southfront--2020-03-31--U.S. Renews Sanctions On Iran’s Nuclear Program Despite International Calls

On March 30th , the US renewed sanctions on Iran ’ s nuclear program for another 60 days , amidst calls to easy the sanctions regime so that Tehran can effectively cope with the COVID-19 crisis .
“ The United States is renewing four restrictions on the Iranian regime ’ s nuclear program for an additional 60 days .
Iran ’ s continued expansion of nuclear activities is unacceptable .
The regime ’ s nuclear extortion is among the greatest threats to international peace and security .
As President Trump said earlier this year , Iran will never be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue to use the full range of our diplomatic and economic tools to constrain Iran ’ s destabilizing proliferation activities .
We will continue to closely monitor all developments in Iran ’ s nuclear program and can adjust these restrictions at any time , ” US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement .
The US , however , extended sanctions waivers for some companies , as well .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the waiver extensions on some companies from Russia , China and Europe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently , as of March 31st , Iran has 44,605 confirmed COVID-19 cases , and 2,898 fatalities , with 14,656 active recovered .
Just days earlier , on March 26th , sanctioned “ 20 Iran- and Iraq-based front companies , senior officials , and business associates that provide support to or act for or on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force ( IRGC-QF ) in addition to transferring lethal aid to Iranian-backed terrorist militias in Iraq such as Kata ’ ib Hizballah ( KH ) and Asa ’ ib Ahl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23rd , Pompeo accused Iran for spreading the coronavirus throughout the Middle East to wreak havoc .
“ The Wuhan virus is a killer and the Iranian regime is an accomplice , ” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters during a visit to Afghanistan .
“ The regime continues to lie to the Iranian people and the world , ” Pompeo added in a statement .
“ They put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk.
” Separately , other State Department officials voiced concern that the extent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both for Iran and the region .
In response , Iran ’ s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , took to Twitter to suggest the U.S. might even be responsible for the outbreak .
To which , the following response was given : MORE ON THE TOPIC :

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On March 30th, the US renewed sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program for another 60 days, amidst calls to easy the sanctions regime so that Tehran can effectively cope with the COVID-19 crisis.
“The United States is renewing four restrictions on the Iranian regime’s nuclear program for an additional 60 days. Iran’s continued expansion of nuclear activities is unacceptable. The regime’s nuclear extortion is among the greatest threats to international peace and security. As President Trump said earlier this year, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. We will continue to use the full range of our diplomatic and economic tools to constrain Iran’s destabilizing proliferation activities. We will continue to closely monitor all developments in Iran’s nuclear program and can adjust these restrictions at any time,” US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.
The US, however, extended sanctions waivers for some companies, as well. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed off on the waiver extensions on some companies from Russia, China and Europe to continue their work at Iranian nuclear facilities.
Currently, as of March 31st, Iran has 44,605 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 2,898 fatalities, with 14,656 active recovered.
Just days earlier, on March 26th, sanctioned “20 Iran- and Iraq-based front companies, senior officials, and business associates that provide support to or act for or on behalf of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) in addition to transferring lethal aid to Iranian-backed terrorist militias in Iraq such as Kata’ib Hizballah (KH) and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH)”
“Iran employs a web of front companies to fund terrorist groups across the region, siphoning resources away from the Iranian people and prioritizing terrorist proxies over the basic needs of its people,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “The United States maintains broad exceptions and authorizations for humanitarian aid including agriculture commodities, food, medicine, and medical devices to help the people of Iran combat the coronavirus.”
Treasury designates vast network of IRGC-QF officials and front companies in Iraq, Iran https://t.co/sjKniyLUZ1 — Treasury Department (@USTreasury) March 26, 2020
On March 23rd, Pompeo accused Iran for spreading the coronavirus throughout the Middle East to wreak havoc.
“The Wuhan virus is a killer and the Iranian regime is an accomplice,” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters during a visit to Afghanistan. “The regime continues to lie to the Iranian people and the world,” Pompeo added in a statement. “They put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk.”
Separately, other State Department officials voiced concern that the extent of the damage could be far worse, both for Iran and the region.
“The Iranian regime is hiding a significant amount of information about the coronavirus outbreak,” a State Department spokesperson told VOA. “This lack of transparency poses a significant health risk to the Iranian people, as well as to Iran’s neighbors.”
Iranian people appreciate the growing global campaign of government & civil society leaders calling for lifting of illegal U.S. sanctions. U.S. is NOT listening, impeding global fight against #COVID19. The ONLY remedy: DEFY U.S. mass punishment. MORAL & PRAGMATIC imperative. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) March 23, 2020
In response, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, took to Twitter to suggest the U.S. might even be responsible for the outbreak.
“I don’t know how true it is. But when there’s such an allegation, can a wise man trust you?” Khamenei asked. “You could be giving medicines that spread the virus or cause it to remain.”
To which, the following response was given:
The Iranian regime lied about downing PS752, the number of protesters killed in November, the historically low turnout in February’s parliamentary elections, and now the Chinese virus. The world knows better and so do the Iranian people. https://t.co/Zjyt0NDfod — NSC (@WHNSC) March 23, 2020
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southfront--2020-03-31--Ukrainians Returning From Vietnam Escaped Quarantine, As Land Reform Bill Gets Passed

On March 30th , Ukrainian tourists who returned from Vietnam to Kiev broke through the cordon and broke free without adhering to any quarantine .
The footage the situation showed the tourists who had a rest in Vietnam , not wanting to be under observation , open the locked doors of the arrivals hall and run away from the airport building with their suitcases at the ready .
The person taking the video , provided a comment on the escape from Boryspil International Airport with the words “ broke through the defense , b***h , … Ukraine ” .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed COVID-19 cases , and 13 fatalities .
The Ukrainian parliament approved the provision of additional social and economic guarantees due to the spread of the coronavirus .
In particular , it introduces support for employees and employers in the context of the COVID-19 coronavirus spread , expands grounds for extending the procedural time limits established by court or law , enforces court decisions , and introduces liability for committing socially dangerous acts amid the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 .
It also provides for the temporary simplification of the production of goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus COVID-19 and the simplification of their procurement procedure ; ensuring the payment of social assistance , extending the period of application for social assistance and the payment of social assistance , as well as postponing the submission of reports , statistical information to the controlling authorities .
Notably , however , the Ukrainian MPs used the chance to also pass the land market bill , as well as bill that changes the banking system .
According to Ukrinform , the banking system change is called the “ Anti-Kolomoisky Law ” after Igor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volodymyr Zelensky ’ s “ puppet master.
” The banking sector bill introduces strong safeguards into Ukrainian legislation that will prevent the bank from being returned to its previous owners .
This bill will apply equally to any similar future situation .
It was voted through in the first reading on March 30th .
By Ukrainian law , one more reading will need to take place , but this is already a huge step forward .
It offers the Ukrainian people genuine protection against the rule of oligarchs .
The land reform bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only Ukrainians will be able to buy agricultural land ; one individual should not own more than 10 thousand hectares ; a land plot can be bought exclusively with a cash-free payment with verification of the origin of funds ; it is forbidden to buy land within a 50 km border zone ; a minimum price for a land plot is set ; banks will not be able to buy land plots , only take as a pledge ; part of the proceeds from the sale of state and municipal property will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Development Fund .
Ukrainian presidential spokesperson Iuliia Mendel wrote an article for the Atlantic Council as a sort of advertisement for how positive both laws will be .
“ Accordingly , we banned the purchase of land by foreigners until the Ukrainian people decide otherwise in a referendum ; we reduced the amount of land that can be bought by individuals from 200,000 hectares to only 100 hectares ; we banned the purchase of public land and delayed reform implementation until July 2021 .
It was vital to overcome three key fears : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of small corporate “ raiders ” who , in people ’ s nightmares , could steal away their “ sacred land ” .
” The COVID-19 quarantine is an ideal time to vote laws such as the land reform , as there were riots back in December 2019 , when it was supposed to be voted initially .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Zelensky ’ s Land Reform : Another Step Towards Disintegration Of Ukraine

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On March 30th, Ukrainian tourists who returned from Vietnam to Kiev broke through the cordon and broke free without adhering to any quarantine.

The footage the situation showed the tourists who had a rest in Vietnam, not wanting to be under observation, open the locked doors of the arrivals hall and run away from the airport building with their suitcases at the ready.
The person taking the video, provided a comment on the escape from Boryspil International Airport with the words “broke through the defense, b***h, … Ukraine”.
As of March 31st, Ukraine has 549 confirmed COVID-19 cases, and 13 fatalities.
The Ukrainian parliament approved the provision of additional social and economic guarantees due to the spread of the coronavirus.
In particular, it introduces support for employees and employers in the context of the COVID-19 coronavirus spread, expands grounds for extending the procedural time limits established by court or law, enforces court decisions, and introduces liability for committing socially dangerous acts amid the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
It also provides for the temporary simplification of the production of goods needed to fight the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 and the simplification of their procurement procedure; ensuring the payment of social assistance, extending the period of application for social assistance and the payment of social assistance, as well as postponing the submission of reports, statistical information to the controlling authorities.
Notably, however, the Ukrainian MPs used the chance to also pass the land market bill, as well as bill that changes the banking system.
According to Ukrinform, the banking system change is called the “Anti-Kolomoisky Law” after Igor Kolomoisky, and dubbed as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s “puppet master.”
The banking sector bill introduces strong safeguards into Ukrainian legislation that will prevent the bank from being returned to its previous owners. This bill will apply equally to any similar future situation. It was voted through in the first reading on March 30th. By Ukrainian law, one more reading will need to take place, but this is already a huge step forward. It offers the Ukrainian people genuine protection against the rule of oligarchs.
The land reform bill, which also passed, stipulates that only Ukrainians will be able to buy agricultural land; one individual should not own more than 10 thousand hectares; a land plot can be bought exclusively with a cash-free payment with verification of the origin of funds; it is forbidden to buy land within a 50 km border zone; a minimum price for a land plot is set; banks will not be able to buy land plots, only take as a pledge; part of the proceeds from the sale of state and municipal property will be spent on the establishment of the Rural Development Fund.
Ukrainian presidential spokesperson Iuliia Mendel wrote an article for the Atlantic Council as a sort of advertisement for how positive both laws will be.
“Accordingly, we banned the purchase of land by foreigners until the Ukrainian people decide otherwise in a referendum; we reduced the amount of land that can be bought by individuals from 200,000 hectares to only 100 hectares; we banned the purchase of public land and delayed reform implementation until July 2021. It was vital to overcome three key fears: of foreigners, of oligarchs, and of small corporate “raiders” who, in people’s nightmares, could steal away their “sacred land”.”
The COVID-19 quarantine is an ideal time to vote laws such as the land reform, as there were riots back in December 2019, when it was supposed to be voted initially.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-03-31--The New Bogeyman? Bolivian Police Dress As COVID-19 To Spread Awareness In La Paz

Bolivian police officers dressed in coronavirus costumes to spread awareness of the epidemic to the public in the capital La Paz .
Footage showed two police officers disguised as the coronavirus walking the streets of the Bolivian capital to the beat of music , to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining hygiene and social distancing measures , and thus avoiding the spread of COVID-19 .
As of March 31st , Bolivia has 107 cases and 6 fatalities from COVID-19 .
Police officers wearing coronavirus costumes walked the streets and reminded passers-by that it is better for them to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the pandemic .
“ We are recommending , we are making them see , that [ in ] the [ current ] situation there is danger everywhere .
And even more so on public roads .
That ’ s why they [ the dolls ] are bothering them .
They are pushing them so that they will leave , ” added Miranda .
La Paz residents have welcomed this unusual move by the police : “ It is being [ a ] very good initiative because , well , it also makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is in the air , ” said one resident .
How far society is from mothers warning their children that they should eat all their vegetables or the coronavirus will infect them is still unknown .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Coronavirus Hype : How Far Can Governments Push People Before It Backfires

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Bolivian police officers dressed in coronavirus costumes to spread awareness of the epidemic to the public in the capital La Paz.
Footage showed two police officers disguised as the coronavirus walking the streets of the Bolivian capital to the beat of music, to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining hygiene and social distancing measures, and thus avoiding the spread of COVID-19.
As of March 31st, Bolivia has 107 cases and 6 fatalities from COVID-19.

“Living through this national health emergency, we have seen how convenient it is to make these little dolls that involve being able to educate citizens with this creativity,” said Bolivian Police Colonel Walter Miranda.
Police officers wearing coronavirus costumes walked the streets and reminded passers-by that it is better for them to be in their homes as a safety measure against the pandemic.
“We are recommending, we are making them see, that [in] the [current] situation there is danger everywhere. And even more so on public roads. That’s why they [the dolls] are bothering them. They are pushing them so that they will leave,” added Miranda.
La Paz residents have welcomed this unusual move by the police: “It is being [a] very good initiative because, well, it also makes us aware that it is a virus that is in the air,” said one resident.
How far society is from mothers warning their children that they should eat all their vegetables or the coronavirus will infect them is still unknown.
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southfront--2020-03-31--Pentagon Seeks To Classify Future Year Defense Program Returning  To Good Old Cold War Times

The US Department of Defense asked the Congress to allow it to classify the Future Year Defense Program spending projections , according to Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists .
The proposal in its entirety can be found here [ pdf ] .
Preparation of the unclassified FYDP , which provides estimates of defense spending for the next five years , has been required by law since 1989 and has become an integral part of the defense budget process .
It essentially stopped being classified when the Cold War officially ended .
“ The Department is concerned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inadvertently reveal sensitive information , ” the Pentagon said in its March 6 , 2020 proposal .
“ With the ready availability of data mining tools and techniques , and the large volume of data on the Department ’ s operations and resources already available in the public domain , additional unclassified FYDP data , if it were released , potentially allows adversaries to derive sensitive information by compilation about the Department ’ s weapons development , force structure , and strategic plans.
” Be that as it may , in the view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FYDP data would also not be included in the published DoD budget request .
On top of that , until two years ago , DoD published its legislative proposals to Congress on the website of the DoD General Counsel .
It doesn ’ t anymore .
As part of a broader retreat from public oversight and accountability , the Pentagon today does not make its legislative proposals easily accessible to the public .
So , the proposal was obtained by Secrecy News , through to March 6th , 2020 .
There is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a section-by-section description of the proposals .
[ both pdf ] Among the notable requests are one that would remove the requirement for the defense secretary to “ notify the Senate and House Armed Services Committees whenever the Secretary establishes or modifies an end-of-quarter strength level ; ” a request for the ability to add an additional 15 general officer billets in the combatant commands and three general officer billets on the Joint Staff , to be filled exclusively by reserve component officers ; and a request to rename the assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-intensity conflict as the assistant secretary of defense for “ Special Operations and Irregular Warfare.
” Seamus Daniels , a budget analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies , said in a tweet that “ DoD ’ s proposal to eliminate the unclassified FYDP severely limits the public ’ s ability to track how strategy aligns with budgets and how program plans change over time .
Serious step backwards in transparency from the department.
” Concerns of the public to the side , this also means that the U.S. either believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has either begun , or it is about to begin .
This is rather justified , as with the COVID-19 crisis , despite originating in China , both Beijing and Moscow have taken the lead in assisting countries and providing aid , while asking for nothing in return , while Washington has been preoccupied with blaming the “ Chinese virus ” and attempting to impose unrealistic expectations and measures .
In addition , Saudi Arabia , a traditional US ally is carrying out an all-out oil price war against Russia , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , as WTI crude oil prices dropped under $ 20 on March 30th .
The US is currently ramping up its “ maximum pressure ” campaign on Iran , despite the EU , Russia and China calling for it to stop sanctioning the country which is one of the most afflicted by the spread of COVID-19 , but to no avail .
So , it could be that the Pentagon has the foresight of seeing which way the wind is starting to blow .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Pentagon Confirms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orders Bases To Stop Public Reporting • Despite Massive Budget , US Air Force Mission-Capable Rates Plummet For 6th Consecutive Year • US Congress Approves Bipartisan Budget Act , Relegating More For Defense Than Everything Else Combined

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The US Department of Defense asked the Congress to allow it to classify the Future Year Defense Program spending projections, according to Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists.
The proposal in its entirety can be found here [pdf].
Preparation of the unclassified FYDP, which provides estimates of defense spending for the next five years, has been required by law since 1989 and has become an integral part of the defense budget process.
It essentially stopped being classified when the Cold War officially ended.
“The Department is concerned that attempting publication of unclassified FYDP data might inadvertently reveal sensitive information,” the Pentagon said in its March 6, 2020 proposal. “With the ready availability of data mining tools and techniques, and the large volume of data on the Department’s operations and resources already available in the public domain, additional unclassified FYDP data, if it were released, potentially allows adversaries to derive sensitive information by compilation about the Department’s weapons development, force structure, and strategic plans.”
Be that as it may, in the view of the Pentagon:
“This proposal would remove the statutory requirement to submit an Unclassified Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) to the Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, the Comptroller General of the United States, and the Congressional Research Service.”
It follows that FYDP data would also not be included in the published DoD budget request.
On top of that, until two years ago, DoD published its legislative proposals to Congress on the website of the DoD General Counsel. It doesn’t anymore.
As part of a broader retreat from public oversight and accountability, the Pentagon today does not make its legislative proposals easily accessible to the public.
So, the proposal was obtained by Secrecy News, through to March 6th, 2020.
There is a present table with specific proposals, as well as a section-by-section description of the proposals. [both pdf]
Among the notable requests are one that would remove the requirement for the defense secretary to “notify the Senate and House Armed Services Committees whenever the Secretary establishes or modifies an end-of-quarter strength level;” a request for the ability to add an additional 15 general officer billets in the combatant commands and three general officer billets on the Joint Staff, to be filled exclusively by reserve component officers; and a request to rename the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict as the assistant secretary of defense for “Special Operations and Irregular Warfare.”
Seamus Daniels, a budget analyst with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said in a tweet that “DoD’s proposal to eliminate the unclassified FYDP severely limits the public’s ability to track how strategy aligns with budgets and how program plans change over time. Serious step backwards in transparency from the department.”
Concerns of the public to the side, this also means that the U.S. either believes that something similar to the Cold War has either begun, or it is about to begin.
This is rather justified, as with the COVID-19 crisis, despite originating in China, both Beijing and Moscow have taken the lead in assisting countries and providing aid, while asking for nothing in return, while Washington has been preoccupied with blaming the “Chinese virus” and attempting to impose unrealistic expectations and measures.
In addition, Saudi Arabia, a traditional US ally is carrying out an all-out oil price war against Russia, which is heavily harming Washington’s interests as well, as WTI crude oil prices dropped under $20 on March 30th.
The US is currently ramping up its “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran, despite the EU, Russia and China calling for it to stop sanctioning the country which is one of the most afflicted by the spread of COVID-19, but to no avail.
So, it could be that the Pentagon has the foresight of seeing which way the wind is starting to blow.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-03-31--Coronavirus Hype: How Far Can Governments Push People Before It Backfires

On March 30th , the US registered a record number of new registered COVID-19 cases – 20,353 , to a total of 163,844 .
It also registered 573 deaths , to a total of 3,156 .
Additionally , New York ’ s Empire State Building lit up in red and white , revolving around the famous needle to resemble the lights that accompany a siren .
The building ’ s owners call the display “ the heartbeat of America.
” In all reality , and judging by videos , it resembles Sauron ’ s tower in Mordor more than anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Comfort arrived in New York City , bringing 1,000 hospital beds to help relieve the city ’ s overwhelmed hospital system amid COVID-19 pandemic .
Both New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio went to greet the ship , which docked on Monday morning at Pier 90 in the West Side of Manhattan .
“ We all watch something absolutely extraordinary , absolutely inspiring as the USNS Comfort enter New York Harbor , coming here to save the lives of New Yorkers in our hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remarks after welcoming the ship .
It will start treating non-COVID-19 patients so as to free up beds in local hospitals which can be focused on fighting the pandemic by establishing more intensive care units , officials have said .
“ We realize at this moment that our nation has heard our plea for help here in New York City .
And there could not be a better example of all of America pulling for New York City than the arrival of the USNS Comfort , ” the mayor added .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the country passed 100,000 total infections , it registered 800 deaths , to a total of 11,591 .
At the same time , it would appear that infection numbers are lowering for a few days in a row , while the deaths remain relatively high , which could potentially mean that the peak of the infection in Italy is nearing , and the situation may begin recovering slowly .
The number of recoveries in Italy grew by 1,590 , up to total 14,620 .
This marked the highest daily increase since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on February 21st , according to Civil Protection Department chief Angelo Borrelli .
In addition to rapidly spreading in the US , Spain is the European country which appears to be far from its peak , with infected numbers rising rapidly each day – on March 30th the new registered cases were 7,846 , to a total of 87,956 , while the new deaths were 913 , to a total of 7,716 .
China , registered no new cases on March 30th , at all .
While on March 31st , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the total sits at 81,518 , with only 2,161 active ones .
It appears Beijing is entering the recovery phase , as Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will roll out more targeted measures to help small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) hit by the COVID-19 outbreak restart production and further develop .
Various industries and enterprises have been affected during the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic , said Xi .
A series of policies have been introduced and will be improved in tandem with the changes of the situation , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rolled out to help SMEs restart production and further develop .
In Russia , the active cases remained 1,836 by the end of the day on March 30th and now cases are yet reported in the early hours of March 31st .
Moscow is on lockdown , with other areas following suit .
Notably , the Moscow authorities created a Telegram channel for the anti-COVID-19 headquarters .
What is of interest is that Telegram is officially blocked in Russia .
This move itself demonstrates that Moscow authorities ( and wider the neo-liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the patriotic part of elites surrounding President Vladimir Putin .
The country ’ s capital ’ s authorities are using an application , blocked by a government decision to disseminate official data .
Since , Russia still has a relatively low number of deaths to COVID-19 , below is a review of those who have succumbed to the disease , and their underlying conditions .
They are as follows : • A man of unknown age , who died in St. Petersburg , and it was discovered that he had COVID-19 due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 84-year-old woman in Moscow , who suffered diabetes mellitus , bronchial asthma and cardiovascular diseases ; • A 48-year-old-man in Vladimir region .
He died on March 27th from pneumonia , he had a chronic illness and was hospitalized into the general department of the hospital in Kovrovo , it was discovered he had COVID-19 in a post-mortem test ; • A 52-year-old man in Pskov , he had severe underlying conditions in his lungs , but also COVID-19 ; • A 90-year-old man in Moscow .
He was suffering from chronic cerebral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 69-year-old woman in Moscow for whom there is no other information ; • A 57-year-old man in Orenburg , who had several chronic conditions ; • 73-year-old man in St. Petersburg , who returned from Thailand on March 1st .
He suffered from several chronic conditions , including coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure , he died of acute heart failure , but had COVID-19 , so he was registered as a victim of the virus ; • 56-year-old woman in Moscow .
One of her lungs had been extracted previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a left-sided pneumonia when admitted to hospital ; • 70-year-old woman in Moscow .
She suffered from diabetes for 20 years , had terminal renal failure and other underlying conditions , she was registered as a COVID-19 victim ; • 88-year-old man in Moscow , with several underlying conditions ; • 73-year-old man in Moscow , also with several underlying conditions ; • 3 76 – 86 years old people in Moscow .
All patients had chronic diseases , in particular cardiovascular .
Chronic pyelonephritis , bronchial asthma , chronic brain ischemia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the patients suffered from diabetes .
• A 65 years old woman in the Moscow region .
She had diabetes mellitus , cardiovascular diseases and suffered a heart attack in 2019 .
First of all , this starts reminding strongly of the statistics of the deaths in Italy and other countries , with more men dying , and people with various ( severe and mild ) underlying conditions , who were exacerbated by COVID-19 , or were simply above the life expectancy and with terminal conditions , but happened to have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by researchers at Imperial College London , estimated that the potential impact of interventions in 11 European countries to counter the coronavirus pandemic – including school closures and national lockdowns – likely prevented up to 120,000 deaths .
However , they add that the estimated proportion of people to have been infected with the virus may only be between 2 to 12 % of the population ( 2.7 % in the UK ) .
That means , according to the analysis , between 7 and 43 million people have been infected with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donnelly , Professor of Statistical Epidemiology within the School of Public Health , said : Good news regarding measures aside , that means if the total infected rate doesn ’ t sit at above 700,00 but between 7 and 43 million ( which is a gigantic margin ) , it would mean that the fatality rate of the disease is astronomically low .
And it would also mean that the severe measures , justified or not , are a sort of large-scale “ sociological experiment ” which aims to see how much repression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a vague justification , and how politicized could the entire situation be .
It could potentially also show how far people can be pushed before there ’ s riots on the streets , and the lack of “ entertainment ” leads to people finding ways to “ entertain ” themselves .
As it has been proven time and again , mob mentality dictates that “ entertainment ” usually means decapitating the elite .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Trump : Russia Sent ‘ Very , Very Large Planeload ’ Of Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On COVID-19 • Pentagon Confirms Over 1,000 COVID-19 Cases Among Military , Orders Bases To Stop Public Reporting • How Did The “ Three Little Piglets ” Prepare For The “ Wolf ” : Russia , U.S. , China ’ s Response To COVID-19

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On March 30th, the US registered a record number of new registered COVID-19 cases – 20,353, to a total of 163,844.
It also registered 573 deaths, to a total of 3,156.
Additionally, New York’s Empire State Building lit up in red and white, revolving around the famous needle to resemble the lights that accompany a siren. The building’s owners call the display “the heartbeat of America.”
[2/2] At 9PM, NYC’s theme song will play in our lights with our @iheartradio @aliciakeys #EmpireStateofMind music-to-light show, with the song playing simultaneously on @z100Newyork’s @ElvisduranShow. — Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) March 30, 2020
In all reality, and judging by videos, it resembles Sauron’s tower in Mordor more than anything.
The US Navy Ship (USNS) Comfort arrived in New York City, bringing 1,000 hospital beds to help relieve the city’s overwhelmed hospital system amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Both New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio went to greet the ship, which docked on Monday morning at Pier 90 in the West Side of Manhattan.
“We all watch something absolutely extraordinary, absolutely inspiring as the USNS Comfort enter New York Harbor, coming here to save the lives of New Yorkers in our hour of need, ” de Blasio made the remarks after welcoming the ship. It will start treating non-COVID-19 patients so as to free up beds in local hospitals which can be focused on fighting the pandemic by establishing more intensive care units, officials have said. “We realize at this moment that our nation has heard our plea for help here in New York City. And there could not be a better example of all of America pulling for New York City than the arrival of the USNS Comfort,” the mayor added.
In Italy, 4,050 new cases were registered, and the country passed 100,000 total infections, it registered 800 deaths, to a total of 11,591.
At the same time, it would appear that infection numbers are lowering for a few days in a row, while the deaths remain relatively high, which could potentially mean that the peak of the infection in Italy is nearing, and the situation may begin recovering slowly.
The number of recoveries in Italy grew by 1,590, up to total 14,620. This marked the highest daily increase since the pandemic broke out in northern Italy on February 21st, according to Civil Protection Department chief Angelo Borrelli.
In addition to rapidly spreading in the US, Spain is the European country which appears to be far from its peak, with infected numbers rising rapidly each day – on March 30th the new registered cases were 7,846, to a total of 87,956, while the new deaths were 913, to a total of 7,716.
China, registered no new cases on March 30th, at all. While on March 31st, it has registered 79 new ones so far, the total sits at 81,518, with only 2,161 active ones.
It appears Beijing is entering the recovery phase, as Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will roll out more targeted measures to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hit by the COVID-19 outbreak restart production and further develop.
Various industries and enterprises have been affected during the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, said Xi.
A series of policies have been introduced and will be improved in tandem with the changes of the situation, said Xi, adding more targeted measures will be rolled out to help SMEs restart production and further develop.
“We need to rise to the challenges. With the support of the Party and the government, we must stick together through thick and thin to overcome the difficulties,” Xi stressed.
In Russia, the active cases remained 1,836 by the end of the day on March 30th and now cases are yet reported in the early hours of March 31st.
Moscow is on lockdown, with other areas following suit.
Notably, the Moscow authorities created a Telegram channel for the anti-COVID-19 headquarters. What is of interest is that Telegram is officially blocked in Russia. This move itself demonstrates that Moscow authorities (and wider the neo-liberal part of elites) toss a challenge to the patriotic part of elites surrounding President Vladimir Putin. The country’s capital’s authorities are using an application, blocked by a government decision to disseminate official data.
Since, Russia still has a relatively low number of deaths to COVID-19, below is a review of those who have succumbed to the disease, and their underlying conditions.
They are as follows:
A man of unknown age, who died in St. Petersburg, and it was discovered that he had COVID-19 due to a post-mortem test;
An 84-year-old woman in Moscow, who suffered diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma and cardiovascular diseases;
A 48-year-old-man in Vladimir region. He died on March 27 th from pneumonia, he had a chronic illness and was hospitalized into the general department of the hospital in Kovrovo, it was discovered he had COVID-19 in a post-mortem test;
from pneumonia, he had a chronic illness and was hospitalized into the general department of the hospital in Kovrovo, it was discovered he had COVID-19 in a post-mortem test; A 52-year-old man in Pskov, he had severe underlying conditions in his lungs, but also COVID-19;
A 90-year-old man in Moscow. He was suffering from chronic cerebral ischemia, encephalopathy and parkinsonism;
A 69-year-old woman in Moscow for whom there is no other information;
A 57-year-old man in Orenburg, who had several chronic conditions;
73-year-old man in St. Petersburg, who returned from Thailand on March 1 st . He suffered from several chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure, he died of acute heart failure, but had COVID-19, so he was registered as a victim of the virus;
. He suffered from several chronic conditions, including coronary heart disease and chronic heart failure, he died of acute heart failure, but had COVID-19, so he was registered as a victim of the virus; 56-year-old woman in Moscow. One of her lungs had been extracted previously due to cancer, she was confirmed with a left-sided pneumonia when admitted to hospital;
70-year-old woman in Moscow. She suffered from diabetes for 20 years, had terminal renal failure and other underlying conditions, she was registered as a COVID-19 victim;
88-year-old man in Moscow, with several underlying conditions;
73-year-old man in Moscow, also with several underlying conditions;
A 75 year-old male in Penza with numerous chronic diseases;
3 76 – 86 years old people in Moscow. All patients had chronic diseases, in particular cardiovascular. Chronic pyelonephritis, bronchial asthma, chronic brain ischemia were also among concomitant diseases. Two of the patients suffered from diabetes.
A 65 years old woman in the Moscow region. She had diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and suffered a heart attack in 2019.
First of all, this starts reminding strongly of the statistics of the deaths in Italy and other countries, with more men dying, and people with various (severe and mild) underlying conditions, who were exacerbated by COVID-19, or were simply above the life expectancy and with terminal conditions, but happened to have the virus.
Separately, a new analysis by researchers at Imperial College London, estimated that the potential impact of interventions in 11 European countries to counter the coronavirus pandemic – including school closures and national lockdowns – likely prevented up to 120,000 deaths.
However, they add that the estimated proportion of people to have been infected with the virus may only be between 2 to 12% of the population (2.7% in the UK). That means, according to the analysis, between 7 and 43 million people have been infected with the coronavirus by March 28th.
Professor Christl Donnelly, Professor of Statistical Epidemiology within the School of Public Health, said:
“Europeans, like many people elsewhere, have changed their lives profoundly in recent weeks. This report makes clear early evidence of the benefits of these social distancing measures. By keeping our distance from each other, we limit the opportunities for the virus to spread and reduce the risks of illness and even death among those around us.”
Professor Neil Ferguson, Director of J-IDEA at Imperial, added:
“This analysis show that the interventions European countries have put in place have significantly slowed the spread of COVID-19. However, it is not yet clear whether or how quickly these measures will cause the numbers of new cases to decline. Data collected in the next two weeks will be crucial to refining our assessment of this key point.”
Good news regarding measures aside, that means if the total infected rate doesn’t sit at above 700,00 but between 7 and 43 million (which is a gigantic margin), it would mean that the fatality rate of the disease is astronomically low.
And it would also mean that the severe measures, justified or not, are a sort of large-scale “sociological experiment” which aims to see how much repression would people be willing to accept, for a vague justification, and how politicized could the entire situation be. It could potentially also show how far people can be pushed before there’s riots on the streets, and the lack of “entertainment” leads to people finding ways to “entertain” themselves. As it has been proven time and again, mob mentality dictates that “entertainment” usually means decapitating the elite.
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southfront--2020-03-31--The Swedish Alternative: Coronavirus as a Grand Gamble

As draconian lockdowns , punitive regimes and surveillance become the norm of the coronavirus world , Sweden has treaded more softly in the field .
This is certainly in contrast to its Scandinavian cousins , Denmark and Norway .
The rudiments of a life uninterrupted generally remain in place .
Cafes , restaurants and shops , for the most part , remain open and stocked .
As do gyms and cinemas .
Vibrant after-ski parties persist , much to the bemused horror of those across the border .
Prime Minister Stefan Löfven , embracing the principle of voluntariness over coercion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep travel down to a minimum , avoiding anything non-essential .
The traditional age group – those over 70 – have been told to mind their movements and stay at home .
In the prime minister ’ s words during a televised speech , “ Us adults need to be exactly that : adults .
Not spread panic or rumours .
No one is alone in this crisis , but each person carries a heavy responsibility.
” Despite all of this , Sweden ’ s authorities show that they do have a foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with slow motion caution .
Gatherings used to be limited to 500 – that confidently embraced number has now been reduced to 50 , a measure that will be policed .
Bars can only provide table service .
Colleges and universities have moved to a virtual format in line with recommendations issued on March 18 .
But the Public Health Agency exerts a powerful influence , insisting that a lockdown is simply unwarranted .
Local sports tournaments and matches required no cancellations – exercise and sports were healthy initiatives .
Organisers of events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk assessment and providing information “ about good hand hygiene , and access to hand washing facilities for all participants.
” The focus , rather , is on individual initiative , minimising instances of transmission while herd immunity builds up , or a vaccine is found .
If over 70 , avoid using public transport , shopping in supermarkets , visiting areas of congregation .
“ Instead , ask friends , family or neighbours to do your shopping etc.
” Work from home , if you can .
“ This is to decrease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people needing hospital care.
” Central to such recommendations is a modelling game .
As with all such games , risks abound .
The go-easy approach has certainly caused little alarm in the country ; if anything , it has given the Social Democrats a hearty boost .
The wisdom of authorities is generally taken for granted , suggesting the customary , even awesome power of the Swedish civil service .
The eggheads remain in charge .
The Swedish example shows a differing approach to measurement , which invariably involves looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franks and Peter Nilsson , both epidemiologists based at Lund University , suggest that the government is gambling on simulations made by the public health authorities on “ surge requirements ” .
“ From these simulations , it is clear that the Swedish government anticipates far few hospitalisations per 100,000 of the population than predicted in other countries , including Norway , Denmark and the UK.
” The observations by Franks and Nilsson are filled with characteristic scientific caution .
Which modelling do you go for ?
Using British variants suggests a higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities seem to be holding to the point that most infected people will have no symptoms , leaving one in five requiring a stint in hospital .
And Britain is not Sweden .
We are left with the treacherous nature of public health modelling .
COVID-19 prediction models , for instance , tend to rely on the examples in China and Italy , furthering upon data gathered from previous Ebola outbreaks , SARS and MERS .
This brings the old question of demography into play , and the need to gather evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this is sketchy in Sweden ) .
An inescapable fact is that Sweden has one major metropolitan area , so any accurate modelling would require material specific to that .
Ways of interaction between generations would also have to be considered .
In Sweden , less intergenerational conduct would lessen the risk to the elderly .
More than half of Sweden ’ s households consist of one person , another telling factor .
The data does not tend to focus on hospital admissions and fatalities , a point stressed by Franks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to be a ‘ poor man ’ s estimate ’ of community transmission , providing approximately how many fatalities occur among those infected.
” The accuracy of this is somewhat compromised by the two-week period between diagnosis and the mortality , a “ very blunt instrument ” indeed .
The numbers of COVID-19 cases in Sweden have not been negligible .
From the first recorded case on February 4 , 2020 , the total , as of March 30 , 2020 , stands at 4,028 .
Deaths come in at 146 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Somali community located in less commodious quarters with extended families .
Despite the highest death toll of the Nordic countries , state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell is supremely confident that the “ strategy ” has worked well , with Sweden showing a relatively flat curve of infection relative to Italy and Spain .
“ We want to slow down the epidemic until Sweden experiences a sort of peak , and if the peak is not too dramatic we can continue.
” A large number of citizens , bearing their heavy responsibility , have chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims a fall of 50 percent in the number of commuters .
Schools might be open , but many parents are keeping their children at home .
Remote and work-from-home options have been embraced by companies with gusto .
The warning calls , while not shrill , are in evidence .
An epidemiological battle is taking shape , though it remains one dominated by parrying disagreements of expertise .
Britain ’ s chief scientific advisor Sir Patrick Vallance has much praise for the approach , having made similar suggestions to UK Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” phase of discussions .
In contrast , a petition featuring over 2,000 doctors , scientists and academics , which boast among its numbers the chairman of the Nobel Foundation , Prof Carl-Henrik Heldin , has called for more aggressive measures .
“ It is risky to leave it to people to decide what to do without any restrictions , ” opines a paternalistic Joacim Rocklöv , an epidemiologist based at Umeå University .
“ As can be seen from other countries this is a serious disease , and Sweden is no different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based at the Karolinska Institute , has not held back in her views , claiming with some punchiness that the government has committed all the big no-nos in responding to a pandemic .
“ We ’ re not testing enough , we ’ re not tracking , we ’ re not isolating enough – we have let the virus loose.
” In so doing , Sweden had been placed on the path to catastrophe .
To avoid a lockdown , a mass-testing approach as adopted by South Korea would have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stacks up .
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College , Cambridge .
He lectures at RMIT University , Melbourne .
Email : bkampmark @ gmail.com

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Submitted by Dr. Binoy Kampmark
As draconian lockdowns, punitive regimes and surveillance become the norm of the coronavirus world, Sweden has treaded more softly in the field. This is certainly in contrast to its Scandinavian cousins, Denmark and Norway. The rudiments of a life uninterrupted generally remain in place. Cafes, restaurants and shops, for the most part, remain open and stocked. As do gyms and cinemas. Vibrant after-ski parties persist, much to the bemused horror of those across the border.
Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, embracing the principle of voluntariness over coercion, has issued warnings to citizens to keep travel down to a minimum, avoiding anything non-essential. The traditional age group – those over 70 – have been told to mind their movements and stay at home. In the prime minister’s words during a televised speech, “Us adults need to be exactly that: adults. Not spread panic or rumours. No one is alone in this crisis, but each person carries a heavy responsibility.”
Despite all of this, Sweden’s authorities show that they do have a foot on the brake, albeit one applied with slow motion caution. Gatherings used to be limited to 500 – that confidently embraced number has now been reduced to 50, a measure that will be policed. Bars can only provide table service. Colleges and universities have moved to a virtual format in line with recommendations issued on March 18.
But the Public Health Agency exerts a powerful influence, insisting that a lockdown is simply unwarranted. Local sports tournaments and matches required no cancellations – exercise and sports were healthy initiatives. Organisers of events and seminars were responsible for conducting a risk assessment and providing information “about good hand hygiene, and access to hand washing facilities for all participants.”
The focus, rather, is on individual initiative, minimising instances of transmission while herd immunity builds up, or a vaccine is found. If over 70, avoid using public transport, shopping in supermarkets, visiting areas of congregation. “Instead, ask friends, family or neighbours to do your shopping etc.” Work from home, if you can. “This is to decrease the speed of transmission and the number of people needing hospital care.”
Central to such recommendations is a modelling game. As with all such games, risks abound. The go-easy approach has certainly caused little alarm in the country; if anything, it has given the Social Democrats a hearty boost. The wisdom of authorities is generally taken for granted, suggesting the customary, even awesome power of the Swedish civil service. The eggheads remain in charge.
The Swedish example shows a differing approach to measurement, which invariably involves looking at a crystal ball of sorts. Paul Franks and Peter Nilsson, both epidemiologists based at Lund University, suggest that the government is gambling on simulations made by the public health authorities on “surge requirements”. “From these simulations, it is clear that the Swedish government anticipates far few hospitalisations per 100,000 of the population than predicted in other countries, including Norway, Denmark and the UK.”
The observations by Franks and Nilsson are filled with characteristic scientific caution. Which modelling do you go for? Using British variants suggests a higher death toll for Sweden, though the authorities seem to be holding to the point that most infected people will have no symptoms, leaving one in five requiring a stint in hospital. And Britain is not Sweden.
We are left with the treacherous nature of public health modelling. COVID-19 prediction models, for instance, tend to rely on the examples in China and Italy, furthering upon data gathered from previous Ebola outbreaks, SARS and MERS. This brings the old question of demography into play, and the need to gather evidence of community transmission (so far, material on this is sketchy in Sweden). An inescapable fact is that Sweden has one major metropolitan area, so any accurate modelling would require material specific to that. Ways of interaction between generations would also have to be considered. In Sweden, less intergenerational conduct would lessen the risk to the elderly. More than half of Sweden’s households consist of one person, another telling factor.
The data does not tend to focus on hospital admissions and fatalities, a point stressed by Franks and Nilsson. “This latter can be used to be a ‘poor man’s estimate’ of community transmission, providing approximately how many fatalities occur among those infected.” The accuracy of this is somewhat compromised by the two-week period between diagnosis and the mortality, a “very blunt instrument” indeed.
The numbers of COVID-19 cases in Sweden have not been negligible. From the first recorded case on February 4, 2020, the total, as of March 30, 2020, stands at 4,028. Deaths come in at 146, though a disproportionate number come from a Somali community located in less commodious quarters with extended families.
Despite the highest death toll of the Nordic countries, state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell is supremely confident that the “strategy” has worked well, with Sweden showing a relatively flat curve of infection relative to Italy and Spain. “We want to slow down the epidemic until Sweden experiences a sort of peak, and if the peak is not too dramatic we can continue.”
A large number of citizens, bearing their heavy responsibility, have chosen to avoid public transport – Storstockholms Lokaltrafik claims a fall of 50 percent in the number of commuters. Schools might be open, but many parents are keeping their children at home. Remote and work-from-home options have been embraced by companies with gusto.
The warning calls, while not shrill, are in evidence. An epidemiological battle is taking shape, though it remains one dominated by parrying disagreements of expertise. Britain’s chief scientific advisor Sir Patrick Vallance has much praise for the approach, having made similar suggestions to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the “herd immunity” phase of discussions. In contrast, a petition featuring over 2,000 doctors, scientists and academics, which boast among its numbers the chairman of the Nobel Foundation, Prof Carl-Henrik Heldin, has called for more aggressive measures. “It is risky to leave it to people to decide what to do without any restrictions,” opines a paternalistic Joacim Rocklöv, an epidemiologist based at Umeå University. “As can be seen from other countries this is a serious disease, and Sweden is no different than other countries.”
Virologist Cecilia Söderberg-Nauclér, based at the Karolinska Institute, has not held back in her views, claiming with some punchiness that the government has committed all the big no-nos in responding to a pandemic. “We’re not testing enough, we’re not tracking, we’re not isolating enough – we have let the virus loose.” In so doing, Sweden had been placed on the path to catastrophe. To avoid a lockdown, a mass-testing approach as adopted by South Korea would have to be adopted. Time will tell which one stacks up.
Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He lectures at RMIT University, Melbourne. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com
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southfront--2020-03-31--In Video: Libyan Troops Capture Turkish-made ACV-15 Armoured Combat Vehicle In Tripoli

Turkish proxies continue sufferng setbacks in the battle agains the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) near Tripoli .
According @ @ @ @ @ pro-LNA sources , LNA troops captured at least one Turkish-made ACV-15 armoured combat vehicle in @ @ @ @ @ say that two vehicles were captured , but the video evidence to confirm the second @ @ @ @ @ released .
Earlier , LNA forces shot down a Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drone in @ @ @ @ @ ON THE TOPIC : • Made In Turkey , Destroyed In Libya .
Another Bayraktar @ @ @ @ @ Photos , Videos )

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Turkish proxies continue sufferng setbacks in the battle agains the Libyan National Army (LNA) near Tripoli. According to a video released by pro-LNA sources, LNA troops captured at least one Turkish-made ACV-15 armoured combat vehicle in the recent clashes. Reports say that two vehicles were captured, but the video evidence to confirm the second one is yet to be released.
Earlier, LNA forces shot down a Turkish Bayraktar TB2 combat drone in the same area.
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