tass--2020-04-28--Sewage surveillance? Coronavirus spread can be traced via wastewaters, scientists discover

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus RNA appears in sewage water much earlier than people begin to experience the first disease symptoms , epidemiologists from Spain have discovered .
This allows using the sewers as the early warning system for infection outbreaks , they say in an study , published at the medRxiv website .
Epidemiologists from the University of Valencia and their colleagues from the Institute of Agrochemicals and Food Technologies ( Valencia , Spain ) attempted to determine , how fast the virus traces appear in city sewers , by studying sewage specimen , collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
During the first weeks of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan , medics and biologists discovered that human biological waste contain large amounts of the virus .
Later , scientists connected this feature of the virus to some infection cases in Singapore , blaming improper ventilation systems in some restrooms .
`` Our results strongly suggest that the virus was undergoing community transmission earlier than previously believed , and show that wastewater analysis is a sensitive and cost-effective strategy for COVID·19 epidemiological surveillance , '' the researchers say .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak across the entire Iberian Peninsula .
The first case was registered in Valencia in late February 2020 , but some medics suspect that the virus could have infiltrated into the city much earlier .
The study ’ s authors checked whether this was true , by looking for traces of the virus in the city ’ s sewage .
Unexpectedly , the analysis revealed that fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 genome had already been present in some corners of the city ’ s sewers by February 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case in Spain .
During the first week of March , fragments of the virus ’ RNA were present in large amounts in water specimens , collected at all three of Valencia ’ s water treatment stations , which points to the start of the local transmission of the virus .
In the meantime , medics had registered only 50 infection cases , connecting all of them with travel and business trips to the hotbeds of the epidemic .
All this indicates that the city sewers might serve as an early indicator of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories .
This could be used to observe the further evolution of COVID-19 and to prevent future outbreaks , the researchers concluded .
In mid-April , parallel research was published by scientists from the University of Queensland ( Australia ) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization ( CSIRO ) .
They have come to conclusion that the presence of coronavirus traces in sewage might reveal a coronavirus outbreak even before confirmed cases are registered .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The coronavirus RNA appears in sewage water much earlier than people begin to experience the first disease symptoms, epidemiologists from Spain have discovered. This allows using the sewers as the early warning system for infection outbreaks, they say in an study, published at the medRxiv website.
Epidemiologists from the University of Valencia and their colleagues from the Institute of Agrochemicals and Food Technologies (Valencia, Spain) attempted to determine, how fast the virus traces appear in city sewers, by studying sewage specimen, collected in Valencia between February and April this year.
During the first weeks of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, medics and biologists discovered that human biological waste contain large amounts of the virus. Later, scientists connected this feature of the virus to some infection cases in Singapore, blaming improper ventilation systems in some restrooms.
"Our results strongly suggest that the virus was undergoing community transmission earlier than previously believed, and show that wastewater analysis is a sensitive and cost-effective strategy for COVID·19 epidemiological surveillance," the researchers say.
According to the researchers, Valencia and the surrounding regions were ground zero for the coronavirus outbreak across the entire Iberian Peninsula. The first case was registered in Valencia in late February 2020, but some medics suspect that the virus could have infiltrated into the city much earlier.
The study’s authors checked whether this was true, by looking for traces of the virus in the city’s sewage. Unexpectedly, the analysis revealed that fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 genome had already been present in some corners of the city’s sewers by February 24, when medics announced the first infection case in Spain.
During the first week of March, fragments of the virus’ RNA were present in large amounts in water specimens, collected at all three of Valencia’s water treatment stations, which points to the start of the local transmission of the virus. In the meantime, medics had registered only 50 infection cases, connecting all of them with travel and business trips to the hotbeds of the epidemic.
All this indicates that the city sewers might serve as an early indicator of the virus’s spread to new territories. This could be used to observe the further evolution of COVID-19 and to prevent future outbreaks, the researchers concluded.
In mid-April, parallel research was published by scientists from the University of Queensland (Australia) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). They have come to conclusion that the presence of coronavirus traces in sewage might reveal a coronavirus outbreak even before confirmed cases are registered.


tass--2020-04-28--Pacific Fleet vessel to provide security for Russian barques in round-the-world voyage

VLADIVOSTOK , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Pacific Fleet ’ s sea tug Kalar will provide security for the barques Sedov and Pallada as they transit the Malacca and Singapore straits in their round-the world voyage , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Tuesday .
`` In the Andaman Sea , the Pacific Fleet ’ s sea tug Kalar met with the barque Sedov and the frigate Pallada .
At the request of the Federal Agency for Fishing ( Rosrybolovstvo ) , the Pacific Fleet Command has made a decision to provide security for the training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malacca and Singapore straits .
This task has been assigned to the sea tug Kalar , which is carrying an anti-terror group with service weapons on its board , '' the press office said in a statement .
After transiting the straits , the sea tug will continue accomplishing its long-distance deployment missions , the Pacific Fleet ’ s press office said .
Three Russian training sail ships : the Pallada , the Kruzenshtern and the Sedov are taking part in the round-the-world voyage organized by Russia ’ s Federal Agency for Fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World 2020 '' is devoted to the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the Antarctica by Russian explorers and the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 .
The Pallada embarked on its voyage on November 1 from the port of Vladivostok while the Sedov and the Kruzenshtern set their sail from Kaliningrad on December 8 .
The barque Sedov and the frigate Pallada are making their round-the-world voyages while the windjammer Kruzenshtern is performing a trans-Atlantic expedition .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Federal Agency for Fishing and 56 boy seamen will undergo training aboard the windjammers during their voyages .
As a major event of the expedition ’ s first stage , the windjammers held a 200-mile memorial sailing race on February 20-21 to honor the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the sixth continent by the first Russian Antarctic expedition led by Faddey Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev .

VLADIVOSTOK, April 28. /TASS/. The Russian Pacific Fleet’s sea tug Kalar will provide security for the barques Sedov and Pallada as they transit the Malacca and Singapore straits in their round-the world voyage, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"In the Andaman Sea, the Pacific Fleet’s sea tug Kalar met with the barque Sedov and the frigate Pallada. At the request of the Federal Agency for Fishing (Rosrybolovstvo), the Pacific Fleet Command has made a decision to provide security for the training sail ships during their transit of the Malacca and Singapore straits. This task has been assigned to the sea tug Kalar, which is carrying an anti-terror group with service weapons on its board," the press office said in a statement.
After transiting the straits, the sea tug will continue accomplishing its long-distance deployment missions, the Pacific Fleet’s press office said.
Three Russian training sail ships: the Pallada, the Kruzenshtern and the Sedov are taking part in the round-the-world voyage organized by Russia’s Federal Agency for Fishing. The round-the-world expedition "Sails of the World 2020" is devoted to the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the Antarctica by Russian explorers and the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
The Pallada embarked on its voyage on November 1 from the port of Vladivostok while the Sedov and the Kruzenshtern set their sail from Kaliningrad on December 8.
The barque Sedov and the frigate Pallada are making their round-the-world voyages while the windjammer Kruzenshtern is performing a trans-Atlantic expedition. A total of 692 cadets of educational institutions of the Federal Agency for Fishing and 56 boy seamen will undergo training aboard the windjammers during their voyages.
As a major event of the expedition’s first stage, the windjammers held a 200-mile memorial sailing race on February 20-21 to honor the 200th anniversary of the discovery of the sixth continent by the first Russian Antarctic expedition led by Faddey Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev.


tass--2020-04-28--SARS-CoV-2 may damage brain, central nervous system, Russian Health Ministry says

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus may damage human brain , and changes in sense of @ @ @ @ @ of the infection may indicate damage to the central nervous system ( CNS ) , @ @ @ @ @ s recommendations published Tuesday .
`` It has been determined that dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 @ @ @ @ @ the Lamina cribrosa [ a mesh-like structure behind the eyes ] might cause brain damage @ @ @ @ @ s sense of smell ( hyposmia ) during the early stages of infection might indicate @ @ @ @ @ or nasopharynx mucous membrane edema , '' the document says .
The paper underscores that @ @ @ @ @ infection pathogenesis require further complex research .
To date , a total of 93,558 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Russia , with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus may damage human brain, and changes in sense of smell during the early stages of the infection may indicate damage to the central nervous system (CNS), says Russian Health Ministry’s recommendations published Tuesday.
"It has been determined that dissemination of the SARS-CoV-2 from the bloodstream or through the Lamina cribrosa [a mesh-like structure behind the eyes] might cause brain damage. Changes in patient’s sense of smell (hyposmia) during the early stages of infection might indicate either damage to the CNS or nasopharynx mucous membrane edema," the document says.
The paper underscores that many aspect of the coronavirus infection pathogenesis require further complex research.
To date, a total of 93,558 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 8,456 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 867 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-04-28--Russia to present several initiatives on pandemic effects mitigation to BRICS nations

`` We will present to you several Russian initiatives , aimed at allowing us to react more efficiently to the challenges , created by the coronavirus outbreak .
We are talking not only about security and health , but also social , economic and financial spheres , labor markets , well-being of people , sustainable development goals , '' he said .
MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will propose a number of initiatives to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic , including in the social and economic spheres , to the BRICS bloc member nations ( Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Africa ) , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at an informal meeting of the BRICS Foreign Minister Tuesday .
Lavrov proposed the BRICS nations to closely coordinate their efforts to fight the pandemic , including in the international structures .
`` We have all necessary mechanisms and platforms for such work .
This is , first and foremost , the United Nations and its organizations , as well as the G20 , the World Health Organization , the World Trade Organization and others , '' he underscored .
In late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .

"We will present to you several Russian initiatives, aimed at allowing us to react more efficiently to the challenges, created by the coronavirus outbreak. We are talking not only about security and health, but also social, economic and financial spheres, labor markets, well-being of people, sustainable development goals," he said.
MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russia will propose a number of initiatives to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic, including in the social and economic spheres, to the BRICS bloc member nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at an informal meeting of the BRICS Foreign Minister Tuesday.
Lavrov proposed the BRICS nations to closely coordinate their efforts to fight the pandemic, including in the international structures.
"We have all necessary mechanisms and platforms for such work. This is, first and foremost, the United Nations and its organizations, as well as the G20, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization and others," he underscored.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.


tass--2020-04-28--Russian energy ministry expects average oil price of over $30 per barrel in 2020

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Energy Ministry expects the oil price of slightly over $ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 , director of the ministry ’ s department Alexander Gladkov told an online @ @ @ @ @ says talk about oil output drop possible only after OPEC+ deal enters into force '' @ @ @ @ @ ( oil - TASS ) price of over $ 30 per barrel on average , @ @ @ @ @ not $ 25 , '' he said .
Gladkov added that the current crisis will @ @ @ @ @ of Russia ’ s Energy strategy through 2035 as it is based on not very @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Russia’s Energy Ministry expects the oil price of slightly over $30 per barrel on average in 2020, director of the ministry’s department Alexander Gladkov told an online conference on Tuesday.
Kremlin says talk about oil output drop possible only after OPEC+ deal enters into force
"This year we expect the (oil - TASS) price of over $30 per barrel on average, meaning not $15 and not $25," he said.
Gladkov added that the current crisis will not strongly affect the parameters of Russia’s Energy strategy through 2035 as it is based on not very high oil prices.


tass--2020-04-28--Iranian, Russian top diplomats discuss situation in Afghanistan

MOSCOW , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held a telephone conversation with his @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday .
According to the ministry , the two @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan and efforts to improve the political situation in the country .
Zarif and Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ United States ’ new plan concerning the Iran nuclear deal and agreed that it was @ @ @ @ @ Iranian Foreign Ministry added .

MOSCOW, April 28. /TASS/. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, the two top diplomats discussed developments in Afghanistan and efforts to improve the political situation in the country. Zarif and Lavrov also exchanged views on the United States’ new plan concerning the Iran nuclear deal and agreed that it was unacceptable and impracticable, the Iranian Foreign Ministry added.


tass--2020-04-28--Hainan's main customs point accelerates clearance of imported goods by 50%

HAIKOU , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's main customs point in the city of Haikou in the first quarter of 2020 accelerated customs clearance procedures for imported goods by 50 % .
According to the official representative of the local customs Ju Chunmei , now these formalities take six hours .
`` In the first quarter , the time for customs clearance of imported goods decreased by about 50 % compared to 2017 ( when there was no free trade zone on Hainan - TASS ) , export procedures accelerated by 97 % , '' the official said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now it takes six and 0.22 hours , respectively , to process the imported or exported goods on Haina .
This is by 39.2 % and 36.6 % faster than the national average indicator.
” According to Ju Chunmei , the provincial authorities managed to achieve such results by actively implementing a list of measures aimed at boosting the free trade zone and port on the island .
According to official statistics , since April 2018 , when President Xi Jinping announced a new development strategy for Hainan , and through March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnover exceeded 183.8 billion yuan ( almost $ 26 billion at the current exchange rate ) , which is by 31.8 % more than in April 2016-March 2018 .
Over the past two years , the region ’ s exports grew by 51.3 % , to 68 billion yuan ( $ 9.61 billion ) , imports - by 22.5 % , to 115.8 billion yuan ( $ 16.29 billion ) .

HAIKOU, April 28. /TASS/. Hainan's main customs point in the city of Haikou in the first quarter of 2020 accelerated customs clearance procedures for imported goods by 50%. According to the official representative of the local customs Ju Chunmei, now these formalities take six hours.
"In the first quarter, the time for customs clearance of imported goods decreased by about 50% compared to 2017 (when there was no free trade zone on Hainan - TASS), export procedures accelerated by 97%," the official said at a press conference. “Thus, now it takes six and 0.22 hours, respectively, to process the imported or exported goods on Haina. This is by 39.2% and 36.6% faster than the national average indicator.”
According to Ju Chunmei, the provincial authorities managed to achieve such results by actively implementing a list of measures aimed at boosting the free trade zone and port on the island.
According to official statistics, since April 2018, when President Xi Jinping announced a new development strategy for Hainan, and through March 2020, Hainan’s foreign trade turnover exceeded 183.8 billion yuan (almost $ 26 billion at the current exchange rate), which is by 31.8% more than in April 2016-March 2018. Over the past two years, the region’s exports grew by 51.3%, to 68 billion yuan ($ 9.61 billion), imports - by 22.5%, to 115.8 billion yuan ($ 16.29 billion).


tass--2020-04-28--Hainan's Haikou announces discounts for tourists during May holidays

HAIKOU , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
The administrative center of Hainan , the city of Haikou , launches a number of promotions and discounts to draw tourists for the upcoming May holidays , the Hainan Daily newspaper reported , citing the local tourism agency .
Starting from May 1 , the city 's all main attractions will offer tourists a discount of up to 50 % on entrance fees .
The Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and the Botanical Garden , in particular , prepared over 600 entry tickets , which can be purchased for half of their usual price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's attractions that are popular with Chinese and foreign tourists also offer various promotions and discounts .
Local authorities launched an electronic travel coupon program totaling 30 million yuan ( about $ 4.2 million ) for Haikou residents for the upcoming holidays .
They provide a discount on some of the listed tourist sites if expenses exceed 100 yuan ( about $ 14 ) .
Discounts await guests of the city also in large shopping centers and duty free shops .
Hainan Airlines intends to lower ticket prices for passengers arriving at Haikou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus outbreak , the flow of tourists to the island decreased by 23 % compared to the same period in 2019 and amounted to 5.03 million people .
Tourism revenues decreased by 27.1 % , to 6.5 billion yuan ( about $ 917 million ) .
The provincial government is currently taking various measures to restore the pandemic-affected tourism industry .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, April 28. /TASS/. The administrative center of Hainan, the city of Haikou, launches a number of promotions and discounts to draw tourists for the upcoming May holidays, the Hainan Daily newspaper reported, citing the local tourism agency.
Starting from May 1, the city's all main attractions will offer tourists a discount of up to 50% on entrance fees. The Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and the Botanical Garden, in particular, prepared over 600 entry tickets, which can be purchased for half of their usual price, the newspaper writes. Other city's attractions that are popular with Chinese and foreign tourists also offer various promotions and discounts.
Local authorities launched an electronic travel coupon program totaling 30 million yuan (about $ 4.2 million) for Haikou residents for the upcoming holidays. They provide a discount on some of the listed tourist sites if expenses exceed 100 yuan (about $14). Discounts await guests of the city also in large shopping centers and duty free shops. Hainan Airlines intends to lower ticket prices for passengers arriving at Haikou Airport.
In January, due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the flow of tourists to the island decreased by 23% compared to the same period in 2019 and amounted to 5.03 million people. Tourism revenues decreased by 27.1%, to 6.5 billion yuan (about $ 917 million). The provincial government is currently taking various measures to restore the pandemic-affected tourism industry.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-04-28--Hainan to change a number of laws to boost free trade zone

HAIKOU , April 28 .
/TASS/ .
By the beginning of 2025 , China 's State Council is intending to approve a number of amendments to certain paragraphs of several national legislative acts to stimulate the development of the free trade zone , Xinhua reported .
According to the news outlet , such a decision was made at a session of the Standing Committee of the National Peopple 's Congress .
According to plan , amendments will be made to bills regulating issues of land ownership , the agricultural sector , as well as business related to the organization of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ construction designated for the needs of forestry and agriculture , maintaining the ecological balance in the cultivation of various agricultural crops on the island , optimizing the activities of foreign enterprises organizing international cruise trips and using Hainan 's resources — these are issues that most important in the amendment process .
As noted in the project , all actions regarding the changes in legislation should be taken with extreme caution , the existing risks should be taken into account as much as possible .
The plan states that if some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice , the Chinese government will refrain from changes .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @

HAIKOU, April 28. /TASS/. By the beginning of 2025, China's State Council is intending to approve a number of amendments to certain paragraphs of several national legislative acts to stimulate the development of the free trade zone, Xinhua reported.
According to the news outlet, such a decision was made at a session of the Standing Committee of the National Peopple's Congress. According to plan, amendments will be made to bills regulating issues of land ownership, the agricultural sector, as well as business related to the organization of cruise tours.
The prevention of illegal construction designated for the needs of forestry and agriculture, maintaining the ecological balance in the cultivation of various agricultural crops on the island, optimizing the activities of foreign enterprises organizing international cruise trips and using Hainan's resources — these are issues that most important in the amendment process.
As noted in the project, all actions regarding the changes in legislation should be taken with extreme caution, the existing risks should be taken into account as much as possible. The plan states that if some of the planned innovations prove to be ineffective in practice, the Chinese government will refrain from changes.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province.
By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-04-29--Coronavirus-related fatality count in Iran approaches 6,000

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Iran has approached 6,000 , representative of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran announced Wednesday .
`` The fatality count in patients , diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , has reached 5,957 , '' the representative said , as quoted by the ISNA news agency .
In the past 24 hours , 80 people died in the country , he said , adding that 1,073 new cases were registered , taking the total case count to 93,657 .
The representative said that the majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is explained by the fact that the Iranian men spend more time at their workplaces amid the pandemic .
Starting on April 11 , the Iranian authorities began to gradually lift measures taken over the pandemic .
According to official statistics , over two thirds of the people returned to their work ; restriction on movement between the provinces on personal transport has also been removed .
On February 19 , the Iranian Health Ministry announced the first infection cases in the country .
Due to the coronavirus spread , all Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down their air service with the republic .
The Iranian authorities have temporarily released 100,000 prisoners and imposed a ban on travel between cities .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related fatalities in Iran has approached 6,000, representative of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran announced Wednesday.
"The fatality count in patients, diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, has reached 5,957," the representative said, as quoted by the ISNA news agency. In the past 24 hours, 80 people died in the country, he said, adding that 1,073 new cases were registered, taking the total case count to 93,657.
The representative said that the majority of patients in Iran are men. This is explained by the fact that the Iranian men spend more time at their workplaces amid the pandemic.
Starting on April 11, the Iranian authorities began to gradually lift measures taken over the pandemic. According to official statistics, over two thirds of the people returned to their work; restriction on movement between the provinces on personal transport has also been removed.
On February 19, the Iranian Health Ministry announced the first infection cases in the country. Due to the coronavirus spread, all Iranian schools were closed. Many nations have shut down their air service with the republic. The Iranian authorities have temporarily released 100,000 prisoners and imposed a ban on travel between cities.


tass--2020-04-29--Coronavirus cases in Belarus surpass 13,000

MINSK , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people in Belarus who have contracted the novel coronavirus has risen by 973 over the past 24 hours reaching 13,181 , the country ’ s Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday .
`` As of April 29 , 13,181 COVID-19 cases have been recorded , which accounts for 7.8 % of the number of tests , '' the ministry said .
`` A total of 84 patients with chronic diseases diagnosed with the coronavirus infection have died . ''
According to the Ministry of Health , 2,072 patients have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total of 168,986 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country since the beginning of February .
Specialists in 27 laboratories in the republican scientific and practical centers , public health centers and private medical centers are verifying coronavirus tests round the clock .
Belarus has not imposed lockdown restrictions .
The Belarusian authorities continue preparations for the Victory Day Parade on May 9 .
The World Health Organization earlier advised Belarus to prepare for the worst-case scenario and highlighted the need for additional physical distancing measures .
In late December 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,100,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 218,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the globe .

MINSK, April 29. /TASS/. The number of people in Belarus who have contracted the novel coronavirus has risen by 973 over the past 24 hours reaching 13,181, the country’s Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday.
"As of April 29, 13,181 COVID-19 cases have been recorded, which accounts for 7.8% of the number of tests," the ministry said. "A total of 84 patients with chronic diseases diagnosed with the coronavirus infection have died."
According to the Ministry of Health, 2,072 patients have recovered and were discharged from hospitals. A total of 168,986 coronavirus tests have been conducted in the country since the beginning of February. Specialists in 27 laboratories in the republican scientific and practical centers, public health centers and private medical centers are verifying coronavirus tests round the clock.
Belarus has not imposed lockdown restrictions. The Belarusian authorities continue preparations for the Victory Day Parade on May 9. The World Health Organization earlier advised Belarus to prepare for the worst-case scenario and highlighted the need for additional physical distancing measures.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,100,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 218,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 959,700 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-29--Putin marks unprecedented situation in oil market

He noted that in recent months , both Russian and global energy sectors have faced serious shocks .
`` These problems are systemic in nature and go far beyond national borders , '' Putin said , adding that the situation with coronavirus has had the most negative impact on the global economy and energy demand .
NOVO-OGAREVO , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the current issues of the global energy market are systemic in nature , but there have not been such large-scale fluctuations in the oil market as now .
His said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
`` The global energy market is not the first to encounter sharp , dramatic fluctuations .
But , this [ as it is now ] has never occurred before , that ’ s true .
I have seen some of your public statements and agree : this has not happened before , '' Putin told the participants of the meeting , stressing that in order to smooth out these trends , joint efforts are needed , in particular as part of OPEC+ deal .
The Russian leader called for prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power supplies to enterprises and households in the country .
`` Fuel shortage on the domestic market , limitations of power supplies to enterprises and country ’ s settlements must be prevented under any circumstances , '' the head of state said .

He noted that in recent months, both Russian and global energy sectors have faced serious shocks. "These problems are systemic in nature and go far beyond national borders," Putin said, adding that the situation with coronavirus has had the most negative impact on the global economy and energy demand.
NOVO-OGAREVO, April 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the current issues of the global energy market are systemic in nature, but there have not been such large-scale fluctuations in the oil market as now. His said this at a meeting on energy sector development on Wednesday.
"The global energy market is not the first to encounter sharp, dramatic fluctuations. But, this [as it is now] has never occurred before, that’s true. I have seen some of your public statements and agree: this has not happened before," Putin told the participants of the meeting, stressing that in order to smooth out these trends, joint efforts are needed, in particular as part of OPEC+ deal.
The President invited business representatives to share their views on trends in energy markets and the development of the situation in the future.
Putin stressed that energy is a key sector of the Russian economy, which directly affects the development of manufacturing, transport, agriculture, cities, villages and the country as a whole. It also largely determines Russia's export potential and the state of public finances, he added.
According to the President, the country's fuel and energy complex, which employs 2.5 million people, is a high-tech industry, where projects that know no equals in the world are being implemented. Such projects in particular include the development of new fields in Arctic shelf and in the harsh conditions of Eastern Siberia, Putin said.
"The global energy market is not the first to encounter sharp, dramatic fluctuations. But, this [as it is now] has never occurred before, that’s true. I have seen some of your public statements and agree: this has not happened before," Putin told the participants of the meeting, stressing that in order to smooth out these trends, joint efforts are needed, in particular as part of OPEC+ deal.
The Russian leader called for prevention of the fuel shortage and limitations of power supplies to enterprises and households in the country.
"Fuel shortage on the domestic market, limitations of power supplies to enterprises and country’s settlements must be prevented under any circumstances," the head of state said.


tass--2020-04-29--Survivors exceed coronavirus patients in Georgia for first time

TBILISI , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
Georgia has registered six new coronavirus patients over the past twenty-four hours while @ @ @ @ @ grown to 12 , Medical Director of the Tbilisi Infectious Disease Hospital Marina Ezugbaya told @ @ @ @ @ South Caucasus republic registered these statistics for the first time , she noted .
`` @ @ @ @ @ .
Six new cases have brought the figure to 517 .
A total of 12 @ @ @ @ @ illness .
There were 156 of them and now their number has grown to 168 @ @ @ @ @ has exceeded new infections for the first time , '' Ezugbaya stressed .
The first @ @ @ @ @ Georgia on February 26 .
Today over 5,100 people are under quarantine in Georgia while @ @ @ @ @ inpatient clinics .
Six patients have died .
Three Georgian citizens infected with the novel @ @ @ @ @ their home country from abroad .

TBILISI, April 29. /TASS/. Georgia has registered six new coronavirus patients over the past twenty-four hours while the number of survivors has grown to 12, Medical Director of the Tbilisi Infectious Disease Hospital Marina Ezugbaya told reporters on Wednesday.
The South Caucasus republic registered these statistics for the first time, she noted.
"We had 511 confirmed cases. Six new cases have brought the figure to 517. A total of 12 people have recovered from the illness. There were 156 of them and now their number has grown to 168. The number of recoveries has exceeded new infections for the first time," Ezugbaya stressed.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Georgia on February 26. Today over 5,100 people are under quarantine in Georgia while 549 individuals are staying at inpatient clinics. Six patients have died. Three Georgian citizens infected with the novel coronavirus have been delivered to their home country from abroad.


tass--2020-04-29--Russia’s top brass to hold large-scale drills of two armies in 2020

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Defense Ministry will hold large-scale drills of two armies with the creation of coalition force groupings in the Central Asian strategic area , Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s board meeting on Wednesday .
The Command of Russia ’ s Central Military District continues improving the troops ’ command and control and training system in the Central Asian strategic area .
Special attention is paid to force-on-force drills , and also to the comprehensive approach towards resolving issues : from the response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic operations ’ planning , the defense minister stressed .
`` The number of measures stipulated for this year has grown by 13 % for operational training , by 9 % for mobilization training and by 36 % for combat training .
This will result in a force-on-force command and staff field exercise of two armies with the creation of coalition force groupings , '' Shoigu said .
The Central Military District is training military command centers and troops in accomplishing missions in the Central Asian strategic direction in close cooperation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) , according to Russia ’ s defense chief .
`` Let me note that the number of joint training measures has grown by 14 % compared to last year , '' Shoigu informed .
The Central Military District is the largest in Russia .
It is based on the territory of the Volga , Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions .
Structurally , the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. Russia’s Defense Ministry will hold large-scale drills of two armies with the creation of coalition force groupings in the Central Asian strategic area, Russian Defense Minister Army General Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s board meeting on Wednesday.
The Command of Russia’s Central Military District continues improving the troops’ command and control and training system in the Central Asian strategic area. Special attention is paid to force-on-force drills, and also to the comprehensive approach towards resolving issues: from the response to crisis situations and military threat emergence to strategic operations’ planning, the defense minister stressed.
"The number of measures stipulated for this year has grown by 13% for operational training, by 9% for mobilization training and by 36% for combat training. This will result in a force-on-force command and staff field exercise of two armies with the creation of coalition force groupings," Shoigu said.
The Central Military District is training military command centers and troops in accomplishing missions in the Central Asian strategic direction in close cooperation with the armed forces of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to Russia’s defense chief.
"Let me note that the number of joint training measures has grown by 14% compared to last year," Shoigu informed.
The Central Military District is the largest in Russia. It is based on the territory of the Volga, Urals and Siberian integrated federal districts and 29 Russian regions. Structurally, the Central Military District also includes some overseas facilities: the 201st military base in Tajikistan, the Kant integrated military base in Kyrgyzstan and units stationed on the territory of Kazakhstan.


tass--2020-04-29--London Court sets businessman Tinkov case hearing on July 13

LONDON , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Westminster Magistrates Court postponed hearing of the extradition case of Russian businessman @ @ @ @ @ States to July 13 , the Court told TASS on Wednesday .
`` The requested @ @ @ @ @ 13.07.2020 at 10:00 am in court 3 , '' the source said .
This will @ @ @ @ @ only , he added .

LONDON, April 29. /TASS/. The Westminster Magistrates Court postponed hearing of the case of extradition of Russian businessman Oleg Tinkov to the United States to July 13, the Court told TASS on Wednesday.
"The requested person is next listed for 13.07.2020 at 10:00 am in court 3," the source said. This will be a preliminary case hearing only, the interlocutor added.
The businessman will have to stay in London all that time without the possibility of leaving the city. "The conditions [for bailment — TASS] will continue [as are]," the court’s spokesperson said.
"At the moment because of COVID-19 we are not taking any extradition hearings, they will be adjourned until further dates," the spokesperson noted, without detailing when the case trial on the merit can take place. "I can't give any indications. We don’t know," he added.
The businessman’s representative refrained from comments.
Tinkov will remain in London for the duration of court hearings initiated by the US Internal Revenue Service, TCS Group (parent company of Tinkoff Bank) said in a statement released on the London Stock Exchange on March 2.
The businessman said earlier that an acute form of leukemia had been diagnosed in him.
TCS Group said earlier that the US Internal Revenue Service had initiated court hearings into Oleg Tinkov in London. The case concerns resolution of potential tax issues.


tass--2020-04-29--No need to treat coronavirus infection without symptoms, says Russian Health Ministry

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
People that have the coronavirus infection without symptoms need no therapy , Russian @ @ @ @ @ , published online Wednesday , says .
`` If the coronavirus [ disease ] happens @ @ @ @ @ is needed .
However , [ a patient ] must self-isolate and comply with the @ @ @ @ @ document says .
To date , a total of 99,399 coronavirus cases have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 972 fatalities @ @ @ @ @ Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus @ @

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. People that have the coronavirus infection without symptoms need no therapy, Russian Health Ministry’s commentary, published online Wednesday, says.
"If the coronavirus [disease] happens without symptoms, no therapy is needed. However, [a patient] must self-isolate and comply with the quarantine measures," the document says.
To date, a total of 99,399 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 10,286 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 972 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-29--Russian government extends entry ban for foreigners

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government has extended the ban on foreigners entering Russia until the coronavirus situation improves , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Coordination Council to control the incidence of coronavirus in Russia .
The prime minister noted that it was impossible now to give an exact date when the coronavirus-related restrictions would be fully lifted , including those related to crossing Russia ’ s borders .
`` Restrictions on entering our country will be in effect until April 30 inclusive .
I have signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the fight against the infection is completed and the epidemiological situation improves , '' he said .
Mishustin added that entry restrictions for certain groups of foreign citizens , including specialists involved in the adjustment and maintenance of imported equipment , could be lifted .
`` That will make it possible to reduce the negative impact of restrictions on the work of Russia ’ s industrial enterprises , including those manufacturing the equipment to combat the coronavirus infection , '' he explained .
The Russian government earlier imposed a temporary ban prohibiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country until midnight on May 1 .
This measure also applied to those arriving from Belarus .
An exception was made for foreign diplomats , members of their families , truck drivers , individuals with private visas issued in special cases by the decision of the Russian Foreign Ministry , members of Russian citizens ' families and certain groups of citizens of those countries , with which Russia has visa waiver agreements .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The Russian government has extended the ban on foreigners entering Russia until the coronavirus situation improves, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Coordination Council to control the incidence of coronavirus in Russia. The prime minister noted that it was impossible now to give an exact date when the coronavirus-related restrictions would be fully lifted, including those related to crossing Russia’s borders.
"Restrictions on entering our country will be in effect until April 30 inclusive. I have signed an executive order to extend this period until the fight against the infection is completed and the epidemiological situation improves," he said.
Mishustin added that entry restrictions for certain groups of foreign citizens, including specialists involved in the adjustment and maintenance of imported equipment, could be lifted.
"That will make it possible to reduce the negative impact of restrictions on the work of Russia’s industrial enterprises, including those manufacturing the equipment to combat the coronavirus infection," he explained.
The Russian government earlier imposed a temporary ban prohibiting foreigners and stateless persons from entering the country until midnight on May 1. This measure also applied to those arriving from Belarus. An exception was made for foreign diplomats, members of their families, truck drivers, individuals with private visas issued in special cases by the decision of the Russian Foreign Ministry, members of Russian citizens' families and certain groups of citizens of those countries, with which Russia has visa waiver agreements.


tass--2020-04-29--There is no telling when exactly pandemic in Russia will end — Kremlin

`` We proceed from the clear understanding that naming the date when the epidemic will end is impossible , '' Peskov said .
In this way he commented on a forecast by researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design that the coronavirus pandemic in Russia will end at the beginning of August .
He advised all those interested to turn to the Singapore scientists for details .
MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
There is no telling when exactly the pandemic in Russia will end , presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov told the media .
Russian officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means for fighting the novel coronavirus epidemic for regions that have reported a lack of medical equipment and individual protective means , the Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Wednesday .
He noted that Russia had achieved significant results in this area .
`` The whole world is facing a pandemic , and of course , no country can establish production of a sufficient amount of individual protective means , not even China , '' Peskov stated .
He pointed out that countries are using their production potential and the opportunities for import .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Industry and Trade is working 24/7 to expand production .
`` We have achieved significant progress [ in expanding production ] , we can not ignore that , the production rate of protection means and ventilators ( artificial ventilation machines ) have gone up several times in a few weeks , '' he stressed .
`` However , this is still not enough , which is why active import is underway . ''
`` All countries are faced with absolutely identical issues in this case , '' Peskov added .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some medical facilities , where this problem is especially pressing , '' the spokesman admitted .
He assured that the Russian government is focusing its time and effort on such regions .
On Tuesday , Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Russian government and the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade to boost the production of artificial ventilation machines and individual protection means daily , establishing strict control over the production plans .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .

"We proceed from the clear understanding that naming the date when the epidemic will end is impossible," Peskov said. In this way he commented on a forecast by researchers at the Singapore University of Technology and Design that the coronavirus pandemic in Russia will end at the beginning of August. He advised all those interested to turn to the Singapore scientists for details.
MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. There is no telling when exactly the pandemic in Russia will end, presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told the media.
Russian officials are concentrating on providing all the necessary means for fighting the novel coronavirus epidemic for regions that have reported a lack of medical equipment and individual protective means, the Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Wednesday. He noted that Russia had achieved significant results in this area.
"The whole world is facing a pandemic, and of course, no country can establish production of a sufficient amount of individual protective means, not even China," Peskov stated. He pointed out that countries are using their production potential and the opportunities for import. The Kremlin spokesman added that the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is working 24/7 to expand production. "We have achieved significant progress [in expanding production], we cannot ignore that, the rate of production of protection means and ventilators (artificial ventilation machines) has gone up several times in a few weeks," he stressed. "However, this is still not enough, which is why active import is underway." "All countries are faced with absolutely identical issues in this case," Peskov added.
"Unfortunately, there are some regions, some medical facilities, where this problem is especially pressing," the spokesman admitted. He assured that the Russian government is focusing its time and effort on such regions.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Russian government and the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade to boost the production of artificial ventilation machines and individual protection means daily, establishing strict control over the production plans.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.


tass--2020-04-29--Russia’s FSB busts illegal gunmakers in 22 regions

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Federal Security Service of Russia ( FSB ) has smoked out illicit gunmakers in 22 regions of Russia .
Seven workshops that had converted non-combat guns to firearms were shut down , the FSB ’ s press service disclosed Wednesday .
Residents of Moscow , the Moscow Region , Crimea and Sevastopol , the regions of Komi , Mordovia , Krasnodar , Krasnoyarsk , Khabarovsk , Astrakhan , Irkutsk , Ivanovo , Kemerovo , Kirov , Nizhny Novgorod , Omsk , Rostov , Smolensk , Tomsk , Tambov , Tver and Yaroslavl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restoration of weapons ’ combat properties .
`` The coordinated operations of the FSB and the Ministry of the Interior have led to seizure of 95 firearms , 17 kilograms of explosives , 550 detonators , over 5,000 rounds , 167 artillery shells and 16 suppressors , '' the press service said .
The seized guns include AK-74 , AKMS , AKS-74U assault rifles ; PPS and PPSh submachine guns ( World War II-era ) , as well as Kedr and Skorpion submachine guns ; rifles , carbines and shotguns , including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mauser , SKS , TOZ , Saiga , Vepr ) ; pistols and revolves ( Yarygin , PSM , Makarov , TT , Walther , Nagant ) .
Besides over 130 main components for guns ( barrels , cylinders ) and about 5,000 components for ammo , were confiscated .
Seven workshops that converted non-combat weapons to firearms and produced explosive substances were shut down .
The seized weapons were forwarded for forensic examination , whose results will determine whether criminal proceedings should be initiated .
`` Operations on exposing and foiling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons continue , '' the press service said .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) has smoked out illicit gunmakers in 22 regions of Russia. Seven workshops that had converted non-combat guns to firearms were shut down, the FSB’s press service disclosed Wednesday.
Residents of Moscow, the Moscow Region, Crimea and Sevastopol, the regions of Komi, Mordovia, Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Khabarovsk, Astrakhan, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Kemerovo, Kirov, Nizhny Novgorod, Omsk, Rostov, Smolensk, Tomsk, Tambov, Tver and Yaroslavl were complicit in the illegal business of restoration of weapons’ combat properties.
"The coordinated operations of the FSB and the Ministry of the Interior have led to seizure of 95 firearms, 17 kilograms of explosives, 550 detonators, over 5,000 rounds, 167 artillery shells and 16 suppressors," the press service said.
The seized guns include AK-74, AKMS, AKS-74U assault rifles; PPS and PPSh submachine guns (World War II-era), as well as Kedr and Skorpion submachine guns; rifles, carbines and shotguns, including those used during World War I (Mosin, Mauser, SKS, TOZ, Saiga, Vepr); pistols and revolves (Yarygin, PSM, Makarov, TT, Walther, Nagant). Besides over 130 main components for guns (barrels, cylinders) and about 5,000 components for ammo, were confiscated.
Seven workshops that converted non-combat weapons to firearms and produced explosive substances were shut down.
The seized weapons were forwarded for forensic examination, whose results will determine whether criminal proceedings should be initiated.
"Operations on exposing and foiling illegal activity on production and sales of weapons continue," the press service said.


tass--2020-04-29--Spread of fake news about COVID-19 must be stopped, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The spread of fake news about COVID-19 , the disease caused by the @ @ @ @ @ stopped , however , it is important not to restrict objective sources of information , @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
`` Of course , we need to combat the spread of fake @ @ @ @ @ the spread of information that can harm the situation , harm the health of people @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s actions , '' the spokesman said .
`` This must not @ @ @ @ @ and objective information , this is very important , '' he stressed .
Peskov stated @ @ @ @ @ of Russia ’ s communications watchdog blocking the website of Vademecum , a Russian medical @ @ @ @ @ allegedly fake article .
`` No , unfortunately , we are not aware of this @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the Russian media should address the watchdog with a request for explanation @ @

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The spread of fake news about COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, must be stopped, however, it is important not to restrict objective sources of information, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Wednesday.
"Of course, we need to combat the spread of fake news decisively and to fight the spread of information that can harm the situation, harm the health of people who spread fake information about the government’s actions," the spokesman said. "This must not in any way restrict qualified and objective information, this is very important," he stressed.
Peskov stated that he is not aware of Russia’s communications watchdog blocking the website of Vademecum, a Russian medical magazine, for publishing an allegedly fake article. "No, unfortunately, we are not aware of this case," he said, adding that the Russian media should address the watchdog with a request for explanation instead.


tass--2020-04-29--Some 10,000 Russians abroad received financial assistance, diplomat says

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
Some 10,000 Russians abroad who need financial assistance have been granted it , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the Ekho Moskvy radio station on Wednesday .
`` There have been nearly 50,000 applications [ for financial assistance ] .
They are being studied .
Many , I reckon , some 10,000 , have been granted aid , '' she said .
Zakharova recalled that those who have not received financial assistance outside Russia would be able to get it when they were back home .
The Russian government has earmarked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for assistance to Russians who are unable to return home due to coronavirus restrictions .
The Foreign Ministry issued instructions to arrange for spending the money appropriately and to present a report to the government by February 1 , 2021 .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,100,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 218,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 959,700 individuals have recovered from the illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a total of 99,399 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 10,286 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 972 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. Some 10,000 Russians abroad who need financial assistance have been granted it, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the Ekho Moskvy radio station on Wednesday.
"There have been nearly 50,000 applications [for financial assistance]. They are being studied. Many, I reckon, some 10,000, have been granted aid," she said.
Zakharova recalled that those who have not received financial assistance outside Russia would be able to get it when they were back home.
The Russian government has earmarked 500 million rubles ($6.8 million) for assistance to Russians who are unable to return home due to coronavirus restrictions. The Foreign Ministry issued instructions to arrange for spending the money appropriately and to present a report to the government by February 1, 2021.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,100,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 218,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 959,700 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 99,399 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 10,286 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 972 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-29--Russian pilot Yaroshenko gets no medical aid in US jail despite administration’s promises

ROSTOV-ON-DON , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko who is serving a 20-year jail term in the Danbury prison ( Connecticut , US ) has not received any medical aid despite last week 's assurances of the prison administration to Russian diplomats in the United States , the pilot ’ s wife Viktoria Yaroshenko told TASS on Wednesday .
In the wake of the deteriorating epidemiological situation caused by the spread of the coronavirus infection , the Russian Consulate General in New York applied to the US Danbury federal prison with an inquiry about Yaroshenko ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consulate General ’ s Twitter account that they had received a reply from the prison ’ s administration , which said that the Russian pilot had been sent for medical examination .
`` No medical assistance has been provided to Konstantin up to now .
They have not even taken his temperature , '' the pilot ’ s wife said .
Yaroshenko ’ s lawyer Alexey Tarasov earlier told TASS there was a very high risk that Yaroshenko had contracted the coronavirus .
`` All symptoms he displays generally correspond to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the Danbury prison ’ s administration is in no hurry to send Yaroshenko for medical examination to see whether he is infected with the novel coronavirus , the lawyer added .
The Danbury prison ’ s administration notified Yaroshenko on April 25 that his early release plea over the coronavirus pandemic was denied .
The pilot ’ s defense is seeking early release of the Russian national due to the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that he has already served over half of his term .
The plea , filed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be released due to life-threatening circumstances that emerged after the pilot was sentenced .
Konstantin Yaroshenko was convicted in the United States in September 2011 and sentenced to 20 years in prison .
The pilot was clandestinely transferred to the United States from Liberia , where he had been arrested in May 2010 .
Agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration operating under cover allegedly exposed Yaroshenko ’ s criminal intention to transport a large batch of cocaine .
He pleaded not guilty , condemning his arrest as a provocation and the whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a message to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on March 24 , calling for a humane attitude towards Russian nationals in American prisons amid the coronavirus pandemic .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, April 29. /TASS/. Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko who is serving a 20-year jail term in the Danbury prison (Connecticut, US) has not received any medical aid despite last week's assurances of the prison administration to Russian diplomats in the United States, the pilot’s wife Viktoria Yaroshenko told TASS on Wednesday.
In the wake of the deteriorating epidemiological situation caused by the spread of the coronavirus infection, the Russian Consulate General in New York applied to the US Danbury federal prison with an inquiry about Yaroshenko’s health. Russian diplomats informed on the Consulate General’s Twitter account that they had received a reply from the prison’s administration, which said that the Russian pilot had been sent for medical examination.
"No medical assistance has been provided to Konstantin up to now. They have not even taken his temperature," the pilot’s wife said.
Yaroshenko’s lawyer Alexey Tarasov earlier told TASS there was a very high risk that Yaroshenko had contracted the coronavirus. "All symptoms he displays generally correspond to the coronavirus symptoms," the lawyer indicated.
However, the Danbury prison’s administration is in no hurry to send Yaroshenko for medical examination to see whether he is infected with the novel coronavirus, the lawyer added.
The Danbury prison’s administration notified Yaroshenko on April 25 that his early release plea over the coronavirus pandemic was denied.
The pilot’s defense is seeking early release of the Russian national due to the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that he has already served over half of his term. The plea, filed in early April, underscored that Yaroshenko must be released due to life-threatening circumstances that emerged after the pilot was sentenced.
Yaroshenko’s case
Konstantin Yaroshenko was convicted in the United States in September 2011 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The pilot was clandestinely transferred to the United States from Liberia, where he had been arrested in May 2010. Agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration operating under cover allegedly exposed Yaroshenko’s criminal intention to transport a large batch of cocaine. He pleaded not guilty, condemning his arrest as a provocation and the whole case as a set-up.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a message to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on March 24, calling for a humane attitude towards Russian nationals in American prisons amid the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-04-29--Press review: Putin extends quarantine and Haftar declares himself ruler of Libya

Losses to the Russian budget from the new extension of the non-working holiday until May 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic are estimated at an additional 1.8-2.3 trillion rubles ( $ 24 bln- $ 31 bln ) , according to economists surveyed by Izvestia .
However , it is much more important to safeguard the lives and health of the people , so the economy can be restored only later , through joint efforts , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his address on April 28 .
For a thousand years , Russia has been living with the values of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualities are the main pillar of our country today , he said .
`` We are now facing a new , and perhaps , the most intense stage in the fight against the pandemic , '' the Russian leader explained .
Putin warned that relying on the fact that the threat was supposedly reduced and now would definitely bypass us , would be careless .
Thus , the president announced the extension of the non-working holiday until May 11 .
Meanwhile , he ordered the regional authorities to draw up recommendations on gradual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the current epidemiological situation .
Extending the non-working holiday is an absolutely balanced measure , since the country has not yet passed the peak of the incidence rate , First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee for Social Policy Valery Ryazansky told the newspaper .
`` Judging by the statistics , we are close to the fact that in mid-May it will be possible to come to a decision on some easing of the quarantine with a gradual exit to economic decisions and employment concessions , '' the senator told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders , Putin announced a new package of measures to support the economy and citizens in the fight against COVID-19 and instructed the government to develop a nationwide economic recovery plan .
From April to mid-May , GDP losses may amount to at least 5 % , Izvestia wrote .
According to Sergey Khestanov , an associate professor at RANEPA , the longer the lockdown lasts , the higher the risk of closing many enterprises in the service and trade sectors will be .
If the quarantine drags on beyond the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be unemployed , taking into account the shadow labor market , he said .
`` It is quite obvious that countries will not immediately open their borders , therefore , most likely , flights within the country should be gradually resumed .
That is , tourism within Russia will be launched — namely hotels and sanatoriums , especially in the Krasnodar Region , and in Sochi and Crimea , '' Director of the BCS Broker sales office Vyacheslav Abramov told Izvestia .
`` Next , it is necessary to revive production , provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and additional precautionary measures are taken .
Perhaps working in shifts , '' the expert added .
Vedomosti : Haftar unilaterally declares himself ruler of Libya , but Moscow disapproves The Libyan National Army ( LNA ) took control of the country , its Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar announced on April 27 .
The Government of National Accord ( GNA ) led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj blasted Haftar ’ s actions as a farce .
The field marshal ’ s move to assume full power over the country came as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
The United States expressed regret , while Russia and the European Union called this step unacceptable .
However , the de facto situation in Libya has not yet changed : in order to lead the country , Haftar first needs to take control of the capital .
Since April 2019 , under the leadership of Haftar , the LNA has continued its offensive in Tripoli , the seat of GNA authorities recognized by the United Nations .
To date , the LNA controls most of the east and the south of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take the capital .
The situation sharply worsened at the end of last year , when the GNA turned to Turkey for military support .
Along with Turkey , the Government is supported by Italy and Qatar , and by Doha ’ s rivals — the UAE , Egypt , Saudi Arabia in addition to France .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of supporting Haftar , but the Russian authorities have repeatedly stressed that they support resolving the conflict through negotiations .
At his April 28 press conference , Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not approve of Haftar ’ s statements .
Konstantin Kosachev , who heads the Federation Council ’ s Foreign Affairs Committee , also called the news of Haftar ’ s unilateral actions `` very disturbing . ''
Haftar is stuck in a deadlock , Leonid Isaev , an associate professor at the Higher School of Economics , told Vedomosti .
`` He has not been able to take Tripoli for a year now , and because of this there is no way to speak at international negotiations from a position of strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expert said .
The alignment of forces does not change in any way from his statement , since it is just an attempt to justify oneself for these failures , Isaev explained .
According to him , last month , when the support of external players almost dried up due to the coronavirus pandemic , Haftar and Sarraj were left alone , and Haftar still couldn ’ t significantly advance on the battlefield , the expert said .
`` Neither one of them has sufficient resources to defeat the other , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies are clearly occupied now , '' he concluded .
The Trump administration reportedly plans to extend the arms embargo on Iran expiring in October .
Washington allegedly expects to use the special dispute settlement mechanism provided for by UN Security Council resolution 2231 , which accompanied the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan ( JCPOA , i.e .
the Iranian nuclear deal ) in 2015 .
The mechanism could restore all international sanctions previously applied to Iran .
Russia ’ s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov told Kommersant that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ridiculous and will not find any support .
`` In reality , justifying such an approach is , to put it mildly , not easy , '' he said .
The US expects to find a clue in the wording of paragraph 10 of the resolution , which lists all the countries that participated in the JCPOA negotiations , including the United States , and where they are collectively referred to as parties to the nuclear deal , Ulyanov added .
`` The argument is , of course , ridiculous .
Everyone knows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington officially announced its withdrawal from the nuclear deal .
And what 's more , for two years now , the United States has been doing everything to destroy this deal , '' he told the newspaper .
`` An attempt to appeal to resolution 2231 looks cynical , since it is this resolution that the US is undermining , and it is absolutely unconvincing from a legal , political , and moral point of view , '' the diplomat added .
According to the Russian envoy , it looks like the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a participant in the nuclear deal solely in order to completely dismantle it .
Meanwhile , the deal was expected to end two years ago when the United States withdrew from it , but it survived .
`` For its part , Russia is doing and will continue to do everything necessary to preserve this deal .
Regarding the need to save it , there is an absolute consensus among all its remaining participants .
We can disagree on some private issues , but everyone recognizes the value and the exceptional importance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed their willingness to work to preserve it , '' the diplomat believes .
In 2020 , Russian banks may lose 2.1 trillion rubles ( $ 28.45 bln ) of capital due to the coronavirus pandemic , according to analysts of the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting .
However , such losses will arise if a stress scenario is realized , which implies a decline of the national currency to 98 rubles per dollar , an outflow of 10 % of depositors within three months and an increase in the share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
To compensate for the losses , banks will need additional money from the state in the amount of 1.8 trillion rubles ( $ 24.38 bln ) .
In addition , shareholders will have to add another 300 bln rubles ( $ 4 bln ) in the form of assistance .
This scenario is quite realistic , Finam analyst Alexey Korenev told the newspaper .
However , the scale of the problems may be even more serious — about a third of borrowers are already classified as risky .
In this case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 1.7 trillion rubles ( $ 23 bln ) may not be enough , the expert said .
The likelihood of a stressful scenario will become clear by July , when it will be possible to assess the damage from the pandemic , he added .
The situation described by the center is likely at oil prices below $ 20 per barrel for six months , Chairman of the board of Freedom Finance Gennady Salych told Izvestia .
The problem of `` bad '' debts will intensify if restrictive measures drag on for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister Andrei Belousov earlier at a meeting of the Russian president with leaders of major banks warned that the Russian banking system could face problems amid a deterioration in the quality of the loan portfolio in the fall .
Kommersant : Russia ’ s IT market may crash harder than in 2015 crisis The downturn of the Russian IT market following the results of 2020 may exceed 30 % in dollar terms , after which it will face a difficult recovery throughout 2021 , according to a report by the IDC research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the crisis of 2015 , as the collapse has already affected the mobile phone , computer and server segments .
The IT market depends on other sectors of the economy , market players told Kommersant , hoping for a quick recovery .
Vice President of IDC in Russia and the CIS Robert Farish told Kommersant that in mid-April , it was still possible to compare the current drop in the IT market with a decline of 37.3 % in 2015 , but then the latest data from Rosstat about a 7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation is even more serious now .
A complicated and targeted recovery looms on the horizon for the IT market in 2021 , Farish believes .
The majority of market participants agree with IDC ’ s estimates , Kommersant wrote .
Most likely , the IT market will shrink by 15-40 % in dollar terms , Deputy General Director of Angara group of companies Dmitry Pudov told the newspaper .
After the crisis of 2015 , the market practically retained its volume in rubles , although it halved in dollars , but now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argues .
`` The market has yet to find out the working conditions in the future , '' he said .
At the same time , according to Pudov , the situation may not be so dramatic in the information security segment .
Temporary suspension of factories in Southeast Asia , as well as disruptions in logistics due to transportation restrictions put constraints on the market , Global CEO of Softline Sergey Chernovolenko told Kommersant , but now the situation is gradually stabilizing .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in @ @ @ @

Izvestia: Putin extends quarantine, sets priorities for coping with coronavirus pandemic
Read also Putin prolongs non-working days in Russia till May 11
Losses to the Russian budget from the new extension of the non-working holiday until May 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic are estimated at an additional 1.8-2.3 trillion rubles ($24 bln-$31 bln), according to economists surveyed by Izvestia. However, it is much more important to safeguard the lives and health of the people, so the economy can be restored only later, through joint efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his address on April 28. For a thousand years, Russia has been living with the values of mutual assistance and solidarity, and these qualities are the main pillar of our country today, he said. "We are now facing a new, and perhaps, the most intense stage in the fight against the pandemic," the Russian leader explained. Putin warned that relying on the fact that the threat was supposedly reduced and now would definitely bypass us, would be careless. Thus, the president announced the extension of the non-working holiday until May 11. Meanwhile, he ordered the regional authorities to draw up recommendations on gradual exiting the lockdown by May 5, based on the current epidemiological situation. Extending the non-working holiday is an absolutely balanced measure, since the country has not yet passed the peak of the incidence rate, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee for Social Policy Valery Ryazansky told the newspaper. "Judging by the statistics, we are close to the fact that in mid-May it will be possible to come to a decision on some easing of the quarantine with a gradual exit to economic decisions and employment concessions," the senator told Izvestia. During his meeting with regional leaders, Putin announced a new package of measures to support the economy and citizens in the fight against COVID-19 and instructed the government to develop a nationwide economic recovery plan. From April to mid-May, GDP losses may amount to at least 5%, Izvestia wrote. According to Sergey Khestanov, an associate professor at RANEPA, the longer the lockdown lasts, the higher the risk of closing many enterprises in the service and trade sectors will be. If the quarantine drags on beyond the beginning of May, about 7-10 mln people will be unemployed, taking into account the shadow labor market, he said. "It is quite obvious that countries will not immediately open their borders, therefore, most likely, flights within the country should be gradually resumed. That is, tourism within Russia will be launched — namely hotels and sanatoriums, especially in the Krasnodar Region, and in Sochi and Crimea," Director of the BCS Broker sales office Vyacheslav Abramov told Izvestia. "Next, it is necessary to revive production, provided that workers continue to monitor social distance and additional precautionary measures are taken. Perhaps working in shifts," the expert added. Vedomosti: Haftar unilaterally declares himself ruler of Libya, but Moscow disapproves
Read also Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar says his forces assume leadership in country
The Libyan National Army (LNA) took control of the country, its Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar announced on April 27. The Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj blasted Haftar’s actions as a farce. The field marshal’s move to assume full power over the country came as a surprise to the international community, Vedomosti wrote. The United States expressed regret, while Russia and the European Union called this step unacceptable. However, the de facto situation in Libya has not yet changed: in order to lead the country, Haftar first needs to take control of the capital. Since April 2019, under the leadership of Haftar, the LNA has continued its offensive in Tripoli, the seat of GNA authorities recognized by the United Nations. To date, the LNA controls most of the east and the south of the country, but it has failed to take the capital. The situation sharply worsened at the end of last year, when the GNA turned to Turkey for military support. Along with Turkey, the Government is supported by Italy and Qatar, and by Doha’s rivals — the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia in addition to France. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Russia of supporting Haftar, but the Russian authorities have repeatedly stressed that they support resolving the conflict through negotiations. At his April 28 press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia did not approve of Haftar’s statements. Konstantin Kosachev, who heads the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, also called the news of Haftar’s unilateral actions "very disturbing." Haftar is stuck in a deadlock, Leonid Isaev, an associate professor at the Higher School of Economics, told Vedomosti. "He has not been able to take Tripoli for a year now, and because of this there is no way to speak at international negotiations from a position of strength, as he would like," the expert said. The alignment of forces does not change in any way from his statement, since it is just an attempt to justify oneself for these failures, Isaev explained. According to him, last month, when the support of external players almost dried up due to the coronavirus pandemic, Haftar and Sarraj were left alone, and Haftar still couldn’t significantly advance on the battlefield, the expert said. "Neither one of them has sufficient resources to defeat the other, and ‘the great powers’ and regional allies are clearly occupied now," he concluded. Kommersant: Russian diplomat slams Washington’s scheme to extend sanctions on Iran
The Trump administration reportedly plans to extend the arms embargo on Iran expiring in October. Washington allegedly expects to use the special dispute settlement mechanism provided for by UN Security Council resolution 2231, which accompanied the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA, i.e. the Iranian nuclear deal) in 2015. The mechanism could restore all international sanctions previously applied to Iran. Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov told Kommersant that he believes that Washington’s arguments are ridiculous and will not find any support. "In reality, justifying such an approach is, to put it mildly, not easy," he said. The US expects to find a clue in the wording of paragraph 10 of the resolution, which lists all the countries that participated in the JCPOA negotiations, including the United States, and where they are collectively referred to as parties to the nuclear deal, Ulyanov added. "The argument is, of course, ridiculous. Everyone knows that on May 8, 2018, Washington officially announced its withdrawal from the nuclear deal. And what's more, for two years now, the United States has been doing everything to destroy this deal," he told the newspaper. "An attempt to appeal to resolution 2231 looks cynical, since it is this resolution that the US is undermining, and it is absolutely unconvincing from a legal, political, and moral point of view," the diplomat added. According to the Russian envoy, it looks like the United States is trying to regain its status as a participant in the nuclear deal solely in order to completely dismantle it. Meanwhile, the deal was expected to end two years ago when the United States withdrew from it, but it survived. "For its part, Russia is doing and will continue to do everything necessary to preserve this deal. Regarding the need to save it, there is an absolute consensus among all its remaining participants. We can disagree on some private issues, but everyone recognizes the value and the exceptional importance of the JCPOA, and everyone has confirmed their willingness to work to preserve it," the diplomat believes. Izvestia: Russian banks facing $28-bln black hole in capital
Read also Putin to discuss measures to support economy with banks’ representatives
In 2020, Russian banks may lose 2.1 trillion rubles ($28.45 bln) of capital due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to analysts of the Center for Macroeconomic Analysis and Short-Term Forecasting. However, such losses will arise if a stress scenario is realized, which implies a decline of the national currency to 98 rubles per dollar, an outflow of 10% of depositors within three months and an increase in the share of "bad" debts, Izvestia wrote. To compensate for the losses, banks will need additional money from the state in the amount of 1.8 trillion rubles ($24.38 bln). In addition, shareholders will have to add another 300 bln rubles ($4 bln) in the form of assistance. This scenario is quite realistic, Finam analyst Alexey Korenev told the newspaper. However, the scale of the problems may be even more serious — about a third of borrowers are already classified as risky. In this case, state assistance will be required, and 1.7 trillion rubles ($23 bln) may not be enough, the expert said. The likelihood of a stressful scenario will become clear by July, when it will be possible to assess the damage from the pandemic, he added. The situation described by the center is likely at oil prices below $20 per barrel for six months, Chairman of the board of Freedom Finance Gennady Salych told Izvestia. The problem of "bad" debts will intensify if restrictive measures drag on for three months or more. First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov earlier at a meeting of the Russian president with leaders of major banks warned that the Russian banking system could face problems amid a deterioration in the quality of the loan portfolio in the fall. Kommersant: Russia’s IT market may crash harder than in 2015 crisis
Read also Current crisis could be worse than 2008-2009, Medvedev says


tass--2020-04-29--Russia’s FSB thwarts smuggling of $2,715,000 worth of precious metals to Germany

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Federal Security Service of Russia ( FSB ) , in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior , has thwarted smuggling of 200 million rubles ( $ 2,715,000 ) worth of precious metals , the FSB press service announced late Tuesday .
According to the press service , the smuggling operation was planned by a crime group of Russian and Lithuanian nationals .
`` The FSB , in cooperation with the Interior Ministry , has thwarted criminal activity of a group , comprised of citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel for smuggling of precious metals ( platinum , palladium and rhodium ) to Germany through Belarus and Lithuania , '' the press service disclosed .
According to the press service , a truck search near the Russian-Belarusian border discovered 21 `` big bags '' [ flexible intermediate bulk containers , FIBCs ] with 11 tons of ground car catalytic converters , which contained at least $ 2,715,000 worth of platinum , palladium and rhodium .
Besides , the FSB and police officers busted offices and warehouses , used by the criminals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refined gold and silver , over 700 kg of ground catalytic converters which contained over 10 million rubles ( $ 135,700 ) worth of precious metals , as well as money , including foreign currency , used in illegal transactions with the precious metals .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB), in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, has thwarted smuggling of 200 million rubles ($2,715,000) worth of precious metals, the FSB press service announced late Tuesday. According to the press service, the smuggling operation was planned by a crime group of Russian and Lithuanian nationals.
"The FSB, in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, has thwarted criminal activity of a group, comprised of citizens of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Lithuania, who set up a channel for smuggling of precious metals (platinum, palladium and rhodium) to Germany through Belarus and Lithuania," the press service disclosed.
According to the press service, a truck search near the Russian-Belarusian border discovered 21 "big bags" [flexible intermediate bulk containers, FIBCs] with 11 tons of ground car catalytic converters, which contained at least $2,715,000 worth of platinum, palladium and rhodium.
Besides, the FSB and police officers busted offices and warehouses, used by the criminals, discovering a total of 162 kg of refined gold and silver, over 700 kg of ground catalytic converters which contained over 10 million rubles ($135,700) worth of precious metals, as well as money, including foreign currency, used in illegal transactions with the precious metals.
A criminal proceeding has been initiated.


tass--2020-04-29--Car sales in Russia may fall by 30% amid crisis

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
Car sales in Russia in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic and lower oil @ @ @ @ @ % to 1.14 mln cars , according to a study by consulting company PwC .
@ @ @ @ @ a `` stressful '' scenario , according to which the restoration and stabilization of oil @ @ @ @ @ Q3 of 2020 , and the removal of most of the restrictions on the movement @ @ @ @ @ in late spring or early summer .
At the same time , online car sales @ @ @ @ @ .
Excluding stress factors , the Russian car market will fall by 3.5 % to @ @ @ @ @ , the absence of their influence is unlikely , PwC emphasized .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ Consulting Group , sales of new cars and LCVs ( light commercial vehicles ) in @ @ @ @ @ pessimistic scenario may fall to 50 % due to the coronavirus pandemic , with an @ @ @ @ @ % .

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. Car sales in Russia in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic and lower oil prices could fall by 30% to 1.14 mln cars, according to a study by consulting company PwC.
The forecast was based on a "stressful" scenario, according to which the restoration and stabilization of oil prices is expected by the Q3 of 2020, and the removal of most of the restrictions on the movement and activities of enterprises - in late spring or early summer. At the same time, online car sales will actively develop in Russia.
Excluding stress factors, the Russian car market will fall by 3.5% to 1.57 mln cars. However, the absence of their influence is unlikely, PwC emphasized.
According to the previously announced forecast of Boston Consulting Group, sales of new cars and LCVs (light commercial vehicles) in Russia in 2020 in a pessimistic scenario may fall to 50% due to the coronavirus pandemic, with an optimistic one - by 20%.


tass--2020-04-29--Russia would not like relations with Czech Republic to be tense — diplomat

MOSCOW , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The dialogue between Russia and the Czech Republic should be based on mutual respect , and Moscow is doing the best it can to prevent tense relations with Prague , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the Ekho Moskvy ( Echo of Moscow ) radio station .
`` We would not want that [ tense relations ] , '' she said commenting on reports by Czech media outlets about the alleged arrival of a Russian intelligence officer with the objective of poisoning the Czech officials responsible for the demolition of a monument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are doing the best we can to prevent that , because we are guided by the premise that these relations should be based on mutual respect .
I keep wondering why we see a chain of totally different actions . ''
Zakharova noted that she considers the stance of the Czech Republic , which renamed the square where the Russian embassy is located after late opposition politician Boris Nemtsov , to be strange .
`` Why support the opposition in another country by renaming the address of the embassy ?
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If they were willing to perpetuate the memory of some politician , person , figure , I believe that could be done without politicizing the issue , '' the diplomat stressed .
The Czech weekly magazine Respekt earlier alleged that a Russian citizen had arrived in the Czech Republic in order to poison some municipal officials in Prague , specifically , Mayor Zdenek Hrib and Ondrej Kolar , the mayor of the Prague 6 municipal district .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these publications as `` fake news . ''

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The dialogue between Russia and the Czech Republic should be based on mutual respect, and Moscow is doing the best it can to prevent tense relations with Prague, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) radio station.
"We would not want that [tense relations]," she said commenting on reports by Czech media outlets about the alleged arrival of a Russian intelligence officer with the objective of poisoning the Czech officials responsible for the demolition of a monument dedicated to Soviet Marshal Ivan Konev. "We are doing the best we can to prevent that, because we are guided by the premise that these relations should be based on mutual respect. I keep wondering why we see a chain of totally different actions."
Zakharova noted that she considers the stance of the Czech Republic, which renamed the square where the Russian embassy is located after late opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, to be strange. "Why support the opposition in another country by renaming the address of the embassy? That’s a very strange logic. If they were willing to perpetuate the memory of some politician, person, figure, I believe that could be done without politicizing the issue," the diplomat stressed.
The Czech weekly magazine Respekt earlier alleged that a Russian citizen had arrived in the Czech Republic in order to poison some municipal officials in Prague, specifically, Mayor Zdenek Hrib and Ondrej Kolar, the mayor of the Prague 6 municipal district. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these publications as "fake news."


tass--2020-04-29--Chinese Foreign Ministry points to risks posed by US labs in former Soviet Union

BEIJING , April 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities support Russia ’ s official position and believe that the existence of US biological laboratories in the territory of some former Soviet republics is fraught with risks , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday .
`` We took note of the statement made by the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman [ Maria Zakharova on this score ] .
The United States has created many laboratories in the territory of the former Soviet Union , which evokes serious public worries in the neighboring countries concerned , '' Geng told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public has been insistently demanding these facilities should be closed down .
We do hope that the American side will display a responsible attitude , take into account the official concern of the world community and make real steps to eliminate such fears . ''
The diplomat said Washington must pay special attention to issues that have a direct bearing on the health and well-being of the people in the countries where the US laboratories are located .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on April 17 that US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing pathogens of dangerous diseases .
Zakharova said the Russian Foreign Ministry had taken note of growing US biological presence outside the United States , in particular , in former Soviet republics .
She said Moscow could not afford to ignore the fact that infrastructures having dangerous biological potential were being set up by the United States near Russia ’ s borders .

BEIJING, April 29. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities support Russia’s official position and believe that the existence of US biological laboratories in the territory of some former Soviet republics is fraught with risks, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday.
"We took note of the statement made by the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman [Maria Zakharova on this score]. The United States has created many laboratories in the territory of the former Soviet Union, which evokes serious public worries in the neighboring countries concerned," Geng told a news briefing. "The local public has been insistently demanding these facilities should be closed down. We do hope that the American side will display a responsible attitude, take into account the official concern of the world community and make real steps to eliminate such fears."
The diplomat said Washington must pay special attention to issues that have a direct bearing on the health and well-being of the people in the countries where the US laboratories are located.
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on April 17 that US laboratories outside the United States might be developing pathogens of dangerous diseases. Zakharova said the Russian Foreign Ministry had taken note of growing US biological presence outside the United States, in particular, in former Soviet republics. She said Moscow could not afford to ignore the fact that infrastructures having dangerous biological potential were being set up by the United States near Russia’s borders.