb’ AI. It may sound weird, but, in fact, ‘dumb’ AI makes us change the way we think, and the example of chess is very illustrative here. In the past, young chess players learned by reading books and practicing against each other, thus training their imagination. Now their main opponent is AI, optimized to various levels of professionalism. And the new generation of chess players is now learning to think the way AI does," he said.
In his words, this trend can be observed in other spheres as well. For example, drivers more and more often rely on navigation services instead of trying to figure out the route themselves, Peskov said.


tass--2020-12-09--Yerevan expresses concern over safety of Armenian population in Karabakh

YEREVAN , December 8./TASS/ .
Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian expressed concerns over the safety of Armenian population returning to Nagorno-Karabakh at talks with French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris on Tuesday .
`` During a meeting with my French counterpart , we discussed in detail a long-term settlement of the Karabakh conflict .
I expressed Armenia ’ s concerns , including as concerns a safe and deserved return home of the Armenian population fleeing Artsakh during the war , as well as an immediate exchange of prisoners of war and return of the bodies of those killed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` aggression against Karabakh launched by Azerbaijan with an active support from Turkey , and the difficult situation as a result of it '' was among the focal points at the talks .
The diplomats exchanged opinions concerning the settlement of humanitarian problems , further peace negotiations , moves towards stability and security in the region , as well as protection of centuries-old Armenian cultural heritage under the control of Azerbaijani troops .
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
On November 9 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from November 10 .

YEREVAN, December 8./TASS/. Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian expressed concerns over the safety of Armenian population returning to Nagorno-Karabakh at talks with French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Paris on Tuesday.
"During a meeting with my French counterpart, we discussed in detail a long-term settlement of the Karabakh conflict. I expressed Armenia’s concerns, including as concerns a safe and deserved return home of the Armenian population fleeing Artsakh during the war, as well as an immediate exchange of prisoners of war and return of the bodies of those killed," Aivazian said.
He said that "aggression against Karabakh launched by Azerbaijan with an active support from Turkey, and the difficult situation as a result of it" was among the focal points at the talks. The diplomats exchanged opinions concerning the settlement of humanitarian problems, further peace negotiations, moves towards stability and security in the region, as well as protection of centuries-old Armenian cultural heritage under the control of Azerbaijani troops.
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
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.


tass--2020-12-09--75 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day — crisis center

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Seventy-five more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day , with @ @ @ @ @ exceeding 9,570 , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
Supplies @ @ @ @ @ all Russian regions to begin after December 10 — minister '' Seventy-five coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , '' it said , adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ center once again warned that in case of any symptoms of a respiratory disease it @ @ @ @ @ home , call a doctor and not indulge in self-treatment .
Moscow tops the list @ @ @ @ @ of confirmed coronavirus cases .
As of today , Moscow has reported 660,073 confirmed coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ the past day , and about 501,403 recoveries .
To date , 2,515,009 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ , with 1,981,526 patients having recovered from the disease .
Earlier , the Russian government @ @ @ @ @ to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Seventy-five more coronavirus patients died in Moscow during the past day, with the overall number of fatalities exceeding 9,570, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
Supplies of Sputnik V vaccine to all Russian regions to begin after December 10 — minister
"Seventy-five coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said, adding the overall number of coronavirus-related deaths in Moscow has reached 9,571.
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 660,073 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 5,232 during the past day, and about 501,403 recoveries.
To date, 2,515,009 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,981,526 patients having recovered from the disease. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-09--Next year may be still more difficult for Russia’s travel sector — expert

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s tourism sector may face even more problems in 2021 , executive director of Russia ’ s Association of Travel Operators ( ATOR ) Maia Lomidze said on Tuesday .
In her words , travel companies have come to see that the pandemic is unlikely to be over next year .
`` Naturally , such understanding makes companies adjust their practices and business plans .
In general , we can already anticipate that the year 2021 may happen to be much more difficult that the current year , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be able to cover losses of travel operators and agents in 2020 .
The cashback program has somewhat helped to support the sector but its effect was marred by lockdowns imposed in Russian regions in November-December in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection that told adversely on the demand .
`` Winter is a low season for domestic tourism , anyway .
Outbound tourism is also very restricted , with practically no mass vacationing destinations .
AS a result , the travel sector will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2021 summer season , which is not going to be smooth either .
Suffice it to say that it will be a period when companies are to fulfil their liabilities on postponed trips from 2020 .
It is next to impossible to meet these obligations at the expense of current sales , '' she said , adding that the sector needs additional measures of support .

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Russia’s tourism sector may face even more problems in 2021, executive director of Russia’s Association of Travel Operators (ATOR) Maia Lomidze said on Tuesday.
In her words, travel companies have come to see that the pandemic is unlikely to be over next year.
"Naturally, such understanding makes companies adjust their practices and business plans. In general, we can already anticipate that the year 2021 may happen to be much more difficult that the current year," she said.
According to Lomidze, domestic tourism will not be able to cover losses of travel operators and agents in 2020. The cashback program has somewhat helped to support the sector but its effect was marred by lockdowns imposed in Russian regions in November-December in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection that told adversely on the demand.
"Winter is a low season for domestic tourism, anyway. Outbound tourism is also very restricted, with practically no mass vacationing destinations. AS a result, the travel sector will not be able to generate a financial cushion for the 2021 summer season, which is not going to be smooth either. Suffice it to say that it will be a period when companies are to fulfil their liabilities on postponed trips from 2020. It is next to impossible to meet these obligations at the expense of current sales," she said, adding that the sector needs additional measures of support.


tass--2020-12-09--Outgoing  Moldovan President Dodon wishes success to President-elect Sandu

CHISINAU , December 8./TASS/ .
Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon has wished success to President-elect Maia Sandu , who will be inaugurated on December 24 .
`` The inauguration will take place at the presidential residence that was restored ( after violent protests in April 2009 - TASS ) .
When I took office four years ago , the rating of the institution of presidency in the country was around three percent , while now when I am leaving the post , it has grown to 40-50 % , '' Dodon said in an interview with Moldovan N4 television channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received an invitation from Sandu to the inauguration ceremony , though the protocol envisages this procedure .
`` When I was taking office , I invited all former presidents .
The then head of state Nicolae Timofti met me in the building of the presidential residence , we had a protocol discussion .
It is up to Sandu to decide what she will do , '' he explained .
A high-rise building of glass and concrete housing the presidential residence was damaged in April 2009 along with the parliament building by supporters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Party of Communists in the election .
They hoisted the flags of the European Union and Romania on the buildings they had set on fire .
The coalition of pro-European parties that came to power and whose rule was marred by a chain of political and corruption scandals , failed to repair the residence despite the pledges .
The building was restored with the help of Turkey , after talks of Igor Dodon and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
Dodon ’ s term of office expires on December 23 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity , was declared winner in the presidential runoff by the Central Election Commission on November 15 .

CHISINAU, December 8./TASS/. Incumbent Moldovan President Igor Dodon has wished success to President-elect Maia Sandu, who will be inaugurated on December 24.
"The inauguration will take place at the presidential residence that was restored (after violent protests in April 2009 - TASS). When I took office four years ago, the rating of the institution of presidency in the country was around three percent, while now when I am leaving the post, it has grown to 40-50%," Dodon said in an interview with Moldovan N4 television channel.
He said he had not yet received an invitation from Sandu to the inauguration ceremony, though the protocol envisages this procedure. "When I was taking office, I invited all former presidents. The then head of state Nicolae Timofti met me in the building of the presidential residence, we had a protocol discussion. It is up to Sandu to decide what she will do," he explained.
A high-rise building of glass and concrete housing the presidential residence was damaged in April 2009 along with the parliament building by supporters of pro-European parties, discontent with the victory of the Party of Communists in the election. They hoisted the flags of the European Union and Romania on the buildings they had set on fire.
The coalition of pro-European parties that came to power and whose rule was marred by a chain of political and corruption scandals, failed to repair the residence despite the pledges. The building was restored with the help of Turkey, after talks of Igor Dodon and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Dodon’s term of office expires on December 23. President-elect Maia Sandu, leader of the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity, was declared winner in the presidential runoff by the Central Election Commission on November 15.


tass--2020-12-09--Russia’s ‘yoghurt’ vaccine triggers immune response in animals during trials

ST. PETERSBURG , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
The trials of a Russian coronavirus vaccine that could be administered as a dairy product demonstrated that it helps to develop immune response in lab animals , a Russian microbiologist told reporters on Tuesday at a TASS news conference .
`` We work primarily with animals < … > Unlike other vaccines currently in development by our colleagues , ours is administered orally and stimulates maximum immune response in mucosal tissues , that is why it is called mucosal .
Lab animals demonstrated a very good immune response , with specific antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Alexander Suvorov , the head of the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the St. Petersburg-based Institute of Experimental Medicine .
According to Suvorov , the vaccine helps to produce specific T-cells that can kill a coronavirus-infected cell .
`` This is a very important component of an effective vaccine , and our vaccine has it , '' the Russian scientist said .
However , the vaccine ’ s efficacy against the living virus is yet to be proven .
According to Suvorov , researchers currently have no opportunity to test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the active pathogen can be carried out only at special facilities , and all of them are currently occupied .
`` At the moment , we are queueing , '' the scientist said .
Russian Academy of Sciences Vice President Vladimir Chekhonin said at the Academy board meeting this summer that Russian scientists were developing a coronavirus vaccine that could be administered as a dairy product .
The research is conducted by the scientists from the Institute of Experimental Medicine ( St. Petersburg ) , he said .
The vaccine is a mucosal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an aerosol or instillation .
The antigens in these vaccines are usually contained in microcapsules that protect them from digestive enzymes .

ST. PETERSBURG, December 8. /TASS/. The trials of a Russian coronavirus vaccine that could be administered as a dairy product demonstrated that it helps to develop immune response in lab animals, a Russian microbiologist told reporters on Tuesday at a TASS news conference.
"We work primarily with animals <…> Unlike other vaccines currently in development by our colleagues, ours is administered orally and stimulates maximum immune response in mucosal tissues, that is why it is called mucosal. Lab animals demonstrated a very good immune response, with specific antibodies detected in both mucosal tissues and blood," said Alexander Suvorov, the head of the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the St. Petersburg-based Institute of Experimental Medicine.
According to Suvorov, the vaccine helps to produce specific T-cells that can kill a coronavirus-infected cell.
"This is a very important component of an effective vaccine, and our vaccine has it," the Russian scientist said.
However, the vaccine’s efficacy against the living virus is yet to be proven. According to Suvorov, researchers currently have no opportunity to test it, because trials involving exposure to the active pathogen can be carried out only at special facilities, and all of them are currently occupied.
"At the moment, we are queueing," the scientist said.
Russian Academy of Sciences Vice President Vladimir Chekhonin said at the Academy board meeting this summer that Russian scientists were developing a coronavirus vaccine that could be administered as a dairy product. The research is conducted by the scientists from the Institute of Experimental Medicine (St. Petersburg), he said. The vaccine is a mucosal one, administered orally, usually as an aerosol or instillation. The antigens in these vaccines are usually contained in microcapsules that protect them from digestive enzymes.


tass--2020-12-09--Supplies of Sputnik V vaccine to all Russian regions to begin after December 10 — minister

MOSCOW , December 8./TASS/ .
About half of the Russian regions have already received batches of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine , while supplies to the other regions will begin after December 10 , Russian Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko said on Tuesday .
`` About 50 % of the regions have already received it within the framework of planned vaccination , '' the minister said in an interview with Nailya Asker-zade for Vesti program on Rossiya-1 television .
The Moscow and Novosibirsk regions , as well as the Komi Region may be the next to begin vaccination , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 , the deliveries of the vaccine to all regions will begin , '' he added .
Staff of the medical establishments , teachers , social workers and people with chronic illnesses will be the first to get the vaccine .
`` The personnel ensuring round-the-clock activity of certain vital services must also be top on the list , '' the minister added .
Russia registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world under the name of Sputnik V on August 11 .
The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine began in Moscow on September 7 , with first volunteers getting the first vaccine shot on September 9 .
Large-scale vaccination was launched in the capital city on December 5 .

MOSCOW, December 8./TASS/. About half of the Russian regions have already received batches of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, while supplies to the other regions will begin after December 10, Russian Minister of Healthcare Mikhail Murashko said on Tuesday.
"About 50% of the regions have already received it within the framework of planned vaccination," the minister said in an interview with Nailya Asker-zade for Vesti program on Rossiya-1 television. The Moscow and Novosibirsk regions, as well as the Komi Region may be the next to begin vaccination, according to Murashko.
"After [December] 10, the deliveries of the vaccine to all regions will begin," he added.
Staff of the medical establishments, teachers, social workers and people with chronic illnesses will be the first to get the vaccine. "The personnel ensuring round-the-clock activity of certain vital services must also be top on the list," the minister added.
Russia registered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world under the name of Sputnik V on August 11. The vaccine was developed by the Gamaleya Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. Post-registration testing of the vaccine began in Moscow on September 7, with first volunteers getting the first vaccine shot on September 9. Large-scale vaccination was launched in the capital city on December 5.


tass--2020-12-09--Number of COVID-2019 cases across globe up by over 494,000 in past day — WHO

GENEVA , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
More than 494,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day , with the overall number of such cases exceeding 67.21 million , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday .
Introduction of COVID-19 vaccines key objective of global healthcare , WHO envoy says As of 19:13 Moscow time on December 8 as many as 67,210,778 novel coronavirus cases and 1,540,777 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe .
The number of confirmed cases grew by 494,744 in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increased by 7,707 .
The highest daily tally of coronavirus cases ( 667,164 ) was reported on November 14 and the highest daily death toll ( 12,432 ) was reported on April 17 .
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries .
North and South America account for more than 47 % of the COVID-19 daily tally ( 235,445 cases ) .
Next are Europe ( 179,474 cases ) , and Southeast Asia ( 37,313 cases ) .
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 9,703,770 ) , Brazil ( 6,603,540 ) , Russia ( 2,515,009 ) , France ( 2,255,955 ) , Italy ( 1,742,557 ) , the United Kingdom ( 1,737,964 ) , Spain ( 1,702,328 ) , Argentina ( 1,463,110 ) , Colombia ( 1,371,103 ) , Germany ( 1,197709 ) , and Mexico ( 1,175,850 ) .

GENEVA, December 8. /TASS/. More than 494,000 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection were registered worldwide in the past day, with the overall number of such cases exceeding 67.21 million, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin on Tuesday.
Introduction of COVID-19 vaccines key objective of global healthcare, WHO envoy says
As of 19:13 Moscow time on December 8 as many as 67,210,778 novel coronavirus cases and 1,540,777 coronavirus-associated deaths were registered across the globe. The number of confirmed cases grew by 494,744 in the past 24 hours and the number of fatalities increased by 7,707.
The highest daily tally of coronavirus cases (667,164) was reported on November 14 and the highest daily death toll (12,432) was reported on April 17.
The WHO statistics is based on officially confirmed data from the countries.
North and South America account for more than 47% of the COVID-19 daily tally (235,445 cases). Next are Europe (179,474 cases), and Southeast Asia (37,313 cases).
The biggest number of coronavirus cases was reported from the United States (14,570,523), India (9,703,770), Brazil (6,603,540), Russia (2,515,009), France (2,255,955), Italy (1,742,557), the United Kingdom (1,737,964), Spain (1,702,328), Argentina (1,463,110), Colombia (1,371,103), Germany (1,197709), and Mexico (1,175,850).


tass--2020-12-08--Russian-Serbian relations best in history, says Serbian minister

BELGRADE , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
The relations between Russia and Serbia are the best in history , the bilateral trade turnover is constantly growing , Serbian Minister of Innovation and Technological Development Nenad Popovic said during a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov .
The ministers act as co-chairs of the Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee on cooperation .
`` The relations between Serbia in Russia are the best in history due to the close personal relations of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin , and no one can ruin them .
Serbia and Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best political and economic ties , that mutually support each other on all important issues for both countries .
The level of trade turnover between both countries is growing constantly , '' the minister ’ s press service quotes him as saying .
Popovic also noted that `` Serbia and the Serbian people are grateful to Russia and its president for their principal support of maintaining its territorial integrity when it comes to Kosovo . ''
According to the Serbian minister , the turnover between both states reached $ 3.6 bln in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was reported at $ 2.05 bln .
The trade turnover dropped in 2020 due to the pandemic by 21.4 % compared to last year .
From January to October 2020 , the Serbian export reaches $ 750 mln , and its import hit $ 1.3 bln .
`` We aim to raise our export to Russia to $ 1.5 bln , '' Popovic said , reminding that Serbia is the only country in Europe that has a free trade agreement with Russia .
The Serbian official reminded that within the Turkish Stream project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the linear part of the pipeline '' on its territory from Bulgaria to Hungary , and `` it is expected that the pipeline will begin to function starting early 2021 . ''
The Serbian politician has noted successful cooperation in the high-tech sphere with Russia ’ s Rosatom on the creation `` of the most modern research center in Europe for the needs of medicine , agriculture , various spheres of science and technology . ''
For his part , Borisov welcomed Popovic ’ s appointment as Serbia ’ s co-chair of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a push to the development of relations between both states .
He noted that Russia and Serbia are tied by `` historic and spiritual closeness , '' and that the countries `` are developing the traditionally good-natured and friendly cooperation . ''
According to Borisov , the countries ’ governments are developing `` active political and economic dialogue through the mechanism of the intergovernmental committee . ''
During Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s visit to Serbia on January 17 , 2019 , the sides signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also adopted a joint statement on the strategic partnership between the countries for the construction of a center of nuclear science , technology and innovation .
On October 19 , 2019 , Russia ’ s Rosatom state nuclear corporation and Serbia ’ s ministry of innovations and technological development signed an agreement on cooperation on the construction of a center of nuclear science , technologies and innovations .

BELGRADE, December 8. /TASS/. The relations between Russia and Serbia are the best in history, the bilateral trade turnover is constantly growing, Serbian Minister of Innovation and Technological Development Nenad Popovic said during a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov. The ministers act as co-chairs of the Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee on cooperation.
"The relations between Serbia in Russia are the best in history due to the close personal relations of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and no one can ruin them. Serbia and Russia are two friendly countries that develop the best political and economic ties, that mutually support each other on all important issues for both countries. The level of trade turnover between both countries is growing constantly," the minister’s press service quotes him as saying. Popovic also noted that "Serbia and the Serbian people are grateful to Russia and its president for their principal support of maintaining its territorial integrity when it comes to Kosovo."
According to the Serbian minister, the turnover between both states reached $3.6 bln in 2019, and in January-October 2020, it was reported at $2.05 bln. The trade turnover dropped in 2020 due to the pandemic by 21.4% compared to last year. From January to October 2020, the Serbian export reaches $750 mln, and its import hit $1.3 bln. "We aim to raise our export to Russia to $1.5 bln," Popovic said, reminding that Serbia is the only country in Europe that has a free trade agreement with Russia.
The Serbian official reminded that within the Turkish Stream project, Serbia "has finished construction of the linear part of the pipeline" on its territory from Bulgaria to Hungary, and "it is expected that the pipeline will begin to function starting early 2021." The Serbian politician has noted successful cooperation in the high-tech sphere with Russia’s Rosatom on the creation "of the most modern research center in Europe for the needs of medicine, agriculture, various spheres of science and technology."
For his part, Borisov welcomed Popovic’s appointment as Serbia’s co-chair of the committee, noting that this would give a push to the development of relations between both states. He noted that Russia and Serbia are tied by "historic and spiritual closeness," and that the countries "are developing the traditionally good-natured and friendly cooperation." According to Borisov, the countries’ governments are developing "active political and economic dialogue through the mechanism of the intergovernmental committee."
During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Serbia on January 17, 2019, the sides signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy. The sides also adopted a joint statement on the strategic partnership between the countries for the construction of a center of nuclear science, technology and innovation.
On October 19, 2019, Russia’s Rosatom state nuclear corporation and Serbia’s ministry of innovations and technological development signed an agreement on cooperation on the construction of a center of nuclear science, technologies and innovations.


tass--2020-12-08--Putin signs law on federal budget for 2021-2023

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin signed the law on the federal budget for 2021 and for the planning period 2022-2023 .
The document was published on Tuesday on the official portal of legal information .
The budget law is based on the baseline version of the forecast of the socio-economic development of the country .
It provides for a slow recovery of the global economy due to the persistence of restrictions associated with the spread of COVID-19 .
According to the forecast , the Russian economy will grow by 3.3 % in 2021 , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % in 2023 .
During this entire period , inflation will not exceed 4 % .
The volume of GDP is expected to be 115.53 trillion rubles ( $ 1.5 trillion ) in 2021 , 124.22 trillion rubles ( $ 1.7 trillion ) , in 2023 - 132.82 trillion rubles ( $ 1.8 trillion ) .
Federal budget revenues are stipulated in the amount of 18.8 trillion rubles ( $ 256 bln ) in 2021 , 20.6 trillion rubles ( $ 280 bln ) in 2022 , 22.3 trillion rubles ( $ 304 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will amount to 21.52 trillion rubles ( $ 293 bln ) in 2021 , 21.88 trillion rubles ( $ 298 bln ) in 2022 , 23.67 trillion rubles ( $ 322 bln ) in 2023 .
That means that the budget deficit is expected at 2.75 trillion rubles ( $ 37.5 bln ) in 2021 , 1.25 trillion rubles ( $ 17.03 bln ) in 2022 and 1.41 trillion rubles ( $ 19.2 bln ) in 2023 .
In relation to GDP , budget revenues will decrease from 16.7 % of GDP in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , and then will gradually grow to 16.6 % of GDP in 2022 and 16.8 % of GDP in 2023 .
Budget spending will decline from 21.1 % of GDP in 2020 to 18.6 % in 2021 and 17.6 % in 2022 , and in 2023 will amount to 17.8 % of GDP .
The federal budget deficit is expected to be 2.4 % of GDP in 2021 , 1 % of GDP in 2022 and 1.1 % of GDP in 2023 .
The government borrowings in the amount of 2.94 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , 1.87 trillion rubles ( $ 25.5 bln ) in 2022 , 2.39 trillion rubles ( $ 32.5 bln ) in 2023 will be the main sources of financing the budget deficit .

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin signed the law on the federal budget for 2021 and for the planning period 2022-2023. The document was published on Tuesday on the official portal of legal information.
The budget law is based on the baseline version of the forecast of the socio-economic development of the country. It provides for a slow recovery of the global economy due to the persistence of restrictions associated with the spread of COVID-19. According to the forecast, the Russian economy will grow by 3.3% in 2021, by 3.4% in 2022, by 3% in 2023. During this entire period, inflation will not exceed 4%.
The volume of GDP is expected to be 115.53 trillion rubles ($1.5 trillion) in 2021, 124.22 trillion rubles ($1.7 trillion), in 2023 - 132.82 trillion rubles ($1.8 trillion).
Federal budget revenues are stipulated in the amount of 18.8 trillion rubles ($256 bln) in 2021, 20.6 trillion rubles ($280 bln) in 2022, 22.3 trillion rubles ($304 bln) in 2023. Budget expenditures will amount to 21.52 trillion rubles ($293 bln) in 2021, 21.88 trillion rubles ($298 bln) in 2022, 23.67 trillion rubles ($322 bln) in 2023.
That means that the budget deficit is expected at 2.75 trillion rubles ($37.5 bln) in 2021, 1.25 trillion rubles ($17.03 bln) in 2022 and 1.41 trillion rubles ($19.2 bln) in 2023.
In relation to GDP, budget revenues will decrease from 16.7% of GDP in 2020 to 16.2% of GDP in 2021, and then will gradually grow to 16.6% of GDP in 2022 and 16.8% of GDP in 2023. Budget spending will decline from 21.1% of GDP in 2020 to 18.6% in 2021 and 17.6% in 2022, and in 2023 will amount to 17.8% of GDP. The federal budget deficit is expected to be 2.4% of GDP in 2021, 1% of GDP in 2022 and 1.1% of GDP in 2023.
The government borrowings in the amount of 2.94 trillion rubles ($40 bln) in 2021, 1.87 trillion rubles ($25.5 bln) in 2022, 2.39 trillion rubles ($32.5 bln) in 2023 will be the main sources of financing the budget deficit.


tass--2020-12-08--Turkey’s ruling party says Erdogan’s visit to Azerbaijan has historic value

ANKARA , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Press secretary of Turkey ’ s ruling Justice and Development Party Omer Celik @ @ @ @ @ President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Azerbaijan a historic event .
The visit will coincide with @ @ @ @ @ to the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh escalation .
`` On Wednesday , our president will @ @ @ @ @ visit has historic importance .
He will go to Baku to congratulate the Armed Forces @ @ @ @ @ said at a press conference in Ankara .
Previously , the Turkish Presidential Administration announced @ @ @ @ @ visit to Azerbaijan will take place on December 9-10 .
On December 5 , the @ @ @ @ @ officially confirmed that a military parade , dedicated to the end of escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ on December 10 .

ANKARA, December 8. /TASS/. Press secretary of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party Omer Celik called the upcoming visit of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Azerbaijan a historic event. The visit will coincide with a military parade, dedicated to the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh escalation.
"On Wednesday, our president will go to Azerbaijan. This visit has historic importance. He will go to Baku to congratulate the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan," Celik said at a press conference in Ankara.
Previously, the Turkish Presidential Administration announced that the president’s visit to Azerbaijan will take place on December 9-10.
On December 5, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan officially confirmed that a military parade, dedicated to the end of escalation in Nagorno-Karabakh will take place in Baku on December 10.


tass--2020-12-08--Last Soviet Defense Minister Shaposhnikov dies aged 78

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Last Soviet Defense Minister Aviation Marshal Yevgeny Shaposhnikov has died aged 78 , @ @ @ @ @ Commanders ’ Club Nikolai Deryabin told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Unfortunately , yes .
@ @ @ @ @ away , '' he said .
He gave no causes of the marshal ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Minister Aviation Marshal Yevgeny Shaposhnikov has died of the coronavirus infection , a source in @ @ @ @ @ `` The coronavirus infection was the cause of Shaposhnikov ’ s death , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Last Soviet Defense Minister Aviation Marshal Yevgeny Shaposhnikov has died aged 78, Head of the Office of Commanders’ Club Nikolai Deryabin told TASS on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, yes. Yevgeny Ivanovich Shaposhnikov has passed away," he said.
He gave no causes of the marshal’s death.
Last Soviet Defense Minister Aviation Marshal Yevgeny Shaposhnikov has died of the coronavirus infection, a source in health circles told TASS.
"The coronavirus infection was the cause of Shaposhnikov’s death," the source said.


tass--2020-12-08--Moody's expects oil prices at $40-45 per barrel in 2021

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Price of Brent crude oil in 2021 will vary mainly within the range of $ 40-45 per barrel , Moody 's rating agency forecast in its report .
In the medium term , prices will be in the range of $ 45-65 per barrel , mainly at the lower border of this range .
At these prices , producers will strive to develop only the cheapest oil reserves in the next 3-5 years .
To develop high-margin resources , companies need a price within $ 50-55 per barrel , the report said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil product reserves in the world will remain high and will decline at a slow pace .
US shale oil producers have been drilling more actively against the backdrop of rising oil prices .
But a noticeable acceleration in US production can be observed if WTI prices stay above $ 55 per barrel .
Moody 's experts believe that after a weak 2020 , the oil market will begin to recover in 2021 .
However , companies ' EBITDA will still be below the 2019 level , by about 20 % , and @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Price of Brent crude oil in 2021 will vary mainly within the range of $40-45 per barrel, Moody's rating agency forecast in its report. In the medium term, prices will be in the range of $45-65 per barrel, mainly at the lower border of this range.
At these prices, producers will strive to develop only the cheapest oil reserves in the next 3-5 years. To develop high-margin resources, companies need a price within $50-55 per barrel, the report said.
The agency also expects that oil and oil product reserves in the world will remain high and will decline at a slow pace. US shale oil producers have been drilling more actively against the backdrop of rising oil prices. But a noticeable acceleration in US production can be observed if WTI prices stay above $55 per barrel.
Moody's experts believe that after a weak 2020, the oil market will begin to recover in 2021. However, companies' EBITDA will still be below the 2019 level, by about 20%, and capital expenditures will be reduced.


tass--2020-12-08--One Estonian citizen, two Russians sentenced for smuggling 24 kg of drugs

ST. PETERSBURG , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Leningrad District court sentenced one Estonian citizen and two @ @ @ @ @ 10 and 17 years for smuggling 24 kilograms of drugs from the Netherlands , the @ @ @ @ @ told TASS Tuesday .
`` The court agreed with the state plaintiff - regional prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ the men to between 10 and 17 years in prison , '' office representative said @ @ @ @ @ Estonian national was sentenced to 17 years , while his Russian accomplices were sentenced to @ @ @ @ @ All three were found guilty of `` drug smuggling on an especially large scale '' @ @ @ @ @ drugs on an especially large scale . ''
The convicts were apprehended by the Leningrad @ @ @ @ @ after they smuggled 24 kilos of drugs from the Netherlands through the Estonian border .
@ @ @ @ @ forbidden substances .

ST. PETERSBURG, December 8. /TASS/. Russia’s Leningrad District court sentenced one Estonian citizen and two Russians for prison terms between 10 and 17 years for smuggling 24 kilograms of drugs from the Netherlands, the regional Prosecutor’s Office told TASS Tuesday.
"The court agreed with the state plaintiff - regional prosecutor Boris Markov - and sentenced the men to between 10 and 17 years in prison," office representative said.
In particular, the Estonian national was sentenced to 17 years, while his Russian accomplices were sentenced to 10 and 16 years. All three were found guilty of "drug smuggling on an especially large scale" and "attempted sale of drugs on an especially large scale."
The convicts were apprehended by the Leningrad District police in 2019, after they smuggled 24 kilos of drugs from the Netherlands through the Estonian border. They planned to sell the forbidden substances.


tass--2020-12-08--Moldova’s Dodon approves decision to strip president of control over special services

`` Yes , the president has promulgated the decision of the parliament , '' she said .
CHISINAU , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Moldova ’ s incumbent President Igor Dodon has approved the decision of the parliament to strip the president of control over the country ’ s Service of Information and Security , Presidential Spokesperson Carmena Sterpu told TASS on Tuesday .
Earlier , the Moldovan Constitutional Court suspended the law , which was contested by Party of Action and Solidarity .
President-Elect Maia Sandu , who heads the party , denounced the bill as an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova , which supports the incumbent president .
On December 3 , the Moldovan parliament approved the bill stripping the president of control over the country ’ s Service of Information and Security and moving it under the jurisdiction of parliament .
The bill was proposed by the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova .
Dodon ’ s term of office expires on December 23 .
President-elect Maia Sandu , leader of the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity , was declared winner in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on November 15 .

"Yes, the president has promulgated the decision of the parliament," she said.
CHISINAU, December 8. /TASS/. Moldova’s incumbent President Igor Dodon has approved the decision of the parliament to strip the president of control over the country’s Service of Information and Security, Presidential Spokesperson Carmena Sterpu told TASS on Tuesday.
Earlier, the Moldovan Constitutional Court suspended the law, which was contested by Party of Action and Solidarity. President-Elect Maia Sandu, who heads the party, denounced the bill as an attempt to usurp power by Dodon and the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, which supports the incumbent president.
On December 3, the Moldovan parliament approved the bill stripping the president of control over the country’s Service of Information and Security and moving it under the jurisdiction of parliament. The bill was proposed by the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova.
Dodon’s term of office expires on December 23. President-elect Maia Sandu, leader of the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity, was declared winner in the presidential runoff by the Central Election Commission on November 15.


tass--2020-12-08--Armenian president asks Putin to assist border demarcation with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday , in which he asks the Russian leader to assist the border demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to avoid tensions between Yerevan and Baku , the Armenian president ’ s press service informed .
`` The Armenian president has noted that unfortunately , there is still a potential danger of new disputes arising between the sides due to the demarcation issue .
Considering the exceptional importance and relevance of the issue , President Sarkissian has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide assistance to conclude the demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to avoid further tensions and negative developments , '' the message says .
In his letter , Sarkissian thanked the Russian president for the efforts `` that put an end to bloodshed in Nagorno-Karabakh and led to a ceasefire , which helped avoid new victims and tragic events . ''
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27 , with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh .
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh , a disputed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the Soviet Union break-up , but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians , broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic .
In 1992-1994 , tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijani and Armenian sides would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region .
Besides , Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed .

YEREVAN, December 8. /TASS/. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has sent a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, in which he asks the Russian leader to assist the border demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to avoid tensions between Yerevan and Baku, the Armenian president’s press service informed.
"The Armenian president has noted that unfortunately, there is still a potential danger of new disputes arising between the sides due to the demarcation issue. Considering the exceptional importance and relevance of the issue, President Sarkissian has addressed the Russian president with a request to provide assistance to conclude the demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan in order to avoid further tensions and negative developments," the message says.
In his letter, Sarkissian thanked the Russian president for the efforts "that put an end to bloodshed in Nagorno-Karabakh and led to a ceasefire, which helped avoid new victims and tragic events."
Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory that had been part of Azerbaijan before the Soviet Union break-up, but primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.
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. Besides, Baku and Yerevan must exchange prisoners and the bodies of those killed.


tass--2020-12-08--Novel coronavirus can hardly be totally eliminated, says expert

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
It will hardly ever be possible to do away with the novel coronavirus as the infection is transmitted not only from person to person , but through animals as well , Alexander Gintsburg , head of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry , the Sputnik V vaccine developer , said on Tuesday .
`` Regrettably , it is impossible in principle to eliminate this virus because this is an infectious disease with natural foci .
It is transmitted not only from person to person but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both wild and domestic , as we now see , including minks , '' he said after a meeting with Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev and Chairman of the Political Council of Ukraine ’ s Opposition Platform For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk that was aired by the 112 Ukraine television channel .
Gintsburg did not rule out that the novel coronavirus is capable of living in the environment .
`` So , the only way to deal with it is to make it vaccine-controlled .
Later , it [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national vaccination calendars and the entire population of all countries where , I hope , anti-COVID vaccines will be manufactured and used , < ... > will be protected against this virus , '' he added .
To date , 2,515,009 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 1,981,526 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 44,159 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. It will hardly ever be possible to do away with the novel coronavirus as the infection is transmitted not only from person to person, but through animals as well, Alexander Gintsburg, head of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, the Sputnik V vaccine developer, said on Tuesday.
"Regrettably, it is impossible in principle to eliminate this virus because this is an infectious disease with natural foci. It is transmitted not only from person to person but is also carried by many animals, both wild and domestic, as we now see, including minks," he said after a meeting with Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev and Chairman of the Political Council of Ukraine’s Opposition Platform For Life party Viktor Medvedchuk that was aired by the 112 Ukraine television channel.
Gintsburg did not rule out that the novel coronavirus is capable of living in the environment. "So, the only way to deal with it is to make it vaccine-controlled. Later, it [the vaccine] will be put on the national vaccination calendars and the entire population of all countries where, I hope, anti-COVID vaccines will be manufactured and used, <...> will be protected against this virus," he added.
To date, 2,515,009 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 1,981,526 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 44,159 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-12-08--Over 20 aircraft and helicopters involved in Russian Baltic Fleet’s commander flights

KALININGRAD , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
About 20 combat aircraft and helicopters of the Baltic Fleet ’ s naval aviation are involved in the first commander flights in the new training year that started on December 1 , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
The participants in the drills are practicing the single techniques and procedures of flight personnel training both in the sky and on the ground in performing the most complex exercises of the combat training course , the press office said in a statement .
`` During several days , the commanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplish flight training exercises in the daytime and at night , flying Su-27 fighters , Su-30SM multirole fighter aircraft , Su-24M frontline bombers , Ka-27 search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare helicopters , Mi-24 and Mi-8 attack and transport helicopters and also An-26 military transport planes , '' the statement says .
Overall , up to 20 aircraft and helicopters and also various aerodrome equipment are involved in the drills , the press office specified .
The pilots will practice landings at night and in poor weather conditions , piloting over the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landings on the decks of aircraft carriers both on the move and adrift and accomplish other assigned tasks , the statement says .
`` The commander flights ’ specific feature will be the pilots ’ paired flights , demonstration of the crews ’ interaction with the aerodrome command group and also with all the units responsible for flight shifts , '' the press office stressed .

KALININGRAD, December 8. /TASS/. About 20 combat aircraft and helicopters of the Baltic Fleet’s naval aviation are involved in the first commander flights in the new training year that started on December 1, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
The participants in the drills are practicing the single techniques and procedures of flight personnel training both in the sky and on the ground in performing the most complex exercises of the combat training course, the press office said in a statement.
"During several days, the commanders of aviation units and their deputies will accomplish flight training exercises in the daytime and at night, flying Su-27 fighters, Su-30SM multirole fighter aircraft, Su-24M frontline bombers, Ka-27 search and rescue and anti-submarine warfare helicopters, Mi-24 and Mi-8 attack and transport helicopters and also An-26 military transport planes," the statement says.
Overall, up to 20 aircraft and helicopters and also various aerodrome equipment are involved in the drills, the press office specified.
The pilots will practice landings at night and in poor weather conditions, piloting over the water surface at low and ultra-low altitudes, landings on the decks of aircraft carriers both on the move and adrift and accomplish other assigned tasks, the statement says.
"The commander flights’ specific feature will be the pilots’ paired flights, demonstration of the crews’ interaction with the aerodrome command group and also with all the units responsible for flight shifts," the press office stressed.


tass--2020-12-08--Venezuela says EU’s non-recognition of parliamentary elections ‘colonialism nostalgia’

HAVANA , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuela considers the EU ’ s non-recognition of the parliamentary elections result a display of interventionism and colonialism , yet Caracas intends to establish a dialogue between the authorities and the opposition , Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday .
`` It is regrettable that the EU insists on the interventionist policy against Venezuela , blatantly ignoring elementary principles of the international law .
However , despite the EU ’ s inertial position in the spirit of colonialism nostalgia , Venezuela notes the interest , expressed by EU member states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the political dialogue , taken by the Venezuelans in order to overcome difficulties , '' the announcement reads .
`` The government of the Republic of Venezuela confirms its wide readiness for dialogue , which it demonstrated in the recent years towards all groups of Venezuelan opposition , including both those who participated in the December 6 electoral processes and those , who preferred not to . ''
On Monday , EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrel claimed that the Union does not recognize results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ association believes they did not comply with standards of democracy .
According to results of count of 82 % of ballots , the pro-government Great Patriotic Pole receives 67.6 % of votes , with the moderate-opposition Democratic Alliance coming second , with 17.95 % of votes .
A large portion of opposition politicians , including the opposition leader Juan Guaido , refused to participate in the election and doubted its results even before the election was over .

HAVANA, December 8. /TASS/. Venezuela considers the EU’s non-recognition of the parliamentary elections result a display of interventionism and colonialism, yet Caracas intends to establish a dialogue between the authorities and the opposition, Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.
"It is regrettable that the EU insists on the interventionist policy against Venezuela, blatantly ignoring elementary principles of the international law. However, despite the EU’s inertial position in the spirit of colonialism nostalgia, Venezuela notes the interest, expressed by EU member states, in accompaniment and respect of inclusive processes of the political dialogue, taken by the Venezuelans in order to overcome difficulties," the announcement reads. "The government of the Republic of Venezuela confirms its wide readiness for dialogue, which it demonstrated in the recent years towards all groups of Venezuelan opposition, including both those who participated in the December 6 electoral processes and those, who preferred not to."
On Monday, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrel claimed that the Union does not recognize results of the Venezuelan parliamentary elections, because the international association believes they did not comply with standards of democracy.
According to results of count of 82% of ballots, the pro-government Great Patriotic Pole receives 67.6% of votes, with the moderate-opposition Democratic Alliance coming second, with 17.95% of votes. A large portion of opposition politicians, including the opposition leader Juan Guaido, refused to participate in the election and doubted its results even before the election was over.


tass--2020-12-08--Russia inks deal on naval logistics base in Sudan

MOSCOW , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Sudan signed an agreement on establishing the Russian Navy ’ s logistics facility in the North African country , according to the document posted on the government ’ s legal information web portal on Tuesday .
The document stipulates that the Russian Navy ’ s logistics facility in Sudan `` meets the goals of maintaining peace and stability in the region , is defensive and is not aimed against other countries . ''
Under the agreement , Russia will be able to keep a maximum of four warships at the naval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the nuclear propulsion unit on condition of observing nuclear and environmental safety norms . ''
The naval logistics base is designed for carrying out repairs , replenishing supplies and for the crewmembers of Russian naval ships to have a rest .
Sudan will hand over to Russia for free for the entire period of the agreement ’ s duration the territory and the real estate that comprises the coastal zone and the water area with the mooring front ( the berths for the floating craft ) .
The military and civilian personnel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be increased upon agreement with Sudan , the document stipulates .
The agreement will be in effect for 25 years and may be repeatedly prolonged for the subsequent 10-year periods , if neither party notifies the other party in writing through diplomatic channels no less than twelve months before the expiry of the relevant period about its intention to terminate it .
It was reported on November 16 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had accepted the government ’ s proposal on signing an agreement on creating Russia ’ s naval logistics base in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ink the deal .

MOSCOW, December 8. /TASS/. Russia and Sudan signed an agreement on establishing the Russian Navy’s logistics facility in the North African country, according to the document posted on the government’s legal information web portal on Tuesday.
The document stipulates that the Russian Navy’s logistics facility in Sudan "meets the goals of maintaining peace and stability in the region, is defensive and is not aimed against other countries."
Under the agreement, Russia will be able to keep a maximum of four warships at the naval logistics base, including "naval ships with the nuclear propulsion unit on condition of observing nuclear and environmental safety norms."
The naval logistics base is designed for carrying out repairs, replenishing supplies and for the crewmembers of Russian naval ships to have a rest. Sudan will hand over to Russia for free for the entire period of the agreement’s duration the territory and the real estate that comprises the coastal zone and the water area with the mooring front (the berths for the floating craft). The military and civilian personnel should not exceed 300 people and may be increased upon agreement with Sudan, the document stipulates.
The agreement will be in effect for 25 years and may be repeatedly prolonged for the subsequent 10-year periods, if neither party notifies the other party in writing through diplomatic channels no less than twelve months before the expiry of the relevant period about its intention to terminate it.
It was reported on November 16 that Russian President Vladimir Putin had accepted the government’s proposal on signing an agreement on creating Russia’s naval logistics base in Sudan and instructed the Defense Ministry to ink the deal.


tass--2020-12-08--Russia’s epidemiological situation can become controllable by November 2021 — researcher

TASS , December 8 .
The coronavirus situation in Russia can become controllable owing to vaccines by November 2021 , when around 70 % of the residents of the country will receive the jab , the Gamaleya Center head Alexander Gintsburg said Tuesday .
`` I believe that we now have all prerequisites to complete the main task relating to the protection of our population by November 2021 .
The main task is to make this infection controllable by vaccine .
In other words , around 70 % of the Russian population should be vaccinated with Sputnik V [ Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gamaleya Center - TASS ] .
After that , it will be scientifically proven and reasonable to say and consider that this process is under control , '' he said following a meeting with CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund ( RDIF ) Kirill Dmitriev and Chair of the Political Council of Ukraine ’ s Opposition Platform - For Life political party Viktor Medvedchuk broadcast by 112 Ukraine TV channel .
Russia has registered two domestic vaccines against the coronavirus : the one developed by the Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector .
Soon , a third vaccine developed by Russia ’ s Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for the Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products can obtain registration .

TASS, December 8. The coronavirus situation in Russia can become controllable owing to vaccines by November 2021, when around 70% of the residents of the country will receive the jab, the Gamaleya Center head Alexander Gintsburg said Tuesday.
"I believe that we now have all prerequisites to complete the main task relating to the protection of our population by November 2021. The main task is to make this infection controllable by vaccine. In other words, around 70% of the Russian population should be vaccinated with Sputnik V [Russia’s coronavirus vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Center - TASS]. After that, it will be scientifically proven and reasonable to say and consider that this process is under control," he said following a meeting with CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) Kirill Dmitriev and Chair of the Political Council of Ukraine’s Opposition Platform - For Life political party Viktor Medvedchuk broadcast by 112 Ukraine TV channel.
Russia has registered two domestic vaccines against the coronavirus: the one developed by the Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the other by the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector. Soon, a third vaccine developed by Russia’s Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for the Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products can obtain registration.


tass--2020-12-08--Russian Baltic Fleet repair ship transits English Channel in Mediterranean deployment

KALININGRAD , December 8 .
/TASS/ .
The Baltic Fleet ’ s floating workshop PM-82 has transited the English Channel and entered the Atlantic Ocean in its Mediterranean deployment , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The PM-82 departed from Baltiysk in early December .
In the next four months , the floating workshop ’ s crew will provide for the technical readiness of ships and submarines of the Russian Navy ’ s taskforce accomplishing assignments in the Mediterranean Sea , '' the press office said in a statement .
This is the fourth long-distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew to the Mediterranean over the past three years .
An anti-terror squad of the Baltic Fleet ’ s marine infantry is staying aboard the repair ship .
The PM-82 is the third vessel in the series of Project 304 five floating workshops .
They are designated to repair ships and vessels , their weapon systems and equipment in distant waters .
The Soviet Navy ’ s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present .
The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period .
Its main rival was the US Navy ’ s 6th Fleet .
The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31 , 1992 , a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union .
In 2013 , Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce .
Russia ’ s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations , including warding off threats to Russia ’ s national and military security .

KALININGRAD, December 8. /TASS/. The Baltic Fleet’s floating workshop PM-82 has transited the English Channel and entered the Atlantic Ocean in its Mediterranean deployment, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"The PM-82 departed from Baltiysk in early December. In the next four months, the floating workshop’s crew will provide for the technical readiness of ships and submarines of the Russian Navy’s taskforce accomplishing assignments in the Mediterranean Sea," the press office said in a statement.
This is the fourth long-distance deployment of the floating workshop’s crew to the Mediterranean over the past three years. An anti-terror squad of the Baltic Fleet’s marine infantry is staying aboard the repair ship.
The PM-82 is the third vessel in the series of Project 304 five floating workshops. They are designated to repair ships and vessels, their weapon systems and equipment in distant waters.
Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron
The Soviet Navy’s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present. The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period. Its main rival was the US Navy’s 6th Fleet. The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31, 1992, a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
In 2013, Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce. Russia’s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations, including warding off threats to Russia’s national and military security.