tass--2020-04-20--Russia’s coronavirus death rate lower than in other states, says expert

`` It is a significant achievement that the number of fatalities [ among coronavirus patients ] in relation to the overall number of patients is much lower than in other countries , '' he told a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the epidemiological situation in the country .
MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
Judging by the number of coronavirus infections by every 100,000 people , Russia ranks at 64th place in the world .
The death rate is also much lower in Russia than in other countries , expert of the Russian consumer watchdog Viktor Maleyev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia is currently placed 64th in the list if counted by the number of infections by 100,000 people .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"It is a significant achievement that the number of fatalities [among coronavirus patients] in relation to the overall number of patients is much lower than in other countries," he told a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the epidemiological situation in the country.
MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. Judging by the number of coronavirus infections by every 100,000 people, Russia ranks at 64th place in the world. The death rate is also much lower in Russia than in other countries, expert of the Russian consumer watchdog Viktor Maleyev said Monday.
Maleyev also noted that Russia is currently placed 64th in the list if counted by the number of infections by 100,000 people.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,414,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 165,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 629,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-20--Clinical trial of Russia’s anti-coronavirus vaccine to begin on June 1

Putin says coronavirus epidemic keeps spreading , but Russia managed to contain it MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The clinical trial of the Russian Health Ministry ’ s vaccine against the coronavirus is set for June 1 , Director of the Gamaleya National Epidemiology and Microbiology Research Center Alexander Gintsburg told a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` As for those figures that we will hear now , I ask you to consider them as preliminary rather than final figures .
It ’ s clear that they can change .
< ... > By May 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be completed and clinical trials will be launched on June 1 , '' he said .
Gintsburg thanked Putin for the possibility to carry out both clinical and preclinical trials simultaneously since this significantly steps up the work .
Under a favorable scenario , the vaccine could be registered by June 15 .
As of now , a facility certified by GNP and the Ministry of Industry and Trade , part of the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology , will be able to produce nearly 60,000 doses of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

Putin says coronavirus epidemic keeps spreading, but Russia managed to contain it
MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. The clinical trial of the Russian Health Ministry’s vaccine against the coronavirus is set for June 1, Director of the Gamaleya National Epidemiology and Microbiology Research Center Alexander Gintsburg told a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"As for those figures that we will hear now, I ask you to consider them as preliminary rather than final figures. It’s clear that they can change. <...> By May 31, a whole range of preclinical studies will be completed and clinical trials will be launched on June 1," he said.
Gintsburg thanked Putin for the possibility to carry out both clinical and preclinical trials simultaneously since this significantly steps up the work. Under a favorable scenario, the vaccine could be registered by June 15.
As of now, a facility certified by GNP and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, part of the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, will be able to produce nearly 60,000 doses of this medicine, he noted.
To date, a total of 47,121 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,446 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 405 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-20--Moscow City Court rejects plea to clear US embassy doctor to see US citizen Whelan

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Moscow City Court has refused to grant access to a doctor from the US embassy to US citizen Paul Whelan who is currently in custody on charge of spying against Russia , Whelan ’ s defense attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov told TASS .
`` The court ruled that Russian doctors had provided all the quality care he needed and he can always seek Russian medical help if need be , '' Zherebenkov said .
Whelan , who suffers from inguinal hernia , earlier asked to be seen by an American doctor .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform a surgery but Whelan refused .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , is a global security chief at BorgWarner , a Michigan-based automotive components company .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) said Whelan was detained on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of anywhere from 10 to 20 years behind bars .
Whelan pleads not guilty , while his defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fabricated .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. The Moscow City Court has refused to grant access to a doctor from the US embassy to US citizen Paul Whelan who is currently in custody on charge of spying against Russia, Whelan’s defense attorney Vladimir Zherebenkov told TASS.
"The court ruled that Russian doctors had provided all the quality care he needed and he can always seek Russian medical help if need be," Zherebenkov said. Whelan, who suffers from inguinal hernia, earlier asked to be seen by an American doctor. Russian doctors, in turn, offered to perform a surgery but Whelan refused.
US citizen Paul Whelan, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, is a global security chief at BorgWarner, a Michigan-based automotive components company. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Whelan was detained on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission. A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a punishment of anywhere from 10 to 20 years behind bars.
Whelan pleads not guilty, while his defense team claims that the case against him was fabricated.


tass--2020-04-20--New support measures for people and economy to get into gear as soon as possible — PM

MOSCOW , April 20 .
/TASS/ .
The legal framework for the implementation of new measures to support people and @ @ @ @ @ should be introduced as quickly as possible , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at @ @ @ @ @ ministers on Monday .
`` I ask you to complete preparation of the necessary regulatory @ @ @ @ @ so that the new standards become operational in the interests of citizens and the economy @ @ @ @ @ , enhancing the effect of the previously taken measures , '' Mishustin said .
He @ @ @ @ @ include amendments to the Tax Code , exempting additional payments to doctors involved in the @ @ @ @ @ income tax .
In addition , amendments were made to the Budgetary Code , giving @ @ @ @ @ provide loans to each other and distribute federal funds allocated to the fight against coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ in the process of public procurement '' was also revised , Mishustin said .

MOSCOW, April 20. /TASS/. The legal framework for the implementation of new measures to support people and the economy amid the pandemic should be introduced as quickly as possible, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting with deputy prime ministers on Monday.
"I ask you to complete preparation of the necessary regulatory framework as quickly as possible so that the new standards become operational in the interests of citizens and the economy within the shortest time possible, enhancing the effect of the previously taken measures," Mishustin said.
He recalled that the adopted bills include amendments to the Tax Code, exempting additional payments to doctors involved in the fight against coronavirus from personal income tax. In addition, amendments were made to the Budgetary Code, giving the regions the opportunity to provide loans to each other and distribute federal funds allocated to the fight against coronavirus. "Redundant red tape in the process of public procurement" was also revised, Mishustin said.


tass--2020-04-20--Seegene exported 10 Million COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests to Over 60 countries

SEOUL , South Korea , April 20 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene , Inc. , the leading multiplex diagnostic assay developer , today announced that the company has exported over 10 million tests of Allplex™ 2019-nCoV Assay to over 60 countries , which accounts for a significant portion of globally performed COVID-19 test numbers .
Seegene 's proactive decision to develop COVID-19 test kit with the capability of rapid assay development using its proprietary AI-based big data system allowed many countries to quickly expand the testing capacity , as the virus started swamping all across the globe .
The demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it gained reputation for its high quality and efficiency .
The test has a unique feature that identifies 3 different target genes ( E , RdRP and N genes ) in a single reaction tube using its own multiplex chemistry technologies , which allows for highly accurate results and maximizes the throughput for high volume testing .
Combined with its automated system and advanced software , Seegene assay is globally proven to be effective in high volume testing which is the key component in controlling outbreak situations .
Seegene currently exports over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company will reach its manufacturing capacity over 20 million tests in May , and continue to scale up its production to fulfill the unmet and increasing demand from all over the world .
`` We have been taking on new challenges every day to keep up with the global need , as we continue to face unexpected issues in the process of explosive increase in production and exports .
I am extremely proud of what we have been able to contribute to this fight against the virus and of the fact that our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a part in this important fight , '' said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun , CEO of Seegene .
Seegene also teamed up with its affiliate , Seegene Medical Foundation ( SGMF ) , the reference laboratory in Korea with the largest capacity for COVID-19 testing of up to 15,000 a day , to help countries in need for additional testing capacity .
SGMF can report results in 24 hours upon the receipt of the samples from overseas .
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc all around the globe , Seegene and SGMF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing the much needed tests and testing capacity .
Seegene ( KQ : 096530 ) is a global pioneer in symptom-based in vitro molecular diagnostics focusing on advancing science to develop multiplex molecular technologies and to manufacture multiplex in vitro diagnostic devices and reagents .
Seegene 's core enabling power is the passion for wide spreading of multiplex molecular diagnostics to improve the quality of life and health of people .
Using its innovative proprietary technologies , Seegene has been making considerable contributions to giving the most economic and clinic-friendly molecular diagnostic solutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and oncology .
For more information , please visit www.seegene.com .
CONTACT : Joon Kim , +82-2-2240-4081 , kjh8363 @ seegene.com ; Jisoo Lee , +82-2-2240-4025 , jislee @ seegene.com

SEOUL, South Korea, April 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Seegene, Inc., the leading multiplex diagnostic assay developer, today announced that the company has exported over 10 million tests of Allplex™ 2019-nCoV Assay to over 60 countries, which accounts for a significant portion of globally performed COVID-19 test numbers.
Seegene's proactive decision to develop COVID-19 test kit with the capability of rapid assay development using its proprietary AI-based big data system allowed many countries to quickly expand the testing capacity, as the virus started swamping all across the globe.
The demand for Seegene's assay continues to rise as it gained reputation for its high quality and efficiency. The test has a unique feature that identifies 3 different target genes (E, RdRP and N genes) in a single reaction tube using its own multiplex chemistry technologies, which allows for highly accurate results and maximizes the throughput for high volume testing. Combined with its automated system and advanced software, Seegene assay is globally proven to be effective in high volume testing which is the key component in controlling outbreak situations.
Seegene currently exports over 3 million tests a week. The company will reach its manufacturing capacity over 20 million tests in May, and continue to scale up its production to fulfill the unmet and increasing demand from all over the world.
"We have been taking on new challenges every day to keep up with the global need, as we continue to face unexpected issues in the process of explosive increase in production and exports. I am extremely proud of what we have been able to contribute to this fight against the virus and of the fact that our cutting edge molecular diagnostic technologies have played a part in this important fight," said Dr. Jong-Yoon Chun, CEO of Seegene.
Seegene also teamed up with its affiliate, Seegene Medical Foundation (SGMF), the reference laboratory in Korea with the largest capacity for COVID-19 testing of up to 15,000 a day, to help countries in need for additional testing capacity. SGMF can report results in 24 hours upon the receipt of the samples from overseas. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc all around the globe, Seegene and SGMF are ready to do their part in providing the much needed tests and testing capacity.
About Seegene
Seegene (KQ : 096530) is a global pioneer in symptom-based in vitro molecular diagnostics focusing on advancing science to develop multiplex molecular technologies and to manufacture multiplex in vitro diagnostic devices and reagents. Seegene's core enabling power is the passion for wide spreading of multiplex molecular diagnostics to improve the quality of life and health of people. Using its innovative proprietary technologies, Seegene has been making considerable contributions to giving the most economic and clinic-friendly molecular diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases, genetics, pharmacogenetics, and oncology. For more information, please visit www.seegene.com.
CONTACT: Joon Kim, +82-2-2240-4081, kjh8363@seegene.com; Jisoo Lee, +82-2-2240-4025, jislee@seegene.com


tass--2020-04-21--Russian, Turkish servicemen conduct fifth joint patrol mission along M4 highway in Syria

SARAQIB /Syria/ .
April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted the fifth joint patrol mission along the M4 highway linking the cities of Aleppo and Latakia in Syria ’ s Idlib governorate , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria said on Tuesday .
The mission was conducted under the agreements between the Russian and Turkish presidents of March 5 .
`` The Russian side used two BTR-82A personnel carriers and a Tigr armored car .
The joint Russian-Turkish convoy was backed by unmanned aerial vehicles of the Russian aerospace forces , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was controlled by the Joint Coordinating Center .
The first Russian-Turkish patrol mission along this section of the M4 highway in the Idlib de-escalation zone was conducted on March 15 .
Such missions were further conducted on March 23 , April 8 , and April 15 .
The M4 highway is a major transport corridor linking Syria ’ s economic capital Aleppo with the country ’ s main port city of Latakia .
Joint patrolling of the 12-kilometer zone along the highway is geared to ensure safe passage for civilian population and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that was severely damaged by militants .
Russian and Turkish Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan , held talks in Moscow on March 5 to agree a ceasefire and a number of other measures to settle the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib governorate .
Under the agreements , hostilities are to be stopped along the entire contact line along with the enforcement of a ceasefire on March 6 .
Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling along the M4 highway from March 15 to ensure a security corridor .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s sovereignty and agreed to continue fight against terrorism .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

SARAQIB /Syria/. April 21. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted the fifth joint patrol mission along the M4 highway linking the cities of Aleppo and Latakia in Syria’s Idlib governorate, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria said on Tuesday.
The mission was conducted under the agreements between the Russian and Turkish presidents of March 5.
"The Russian side used two BTR-82A personnel carriers and a Tigr armored car. The joint Russian-Turkish convoy was backed by unmanned aerial vehicles of the Russian aerospace forces," it said, adding that the mission was controlled by the Joint Coordinating Center.
The first Russian-Turkish patrol mission along this section of the M4 highway in the Idlib de-escalation zone was conducted on March 15. Such missions were further conducted on March 23, April 8, and April 15.
The M4 highway is a major transport corridor linking Syria’s economic capital Aleppo with the country’s main port city of Latakia. Joint patrolling of the 12-kilometer zone along the highway is geared to ensure safe passage for civilian population and to facilitate reconstruction of the city of Aleppo that was severely damaged by militants.
Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held talks in Moscow on March 5 to agree a ceasefire and a number of other measures to settle the situation in Syria’s Idlib governorate. Under the agreements, hostilities are to be stopped along the entire contact line along with the enforcement of a ceasefire on March 6. Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling along the M4 highway from March 15 to ensure a security corridor. Moscow and Ankara reiterated commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and agreed to continue fight against terrorism.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-04-21--About 100 journalists in Russia have coronavirus infection, one died

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
About 100 Russian journalists have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection and around 500 are under quarantine or in self-isolation , Russian Deputy Communications Minister Alexei Volin said on Tuesday .
`` Journalists are also in a risk group .
We a keeping a close eye on what is happening to our colleagues .
According to the latest updates we have , about a hundred of journalists have by now been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection .
About 500 people are under quarantine of in self-isolation .
Regrettably , one of journalists has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He noted that the situation around the coronavirus epidemic tells on the sector very much , forcing to change the formats of tele-and radio-broadcasting .
`` Newscasts tend to replace entertainment shows .
News formats are is much demand now , '' he added .
To date , a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. About 100 Russian journalists have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection and around 500 are under quarantine or in self-isolation, Russian Deputy Communications Minister Alexei Volin said on Tuesday.
"Journalists are also in a risk group. We a keeping a close eye on what is happening to our colleagues. According to the latest updates we have, about a hundred of journalists have by now been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection. About 500 people are under quarantine of in self-isolation. Regrettably, one of journalists has recently died in Moscow," he said.
He noted that the situation around the coronavirus epidemic tells on the sector very much, forcing to change the formats of tele-and radio-broadcasting. "Newscasts tend to replace entertainment shows. News formats are is much demand now," he added.
To date, a total of 52,763 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 3,873 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 456 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-21--Kremlin waiting for official statement about Kim Jong-un’s health

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin has no information if media rumors about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ’ s health have anything to do with the reality , Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Tuesday .
`` We ’ ve seen the media reports .
We have no idea to what extent these reports agree with the reality .
We are waiting for official information , '' Peskov said .
Earlier the television network CNN quoted a source in the US administration as saying the United States was studying intelligence reports the North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an alleged surgery .
No confirmation was provided .
The South Korean authorities said they had no information indicating that Kim might have health problems .
The Chinese Foreign Ministry , too , doubts the accuracy of information from the CNN source .
On April 16 , the Korean Central News Agency said Kim one day earlier was for the first time in many years absent from a special ceremony on the occasion of the 108th anniversary of the birth of his grandfather and founder of the Democratic People ’ s Republic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not been seen in public since April 11 , when he chaired a meeting of the Politbureau of the Workers ’ Party of Korea on foreign policy matters .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The Kremlin has no information if media rumors about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s health have anything to do with the reality, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the media on Tuesday.
"We’ve seen the media reports. We have no idea to what extent these reports agree with the reality. We are waiting for official information," Peskov said.
Earlier the television network CNN quoted a source in the US administration as saying the United States was studying intelligence reports the North Korean leader was experiencing health problems after an alleged surgery. No confirmation was provided. The South Korean authorities said they had no information indicating that Kim might have health problems. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, too, doubts the accuracy of information from the CNN source.
On April 16, the Korean Central News Agency said Kim one day earlier was for the first time in many years absent from a special ceremony on the occasion of the 108th anniversary of the birth of his grandfather and founder of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Il-sung. Kim Jong-un has not been seen in public since April 11, when he chaired a meeting of the Politbureau of the Workers’ Party of Korea on foreign policy matters.


tass--2020-04-21--About 1,300 coronavirus cases confirmed in Iran in 24 hours

According to Jahanpur , 88 people have died over the past 24 hours , the total number of fatalities stands at 5,297 .
`` The number of new coronavirus cases in the country has amounted to 1,297 , while the total number of infected people has reached 84,802 , '' ISNA News Agency quotes him as saying .
TEHRAN , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Another 1,297 novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in Iran over the past 24 hours , the total number of infected people has amounted to almost 85,000 , Spokesman for Iran ’ s Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
A total of 60,960 people have recovered by now , he noted , adding that 365,723 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country .
In recent weeks , a downward trend in the number of new cases has been observed in Iran .
According to official statistics , the number of infected people per day peaked on March 30 ( 3,186 ) , after which it began to decline .
Against this backdrop , the authorities began to gradually remove the coronavirus-related restrictions .
According to official information , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s population returned to work .
The ban on travel between provinces for private cars has been lifted as well .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus @ @ @ @

According to Jahanpur, 88 people have died over the past 24 hours, the total number of fatalities stands at 5,297.
"The number of new coronavirus cases in the country has amounted to 1,297, while the total number of infected people has reached 84,802," ISNA News Agency quotes him as saying.
TEHRAN, April 21. /TASS/. Another 1,297 novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in Iran over the past 24 hours, the total number of infected people has amounted to almost 85,000, Spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education Kiyanush Jahanpur said on Tuesday.
A total of 60,960 people have recovered by now, he noted, adding that 365,723 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country.
In recent weeks, a downward trend in the number of new cases has been observed in Iran. According to official statistics, the number of infected people per day peaked on March 30 (3,186), after which it began to decline.
Against this backdrop, the authorities began to gradually remove the coronavirus-related restrictions. According to official information, more than two-thirds of the country’s population returned to work. The ban on travel between provinces for private cars has been lifted as well.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-04-21--NATO expansion plans prevent Transnistrian issue from being resolved, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Transnistrian issue would have been solved long ago , if some participants in the `` 5+2 '' negotiations ( Moldova and Transnistria as parties to the conflict , Russia and Ukraine as guarantors and mediators , the OSCE as a mediator , the US and the EU as observers ) did not pursue the objective to reinforce NATO , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday at a video conference round table with representatives of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund .
`` We will not support attempts to drag Moldova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into NATO .
That ’ s ruled out .
We will not support attempts to strip Moldova of its statehood .
I guarantee that we will always be able to find a solution to the Transnistrian problem by respecting these principles , which I believe fully meet the fundamental interests of Moldova as a state and Moldova ’ s people , '' Lavrov said .
`` If all participants in the ‘ 5+2 ’ process proceeded from that , I believe that the problem would have been solved long ago .
Unfortunately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of our Western counterparts still pursue a slightly different agenda , which stems primarily from their desire to reinforce and expand the North Atlantic Alliance , '' he stressed .
Russia ’ s top diplomat added that Moscow had supported Moldova ’ s sovereignty from the very beginning of that country ’ s post-Soviet history .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The Transnistrian issue would have been solved long ago, if some participants in the "5+2" negotiations (Moldova and Transnistria as parties to the conflict, Russia and Ukraine as guarantors and mediators, the OSCE as a mediator, the US and the EU as observers) did not pursue the objective to reinforce NATO, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday at a video conference round table with representatives of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.
"We will not support attempts to drag Moldova, naturally, together with Transnistria, into NATO. That’s ruled out. We will not support attempts to strip Moldova of its statehood. I guarantee that we will always be able to find a solution to the Transnistrian problem by respecting these principles, which I believe fully meet the fundamental interests of Moldova as a state and Moldova’s people," Lavrov said.
"If all participants in the ‘5+2’ process proceeded from that, I believe that the problem would have been solved long ago. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some of our Western counterparts still pursue a slightly different agenda, which stems primarily from their desire to reinforce and expand the North Atlantic Alliance," he stressed.
Russia’s top diplomat added that Moscow had supported Moldova’s sovereignty from the very beginning of that country’s post-Soviet history.


tass--2020-04-21--Lavrov says Berlin conference decisions on Libya stuck in the mud

MOSCOW , April 21./TASS/ .
The decisions made at January ’ s conference on Libya aimed at launching a political process , are stuck in the mud , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a video conference with the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund ’ s delegates on Tuesday .
`` Implementing the decisions taken at the Berlin conference has come to a standstill at the moment .
War has resurfaced , '' the top diplomat said .
He noted that at the Berlin conference on Libya , Russia sought to have the decisions coordinated by the delegates approved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it was Russia that had secured the participation of representatives from the Government of National Accord and the Libyan National Army at that conference .
`` Regretfully , we didn ’ t get a direct answer to this question [ whether the parties will support the decision — TASS ] during the negotiations in Berlin .
That is why , we supported those ideas that were formulated in Berlin , but the parties in question must be persuaded into approving those approaches .
We were right once again , '' Lavrov went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Russia remains in favor of an early launch of a political dialogue between the parties in Libya and the appointment of a new UN special envoy on the Libyan settlement .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , along with the elected parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect since January 12 and the international community ’ s attempts to push the conflicting parties towards a peace settlement , the armed conflict continues to rage , with both sides accusing one another of violating the ceasefire .
On January 19 , 2020 , Berlin hosted an international conference on settling the Libyan crisis that suggested a set of measures to launch a dialogue between al-Sarraj and Haftar .
However , they themselves were not among the signatories of the final document .

MOSCOW, April 21./TASS/. The decisions made at January’s conference on Libya aimed at launching a political process, are stuck in the mud, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a video conference with the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund’s delegates on Tuesday.
"Implementing the decisions taken at the Berlin conference has come to a standstill at the moment. War has resurfaced," the top diplomat said. He noted that at the Berlin conference on Libya, Russia sought to have the decisions coordinated by the delegates approved by the parties later on.
He reiterated that it was Russia that had secured the participation of representatives from the Government of National Accord and the Libyan National Army at that conference. "Regretfully, we didn’t get a direct answer to this question [whether the parties will support the decision — TASS] during the negotiations in Berlin. That is why, we supported those ideas that were formulated in Berlin, but the parties in question must be persuaded into approving those approaches. We were right once again," Lavrov went on to say.
He also stressed that Russia remains in favor of an early launch of a political dialogue between the parties in Libya and the appointment of a new UN special envoy on the Libyan settlement.
Libya in crisis
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, along with the elected parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
Despite the ceasefire that has been in effect since January 12 and the international community’s attempts to push the conflicting parties towards a peace settlement, the armed conflict continues to rage, with both sides accusing one another of violating the ceasefire.
On January 19, 2020, Berlin hosted an international conference on settling the Libyan crisis that suggested a set of measures to launch a dialogue between al-Sarraj and Haftar. However, they themselves were not among the signatories of the final document.


tass--2020-04-21--Kremlin says inappropriate to ask about Russia’s economic crisis turning into political

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it should not be said that @ @ @ @ @ transform into a political crisis .
He also noted that the coronavirus-related problems affected the @ @ @ @ @ do not agree with such a question as an idea , '' Peskov answered a @ @ @ @ @ concerned that the economic crisis and people ’ s frustration with measures taken against coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Naturally , the coronavirus developments could not pass by our country without any @ @ @ @ @ an integral part of the international community , global economy , and we , of @ @ @ @ @ through difficulties just as all economic life participants going through them , '' he added @

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it should not be said that economic difficulties in Russia can transform into a political crisis. He also noted that the coronavirus-related problems affected the whole world.
"We do not agree with such a question as an idea," Peskov answered a question whether the Kremlin is concerned that the economic crisis and people’s frustration with measures taken against coronavirus can lead to political ramifications. "Naturally, the coronavirus developments could not pass by our country without any crisis elements. We are an integral part of the international community, global economy, and we, of course, are also going through difficulties just as all economic life participants going through them," he added.


tass--2020-04-21--Three Russians among pirates’ hostages aboard vessel off Benin

PRETORIA , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Three Russian citizens are aboard the container ship Tommi Ritscher captured by pirates @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Embassy in Benin and Togo told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Yes @ @ @ @ @ three citizens of the Russian Federation are aboard the vessel , '' the diplomat stressed @ @ @ @ @ said on its Twitter account , specifying the Russians ’ status , they are `` @ @ @ @ @ the pirates . ''
It was earlier unclear whether the Russians were the crewmembers and @ @ @ @ @ hide in the ship 's citadel .
The container ship Tommi Ritscher with 11 crewmembers @ @ @ @ @ being held hostage , is in its anchorage in the territorial waters of Benin .
@ @ @ @ @ , and also a patrol vessel of the Nigerian Navy that arrived overnight to Monday @ @ @ @ @ close proximity to the captured vessel .
Negotiations with the pirates are underway .

PRETORIA, April 21. /TASS/. Three Russian citizens are aboard the container ship Tommi Ritscher captured by pirates last Sunday, a representative of the Russian Embassy in Benin and Togo told TASS on Tuesday.
"Yes, we can report that three citizens of the Russian Federation are aboard the vessel," the diplomat stressed.
As the diplomatic mission said on its Twitter account, specifying the Russians’ status, they are "among the hostages seized by the pirates."
It was earlier unclear whether the Russians were the crewmembers and whether they had managed to hide in the ship's citadel.
The container ship Tommi Ritscher with 11 crewmembers, of whom eight are being held hostage, is in its anchorage in the territorial waters of Benin.
Three Benin Navy patrol boats, and also a patrol vessel of the Nigerian Navy that arrived overnight to Monday, are staying in the close proximity to the captured vessel. Negotiations with the pirates are underway.


tass--2020-04-21--OPEC+ participants will contact each other to reconcile positions if necessary — Kremlin

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
Participants of OPEC+ deal will contact each other if necessary , but so far there are no decisions on holding such meetings , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday .
`` We have all mechanisms to reconcile positions with our partners in this deal , and proper contacts will be carried out if necessary , '' he said , answering the question about the possibility of new solutions through OPEC+ .
Peskov refrained from any comments about whether new solutions in this area are possible in connection with the situation on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kremlin spokesman , Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ’ s proposal to hold a meeting of the committee on monitoring the implementation of the OPEC+ agreement on May 10 has been `` taken into account . ''
`` But so far there have been no decisions or actions taken in this regard , '' Peskov said .
Earlier the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry reported that President Nicolas Maduro had proposed holding a meeting of the committee on monitoring the implementation of the OPEC+ agreement on May 10 .
He put forward this initiative during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
On Monday , the price of May WTI oil futures fell to a negative value on the New York Mercantile Exchange for the first time in US history .
By Tuesday noon , the price of a June WTI futures fell below $ 17 per barrel .
The cost of a June Brent crude futures on the ICE Exchange in London fell by 25 % compared to the closing level of previous trading and amounted to $ 19.17 per barrel , according to the trading data as of 12:12 Moscow @ @

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. Participants of OPEC+ deal will contact each other if necessary, but so far there are no decisions on holding such meetings, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"We have all mechanisms to reconcile positions with our partners in this deal, and proper contacts will be carried out if necessary," he said, answering the question about the possibility of new solutions through OPEC+.
Peskov refrained from any comments about whether new solutions in this area are possible in connection with the situation on the oil market.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s proposal to hold a meeting of the committee on monitoring the implementation of the OPEC+ agreement on May 10 has been "taken into account."
"But so far there have been no decisions or actions taken in this regard," Peskov said.
Earlier the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry reported that President Nicolas Maduro had proposed holding a meeting of the committee on monitoring the implementation of the OPEC+ agreement on May 10. He put forward this initiative during a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.
On Monday, the price of May WTI oil futures fell to a negative value on the New York Mercantile Exchange for the first time in US history.
By Tuesday noon, the price of a June WTI futures fell below $17 per barrel. The cost of a June Brent crude futures on the ICE Exchange in London fell by 25% compared to the closing level of previous trading and amounted to $19.17 per barrel, according to the trading data as of 12:12 Moscow time.


tass--2020-04-21--Russia has reserves to mitigate situation on oil market, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/ TASS / .
The Russian government will use the available resources to mitigate the @ @ @ @ @ oil prices on the Russian economy , Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on @ @ @ @ @ thing here is that our government , our leadership has all the necessary reserves to @ @ @ @ @ international volatility on our economy , '' Peskov said .
`` Of course , if @ @ @ @ @ that are at hand will be used , '' he said .

MOSCOW, April 21. / TASS /. The Russian government will use the available resources to mitigate the negative effects of falling world oil prices on the Russian economy, Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday.
"The main thing here is that our government, our leadership has all the necessary reserves to dampen the negative effects of international volatility on our economy," Peskov said.
"Of course, if necessary, all these resources that are at hand will be used," he said.


tass--2020-04-21--Coronavirus can have unpredictable fallout in Africa — Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus spread is causing serious concern in African countries because it can have unpredictable consequences on the continent , a Russian Foreign Ministry official told TASS on Tuesday .
Coronavirus spread rates are relatively low in African countries , with the exception of Algeria , Egypt , Morocco and South Africa .
`` However , this issue is causing serious concern in many countries on the continent , '' the official said .
`` Social and economic situation in many of these countries is complicated , while high population density , poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , transparent borders and uncontrolled migration can lead to a sharp rise in cases and unpredictable fallout , '' the official added .
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry , the pandemic may negatively affect African countries ’ ability to carry out major tasks to overcome poverty , ensure sustainable development and implement integration projects .
According to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , Africa ’ s coronavirus cases have reached 21,633 , the death toll currently stands at 1,076 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The coronavirus spread is causing serious concern in African countries because it can have unpredictable consequences on the continent, a Russian Foreign Ministry official told TASS on Tuesday.
Coronavirus spread rates are relatively low in African countries, with the exception of Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa. "However, this issue is causing serious concern in many countries on the continent," the official said. "Social and economic situation in many of these countries is complicated, while high population density, poor healthcare system, various crises and conflicts, transparent borders and uncontrolled migration can lead to a sharp rise in cases and unpredictable fallout," the official added.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the pandemic may negatively affect African countries’ ability to carry out major tasks to overcome poverty, ensure sustainable development and implement integration projects.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa’s coronavirus cases have reached 21,633, the death toll currently stands at 1,076.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,484,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 170,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 652,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-21--Kremlin slams rally against coronavirus lockdown in Vladikavkaz as illegal

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
A rally in Vladikavkaz , the capital of Russia ’ s North Caucasus republic of North Ossetia , against the coronavirus lockdown was illegal , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday .
Putin says coronavirus epidemic keeps spreading , but Russia managed to contain it '' In any case , this rally was illegal , '' Peskov said .
These protests could have negative consequences given the current epidemiological situation in the country , the Kremlin spokesman noted .
`` People gathered there and obviously , without observing any social distancing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a couple of days .
This is evident for everyone , '' Peskov noted .
An initiative group was set up to discuss the protests , Peskov said , noting that people could use this mechanism to complain to regional authorities about their problems .
`` This can be done calmly in the form of a dialogue , '' Peskov noted .
He called on the authorities to `` carefully listen to what people say and react to their complaints and problems . ''
Protesters gathered outside the government building in downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the self-isolation measures declared in North Ossetia until April 30 .
The North Caucasus republic has confirmed 177 coronavirus cases and two deaths .
A total of 1,075 people remain under medical supervision in the republic .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. A rally in Vladikavkaz, the capital of Russia’s North Caucasus republic of North Ossetia, against the coronavirus lockdown was illegal, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
Putin says coronavirus epidemic keeps spreading, but Russia managed to contain it
"In any case, this rally was illegal," Peskov said.
These protests could have negative consequences given the current epidemiological situation in the country, the Kremlin spokesman noted. "People gathered there and obviously, without observing any social distancing. This could result in some negative consequences in a couple of days. This is evident for everyone," Peskov noted.
An initiative group was set up to discuss the protests, Peskov said, noting that people could use this mechanism to complain to regional authorities about their problems. "This can be done calmly in the form of a dialogue," Peskov noted. He called on the authorities to "carefully listen to what people say and react to their complaints and problems."
Protesters gathered outside the government building in downtown Vladikavkaz on Monday demanding the cancellation of the self-isolation measures declared in North Ossetia until April 30. The North Caucasus republic has confirmed 177 coronavirus cases and two deaths. A total of 1,075 people remain under medical supervision in the republic.


tass--2020-04-21--Press review: WTI oil price plunges below zero and US threatens ‘star wars’ against China

Izvestia : US oil crashes below zero first time in history The price for US benchmark West Texas Intermediate ( WTI ) May oil futures lost 300 % and plunged below zero by almost $ 40 .
This has not happened in the history of the market .
This means sellers were paying buyers to take oil off their hands .
The technical oil failure was caused by speculative players who sought to get rid of US oil under any conditions , experts surveyed by Izvestia noted .
This situation does not threaten Brent oil , but will create pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ruble .
However , this will not last .
Market participants expect to see stabilization in connection with the OPEC+ deal and the revival of industrial production in China .
Those who do not have time to sell off May futures will have to receive physical volumes of energy .
The so-called super-cargo situation has emerged on the market .
The cost of owning US oil has become higher than not owning it .
`` Companies are selling at a loss , so as not to spend money on well conservation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting for a recovery in the price in the coming months , '' Director of the BCS Broker sales office Vyacheslav Abramov explained to Izvestia .
The current decline in the WTI price is mainly due to the actions of speculative players in the financial market , Anton Pokatovich , chief analyst at BCS Premier told Izvestia .
Although exchange analysts and oil market experts called the situation technical since June ’ s WTI futures were trading at $ 21 , it created another negative precedent .
And its consequences can be extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Head of the Analytical Department at AMarkets Artem Deev believes that the dollar will move towards 80 rubles in the near future and may even cross it .
In the short term , the exchange rate may collapse to 85-90 rubles per dollar .
`` The WTI contract with delivery in June is 70 % more expensive than the May contract .
This shows optimism in the market regarding the restoration of oil prices , '' Abramov said .
According to him , market participants expect stabilization in connection with the OPEC+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in China .
Therefore , the damage , even for the Russian economy , as a whole will not be lasting , he added .
As for the United States , prices on the local market will be saved by a decline in production , Deputy Director General of the Institute of National Energy Alexander Frolov told the newspaper .
Since late March , oil output here has already declined by 700,000 barrels per day , and the decline will continue .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : US gearing up for ‘ star wars ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat group designed to establish control of near-Earth space .
US space forces have received weapons that can destroy their opponents ’ telecommunications , Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote , adding that the Pentagon sees China and Russia as adversaries here since they can allegedly can spy on the US from space .
Therefore , in the event of a conflict , their satellites would have to be neutralized .
The Pentagon is focusing on China , which has the second number of satellites in orbit after the United States .
According to media reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least in general terms , what the Pentagon has .
Within the US Space Forces , there are 16 units equipped with ground-based devices aimed at enemy satellites .
They are designed to block satellites and shut off their communication capabilities , Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote .
They will be used to break the enemy ’ s information transmission so they can not coordinate any troop movements or actions .
The Pentagon intelligence agency justifies the militarization of space by citing threats from China and Russia , the newspaper wrote .
Retired Colonel Viktor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not tested an anti-satellite missile , since there is no need for such a rocket . ''
Moscow ’ s missile defense was launched for the defense of the Russian capital , he said , noting that tests of such missiles have been going on for several years .
According to Litovkin , an attempt to scramble or destroy a satellite is an act of war .
Understanding this , Russia and China have repeatedly raised the issue of banning weapons in space , but the US has categorically rejected such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly labeling China as the main geopolitical threat to the US .
`` China is in second place after the United States in terms of satellite constellation .
They are also engaged in anti-satellite weapons .
There were reports of preparations for cyber attacks on enemy satellites .
They are also working on long-range anti-ship missile systems , '' Vasily Kashin , a leading researcher at the RAS ’ Institute of Far Eastern Studies told the newspaper .
Kommersant : India mitigates quarantine , ready to help Russia , US to fight coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had been introduced on March 25 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Authorities say they are in control of the situation and are ready to help their partners , in particular , Russia and the United States .
Thus , 100 mln hydroxychloroquine ( an anti-malarial drug ) pills used to treat coronavirus will soon be sent to Russia , Kommersant wrote .
However , it might be too early to talk about the situation in India returning to normal , as the country has recently announced the largest increase in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said `` the Indian side reached out to Russia ’ s request . ''
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also commented favorably on the news .
The fact that the Kremlin issued a separate statement is very remarkable in itself .
Prior to that , Moscow had not commented on foreign deliveries of drugs to Moscow for the pandemic , Kommersant wrote .
There was no question before India whether to grant Russia ’ s request in these difficult times , Indian Ambassador to Russia Bala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that pharmaceutical industry remains one of the pillars of Russian-Indian cooperation and moreover , the decision highlights the special friendship between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi .
According to the envoy , the goal of India and Russia is to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical field and work together to reform international institutions , including the World Health Organization .
Meanwhile , the supply of Indian antimalarial drugs will continue also to the United States .
Previous export restrictions were dictated by the desire of the Indian authorities to ensure availability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Indian diplomats called these measures `` temporary . ''
Ambassador Varma assured Kommersant that the batch of drugs that Russia will receive in the coming weeks will be produced from Indian raw materials .
The updated financial model of the Moscow-St.Petersburg high-speed railway includes allocating 750 bln rubles ( $ 9.9 bln ) in state support , Kommersant wrote citing a source familiar with the main provisions of the financial model .
According to the newspaper , the total funding of the project is estimated at 1.7 trillion rubles ( $ 22.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balanced with at least 35 % government participation .
The financial model is supposed to attract a capital grant in the amount of 200 bln rubles ( $ 2.65 bln ) .
In addition , discussions are underway on a loan from the National Wealth Fund ( NWF ) for 380 bln rubles ( $ 5 bln ) at a general rate of 5 % .
However , according to a Kommersant source , the new NWF approach assumes an average rate of 6.6-6.7 % , at which the financial model becomes unbalanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell the newspaper , under what conditions the rate could be reduced .
In addition , Russian Railways will provide 192 bln rubles ( $ 2.54 bln ) for the venture as part of its investment program , another 200 bln rubles ( $ 2.65 bln ) will come from other project shareholders .
The estimated revenue of the project in 2030 will amount to 147 bln rubles ( $ 1.94 bln ) , and in 2040 , to 338 bln rubles ( $ 4.47 bln ) .
The net present value is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , with an internal rate of return of 9.4 % , and the discounted payback period is 30.8 years .
Earlier , Kommersant wrote that the railway will not be cost-effective at the expense of passengers and suggests state support of around 600 bln rubles ( $ 7.94 bln ) .
According to the newspaper , the project included two sections of the line : St. Petersburg-Moscow and Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod .
However , under the current model there is no information about the second section .
Izvestia : ‘ COVID-19 epidemic is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - virologist Despite the fact that the number of cases of COVID-19 in Russia decreased on Monday , April 20 , significantly compared to the previous day , it is too early to talk about a breakthrough in the fight against coronavirus , Deputy Director of Pasteur St. Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Semyonov told Izvestia .
He suggested observing the number of infected cases for several days .
The virologist also assured that antibody tests will appear in Russia for everyone within a month and a half .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia have been taken , but the number of infected people is such that it ’ s impossible to calm down .
We must strictly follow the rules , so that we do not end up with the Italian scenario , '' he told the newspaper .
`` The COVID-19 epidemic is massive , but Ebola was worse .
The current pandemic can not even be compared to it , because the mortality rate from Ebola fever , especially at the initial stage , was 90 % : out of ten cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible to reduce it a little , but in any case it is incomparable with the COVID-19 epidemic as far as mortality goes , '' the expert added .
Speaking about antibody tests available to everyone in Russia , Semyonov said he believes it will happen the next month and a half .
`` Antibody tests will be done for the people at risk first : medical workers , seniors , those who have been in contact with patients , '' he said .
The virologist believes that discussions about the artificial origin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seems to me , to hide either the incompetence of the healthcare system or omissions that were made during anti-epidemic measures '' .
`` To write off your inability to cope with the infection on to some `` evil people '' bringing us an artificial virus .
And if it were natural , we would certainly have coped .
We can see through it , '' the expert told Izvestia .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: US oil crashes below zero first time in history The price for US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) May oil futures lost 300% and plunged below zero by almost $40. This has not happened in the history of the market. This means sellers were paying buyers to take oil off their hands. The technical oil failure was caused by speculative players who sought to get rid of US oil under any conditions, experts surveyed by Izvestia noted. This situation does not threaten Brent oil, but will create pressure on its value, and after that on the ruble. However, this will not last. Market participants expect to see stabilization in connection with the OPEC+ deal and the revival of industrial production in China. Those who do not have time to sell off May futures will have to receive physical volumes of energy. The so-called super-cargo situation has emerged on the market. The cost of owning US oil has become higher than not owning it. "Companies are selling at a loss, so as not to spend money on well conservation and not suffer even greater losses, waiting for a recovery in the price in the coming months," Director of the BCS Broker sales office Vyacheslav Abramov explained to Izvestia. The current decline in the WTI price is mainly due to the actions of speculative players in the financial market, Anton Pokatovich, chief analyst at BCS Premier told Izvestia. Although exchange analysts and oil market experts called the situation technical since June’s WTI futures were trading at $21, it created another negative precedent. And its consequences can be extremely serious, especially for the Russian ruble. Head of the Analytical Department at AMarkets Artem Deev believes that the dollar will move towards 80 rubles in the near future and may even cross it. In the short term, the exchange rate may collapse to 85-90 rubles per dollar.
Read also WTI futures crushed to $0.01/bbl
"The WTI contract with delivery in June is 70% more expensive than the May contract. This shows optimism in the market regarding the restoration of oil prices," Abramov said. According to him, market participants expect stabilization in connection with the OPEC+ deal and the restoration of industrial production in China. Therefore, the damage, even for the Russian economy, as a whole will not be lasting, he added. As for the United States, prices on the local market will be saved by a decline in production, Deputy Director General of the Institute of National Energy Alexander Frolov told the newspaper. Since late March, oil output here has already declined by 700,000 barrels per day, and the decline will continue. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US gearing up for ‘star wars’ against China and Russia Washington created a combat group designed to establish control of near-Earth space. US space forces have received weapons that can destroy their opponents’ telecommunications, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote, adding that the Pentagon sees China and Russia as adversaries here since they can allegedly can spy on the US from space. Therefore, in the event of a conflict, their satellites would have to be neutralized. The Pentagon is focusing on China, which has the second number of satellites in orbit after the United States.
Read also Russia has many questions to US about its activities in outer space — diplomat
According to media reports, it is now clear, at least in general terms, what the Pentagon has. Within the US Space Forces, there are 16 units equipped with ground-based devices aimed at enemy satellites. They are designed to block satellites and shut off their communication capabilities, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote. They will be used to break the enemy’s information transmission so they cannot coordinate any troop movements or actions. The Pentagon intelligence agency justifies the militarization of space by citing threats from China and Russia, the newspaper wrote. Retired Colonel Viktor Litovkin told Nezavisimaya Gazeta, "Russia has not tested an anti-satellite missile, since there is no need for such a rocket." Moscow’s missile defense was launched for the defense of the Russian capital, he said, noting that tests of such missiles have been going on for several years. According to Litovkin, an attempt to scramble or destroy a satellite is an act of war. Understanding this, Russia and China have repeatedly raised the issue of banning weapons in space, but the US has categorically rejected such an agreement. Officials in Washington have been increasingly labeling China as the main geopolitical threat to the US. "China is in second place after the United States in terms of satellite constellation. They are also engaged in anti-satellite weapons. There were reports of preparations for cyber attacks on enemy satellites. They are also working on long-range anti-ship missile systems," Vasily Kashin, a leading researcher at the RAS’ Institute of Far Eastern Studies told the newspaper. Kommersant: India mitigates quarantine, ready to help Russia, US to fight coronavirus India softened its lockdown on Monday, which had been introduced on March 25 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities say they are in control of the situation and are ready to help their partners, in particular, Russia and the United States. Thus, 100 mln hydroxychloroquine (an anti-malarial drug) pills used to treat coronavirus will soon be sent to Russia, Kommersant wrote. However, it might be too early to talk about the situation in India returning to normal, as the country has recently announced the largest increase in the number of coronavirus cases per day. Russia’s Ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said "the Indian side reached out to Russia’s request." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also commented favorably on the news. The fact that the Kremlin issued a separate statement is very remarkable in itself. Prior to that, Moscow had not commented on foreign deliveries of drugs to Moscow for the pandemic, Kommersant wrote.
Read also Artificial origin of novel coronavirus cannot be ruled out — Russian expert
There was no question before India whether to grant Russia’s request in these difficult times, Indian Ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma told Kommersant. He noted that pharmaceutical industry remains one of the pillars of Russian-Indian cooperation and moreover, the decision highlights the special friendship between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi. According to the envoy, the goal of India and Russia is to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the pharmaceutical field and work together to reform international institutions, including the World Health Organization. Meanwhile, the supply of Indian antimalarial drugs will continue also to the United States. Previous export restrictions were dictated by the desire of the Indian authorities to ensure availability of supplies to meet domestic needs, while Indian diplomats called these measures "temporary." Ambassador Varma assured Kommersant that the batch of drugs that Russia will receive in the coming weeks will be produced from Indian raw materials. Kommersant: Moscow-St. Petersburg high-speed railway requires $9.9 bln in state funding The updated financial model of the Moscow-St.Petersburg high-speed railway includes allocating 750 bln rubles ($9.9 bln) in state support, Kommersant wrote citing a source familiar with the main provisions of the financial model. According to the newspaper, the total funding of the project is estimated at 1.7 trillion rubles ($22.5 bln), the financial model is balanced with at least 35% government participation. The financial model is supposed to attract a capital grant in the amount of 200 bln rubles ($2.65 bln). In addition, discussions are underway on a loan from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) for 380 bln rubles ($5 bln) at a general rate of 5%. However, according to a Kommersant source, the new NWF approach assumes an average rate of 6.6-6.7%, at which the financial model becomes unbalanced. The Ministry of Finance did not tell the newspaper, under what conditions the rate could be reduced. In addition, Russian Railways will provide 192 bln rubles ($2.54 bln) for the venture as part of its investment program, another 200 bln rubles ($2.65 bln) will come from other project shareholders. The estimated revenue of the project in 2030 will amount to 147 bln rubles ($1.94 bln), and in 2040, to 338 bln rubles ($4.47 bln). The net present value is 686.6 bln rubles ($9.09 bln), with an internal rate of return of 9.4%, and the discounted payback period is 30.8 years. Earlier, Kommersant wrote that the railway will not be cost-effective at the expense of passengers and suggests state support of around 600 bln rubles ($7.94 bln). According to the newspaper, the project included two sections of the line: St. Petersburg-Moscow and Moscow-Nizhny Novgorod. However, under the current model there is no information about the second section. Izvestia: ‘COVID-19 epidemic is massive, but Ebola was worse’ - virologist Despite the fact that the number of cases of COVID-19 in Russia decreased on Monday, April 20, significantly compared to the previous day, it is too early to talk about a breakthrough in the fight against coronavirus, Deputy Director of Pasteur St. Petersburg Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Semyonov told Izvestia. He suggested observing the number of infected cases for several days. The virologist also assured that antibody tests will appear in Russia for everyone within a month and a half. "Measures to contain the epidemic in Russia have been taken, but the number of infected people is such that it’s impossible to calm down. We must strictly follow the rules, so that we do not end up with the Italian scenario," he told the newspaper. "The COVID-19 epidemic is massive, but Ebola was worse. The current pandemic cannot even be compared to it, because the mortality rate from Ebola fever, especially at the initial stage, was 90%: out of ten cases, nine died. Later, it was possible to reduce it a little, but in any case it is incomparable with the COVID-19 epidemic as far as mortality goes," the expert added.
Read also WHO extends international emergency over Ebola outbreak in DR Congo


tass--2020-04-21--Brent crude oil price down below $19 per barrel

MOSCOW , April 21 .
/TASS/ .
The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for June 2020 delivery @ @ @ @ @ 's ICE to 28.55 % compared with the previous closure trading at $ 18.27 per @ @ @ @ @ trading data as of 12:34 am Moscow time .
The price of Brent crude was @ @ @ @ @ barrel in January 2002 .
Meanwhile the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil @ @ @ @ @ by 42.29 % at $ 11.79 per barrel .
The dollar is up by 2.08 @ @ @ @ @ at 77.12 rubles amid this background , while the euro exchange rate is up by @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 21. /TASS/. The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for June 2020 delivery has extended losses on London's ICE to 28.55% compared with the previous closure trading at $18.27 per barrel, according to the trading data as of 12:34 am Moscow time.
The price of Brent crude was last below $19 per barrel in January 2002.
Meanwhile the price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for June delivery was down by 42.29% at $11.79 per barrel.
The dollar is up by 2.08% on the Moscow Exchange at 77.12 rubles amid this background, while the euro exchange rate is up by 1.99% at 83.55 rubles.