tass--2020-03-23--Russia asks NATO to refrain from exercises during V-Day ceremonies

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has addressed NATO with a call for refraining from military exercises during the celebrations timed for the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War , Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the media in the wake of the cancellation of the European exercise Defender 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Grushko stressed that amid the coronavirus pandemic all instruments of international cooperation , including contacts among military officials were crucial .
`` The current situation illustrates the absolute foolishness ( I can not think of another word ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions that were made in the United States to sever all contacts [ with Russia ] in the military sphere .
Today we can see life put everything in its proper place , '' he said .
NATO ’ s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on March 19 said that NATO had revised its whole program for exercises in the light of the coronavirus pandemic .
He also confirmed termination at the early phase of the United States ’ exercise in Europe Defender 2020 , which was to become the largest strategic exercise ever since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An outbreak of the novel coronavirus-related disease in central China late last year has spread to more than 150 countries .
The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , more than 320,000 people have contracted the virus around the world .
The disease has claimed 14,000 lives .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russia has addressed NATO with a call for refraining from military exercises during the celebrations timed for the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told the media in the wake of the cancellation of the European exercise Defender 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Grushko stressed that amid the coronavirus pandemic all instruments of international cooperation, including contacts among military officials were crucial. "The current situation illustrates the absolute foolishness (I cannot think of another word) of NATO’s decisions and other decisions that were made in the United States to sever all contacts [with Russia] in the military sphere. Today we can see life put everything in its proper place," he said.
NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on March 19 said that NATO had revised its whole program for exercises in the light of the coronavirus pandemic. He also confirmed termination at the early phase of the United States’ exercise in Europe Defender 2020, which was to become the largest strategic exercise ever since the end of the Cold War.
An outbreak of the novel coronavirus-related disease in central China late last year has spread to more than 150 countries. The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, more than 320,000 people have contracted the virus around the world. The disease has claimed 14,000 lives.


tass--2020-03-23--Lifting sanctions is noteworthy, but Russia does not plan to be first to do it — Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/ TASS / .
The idea of lifting mutual restrictions between Russia and Western countries in the context of the spread of coronavirus is noteworthy , but the solution to this issue does not depend on Moscow , Kremlin spokesman , Dmitry Peskov said on Monday .
`` The very idea of [ lifting mutual sanctions ] , of course , is noteworthy .
Now that we have faced such a tense moment in terms of the international economic situation , the situation related to prices of energy carriers , with such a provocative trigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , such restrictions only aggravate the situation , '' he said .
The Kremlin official stressed that `` everything here depends on well-known capitals . ''
`` I don ’ t know if any preparations for such unilateral steps are made and I don ’ t know that this is considered appropriate either , '' Peskov said in response to a question whether Moscow could be the first to cancel counter-sanctions .
He also stressed that it is not the sanctions that should have been approved by the UN Security Council that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large number of sanctions and trade restrictions the US and EU countries resort to and that are illegal from the point of view of international law .
Earlier , Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev voiced an opinion that , amid the coronavirus and currency fluctuations , there is a need for the total lifting of any economic sanctions .
On March 18 , he wrote on Facebook about the need for a `` global agreement on a one-time and total lifting of any economic sanctions other than those imposed by the UN Security Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an agreement could be `` initiated by the BRICS states , upheld by the G20 countries and then certified by the UN Security Council . ''

MOSCOW, March 23. / TASS /. The idea of lifting mutual restrictions between Russia and Western countries in the context of the spread of coronavirus is noteworthy, but the solution to this issue does not depend on Moscow, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
"The very idea of [lifting mutual sanctions], of course, is noteworthy. Now that we have faced such a tense moment in terms of the international economic situation, the situation related to prices of energy carriers, with such a provocative trigger in the form of coronavirus, of course, such restrictions only aggravate the situation," he said.
The Kremlin official stressed that "everything here depends on well-known capitals."
"I don’t know if any preparations for such unilateral steps are made and I don’t know that this is considered appropriate either," Peskov said in response to a question whether Moscow could be the first to cancel counter-sanctions.
He also stressed that it is not the sanctions that should have been approved by the UN Security Council that are currently applied to Russia but a large number of sanctions and trade restrictions the US and EU countries resort to and that are illegal from the point of view of international law.
Earlier, Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev voiced an opinion that, amid the coronavirus and currency fluctuations, there is a need for the total lifting of any economic sanctions. On March 18, he wrote on Facebook about the need for a "global agreement on a one-time and total lifting of any economic sanctions other than those imposed by the UN Security Council." The senator suggested that such an agreement could be "initiated by the BRICS states, upheld by the G20 countries and then certified by the UN Security Council."


tass--2020-03-23--Closing off Moscow due to COVID-19 not under discussion — Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government is not discussing the introduction of a citywide quarantine in @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus , and it never did , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told @ @ @ @ @ This is not under discussion , and it never has been , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ has not become more topical recently .
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 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have @ @ @ @ @ than 190 countries and territories , among them Russia , which by now has documented @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have @ @ @ @ @ than 14,000 deaths .
WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The Russian government is not discussing the introduction of a citywide quarantine in Moscow to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, and it never did, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"This is not under discussion, and it never has been," he said, adding that this issue has not become more topical recently.
Earlier, Moscow officials also refuted reports of a planned citywide quarantine.
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 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in more than 190 countries and territories, among them Russia, which by now has documented 438 cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 320,000, with more than 14,000 deaths. WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-23--Press review: Russia sends aid to Italy to cope with COVID-19 and backs NATO dialogue

The Russian military has promptly complied with President Vladimir Putin ’ s order to help Italy fight the coronavirus epidemic , Izvestia writes .
After a phone call between Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held on Saturday evening , the Defense Ministry dispatched Russia ’ s best specialists to Italy , whose experience includes helping eliminate outbreaks of infectious diseases and the development of the Ebola vaccine .
Italy is currently trudging through tough times , and such substantial assistance from Russia will be duly appreciated by the Italian people and the country ’ s leadership , stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia has been in the forefront of fighting global threats for many years , noted military expert Vladislav Shurygin .
`` Our military decisively and successfully participated in the global war against terrorism .
The threat of the coronavirus transmission is just as far-reaching and no less severe , and the Russian Defense Ministry is in the lead here , '' he told the paper .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry has demonstrated a very high level of training , says military historian Dmitry Boltenkov .
`` Less than 24 hours has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and the Italian prime minister to the departure of the first aircraft carrying cargo to Rome .
It took the air group from all over the European part of Russia just one night to assemble in the Moscow Region .
That shows the unique capabilities of the Russian military transport aviation , '' he stressed .
Russia ’ s energy giant Gazprom might be getting the lowest gas price in 15 years from its primary market — Europe , Kommersant writes .
Spot prices have fallen to the level of $ 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices are approaching that level .
Gas supplies to Central Russia can be more profitable now than exports to Europe .
For example , in the Leningrad Region , the wholesale gas price at the current ruble exchange rate is $ 57.7 per 1,000 cubic meters .
On the other hand , the export netback value for Nord Stream supplies to Germany at current prices at the German NCG hub of $ 101 per 1,000 cubic meters is about $ 48 ( taking into account the export duty of 30 % and transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cubic meters ) .
A Gazprom source told the paper that the company had received no reports of force majeure circumstances on long-term supply contracts to Europe and had no plans to suspend gas purchases from Central Asia or change the deadlines for implementing its investment projects .
Referring to export prices , the energy monopoly cited Elena Burmistrova , Deputy Chairperson of the Gazprom Management Committee , who said she expected an average level of $ 175-185 per 1,000 cubic meters this year .
However , Vygon Consulting Research Director Maria Belova @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the expert , the average export price for Gazprom will be below $ 150 per 1,000 cubic meters .
In her view , consumers can follow the Chinese scenario by suspending purchases depending on the epidemiological situation .
For his part , Director of Gas & Chemicals Department at Vygon Consulting Dmitry Akishin noted that Gazprom ’ s large-scale projects , which are expected to be commissioned within the next five years are unlikely to be affected .
It is inexpedient to suspend investment in them , since it has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to a meaningful and pragmatic dialogue with both NATO and its individual member states , Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told Izvestia .
`` We have never abandoned dialogue with either the West or the East .
We interact on all key issues of mutual interest .
For example , in a proactive manner , we stopped conducting military exercises in close proximity to Russia ’ s borders with Western countries .
Our warplanes fly over the Baltic region with transponders on .
We show unlimited openness during military events , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fomin noted though that NATO is currently not ready to take real steps to ease tensions in Europe .
`` NATO ’ s eastward expansion , building up military infrastructure near our borders , deploying missile defense systems amid reducing military contacts — all that only results in escalating tensions , especially along the Russia-NATO line of contact .
We view the alliance ’ s policy with regard to Russia , which is even formulated as the ‘ policy of containment and dialogue ’ at a conceptual level , as absurd , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations , Fomin recalled that Washington had labelled Russia its chief geostrategic rival and a threat to America ’ s global dominance .
`` At the same time , I believe that the current military and political situation edges Russia and the United States towards communicating more often , and that also implies communication between their militaries .
We are ready to discuss pressing international security problems with the Americans , '' he pointed out .
When asked to comment on the arms control situation in general , he described it as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At present , the only international accord , which limits the strategic offensive arms race , is the START Treaty , which will expire less than in one year , on February 5 , 2021 .
According to the Russian president ’ s initiative , we are ready to extend that agreement without any preconditions .
However , the absence of any reaction from Washington to this proposal creates additional uncertainty in the arms control sphere , '' he stressed .
Plunging oil prices have impacted all major oil producers .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to surrender placing oneself at the mercy of more patient `` partners , '' Nezaivismaya Gazeta writes .
Meanwhile , Russia ’ s decision to reject Saudi Arabia ’ s proposal to further cut production has practically put America ’ s shale revolution on hold .
US President Donald Trump earlier said that falling oil prices were good for consumers .
At the same time , he admitted that such low prices were dangerous for all of American industry .
The Trump administration recently said it was considering intervening in the Saudi-Russian oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judging by the reaction of the US shale industry , the `` right time '' has come .
The fact that American oil producers have begun talking about potential participation in a coordinated reduction in production is indicative , the paper quotes Stanislav Mitrakhovich , an expert at the National Energy Security Fund , as saying .
`` Previously , it was difficult to imagine that .
The Americans have always seen themselves as a strong player and encouraged others to cut production , but did not want to do that themselves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ medium-sized oil companies that are difficult to persuade to join the cartel .
That said , the United States ’ participation in coordinated worldwide cuts in production does not seem to be a guaranteed scenario yet , although not as unbelievable as it seemed a few months ago , '' the expert explained .
The devaluation of the ruble and relatively high grain prices have bolstered Russian farmers ’ confidence .
Over the past week , the average price for wheat on the domestic market has soared by 1,000 rubles ( $ 12.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) per tonne .
The primary reasons for the spike in grain prices are a substantial drop in the ruble and high global prices , the paper quotes Andrei Sizov , Director of the SovEcon analytical agency , as saying .
According to the expert , despite market declines , grain prices on world stock exchanges have been climbing .
Russian wheat prices stood at $ 207 per tonne after a steep drop in prices .
The global market likewise reacted to the ruble ’ s plunge and rumors about potential restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Igor Pavensky of the Rusagrotrans analytical agency agrees that , despite the volatility of the ruble exchange rate , far from all manufacturers are ready to hold stocks , and so trading continues .
In turn , ProZerno Director General Vladimir Petrichenko noted that many grain holders have taken a wait-and-see attitude .
`` It is still unknown at what price they will have to purchase , for example , imported crop protection agents , '' he said .
Petrichenko was confident that domestic wheat prices would continue to rise .
He noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depend on the ruble exchange rate and export prices .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Russia dispatches military epidemiologists to Italy
Read also Last groups of Russian medical experts arrive in Italy
The Russian military has promptly complied with President Vladimir Putin’s order to help Italy fight the coronavirus epidemic, Izvestia writes. After a phone call between Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held on Saturday evening, the Defense Ministry dispatched Russia’s best specialists to Italy, whose experience includes helping eliminate outbreaks of infectious diseases and the development of the Ebola vaccine. Italy is currently trudging through tough times, and such substantial assistance from Russia will be duly appreciated by the Italian people and the country’s leadership, stressed former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ordzhonikidze. Russia has been in the forefront of fighting global threats for many years, noted military expert Vladislav Shurygin. "Our military decisively and successfully participated in the global war against terrorism. The threat of the coronavirus transmission is just as far-reaching and no less severe, and the Russian Defense Ministry is in the lead here," he told the paper. Russia’s Defense Ministry has demonstrated a very high level of training, says military historian Dmitry Boltenkov. "Less than 24 hours has passed from the conversation between the Russian president and the Italian prime minister to the departure of the first aircraft carrying cargo to Rome. It took the air group from all over the European part of Russia just one night to assemble in the Moscow Region. That shows the unique capabilities of the Russian military transport aviation," he stressed. Kommersant: Gas prices in Europe sink to historic lows
Russia’s energy giant Gazprom might be getting the lowest gas price in 15 years from its primary market — Europe, Kommersant writes. Spot prices have fallen to the level of $100 per 1,000 cubic meter, while oil-related prices are approaching that level. Gas supplies to Central Russia can be more profitable now than exports to Europe. For example, in the Leningrad Region, the wholesale gas price at the current ruble exchange rate is $57.7 per 1,000 cubic meters. On the other hand, the export netback value for Nord Stream supplies to Germany at current prices at the German NCG hub of $101 per 1,000 cubic meters is about $48 (taking into account the export duty of 30% and transportation fees of about $22 per 1,000 cubic meters). A Gazprom source told the paper that the company had received no reports of force majeure circumstances on long-term supply contracts to Europe and had no plans to suspend gas purchases from Central Asia or change the deadlines for implementing its investment projects. Referring to export prices, the energy monopoly cited Elena Burmistrova, Deputy Chairperson of the Gazprom Management Committee, who said she expected an average level of $175-185 per 1,000 cubic meters this year. However, Vygon Consulting Research Director Maria Belova considers this forecast to be optimistic. According to the expert, the average export price for Gazprom will be below $150 per 1,000 cubic meters. In her view, consumers can follow the Chinese scenario by suspending purchases depending on the epidemiological situation. For his part, Director of Gas & Chemicals Department at Vygon Consulting Dmitry Akishin noted that Gazprom’s large-scale projects, which are expected to be commissioned within the next five years are unlikely to be affected. It is inexpedient to suspend investment in them, since it has already begun, he added. Izvestia: Russia committed to meaningful dialogue with NATO
Moscow is committed to a meaningful and pragmatic dialogue with both NATO and its individual member states, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told Izvestia. "We have never abandoned dialogue with either the West or the East. We interact on all key issues of mutual interest. For example, in a proactive manner, we stopped conducting military exercises in close proximity to Russia’s borders with Western countries. Our warplanes fly over the Baltic region with transponders on. We show unlimited openness during military events, which we hold," he said. Fomin noted though that NATO is currently not ready to take real steps to ease tensions in Europe. "NATO’s eastward expansion, building up military infrastructure near our borders, deploying missile defense systems amid reducing military contacts — all that only results in escalating tensions, especially along the Russia-NATO line of contact. We view the alliance’s policy with regard to Russia, which is even formulated as the ‘policy of containment and dialogue’ at a conceptual level, as absurd," he emphasized. Referring to Russian-US relations, Fomin recalled that Washington had labelled Russia its chief geostrategic rival and a threat to America’s global dominance. "At the same time, I believe that the current military and political situation edges Russia and the United States towards communicating more often, and that also implies communication between their militaries. We are ready to discuss pressing international security problems with the Americans," he pointed out. When asked to comment on the arms control situation in general, he described it as "unfavorable, putting it mildly." "At present, the only international accord, which limits the strategic offensive arms race, is the START Treaty, which will expire less than in one year, on February 5, 2021. According to the Russian president’s initiative, we are ready to extend that agreement without any preconditions. However, the absence of any reaction from Washington to this proposal creates additional uncertainty in the arms control sphere," he stressed. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US seeks oil truce between Saudi Arabia, Russia
Read also Kremlin says Russia and Saudi Arabia do not wage wars over oil prices
Plunging oil prices have impacted all major oil producers. The question is who will be the first to surrender placing oneself at the mercy of more patient "partners," Nezaivismaya Gazeta writes. Meanwhile, Russia’s decision to reject Saudi Arabia’s proposal to further cut production has practically put America’s shale revolution on hold. US President Donald Trump earlier said that falling oil prices were good for consumers. At the same time, he admitted that such low prices were dangerous for all of American industry. The Trump administration recently said it was considering intervening in the Saudi-Russian oil price standoff at the right time. Judging by the reaction of the US shale industry, the "right time" has come. The fact that American oil producers have begun talking about potential participation in a coordinated reduction in production is indicative, the paper quotes Stanislav Mitrakhovich, an expert at the National Energy Security Fund, as saying. "Previously, it was difficult to imagine that. The Americans have always seen themselves as a strong player and encouraged others to cut production, but did not want to do that themselves. Besides, America has many small and medium-sized oil companies that are difficult to persuade to join the cartel. That said, the United States’ participation in coordinated worldwide cuts in production does not seem to be a guaranteed scenario yet, although not as unbelievable as it seemed a few months ago," the expert explained. Kommersant: Russian grain prices breaking records


tass--2020-03-23--Opposition candidate Bzhania wins Abkhazian presidential vote

SUKHUMI , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazian opposition candidate Aslan Bzhania has secured 56,5 % of votes during the @ @ @ @ @ becoming the country ’ s new president , the Central Electoral Commission head Tamaz Gogiya @ @ @ @ @ new president is Aslan Georgiyevich Bzhania , who secured 53,741 votes , which makes 56.5 @ @ @ @ @ he said .

SUKHUMI, March 23. /TASS/. Abkhazian opposition candidate Aslan Bzhania has secured 56,5% of votes during the March 22 presidential election, becoming the country’s new president, the Central Electoral Commission head Tamaz Gogiya announced Monday.
"The new president is Aslan Georgiyevich Bzhania, who secured 53,741 votes, which makes 56.5% of votes," he said.


tass--2020-03-23--Russian PM agrees to strengthen responsibility for violating quarantine rules

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin supported on Monday the request by head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova to strengthen responsibility for violating quarantine procedures .
`` We will do that without fail , we need to formulate it after the presidium [ meeting ] , '' he said opening a meeting of the presidium of the government 's Coordination Council to control the incidence of the novel coronavirus in Russia in response to a request from the chief sanitary physician .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerate the implementation of the instructions to strengthen administrative liability for violating quarantine rules .
`` That ’ s very relevant today , '' she said .
Mishustin thanked doctors for their dedicated work , especially in Moscow , which made it possible to create both logistics and the system for testing citizens for coronavirus .
In his view , joint efforts of authorities and doctors make it possible to keep the situation under control .
`` Also , I would like to highlight the need to quarantine all citizens arriving [ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to statistics , 69,632 people have crossed Russia ’ s state border and were subjected to sanitary and quarantine control .
About eight percent less people were placed under medical supervision and quarantine .
That ’ s not self-isolation , but compulsory isolation of citizens , '' Popova noted .
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 150 countries .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have contracted the virus , more than 13,000 of them have died .
A total of 438 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin supported on Monday the request by head of the Russian Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing Anna Popova to strengthen responsibility for violating quarantine procedures.
"We will do that without fail, we need to formulate it after the presidium [meeting]," he said opening a meeting of the presidium of the government's Coordination Council to control the incidence of the novel coronavirus in Russia in response to a request from the chief sanitary physician.
During the meeting, Popova asked Mishustin to accelerate the implementation of the instructions to strengthen administrative liability for violating quarantine rules. "That’s very relevant today," she said.
Mishustin thanked doctors for their dedicated work, especially in Moscow, which made it possible to create both logistics and the system for testing citizens for coronavirus. In his view, joint efforts of authorities and doctors make it possible to keep the situation under control.
"Also, I would like to highlight the need to quarantine all citizens arriving [in Russia] from various countries. According to statistics, 69,632 people have crossed Russia’s state border and were subjected to sanitary and quarantine control. About eight percent less people were placed under medical supervision and quarantine. That’s not self-isolation, but compulsory isolation of citizens," Popova noted.
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 150 countries. According to the latest data, over 300,000 people have contracted the virus, more than 13,000 of them have died. A total of 438 cases have been confirmed in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-23--Caspian Flotilla ships kick off drills in southern Russia

`` The personnel of the Flotilla ’ s units and formations practiced loading supplies onto the ships and motor vehicles while the units of a separate marine infantry regiment prepared to perform a march to the Adanak and Turali training ranges , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of the Caspian Flotilla ’ s ships and marine infantry units kicked off joint command and staff drills with troops of Russia ’ s Southern Military District , the District ’ s press office reported on Monday .
During their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a notional enemy ’ s attack , clearing the terrain of mines , making breaches in minefields and providing the personnel with water and food during halts , the statement says .
`` The army aviation assigned to the Flotilla ’ s forces will provide cover for the troops along the march routes , airlift the personnel , conduct air reconnaissance and deliver air strikes against the enemy ’ s ground targets , '' the press office specified .
The commanders and headquarters will practice amid the complex and quickly changing situation the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control in battle with the use of the modern automated control system , organizing and supporting interaction between units in repelling the notional enemy ’ s attacks .
The troops will practice various types of warfare both in the daytime and at night .
Overall , the drills involve over 2,000 Caspian Flotilla personnel and about 200 items of combat hardware and armament , the statement says .

"The personnel of the Flotilla’s units and formations practiced loading supplies onto the ships and motor vehicles while the units of a separate marine infantry regiment prepared to perform a march to the Adanak and Turali training ranges," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The crews of the Caspian Flotilla’s ships and marine infantry units kicked off joint command and staff drills with troops of Russia’s Southern Military District, the District’s press office reported on Monday.
During their march, the marines will practice repelling a notional enemy’s attack, clearing the terrain of mines, making breaches in minefields and providing the personnel with water and food during halts, the statement says.
"The army aviation assigned to the Flotilla’s forces will provide cover for the troops along the march routes, airlift the personnel, conduct air reconnaissance and deliver air strikes against the enemy’s ground targets," the press office specified.
The commanders and headquarters will practice amid the complex and quickly changing situation the skills of troops’ continued command and control in battle with the use of the modern automated control system, organizing and supporting interaction between units in repelling the notional enemy’s attacks. The troops will practice various types of warfare both in the daytime and at night.
Overall, the drills involve over 2,000 Caspian Flotilla personnel and about 200 items of combat hardware and armament, the statement says.


tass--2020-03-23--Russians reveal fears over coronavirus epidemic, many ready to hunker down in tough times

The ROMIR and Gallup International have surveyed the public opinion in the context of the COVID-19 situation in 22 countries in Europe , Asia and also the United States and South America .
More than 20,000 participated in the poll .
MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
More than half of Russians are worried some of them or their relatives may fall ill with the coronavirus and many are prepared to sacrifice part of their freedoms until the moment the threat of COVID-19 is gone , the holding company ROMIR said in a survey obtained by TASS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polled [ around the world — TASS ] said they fear the virus may be contracted by them or some members of their families , 35 % said they are afraid of this , and 27 % are very afraid ; 22 % are not afraid , and 13 % are not scared at all .
A total of 35 % stay calm .
The others remained undecided .
In Russia , 68 % feel a certain degree of alarm , while 25 % remain calm , '' the survey said .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sacrifice some of their rights , if this can help prevent the infection from spreading .
`` This possibility is fully shared by 35 % , 41 % rather agree than disagree , 12 % rather disagree and 6 % totally dismiss this possibility .
Five percent offered no answer .
More than three quarters of the population ( 76 % ) of the population in the surveyed countries are prepared with a high degree of probability to sacrifice part of their freedoms until the COVID-19 threat is gone .
The highest degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 95 % ) , Macedonia ( 94 % ) and the Netherlands ( 91 % ) .
In Russia , 60 % said they were ready to sacrifice some of their rights , while 28 % are unprepared for this march of events , '' the survey said .
The polled audience does not have a clear idea of what can be expected in the coming month : more than one-third ( 36 % ) suspect that the worst is still ahead , while as many believe that the crisis is past its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation will remain as it is .
The largest share of pessimists is in Britain ( 82 % think that the worst is still ahead ) , the Netherlands ( 77 % ) , France ( 70 % ) and Austria ( 68 % ) .
There are far more optimistically minded people in Kazakhstan ( 73 % believe that the worst is already in the past ) , Turkey ( 63 % ) , Armenia ( 61 % ) and India ( 61 % ) .

The ROMIR and Gallup International have surveyed the public opinion in the context of the COVID-19 situation in 22 countries in Europe, Asia and also the United States and South America. More than 20,000 participated in the poll.
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. More than half of Russians are worried some of them or their relatives may fall ill with the coronavirus and many are prepared to sacrifice part of their freedoms until the moment the threat of COVID-19 is gone, the holding company ROMIR said in a survey obtained by TASS.
"All in all 62% of those polled [around the world — TASS] said they fear the virus may be contracted by them or some members of their families, 35% said they are afraid of this, and 27% are very afraid; 22% are not afraid, and 13% are not scared at all. A total of 35% stay calm. The others remained undecided. In Russia, 68% feel a certain degree of alarm, while 25% remain calm," the survey said.
Most of the polled demonstrated unequivocal readiness to sacrifice some of their rights, if this can help prevent the infection from spreading. "This possibility is fully shared by 35%, 41% rather agree than disagree, 12% rather disagree and 6% totally dismiss this possibility. Five percent offered no answer. More than three quarters of the population (76%) of the population in the surveyed countries are prepared with a high degree of probability to sacrifice part of their freedoms until the COVID-19 threat is gone. The highest degree of readiness was found in Austria (95%), Macedonia (94%) and the Netherlands (91%). In Russia, 60% said they were ready to sacrifice some of their rights, while 28% are unprepared for this march of events," the survey said.
The polled audience does not have a clear idea of what can be expected in the coming month: more than one-third (36%) suspect that the worst is still ahead, while as many believe that the crisis is past its peak. Another 27% believe that the situation will remain as it is. The largest share of pessimists is in Britain (82% think that the worst is still ahead), the Netherlands (77%), France (70%) and Austria (68%). There are far more optimistically minded people in Kazakhstan (73% believe that the worst is already in the past), Turkey (63%), Armenia (61%) and India (61%).


tass--2020-03-23--Terror attack thwarted in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria, three militants eliminated

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian law enforcement officers eliminated three militants who were plotting a terror attack @ @ @ @ @ told TASS .
`` Three bandits , who were plotting a terror attack , have @ @ @ @ @ '' the Committee said , adding that weapons and an improvised explosive device were discovered @ @ @ @ @ On Monday , the law enforcement agencies received information that a group of people prepares @ @ @ @ @ the ensuing operation , the bandits ’ location was determined .
`` [ The terrorists @ @ @ @ @ an area in Kabardino-Balkaria ’ s Kremenchug-Konstantinovskoye settlement .
They opened fire at the law @ @ @ @ @ '' the Committee said .
Two assembled IEDs and components were discovered at the place @ @ @ @ @ ' stay .
There are no casualties among civilians or law enforcement , the Commission @ @

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russian law enforcement officers eliminated three militants who were plotting a terror attack, the National Antiterrorism Committee told TASS.
"Three bandits, who were plotting a terror attack, have been eliminated in Kabardino-Balkaria," the Committee said, adding that weapons and an improvised explosive device were discovered at the skirmish location.
On Monday, the law enforcement agencies received information that a group of people prepares a terror attack. During the ensuing operation, the bandits’ location was determined.
"[The terrorists] have been blocked in an area in Kabardino-Balkaria’s Kremenchug-Konstantinovskoye settlement. They opened fire at the law enforcement and were eliminated," the Committee said.
Two assembled IEDs and components were discovered at the place of one of the perpetrators' stay.
There are no casualties among civilians or law enforcement, the Commission informed.


tass--2020-03-23--Militants in Syria’s Rukban camp resell humanitarian aid to refugees, camp escapees say

PALMYRA , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Syrian city of Palmyra , which is being rebuilt after its liberation from the terrorists , greets the first refugees from the Rukban camp , located near Syria ’ s border with Jordan .
The camp residents have told journalists that inside the camp , controlled by US forces and the militants , they have been charged money for tents , food and medicine , and they were even recruited into militant ranks .
While al-Nusra Front terrorists retain control of Syria ’ s northern Idlib province , US forces occupy At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rukban camp is situated .
The returned refugees shed light on what life in the camp is like .
`` This tent has cost us 50,000 Syrian pounds ( $ 100 ) .
It was brought from Lebanon as humanitarian aid and sold to us , '' says Ahmad Mohammed , one of the camp residents .
`` But that was only half the trouble : when we bought the tent , we discovered that there is nothing in the camp : no food , no water , no medicines . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ money for everything .
`` Medical aid depended on the militants , too : if you cooperate , you have access to doctors , if you don ’ t , there will be no aid .
Our relatives ’ child got sick , a 4-year old girl .
She had an infection , but nobody helped her .
They ran out of money , and the child died right on my hands , '' he recalls .
The militants would sell even humanitarian aid , received from international organizations , to refugees .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Red Crescent , but we only saw a small portion of it , most often sold to us , not given for free .
The militants take the free aid and resell it to the refugees —that ’ s their business .
To get money , we had to work at the camp .
They set up a brick factory , and we had to work like dogs there , '' Ahmad recalls .
All the money went into the pockets of the militants , who , according to the refugees , @ @ @ @

PALMYRA, March 23. /TASS/. The Syrian city of Palmyra, which is being rebuilt after its liberation from the terrorists, greets the first refugees from the Rukban camp, located near Syria’s border with Jordan.
The camp residents have told journalists that inside the camp, controlled by US forces and the militants, they have been charged money for tents, food and medicine, and they were even recruited into militant ranks. While al-Nusra Front terrorists retain control of Syria’s northern Idlib province, US forces occupy At Tanf region in southern Syria, where the Rukban camp is situated.
The returned refugees shed light on what life in the camp is like.
Money charged for everything
"This tent has cost us 50,000 Syrian pounds ($100). It was brought from Lebanon as humanitarian aid and sold to us," says Ahmad Mohammed, one of the camp residents. "But that was only half the trouble: when we bought the tent, we discovered that there is nothing in the camp: no food, no water, no medicines."
According to Mohammad, the militants charged money for everything. "Medical aid depended on the militants, too: if you cooperate, you have access to doctors, if you don’t, there will be no aid. Our relatives’ child got sick, a 4-year old girl. She had an infection, but nobody helped her. They ran out of money, and the child died right on my hands," he recalls.
The militants would sell even humanitarian aid, received from international organizations, to refugees.
"Sometimes, we received aid from the Red Crescent, but we only saw a small portion of it, most often sold to us, not given for free. The militants take the free aid and resell it to the refugees —that’s their business. To get money, we had to work at the camp. They set up a brick factory, and we had to work like dogs there," Ahmad recalls.
All the money went into the pockets of the militants, who, according to the refugees, ran the camp.


tass--2020-03-23--Hainan to ban wide range of single-use plastics in December

HAIKOU , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Starting December 1 , China 's Hainan will ban the production , sale and use of a wide range of disposable plastic products , according to the regional ecology department .
`` This measure applies to non-degradable plastic products , '' the statement reads .
It states that such a solution applies to bags and cutlery containing polyethylene , polypropylene , polystyrene , polyvinyl chloride , ethyl vinyl acetate and polyethylene terephthalate .
In accordance with the decree , in the future , the authorities plans to expand the list of plastic items @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Chinese government launched a program to completely abandon polymers in a number of domestic applications by 2026 , gradually replacing them with new materials .
The authorities plan to create a diversified system for controlling plastic waste , tighten the regime for the entire cycle of production , transportation , sale and disposal of such goods .
In accordance with this program , stores , restaurants , pharmacies and other places with lots of consumers will completely ban plastic packaging , cutlery and drinking straws in 2020 in the largest cities @ @ @

HAIKOU, March 23. /TASS/. Starting December 1, China's Hainan will ban the production, sale and use of a wide range of disposable plastic products, according to the regional ecology department.
"This measure applies to non-degradable plastic products," the statement reads.
It states that such a solution applies to bags and cutlery containing polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, ethyl vinyl acetate and polyethylene terephthalate. In accordance with the decree, in the future, the authorities plans to expand the list of plastic items prohibited by the law.
In January, the Chinese government launched a program to completely abandon polymers in a number of domestic applications by 2026, gradually replacing them with new materials. The authorities plan to create a diversified system for controlling plastic waste, tighten the regime for the entire cycle of production, transportation, sale and disposal of such goods. In accordance with this program, stores, restaurants, pharmacies and other places with lots of consumers will completely ban plastic packaging, cutlery and drinking straws in 2020 in the largest cities of China.


tass--2020-03-23--Kiev residents banned from using public transport

The Kiev Mayor ’ s Office press service announced that on Monday , 17 public transport routes were active to @ @ @ @ @ , social and other essential services ’ employees to work .
Only people with special @ @ @ @ @ the transport .
KIEV , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Kiev residents will be banned @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus spread starting Monday , and National Guard officers are stationed at every bus stop @ @ @ @ @ in Kiev already , out of 73 across Ukraine .
There are not many people @ @ @ @ @ Kiev , TASS reported says .
National Guard officers check if passengers have their special @ @ @ @ @ organizations have leased buses to transport their employees .
The city authorities have granted the @ @ @ @ @ '' rights to conduct transport documents check .
Due to suspension of public transport , @ @ @ @ @ , jamming traffic at certain points of Ukrainian capital .
By March 23 , 73 @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine , 3 people died , while 1 patient recovered .

The Kiev Mayor’s Office press service announced that on Monday, 17 public transport routes were active to deliver medical staff, utilities, social and other essential services’ employees to work. Only people with special pass card are allowed into the transport.
KIEV, March 23. /TASS/. Kiev residents will be banned from using public transport over coronavirus spread starting Monday, and National Guard officers are stationed at every bus stop. There are 29 cases in Kiev already, out of 73 across Ukraine.
There are not many people at the bus stops in Kiev, TASS reported says. National Guard officers check if passengers have their special pass with them. Some organizations have leased buses to transport their employees.
The city authorities have granted the far-right organization "Municipal guard" rights to conduct transport documents check.
Due to suspension of public transport, the number of cars skyrocketed, jamming traffic at certain points of Ukrainian capital.
By March 23, 73 coronavirus cases have been registered in Ukraine, 3 people died, while 1 patient recovered.


tass--2020-03-23--Authorities in Moscow, regional suburbs urge seniors to stay home amid virus fears

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Authorities in Moscow and the Moscow region have recommended people over 65 years @ @ @ @ @ 26 and April 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic .
In addition , a number @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow and the Moscow region in order to prevent the infection from spreading and @ @ @ @ @ people amid the pandemic .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced earlier on Monday that @ @ @ @ @ been recorded in the country in the previous 24 hours , bringing the total number @ @ @ @ @ as 17 Russian coronavirus patients have recovered .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Authorities in Moscow and the Moscow region have recommended people over 65 years of age self-isolate between March 26 and April 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, a number of measures will be taken in Moscow and the Moscow region in order to prevent the infection from spreading and provide social support to elderly people amid the pandemic.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced earlier on Monday that 71 new coronavirus cases had been recorded in the country in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number to 438. As many as 17 Russian coronavirus patients have recovered.


tass--2020-03-23--Postponing Olympics for one year can entail losses of $5.8 bln

TOKYO , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Postponing the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo to next year due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic will cause international financial losses of about $ 5.8 bkn , Kyodo agency reported referring to the forecast of professor of economics at Osaka University Katsuhiro Miyamoto .
Tokyo Olympics to be postponed if impossible to be held in complete way , says Abe According to the forecast , in this case another fundraiser would need to be held for athletes training and maintenance of sports facilities .
In addition , the additional qualifying competitions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On March 7 , Japanese financial company Nikko Securities announced the results of a study according to which cancelling the competition would cost the Japanese economy about $ 74.2 bln .
The revenue of Japanese corporations in 2020 is expected to fall by 24.4 % .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 300,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 13,000 have died .
Russia has identified 367 cases so far .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep people informed about the coronavirus situation .

TOKYO, March 23. /TASS/. Postponing the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo to next year due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic will cause international financial losses of about $5.8 bkn, Kyodo agency reported referring to the forecast of professor of economics at Osaka University Katsuhiro Miyamoto.
Tokyo Olympics to be postponed if impossible to be held in complete way, says Abe
According to the forecast, in this case another fundraiser would need to be held for athletes training and maintenance of sports facilities. In addition, the additional qualifying competitions will also require large financial investments.
On March 7, Japanese financial company Nikko Securities announced the results of a study according to which cancelling the competition would cost the Japanese economy about $74.2 bln. The revenue of Japanese corporations in 2020 is expected to fall by 24.4%.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 150 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 300,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 13,000 have died.
Russia has identified 367 cases so far. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-23--Last groups of Russian medical experts arrive in Italy

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The eighth and ninth planes from the Russian Airspace Forces carrying the last groups of experts and equipment to battle the coronavirus have arrived in Italy , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday .
On Saturday , Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a telephone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte that Moscow was ready to provide quick assistance to Rome in combating the infection .
Under the president ’ s order , the Russian Defense Ministry formed a group of nine Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft to deliver virologists , infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Defense Ministry , the Russian mission consists of eight mobile teams and about 100 military virologists and infectious disease experts who earlier participated in efforts to fight the outbreaks of African swine fever and anthrax , and in the development of vaccines for Ebola fever and plague .
Russia has also provided Italy with truck-based units capable of disinfecting vehicles and public spaces , as well as with medical equipment .
As of March 22 , the number of coronavirus patients in Italy stood at 59,138 .
A total of 5,476 @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The eighth and ninth planes from the Russian Airspace Forces carrying the last groups of experts and equipment to battle the coronavirus have arrived in Italy, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a telephone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte that Moscow was ready to provide quick assistance to Rome in combating the infection. Under the president’s order, the Russian Defense Ministry formed a group of nine Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft to deliver virologists, infectious disease experts and equipment to Italy.
According to the Defense Ministry, the Russian mission consists of eight mobile teams and about 100 military virologists and infectious disease experts who earlier participated in efforts to fight the outbreaks of African swine fever and anthrax, and in the development of vaccines for Ebola fever and plague. Russia has also provided Italy with truck-based units capable of disinfecting vehicles and public spaces, as well as with medical equipment.
As of March 22, the number of coronavirus patients in Italy stood at 59,138. A total of 5,476 people have died of the infection.


tass--2020-03-23--Russia’s government allocates $124.3 mln for treatment of epidemic diseases

`` 10 billion rubles were allocated from the reserve fund of the Russian government for the production and purchase of equipment and products for the diagnostics , detection , prevention , and treatment of epidemic diseases , personal protective equipment , medicines and medical devices , '' the government press service said .
MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government allocates 10 bln rubles ( $ 124.3 mln ) from its reserve fund for equipment for diagnostics and treatment of epidemic diseases and for protective equipment .
The decree from March 21 , 2020 , was signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also instructed the government to prepare a set of additional measures to support the economy and business over the coming days on Monday .
`` We continue to take measures to mitigate the negative impact of coronavirus on the Russian economy , including a priority action plan … .
In the coming days , a set of additional measures should be prepared that will allow us to cope with this serious threat .
It includes new measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises , the construction industry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mishustin said at a meeting with deputy prime ministers .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 150 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 300,000 people have been infected around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .
Russia has identified 367 cases so far .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep people informed about the coronavirus situation .

"10 billion rubles were allocated from the reserve fund of the Russian government for the production and purchase of equipment and products for the diagnostics, detection, prevention, and treatment of epidemic diseases, personal protective equipment, medicines and medical devices," the government press service said.
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The Russian government allocates 10 bln rubles ($124.3 mln) from its reserve fund for equipment for diagnostics and treatment of epidemic diseases and for protective equipment. The decree from March 21, 2020, was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin also instructed the government to prepare a set of additional measures to support the economy and business over the coming days on Monday.
"We continue to take measures to mitigate the negative impact of coronavirus on the Russian economy, including a priority action plan … . In the coming days, a set of additional measures should be prepared that will allow us to cope with this serious threat. It includes new measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises, the construction industry, additional measures for import substitution," Mishustin said at a meeting with deputy prime ministers.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 150 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 300,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 13,000 have died.
Russia has identified 367 cases so far. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-23--Coronavirus cases in Russia rise to 438 over past day

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people who contracted the coronavirus in Russia has grown to @ @ @ @ @ , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday .
`` In Russia , the @ @ @ @ @ as in other countries , especially in Europe .
Over the past day , 71 @ @ @ @ @ 17 people have recovered .
A total of 438 people have been infected , '' @ @ @ @ @ deputy prime ministers .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The number of people who contracted the coronavirus in Russia has grown to 438 over the past day, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday.
"In Russia, the situation is not as acute as in other countries, especially in Europe. Over the past day, 71 cases have been recorded and 17 people have recovered. A total of 438 people have been infected," Mishustin told a meeting with deputy prime ministers.


tass--2020-03-23--Russian insurers ask Central Bank to ease market regulation amid pandemic

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The All-Russian Union of Insurers has addressed the Bank of Russia with a @ @ @ @ @ requirements for insurance market players amid the coronavirus pandemic and offered a number of measures @ @ @ @ @ according to a letter to the Central Bank Chief Elvira Nabiullina obtained by TASS .
@ @ @ @ @ support the sustainability of Russia ’ s insurance market is easing of the regulator ’ @ @ @ @ @ financial solvency of insurers , as well as postponement of the date of providing financial @ @ @ @ @ first quarter and March 2020 .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The All-Russian Union of Insurers has addressed the Bank of Russia with a request to temporarily ease the requirements for insurance market players amid the coronavirus pandemic and offered a number of measures to support the market, according to a letter to the Central Bank Chief Elvira Nabiullina obtained by TASS.
Among the suggested measures to support the sustainability of Russia’s insurance market is easing of the regulator’s requirements to creditworthiness and financial solvency of insurers, as well as postponement of the date of providing financial and other reports for the first quarter and March 2020.


tass--2020-03-23--Tokyo Olympics to be postponed if impossible to be held in complete way, says Abe

TOKYO , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The option of postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games set to be held in Tokyo this summer is possible if it is difficult to hold the Games as usual , Japan ’ s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a parliamentary session on Monday .
`` [ The position of the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) ] is in line with holding [ the Games ] in a complete way .
If it is difficult to hold [ the Games ] in a complete way , a decision of postponement would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety is paramount , '' he said .
Abe noted that the International Olympic Committee takes the related decision , adding that the issue of cancellation of the Games is not on the agenda now .
On Sunday , the IOC president Thomas Bach said that the Committee would take the decision on the possibility to hold the Tokyo Games as originally scheduled amid the coronavirus pandemic within four weeks .
Previously the International Olympic Committee and Japan ’ s authorities consistently stated that the Games would be held as scheduled .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled to be held between July 24 and August 9 .
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
According to the latest figures provided by the World Health Organization , around 300,000 individuals worldwide have got infected and 13,000 people have died .
In Russia , 367 infection cases have been registered .

TOKYO, March 23. /TASS/. The option of postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games set to be held in Tokyo this summer is possible if it is difficult to hold the Games as usual, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a parliamentary session on Monday.
"[The position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)] is in line with holding [the Games] in a complete way. If it is difficult to hold [the Games] in a complete way, a decision of postponement would be unavoidable as we think the athletes’ safety is paramount," he said.
Abe noted that the International Olympic Committee takes the related decision, adding that the issue of cancellation of the Games is not on the agenda now.
On Sunday, the IOC president Thomas Bach said that the Committee would take the decision on the possibility to hold the Tokyo Games as originally scheduled amid the coronavirus pandemic within four weeks. Previously the International Olympic Committee and Japan’s authorities consistently stated that the Games would be held as scheduled.
The 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo are scheduled to be held between July 24 and August 9. The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the latest figures provided by the World Health Organization, around 300,000 individuals worldwide have got infected and 13,000 people have died. In Russia, 367 infection cases have been registered.


tass--2020-03-23--Abkhazia's opposition candidate Bzhania leading presidential election with 56.5% of votes

SUKHUM , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Deputy of Abkhazia ’ s parliament , the opposition leader Aslan Bzhania , @ @ @ @ @ ’ s presidential elections rerun with 56.5 % of votes as 100 % of protocols @ @ @ @ @ to preliminary figures provided by the Central Election Commission , a representative of the Commission @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Prime Minister , Economy Minister Adgur Ardzinba has scored 35.42 % of the votes @ @ @ @ @ Dzapshba has only won 2.22 % of the votes , whereas 1.75 % of voters @ @ @ @ @ With the voting turnout exceeding 71 % , far above the 50 % threshold , @ @ @ @ @ valid .
According to the legislation , the presidential candidate that received more than half @ @ @ @ @ considered elected .
Over 95,000 voters participated in the election .
According to the election @ @ @ @ @ and elections headquarters of candidates , no major violations have been registered during the voting @

SUKHUM, March 23. /TASS/. Deputy of Abkhazia’s parliament, the opposition leader Aslan Bzhania, 57, is leading Sunday’s presidential elections rerun with 56.5% of votes as 100% of protocols have been counted, according to preliminary figures provided by the Central Election Commission, a representative of the Commission told TASS on Monday.
Deputy Prime Minister, Economy Minister Adgur Ardzinba has scored 35.42% of the votes, former Interior Minister Leonid Dzapshba has only won 2.22% of the votes, whereas 1.75% of voters were against all candidates.
With the voting turnout exceeding 71%, far above the 50% threshold, the election is recognized as valid. According to the legislation, the presidential candidate that received more than half of the votes, is considered elected.
Over 95,000 voters participated in the election. According to the election commission, law enforcement bodies and elections headquarters of candidates, no major violations have been registered during the voting.


tass--2020-03-23--WHO reports over 292,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19

GENEVA , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 292,142 confirmed coronavirus cases and 12,784 deaths have been registered worldwide , according to the data as reported by national authorities as of March 21 , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily information note overnight into Monday .
The number of infected increased by 26,069 people over 24 hours , while the number of deaths rose by 1,600 .
The biggest number of confirmed cases and deaths was registered in the European Region - 151,293 and 7,426 , respectively .
The number of confirmed cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,426 in the region over the past 24 hours , respectively .
Western Pacific Region , including China , the Republic of Korea and Japan , comes second with 94,787 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 3,438 deaths .
In Europe , the largest number of infected was reported in Italy - 53,578 people , followed by Spain ( 24,926 ) , Germany ( 21,463 ) , France ( 14,459 ) , Switzerland ( 6,077 ) , Britain ( 5,018 ) , the Netherlands ( 3,631 ) , Austria ( 3,024 ) , Belgium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,926 ) , according to the World Health Organization .
Four new countries and territories have reported cases of COVID-19 over 24 hours .
`` There has been a rise in criminals disguising themselves as WHO to steal money or sensitive information .
WHO urges individuals to stay alert and to verify the authenticity of the request , '' the Organization warned .
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World @ @ @

GENEVA, March 23. /TASS/. A total of 292,142 confirmed coronavirus cases and 12,784 deaths have been registered worldwide, according to the data as reported by national authorities as of March 21, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily information note overnight into Monday.
The number of infected increased by 26,069 people over 24 hours, while the number of deaths rose by 1,600. The biggest number of confirmed cases and deaths was registered in the European Region - 151,293 and 7,426, respectively. The number of confirmed cases and deaths went up by 22,752 and 1,426 in the region over the past 24 hours, respectively.
Western Pacific Region, including China, the Republic of Korea and Japan, comes second with 94,787 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 3,438 deaths.
In Europe, the largest number of infected was reported in Italy - 53,578 people, followed by Spain (24,926), Germany (21,463), France (14,459), Switzerland (6,077), Britain (5,018), the Netherlands (3,631), Austria (3,024), Belgium (2,815), and Norway (1,926), according to the World Health Organization.
Four new countries and territories have reported cases of COVID-19 over 24 hours.
"There has been a rise in criminals disguising themselves as WHO to steal money or sensitive information. WHO urges individuals to stay alert and to verify the authenticity of the request," the Organization warned.
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization.


tass--2020-03-23--Brent crude oil price down 7.9% on London's ICE

TASS , March 23 .
The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery lost 7.9 @ @ @ @ @ to $ 25.01 per barrel , according to the trading data as of 1:16 am @ @ @ @ @ of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for April delivery is down 7.5 % trading @ @ @ @ @ .
The oil price drop follows reports on continuing growth of the number of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ of new sites of the disease .

TASS, March 23. The price of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery lost 7.9% on London's ICE to $25.01 per barrel, according to the trading data as of 1:16 am Moscow time.
The price of futures contracts of WTI crude oil for April delivery is down 7.5% trading at $21.06 per barrel.
The oil price drop follows reports on continuing growth of the number of coronavirus infection cases and the appearance of new sites of the disease.


tass--2020-03-24--French, Chinese leaders call for G20 summit on COVID-related problems

PARIS , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
French President Emmanuel Macron and his Chinese counterpart , Xi Jinping , have called for an extraordinary Group of Twenty summit on problems linked with the novel coronavirus pandemic , France Presse said on Monday citing a press statement of the French president ’ s administration issued after a telephone conversation between the two leaders .
`` The two leaders agreed that such a summit would be useful from the point of view of public healthcare , < … > and from the economic point of view , '' as follows from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a message to the Group of Twenty leaders calling for closer coordination to stop the global spread of the infection .
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 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having recovered .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 330,000 , with more than 15,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

PARIS, March 23. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have called for an extraordinary Group of Twenty summit on problems linked with the novel coronavirus pandemic, France Presse said on Monday citing a press statement of the French president’s administration issued after a telephone conversation between the two leaders.
"The two leaders agreed that such a summit would be useful from the point of view of public healthcare, <…> and from the economic point of view," as follows from the document.
Earlier in the day, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres issued a message to the Group of Twenty leaders calling for closer coordination to stop the global spread of the infection.
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. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 438 cases, with 17 patients having recovered. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 330,000, with more than 15,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-24--Russian government authorizes export of unique one-kilo emerald

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government has issued a permission to sell to a foreign customer a unique emerald weighting more than one kilogram , according to a decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin .
The decree , dated March 20 , authorizes `` export of a unique lump of natural emerald ( grade 2 , color category 1 ) , weighting 1,010 grams . ''
The emerald is known under the name Gubernatorsky [ Governor ’ s ] .
A source in Russia ’ s state corporation Rostec , which owns the Mariinsky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2013 , confirmed the information .
`` This stone has unique characteristics .
Potential buyers from a number of states have already signaled their huge interest , '' the company said .
Mariinsky Priisk deposit director Yevgeny Vasilevsky told TASS last year that the company planned to auction the emerald in the fall of 2019 , at the starting price of 20 million rubles ( $ 251,000 at the current exchange rate ) .
The Mariinsky mine is an enterprise created on the basis of the Malyshevsky emerald-beryllium deposit , the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world and the only one of its kind in Russia .
Beryllium , emeralds , phenakites and alexandrite are mined here .
Every year , the Mariinsky mine processes 94,000 tonnes of ore to discover about 150 kg of emeralds , 15 kg of alexandrites , and more than 5 tonnes of beryls .

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. The Russian government has issued a permission to sell to a foreign customer a unique emerald weighting more than one kilogram, according to a decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The decree, dated March 20, authorizes "export of a unique lump of natural emerald (grade 2, color category 1), weighting 1,010 grams." The emerald is known under the name Gubernatorsky [Governor’s].
A source in Russia’s state corporation Rostec, which owns the Mariinsky Priisk deposit where the crystal was found in 2013, confirmed the information.
"This stone has unique characteristics. Potential buyers from a number of states have already signaled their huge interest," the company said.
Mariinsky Priisk deposit director Yevgeny Vasilevsky told TASS last year that the company planned to auction the emerald in the fall of 2019, at the starting price of 20 million rubles ($251,000 at the current exchange rate).
The Mariinsky mine is an enterprise created on the basis of the Malyshevsky emerald-beryllium deposit, the largest in Europe, one of the three in the world and the only one of its kind in Russia. Beryllium, emeralds, phenakites and alexandrite are mined here. Every year, the Mariinsky mine processes 94,000 tonnes of ore to discover about 150 kg of emeralds, 15 kg of alexandrites, and more than 5 tonnes of beryls.


tass--2020-03-24--Russian, Turkish servicemen conduct second joint patrol mission along M4 highway in Syria

MOSCOW , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted the second joint patrol mission along a section of the M4 highway linking the cities of Aleppo and Latakia in the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria .
The Turkish side has committed itself to neutralize radical extremist groups hampering joint patrol missions , Oleg Zhuravlev , chief of the Russia Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria , said on Monday .
Under the Russian-Turkish agreement , the second joint Russian-Turkish patrol mission was conducted along a section of the M4 highway linking the cities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone in Syria on March 23 , 2020 .
The route of the joint patrol was shortened due to security considerations .
The Turkish side has undertook to take swift steps to neutralize radical extremist groups that hamper the movement of the convoys of the joint patrol mission along the M4 highway in the safety corridor , '' he said .
A ceasefire was declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone from 00:01 on March 6 , 2020 in line with the Russia-Turkish agreements .
No shelling attack by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian military police continued patrol missions in the Aleppo and al-Hasakah governorates .
Russia ’ s air force conducted an aerial patrolling from the al-Qamishli airfield .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones @

MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted the second joint patrol mission along a section of the M4 highway linking the cities of Aleppo and Latakia in the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria. The Turkish side has committed itself to neutralize radical extremist groups hampering joint patrol missions, Oleg Zhuravlev, chief of the Russia Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said on Monday.
Under the Russian-Turkish agreement, the second joint Russian-Turkish patrol mission was conducted along a section of the M4 highway linking the cities of Aleppo and Latakia in the Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria on March 23, 2020. The route of the joint patrol was shortened due to security considerations. The Turkish side has undertook to take swift steps to neutralize radical extremist groups that hamper the movement of the convoys of the joint patrol mission along the M4 highway in the safety corridor," he said.
A ceasefire was declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone from 00:01 on March 6, 2020 in line with the Russia-Turkish agreements. No shelling attack by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported during the day, Zhuravlev said.
The Russian military police continued patrol missions in the Aleppo and al-Hasakah governorates. Russia’s air force conducted an aerial patrolling from the al-Qamishli airfield.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-03-24--About 333,000 novel coronavirus cases, over 14,000 deaths confirmed worldwide — WHO

GENEVA , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 332,930 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and 14,510 fatalities have been registered worldwide as of 10 a.m. Geneva time ( noon Moscow time ) on Monday , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) said in its daily bulletin .
The number of confirmed cases grew by more than 40,000 in the past 24 hours to reach 332,930 .
The number of fatalities increased by 1,727 in the reported period , to 14,510 .
Europe accounts for the majority of confirmed cases and fatalities - 171,424 and 8,743 , respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of cases grew by 20,131 and the number of deaths - by 1,318 .
The Asia Pacific region , which includes China , South Korea and Japan , has 95,637 cases and 3,473 fatalities as of March 23 .
Three new countries detected first cases of the novel coronavirus infection on their territory in past day .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 438 cases , with 17 patients having recovered .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

GENEVA, March 23. /TASS/. A total of 332,930 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus and 14,510 fatalities have been registered worldwide as of 10 a.m. Geneva time (noon Moscow time) on Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily bulletin.
The number of confirmed cases grew by more than 40,000 in the past 24 hours to reach 332,930.
The number of fatalities increased by 1,727 in the reported period, to 14,510.
Europe accounts for the majority of confirmed cases and fatalities - 171,424 and 8,743, respectively. In the past 24 hours, the number of cases grew by 20,131 and the number of deaths - by 1,318.
The Asia Pacific region, which includes China, South Korea and Japan, has 95,637 cases and 3,473 fatalities as of March 23.
Three new countries detected first cases of the novel coronavirus infection on their territory in past day.
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. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 438 cases, with 17 patients having recovered. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-24--Eleventh Russian military plane carrying experts, medical equipment arrives in Italy

PRATICA DI MARE/ Italy/ , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
The eleventh Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces carrying experts and medical equipment has arrived in Italy to help it cope with the novel coronavirus epidemic , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday .
According to the ministry , the aircraft carrying Russian military specialists and diagnostics and disinfecting equipment landed at the Italian airbase Pratica di Mare 30 kilometers southwest of Rome , Italy .
Three more planes are on their way to Italy .
The ministry said that efforts continue to deliver military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bid to assist the country in combating the coronavirus .
In a telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte , Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia 's readiness to offer urgent assistance to Italy to help it cope with the novel coronavirus infection .
On the same day , the Russian defense ministry said it would set up an air taskforce of nine Il-76 planes .
Earlier on Monday , the ministry reported that eight mobile brigades of medics and about 100 military virologists and epidemiologists , equipment for disinfecting transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical equipment had been delivered to Italy .

PRATICA DI MARE/ Italy/, March 23. /TASS/. The eleventh Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces carrying experts and medical equipment has arrived in Italy to help it cope with the novel coronavirus epidemic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
According to the ministry, the aircraft carrying Russian military specialists and diagnostics and disinfecting equipment landed at the Italian airbase Pratica di Mare 30 kilometers southwest of Rome, Italy. Three more planes are on their way to Italy.
The ministry said that efforts continue to deliver military medical experts and equipment to Italy in a bid to assist the country in combating the coronavirus.
In a telephone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed Russia's readiness to offer urgent assistance to Italy to help it cope with the novel coronavirus infection. On the same day, the Russian defense ministry said it would set up an air taskforce of nine Il-76 planes.
Earlier on Monday, the ministry reported that eight mobile brigades of medics and about 100 military virologists and epidemiologists, equipment for disinfecting transport vehicles and territories, as well as medical equipment had been delivered to Italy.


tass--2020-03-24--WHO chief calls upon G20 states to show solidarity in fighting novel coronavirus

GENEVA , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Members of the G20 group of nations should demonstrate solidarity in tackling the novel coronavirus outbreak , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Monday .
He pointed out at the lack of esstential protection gear , calling for `` political coordination at the global level '' to cope with the issue .
`` This week , I will be addressing heads of state and government from the G20 countries .
Among other issues , I will be asking them to work together to increase production , avoid export bans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis of need , '' he said .
`` We need unity in the G20 countries , who have more than 80 % of global GDP , '' he said .
`` Political commitment at the G20 means strong solidarity that can help us to move forward and fight this pandemic in the strongest way possible .
The most important ask to G20 leaders is solidarity , to act as one , because they have the biggest stake in the world , in all respects . ''
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation as a pandemic .

GENEVA, March 23. /TASS/. Members of the G20 group of nations should demonstrate solidarity in tackling the novel coronavirus outbreak, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Monday.
He pointed out at the lack of esstential protection gear, calling for "political coordination at the global level" to cope with the issue.
"This week, I will be addressing heads of state and government from the G20 countries. Among other issues, I will be asking them to work together to increase production, avoid export bans and ensure equity of distribution, on the basis of need," he said.
"We need unity in the G20 countries, who have more than 80% of global GDP," he said. "Political commitment at the G20 means strong solidarity that can help us to move forward and fight this pandemic in the strongest way possible. The most important ask to G20 leaders is solidarity, to act as one, because they have the biggest stake in the world, in all respects."
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. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-24--Series of 57 aftershocks rock Zagreb in past day — agency

ZAGREB , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
A series of 57 moderate and minor aftershocks rocked the Croatian capital city @ @ @ @ @ after several powerful quakes on Monday morning , HINA news agency said on Monday citing @ @ @ @ @ ( EMSC ) .
According to EMSC , the aftershock with a magnitude from 2.0 @ @ @ @ @ to seven kilometers north of Zagreb .
Two magnitude 5.3 and 5.0 earthquakes hit Zagreb @ @ @ @ @ were located near the city .
The earth tremors caused electricity and internet connection problems @ @ @ @ @ continue to clear the city ’ s streets of the debris .
About 300 more @ @ @ @ @ ready to join the effort .
Many people were driven to the streets by the @ @ @ @ @ ’ recommendations to avoid close contacts in a bid to prevent the novel coronavirus spread @ @ @ @ @ .
Those who can not return to their apartments are provided with meals and accommodated @ @ @ @ @ to the Russian embassy , Russian nationals were not affected by the disaster .

ZAGREB, March 23. /TASS/. A series of 57 moderate and minor aftershocks rocked the Croatian capital city of Zagreb during the day after several powerful quakes on Monday morning, HINA news agency said on Monday citing the European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC).
According to EMSC, the aftershock with a magnitude from 2.0 to 3.3 were registered six to seven kilometers north of Zagreb.
Two magnitude 5.3 and 5.0 earthquakes hit Zagreb on Sunday. Their epicenters were located near the city. The earth tremors caused electricity and internet connection problems. About 200 Croatian servicemen continue to clear the city’s streets of the debris. About 300 more servicemen are on high alert ready to join the effort.
Many people were driven to the streets by the aftershocks. Despite the authorities’ recommendations to avoid close contacts in a bid to prevent the novel coronavirus spread, people flocked in groups. Those who cannot return to their apartments are provided with meals and accommodated at student hostels.
According to the Russian embassy, Russian nationals were not affected by the disaster.


tass--2020-03-24--41 new COVID cases confirmed in Armenia, government orders to close cafes, restaurants

YEREVAN , March 23 .
/TASS/ .
Forty-one new COVID-2019 cases have been confirmed in Armenia over the day , with an overall number of coronavirus patients reaching 235 , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday .
`` I have extremely alarming news .
Forty-one new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the past day .
The overall number of such cases is 235 .
We will have to toughen the emergency regime for a span of one week , '' he said in an address telecast on his Facebook account .
He also said that the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants in a bid to prevent further spread of the infection .
`` The geography of the infection is alarming .
To stop further spread of the disease , we have taken a decision to close all cafes and restaurants and to suspend construction works and operation of textile factories for a span of one week , '' he said .
According to Pashinyan , 26 patients have pneumonia and are in stable conditions .
More than 700 people are quarantined .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories , including Russia , which by now has 438 cases , with 17 patients having recovered .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 330,000 , with more than 15,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @

YEREVAN, March 23. /TASS/. Forty-one new COVID-2019 cases have been confirmed in Armenia over the day, with an overall number of coronavirus patients reaching 235, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Monday.
"I have extremely alarming news. Forty-one new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the past day. The overall number of such cases is 235. We will have to toughen the emergency regime for a span of one week," he said in an address telecast on his Facebook account.
He also said that the government had decided to close all cafes and restaurants in a bid to prevent further spread of the infection.
"The geography of the infection is alarming. To stop further spread of the disease, we have taken a decision to close all cafes and restaurants and to suspend construction works and operation of textile factories for a span of one week," he said.
According to Pashinyan, 26 patients have pneumonia and are in stable conditions. More than 700 people are quarantined.
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. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 150 countries and territories, including Russia, which by now has 438 cases, with 17 patients having recovered. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 330,000, with more than 15,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-24--Over 43,000 Russians evacuated from COVID-hit countries by Aeroflot in past 10 days

MOSCOW , March 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s flagship air carrier Aeroflot said on Monday it has evacuated @ @ @ @ @ from coronavirus-hit countries over the past ten days , Coronavirus fears turn life upside down @ @ @ @ @ has ensured the return of 43,555 Russian nationals from foreign cities of its destinations network @ @ @ @ @ 14 to 23 , '' it said in a press statement .
Most of the @ @ @ @ @ ( 3,260 people ) , Paris ( 3,152 people ) , Prague ( 3,031 people @ @ @ @ @ people ) , Amsterdam ( 2,175 people ) , Barcelona ( 1,833 people ) , @ @ @ @ @ , and Vienna ( 1,745 people ) .

MOSCOW, March 24. /TASS/. Russia’s flagship air carrier Aeroflot said on Monday it has evacuated more than 43,000 Russian nationals from coronavirus-hit countries over the past ten days,
Coronavirus fears turn life upside down throughout the world
"Aeroflot has ensured the return of 43,555 Russian nationals from foreign cities of its destinations network in a period from March 14 to 23," it said in a press statement.
Most of the passengers were evacuated from Berlin (3,260 people), Paris (3,152 people), Prague (3,031 people), Budapest (2,938 people), Amsterdam (2,175 people), Barcelona (1,833 people), Brussels (1,811 people), and Vienna (1,745 people).