tass--2020-02-13--US imposes sanctions on 3 Russian organizations under law on non-proliferation of weapons

WASHINGTON DC , / February 13 .
/ TASS / .
The Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise , the military-industrial corporation Scientific and Production Association of Mechanical Engineering and the Instrument Design Bureau fell under the sanctions of the American administration due to the fact that , according to Washington DC , they violate US national laws on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction ( WMD ) against Iran , North Korea and Syria , the US Department of State said in a statement in the Federal Registry , on Thursday .
According to the document , the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 3 .
A number of Chinese companies also appears on the black list , as well as one from Iraq and Turkey each .
`` On February 3 , the US government took measures against foreign legal entities under the non-proliferation law [ WMD ] in respect to Iran , North Korea and Syria , '' the statement said .
At the same time , the State Department had to re-add the Tula KBP to this blacklist .
Restrictions in connection with attributable violations against him were introduced in May last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistake in the name - `` Instrument Design Bureau '' .
In this regard , this time he was included in the list already with the corrected name .
The duration of the sanctions is two years , but can be reduced or terminated by decision of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo .
What exactly are the claims against the three organizations , the US administration do not specify .
We are talking about the attempts of the extraterritorial application by the United States of its domestic legislation , which have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include a ban on the purchase by any ministries and departments of the United States of products and services of the organization that is on the blacklist , Washington sells weapons and military equipment to her , grants American licenses for the purchase of goods falling under the export control regime , and provides her with assistance .

WASHINGTON DC, / February 13. / TASS /. The Kumertau Aviation Production Enterprise, the military-industrial corporation Scientific and Production Association of Mechanical Engineering and the Instrument Design Bureau fell under the sanctions of the American administration due to the fact that, according to Washington DC, they violate US national laws on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) against Iran, North Korea and Syria, the US Department of State said in a statement in the Federal Registry, on Thursday.
According to the document, the decision to apply restrictive measures entered into force on February 3. A number of Chinese companies also appears on the black list, as well as one from Iraq and Turkey each. "On February 3, the US government took measures against foreign legal entities under the non-proliferation law [WMD] in respect to Iran, North Korea and Syria," the statement said.
At the same time, the State Department had to re-add the Tula KBP to this blacklist. Restrictions in connection with attributable violations against him were introduced in May last year, but the US department made a mistake in the name - "Instrument Design Bureau". In this regard, this time he was included in the list already with the corrected name.
The duration of the sanctions is two years, but can be reduced or terminated by decision of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. What exactly are the claims against the three organizations, the US administration do not specify. We are talking about the attempts of the extraterritorial application by the United States of its domestic legislation, which have been repeatedly rejected by Russia.
The sanctions include a ban on the purchase by any ministries and departments of the United States of products and services of the organization that is on the blacklist, Washington sells weapons and military equipment to her, grants American licenses for the purchase of goods falling under the export control regime, and provides her with assistance.


tass--2020-02-13--Moscow Court imposes fine on Facebook for breach of Russian personal data law

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The judicial district of the Justice of the Peace in Moscow ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on Facebook totaling 4 mln rubles ( $ 62,800 ) for breach of Russian legislation @ @ @ @ @ , TASS reports from the court room .
`` The court ruled to recognize Facebook @ @ @ @ @ Part 8 of Article 13.11 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses ( Breach of @ @ @ @ @ data sphere ) and set a fine in the amount of 4 mln rubles , @ @ @ @ @ Facebook has a right to appeal against the decision within ten days .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The judicial district of the Justice of the Peace in Moscow’s Tagansky District imposed a fine on Facebook totaling 4 mln rubles ($62,800) for breach of Russian legislation on protection of personal data, TASS reports from the court room.
"The court ruled to recognize Facebook as the guilty party under Part 8 of Article 13.11 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses (Breach of Russian Federation laws in personal data sphere) and set a fine in the amount of 4 mln rubles," the judge said. Facebook has a right to appeal against the decision within ten days.


tass--2020-02-13--WWII archive publication to help counter attempts to rewrite history, researcher says

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The publication of archive documents on the history of WWII helps counter attempts to falsify historical facts , Scientific Head of the Russian Military and Historical Society Mikhail Myagkov told TASS on Thursday .
`` This is the weightiest argument against the attempts to rewrite history because we respond with documented facts to all falsification endeavors and we can expose as liars those who are trying to falsify our history , '' he emphasized .
`` The publication of documents that relate to the period of WWII is a very important process .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no right to make any inaccuracy .
We must be accurate because history is actually an exact science because it relies on facts while facts are backed by documents .
This is a big help to historians and researchers not only in our country but also abroad and I believe that this process will continue , '' he said .
The documents that have been published clearly indicate that the Red Army entered the capital of Hungary as a liberator , Myagkov stressed .
`` The State Defense Committee ’ s orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly indicate that we came to Hungarian soil as liberators from the pro-fascist regime to let Hungarians live and develop freely .
They expressly say that we did not come to change the social and economic system or establish the Soviet model , '' the historian said .
The documents reveal the difficulties , which Soviet troops encountered in Budapest , the scientific head of the Russian Military and Historical Society noted .
`` The documents show how strong the German defense was and how difficult it was for our troops to overcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constant counter-attacks .
The enemy amassed several armored and motorized divisions in the Budapest direction and the troops ’ density per kilometer of the front was the largest over the entire period of the Great Patriotic War , '' the historian said .
`` The three-layered defense included anti-tank ditches , barbed wire and fire emplacements , with its flanks extending to the shores of the Danube .
The documents emphasize the heroism of our combatants and heroes who distinguished themselves in these battles as they had to storm almost every building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also surfaced about the Hungarian regime ’ s cruelty towards the Jewish population , he said .
`` The Jews were subjected to the severest genocide on the territory of Hungary .
They were driven into ghettoes and re-directed to death camps , first of all , Auschwitz .
There are data that show that over 600,000 Hungarian Jews were killed , tortured to death or shot dead .
The documents indicate that our troops were finding in basements a large number of the bodies of women , children and civilians exterminated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The capital of Hungary was liberated from the German troops on February 13 , 1945 in the strategic offensive operation by the troops of the 2nd and 3rd Ukrainian fronts with the participation of Danube Flotilla ships .
In March 1945 , the Soviet leadership made a decision to send food supplies to Hungary as its population was suffering after the Hitlerite troops plundered the country .
In June 1945 , the Soviet Union transferred 3,000 tonnes of grain , 1,000 tonnes of sugar , 960 tonnes of salt and 250 trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moscow made 24 artillery salvos of 324 guns on February 13 , 1945 to mark the liberation of Budapest .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The publication of archive documents on the history of WWII helps counter attempts to falsify historical facts, Scientific Head of the Russian Military and Historical Society Mikhail Myagkov told TASS on Thursday.
"This is the weightiest argument against the attempts to rewrite history because we respond with documented facts to all falsification endeavors and we can expose as liars those who are trying to falsify our history," he emphasized.
"The publication of documents that relate to the period of WWII is a very important process. Speaking about the historical truth, we have no right to make any inaccuracy. We must be accurate because history is actually an exact science because it relies on facts while facts are backed by documents. This is a big help to historians and researchers not only in our country but also abroad and I believe that this process will continue," he said.
The documents that have been published clearly indicate that the Red Army entered the capital of Hungary as a liberator, Myagkov stressed.
"The State Defense Committee’s orders and resolutions published by the Defense Ministry clearly indicate that we came to Hungarian soil as liberators from the pro-fascist regime to let Hungarians live and develop freely. They expressly say that we did not come to change the social and economic system or establish the Soviet model," the historian said.
The documents reveal the difficulties, which Soviet troops encountered in Budapest, the scientific head of the Russian Military and Historical Society noted.
"The documents show how strong the German defense was and how difficult it was for our troops to overcome it and repel the enemy’s constant counter-attacks. The enemy amassed several armored and motorized divisions in the Budapest direction and the troops’ density per kilometer of the front was the largest over the entire period of the Great Patriotic War," the historian said.
"The three-layered defense included anti-tank ditches, barbed wire and fire emplacements, with its flanks extending to the shores of the Danube. The documents emphasize the heroism of our combatants and heroes who distinguished themselves in these battles as they had to storm almost every building," Myagkov said.
New evidence has also surfaced about the Hungarian regime’s cruelty towards the Jewish population, he said.
"The Jews were subjected to the severest genocide on the territory of Hungary. They were driven into ghettoes and re-directed to death camps, first of all, Auschwitz. There are data that show that over 600,000 Hungarian Jews were killed, tortured to death or shot dead. The documents indicate that our troops were finding in basements a large number of the bodies of women, children and civilians exterminated by the Nazis," the historian said.
Liberation of Budapest
The capital of Hungary was liberated from the German troops on February 13, 1945 in the strategic offensive operation by the troops of the 2nd and 3rd Ukrainian fronts with the participation of Danube Flotilla ships. In March 1945, the Soviet leadership made a decision to send food supplies to Hungary as its population was suffering after the Hitlerite troops plundered the country. In June 1945, the Soviet Union transferred 3,000 tonnes of grain, 1,000 tonnes of sugar, 960 tonnes of salt and 250 trucks for the needs of the Budapest population. Moscow made 24 artillery salvos of 324 guns on February 13, 1945 to mark the liberation of Budapest.


tass--2020-02-13--Albanian PM to visit Moscow on February 26

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama will come to Moscow on February 26 within @ @ @ @ @ s OSCE chairmanship , the Albanian Embassy in Russia informed TASS on Thursday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ approved , '' the embassy said .
According to the source , the Albanian side @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
On January 1 , 2020 , the OSCE chairmanship was @ @ @ @ @ Albania .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama will come to Moscow on February 26 within the framework of Albania’s OSCE chairmanship, the Albanian Embassy in Russia informed TASS on Thursday.
"The agenda is currently being approved," the embassy said.
According to the source, the Albanian side expects to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
On January 1, 2020, the OSCE chairmanship was handed over from Slovakia to Albania.


tass--2020-02-13--Putin backs idea to continue discussion on amendments to constitution without stalling it

NOVO-OGARYOVO , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it is possible to continue discussion of the constitutional amendments , however without stalling it .
`` Nothing is limiting us , we are in no hurry , so a second reading can be postponed a bit , but without stalling this indefinitely , '' the president said at a meeting with the working group on amendments to the Russian constitution .
Certain versions of amendments must be submitted `` to show that our work can end with a positive result , '' he added .
There should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be substantial '' .
`` We are doing it both for today and for the future generations , so the approach must be profound , '' the Russian leader said .
Commenting on the idea to enshrine scientific development in the constitution , Putin said that he agreed with it , if the wording were found appropriate for the constitution .
On January 23 , Russia ’ s State Duma ( lower house ) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vyacheslav Volodin , work to draft the constitutional amendments for the second reading , which can be held on February 11 , will take 15 days .
The document , in particular , stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court , a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries , limiting the number of presidential terms , placing the supremacy of Russia ’ s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state ’ s social obligations .
The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Russia ’ s constitution .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, February 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it is possible to continue discussion of the constitutional amendments, however without stalling it.
"Nothing is limiting us, we are in no hurry, so a second reading can be postponed a bit, but without stalling this indefinitely," the president said at a meeting with the working group on amendments to the Russian constitution.
Certain versions of amendments must be submitted "to show that our work can end with a positive result," he added.
There should be no haste, "everything must be substantial". "We are doing it both for today and for the future generations, so the approach must be profound," the Russian leader said. Commenting on the idea to enshrine scientific development in the constitution, Putin said that he agreed with it, if the wording were found appropriate for the constitution.
On January 23, Russia’s State Duma (lower house) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, work to draft the constitutional amendments for the second reading, which can be held on February 11, will take 15 days. The document, in particular, stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court, a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries, limiting the number of presidential terms, placing the supremacy of Russia’s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state’s social obligations. The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia’s constitution.


tass--2020-02-13--Putin for enshrining Russia’s status of World War II winner in Constitution

An initiative to this effect was proposed by the chairman of the Federation Council ’ s temporary commission for information policies and cooperation with the mass media Alexei Pushkov .
He recalled that in the constitutions of many countries `` the preamble is used for proclaiming many basic values and benchmarks of the country and the nation . ''
NOVO-OGARYOVO , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the idea of enshrining Russia ’ s status of a winner in World War II in the Constitution .
He was speaking at a meeting with the working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution .
`` I believe it is important to have Russia ’ s status of a winner in World War II enshrined in the preamble , '' he suggested .
`` It is worth giving thought to whether this should be mentioned in the Constitution , and if yes , where this should be done .
It is a good idea , of course , '' he said .
He recalled that the Nazis had the intention of exterminating the population of the Soviet Union and the current generation should not forget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Nazi documents , the Hitlerites ’ aims and intentions regarding Russia were formulated quite clearly : a small share of the able-bodied population was to be preserved as slave labor , while all others , redundant ones , were to be exiled beyond the Urals and to the North where they would be doomed for extinction .
The elimination of the ethnos as such was the real aim .
None of us would have been living today .
We should never forget this , and for this reason we will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory for us , '' Putin said .
In July 2019 , Putin signed a decree to declare 2020 as Year of Remembrance and Glory in the honor of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War .
The prime minister approved a 116-item plan for festive events .
Apart from a parade , firework display , visits of foreign guests , Immortal Regiment procession and other events in Moscow , there will be the unveiling of a Soviet Soldier Memorial in Rzhev ( the Tver Region ) , creation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the opening of an updated exposition of the museum The Battle of Leningrad in Vsevolzhsk ( in the Leningrad Region ) , and national contests and forums .

An initiative to this effect was proposed by the chairman of the Federation Council’s temporary commission for information policies and cooperation with the mass media Alexei Pushkov. He recalled that in the constitutions of many countries "the preamble is used for proclaiming many basic values and benchmarks of the country and the nation."
NOVO-OGARYOVO, February 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed the idea of enshrining Russia’s status of a winner in World War II in the Constitution. He was speaking at a meeting with the working group for drafting proposals for amendments to the Constitution.
"I believe it is important to have Russia’s status of a winner in World War II enshrined in the preamble," he suggested.
"It is worth giving thought to whether this should be mentioned in the Constitution, and if yes, where this should be done. It is a good idea, of course," he said.
He recalled that the Nazis had the intention of exterminating the population of the Soviet Union and the current generation should not forget this.
"In the archive documents, including Nazi documents, the Hitlerites’ aims and intentions regarding Russia were formulated quite clearly: a small share of the able-bodied population was to be preserved as slave labor, while all others, redundant ones, were to be exiled beyond the Urals and to the North where they would be doomed for extinction. The elimination of the ethnos as such was the real aim. None of us would have been living today. We should never forget this, and for this reason we will always stay grateful to those who attained that victory for us," Putin said.
In July 2019, Putin signed a decree to declare 2020 as Year of Remembrance and Glory in the honor of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The prime minister approved a 116-item plan for festive events. Apart from a parade, firework display, visits of foreign guests, Immortal Regiment procession and other events in Moscow, there will be the unveiling of a Soviet Soldier Memorial in Rzhev (the Tver Region), creation of an Alley of Heroes on Malakhov Hill, the opening of an updated exposition of the museum The Battle of Leningrad in Vsevolzhsk (in the Leningrad Region), and national contests and forums.


tass--2020-02-13--Russian-Qatari cooperation in oil, gas sector to expand, says envoy to Doha

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Ambassador to Qatar Nurmahmad Kholov expects the cooperation between Moscow and Doha in the oil and gas sector to expand .
`` Russia and Qatar actively cooperate in the oil and gas sector , including the field of hydrocarbons trade , experience and know how sharing , '' the diplomat said in an interview with TASS on Thursday .
Both sides consider joint investment projects , as well as production localization and import substitution , interesting , he said .
`` Particularly , the cooperation between our countries focuses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Qatar and on the territory of third countries .
For example , the issue of production localization and import substitution is relevant for both states .
In this respect , the localization program for production and services in the energy sector has been implemented in Qatar since 2019 , '' Kholov added .
Same as Russia , Qatar is interested in expanding `` the use of natural gas , its most efficient utilization '' and is involved in the search for new outlets , including the possibility of using it as gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The mentioned issues are being efficiently discussed at the platform of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum headquartered in Doha , '' the ambassador added .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Russia’s Ambassador to Qatar Nurmahmad Kholov expects the cooperation between Moscow and Doha in the oil and gas sector to expand.
"Russia and Qatar actively cooperate in the oil and gas sector, including the field of hydrocarbons trade, experience and know how sharing," the diplomat said in an interview with TASS on Thursday.
Both sides consider joint investment projects, as well as production localization and import substitution, interesting, he said. "Particularly, the cooperation between our countries focuses on joint investment projects, both in Russia and Qatar and on the territory of third countries. For example, the issue of production localization and import substitution is relevant for both states. In this respect, the localization program for production and services in the energy sector has been implemented in Qatar since 2019," Kholov added.
Same as Russia, Qatar is interested in expanding "the use of natural gas, its most efficient utilization" and is involved in the search for new outlets, including the possibility of using it as gas engine fuel, he said. "The mentioned issues are being efficiently discussed at the platform of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum headquartered in Doha," the ambassador added.


tass--2020-02-13--Attempts at rewriting history are harmful, have "certain, clear implications," says Putin

`` Attempts at rewriting history are harmful and , of course , have certain implications .
They are aimed not against the present day , but against tomorrow .
This is a hard fact , '' he said .
NOVO-OGARYOVO , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Attempts by some countries to rewrite the history of World War II are harmful and have certain far-reaching implications , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at a meeting with the working group for drafting amendments to the Constitution .
Putin pointed out that Russian society was immensely grateful to those who 75 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Incidentally , our wide public movement Immortal Regiment confirms your words about how deeply ingrained in the hearts of our people is the gratitude to the victors and the awareness of the importance of what they accomplished for us and for our people .
We must repeat this more often , '' Putin said .
In July 2019 , Putin signed a decree to declare 2020 as Year of Remembrance and Glory in the honor of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War .
The prime minister approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apart from a parade , firework display , visits of foreign guests , Immortal Regiment procession and other events in Moscow , there will be the unveiling of a Soviet Soldier Memorial in Rzhev ( the Tver Region ) , creation of an Alley of Heroes on the Malakhov Hill , the opening of an updated exposition of the museum The Battle of Leningrad in Vsevolzhsk ( in the Leningrad Region ) , and national contests and forums .

"Attempts at rewriting history are harmful and, of course, have certain implications. They are aimed not against the present day, but against tomorrow. This is a hard fact," he said.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, February 13. /TASS/. Attempts by some countries to rewrite the history of World War II are harmful and have certain far-reaching implications, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at a meeting with the working group for drafting amendments to the Constitution.
Putin pointed out that Russian society was immensely grateful to those who 75 years ago saved the world from Nazism.
"Incidentally, our wide public movement Immortal Regiment confirms your words about how deeply ingrained in the hearts of our people is the gratitude to the victors and the awareness of the importance of what they accomplished for us and for our people. We must repeat this more often," Putin said.
In July 2019, Putin signed a decree to declare 2020 as Year of Remembrance and Glory in the honor of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The prime minister approved a 116-item plan for festive events. Apart from a parade, firework display, visits of foreign guests, Immortal Regiment procession and other events in Moscow, there will be the unveiling of a Soviet Soldier Memorial in Rzhev (the Tver Region), creation of an Alley of Heroes on the Malakhov Hill, the opening of an updated exposition of the museum The Battle of Leningrad in Vsevolzhsk (in the Leningrad Region), and national contests and forums.


tass--2020-02-13--Constitutional amendments should enter into force only after nationwide vote, says Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s constitutional amendment bill should only become effective after a nationwide vote so that citizens themselves acted as its authors , Russian President Vladimir Putin told a meeting with a working group for Russian constitutional amendments .
`` It is important for me that this constitutional amendment bill enters into force only after ballots cast in the nationwide vote are tallied , that it is a true plebiscite and that it is the Russian citizens who are authors of these amendments to the constitution , '' Putin said .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the issues we are putting up to the nationwide vote , the importance of innovations we introduce to the constitution , I was coming from understanding that people should be directly involved in the making of this decision . ''
According to him , this aspect is the most important one `` while how to put it , where to place what and which order to sign are technicalities . ''
`` It is essentially vital that Russian citizens came to vote and registered that they are authors of this bill .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people confirm in the vote that they support it then the law enters into force and the amendments are introduced .
If they don ’ t confirm it then the amendments will not be enshrined , '' the president stressed .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, February 13. /TASS/. Russia’s constitutional amendment bill should only become effective after a nationwide vote so that citizens themselves acted as its authors, Russian President Vladimir Putin told a meeting with a working group for Russian constitutional amendments.
"It is important for me that this constitutional amendment bill enters into force only after ballots cast in the nationwide vote are tallied, that it is a true plebiscite and that it is the Russian citizens who are authors of these amendments to the constitution," Putin said.
The Russian leader added, "Considering the importance of the issues we are putting up to the nationwide vote, the importance of innovations we introduce to the constitution, I was coming from understanding that people should be directly involved in the making of this decision." According to him, this aspect is the most important one "while how to put it, where to place what and which order to sign are technicalities."
"It is essentially vital that Russian citizens came to vote and registered that they are authors of this bill. Whatever people say will happen - if people confirm in the vote that they support it then the law enters into force and the amendments are introduced. If they don’t confirm it then the amendments will not be enshrined," the president stressed.


tass--2020-02-13--BMW to recall 1,652 cars in Russia due to possible airbag issues

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
BMW Russland Trading , the official BMW representative in Russia will recall 1,652 @ @ @ @ @ series ( E46 ) , sold in Russia between January 1998 and December 2000 , @ @ @ @ @ Regulation and Metrology ( Rosstandart ) said in a statement on Thursday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ vehicles is that in some cars the driver ’ s airbag is equipped with a @ @ @ @ @ NADI type .
There are grounds to believe that this type of gas generator may @ @ @ @ @ '' the regulator says .
On the vehicles , which are covered by the recall @ @ @ @ @ be checked on the driver ’ s airbag gas generator .
Depending on the results @ @ @ @ @ generators can be replaced .
The regulator noted that all repairs will be free of @ @ @ @ @ owners .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. BMW Russland Trading, the official BMW representative in Russia will recall 1,652 BMW cars of the third series (E46), sold in Russia between January 1998 and December 2000, the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology (Rosstandart) said in a statement on Thursday.
"The reason for the recall of vehicles is that in some cars the driver’s airbag is equipped with a single-stage gas generator of the NADI type. There are grounds to believe that this type of gas generator may become depressurized over time," the regulator says.
On the vehicles, which are covered by the recall, the serial number will be checked on the driver’s airbag gas generator. Depending on the results of the inspection, gas generators can be replaced. The regulator noted that all repairs will be free of charge for the cars’ owners.


tass--2020-02-13--‘Investment nannies’ won’t help: MP slams Kiev for $20 bln fleeing Ukraine after 2014 coup

Foreign investment continued to decline in Ukraine even after President Vladimir Zelensky assumed office , the politician noted .
`` That is , investment is falling now even under the new administration . ''
In an interview with the television channels 112 Ukraine , NewsOne , Zik and Inter , the politician cited statistics , which showed that foreign direct investment into the Ukrainian economy totaled $ 53 billion in the form of equity capital in 2013 .
By the end of 2019 , this figure plummeted to $ 34 billion , he said .
The lawmaker cast doubt on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to attract foreign investment .
KIEV , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine has lost $ 20 billion in foreign investment after the Maidan protests and the coup d ’ etat in 2014 , Chairman of the Political Council of Ukraine ’ s Opposition Platform - For Life Party and legislator Viktor Medvedchuk said Thursday .
Foreign capital inflow into Ukraine is being impeded by the continued conflict in Donbass and persistent nationwide corruption , Medvedchuk specified .
In this regard , the Ukrainian opposition politician criticized Zelensky ’ s initiative to introduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nanny '' ( an individual mediator between investors and the government to deal with problems that surface ) .
Medvedchuk emphasized that the work of `` investment nannies '' would actually resemble the activity of corrupt officials , like those who run a protection racket against prosecution or oversee specific sectors .
`` Business is not interested in taking the risk and investing in Ukraine , '' Medvedchuk said .
`` What have you done that can be qualified as a foundation for attracting investment ? ''
Medvedchuk asked , addressing the question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can answer you as a specialist : nothing .
You have done quite the opposite : you have worsened the situation in the investment sphere . ''
The opposition politician urged the Ukrainian authorities to do away with monopolies in some sectors of big business and fight the oligarchs ’ stranglehold over the economy through genuine action instead of words .
`` It is necessary to ensure the development of small and medium business , which produces more than 50 % of the GDP in developed countries .
In our country , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % at best , '' the opposition lawmaker stressed .

Foreign investment continued to decline in Ukraine even after President Vladimir Zelensky assumed office, the politician noted. "That is, investment is falling now even under the new administration."
In an interview with the television channels 112 Ukraine, NewsOne, Zik and Inter, the politician cited statistics, which showed that foreign direct investment into the Ukrainian economy totaled $53 billion in the form of equity capital in 2013. By the end of 2019, this figure plummeted to $34 billion, he said.
The lawmaker cast doubt on the ability of the current Ukrainian authorities to attract foreign investment.
KIEV, February 13. /TASS/. Ukraine has lost $20 billion in foreign investment after the Maidan protests and the coup d’etat in 2014, Chairman of the Political Council of Ukraine’s Opposition Platform - For Life Party and legislator Viktor Medvedchuk said Thursday.
Foreign capital inflow into Ukraine is being impeded by the continued conflict in Donbass and persistent nationwide corruption, Medvedchuk specified.
In this regard, the Ukrainian opposition politician criticized Zelensky’s initiative to introduce a special post of "an investment nanny" (an individual mediator between investors and the government to deal with problems that surface). Medvedchuk emphasized that the work of "investment nannies" would actually resemble the activity of corrupt officials, like those who run a protection racket against prosecution or oversee specific sectors.
"Business is not interested in taking the risk and investing in Ukraine," Medvedchuk said.
"What have you done that can be qualified as a foundation for attracting investment?" Medvedchuk asked, addressing the question to the Ukrainian authorities.
"I can answer you as a specialist: nothing. You have done quite the opposite: you have worsened the situation in the investment sphere."
The opposition politician urged the Ukrainian authorities to do away with monopolies in some sectors of big business and fight the oligarchs’ stranglehold over the economy through genuine action instead of words.
"It is necessary to ensure the development of small and medium business, which produces more than 50% of the GDP in developed countries. In our country, this figure is at 10-12% or 15% at best," the opposition lawmaker stressed.


tass--2020-02-13--Putin says important to check 'every letter and comma' while amending constitution

`` It is critically important to check every word , every letter , every comma , but at the same time not to dilute everything that was create , let ’ s put it straight , by work of our entire people and cemented in the current Constitution ; not to lose anything , but instead , respond to the challenges of today , '' Putin said at the meeting with the constitutional amendment work group .
NOVO-OGARYOVO , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that `` every letter and comma '' must be checked when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state noted that the work group got down to its work immediately after the first meeting that took place on January 16 .
`` I suppose that , as soon as you began [ this work ] , you realized how actively the people react , '' the president said .
According to the president , the number of proposed amendments has already exceeded 500 .
`` This is a serious challenge , '' because the main law that is going to be amended , regulates the most basic principles of life in @ @ @ @ @ @

"It is critically important to check every word, every letter, every comma, but at the same time not to dilute everything that was create, let’s put it straight, by work of our entire people and cemented in the current Constitution; not to lose anything, but instead, respond to the challenges of today," Putin said at the meeting with the constitutional amendment work group.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, February 13. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that "every letter and comma" must be checked when amending the Constitution.
The head of state noted that the work group got down to its work immediately after the first meeting that took place on January 16.
"I suppose that, as soon as you began [this work], you realized how actively the people react," the president said.
According to the president, the number of proposed amendments has already exceeded 500.
"This is a serious challenge," because the main law that is going to be amended, regulates the most basic principles of life in the country, Putin noted.


tass--2020-02-13--Russia begins upgrading first batch of Algerian Su-24 bombers — media

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The first batch of six Algerian Su-24 front bombers undergo upgrades at 514th @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Rzhev , says MENA Defence news website .
According to the report , @ @ @ @ @ to Su-24M2 version .
In particular , the planes would get the new SVP-24 targeting @ @ @ @ @ by ‘ Gefest I T ’ company , allowing high precision while using conventional bombs @ @ @ @ @ 30 Su-24 bombers in Algerian Air Force .
The Rosoboronexport company traditionally refrains from commenting @ @ @ @ @ , but regularly underscores that Algeria is one of Russia ’ s largest military-technical partners @ @ @ @ @ , Algeria made a decision to upgrade its Su-24MK to Su-24M2 , after reviewing the @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The first batch of six Algerian Su-24 front bombers undergo upgrades at 514th Plane Repair Facility in Russia’s Rzhev, says MENA Defence news website.
According to the report, the planes would be upgraded to Su-24M2 version. In particular, the planes would get the new SVP-24 targeting and navigation system, produced by ‘Gefest I T’ company, allowing high precision while using conventional bombs.
There are more than 30 Su-24 bombers in Algerian Air Force.
The Rosoboronexport company traditionally refrains from commenting its military cooperation with Algeria, but regularly underscores that Algeria is one of Russia’s largest military-technical partners.
According to MENA Defence, Algeria made a decision to upgrade its Su-24MK to Su-24M2, after reviewing the plane performance in Syria.


tass--2020-02-13--Ankara sends troops to Idlib to 'control the region', says Turkish defense chief

ANKARA , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday that Ankara was sending troops to Syria ’ s Idlib to control the region .
`` We are dispatching additional troops to Idlib to maintain a ceasefire and control the region .
We will use military force against those who violate the ceasefire , including radicals , '' Anadolu Agency quotes him as saying .
According to Akar , `` Turkey ’ s observation posts [ in Idlib ] will continue to play an important role in ensuring control of the situation . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Idlib is to maintain a permanent ceasefire , '' he stressed .
Ankara has been sending troops to the Turkish-Syrian border and Syria ’ s idlib province on a daily basis over the past ten days .
According to regional experts ’ estimates , an unprecedented number of military equipment has been redeployed over the past few days .
Turkey is taking these steps because of the deteriorating situation in Idlib .
That occurred after the Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to declare a ceasefire , but terrorists intensified their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed as a result .
The Syrian army retaliated against extremists , capturing the city of Saraqib on February 5 .
On February 7 , Turkey ’ s Milliyet reported citing a military source that three of twelve Turkish observation posts were located in territories controlled by Damascus .
On Wednesday , the Russian Defense Ministry said that the deployment of new Turkish contingents , weapons and ammunition transported across the Turkish-Syrian border contributed to the aggravation of the situation in Idlib .
The Syrian government troops ’ actions are a response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Ministry said .
On February 11 , the Syrian opposition backed by Turkey launched massive attacks against the Syrian army in the areas close to Saraqib and the inhabited community of al-Nayrab located north of that city in the Idlib province .
Supporters of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization ( outlawed in Russia ) took an active part in the fighting .
Syrian army units foiled these attacks , with militants sustaining heavy losses .

ANKARA, February 13. /TASS/. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Thursday that Ankara was sending troops to Syria’s Idlib to control the region.
"We are dispatching additional troops to Idlib to maintain a ceasefire and control the region. We will use military force against those who violate the ceasefire, including radicals," Anadolu Agency quotes him as saying.
According to Akar, "Turkey’s observation posts [in Idlib] will continue to play an important role in ensuring control of the situation." "The goal of beefing up our presence in Idlib is to maintain a permanent ceasefire," he stressed.
Ankara has been sending troops to the Turkish-Syrian border and Syria’s idlib province on a daily basis over the past ten days. According to regional experts’ estimates, an unprecedented number of military equipment has been redeployed over the past few days.
Turkey is taking these steps because of the deteriorating situation in Idlib. That occurred after the Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to declare a ceasefire, but terrorists intensified their attacks. Russian and Turkish military experts were killed as a result. The Syrian army retaliated against extremists, capturing the city of Saraqib on February 5. On February 7, Turkey’s Milliyet reported citing a military source that three of twelve Turkish observation posts were located in territories controlled by Damascus.
Russia’s stance
On Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the deployment of new Turkish contingents, weapons and ammunition transported across the Turkish-Syrian border contributed to the aggravation of the situation in Idlib. The Syrian government troops’ actions are a response to terrorists attacks and provocations, the Defense Ministry said.
On February 11, the Syrian opposition backed by Turkey launched massive attacks against the Syrian army in the areas close to Saraqib and the inhabited community of al-Nayrab located north of that city in the Idlib province. Supporters of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia) took an active part in the fighting. Syrian army units foiled these attacks, with militants sustaining heavy losses.


tass--2020-02-13--Gazprom holding remote talks on new gas routes with China due to coronavirus

LONDON , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom has currently transferred talks with China on new gas supply routes into @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus spread in the country , chief executive of Gazprom Export , the export @ @ @ @ @ , Elena Burmistrova said at the Investor Day event in London .
`` These negotiations @ @ @ @ @ time being due to objective reasons until the time when the government [ of China @ @ @ @ @ to solve the coronavirus problem , '' Burmistrova said .
The top manager later clarified @ @ @ @ @ suspended but are held in the videoconference format because of recommendations of the China ’ @ @ @ @ @ employees not to attend mass events .

LONDON, February 13. /TASS/. Gazprom has currently transferred talks with China on new gas supply routes into the remote format because of the coronavirus spread in the country, chief executive of Gazprom Export, the export arm of the Russian holding, Elena Burmistrova said at the Investor Day event in London.
"These negotiations has been suspended for the time being due to objective reasons until the time when the government [of China] will undertake required measures to solve the coronavirus problem," Burmistrova said.
The top manager later clarified that talks have not been suspended but are held in the videoconference format because of recommendations of the China’s Ministry of Healthcare to employees not to attend mass events.


tass--2020-02-13--Moscow Court fines Twitter for breach of personal data laws

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The judicial district of the Justice of the Peace in Moscow ’ s @ @ @ @ @ worth 4 mln rubles ( $ 62,800 ) on US-based Twitter because of violation of @ @ @ @ @ reports from the court room .
`` The court ruled to recognize Twitter as the @ @ @ @ @ of Article 13.11 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses ( Breach of Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ ) and imposed a fine amounting to 4 mln rubles , '' the judge said @ @ @ @ @ was opened on the initiative of Russian mass media and telecom regulator Roskomnadzor due to @ @ @ @ @ provide data about Russian users .
Twitter will have to pay the fine within 60 @ @ @ @ @ law on personal data , which took effect on September 1 , 2015 , national @ @ @ @ @ to keep and process personal data of Russian users in the territory of Russia .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The judicial district of the Justice of the Peace in Moscow’s Tagansky District imposed a fine worth 4 mln rubles ($62,800) on US-based Twitter because of violation of personal data legislation, TASS reports from the court room.
"The court ruled to recognize Twitter as the guilty party under Part 8 of Article 13.11 of the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses (Breach of Russian Federation laws in personal data sphere) and imposed a fine amounting to 4 mln rubles," the judge said.
The case against Twitter was opened on the initiative of Russian mass media and telecom regulator Roskomnadzor due to refusal of the company to provide data about Russian users. Twitter will have to pay the fine within 60 days.
Under the Russian law on personal data, which took effect on September 1, 2015, national and foreign companies are obliged to keep and process personal data of Russian users in the territory of Russia.


tass--2020-02-13--NATO touts ‘commitment to arms control’ as it vows response to ‘Russian missile build-up’

BRUSSELS , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
NATO would `` remain fully committed to arms control and disarmament , '' as it prepares its response to Russia ’ s alleged deployment of 9M729 ( SSC-8 ) missiles , NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday , as he opened the second meeting of the Alliance ’ s Ministers of Defense .
`` We will [ … ] discuss our response to the ongoing Russian missile build-up , both conventional and nuclear .
NATO has been united on Russia ’ s breach of the INF Treaty .
Consulting closely over many years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last June , we agreed a balanced and defensive package of measures to respond to Russia ’ s SSC-8 missiles .
Today , we will take a broader look at the full range of Russia ’ s short and intermediate range missiles , while remaining fully committed to arms control and disarmament , '' Stoltenberg said , adding that the ministers would also discuss increased military spending .
On February 11 , Stoltenberg said that the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces [ INF ] Treaty demise demonstrated the `` strength of NATO . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty , which is a bad and negative thing , shows the importance and the strength of NATO , '' he said .
`` We [ NATO ] have agreed on every step .
First , we all agreed , [ … ] that Russia was violating the treaty .
[ … ] And then we agreed that we called on Russia to come back into compliance .
Russia did not come back into compliance .
Then we set a time limit and Russia didn ’ t come back to the compliance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ US decision to withdraw , because a treaty which is only respected by one side doesn ’ t work .
And then we have agreed , after close consultations , on the way forward . ''
According to the US and NATO , Russian 9M729 missiles violate the now-defunct INF Treaty .
In January 2019 , Russian Ministry of Defense conducted a presentation of the 9M729 missile for all military attaches in Moscow , showing that these missiles comply with the terms of the military agreement .
However , representatives of the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at the event .

BRUSSELS, February 13. /TASS/. NATO would "remain fully committed to arms control and disarmament," as it prepares its response to Russia’s alleged deployment of 9M729 (SSC-8) missiles, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday, as he opened the second meeting of the Alliance’s Ministers of Defense.
"We will […] discuss our response to the ongoing Russian missile build-up, both conventional and nuclear. NATO has been united on Russia’s breach of the INF Treaty. Consulting closely over many years. And agreeing on every step. Last June, we agreed a balanced and defensive package of measures to respond to Russia’s SSC-8 missiles. Today, we will take a broader look at the full range of Russia’s short and intermediate range missiles, while remaining fully committed to arms control and disarmament," Stoltenberg said, adding that the ministers would also discuss increased military spending. On February 11, Stoltenberg said that the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces [INF] Treaty demise demonstrated the "strength of NATO."
"I think the demise of the INF Treaty, which is a bad and negative thing, shows the importance and the strength of NATO," he said. "We [NATO] have agreed on every step. First, we all agreed, […] that Russia was violating the treaty. […] And then we agreed that we called on Russia to come back into compliance. Russia did not come back into compliance. Then we set a time limit and Russia didn’t come back to the compliance. And then we all agreed on the US decision to withdraw, because a treaty which is only respected by one side doesn’t work. And then we have agreed, after close consultations, on the way forward."
According to the US and NATO, Russian 9M729 missiles violate the now-defunct INF Treaty. In January 2019, Russian Ministry of Defense conducted a presentation of the 9M729 missile for all military attaches in Moscow, showing that these missiles comply with the terms of the military agreement. However, representatives of the US and leading NATO countries refused to show up at the event.


tass--2020-02-14--Russian large amphibious assault ship puts military hardware afloat during trials

`` Over two days , hardware has been put afloat and physical fields have been measured .
After that , the large amphibious assault ship returned to the base due to bad weather , '' the spokesman said .
MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 11711 large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov built by the Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast has successfully fulfilled a part of the program of its trials , including putting military hardware afloat , Shipyard spokesman Sergei Mikhailov told TASS on Friday .
The trials will continue as soon as the weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morgunov made its previous deployment to the sea in December 2019 .
It was earlier reported that the final stage of shipbuilders ’ sea trials aboard the Pyotr Morgunov would be combined with state trials .
Shipyard spokesman Mikhailov said in December last year that the shipbuilders planned to deliver the warship to the Russian Navy in the first quarter of 2020 .
The baseline Project 11711 lead large amphibious assault ship Ivan Gren was delivered to the Russian Navy in June 2018 .
On April 23 , 2019 , the Yantar Shipyard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) laid down two warships of the modified Project 11711 that will differ from their predecessors by larger displacement , an altered superstructure and the ability to carry two Ka-52K ‘ Katran ’ attack helicopters .
Head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov told TASS at the Army-2019 international arms show that new large amphibious assault ships would be slightly wider and slightly longer while their displacement might reach 8,000 tonnes .

"Over two days, hardware has been put afloat and physical fields have been measured. After that, the large amphibious assault ship returned to the base due to bad weather," the spokesman said.
MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. The Project 11711 large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov built by the Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast has successfully fulfilled a part of the program of its trials, including putting military hardware afloat, Shipyard spokesman Sergei Mikhailov told TASS on Friday.
The trials will continue as soon as the weather improves, he added.
The Pyotr Morgunov made its previous deployment to the sea in December 2019. It was earlier reported that the final stage of shipbuilders’ sea trials aboard the Pyotr Morgunov would be combined with state trials. Shipyard spokesman Mikhailov said in December last year that the shipbuilders planned to deliver the warship to the Russian Navy in the first quarter of 2020.
The baseline Project 11711 lead large amphibious assault ship Ivan Gren was delivered to the Russian Navy in June 2018.
On April 23, 2019, the Yantar Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) laid down two warships of the modified Project 11711 that will differ from their predecessors by larger displacement, an altered superstructure and the ability to carry two Ka-52K ‘Katran’ attack helicopters.
Head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov told TASS at the Army-2019 international arms show that new large amphibious assault ships would be slightly wider and slightly longer while their displacement might reach 8,000 tonnes.


tass--2020-02-14--China spends $5.87 bln on fight against coronavirus, plans to double expenses

BEIJING , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese government has spent 41 bln yuan ( about $ 5.87 bln @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus , planning to double the expenses to reach 80.55 bln yuan ( @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s Assistant Minister of Finance Ou Wenhan said on Friday .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ facilitate the fight against pneumonia , '' he said during a press conference .
`` @ @ @ @ @ bodies at all levels to prioritize healthcare and human safety . ''
The official stressed @ @ @ @ @ should in no way affect the activity aimed to suppress the outbreak of the virus @ @ @ @ @ added that the Chinese government regularly improves allocation of resources .
`` We will win @ @ @ @ @ , and we will implement the plan for social-economic development for the current year , @ @ @ @

BEIJING, February 14. /TASS/. The Chinese government has spent 41 bln yuan (about $5.87 bln) on the fight against the novel coronavirus, planning to double the expenses to reach 80.55 bln yuan ($11.53 bln), China’s Assistant Minister of Finance Ou Wenhan said on Friday.
"We are allocating more money to facilitate the fight against pneumonia," he said during a press conference. "We have ordered all financial bodies at all levels to prioritize healthcare and human safety."
The official stressed that the issue of financing should in no way affect the activity aimed to suppress the outbreak of the virus in Chinese regions. He added that the Chinese government regularly improves allocation of resources.
"We will win in the fight against coronavirus, and we will implement the plan for social-economic development for the current year," he concluded.


tass--2020-02-14--Gazprom, German traders halt gas price dispute

MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom Export , the export arm of the Russian gas holding Gazprom , @ @ @ @ @ Commodities SE and METHA-Methanhandel GmbH stopped arbitration proceedings on gas prices , Gazprom says in @ @ @ @ @ 30 , 2018 , Gazprom initiated arbitration against German companies with a request to revise @ @ @ @ @ contracts .
The hearing was scheduled from January 13 to 24 of this year but @ @ @ @ @ tribunal about their intent to stop proceedings on January 10 .

MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. Gazprom Export, the export arm of the Russian gas holding Gazprom, and German traders Uniper Global Commodities SE and METHA-Methanhandel GmbH stopped arbitration proceedings on gas prices, Gazprom says in its report.
On January 30, 2018, Gazprom initiated arbitration against German companies with a request to revise prices under natural gas supply contracts.
The hearing was scheduled from January 13 to 24 of this year but the parties informed the arbitration tribunal about their intent to stop proceedings on January 10.
This is not the first arbitration proceedings between Gazprom and Uniper on gas prices. In March 2016, Gazprom and Uniper agreed to halt arbitration proceedings and adapt prices of gas supply contracts for coming years.


tass--2020-02-14--Russian diplomat, Chinese envoy discuss fight against coronavirus

According to the statement , Russia `` praised the steps that China is taking to fight the coronavirus outbreak and prevent the spread of the infection . ''
The Chinese ambassador thanked Russia for support .
MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov has held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday .
perts ’ visit to China . ''
`` In addition , the parties highlighted the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in combating the common threat .
The ministry added that the parties had also touched upon other matters concerning cooperation between Moscow and Beijing .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency .
According to recent data , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The coronavirus death toll stands at 1,380 , while over 6,700 patients have recovered .

According to the statement, Russia "praised the steps that China is taking to fight the coronavirus outbreak and prevent the spread of the infection." The Chinese ambassador thanked Russia for support.
MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov has held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
perts’ visit to China." "In addition, the parties highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries foreign ministries in combating the common threat.
The ministry added that the parties had also touched upon other matters concerning cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
Coronavirus outbreak
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency. According to recent data, the number of infected people in China has exceeded 63,800. The coronavirus death toll stands at 1,380, while over 6,700 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-02-14--Gazprom and government of Belarus sign protocol on gas prices until 2021

MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom and the government of Belarus have signed a protocol that sets the @ @ @ @ @ of natural gas to Belarus in 2020 .
The document was signed by Gazprom CEO @ @ @ @ @ of Belarus to Russia Vladimir Semashko , the Russian holding said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ and Semashko in St. Petersburg was also attended by Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich .
@ @ @ @ @ in the gas sector in general .

MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. Gazprom and the Belarusian government signed a protocol determining the pricing procedure when supplying natural gas to Belarus in 2020, the Russian holding said on Friday.
The document was signed by Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Alexei Miller and Belarusian Ambassador to Russia Vladimir Semashko.
Russia and Belarus agreed on the gas price until 2021 on February 7. Russia will continue supplying gas at 2019 year conditions, i.e. at $127 per 1,000 cubic meters.
Belarus annually imports about 20 billion cubic meters of Russian gas.


tass--2020-02-14--Russian manufacturer designs smooth bore counterpart of US assault rifle M16

`` Earlier we created AR-15 type rifles for NATO ’ s 5.56x45 mm cartridge and Russia ’ s submachine gun 7.62x39 mm cartridge .
Our designers have configured the well-known platform to Russia ’ s smooth bore cartridge .366 , '' ORSIS said .
MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s manufacturer of ORSIS rifles ( Promtechnologia ) has come up with a smooth bore counterpart of the US assault rifle AR-15 ( its military version is known as M16 ) , the company said on Friday .
The hunting cartridge .366 TKM 9.5x38 mm was designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with partially rifled barrel or removable oval spiral barrel unit .
Under Russian legislation the cartridge is considered as a smooth bore gun ammunition .
`` Our idea was to create a weapon possessing parameters similar to those of the rifled one , which can be sold to customers without a five-year record of owning smooth bore weapons , '' ORSIS said .
The Russian law establishes a five-year record of owning smooth bore guns as a mandatory requirement for purchasing rifled weapons .
The new gun from ORSIS has an oval-spiral bore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not fall under the definition of rifled weapons .
At the same time the oval spiral bore makes the bullet rotate , thus making it more stable in flight .
The manufacturer said that tests have confirmed the smooth bore AR-15 has an accuracy pretty close to that of the rifled replica designed for the 7.62-39 mm cartridge .
In September 2019 Promtechnologia launched batch production of the ORSIS-AR15J rifle - a counterpart of the US AR-15 rifle - for 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridge .
In December of the same year a configuration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The AR-15 was created in the late 1950s .
In 1962 , the rifle was authorized for military use as M16 and has been in service ever since .
According to open statistics , more than 8 million pieces of this rifle have been manufactured .
Apart from the counterpart of the US rifle the company manufacturers high accuracy sniper rifles ORSIS T-5000 , adjusted to the requirements of Russia ’ s National Guard ( Rosgvardiya ) .
The T-5000 can fire 7.62 mm and 8.6 mm bullets .
In March 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used in counter-terrorist operations .

"Earlier we created AR-15 type rifles for NATO’s 5.56x45 mm cartridge and Russia’s submachine gun 7.62x39 mm cartridge. Our designers have configured the well-known platform to Russia’s smooth bore cartridge .366," ORSIS said.
MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. Russia’s manufacturer of ORSIS rifles (Promtechnologia) has come up with a smooth bore counterpart of the US assault rifle AR-15 (its military version is known as M16), the company said on Friday.
The hunting cartridge .366 TKM 9.5x38 mm was designed by the company TechCrim for smoothbore weapons with partially rifled barrel or removable oval spiral barrel unit. Under Russian legislation the cartridge is considered as a smooth bore gun ammunition.
"Our idea was to create a weapon possessing parameters similar to those of the rifled one, which can be sold to customers without a five-year record of owning smooth bore weapons," ORSIS said.
The Russian law establishes a five-year record of owning smooth bore guns as a mandatory requirement for purchasing rifled weapons. The new gun from ORSIS has an oval-spiral bore (Lancaster drilling). It does not fall under the definition of rifled weapons.
At the same time the oval spiral bore makes the bullet rotate, thus making it more stable in flight. The manufacturer said that tests have confirmed the smooth bore AR-15 has an accuracy pretty close to that of the rifled replica designed for the 7.62-39 mm cartridge.
ORSIS rifles
In September 2019 Promtechnologia launched batch production of the ORSIS-AR15J rifle - a counterpart of the US AR-15 rifle - for 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridge. In December of the same year a configuration for the Soviet cartridge 7.62x39 was finalized.
The AR-15 was created in the late 1950s. In 1962, the rifle was authorized for military use as M16 and has been in service ever since. According to open statistics, more than 8 million pieces of this rifle have been manufactured.
Apart from the counterpart of the US rifle the company manufacturers high accuracy sniper rifles ORSIS T-5000, adjusted to the requirements of Russia’s National Guard (Rosgvardiya). The T-5000 can fire 7.62 mm and 8.6 mm bullets. In March 2012, Rosgvardiya said the T-5000 would be used in counter-terrorist operations.


tass--2020-02-14--Kremlin ironic about Kiev’s plans to build ‘garden city’ for displaced persons from Crimea

MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has responded with irony when asked to comment @ @ @ @ @ plans to build `` a garden city '' for displaced persons from Crimea in the @ @ @ @ @ a dream city is built for anyone in Ukraine , it would only be welcome @ @ @ @ @ , five years ago they voted in a referendum to make their dream come true @ @ @ @ @ .
On Thursday , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced plans to build a `` Garden @ @ @ @ @ Region for displaced persons from Crimea , including over 500 Crimean Tatar families .
According @ @ @ @ @ agreements in this regard were reached at Zelensky ’ s meeting with Turkish leader Recep @ @ @ @ @ February 3 .

MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has responded with irony when asked to comment on the Ukrainian authorities’ plans to build "a garden city" for displaced persons from Crimea in the Kherson region.
"If a dream city is built for anyone in Ukraine, it would only be welcome. As for the Crimeans, five years ago they voted in a referendum to make their dream come true," he told reporters.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced plans to build a "Garden City" in the Kherson Region for displaced persons from Crimea, including over 500 Crimean Tatar families. According to the presidential website, agreements in this regard were reached at Zelensky’s meeting with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Kiev on February 3.


tass--2020-02-14--Kremlin says all proposed constitutional amendments must be discussed further

MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
No final decisions have been made on the amendments to the Russian Constitution during at Thursday ’ s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the constitutional amendments working group , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
He added that all proposed ideas must be discussed further .
`` The president has not stated any final position [ during the meeting with the working group ] , '' Peskov said .
`` The president said that many ideas are worth considering , however , it is still up for discussion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as constitutional amendments , and which can be implemented in a different manner . ''
Peskov added that this concerns the issue of enshrining wage indexation in the Russian Constitution .
`` No decisions have been made on this initiative .
No position has been formulated .
We need to carry out a legal expertise , a financial expertise , and so on . ''
The spokesman added that the same could be applied to the voting process : namely , whether Russian citizens would vote for the whole package or for separate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be clarified within the working group , '' he reiterated .
`` This is not the job of the presidential administration .
The president has put forward an initiative [ to introduce constitutional amendments ] , then we formed a working group to deal with all these issues in detail . ''
While delivering his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15 , Putin proposed a number of constitutional amendments , particularly calling for providing the State Duma with the right to approve the appointment of Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and federal ministers , as well as for holding consultations with the Federation Council ( upper house ) on the appointment of senior law enforcement officials .
In addition , the head of state emphasized the need to enshrine the priority of national legislation over international law within Russia ’ s legal space .
Some of the other amendments are aimed at strengthening the role of the State Council and regional governors .
The Russian leader also signed an order to create a task force to hammer out constitutional amendments .
The task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public figures .
On January 23 , the Russian State Duma approved the first reading of the constitutional amendment bill proposed by the Russian president .
The bill stipulates a public vote on constitutional amendments .

MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. No final decisions have been made on the amendments to the Russian Constitution during at Thursday’s meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the constitutional amendments working group, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday. He added that all proposed ideas must be discussed further.
"The president has not stated any final position [during the meeting with the working group]," Peskov said. "The president said that many ideas are worth considering, however, it is still up for discussion, which of them can be incorporated as constitutional amendments, and which can be implemented in a different manner."
Peskov added that this concerns the issue of enshrining wage indexation in the Russian Constitution. "No decisions have been made on this initiative. No position has been formulated. We need to carry out a legal expertise, a financial expertise, and so on."
The spokesman added that the same could be applied to the voting process: namely, whether Russian citizens would vote for the whole package or for separate amendments. "All these details will be clarified within the working group," he reiterated. "This is not the job of the presidential administration. The president has put forward an initiative [to introduce constitutional amendments], then we formed a working group to deal with all these issues in detail."
While delivering his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on January 15, Putin proposed a number of constitutional amendments, particularly calling for providing the State Duma with the right to approve the appointment of Russia’s prime minister, deputy prime ministers and federal ministers, as well as for holding consultations with the Federation Council (upper house) on the appointment of senior law enforcement officials. In addition, the head of state emphasized the need to enshrine the priority of national legislation over international law within Russia’s legal space. Some of the other amendments are aimed at strengthening the role of the State Council and regional governors.
The Russian leader also signed an order to create a task force to hammer out constitutional amendments. The task force includes politicians, lawmakers, researchers and public figures.
On January 23, the Russian State Duma approved the first reading of the constitutional amendment bill proposed by the Russian president. The bill stipulates a public vote on constitutional amendments.


tass--2020-02-14--Russia's FSB apprehends financier who sent $394,000 to Islamic State

According to the intelligence service , the man was a member of a secretive cell that raised and transferred funds @ @ @ @ @ MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) apprehended @ @ @ @ @ who ran a fundraiser for the Islamic State terrist organization , banned in Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ million rubles ( $ 394,000 ) to the terror group , the FSB press service @ @ @ @ @ operative measures revealed the scheme and mechanisms of terrorist funding , which were used to @ @ @ @ @ rubles , '' the FSB said .
The terrorist financier ’ s activity was cut @ @ @ @ @ Federal Financial Monitoring Service and the Interior Ministry ’ s Main Directorate on Countering Extremism @ @ @ @ @ , means of communication , payment devices and other items and documents have been found @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ] criminal activity , '' the service noted .

According to the intelligence service, the man was a member of a secretive cell that raised and transferred funds to the Islamic State.
MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) apprehended a Moscow Region resident, who ran a fundraiser for the Islamic State terrist organization, banned in Russia. The man reportedly transferred 25 million rubles ($394,000) to the terror group, the FSB press service told TASS.
"The operative measures revealed the scheme and mechanisms of terrorist funding, which were used to transfer more than 25 million rubles," the FSB said.
The terrorist financier’s activity was cut by the FSB together with Federal Financial Monitoring Service and the Interior Ministry’s Main Directorate on Countering Extremism.
"During the searches, means of communication, payment devices and other items and documents have been found that prove [the man’s] criminal activity," the service noted.
The service initiated criminal proceedings over terrorism assistance charges.


tass--2020-02-14--Press review: Putin’s amendments may enshrine WWII victory and New START still stalled

According to US President Donald Trump 's National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien , Washington and Moscow will soon start meaningful talks on disarmament issues .
The United States demands that Russia put pressure on China to make it join the negotiations though Washington has not yet presented even a blueprint of a future trilateral agreement .
Experts interviewed by Izvestia believe that Beijing ’ s participation in New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) seems impossible at the moment because China has much less strategic weapons than Russia and the US , while talks need to be launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Beijing has taken a position of principle ; it will not join the treaty unless Russia and the US reduce their arsenals to a level close to that of China , '' Leading Researcher with the Institute of International Studies at Moscow State Institute of International Relations Viktor Mizin explained .
According to Andrey Zagorsky , who heads the Department of Disarmament and Conflict Resolution Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations , in order to encourage more countries to cut their arsenals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more transparent .
However , there are not enough discussions on this score .
If another round of arms reductions ever takes place , it will involve only Russia and the US , the expert pointed out .
`` New START is one of the most important and , unfortunately , one of the last agreements that not only regulate the amount of weapons but also provides for certain stability in Russia-US relations , '' former Russian Ambassador to Washington Sergei Kislyak told the newspaper .
`` This is why we are ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , doesn ’ t have a clear view on the matter .
It has been maneuvering , speaking about the need to engage China , though Beijing has already refused to do it , '' he added .
Attempts to bring other countries into the fold would not mean that the existing document must be ditched , Zagorsky noted .
It is important to extend the current New START because it has a lot of crucial elements , including a system of mutual verification , the expert emphasized .
Turkish Defense Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending additional troops to Syria ’ s Idlib .
The province has become a scene of clashes between Turkish troops and Assad ’ s army .
Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that Ankara is ready to brush aside the Sochi agreements , which provide for the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Idlib , Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote .
Erdogan earlier accused `` the Syrian regime , supported by Russian forces and pro-Iranian militants '' of killing civilians in Idlib .
In fact , he put forward an ultimatum : Syrian troops must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turks will drive them out regardless of the Sochi agreements .
On February 12 , Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin , but since the Turks have decided to send troops to Idlib , Moscow apparently failed to talk Ankara out of taking action .
The Turkish leader must be encouraged by Washington .
US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS James Jeffrey visited Turkey earlier in the week .
He was confident that the parties would manage to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the same time , the US envoy pointed out that Washington was ready to provide Ankara with intelligence and supply military equipment .
NATO has also expressed support for Erdogan .
Senior Lecturer at the Higher School of Economics ' School of Oriental Studies Andrei Chuprygin stated that Ankara does not expect Moscow to take a tough anti-Turkish stance in Idlib .
`` In my view , Turkey ’ s activities in Idlib are akin to a nervous reaction to Erdogan ’ s failures in other areas , particularly in Libya and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Turkey .
He promised the moon to his voters but fulfilled few of them .
Erdogan said that he would resettle refugees in Syria ’ s safety zones but it was clear from the start that it was impossible .
So now he is looking for someone to blame , '' the expert pointed out .
A nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution will take place on a weekday that will be declared a day off .
President Vladimir Putin has supported the idea at a meeting with members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional amendments .
Many interesting initiatives were put forward at the meeting , Izvestia wrote .
One of the most striking proposals came from Senator Alexei Pushkov , who suggested that Russia ’ s status as a victor of WWII be enshrined in the Constitution ’ s Preamble .
`` This is the Basic Law of the Russian Federation .
It is not a priority for us to be concerned about how others will view it , '' Pushkov told the newspaper .
`` Enshrining the status of a victorious power will in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
It will just reflect a generally accepted fact , '' he noted .
By enshrining its status in the Constitution , Russia will pay tribute to the memory of 27 mln people who gave their lives for this victory , the senator pointed out .
`` Besides , we will thwart attempts to rewrite history and blame us for starting the war , '' Pushkov stressed .
Not all initiatives will find their way into the Constitution , Izvestia quoted State Duma member Irina Rodnina as saying .
According to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too early to draw any final conclusions .
The meeting focused on social and ideological amendments , while matters concerning the balance of power and government competences received little attention , Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Research Director Dmitry Badovsky told Vedomosti .
`` Accordingly , one can assume that the work on amendments regarding the organization of government is largely completed and what the State Duma ’ s committee has prepared will be included in the projected bill , '' he said .
As for other amendments , the social ones have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those that concern cost-of-living adjustments in wages , family and youth policy , the role of science and culture , environmental agenda and the volunteer movement , the expert said .
`` All these amendments may encourage people of various social groups to participate in the nationwide vote and support this constitutional reform , '' Badovsky emphasized .
Izvestia : Russian physicians evaluate new method to diagnose novel coronavirus The use of a new method to diagnose COVID-19 , which raised the amount of people infected in China by one-third on the morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy of diagnoses , Russian scientists say .
China ’ s National Health Commission attributed the surge in coronavirus cases to the new diagnostic method , Izvestia notes .
According to the National Health Commission , from now on , COVID-19 cases will include patients diagnosed through clinical methods - by health symptoms , the clinical picture and a computed tomography of the lungs .
It means that diagnoses will be made before conducting laboratory tests based on the polymerase chain reaction .
Chinese medics are confident that it will make it possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stages of the disease .
Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University Vladimir Nikiforov believes that when doctors deal with the coronavirus , they must not limit themselves to using only computed tomography because it is impossible to identify the coronavirus this way .
Accordingly , the number of patients will now soar in China and many incorrect diagnoses will be made .
`` For instance , H1N1 ( the swine flu virus ) can be mistaken for the coronavirus , as well as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikiforov pointed out .
Director General of the Medical Information Solutions company Konstantin Khomanov was also doubtful that lung specialists , TB doctors and general practitioners would be able to determine from the results of radiological diagnostic tests that their patients had the coronavirus .
Meanwhile , according to a poll carried out by the Spravochnik Vracha ( or Doctor ’ s Guide ) mobile app , Russian medics don ’ t see clearly how to deal with the new virus .
As many as 75 % of the surveyed infection disease specialists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the necessary diagnostic equipment to identify COVID-19 .
At the same time , half of them believe that Russia is facing a threat from the coronavirus epidemic .
Gazprom is looking forward to renewing a number of long-term contracts with European consumers , which will expire in 2021-2024 .
The company ’ s contracts with the Netherlands , Bulgaria , Serbia , Italy , Turkey and Hungary will expire during this period .
Experts say , though , that talks on gas prices and the conditions of renewed contracts will be tough given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gazprom ’ s biggest European contract - the one with the WIEH gas-trading company - expires in 2023 .
Germany ’ s Wintershall used to own half of the company , while Gazprom owned the other half , but now the Russian gas company is the sole owner of the trade intermediary , so there is no doubt that the contract will be renewed .
However , it remains unclear if Gazprom ’ s contract with Poland ’ s PGNiG will be extended after 2022 .
The Polish authorities have stated that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas .
Warsaw intends to replace it with Norwegian gas supplied through the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline and US liquefied natural gas .
Meanwhile , Gazprom has already extended its biggest European contracts with Italy ’ s Eni and Germany ’ s Uniper to 2035-2036 .
Gazprom plans not only to renew old contracts but also to ensure additional gas supplies to Europe .
The company expects gas supplies to non-post Soviet countries to grow by 34 % compared to 2019 , reaching 199.8 bln cubic meters .
Sergei Kapitonov , a gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow School of Management Skolkovo points out that for the past several years , Gazprom has been taking advantage of Europe ’ s need for additional gas supplies , raising its exports by nearly 50 bln cubic meters in five years .
The increase came from the existing contracts , while agreements for additional gas supplies were made in rare cases .
However , gas prices have dropped in the past years , while European countries have increased LNG exports , so their negotiations with Gazprom on new contracts will be tough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: New START negotiations remain stalled According to US President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor Robert C. O'Brien, Washington and Moscow will soon start meaningful talks on disarmament issues. The United States demands that Russia put pressure on China to make it join the negotiations though Washington has not yet presented even a blueprint of a future trilateral agreement. Experts interviewed by Izvestia believe that Beijing’s participation in New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) seems impossible at the moment because China has much less strategic weapons than Russia and the US, while talks need to be launched on more or less equal terms. "Beijing has taken a position of principle; it will not join the treaty unless Russia and the US reduce their arsenals to a level close to that of China," Leading Researcher with the Institute of International Studies at Moscow State Institute of International Relations Viktor Mizin explained.
Read also Putin: Russia ready at any moment to prolong New START Treaty
According to Andrey Zagorsky, who heads the Department of Disarmament and Conflict Resolution Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations, in order to encourage more countries to cut their arsenals, the disarmament process needs to be made more transparent. However, there are not enough discussions on this score. If another round of arms reductions ever takes place, it will involve only Russia and the US, the expert pointed out. "New START is one of the most important and, unfortunately, one of the last agreements that not only regulate the amount of weapons but also provides for certain stability in Russia-US relations," former Russian Ambassador to Washington Sergei Kislyak told the newspaper. "This is why we are ready to extend it. The US, however, doesn’t have a clear view on the matter. It has been maneuvering, speaking about the need to engage China, though Beijing has already refused to do it," he added. Attempts to bring other countries into the fold would not mean that the existing document must be ditched, Zagorsky noted. It is important to extend the current New START because it has a lot of crucial elements, including a system of mutual verification, the expert emphasized. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Erdogan testing Russia’s patience Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has stated that Ankara is sending additional troops to Syria’s Idlib. The province has become a scene of clashes between Turkish troops and Assad’s army. Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that Ankara is ready to brush aside the Sochi agreements, which provide for the establishment of a demilitarized zone in Idlib, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote.
Read also Russia hopes for future contacts with Turkey on Idlib
Erdogan earlier accused "the Syrian regime, supported by Russian forces and pro-Iranian militants" of killing civilians in Idlib. In fact, he put forward an ultimatum: Syrian troops must leave the Idlib de-escalation zone or the Turks will drive them out regardless of the Sochi agreements. On February 12, Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but since the Turks have decided to send troops to Idlib, Moscow apparently failed to talk Ankara out of taking action. The Turkish leader must be encouraged by Washington. US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS James Jeffrey visited Turkey earlier in the week. He was confident that the parties would manage to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict but at the same time, the US envoy pointed out that Washington was ready to provide Ankara with intelligence and supply military equipment. NATO has also expressed support for Erdogan. Senior Lecturer at the Higher School of Economics' School of Oriental Studies Andrei Chuprygin stated that Ankara does not expect Moscow to take a tough anti-Turkish stance in Idlib. "In my view, Turkey’s activities in Idlib are akin to a nervous reaction to Erdogan’s failures in other areas, particularly in Libya and efforts to resolve the Syrian refugee dilemma in Turkey. He promised the moon to his voters but fulfilled few of them. Erdogan said that he would resettle refugees in Syria’s safety zones but it was clear from the start that it was impossible. So now he is looking for someone to blame," the expert pointed out. Media: Putin calls for making Russian Constitution consistent with today’s challenges A nationwide vote on amendments to the Russian Constitution will take place on a weekday that will be declared a day off. President Vladimir Putin has supported the idea at a meeting with members of his working group responsible for drawing up constitutional amendments. Many interesting initiatives were put forward at the meeting, Izvestia wrote. One of the most striking proposals came from Senator Alexei Pushkov, who suggested that Russia’s status as a victor of WWII be enshrined in the Constitution’s Preamble. "This is the Basic Law of the Russian Federation. It is not a priority for us to be concerned about how others will view it," Pushkov told the newspaper. "Enshrining the status of a victorious power will in no way harm the interests of other countries. It will just reflect a generally accepted fact," he noted. By enshrining its status in the Constitution, Russia will pay tribute to the memory of 27 mln people who gave their lives for this victory, the senator pointed out. "Besides, we will thwart attempts to rewrite history and blame us for starting the war," Pushkov stressed.
Read also Constitutional amendments should enter into force only after nationwide vote, says Putin
Not all initiatives will find their way into the Constitution, Izvestia quoted State Duma member Irina Rodnina as saying. According to her, work still continues and it is too early to draw any final conclusions. The meeting focused on social and ideological amendments, while matters concerning the balance of power and government competences received little attention, Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Research Director Dmitry Badovsky told Vedomosti. "Accordingly, one can assume that the work on amendments regarding the organization of government is largely completed and what the State Duma’s committee has prepared will be included in the projected bill," he said. As for other amendments, the social ones have the best chances to be accepted, those that concern cost-of-living adjustments in wages, family and youth policy, the role of science and culture, environmental agenda and the volunteer movement, the expert said. "All these amendments may encourage people of various social groups to participate in the nationwide vote and support this constitutional reform," Badovsky emphasized. Izvestia: Russian physicians evaluate new method to diagnose novel coronavirus The use of a new method to diagnose COVID-19, which raised the amount of people infected in China by one-third on the morning of February 13, will reduce the accuracy of diagnoses, Russian scientists say. China’s National Health Commission attributed the surge in coronavirus cases to the new diagnostic method, Izvestia notes. According to the National Health Commission, from now on, COVID-19 cases will include patients diagnosed through clinical methods - by health symptoms, the clinical picture and a computed tomography of the lungs. It means that diagnoses will be made before conducting laboratory tests based on the polymerase chain reaction. Chinese medics are confident that it will make it possible to start treating patients in the earliest stages of the disease.
Read also Over 1,700 Chinese medics infected with coronavirus


tass--2020-02-14--Kremlin expects Ankara to ensure safety of Russians in Turkey

MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is confident that Ankara will ensure the safety of all Russians who @ @ @ @ @ Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` As for the situation surrounding our diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ ambassador , we have no doubt that the Turkish authorities will take the necessary measures @ @ @ @ @ the Russian envoy and all embassy staff members , as well as the personnel of @ @ @ @ @ whose offices Turkey hosts in accordance with the Vienna Convention and the spirit of our @ @ @ @ @ pointed out .
When asked if the Kremlin would instruct the Russian Foreign Ministry to @ @ @ @ @ Russian tourists should refrain from visiting Turkey , Peskov said that it was a question @ @ @ @ @ adding that there were no signs indicating the need to do it at the moment @ @ @ @ @ Hami Aksoy told TASS earlier on Friday that Ankara was taking all the necessary steps @ @ @ @ @ Russian diplomatic facilities in Turkey .

MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. Moscow is confident that Ankara will ensure the safety of all Russians who work in Turkey, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"As for the situation surrounding our diplomatic mission to Turkey and our ambassador, we have no doubt that the Turkish authorities will take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Russian envoy and all embassy staff members, as well as the personnel of Russian companies and overseas agencies whose offices Turkey hosts in accordance with the Vienna Convention and the spirit of our bilateral relations," Peskov pointed out.
When asked if the Kremlin would instruct the Russian Foreign Ministry to issue a statement recommending that Russian tourists should refrain from visiting Turkey, Peskov said that it was a question for the Foreign Ministry, adding that there were no signs indicating the need to do it at the moment.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy told TASS earlier on Friday that Ankara was taking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of Russian diplomatic facilities in Turkey.


tass--2020-02-14--Russian passengers from Westerdam cruise ship to return home on February 15

MOSCOW , February 14 .
/TASS/ .
All Russian nationals who arrived in Cambodia onboard the Westerdam cruise ship should return home on February 15 , Alexei Dmitriyev , a Russian passenger of the ship , told TASS on Friday .
`` We were told that tomorrow , on February 15 , we will head home , however , the cruise operator has not provided us with any official documents so far , '' the Russian national said , adding that currently , he is spending time on a Sihanoukville beach with his family .
On Friday morning , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disembark at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville .
The Russian embassy in Phnom Penh told TASS earlier that all Russians aboard the Westerdam cruise ship would be sent to Russia by the cruise operator before February 15 .
Passenger lists shared with TASS by the Cambodian side say there are seven Russian tourists ( five women and two men ) and a Russian crewmember on board .
Most tourists travelling on the ship come from the United States ( 651 people ) and Canada ( 271 ) .
Germans , British , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board the Westerdam .
Only one holder of the Chinese passport is among the passengers as well as 29 residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region .
The Westerdam cruise ship left Hong Kong on February 1 .
The ship was planning stopovers in a number of Japanese ports .
These plans were axed since Japan feared that people that had possible contracted the novel coronavirus could be aboard the ship .
Subsequently , the Philippines , Taiwan and Thailand also turned the ship away .
The Westerdam was stuck for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian ports .
Eventually , it was cleared to do so by Cambodian authorities and entered Sihanoukville on Thursday morning .
TASS learnt that the cruise ship would not be quarantined .
Nevertheless , the Sihanoukville administration did not allow passengers to leave the ship before local medics perform checkups .

MOSCOW, February 14. /TASS/. All Russian nationals who arrived in Cambodia onboard the Westerdam cruise ship should return home on February 15, Alexei Dmitriyev, a Russian passenger of the ship, told TASS on Friday.
"We were told that tomorrow, on February 15, we will head home, however, the cruise operator has not provided us with any official documents so far," the Russian national said, adding that currently, he is spending time on a Sihanoukville beach with his family.
On Friday morning, the passengers of the cruise ship were allowed to disembark at the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville.
The Russian embassy in Phnom Penh told TASS earlier that all Russians aboard the Westerdam cruise ship would be sent to Russia by the cruise operator before February 15.
Passenger lists shared with TASS by the Cambodian side say there are seven Russian tourists (five women and two men) and a Russian crewmember on board. Most tourists travelling on the ship come from the United States (651 people) and Canada (271). Germans, British, Dutch and other nationals are also on board the Westerdam. Only one holder of the Chinese passport is among the passengers as well as 29 residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Westerdam’s troubled voyage
The Westerdam cruise ship left Hong Kong on February 1. The ship was planning stopovers in a number of Japanese ports. These plans were axed since Japan feared that people that had possible contracted the novel coronavirus could be aboard the ship. Subsequently, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand also turned the ship away.
The Westerdam was stuck for more than a week trying to dock in Asian ports. Eventually, it was cleared to do so by Cambodian authorities and entered Sihanoukville on Thursday morning.
TASS learnt that the cruise ship would not be quarantined. Nevertheless, the Sihanoukville administration did not allow passengers to leave the ship before local medics perform checkups.