tass--2020-03-06--Over 500 new cases of novel coronavirus confirmed in South Korea in past day

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South @ @ @ @ @ in the past 24 hours and reached 6,284 , South Korea 's Ministry of Health @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier reports said a total of 5,766 cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ were confirmed in more than 70 other countries , including in Russia .
The World @ @ @ @ @ declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
Outside of China @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy .
In China , the number @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus exceeded 80,500 , while the death toll surpassed 3,000 , and over 52,000 @ @ @ @ @ .
Outside of China , 267 people died from the new coronaivurs , and the @ @ @ @ @ 15,000 .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South Korea has increased by 519 in the past 24 hours and reached 6,284, South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare reported on Friday.
Earlier reports said a total of 5,766 cases of the novel coronavirus were confirmed in South Korea.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 70 other countries, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy.
In China, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus exceeded 80,500, while the death toll surpassed 3,000, and over 52,000 people recovered and left hospitals. Outside of China, 267 people died from the new coronaivurs, and the number of confirmed cases nears 15,000.


tass--2020-03-06--US encouraged by Russian-Turkish ceasefire in Syria's Idlib — spokesperson

WASHINGTON , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is encouraged by reports of a Russian-Turkish ceasefire in Syria 's Idlib province , a spokesperson for the US Department of State told TASS on Thursday .
`` We are encouraged by reports today of a Turkish-Russian ceasefire in Idlib , which we hope will help deescalate a very dangerous situation and relieve the dire humanitarian crisis , '' the spokesperson said .
`` The United States looks forward to discussing the details of this development with our NATO Ally Turkey , which has sought an enduring ceasefire .
Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground by [ Syrian President Bashar ] Assad and his supporters , which will show whether an enduring ceasefire will be achieved , '' the spokesperson added .
`` The only way to solve the conflict is through a nationwide ceasefire and a negotiated political solution pursuant to UNSCR [ United Nations Security Council Resolution ] 2254 , '' the spokesperson stressed .
On Thusday , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed on introducing a ceasefire regime and several other measures aimed at settling the situation @ @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, March 6. /TASS/. The United States is encouraged by reports of a Russian-Turkish ceasefire in Syria's Idlib province, a spokesperson for the US Department of State told TASS on Thursday.
"We are encouraged by reports today of a Turkish-Russian ceasefire in Idlib, which we hope will help deescalate a very dangerous situation and relieve the dire humanitarian crisis," the spokesperson said.
"The United States looks forward to discussing the details of this development with our NATO Ally Turkey, which has sought an enduring ceasefire. Of utmost importance now are the actions on the ground by [Syrian President Bashar] Assad and his supporters, which will show whether an enduring ceasefire will be achieved," the spokesperson added.
"The only way to solve the conflict is through a nationwide ceasefire and a negotiated political solution pursuant to UNSCR [United Nations Security Council Resolution] 2254," the spokesperson stressed.
On Thusday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed on introducing a ceasefire regime and several other measures aimed at settling the situation in Syria's Idlib province.


tass--2020-03-06--Death toll from novel coronavirus in China reaches 3,042

BEIJING , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The number of fatalities in the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China has reached 3,042 , while 53,726 have recovered , China 's National Health Commission reported on Friday .
In the past 24 hours , 30 fatalities from the novel coronavirus were reported in China , while 1,681 people recovered and left hospitals .
The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in China reached 80,552 .
In Hubei province , where the outbreak of the novel coronavirus first started , the number of confirmed cases increased by 126 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
The death toll in Hubei rose by 29 , to 2,931 , in the past day .
A total of 1,487 people recovered and left hospitals in Hubei in the last 24 hours , while the total number of those who recovered in the province reached 41,966 .
Over 670,000 people had close contacts with those infected with the novel coronavirus , and nearly 30,000 of them remain under medical supervision .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 70 other countries , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
Outside of China , most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy .
Outside of China , over 260 people died from the new coronaivurs , and the number of confirmed cases exceeded 14,700 .

BEIJING, March 6. /TASS/. The number of fatalities in the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China has reached 3,042, while 53,726 have recovered, China's National Health Commission reported on Friday.
In the past 24 hours, 30 fatalities from the novel coronavirus were reported in China, while 1,681 people recovered and left hospitals. The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in China reached 80,552.
In Hubei province, where the outbreak of the novel coronavirus first started, the number of confirmed cases increased by 126, to 67,592, in the past 24 hours. The death toll in Hubei rose by 29, to 2,931, in the past day. A total of 1,487 people recovered and left hospitals in Hubei in the last 24 hours, while the total number of those who recovered in the province reached 41,966.
Over 670,000 people had close contacts with those infected with the novel coronavirus, and nearly 30,000 of them remain under medical supervision.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in more than 70 other countries, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy.
Outside of China, over 260 people died from the new coronaivurs, and the number of confirmed cases exceeded 14,700.


tass--2020-03-06--WHO registers 2,241 new cases of novel coronavirus in past day

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has registered 2,241 new @ @ @ @ @ in the world in the past day , with 143 of those cases in China @ @ @ @ @ bulletin released on Friday .
The WHO said that 95,333 cases of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ with 80,565 of those in China and 14,768 cases in other countries .
A total @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus in China ( 31 in pas day ) and another 267 people @ @ @ @ @ 53 in past day ) .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in more than 70 other countries @ @ @ @ @ The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern @ @ @ @ @ most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy @

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) has registered 2,241 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the world in the past day, with 143 of those cases in China, according to the informational bulletin released on Friday.
The WHO said that 95,333 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed globally, with 80,565 of those in China and 14,768 cases in other countries. A total of 3,015 people died from the new coronavirus in China (31 in pas day) and another 267 people — outside of China (53 in past day).
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in more than 70 other countries, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.


tass--2020-03-06--Issue of early elections not discussed by Putin and Duma faction leaders — Peskov

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The issue of the possibility of early elections to the Russian State Duma @ @ @ @ @ meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of Duma factions , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry @ @ @ @ @ `` No , this issue was not raised , '' Peskov said in response to @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , Putin held separate meeting with the leaders of State Duma factions at the @ @ @ @ @ held a common meeting with them all , which was also attended by Duma Speaker @ @ @ @ @ focused on the topic of constitutional amendements .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The issue of the possibility of early elections to the Russian State Duma were not discussed at the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of Duma factions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
"No, this issue was not raised," Peskov said in response to a TASS question.
Late Thursday, Putin held separate meeting with the leaders of State Duma factions at the Kremlin. Later, he held a common meeting with them all, which was also attended by Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin. The meeting focused on the topic of constitutional amendements.


tass--2020-03-06--New attempts to "destabilize" situation in Russia unacceptable — Putin

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
New attempts to `` destabilize '' the country are unacceptable , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the meeting with leaders of State Duma factions .
`` It is not enough just to draw a line under the certain stage of our country 's development .
We need guarantees that it is impossible to slide back in the direction to which we do not want to return , '' Putin said .
`` We need guarantees that new attempts to destabilize the country are unacceptable .
Nobody wants this , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many Duma members witnessed the events of the 1990s .
`` I am confident that nothing like this should happen in our country again in the future , '' Putin stressed .
He said that there are things on which all political forces agree .
Putin noted that no political party would want to return to the 1990s `` despite all the positive developments of the country 's democratization . ''
`` To return to the times of hardships for citizens — no one probably wants that , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. New attempts to "destabilize" the country are unacceptable, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the meeting with leaders of State Duma factions.
"It is not enough just to draw a line under the certain stage of our country's development. We need guarantees that it is impossible to slide back in the direction to which we do not want to return," Putin said. "We need guarantees that new attempts to destabilize the country are unacceptable. Nobody wants this," he added.
The Russian president noted that many Duma members witnessed the events of the 1990s. "I am confident that nothing like this should happen in our country again in the future," Putin stressed.
He said that there are things on which all political forces agree. Putin noted that no political party would want to return to the 1990s "despite all the positive developments of the country's democratization." "To return to the times of hardships for citizens — no one probably wants that," he concluded.


tass--2020-03-06--Necessary constructive solutions on constitutional amendments found already — Putin

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Necessary constructive solutions on amendments to the Constitution have already been found , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the meeting with State Duma members .
`` In general , necessary constructive solutions have been found by now that allow to make relevant and in-demand amendments to the main law , '' Putin said .
He asked parliament members to `` not overload with suggestions '' constitutional amendments .
Putin noted that most of those suggestions are important `` but more suitable for federal laws , regional laws , government regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens , society , parliamentary parties , a large and comprehensive work was carried out on preparation of the draft law on constitutional amendments in the second reading , '' Putin said .
He asked faction leaders to `` support in the consolidated way the draft law on making amendments to the Constitution in the second and then in the third reading . ''
`` Many of you have said at different times and in different situations that the main law was adopted in special conditions .
If you noticed , I referenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is true .
Now the situation in the country has changed dramatically .
In fact , our country is completely different now , so the amendments are , of course , needed , '' Putin said .
`` It is very important that the updated Constitution unites people regardless of their political views , of their social status , of their place of residence , of their nationality or faith , '' Putin stressed .
`` I think we will be able to put this kind of draft amendments to the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that unite us in the political sense can be found as well , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Necessary constructive solutions on amendments to the Constitution have already been found, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at the meeting with State Duma members.
"In general, necessary constructive solutions have been found by now that allow to make relevant and in-demand amendments to the main law," Putin said.
He asked parliament members to "not overload with suggestions" constitutional amendments. Putin noted that most of those suggestions are important "but more suitable for federal laws, regional laws, government regulations."
"With active participation of citizens, society, parliamentary parties, a large and comprehensive work was carried out on preparation of the draft law on constitutional amendments in the second reading," Putin said. He asked faction leaders to "support in the consolidated way the draft law on making amendments to the Constitution in the second and then in the third reading."
"Many of you have said at different times and in different situations that the main law was adopted in special conditions. If you noticed, I referenced it in the address and said that this is true. Now the situation in the country has changed dramatically. In fact, our country is completely different now, so the amendments are, of course, needed," Putin said.
"It is very important that the updated Constitution unites people regardless of their political views, of their social status, of their place of residence, of their nationality or faith," Putin stressed.
"I think we will be able to put this kind of draft amendments to the main law for the nationwide vote. Things that unite us in the political sense can be found as well," he concluded.


tass--2020-03-06--US "deal of the century" on Middle East settlement "stillborn plan" — Assad

`` As to the 'deal of the century ' , this proposition was made at this particular time only for the next American elections .
The presidential elections will be held at the end of this year .
So , the idea is meaningless , an empty shell , '' he said .
MOSCOW , March 5 .
/TASS/ .
The so-called deal of the century , proposed by the US on Middle East regulation is `` a stillborn plan , '' Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` When would their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
It succeeds if the people of this region agree that it should succeed .
If you review all political and official statements , as well as public opinion on social media , you will find a total rejection of this plan , including from states and governments allied with America and those that have relations with Israel , '' al-Assad noted .
`` So , it ’ s safe to say that it is a stillborn plan , '' he stressed .
`` Trump might be able to use it in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli lobby in the United States .
But after that , we will probably not hear about the ‘ deal of the century ’ until the next elections .
At which point there will be another and worse plan presented for the next elections , '' he noted .
On January 28 , US President Donald Trump revealed the key points of the `` deal of the century , '' a plan for Israel-Palestine regulation based on mutual recognition of both states .
The US offers to link the Palestinian territories of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tunnel , also proposing to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestine ’ s capital .
At the same time , Trump has stressed that Jerusalem remains Israel 's `` undivided capital , '' adding that the US intends to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements founded on Palestinian territories .
US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman later explained that the planned capital of Palestine would be located in East Jerusalem outside the security barrier separating Arab areas but within Jerusalem ’ s municipal borders .
Among the preconditions for the peace process , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamas radical movement active in Gaza and ceasing military activity .
The US offers Palestine $ 50 bln as an investment to promote regulation .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the deal .
For his part , President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas denounced Washington 's plan , blasting it as a `` conspiracy deal '' that will not pass , while Hamas stressed that the plan is `` not worth the ink it was written with . ''
Moscow noted that the deal does not adhere to UN Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @

"As to the 'deal of the century', this proposition was made at this particular time only for the next American elections. The presidential elections will be held at the end of this year. So, the idea is meaningless, an empty shell," he said.
MOSCOW, March 5. /TASS/. The so-called deal of the century, proposed by the US on Middle East regulation is "a stillborn plan," Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"When would their idea succeed and when would it fail? It succeeds if the people of this region agree that it should succeed. If you review all political and official statements, as well as public opinion on social media, you will find a total rejection of this plan, including from states and governments allied with America and those that have relations with Israel," al-Assad noted.
"So, it’s safe to say that it is a stillborn plan," he stressed. "Trump might be able to use it in his next elections in order to please the Israeli lobby in the United States. But after that, we will probably not hear about the ‘deal of the century’ until the next elections. At which point there will be another and worse plan presented for the next elections," he noted.
"Deal of the century"
On January 28, US President Donald Trump revealed the key points of the "deal of the century," a plan for Israel-Palestine regulation based on mutual recognition of both states. The US offers to link the Palestinian territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with a tunnel, also proposing to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital.
At the same time, Trump has stressed that Jerusalem remains Israel's "undivided capital," adding that the US intends to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements founded on Palestinian territories. US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman later explained that the planned capital of Palestine would be located in East Jerusalem outside the security barrier separating Arab areas but within Jerusalem’s municipal borders. Among the preconditions for the peace process, the US leader listed Palestine denouncing the Hamas radical movement active in Gaza and ceasing military activity. The US offers Palestine $50 bln as an investment to promote regulation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the deal. For his part, President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas denounced Washington's plan, blasting it as a "conspiracy deal" that will not pass, while Hamas stressed that the plan is "not worth the ink it was written with."
Moscow noted that the deal does not adhere to UN Security Council resolutions on Middle East regulation.


tass--2020-03-07--Russia-Turkey agreement on Idlib to yield tangible gains - Erdogan

ANKARA , March 7 .
/TASS/ .
The latest agreement on Syria ’ s Idlib signed by Russia and Turkey will yield tangible results , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Turkish journalists on board the presidential plane on his way back home from Russia .
Extracts of this interview were published by the daily Hurriyet on Friday .
`` Our friends ( Russia - TASS ) keep an eye on the ceasefire , scheduled to take effect at 00:01 of March 6 , 2020 ( already in force - TASS ) .
The truce has brought significant gains in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders from the terrorists and from the regime [ of Syria ’ s President Bashar Assad ] .
The truce provides the ground for stabilization and normalization in Idlib .
It protects our military personnel there and also civilians , '' he said .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Moscow for talks on Thursday to agree on a ceasefire and a number of other measures for settling the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib province .
Under the achieved agreements , all hostilities were to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole disengagement line starting from March 6 .
On March 15 , Russia and Turkey will start joint patrolling of the road M4 .
A security corridor is to be created along the road .
Moscow and Ankara confirmed their commitment to preserving Syria ’ s sovereignty and agreed to push ahead with resolute struggle against terrorism .

ANKARA, March 7. /TASS/. The latest agreement on Syria’s Idlib signed by Russia and Turkey will yield tangible results, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Turkish journalists on board the presidential plane on his way back home from Russia. Extracts of this interview were published by the daily Hurriyet on Friday.
"Our friends (Russia - TASS) keep an eye on the ceasefire, scheduled to take effect at 00:01 of March 6, 2020 (already in force - TASS). The truce has brought significant gains in a few areas. It protects our borders from the terrorists and from the regime [of Syria’s President Bashar Assad]. The truce provides the ground for stabilization and normalization in Idlib. It protects our military personnel there and also civilians," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Moscow for talks on Thursday to agree on a ceasefire and a number of other measures for settling the situation in Syria’s Idlib province. Under the achieved agreements, all hostilities were to be brought to an end along the whole disengagement line starting from March 6. On March 15, Russia and Turkey will start joint patrolling of the road M4. A security corridor is to be created along the road. Moscow and Ankara confirmed their commitment to preserving Syria’s sovereignty and agreed to push ahead with resolute struggle against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-07--No restrictions on foreigners’ hotel accommodation in Russia - federal agency

MOSCOW , March 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s federal agency for tourism ( Rosturizm ) has confirmed that currently there are no restrictions on foreign citizens ’ hotel accommodation in Russia .
`` Rosturizm informs all those concerned that no restrictions exist at the moment on the accommodation of foreign citizens at Russia ’ s hotels , '' the agency said on its website .
The agency explained that its statement followed requests from hotels , Russian and foreign tour operators and foreign nationals for explanations of the rules of accommodation foreign citizens must comply with in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply only to the citizens of those countries which have been put on a special list of the coronavirus infection prevention center .
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease occurred in China ’ s city of Wuhan at the end of December 2019 .
The World Health Organization declared it as an epidemic with multiple foci and an international emergency .
Apart from China the new coronavirus cases have been most frequent in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
All in all the disease has been identified in more than 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where the disease is the highest , there have been more than 3,000 lethal cases as of March 6 .
More than 53,500 other patients have recovered .
A total of more than 80,500 are known to have contracted the virus so far .

MOSCOW, March 7. /TASS/. Russia’s federal agency for tourism (Rosturizm) has confirmed that currently there are no restrictions on foreign citizens’ hotel accommodation in Russia.
"Rosturizm informs all those concerned that no restrictions exist at the moment on the accommodation of foreign citizens at Russia’s hotels," the agency said on its website.
The agency explained that its statement followed requests from hotels, Russian and foreign tour operators and foreign nationals for explanations of the rules of accommodation foreign citizens must comply with in Russia’s territory.
Currently entry restrictions apply only to the citizens of those countries which have been put on a special list of the coronavirus infection prevention center.
An outbreak of the new coronavirus-related disease occurred in China’s city of Wuhan at the end of December 2019. The World Health Organization declared it as an epidemic with multiple foci and an international emergency. Apart from China the new coronavirus cases have been most frequent in South Korea, Iran and Italy. All in all the disease has been identified in more than 80 countries, including Russia.
In China, where the disease is the highest, there have been more than 3,000 lethal cases as of March 6. More than 53,500 other patients have recovered. A total of more than 80,500 are known to have contracted the virus so far.


tass--2020-03-07--Aeroflot to reduce number of flights to Italy, South Korea, Vietnam over slumping demand

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s flagship air carrier Aeroflot said on Friday it is reducing the number of flights to Italy and South Korea from March 10 and to Vietnam from March 11 due to the slumping demand amidst the novel coronavirus outbreak .
Thus , the company will perform four weekly flights to Rome instead of five in a period from March 10 to 28 .
The number of flights to Milan will also be reduced .
In a period from March 10 to 26 , it will make four flights a week to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekly flight to Hanoi instead of seven .
A number of other Russia air carriers have already reduced the number of flights to Italian destinations because of the acute coronavirus situation and decreasing demand .
Thus , Pobeda , an Aeroflot group ’ s low cost carriers , has reduced the number of flights to Italy in March-April by 40 % Utair reduced the number of weekly flights to Milan from seven to two .
Aeroflot ’ s Director General Vitaly Savelyev told journalists earlier the air company was sustaining serious financial losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 80 other countries , including Russia .
The most serious coronavirus situation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy .
According to the latest update , the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,500 , with more than 3,000 people killed by this coronavirus .
More than 53,500 have recovered .
The number of coronavirus patients outside China nears 15,000 .
As many as 267 have died .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Russia’s flagship air carrier Aeroflot said on Friday it is reducing the number of flights to Italy and South Korea from March 10 and to Vietnam from March 11 due to the slumping demand amidst the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Thus, the company will perform four weekly flights to Rome instead of five in a period from March 10 to 28. The number of flights to Milan will also be reduced. In a period from March 10 to 26, it will make four flights a week to Seoul instead of seven, and three weekly flight to Hanoi instead of seven.
A number of other Russia air carriers have already reduced the number of flights to Italian destinations because of the acute coronavirus situation and decreasing demand. Thus, Pobeda, an Aeroflot group’s low cost carriers, has reduced the number of flights to Italy in March-April by 40% Utair reduced the number of weekly flights to Milan from seven to two.
Aeroflot’s Director General Vitaly Savelyev told journalists earlier the air company was sustaining serious financial losses because of the coronavirus situation.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 80 other countries, including Russia. The most serious coronavirus situation is reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to the latest update, the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,500, with more than 3,000 people killed by this coronavirus. More than 53,500 have recovered. The number of coronavirus patients outside China nears 15,000. As many as 267 have died.


tass--2020-03-06--Putin informs Assad about results of his talks with Turkish leader on Idlib, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has informed his Syrian counterpart , Bashar Assad , @ @ @ @ @ Thursday ’ s talks with the Turkish leader , Recep Tayyip Erdogan , on the @ @ @ @ @ Idlib .
Assad commended the agreements and expressed gratitude to the Russian president for support @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation .
`` Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ agreements < … > and stressed that their implementation will help stabilize the situation in @ @ @ @ @ the press service said .
`` Bashar Assad highly estimated the results of the talks @ @ @ @ @ leaders and expressed gratitude to the Russian president for the support to the fight against @ @ @ @ @ at ensuring Syria ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity . ''

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has informed his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, about the results of his Thursday’s talks with the Turkish leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the situation in Syria’s Idlib. Assad commended the agreements and expressed gratitude to the Russian president for support to the anti-terrorist efforts, the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"Vladimir Putin informed Bashar Assad about the agreements <…> and stressed that their implementation will help stabilize the situation in the Idlib zone," the press service said. "Bashar Assad highly estimated the results of the talks between the Russian and Turkish leaders and expressed gratitude to the Russian president for the support to the fight against terrorist groups and efforts aimed at ensuring Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."


tass--2020-03-06--Nearly 100,000 coronavirus cases reported globally, says WHO chief

`` In the past 24 hours , 2,736 cases of COVID-19 were reported from 47 countries and territories .
There is now a total of 98,023 reported cases globally and 3,380 deaths , '' he stated .
`` We are now on the verge of reaching 100,000 confirmed cases . ''
GENEVA , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during a briefing on Friday that the number of people infected with novel coronavirus in the world has nearly reached 100,000 .
`` As COVID-19 cases increase , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make containment their highest priority , '' the WHO chief stressed .
`` We continue to call on countries to find , test , isolate and care for every case , and to trace every contact . ''
`` Slowing down the COVID-19 epidemic saves lives , and it buys time for preparedness and for research and development .
Every day we can slow down the epidemic is another day hospitals can prepare themselves for cases , '' he noted .
`` So far , WHO has received applications for review and approval @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in development and many clinical trials of therapeutics are underway , '' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus informed .
`` WHO has been monitoring the potential risk of a disruption to medicines supplies as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic , '' the director general noted .
`` China is a major producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the intermediate products that are used to produce medicines in other countries .
WHO has focused on the most essential medicines that are critical for primary healthcare and emergencies , '' he continued .
`` WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulators and other partners to monitor this risk , and so far we have not identified any imminent specific shortages . ''
`` WHO has developed a list of over 20 essential medical devices that countries need to manage COVID-19 patients , including ventilators and oxygen supply systems , '' he stated .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , about 80,500 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
The death toll has exceeded 3,000 , while about 53,500 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea , Iran , Italy and Japan .

"In the past 24 hours, 2,736 cases of COVID-19 were reported from 47 countries and territories. There is now a total of 98,023 reported cases globally and 3,380 deaths," he stated. "We are now on the verge of reaching 100,000 confirmed cases."
GENEVA, March 6. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during a briefing on Friday that the number of people infected with novel coronavirus in the world has nearly reached 100,000.
"As COVID-19 cases increase, we are continuing to recommend that all countries make containment their highest priority," the WHO chief stressed. "We continue to call on countries to find, test, isolate and care for every case, and to trace every contact."
"Slowing down the COVID-19 epidemic saves lives, and it buys time for preparedness and for research and development. Every day we can slow down the epidemic is another day hospitals can prepare themselves for cases," he noted.
"So far, WHO has received applications for review and approval of 40 diagnostic tests, 20 vaccines are in development and many clinical trials of therapeutics are underway," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus informed.
"WHO has been monitoring the potential risk of a disruption to medicines supplies as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic," the director general noted. "China is a major producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients and the intermediate products that are used to produce medicines in other countries. WHO has focused on the most essential medicines that are critical for primary healthcare and emergencies," he continued. "WHO is working closely with industry associations, regulators and other partners to monitor this risk, and so far we have not identified any imminent specific shortages."
"WHO has developed a list of over 20 essential medical devices that countries need to manage COVID-19 patients, including ventilators and oxygen supply systems," he stated.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, about 80,500 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has exceeded 3,000, while about 53,500 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan.


tass--2020-03-06--Moscow’s first coronavirus patient recovers

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said earlier a Moscow resident who had returned from Italy was confirmed to have a coronavirus infection on March 2 .
`` We have good news .
Our first coronavirus patient has recovered .
He underwent several tests and all have proved negatives for the infection .
He will be released within days , '' she told journalists .
MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
A man who contracted coronavirus while visiting Italy has recovered and will soon be released from a hospital in Moscow , Deputy Mayor of Moscow Anastasia Rakova said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday that six coronavirus cases had been reported in Russia over the past day : one in Nizhny Novgorod and five in Moscow .
All of the five patients visited Italy in the past two weeks .
By today , ten coronavirus cases were registered in Russia .
Two of the ten coronavirus patients were Chinese nationals .
They have recovered by now and have been released from a hospital in Tyumen .
One patient is an Italian citizen , the rest are Russians who visited Italy .
A pneumonia outbreak caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 80 other countries , including Russia .
According to the latest update , the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000 people killed by this coronavirus .
More than 53,500 have recovered .
The number of coronavirus patients outside China nears 15,000 .
As many as 267 have died .

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said earlier a Moscow resident who had returned from Italy was confirmed to have a coronavirus infection on March 2.
"We have good news. Our first coronavirus patient has recovered. He underwent several tests and all have proved negatives for the infection. He will be released within days," she told journalists.
MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. A man who contracted coronavirus while visiting Italy has recovered and will soon be released from a hospital in Moscow, Deputy Mayor of Moscow Anastasia Rakova said on Friday.
The coronavirus response headquarters said earlier on Friday that six coronavirus cases had been reported in Russia over the past day: one in Nizhny Novgorod and five in Moscow. All of the five patients visited Italy in the past two weeks.
By today, ten coronavirus cases were registered in Russia. Two of the ten coronavirus patients were Chinese nationals. They have recovered by now and have been released from a hospital in Tyumen. One patient is an Italian citizen, the rest are Russians who visited Italy.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 80 other countries, including Russia.
According to the latest update, the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,500, with more than 3,000 people killed by this coronavirus. More than 53,500 have recovered. The number of coronavirus patients outside China nears 15,000. As many as 267 have died.


tass--2020-03-06--Russian stock market ends week in red amid a record drop in oil prices

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian stock market closed the week with a decline under the pressure @ @ @ @ @ world oil prices - by 9.3 % .
By the end of trading on the @ @ @ @ @ the MOEX index fell by 3.5 % to 2,719.46 points , the RTS index by @ @ @ @ @ points , according to trading data .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The Russian stock market closed the week with a decline under the pressure of a record drop in world oil prices - by 9.3%.
By the end of trading on the Moscow Exchange on Friday, the MOEX index fell by 3.5% to 2,719.46 points, the RTS index by 5%, to 1,257.94 points, according to trading data.


tass--2020-03-06--Taliban ready for talks with Kabul if it adheres to its obligations

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The Taliban radical movement ( outlawed in Russia ) will take @ @ @ @ @ planned for March 10 if the Afghan government implements the previously reached provisions , Taliban @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` If the provisions of the agreements are implemented and prisoners are released @ @ @ @ @ prepared for intra-Afghan negotiations on March 10 .
Our negotiation team and agenda are ready @ @ @ @ @ agreed , '' he wrote on Twitter .
`` If the negotiations are delayed beyond @ @ @ @ @ responsibility will rest with the others . ''

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. /TASS/. The Taliban radical movement (outlawed in Russia) will take part in the intra-Afghan talks planned for March 10 if the Afghan government implements the previously reached provisions, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen stated on Friday.
"If the provisions of the agreements are implemented and prisoners are released, the Islamic Emirate is prepared for intra-Afghan negotiations on March 10. Our negotiation team and agenda are ready and will go ahead as agreed," he wrote on Twitter. "If the negotiations are delayed beyond the stated date, the responsibility will rest with the others."


tass--2020-03-06--EU calls on all parties in Idlib to adhere to ceasefire

`` The Council notes the outcome of the Russia-Turkey meeting yesterday in Moscow and reiterates , in the strongest possible terms , its call on all parties to keep in place an immediate and a sustainable ceasefire , to guarantee the protection of civilians on the ground and from the air and to enable the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance by the international community , '' the document reads .
BRUSSELS , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
All parties to the Idlib conflict must adhere to the ceasefire approved in Moscow , the EU Council stated on the outcomes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers held on Friday in Zagreb .
The statement noted that the actions of the Syrian government and Russia had provoked `` the worst humanitarian crisis since the beginning of the Syrian conflict . ''
The EU foreign ministers have demanded that Turkey adhere to the 2016 agreement on closing the border for migrants .
`` The EU is liaising with other international partners , including the UN , NATO and the US , so that the clear international consensus in favour of a de-escalation and a lasting ceasefire is strongly reinforced , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Idlib , the recent and continuing offensive by the Syrian regime and its backers , including Russia , is creating untold human suffering and has provoked the worst humanitarian crisis since the beginning of the Syrian conflict , '' the statement notes .
`` The Council recalls that it expects Turkey to implement fully the provisions of the 2016 Joint Statement with regard to all Member States .
This Statement produces tangible results , including by supporting Turkey 's significant efforts in hosting migrants and refugees .
Both the EU and Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this cooperation and commitment , '' the ministers stressed .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria ’ s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks in Moscow on Thursday .
All hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6 , the declaration on the outcomes of the meeting informs .
Starting March 15 , Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling on the M4 motorway in Syria , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created .
Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their commitment to maintaining Syria ’ s sovereignty , agreeing to continue the decisive fight against terrorism .

"The Council notes the outcome of the Russia-Turkey meeting yesterday in Moscow and reiterates, in the strongest possible terms, its call on all parties to keep in place an immediate and a sustainable ceasefire, to guarantee the protection of civilians on the ground and from the air and to enable the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance by the international community," the document reads.
BRUSSELS, March 6. /TASS/. All parties to the Idlib conflict must adhere to the ceasefire approved in Moscow, the EU Council stated on the outcomes of an emergency session between 27 EU foreign ministers held on Friday in Zagreb. The statement noted that the actions of the Syrian government and Russia had provoked "the worst humanitarian crisis since the beginning of the Syrian conflict." The EU foreign ministers have demanded that Turkey adhere to the 2016 agreement on closing the border for migrants.
"The EU is liaising with other international partners, including the UN, NATO and the US, so that the clear international consensus in favour of a de-escalation and a lasting ceasefire is strongly reinforced," EU top diplomats stated.
"In Idlib, the recent and continuing offensive by the Syrian regime and its backers, including Russia, is creating untold human suffering and has provoked the worst humanitarian crisis since the beginning of the Syrian conflict," the statement notes.
"The Council recalls that it expects Turkey to implement fully the provisions of the 2016 Joint Statement with regard to all Member States. This Statement produces tangible results, including by supporting Turkey's significant efforts in hosting migrants and refugees. Both the EU and Turkey stand to benefit from the continuation of this cooperation and commitment," the ministers stressed.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks in Moscow on Thursday. All hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6, the declaration on the outcomes of the meeting informs. Starting March 15, Russia and Turkey will begin joint patrolling on the M4 motorway in Syria, along which a security corridor will be created. Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their commitment to maintaining Syria’s sovereignty, agreeing to continue the decisive fight against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-06--OPEC+ fail to agree on fate of oil production cut deal, sources say

VIENNA , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The ministers of OPEC + countries have failed to agree on the extension @ @ @ @ @ , two sources told TASS , following the results of negotiations in Vienna .
`` @ @ @ @ @ agree , '' one of the agency ’ s sources said .
Another confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ , '' as the meeting ended .

VIENNA, March 6. /TASS/. The ministers of OPEC + countries have failed to agree on the extension of restrictions on oil production, two sources told TASS, following the results of negotiations in Vienna.
"Unfortunately, they could not agree," one of the agency’s sources said. Another confirmed that there was no "deal," as the meeting ended.


tass--2020-03-06--Russian Constitution must ensure alternation of power for future, Putin says

IVANOVO , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he does not want to remove the presidential terms limit for one person , because he thinks about the future .
Talking to the public representatives of the Ivanovo Region , Putin named one of the Constitution amendment proposals put forth during the preparation of the amendment bill - to remove the limit on presidential terms for a single person .
`` What am I wary of ?
Why do I not want to cancel the terms [ limit ] ?
I ’ m not afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go mad , but it ’ s not about me , '' the President said , adding that constitutional amendments are being prepared `` not even for 5 to 10 years , but at least for 30 to 50 years . ''
`` This is why I believe this is necessary in the future .
It is not about now , [ because ] for now , stability , calm development of nation is probably more important , but later , when [ Russia ] gains more confidence , more resources , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then it would be absolutely necessary to ensure alternation of power , '' Putin pointed out .
Putin expressed his gratitude to the Russian people for their support .
`` It would be impossible to work in this position without support .
Especially in the 2000s , the most difficult and at times bloody years .
If there had been no support , nothing would have been done , '' Putin stressed .

IVANOVO, March 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that he does not want to remove the presidential terms limit for one person, because he thinks about the future.
Talking to the public representatives of the Ivanovo Region, Putin named one of the Constitution amendment proposals put forth during the preparation of the amendment bill - to remove the limit on presidential terms for a single person.
"What am I wary of? Why do I not want to cancel the terms [limit]? I’m not afraid of myself, I won’t go mad, but it’s not about me," the President said, adding that constitutional amendments are being prepared "not even for 5 to 10 years, but at least for 30 to 50 years."
"This is why I believe this is necessary in the future. It is not about now, [because] for now, stability, calm development of nation is probably more important, but later, when [Russia] gains more confidence, more resources, more ‘fat,’ as they say, then it would be absolutely necessary to ensure alternation of power," Putin pointed out.
Putin expressed his gratitude to the Russian people for their support. "It would be impossible to work in this position without support. Especially in the 2000s, the most difficult and at times bloody years. If there had been no support, nothing would have been done," Putin stressed.


tass--2020-03-06--Coronavirus mutations did not affect development of vaccine, says expert

`` We have received a lot of information about the mutations of the virus .
However , the mutations seen in the virus so far have not affected vaccine development and research , '' he said .
`` We are actively monitoring the degree to which the virus mutates , we are conducting research , '' the expert concluded .
On Wednesday , the Beijing Daily newspaper informed that Chinese researchers had discovered two subtypes of the novel coronavirus with different virulence .
The researchers have examined 103 coronavirus specimen and discovered that it underwent 149 mutations an evolved into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subtypes were discovered in 101 specimen , and 70 % of those were L-type , while 30 % were S-type .
The L-type is more virulent , the research says .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , about 80,500 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has exceeded 3,000 , while about 53,500 patients have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea , Iran , Italy and Japan .
According to WHO , as of March 5 , the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 15,000 , with 267 people dead .

"We have received a lot of information about the mutations of the virus. However, the mutations seen in the virus so far have not affected vaccine development and research," he said. "We are actively monitoring the degree to which the virus mutates, we are conducting research," the expert concluded.
On Wednesday, the Beijing Daily newspaper informed that Chinese researchers had discovered two subtypes of the novel coronavirus with different virulence. The researchers have examined 103 coronavirus specimen and discovered that it underwent 149 mutations an evolved into two subtypes - S-and L-type. These subtypes were discovered in 101 specimen, and 70% of those were L-type, while 30% were S-type. The L-type is more virulent, the research says.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, about 80,500 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has exceeded 3,000, while about 53,500 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 80 countries, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan. According to WHO, as of March 5, the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 15,000, with 267 people dead.


tass--2020-03-06--Diarchy would be detrimental for Russia, says Putin

IVANOVO , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that diarchy would be impossible and detrimental for Russia during a meeting with members of the public in Russia ’ s Ivanovo Region .
When asked to comment on Russia ’ s potential shift towards a parliamentary republic , Putin said : `` We do not have stable political parties , like , for example , European parties that have been developing for centuries .
Even there [ in Europe ] , there are major setbacks in the parliamentary system . ''
The president mentioned Belgium , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in the past year .
`` The country has been living without a government for a year due to various reasons - political or ethnic ones , '' Putin said .
`` Our country is so nuanced !
For us , it would be simply impossible , it would be detrimental ! ''
he stressed .
The president has also rejected the possibility of giving special responsibilities to the Russian State Council , an advisory body to the Russian head of state .
`` What would it mean ?
It would mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be absolutely detrimental for Russia , '' Putin stressed .
Putin reassured the public that he has no intention to use any kind of `` scheme '' to retain power after his presidential term ends .
`` It is not about me not wanting [ to stay in power ] .
I like my job .
But , to retain power , [ I would need ] to utilize some kind of scheme , which would be unacceptable for the country or would destroy it .
[ … ] This is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is what I do not want to do , '' the head of state admitted , explaining why one person ’ s tenure at the nation ’ s top office is limited .
`` I am grateful to the people for their support , for trusting me and electing me to lead the Russian state for many years , '' the president stressed .
`` It is a great honor , '' he added .

IVANOVO, March 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that diarchy would be impossible and detrimental for Russia during a meeting with members of the public in Russia’s Ivanovo Region. When asked to comment on Russia’s potential shift towards a parliamentary republic, Putin said: "We do not have stable political parties, like, for example, European parties that have been developing for centuries. Even there [in Europe], there are major setbacks in the parliamentary system."
The president mentioned Belgium, which has not been able to form a government in the past year. "The country has been living without a government for a year due to various reasons - political or ethnic ones," Putin said. "Our country is so nuanced! For us, it would be simply impossible, it would be detrimental!" he stressed.
The president has also rejected the possibility of giving special responsibilities to the Russian State Council, an advisory body to the Russian head of state. "What would it mean? It would mean a diarchy in the country, which would be absolutely detrimental for Russia," Putin stressed.
Putin reassured the public that he has no intention to use any kind of "scheme" to retain power after his presidential term ends. "It is not about me not wanting [to stay in power]. I like my job. But, to retain power, [I would need] to utilize some kind of scheme, which would be unacceptable for the country or would destroy it. […] This is what I’m afraid of, this is what I do not want to do," the head of state admitted, explaining why one person’s tenure at the nation’s top office is limited.
"I am grateful to the people for their support, for trusting me and electing me to lead the Russian state for many years," the president stressed. "It is a great honor," he added.


tass--2020-03-06--Brent below $47/bbl first time from mid-July 2017

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil futures prices with delivery in May 2020 dropped by more than @ @ @ @ @ a barrel on the London-based ICE today , according to trading data .
Brent oil @ @ @ @ @ below $ 47 per barrel last time in mid-July 2017 .
April 2020 WTI futures @ @ @ @ @ go $ 43.01 a barrel at the same time .
The dollar at the same @ @ @ @ @ the ruble to 67.52 rubles per dollar .
The euro rose by 1.17 % and @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Brent oil futures prices with delivery in May 2020 dropped by more than 6.5% to $46.73 a barrel on the London-based ICE today, according to trading data.
Brent oil prices were at the level below $47 per barrel last time in mid-July 2017.
April 2020 WTI futures prices fell by 6.3% go $43.01 a barrel at the same time.
The dollar at the same time added 1.33% against the ruble to 67.52 rubles per dollar. The euro rose by 1.17% and amounted to 77.07 rubles.


tass--2020-03-06--Acute leukemia diagnosed with Russian businessman Oleg Tinkov

LONDON , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian businessman Oleg Tinkov said in a statement received by TASS on Friday that an acute form of leukemia was diagnosed with him .
`` Over recent days , there has been speculation regarding my absence from public view , especially in light of the current legal proceedings , '' the businessman said , speaking about litigation in the London court in respect of claims made by US internal revenue authorities .
`` While I would have preferred to avoid any disclosure on this topic , the time has come to disclose that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed last October , and I have already had several rounds of chemotherapy , '' the businessman said .
`` I have had many uphill battles in my time , but this will be the biggest yet , as I fight for my life .
Huge thanks to my friends , my children , and my wife , who have all rallied around me and supported me with their love , '' Tinkov noted .
`` Thank god everything is fine with the company .
There is an excellent team there led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been running the business since I basically stepped back from day-to-day management a couple of years ago .
They have been doing an amazing job keeping things going according to plan , so fortunately I don ’ t need to worry on that point , '' the businessman said .
`` With respect to the US issues relating to my taxes from the past , I have hired lawyers to work on this issue , leaving me to focus on my main battle .
This is undoubtedly the hardest period of my life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , my body , my friends and your support , '' he added .

LONDON, March 6. /TASS/. Russian businessman Oleg Tinkov said in a statement received by TASS on Friday that an acute form of leukemia was diagnosed with him.
"Over recent days, there has been speculation regarding my absence from public view, especially in light of the current legal proceedings," the businessman said, speaking about litigation in the London court in respect of claims made by US internal revenue authorities.
"While I would have preferred to avoid any disclosure on this topic, the time has come to disclose that I have acute leukemia. I was diagnosed last October, and I have already had several rounds of chemotherapy," the businessman said.
"I have had many uphill battles in my time, but this will be the biggest yet, as I fight for my life. Huge thanks to my friends, my children, and my wife, who have all rallied around me and supported me with their love," Tinkov noted.
"Thank god everything is fine with the company. There is an excellent team there led by Oliver [House], who has been running the business since I basically stepped back from day-to-day management a couple of years ago. They have been doing an amazing job keeping things going according to plan, so fortunately I don’t need to worry on that point," the businessman said.
"With respect to the US issues relating to my taxes from the past, I have hired lawyers to work on this issue, leaving me to focus on my main battle. This is undoubtedly the hardest period of my life, but I am counting on God, my body, my friends and your support," he added.


tass--2020-03-06--First case of novel coronavirus documented in Togo

A 42-year-old resident of Togo ’ s capital of Lome has contracted the virus .
She recently visited Benin , Germany , France and Turkey .
The patient has been quarantined , her condition is reported as stable .
Earlier on Friday , Cameroon ’ s Health Ministry reported the first coronavirus case in the country .
In total , five African countries to the south of the Sahara have identified cases of the disease : Nigeria , Senegal , South Africa , Cameroon and Togo .
In all , six people have been infected .
In late December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , about 80,500 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has exceeded 3,000 , while about 53,500 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 90 countries and territories , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea , Iran , Italy and Japan .

A 42-year-old resident of Togo’s capital of Lome has contracted the virus. She recently visited Benin, Germany, France and Turkey. The patient has been quarantined, her condition is reported as stable.
Earlier on Friday, Cameroon’s Health Ministry reported the first coronavirus case in the country. In total, five African countries to the south of the Sahara have identified cases of the disease: Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Cameroon and Togo. In all, six people have been infected.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, about 80,500 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has exceeded 3,000, while about 53,500 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 90 countries and territories, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan.


tass--2020-03-06--Erdogan says discussed situation in Libya with Putin

The interview was given aboard the plane when the Turkish leader was on his way back from Moscow .
ANKARA , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the situation in Libya was among the topics discussed at his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow , as follows from an interview with Turkish journalists released by the NTV television channel on Friday '' We discussed with Mr. Putin the ceasefire in Idlib , as well as Libya .
Obviously , Haftar ’ s position in unacceptable .
He doesn ’ t observe any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states as the United States , Italy , Germany see it only too well now , '' he said .
`` So , an end to the conflict in Libya is a very important expected event for the two of us .
It may happen thanks to our similar steps taken this evening ( the Turkish leaver obviously means the Moscow talks on Syria ’ s Idlib on March 5 - TASS ) , '' Erdogan said .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , along with the elected parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
Despite the ceasefire that has been in effect since January 12 and the international community ’ s attempts to push the conflicting parties towards peace settlement , armed confrontation continues , with the parties accusing one another of violating the ceasefire .

The interview was given aboard the plane when the Turkish leader was on his way back from Moscow.
ANKARA, March 6. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the situation in Libya was among the topics discussed at his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, as follows from an interview with Turkish journalists released by the NTV television channel on Friday
"We discussed with Mr. Putin the ceasefire in Idlib, as well as Libya. Obviously, Haftar’s position in unacceptable. He doesn’t observe any agreements and supports combat operations. Such states as the United States, Italy, Germany see it only too well now," he said.
"So, an end to the conflict in Libya is a very important expected event for the two of us. It may happen thanks to our similar steps taken this evening (the Turkish leaver obviously means the Moscow talks on Syria’s Idlib on March 5 - TASS)," Erdogan said.
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally-recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, along with the elected parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
Despite the ceasefire that has been in effect since January 12 and the international community’s attempts to push the conflicting parties towards peace settlement, armed confrontation continues, with the parties accusing one another of violating the ceasefire.


tass--2020-03-06--Putin admits he takes his office as his destiny

IVANOVO , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted Friday that he takes his office as his @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The thing is not that I ’ m tired or want to step @ @ @ @ @ not about it .
Any person , if they get in my place , would @ @ @ @ @ job , but as a destiny .
This is how I treat it , '' @ @ @ @ @ during his meeting with public representatives of Ivanovo Region , answering a question on what @ @ @ @ @ his presidential term ends .

IVANOVO, March 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted Friday that he takes his office as his destiny, not his job.
"The thing is not that I’m tired or want to step aside. It’s not about it. Any person, if they get in my place, would take it not as a job, but as a destiny. This is how I treat it," the head of state said during his meeting with public representatives of Ivanovo Region, answering a question on what he plans to do once his presidential term ends.


tass--2020-03-06--EU condemns Turkey’s use of refugees with political aims

`` While acknowledging the increased migratory burden and risks Turkey is facing on its territory and the substantial efforts it has made in hosting 3.7 million migrants and refugees , the EU reiterates its serious concern over the situation at the Greek-Turkish border and strongly rejects Turkey 's use of migratory pressure for political purposes , '' the statement runs .
`` This situation at the EU external border is not acceptable . ''
ZAGREB , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The EU condemns Turkey ’ s use of Syrian refugees as a political tool , the EU Council stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 27 EU foreign ministers held on Friday in Zagreb .
`` The EU and its Member States remain determined to effectively protect EU 's external borders .
Illegal crossings will not be tolerated , '' the EU top diplomats stressed .
`` Migrants should not be encouraged to attempt illegal crossings by land or sea .
The Council calls on the Turkish government and all actors and organisations on the ground to relay this message and counter the dissemination of false information . ''
`` The Council recalled that it expects Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 Joint Statement with regard to all Member States .
This Statement produces tangible results , including by supporting Turkey 's significant efforts in hosting migrants and refugees .
Both the EU and Turkey stand to benefit from the continuation of this cooperation and commitment , '' the document notes .
`` The European Commission is mobilising a further €60m in humanitarian assistance for north-west Syria , including in border areas and is committed to increase its assistance to the civilian population in northwest Syria , '' the EU foreign ministers said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian army that killed 36 Turkish troops , Ankara decided not to stop a flow of refugees from Syria trying to enter the EU .
Turkish officials estimated the number of refugees crossing the border at 100,000 .
The EU is currently holding talks with Turkey to resolve the situation , promising support to Greece , Bulgaria and Cyprus that are bearing the brunt of the refugee issue .
The border between Turkey and the EU has been closed for migrants since 2016 within an agreement between Brussels and Ankara on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced to this day .

"While acknowledging the increased migratory burden and risks Turkey is facing on its territory and the substantial efforts it has made in hosting 3.7 million migrants and refugees, the EU reiterates its serious concern over the situation at the Greek-Turkish border and strongly rejects Turkey's use of migratory pressure for political purposes," the statement runs. "This situation at the EU external border is not acceptable."
ZAGREB, March 6. /TASS/. The EU condemns Turkey’s use of Syrian refugees as a political tool, the EU Council stated on the outcomes of an emergency session between 27 EU foreign ministers held on Friday in Zagreb.
"The EU and its Member States remain determined to effectively protect EU's external borders. Illegal crossings will not be tolerated," the EU top diplomats stressed. "Migrants should not be encouraged to attempt illegal crossings by land or sea. The Council calls on the Turkish government and all actors and organisations on the ground to relay this message and counter the dissemination of false information."
"The Council recalled that it expects Turkey to implement fully the provisions of the 2016 Joint Statement with regard to all Member States. This Statement produces tangible results, including by supporting Turkey's significant efforts in hosting migrants and refugees. Both the EU and Turkey stand to benefit from the continuation of this cooperation and commitment," the document notes.
"The European Commission is mobilising a further €60m in humanitarian assistance for north-west Syria, including in border areas and is committed to increase its assistance to the civilian population in northwest Syria," the EU foreign ministers said.
Turkey and Syrian refugees
In late February, after clashes with the Syrian army that killed 36 Turkish troops, Ankara decided not to stop a flow of refugees from Syria trying to enter the EU. Turkish officials estimated the number of refugees crossing the border at 100,000. The EU is currently holding talks with Turkey to resolve the situation, promising support to Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus that are bearing the brunt of the refugee issue.
The border between Turkey and the EU has been closed for migrants since 2016 within an agreement between Brussels and Ankara on a visa-free regime, which has not been introduced to this day.


tass--2020-03-06--First coronavirus-related death registered in the Netherlands

HAGUE , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
A senior man has become the first victim of the COVID-19 coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ Institute for Public Health and the Environment reported Friday .
According to the report , @ @ @ @ @ old man , who died in a Rotterdam hospital , where he received urinary system @ @ @ @ @ about breathing problems , he was tested for coronavirus with positive results .
By Friday @ @ @ @ @ were registered in the Netherlands .
The majority of the infected either recently visited northern @ @ @ @ @ who did .

HAGUE, March 6. /TASS/. A senior man has become the first victim of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the Netherlands, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment reported Friday.
According to the report, the victim is a 86-year old man, who died in a Rotterdam hospital, where he received urinary system treatment. After he complained about breathing problems, he was tested for coronavirus with positive results.
By Friday afternoon, 128 coronavirus cases were registered in the Netherlands. The majority of the infected either recently visited northern Italy themselves or contacted people who did.


tass--2020-03-06--Turkish forces to invariably react to any attack of Syrian Army, says Erdogan

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish Armed Forces in Syria ’ s Idlib would invariably fight back any attack from the Syrian forces , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday .
`` We would invariably stay vigilant for any attacks and violations from the [ Bashar Assad ’ s ] regime , '' Erdogan said , according to Yeni Safak .
According to the Turkish President , Ankara ’ s main goal is `` implementation of UN resolution 2254 and launch of political process and end of civil war in Syria . ''
The Turkish President also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would retain its status . ''
`` You know we have 12 observation points [ in Idlib ] , and they are very important for us .
[ … ] Any changes [ regarding the observation points ] are off the table , '' he said .
On Thursday , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed upon a ceasefire and a number of other measures , aimed to settle the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib province .
The agreements stipulate that military action in Idlib will cease along the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin on March 6 .
Starting on March 15 , Russia and Turkey will conduct joint patrols along the M4 highway , along which a safety corridor will be set up .
Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their dedication to preservation of sovereignty of Syria and agreed to continue decisive fight against terrorism .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Turkish Armed Forces in Syria’s Idlib would invariably fight back any attack from the Syrian forces, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday.
"We would invariably stay vigilant for any attacks and violations from the [Bashar Assad’s] regime," Erdogan said, according to Yeni Safak.
According to the Turkish President, Ankara’s main goal is "implementation of UN resolution 2254 and launch of political process and end of civil war in Syria."
The Turkish President also noted that "the Turkish observation points would retain its status."
"You know we have 12 observation points [in Idlib], and they are very important for us. […] Any changes [regarding the observation points] are off the table," he said.
On Thursday, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan have agreed upon a ceasefire and a number of other measures, aimed to settle the situation in Syria’s Idlib province. The agreements stipulate that military action in Idlib will cease along the entire front line, and a ceasefire will begin on March 6. Starting on March 15, Russia and Turkey will conduct joint patrols along the M4 highway, along which a safety corridor will be set up. Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their dedication to preservation of sovereignty of Syria and agreed to continue decisive fight against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-06--This week in photos: Furry mascots on the catwalk, goose fight and masked ballet dancers

Putin informs Assad about results of his talks with Turkish leader on Idlib , says Kremlin Assad commended the agreements @ @ @ @ @ Russian president for support to the anti-terrorist efforts

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
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tass--2020-03-06--Number of people infected with coronavirus exceeds 100,000 globally

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The total amount of people infected with the novel coronavirus in the world has surpassed 100,000 , statistical data gathered by TASS on the outcomes of the statements made by officials from over 80 states with reported cases of coronavirus informs .
Over half of those infected - about 55,000 people - have recovered .
They have been discharged from hospital .
Nevertheless , there have been cases of repeated infection among those who recovered from the disease .
The number of deaths has surpassed 3,400 , which means that the current death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it is difficult to estimate the exact death rate so far , as the spread of the virus has not stopped and those infected with the virus continue receiving treatment .
Over 80 % of all coronavirus cases have been reported in China .
According to recent data , 80,700 people have been infected with the virus in China .
In total , 53,800 people in China have recovered from the disease ( over 60 % of those infected ) ; while about 3,000 people succumbed to the disease ( about 3.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The total amount of people infected with the novel coronavirus in the world has surpassed 100,000, statistical data gathered by TASS on the outcomes of the statements made by officials from over 80 states with reported cases of coronavirus informs.
Over half of those infected - about 55,000 people - have recovered. They have been discharged from hospital. Nevertheless, there have been cases of repeated infection among those who recovered from the disease. The number of deaths has surpassed 3,400, which means that the current death rate is approximately 3.4%. However, it is difficult to estimate the exact death rate so far, as the spread of the virus has not stopped and those infected with the virus continue receiving treatment.
Over 80% of all coronavirus cases have been reported in China. According to recent data, 80,700 people have been infected with the virus in China. In total, 53,800 people in China have recovered from the disease (over 60% of those infected); while about 3,000 people succumbed to the disease (about 3.7% of all infected persons).


tass--2020-03-06--First coronavirus case confirmed in Peru

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The first novel coronavirus case has been confirmed in Peru , @ @ @ @ @ Martin Vizcarra said on Friday .
`` I must inform you that the first COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus associated disease — TASS ] was reported this night .
The patient is a @ @ @ @ @ he said in a televised address .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus @ @ @ @ @ ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and @ @ @ @ @ of 11 million , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
@ @ @ @ @ have also been reported in more than 90 other countries and territories , including Russia @

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. /TASS/. The first novel coronavirus case has been confirmed in Peru, the country’s President Martin Vizcarra said on Friday.
"I must inform you that the first COVID-19 infection case [the novel coronavirus associated disease — TASS] was reported this night. The patient is a 25-year old man," he said in a televised address.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 11 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 90 other countries and territories, including Russia.


tass--2020-03-06--Western warships in Persian Gulf create new regional irritant — diplomat

`` We characterize the situation in the Persian Gulf region as turbulent , '' the spokeswoman stated , referring to Operation Agenor in the Strait of Hormuz , supported by Belgium , Germany , Greece , Denmark , Italy , the Netherlands , Portugal and France .
`` Obviously excessive presence of foreign warships does not facilitate ease of tensions [ in the region ] but , on the contrary , creates an additional irritant . ''
MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The excessive presence of foreign warships in the Persian Gulf region does not facilitate ease of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an additional irritant instead , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Friday .
According to the spokeswoman , the situation at hand `` has been caused by escalation of an entire complex of issues . ''
`` We call on all countries , interested in de-escalation and strengthening of regional stability , to review Russian proposal on setting up dialogue and creation of collective security system in the Persian Gulf region , '' she commented .
`` Russian approach to settlement of the situation is based on the principle of equal interaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and strict compliance with the norms of the international law . ''
The situation in the Persian Gulf escalated on July 19 last year , after Stena Impero tanker bearing the UK flag was apprehended in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran ’ s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps ( IRGC ) forces .
According to the IRGC , the tanker was arrested over `` violation of international rules '' and was taken to the port for checking .
The US Department of State announced that Washington created a coalition to ensure `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulf region .
Australia , Bahrain , Saudi Arabia , UAE and the UK announced their intention to join the coalition .

"We characterize the situation in the Persian Gulf region as turbulent," the spokeswoman stated, referring to Operation Agenor in the Strait of Hormuz, supported by Belgium, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and France. "Obviously excessive presence of foreign warships does not facilitate ease of tensions [in the region] but, on the contrary, creates an additional irritant."
MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The excessive presence of foreign warships in the Persian Gulf region does not facilitate ease of tensions in the region but works as an additional irritant instead, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Friday.
According to the spokeswoman, the situation at hand "has been caused by escalation of an entire complex of issues."
"We call on all countries, interested in de-escalation and strengthening of regional stability, to review Russian proposal on setting up dialogue and creation of collective security system in the Persian Gulf region," she commented. "Russian approach to settlement of the situation is based on the principle of equal interaction of all regional and other interested sides, and strict compliance with the norms of the international law."
The situation in the Persian Gulf escalated on July 19 last year, after Stena Impero tanker bearing the UK flag was apprehended in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) forces. According to the IRGC, the tanker was arrested over "violation of international rules" and was taken to the port for checking. The US Department of State announced that Washington created a coalition to ensure "freedom of navigation" in the Persian Gulf region. Australia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the UK announced their intention to join the coalition.


tass--2020-03-06--First coronavirus case confirmed in Slovakia

PRAGUE , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The first novel coronavirus case has been recorded in Slovakia , Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Friday .
`` The first coronavirus infection case has been confirmed in Slovakia , '' Slovak Radio quotes him as saying .
`` A 52-year-old patient with that diagnosis has been taken to Bratislava ’ s University Hospital . ''
The patient has not left Slovakia recently .
He could catch an infection from his son who returned from Italy not so long ago .
The young man , however , showed no symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 80 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which accounts for the majority of novel coronavirus cases , more than 53,500 patients have recovered , while the total number of infected people has exceeded 80,500 .
According to the World Health Organization , almost 15,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed outside of China , 267 patients have died .

PRAGUE, March 6. /TASS/. The first novel coronavirus case has been recorded in Slovakia, Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini said on Friday.
"The first coronavirus infection case has been confirmed in Slovakia," Slovak Radio quotes him as saying. "A 52-year-old patient with that diagnosis has been taken to Bratislava’s University Hospital."
The patient has not left Slovakia recently. He could catch an infection from his son who returned from Italy not so long ago. The young man, however, showed no symptoms of colds, the prime minister said.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 80 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
Over 3,000 people have died in China, which accounts for the majority of novel coronavirus cases, more than 53,500 patients have recovered, while the total number of infected people has exceeded 80,500.
According to the World Health Organization, almost 15,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed outside of China, 267 patients have died.


tass--2020-03-06--Six new cases of coronavirus documented in Russia

Children and adults equally as likely to contract novel coronavirus , experts say MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Six new cases of coronavirus have been documented in Russia .
Five cases have been reported in Moscow and one — in Nizhny Novgorod .
All those infected visited Italy in the past two weeks , the coronavirus control and prevention task force told reporters on Friday .
`` In the past 24 hours , six cases of coronavirus infection have been documented in Russia : one case — in Nizhny Novgorod and five cases — in Moscow .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have found out that all those citizens visited the Italian Republic in the past two weeks , '' the task force informed .
The condition of the patient from Nizhny Novgorod is satisfactory , the disease is mild , the press service of the Nizhny Novgorod government told reporters .
`` The patient is currently under medical supervision , in an isolated ward of a specialized medical institution .
According to doctors , the disease is proceeding in a mild form , the patient ’ s condition is described as satisfactory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person sought medical attention after returning from Milan .
`` The patient will be under supervision during the incubation period .
< … > The list of persons whom he had contact with has been compiled , contacts have been established with them , quarantine measures are being taken , '' the press service added .
As for the Moscow cases , one of them is in serious condition , the city ’ s coronavirus-response center reported .
`` Four patients have a mild form of the disease , and another one is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical team is treating him at a hospital in the Kommunarka district , '' the statement reads .

Children and adults equally as likely to contract novel coronavirus, experts say
MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Six new cases of coronavirus have been documented in Russia. Five cases have been reported in Moscow and one — in Nizhny Novgorod. All those infected visited Italy in the past two weeks, the coronavirus control and prevention task force told reporters on Friday.
"In the past 24 hours, six cases of coronavirus infection have been documented in Russia: one case — in Nizhny Novgorod and five cases — in Moscow. On the outcomes of the epidemiological investigation, we have found out that all those citizens visited the Italian Republic in the past two weeks," the task force informed.
The condition of the patient from Nizhny Novgorod is satisfactory, the disease is mild, the press service of the Nizhny Novgorod government told reporters.
"The patient is currently under medical supervision, in an isolated ward of a specialized medical institution. According to doctors, the disease is proceeding in a mild form, the patient’s condition is described as satisfactory," the press service said.
The person sought medical attention after returning from Milan. "The patient will be under supervision during the incubation period. <…> The list of persons whom he had contact with has been compiled, contacts have been established with them, quarantine measures are being taken," the press service added.
As for the Moscow cases, one of them is in serious condition, the city’s coronavirus-response center reported.
"Four patients have a mild form of the disease, and another one is in serious condition. A highly qualified medical team is treating him at a hospital in the Kommunarka district," the statement reads.


tass--2020-03-06--Russian diplomat, British envoy discuss idea to hold summit of UNSC permanent members

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin has met with British Ambassador to Moscow @ @ @ @ @ ’ s initiative to hold a summit of the permanent members of the United Nations @ @ @ @ @ France , the United States , the United Kingdom and China ) , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ statement on Friday .
Trump backs Russia ’ s idea to hold summit of UNSC @ @ @ @ @ parties exchanged views on pressing global and regional issues , including Russia ’ s initiative @ @ @ @ @ the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and cooperation on climate change issues @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Foreign Ministry , the meeting was initiated by the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ Holocaust Forum in Israel on January 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a @ @ @ @ @ members of the UN Security Council .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin has met with British Ambassador to Moscow Deborah Bronnert to discuss Moscow’s initiative to hold a summit of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (Russia, France, the United States, the United Kingdom and China), the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Trump backs Russia’s idea to hold summit of UNSC five permanent members
"The parties exchanged views on pressing global and regional issues, including Russia’s initiative to hold a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and cooperation on climate change issues," the statement reads.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the meeting was initiated by the United Kingdom.
While addressing the World Holocaust Forum in Israel on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.


tass--2020-03-06--S-400 air defense deployment to begin in April, Erdogan says

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Deployment of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems will commence in April , Turkish @ @ @ @ @ , during his meeting with the journalists in the wake of Moscow talks with his @ @ @ @ @ `` They [ S-400 ] already belong to us .
In April , we will @ @ @ @ @ Erdogan said , according to Yeni Safak newspaper .
The Turkish President underscored that Ankara @ @ @ @ @ Patriot air defense systems .
`` I said yesterday and will repeat again that we @ @ @ @ @ ‘ if you ship us he Patriot systems , we will buy them , too @ @ @ @ @ out .
In September 2017 , Russia announced a deal on S-400 shipment signed with @ @ @ @ @ of 2.5 billion .
The first shipments have begun on July 12 , 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ actively oppose the deal .
On July 17 , the White House spokesperson announced that @ @ @ @ @ makes its participation in the F-35 program impossible .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Deployment of Russian-made S-400 air defense systems will commence in April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, during his meeting with the journalists in the wake of Moscow talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
"They [S-400] already belong to us. In April, we will begin deploying them," Erdogan said, according to Yeni Safak newspaper.
The Turkish President underscored that Ankara does not reject the US-made Patriot air defense systems.
"I said yesterday and will repeat again that we have told the Americans: ‘if you ship us he Patriot systems, we will buy them, too’," Erdogan pointed out.
In September 2017, Russia announced a deal on S-400 shipment signed with Turkey with a net worth of 2.5 billion. The first shipments have begun on July 12, 2019. Both the US and NATO actively oppose the deal. On July 17, the White House spokesperson announced that Turkish decision to procure S-400 makes its participation in the F-35 program impossible.


tass--2020-03-06--OPEC+ talks are tough, Russia and Kazakhstan against cuts — source

VIENNA , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Informal negotiations between Russia and OPEC in Vienna have not yet entered into @ @ @ @ @ tough , a source familiar with the course of talks told TASS .
`` Everything @ @ @ @ @ .
Everything is as before , '' the source said .
Another source confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ far ; Russia and Kazakhstan are against further cuts .

VIENNA, March 6. /TASS/. Informal negotiations between Russia and OPEC in Vienna have not yet entered into a formal stage and are tough, a source familiar with the course of talks told TASS.
"Everything does not seem very good. Everything is as before," the source said. Another source confirmed that no progress was made so far; Russia and Kazakhstan are against further cuts.


tass--2020-03-06--OPEC+ meeting delayed because of bilateral talks

VIENNA , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The OPEC+ ministerial meeting to finally decide on volumes and terms of further @ @ @ @ @ yet started .
A range of bilateral consultations is currently underway , a source in @ @ @ @ @ TASS .
The meeting was to start at 10.00 am Vienna time but has been @ @ @ @ @ hours .
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak arrived earlier at OPEC headquarters for talks on @ @ @ @ @ agreement framework .
The Minister is expected to present Russia ’ s position on volumes @ @ @ @ @ today .
It was also reported that OPEC ministers held extra informal consultations in the @ @ @ @ @ recommended OPEC+ deal participants to increase oil production reduction by 1.5 barrels daily until 2020 @ @ @ @ @ measure in order to balance higher decline in oil demand due to the coronavirus .

VIENNA, March 6. /TASS/. The OPEC+ ministerial meeting to finally decide on volumes and terms of further oil production cuts has not yet started. A range of bilateral consultations is currently underway, a source in one of the delegations told TASS.
The meeting was to start at 10.00 am Vienna time but has been delayed by more than 1.5 hours.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak arrived earlier at OPEC headquarters for talks on oil reduction within the OPEC+ agreement framework. The Minister is expected to present Russia’s position on volumes and time of production cuts today.
It was also reported that OPEC ministers held extra informal consultations in the evening of March 5 and recommended OPEC+ deal participants to increase oil production reduction by 1.5 barrels daily until 2020 year-end. OPEC suggests such measure in order to balance higher decline in oil demand due to the coronavirus.