tass--2020-01-13--Abkhazia’s ex-president says undecided about running for president again

`` The situation calmed down only yesterday .
I will wait and see what to do , '' he told TASS .
When asked whether he would run for president again , he said , `` It is not the right time speak about it .
Let us wait and see . ''
SUKHUM , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Raul Khajimba who has just resigned as Abkhazia ’ s president said on Monday he plans to continue political activities but is undecided whether to take part in the presidential race or not .
Commenting on the statement of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the former president would not take part in the upcoming polls , Khajimba noted , `` It is his opinion… But it is up to me , not him , to decide about my future . ''
He said he would say `` soon '' whether he would stay in politics and in which capacity .
`` This job ( of the president - TASS ) is not the easiest one and I think I will have to think about the processes that took place and why the situation developed that way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to have some time to rest , '' he said .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament on Monday voted to accept Khajimba ’ s resignation and authorized Prime Minister Valery Bganba to act as president till the next elections .
Abkhazia plunged into a political crisis on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission ’ s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The country ’ s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22 .

"The situation calmed down only yesterday. I will wait and see what to do," he told TASS. When asked whether he would run for president again, he said, "It is not the right time speak about it. Let us wait and see."
SUKHUM, January 13. /TASS/. Raul Khajimba who has just resigned as Abkhazia’s president said on Monday he plans to continue political activities but is undecided whether to take part in the presidential race or not.
Commenting on the statement of the new ex-vice president, Aslan Bartsits, that the former president would not take part in the upcoming polls, Khajimba noted, "It is his opinion… But it is up to me, not him, to decide about my future." He said he would say "soon" whether he would stay in politics and in which capacity.
"This job (of the president - TASS) is not the easiest one and I think I will have to think about the processes that took place and why the situation developed that way. And, naturally, I will have to have some time to rest," he said.
Abkhazia’s parliament on Monday voted to accept Khajimba’s resignation and authorized Prime Minister Valery Bganba to act as president till the next elections.
Abkhazia plunged into a political crisis on January 9 when protesters broke into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba. Abkhazia’s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down.
On Friday, the Abkhazian Supreme Court’s cassation board cancelled the Central Election Commission’s decision on the results of the presidential polls and ruled to call a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful. The country’s Central Election Commission ruled to call the rerun elections on March 22.


tass--2020-01-13--Abkhazia’s ex-president says it was his own decision to step down

SUKHUM , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Raul Khajimba who has just resigned as Abkhazia ’ s president said on @ @ @ @ @ decision to step down .
`` No one can exert pressure on me but for @ @ @ @ @ '' he told TASS .
`` No one have ever spoken with me about that @ @ @ @ @ .
I took the decision by myself . ''
He stressed he had done it @ @ @ @ @ in his country .

SUKHUM, January 13. /TASS/. Raul Khajimba who has just resigned as Abkhazia’s president said on Monday it was his own decision to step down.
"No one can exert pressure on me but for the circumstances I saw," he told TASS. "No one have ever spoken with me about that (resignation - TASS). I took the decision by myself."
He stressed he had done it for the sake of stability in his country.


tass--2020-01-13--Turkey expects Haftar to sign Libya ceasefire agreement

MOSCOW , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Ankara hopes that commander of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Khalifa @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire agreement on Tuesday morning , Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on the outcomes @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
`` [ Head of the Government of National Accord ( @ @ @ @ @ and [ Chairman of the High Council of State Khalid ] al-Mishri have signed this @ @ @ @ @ it from them .
Haftar asked for more time , until tomorrow morning , '' @ @ @ @ @ morning , if Haftar signs this document , we will achieve the initiative proposed by @ @ @ @ @ al-Sarraj and Haftar will undertake the necessary obligations , the ceasefire will continue .
After @ @ @ @ @ the political process .
The Russian side will cooperate with us . ''
The minister @ @ @ @ @ this document for `` believing in the ceasefire and in its positive outcomes . ''

MOSCOW, January 13. /TASS/. Ankara hopes that commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar will sign the draft ceasefire agreement on Tuesday morning, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on the outcomes of the talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"[Head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez] al-Sarraj and [Chairman of the High Council of State Khalid] al-Mishri have signed this document. We have received it from them. Haftar asked for more time, until tomorrow morning," he said. "Tomorrow morning, if Haftar signs this document, we will achieve the initiative proposed by Russian and Turkish presidents: al-Sarraj and Haftar will undertake the necessary obligations, the ceasefire will continue. After that, we will begin the political process. The Russian side will cooperate with us."
The minister thanked the sides who signed this document for "believing in the ceasefire and in its positive outcomes."


tass--2020-01-13--US withdrawal from Middle East to end looting of Syrian resources, says Iranian official

MOSCOW , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
The plundering of Syria ’ s resources will end only after the United @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East , Secretary of Iran ’ s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani @ @ @ @ @ at a meeting with Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis .
`` The region will not @ @ @ @ @ security as long as American terrorist forces continue to be there , '' Mehr News @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Undoubtedly , the United States ’ withdrawal will be achieved through unity between @ @ @ @ @ the region . ''
Shamkhani noted that Iran supported the Syrian government ’ s efforts @ @ @ @ @ to the presence of terrorist groups in Idlib .
`` The looting of Syria ’ @ @ @ @ @ of its resources is a tragedy , which will end , when the US fully @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Syria ’ s Defense Minister Ali Abdullah Ayyoub and the country @ @ @ @ @ and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem arrived in Tehran for talks as well .

MOSCOW, January 13. /TASS/. The plundering of Syria’s resources will end only after the United States’ complete withdrawal from the Middle East, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said in Tehran on Monday at a meeting with Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis.
"The region will not regain stability, peace and security as long as American terrorist forces continue to be there," Mehr News Agency quotes him as saying. "Undoubtedly, the United States’ withdrawal will be achieved through unity between the nations and governments of the region."
Shamkhani noted that Iran supported the Syrian government’s efforts aimed at putting an end to the presence of terrorist groups in Idlib. "The looting of Syria’s oil and the plundering of its resources is a tragedy, which will end, when the US fully withdraws from the region," he said.
Syria’s Defense Minister Ali Abdullah Ayyoub and the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem arrived in Tehran for talks as well.


tass--2020-01-13--Sarraj signs settlement document, Haftar takes pause until morning, says Lavrov

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tass--2020-01-15--Haftar to take part in Berlin conference on Libya — media

CAIRO , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Commander of the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) Khalifa Haftar will take part in the Berlin conference on Libya , Al Hadas TV channel reported on Tuesday citing their own sources .
`` Haftar decided to accept the invitation and go to Berlin to take part in the international conference , '' the sources said .
The Libyan National Army or Haftar himself have not made any official statements on the matter so far .
Germany plans to organize an international conference on ways to settle the conflict in Libya on January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German government said on Tuesday the conference would be attended by delegates from Russia , the United States , China , the United Kingdom , Italy , France , Turkey , Egypt , Algeria , the United Arab Emirates , the Republic of the Congo , as well as representatives from the United Nations , the European Union and the Arab League .
It also confirmed that both Haftar and Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Fayez al-Sarraj were invited to take part in the conference .

CAIRO, January 15. /TASS/. Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar will take part in the Berlin conference on Libya, Al Hadas TV channel reported on Tuesday citing their own sources.
"Haftar decided to accept the invitation and go to Berlin to take part in the international conference," the sources said.
The Libyan National Army or Haftar himself have not made any official statements on the matter so far.
Germany plans to organize an international conference on ways to settle the conflict in Libya on January 19. The press service of the German government said on Tuesday the conference would be attended by delegates from Russia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of the Congo, as well as representatives from the United Nations, the European Union and the Arab League. It also confirmed that both Haftar and Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj were invited to take part in the conference.


tass--2020-01-15--Medvedev will meet with experts from Gaidar Forum on January 17 — press secretary

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will meet on Friday with experts who will take part in the 11th Gaidar Forum scheduled for January 15-16 , press sercretary of the Russian prime minister Oleg Osipov told reporters on Tuesday .
Osipov said that the format of the Russian prime minister 's participation in the forum will change this year .
`` He will meet with Russian and foreign experts from the Gaidar Forum on Friday ( January 17 ) , '' the press secretary added .
During this meeting , it is planned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forum , '' he added .
The press secretary reminded that on the first day of the forum , January 15 , the Russian president will address the Federal Assembly .
On Thursday , on the second day of the forum , the prime minister will chair the first government session this year .
Those are the reasons behind the decision on the new format of Medvedev 's participation in the Gaidar Forum , Osipov noted .
The 11th Gaidar Forum will be devoted to the topic `` Russia and World : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Around 600 experts from over 30 countries will take part in the forum , including scientists , politicians , representatives of financial and business circles .
The Gaidar Forum was organized by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration , the Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy and the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will meet on Friday with experts who will take part in the 11th Gaidar Forum scheduled for January 15-16, press sercretary of the Russian prime minister Oleg Osipov told reporters on Tuesday.
Osipov said that the format of the Russian prime minister's participation in the forum will change this year.
"He will meet with Russian and foreign experts from the Gaidar Forum on Friday (January 17)," the press secretary added. During this meeting, it is planned to "discuss issues that were raised at the forum," he added.
The press secretary reminded that on the first day of the forum, January 15, the Russian president will address the Federal Assembly. On Thursday, on the second day of the forum, the prime minister will chair the first government session this year. Those are the reasons behind the decision on the new format of Medvedev's participation in the Gaidar Forum, Osipov noted.
The 11th Gaidar Forum will be devoted to the topic "Russia and World: Challenges of the New Decade." Around 600 experts from over 30 countries will take part in the forum, including scientists, politicians, representatives of financial and business circles. The Gaidar Forum was organized by the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, the Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy and the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia.


tass--2020-01-15--UN calls on parties to Iran nuclear deal to take effort to keep it in place

THE UNITED NATIONS , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations calls on all parties to the Iran nuclear deal to spare no effort to keep it in place , Stephane Dujarric , Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General , said on Tuesday commenting on Germany ’ s , France ’ s and the United Kingdom ’ s decision to trigger the deal ’ s dispute resolution mechanism .
`` We 're , obviously , aware of what happened this morning , of the joint announcement made by the three and the confirmation made by the EU diplomatic chief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call on parties to work together to do whatever they can to preserve the JCPOA [ Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ] . ''
He also called on Iran to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) .
`` We also call on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA on its nuclear program and implementation of all its nuclear-related commitments made under that agreement , under the JCPOA . ''
He readdressed the question about possible UN Security Council meeting on that matter to the nations directly involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) , also known as the Iran nuclear deal , was signed between Iran and six international mediators ( the United Kingdom , Germany , China , Russia , the United States , and France ) in July 2015 .
Under the deal , Iran undertook to curb its nuclear activities and place them under total control of the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) in exchange of abandonment of the sanctions imposed previously by the United Nations Security Council , the European Union and the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged not to enrich uranium above the level of 3.67 % for 15 years and maintain enriched uranium stockpiles at the level not exceeding 300 kg , as well as not to build new heavy-water reactors , not to accumulate heavy water and not to develop nuclear explosive devices .
The future of the deal was called in question after the United States ’ unilateral pullout on May 8 , 2018 and Washington ’ s unilateral oil export sanctions against Tehran .
Iran argues that all other participants , Europeans in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligations in the economic sphere , thus making the deal in its current shape senseless .
Thus , Tehran began gradually scaling down its commitments under the deal .

THE UNITED NATIONS, January 14. /TASS/. The United Nations calls on all parties to the Iran nuclear deal to spare no effort to keep it in place, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said on Tuesday commenting on Germany’s, France’s and the United Kingdom’s decision to trigger the deal’s dispute resolution mechanism.
"We're, obviously, aware of what happened this morning, of the joint announcement made by the three and the confirmation made by the EU diplomatic chief," Dujarric said. "We continue to call on parties to work together to do whatever they can to preserve the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]."
He also called on Iran to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "We also call on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA on its nuclear program and implementation of all its nuclear-related commitments made under that agreement, under the JCPOA."
He readdressed the question about possible UN Security Council meeting on that matter to the nations directly involved in the deal.
Iran nuclear deal
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, was signed between Iran and six international mediators (the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, the United States, and France) in July 2015. Under the deal, Iran undertook to curb its nuclear activities and place them under total control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in exchange of abandonment of the sanctions imposed previously by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the United States over its nuclear program.
Iran pledged not to enrich uranium above the level of 3.67% for 15 years and maintain enriched uranium stockpiles at the level not exceeding 300 kg, as well as not to build new heavy-water reactors, not to accumulate heavy water and not to develop nuclear explosive devices.
The future of the deal was called in question after the United States’ unilateral pullout on May 8, 2018 and Washington’s unilateral oil export sanctions against Tehran. Iran argues that all other participants, Europeans in the first place, ignore some of their own obligations in the economic sphere, thus making the deal in its current shape senseless. Thus, Tehran began gradually scaling down its commitments under the deal.


tass--2020-01-15--UN expects Libya’s Sarraj and Haftar to take part in conference in Berlin — spokesperson

THE UNITED NATIONS , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations expects the highest level of participation of the Libyan parties at an international conference in Berlin scheduled for January 19 , Stephane Dujarric , Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General , told a briefing on Tuesday .
`` We would expect the highest level of participation , but I think , since the Germans are organizing , you may want to ask them , as well , '' Dujarric said when asked whether Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Fayez al-Sarraj and Libyan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haftar would take part .
`` We , obviously , continue to urge the Libyan parties to continue to adhere to the ceasefire that was supposed to begin on 12 January , '' he added .
Germany plans to organize an international conference on ways to settle the conflict in Libya on January 19 .
The press service of the German government said on Tuesday the conference would be attended by delegates from Russia , the United States , China , the United Kingdom , Italy , France , Turkey , Egypt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of the Congo , as well as representatives from the United Nations , the European Union and the Arab League .
It also confirmed that both Sarraj and Haftar had been invited .

THE UNITED NATIONS, January 14. /TASS/. The United Nations expects the highest level of participation of the Libyan parties at an international conference in Berlin scheduled for January 19, Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, told a briefing on Tuesday.
"We would expect the highest level of participation, but I think, since the Germans are organizing, you may want to ask them, as well," Dujarric said when asked whether Prime Minister of the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar would take part.
"We, obviously, continue to urge the Libyan parties to continue to adhere to the ceasefire that was supposed to begin on 12 January," he added.
Germany plans to organize an international conference on ways to settle the conflict in Libya on January 19. The press service of the German government said on Tuesday the conference would be attended by delegates from Russia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of the Congo, as well as representatives from the United Nations, the European Union and the Arab League. It also confirmed that both Sarraj and Haftar had been invited.


tass--2020-01-15--Top Iranian diplomat says European nations’ decision on nuclear deal "strategic mistake"

TEHRAN , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Iran ’ s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has described as a `` @ @ @ @ @ of Germany , France and the UK to trigger the Dispute Resolution Mechanism within the @ @ @ @ @ the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on Iran 's nuclear program .
@ @ @ @ @ dispute mechanism is legally baseless and represents a strategic mistake from a political standpoint , @ @ @ @ @ meeting with Niels Annen , Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office , @ @ @ @ @ service of the Iranian Foreign Ministry .

TEHRAN, January 14. /TASS/. Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has described as a "strategic mistake" the decision of Germany, France and the UK to trigger the Dispute Resolution Mechanism within the framework of the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program.
"The usage of the dispute mechanism is legally baseless and represents a strategic mistake from a political standpoint," Zarif said at a meeting with Niels Annen, Minister of State at the German Federal Foreign Office, as quoted by the press service of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.


tass--2020-01-14--Over 300 people leave Idlib de-escalation zone in Syria in past day

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Over 300 people have left the Idlib de-escalation zone controlled by armed groups through humanitarian corridors on Tuesday , chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria Yury Borenkov told reporters .
`` Over the past 24 hours , 200 people exited through the Al-Hader checkpoint in Aleppo province and another 112 people — through the Abu al-Duhur checkpoint in Idlib province , '' Borenkov said .
`` Since 13 January 2019 , a total of 1,295 people and 59 units of automobile and agricultural equipment left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He noted that at 11:57pm Moscow time on Tuesday , militants from illegal armed groups shelled the Al-Hader checkpoint in Aleppo province from mortars of 120mm caliber .
`` No one was injured .
There was no response fire , '' Borenkov added .
A ceasefire regime entered into force in the Idlib de-escalation zone on January 12 .
Checkpoints for civilians started operating at 1pm Moscow time on January 13 , including Al-Hader in Aleppo province , Abu al-Duhur in Idlib province and Habit in Hama province .
The checkpoints are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , giving out potable water , medicines and necessities .
Borenkov said that in the past 24 hours , 26 shellings by armed groups were registered in Aleppo , Latakia , Idlib and Hama provinces .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Over 300 people have left the Idlib de-escalation zone controlled by armed groups through humanitarian corridors on Tuesday, chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria Yury Borenkov told reporters.
"Over the past 24 hours, 200 people exited through the Al-Hader checkpoint in Aleppo province and another 112 people — through the Abu al-Duhur checkpoint in Idlib province," Borenkov said. "Since 13 January 2019, a total of 1,295 people and 59 units of automobile and agricultural equipment left the Idlib de-escalation zone," he added.
He noted that at 11:57pm Moscow time on Tuesday, militants from illegal armed groups shelled the Al-Hader checkpoint in Aleppo province from mortars of 120mm caliber. "No one was injured. There was no response fire," Borenkov added.
A ceasefire regime entered into force in the Idlib de-escalation zone on January 12. Checkpoints for civilians started operating at 1pm Moscow time on January 13, including Al-Hader in Aleppo province, Abu al-Duhur in Idlib province and Habit in Hama province. The checkpoints are equipped with facilities for providing medical assistance, giving out potable water, medicines and necessities.
Borenkov said that in the past 24 hours, 26 shellings by armed groups were registered in Aleppo, Latakia, Idlib and Hama provinces.


tass--2020-01-14--Reporter Ivan Golunov acknowledged as victim in police abuse of power case

`` Golunov was acknowledged as a victim in the case , he has been summoned to the Investigative Committee for questioning on January 20 , '' his lawyer Sergei Badamshin told TASS on Wednesday .
MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian reporter Ivan Golunov from Meduza news website has been acknowledged as a victim in the case probing an abuse of power by police officers .
News came on December 19 , 2019 that a criminal case had been launched over Golunov ’ s detention .
At his annual news conference on December 19 , President Vladimir Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had launched criminal cases against five former police officers after Golunov ’ s illegal detention .
However , Putin said there was no information on the mastermind of this detention .
Golunov was apprehended in downtown Moscow on June 6 .
According to police , the reporter was carrying four grams of mephedrone , a synthetic stimulant drug , while five grams of cocaine were found during a search of his rented apartment .
Moscow ’ s Nikulinsky District Court placed the journalist under house arrest .
Golunov ’ s lawyer said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his client .
All charges were eventually dropped on June 11 and Golunov was set free .

"Golunov was acknowledged as a victim in the case, he has been summoned to the Investigative Committee for questioning on January 20," his lawyer Sergei Badamshin told TASS on Wednesday.
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russian reporter Ivan Golunov from Meduza news website has been acknowledged as a victim in the case probing an abuse of power by police officers.
News came on December 19, 2019 that a criminal case had been launched over Golunov’s detention. At his annual news conference on December 19, President Vladimir Putin said that Russia’s Investigative Committee had launched criminal cases against five former police officers after Golunov’s illegal detention. However, Putin said there was no information on the mastermind of this detention.
Golunov was apprehended in downtown Moscow on June 6. According to police, the reporter was carrying four grams of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant drug, while five grams of cocaine were found during a search of his rented apartment. Moscow’s Nikulinsky District Court placed the journalist under house arrest. Golunov’s lawyer said that the drugs could have been planted on his client. All charges were eventually dropped on June 11 and Golunov was set free.


tass--2020-01-14--Al-Taji military base hosting US military comes under missile attack — Al Hadath TV

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Iraqi al-Taji military base located north of Baghdad and hosting US military @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , Al Hadath television reports .
No details have been available as of @ @

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. The Iraqi al-Taji military base located north of Baghdad and hosting US military came under a missile attack on Tuesday, Al Hadath television reports.
No details have been available as of yet.


tass--2020-01-14--Russian diplomat brushes off ‘fake news’ about US citizenship of her family

MOSCOW , January 14./TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has dismissed as ‘ fake news ’ reports about @ @ @ @ @ citizenship , circulated on social media .
`` Fake news has appeared on the web @ @ @ @ @ my family may have US citizenship , and even that my daughter was born there @ @ @ @ @ my family , including my husband and the daughter , nor the parents or the @ @ @ @ @ or had whatever foreign citizenship .
Never .
None whatsoever , '' Zakharova blogged on @ @ @ @ @ on the rumors circulated on the Internet .
Zakharova stressed that she had never had @ @ @ @ @ either .
Besides , her family has no property outside Russia , she stressed .
@ @ @ @ @ in Moscow , in the maternity wing of a city clinic , '' she summed @ @

MOSCOW, January 14./TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has dismissed as ‘fake news’ reports about her family allegedly having US citizenship, circulated on social media.
"Fake news has appeared on the web alleging that I myself and my family may have US citizenship, and even that my daughter was born there. Neither me, nor my family, including my husband and the daughter, nor the parents or the parents of my parents have or had whatever foreign citizenship. Never. None whatsoever," Zakharova blogged on her Facebook page in comments on the rumors circulated on the Internet.
Zakharova stressed that she had never had residence permit in any country either. Besides, her family has no property outside Russia, she stressed. "My daughter was born in Moscow, in the maternity wing of a city clinic," she summed up.


tass--2020-01-14--European Council chief Charles Michel to attend Berlin conference on Libya

BRUSSELS , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
European Council head Charles Michel will attend the Berlin conference on Libyan regulation set to take place on January 19 , the European Council 's press service informed on Tuesday .
The international conference on Libya will take place on January 19 in Berlin .
The German government ’ s press service informed on Tuesday that Russia , the US , China , the UK , Italy , France , Turkey , Egypt , Algeria , the United Arab Emirates , the Republic of the Congo , along with representatives of the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Arab League are set to take part in the conference .
During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on January 11 , Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that in order to make the conference fruitful , its participants must be genuinely interested in facilitating Libyan regulation , pre-approving all its decisions with the Libyan parties .
At midnight on January 12 , a ceasefire proposed by Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan entered into force in Libya as part of a larger initiative to achieve peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s objective is to stop hostilities between the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Fayez al-Sarraj ’ s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) sitting in Tripoli .
On Monday , representatives of the parties to the conflict arrived in Moscow for talks , after which GNA envoys signed a ceasefire agreement .
Haftar took a pause to study the agreement .
However , later he left Moscow without putting his signature under the document , Arab media outlets reported .
In the early hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the south of Tripoli — the target of a decisive offensive declared by Haftar in December .
The LNA issued a statement declaring `` readiness and determination to win . ''

BRUSSELS, January 14. /TASS/. European Council head Charles Michel will attend the Berlin conference on Libyan regulation set to take place on January 19, the European Council's press service informed on Tuesday.
The international conference on Libya will take place on January 19 in Berlin. The German government’s press service informed on Tuesday that Russia, the US, China, the UK, Italy, France, Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of the Congo, along with representatives of the UN, the EU, the African Union and the Arab League are set to take part in the conference.
During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on January 11, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that in order to make the conference fruitful, its participants must be genuinely interested in facilitating Libyan regulation, pre-approving all its decisions with the Libyan parties.
At midnight on January 12, a ceasefire proposed by Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan entered into force in Libya as part of a larger initiative to achieve peace in the country. The ceasefire’s objective is to stop hostilities between the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Fayez al-Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA) sitting in Tripoli. On Monday, representatives of the parties to the conflict arrived in Moscow for talks, after which GNA envoys signed a ceasefire agreement.
Haftar took a pause to study the agreement. However, later he left Moscow without putting his signature under the document, Arab media outlets reported. In the early hours of January 14, armed clashes re-erupted in the south of Tripoli — the target of a decisive offensive declared by Haftar in December. The LNA issued a statement declaring "readiness and determination to win."


tass--2020-01-14--Launch of JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism groundless — Russian Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia thinks that there are no grounds for launching the dispute resolution mechanism within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear deal by Germany , the UK and France , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on Tuesday .
Russian diplomats added that such a step would make it impossible to return to the primary conditions of the deal .
`` We see no grounds for such a step [ launching the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism ] , '' the ministry stressed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill-considered steps by the EU Three may lead to a new wave of escalation around the JCPOA and make it impossible to return to the previously agreed conditions of the nuclear deal , which the EU Three allegedly strive towards . ''
The Russian Foreign Ministry is disappointed and worried about Great Britain ’ s , Germany ’ s and France ’ s decision to trigger the dispute settlement mechanism in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal which makes it possible to refer the case to the United Nations Security Council .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism as provided by Article 36 of the JCPOA and their letter on that matter to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy , who is coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission , is profoundly disappointing and gives ground for serious concern , '' the ministry stated .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russia thinks that there are no grounds for launching the dispute resolution mechanism within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear deal by Germany, the UK and France, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on Tuesday. Russian diplomats added that such a step would make it impossible to return to the primary conditions of the deal.
"We see no grounds for such a step [launching the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism]," the ministry stressed. "We do not rule out that the ill-considered steps by the EU Three may lead to a new wave of escalation around the JCPOA and make it impossible to return to the previously agreed conditions of the nuclear deal, which the EU Three allegedly strive towards."
The Russian Foreign Ministry is disappointed and worried about Great Britain’s, Germany’s and France’s decision to trigger the dispute settlement mechanism in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal which makes it possible to refer the case to the United Nations Security Council.
"The decision of the European participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism as provided by Article 36 of the JCPOA and their letter on that matter to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who is coordinator of the JCPOA Joint Commission, is profoundly disappointing and gives ground for serious concern," the ministry stated.


tass--2020-01-14--German top diplomat thinks reaching agreement on Libya in Berlin is possible

`` We think that we can reach an agreement with all the participants in the conference , '' the DPA news agency quotes Maas as saying .
`` It [ the agreement — TASS ] is a prerequisite for finding a political solution to the conflict in Libya instead of a military one . ''
The German top diplomat noted that the mediation efforts of Russia and Turkey aid the search for a solution on Libya ; however , crisis regulation requires a comprehensive approach .
BERLIN , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas thinks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya can reach a compromise .
He made the statement on Tuesday before a parliamentary session .
The international conference on Libya will take place on January 19 in Berlin .
The German government ’ s press service informed on Tuesday that Russia , the US , China , the UK , Italy , France , Turkey , Egypt , Algeria , the United Arab Emirates , the Republic of the Congo , along with representatives of the UN , the EU , the African Union and the Arab League are set to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midnight on January 12 , a ceasefire proposed by Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan entered into force in Libya as part of a larger initiative to achieve peace in the country .
The ceasefire ’ s objective is to stop hostilities between the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Fayez al-Sarraj ’ s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) sitting in Tripoli .
On Monday , representatives of the parties to the conflict arrived in Moscow for talks after which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haftar took a pause to study the agreement .
However , later he left Moscow without putting his signature under the document , Arab media outlets reported .
In the early hours of January 14 , armed clashes re-erupted in the south of Tripoli — the target of a decisive offensive declared by Haftar in December .
The LNA issued a statement declaring `` readiness and determination to win . ''

"We think that we can reach an agreement with all the participants in the conference," the DPA news agency quotes Maas as saying. "It [the agreement — TASS] is a prerequisite for finding a political solution to the conflict in Libya instead of a military one." The German top diplomat noted that the mediation efforts of Russia and Turkey aid the search for a solution on Libya; however, crisis regulation requires a comprehensive approach.
BERLIN, January 14. /TASS/. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas thinks that participants in the upcoming Berlin conference on Libya can reach a compromise. He made the statement on Tuesday before a parliamentary session.
The international conference on Libya will take place on January 19 in Berlin. The German government’s press service informed on Tuesday that Russia, the US, China, the UK, Italy, France, Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of the Congo, along with representatives of the UN, the EU, the African Union and the Arab League are set to take part in the conference.
At midnight on January 12, a ceasefire proposed by Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan entered into force in Libya as part of a larger initiative to achieve peace in the country. The ceasefire’s objective is to stop hostilities between the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Fayez al-Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA) sitting in Tripoli. On Monday, representatives of the parties to the conflict arrived in Moscow for talks after which GNA envoys signed a ceasefire agreement.
Haftar took a pause to study the agreement. However, later he left Moscow without putting his signature under the document, Arab media outlets reported. In the early hours of January 14, armed clashes re-erupted in the south of Tripoli — the target of a decisive offensive declared by Haftar in December. The LNA issued a statement declaring "readiness and determination to win."


tass--2020-01-14--Safmar starts supplying oil to Belarus — source

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Oil companies of Russia ’ s Safmar Group executed route orders for the @ @ @ @ @ oil to the Mozyr Refinery in Belarus , a source familiar with the Group plans @ @ @ @ @ `` The Mozyr Refinery is receiving the first oil lot of 30,000 tonnes from Safmar @ @ @ @ @ source said .
Safmar confirmed information about the start of supplies to the Mozyr Refinery @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Oil companies of Russia’s Safmar Group executed route orders for the supply of 30,000 tonnes of oil to the Mozyr Refinery in Belarus, a source familiar with the Group plans told TASS on Tuesday.
"The Mozyr Refinery is receiving the first oil lot of 30,000 tonnes from Safmar Group companies," the source said.
Safmar confirmed information about the start of supplies to the Mozyr Refinery, without indicating the volume.


tass--2020-01-14--Ukrainian parliament demands official apology from Iran over downed plane

KIEV , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s Verkhovna Rada ( parliament ) has demanded an official apology @ @ @ @ @ of Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane in Tehran , the document approved by 368 MPs @ @ @ @ @ includes demands to return the passengers ’ bodies and to provide compensation payments .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of all circumstances of this plane crash , an official apology from Iran , as @ @ @ @ @ the bodies and the payment of all compensations , '' the statement informs .

KIEV, January 14. /TASS/. Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament) has demanded an official apology from Iran over the downing of Ukraine International Airlines passenger plane in Tehran, the document approved by 368 MPs informs. The document also includes demands to return the passengers’ bodies and to provide compensation payments.
"Ukraine demands a full investigation of all circumstances of this plane crash, an official apology from Iran, as well as the return of the bodies and the payment of all compensations," the statement informs.


tass--2020-01-14--Court in Ukraine orders investigation of Poroshenko, Obama administration members

KIEV , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine ’ s Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has obliged the National Anti-Corruption Bureau ( @ @ @ @ @ probe into seizure of government power and corruption suspicions .
The cases mention the names @ @ @ @ @ 44th president , Barack Obama , former Ukrainian president , Pyotr Poroshenko and ex-US vice-president @ @ @ @ @ member of the Ukrainian parliament from the Opposition Platform - For Life party , Renat @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Ukraine ’ s Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has obliged the NABU to investigate the @ @ @ @ @ government power in Ukraine and of the embezzlement of state budget money and international financial @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration in collusion with Poroshenko , '' Kuzmin said on his Facebook page .
@ @ @ @ @ post mentioned Biden ’ s name and attached a copy of the corresponding court resolution @

KIEV, January 14. /TASS/. Ukraine’s Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has obliged the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) to launch a probe into seizure of government power and corruption suspicions. The cases mention the names of the United States’ 44th president, Barack Obama, former Ukrainian president, Pyotr Poroshenko and ex-US vice-president, Joseph Biden, a member of the Ukrainian parliament from the Opposition Platform - For Life party, Renat Kuzmin, said on Tuesday.
"Ukraine’s Supreme Anti-Corruption Court has obliged the NABU to investigate the suspicions over the seizure of government power in Ukraine and of the embezzlement of state budget money and international financial assistance by members of the Obama administration in collusion with Poroshenko," Kuzmin said on his Facebook page. Also, Kuzmin in his post mentioned Biden’s name and attached a copy of the corresponding court resolution.


tass--2020-01-14--ECHR does not recognize second Khodorkovsky-Lebedev case as political

PARIS , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) partially satisfied a lawsuit filed by ex-CEO of the now-defunct Yukos oil company Mikhail Khodorkovsky and former Menatep Group CEO Platon Lebedev , but did not acknowledge their complaints that the criminal case against them was politically motivated .
The court ruling regarding the so-called second case was published on the ECHR ’ s website on Tuesday .
The court said in a press release that it `` unanimously held that there was no need to examine the applicants ’ complaints under Article 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights ) in conjunction with Articles 6 and 7 and Article 4 of Protocol No .
7 ( right not to be tried or punished twice ) , and , no violation of Article 18 in conjunction with Article 8 . ''
In the meantime , the court satisfied the duo ’ s complaints over the violation of Article 6 of the Convention , which guarantees the right to a fair trial , acknowledging their claims about the court ’ s refusal to listen to several defense witnesses and interrogate the plaintiffs ’ @ @

PARIS, January 14. /TASS/. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) partially satisfied a lawsuit filed by ex-CEO of the now-defunct Yukos oil company Mikhail Khodorkovsky and former Menatep Group CEO Platon Lebedev, but did not acknowledge their complaints that the criminal case against them was politically motivated. The court ruling regarding the so-called second case was published on the ECHR’s website on Tuesday.
The court said in a press release that it "unanimously held that there was no need to examine the applicants’ complaints under Article 18 (limitation on use of restrictions on rights) in conjunction with Articles 6 and 7 and Article 4 of Protocol No. 7 (right not to be tried or punished twice), and, no violation of Article 18 in conjunction with Article 8."
In the meantime, the court satisfied the duo’s complaints over the violation of Article 6 of the Convention, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, acknowledging their claims about the court’s refusal to listen to several defense witnesses and interrogate the plaintiffs’ experts.


tass--2020-01-14--Number of identified victims of Iran plane crash reaches 100

TEHRAN , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The number of identified victims of the Ukraine International Airlines plane crash in @ @ @ @ @ head of Tehran ’ s criminal prosecution Mohammad Shahriari .
`` The number of victims @ @ @ @ @ identified due to the tireless efforts of our colleagues and forensic doctors has reached 100 @ @ @ @ @ news agency quotes him as saying .
Shahriari added that currently , the bodies of @ @ @ @ @ to the victims ’ families .
`` The efforts on identifying the rest of the @ @ @ @ @ work should conclude by the end of the week , '' he informed .

TEHRAN, January 14. /TASS/. The number of identified victims of the Ukraine International Airlines plane crash in Iran has reached 100, head of Tehran’s criminal prosecution Mohammad Shahriari.
"The number of victims of the Ukrainian plane crash identified due to the tireless efforts of our colleagues and forensic doctors has reached 100 people," the ISNA news agency quotes him as saying. Shahriari added that currently, the bodies of 30 passengers have been delivered to the victims’ families.
"The efforts on identifying the rest of the passengers are ongoing, the work should conclude by the end of the week," he informed.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin suggests authorizing senate to dismiss judges at president’s request

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
There is a need to authorize Russia ’ s Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) to dismiss Constitutional and Supreme Court judges at the president ’ s request , President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday .
`` I suggest enshrining in the Constitution the Federation Council ’ s right to dismiss Constitutional and Supreme Court judges at the president ’ s request , if they commit misconduct damaging their honor and dignity , as well as in other cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not maintain their position , '' Putin pointed out .
The president added that the initiative was based on the current practices .
At the same time , Putin suggested enhancing the role of the Constitutional Court , authorizing it to check constitutional bills at the president ’ s request .
`` In order to improve the quality of laws , I suggest strengthening the role of the Constitutional Court , particularly by authorizing it to check constitutional bills at the president ’ s request , after the Federal Assembly passes them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , '' Putin said .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. There is a need to authorize Russia’s Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) to dismiss Constitutional and Supreme Court judges at the president’s request, President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday.
"I suggest enshrining in the Constitution the Federation Council’s right to dismiss Constitutional and Supreme Court judges at the president’s request, if they commit misconduct damaging their honor and dignity, as well as in other cases outlined by federal laws, when judges cannot maintain their position," Putin pointed out.
The president added that the initiative was based on the current practices.
At the same time, Putin suggested enhancing the role of the Constitutional Court, authorizing it to check constitutional bills at the president’s request. "In order to improve the quality of laws, I suggest strengthening the role of the Constitutional Court, particularly by authorizing it to check constitutional bills at the president’s request, after the Federal Assembly passes them and before the head of state signs them," Putin said.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin urges faster adoption of laws to protect, promote investments

`` We have agreed not to change the tax conditions for business for six years , thus providing a wider horizon for investment planning .
I am calling on the lawmakers and the government : we need to accelerate the adoption of a package of bills on protection and promotion of investments , '' Putin said .
MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged the government and lawmakers to speed up adoption of a package of draft laws on the protection of investments and investment promotion .
Investment in Arctic expected to reach $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministry He noted that the tax conditions for large , significant projects should be unchanged for up to 20 years , and the requirements and standards for the construction of production facilities should be set for three years .
`` These guarantees to investors should become the norm of law .
Of course , not only large projects , but also business initiatives of small and medium-sized enterprises should receive support , '' the President added .
On December 10 , 2019 , the State Duma , lower house of the Russian parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promotion of investments in the first reading .
The bill provides for two investment regimes .
The general investment regime implies a three-year deferment of enactment of any norms that worsen the terms of investment activities .
The project regime is focused on large investment projects and guarantees stable tax conditions ( for income tax , property tax , transport and land taxes , terms of payment and the procedure for VAT refund ) for a period of 6 to 20 years .
The project regime has an access threshold .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture and sports projects with a total budget of at least 1 billion rubles ( $ 16 bln ) the minimum amount of own investments is set at 250 mln rubles ( $ 4 mln ) .
For projects in industries , agriculture and the digital economy the minimum amount of own investments is 1.5 billion rubles ( $ 24.4 mln ) ( if a total budget of a project is at least 7 bln rubles ( $ 113 mln ) .
For projects in other sectors of the economy it is at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mln ) ( with a total budget of a project amounting to 25 billion rubles ( $ 406 mln ) .

"We have agreed not to change the tax conditions for business for six years, thus providing a wider horizon for investment planning. I am calling on the lawmakers and the government: we need to accelerate the adoption of a package of bills on protection and promotion of investments," Putin said.
MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged the government and lawmakers to speed up adoption of a package of draft laws on the protection of investments and investment promotion.
He noted that the tax conditions for large, significant projects should be unchanged for up to 20 years, and the requirements and standards for the construction of production facilities should be set for three years.
"These guarantees to investors should become the norm of law. Of course, not only large projects, but also business initiatives of small and medium-sized enterprises should receive support," the President added.
About bill
On December 10, 2019, the State Duma, lower house of the Russian parliament, adopted a bill on the protection and promotion of investments in the first reading.
The bill provides for two investment regimes.
The general investment regime implies a three-year deferment of enactment of any norms that worsen the terms of investment activities.
The project regime is focused on large investment projects and guarantees stable tax conditions (for income tax, property tax, transport and land taxes, terms of payment and the procedure for VAT refund) for a period of 6 to 20 years.
The project regime has an access threshold. For example, for healthcare, education, culture and sports projects with a total budget of at least 1 billion rubles ($16 bln) the minimum amount of own investments is set at 250 mln rubles ($4 mln).
For projects in industries, agriculture and the digital economy the minimum amount of own investments is 1.5 billion rubles ($24.4 mln) (if a total budget of a project is at least 7 bln rubles ($113 mln). For projects in other sectors of the economy it is at least 5 billion rubles ($81 mln) (with a total budget of a project amounting to 25 billion rubles ($406 mln).
National Wealth Fund investment
The funds of the National Wealth Fund (NWF) should be invested in cost-effective projects to remove infrastructure restrictions once the Fund’s liquid part reaches the threshold of 7% of GDP, the President stated.
"Part of the National Wealth Fund allocated in foreign exchange currency is expected to surpass the 7% of GDP mark as early as this summer. We have formed such amounts of reserves that ensure stability and security, which means we can invest additional revenues in the national economy. Cost-effective projects that remove infrastructure restrictions should become prior," he said, adding that they include highway bypasses of big cities and roads connecting regional centers.
President noted that such projects would spur growth of SMEs, tourism and social activity in Russia’s regions.
In accordance with the fiscal rule, Russia’s Finance Ministry purchases foreign currency every month using additional revenues from oil sales above the certain level, which it allocates for reserves. The government will be able to start investing the funds of the NWF, in which oil and gas revenues are accumulated, once its liquid part exceeds 7% of GDP. The Finance Ministry projects that to happen this year, whereas by the end of 2020 the Fund will reach 8.5% of GDP.
At the end of November 2019, the Finance Ministry submitted the concept of investing NWF funds to the government. The strategy envisions two options: investment in foreign assets to avoid the pressure on the ruble’s exchange rate and inflation, or in domestic assets, in projects generating additional investment demand by private businesses. The ministry expects the National Wealth Fund to reach 8.5% of GDP by the end of 2020.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin recommends providing free access to domestic Internet services

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested preparing the Affordable Internet project to provide free @ @ @ @ @ Internet services .
`` The Internet has recently become the daily need .
Russia at @ @ @ @ @ of few countries in the world that has its own social networks , messengers , @ @ @ @ @ and other national resources .
In this regard , I suggest preparing and implementing the @ @ @ @ @ free access to socially significant Internet services , '' Putin said in his annual State @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Assembly .
High accessibility of the Internet should become a competitive advantage of @ @ @ @ @ create a wide space for education and creativity , for communication and implementation of social @ @ @ @ @ President said .
`` Certainly , this provides new opportunities for participation of people in @ @ @ @ @ '' Putin added .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested preparing the Affordable Internet project to provide free access to socially significant domestic Internet services.
"The Internet has recently become the daily need. Russia at the same time is one of few countries in the world that has its own social networks, messengers, mail and search systems, and other national resources. In this regard, I suggest preparing and implementing the Affordable Internet project and providing free access to socially significant Internet services," Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
High accessibility of the Internet should become a competitive advantage of Russia and its citizens, create a wide space for education and creativity, for communication and implementation of social and cultural projects, the President said. "Certainly, this provides new opportunities for participation of people in life of the country," Putin added.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin calls for streamlining delivery of specialized imported medicine

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that the Government fine-tune the delivery of specialized @ @ @ @ @ patients .
`` Legislative decisions have been signed already which permit the official and centralized @ @ @ @ @ into Russia , which do not yet have official permission .
I ask the Government @ @ @ @ @ so that people - especially parents of sick children - no longer find themselves in @ @ @ @ @ medicine can not be legally obtained , '' Putin said in his State of the @ @ @ @ @ President Putin added that the quality control of medications would soon see significant changes as @ @ @ @ @ be tightened not only at pharmaceutical factories , but at all stages of the supply @ @ @ @ @ '' he stressed .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that the Government fine-tune the delivery of specialized foreign-produced drugs pending authorization to patients.
"Legislative decisions have been signed already which permit the official and centralized import of certain specialized medications into Russia, which do not yet have official permission. I ask the Government to promptly streamline this process so that people - especially parents of sick children - no longer find themselves in a desperate situation where essential medicine cannot be legally obtained," Putin said in his State of the Nation Address on Wednesday.
President Putin added that the quality control of medications would soon see significant changes as well.
"It will be tightened not only at pharmaceutical factories, but at all stages of the supply line, pharmacies included," he stressed.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin stresses Russia should remain strong presidential republic

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian president should retain the right to sack the country ’ s prime @ @ @ @ @ while Russia should remain a strong presidential republic , President Vladimir Putin said in his @ @ @ @ @ Address to the Federal Assembly .
`` Russia should remain a strong presidential republic , @ @ @ @ @ certainly keep the right to outline tasks and priorities of the government ’ s activity @ @ @ @ @ the chairman of the government , his deputies and federal ministers , '' Putin said @ @ @ @ @ that a decision on sacking these officials should be made in case of their improper @ @ @ @ @ loss of trust .
According to Putin , sustainable development of Russia , which is @ @ @ @ @ impossible in any other formats , in particular parliamentary republic .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian president should retain the right to sack the country’s prime minister and federal ministers, while Russia should remain a strong presidential republic, President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
"Russia should remain a strong presidential republic, and therefore the president should certainly keep the right to outline tasks and priorities of the government’s activity as well as to sack the chairman of the government, his deputies and federal ministers," Putin said.
The Russian leader noted that a decision on sacking these officials should be made in case of their improper execution of duties or the loss of trust.
According to Putin, sustainable development of Russia, which is a multiethnic country, is impossible in any other formats, in particular parliamentary republic.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin: Russia is world’s leader in advanced weaponry for first time in history

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has been able for the first time in history to become the world ’ s leader in advanced weapons , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday .
`` We are not threatening anyone and are not seeking to impose our will .
At the same time , I can assure everyone that our steps for strengthening national security were made timely and in a sufficient amount , '' the Russian president said .
Today Russia is the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin stressed .
`` For the first time , let me stress , for the first time in the entire history of the existence of missile and nuclear weapons , including the Soviet period and present-day history , we are not catching up with anyone and , on the contrary , other leading countries of the world will still have to develop weapons , which Russia already possesses , '' the Russian leader said .
Russia has ensured its defense capability for decades to come but `` should not rest on laurels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is necessary to move forward attentively , watching and analyzing all that is taking place in this sphere in the world , developing combat complexes and future-generation systems .
This is what we are doing today , '' the Russian leader said .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russia has been able for the first time in history to become the world’s leader in advanced weapons, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday.
"We are not threatening anyone and are not seeking to impose our will. At the same time, I can assure everyone that our steps for strengthening national security were made timely and in a sufficient amount," the Russian president said.
Today Russia is the world’s leader in developing advanced weaponry, Putin stressed.
"For the first time, let me stress, for the first time in the entire history of the existence of missile and nuclear weapons, including the Soviet period and present-day history, we are not catching up with anyone and, on the contrary, other leading countries of the world will still have to develop weapons, which Russia already possesses," the Russian leader said.
Russia has ensured its defense capability for decades to come but "should not rest on laurels and relax," Putin pointed out.
"It is necessary to move forward attentively, watching and analyzing all that is taking place in this sphere in the world, developing combat complexes and future-generation systems. This is what we are doing today," the Russian leader said.


tass--2020-01-15--Highlights of Putin's State of the Nation Address

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday .
The address to the Federal Assembly is one of the most important annual events in the president ’ s schedule .
The document , which outlines the goals and tasks for the country , becomes a guideline for the government and the parliament to follow .
Here are the highlights from this year 's Presidential Address : Putin said he is dissatisfied with birth rate in Russia .
The Russian president noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2019 .
`` This is not enough for our country , '' he stressed .
Accoring to Putin , the birth rate in the 1990s in Russia was worse than that in the Second World War times .
Putin said that low incomes of most households with children directly threatens Russia ’ s demographic future and proposed a number of measures to support families .
For instance , the Russian leader suggested providing monthly payments for children in the age between three and seven years from January 1 , 2020 .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be received by families , the income of which do not exceed a subsidence level of one person .
Moreover , the maternity capital program will be extended until the end of 2026 at the least and the payment amount will grow to 616,617 rubles ( $ 10,028 ) .
Putin said that Russia has been able for the first time in history to become the world ’ s leader in advanced weapons .
`` We are not threatening anyone and are not seeking to impose our will .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps for strengthening national security were made timely and in a sufficient volume , '' the Russian president said .
Today Russia is the world ’ s leader in developing advanced weaponry , Putin stressed .
`` Other leading countries of the world will still have to develop weapons , which Russia already possesses , '' the Russian leader said .
Putin has suggested putting package of constitutional amendments to popular vote .
At the same time , the Russian president stated that he sees no grounds to adopt new constitution in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Russian Constitution within the Russian legal space .
`` It is time to make some changes to the fundamental law of the country , which would guarantee the priority of the Russian Constitution in our legal space .
What does this mean ?
It means that requirements of international law and decisions of international bodies can only be enforced in Russia to such an extent that does not violate human and civil rights and freedoms and does not violate our Constitution , '' Putin said .
Putin agrees that the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of state for more than two terms in row .
`` I know that our society is discussing the constitutional provision the same person should not take the post of Russia ’ s president for more than two terms in a row .
I do not believe that this question is of fundamental importance , but I agree with this , '' Putin said .
Putin has also suggested complementing Russia ’ s Constitution with a special requirement the candidate for the position of the head state should be a resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years and have no foreign citizenship or residence permit - not only at the moment of participation in the election , but ever in the past .
Under the current Constitution any Russian citizen who has lived in the country for no less than ten years can be elected as Russia ’ s president .
Russia is obliged to protect the historical truth about the victory in the Great Patriotic War , Putin said .
`` This year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sacrosanct holiday .
We are proud of the generation of victors , we remember their heroism .
Our memory is not only a token of respect for the heroic past .
It serves our future , inspires us and strengthens our unity .
We are obliged to protect the truth about the Victory .
Otherwise what shall we be able to tell our children if lies spread about the world like an epidemic ? ''
he said .
Putin also said that a network of archive documents on the history of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world will be created in Russia .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has delivered his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday.
The Address to the Federal Assembly is one of the most important annual events on the president’s schedule. The document, which outlines the goals and tasks for the country, becomes the guideline for the government and the parliament to follow.
Here are the highlights from this year's Presidential Address:
On Russia’s demographic situation
Putin said he was dissatisfied with Russia's birth rate. The Russian president noted that the total fertility rate stood at 1.5 in 2019. "This is not enough for our country," he stressed.
According to Putin, Russia’s birth rate in the 1990s was worse than the fertility figures during the Second World War.
Putin said that low incomes of most households with children directly threatened Russia’s demographic future and proposed a number of measures to support families.
For instance, the Russian leader suggested providing monthly payments for children between the ages of three and seven years old starting from January 1, 2020. According to the president, families, whose income does not exceed one living wage per person, will receive these payments.
Moreover, the maternity capital program will be extended until the end of 2026 and the payment amount will grow to 616,617 rubles ($10,028).
On Russia's weaponry
Putin said that Russia has been able for the first time in history to become the world’s leader in advanced weapons.
"We are not threatening anyone, nor are we seeking to impose our will. At the same time, I can assure everyone that our steps for strengthening national security were timely made and in a sufficient volume," the Russian president assured.
Today, Russia is the world’s leader in developing advanced weaponry, Putin stressed. "Other leading countries of the world will still have to develop weapons, which Russia already possesses," the head of state emphasized.
On the supremacy of the Russian Constitution
Putin has suggested a putting up a package of constitutional amendments for a plebiscite. At the same time, the Russian president stated that he sees no grounds to adopt new constitution in Russia.
Putin also suggest stipulating the supremacy of the Russian Constitution over international norms in Russia.
“The time has come to make some changes to the nation’s fundamental law that would directly guarantee the priority of the Russian Constitution in our legal space. What does this mean? It means that requirements of international law and decisions of international bodies can only be enforced in Russia to such an extent that does not violate human and civil rights and freedoms and does not violate our Constitution,” Putin emphasized.
On presidential terms and candidates
Putin agrees that the same person should not hold the post of the head of state for more than two consecutive terms.
"I know that our society is debating the constitutional provision that the same person should not hold the office of President of the Russian Federation for more than two consecutive terms. I do not believe that this question is of fundamental importance, but I agree with this," Putin said.
The president has also suggested complementing Russia’s Constitution with a special requirement that a candidate running for the post of head state should be a resident of Russia for no less than 25 years and have neither foreign citizenship nor an overseas residence permit, not just at the moment of the election, but never before in the past.
Under the Constitution today, any Russian citizen who has lived in the country for no less than ten years can be elected as Russia’s president.
On 75th anniversary of Victory
Russia is obliged to protect the historical truth about the victory in the Great Patriotic War, Putin said.
"This year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. May 9 in Russia is the greatest and sacrosanct holiday. We are proud of the generation of victors, we remember their heroism. Our memory is not only a token of respect for the heroic past. It serves our future, inspires us and strengthens our unity. We are obliged to protect the truth about the Victory. Otherwise what shall we be able to tell our children if lies spread about the world like an epidemic?" he said.
Putin also said that a network of archive documents on the history of the Second World War accessible to the whole world will be created in Russia.


tass--2020-01-15--UN founding states must set example to remove threat of global war — Putin

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Five permanent members of the UN Security Council should set an example to eliminate threats of new wars , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly ( parliament ) on Wednesday .
`` We see how unpredictable and uncontrollable the developments around the world are , what has been happening in the Middle East and North Africa over the past few weeks and over the past few days .
We see that regional conflicts can morph into a threat to the entire global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am certain the time has come for an earnest and straightforward discussion about the basic principles of a stable world order and those burning issues , which humanity is facing , '' he went on to say .
`` We need to show political will , wisdom and courage .
Time requires an awareness of our shared responsibility and real actions . ''
`` The UN founding states must set an example .
The five nuclear powers bear a special responsibility for the preservation and sustainable development of mankind , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nations must begin with measures to neutralize threats of a global war , come up with new approaches to ensure stability across the globe , which would fully take into account the political , economic and military aspects of modern international relations . ''
`` Russia is open to strengthening cooperation with all interested partners .
We do not threaten anyone and are not trying to impose our will .
At the same time , I can assure everyone that our steps aimed at bolstering national security have been taken in due time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Five permanent members of the UN Security Council should set an example to eliminate threats of new wars, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) on Wednesday.
"We see how unpredictable and uncontrollable the developments around the world are, what has been happening in the Middle East and North Africa over the past few weeks and over the past few days. We see that regional conflicts can morph into a threat to the entire global community," he stressed.
"I am certain the time has come for an earnest and straightforward discussion about the basic principles of a stable world order and those burning issues, which humanity is facing," he went on to say. "We need to show political will, wisdom and courage. Time requires an awareness of our shared responsibility and real actions."
"The UN founding states must set an example. The five nuclear powers bear a special responsibility for the preservation and sustainable development of mankind," the Russian leader stressed. "The five nations must begin with measures to neutralize threats of a global war, come up with new approaches to ensure stability across the globe, which would fully take into account the political, economic and military aspects of modern international relations."
"Russia is open to strengthening cooperation with all interested partners. We do not threaten anyone and are not trying to impose our will. At the same time, I can assure everyone that our steps aimed at bolstering national security have been taken in due time and were sufficient," Putin noted.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin proposes vesting Russia’s lower house with power to nominate PM, cabinet

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed entrusting the State Duma ( lower house ) with power to nominate prime minister , deputy prime ministers and federal ministers , adding that the president will be obliged to appoint the nominated candidates , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly ( parliament ) on Wednesday .
`` I propose changing < … > the order and task the State Duma with more than just agreeing but also nominating candidate to head the Russian government .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendation of prime minister , [ it will nominate ] all deputy prime ministers and federal ministers , '' Putin said , underlining that the president will be legally obliged to appoint the candidates proposed .
`` In other words , he will not be able to reject the parliament-approved candidates to hold these official positions , '' he stressed .
Putin recalled that , in accordance with articles 111 and 112 of the Russian Constitution , the president currently needs to secure consent of the State Duma to nominate the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , their deputies and all ministers .
`` Almost all factions represented in the State Duma [ lower house — TASS ] , and you know that we meet with their leaders regularly , believe that the Federal Assembly is ready to assume more responsibility for forming government .
Taking up greater responsibility for forming government means taking up greater responsibility for the policies pursued by this government .
I agree with this statement , fully agree , '' Putin stressed .
The president also noted that Russian society is becoming `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Key political forces of the country , in spite of all differences existing between them in approaches to solving tasks they are facing , stand firmly for patriotic stance and represent the interests of their supporters and voters , '' he added .
`` I believe that such proposals are justified , which will increase the role and importance of the national parliament , the role and importance of the State Duma and parliamentary parties , will boost independence and responsibility of the prime minister and all cabinet members , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power more efficient and substantial , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed entrusting the State Duma (lower house) with power to nominate prime minister, deputy prime ministers and federal ministers, adding that the president will be obliged to appoint the nominated candidates, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) on Wednesday.
"I propose changing <…> the order and task the State Duma with more than just agreeing but also nominating candidate to head the Russian government. Later, upon their recommendation, the recommendation of prime minister, [it will nominate] all deputy prime ministers and federal ministers," Putin said, underlining that the president will be legally obliged to appoint the candidates proposed. "In other words, he will not be able to reject the parliament-approved candidates to hold these official positions," he stressed.
Putin recalled that, in accordance with articles 111 and 112 of the Russian Constitution, the president currently needs to secure consent of the State Duma to nominate the prime minister and then later appoint the head of government, their deputies and all ministers.
"Almost all factions represented in the State Duma [lower house — TASS], and you know that we meet with their leaders regularly, believe that the Federal Assembly is ready to assume more responsibility for forming government. Taking up greater responsibility for forming government means taking up greater responsibility for the policies pursued by this government. I agree with this statement, fully agree," Putin stressed.
The president also noted that Russian society is becoming "more mature, responsible and demanding." "Key political forces of the country, in spite of all differences existing between them in approaches to solving tasks they are facing, stand firmly for patriotic stance and represent the interests of their supporters and voters," he added.
"I believe that such proposals are justified, which will increase the role and importance of the national parliament, the role and importance of the State Duma and parliamentary parties, will boost independence and responsibility of the prime minister and all cabinet members, and make cooperation between representative and executive branches of power more efficient and substantial," he concluded.


tass--2020-01-15--Russia is obliged to protect truth about victory over fascism, Putin says

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is obliged to protect the historical truth about the victory in the Great Patriotic War , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday .
`` This year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War .
May 9 in Russia is the greatest and sacrosanct holiday .
We are proud of the generation of victors , we remember their heroism .
Our memory is not only a token of respect for the heroic past .
It serves our future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are obliged to protect the truth about the Victory .
Otherwise what shall we be able to tell our children if lies spread about the world like an epidemic ? ''
he said .
In July 2019 , Putin signed a decree on a series of events in 2020 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War .
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev issued an instruction to approve an 116-item plan for official ceremonies , including a parade , firework display , visits of foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events in Moscow , as well as the unveiling of a Soviet Soldier Memorial in Rzhev ( the Tver Region ) , creation of an Alley of Heros on the Malakhov Hill , the opening of an updated exposition of the museum The Battle of Leningrad in Vsevolzhsk ( in the Leningrad Region ) , and national contests and forums .
On May 9 , Germany ’ s Nazi command signed an act of unconditional capitulation , which heralded an end to the Great Patriotic War , which had begun on June 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its allies of the Soviet Union .
The Great Patriotic War was the most important and decisive part of World War II ( 1939-1945 ) - the biggest armed conflict in the history of humanity .
The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in that more , more than all other powers involved .

"This year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. May 9 in Russia is the greatest and sacrosanct holiday. We are proud of the generation of victors, and we remember their heroism. Our memory is not only a token of respect for the heroic past. It serves for our future, inspires us and strengthens our unity. We are obliged to safeguard the truth about the Victory. Otherwise, what shall we be able to tell our children if lies spread around the world like an epidemic?" he said.
In July 2019, Putin signed a decree on a series of events in 2020 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev issued an instruction to approve a 116-point plan for the official ceremonies, which include a parade, a fireworks display, visits by foreign guests, Immortal Regiment processions and other events in Moscow. In addition, the unveiling of a Soviet Soldier Memorial in Rzhev (the Tver Region), and the creation of an Alley of Heros on the Malakhov Hill, the opening of an updated exposition of the museum The Battle of Leningrad in Vsevolzhsk (in the Leningrad Region), and national contests and forums are also on the agenda.
75th Victory Anniversary
On May 9, the Nazi German high command signed an act of unconditional capitulation, which heralded an end to the Great Patriotic War, which had begun on June 22, 1941 when Hitler’s Third Reich and its allies invaded the Soviet Union. The Great Patriotic War was the most crucial and decisive part of World War II (1939-1945). Moreover, it was the biggest armed conflict in human history. The USSR lost 27 million people in the war, more than any other nation involved.


tass--2020-01-15--Russia to create WW2 document archive accessible to whole world, says Putin

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
A network of archive documents on the history of the Second World War @ @ @ @ @ will be created in Russia , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Assembly ( parliament ) on Wednesday .
`` The largest and most complete @ @ @ @ @ film footage and photo materials on the Second World War will be created in Russia @ @ @ @ @ our citizens and the whole world , '' he said .
According to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ archive is `` our duty as a victorious power and responsibility to future generations .
@ @

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. A network of archive documents on the history of the Second World War accessible to the whole world will be created in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) on Wednesday.
"The largest and most complete collection of archive documents, film footage and photo materials on the Second World War will be created in Russia and will be accessible to our citizens and the whole world," he said. According to the Russian leader, establishing such an archive is "our duty as a victorious power and responsibility to future generations."


tass--2020-01-15--New investment cycle should be launched in Russia, says Putin

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged to start a new investment cycle in @ @ @ @ @ growth rates above the global average .
It is necessary to change the structure of @ @ @ @ @ its efficiency , he said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the @ @ @ @ @ `` In 2021 , Russia ’ GDP growth rates should be above the global average @ @ @ @ @ launch a new investment cycle , to boost investments in creation of jobs , infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ agriculture and services sector to obtain the dynamics , '' Putin said .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged to start a new investment cycle in the country to reach economic growth rates above the global average.
It is necessary to change the structure of Russia’s economy and its efficiency, he said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly on Wednesday.
"In 2021, Russia’ GDP growth rates should be above the global average. It is necessary to launch a new investment cycle, to boost investments in creation of jobs, infrastructure, development of industry, agriculture and services sector to obtain the dynamics," Putin said.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin suggests plebiscite on proposed package of constitutional amendments

At the same time , Putin said that he sees no grounds to adopt new constitution in Russia .
`` Given that the proposed reforms concern significant changes to the political system , the work of the legislative , executive and judicial authorities , I believe it is necessary to hold a plebiscite on the entire package of the proposed amendments to the Russian Constitution , '' Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly .
Putin also offered to accord priority to the Russian Constitution within the Russian legal space .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fundamental law of the country , which would guarantee the priority of the Russian Constitution in our legal space .
What does this mean ?
It means that requirements of international law and decisions of international bodies can only be enforced in Russia to such an extent that does not violate human and civil rights and freedoms and does not violate our Constitution , '' Putin said .
He added that this would guarantee the country ’ s sovereignty .
`` The sovereignty of our people must be unconditional .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have recovered the country ’ s unity , putting an end to the situation when oligarch clans virtually usurped some state and government functions .
Russia has returned to international politics as a country whose opinion is respected , '' the Russian leader added .
He stressed that Russia had established powerful resources that could protect the national economy from any attempts at outside pressure .
Russia recognized the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) in 1998 , having ratified the European Convention on Human Rights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian president approved a law in December 2015 , which states that the court ’ s decisions will only be executed if they do not violate the Russian constitution .
In April 2016 , the Constitutional Court of Russia used the right to block an EHCR verdict for the first time by declining to provide voting rights to convicts .
In 2017 , the Russian court blocked the decision of the EHCR regarding the Yukos case , which obliged Russia to provide a compensation to the tune of 1.866 bln euro .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ referendum on December 12 , 1993 .
Experts say it is one of the most stable legal acts of this sort in the world .
A number of amendments have been made to it over the past 25 years - extension of the presidential term of office from four years to six and of the powers of State Duma members from four years to five , the merger of the Supreme and Arbitration courts , the appointment of presidential senators , and specifications to the list of Russian federal subjects .
The basics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rights and freedoms of citizens , the functions and responsibilities of the state and the principles of federalism and the distribution of powers remain the same .
Putin has also offered to incorporate principles of a united system of power in the Russian constitution in order to avoid discrepancies between government and municipal bodies .
`` I think it necessary to incorporate the principles of a united system of public government in the Constitution , building effective cooperation between state and municipal bodies , '' Putin said .
The president noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be expanded and reinforced . ''
He pointed out a divide between state and municipal bodies of power , noting that this `` entanglement of powers '' affects people negatively , leading to issues in the sphere of education , healthcare and other areas .
`` Shared rights , freedoms and guarantees stipulated in the legislation are enforced differently in different regions and municipalities , '' the Russian leader noted , adding that this situation is unfair to Russian citizens , carrying a direct threat to the Russian society and the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure a high standard of living , equal opportunities for every person on the entire territory of the country , '' Putin concluded , noting that all national projects and development plans are aimed to achieve this objective .

At the same time, Putin said that he sees no grounds to adopt new constitution in Russia.
"Given that the proposed reforms concern significant changes to the political system, the work of the legislative, executive and judicial authorities, I believe it is necessary to hold a plebiscite on the entire package of the proposed amendments to the Russian Constitution," Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
Putin also offered to accord priority to the Russian Constitution within the Russian legal space.
"It is time to make some changes to the fundamental law of the country, which would guarantee the priority of the Russian Constitution in our legal space. What does this mean? It means that requirements of international law and decisions of international bodies can only be enforced in Russia to such an extent that does not violate human and civil rights and freedoms and does not violate our Constitution," Putin said.
He added that this would guarantee the country’s sovereignty. "The sovereignty of our people must be unconditional. We have done a lot to achieve this: we have recovered the country’s unity, putting an end to the situation when oligarch clans virtually usurped some state and government functions. Russia has returned to international politics as a country whose opinion is respected," the Russian leader added.
He stressed that Russia had established powerful resources that could protect the national economy from any attempts at outside pressure.
Russia recognized the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in 1998, having ratified the European Convention on Human Rights. Although all ECHR rulings are obligatory, the Russian president approved a law in December 2015, which states that the court’s decisions will only be executed if they do not violate the Russian constitution.
In April 2016, the Constitutional Court of Russia used the right to block an EHCR verdict for the first time by declining to provide voting rights to convicts. In 2017, the Russian court blocked the decision of the EHCR regarding the Yukos case, which obliged Russia to provide a compensation to the tune of 1.866 bln euro.
The Russian Constitution was adopted in a referendum on December 12, 1993. Experts say it is one of the most stable legal acts of this sort in the world. A number of amendments have been made to it over the past 25 years - extension of the presidential term of office from four years to six and of the powers of State Duma members from four years to five, the merger of the Supreme and Arbitration courts, the appointment of presidential senators, and specifications to the list of Russian federal subjects. The basics of the fundamental law, such as the rights and freedoms of citizens, the functions and responsibilities of the state and the principles of federalism and the distribution of powers remain the same.
A united system of power
Putin has also offered to incorporate principles of a united system of power in the Russian constitution in order to avoid discrepancies between government and municipal bodies.
"I think it necessary to incorporate the principles of a united system of public government in the Constitution, building effective cooperation between state and municipal bodies," Putin said. The president noted that real powers of local governments "must be expanded and reinforced."
He pointed out a divide between state and municipal bodies of power, noting that this "entanglement of powers" affects people negatively, leading to issues in the sphere of education, healthcare and other areas. "Shared rights, freedoms and guarantees stipulated in the legislation are enforced differently in different regions and municipalities," the Russian leader noted, adding that this situation is unfair to Russian citizens, carrying a direct threat to the Russian society and the country’s integrity.
"Our goal is to ensure a high standard of living, equal opportunities for every person on the entire territory of the country," Putin concluded, noting that all national projects and development plans are aimed to achieve this objective.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin says raising citizens' income level is main task for government, Central Bank

MOSCOW , January 15 .
/TASS/ .
Raising the level of incomes of Russian citizens is the main task of @ @ @ @ @ Bank , President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Nation Address to the @ @ @ @ @ , relying on a stable macroeconomic foundation , it is necessary to create conditions for @ @ @ @ @ income of citizens .
I stress it again : this is the most important task @ @ @ @ @ Central Bank , '' he said .

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Raising the level of incomes of Russian citizens is the main task of the government and the Central Bank, President Vladimir Putin said in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
"Now, relying on a stable macroeconomic foundation, it is necessary to create conditions for a significant increase in the income of citizens. I stress it again: this is the most important task of the government and the Central Bank," he said.


tass--2020-01-15--Putin calls for breakthroughs in AI and other high-tech areas

`` The speed of technological changes in the world is increasing many times over , and we must create our @ @ @ @ @ the areas that determine the future .
It primarily includes artificial intelligence , genetics , @ @ @ @ @ , digital technologies .
I am convinced that we are able to achieve the same @ @ @ @ @ defense sphere , '' Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to @ @ @ @ @ also noted that in order to solve complex technological problems in Russia , the development @ @ @ @ @ `` megascience '' structures , will continue .
In addition , the president added , @ @ @ @ @ , thanks to which domestic science will have new personnel .
`` The ability to @ @ @ @ @ to take on the most ambitious tasks is an incentive for young people to enter @ @ @ @ @ is already happening ; it is estimated that by the middle of the decade , @ @ @ @ @ will be under 40 , '' Putin said .

"The speed of technological changes in the world is increasing many times over, and we must create our own technologies and standards in the areas that determine the future. It primarily includes artificial intelligence, genetics, new materials, energy sources, digital technologies. I am convinced that we are able to achieve the same breakthrough here as in the defense sphere," Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly.
Putin also noted that in order to solve complex technological problems in Russia, the development of research infrastructure, including "megascience" structures, will continue.
In addition, the president added, the incentive should be maintained, thanks to which domestic science will have new personnel. "The ability to work using unique equipment, to take on the most ambitious tasks is an incentive for young people to enter the science field. This is already happening; it is estimated that by the middle of the decade, every second scientist in Russia will be under 40," Putin said.