tass--2020-05-19--Putin urges to enhance role and responsibility of Eurasian Economic Commission

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin considers it necessary to enhance the role and responsibility @ @ @ @ @ ( EEC ) .
Speaking at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , he said that the Commission is particularly responsible for implementation of strategic tasks @ @ @ @ @ , it is necessary to enhance the role of the Commission as an organizer , @ @ @ @ @ for implementation of decisions taken by the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council , '' the Russian @ @ @ @ @ considers it reasonable to more actively involve the Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund @ @ @ @ @ the Eurasian Economic Commission .
`` Those regional financial mechanisms can and should provide assistance @ @ @ @ @ integration projects , '' he noted .
The Eurasian Economic Commission is a permanent regulation @ @ @ @ @ Union , with Russia , Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan being its members @

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin considers it necessary to enhance the role and responsibility of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC).
Speaking at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in a video conference format on Tuesday, he said that the Commission is particularly responsible for implementation of strategic tasks. "For doing that, it is necessary to enhance the role of the Commission as an organizer, intensify its responsibility, particularly for implementation of decisions taken by the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council," the Russian president said.
Putin also considers it reasonable to more actively involve the Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilization in operations of the Eurasian Economic Commission. "Those regional financial mechanisms can and should provide assistance to implementation of large joint integration projects," he noted.
The Eurasian Economic Commission is a permanent regulation body of the Eurasian Economic Union, with Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan being its members.


tass--2020-05-19--Russian Black Sea Fleet forces hold anti-submarine warfare drills

SEVASTOPOL , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Black Sea Fleet ships and submarines searched for a notional enemy ’ s subs during drills , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` The crews of the diesel-electric submarines Rostov-on-Don and Kolpino of the Black Sea Fleet deployed to the sea for joint drills to search for and detect a notional enemy ’ s submarine .
Under the combat training scenario , one of the submarines simulated an enemy sub while the crew of the second vessel searched for it , '' the press office said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submarines alternated their roles , first hunting for the enemy sub and then dodging the hunt , the statement says .
The submarines also practiced preparing the subs for their emergency deployment to the designated areas at Black Sea naval ranges , according to the statement .
The drills for searching for and tracking a notional enemy ’ s submarine simulated by the sub Kolpino also involved the crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Muromets and Yeisk .
They carried out a set of preparatory exercises for employing torpedo weapons and held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ crews complied with the required time limits for employing torpedo weapons , the press office said .

SEVASTOPOL, May 19. /TASS/. The Black Sea Fleet ships and submarines searched for a notional enemy’s subs during drills, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"The crews of the diesel-electric submarines Rostov-on-Don and Kolpino of the Black Sea Fleet deployed to the sea for joint drills to search for and detect a notional enemy’s submarine. Under the combat training scenario, one of the submarines simulated an enemy sub while the crew of the second vessel searched for it," the press office said in a statement.
The crews of the submarines alternated their roles, first hunting for the enemy sub and then dodging the hunt, the statement says.
The submarines also practiced preparing the subs for their emergency deployment to the designated areas at Black Sea naval ranges, according to the statement.
The drills for searching for and tracking a notional enemy’s submarine simulated by the sub Kolpino also involved the crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Muromets and Yeisk. They carried out a set of preparatory exercises for employing torpedo weapons and held firings of practice torpedoes. The ships’ crews complied with the required time limits for employing torpedo weapons, the press office said.


tass--2020-05-19--Russia, Iran step up telephone diplomacy amid pandemic, says envoy

The coronavirus spread has not brought about any noticeable changes in bilateral cooperation in the sphere of civil nuclear power engineering , the Russian diplomat said TEHRAN , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Iranian sides stopped personal contacts at the highest level amid the coronavirus spread but stepped up telephone diplomacy , Russia ’ s Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan told TASS on Tuesday .
`` Personal contacts stopped and telephone diplomacy intensified , '' he said in an interview timed for the centenary of the Russian-Iranian relations .
As the Russian diplomat pointed out , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not replace the effectiveness of personal meetings . ''
`` Despite all the difficulties , we are seeking to make the most of the remaining possibilities , '' he added .
Despite the coronavirus , trade between Russia and Iran continues , the Russian diplomat said .
`` A transport link via the Caspian Sea exists and freight auto transport remains .
Fruits and vegetables are imported from Iran into Russia and we are issuing multiple visas to Iranian drivers , '' he said .
The main change in bilateral trade and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the impossibility of visits by Russian and Iranian delegations , the envoy said .
`` Thus , a meeting of the inter-governmental commission was planned in Vladikavkaz in June .
Considering the current situation , it will hardly be held . ''
The coronavirus spread has not brought about any noticeable changes in bilateral cooperation in the sphere of civil nuclear power engineering , the Russian diplomat said .
`` The Bushehr nuclear power plant is the flagship of our cooperation in the nuclear sphere .
In this area , our cooperation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Novosibirsk on April 21 and 28 delivered fuel for the nuclear power plant , '' he said .
`` The work of specialists on the site [ the Bushehr nuclear power plant ] continues , '' Dzhagaryan stated .
`` The personnel are taking all necessary precaution measures and are complying with social distancing requirements , '' he added .
The Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran was built by Russia .
The plans agreed by Moscow and Tehran envisage the construction of the second and third power units on the territory of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1995 , Russia ’ s Zarubezhatomenergostroi ( currently Atomstroyexport ) signed a contract with Iran ’ s Atomic Energy Organization on completing the construction and upgrading the first unit of the Bushehr nuclear power plant .
In September 2011 , the Bushehr first power unit was connected to the power grid and its official handover to Iran took place in September 2013 .

The coronavirus spread has not brought about any noticeable changes in bilateral cooperation in the sphere of civil nuclear power engineering, the Russian diplomat said
TEHRAN, May 19. /TASS/. The Russian and Iranian sides stopped personal contacts at the highest level amid the coronavirus spread but stepped up telephone diplomacy, Russia’s Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan told TASS on Tuesday. "Personal contacts stopped and telephone diplomacy intensified," he said in an interview timed for the centenary of the Russian-Iranian relations.
Read also US unlikely to succeed in extending Iran arms embargo, says Russian ambassador
As the Russian diplomat pointed out, "this is very important but this option cannot replace the effectiveness of personal meetings." "Despite all the difficulties, we are seeking to make the most of the remaining possibilities," he added. Despite the coronavirus, trade between Russia and Iran continues, the Russian diplomat said. "A transport link via the Caspian Sea exists and freight auto transport remains. Fruits and vegetables are imported from Iran into Russia and we are issuing multiple visas to Iranian drivers," he said.
The main change in bilateral trade and economic cooperation caused by the pandemic has been the impossibility of visits by Russian and Iranian delegations, the envoy said. "Thus, a meeting of the inter-governmental commission was planned in Vladikavkaz in June. Considering the current situation, it will hardly be held." Civil nuclear power cooperation flagship The coronavirus spread has not brought about any noticeable changes in bilateral cooperation in the sphere of civil nuclear power engineering, the Russian diplomat said.
Read also US says assistance to expand Iran’s Bushehr NPP may be sanctionable


tass--2020-05-19--Press review: Russia’s stance on Israel’s annexation move and Merkel’s boost from COVID-19

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country ’ s parliament on May 17 that the time had come to extend national sovereignty to the Palestinian territories in the Jordan Valley , the historical place from where the Jewish people had emerged .
Russia is calling on Israel to prevent regional tensions from escalating , Izvestia wrote .
According to Sergei Melkonyan from the Institute for Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences , Netanyahu ’ s decision to annex the Jordan Valley is not an attempt to divert the public ’ s attention from his upcoming trial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prime minister has secured the coalition government ’ s support on the matter and won ’ t face any trouble as far as lawmakers are concerned , the expert noted .
Russia sees no alternative to resolving the Middle East issue other than through political means and has urged Israelis and Palestinians to return to the negotiating table , Chairman of the Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev told the paper .
Moscow won ’ t support the EU ’ s plans to impose sanctions on Israel for the seizure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Security Council has the right to introduce restrictions , the senator pointed out .
The Israeli prime minister 's statement sparked a vigorous international response .
King Abdullah II of Jordan warned in an interview with Germany 's Der Spiegel that if Israel annexed part of the Jordan Valley , a large-scale conflict could break out .
However , an armed conflict with Israel is unlikely to take place , said Head of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies ’ Center of the Near and Middle East Vladimir Fitin .
`` Arab and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond condemnations and there will be no direct armed conflict because no one will benefit from it , '' the expert explained .
According to Fitin , European Union countries are unlikely to agree on sanctions against Israel because such decisions are made through consensus and Eastern European nations such as the Czech Republic , Hungary and Romania have a friendlier attitude towards Israel and will not support such tough moves .
Besides , the EU will also face pressure from the United States , Israel ’ s main ally on the international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost Merkel ’ s chances of fifth term With the coronavirus epidemic in Germany fading , there are increasing calls that Chancellor Angela Merkel , who has been running the country for nearly 15 years , should seek a fifth term .
However , Merkel stepped down as head of the ruling Christian Democratic Union in the fall of 2018 and firmly stated that she would leave politics after the next parliamentary election , which is set to take place in 2021 , Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes .
German political scientist Alexander Rahr in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s chances of remaining in power .
According to him , the odds for this scenario are mounting .
Germany is going through a major crisis .
The chancellor managed to organize an effective coronavirus lockdown that made it possible to prevent high death rates .
And though Merkel presented these measures as a joint decision of the federal government and the regional authorities , everyone understands that she is personally responsible , the expert explained .
On the other hand , the government has allocated huge amounts of money to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where Merkel was guided by liberal ideas , the coronavirus situation made her look like a politician working for her fellow citizens .
At the same time , none of the incumbent chancellor ’ s rivals have demonstrated themselves to be an effective leader in the eyes of the public .
Meanwhile , Germany will take over the European Union ’ s presidency on July 1 and will have to try to pull the union out of a deep economic rut .
Many believe that the very future of the European project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in uniting Europe , her authority will skyrocket , the expert emphasized .
The gas market in various parts of the world is undergoing a redivision .
In particular , gas suppliers are currently locking horns in Turkey , where the share of US liquified natural gas ( LNG ) is growing and the shares of Russian and Iranian gas are declining .
It won ’ t be easy to maintain demand for pipeline gas in the future , because LNG prices are often lower than those of pipeline gas , Nezavisimaya Gazeta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sank 40 % in 2019 , according to news agencies ’ estimates , while LNG supplies kept increasing .
They accounted for 44 % of all gas supplies to the country in the first four months of 2020 , and 40 % of those supplies came from the United States .
It looks like Western Europe is also losing interest in Russian gas as supplies fell by nine percent in 2019 .
Experts point to long-term trends on the gas market in light of the LNG boom .
`` The future belongs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and marketable product .
It is also important for the global economy , because its development boosts several other industries , including the construction of liquefaction plants , LNG regasification terminals and special vessels .
Furthermore , it leads to technological changes in the energy sector , new investment and the creation of new high-skilled jobs .
The pipeline gas industry can not offer that much impetus to other sectors , '' Finam analyst Alexey Kalachev pointed out .
`` Russian gas prices have been higher than those of US LNG , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no surprise .
Qatar is also playing a role on the gas market at the moment , supplying LNG to Turkey .
If Qatar cuts prices and starts a price war , it will stall the market in the long run , '' warns Nikita Ryabinin of KRK Group .
Rossiyskaya Gazeta : COVID-19 is ‘ here to stay ’ , claims WHO envoy The 73rd World Health Assembly has kicked off in Geneva via a video conference .
All 194 members of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) are invited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO Envoy to Russia Melita Vujnovic spoke with Rossiyskaya Gazeta about easing coronavirus restrictions in Russia and chances for a vaccine to be created .
According to Vujnovic , Russia took all necessary measures to contain the epidemic .
`` Your country has a very strong epidemiological service and lost no time in preventing the virus from spreading , '' she pointed out .
The WHO envoy added that the effective actions of the country ’ s epidemiological agencies had kept the healthcare system from being overburdened .
`` There are enough ventilators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also played their part , so we hope that a downward trend in infections will persist , '' Vujnovic noted .
She pointed out that the WHO had developed guidelines for easing restrictions , proving them to all countries .
`` Russia is taking these recommendations into account .
If all restrictions are lifted too early , a second outbreak may begin , turning out to be even stronger .
It can take people and the healthcare system by surprise .
Unfortunately , the virus is here to stay , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mask-wearing and hand-washing .
`` The measures may cause inconvenience to people but they will help keep the virus under control this and next year , until stable herd immunity is achieved or a vaccine is created , '' the WHO official stressed .
More than 100 vaccines have been put forward .
Some of them already are in clinical trials .
`` We have high hopes for vaccine developers across the world because if only one country or one producer starts making a vaccine , it would be of little help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We expect that vaccines suitable for mass production will be created this year , '' Vujnovic emphasized .
Retail cosmetic stores were shut down in Russia on March 28 as part of the lockdown measures to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading .
Many regions of the country have mandated the wearing of protective face masks and gloves on transport and in public places .
Meanwhile , the demand for cosmetics has exploded , Vedomosti writes .
Perfume and makeup are the best stress relievers , which is why their consumption is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Anna Dycheva-Smirnova .
There is the so-called Lipstick Index , she pointed out , adding that lipstick sales tended to rise in times of crisis .
In the fall of 2001 , after 9/11 , lipstick sales in the United States increased by 11 % , the expert specified .
The reason is that lipstick is a cheaper alternative to clothing , footwear and accessories that women wouldn ’ t dare to purchase when the financial situation is unclear .
Self-isolation doesn ’ t mean there are no business meetings because many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online conferfences , Financial Director at Fashion Consulting Group Anush Gasparyan noted .
Clearly , women would like to look good on camera and they could have run out of some makeup items during the two months of the quarantine .
However , the trend is somewhat surprising , Dycheva-Smirnova said .
The global demand for makeup has been falling in recent years because the new generation of young girls - Generation Z - isn ’ t wearing much makeup .
There are two options for the industry ’ s future development , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand , cosmetic items can start flying off the shelves once Russians re-emerge from self-isolation , but on the other hand , we may see a new post-coronavirus reality , where declining incomes will force people to cut their spending .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: Russia urges Israel to refrain from escalating tensions Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country’s parliament on May 17 that the time had come to extend national sovereignty to the Palestinian territories in the Jordan Valley, the historical place from where the Jewish people had emerged. Russia is calling on Israel to prevent regional tensions from escalating, Izvestia wrote. According to Sergei Melkonyan from the Institute for Oriental Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, Netanyahu’s decision to annex the Jordan Valley is not an attempt to divert the public’s attention from his upcoming trial and the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. The prime minister has secured the coalition government’s support on the matter and won’t face any trouble as far as lawmakers are concerned, the expert noted. Russia sees no alternative to resolving the Middle East issue other than through political means and has urged Israelis and Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, Chairman of the Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev told the paper. Moscow won’t support the EU’s plans to impose sanctions on Israel for the seizure of Palestinian territories. Only the UN Security Council has the right to introduce restrictions, the senator pointed out.
The Israeli prime minister's statement sparked a vigorous international response. King Abdullah II of Jordan warned in an interview with Germany's Der Spiegel that if Israel annexed part of the Jordan Valley, a large-scale conflict could break out. However, an armed conflict with Israel is unlikely to take place, said Head of the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies’ Center of the Near and Middle East Vladimir Fitin. "Arab and other Muslim countries won’t go beyond condemnations and there will be no direct armed conflict because no one will benefit from it," the expert explained. According to Fitin, European Union countries are unlikely to agree on sanctions against Israel because such decisions are made through consensus and Eastern European nations such as the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania have a friendlier attitude towards Israel and will not support such tough moves. Besides, the EU will also face pressure from the United States, Israel’s main ally on the international stage. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Coronavirus may boost Merkel’s chances of fifth term With the coronavirus epidemic in Germany fading, there are increasing calls that Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has been running the country for nearly 15 years, should seek a fifth term. However, Merkel stepped down as head of the ruling Christian Democratic Union in the fall of 2018 and firmly stated that she would leave politics after the next parliamentary election, which is set to take place in 2021, Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes. German political scientist Alexander Rahr in an interview with the newspaper assessed Merkel’s chances of remaining in power.
According to him, the odds for this scenario are mounting. Germany is going through a major crisis. The chancellor managed to organize an effective coronavirus lockdown that made it possible to prevent high death rates. And though Merkel presented these measures as a joint decision of the federal government and the regional authorities, everyone understands that she is personally responsible, the expert explained. On the other hand, the government has allocated huge amounts of money to support the population. Unlike the migration crisis, where Merkel was guided by liberal ideas, the coronavirus situation made her look like a politician working for her fellow citizens. At the same time, none of the incumbent chancellor’s rivals have demonstrated themselves to be an effective leader in the eyes of the public. Meanwhile, Germany will take over the European Union’s presidency on July 1 and will have to try to pull the union out of a deep economic rut. Many believe that the very future of the European project is at stake. If Merkel succeeds in uniting Europe, her authority will skyrocket, the expert emphasized. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Mounting US LNG exports deal blow to Russian gas The gas market in various parts of the world is undergoing a redivision. In particular, gas suppliers are currently locking horns in Turkey, where the share of US liquified natural gas (LNG) is growing and the shares of Russian and Iranian gas are declining. It won’t be easy to maintain demand for pipeline gas in the future, because LNG prices are often lower than those of pipeline gas, Nezavisimaya Gazeta notes. Russian gas supplies to Turkey sank 40% in 2019, according to news agencies’ estimates, while LNG supplies kept increasing. They accounted for 44% of all gas supplies to the country in the first four months of 2020, and 40% of those supplies came from the United States. It looks like Western Europe is also losing interest in Russian gas as supplies fell by nine percent in 2019. Experts point to long-term trends on the gas market in light of the LNG boom. "The future belongs to LNG. It is a more mobile and marketable product. It is also important for the global economy, because its development boosts several other industries, including the construction of liquefaction plants, LNG regasification terminals and special vessels. Furthermore, it leads to technological changes in the energy sector, new investment and the creation of new high-skilled jobs. The pipeline gas industry cannot offer that much impetus to other sectors," Finam analyst Alexey Kalachev pointed out. "Russian gas prices have been higher than those of US LNG, so the gradual decline in supplies comes as no surprise. Qatar is also playing a role on the gas market at the moment, supplying LNG to Turkey. If Qatar cuts prices and starts a price war, it will stall the market in the long run," warns Nikita Ryabinin of KRK Group. Rossiyskaya Gazeta: COVID-19 is ‘here to stay’, claims WHO envoy The 73rd World Health Assembly has kicked off in Geneva via a video conference. All 194 members of the World Health Organization (WHO) are invited to participate. Ahead of the event, WHO Envoy to Russia Melita Vujnovic spoke with Rossiyskaya Gazeta about easing coronavirus restrictions in Russia and chances for a vaccine to be created.
According to Vujnovic, Russia took all necessary measures to contain the epidemic. "Your country has a very strong epidemiological service and lost no time in preventing the virus from spreading," she pointed out. The WHO envoy added that the effective actions of the country’s epidemiological agencies had kept the healthcare system from being overburdened. "There are enough ventilators and hospital beds. Self-isolation measures have also played their part, so we hope that a downward trend in infections will persist," Vujnovic noted. She pointed out that the WHO had developed guidelines for easing restrictions, proving them to all countries. "Russia is taking these recommendations into account. If all restrictions are lifted too early, a second outbreak may begin, turning out to be even stronger. It can take people and the healthcare system by surprise. Unfortunately, the virus is here to stay," she said. Necessary protective measures include social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-washing. "The measures may cause inconvenience to people but they will help keep the virus under control this and next year, until stable herd immunity is achieved or a vaccine is created," the WHO official stressed. More than 100 vaccines have been put forward. Some of them already are in clinical trials. "We have high hopes for vaccine developers across the world because if only one country or one producer starts making a vaccine, it would be of little help. It is a collective process. We expect that vaccines suitable for mass production will be created this year," Vujnovic emphasized. Vedomosti: Mask-wearing can’t stop makeup lovers from buying lipstick Retail cosmetic stores were shut down in Russia on March 28 as part of the lockdown measures to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading. Many regions of the country have mandated the wearing of protective face masks and gloves on transport and in public places. Meanwhile, the demand for cosmetics has exploded, Vedomosti writes.


tass--2020-05-19--Russia’s coronavirus transmission rate continues to decline

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s coronavirus transmission rate dropped to 0.89 on Tuesday from 0.9 the day before , according to a TASS analysis based on data from the anti-coronavirus crisis center .
Moscow ’ s transmission rate fell from 0.73 to 0.72 .
Russia ’ s average coronavirus transmission rate remains below 1 for the sixth day in a row , and Moscow ’ s rate remains below the 0.8 level , which , according to the national consumer watchdog , makes it possible to move on to the second phase of easing coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of coronavirus patients and the coronavirus transmission rate below 1 include the Moscow region ( 0.94 ) , the Nizhny Novgorod region ( 0.9 ) , Dagestan ( 0.86 ) , the Murmansk region ( 0.99 ) , the Krasnodar region ( 0.96 ) and the Tula region ( 0.98 ) .
The coronavirus transmission rate indicates the average number of people one sick person can infect .
According to the consumer watchdog , when the rate is equal to or below 1 , a region can start to ease restrictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once the rate drops below 0.8 , a region can enter the second phase of reopening , and when the rate falls below 0.5 , the third phase can begin .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russia’s coronavirus transmission rate dropped to 0.89 on Tuesday from 0.9 the day before, according to a TASS analysis based on data from the anti-coronavirus crisis center. Moscow’s transmission rate fell from 0.73 to 0.72.
Russia’s average coronavirus transmission rate remains below 1 for the sixth day in a row, and Moscow’s rate remains below the 0.8 level, which, according to the national consumer watchdog, makes it possible to move on to the second phase of easing coronavirus restrictions.
Other regions with a large number of coronavirus patients and the coronavirus transmission rate below 1 include the Moscow region (0.94), the Nizhny Novgorod region (0.9), Dagestan (0.86), the Murmansk region (0.99), the Krasnodar region (0.96) and the Tula region (0.98).
The coronavirus transmission rate indicates the average number of people one sick person can infect. According to the consumer watchdog, when the rate is equal to or below 1, a region can start to ease restrictions, provided there are enough vacant hospital beds. Once the rate drops below 0.8, a region can enter the second phase of reopening, and when the rate falls below 0.5, the third phase can begin.
Coronavirus situation
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-19--Lukashenko calls on EAEU leaders to find consensus on gas transportation pricing

MINSK , May 19 .
/ TASS / .
The issue of pricing for gas transportation services in the common market of the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) remains unresolved , said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council via a video conference on Tuesday .
`` The issue of pricing for gas transportation services on the EAEU common market remains unresolved .
We have not been able to decide on a final mutually acceptable solution for several years , while the urgency of the problem is constantly growing .
Today we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need , '' BelTA quoted Lukashenko .
Speaking about the agenda of the meeting , Lukashenko noted that its main issue is the adoption of strategic directions for the development of the Eurasian economic integration until 2025 .
`` This document is both an action plan to deepen relations and a kind of turning point on the path to rebuilding and increasing the pace of development of the economies of our countries , '' Lukashenko said .
He noted that the preparation of the document was difficult , but in general the parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of deepening integration .
In this regard , Lukashenko thanked the participants for their constructive approach .

MINSK, May 19. / TASS /. The issue of pricing for gas transportation services in the common market of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) remains unresolved, said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko during the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council via a video conference on Tuesday.
"The issue of pricing for gas transportation services on the EAEU common market remains unresolved. We have not been able to decide on a final mutually acceptable solution for several years, while the urgency of the problem is constantly growing. Today we must find the consensus that we all need," BelTA quoted Lukashenko.
Speaking about the agenda of the meeting, Lukashenko noted that its main issue is the adoption of strategic directions for the development of the Eurasian economic integration until 2025. "This document is both an action plan to deepen relations and a kind of turning point on the path to rebuilding and increasing the pace of development of the economies of our countries," Lukashenko said.
He noted that the preparation of the document was difficult, but in general the parties managed to reach agreed decisions in all areas of deepening integration. In this regard, Lukashenko thanked the participants for their constructive approach.


tass--2020-05-19--Russian prime minister resumes duties after recovering from coronavirus

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , who had been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 , has resumed his duties , according to Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s decree published on the Kremlin website on Tuesday .
Mishustin held several meetings in the format of a video conference while he was in hospital .
Earlier reports said the prime minister was recovering and would be soon discharged from hospital .
On Monday , the prime minister held meetings while in hospital .
According to Mishustin 's spokesman , Boris Belyakov , the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
`` Mikhail Vladimirovich has completed his treatment and has been discharged from the medical facility .
He has resumed work in the Government House .
This morning he held a working meeting with colleagues in the form of a video conference , '' Belyakov said .
Now Mishustin is preparing for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The meeting will focus on bonuses for doctors , who are treating patients with COVID-19 .
On April 30 , Mishustin announced that he had been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted to hospital for treatment , while his duties were assumed by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov .
The presidential decree has canceled an earlier decree that appointed Belousov as the acting head of government .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who had been admitted to hospital with COVID-19, has resumed his duties, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree published on the Kremlin website on Tuesday.
Mishustin held several meetings in the format of a video conference while he was in hospital. Earlier reports said the prime minister was recovering and would be soon discharged from hospital. On Monday, the prime minister held meetings while in hospital.
According to Mishustin's spokesman, Boris Belyakov, the prime minister has resumed work in the Government House. "Mikhail Vladimirovich has completed his treatment and has been discharged from the medical facility. He has resumed work in the Government House. This morning he held a working meeting with colleagues in the form of a video conference," Belyakov said.
Now Mishustin is preparing for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting will focus on bonuses for doctors, who are treating patients with COVID-19.
On April 30, Mishustin announced that he had been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection. After that, the prime minister was admitted to hospital for treatment, while his duties were assumed by First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov. The presidential decree has canceled an earlier decree that appointed Belousov as the acting head of government.


tass--2020-05-19--Kyrgyzstan reports 27 new coronavirus cases

`` Another 27 coronavirus cases were identified in the past 24 hours , the total number has reached 1,243 , '' he said , adding that `` 281 patients with coronavirus are being treated in hospitals in the country '' .
BISHKEK , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Another 27 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Kyrgyzstan , Deputy Health Minister Nurbolot Usenbayev said at a press conference on Tuesday .
Kyrgyzstan reported its first coronavirus case on March 18 .
In total , 14 patients with coronavirus have died in the country and 898 people have recovered .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency in the capital , as well as in a number of regional centers and districts , on March 25 .
On May 11 , it was canceled .
However , an emergency regime continues to operate in the country .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"Another 27 coronavirus cases were identified in the past 24 hours, the total number has reached 1,243," he said, adding that "281 patients with coronavirus are being treated in hospitals in the country".
BISHKEK, May 19. /TASS/. Another 27 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Kyrgyzstan, Deputy Health Minister Nurbolot Usenbayev said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Kyrgyzstan reported its first coronavirus case on March 18. In total, 14 patients with coronavirus have died in the country and 898 people have recovered.
President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov introduced a state of emergency in the capital, as well as in a number of regional centers and districts, on March 25. On May 11, it was canceled. However, an emergency regime continues to operate in the country.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-19--St. Petersburg coronavirus cases top 11,000

ST. PETERSBURG , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg have grown by 453 over the past twenty-four hours to over 11,000 , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday .
According to the latest data , the total number of coronavirus cases reached 11,340 in St. Petersburg as of May 19 .
Another 63 coronavirus patients recovered in the past day , bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,272 .
Five patients died over the past twenty-four hours , taking the total number of fatalities in the city to 95 since the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

ST. PETERSBURG, May 19. /TASS/. Coronavirus cases in St. Petersburg have grown by 453 over the past twenty-four hours to over 11,000, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.
According to the latest data, the total number of coronavirus cases reached 11,340 in St. Petersburg as of May 19. Another 63 coronavirus patients recovered in the past day, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,272. Five patients died over the past twenty-four hours, taking the total number of fatalities in the city to 95 since the start of the pandemic.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-19--US unlikely to succeed in extending Iran arms embargo, says Russian ambassador

TEHRAN , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is unlikely to succeed in its attempts to extend a UN arms embargo on Iran , Russian Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan said in an interview with TASS , dedicated to the 100th anniversary of relations between Russia and Iran .
`` The arms embargo expires on October 18 , 2020 .
I think that the Americans will hardly succeed in their clumsy attempts to prevent this from happening , '' the ambassador pointed out .
Dzhagaryan added that `` the US blatantly violated international law and failed to observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking to spur other countries to follow suit . ''
According to the envoy , `` Russia doesn ’ t see any trouble in lifting the embargo and continuing defense cooperation with Iran . ''
`` If Iran submits specific requests , they will be carefully studied in accordance with international norms , '' Dzhagaryan emphasized .
The US mission to the United Nations said in a statement on May 13 that `` the United States will work tirelessly with a coalition of concerned nations to ensure the embargo is extended . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nebenzya said that the US could not demand an extension of the arms embargo because it had withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal .
He pointed out that there was no reason to prolong the embargo .

TEHRAN, May 19. /TASS/. The United States is unlikely to succeed in its attempts to extend a UN arms embargo on Iran, Russian Ambassador to Tehran Levan Dzhagaryan said in an interview with TASS, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of relations between Russia and Iran.
"The arms embargo expires on October 18, 2020. I think that the Americans will hardly succeed in their clumsy attempts to prevent this from happening," the ambassador pointed out.
Dzhagaryan added that "the US blatantly violated international law and failed to observe its own obligations, and is now seeking to spur other countries to follow suit." According to the envoy, "Russia doesn’t see any trouble in lifting the embargo and continuing defense cooperation with Iran." "If Iran submits specific requests, they will be carefully studied in accordance with international norms," Dzhagaryan emphasized.
The US mission to the United Nations said in a statement on May 13 that "the United States will work tirelessly with a coalition of concerned nations to ensure the embargo is extended." Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said that the US could not demand an extension of the arms embargo because it had withdrawn from the Iran nuclear deal. He pointed out that there was no reason to prolong the embargo.


tass--2020-05-19--One in four patients with COVID-19 recovered in Russia

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
A record high number of 5,921 patients with COVID-19 have recovered in Russia @ @ @ @ @ taking the total number of recoveries in the country to 76,130 , the anti-coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ According to TASS estimates , the share of those patients who recovered has reached 25.4 @ @ @ @ @ patients with COVID-19 have been discharged from hospitals in Russia .
Over the past day @ @ @ @ @ in the Moscow Region , 196 in Dagestan , 187 in the Sverdlovsk Region , @ @ @ @ @ , 129 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region , 111 in the Tver Region , 106 @ @ @ @ @ the Kaluga Region .
The death toll has climbed by 115 over the past day @ @ @ @ @ center said .
Most people ( 71 ) have died in Moscow , five in @ @ @ @ @ the Moscow Region , Dagestan , the Stavropol Region , the Saratov Region , the @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. A record high number of 5,921 patients with COVID-19 have recovered in Russia over the past day, taking the total number of recoveries in the country to 76,130, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.
According to TASS estimates, the share of those patients who recovered has reached 25.4%. One quarter of patients with COVID-19 have been discharged from hospitals in Russia.
Over the past day 253 people have been discharged in the Moscow Region, 196 in Dagestan, 187 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 153 in the Tula Region, 129 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 111 in the Tver Region, 106 in Tatarstan and 102 in the Kaluga Region.
The death toll has climbed by 115 over the past day to 2,837, the crisis center said. Most people (71) have died in Moscow, five in St. Petersburg, three in the Moscow Region, Dagestan, the Stavropol Region, the Saratov Region, the Chelyabinsk Region.


tass--2020-05-19--Research by Huami Shows Big Data could alerting in early alerting of epidemic outbreaks

SHENZHEN , China , May 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In the latest paper titled Learning from Large-Scale Wearable Device Data for Predicting Epidemics Trend of COVID-19 published by the special issue [ 1 ] from an scientific journal [ 2 ] , Huami demonstrated the health management capabilities of wearable devices ' and its essential role in early alerting of epidemic outbreaks and public health , providing new clues for establishing a large-scale epidemic surveillance system , and helping improve the efficiency of public health monitoring and prediction [ 3 ] .
This study [ 4 ] was supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ model was established by using big data and artificial intelligence algorithms , which provides a new method for predicting epidemic trends for COVID-19 .
Under the Huami Privacy Policy and data protections , researchers collected heart rate , physical activity , sleep , and other physiological data related to the above symptoms based on smart wearable devices .
De-identified sensor data of about 1.3 million users who wore Huami devices from July 1 , 2017 , to April 8 , 2020 were obtained according to appropriate security control .
All the users were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used for academic research [ 5 ] .
Research found that , for every 1°C increase in human body temperature , heart rate increases by about 8.5 bpm [ 6 ] .
Based on this , the increase in heart rate caused by fevers related to COVID-19 or influenza-like diseases can be used as a starting point for a method to detect physiological abnormalities .
Huami researchers considered an individual 's resting heart rate at 1.5 standard deviations higher than the personal average for 5 consecutive days , and sleep duration not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal average as the criterion to determine an abnormality .
The prediction model 's analysis results show that in the listed cities of Wuhan , Beijing , Shenzhen , Hefei , and Nanjing , there was a clear outbreak period in the infection rate prediction curve for each city which corresponded to the epidemic 's outbreak in each city .
Taking Wuhan as an example , the infection rate predicted by the model peaked on January 28th , while the newly confirmed cases in Wuhan peaked at nearly 2,000 people on February 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 days earlier than the officially reported peak time .
Given the lag between COVID-19 infection and the emergence of symptoms and diagnosis , the model-derived results are also consistent with the results of a retrospective study on COVID-19 conducted by the Chinese Center for Disease Control [ 7 ] .
More Efforts Towards COVID-19 and Health Management Besides the academic research from Huami , Huami continued the efforts of Connect Health with Technology .
The company has donated medical supplies and devices worth 11.5 million RMB during the coronavirus outbreak .
Amazfit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to working on a transparent N95 face mask called Amazfit AERI to contribute more to the global health management and epidemic prevention .
The product in concept features a transparent anti-fog cover and a translucent frame .
Wearers ' facial expressions can be seen even if they wear masks , easing the social distancing and allowing wearers to unlock their phones with Face ID .
The Innovative Amazfit AERI can clean itself and last for several weeks .
In April , the avant-garde Amazfit X Smartwatch with curved AMOLED screen and button free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which brings the upgraded experience for the users as well .
For combating COVID-19 , Huami also partnered with China National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease ( NCRCRD ) and Guangdong Nanshan Medical Innovation Institute which led by Dr. Nanshan Zhong to build up a smart wearable joint laboratory .
Based on Huami smart wearable technology and powerful computing algorithms , the lab aims to help COVID-19 recovered patients follow-up care and management through the NCRCRD big data platform .

SHENZHEN, China, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In the latest paper titled Learning from Large-Scale Wearable Device Data for Predicting Epidemics Trend of COVID-19 published by the special issue[1] from an scientific journal[2], Huami demonstrated the health management capabilities of wearable devices' and its essential role in early alerting of epidemic outbreaks and public health, providing new clues for establishing a large-scale epidemic surveillance system, and helping improve the efficiency of public health monitoring and prediction[3].
This study[4] was supported by the Huami Corporation, a prediction model was established by using big data and artificial intelligence algorithms, which provides a new method for predicting epidemic trends for COVID-19.
Under the Huami Privacy Policy and data protections, researchers collected heart rate, physical activity, sleep, and other physiological data related to the above symptoms based on smart wearable devices. De-identified sensor data of about 1.3 million users who wore Huami devices from July 1, 2017, to April 8, 2020 were obtained according to appropriate security control. All the users were notified that their de-identified data could potentially be used for academic research[5].
Research found that, for every 1°C increase in human body temperature, heart rate increases by about 8.5 bpm[6]. Based on this, the increase in heart rate caused by fevers related to COVID-19 or influenza-like diseases can be used as a starting point for a method to detect physiological abnormalities.
Huami researchers considered an individual's resting heart rate at 1.5 standard deviations higher than the personal average for 5 consecutive days, and sleep duration not less than 0.5 standard deviations from the personal average as the criterion to determine an abnormality.
The prediction model's analysis results show that in the listed cities of Wuhan, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hefei, and Nanjing, there was a clear outbreak period in the infection rate prediction curve for each city which corresponded to the epidemic's outbreak in each city.
Taking Wuhan as an example, the infection rate predicted by the model peaked on January 28th, while the newly confirmed cases in Wuhan peaked at nearly 2,000 people on February 7. The predicted infection rate peak was 10 days earlier than the officially reported peak time.
Given the lag between COVID-19 infection and the emergence of symptoms and diagnosis, the model-derived results are also consistent with the results of a retrospective study on COVID-19 conducted by the Chinese Center for Disease Control[7].
More Efforts Towards COVID-19 and Health Management
Besides the academic research from Huami, Huami continued the efforts of Connect Health with Technology. The company has donated medical supplies and devices worth 11.5 million RMB during the coronavirus outbreak.
Amazfit, a self-brand of Huami, started to working on a transparent N95 face mask called Amazfit AERI to contribute more to the global health management and epidemic prevention. The product in concept features a transparent anti-fog cover and a translucent frame. Wearers' facial expressions can be seen even if they wear masks, easing the social distancing and allowing wearers to unlock their phones with Face ID. The Innovative Amazfit AERI can clean itself and last for several weeks. In April, the avant-garde Amazfit X Smartwatch with curved AMOLED screen and button free design went on sale by crowdfunding, which brings the upgraded experience for the users as well.
For combating COVID-19, Huami also partnered with China National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease (NCRCRD) and Guangdong Nanshan Medical Innovation Institute which led by Dr. Nanshan Zhong to build up a smart wearable joint laboratory. Based on Huami smart wearable technology and powerful computing algorithms, the lab aims to help COVID-19 recovered patients follow-up care and management through the NCRCRD big data platform.
[1] Cognitive Modeling of Multimodal Data Intensive Systems for Applications in Nature and Society (COMDICS) [2] Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ddns/2020/6152041 [3] Huami wearable devices are not a medical device and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition. [4] Data Availability: The concerned sensor data cannot be shared due to user privacy. For academic purposes, de-identified region-level statistics can be shared under agreement.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper. [5] Quoted from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ddns/2020/6152041 [6] According to the study on fever and cardiac rhythm, L. Faust, K. Feldman, S. M. Mattingly et al., "Deviations from normal bedtimes are associated with short-term increases in resting heart rate," Npj Digital Medicine, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 1–9, 2020. [7] The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2001316
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1169895/1.jpg
CONTACT: LIU Yunya, +86-159-9965-8480


tass--2020-05-19--Russia reports less than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases for fourth day in a row

To date , 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in all Russian regions .
MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 9,263 over the past day and the daily growth in cases has not exceeded 10,000 for the fourth day in a row , the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday .
According to the crisis center , the daily growth rate stood at a record low level of 3.2 % like the day earlier .
Some 898 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Moscow Region , 453 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nizhny Novgorod Region , 138 in the Sverdlovsk Region , 131 in the Rostov Region , 114 in the Kaluga Region , 112 in the Bryansk Region and 109 in the Saratov and Yaroslavl Regions .
A total of 3,988 ( 43.1 % ) people diagnosed with the virus over the past day have not shown any symptoms .
The number of people who contracted the coronavirus has exceeded 1,000 in the Kaliningrad Region , the Altai Region and the Komi Republic .
A total of 54 Russian regions have recorded over 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center , over the past day the number of coronavirus cases in the Kaliningrad Region has risen by 32 to 1,010 , in the Altai Region by 44 to 1,014 and in the Komi Republic by 39 to 1,007 .

To date, 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in all Russian regions.
MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Russia has risen by 9,263 over the past day and the daily growth in cases has not exceeded 10,000 for the fourth day in a row, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.
According to the crisis center, the daily growth rate stood at a record low level of 3.2% like the day earlier.
Some 898 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Moscow Region, 453 in St. Petersburg, 260 in the Nizhny Novgorod Region, 138 in the Sverdlovsk Region, 131 in the Rostov Region, 114 in the Kaluga Region, 112 in the Bryansk Region and 109 in the Saratov and Yaroslavl Regions.
A total of 3,988 (43.1%) people diagnosed with the virus over the past day have not shown any symptoms.
The number of people who contracted the coronavirus has exceeded 1,000 in the Kaliningrad Region, the Altai Region and the Komi Republic. A total of 54 Russian regions have recorded over 1,000 COVID-19 cases.
According to the crisis center, over the past day the number of coronavirus cases in the Kaliningrad Region has risen by 32 to 1,010, in the Altai Region by 44 to 1,014 and in the Komi Republic by 39 to 1,007.


tass--2020-05-19--Brazil overtakes UK in coronavirus cases

RIO DE JANEIRO , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Brazil has officially reached third place in the world in total confirmed coronavirus infections , passing the United Kingdom .
The national Health Ministry ’ s updated data shows the number of COVID-19 cases rose by 13,140 to reach 254,220 compared to the UK ’ s 247,706 ( Johns Hopkins University says ) .
At the same time , 674 more people died from coronavirus-related causes to bring the total to 16,792 .
Meanwhile , 100,459 patients recovered .
Causes behind 2,277 more deaths that potentially could also be attributed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of Sao Paulo is the epicenter of the outbreak in the country as well as its capital of Sao Paulo where more than 21 million people live ( agglomeration ) .
The region has more than 32,000 infections and over 2,600 fatalities due to coronavirus .
Sao Paulo is followed by the state of Rio de Janeiro ( more than 11,000 cases and 1,000 deaths ) .
A lot of other states across the country also report grim figures .
Brazil remains the hardest-hit Latin American state in terms of coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Brazil was confirmed on February 26 in Sao Paulo , the next day after the annual carnival was over .
On May 12 , the health ministry reported 39 positive coronavirus tests taken back in January after they sought medical help with coronavirus-like symptoms .
The ministry is reviewing this data .
The epidemic already resulted in two health minister resignations in Brazil due to differences of opinions and other disagreements with the head of state , Jair Bolsonaro .
The health ministry earlier forecast that the situation in the country will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates of infections will begin to slow down in August to start subsiding in September .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected worldwide and more than 316,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,863,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 19. /TASS/. Brazil has officially reached third place in the world in total confirmed coronavirus infections, passing the United Kingdom. The national Health Ministry’s updated data shows the number of COVID-19 cases rose by 13,140 to reach 254,220 compared to the UK’s 247,706 (Johns Hopkins University says).
At the same time, 674 more people died from coronavirus-related causes to bring the total to 16,792. Meanwhile, 100,459 patients recovered. Causes behind 2,277 more deaths that potentially could also be attributed to COVID-19 are being clarified now.
The state of Sao Paulo is the epicenter of the outbreak in the country as well as its capital of Sao Paulo where more than 21 million people live (agglomeration). The region has more than 32,000 infections and over 2,600 fatalities due to coronavirus. Sao Paulo is followed by the state of Rio de Janeiro (more than 11,000 cases and 1,000 deaths). A lot of other states across the country also report grim figures.
Brazil remains the hardest-hit Latin American state in terms of coronavirus cases and deaths. The first coronavirus case in Brazil was confirmed on February 26 in Sao Paulo, the next day after the annual carnival was over. On May 12, the health ministry reported 39 positive coronavirus tests taken back in January after they sought medical help with coronavirus-like symptoms. The ministry is reviewing this data.
The epidemic already resulted in two health minister resignations in Brazil due to differences of opinions and other disagreements with the head of state, Jair Bolsonaro. The health ministry earlier forecast that the situation in the country will have stabilized by July, while the rates of infections will begin to slow down in August to start subsiding in September.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,815,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 316,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,863,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-19--Huobi and UN-Sanctioned NGO launch joint COVID-19 charity campaign

SINGAPORE , May 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Huobi Charity , the philanthropic arm and blockchain-based charity platform of Huobi Group , today announced a joint initiative with the Finance Center for South-South Cooperation ( FCSSC ) , a non-profit international organization in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations .
To support coronavirus relief efforts in South-South countries , Huobi has launched a 15-day charitable campaign in partnership with FCSSC to raise $ 143,000 USD in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin ( BTC ) , Huobi Token ( HT ) , Tether ( USDT ) , and HUSD .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases exceed 4 million .
Many South-South countries , which refer to developing countries located primarily in the Southern Hemisphere across Africa , Southeast Asia , and Latin America , have especially vulnerable populations .
The region 's relatively fragile healthcare infrastructure poses a grave risk as the pandemic spreads , and rural areas have overloaded healthcare systems that are ill-equipped to deal with an influx of COVID-19 cases .
`` The new coronavirus epidemic has become a global problem and needs to be addressed by all countries , '' stated Wu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is a beneficial attempt and exploration to apply blockchain technology to international public welfare cooperation and supervision . ''
By working with FCSSC , Huobi aims to provide much-needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment ( PPP ) to frontline healthcare workers and residents in those countries with insufficient medical resources to fight against the pandemic .
The charity campaign aims to raise enough funding to supply between 300,000 and 500,000 face masks to affected regions .
Huobi is leading global donation efforts on cross-border charity platform Bithelp .
To kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed 17,711 HT worth an estimated $ 69,000 USD—nearly half of the target raise .
Over the next week , Huobi will leverage its network and blockchain community to help raise the remainder .
FCSSC will provide operational and logistical support to ensure medical supplies are sent to the areas and regions with the highest need .
`` The COVID-19 is an unprecedented health crisis that requires global collaboration across private and public sectors , '' said Ciara Sun , Head of Global Business at Huobi Group .
`` As a leading global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to do our part and rally the crypto and blockchain community around a global cause that can help save thousands of lives . ''
The current campaign marks Huobi Charity 's third initiative since its launch earlier this year .
During the Wuhan outbreak in late January , Huobi committed $ 1.4 million USD to source and donate hundreds of thousands of medical masks , protective suits , oximeters , and other medical supplies to over 135 hospitals and community healthcare centers in affected areas .
Last month , Huobi donated $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association of Economic , Social and Cultural Cooperation for the purchase and distribution of medical supplies to Indonesian hospitals .
Consisting of numerous upstream and downstream enterprises , Huobi Group is a leading global blockchain company .
Established by Leon Li in 2013 , the company 's Huobi Global exchange accumulative turnover exceeds US $ 3 trillion .
Huobi proudly provides safe , secure , and convenient cryptocurrency trading and asset management services to millions of users in 170+ countries .
Finance Center for South-South Cooperation ( FCSSC ) is a non-profit international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April 2014 .
Since 2017 , FCSSC has been in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations .
FCSSC is a comprehensive international hub for governments , international organizations and the private sector to promote and help achieve sustainable development in countries from the Global South .

SINGAPORE, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Huobi Charity, the philanthropic arm and blockchain-based charity platform of Huobi Group, today announced a joint initiative with the Finance Center for South-South Cooperation (FCSSC), a non-profit international organization in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations. To support coronavirus relief efforts in South-South countries, Huobi has launched a 15-day charitable campaign in partnership with FCSSC to raise $143,000 USD in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Huobi Token (HT), Tether (USDT), and HUSD.
The new campaign comes as global confirmed coronavirus cases exceed 4 million. Many South-South countries, which refer to developing countries located primarily in the Southern Hemisphere across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, have especially vulnerable populations. The region's relatively fragile healthcare infrastructure poses a grave risk as the pandemic spreads, and rural areas have overloaded healthcare systems that are ill-equipped to deal with an influx of COVID-19 cases.
"The new coronavirus epidemic has become a global problem and needs to be addressed by all countries," stated Wu Zhong, Director General of FCSSC. "It is a beneficial attempt and exploration to apply blockchain technology to international public welfare cooperation and supervision."
By working with FCSSC, Huobi aims to provide much-needed medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPP) to frontline healthcare workers and residents in those countries with insufficient medical resources to fight against the pandemic. The charity campaign aims to raise enough funding to supply between 300,000 and 500,000 face masks to affected regions.
Huobi is leading global donation efforts on cross-border charity platform Bithelp. To kick off the charity campaign, Huobi has contributed 17,711 HT worth an estimated $69,000 USD—nearly half of the target raise. Over the next week, Huobi will leverage its network and blockchain community to help raise the remainder. FCSSC will provide operational and logistical support to ensure medical supplies are sent to the areas and regions with the highest need.
"The COVID-19 is an unprecedented health crisis that requires global collaboration across private and public sectors," said Ciara Sun, Head of Global Business at Huobi Group. "As a leading global digital asset and blockchain institution, we want to do our part and rally the crypto and blockchain community around a global cause that can help save thousands of lives."
The current campaign marks Huobi Charity's third initiative since its launch earlier this year. During the Wuhan outbreak in late January, Huobi committed $1.4 million USD to source and donate hundreds of thousands of medical masks, protective suits, oximeters, and other medical supplies to over 135 hospitals and community healthcare centers in affected areas. Last month, Huobi donated $50,000 USD in HT to the Indonesia-China Association of Economic, Social and Cultural Cooperation for the purchase and distribution of medical supplies to Indonesian hospitals.
About Huobi Group
Consisting of numerous upstream and downstream enterprises, Huobi Group is a leading global blockchain company. Established by Leon Li in 2013, the company's Huobi Global exchange accumulative turnover exceeds US $3 trillion. Huobi proudly provides safe, secure, and convenient cryptocurrency trading and asset management services to millions of users in 170+ countries.
About Finance Center for South-South Cooperation
Finance Center for South-South Cooperation (FCSSC) is a non-profit international organization registered and founded in Hong Kong in April 2014. Since 2017, FCSSC has been in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC of the United Nations. FCSSC is a comprehensive international hub for governments, international organizations and the private sector to promote and help achieve sustainable development in countries from the Global South.
CONTACT: Hailan Jia, jiahailan@huobi.com, +44-7851039463


tass--2020-05-19--India reaches 100,000 coronavirus infections

NEW DELHI , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen by 4,970 to reach 101,139 by Tuesday morning .
The national Health Ministry informs on its website that 134 people who tested positive for coronavirus died in the past 24 hours to reach 3,163 .
The ministry added that 52,802 coronavirus patients are currently being treated in the country , while 39,174 people recovered .
Yesterday , Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan told the 73rd annual session of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) that India had taken all the necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hoping that the situation would improve in the coming months .
He also called on all countries to unite to fight the pandemic .
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier urged all local and federal authorities to ensure a strict lockdown is in place .
Initially it was imposed until April 14 but was extended a few times and is now effective until the end of May .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,815,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 316,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,863,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

NEW DELHI, May 19. /TASS/. The total number of coronavirus cases in India has risen by 4,970 to reach 101,139 by Tuesday morning. The national Health Ministry informs on its website that 134 people who tested positive for coronavirus died in the past 24 hours to reach 3,163.
The ministry added that 52,802 coronavirus patients are currently being treated in the country, while 39,174 people recovered.
Yesterday, Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan told the 73rd annual session of the World Health Organization (WHO) that India had taken all the necessary measures to counter the coronavirus pandemic and was hoping that the situation would improve in the coming months. He also called on all countries to unite to fight the pandemic.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier urged all local and federal authorities to ensure a strict lockdown is in place. Initially it was imposed until April 14 but was extended a few times and is now effective until the end of May.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,815,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 316,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,863,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-05-19--US Speaker Pelosi blasts US plans to deliver ventilators to Russia

NEW YORK , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi ( California , Democratic Party ) does not believe that it is expedient to deliver ventilators to Russia free of charge , she told CNN on Monday .
Pelosi acknowledged that the US administration is `` giving over $ 5 million worth of ventilators to Russia . ''
`` Russia can very well afford to pay for these ventilators , '' she stressed .
On Sunday , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the White House that US authorities were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
He revealed that certain coronavirus test equipment and ventilators were already `` on its way . ''
Earlier , Trump told journalists that ventilators would be sent to Russia if need be .
According to the US leader , he made the suggestion during a phone call with Putin .
In April , Russia sent a shipment of medical equipment to the US to help to tackle the coronavirus spread .
Trump then lauded the gesture .
Meanwhile , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stressed that Moscow would avail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply ventilators if they are needed .

NEW YORK, May 19. /TASS/. Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (California, Democratic Party) does not believe that it is expedient to deliver ventilators to Russia free of charge, she told CNN on Monday.
Pelosi acknowledged that the US administration is "giving over $5 million worth of ventilators to Russia." "Russia can very well afford to pay for these ventilators," she stressed.
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at the White House that US authorities were glad to help out Russia in countering the coronavirus pandemic. He revealed that certain coronavirus test equipment and ventilators were already "on its way." Earlier, Trump told journalists that ventilators would be sent to Russia if need be. According to the US leader, he made the suggestion during a phone call with Putin.
In April, Russia sent a shipment of medical equipment to the US to help to tackle the coronavirus spread. Trump then lauded the gesture. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stressed that Moscow would avail itself of Washington’s proposal to supply ventilators if they are needed.


tass--2020-05-19--Two missiles strike near Baghdad’s green zone - TV

CAIRO , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The area near Baghdad ’ s green zone has been targeted by a missile attack early on Tuesday , Iraq ’ s Alsumaria TV reports .
According to the channel , two missiles exploded near the area of the Iraqi capital where state agencies and foreign diplomatic missions are located , including the US embassy .
Simultaneously , air raid sirens went off at the time of the attack .
The missiles did not reach their targets and dropped near the green zone .
`` One of the missiles struck a roof of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or injuries , '' power structure agents noted .
The launch site is being searched for .
Baghdad ’ s green zone is a well-fortified district in the center of the city where government buildings and foreign diplomatic missions are situated .
The zone has been consistently targeted by missile and mortar attacks , killing and injuring Iraqis .
On January 26 , the green zone was attacked by five missiles , three missiles directly landed at the US embassy premises , one of them hit the canteen building where dinner was served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused armed units backing Iran that operate in Iraq of being complicit in the attacks .

CAIRO, May 19. /TASS/. The area near Baghdad’s green zone has been targeted by a missile attack early on Tuesday, Iraq’s Alsumaria TV reports.
According to the channel, two missiles exploded near the area of the Iraqi capital where state agencies and foreign diplomatic missions are located, including the US embassy. Simultaneously, air raid sirens went off at the time of the attack.
The missiles did not reach their targets and dropped near the green zone. "One of the missiles struck a roof of a building, there are no casualties or injuries," power structure agents noted. The launch site is being searched for.
Baghdad’s green zone is a well-fortified district in the center of the city where government buildings and foreign diplomatic missions are situated. The zone has been consistently targeted by missile and mortar attacks, killing and injuring Iraqis. On January 26, the green zone was attacked by five missiles, three missiles directly landed at the US embassy premises, one of them hit the canteen building where dinner was served at that moment. Washington has repeatedly accused armed units backing Iran that operate in Iraq of being complicit in the attacks.


tass--2020-05-19--Sotheby’s to hold two online Russian art sales

LONDON , May 18 .
/TASS/ .
Sotheby ’ s auction house is set to organize two sales of Russian art which will be held online for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic that continues to affect businesses and industries around the world , the auction company told TASS on Monday .
The first sale dubbed Russian Pictures will take place between May 26 and June 2 .
Collectors will vie for such masterpieces as The Bay of Naples by Ivan Aivazovsky ( estimated between 800,000 and 1.2 million pounds ) , a view of Moscow by Alexei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a portrait by Konstantin Makovsky ’ s of his third wife , Maria Alexeevna Makovsky ( 180,000-250,000 pounds ) , as well as works on paper and Soviet non-conformist works .
The next Russian art sale is entitled Works of Art , Faberge and Icons will feature more than 200 artworks , including `` important private European and American collections of Faberge , silver and a strong selection of porcelain from the Imperial Porcelain Factory , '' Sotheby ’ s noted .
The auction house underlined that the two sales are just a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be organized online due to the coronavirus developments in the world .
`` The start of 2020 has marked an unprecedented year for online sales at Sotheby ’ s , with over 50 dedicated online auctions being held to date , totaling over $ 100 million , '' Sotheby ’ s added .
The Russian Art Week is a major international art fair traditionally held in London two times a year - in May-June and November-December .
Apart from Christie ’ s , other auction houses like Sotheby 's , MacDougall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is currently unclear whether other houses will switch to online sales .
The Russian Art Week held in June 2019 raised more than $ 45 million , while the sale itself was one of the most successful in many past years .
The last Russian Art Week sale in summer 2019 brought in even more funds , surpassing the $ 48 million mark .

LONDON, May 18. /TASS/. Sotheby’s auction house is set to organize two sales of Russian art which will be held online for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic that continues to affect businesses and industries around the world, the auction company told TASS on Monday.
The first sale dubbed Russian Pictures will take place between May 26 and June 2. Collectors will vie for such masterpieces as The Bay of Naples by Ivan Aivazovsky (estimated between 800,000 and 1.2 million pounds), a view of Moscow by Alexei Savrasov (350,000-550,000 pounds), and a portrait by Konstantin Makovsky’s of his third wife, Maria Alexeevna Makovsky (180,000-250,000 pounds), as well as works on paper and Soviet non-conformist works.
The next Russian art sale is entitled Works of Art, Faberge and Icons will feature more than 200 artworks, including "important private European and American collections of Faberge, silver and a strong selection of porcelain from the Imperial Porcelain Factory," Sotheby’s noted.
The auction house underlined that the two sales are just a few in the array of auctions that had to be organized online due to the coronavirus developments in the world. "The start of 2020 has marked an unprecedented year for online sales at Sotheby’s, with over 50 dedicated online auctions being held to date, totaling over $100 million," Sotheby’s added.
The Russian Art Week is a major international art fair traditionally held in London two times a year - in May-June and November-December. Apart from Christie’s, other auction houses like Sotheby's, MacDougall's and Bonhams take part in it. It is currently unclear whether other houses will switch to online sales. The Russian Art Week held in June 2019 raised more than $45 million, while the sale itself was one of the most successful in many past years. The last Russian Art Week sale in summer 2019 brought in even more funds, surpassing the $48 million mark.


tass--2020-05-19--UFC Champ Nurmagomedov says his father has been diagnosed with COVID-19

MOSCOW , May 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has confirmed that his @ @ @ @ @ Nurmagomedov , has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus infection .
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is undergoing @ @ @ @ @ Moscow .
Medics say he is in serious condition .
He was taken to hospital @ @ @ @ @ a stroke and spent a week on life support .
A source close to the @ @ @ @ @ the day that the man had been connected to a lung ventilator .
`` My @ @ @ @ @ in critical condition , '' Khabib said on his Instagram account .
`` He has @ @ @ @ @ backdrop of this virus because he had a surgery a year ago .
He has @ @ @ @ @ So , he is in very serious condition .
`` .

MOSCOW, May 18. /TASS/. Russia’s UFC Reigning Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has confirmed that his father and coach, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus infection.
Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Moscow. Medics say he is in serious condition. He was taken to hospital with pneumonia but later had a stroke and spent a week on life support. A source close to the situation told TASS earlier in the day that the man had been connected to a lung ventilator.
"My father is in hospital, in critical condition," Khabib said on his Instagram account. "He has developed heart problems on the backdrop of this virus because he had a surgery a year ago. He has been operated again now. So, he is in very serious condition.".


tass--2020-05-18--Hainan to lift restrictions on shipping for foreign capital

HAIKOU , May 18 .
/TASS/ .
Due to the need to develop international logistics services , China 's Hainan plans to lift most of the restrictions on shipping for foreign capital , announced deputy head of the regional transport department Li Zhiqiang .
“ Hainan continues to reduce the list of restrictions and gradually lifts bans on the participation of foreign capital , increasing the openness of [ national ] shipping , ” he said at a press conference .
“ We have completely lifted the quota on the share of foreign investments in the capital of companies operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related industries , due to the fact that decisions on international container shipping , delivery of ordinary goods by sea and activities of non-vessel operating common carriers on Hainan are now being taken at the level of provincial administration , there are now new incentives to boost the market services in the field of navigation . ''
According to the official , at the same time , the authorities facilitated the process of forming an international ship registration system on the island , as well as `` creating a strategic mechanism to boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field of maritime logistics . ''
The official noted that the dynamically developing Yangpu port in western Hainan plays a particularly important role in implementing this task , contributing to a quick increase in the volume of logistics flows through the province .
“ This is a new transport hub located on the crossroads of land and sea container transportation .
Currently , work is underway to create a deep-sea fairway designed for vessels with a carrying capacity of 200,000 tonnes , ” explained the official .
He added that recently big companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COSCO ) have played an increasingly important part in the logistics routes on the Island of Hainan .
“ Hainan is actively cooperating with COSCO with participation of all the resources the province has at its disposal .
Thanks to this , container shipping routes are being developed connecting Yangpu with the economic region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations .
< ... > In the first quarter of 2020 , when the cargo turnover sharply decreased amid the coronavirus pandemic in the Chinese ports , Yangpu , on the contrary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traffic through the port increased by 172.2 % , '' Li Zhiqiang summarized .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Island of Hainan .

HAIKOU, May 18. /TASS/. Due to the need to develop international logistics services, China's Hainan plans to lift most of the restrictions on shipping for foreign capital, announced deputy head of the regional transport department Li Zhiqiang.
“Hainan continues to reduce the list of restrictions and gradually lifts bans on the participation of foreign capital, increasing the openness of [national] shipping,” he said at a press conference. “We have completely lifted the quota on the share of foreign investments in the capital of companies operating in the field of international logistics and related industries, due to the fact that decisions on international container shipping, delivery of ordinary goods by sea and activities of non-vessel operating common carriers on Hainan are now being taken at the level of provincial administration, there are now new incentives to boost the market services in the field of navigation."
According to the official, at the same time, the authorities facilitated the process of forming an international ship registration system on the island, as well as "creating a strategic mechanism to boost the liberalization of commercial activities in the field of maritime logistics."
The official noted that the dynamically developing Yangpu port in western Hainan plays a particularly important role in implementing this task, contributing to a quick increase in the volume of logistics flows through the province. “This is a new transport hub located on the crossroads of land and sea container transportation. Currently, work is underway to create a deep-sea fairway designed for vessels with a carrying capacity of 200,000 tonnes,” explained the official.
He added that recently big companies such as China Maritime Shipping Corporation (COSCO) have played an increasingly important part in the logistics routes on the Island of Hainan. “Hainan is actively cooperating with COSCO with participation of all the resources the province has at its disposal. Thanks to this, container shipping routes are being developed connecting Yangpu with the economic region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. <...> In the first quarter of 2020, when the cargo turnover sharply decreased amid the coronavirus pandemic in the Chinese ports, Yangpu, on the contrary, demonstrated growth: the volume of container traffic through the port increased by 172.2%," Li Zhiqiang summarized.
Hainan's pilot free trade zone
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-05-20--Palestinian president announces withdrawal from all deals with Israel, US — agency

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Tuesday that his country withdraws from all @ @ @ @ @ United States , the WAFA news agency reported .
`` The Palestine Liberation Organization and @ @ @ @ @ are freed from all deals and agreements with the government of the United States and @ @ @ @ @ obligations that stem from those deals and agreements , including in the security sphere , @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian leader as saying .

MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced on Tuesday that his country withdraws from all agreements with Israel and the United States, the WAFA news agency reported.
"The Palestine Liberation Organization and the State of Palestine today are freed from all deals and agreements with the government of the United States and Israel, and from all obligations that stem from those deals and agreements, including in the security sphere," the agency quoted the Palestinian leader as saying.
Abbas went on to say that Israel must bear responsibility for its attempts to annex the occupied Palestinian territories. He also accused the US of abetting Israel.
On May 17, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the time has come to annex a section of Palestinian territories on the West Bank for the construction of Jewish settlements. The statement was made when he presented his cabinet of ministers, formed as a result of the March 2 elections, to the country’s unicameral parliament.
In December 2016, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2334 demanding Israel immediately stop settlement activities on the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel said back then it would not implement this resolution.


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

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

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


tass--2020-05-20--75 more coronavirus patients die in Moscow, death toll reaching 1,726

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Seventy-five more coronavirus-positive patients have died in Moscow , the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday .
The overall number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow has reached 1,726 .
`` Seventy-five coronavirus-positive patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia has died in Moscow , '' the center said , adding that all had concurrent diseases .
The center warned people against indulging in self-treatment , saying it is necessary to call a doctor if symptoms of an acute respiratory disease appear .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Seventy-five more coronavirus-positive patients have died in Moscow, the anti-coronavirus crisis center said on Tuesday.
The overall number of coronavirus-associated deaths in Moscow has reached 1,726.
"Seventy-five coronavirus-positive patients who were diagnosed with pneumonia has died in Moscow," the center said, adding that all had concurrent diseases.
The center warned people against indulging in self-treatment, saying it is necessary to call a doctor if symptoms of an acute respiratory disease appear.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.