tass--2020-03-13--AC MOTOR Provides Luxury SUV GS8 on Special Offer for Russian Consumers

GUANGZHOU , China , March 13 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GAC MOTOR is poised to transform the Russian automobile landscape , and provides urban consumers more freedom and choice starting with its new GS8 luxury SUV launched late last year .
The brand has also unveiled a range of exclusive offers for drivers .
The GS8 is the automaker 's debut vehicle in Russia , and comes following the vehicle 's resounding popularity in other regions .
Available both in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive , the SUV houses power and performance in a spacious , sleek design , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 320T engine and third-generation Aisin 6-speed AMT .
Priced starting from 1,898,000 rubles for the front-wheel drive version , the entry-level GS8 boasts unbeatable value for money -- offering a reliable and comfortable urban driving experience .
`` With the launch of the GS8 , we are thrilled to be able to provide Russian consumers with better choice for their mobility needs .
The front-wheel drive GS8 combines performance , style and comfort at an outstanding price point , making it the ideal vehicle for urban families , '' said Zeng Hebin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Company .
Bold and avant-garde , the GS8 's robust exterior features sharp body lines and straight waist lines .
In contrast to its tough exterior , the spacious , light-filled interior seamlessly blends quality and luxury with inlaid gold trims , premium suede microfiber fabric and an oversized panoramic sunroof .
For families needing more space , the adjustable third-row seats can be completely lowered down to create additional storage space in the trunk .
Meanwhile , GAC MOTOR has also integrated seat , steering wheel and front windshield heating in Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving experience for the harsh and cold climate .
Backed by the rich production experience cultivated for years and long-term strong partnerships with Japanese auto brands of its parent company GAC Group , along with a global R & D network and the world 's top suppliers , GAC MOTOR offers best-in-class design and manufacturing for Russian consumers .
In honor of GS8 launch , GAC MOTOR has announced a range of exclusive offers for GS8 owners in Russia .
All GS8 owners enjoy a five-year or 150,000km warranty , along with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , the first 200 GS8 owners across the country will receive three years of free roadside assistance service , three years of free maintenance and free winter tires .
And , while Russia increased scrappage fee at the beginning of 2020 , GAC MOTOR will not increase prices on the GS8 until March 31 , 2020 .
Further to exclusive special offerings , GAC MOTOR will conduct several official roadshows to deepen product understanding for Russian consumers .
Over March and April , GAC MOTOR plans to exhibit the GS8 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Petersburg and Vladimir , and is exploring options to open a new store in Saratov .
These initiatives are the latest in GAC MOTOR 's ongoing Russian market development plan , which will see the automaker releasing new models and forging new partnerships in Russia throughout the year .
GAC MOTOR will also continue participation in the Russian Association of Auto Dealers ( ROAD ) annual meeting held in Moscow .
For more information , please visit :

GUANGZHOU, China, March 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- GAC MOTOR is poised to transform the Russian automobile landscape, and provides urban consumers more freedom and choice starting with its new GS8 luxury SUV launched late last year. The brand has also unveiled a range of exclusive offers for drivers.
The GS8 is the automaker's debut vehicle in Russia, and comes following the vehicle's resounding popularity in other regions. Available both in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, the SUV houses power and performance in a spacious, sleek design, and comes equipped with GAC MOTOR's second-generation 320T engine and third-generation Aisin 6-speed AMT. Priced starting from 1,898,000 rubles for the front-wheel drive version, the entry-level GS8 boasts unbeatable value for money -- offering a reliable and comfortable urban driving experience.
"With the launch of the GS8, we are thrilled to be able to provide Russian consumers with better choice for their mobility needs. The front-wheel drive GS8 combines performance, style and comfort at an outstanding price point, making it the ideal vehicle for urban families," said Zeng Hebin, General Manager of GAC Motor International Sales Company.
Bold and avant-garde, the GS8's robust exterior features sharp body lines and straight waist lines. In contrast to its tough exterior, the spacious, light-filled interior seamlessly blends quality and luxury with inlaid gold trims, premium suede microfiber fabric and an oversized panoramic sunroof.
For families needing more space, the adjustable third-row seats can be completely lowered down to create additional storage space in the trunk. Meanwhile, GAC MOTOR has also integrated seat, steering wheel and front windshield heating in Russian GS8 models to deliver a more comfortable driving experience for the harsh and cold climate.
Backed by the rich production experience cultivated for years and long-term strong partnerships with Japanese auto brands of its parent company GAC Group, along with a global R&D network and the world's top suppliers, GAC MOTOR offers best-in-class design and manufacturing for Russian consumers.
In honor of GS8 launch, GAC MOTOR has announced a range of exclusive offers for GS8 owners in Russia. All GS8 owners enjoy a five-year or 150,000km warranty, along with one year of free roadside assistance service. In addition, the first 200 GS8 owners across the country will receive three years of free roadside assistance service, three years of free maintenance and free winter tires. And, while Russia increased scrappage fee at the beginning of 2020, GAC MOTOR will not increase prices on the GS8 until March 31, 2020.
Further to exclusive special offerings, GAC MOTOR will conduct several official roadshows to deepen product understanding for Russian consumers. Over March and April, GAC MOTOR plans to exhibit the GS8 in major shopping malls in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vladimir, and is exploring options to open a new store in Saratov. These initiatives are the latest in GAC MOTOR's ongoing Russian market development plan, which will see the automaker releasing new models and forging new partnerships in Russia throughout the year. GAC MOTOR will also continue participation in the Russian Association of Auto Dealers (ROAD) annual meeting held in Moscow.
For more information, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GACMotor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gac_motor
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gac_motor
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/GACMotorOfficial
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1123717/The_GS8_luxury_flagship_7_seat_SUV.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1123715/GS8_s_interior_seamlessly_blends_quality_and_luxury.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1123716/The_spacious_interior_of_SUV_GS8.jpg
CONTACT: Nina PAVLOVA, Phone:+79-777583178, Email: nina.pavlova@gacmotor.com; Yue TANG, Phone: +86-157-3260-6375, Email: tangyue@gacmotor.com


tass--2020-03-14--Two coronavirus cases confirmed in Russia’s Kemerovo region

KEMEROVO , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
A new type of coronavirus was confirmed in two residents of Russia 's Kemerovo region , the press service of the regional administration told TASS on Saturday .
`` Two cases were confirmed in Kemerovo , and one [ person ] is being monitored in Novokuznetsk , '' the press service said .
According to the Kuzbass administration , both patients are under the supervision of doctors in a city hospital , they are isolated and receive the necessary treatment .
`` All medical institutions of Kuzbass are put on alert : a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with suspected coronavirus , preparatory measures have been taken , there is enough medication and personal protective equipment , '' the office said .
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 .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 120 countries , including Russia .
Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as over 137,000 people have been infected around the world and over 5,000 people have died of it .
Russia has so far confirmed 47 coronavirus cases .

KEMEROVO, March 14. /TASS/. A new type of coronavirus was confirmed in two residents of Russia's Kemerovo region, the press service of the regional administration told TASS on Saturday.
"Two cases were confirmed in Kemerovo, and one [person] is being monitored in Novokuznetsk," the press service said.
According to the Kuzbass administration, both patients are under the supervision of doctors in a city hospital, they are isolated and receive the necessary treatment. "All medical institutions of Kuzbass are put on alert: a procedure has been developed for receiving patients with suspected coronavirus, preparatory measures have been taken, there is enough medication and personal protective equipment," the office said.
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. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 120 countries, including Russia. Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as over 137,000 people have been infected around the world and over 5,000 people have died of it. Russia has so far confirmed 47 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-14--Russia’s government prepares proposals to level effects of coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government is preparing proposals to mitigate the negative effects of coronavirus , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a plenary meeting of the Federation Council .
`` The Russian Government is now considering and preparing a set of proposals to neutralize the effects of this negative factor [ coronavirus ] , '' Siluanov said .
He previously stated that the consequences of the spread of coronavirus in the world affect the Russian economy , as it is part of the global scene .
Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partially compensate for the negative processes in the global economy .
`` The situation in the world is not static .
Even if we ignore coronavirus , the situation is subject to various fluctuations and volatility .
Before the situation with coronavirus , there were various negative forecasts regarding the global economy , for example , there was a clear tendency to reduce demand for oil and petroleum products , '' Peskov said .
Peskov added that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to work hard despite the coronavirus crisis .
In late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 110 countries , including Russia .
Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
The WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as more than 125,000 people have been infected around the world and about 4,600 have died of it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. The Russian government is preparing proposals to mitigate the negative effects of coronavirus, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a plenary meeting of the Federation Council.
"The Russian Government is now considering and preparing a set of proposals to neutralize the effects of this negative factor [coronavirus]," Siluanov said.
He previously stated that the consequences of the spread of coronavirus in the world affect the Russian economy, as it is part of the global scene.
Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that measures taken in advance will allow Russia to partially compensate for the negative processes in the global economy. "The situation in the world is not static. Even if we ignore coronavirus, the situation is subject to various fluctuations and volatility. Before the situation with coronavirus, there were various negative forecasts regarding the global economy, for example, there was a clear tendency to reduce demand for oil and petroleum products," Peskov said.
Peskov added that Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to work hard despite the coronavirus crisis.
Coronavirus pandemic
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. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 110 countries, including Russia. Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as more than 125,000 people have been infected around the world and about 4,600 have died of it. Russia has so far confirmed 34 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-14--Coronavirus situation may lead to reduction in jobs in tourism industry - experts

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Declining sales of tours due to coronavirus and weakening ruble exchange rate may force tour operators to optimize the number of staff , Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia ( ATOR ) Dmitry Gorin told TAS .
The decline in sales of tours from Russia abroad fell by 40-60 % depending on the destination , Gorin said , while there are destinations , for example , Italy , where sales have completely stopped .
`` When a number of countries are closed for quarantine , we need to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
The volatility of the exchange rate , not only the coronavirus , complicates the situation .
There is a difficult path ahead - job cuts in the tourism industry .
There is no talk of bankruptcy , now we need to think , first of all , about people who will be underutilized , '' he said .
According to him , this is a necessary measure amid a 50 % decline in sales .
Also , to save money , tour operators can begin to reduce the area rented for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian tourism authority Rosturizm told TASS earlier it would support tourist business support measures in the challenging epidemiological environment because of the new coronavirus .
`` Rosturizm will develop tourist business support measures .
The authority will act as the initiator of changes in operating regulations of industry players in the challenging epidemiological environment , '' the agency said .
Approximate losses of the Russian outbound tourism due to the coronavirus amounted to 27 bln rubles ( $ 402.2 mln ) net of losses for the Italian destination , executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maya Lomidze said earlier .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial megalopolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus was identified on January 7 as 2019-nCoV .
The World Health Organization declared in January that the new coronavirus outbreak was a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
On February 11 , WHO Director General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave the novel coronavirus an official name of COVID-19 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization officially stated that the continuously spreading novel coronavirus was a global pandemic .
As of today , 133 countries and territories reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest reports , over 139,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide .
The virus ’ death toll has reached 5,116 , yet more than 70,720 patients have recovered from the disease .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Declining sales of tours due to coronavirus and weakening ruble exchange rate may force tour operators to optimize the number of staff, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) Dmitry Gorin told TAS.
The decline in sales of tours from Russia abroad fell by 40-60% depending on the destination, Gorin said, while there are destinations, for example, Italy, where sales have completely stopped.
"When a number of countries are closed for quarantine, we need to go through a transition period for the tourism industry. The volatility of the exchange rate, not only the coronavirus, complicates the situation. There is a difficult path ahead - job cuts in the tourism industry. There is no talk of bankruptcy, now we need to think, first of all, about people who will be underutilized," he said.
According to him, this is a necessary measure amid a 50% decline in sales. Also, to save money, tour operators can begin to reduce the area rented for offices, he said.
Press service of the Russian tourism authority Rosturizm told TASS earlier it would support tourist business support measures in the challenging epidemiological environment because of the new coronavirus. "Rosturizm will develop tourist business support measures. The authority will act as the initiator of changes in operating regulations of industry players in the challenging epidemiological environment," the agency said.
Approximate losses of the Russian outbound tourism due to the coronavirus amounted to 27 bln rubles ($402.2 mln) net of losses for the Italian destination, executive director of the Russian association of tour operators Maya Lomidze said earlier.
COVID-19 Global Spread
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial megalopolis with a population of 11 million.
The virus was identified on January 7 as 2019-nCoV. The World Health Organization declared in January that the new coronavirus outbreak was a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.
On February 11, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the organization gave the novel coronavirus an official name of COVID-19. On March 11, the World Health Organization officially stated that the continuously spreading novel coronavirus was a global pandemic.
As of today, 133 countries and territories reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest reports, over 139,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide. The virus’ death toll has reached 5,116, yet more than 70,720 patients have recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-03-14--Coronavirus claims 13 lives in China over past 24 hours

TASS , March 14 .
The death toll from the novel coronavirus outbreak in China has increased by 13 people over the past 24 hours , the number of infected people has grown by 11 , 1,430 patients have recovered , China ’ s National Health Commission reported on Saturday .
According to the latest statistics , the overall number of infected people in China has reached 80,824 , 65,541 patients have recovered and 3,189 have died .
As many as four new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in China ’ s Hubei province , all of them in Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of fatalities in Hubei has increased by 13 over the past 24 hours to reach 3,075 ( ten of them were recorded in Wuhan ) .
The number of people in the province who have recovered from the virus has reached 52,943 .
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 120 countries .
According to official statistics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More than 5,000 of them died .
A total of 45 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far .

TASS, March 14. The death toll from the novel coronavirus outbreak in China has increased by 13 people over the past 24 hours, the number of infected people has grown by 11, 1,430 patients have recovered, China’s National Health Commission reported on Saturday.
According to the latest statistics, the overall number of infected people in China has reached 80,824, 65,541 patients have recovered and 3,189 have died.
As many as four new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in China’s Hubei province, all of them in Wuhan, where the pandemic began. The number of fatalities in Hubei has increased by 13 over the past 24 hours to reach 3,075 (ten of them were recorded in Wuhan). The number of people in the province who have recovered from the virus has reached 52,943.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 120 countries. According to official statistics, about 137,000 people have contracted the virus. More than 5,000 of them died. A total of 45 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-14--Russian Embassy calls on US politicians to jointly combat coronavirus pandemic

WASHINGTON , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Embassy has called on US politicians to fight together against the novel coronavirus pandemic instead of exacerbating bilateral relations .
`` A number of politicians in Washington stop at nothing to exacerbate bilateral Russian-American relations , '' the embassy said in a statement commenting on fresh meddling accusations against Russia .
`` By putting forward accusations against Russia and our people , they pursue their own vested interests amid another election campaign .
We consider their attempts to drag EU member-states into another reckless gamble unacceptable . ''
`` We urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool efforts in the fight against a common misfortune , the coronavirus pandemic , '' the Russian embassy stressed .
On Thursday , Senate minority leader Charles Ellis `` Chuck '' Schumer and four other senators called on the EU to slap sanctions on Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin whom Washington accuses of meddling in electoral process in the US .
US secret services suspect Russia ’ s involvement in the US election process in 2016 .
Special Counsel Robert Mueller spent nearly two years investigating the alleged meddling attempts .
On April 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice published the final report .
Mueller recognized that the probe had identified no collusion between the election winner Trump and Russia .
At the same time , he claimed that Moscow had tried to influence the election campaign .
Trump has repeatedly dismissed the suspicion of any unlawful contacts with Russian officials .
Moscow , too , more than once denied attempts to influence the outcome of the US presidential election .

WASHINGTON, March 14. /TASS/. The Russian Embassy has called on US politicians to fight together against the novel coronavirus pandemic instead of exacerbating bilateral relations.
"A number of politicians in Washington stop at nothing to exacerbate bilateral Russian-American relations," the embassy said in a statement commenting on fresh meddling accusations against Russia. "By putting forward accusations against Russia and our people, they pursue their own vested interests amid another election campaign. We consider their attempts to drag EU member-states into another reckless gamble unacceptable."
"We urge US politicians to show common sense and pool efforts in the fight against a common misfortune, the coronavirus pandemic," the Russian embassy stressed.
On Thursday, Senate minority leader Charles Ellis "Chuck" Schumer and four other senators called on the EU to slap sanctions on Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin whom Washington accuses of meddling in electoral process in the US.
US secret services suspect Russia’s involvement in the US election process in 2016. Special Counsel Robert Mueller spent nearly two years investigating the alleged meddling attempts. On April 18, 2019, the US Department of Justice published the final report. Mueller recognized that the probe had identified no collusion between the election winner Trump and Russia. At the same time, he claimed that Moscow had tried to influence the election campaign. Trump has repeatedly dismissed the suspicion of any unlawful contacts with Russian officials. Moscow, too, more than once denied attempts to influence the outcome of the US presidential election.


tass--2020-03-14--Rossiya Airlines suspends flights to Cyprus starting March 14

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Rossiya Airlines ( Part of Aeroflot Group ) cancels flights from Moscow ’ s Vnukovo airport and St. Petersburg ’ s Pulkovo airport on March 14 and will only operate return flights because of the spread of the novel coronavirus , the company said on its website on Saturday .
`` Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the related decision by the immigration authorities of Cyprus , Rossiya Airlines informs passengers of the cancellation of flights operated jointly with the Biblio Globus tour operator from Vnukovo and St. Petersburg from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performed according to schedule and will be used to take passengers out [ of the country ] , '' the company said .
On Friday , President Nicos Anastasiades said that Cyprus would impose a 15-day ban on entering the country starting March 15 for non-accredited foreign citizens .
Meanwhile , Russia will suspend regular air service with all EU member-states excluding flights between Moscow and EU capitals starting March 16 .
Flights to Switzerland and Norway , except the ones to Geneva and Oslo , will be suspended as well .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in central China at the end of December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 110 countries .
According to official statistics , about 134,000 people have contracted the virus .
More than 5,000 of them died .
A total of 45 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Rossiya Airlines (Part of Aeroflot Group) cancels flights from Moscow’s Vnukovo airport and St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo airport on March 14 and will only operate return flights because of the spread of the novel coronavirus, the company said on its website on Saturday.
"Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the related decision by the immigration authorities of Cyprus, Rossiya Airlines informs passengers of the cancellation of flights operated jointly with the Biblio Globus tour operator from Vnukovo and St. Petersburg from March 14. Return flights will be performed according to schedule and will be used to take passengers out [of the country]," the company said.
On Friday, President Nicos Anastasiades said that Cyprus would impose a 15-day ban on entering the country starting March 15 for non-accredited foreign citizens.
Meanwhile, Russia will suspend regular air service with all EU member-states excluding flights between Moscow and EU capitals starting March 16. Flights to Switzerland and Norway, except the ones to Geneva and Oslo, will be suspended as well.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 110 countries. According to official statistics, about 134,000 people have contracted the virus. More than 5,000 of them died. A total of 45 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-14--Cuba’s top diplomat slams US sanctions against Rosneft subsidiary

HAVANA , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The US sanctions imposed on TNK Trading International S.A. , a Rosneft subsidiary working with Venezuela , are a manifestation of a criminal policy directed against the interests of the people , Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla wrote in a Twitter post .
`` While the world 's efforts are focused on coping with Covid-19 , the US government applies unilateral coercive measures against TNK Trading Intl S.A. , a subsidiary of Rosneft , for trading with Venezuela .
It 's a new violation of International Law .
Stop criminal policy vs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Thursday , the United States imposed sanctions on TNK Trading International S.A. , a subsidiary of Russia ’ s Rosneft oil company , stressing that the goal is to bring Venezuela ’ s President Nicolas Maduro to the negotiation table .
According to Washington , TNK Trading International S.A. supplies Venezuelan oil bypassing restrictions that had been imposed earlier .
On February 18 , the US administration announced sanctions against Rosneft Trading S.A. and its President Didier Casimiro over selling oil from Venezuela .
In response to that , Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would only result in the deterioration of relations between Russia and the United States .

HAVANA, March 14. /TASS/. The US sanctions imposed on TNK Trading International S.A., a Rosneft subsidiary working with Venezuela, are a manifestation of a criminal policy directed against the interests of the people, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla wrote in a Twitter post.
"While the world's efforts are focused on coping with Covid-19, the US government applies unilateral coercive measures against TNK Trading Intl S.A., a subsidiary of Rosneft, for trading with Venezuela. It's a new violation of International Law. Stop criminal policy vs peoples," the diplomat noted.
On Thursday, the United States imposed sanctions on TNK Trading International S.A., a subsidiary of Russia’s Rosneft oil company, stressing that the goal is to bring Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro to the negotiation table. According to Washington, TNK Trading International S.A. supplies Venezuelan oil bypassing restrictions that had been imposed earlier.
On February 18, the US administration announced sanctions against Rosneft Trading S.A. and its President Didier Casimiro over selling oil from Venezuela. In response to that, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that such measures would only result in the deterioration of relations between Russia and the United States.


tass--2020-03-14--UN staff asked to telecommute due to coronavirus pandemic

UNITED NATIONS , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The staff of the UN Headquarters in New York City will be required to work from home from March 16 to April 12 because of the spread of the novel coronavirus unless their presence in the workplace is needed , Spokesman for the UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Friday .
The New York mayor earlier declared a state of emergency in the city .
`` All staff will be required to telecommute unless their physical presence in the workplace is needed to carry out essential services .
This will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until Sunday , 12 April , '' he said .
`` After three weeks , we will assess the necessity of maintaining a reduced level of staff in the building , '' the spokesman added .
`` Our aim is twofold : to reduce our physical presence at United Nations Headquarters , while continuing to deliver on our mandates , '' Dujarric stressed .
He noted that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres continued to keep a close eye on the situation to make decisions on further measures .
The authorities of New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past 24 hours .
On Thursday , the number of people who had contracted the virus stood at 328 , the next day it amounted to 421 .
More than 50 people have been taken to the hospitals .
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 110 countries .
According to official statistics , about 134,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 of them died .

UNITED NATIONS, March 14. /TASS/. The staff of the UN Headquarters in New York City will be required to work from home from March 16 to April 12 because of the spread of the novel coronavirus unless their presence in the workplace is needed, Spokesman for the UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Friday.
The New York mayor earlier declared a state of emergency in the city.
"All staff will be required to telecommute unless their physical presence in the workplace is needed to carry out essential services. This will be effective Monday, 16 March, until Sunday, 12 April," he said.
"After three weeks, we will assess the necessity of maintaining a reduced level of staff in the building," the spokesman added.
"Our aim is twofold: to reduce our physical presence at United Nations Headquarters, while continuing to deliver on our mandates," Dujarric stressed. He noted that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres continued to keep a close eye on the situation to make decisions on further measures.
The authorities of New York State have registered 93 novel coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours. On Thursday, the number of people who had contracted the virus stood at 328, the next day it amounted to 421. More than 50 people have been taken to the hospitals.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 110 countries. According to official statistics, about 134,000 people have contracted the virus. More than 5,000 of them died.


tass--2020-03-14--Merkel: coronavirus situation is common challenge for Europe and the world

BERLIN , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus situation is a common challenge for all countries that requires @ @ @ @ @ Angela Merkel said on Friday evening at a meeting with German businesspeople , which focused @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
`` The coronavirus is a common challenge for all countries in Europe @ @ @ @ @ '' the press service of Germany ’ s Cabinet quotes her as saying .
According @ @ @ @ @ action is required to overcome the crisis .
Merkel assured the participants in the meeting @ @ @ @ @ its utmost to stabilize the economy under these circumstances .
`` We have the [ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ been registered in more than 110 countries .
In Germany , more than 3,000 people @ @ @ @ @ eight of them have died .

BERLIN, March 14. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus situation is a common challenge for all countries that requires joint efforts, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday evening at a meeting with German businesspeople, which focused on the economic aftermath of the pandemic.
"The coronavirus is a common challenge for all countries in Europe and the world over," the press service of Germany’s Cabinet quotes her as saying. According to the chancellor, joint action is required to overcome the crisis.
Merkel assured the participants in the meeting that the government would to its utmost to stabilize the economy under these circumstances. "We have the [necessary] financial reserves," she said.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been registered in more than 110 countries. In Germany, more than 3,000 people have contracted the virus, eight of them have died.


tass--2020-03-14--Russia’s partial suspension of flights to EU may bankrupt Russian tour operators

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s partial suspension of flights to the EU due to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a wave of bankruptcies among Russian tour operators , Irina Tyurina , a spokesperson for the Russian Union of Travel Industry ( RST ) , told TASS on Friday .
`` Tours to all destinations are being annulled .
Hundreds of sea cruises are being cancelled every day .
Tourism is at a standstill , '' she said , noting that the Russian law dictates that tour operators must return the money to their clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return the money to tour operators .
`` This will be a massive drop .
The situation may be worse than the wave of tour operators leaving the Russian market in 2014 , '' Tyurina said in response to the question on how Russia ’ s partial ban on flights to and from the EU will affect the tourism industry .
`` The situation can not get any more critical , '' she said , adding that both domestic and international tourism is losing sales , as regional officials are recommending companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children even within Russia .
`` This concerns everyone - both large and small tour operators .
Some will survive , some won ’ t , but the situation is catastrophic .
We are writing to all official bodies asking to introduce the concept of force majeure in the industry ’ s legislation .
So far , the law stipulates that tour operators must return the money in full or minus the actual costs incurred .
They are obligated to do so , while plane companies are not , hotels are not , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Russia will partly suspend regular air service with all EU states excluding flights between Moscow and EU capitals .
Flights to Switzerland and Norway , except the ones to Geneva and Oslo , have also been suspended , Russia ’ s task force for combating and preventing the spread of novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) told reporters on Friday .
Charter flights to these states will still be operated to transport citizens of the EU , Switzerland and Norway back to their home countries and to transport Russian citizens to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 110 countries .
According to official data , over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and over 5,000 have died .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Russia’s partial suspension of flights to the EU due to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a wave of bankruptcies among Russian tour operators, Irina Tyurina, a spokesperson for the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST), told TASS on Friday.
"Tours to all destinations are being annulled. Hundreds of sea cruises are being cancelled every day. Tourism is at a standstill," she said, noting that the Russian law dictates that tour operators must return the money to their clients, while hotels and air carriers fail to return the money to tour operators. "This will be a massive drop. The situation may be worse than the wave of tour operators leaving the Russian market in 2014," Tyurina said in response to the question on how Russia’s partial ban on flights to and from the EU will affect the tourism industry.
"The situation cannot get any more critical," she said, adding that both domestic and international tourism is losing sales, as regional officials are recommending companies to suspend trips of organized groups of children even within Russia.
"This concerns everyone - both large and small tour operators. Some will survive, some won’t, but the situation is catastrophic. We are writing to all official bodies asking to introduce the concept of force majeure in the industry’s legislation. So far, the law stipulates that tour operators must return the money in full or minus the actual costs incurred. They are obligated to do so, while plane companies are not, hotels are not," Tyurina said.
Russia’s partial travel ban
Starting March 16, Russia will partly suspend regular air service with all EU states excluding flights between Moscow and EU capitals. Flights to Switzerland and Norway, except the ones to Geneva and Oslo, have also been suspended, Russia’s task force for combating and preventing the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) told reporters on Friday.
Charter flights to these states will still be operated to transport citizens of the EU, Switzerland and Norway back to their home countries and to transport Russian citizens to the Russian Federation.
Earlier, Russia partly suspended air service with China, South Korea and Iran.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 110 countries. According to official data, over 134,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and over 5,000 have died.


tass--2020-03-15--Moscow - Berlin trains suspended due to coronavirus - Russian Railways

MOSCOW , March 15 .
/TASS/ .
Trains from Moscow to Berlin are temporarily suspended in connection with the notice @ @ @ @ @ the closure of railway traffic across the country , Russian Railways reports .
Trains with @ @ @ @ @ stop making trips on March 16 .
The train from Moscow to Berlin departed on @ @ @ @ @ the schedule .
Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki said earlier that the country made @ @ @ @ @ borders .
The railway traffic and air passenger traffic were suspended at night from March @ @ @ @ @ train from Moscow to Paris running across the territory of Poland will be canceled on @ @ @ @ @ Moscow to Nice and direct railcars of Moscow-Prague-Moscow route were temporarily suspended earlier .

MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. Trains from Moscow to Berlin are temporarily suspended in connection with the notice from the Polish Railways concerning the closure of railway traffic across the country, Russian Railways reports.
Trains with the destination in Moscow will stop making trips on March 16.
The train from Moscow to Berlin departed on March 14 in accordance with the schedule.
Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki said earlier that the country made the decision to close its borders. The railway traffic and air passenger traffic were suspended at night from March 14 to 15. The train from Moscow to Paris running across the territory of Poland will be canceled on March 17.
Trains from Moscow to Nice and direct railcars of Moscow-Prague-Moscow route were temporarily suspended earlier.


tass--2020-03-15--Sixth coronavirus case confirmed in St Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
A man , who returned from Italy to St. Petersburg on March 8 , tested positive for the coronavirus becoming the sixth patient in the Russian second-largest city , the coronavirus task force told TASS on Saturday .
`` The sick person was a man .
He came to St. Petersburg from Italy on March 8 and was taken to hospital on March 12 , '' the spokesperson said .
On Friday , St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov told reporters that by that day five coronavirus cases had been registered in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ten-year-old child .
All the infected people had travelled abroad .
They are being treated in hospital .
St. Petersburg ’ s authorities banned mass gatherings of more than 1,000 people from March 16 until April 30 .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus broke out of China ’ s Hubei province , it spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting more than 120 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic on March 11 .
According to the WHO data , around 140,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surpassed 5,000 .
Russia handles 59 coronavirus cases so far .
On Saturday , the country set up a coordinating center to contain the spread of the coronavirus .

ST. PETERSBURG, March 14. /TASS/. A man, who returned from Italy to St. Petersburg on March 8, tested positive for the coronavirus becoming the sixth patient in the Russian second-largest city, the coronavirus task force told TASS on Saturday.
"The sick person was a man. He came to St. Petersburg from Italy on March 8 and was taken to hospital on March 12," the spokesperson said.
On Friday, St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov told reporters that by that day five coronavirus cases had been registered in the city. Among the patients is a ten-year-old child. All the infected people had travelled abroad. They are being treated in hospital.
St. Petersburg’s authorities banned mass gatherings of more than 1,000 people from March 16 until April 30.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic on March 11. According to the WHO data, around 140,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surpassed 5,000. Russia handles 59 coronavirus cases so far. On Saturday, the country set up a coordinating center to contain the spread of the coronavirus.


tass--2020-03-15--Russian, Belarusian PMs agree to join efforts to control coronavirus spread

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Belarusian Prime Ministers , Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas , @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday to maintain contacts seeking to mitigate the spread of the deadly coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ press office said .
`` [ They ] focused on pressing issues of Russian-Belarusian commercial @ @ @ @ @ well as on the spread of the new coronavirus , '' the press office said @ @ @ @ @ ministers agreed to keep in touch over that and other issues of mutual interest .
@ @ @ @ @ and Rumas held talks in Moscow focusing on the two countries ’ integration .
On @ @ @ @ @ minister chaired a strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus measures .
Among them , @ @ @ @ @ all travel abroad and the regions to restrict mass gatherings .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. The Russian and Belarusian Prime Ministers, Mikhail Mishustin and Sergei Rumas, agreed in a phone call on Saturday to maintain contacts seeking to mitigate the spread of the deadly coronavirus, the Russian government’s press office said.
"[They] focused on pressing issues of Russian-Belarusian commercial and economic cooperation, as well as on the spread of the new coronavirus," the press office said adding that "the prime ministers agreed to keep in touch over that and other issues of mutual interest."
Last week, Mishustin and Rumas held talks in Moscow focusing on the two countries’ integration.
On Saturday, the Russian prime minister chaired a strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus measures. Among them, Mishustin advised Russians to avoid all travel abroad and the regions to restrict mass gatherings.


tass--2020-03-14--Russian government orders to close border with Poland, Norway for foreigners on Sunday

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s government has ordered to close the Russian-Polish and Russian-Norwegian land @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , March 15 to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus , the government @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
`` The Federal Security Service ( FSB ) shall suspend crossings by foreign @ @ @ @ @ the Russian-Polish and Russian-Norwegian land border into the territory of the Russian Federation for purposes @ @ @ @ @ as well as for private and tourist purposes , except for citizens of the Republic @ @ @ @ @ official delegations and persons with a residence permit in the Russian Federation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ , the Foreign Ministry is tasked with notifying Poland , Norway and other states whose @ @ @ @ @ the implementation of the regulation `` of the measures envisaged , emphasizing that they are @ @ @ @ @ are provisional '' .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russia’s government has ordered to close the Russian-Polish and Russian-Norwegian land border for foreign nationals on Sunday, March 15 to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, the government said in a statement on Saturday.
"The Federal Security Service (FSB) shall suspend crossings by foreign nationals and stateless persons through the Russian-Polish and Russian-Norwegian land border into the territory of the Russian Federation for purposes of education and employment, as well as for private and tourist purposes, except for citizens of the Republic of Belarus, members of official delegations and persons with a residence permit in the Russian Federation," the document says.
In addition, the Foreign Ministry is tasked with notifying Poland, Norway and other states whose interests might be affected by the implementation of the regulation "of the measures envisaged, emphasizing that they are justified by particular circumstances and are provisional".


tass--2020-03-14--Russian-Turkish coordinating center launched in Syria - Russia’s Defense Ministry

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian-Turkish coordinating center has begun operating in Syria to control the ceasefire and conduct joint patrols , Oleg Zhuravlev , the chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria , told reporters on Saturday .
`` A joint coordinating center for interaction with the Turkish side has begun functioning to ensure the ceasefire and joint patrols , '' he said .
According to Zhuravlev , `` engineering reconnaissance of the patrol itinerary was conducted outside Saraqib as part of preparations for joint Russian-Turkish patrols along the M-4 highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication channel keeps functioning for operational interaction between the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties and Turkish counterparts .
Zhuravlev recalled that under the Russian-Turkish agreements a ceasefire had been declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone at midnight on March 6 .
`` In the past day , two shelling attacks by Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization ( outlawed in Russia ) were reported in the settlements of Saraqib in Idlib province and Janajiq in Latakia province , '' he said adding , `` No shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. A Russian-Turkish coordinating center has begun operating in Syria to control the ceasefire and conduct joint patrols, Oleg Zhuravlev, the chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria, told reporters on Saturday.
"A joint coordinating center for interaction with the Turkish side has begun functioning to ensure the ceasefire and joint patrols," he said.
According to Zhuravlev, "engineering reconnaissance of the patrol itinerary was conducted outside Saraqib as part of preparations for joint Russian-Turkish patrols along the M-4 highway."
Apart from that, a communication channel keeps functioning for operational interaction between the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties and Turkish counterparts.
Zhuravlev recalled that under the Russian-Turkish agreements a ceasefire had been declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone at midnight on March 6.
"In the past day, two shelling attacks by Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist organization (outlawed in Russia) were reported in the settlements of Saraqib in Idlib province and Janajiq in Latakia province," he said adding, "No shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were documented."
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-03-14--Airports, train stations should tighten control on Saturday, Sunday over coronavirus - PM

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to tighten control at border checkpoints , airports and train stations on Saturday and Sunday , March 14 and 15 to mitigate the coronavirus spread .
`` I ask to further tighten control across all the regions , at border checkpoints , airports and stations both for our citizens and foreigners over the weekend , or the two days off , '' he said at the strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts .
`` Both the government and the task force alongside regional [ authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions in advance , which helped to contain the spread of infection across Russia , '' Mishustin said , citing reduced flights to the European Union as the priority measure .
`` In fact , we limited flights to all the European Union countries , and to Switzerland and Norway starting at 00.00 on March 16 .
It will help to mitigate the risk of coronavirus spread . ''
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus broke out of China ’ s Hubei province , it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
According to the WHO data , around 137,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surpassed over 5,000 .
Russia has confirmed 59 coronavirus cases .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to tighten control at border checkpoints, airports and train stations on Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 to mitigate the coronavirus spread.
"I ask to further tighten control across all the regions, at border checkpoints, airports and stations both for our citizens and foreigners over the weekend, or the two days off," he said at the strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts.
The prime minister recalled the earlier preventive measures.
"Both the government and the task force alongside regional [authorities] have imposed a wide range of restrictions in advance, which helped to contain the spread of infection across Russia," Mishustin said, citing reduced flights to the European Union as the priority measure.
"In fact, we limited flights to all the European Union countries, and to Switzerland and Norway starting at 00.00 on March 16. It will help to mitigate the risk of coronavirus spread."
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic.
According to the WHO data, around 137,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surpassed over 5,000. Russia has confirmed 59 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-14--Russian Pacific Fleet’s TU-142 aircraft make scheduled flight over Pacific, Arctic

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Two Tupolev Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Russian Pacific Fleet made a @ @ @ @ @ waters of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans , the Defense Ministry said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ flight continued for 12 hours .
The aircraft covered the distance of more than 5,000 @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Defense Ministry , the pilots drilled an overland sortie without land-based @ @ @ @ @ piloting without land-based navigational aids .
The two TU-142 aircraft were escorted by MiG-31BM fighters @ @ @ @ @ .
The flight of the Pacific Fleet ’ s anti-submarine aircraft was done in strict @ @ @ @ @ and as part of the TU-142 crews ’ winter combat training , the Russian Defense @ @ @ @ @ earlier , the two TU-142 anti-submarine aircraft of the Russian Pacific Fleet had made a @ @ @ @ @ neutral air space over the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Two Tupolev Tu-142 maritime reconnaissance aircraft of the Russian Pacific Fleet made a scheduled flight over the neutral waters of the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Defense Ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
"The flight continued for 12 hours. The aircraft covered the distance of more than 5,000 kilometers," it said.
According to the Defense Ministry, the pilots drilled an overland sortie without land-based reference stations and teamwork while piloting without land-based navigational aids. The two TU-142 aircraft were escorted by MiG-31BM fighters of the Russian Pacific Fleet.
The flight of the Pacific Fleet’s anti-submarine aircraft was done in strict compliance with international airspace rules and as part of the TU-142 crews’ winter combat training, the Russian Defense Ministry added.
Several days earlier, the two TU-142 anti-submarine aircraft of the Russian Pacific Fleet had made a 12-hour scheduled flight in the neutral air space over the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.


tass--2020-03-14--Putin plans no travel abroad in near future

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin plans no foreign trips in the near future , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Saturday .
`` No , he has no plans , '' Peskov said when asked about Putin ’ s schedule .
Earlier in the day , the Russian government advised Russians to avoid all travel abroad .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , who chairs the council coordinating nationwide anti-coronavirus efforts , said on Saturday that the cabinet had advised all federal executive bodies to avoid all work trips or cancel them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus broke out of China ’ s Hubei province , it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
According to the WHO data , around 137,000 cases of patients infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to now .
The virus ’ death toll has surpassed over 5,000 .
Russia has confirmed 59 coronavirus cases .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin plans no foreign trips in the near future, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS on Saturday.
"No, he has no plans," Peskov said when asked about Putin’s schedule.
Earlier in the day, the Russian government advised Russians to avoid all travel abroad.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who chairs the council coordinating nationwide anti-coronavirus efforts, said on Saturday that the cabinet had advised all federal executive bodies to avoid all work trips or cancel them, including travel for personal purposes.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic.
According to the WHO data, around 137,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surpassed over 5,000. Russia has confirmed 59 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-14--Al-Assad signs decree postponing election in Syria over coronavirus spread

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has signed a decree postponing the April 13 parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian leader ’ s office said on Saturday .
`` Implementing measures imposed by @ @ @ @ @ to contain the novel coronavirus [ spread ] , the Syrian president signed a decree @ @ @ @ @ for April 13 until May 20 , '' the statement says .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has signed a decree postponing the April 13 parliamentary election until May 20, the Syrian leader’s office said on Saturday.
"Implementing measures imposed by the country’s leadership to contain the novel coronavirus [spread], the Syrian president signed a decree postponing the parliamentary election scheduled for April 13 until May 20," the statement says.


tass--2020-03-14--Coronavirus cases rise to 59 in Russia in past day

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
There has been a spike in coronavirus cases in Russia , from 45 to 59 over the past 24 hours , but all the 14 Russians infected with the novel coronavirus travelled to the European Union in the past two weeks , the coronavirus task force told reporters on Saturday .
`` In the past 24 hours , Russia has confirmed 14 coronavirus cases among the citizens of the Russian Federation .
Among them are nine in Moscow , one in the Moscow Region , one in St. Petersburg , two in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Region , '' the task force said adding that all those infected people had travelled to the worst affected countries in the past two weeks .
Apart from that , the people who the infected patients had contacted with in Russia were identified .
`` Work is ongoing to place people having been in contact under medical observation .
Laboratory tests are underway , '' the task force said .
According to the coronavirus task force , Russia has 59 confirmed coronavirus cases so far .
Among them are 56 Russians , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese nationals , one Russian man and the Russian nationals evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship were discharged from hospitals after recovering from the disease .
Nine new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow , all the infected people travelled to countries worst affected by the pandemic , Moscow ’ s coronavirus emergency center told reporters on Saturday .
`` Moscow has nine more confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection .
There are 33 cases in the capital in total , '' the center said .
Among the nine people recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three underage children .
`` There are three minors among the patients .
Those students ' classes have been closed since March 10 , '' the center said .
The Moscow authorities have identified all those who were in contact with nine people recently infected with the coronavirus in Moscow and hospitalized ten of their family members .
`` Up to now , all the people who had been in close contact with the patients have been identified .
Six relatives are being treated at Kommunarka hospital , another four at the infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home quarantine , '' the center said .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. There has been a spike in coronavirus cases in Russia, from 45 to 59 over the past 24 hours, but all the 14 Russians infected with the novel coronavirus travelled to the European Union in the past two weeks, the coronavirus task force told reporters on Saturday.
"In the past 24 hours, Russia has confirmed 14 coronavirus cases among the citizens of the Russian Federation. Among them are nine in Moscow, one in the Moscow Region, one in St. Petersburg, two in the Kemerovo Region and one in the Kaliningrad Region," the task force said adding that all those infected people had travelled to the worst affected countries in the past two weeks.
Apart from that, the people who the infected patients had contacted with in Russia were identified.
"Work is ongoing to place people having been in contact under medical observation. Laboratory tests are underway," the task force said.
According to the coronavirus task force, Russia has 59 confirmed coronavirus cases so far. Among them are 56 Russians, two Chinese and one Italian. Two more Chinese nationals, one Russian man and the Russian nationals evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship were discharged from hospitals after recovering from the disease.
Nine new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow, all the infected people travelled to countries worst affected by the pandemic, Moscow’s coronavirus emergency center told reporters on Saturday.
"Moscow has nine more confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection. There are 33 cases in the capital in total," the center said.
Among the nine people recently infected with the coronavirus in Moscow are three underage children.
"There are three minors among the patients. Those students' classes have been closed since March 10," the center said.
The Moscow authorities have identified all those who were in contact with nine people recently infected with the coronavirus in Moscow and hospitalized ten of their family members.
"Up to now, all the people who had been in close contact with the patients have been identified. Six relatives are being treated at Kommunarka hospital, another four at the infectious disease hospital. Two more are in home quarantine," the center said.


tass--2020-03-14--Russians should minimize foreign trips amid coronavirus fears - PM

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The government advises Russians to travel less abroad in the wake of the @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Mishustin said on Saturday .
`` We ask our citizens to minimize their travel @ @ @ @ @ the strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts .
The prime minister reminded that @ @ @ @ @ federal executive bodies to refrain from work trips or cancel them , including travel for @ @ @ @ @ Now we believe that this recommendation should be considered by everyone , '' Mishustin said @ @ @ @ @ tighten control at border checkpoints , airports and train stations on Saturday and Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ mitigate the coronavirus spread .
`` I ask to further tighten control across all the @ @ @ @ @ , airports and stations both for our citizens and foreigners over the weekend , or @ @ @ @ @ '' he said at the strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. The government advises Russians to travel less abroad in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Saturday.
"We ask our citizens to minimize their travel," Mishustin said at the strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts.
The prime minister reminded that the cabinet recommended "all federal executive bodies to refrain from work trips or cancel them, including travel for personal purposes."
"Now we believe that this recommendation should be considered by everyone," Mishustin said.
He also ordered to tighten control at border checkpoints, airports and train stations on Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 to mitigate the coronavirus spread.
"I ask to further tighten control across all the regions, at border checkpoints, airports and stations both for our citizens and foreigners over the weekend, or the two days off," he said at the strategic session of the council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts.


tass--2020-03-14--Russia sets up council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts - PM

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has established a council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts across the country , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Saturday .
`` We have decided to set up a council to coordinate anti-coronavirus efforts .
It is to bring together the task force established [ to prevent and handle the new coronavirus outbreak ] and respectively , the commission for the stable economic situation in the country .
It will also bring together regional governors and all the persons concerned so that we can coordinate our efforts amid this situation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new coordination board .
Russian citizens should receive absolutely complete and reliable information about the novel coronavirus and preventive measures , Mikhail Mishustin said .
`` People should obtain maximum full and reliable information about the situation and precautionary measures .
Both the Health Ministry and Rospotrebnadzor [ the Russian consumer safety watchdog ] have done a lot .
Now this information is on websites , but it should be published more actively , '' Mishustin said .
The council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts will be working daily , Mikhail Mishustin said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts , as I said , to get the situation out of the sphere of purely medical issues and to coordinate efforts of all federal executive bodies , regions , organizations , and companies .
And I made that decision so that we could join the required efforts literally on a daily basis , '' Mishustin said .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russia has established a council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts across the country, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Saturday.
"We have decided to set up a council to coordinate anti-coronavirus efforts. It is to bring together the task force established [to prevent and handle the new coronavirus outbreak] and respectively, the commission for the stable economic situation in the country. It will also bring together regional governors and all the persons concerned so that we can coordinate our efforts amid this situation," the prime minister said at the strategic session of the new coordination board.
Russian citizens should receive absolutely complete and reliable information about the novel coronavirus and preventive measures, Mikhail Mishustin said.
"People should obtain maximum full and reliable information about the situation and precautionary measures. Both the Health Ministry and Rospotrebnadzor [the Russian consumer safety watchdog] have done a lot. Now this information is on websites, but it should be published more actively," Mishustin said.
The council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts will be working daily, Mikhail Mishustin said.
"It was necessary to set up a council coordinating anti-coronavirus efforts, as I said, to get the situation out of the sphere of purely medical issues and to coordinate efforts of all federal executive bodies, regions, organizations, and companies. And I made that decision so that we could join the required efforts literally on a daily basis," Mishustin said.


tass--2020-03-14--Finnair cancels flights to Russia, other countries amid coronavirus fears

HELSINKI , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Finland ’ s carrier Finnair has canceled flights to Russia along with some other countries in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak , the company said on Saturday .
`` Several countries have implemented new travel restrictions .
Due to situation we cancel flights to Denmark and Norway 17.-31.3 , Russia 16.-31.3 , Poland 15.-31.3 and Prague 16.-31.3 , '' the carrier said .
Earlier , Finnair had already canceled thousands of flights for March and April amid the global coronavirus outbreak .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
After the coronavirus broke out of China ’ s Hubei province , it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic .
According to the WHO data , around 137,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now .
The virus ’ death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed 47 coronavirus cases .

HELSINKI, March 14. /TASS/. Finland’s carrier Finnair has canceled flights to Russia along with some other countries in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the company said on Saturday.
"Several countries have implemented new travel restrictions. Due to situation we cancel flights to Denmark and Norway 17.-31.3, Russia 16.-31.3, Poland 15.-31.3 and Prague 16.-31.3," the carrier said.
Earlier, Finnair had already canceled thousands of flights for March and April amid the global coronavirus outbreak.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic.
According to the WHO data, around 137,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surpassed over 5,000. Russia has confirmed 47 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-14--Law on amendments to Russian Constitution submitted to Constitutional Court

ST. PETERSBURG , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The law on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation , which after approval by the Federation Council was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the procedural part on Saturday , was submitted to the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation , the press service of the court said .
`` On March 14 , 2020 , the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation received a request from the president on the constitution ’ s provisions of the law regarding amendments to the Constitution and the all-Russian vote , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
On March 11 , Russia ’ s State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) passed the third and final reading of a bill amending the country ’ s Constitution .
The bill expands the authority of Russia ’ s parliament and Constitutional Court , bars officials from holding foreign passports and residence permits and ensures the supremacy of the Constitution within Russia ’ s legal system .
Besides , it adds a reference to God to the Constitution and enshrines the role of Russian as the language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill also amends laws related to procedures and the implementation of the constitutional amendments .
If the court releases a positive ruling , a nationwide vote will be held on April 22 .
If people support the constitutional amendments , the head of state will issue a decree on the official publication of the amended Constitution , announcing the date when the amendments will take effect .

ST. PETERSBURG, March 14. /TASS/. The law on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which after approval by the Federation Council was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the procedural part on Saturday, was submitted to the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation, the press service of the court said.
"On March 14, 2020, the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation received a request from the president on the constitution’s provisions of the law regarding amendments to the Constitution and the all-Russian vote," the court’s press service said in a statement.
On March 11, Russia’s State Duma (the lower house of parliament) passed the third and final reading of a bill amending the country’s Constitution.
The bill expands the authority of Russia’s parliament and Constitutional Court, bars officials from holding foreign passports and residence permits and ensures the supremacy of the Constitution within Russia’s legal system. Besides, it adds a reference to God to the Constitution and enshrines the role of Russian as the language of a state-forming ethnic group. The bill also amends laws related to procedures and the implementation of the constitutional amendments.
If the court releases a positive ruling, a nationwide vote will be held on April 22. If people support the constitutional amendments, the head of state will issue a decree on the official publication of the amended Constitution, announcing the date when the amendments will take effect.


tass--2020-03-14--Russian lawmakers approve law on purchasing Sberbank shares from Bank of Russia

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Federation Council , the upper house of the parliament , at an unscheduled meeting on Saturday approved the law on the purchase by the Government 52.3 % of ordinary shares of Sberbank from the Bank of Russia .
The document was developed by the government in connection with the planned acquisition of the shares for the treasury of the Russian Federation .
The law establishes that the acquisition of shares in Sberbank will be carried out as part of the placement of funds of the National Wealth Fund .
The placement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's management - to ensure safety of invested funds and a stable level of revenue from their placement .
The expected dividend yield for 2019 will be more than 9 % , which exceeds the cost of borrowing in the government bond market .
The sale of ordinary shares of Sberbank will be carried out on market conditions at the weighted average price of the shares for six full months .
The acquisition of shares by the government represented by the Ministry of Finance will be carried out as part of the management @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Finance will exercise the rights of a shareholder on acquired securities on behalf of the Russian Government .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. The Russian Federation Council, the upper house of the parliament, at an unscheduled meeting on Saturday approved the law on the purchase by the Government 52.3% of ordinary shares of Sberbank from the Bank of Russia. The document was developed by the government in connection with the planned acquisition of the shares for the treasury of the Russian Federation.
The law establishes that the acquisition of shares in Sberbank will be carried out as part of the placement of funds of the National Wealth Fund. The placement corresponds to the objectives of the Fund's management - to ensure safety of invested funds and a stable level of revenue from their placement. The expected dividend yield for 2019 will be more than 9%, which exceeds the cost of borrowing in the government bond market.
The sale of ordinary shares of Sberbank will be carried out on market conditions at the weighted average price of the shares for six full months. The acquisition of shares by the government represented by the Ministry of Finance will be carried out as part of the management of the National Wealth Fund. The Ministry of Finance will exercise the rights of a shareholder on acquired securities on behalf of the Russian Government.


tass--2020-03-14--S7 suspends flights to Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
S7 Airlines amid the spread of coronavirus from March 16 to May 31 , 2020 , temporarily cancels all its regular scheduled flights from Russia to Austria , Bulgaria , the Czech Republic , Cyprus , the company said on Saturday .
`` By decision of the operational headquarters to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection in Russia from March 16 to May 31 , 2020 , S7 Airlines temporarily cancels all its regular and return flights from Russia to Austria , Bulgaria , the Czech Republic , Cyprus , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past month and a half , amid the spread of coronavirus , flights to China , South Korea , Iran , Italy , Spain , Germany and France were limited .
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 .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 120 countries , including Russia .
Most cases outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea , Iran and Italy .
The WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as over 137,000 people have been infected around the world and over 5,000 people have died of it .
Russia has so far confirmed 47 coronavirus cases .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. S7 Airlines amid the spread of coronavirus from March 16 to May 31, 2020, temporarily cancels all its regular scheduled flights from Russia to Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, the company said on Saturday.
"By decision of the operational headquarters to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection in Russia from March 16 to May 31, 2020, S7 Airlines temporarily cancels all its regular and return flights from Russia to Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus," the press release said.
Over the past month and a half, amid the spread of coronavirus, flights to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, Germany and France were limited.
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. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 120 countries, including Russia. Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as over 137,000 people have been infected around the world and over 5,000 people have died of it. Russia has so far confirmed 47 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-14--Aeroflot to reduce number of flights to Europe from March 16 - company

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Starting from March 16 , Aeroflot Airlines will amend the program of flights to Europe and suspend a number of scheduled flights , the company said on Saturday .
`` Starting from March 16 , regular flights to and from Moscow to Munich , Frankfurt , Burgas , Thessaloniki , Heraklion , Barcelona and Zurich will be temporarily suspended , '' the statement said .
The company announced reduction of the frequency of flights from Moscow to Copenhagen and Prague from March 14 and 16 due to a decision by local authorities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tourist purposes .
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 .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 120 countries , including Russia .
Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
The WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as over 137,000 people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died of it .
Russia has so far confirmed 47 coronavirus cases .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Starting from March 16, Aeroflot Airlines will amend the program of flights to Europe and suspend a number of scheduled flights, the company said on Saturday.
"Starting from March 16, regular flights to and from Moscow to Munich, Frankfurt, Burgas, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Barcelona and Zurich will be temporarily suspended," the statement said.
The company announced reduction of the frequency of flights from Moscow to Copenhagen and Prague from March 14 and 16 due to a decision by local authorities to restrict entry of foreign citizens arriving for tourist purposes.
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. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 120 countries, including Russia. Most cases outside of China have been recorded in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
The WHO has declared the outbreak a global pandemic as over 137,000 people have been infected around the world and over 5,000 people have died of it. Russia has so far confirmed 47 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-14--Oil war between Russia and Saudi Arabia may benefit both - experts

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
The price confrontation between Russia and Saudi Arabia in the oil market , which began after the collapse of the OPEC+ agreement , may drag on for a long time .
Both countries are able to survive even at prices well below $ 30 per barrel , according to experts interviewed by TASS .
If the situation persists for a year or two producers of more expensive oil might be squeezed out of the market , for example , shale companies , and the market will be balanced , analysts said .
Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mln barrels per day ( bpd ) in 3-6 months , Director of ACRA corporate rating group Vasily Tanurkov said .
In his opinion , increasing production capacities by 1 mln barrels to 13 mln will not happen right away , but `` most likely by 2021 . ''
`` But even if production reaches 11 mln barrels , this is already a quite negative situation for the market , '' he noted .
In total , OPEC countries can increase supply by 3-5 mln bpd starting from April , the expert added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularities of its fields , can safely produce oil and at $ 15 per barrel `` not just for a long time , but almost forever , '' analysts said .
However , the economy of Saudi Arabia is oil-dependent and low commodity prices threaten the kingdom with a serious budget deficit .
It can compensate for lost income through reserves , borrowings , and even the devaluation of the national currency , experts said .
Nevertheless , Saudi Arabia can live off the price of $ 30 per barrel for several years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about $ 80 per barrel , Director of corporate affairs at Fitch Dmitry Marinchenko said .
Russia is also ready for a period of low prices even `` better than other countries , '' Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters recently .
According to him , Russia will not reduce the expenditures adopted in the budget .
The oil industry is able to withstand volatility over a long period , according to the recent comments by Russian companies .
Under the influence of factors such as coronavirus and recession , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 35 per barrel '' and `` the role of the OPEC+ agreement should not be overestimated , '' Gazprom Neft CEO Alexander Dyukov said .
Russia has deposits where production costs are very low due to the proximity of transport infrastructure , Tanurkov said .
`` But in general , if oil prices are not below $ 20 per barrel for a year or more , then our oil industry will survive and even be able to invest , '' he said .
However , experts believe the scenario in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a long period is almost unreal , because it will lead to the bankruptcy of not only shale companies in the United States , but also manufacturers in China , Brazil and Europe .
`` We can not rule out that oil will drop below $ 30 per barrel , as it did at the beginning of 2016 .
But this level is not comfortable for anyone and therefore unstable , '' Marinchenko explained .
`` The next years or two we can withstand , including companies .
If many of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the deal with OPEC , then obviously they are ready .
They understand their profitability , they understand that they can get tax benefits .
Moreover , profitability of our companies does not depend on oil prices , but on the dollar , '' Senior Researcher at the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Kolpakov said .
In the last two years , thanks to the work of the OPEC+ agreement , the Russian oil sector has been making record profits , which were difficult to use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thus , due to the accumulation of these funds and high dividends , companies and their shareholders created an airbag that will allow them to survive for quite some time , analysts explained .
The price war of the two largest oil producers could hurt other countries where production costs are larger , such as the United States , China , Brazil and Northern Europe , analysts said .
In the long run , a price war may turn out to be beneficial for both Russia and Saudi Arabia , as it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this will work if the United States does not begin to protect its shale industry by political and other methods , experts believe .
`` If the United States introduce anti-dumping duties on oil , which will support shale companies and protect them , then this is the most negative scenario for us , and for the Saudis , and for the market in general , '' Tanurkov said .
If Washington does not follow up with tough defensive measures , then shale companies will begin to lose market share over time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase production over last the next couple of years and shale producers leave , the market will be able to balance itself out in 2-3 years , experts said .
`` However , there will be no winners in this war .
It can take a lot of time for shale companies to leave .
And it is highly likely that such estimations will be too optimistic .
It can turn out the other way around , '' Tanurkov concluded .
`` It is better to avoid any wars , including trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t quite understand who we are fighting in this situation - shale oil or Riyadh , '' Marinchenko said .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. The price confrontation between Russia and Saudi Arabia in the oil market, which began after the collapse of the OPEC+ agreement, may drag on for a long time. Both countries are able to survive even at prices well below $30 per barrel, according to experts interviewed by TASS. If the situation persists for a year or two producers of more expensive oil might be squeezed out of the market, for example, shale companies, and the market will be balanced, analysts said.
Short-term Forecast
Saudi Arabia may reach production level of 12 mln barrels per day (bpd) in 3-6 months, Director of ACRA corporate rating group Vasily Tanurkov said. In his opinion, increasing production capacities by 1 mln barrels to 13 mln will not happen right away, but "most likely by 2021." "But even if production reaches 11 mln barrels, this is already a quite negative situation for the market," he noted. In total, OPEC countries can increase supply by 3-5 mln bpd starting from April, the expert added.
Saudi Aramco itself, given the particularities of its fields, can safely produce oil and at $15 per barrel "not just for a long time, but almost forever," analysts said. However, the economy of Saudi Arabia is oil-dependent and low commodity prices threaten the kingdom with a serious budget deficit. It can compensate for lost income through reserves, borrowings, and even the devaluation of the national currency, experts said.
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia can live off the price of $30 per barrel for several years, despite the high fiscal equilibrium point of about $80 per barrel, Director of corporate affairs at Fitch Dmitry Marinchenko said.
Russia is also ready for a period of low prices even "better than other countries," Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters recently. According to him, Russia will not reduce the expenditures adopted in the budget. The oil industry is able to withstand volatility over a long period, according to the recent comments by Russian companies. Under the influence of factors such as coronavirus and recession, the price of oil "would still fall to $35 per barrel" and "the role of the OPEC+ agreement should not be overestimated," Gazprom Neft CEO Alexander Dyukov said.
Cutting Expenses
Russia has deposits where production costs are very low due to the proximity of transport infrastructure, Tanurkov said. "But in general, if oil prices are not below $20 per barrel for a year or more, then our oil industry will survive and even be able to invest," he said.
However, experts believe the scenario in which the price will remain at this level for a long period is almost unreal, because it will lead to the bankruptcy of not only shale companies in the United States, but also manufacturers in China, Brazil and Europe. "We cannot rule out that oil will drop below $30 per barrel, as it did at the beginning of 2016. But this level is not comfortable for anyone and therefore unstable," Marinchenko explained.
"The next years or two we can withstand, including companies. If many of our oil companies lobbied for a way out of the deal with OPEC, then obviously they are ready. They understand their profitability, they understand that they can get tax benefits. Moreover, profitability of our companies does not depend on oil prices, but on the dollar," Senior Researcher at the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Kolpakov said.
In the last two years, thanks to the work of the OPEC+ agreement, the Russian oil sector has been making record profits, which were difficult to use effectively in the face of restrictions. Thus, due to the accumulation of these funds and high dividends, companies and their shareholders created an airbag that will allow them to survive for quite some time, analysts explained.
Price War
The price war of the two largest oil producers could hurt other countries where production costs are larger, such as the United States, China, Brazil and Northern Europe, analysts said. In the long run, a price war may turn out to be beneficial for both Russia and Saudi Arabia, as it will help cut out competitors. However, this will work if the United States does not begin to protect its shale industry by political and other methods, experts believe.
"If the United States introduce anti-dumping duties on oil, which will support shale companies and protect them, then this is the most negative scenario for us, and for the Saudis, and for the market in general," Tanurkov said. If Washington does not follow up with tough defensive measures, then shale companies will begin to lose market share over time, he added.
If former allies continue to increase production over last the next couple of years and shale producers leave, the market will be able to balance itself out in 2-3 years, experts said.
"However, there will be no winners in this war. It can take a lot of time for shale companies to leave. And it is highly likely that such estimations will be too optimistic. It can turn out the other way around," Tanurkov concluded. "It is better to avoid any wars, including trade wars. Besides, we ourselves don’t quite understand who we are fighting in this situation - shale oil or Riyadh," Marinchenko said.


tass--2020-03-14--Russia will have enough of resources for 6 years at current oil prices - Finance Minister

MOSCOW , March 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will provide funding for government spending commitments , including social sphere for @ @ @ @ @ process , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a meeting of the Federation Council .
@ @ @ @ @ that even at current energy prices , we will have enough resources for a period @ @ @ @ @ our current obligations .
We have no reason to say today that we will reduce @ @ @ @ @ three-year plan or reduce those budget parameters , '' Siluanov said .
He noted that @ @ @ @ @ will be implemented .
According to him , the government is also preparing proposals to @ @ @ @ @ due to lower oil prices and the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ development of the economy , '' he said .
According to the minister , amendments @ @ @ @ @ additional resources that allow regions to provide tax preferences to investors more widely .

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russia will provide funding for government spending commitments, including social sphere for six year at current oil process, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a meeting of the Federation Council.
"I want to say that even at current energy prices, we will have enough resources for a period of about 6 years with our current obligations. We have no reason to say today that we will reduce the obligations stipulated in the three-year plan or reduce those budget parameters," Siluanov said.
He noted that all measures of social support will be implemented.
According to him, the government is also preparing proposals to support industries that could suffer due to lower oil prices and the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic. "We will talk about stimulating the development of the economy," he said. According to the minister, amendments to the budget provide for additional resources that allow regions to provide tax preferences to investors more widely.


tass--2020-03-15--US Commerce Department blacklisted two Russian companies

WASHINGTON , March 15 .
/TASS/ .
The US Department of Commerce blacklisted Russian companies Avilon Ltd. and Technomar , @ @ @ @ @ the Bureau of Industry and Security ( BIS ) posted in the electronic database of @ @ @ @ @ Companies were added to the sanction list because they `` are acting on behalf of @ @ @ @ @ of licensing requirements by procuring U.S.-origin items for Technopole Company , which was added to @ @ @ @ @ 7 , 2016 , '' according to the notice .
Avilon , one of the @ @ @ @ @ is not related to these companies , the company told TASS .
`` This refers @ @ @ @ @ similar name , dealing with another kind of business .
The Avilon automobile group is @ @ @ @ @ news because it does not take part in export supplies to US companies , '' @ @ @ @ @ said .

WASHINGTON, March 15. /TASS/. The US Department of Commerce blacklisted Russian companies Avilon Ltd. and Technomar, according to the notice of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) posted in the electronic database of the US Federal Register.
Companies were added to the sanction list because they "are acting on behalf of a listed entity in circumvention of licensing requirements by procuring U.S.-origin items for Technopole Company, which was added to the Entity List on September 7, 2016," according to the notice.
Avilon, one of the largest Russian car dealers, is not related to these companies, the company told TASS. "This refers to a company with a similar name, dealing with another kind of business. The Avilon automobile group is unrelated to this piece of news because it does not take part in export supplies to US companies," the press service of Avilon said.