tass--2020-05-20--Russian expert sees possibility of new coronavirus strain in about decade

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Another potentially deadly strain of coronavirus is likely to appear within the next ten years or so , Russia ’ s former chief sanitary doctor , member of the Russian Academy of Sciences , Gennady Onishchenko told TASS on Wednesday .
`` It appears that new strains of coronavirus do not emerge every year , '' said Onishchenko , who is now first deputy chairman of the State Duma ( lower house ) Commission for Education and Science .
`` Previous outbreaks of coronavirus infections took place in 2002 ( Severe Acute Respiratory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Middle East Respiratory Syndrome , or MERS ) . ''
He said that outbreaks of coronavirus infections in 2002 , 2012 and 2020 reveal `` an approximate cycle of about 8-10 years . ''
`` Maybe , it [ a new coronavirus strain ] may emerge even earlier , '' he added .
Onishchenko expressed hope that as a result of the current pandemic , humanity will receive sufficient herd immunity to COVID-19 .
`` The virus will keep circulating , but it won ’ t be as aggressive as it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
In his words , during every winter season , up to 200 various viruses circulate in the population , and the novel coronavirus might eventually become one of them .
Onishchenko also criticized the use of term ‘ plateau ’ with regard to the current downward trend in the number of cases in Russia .
`` We already saw the rise in cases , the peak of the infection and the emerging downward trend .
Not a ‘ plateau , ’ as some people say < … > it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the intensity of spreading of the novel coronavirus . ''
In his opinion , Russians should not treat positive news as a pretext to relax .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus @ @

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Another potentially deadly strain of coronavirus is likely to appear within the next ten years or so, Russia’s former chief sanitary doctor, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gennady Onishchenko told TASS on Wednesday.
"It appears that new strains of coronavirus do not emerge every year," said Onishchenko, who is now first deputy chairman of the State Duma (lower house) Commission for Education and Science. "Previous outbreaks of coronavirus infections took place in 2002 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS) and 2012 (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS)."
He said that outbreaks of coronavirus infections in 2002, 2012 and 2020 reveal "an approximate cycle of about 8-10 years."
"Maybe, it [a new coronavirus strain] may emerge even earlier," he added.
Onishchenko expressed hope that as a result of the current pandemic, humanity will receive sufficient herd immunity to COVID-19.
"The virus will keep circulating, but it won’t be as aggressive as it is now, due to acquired immunity," he added.
In his words, during every winter season, up to 200 various viruses circulate in the population, and the novel coronavirus might eventually become one of them.
Downward trend
Onishchenko also criticized the use of term ‘plateau’ with regard to the current downward trend in the number of cases in Russia.
"We already saw the rise in cases, the peak of the infection and the emerging downward trend. Not a ‘plateau,’ as some people say <…> it’s an emerging downward trend in the intensity of spreading of the novel coronavirus."
In his opinion, Russians should not treat positive news as a pretext to relax.
Coronavirus pandemic
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 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Self-isolation aggravated situation with domestic violence — Russia’s rights commissioner

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Restrictions imposed by the novel coronavirus pandemic have aggravated the domestic violence problem , Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` The issue of domestic violence exists .
< ... > Violence gets worse when people are forced to stay in confined space and have to share this personal territory .
Besides , job loss can also aggravate the situation , '' she said .
The ombudsperson said she has just spoken to many women staying in a shelter for victims of domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to preserve their families and avoid divorce , because they have children .
So , they seek psychological assistance for their spouses , for men who lost their jobs , started drinking and behaving the way they never did before .
Therefore , of course , the [ novel coronavirus ] situation played a certain role in the problem of domestic violence , '' she said .
Earlier , Russia ’ s media holding company RBC reported that lawmakers Oksana Pushkina , Irina Rodnina and Olga Savastyanova , who co-authored a draft bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its soonest adoption from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova .
In their request , they said that the number of complaints about domestic violence increased significantly when the self-isolation regime was imposed due to the novel coronavirus outbreak earlier this spring .
Golikova tasked five ministries , including the Interior Ministry and the Justice Ministry , with jointly considering the lawmakers ’ request .
In turn , the Russian Interior Ministry said it noted no surge in domestic violence during the pandemic .
`` According to statistics , no rise is seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry ’ s press service said .
It also said that in the first quarter of this year , the figure of domestic abuse incidents has declined by 13 % , while their share in all crimes committed across Russia is 1.4 % .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Restrictions imposed by the novel coronavirus pandemic have aggravated the domestic violence problem, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"The issue of domestic violence exists. <...> Violence gets worse when people are forced to stay in confined space and have to share this personal territory. Besides, job loss can also aggravate the situation," she said.
The ombudsperson said she has just spoken to many women staying in a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Moscow.
"They want to preserve their families and avoid divorce, because they have children. So, they seek psychological assistance for their spouses, for men who lost their jobs, started drinking and behaving the way they never did before. Therefore, of course, the [novel coronavirus] situation played a certain role in the problem of domestic violence," she said.
Earlier, Russia’s media holding company RBC reported that lawmakers Oksana Pushkina, Irina Rodnina and Olga Savastyanova, who co-authored a draft bill against domestic violence, sought assistance in its soonest adoption from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. In their request, they said that the number of complaints about domestic violence increased significantly when the self-isolation regime was imposed due to the novel coronavirus outbreak earlier this spring.
Golikova tasked five ministries, including the Interior Ministry and the Justice Ministry, with jointly considering the lawmakers’ request.
In turn, the Russian Interior Ministry said it noted no surge in domestic violence during the pandemic. "According to statistics, no rise is seen in the household crimes," the ministry’s press service said. It also said that in the first quarter of this year, the figure of domestic abuse incidents has declined by 13%, while their share in all crimes committed across Russia is 1.4%.


tass--2020-05-20--Ukrainian prosecutors launch high treason case against ex-president Poroshenko

KIEV , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Office of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General has launched an investigation into high treason and abuse of office by ex-president Pyotr Poroshenko after purported records of his conversations with former US vice president and secretary of state were made public , the Ukrayinska Pravda newspaper said .
`` The Office of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General made an entry in the unified register of prejudicial inquiry , '' the paper said , citing sources in the prosecutor general ’ s office .
According to sources , the investigation was launched in line with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state treason and abuse of power or office .
On Tuesday , Ukrainian lawmaker Andrei Derkach published audio records of phone calls , in which , according to his words , Poroshenko discusses matters of Ukraine ’ s domestic policy with then US Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry .
The lawmaker said that the conversations took place in late 2015 and early 2016 .
During one of the conversations between Poroshenko and Kerry , which allegedly took place on December 3 , 2015 , the US diplomat tells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem of replacing Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin .
Kerry also says that Vice President Biden is concerned by the issue .
The records also contain other information that indicates US interference in Ukraine ’ s domestic affairs .
Among other things , Biden tells Poroshenko to nationalize Ukraine ’ s largest commercial lender PrivatBank until US President Donald Trump takes office .
Poroshenko also reports to US officials about raising tariffs for Ukrainians and reforming state enterprises .

KIEV, May 20. /TASS/. The Office of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General has launched an investigation into high treason and abuse of office by ex-president Pyotr Poroshenko after purported records of his conversations with former US vice president and secretary of state were made public, the Ukrayinska Pravda newspaper said.
"The Office of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General made an entry in the unified register of prejudicial inquiry," the paper said, citing sources in the prosecutor general’s office.
According to sources, the investigation was launched in line with the Ukrainian Criminal Code’s articles on state treason and abuse of power or office.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian lawmaker Andrei Derkach published audio records of phone calls, in which, according to his words, Poroshenko discusses matters of Ukraine’s domestic policy with then US Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry. The lawmaker said that the conversations took place in late 2015 and early 2016.
During one of the conversations between Poroshenko and Kerry, which allegedly took place on December 3, 2015, the US diplomat tells the US president to consider solving the problem of replacing Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin. Kerry also says that Vice President Biden is concerned by the issue.
The records also contain other information that indicates US interference in Ukraine’s domestic affairs. Among other things, Biden tells Poroshenko to nationalize Ukraine’s largest commercial lender PrivatBank until US President Donald Trump takes office. Poroshenko also reports to US officials about raising tariffs for Ukrainians and reforming state enterprises.


tass--2020-05-20--Russia’s UN envoy sees no need for more Syrian aid delivery checkpoints

UNITED NATIONS , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Humanitarian assistance to Syria should be carried out in coordination with Damascus , so there is no need to reopen trans-border checkpoints for aid deliveries , Russia ’ s UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya said on Tuesday .
The UN Security Council resolved to launch trans-border humanitarian operations in Syria in July 2014 .
This January , the Security Council extended its resolution by six months , but the number of checkpoints was reduced from four to two .
Moscow has repeatedly spoken in favor of winding down the mechanism of trans-border aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already returned under the control of Damascus .
`` Do not lose time for attempts to reopen the closed checkpoints , '' the Russian envoy said .
`` The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs should be urged to work with Damascus in order to find ways to deliver aid via the already opened trans-border checkpoints and via Syria itself . ''
Nebenzya went on to say that the trans-border mechanism that envisaged the delivery of aid to regions outside the Damascus government ’ s control was a temporary measure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like you are not aware of this .
Stop being guided by your own geopolitical dividends , which have nothing to do with humanitarian principles , '' he added .
During the meeting , UK and US envoys have spoken in favor for returning the Yarubia trans-border checkpoint , excluded from the UN resolution in January , back into use by the UN .

UNITED NATIONS, May 20. /TASS/. Humanitarian assistance to Syria should be carried out in coordination with Damascus, so there is no need to reopen trans-border checkpoints for aid deliveries, Russia’s UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya said on Tuesday.
The UN Security Council resolved to launch trans-border humanitarian operations in Syria in July 2014. This January, the Security Council extended its resolution by six months, but the number of checkpoints was reduced from four to two. Moscow has repeatedly spoken in favor of winding down the mechanism of trans-border aid to Syria, because many territories have already returned under the control of Damascus.
"Do not lose time for attempts to reopen the closed checkpoints," the Russian envoy said. "The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs should be urged to work with Damascus in order to find ways to deliver aid via the already opened trans-border checkpoints and via Syria itself."
Nebenzya went on to say that the trans-border mechanism that envisaged the delivery of aid to regions outside the Damascus government’s control was a temporary measure from the start.
"Stop pretending like you are not aware of this. Stop being guided by your own geopolitical dividends, which have nothing to do with humanitarian principles," he added.
During the meeting, UK and US envoys have spoken in favor for returning the Yarubia trans-border checkpoint, excluded from the UN resolution in January, back into use by the UN.


tass--2020-05-20--Bloomberg edits its article on coronavirus in Russia after embassy’s statement

NEW YORK , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
US news agency Bloomberg edited its article about novel coronavirus in Russia @ @ @ @ @ in Washington demanded that it be refuted .
Earlier , the embassy said the article @ @ @ @ @ number of hospital beds in the country .
According to real World Bank statistics , @ @ @ @ @ per 1,000 people in 2013 , while the figure for OECD ( Organisation for Economic @ @ @ @ @ was 3.8 .
However , the Bloomberg website says there were 3.8 hospital beds per @ @ @ @ @ 8.2 in OECD in the reported period .
Now the publication bears a note that @ @ @ @ @

NEW YORK, May 20. /TASS/. US news agency Bloomberg edited its article about novel coronavirus in Russia shortly after the Russian embassy in Washington demanded that it be refuted.
Earlier, the embassy said the article uses incorrect data about the number of hospital beds in the country. According to real World Bank statistics, Russia had 8.2 hospital beds per 1,000 people in 2013, while the figure for OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries was 3.8. However, the Bloomberg website says there were 3.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people in Russia and 8.2 in OECD in the reported period.
Now the publication bears a note that it had been amended.


tass--2020-05-20--WHO response to novel coronavirus pandemic to be analyzed soon — head

GENEVA , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization will analyze its own response to the novel coronavirus pandemic in the near future , the organization ’ s Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday .
In his closing remarks at the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly , the WHO chief thanked countries for adopting a resolution `` which calls for an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the international response - including , but not limited to , WHO ’ s performance . ''
`` As I said yesterday , I will initiate such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` We welcome any initiative to strengthen global health security , and to strengthen WHO , and to be more safe , '' the official continued .
`` As always , WHO remains fully committed to transparency , accountability and continuous improvement .
We want accountability more than anyone . ''
In his letter to WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , US President Donald Trump gave the organization 30 days to guarantee reforms Washington insists on .
Otherwise , he warned , the United States will ultimately stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its membership .
On April 14 , Trump said the United States had suspended payment its contribution to the WHO until the organization ’ s role in covering up the coronavirus spread data was investigated and analyzed .
Trump has repeatedly criticized the WHO , accusing it of focusing only on China although being sponsored by the United States .
He claimed the WHO ’ s anti-coronavirus measures were wrong .
In turn , WHO Director Geneal Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva on April 22 , that US financial support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for US itself .
`` I hope the US believes this [ financial support of the WHO ] is an important investment not just to help others , but for the US to stay safe also , '' Ghebreyesus said .
`` For US to remain safe the investment in other countries is very important .
`` .

GENEVA, May 20. /TASS/. The World Health Organization will analyze its own response to the novel coronavirus pandemic in the near future, the organization’s Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Tuesday.
In his closing remarks at the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly, the WHO chief thanked countries for adopting a resolution "which calls for an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the international response - including, but not limited to, WHO’s performance."
"As I said yesterday, I will initiate such an evaluation at the earliest appropriate moment," he said.
"We welcome any initiative to strengthen global health security, and to strengthen WHO, and to be more safe," the official continued. "As always, WHO remains fully committed to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. We want accountability more than anyone."
In his letter to WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, US President Donald Trump gave the organization 30 days to guarantee reforms Washington insists on. Otherwise, he warned, the United States will ultimately stop financing if this international organization and revise its membership.
On April 14, Trump said the United States had suspended payment its contribution to the WHO until the organization’s role in covering up the coronavirus spread data was investigated and analyzed.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the WHO, accusing it of focusing only on China although being sponsored by the United States. He claimed the WHO’s anti-coronavirus measures were wrong.
In turn, WHO Director Geneal Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva on April 22, that US financial support for healthcare goals in other nations is important for US itself. "I hope the US believes this [financial support of the WHO] is an important investment not just to help others, but for the US to stay safe also," Ghebreyesus said. "For US to remain safe the investment in other countries is very important.".


tass--2020-05-20--Russian embassy in US demands that Bloomberg refute its article on COVID-19 in Russia

WASHINGTON , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian embassy in the United States on Wednesday demanded that Bloomberg refuted its article about the novel coronavirus outbreak in Russia , which uses incorrect data about the number of hospital beds in the country .
`` Another major American media outlet has been caught blatantly lying about the measures taken by the Russian authorities to combat the spread of coronavirus infection , '' the embassy said .
`` This time , it was the authoritative Bloomberg agency that `` distinguished '' itself .
The author of the article decided to back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the statistics from the World Bank on the number of hospital beds per 1000 people in Russia and OECD countries in 2013 ( 8.2 versus 3.8 . )
'' According to real World Bank statistics , Russia had 8.2 hospital beds per 1,000 people in 2013 , while the figure for OECD countries was 3.8 .
However , the Bloomberg website says there were 3.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people in Russia and 8.2 in OECD in the reported period .
`` The editors of Bloomberg have fallen to a sheer forgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verify it himself and compare primary sources , '' the embassy said , attaching screenshots of data on the World Bank website .
`` The faked World Bank data were used to illustrate the following assumption : ‘ Poor funding , Incomplete reforms , Missteps on drugs and medical equipment.
’ It turns out that in fact , Bloomberg listed the problems of the OECD countries , '' it said .
`` We demand that Bloomberg Opinion refute , apologize and respect its own customers . ''
`` Lies about our country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pseudo-experts specializing on Russia , which shape public opinion in the West about our country , have long become a sad reality .
We are convinced that readers and viewers of the leading American media deserve verified , but not deliberately distorted , information , '' the Russian embassy said .

WASHINGTON, May 20. /TASS/. The Russian embassy in the United States on Wednesday demanded that Bloomberg refuted its article about the novel coronavirus outbreak in Russia, which uses incorrect data about the number of hospital beds in the country.
"Another major American media outlet has been caught blatantly lying about the measures taken by the Russian authorities to combat the spread of coronavirus infection," the embassy said. "This time, it was the authoritative Bloomberg agency that "distinguished" itself. The author of the article decided to back up the flow of unfounded politicized allegations with the statistics from the World Bank on the number of hospital beds per 1000 people in Russia and OECD countries in 2013 (8.2 versus 3.8.)"
According to real World Bank statistics, Russia had 8.2 hospital beds per 1,000 people in 2013, while the figure for OECD countries was 3.8. However, the Bloomberg website says there were 3.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people in Russia and 8.2 in OECD in the reported period.
"The editors of Bloomberg have fallen to a sheer forgery and swapped the graphics. One can verify it himself and compare primary sources," the embassy said, attaching screenshots of data on the World Bank website.
"The faked World Bank data were used to illustrate the following assumption: ‘Poor funding, Incomplete reforms, Missteps on drugs and medical equipment.’ It turns out that in fact, Bloomberg listed the problems of the OECD countries," it said. "We demand that Bloomberg Opinion refute, apologize and respect its own customers."
"Lies about our country is unable to stop Covid19. Such tricks of pseudo-experts specializing on Russia, which shape public opinion in the West about our country, have long become a sad reality. We are convinced that readers and viewers of the leading American media deserve verified, but not deliberately distorted, information," the Russian embassy said.


tass--2020-05-20--Emergencies ministry finds 11,000 fire safety violations in Russian hospitals this year

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian emergencies ministry ’ s fire safety inspectors carried out about 1,000 checks in Russian hospitals since the start of the year , finding about 11,000 violations there , the ministry ’ s press service said , responding to a request from TASS .
`` This year , the Russian emergencies ministry ’ s inspectors carried out about 1,000 fire safety inspections of in facilities of the above-mentioned category , during which over 11,000 fire safety violations have been found , '' the ministry said .
The most widespread violations are blocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems and power grids .
`` For failure to timely comply with the legitimate demands of ensuring fire safety , more than 190 cases of administrative violations have been sent to courts , and nine documents to put the use of these facilities on hold , '' the ministry said , without elaborating on what rulings were passed by judges .
Besides , administrative measures were taken against over 160 legal entities and almost 240 hospital officials .
In the first half of 2020 , 39 fires took place in Russian hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure does not include the two deadly hospital fires that took place in May .
On May 12 , a fire broke out in an intensive care unit of the St. George Hospital in St. Petersburg .
Flames spread to the area of 10 square meters , killing six people undergoing pulmonary ventilation .
Prior to that , on the evening of May 9 , some 300 people were evacuated during a fire at Moscow ’ s Spasokukotsky Hospital .
The fire erupted at the Spasokukotsky Hospital ’ s coronavirus unit , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care unit with over 100 bedridden patients .
One of them died .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The Russian emergencies ministry’s fire safety inspectors carried out about 1,000 checks in Russian hospitals since the start of the year, finding about 11,000 violations there, the ministry’s press service said, responding to a request from TASS.
"This year, the Russian emergencies ministry’s inspectors carried out about 1,000 fire safety inspections of in facilities of the above-mentioned category, during which over 11,000 fire safety violations have been found," the ministry said.
The most widespread violations are blocked fire evacuation routes and faulty automatic fire-fighting systems and power grids.
"For failure to timely comply with the legitimate demands of ensuring fire safety, more than 190 cases of administrative violations have been sent to courts, and nine documents to put the use of these facilities on hold," the ministry said, without elaborating on what rulings were passed by judges.
Besides, administrative measures were taken against over 160 legal entities and almost 240 hospital officials.
In the first half of 2020, 39 fires took place in Russian hospitals, in which two people died.
The figure does not include the two deadly hospital fires that took place in May. On May 12, a fire broke out in an intensive care unit of the St. George Hospital in St. Petersburg. Flames spread to the area of 10 square meters, killing six people undergoing pulmonary ventilation.
Prior to that, on the evening of May 9, some 300 people were evacuated during a fire at Moscow’s Spasokukotsky Hospital. The fire erupted at the Spasokukotsky Hospital’s coronavirus unit, and its epicenter was located in the intensive care unit with over 100 bedridden patients. One of them died.


tass--2020-05-20--Lugansk threatens to change contact line if Ukrainian shelling continues

LUGANSK , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The self-proclaimed Lugansk People ’ s Republic ( LPR ) will be forced to take decisive measures and change the line of contact with the Kiev-controlled territory if the Ukrainian side goes ahead with its shelling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure , LPR head Leonid Pasechnik said on Tuesday .
On May 16 , a power supply line delivering electricity to critically important infrastructure facilities in LPR was damaged as a result of shelling by Kiev troops .
`` I would like to address Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky with a strong request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our territory , as well as to provide proper security guarantees for those repairing our critical civilian infrastructure , '' he said in a statement .
`` If the armed forces of Ukraine continue such actions , you , Vladimir Alekseevich , will leave us no choice but to take effective and decisive measures to push the line of contact away from the above-mentioned power supply line .
Similar measures will be taken if shelling of civilians and critically important infrastructure continues in other areas . ''
The official said the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put on combat alert in connection with the incident .
He described the regular shelling attacks against the republic as an act of deliberate provocation by the Ukrainian troops .
`` This is a deliberate provocation , and its goal is obvious to everyone .
It aims at destroying our republic ’ s critically important infrastructure facilities , which are vital for our population .
And Ukraine has already made certain progress toward this goal , by causing serious disruptions in the electricity and water supply of Lugansk , which may result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
The LPR leader called upon Russia , Germany , France and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to put pressure on Ukraine for ensuring a real ceasefire .
Since the fall of 2014 , members of the Contact Group on resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine have announced ceasefires in Donbass more than 20 times .
The leaders of the Normandy Four group ( Russia , Germany , France and Ukraine ) at a meeting in Paris on December 9 emphasized the need to establish a comprehensive ceasefire in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue shelling attacks .

LUGANSK, May 20. /TASS/. The self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) will be forced to take decisive measures and change the line of contact with the Kiev-controlled territory if the Ukrainian side goes ahead with its shelling attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, LPR head Leonid Pasechnik said on Tuesday.
On May 16, a power supply line delivering electricity to critically important infrastructure facilities in LPR was damaged as a result of shelling by Kiev troops.
"I would like to address Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky with a strong request to take measures and stop unprovoked shelling of our territory, as well as to provide proper security guarantees for those repairing our critical civilian infrastructure," he said in a statement. "If the armed forces of Ukraine continue such actions, you, Vladimir Alekseevich, will leave us no choice but to take effective and decisive measures to push the line of contact away from the above-mentioned power supply line. Similar measures will be taken if shelling of civilians and critically important infrastructure continues in other areas."
The official said the people’s militia of the LPR was put on combat alert in connection with the incident.
He described the regular shelling attacks against the republic as an act of deliberate provocation by the Ukrainian troops.
"This is a deliberate provocation, and its goal is obvious to everyone. It aims at destroying our republic’s critically important infrastructure facilities, which are vital for our population. And Ukraine has already made certain progress toward this goal, by causing serious disruptions in the electricity and water supply of Lugansk, which may result in a humanitarian disaster," the statement says.
The LPR leader called upon Russia, Germany, France and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to put pressure on Ukraine for ensuring a real ceasefire.
Since the fall of 2014, members of the Contact Group on resolving the situation in eastern Ukraine have announced ceasefires in Donbass more than 20 times. The leaders of the Normandy Four group (Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine) at a meeting in Paris on December 9 emphasized the need to establish a comprehensive ceasefire in Donbass before the end of 2019. However, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue shelling attacks.


tass--2020-05-20--Lavrov’s schedule still lists no foreign trips — foreign ministry spokeswoman

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov currently plans no visits to foreign countries due @ @ @ @ @ , and continues his work in the format of phone calls and video linkups , @ @ @ @ @ Zakharova said on Tuesday .
`` So far , we have no [ foreign ] @ @ @ @ @ s schedule .
At present , there is no schedule that would return us to @ @ @ @ @ '' she said when asked when the Russian top diplomat plans to resume foreign visits @ @ @ @ @ to say that for the past 45 days , the Russian Foreign Ministry worked in @ @ @ @ @ calls or video linkups .
She added that measures to bring back Russians , who @ @ @ @ @ to travel restrictions caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic , has remained among the foreign @ @ @ @ @ for the past two months .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov currently plans no visits to foreign countries due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and continues his work in the format of phone calls and video linkups, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday.
"So far, we have no [foreign] visits on the minister’s schedule. At present, there is no schedule that would return us to previous formats of work," she said when asked when the Russian top diplomat plans to resume foreign visits.
The spokeswoman went on to say that for the past 45 days, the Russian Foreign Ministry worked in the format of either phone calls or video linkups.
She added that measures to bring back Russians, who found themselves stranded abroad due to travel restrictions caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, has remained among the foreign ministry’s top priorities for the past two months.


tass--2020-05-20--Georgian president favors direct dialogue with Russia under certain conditions

TBILISI , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Georgia ’ s President Salome Zurabishvili said on Tuesday she is in favor of direct dialogue with Russia however certain conditions are needed for that .
`` In any case , I am for direct dialogue because countries have two ways : either a path of war or a path of dialogue .
I know no other ways .
If anyone knows a third way , let him tell it .
That is why I have always been and will be in favor of dialogue .
But dialogue for the sake of dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said in an interview with the Rustavi 2 television channel when asked whether she planned to maintain direct dialogue with Russia .
`` There should be circumstances that will give us a possibility to do good to the country , '' she added .
Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Russia after the latter recognized Abkhazia ’ s and South Ossetia ’ s independence in 2008 .
Direct dialogue between the two countries is maintained only via meetings between Georgian prime minister ’ s envoy for relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upper parliament house and former deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin .

TBILISI, May 19. /TASS/. Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili said on Tuesday she is in favor of direct dialogue with Russia however certain conditions are needed for that.
"In any case, I am for direct dialogue because countries have two ways: either a path of war or a path of dialogue. I know no other ways. If anyone knows a third way, let him tell it. That is why I have always been and will be in favor of dialogue. But dialogue for the sake of dialogue has never been a way out," she said in an interview with the Rustavi 2 television channel when asked whether she planned to maintain direct dialogue with Russia.
"There should be circumstances that will give us a possibility to do good to the country," she added.
Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Russia after the latter recognized Abkhazia’s and South Ossetia’s independence in 2008. Direct dialogue between the two countries is maintained only via meetings between Georgian prime minister’s envoy for relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze and member of Russia’s Federation Council upper parliament house and former deputy foreign minister Grigory Karasin.


tass--2020-05-19--Sanya cultivates transit base of flora and fauna germplasm

HAIKOU , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's Sanya imported a batch of corn seeds ( 230 kg ) from Brazil as part of the development of an import and transit base for germplasm of flora and fauna created in the region , the Sanya Daily reported .
According to the newspaper , since April 26 the seeds have been stored in quarantine , following that they will be used for scientific research , replenishing the region 's selection potential , breeding new varieties .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping announced the creation of a pilot free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , he called for the development of tropical agriculture on the island , in particular , emphasized the need for setting up a National Tropical Agriculture Research Center in the province , and also urged to support Hainan in creating a transit base of flora and fauna germplasm resources there .
Sanya was chosen to be the site for the construction of the latter .
According to plan , the base will become part of the island ’ s pilot free trade zone .
It will be engaged in the breeding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region ’ s agriculture , and will also play an important role in ensuring food security on the Island of Hainan .
In December 2018 , the key provisions of the development of the transit base in Sanya were announced , in August 2019 a special working group was set up to manage the development of the facility .
Since last year , a number of cooperation agreements have been signed with leading agricultural research institutes .
According to the Sanya Daily , that batch of Brazilian corn was the first shipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ program for plant germplasm base .

HAIKOU, May 19. /TASS/. Hainan's Sanya imported a batch of corn seeds (230 kg) from Brazil as part of the development of an import and transit base for germplasm of flora and fauna created in the region, the Sanya Daily reported.
According to the newspaper, since April 26 the seeds have been stored in quarantine, following that they will be used for scientific research, replenishing the region's selection potential, breeding new varieties.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping announced the creation of a pilot free trade zone on Hainan. Along with this, he called for the development of tropical agriculture on the island, in particular, emphasized the need for setting up a National Tropical Agriculture Research Center in the province, and also urged to support Hainan in creating a transit base of flora and fauna germplasm resources there. Sanya was chosen to be the site for the construction of the latter.
According to plan, the base will become part of the island’s pilot free trade zone. It will be engaged in the breeding of new plant varieties, promote innovation in the region’s agriculture, and will also play an important role in ensuring food security on the Island of Hainan.
In December 2018, the key provisions of the development of the transit base in Sanya were announced, in August 2019 a special working group was set up to manage the development of the facility. Since last year, a number of cooperation agreements have been signed with leading agricultural research institutes.
According to the Sanya Daily, that batch of Brazilian corn was the first shipment to Sanya as part of the development program for plant germplasm base.


tass--2020-05-21--US blocks Russia-initiated draft UNSC statement condemning incursion into Venezuela

UNITED NATIONS , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has blocked a Russia-initiated United Nations Security Council statement condemning interference into Venezuela ’ s domestic affairs and infringement on its sovereignty , Russia ’ s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky tweeted after the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela .
According to the Russian diplomat , the text had `` no accusations , only support of basic common things . ''
`` It was killed by the USUN within 9 minutes from the start of silence procedure ( an automatic adoption of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS ) , '' he wrote .
`` Any questions on how `` constructive '' US position on Venezuela is ? ''
On May 3 , Venezuela ’ s authorities said they had foiled an attempted incursion by a group of mercenaries from Colombia who had sought to stage a coup in Venezuela and kill President Nicolas Maduro .
Two of those detained were US nationals .
In a televised address , Maduro showed their documents .
One of these men said during the interrogation they had been tasked to take control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there to further take him to the United States .
US President Donald Trump said after the incident Washington had nothing to do with the persons detained in Venezuela .
Moreover , he said the United States would not have made any secret of such an operation if it had planned it .

UNITED NATIONS, May 21. /TASS/. The United States has blocked a Russia-initiated United Nations Security Council statement condemning interference into Venezuela’s domestic affairs and infringement on its sovereignty, Russia’s First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky tweeted after the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela.
According to the Russian diplomat, the text had "no accusations, only support of basic common things." "It was killed by the USUN within 9 minutes from the start of silence procedure (an automatic adoption of a document once there are no objections - TASS)," he wrote. "Any questions on how "constructive" US position on Venezuela is?"
On May 3, Venezuela’s authorities said they had foiled an attempted incursion by a group of mercenaries from Colombia who had sought to stage a coup in Venezuela and kill President Nicolas Maduro.
Two of those detained were US nationals. In a televised address, Maduro showed their documents. One of these men said during the interrogation they had been tasked to take control of the airport and bring the Venezuelan leader there to further take him to the United States.
US President Donald Trump said after the incident Washington had nothing to do with the persons detained in Venezuela. Moreover, he said the United States would not have made any secret of such an operation if it had planned it.


tass--2020-05-21--68 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow in past day

MOSCOW , May 21 .
/TASS/ .
Sixty-eight coronavirus-positive patients died in Moscow in the past day , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday .
`` Sixty-eight coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow , '' it said .
The overall number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow has reached 1,794 .
According to the latest update , as many as 152,276 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow , with 2,699 such cases reported in the past day .
A total of 5,440 patients recovered during the day .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Sixty-eight coronavirus-positive patients died in Moscow in the past day, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Thursday.
"Sixty-eight coronavirus-positive patients diagnosed with pneumonia have died in Moscow," it said.
The overall number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow has reached 1,794.
According to the latest update, as many as 152,276 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow, with 2,699 such cases reported in the past day. A total of 5,440 patients recovered during the day.
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 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--Russia’s extremist crimes soar due to pandemic

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of crimes that can be classified as extremist has risen amid @ @ @ @ @ Head of the Russian Security Council Alexander Grebenkin said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta @ @ @ @ @ difficult social and economic situation , particularly caused by the coronavirus epidemic , we acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
According to the official , 263 crimes were reported in @ @ @ @ @ times higher than the number registered in the same period in 2019 .
`` Around @ @ @ @ @ are relating to calls for extremism on the Internet .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ crimes - hooliganism , threats of murder and battery on the grounds of political , @ @ @ @ @ or religious hatred , '' he explained .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The number of crimes that can be classified as extremist has risen amid the coronavirus pandemic, Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council Alexander Grebenkin said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper.
"Amid the difficult social and economic situation, particularly caused by the coronavirus epidemic, we acknowledge an increase in extremist crimes," he said. According to the official, 263 crimes were reported in January-April, which is three times higher than the number registered in the same period in 2019. "Around a half of these crimes are relating to calls for extremism on the Internet. At the same time, almost 10% are violent crimes - hooliganism, threats of murder and battery on the grounds of political, ideological, racial, nationalistic or religious hatred," he explained.


tass--2020-05-20--Iraqi security services say captured possible ISIS leader successor - TV

CAIRO , May 20 .
TASS/ .
Iraqi special security services have announced Wednesday that the possible successor of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi , former leader of ISIS neutralized by the US , was captured by them , Iraq ’ s Alsumaria TV reported .
`` Today , terrorist Abdullah Qardash , who was a contender to succeed criminal al-Baghdadi , was arrested , '' the channel quoted the Iraqi intelligence statement .
`` The arrest was carried put based on verified information. ''
.
Qardash ’ s real name is Al-Haj Abdullah Qardash , he is also known as Hajji @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1976 in Iraq ’ s Tal Afar to a Turkman family .
He studied in Mosul University and was considered one of Al-Qaeda ’ s ideologists .
Some reports suggest that he met al-Baghdadi in 2004 in US Camp Bucca prison , where they both served their sentences .
Qardash was one of the ISIS foudners , laid down its ideology and planned a number of operations .
He has been on the US terrorist list since 2015 , a $ 5 million award is promised for him .
On October 27 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been killed during a special operation in Syria ’ s Idlib Governorate .
He thanked Russia , Iraq , Syria and Turkey for their assistance .
Meanwhile , the Russian Defense Ministry said it had no reliable information on al-Baghdadi ’ s death .
The international community called the slaying of al-Baghdadi an important but not decisive step , calling for continuing the war on terror .

CAIRO, May 20. TASS/. Iraqi special security services have announced Wednesday that the possible successor of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, former leader of ISIS neutralized by the US, was captured by them, Iraq’s Alsumaria TV reported.
"Today, terrorist Abdullah Qardash, who was a contender to succeed criminal al-Baghdadi, was arrested," the channel quoted the Iraqi intelligence statement. "The arrest was carried put based on verified information.".
Qardash’s real name is Al-Haj Abdullah Qardash, he is also known as Hajji Abdullah al-Afari. He was born in 1976 in Iraq’s Tal Afar to a Turkman family. He studied in Mosul University and was considered one of Al-Qaeda’s ideologists.
Some reports suggest that he met al-Baghdadi in 2004 in US Camp Bucca prison, where they both served their sentences. Qardash was one of the ISIS foudners, laid down its ideology and planned a number of operations. He has been on the US terrorist list since 2015, a $5 million award is promised for him.
On October 27, US President Donald Trump said that al-Baghdadi had been killed during a special operation in Syria’s Idlib Governorate. He thanked Russia, Iraq, Syria and Turkey for their assistance. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said it had no reliable information on al-Baghdadi’s death. The international community called the slaying of al-Baghdadi an important but not decisive step, calling for continuing the war on terror.


tass--2020-05-20--WHO has no data on coronavirus mutations that increase mortality

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) currently does not have any data about novel coronavirus mutations that can lead to increased mortality from the infection , WHO representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic said Wednesday .
`` The virus has many , let ’ s say , small shifts and changes , but it is yet to be identified that it changed its death rate .
It means that there is not enough data now .
Of course , when there is more data from all territories , it will be better and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , answering a question why countries with similar numbers of infections can have differing death rates from coronavirus .
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 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently does not have any data about novel coronavirus mutations that can lead to increased mortality from the infection, WHO representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic said Wednesday.
"The virus has many, let’s say, small shifts and changes, but it is yet to be identified that it changed its death rate. It means that there is not enough data now. Of course, when there is more data from all territories, it will be better and easier to say," she said, answering a question why countries with similar numbers of infections can have differing death rates from coronavirus.
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 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 308,705 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 85,392 patients having recovered from the disease. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,927 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-20--TASS First Deputy Director-General Gusman awarded Belarusian Order of Francysk Skaryna

MINSK , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has awarded the Order of Francysk Skaryna to TASS @ @ @ @ @ , the leader signed the order Wednesday , his press service reports .
`` TASS @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Gusman is awarded the Order of Francysk Skaryna , '' the statement reads .
@ @ @ @ @ state order for his significant contribution to strengthening of relations between Belarus and Russia , @ @ @ @ @ countries in the information sphere .
`` .

MINSK, May 20. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has awarded the Order of Francysk Skaryna to TASS First Deputy Director-General Mikhail Gusman, the leader signed the order Wednesday, his press service reports.
"TASS news agency First Deputy Director-General Mikhail Gusman is awarded the Order of Francysk Skaryna," the statement reads. "He is awarded this state order for his significant contribution to strengthening of relations between Belarus and Russia, expanding cooperation between the two countries in the information sphere.".


tass--2020-05-20--UN calls on Israel to abandon threats to annex Palestinian lands

`` I call on my colleagues in the Middle East Quartet - the United States , the Russian Federation and the European Union — to work with the United Nations and quickly come forward with a proposal that will enable the Quartet to take up its mediation role and work jointly with countries in the region to advance the prospect of peace , '' he said .
`` Israel must abandon the threats of annexation . ''
UNITED NATIONS , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations is calling on Russia , the United States and the European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialogue and is urging Israel to renounce threats to annex Palestinian territories , UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov told a video conference of the UN Security Council on Wednesday amid the Palestinian statement that it is quitting all international agreements with the US and Israel .
The UN official also informed that on May 21 he will have a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to discuss the latest statements of the Palestinian leadership .
`` Tomorrow I will be meeting with the Palestinian Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side of the decision by the leadership and its implications on the ground , '' he noted , branding the statement made by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas a `` desperate cry for help '' and a `` call for immediate action '' .
`` If there is one concern that we all share , that is the need for all to work together to prevent escalation and radicalization , '' Mladenov added .
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on May 19 announced that all agreements signed with the US and Israel were terminated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ held responsible for attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territories .
On May 17 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that it was time to annex a part of Palestinian territories in West Bank .

"I call on my colleagues in the Middle East Quartet - the United States, the Russian Federation and the European Union — to work with the United Nations and quickly come forward with a proposal that will enable the Quartet to take up its mediation role and work jointly with countries in the region to advance the prospect of peace," he said. "Israel must abandon the threats of annexation."
UNITED NATIONS, May 20. /TASS/. The United Nations is calling on Russia, the United States and the European Union to boost mediation efforts in the Israeli-Palestine dialogue and is urging Israel to renounce threats to annex Palestinian territories, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov told a video conference of the UN Security Council on Wednesday amid the Palestinian statement that it is quitting all international agreements with the US and Israel.
The UN official also informed that on May 21 he will have a meeting with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh to discuss the latest statements of the Palestinian leadership. "Tomorrow I will be meeting with the Palestinian Prime Minister in order to better understand the practical side of the decision by the leadership and its implications on the ground," he noted, branding the statement made by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas a "desperate cry for help" and a "call for immediate action".
"If there is one concern that we all share, that is the need for all to work together to prevent escalation and radicalization," Mladenov added.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on May 19 announced that all agreements signed with the US and Israel were terminated. He then added that Israel should be held responsible for attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territories. On May 17, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that it was time to annex a part of Palestinian territories in West Bank.


tass--2020-05-20--US military jet with first shipment of ventilators for Russia takes off from US

WASHINGTON , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
US C-17 military transport aircraft with first shipment of 50 American ventilators has taken off from Charleston Air Force Base ( South Carolina ) and set course for Moscow on Wednesday , a source in the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ) told TASS .
`` Yes , I can confirm that the aircraft loaded with ventilators for the Russian people departed .
We are proud to provide ventilators to the Russian people and saving lives during this global [ coronavirus ] crisis , '' the source stressed .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane would reach Moscow .
`` The United States seeks a better relationship with Russia on many fronts and the door to dialogue remains open .
We must all work together to overcome this common threat that knows no boundaries .
The United States and Russia have provided humanitarian assistance to each other during past crises and will no doubt do so again in the future , '' he concluded .
`` America extends prayers and well wishes to the Russian people suffering at this difficult time , '' the White House ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also added .
On Wednesday , the United States Transportation Command ( USTRANSCOM ) published a video via Twitter showing USAID employees loading ventilators to the jet alongside military personnel .
A senior staffer of the US administration earlier told TASS that the first shipment of 50 ventilators would be ready for delivery to Russia on May 20 , while the remaining 150 ventilators could be sent on May 26 , underlining that the ventilators are given free of charge .
Voice of America , meanwhile , noted that the machines and their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USAID activity in Russia was terminated in accordance with the Russian government ’ s decision as foreign help was not needed then .
On Sunday , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the White House that US authorities were glad to help out Russia in countering the coronavirus pandemic .
He revealed that certain coronavirus test equipment and ventilators were already `` on its way . ''
Earlier , Trump told journalists that ventilators would be sent to Russia if need be .
According to the US leader , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Putin .
In April , Russia sent a shipment of medical equipment to the US to help to tackle the coronavirus spread .
Trump then lauded the gesture .
Meanwhile , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stressed that Moscow would avail itself of Washington ’ s proposal to supply ventilators if they are needed .
In accordance with the final agreements between Russia and the US , the April shipment ’ s delivery was fully paid for by the Russian Direct Investment Fund .
In turn , the US covered all expenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ventilators to Russia .

WASHINGTON, May 20. /TASS/. US C-17 military transport aircraft with first shipment of 50 American ventilators has taken off from Charleston Air Force Base (South Carolina) and set course for Moscow on Wednesday, a source in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) told TASS.
"Yes, I can confirm that the aircraft loaded with ventilators for the Russian people departed. We are proud to provide ventilators to the Russian people and saving lives during this global [coronavirus] crisis," the source stressed.
However, he did not clarify when the plane would reach Moscow. "The United States seeks a better relationship with Russia on many fronts and the door to dialogue remains open. We must all work together to overcome this common threat that knows no boundaries. The United States and Russia have provided humanitarian assistance to each other during past crises and will no doubt do so again in the future," he concluded.
"America extends prayers and well wishes to the Russian people suffering at this difficult time," the White House’s National Security Council (NSC) also added. On Wednesday, the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) published a video via Twitter showing USAID employees loading ventilators to the jet alongside military personnel.
A senior staffer of the US administration earlier told TASS that the first shipment of 50 ventilators would be ready for delivery to Russia on May 20, while the remaining 150 ventilators could be sent on May 26, underlining that the ventilators are given free of charge. Voice of America, meanwhile, noted that the machines and their delivery amounted to $4.7 million.
USAID activity in Russia was terminated in accordance with the Russian government’s decision as foreign help was not needed then.
Aid delivery
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the White House that US authorities were glad to help out Russia in countering the coronavirus pandemic. He revealed that certain coronavirus test equipment and ventilators were already "on its way." Earlier, Trump told journalists that ventilators would be sent to Russia if need be. According to the US leader, he made the suggestion during a phone call with Putin.
In April, Russia sent a shipment of medical equipment to the US to help to tackle the coronavirus spread. Trump then lauded the gesture. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stressed that Moscow would avail itself of Washington’s proposal to supply ventilators if they are needed.
In accordance with the final agreements between Russia and the US, the April shipment’s delivery was fully paid for by the Russian Direct Investment Fund. In turn, the US covered all expenses relating to the delivery of the American ventilators to Russia.


tass--2020-05-20--Top Russian, Turkish diplomats talk tourism, fight against coronavirus, says source

ANKARA , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov and Mevlut Cavusoglu have held phone @ @ @ @ @ the Turkish foreign ministry told TASS Wednesday .
`` Our minister had talks with Russian @ @ @ @ @ The conversation discussed regional issues , tourism and the fight against coronavirus , '' the @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases @ @ @ @ @ named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition @ @ @ @ @ 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

ANKARA, May 20. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish Foreign Ministers Sergey Lavrov and Mevlut Cavusoglu have held phone talks, a source in the Turkish foreign ministry told TASS Wednesday.
"Our minister had talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The conversation discussed regional issues, tourism and the fight against coronavirus," the source noted.
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.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-20--Nord Stream 2 operator can appeal against EU Court decision in Gas Directive action

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Nord Stream 2 AG , the Swiss-based operator of the Nord Stream 2 @ @ @ @ @ the decision taken by the European court , which dismissed the company ’ s claim @ @ @ @ @ norms , and can file an appeal against the judgment within two months , the @ @ @ @ @ 2 AG told TASS on Wednesday .
`` We have taken note of the ruling @ @ @ @ @ It is important to note that the ruling only concerns procedural questions , including in @ @ @ @ @ court .
The court has not rejected our claim on substance , in particular that @ @ @ @ @ Directive constitutes an unlawful discrimination of Nord Stream 2 .
Therefore , we maintain our @ @ @ @ @ 2 AG said .
`` We are now analyzing the ruling .
Nord Stream 2 @ @ @ @ @ a two-month period , '' the company added .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Nord Stream 2 AG, the Swiss-based operator of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, will analyze the decision taken by the European court, which dismissed the company’s claim against the EU Gas Directive norms, and can file an appeal against the judgment within two months, the press service of Nord Stream 2 AG told TASS on Wednesday.
"We have taken note of the ruling by the General Court. It is important to note that the ruling only concerns procedural questions, including in particular of admission to the court. The court has not rejected our claim on substance, in particular that the amendment of the Gas Directive constitutes an unlawful discrimination of Nord Stream 2. Therefore, we maintain our claim," Nord Stream 2 AG said.
"We are now analyzing the ruling. Nord Stream 2 can file an appeal within a two-month period," the company added.


tass--2020-05-20--Top Russian diplomat reafirms Russia’s willingness to help Middle East settlement

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has had a phone call with his Israeli @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s willingness together with its Middle East Quartet ( Russia , US , @ @ @ @ @ to assist relaunch of peace process through dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ `` Foreign ministers exchanged opinions on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa @ @ @ @ @ the Middle Eastern settlement .
The Russian side underscored readiness together with other Quartet international @ @ @ @ @ process through direct dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians on internationally recognized basis , '' the @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has had a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi to reaffirm Russia’s willingness together with its Middle East Quartet (Russia, US, EU, UN) partners to assist relaunch of peace process through dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, the Russian foreign ministry said Wednesday.
"Foreign ministers exchanged opinions on the situation in the Middle East and North Africa with an emphasis placed on the Middle Eastern settlement. The Russian side underscored readiness together with other Quartet international mediators to continue facilitating peace process through direct dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians on internationally recognized basis," the ministry noted.


tass--2020-05-20--Record number of new coronavirus cases reported globally in past 24 hours

GENEVA , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
More than 106,000 new confirmed coronavirus infections were identified in the world over @ @ @ @ @ Director General of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a @ @ @ @ @ the last 24h , there have been 106,000 cases reported to WHO - the most @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak began .
Almost two thirds of these cases were reported in just four @ @ @ @ @ .
The WHO Director General stressed that the organization is particularly concerned `` about the @ @ @ @ @ low-and middle-income countries . ''
Therefore , he noted that WHO is paying special attention @ @ @ @ @ chains remain open and medical supplies reach health workers and patients . ''
According to @ @ @ @ @ 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
@ @ @ @ @ , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

GENEVA, May 20. /TASS/. More than 106,000 new confirmed coronavirus infections were identified in the world over the past 24 hours, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing Wednesday.
"In the last 24h, there have been 106,000 cases reported to WHO - the most in a single day since the outbreak began. Almost two thirds of these cases were reported in just four countries," he said.
The WHO Director General stressed that the organization is particularly concerned "about the rising numbers of cases in low-and middle-income countries." Therefore, he noted that WHO is paying special attention to ensuring that "supply chains remain open and medical supplies reach health workers and patients."
According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-20--Putin supports proposal to increase support for agricultural producers

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the proposal to increase the support for the @ @ @ @ @ rubles ( $ 62.8 mln ) .
`` I agree with the proposal to increase @ @ @ @ @ , say , by 4.5 bln rubles ( $ 62.8 mln ) for a start @ @ @ @ @ receive an extra resource for development and domestic agricultural machinery and equipment manufacturers are loaded @ @ @ @ @ the President said .
It is also required to make further decisions to support the @ @ @ @ @ their outfit with the new machinery , the head of state added .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the proposal to increase the support for the agricultural sector by 4.5 bln rubles ($62.8 mln).
"I agree with the proposal to increase the amount of such support, say, by 4.5 bln rubles ($62.8 mln) for a start, so that agricultural producers receive an extra resource for development and domestic agricultural machinery and equipment manufacturers are loaded with new orders," the President said.
It is also required to make further decisions to support the upgrade of agricultural companies and their outfit with the new machinery, the head of state added.


tass--2020-05-20--Ukraine’s Zelensky, Kolomoisky pretend to have nothing in common, say analysts

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s President Vladimir Zelensky and business tycoon Igor Kolomoisky are keen to persuade the public they have different interests , the director of the Kiev Center of Political Studies and Conflictology , Mikhail Pogrebinsky , told a TASS news conference .
At the same news conference earlier the Center for Current Policy presented a report in which the center ’ s analysts say that `` by and large the Zelensky team manages to demonstrate its equidistance from the oligarchic groups . ''
The analysts believe that the `` Ukrainian economy remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by no means be accused of placing the interests of oligarchs above development interests . ''
As far as Zelensky ’ s decision not to return the nationalized Privatbank to Kolomoisky is concerned , it was made under Western pressure .
This is true , '' Pogrebinsky said .
`` But he and Kolomoisky have achieved consensus .
They play a game of estrangement . ''
The director of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics , Ruslan Bortnik , shares this viewpoint .
`` The impression that Kolomoisky ’ s influence has been reset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the correct indicator .
No assets are left there .
Take a look at some of his other lines of business , such as Tsentrenergo , where Kolomoisky has gained a firm foothold and obtained loans from public banks , '' Bortnik said .
Zelensky promised that in the near future he would sign into law the `` anti-Kolomoisky bill '' Ukraine ’ s parliament voted for on May 13 .
The law ’ s key idea is to prohibit the return of nationalized banks to their former owners .
First and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kolomoisky , the former main stakeholder of the nationalized Privatbank .
Kolomoisky has taken the case to courts of law in an attempt to prove the nationalization was illegal .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky and business tycoon Igor Kolomoisky are keen to persuade the public they have different interests, the director of the Kiev Center of Political Studies and Conflictology, Mikhail Pogrebinsky, told a TASS news conference.
At the same news conference earlier the Center for Current Policy presented a report in which the center’s analysts say that "by and large the Zelensky team manages to demonstrate its equidistance from the oligarchic groups." The analysts believe that the "Ukrainian economy remains oligarchic, but the current authorities should by no means be accused of placing the interests of oligarchs above development interests."
As far as Zelensky’s decision not to return the nationalized Privatbank to Kolomoisky is concerned, it was made under Western pressure. This is true," Pogrebinsky said. "But he and Kolomoisky have achieved consensus. They play a game of estrangement."
The director of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics, Ruslan Bortnik, shares this viewpoint.
"The impression that Kolomoisky’s influence has been reset to zero is wrong. Privatbank is not the correct indicator. No assets are left there. Take a look at some of his other lines of business, such as Tsentrenergo, where Kolomoisky has gained a firm foothold and obtained loans from public banks," Bortnik said.
Zelensky promised that in the near future he would sign into law the "anti-Kolomoisky bill" Ukraine’s parliament voted for on May 13. The law’s key idea is to prohibit the return of nationalized banks to their former owners. First and foremost, the law targets mogul Igor Kolomoisky, the former main stakeholder of the nationalized Privatbank. Kolomoisky has taken the case to courts of law in an attempt to prove the nationalization was illegal.


tass--2020-05-20--German regulator grants derogation from EU Gas Directive norms to Nord Stream 2

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Federal Network Agency ( Bundesnetzagentur ) made the decision to grant derogation @ @ @ @ @ norms of the EU Gas Directive on the country ’ s territory for the term @ @ @ @ @ Stream AG ( the gas pipeline operator ) said on Wednesday .
The relevant application @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 .
`` In line with the application , the derogation from the particular @ @ @ @ @ section located on German territory ( including German territorial waters ) and is initially valid @ @ @ @ @ from the amended EnWG ’ s [ Germany ’ s Energy Industry Act — TASS @ @ @ @ @ 12 December 2019 , '' the company said .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) made the decision to grant derogation to Nord Stream from norms of the EU Gas Directive on the country’s territory for the term of 20 years, Nord Stream AG (the gas pipeline operator) said on Wednesday.
The relevant application was filed on December 19, 2019.
"In line with the application, the derogation from the particular regulation applies to the pipeline section located on German territory (including German territorial waters) and is initially valid for 20 years, retroactively from the amended EnWG’s [Germany’s Energy Industry Act — TASS] entry into force on 12 December 2019," the company said.


tass--2020-05-20--Sweden’s coronavirus cases top 31,500

Sweden’s coronavirus cases top 31,500

Sweden reports that 1,886 patients are in ICU .
The highest numbers of infections ( 10,738 ) and deaths ( 1,879 ) are identified in the capital region .
STOCKHOLM , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus infections in Sweden increased by 724 in the past 24 hours , bringing the total to 31,523 ( 315 infections per 100,000 people ) , while the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country climbed by 88 to reach 3,831 , the national healthcare agency reported Wednesday .
The Swedish authorities claim that the epidemiological situation in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reproduction number ( R value ) of coronavirus in Sweden currently stands slightly below 1 .
`` As you know we are ramping up testing in Sweden , '' Swedish chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference .
`` We would like to underline how vital it is to carry out tests in care homes because we know that seniors are a huge risk group . ''
The Swedish government shut down national borders for foreigners not leaving in the EU after the union ’ s decision , public gatherings of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The authorities also recommended introducing distance learning for high school , universities and adult classes , while nursery , primary and middle schools stay open .
The country or its separate regions did not impose any lockdown measures , while shops , cafes and restaurants stay open .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

Sweden reports that 1,886 patients are in ICU. The highest numbers of infections (10,738) and deaths (1,879) are identified in the capital region.
STOCKHOLM, May 20. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus infections in Sweden increased by 724 in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 31,523 (315 infections per 100,000 people), while the number of coronavirus-related deaths in the country climbed by 88 to reach 3,831, the national healthcare agency reported Wednesday.
The Swedish authorities claim that the epidemiological situation in the country has been taken under control. The reproduction number (R value) of coronavirus in Sweden currently stands slightly below 1.
"As you know we are ramping up testing in Sweden," Swedish chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference. "We would like to underline how vital it is to carry out tests in care homes because we know that seniors are a huge risk group."
The Swedish government shut down national borders for foreigners not leaving in the EU after the union’s decision, public gatherings of more than 50 people are not advised. The authorities also recommended introducing distance learning for high school, universities and adult classes, while nursery, primary and middle schools stay open. The country or its separate regions did not impose any lockdown measures, while shops, cafes and restaurants stay open.
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.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,990,400 people have been infected worldwide and more than 324,900 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,961,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-20--Only 18% of SME representatives confident in their business expansion, says survey

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Around 20 % of representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) @ @ @ @ @ further expansion of their business within the next six months , according to a survey @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
`` The share of upbeat entrepreneurs has fallen sharply as business expects a @ @ @ @ @ challenging economic environment and is focused on reducing costs and retaining its clients , '' @ @ @ @ @ majority of respondents , 39 % , can not estimate the prospects for the next @ @ @ @ @ that they will continue working as before .
As many as 18 % of respondents @ @ @ @ @ expanding their business , while 7 % plan to scale back operations , '' according @ @ @ @ @ poll involved clients of leading Russian banks — individual entrepreneurs and heads and owners of @ @ @ @ @ to 3 bln rubles ( $ 42 mln ) per year — in all , @ @ @ @ @ small and medium-sized enterprises .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Around 20% of representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Russia are confident in further expansion of their business within the next six months, according to a survey by Otkritie Bank obtained by TASS.
"The share of upbeat entrepreneurs has fallen sharply as business expects a long survival period amid the challenging economic environment and is focused on reducing costs and retaining its clients," Otkritie said. "The majority of respondents, 39%, cannot estimate the prospects for the next six months, hoping though that they will continue working as before. As many as 18% of respondents are confident in developing and expanding their business, while 7% plan to scale back operations," according to the survey.
The poll involved clients of leading Russian banks — individual entrepreneurs and heads and owners of SMEs with revenue of up to 3 bln rubles ($42 mln) per year — in all, more than 1,000 representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises.


tass--2020-05-20--Putin: Russia is now fully self-sufficient in basic food products

`` Russia is fully self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs , it is consistently venturing into global markets , and is one of the leading exporters in a number of positions , '' the head of state said at a meeting on the situation in agriculture and the food industry .
`` In recent years , the Russian agricultural and industrial sector has gained high , outstripping pace and is strengthening its position as a modern , high-tech industry with good potential for quality growth , '' the president said .
As an example , he mentioned the grain harvest in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 million tonnes .
`` This year we also have good harvest prospects , '' Putin said .
He thanked the workers of domestic agriculture and agricultural enterprises for hard work , for results that are meaningful for the whole country .
`` Today , when the Russian and world economies are having a hard time , it ’ s important to maintain the achieved dynamics in the agro-industrial complex , the confidence of our farmers in stable work and the stability of the industry ’ s cooperative ties .
We need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evaluate and use the opportunities that are opening up for our companies , in particular for export , '' the head of state said .
He referred to the opinion of experts who believe that agriculture and the food industry were less affected by the limitations of the coronavirus epidemic than other sectors of the economy , although there are still risks of plunging incomes and higher production costs .
`` Now that the spring field work is in full swing , it is all the more important to support Russian farmers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities of farms and enterprises so that they have resources for the purchase of fuel and fertilizers as well as for the purchase and processing of raw materials .
And of course , one should pay attention to the wages of employees , '' Putin said .
He stressed that `` it concerns not only large enterprises and agricultural holdings , but , above all , small enterprises and farms . ''

"Russia is fully self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs, it is consistently venturing into global markets, and is one of the leading exporters in a number of positions," the head of state said at a meeting on the situation in agriculture and the food industry.
"In recent years, the Russian agricultural and industrial sector has gained high, outstripping pace and is strengthening its position as a modern, high-tech industry with good potential for quality growth," the president said.
As an example, he mentioned the grain harvest in Russia, which for six consecutive years exceeds 100 million tonnes.
"This year we also have good harvest prospects," Putin said. He thanked the workers of domestic agriculture and agricultural enterprises for hard work, for results that are meaningful for the whole country.
"Today, when the Russian and world economies are having a hard time, it’s important to maintain the achieved dynamics in the agro-industrial complex, the confidence of our farmers in stable work and the stability of the industry’s cooperative ties. We need to secure our own, domestic market and evaluate and use the opportunities that are opening up for our companies, in particular for export," the head of state said.
He referred to the opinion of experts who believe that agriculture and the food industry were less affected by the limitations of the coronavirus epidemic than other sectors of the economy, although there are still risks of plunging incomes and higher production costs.
"Now that the spring field work is in full swing, it is all the more important to support Russian farmers, labor teams, ensure the consistency of activities of farms and enterprises so that they have resources for the purchase of fuel and fertilizers as well as for the purchase and processing of raw materials. And of course, one should pay attention to the wages of employees," Putin said. He stressed that "it concerns not only large enterprises and agricultural holdings, but, above all, small enterprises and farms."


tass--2020-05-20--Russia employs WHO methodology to count coronavirus statistics — WHO envoy

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is employing the World Health Organization ( WHO ) guidelines to count @ @ @ @ @ WHO representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic told TASS Wednesday .
`` Russia is using ICD-10 @ @ @ @ @ — TASS ] and the WHO guiding principles .
On April 16 , WHO published @ @ @ @ @ and code COVID-19 as cause of death which were translated into Russian by the Russian @ @ @ @ @ Systems and Public Health and which are used in Russia , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ publishes all official data it receives from Russia .
`` Just like in any system @ @ @ @ @ a standard and good practice ) internal reviews are held periodically ( not just regarding @ @ @ @ @ '' the WHO envoy added .
At the same time , she stressed that the @ @ @ @ @ body .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Russia is employing the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to count statistical data on coronavirus, WHO representative to Russia Melita Vujnovic told TASS Wednesday.
"Russia is using ICD-10 [international classification of diseases — TASS] and the WHO guiding principles. On April 16, WHO published new methodological recommendations to check and code COVID-19 as cause of death which were translated into Russian by the Russian WHO Collaborating Center for Health Systems and Public Health and which are used in Russia," she said.
Vujnovic also added that WHO publishes all official data it receives from Russia. "Just like in any system of statistics (this is a standard and good practice) internal reviews are held periodically (not just regarding the death rate)," the WHO envoy added.
At the same time, she stressed that the organization is not a supervisory body.


tass--2020-05-20--Russia’s Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg to involve 46 combat ships

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Over 40 combat ships , vessels and submarines will take part in Russia ’ s Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg on Navy Day that will be celebrated on July 26 this year , Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s board meeting on Wednesday .
`` We will begin the board meeting with a review of the preparations for holding the Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg scheduled for July 26 .
The parade will involve 46 combat ships and submarines of all the fleets , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , '' the defense chief said .
The first serial-produced frigate Admiral Kasatonov , the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov , the submarine Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and other combat ships will take part in the parade , the defense minister specified .
`` As a sign of recognizing the Russian Fleet ’ s big contribution to the exploration of the World Ocean , two latest hydrographic survey vessels will sail along the Neva River together with combat ships .
The oceanic survey vessel Admiral Vladimirsky , which is currently completing a scientific expedition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Geographical Society , will anchor in the Kronshtadt roadstead , '' Shoigu said .
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War , combat boats with the banners of the Navy ’ s glorious formations will sail along the Neva .
The parade ’ s historical part will envisage the passage of amphibious assault boats with a legendary T-34 tank and a BM-13 Katyusha multiple rocket launcher , the defense chief said .
Apart from St. Petersburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the Russian Navy ’ s fleets : in Severomorsk , Baltiysk , Vladivostok and Sevastopol , and also at Russia ’ s Tartus naval facility on the Mediterranean coast in Syria , Shoigu specified .
For the first time , Russia ’ s Caspian Flotilla will hold the naval parade at its new base in the city of Kaspiysk .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Over 40 combat ships, vessels and submarines will take part in Russia’s Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg on Navy Day that will be celebrated on July 26 this year, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s board meeting on Wednesday.
"We will begin the board meeting with a review of the preparations for holding the Main Naval Parade in St. Petersburg scheduled for July 26. The parade will involve 46 combat ships and submarines of all the fleets, including the most advanced vessels that are entering service now," the defense chief said.
The first serial-produced frigate Admiral Kasatonov, the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov, the submarine Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and other combat ships will take part in the parade, the defense minister specified.
"As a sign of recognizing the Russian Fleet’s big contribution to the exploration of the World Ocean, two latest hydrographic survey vessels will sail along the Neva River together with combat ships. The oceanic survey vessel Admiral Vladimirsky, which is currently completing a scientific expedition to the Antarctic shores together with the Russian Geographical Society, will anchor in the Kronshtadt roadstead," Shoigu said.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War, combat boats with the banners of the Navy’s glorious formations will sail along the Neva. The parade’s historical part will envisage the passage of amphibious assault boats with a legendary T-34 tank and a BM-13 Katyusha multiple rocket launcher, the defense chief said.
Apart from St. Petersburg, the naval parades will be held in all the Russian Navy’s fleets: in Severomorsk, Baltiysk, Vladivostok and Sevastopol, and also at Russia’s Tartus naval facility on the Mediterranean coast in Syria, Shoigu specified.
For the first time, Russia’s Caspian Flotilla will hold the naval parade at its new base in the city of Kaspiysk.


tass--2020-05-20--Brent oil price exceeds $36 per barrel for the first time since April 9

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
The price of a July futures contract for Brent oil on the London @ @ @ @ @ 4.3 % and reached $ 36.14 per barrel , according to the trading data as @ @ @ @ @ .
The last time the Brent price stood above $ 36 per barrel was on @ @ @ @ @ As of 5:09 pm Moscow time , Brent oil price continued to grow and reached @ @ @ @ @ +4.62 % ) .
In turn , the price of WTI rose to $ 33.52 @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Meanwhile , the Russian ruble is strengthening against the dollar and the euro @ @ @ @ @ on the Moscow Exchange .
The dollar exchange rate decreased 1.42 % to 71.43 rubles @ @ @ @ @ down 0.83 % to 78.53 rubles .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The price of a July futures contract for Brent oil on the London Stock Exchange ICE rose by 4.3% and reached $36.14 per barrel, according to the trading data as of 4:54 pm Moscow time.
The last time the Brent price stood above $36 per barrel was on April 9 this year.
As of 5:09 pm Moscow time, Brent oil price continued to grow and reached $36.25 per barrel (+4.62%). In turn, the price of WTI rose to $33.52 per barrel (+4.88%).
Meanwhile, the Russian ruble is strengthening against the dollar and the euro in the course of trading on the Moscow Exchange. The dollar exchange rate decreased 1.42% to 71.43 rubles, and the euro edged down 0.83% to 78.53 rubles.


tass--2020-05-20--Envoy says Palestine eager to continue talks with Israel

MOSCOW , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Palestine is eager to continue talks with Israel based on the principle of @ @ @ @ @ to Moscow Abdel Hafiz Nofal told TASS on Wednesday , commenting on the Palestinian president @ @ @ @ @ out of all agreements with Israel and the US .
`` We are eager to @ @ @ @ @ Israelis with the principle of two-state solution , '' he said .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ , which does not accept Washington ’ s `` deal of the century '' and @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian territories , needs to call a conference to create a new mechanism to resolve @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced an end to all agreements with Israel and @ @ @ @ @ ones .
On May 17 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the time @ @ @ @ @ of the West Bank .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Palestine is eager to continue talks with Israel based on the principle of two states, Palestinian Ambassador to Moscow Abdel Hafiz Nofal told TASS on Wednesday, commenting on the Palestinian president’s decision to pull out of all agreements with Israel and the US.
"We are eager to continue the negotiations with the Israelis with the principle of two-state solution," he said.
According to the envoy, the international community, which does not accept Washington’s "deal of the century" and Israel’s annexation of Palestinian territories, needs to call a conference to create a new mechanism to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced an end to all agreements with Israel and the US, including security ones. On May 17, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the time had come to annex parts of the West Bank.


tass--2020-05-20--Lavrov, Cavusoglu discuss tourism, countering coronavirus

ANKARA , May 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu conducted negotiations @ @ @ @ @ source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS Wednesday .
`` Our Minister conducted talks @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov .
During the phone call , they discussed regional issues , @ @ @ @ @ '' the source said .

ANKARA, May 20. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu conducted negotiations over the phone, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told TASS Wednesday.
"Our Minister conducted talks with head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov. During the phone call, they discussed regional issues, tourism and coronavirus prevention," the source said.