tass--2020-01-30--Outbound tourism in Russia to lose up to $11 mln due to suspended sales of tours to China

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s outbound travel business may lose from 500 mln rubles ( $ 7.9 mln ) to 700 mln rubles ( $ 11 mln ) due to suspended sales of package tours to China unless the situation stabilizes by March , Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia Maya Lomidze told reporters on Thursday .
`` Losses of outbound tourism will total around 500-700 mln rubles unless the situation stabilizes by March , '' she said , adding that `` around 30,000-32,000 package tours have been booked and partially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s inbound tourism may lose up to $ 100 mln unless the Chinese tourist flow suspended due to the spread of the coronavirus-induced pneumonia recovers by the end of March , the executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia revealed .
`` March sees the peak of bookings for the high summer season .
We can speak about estimated losses of up to $ 100 mln unless the situation stabilizes by the end of March , '' Lomidze said .
Russian tour operators put group tours from China on hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily restricted group tours to other countries as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus-induced pneumonia .
Meanwhile , it was expected earlier that over 130,000 Chinese tourists would visit Russia in the first quarter of 2020 , CEO of the World Without Borders tour association that unites almost 200 companies working with the Chinese market Alexander Agamov told TASS .
In 2019 , according to preliminary estimates , around 1.27 mln organized tourists from China arrived in Russia , according to a statement of the Association of Tour Operators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most organized tourists from China visit Moscow , St. Petersburg , the Primorsky Region and the Amur Region .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease .
According to recent data , over 7,700 cases of patients infected with the virus and 170 deaths have been confirmed in China .
Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coutnries worldwide .
The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of national concern and sent experts to the country .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russia’s outbound travel business may lose from 500 mln rubles ($7.9 mln) to 700 mln rubles ($11 mln) due to suspended sales of package tours to China unless the situation stabilizes by March, Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia Maya Lomidze told reporters on Thursday.
"Losses of outbound tourism will total around 500-700 mln rubles unless the situation stabilizes by March," she said, adding that "around 30,000-32,000 package tours have been booked and partially or fully paid."
Losses of inbound tourism
Russia’s inbound tourism may lose up to $100 mln unless the Chinese tourist flow suspended due to the spread of the coronavirus-induced pneumonia recovers by the end of March, the executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia revealed.
"March sees the peak of bookings for the high summer season. We can speak about estimated losses of up to $100 mln unless the situation stabilizes by the end of March," Lomidze said.
Russian tour operators put group tours from China on hold starting January 28 as the Chinese authorities temporarily restricted group tours to other countries as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus-induced pneumonia.
Meanwhile, it was expected earlier that over 130,000 Chinese tourists would visit Russia in the first quarter of 2020, CEO of the World Without Borders tour association that unites almost 200 companies working with the Chinese market Alexander Agamov told TASS.
In 2019, according to preliminary estimates, around 1.27 mln organized tourists from China arrived in Russia, according to a statement of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia available on its website. Most organized tourists from China visit Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Primorsky Region and the Amur Region.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease.
According to recent data, over 7,700 cases of patients infected with the virus and 170 deaths have been confirmed in China. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 18 coutnries worldwide. The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of national concern and sent experts to the country.


tass--2020-01-30--Airliner lands in Moscow with passenger on board threatening to blow it up, says source

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
A passenger aboard an S7 Airlines passenger jet is threatening to detonate an @ @ @ @ @ landed in Moscow ’ s Domodedovo Airport , a source in the emergency services told @ @ @ @ @ flight from Simferopol landed , a woman acting erratically stood up in the aisle between @ @ @ @ @ threatening to blow it up .
The crew reported to ground services about the situation @ @ @ @ @ .
At the same time , she is not taking any action .
The plane @ @ @ @ @ to its parking spot with around 200 people aboard .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. A passenger aboard an S7 Airlines passenger jet is threatening to detonate an explosive device after the plane landed in Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, a source in the emergency services told TASS.
"After the flight from Simferopol landed, a woman acting erratically stood up in the aisle between chairs with a bag, threatening to blow it up. The crew reported to ground services about the situation," the source said. At the same time, she is not taking any action.
The plane is now being towed away to its parking spot with around 200 people aboard.


tass--2020-01-30--Russian Navy minesweeper enters Black Sea straits after Mediterranean deployment

SEVASTOPOL , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet minesweeper Valentin Pikul is returning to its home naval base after accomplishing missions as part of the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` The crew of the Black Sea Fleet oceanic minesweeper Valentin Pikul is transiting the Black Sea ’ s Dardanelles and Bosporus straits , '' the press office said in a statement .
In the distant maritime zone , the warship Valentin Pikul has been replaced by the latest mine countermeasures ship Ivan Antonov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time in mid-January 2020 after it entered service with the Black Sea Fleet .
The Soviet Navy ’ s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present .
The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period .
Its main rival was the US Navy ’ s 6th Fleet .
The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31 , 1992 , a year after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 , Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce .
Russia ’ s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations , including warding off threats to Russia ’ s national and military security .

SEVASTOPOL, January 30. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet minesweeper Valentin Pikul is returning to its home naval base after accomplishing missions as part of the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"The crew of the Black Sea Fleet oceanic minesweeper Valentin Pikul is transiting the Black Sea’s Dardanelles and Bosporus straits," the press office said in a statement.
In the distant maritime zone, the warship Valentin Pikul has been replaced by the latest mine countermeasures ship Ivan Antonov, which deployed to the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in mid-January 2020 after it entered service with the Black Sea Fleet.
The Soviet Navy’s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present. The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period. Its main rival was the US Navy’s 6th Fleet. The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31, 1992, a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
In 2013, Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce. Russia’s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations, including warding off threats to Russia’s national and military security.


tass--2020-02-03--Global efforts to halt coronavirus outbreak in pictures

Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft to be used in evacuation of Russians from China The Forces will be involved by order @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-02-03--Deadline for vote on constitutional amendments not set yet, says Kremlin

`` That will be specified , right now , this is all under development and being discussed , '' Peskov told reporters .
`` Let ’ s be patient , '' he added .
MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Right now , it ’ s too early to talk about the timeframe and form of the anticipated nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday .
The spokesman said that information on the amendments to the constitution will be made public once efforts [ on suggestions coming to the working group drafting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Meanwhile , work is in progress , '' Peskov noted .
`` This is a multi-stage and complex process related to public discussion , '' he elaborated .
He also reiterated that work on the amendments is continuing at the initiative of President Vladimir Putin .
`` We are talking about a presidential initiative , and of course it has not been shelved , but is being hammered out . ''
There has been `` no pause '' in drafting the proposals , and `` work is underway '' , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now it is continuing .
Of course , time is needed to do the drafting and editing , to amass the quickly arriving proposals , '' he noted .
`` There are no clear deadlines [ for completing the work on the amendments ] at the moment , nobody can furnish them , and this is not needed at all .
The commission will promptly hammer everything out , and then different aspects will become clear , '' Peskov explained .
On January 23 , Russia ’ s State Duma ( lower house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
According to State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin , work to draft the constitutional amendments for the second reading , which can be held on February 11 , will take 15 days .
The document , in particular , stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court , a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries , limiting the number of presidential terms , placing the supremacy of Russia ’ s constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s social obligations .
The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia ’ s constitution .

"That will be specified, right now, this is all under development and being discussed," Peskov told reporters. "Let’s be patient," he added.
MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Right now, it’s too early to talk about the timeframe and form of the anticipated nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
The spokesman said that information on the amendments to the constitution will be made public once efforts [on suggestions coming to the working group drafting the amendments] and decisions are completed. "Meanwhile, work is in progress," Peskov noted. "This is a multi-stage and complex process related to public discussion," he elaborated.
He also reiterated that work on the amendments is continuing at the initiative of President Vladimir Putin. "We are talking about a presidential initiative, and of course it has not been shelved, but is being hammered out." There has been "no pause" in drafting the proposals, and "work is underway", he stressed.
"The activity started and now it is continuing. Of course, time is needed to do the drafting and editing, to amass the quickly arriving proposals," he noted.
"There are no clear deadlines [for completing the work on the amendments] at the moment, nobody can furnish them, and this is not needed at all. The commission will promptly hammer everything out, and then different aspects will become clear," Peskov explained.
On January 23, Russia’s State Duma (lower house) unanimously voted to approve the bill in the first reading on the constitutional amendments submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, work to draft the constitutional amendments for the second reading, which can be held on February 11, will take 15 days. The document, in particular, stipulates expanding the powers of the legislature and the Constitutional Court, a ban on high-ranking officials from holding residency permits in other countries, limiting the number of presidential terms, placing the supremacy of Russia’s constitution over international agreements and strengthening the state’s social obligations. The presidential bill also provides for a nationwide public vote on the law on amendments to Russia’s constitution.


tass--2020-02-03--St. Petersburg courts evacuated for third time today due to bomb threats

ST. PETERSBURG , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Several St. Petersburg courts have been evacuated for the third time today due to bomb threats , the city courts ’ press service informed reporters on Monday .
`` Primorsky district court is evacuated once again ; Petrodvortsovy , Oktyabrsky and Vasileostrovsky district courts are evacuated for the third time , '' the press service stated .
The source added that bomb threats had also been sent to a district prosecutor ’ s office .
On Monday morning , nine district courts in St. Petersburg received anonymous bomb threats .
Several kindergartens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All threats sent earlier were confirmed to be false .
A wave of bomb threats began in Moscow , St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019 .
Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats to various facilities : courts , schools , hospitals , airports , train stations .
All the previous threats resulted to be false .
Earlier , the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) informed that it had blocked two foreign domains , which , according to Russian security officers , had served as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

ST. PETERSBURG, February 3. /TASS/. Several St. Petersburg courts have been evacuated for the third time today due to bomb threats, the city courts’ press service informed reporters on Monday.
"Primorsky district court is evacuated once again; Petrodvortsovy, Oktyabrsky and Vasileostrovsky district courts are evacuated for the third time," the press service stated.
The source added that bomb threats had also been sent to a district prosecutor’s office.
On Monday morning, nine district courts in St. Petersburg received anonymous bomb threats. Several kindergartens in the city also received similar messages. All threats sent earlier were confirmed to be false.
A wave of bomb threats began in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019. Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats to various facilities: courts, schools, hospitals, airports, train stations. All the previous threats resulted to be false.
Earlier, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) informed that it had blocked two foreign domains, which, according to Russian security officers, had served as the source of bomb threats since late November.


tass--2020-02-03--Russian medical mask maker suspends production over materials shortage

ROSTOV-ON-DON , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
A medical equipment maker in Rostov-on-Don suspended production of medical masks due to shortage of foreign materials , the factory source told TASS .
Earlier , a number of local media and Telegram channels reported that , due to heightened load on the factory , 3 out of 4 machines broke down , and mask stockpile rapidly depleted due to high demand .
Ironically , the masks use Chinese filtering material , while local replacement is considerably more expensive .
`` One machine is working , three do not ; we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ ll be able to work again , '' the source said .
According to the company source , mask production has been suspended for two weeks , while the factory waits for the materials .
`` The materials are being processed by the customs , which might take some two weeks , '' the factory source said .
The source also said the factory has almost ran out stock .
The masks go to Russia ’ s Southern Federal District and Moscow Region .
Rostov Region Health Minister Tatiana Bykovskaya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of mask price hike over the coronavirus outbreak .
`` There is enough masks in the pharmacies , '' she assured .
In late December 2019 , the Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the 2019-nCoV coronavirus-induced pneumonia outbreak in the city of Wuhan .
Besides China , 23 other nations , including Russia , reported infection cases .
The World Health Organization has declared an international emergency over the outbreak .
The total number of infected exceeded 17,000 people , more than 360 people died .
One lethal case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Philippines .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, February 3. /TASS/. A medical equipment maker in Rostov-on-Don suspended production of medical masks due to shortage of foreign materials, the factory source told TASS.
Earlier, a number of local media and Telegram channels reported that, due to heightened load on the factory, 3 out of 4 machines broke down, and mask stockpile rapidly depleted due to high demand. Ironically, the masks use Chinese filtering material, while local replacement is considerably more expensive.
"One machine is working, three do not; we’re out of materials. Once materials come, we’ll be able to work again," the source said.
According to the company source, mask production has been suspended for two weeks, while the factory waits for the materials.
"The materials are being processed by the customs, which might take some two weeks," the factory source said. The source also said the factory has almost ran out stock. The masks go to Russia’s Southern Federal District and Moscow Region.
Rostov Region Health Minister Tatiana Bykovskaya said there so far have been no reports of mask price hike over the coronavirus outbreak.
"There is enough masks in the pharmacies," she assured.
About the virus
In late December 2019, the Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the 2019-nCoV coronavirus-induced pneumonia outbreak in the city of Wuhan. Besides China, 23 other nations, including Russia, reported infection cases. The World Health Organization has declared an international emergency over the outbreak. The total number of infected exceeded 17,000 people, more than 360 people died. One lethal case has been registered outside China, in the Philippines.


tass--2020-02-03--Kremlin: Adding reference to God in Russia’s Constitution to be discussed

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
All proposals on possible amendments to the Russian Constitution , including the one concerning a reference to God , will be considered by a working group that will eventually make a consolidated conclusion , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` Discussions are underway within this commission [ the working group on the development of constitutional amendments ] , this is where they should be held .
The commission ’ s members are diverse , express different views and put forward various proposals , so this one [ concerning a reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Kremlin spokesman said .
According to him , `` the commission ’ s job is to assess all the proposals and amendments and develop a consolidated view on whether they are relevant or not . ''
On Saturday , Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate ’ s Synodal Department for Public Relations Vladimir Legoida wrote on Telegram that during a prayer dedicated to the 11th anniversary of enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia , the head of the Russian Orthodox Church called for praying that a reference to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the patriarch , it would reflect the beliefs of most Russian people .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. All proposals on possible amendments to the Russian Constitution, including the one concerning a reference to God, will be considered by a working group that will eventually make a consolidated conclusion, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"Discussions are underway within this commission [the working group on the development of constitutional amendments], this is where they should be held. The commission’s members are diverse, express different views and put forward various proposals, so this one [concerning a reference to God] will also be discussed," the Kremlin spokesman said.
According to him, "the commission’s job is to assess all the proposals and amendments and develop a consolidated view on whether they are relevant or not."
On Saturday, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Synodal Department for Public Relations Vladimir Legoida wrote on Telegram that during a prayer dedicated to the 11th anniversary of enthronement of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church called for praying that a reference to God be included in the Constitution. According to the patriarch, it would reflect the beliefs of most Russian people.


tass--2020-02-03--Russian hi-tech firm to feature latest artillery system at arms show in India

`` The display stand will feature a full-size model of the AU-220M , which can be mounted on the chassis of an infantry fighting vehicle and an armored personnel carrier , and employed in its stationary version to defend coastal facilities and for air defense , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state hi-tech corporation Rostec will demonstrate an AU-220M 57mm artillery system for the first time abroad at the DefEXpo-2020 arms show that will run in the Indian city of Lucknow on February 5-9 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The other new products will include tank rounds with armor-piercing sub-caliber shells ( produced by the Tecmash Group ) , including the 3VBM23 ( Svinets-2 ) 125mm round and the experimental model of the Mango-M , which is an upgraded 3VBM17 ( Mango ) round .
The Russian exposition will also feature the Rubezh-Avtomatika anti-drone system ( produced by the Avtomatika Group ) .
The system can detect and neutralize drones without an operator ’ s participation , the Rostec press office added .
Overall , the Russian exposition will demonstrate more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special hardware : the models of T-90S and T-90MS tanks , the upgraded T-72 tank , the Ansat multipurpose helicopter , heavy Mi-171A2 and Mi-38 rotorcraft , TV7-117ST-01 engines for regional Il-114-300 passenger planes , VK-2500PS-03 motors for Mi-171A2 helicopters and the TRDD-50MT engine for light aircraft and other products .
As Rostec Director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy Viktor Kladov stressed , India is a key importer of Russian weapons .
`` The interest in Russian new products is stably high in the region and that is why our participation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each year , '' the press office quoted him as saying .

"The display stand will feature a full-size model of the AU-220M, which can be mounted on the chassis of an infantry fighting vehicle and an armored personnel carrier, and employed in its stationary version to defend coastal facilities and for air defense," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Russia’s state hi-tech corporation Rostec will demonstrate an AU-220M 57mm artillery system for the first time abroad at the DefEXpo-2020 arms show that will run in the Indian city of Lucknow on February 5-9, the Rostec press office reported on Monday.
The other new products will include tank rounds with armor-piercing sub-caliber shells (produced by the Tecmash Group), including the 3VBM23 (Svinets-2) 125mm round and the experimental model of the Mango-M, which is an upgraded 3VBM17 (Mango) round.
The Russian exposition will also feature the Rubezh-Avtomatika anti-drone system (produced by the Avtomatika Group). The system can detect and neutralize drones without an operator’s participation, the Rostec press office added.
Overall, the Russian exposition will demonstrate more than 500 items of armament, military and special hardware: the models of T-90S and T-90MS tanks, the upgraded T-72 tank, the Ansat multipurpose helicopter, heavy Mi-171A2 and Mi-38 rotorcraft, TV7-117ST-01 engines for regional Il-114-300 passenger planes, VK-2500PS-03 motors for Mi-171A2 helicopters and the TRDD-50MT engine for light aircraft and other products.
As Rostec Director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy Viktor Kladov stressed, India is a key importer of Russian weapons. "The interest in Russian new products is stably high in the region and that is why our participation in such events as the DefExpo is expanding each year," the press office quoted him as saying.


tass--2020-02-03--Poll indicates Russians consider Putin’s constitutional amendments vital

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Most Russians consider constitutional amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to be essential , according to a poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center .
The initiatives to fix the minimum wage at a subsistence level and to adjust pensions for inflation were the most welcomed , the poll says .
According to the RBC report that cites the poll , the respondents were asked about their opinion on individual constitutional amendments , with four options : `` rather positive , '' `` rather negative , '' `` rather indifferent '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll results indicated 91 % of Russians applauded the initiative to have regular cost-of-living adjustments to pensions and other monetary benefits for inflation enshrined in the Constitution .
Some 90 % of respondents welcomed the initiative to set the minimum wage no lower than the subsistence level .
Some 87 % of those polled approved the idea to raise the residency qualification for Russian presidential candidates from 10 to 25 years .
The idea to grant the Constitutional Court the power to check bills at the president ’ s request was supported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respondents .
The initiative to ban people with foreign citizenship or overseas residency permits from becoming governors , lawmakers , judges , ministers and state officials was supported by 68 % , the poll says .
The idea to allow the president to appoint security service heads after consulting with the Federation Council was supported by 66 % of those surveyed .
The same number of respondents favored the removal of the words `` in a row '' from presidential term limits .
The initiative to give the Russian Constitution supremacy over international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public , while 14 % percent criticized it .
Some 62 % of those polled viewed the Federation Council getting a boost in powers positively , while 61 % approved the idea to let the State Duma appoint the premier , deputy prime ministers and the cabinet .
The survey was conducted on January 24 , involving 1,600 respondents .
Those polled were also asked whether they consider the upcoming amendments vital for themselves personally , with 79 % acknowledging the amendments as personally important , and 16 % considering them not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to provide an opinion .
On January 23 , the State Duma unanimously passed the constitution amendments bill introduced by President Putin .
The document involves increasing the powers of the parliament and the Constitutional Court , as well as banning people with foreign citizenship from assuming high-ranking government offices , a limit on presidential terms , prioritizing the Constitution over international treaties and a package of social benefits .
The bill also involves holding a nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Most Russians consider constitutional amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin to be essential, according to a poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center. The initiatives to fix the minimum wage at a subsistence level and to adjust pensions for inflation were the most welcomed, the poll says.
According to the RBC report that cites the poll, the respondents were asked about their opinion on individual constitutional amendments, with four options: "rather positive," "rather negative," "rather indifferent" and "no opinion." The poll results indicated 91% of Russians applauded the initiative to have regular cost-of-living adjustments to pensions and other monetary benefits for inflation enshrined in the Constitution. Some 90% of respondents welcomed the initiative to set the minimum wage no lower than the subsistence level.
Some 87% of those polled approved the idea to raise the residency qualification for Russian presidential candidates from 10 to 25 years. The idea to grant the Constitutional Court the power to check bills at the president’s request was supported by 81% of the survey’s respondents.
The initiative to ban people with foreign citizenship or overseas residency permits from becoming governors, lawmakers, judges, ministers and state officials was supported by 68%, the poll says.
The idea to allow the president to appoint security service heads after consulting with the Federation Council was supported by 66% of those surveyed. The same number of respondents favored the removal of the words "in a row" from presidential term limits. The initiative to give the Russian Constitution supremacy over international treaties was backed by 63% of the public, while 14% percent criticized it.
Some 62% of those polled viewed the Federation Council getting a boost in powers positively, while 61% approved the idea to let the State Duma appoint the premier, deputy prime ministers and the cabinet.
The survey was conducted on January 24, involving 1,600 respondents. Those polled were also asked whether they consider the upcoming amendments vital for themselves personally, with 79% acknowledging the amendments as personally important, and 16% considering them not important. Five percent of respondents failed to provide an opinion.
Putin’s proposed amendments bill
On January 23, the State Duma unanimously passed the constitution amendments bill introduced by President Putin. The document involves increasing the powers of the parliament and the Constitutional Court, as well as banning people with foreign citizenship from assuming high-ranking government offices, a limit on presidential terms, prioritizing the Constitution over international treaties and a package of social benefits. The bill also involves holding a nationwide vote on the constitutional amendments.


tass--2020-02-03--Kremlin does not consider Pompeo’s visit to Minsk ‘ultra-rapid convergence’

`` We hardly can talk about ultra-rapid convergence here , '' Peskov said .
MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow does not consider the US and Belarus rapidly becoming closer , the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said , commenting on the recent visit by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Minsk , where he held talks with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko .
He refused to provide further comments on the specific details of the negotiations .
`` We can not and we do not want to comment our partners ’ contacts with third countries ; this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their sovereign relations , '' Peskov said .
The Kremlin spokesman added that Moscow and Minsk has relations of their own , which have a `` friendly , very close nature . ''
`` There is a lot of questions on agenda on how to develop our relations , including some problematic moments , which are in the talks right now , '' the spokesman said .
On Saturday , US Secretary of State visited Minsk .
This is the first visit of a US administration representative of such level for the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo negotiated with President Lukashenko and the Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey .
In particular , Pompeo said that the US are ready to provide Belarus with energy resources for a competitive price .
Foreign Minister Makey said Minsk would like to see the US business come to the country .
Speaking on the political cooperation , the Belarusian foreign minister said that Minsk is ready to organize any meeting and negotiation format , including one with the US participation , to settle the Ukrainian conflict .

"We hardly can talk about ultra-rapid convergence here," Peskov said.
MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Moscow does not consider the US and Belarus rapidly becoming closer, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, commenting on the recent visit by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Minsk, where he held talks with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko.
He refused to provide further comments on the specific details of the negotiations.
"We cannot and we do not want to comment our partners’ contacts with third countries; this is a totally sovereign right, implementation of their sovereign relations," Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman added that Moscow and Minsk has relations of their own, which have a "friendly, very close nature."
"There is a lot of questions on agenda on how to develop our relations, including some problematic moments, which are in the talks right now," the spokesman said.
On Saturday, US Secretary of State visited Minsk. This is the first visit of a US administration representative of such level for the last 25 years. During his visit, Pompeo negotiated with President Lukashenko and the Foreign Minister Vladimir Makey.
In particular, Pompeo said that the US are ready to provide Belarus with energy resources for a competitive price. Foreign Minister Makey said Minsk would like to see the US business come to the country. Speaking on the political cooperation, the Belarusian foreign minister said that Minsk is ready to organize any meeting and negotiation format, including one with the US participation, to settle the Ukrainian conflict.


tass--2020-02-03--Putin may discuss situation in the oil market with Saudi Arabia leadership

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , if necessary , can discuss with the leadership of Saudi Arabia the situation in the oil market caused by the spread of coronavirus , Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday .
`` The president is in close contact with the leadership of Saudi Arabia .
If necessary , such contacts will be made , '' he said , answering a question about a possible telephone conversation with the leadership of Saudi Arabia .
Bloomberg , citing sources familiar with the situation in the country 's energy sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China fell by 3 mln barrels per day , or 20 % of total consumption , amid the crisis caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus .
It was noted that this is the largest decline in demand on the world market after the crisis of 2008-2009 and the most sudden after the recession caused by the terrorist attack of September 11 , 2001 , in the United States .
China is the largest importer of oil , it consumes about 14 mln barrels per day , which is equal to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy , Spain , Britain , Japan , and South Korea .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin, if necessary, can discuss with the leadership of Saudi Arabia the situation in the oil market caused by the spread of coronavirus, Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
"The president is in close contact with the leadership of Saudi Arabia. If necessary, such contacts will be made," he said, answering a question about a possible telephone conversation with the leadership of Saudi Arabia.
Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation in the country's energy sector, reported earlier that oil demand in China fell by 3 mln barrels per day, or 20% of total consumption, amid the crisis caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus. It was noted that this is the largest decline in demand on the world market after the crisis of 2008-2009 and the most sudden after the recession caused by the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, in the United States. China is the largest importer of oil, it consumes about 14 mln barrels per day, which is equal to the total needs of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Britain, Japan, and South Korea.


tass--2020-02-03--Kremlin says invitation to Erdogan to visit Crimea still in force

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
An invitation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Crimea is in force , Russian president ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday .
Commenting on Erdogan ’ s concerns about the situation of Crimean Tatars , the Kremlin spokesman said that Moscow did not share these concerns categorically .
`` We can ’ t agree with what is being said in this context .
We have repeatedly said that any concerns regarding Crimean Tatars are groundless .
President [ of Russia Vladimir ] Putin explained the real state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than once , '' Peskov said .
`` President Erdogan has a valid invitation from President Putin to visit Crimea and see everything with his own eyes , to have , so to say , first-hand information , '' he noted .
At a meeting with public activists in Simferopol on March 18 , 2019 , the Russian president said he had invited his Turkish counterpart to attend the opening ceremony of the cathedral mosque in Crimea and the latter , according to Putin , had taken the invitation positively .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October 2016 and its opening is planned for April 2020 .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. An invitation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Crimea is in force, Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
Commenting on Erdogan’s concerns about the situation of Crimean Tatars, the Kremlin spokesman said that Moscow did not share these concerns categorically. "We can’t agree with what is being said in this context. We have repeatedly said that any concerns regarding Crimean Tatars are groundless. President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin explained the real state of things [to the Turkish leader] more than once," Peskov said.
"President Erdogan has a valid invitation from President Putin to visit Crimea and see everything with his own eyes, to have, so to say, first-hand information," he noted.
At a meeting with public activists in Simferopol on March 18, 2019, the Russian president said he had invited his Turkish counterpart to attend the opening ceremony of the cathedral mosque in Crimea and the latter, according to Putin, had taken the invitation positively. The erection of the mosque began in Simferopol in October 2016 and its opening is planned for April 2020.


tass--2020-02-03--First serial-produced Sarmat ICBMs to assume combat duty in Russia in 2021

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
The first serial deliveries of RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles intended to replace @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Strategic Missile Force will start in 2021 , Russian Deputy Defense Minister @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The first serial missiles will enter service in 2021 , '' he wrote @ @ @ @ @ the January edition of the magazine Radio-Electronic Technology issued by the KRET Group .
The @ @ @ @ @ stipulates the delivery of warheads along the trajectories that considerably complicate their destruction even by @ @ @ @ @ systems .
The new missile allows delivering strikes against facilities at a range of up @ @ @ @ @ a launch weight of 208.1 tonnes and a payload weight of about 10 tonnes .
@ @ @ @ @ it was reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the National Defense Control Center that @ @ @ @ @ new missile would be completed in 2021 .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. The first serial deliveries of RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles intended to replace Soviet-era Voyevoda heavy ICBMs in Russia’s Strategic Missile Force will start in 2021, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said on Monday.
"The first serial missiles will enter service in 2021," he wrote in an article published in the January edition of the magazine Radio-Electronic Technology issued by the KRET Group.
The concept of the Sarmat system stipulates the delivery of warheads along the trajectories that considerably complicate their destruction even by the most advanced missile defense systems. The new missile allows delivering strikes against facilities at a range of up to 18,000 km, has a launch weight of 208.1 tonnes and a payload weight of about 10 tonnes.
In late December 2019, it was reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the National Defense Control Center that the flight tests of the new missile would be completed in 2021.


tass--2020-02-03--Press review: Coronavirus jolts emerging markets and Palestine says no to Trump peace plan

Emerging market funds lost about $ 4 bln worth of investment over the past week , and the Russian stock market shed $ 80 mln for the first time this year .
Global investors are pessimistic mostly because of the spread of the Chinese coronavirus , which is viewed as a threat not only to the Chinese economy but to the global one as well , Kommersant writes .
According to Chief Strategist at BCS Global Markets Vyacheslav Smolyaninov , investors have simply stopped pouring new money into funds in order to see how the situation will unfold further and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak .
`` Given the current size of China ’ s economy , any shocking event in the country will rock the entire world .
Amid these developments , investors have naturally started to leave emerging markets , '' Sistema Capital Asset Manager Konstantin Asaturov pointed out .
In the coming weeks , investment behavior will depend on China ’ s ability to combat the coronavirus .
It ’ s important to see how the epidemic develops in the coming days , which will mark two weeks since efforts to prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s Hubei province , the epicenter of the epidemic , says Irina Prokhorova , an analyst at the Otkrytiye asset management company .
`` If the efforts of governments turn out to be successful , investor interest in emerging markets may rise once again , '' she explained .
The Russian market may find itself in a better situation than other developing countries .
`` There are a lot of investors on the market that believe only in facts and fundamental data .
As far as Russian stocks are concerned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the market are not bad .
A race for profit lies ahead as the success of 2019 paves the way for high dividend yields , '' TransFinGroup Deputy Director General for stock market transactions Ravil Yusipov emphasized .
Vedomosti : Palestinians cut ties with US and Israel , say no to Trump ’ s peace plan The Palestinian government has officially rejected US President Donald Trump ’ s plan for peace with Israel , unveiled last week , and suspended relations with both Israel and the United States .
The Arab League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump plan , Vedomosti notes .
The Palestinians rejected the plan even before it was revealed , accusing the White House of taking a pro-Israel stance and seeking to strengthen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s position ahead of the parliamentary election .
Arab League members agreed that the plan had failed to take the legitimate rights of the Palestinians into account and pledged to refrain from assisting Washington in implementing the deal .
European countries were divided over the issue .
The United Kingdom immediately supported the US initiative , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s efforts and promised to carefully study the plan .
Germany was concerned about that fact that not all parties to the conflict had been involved in talks , as well as about how the US initiative correlated with international documents and the common position on settling the Middle East conflict .
Russia has made no official comments on the ‘ Deal of the Century ’ yet .
However , Moscow ’ s position - the plan was drawn up by the Americans , we will study it and see what happens next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryasis , the Head of the Department of Israel Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Oriental Studies .
According to him , major regional players , Turkey and Egypt , are very likely to express a negative attitude to the deal but it is not that important .
`` Even if they supported the deal , there is no real mechanism to implement it and it ’ s unclear how the parties can come to the negotiating table , '' he pointed out .
Moreover , `` an unexpected , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas , an experienced politician , won ’ t help things , Maryasis added .
`` It seems that he was waiting for an excuse to make a tough statement because he is stuck in a political impasse , '' the expert explained .
The United Kingdom intends to talk over Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s idea of holding a summit of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with four other countries - Russia , the United States , France and China , British Ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with Kommersant .
When speaking of Brexit , the ambassador pointed out that it concerned relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union so she did not expect it to have any impact on British-Russian relations or on regular citizens .
The envoy admitted that the political relationship between London and Moscow was complicated , though recently it became possible to speak about a certain stability .
There are a lot of areas where both the UK and Russia play an important role .
In this regard , Bronnert mentioned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change .
The ambassador pointed out that the United Kingdom and Russia viewed many issues differently but dialogue is even more important especially if you disagree with someone .
According to her , apart from politics , there are a lot of other areas , including trade and investment ties .
Trade between the two countries has reached $ 20 bln , which is good for both the British and the Russians .
The new ambassador confirmed that the UK had received the Russian authorities ’ invitation to the Moscow celebrations marking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War .
However , the ambassador said she could not tell yet what the answer would be .
According to her , the United Kingdom remembers that 75 years ago , the country , together with the Soviet Union , the US and other allies , stood side by side to fight against the Nazi threat .
The UK seeks to celebrate the anniversary together with other countries in an appropriate way because it is likely to be the last big date in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Vedomosti : US Secretary of State visits Belarus for first time in over a quarter of a century US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made a visit to Belarus .
The last time a US top diplomat visited Minsk was in 1993 , precisely 26 years ago .
In 2006 , the US imposed sanctions on a number of Belarusian companies and the two countries stopped exchanging ambassadors in 2008 .
In the fall of 2019 , Minsk and Washington agreed to restore ties and , according to Pompeo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Belarusian capital .
However , Washington is not ready to remove sanctions against Belarus , the secretary of state added , Vedomosti writes .
The Minsk visit was part of Pompeo ’ s major Eurasian tour .
Apart from Belarus , he has already visited Ukraine and Kazakhstan , and Uzbekistan is next in line for an official visit .
There is nothing controversial about Pompeo ’ s trip to Belarus since it is an agreed state visit , a high-ranking Russian diplomatic source told the newspaper .
However , given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil supplies , Pompeo ’ s statements about the United States ’ readiness to provide energy to Belarus at market prices do cause concern , the source admitted .
The trip ’ s goal is to make it clear that post-Soviet countries remain in the focus of US foreign policy and any issues in their relations with Russia may be used to reduce Moscow ’ s influence in the region , Senior Researcher at the Russian State University for the Humanities ’ Department of Post-Soviet Countries Alexander Gushchin pointed out .
`` On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new level of ties for Minsk and Washington , which may somehow legitimize [ Belarusian President Alexander ] Lukashenko in the eyes of Western leaders .
On the other hand , as far as the US is concerned , it is a tool for putting propaganda pressure on Russia , '' the expert added .
If there were no problems between Moscow and Minsk , such a visit would not have happened , Gushchin noted .
`` However , Minsk understands that the United States views Belarus only as a tool in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to Washington may weaken the country ’ s sovereignty , '' he pointed out .
Izvestia : Nearly three-quarters of Russians seek career changes As many as 72 % of Russians are ready for a career change , Izvestia wrote , citing a poll conducted by the SuperJob service .
Another 14 % are willing to undergo refresher training without changing their jobs .
Only four percent consider themselves qualified enough , and three percent either don ’ t want to change their careers or have no opportunity to do so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is usually based on an erroneous decision made when entering a university , SuperJob founder Alexei Zakharov pointed out .
About 60 % of Russians who graduated from higher education institutions in the past 20 years haven ’ t practiced the professions listed in their degrees for a single day , he claims .
Low wages are another reason why people seek a new profession , said Professor at the Staff Management Department at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation Alexander Safonov .
`` The most common salary stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is not enough to buy a home , a car and travel on a family vacation .
People look around and see that the situation of those working in the same field is similar to theirs , so they start thinking about changing their career for a more high-paying one , '' the expert explains .
People may also dream of a career change because they are frustrated with their employers , Professor at the Department of Labor and Social Policy at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t see career prospects and believe that they do meaningless work most of the time , '' she explained .
According to the expert , if senior company officials improved their skills and provided employees with opportunities for further training at the companies ’ expense , more people would be happy with their careers .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Kommersant: Coronavirus outbreak impacts emerging markets Emerging market funds lost about $4 bln worth of investment over the past week, and the Russian stock market shed $80 mln for the first time this year. Global investors are pessimistic mostly because of the spread of the Chinese coronavirus, which is viewed as a threat not only to the Chinese economy but to the global one as well, Kommersant writes. According to Chief Strategist at BCS Global Markets Vyacheslav Smolyaninov, investors have simply stopped pouring new money into funds in order to see how the situation will unfold further and assess the potential economic consequences of the coronavirus outbreak. "Given the current size of China’s economy, any shocking event in the country will rock the entire world. Amid these developments, investors have naturally started to leave emerging markets," Sistema Capital Asset Manager Konstantin Asaturov pointed out.
Read also Over 17,200 people infected with coronavirus in China
In the coming weeks, investment behavior will depend on China’s ability to combat the coronavirus. It’s important to see how the epidemic develops in the coming days, which will mark two weeks since efforts to prevent the virus from spreading were stepped up in China’s Hubei province, the epicenter of the epidemic, says Irina Prokhorova, an analyst at the Otkrytiye asset management company. "If the efforts of governments turn out to be successful, investor interest in emerging markets may rise once again," she explained. The Russian market may find itself in a better situation than other developing countries. "There are a lot of investors on the market that believe only in facts and fundamental data. As far as Russian stocks are concerned, the data is strong and macroeconomic forecasts for the market are not bad. A race for profit lies ahead as the success of 2019 paves the way for high dividend yields," TransFinGroup Deputy Director General for stock market transactions Ravil Yusipov emphasized. Vedomosti: Palestinians cut ties with US and Israel, say no to Trump’s peace plan The Palestinian government has officially rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan for peace with Israel, unveiled last week, and suspended relations with both Israel and the United States. The Arab League, in turn, unanimously opposed the Trump plan, Vedomosti notes.
Read also Pompeo hopes Palestinians will support Trump's Mideast peace deal
The Palestinians rejected the plan even before it was revealed, accusing the White House of taking a pro-Israel stance and seeking to strengthen Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s position ahead of the parliamentary election. Arab League members agreed that the plan had failed to take the legitimate rights of the Palestinians into account and pledged to refrain from assisting Washington in implementing the deal. European countries were divided over the issue. The United Kingdom immediately supported the US initiative, the French Foreign Ministry also welcomed Trump’s efforts and promised to carefully study the plan. Germany was concerned about that fact that not all parties to the conflict had been involved in talks, as well as about how the US initiative correlated with international documents and the common position on settling the Middle East conflict. Russia has made no official comments on the ‘Deal of the Century’ yet. However, Moscow’s position - the plan was drawn up by the Americans, we will study it and see what happens next - is very convenient, said Dmitry Maryasis, the Head of the Department of Israel Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Oriental Studies. According to him, major regional players, Turkey and Egypt, are very likely to express a negative attitude to the deal but it is not that important. "Even if they supported the deal, there is no real mechanism to implement it and it’s unclear how the parties can come to the negotiating table," he pointed out. Moreover, "an unexpected, strange and ill-considered" statement made by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, an experienced politician, won’t help things, Maryasis added. "It seems that he was waiting for an excuse to make a tough statement because he is stuck in a political impasse," the expert explained. Kommersant: UK-Russia relations reach certain stability, ambassador says The United Kingdom intends to talk over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s idea of holding a summit of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council with four other countries - Russia, the United States, France and China, British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert said in an interview with Kommersant. When speaking of Brexit, the ambassador pointed out that it concerned relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union so she did not expect it to have any impact on British-Russian relations or on regular citizens.
The envoy admitted that the political relationship between London and Moscow was complicated, though recently it became possible to speak about a certain stability. There are a lot of areas where both the UK and Russia play an important role. In this regard, Bronnert mentioned the Iran nuclear deal and the topic of climate change. The ambassador pointed out that the United Kingdom and Russia viewed many issues differently but dialogue is even more important especially if you disagree with someone. According to her, apart from politics, there are a lot of other areas, including trade and investment ties. Trade between the two countries has reached $20 bln, which is good for both the British and the Russians. The new ambassador confirmed that the UK had received the Russian authorities’ invitation to the Moscow celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War. However, the ambassador said she could not tell yet what the answer would be. According to her, the United Kingdom remembers that 75 years ago, the country, together with the Soviet Union, the US and other allies, stood side by side to fight against the Nazi threat. The UK seeks to celebrate the anniversary together with other countries in an appropriate way because it is likely to be the last big date in the lifetime of WWII veterans, Bronnert added. Vedomosti: US Secretary of State visits Belarus for first time in over a quarter of a century US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made a visit to Belarus. The last time a US top diplomat visited Minsk was in 1993, precisely 26 years ago. In 2006, the US imposed sanctions on a number of Belarusian companies and the two countries stopped exchanging ambassadors in 2008. In the fall of 2019, Minsk and Washington agreed to restore ties and, according to Pompeo, a US ambassador will soon arrive in the Belarusian capital. However, Washington is not ready to remove sanctions against Belarus, the secretary of state added, Vedomosti writes.
Read also US ready to supply Belarus with energy resources at competitive prices - Pompeo
The Minsk visit was part of Pompeo’s major Eurasian tour. Apart from Belarus, he has already visited Ukraine and Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan is next in line for an official visit. There is nothing controversial about Pompeo’s trip to Belarus since it is an agreed state visit, a high-ranking Russian diplomatic source told the newspaper. However, given the recent discord between Moscow and Minsk on oil supplies, Pompeo’s statements about the United States’ readiness to provide energy to Belarus at market prices do cause concern, the source admitted. The trip’s goal is to make it clear that post-Soviet countries remain in the focus of US foreign policy and any issues in their relations with Russia may be used to reduce Moscow’s influence in the region, Senior Researcher at the Russian State University for the Humanities’ Department of Post-Soviet Countries Alexander Gushchin pointed out. "On the one hand, this is a new level of ties for Minsk and Washington, which may somehow legitimize [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko in the eyes of Western leaders. On the other hand, as far as the US is concerned, it is a tool for putting propaganda pressure on Russia," the expert added. If there were no problems between Moscow and Minsk, such a visit would not have happened, Gushchin noted. "However, Minsk understands that the United States views Belarus only as a tool in its geopolitical strategy and ties that are too close to Washington may weaken the country’s sovereignty," he pointed out. Izvestia: Nearly three-quarters of Russians seek career changes As many as 72% of Russians are ready for a career change, Izvestia wrote, citing a poll conducted by the SuperJob service. Another 14% are willing to undergo refresher training without changing their jobs. Only four percent consider themselves qualified enough, and three percent either don’t want to change their careers or have no opportunity to do so. The desire for someone change their career is usually based on an erroneous decision made when entering a university, SuperJob founder Alexei Zakharov pointed out. About 60% of Russians who graduated from higher education institutions in the past 20 years haven’t practiced the professions listed in their degrees for a single day, he claims.
Read also Most Russians unafraid of losing job over artificial intelligence — poll


tass--2020-02-03--About 1,000 Russian motor rifle troops kick off drills in Tajikistan

`` The troops performed a motor march to the area of the drills .
During their advance , they practiced combat security measures to repel attacks by adversary reconnaissance and subversive groups and overcome contaminated terrain .
Upon their arrival at the training range , the units started equipping their positions and camouflaging fortifications , '' the press office said in a statement .
DUSHANBE , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Tactical drills involving 1,000 motorized infantry troops of Russia ’ s 201st military base kicked off at the Lyaur mountainous training range in Tajikistan , the press office of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the active phase of the drills , the motor rifle units will practice tactical measures and maneuvers in the defense and in an offensive , accomplishing assignments in various terrain sections and in populated areas both day and night employing reconnaissance/fire and strike systems .
For this purpose , over 2,000 controlled targets have been prepared , the statement says .
`` The drills involve over 200 items of armament and military hardware , including Mi-8 and Mi-24 army aviation helicopters , T-72 tanks , BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles , Akatsiya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AGS-17 and RPG-7 automatic and hand-held grenade launchers , drones , and also small arms , '' according to the statement .
The drills will come to an end on February 15 with a live-fire exercise .
Russia ’ s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga , Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions .
Structurally , the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities : the 201st military base in Tajikistan , the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia ’ s largest military facility outside its borders .
The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar .
The military base ’ s armament includes T-72 tanks , BTR-82A armored personnel carriers , Grad multiple launch rocket systems , Gvozdika and Akatsiya artillery systems .
Under the agreement signed in October 2012 , Russia ’ s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042 .

"The troops performed a motor march to the area of the drills. During their advance, they practiced combat security measures to repel attacks by adversary reconnaissance and subversive groups and overcome contaminated terrain. Upon their arrival at the training range, the units started equipping their positions and camouflaging fortifications," the press office said in a statement.
DUSHANBE, February 3. /TASS/. Tactical drills involving 1,000 motorized infantry troops of Russia’s 201st military base kicked off at the Lyaur mountainous training range in Tajikistan, the press office of the Central Military District reported on Monday.
During the active phase of the drills, the motor rifle units will practice tactical measures and maneuvers in the defense and in an offensive, accomplishing assignments in various terrain sections and in populated areas both day and night employing reconnaissance/fire and strike systems. For this purpose, over 2,000 controlled targets have been prepared, the statement says.
"The drills involve over 200 items of armament and military hardware, including Mi-8 and Mi-24 army aviation helicopters, T-72 tanks, BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, Akatsiya self-propelled artillery guns, Sani mortars, AGS-17 and RPG-7 automatic and hand-held grenade launchers, drones, and also small arms," according to the statement.
The drills will come to an end on February 15 with a live-fire exercise.
Russia’s Central Military District is based on the territory of the Volga, Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan.
The 201st military base stationed in Tajikistan is Russia’s largest military facility outside its borders. The military base is stationed in the cities of Dushanbe and Bokhtar. The military base’s armament includes T-72 tanks, BTR-82A armored personnel carriers, Grad multiple launch rocket systems, Gvozdika and Akatsiya artillery systems.
Under the agreement signed in October 2012, Russia’s military base in Tajikistan will remain until 2042.


tass--2020-02-03--Defense manufacturer to start deliveries of latest Armata tanks to troops in 2020

`` In 2020 , we will begin the deliveries for the operational evaluation of this armor .
During the factory tests , all the vehicle ’ s stated characteristics were confirmed , '' the chief executive said .
MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
The deliveries of the armor based on the Armata combat platform to the troops for operational evaluation will begin this year , CEO of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer Alexander Potapov said in an interview with Vedomosti newspaper published on Monday .
The defense manufacturer is completing the main stages of the preparatory work , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` No country in the world has such a tank and our rivals won ’ t have anything even close to that in coming years .
Those who say that difficulties arise in the process forget that the T-72 tank was developed for quite a longer period while we talk about a principally new product , '' the chief executive said .
Replying to a question about when the export deliveries of the Armata tank may begin , he specified that all the foreign customers preferred making purchases , as a rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s Defense Ministry .
`` We will shortly develop an export configuration certificate while the deliveries may become real already in the foreseeable future , given an official decision , '' he said .
Head of Russia ’ s state hi-tech corporation Rostec Sergei Chemezov told TASS in mid-January that the deliveries of the armor based on the Armata combat platform to the troops had not started yet .
The Armata is a heavy tracked standardized platform serving as the basis to develop a main battle tank , an infantry fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some other armored vehicles .
The T-14 tank based on the Armata platform was shown to the public for the first time at Red Square ’ s Victory Day parade on May 9 , 2015 .
The new combat vehicle features fully digitized equipment , an unmanned turret and an isolated armored capsule for the crew .

"In 2020, we will begin the deliveries for the operational evaluation of this armor. During the factory tests, all the vehicle’s stated characteristics were confirmed," the chief executive said.
MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. The deliveries of the armor based on the Armata combat platform to the troops for operational evaluation will begin this year, CEO of the Uralvagonzavod defense manufacturer Alexander Potapov said in an interview with Vedomosti newspaper published on Monday.
The defense manufacturer is completing the main stages of the preparatory work, which allows launching serial production, he said.
"No country in the world has such a tank and our rivals won’t have anything even close to that in coming years. Those who say that difficulties arise in the process forget that the T-72 tank was developed for quite a longer period while we talk about a principally new product," the chief executive said.
Replying to a question about when the export deliveries of the Armata tank may begin, he specified that all the foreign customers preferred making purchases, as a rule, when the product was bought by Russia’s Defense Ministry. "We will shortly develop an export configuration certificate while the deliveries may become real already in the foreseeable future, given an official decision," he said.
Head of Russia’s state hi-tech corporation Rostec Sergei Chemezov told TASS in mid-January that the deliveries of the armor based on the Armata combat platform to the troops had not started yet.
The Armata is a heavy tracked standardized platform serving as the basis to develop a main battle tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored personnel carrier and some other armored vehicles. The T-14 tank based on the Armata platform was shown to the public for the first time at Red Square’s Victory Day parade on May 9, 2015. The new combat vehicle features fully digitized equipment, an unmanned turret and an isolated armored capsule for the crew.


tass--2020-02-03--Moscow State Conservatory evacuated over ‘bomb threat’

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Some 350 people have been evacuated from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory over an @ @ @ @ @ '' a source in the emergency service told TASS .
`` An anonymous message said @ @ @ @ @ building , located on Bolshaya Nikitskaya street , is rigged with explosives .
Due to @ @ @ @ @ people have been evacuated from the building , '' the source said .
Currently , @ @ @ @ @ inspect the place .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Some 350 people have been evacuated from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory over an anonymous "bomb threat," a source in the emergency service told TASS.
"An anonymous message said that the Moscow State Conservatory building, located on Bolshaya Nikitskaya street, is rigged with explosives. Due to security reasons, some 350 people have been evacuated from the building," the source said.
Currently, bomb squads and K-9 units inspect the place.


tass--2020-02-03--Russian Railways suspends passenger traffic between Russia, North Korea

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Railways has suspended passenger traffic between Russia and North Korea , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s news release .
In accordance with a message from the North Korean Ministry @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 passenger railway traffic between Russia and North Korea through the Khasan-Tumangang checkpoint has @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Railways said in a news release .
The Chinese authorities at the @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak of coronavirus 2019-nCoV-related pneumonia .
Apart from China the disease was registered in @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak as an international emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ been infected by the virus in China .
There have been more than 350 fatalities @

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. The Russian Railways has suspended passenger traffic between Russia and North Korea, as follows from the company’s news release.
In accordance with a message from the North Korean Ministry of Railways dated February 1, 2020 passenger railway traffic between Russia and North Korea through the Khasan-Tumangang checkpoint has been suspended until further notice, the Russian Railways said in a news release.
The Chinese authorities at the end of December 2019 identified an outbreak of coronavirus 2019-nCoV-related pneumonia. Apart from China the disease was registered in 23 other countries, including Russia. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak as an international emergency. A total of 17,000 have been infected by the virus in China. There have been more than 350 fatalities.


tass--2020-02-03--At least 16 foreigners infected with coronavirus in China, diplomat says

`` According to the relevant authorities , as of February 2 , 16 foreign citizens in China have been diagnosed with pneumonia caused by coronavirus .
Two of them have been discharged from medical institutions , 14 others are undergoing treatment , their condition is stable , '' she said .
BEIJING , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
At least 16 foreign nationals have contracted the 2019-nCoV virus in China , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters at a press briefing on Monday .
On Monday , China ’ s National Health Commission reported that the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had reached 17,205 .
The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has climbed to 361 .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial metropolis in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , 2020 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent : coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Cases of the new coronavirus were also confirmed in 23 other countries , including Russia .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared the new coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency .

"According to the relevant authorities, as of February 2, 16 foreign citizens in China have been diagnosed with pneumonia caused by coronavirus. Two of them have been discharged from medical institutions, 14 others are undergoing treatment, their condition is stable," she said.
BEIJING, February 3. /TASS/. At least 16 foreign nationals have contracted the 2019-nCoV virus in China, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters at a press briefing on Monday.
On Monday, China’s National Health Commission reported that the number of people infected with novel coronavirus in China had reached 17,205. The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak has climbed to 361.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial metropolis in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, 2020, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent: coronavirus 2019-nCoV.
Cases of the new coronavirus were also confirmed in 23 other countries, including Russia. On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak an international public health emergency.


tass--2020-02-03--Russia to send evacuation planes to China’s Hubei on February 3

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will send the Aerospace Forces ’ planes , tasked with evacuating 130 @ @ @ @ @ Chinese city of Wuhan on February 3 , Deputy Prime Minister and coronavirus prevention HQ @ @ @ @ @ the operational meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin .
`` We ’ ve taken measures @ @ @ @ @ Hubei province .
On the order of the Supreme Commander [ President Vladimir Putin - @ @ @ @ @ of Aerospace Forces ' planes will be sent to the province to Hubei 's Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ '' Golikova said .
`` We estimate that slightly more than 130 citizens [ will @ @ @ @ @ this number keeps changing . ''

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Russia will send the Aerospace Forces’ planes, tasked with evacuating 130 Russian nationals, to the Chinese city of Wuhan on February 3, Deputy Prime Minister and coronavirus prevention HQ head Tatiana Golikova said during the operational meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
"We’ve taken measures to evacuate our citizens from Hubei province. On the order of the Supreme Commander [President Vladimir Putin - TASS], a group of Aerospace Forces' planes will be sent to the province to Hubei's Wuhan to transport our citizens," Golikova said. "We estimate that slightly more than 130 citizens [will be evacuated], but this number keeps changing."


tass--2020-02-03--Russian Defense Ministry denies reports of Turkish air strikes on Syrian troops

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish aircraft did not enter Syrian airspace to carry out airstrikes on the @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria ( part of @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement on Monday .
`` Turkish Air Force aircraft did not violate @ @ @ @ @ no airstrikes on the positions of Syrian troops have been recorded , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ Tayyip Erdogan said earlier at a press conference in Ankara that F-16 fighters from the @ @ @ @ @ crews had carried strikes on 40 targets in Idlib in response to an attack on @ @ @ @ @ had killed four troops .
According to Erdogan , the retaliatory attack killed 30-35 Syrians @ @ @ @ @ president did not specify if they were military servicemen .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Turkish aircraft did not enter Syrian airspace to carry out airstrikes on the positions of Syrian government forces, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria (part of the Russian Defense Ministry) said in a statement on Monday.
"Turkish Air Force aircraft did not violate Syria’s borders, no airstrikes on the positions of Syrian troops have been recorded," the statement reads.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier at a press conference in Ankara that F-16 fighters from the Turkish Air Force and artillery crews had carried strikes on 40 targets in Idlib in response to an attack on the Turkish positions, which had killed four troops. According to Erdogan, the retaliatory attack killed 30-35 Syrians. However, the Turkish president did not specify if they were military servicemen.


tass--2020-02-03--Russia to send humanitarian aid to China to fight coronavirus

She added that information was requested specifying how prepared forces and equipment are in Russian regions in case an emergency needs to be addressed .
`` Generally , Russian regions are ready , medical facilities have accumulated stocks of personal safety apparel necessary for disinfection as well as the needed amount of medicine .
A hospital bed fund was created and it is ready to be rolled out in accordance with the national plan , '' she reported .
In addition , Golikova stressed that all measures were taken to mobilize specialists and equipment .
Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian aid to China is almost ready .
`` It was decided to send humanitarian aid to China to fight the infection , '' he said .
MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has announced the decision to provide humanitarian aid to China at a briefing with his deputies .
The deputy prime minister reassured that monitoring will be continued .
According to Mishustin , coronavirus situation in Russia is under control .
`` All necessary measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been established and the situation is under control , '' the prime minister pointed out .
Mishustin pointed out that the World Health Organization ( WHO ) had declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency .
He added that a national plan to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection in Russia had been signed and the virus had been added to the list of highly dangerous diseases .
`` It will allow us to deport foreigners if they are diagnosed with this disease and introduce special restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian prime minister explained .
According to him , state agencies are coordinating their activities to combat the infection .
The movement of Chinese nationals through Russian territory has been restricted , those diagnosed with the disease have been isolated and are receiving the necessary treatment .
Mishustin added that the issuance of work and group tourist visas to Chinese nationals had been suspended .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the WHO about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease .
According to recent data , over 17,200 cases of patients infected with the virus and more than 360 deaths have been confirmed in China .
The first coronavirus death outside of China was reported in the Philippines .

She added that information was requested specifying how prepared forces and equipment are in Russian regions in case an emergency needs to be addressed. "Generally, Russian regions are ready, medical facilities have accumulated stocks of personal safety apparel necessary for disinfection as well as the needed amount of medicine. A hospital bed fund was created and it is ready to be rolled out in accordance with the national plan," she reported. In addition, Golikova stressed that all measures were taken to mobilize specialists and equipment.
Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova revealed that the document on provision of humanitarian aid to China is almost ready.
"It was decided to send humanitarian aid to China to fight the infection," he said.
MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has announced the decision to provide humanitarian aid to China at a briefing with his deputies.
The deputy prime minister reassured that monitoring will be continued.
According to Mishustin, coronavirus situation in Russia is under control.
"All necessary measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the infection in our country, a response team has been established and the situation is under control," the prime minister pointed out.
Mishustin pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency. He added that a national plan to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection in Russia had been signed and the virus had been added to the list of highly dangerous diseases. "It will allow us to deport foreigners if they are diagnosed with this disease and introduce special restrictions, including isolation and quarantine," the Russian prime minister explained.
According to him, state agencies are coordinating their activities to combat the infection. The movement of Chinese nationals through Russian territory has been restricted, those diagnosed with the disease have been isolated and are receiving the necessary treatment. Mishustin added that the issuance of work and group tourist visas to Chinese nationals had been suspended.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities notified the WHO about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease.
According to recent data, over 17,200 cases of patients infected with the virus and more than 360 deaths have been confirmed in China. The first coronavirus death outside of China was reported in the Philippines.


tass--2020-02-03--Turkey hits 40 targets in Syria after its military shelled in Idlib

ANKARA , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey ’ s F-16 fighter jets and artillery have carried out strikes against @ @ @ @ @ s Idlib in response to the shelling of its troops , which had killed four @ @ @ @ @ Tayyip Erdogan told reporters at a news conference in Ankara .
`` Turkish F-16 jets @ @ @ @ @ targets of the [ Assad ] regime .
About 40 locations began our targets .
@ @ @ @ @ were neutralized as a result , '' the Turkish leader stressed .
He did not @ @ @ @ @ army soldiers .
According to Turkey ’ s Ministry of National Defense , four Turkish @ @ @ @ @ nine others were wounded when their positions were shelled near the inhabited community of Saraqib @ @ @ @ @ province .
According to Ankara , Turkish troops were shelled by the Syrian army despite @ @ @ @ @ been notified in advance where the Turkish forces ’ positions were located .

ANKARA, February 3. /TASS/. Turkey’s F-16 fighter jets and artillery have carried out strikes against 40 targets in Syria’s Idlib in response to the shelling of its troops, which had killed four soldiers, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters at a news conference in Ankara.
"Turkish F-16 jets and howitzers continue to strike targets of the [Assad] regime. About 40 locations began our targets. From 30 to 35 Syrians were neutralized as a result," the Turkish leader stressed. He did not specify whether those were Syrian army soldiers.
According to Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, four Turkish military servicemen were killed and nine others were wounded when their positions were shelled near the inhabited community of Saraqib in Syria’s Idlib province. According to Ankara, Turkish troops were shelled by the Syrian army despite the fact that it had been notified in advance where the Turkish forces’ positions were located.


tass--2020-02-03--Four Turkish troops killed, nine wounded in Idlib shelling

ANKARA , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
At least four Turkish military servicemen have been killed and nine others wounded @ @ @ @ @ s idlib province , Turkey ’ s NTV television reported on Monday citing a statement @ @ @ @ @ National Defense .
According to Ankara , Turkish troops were shelled by the Syrian army @ @ @ @ @ Saraqib .
One military servicemen is in critical condition , the Ministry of National Defense @ @ @ @ @ the Turkish military had returned fire destroying targets in the Idlib province .
Damascus has @ @ @ @ @ officially yet .

ANKARA, February 3. /TASS/. At least four Turkish military servicemen have been killed and nine others wounded by shelling in Syria’s idlib province, Turkey’s NTV television reported on Monday citing a statement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense.
According to Ankara, Turkish troops were shelled by the Syrian army near the inhabited community of Saraqib.
One military servicemen is in critical condition, the Ministry of National Defense noted. It added that the Turkish military had returned fire destroying targets in the Idlib province.
Damascus has not commented on the incident officially yet.


tass--2020-02-03--Russian embassy says 133 Russians ready to leave China’s Hubei province

BEIJING , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
At least 133 Russian citizens said they were willing to return to Russia from China ’ s Hubei province because of the coronavirus outbreak , 85 of them are in the city of Wuhan , Public Relations Officer at the Russian Embassy in China Georgy Egorov informed TASS .
`` The number of citizens who expressed their willingness to leave Hubei stands at 133 , they will be evacuated .
Of these , 85 are in Wuhan , '' the diplomat said .
`` All of them agreed to be placed under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no [ coronavirus ] cases among Russians in China , '' Egorov stressed .
When asked whether citizens of the CIS member-countries will be evacuated along with Russian nationals , he refrained from commenting on the issue .
According to preliminary estimates , a total of 341 Russians could currently be in China ’ s Hubei province .
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova earlier said that all Russian citizens who expressed such a desire would be evacuated from Hubei province .
After returning to Russia , they will be quarantined for 14 @ @

BEIJING, February 3. /TASS/. At least 133 Russian citizens said they were willing to return to Russia from China’s Hubei province because of the coronavirus outbreak, 85 of them are in the city of Wuhan, Public Relations Officer at the Russian Embassy in China Georgy Egorov informed TASS.
"The number of citizens who expressed their willingness to leave Hubei stands at 133, they will be evacuated. Of these, 85 are in Wuhan," the diplomat said. "All of them agreed to be placed under a 14-day quarantine."
"There are no [coronavirus] cases among Russians in China," Egorov stressed. When asked whether citizens of the CIS member-countries will be evacuated along with Russian nationals, he refrained from commenting on the issue.
According to preliminary estimates, a total of 341 Russians could currently be in China’s Hubei province.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova earlier said that all Russian citizens who expressed such a desire would be evacuated from Hubei province. After returning to Russia, they will be quarantined for 14 days.


tass--2020-02-03--IrAero to carry 49 Chinese citizens to Harbin

IRKUTSK , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
The Irkutsk-based IrAero Airlines will carry 49 Chinese citizens to Harbin on a @ @ @ @ @ s Irkutsk on Monday , whereas three Russians will take the return flight , a @ @ @ @ @ of the airline told TASS .
`` Today at 6:20 p.m. ( 1:20 p.m. Moscow @ @ @ @ @ be carried on a charter flight from Irkutsk to Harbin , and three people - @ @ @ @ @ take the return flight .
Those are people , who earlier bought tickets on regular @ @ @ @ @ cancelled by now , '' the source said .

IRKUTSK, February 3. /TASS/. The Irkutsk-based IrAero Airlines will carry 49 Chinese citizens to Harbin on a charter flight from Russia’s Irkutsk on Monday, whereas three Russians will take the return flight, a source in the press service of the airline told TASS.
"Today at 6:20 p.m. (1:20 p.m. Moscow time) 49 people will be carried on a charter flight from Irkutsk to Harbin, and three people - a Russian family - will take the return flight. Those are people, who earlier bought tickets on regular flights, which have been cancelled by now," the source said.


tass--2020-02-03--Number of infected with coronavirus outside China up to 149 people, says portal

BEIJING , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of infection with the coronavirus-induced pneumonia outside China has reached 149 , the Wangyi news portal reported on Monday .
Japan reported 20 infection cases , Thailand - 19 , Singapore - 18 , South Korea - 15 , Australia - 12 , Germany - 10 , the US - 9 , Malaysia - 8 , Vietnam - 7 , France - 6 , the UAE - 5 , Canada - 4 , while Russia , Britain , India and Italy reported two infection cases each , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were infected , one of them died , which became the first reported death from the virus outside China .
Spain , Cambodia , Nepal , Finland , Sweden and Sri Lanka reported one infection case each .
China ’ s state television announced 147 infection cases outside the country 24 hours ago , whereas previously 124 infection cases were reported .
The National Health Commission of the People ’ s Republic of China said in a statement on Monday that the number of people infected with the coronavirus-induced pneumonia in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients in serious condition .
The death toll has totaled 361 .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people .
On January 7 , 2020 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
The World Health Organization has recognized the pneumonia outbreak in China as an international emergency .

BEIJING, February 3. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of infection with the coronavirus-induced pneumonia outside China has reached 149, the Wangyi news portal reported on Monday.
Japan reported 20 infection cases, Thailand - 19, Singapore - 18, South Korea - 15, Australia - 12, Germany - 10, the US - 9, Malaysia - 8, Vietnam - 7, France - 6, the UAE - 5, Canada - 4, while Russia, Britain, India and Italy reported two infection cases each, the portal said. In the Philippines two people were infected, one of them died, which became the first reported death from the virus outside China. Spain, Cambodia, Nepal, Finland, Sweden and Sri Lanka reported one infection case each.
China’s state television announced 147 infection cases outside the country 24 hours ago, whereas previously 124 infection cases were reported.
The National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China said in a statement on Monday that the number of people infected with the coronavirus-induced pneumonia in the country has reached 17,205, with 2,296 patients in serious condition. The death toll has totaled 361.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, 2020, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent as coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The World Health Organization has recognized the pneumonia outbreak in China as an international emergency.


tass--2020-02-03--Lavrov to discuss cooperation prospects with ASEAN secretary general

MOSCOW , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Association of Southeast Asian Nations ’ ( ASEAN ) Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi on Monday .
The two sides will focus on prospects for strategic partnership , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier .
Particularly , Moscow plans to consider the issues of boosting coordination at international and regional platforms , strengthening cooperation in tackling new challenges and threats , expansion of cooperation in trade , economic , humanitarian fields , as well as joint efforts within the formation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` one of the most successful regional organizations , around which a chain of various cross-border integrations with participation of Russia and other major global powers has been formed , '' Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said in a note released in advance of the meeting .
Moscow intends to expand ties with ASEAN , the ministry said , adding that `` the relationship between Russia and ASEAN has reached the level of strategic partnership . ''
Trade , economic and investment ties are another important component of cooperation between the two sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnover and mutual investment report positive dynamics .
`` As much as $ 1.4 bln worth of direct investments from ASEAN states have been poured into the Russian economy , with the accumulated amount of investment totaling $ 4.3 bln .
Russia has invested a similar amount in the region , '' the ministry said .

MOSCOW, February 3. /TASS/. Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov will hold talks with Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi on Monday. The two sides will focus on prospects for strategic partnership, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier.
Particularly, Moscow plans to consider the issues of boosting coordination at international and regional platforms, strengthening cooperation in tackling new challenges and threats, expansion of cooperation in trade, economic, humanitarian fields, as well as joint efforts within the formation of Greater Eurasian Partnership.
ASEAN is "one of the most successful regional organizations, around which a chain of various cross-border integrations with participation of Russia and other major global powers has been formed," Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a note released in advance of the meeting. Moscow intends to expand ties with ASEAN, the ministry said, adding that "the relationship between Russia and ASEAN has reached the level of strategic partnership."
Trade, economic and investment ties are another important component of cooperation between the two sides, the ministry noted. Both trade turnover and mutual investment report positive dynamics. "As much as $1.4 bln worth of direct investments from ASEAN states have been poured into the Russian economy, with the accumulated amount of investment totaling $4.3 bln. Russia has invested a similar amount in the region," the ministry said.


tass--2020-02-03--Hong Kong stocks open lower as Monday trading kicks off

HONG KONG /SIANGAN/ , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Stocks in Hong Kong opened lower amid the ongoing outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ .
The Hang Seng Index lost 123 points ( 0.47 % ) as Monday trading @ @ @ @ @ according to the trading data .
That follows the plunge of mainland Chinese stock markets @ @ @ @ @ more than 8 % earlier on Monday .

HONG KONG /SIANGAN/, February 3. /TASS/. Stocks in Hong Kong opened lower amid the ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus-induced pneumonia in China. The Hang Seng Index lost 123 points (0.47%) as Monday trading opened to 26,189 points, according to the trading data.
That follows the plunge of mainland Chinese stock markets in Shanghai and Shenzhen by more than 8% earlier on Monday.


tass--2020-02-03--Mainland China stocks plunge 8% as Monday trading kicks off

SHANGHAI , February 3 .
/TASS/ .
Mainland Chinese stock markets dropped over 8 % as Monday trading opened amid @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus-induced pneumonia in the country .
Respective negative dynamics was reported by websites of exchanges @ @ @ @ @ The Shanghai Composite Index lost 8.73 % to 2,716.70 points , while the Shenzhen Component @ @ @ @ @ points .
According to the official data , the number of infected with the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ people .
The authorities were forced to assume strict measures to prevent further proliferation of @ @ @ @ @ seriously affected business environment as well .
Particularly , transport sector is experiencing a decline @ @ @ @ @ losses , and retail sales are falling .

SHANGHAI, February 3. /TASS/. Mainland Chinese stock markets dropped over 8% as Monday trading opened amid the ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus-induced pneumonia in the country. Respective negative dynamics was reported by websites of exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
The Shanghai Composite Index lost 8.73% to 2,716.70 points, while the Shenzhen Component plunged 9.13% to 9,706.58 points.
According to the official data, the number of infected with the coronavirus in China has exceeded 17,000 people. The authorities were forced to assume strict measures to prevent further proliferation of the coronavirus infection, which seriously affected business environment as well. Particularly, transport sector is experiencing a decline, travel agencies are bearing losses, and retail sales are falling.