The visit will include an expanded session of discussions with Lavrov on regional and international issues, most notably the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip….reports Asian Lite News
Secretary-General of the Arab League (AL), Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, has headed to Russia to discuss developments in the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Aboul-Gheit on Sunday flew to Moscow on a working visit at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by Gamal Roshdy, spokesman for the AL Secretary-General.
The visit will include an expanded session of discussions with Lavrov on regional and international issues, most notably the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip.
The visit came after Hamas on Saturday launched a surprise attack on Israeli towns adjacent to the Gaza Strip, which has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 700 Israelis, while the death toll from Israeli retaliatory attacks on Gaza Strip has risen to 413.
Moscow is a city where past and present co-exists harmoniously. Wander through the meticulously adorned Metro stations, each station a work of art with intricate wall sculptures telling stories of centuries of change…reports Asian Lite News
Nestled within the vast expanse of Eurasia lies a land of remarkable diversity, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create a tapestry of wonders, and Russia’s capital Moscow is home to some iconic landmarks.
St. Basil Cathedral on the Red Square is probably the most recognisable building in Moscow. It’s breath-taking at night when buildings are illuminated.
Adjacent to it is the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government; then there is Bolshoi Theatre, renowned for classical ballet and opera performances; the Gorky Park, a stunning urban landscape with walking paths – these along with parade of decorated and brightly lit boats floating along the river Moskva can be perfect sites for Indians who think of planning a holiday in Europe.
The Moscow City Tourism Committee has launched a series of measures to woo Indian tourists who were reluctant to go to the city in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. After introducing e-visas, Russia is now pushing for an e-payment system which will allow Indians to apply remotely for a bank card for mirror payments in Russia and transfer money from India to Russia.
The weakening of the ruble due to recent political events removes the exchange rate difference for Indians.
Moscow is a city where past and present co-exists harmoniously. Wander through the meticulously adorned Metro stations, each station a work of art with intricate wall sculptures telling stories of centuries of change.
Yes, there can be a language barrier for Indians visiting Moscow, but English proficiency has been on the rise, especially among younger generations and those working in the travel industry.
The head of the International Cooperation Division of Moscow City Tourism Committee, Bulat Nurmukhanov said: “There are 6-7 tourist centres as well as a call centre in Moscow to help with information in English as well as download links in English. Most decent restaurants have menus in English, and we are encouraging them to translate into Arabic and Chinese as well.”
Apart from this, travellers can use language translation apps to bridge the language gap. Smartphones apps like google translate can also help.
Going further, Indian Embassy’s Economic Wing deputy head Rajnish Patidar said, the Indian Embassy will be organising several round table meetings in Moscow from September 12 to 16 with tour operators from both the countries to facilitate tie-ups. There will be social media influencers and a delegation from the Kerala government also.
Yana Lyubina, an accredited guide working with DS Tours Travel Agency, said: “Russia offers a unique vacation option that is diverse in impressions and fits perfectly into the standard 7-10 days for which annual vacations in India are traditionally planned. In a week, a tourist can visit two completely different capitals – Moscow and St. Petersburg and noteworthy satellite cities.”
A city of contrasts and surprises, Moscow has several skyscrapers co-existing with ancient churches, and Soviet era structures where tradition and innovation blend and culture and entertainment abound.
“Lots of Arabs, Chinese are already visiting Moscow, and we hope to pass on the message to Indians that Moscow is a very attractive destination for foreigners and it is warm and welcoming to everyone,” Nurmukhanov said.
Moscow’s culinary scene is as diverse as the city. One can savour traditional Russian dishes like borscht (beetroot soup) and blini (traditional pancakes), or indulge in international cuisine at world-class restaurants. “There are some Indian restaurants, which provide traditional Indian food and some more are coming, even vegetarian restaurants. Our businesses are proactive in responding to market demand,” he added.
Indian tourists normally visit Moscow in summer, but the city wears a magical cloak in winter, which is called white winter, when snow blankets the city, creating a winter wonderland straight from the pages of a fairy tale.
As you bid farewell to Moscow, take home the memories of every cobblestone you saw, the hidden secret of every dome you came across, but don’t forget to leave your own mark on its vibrant and ever-changing landscape.
Putin added that Moscow is not opposed to the grain deal, but warned Ukraine against using grain export corridors for military purposes….reports Asian Lite News
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow would return to the Black Sea grain deal as soon as its requirements are met.
“We will be ready to revive the grain deal, and we will do this as soon as all restrictions on the export of Russian agricultural products are lifted,” Putin added on Monday at a press conference following talks with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the Russian city of Sochi.
He said that Russia’s grain harvest could reach 130 million ton this year, and the country’s export potential would remain at 60 million ton, Xinhua news agency reported.
He added that Moscow is not opposed to the grain deal, but warned Ukraine against using grain export corridors for military purposes.
Erdogan noted that Turkey had been working on a new package of proposals together with the UN. He expressed confidence that the proposals would help resume the deal as soon as possible.
The Russian leader further said that Moscow will continue exporting food and fertiliser to help stabilise global food prices. He added that Russia, Turkey and Qatar would work jointly to deliver one million tonne of Russian grain to countries in need.
The initiative will contribute to solving the global food crisis, Putin said, adding however that it shouldn’t be viewed as an alternative to the Black Sea grain deal.
The two leaders also discussed bilateral energy and trade relations, including the joint construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant.
The Russian President noted that the plant’s first unit is expected to be launched next year.
Putin further confirmed Moscow’s readiness to establish a regional gas hub in Turkey to deliver gas supplies to third countries.
The two Presidents also discussed the Ukrainian crisis and global ceasefire proposals aimed at achieving a political settlement.
Putin thanked Erdogan for his mediation efforts, and reiterated that Moscow remained open for dialogue.
Erdogan in turn confirmed that Turkey is ready to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, and remains committed to establishing lasting peace and stability.
MOSCOW, March 5, 2020 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Moscow, Russia, on March 5, 2020. Russia and Turkey agreed Thursday on a ceasefire in the de-escalation zone in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan which lasted for about six hours. (Sputnik/Handout via Xinhua/IANS)
Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea and Danube River port infrastructure since pulling out of the UN and Turkey-mediated grain deal…reports Asian Lite News
Turkey has warned Russia to “avoid further escalations” after a Turkish-owned cargo vessel was attacked by the Russian navy last weekend, France 24 reported on Thursday citing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office.
“After the (Russian) intervention, our interlocutors in the Russian Federation were warned appropriately to avoid such attempts, which escalate tensions in the Black Sea,” the Turkish presidency said, breaking a days-long silence over the incident.
Meanwhile, a civilian cargo vessel sailing from Ukraine reached Turkish waters on Thursday after moving along a western route that avoided international waters in favour of those controlled by NATO members Romania and Bulgaria, France 24 reported.
The Hong Kong-flagged Joseph Schulte left the port of Odesa on Wednesday – the first vessel to directly challenge Russia’s bid to block Ukraine’s ability to export via the Black Sea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the ship was using a “new humanitarian corridor” that Kyiv established after Russia last month scuppered an agreement that had allowed Ukraine to export grain and foodstuffs.
The Joseph Schulte’s mission came days after the Russian navy fired warning shots and boarded a small Turkish-crewed cargo ship that was travelling to the Ukrainian port of Izmail, France 24 reported.
Notably, Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian Black Sea and Danube River port infrastructure since pulling out of the UN and Turkey-mediated grain deal.
Earlier on Wednesday, Russian forces launched a drone attack and damaged a port on the Danube River in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region overnight, CNN reported on Wednesday citing a Ukrainian official.
In the Telegram, head of the Odesa regional military administration Oleh Kiper said, “The main target is port and grain infrastructure in the south of the region” on the Danube.
Earlier in July, Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain initiative, an agreement that had permitted Ukraine to export grain from its Black Sea ports a year ago, despite the war, to help alleviate a global food crisis. (ANI)
Damaged vehicles are seen after explosions in Kiev, Ukraine, Oct. 10, 2022. (Photo by Roman Petushkov/Xinhua/IANS)
Several buildings were damaged in wealthy suburbs of Moscow, including the elite district of Rublyovka to the south-west of the capital…reports Asian Lite News
Russia has accused Ukraine of drone attack on Moscow on Tuesday morning, in which several buildings were hit, local media reported.
“The Kiev regime launched a terrorist attack with unmanned aerial vehicles on targets in the city of Moscow,” Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The raid involved eight aircraft-type UAVs, all of which were hit; three drones that were suppressed by electronic warfare measures went out of control and deviated from their intended targets, the statement added, RT reported.
The remaining five drones were shot down by Pantsir-S air defence systems operating outside Moscow, according to the MOD.
The attack was first reported by the city’s mayor, Sergey Sobyanin, who said on Tuesday morning that the drone raid resulted in several buildings in the Russian capital sustaining minor damage, with residents in the area temporarily evacuated. He noted that no one was seriously hurt, with only two people seeking medical assistance, RT reported.
Moscow was attacked this morning by suspected Ukrainian kamikaze drones just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin unleashed yet another volley of strikes on Kiev, Daily Mail reported.
Several buildings were damaged in wealthy suburbs of Moscow, including the elite district of Rublyovka to the south-west of the capital.
One drone exploded into a mushroom cloud near the village of Usovo, which is just down the road from Putin’s official Novo-Ogaryovo residence, Daily Mail reported.
“[Putin’s residence] would be in earshot of the explosion,” one local said.
Explosive drones also struck blocks of flats in Leninsky Prospekt and Profsoyuznaya Street about six miles from the centre of Moscow, reportedly wounding several residents and damaging the buildings.
Ukraine made no immediate comment on the attack, which would be one of its deepest and most daring strikes into Russia since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than 15 months ago, Daily Mail reported.
Ukraine denies direct involvement
Ukraine denied direct involvement with the alleged drone attack on the Russian capital, Moscow on Tuesday, CNN reported.
Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak in a conversation with a YouTube channel said, “Of course, we enjoy watching and predicting an increase in attacks. But of course, we have nothing to do directly with it.” He further stated, “What is growing in Russia is the karmic payment that Russia will gradually pay in aggravated form for everything it does in Ukraine.”
Earlier, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed that Ukraine is responsible for a “terrorist attack” using drones against Moscow on Tuesday, according to CNN.
Earlier in the morning today, several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) en route to Moscow were shot down near the Russian capital in the early hours, quoting Moscow Governor Andrey Vorobyov, TASS reported.
“This morning, residents of some districts in the Moscow Region could hear the sounds of explosions – it was our air defence in operation. Several drones were downed on their course to Moscow,” Vorobyov said on his Telegram channel.
Vorobyov asked the residents of the Moscow region to maintain their composure. He further said that all emergency units were in operation and further information will be released, as per the news report.
Meanwhile, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said that two people required medical attention after a drone attack, TASS reported. He said that no one was seriously injured or taken to hospital after the drone attack. He further stated that emergency services and several ambulance crews continue to work at the site of the incidents.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Moscow on Aug. 31, 2022. (Russian Foreign Ministry photo/IANS)
Iran and Russia, both under sanctions imposed by the US, have been expanding their political and economic relations to counter the US moves….reports Asian Lite News
Iran and Russia have exchanged views on ways to further expand all-out relations, particularly in the fields of trade and economy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday discussed the issue on the sidelines of a quadrilateral meeting on the Syria issue in Moscow, which were also presented by Syrian and Turkish foreign ministers, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s website.
Amir-Abdollahian called for greater efforts to accelerate the already improving bilateral relations between Iran and Russia along their current “right” path, saying Wednesday’s high-level quadrilateral meeting was a positive outcome of such cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported.
For his part, Lavrov said the imminent holding of the Russia-Iran joint economic commission in Tehran will play an important role in the deepening of the bilateral relations, expressing his hope that the trade and economic sectors of Iran would have an active presence in the 14th edition of the International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic world: Kazan Forum” during May 18-19.
The two foreign ministers also highlighted the positive impacts of cooperation in developing the International North-South Transport Corridor as well as the financial and banking sectors on improving and deepening the bilateral economic and trade relations, calling for facilitating mutual activities in private sectors and trips between the two countries.
Iran and Russia, both under sanctions imposed by the US, have been expanding their political and economic relations to counter the US moves.
Canada’s Minister of National Defence Anita Anand has published footage of a Canadian Leopard 2 tank being loaded onto a plane at an airport…reports Asian Lite News
Ukraine officials suspect Russia is preparing a large-scale bombardment as the one-year anniversary of its invasion nears. They believe the strikes could reach the country’s major cities, including the capital Kyiv.
This comes as more and more Western nations send weapons to Ukraine. The United States has now pledged precision-guided missiles and anti-aircraft batteries.
France and Italy will both send their SAMP/T anti-aircraft system in the spring.
Canada’s Minister of National Defence Anita Anand has published footage of a Canadian Leopard 2 tank being loaded onto a plane at an airport.
“The first Canadian Leopard 2 is en route,” Anand said. “Canada’s support for Ukraine is unwavering.”
US Attorney General Merrick Garland has authorised the government to begin using seized Russian money to aid Ukraine. The announcement came during a meeting between Garland and Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin.
EU countries on Sunday implemented new price restrictions on the purchase of refined petroleum products from Russia. The 27 members reached the agreement at the recent summit in Kyiv.
Last week, the administration of US President Joe Biden has announced an additional round of security assistance for Ukraine with a total value of $2.2 billion.
The latest package was divided into two parts – $425 million through the Presidential Drawdown Authority, and $1.75 billion from the congressionally-approved Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
What’s particularly noticeable in the materiel are long-range rockets for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems or HIMARS missile launchers that the United States have provided for Ukraine.
The new rockets are GPS-guided Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) with a range of roughly 90 miles, more than doubling the 40-mile range that previous US-provided HIMARS-compatible missiles have.
Both ministers have however stayed in constant touch and met on the sidelines of various international forums over the past few months…reports Asian Lite News
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be travelling to Moscow next month in what would be his first visit to Russia after it launched its ‘Special Military Operation’ in neighbouring Ukraine in February, earlier this year.
“Russian FM’s Spokeswoman Maria #Zakharova: On November 8 in Moscow, #Russian FM Sergey #Lavrov will have talks with External Affairs Minister of #India Dr S.Jaishankar,” tweeted the Russian Embassy in India Thursday evening.
“The Ministers will discuss the current state of bilateral relations and the international agenda,” it added.
Both ministers have however stayed in constant touch and met on the sidelines of various international forums over the past few months.
“A wide-ranging conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov at #UNGA 77. Discussed our bilateral cooperation. Exchanged views on Ukraine, G-20 and UN reforms,” the EAM had tweeted after meeting Lavrov in New York last month.
Earlier this month, while staying consistent with its “well thought out national position”, India abstained from a vote at the 11th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly which adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s “attempted illegal annexation” of four regions of Ukraine.
Explaining its decision to abstain from voting, India said that there are other pressing issues at play, some of which have not been adequately addressed in the resolution.
“It is also unfortunate that as the trajectory of the Ukrainian conflict unfolds, the entire global south has suffered a substantial collateral damage. As developing countries face the brunt of the conflict’s consequences on fuel, food and fertilizer supplies, it is critical that the voice of global south be heard and their legitimate concerns duly addressed,” said Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations in New York.
India also continues to reiterate that it remains deeply concerned at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the deaths of civilians.
New Delhi has consistently advocated that no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives and escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest.
Jaishankar, during his address in New York last month, had said that India is not only on the side of peace – and will remain firmly there – but is also supporting those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at the escalating costs of food, of fuel and fertilizers.
Earlier this month, the director-general of the World Health Organisation said authorities were aware of the variant and were monitoring it closely…reports Asian Lite News
Five cases of the Covid-19 subvariant Omicron BA.2.75, or “Centaurus,” have been detected in Moscow, the country’s consumer rights and human well-being watchdog Rospotrebnadzor has said.
“Five genomic sequences assigned to the BA.2.75 subvariant of the Omicron strain have been added to the VGARus (Virus Genome Aggregator of Russia) database.”
Rospotrebnadzor said the samples were taken in July in Moscow, adding the patients all have a mild form of the virus and have not been hospitalized.
“Centaurus” was first detected in May in India and is believed to be highly transmissible.
Centaurus, which has the official designation BA.2.75, has been found mostly in India, although cases have been detected in Australia as well as the US, UK, Canada and Germany.
Earlier this month, the director-general of the World Health Organisation said authorities were aware of the variant and were monitoring it closely.
But WHO COVID-19 technical lead, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, said only now were sufficient samples becoming available to enable proper analysis of the subvariant.
“There are about 200 sequences available from about 14 countries. Our understanding of this virus is quite limited so far because we have very few sequences available,” she said.
Dr Michael Lydeamore, a research fellow in infectious diseases at Monash University, says centaurus is a form of Omicron, but with some unique mutations that distinguish it.
Omicron, he explains, refers to the high-level variant, which has undergone gene mutations to give rise to the BA.1 and 2, and BA.4 and 5 subvariants. “Those are called subvariants because you have the same high-level structure as Omicron but with a few extra mutations,” he says.
“Centaurus has the BA.2 mutations and then a few extra again, so it’s a kind of sub-subvariant.”
However, he says it is still not clear whether those extra mutations mean centaurus is more transmissible, better able to evade immunity, or produces a more severe illness.
“We’re seeing variants with high immune evasion become common in Australia,” he says. “But that makes sense because we have high levels of immunity in the community, so the only a way a variant can take off is immune evasion.”
He says the majority of Australia’s COVID-19 cases are now due to the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron, with a lower number of BA.1 and BA.2 infections.
Previous variants of concern such as Delta have now largely been wiped out by the family of Omicron subvariants.
It is important to note that centaurus is an unofficial nickname given to the subvariant by a Twitter user, and adopted by scientists and journalists alike as an easy moniker. Because it is a subvariant, WHO has not given it an official Greek letter such as those given to high-level variants.
Professor Nigel McMillan, program director of infectious diseases and immunology at Griffith University, says SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, does not seem to be following a “standard” pattern of viral evolution.
“What we would expect over time is that these strains get less and less problematic, with less and less clinical consequences,” he says.
“That makes sense from a viral evolution point of view because if a virus can keep you upright and walking around infecting other people, then it will spread much better.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. (Credit Twitter @mfa_russia)
Russia has asked the United States to explain its military biological activities in some post-Soviet countries…reports Asian Lite News
On Sunday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the United States must fulfill its obligations under the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), which is essential for international security.
Zakharova added that Russia plans to hold consultations with other BTWC members on measures to increase control over the activities carried out by the United States in bio-labs in the post-Soviet space, Xinhua news agency reported.
During a special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian military found that US-funded biological laboratories conducted research on dangerous viruses, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.
The Russian side has repeatedly urged Washington to explain the purpose of these facilities to the international community.
IN May, the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin said that his team was making progress in a criminal probe into Ukraine’s alleged Pentagon-funded bioweapons programme.
“The analysis of the obtained documents allowed us to clearly identify the people involved in the military biological activities in Ukraine, including representatives of the US Department of Defense and American companies with ties to it,” he said, RT reported.
Bastrykin added that the US had spent more than $224 million on biological programmes in Ukraine since 2005 and the foreign aid was used to equip and upgrade around 30 research centers governed by Ukraine’s Defence, Health and Agriculture ministries.
“The results of said research had been evacuated to Kiev-controlled territory before the start of (Russia’s) special military operation,” he said, adding that his agency would continue to study the documents on the matter.
In March, Moscow claimed that it had found evidence that the US had been funding biological weapons research in Ukraine. Washington and Kiev denied this claim and accused Russia of waging a disinformation campaign, RT reported.
Senior US diplomat Victoria Nuland said at the time that Washington was working with Ukraine to prevent research materials from falling into the hands of Russian troops.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian also urged the US to “give a full account of its biological military activities at home and abroad and subject itself to multilateral verification”.
