tass--2020-04-02--First patient under 40 years of age dies from COVID-19 in Moscow

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
A 39-year-old man diagnozed with obesity and arterial hypertension who tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ ) has died on April 1 in Moscow , chief physician of Moscow ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on his Facebook page .
`` Yesterday evening , one of our patients died .
@ @ @ @ @ 39 years old , diagnozed with obesity and arterial hypertension .
He died due to @ @ @ @ @ syndrome caused by the novel coronavirus infection , '' Protsenko wrote .
Before this case @ @ @ @ @ from COVID-19 in Moscow had been over 55 years of age .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. A 39-year-old man diagnozed with obesity and arterial hypertension who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has died on April 1 in Moscow, chief physician of Moscow’s Kommunarka hospital Denis Protsenko informed on his Facebook page.
"Yesterday evening, one of our patients died. <…> He was 39 years old, diagnozed with obesity and arterial hypertension. He died due to complications from severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the novel coronavirus infection," Protsenko wrote.
Before this case, all patients who died from COVID-19 in Moscow had been over 55 years of age.


tass--2020-04-02--Putin appoints new acting heads of Arkhangelsk, Nenets regions and Komi Republic

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted the resignation of former heads of the @ @ @ @ @ Autonomous District and the Komi Republic , the Kremlin press service informed .
Before elections @ @ @ @ @ , acting heads of regions have been appointed : Alexander Tsybulsky ( Arkhangelsk Region ) @ @ @ @ @ Autonomous District ) and Vladimir Uyba ( the Komi Republic ) .
The election is @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted the resignation of former heads of the Arkhangelsk Region, the Nenets Autonomous District and the Komi Republic, the Kremlin press service informed.
Before elections in the regions are held, acting heads of regions have been appointed: Alexander Tsybulsky (Arkhangelsk Region), Yuri Bezdudny (Nenets Autonomous District) and Vladimir Uyba (the Komi Republic). The election is planned for September 13, 2020.


tass--2020-04-02--Italian foreign minister calls on NATO to cooperate with Russia in fight against COVID-19

Russia hopes for joint work with US in fight against pandemic , thanks China for its cargo The diplomat recalled @ @ @ @ @ ’ s statement regarding the importance of joint efforts to fight against the coronavirus

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
Read more


tass--2020-04-02--Russian businessman Tinkov steps down as Board Chairman

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Oleg Tinkov will step down as the Board Chairman of Tinkoff Bank in @ @ @ @ @ ’ spokesperson told reporters on Thursday .
`` It is my intention to step down @ @ @ @ @ of Tinkoff Bank in the coming weeks so I can focus more on my health @ @ @ @ @ single most important priority , '' the spokesperson said , citing Tinkov .
The businessman @ @ @ @ @ in the TCS Group , the parent of the Tinkoff Bank , into the family @ @ @ @ @ The transfer came into force on March 19 of this year .
Tinkov said earlier @ @ @ @ @ leukemia had been diagnosed with him .
The US Internal Revenue Service initiated court hearings @ @ @ @ @ .
The hearing is appointed on April 2020 .
The case concerns resolution of potential @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Oleg Tinkov will step down as the Board Chairman of Tinkoff Bank in coming weeks, a businessman’ spokesperson told reporters on Thursday.
"It is my intention to step down as Chairman of the Board of Tinkoff Bank in the coming weeks so I can focus more on my health, which is currently my single most important priority," the spokesperson said, citing Tinkov.
The businessman initiated transfer of his stake in the TCS Group, the parent of the Tinkoff Bank, into the family trust in October 2019. The transfer came into force on March 19 of this year.
Tinkov said earlier that an acute form of leukemia had been diagnosed with him.
The US Internal Revenue Service initiated court hearings of Oleg Tinkov in London. The hearing is appointed on April 2020. The case concerns resolution of potential tax issues.


tass--2020-04-02--Kremlin denies Putin’s recent phone conversation with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not talked on the phone recently with Crown @ @ @ @ @ bin Salman Al Saud , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS .
`` No , @ @ @ @ @ a conversation , '' he said , commenting on the relevant statement by US President @ @ @ @ @ not give any assumptions why Trump had mentioned a conversation between Putin and the Crown @ @ @ @ @ When asked if he thinks that Trump ’ s mistake to be deliberate , the @ @ @ @ @ It is hard for me to say . ''
Earlier the US President wrote on @ @ @ @ @ to my friend MBS ( Crown Prince ) of Saudi Arabia , who spoke with @ @ @ @ @ and I expect and hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 Million Barrels @ @ @ @ @ which , if it happens , will be GREAT for the oil and gas industry @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not talked on the phone recently with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Muhammed bin Salman Al Saud, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told TASS.
"No, there wasn’t such a conversation," he said, commenting on the relevant statement by US President Donald Trump.
Peskov did not give any assumptions why Trump had mentioned a conversation between Putin and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. When asked if he thinks that Trump’s mistake to be deliberate, the Kremlin official answered: "It is hard for me to say."
Earlier the US President wrote on Twitter: "Just spoke to my friend MBS (Crown Prince) of Saudi Arabia, who spoke with President Putin of Russia, and I expect and hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 Million Barrels, and maybe substantially more which, if it happens, will be GREAT for the oil and gas industry!".


tass--2020-04-02--Italy reports 760 coronavirus fatalities, 1,431 recoveries in a day

ROME , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
As many as 760 people have died from the novel coronavirus over the past 24 hours , amounting to 13,915 fatalities overall , chief of Italy ’ Civil Protection Department Angelo Borrelli said on Thursday .
`` The number of infected people stands at 83,049 , which is 2,477 more than yesterday .
As many as 4,053 of them are in intensive therapy wards , '' he said .
`` A total of 28,540 people were hospitalized and more than 50,000 are at home , which is 61 % of all infected people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people died today , '' Angelo Borrelli said .
However , he expressed optimism over the pace of recoveries , saying that 18,278 people have recovered by now , including 1,431 recoveries in the past 24 hours Overall , 115,242 people have been infected in the country since the pandemic hit it .
According to Borrelli , the number of hospitalizations , including to intensive therapy wards is declining .
These figures are stabilizing , `` but it is too early now to say that a real decline in the pace [ of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The number of new infections has been below 3,000 people in the past few days , while a week ago they could exceed 4,000 cases a day .
More than 10,000 medics have got infected , and 67 have died .
On Wednesday , Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country ’ s lockdown was extended until April 13. e been reported .
That said , over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

ROME, April 2. /TASS/. As many as 760 people have died from the novel coronavirus over the past 24 hours, amounting to 13,915 fatalities overall, chief of Italy’ Civil Protection Department Angelo Borrelli said on Thursday.
"The number of infected people stands at 83,049, which is 2,477 more than yesterday. As many as 4,053 of them are in intensive therapy wards," he said. "A total of 28,540 people were hospitalized and more than 50,000 are at home, which is 61% of all infected people at the moment. Unfortunately, 760 people died today," Angelo Borrelli said. However, he expressed optimism over the pace of recoveries, saying that 18,278 people have recovered by now, including 1,431 recoveries in the past 24 hours
Overall, 115,242 people have been infected in the country since the pandemic hit it. According to Borrelli, the number of hospitalizations, including to intensive therapy wards is declining. These figures are stabilizing, "but it is too early now to say that a real decline in the pace [of the epidemic] began," he said.
The number of new infections has been below 3,000 people in the past few days, while a week ago they could exceed 4,000 cases a day. More than 10,000 medics have got infected, and 67 have died.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said the country’s lockdown was extended until April 13.
e been reported. That said, over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-02--Number of global coronavirus fatalities achieves 50,000

MOSCOW , April 2./TASS/ .
At least 50,000 people have died from the novel coronavirus across the globe , according to data reported by TASS from the coronavirus-hit countries on Thursday .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
The latest country joining this list is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the biggest number of fatalities caused by coronavirus or complications from it - 13,915 .
The other countries with a high death toll are Spain ( 10,003 ) , the United States ( 5,316 ) , France ( 4,503 ) , China ( 3,287 ) , Iran ( 3,160 ) , the UK ( 2,921 ) , the Netherlands ( 1,339 ) , Belgium ( 1,011 ) and Germany ( 1,001 ) .
Today , about one million people have been infected worldwide .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 2./TASS/. At least 50,000 people have died from the novel coronavirus across the globe, according to data reported by TASS from the coronavirus-hit countries on Thursday.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. The latest country joining this list is Africa’s Malawi.
Italy accounts for the biggest number of fatalities caused by coronavirus or complications from it - 13,915. The other countries with a high death toll are Spain (10,003), the United States (5,316), France (4,503), China (3,287), Iran (3,160), the UK (2,921), the Netherlands (1,339), Belgium (1,011) and Germany (1,001).
Today, about one million people have been infected worldwide. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-04-02--First Russian plane with humanitarian aid to arrive in Serbia on April 3

BELGRADE , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
The first Russian plane carrying humanitarian aid will arrive in Serbia on April 3 at 11:00 local time ( 12:00 Moscow time ) , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in an address to the Serbian nation on Thursday .
`` The first Ilyushin [ plane ] transporting eight doctors arrives tomorrow at 11 .
There will be specialists on disinfection with special equipment , artificial ventilation machines and medicine as well .
I think this is the same package that they sent to Italy , '' Vucic said .
The Serbian leader noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This is why we are so grateful to Russia for remembering us in such a difficult time , '' he stated .
Vucic held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Thursday .
The Serbian leader lauded the phone call on Twitter .
`` A very good conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin .
Our friendship has been reaffirmed , and significant deliveries of aid are coming to Serbia .
We thank Vladimir Putin and the Russian nation , '' the Serbian leader wrote .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ministers asked Russia for help in the fight against the novel coronavirus .
Belgrade has asked for aid in accordance with the existing agreement between the states on emergency humanitarian cooperation .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Serbia ’ s request would not remain unanswered .
Serbia has closed its borders , having introduced a state of emergency and a curfew on the entire territory of the country .
Parliamentary elections have been canceled , railway and bus transport links between cities have been suspended .
People over the age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Serbia has risen by 111 in the past 24 hours , reaching 1,171 , with 31 reported deaths .
Kosovo and Metohija reported 108 cases of infection and one death .
The neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina has documented 410 cases of COVID-19 , 12 deaths and 17 recoveries .
Montenegro has reported 115 cases of infection and one death .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported .
That said , over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
So far , a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovered from the virus .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 30 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

BELGRADE, April 2. /TASS/. The first Russian plane carrying humanitarian aid will arrive in Serbia on April 3 at 11:00 local time (12:00 Moscow time), Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in an address to the Serbian nation on Thursday.
"The first Ilyushin [plane] transporting eight doctors arrives tomorrow at 11. There will be specialists on disinfection with special equipment, artificial ventilation machines and medicine as well. I think this is the same package that they sent to Italy," Vucic said.
The Serbian leader noted that Russia is also facing problems. "This is why we are so grateful to Russia for remembering us in such a difficult time," he stated.
Vucic held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Thursday. The Serbian leader lauded the phone call on Twitter. "A very good conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Our friendship has been reaffirmed, and significant deliveries of aid are coming to Serbia. We thank Vladimir Putin and the Russian nation," the Serbian leader wrote.
On March 26, Serbia’s Cabinet of Ministers asked Russia for help in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Belgrade has asked for aid in accordance with the existing agreement between the states on emergency humanitarian cooperation. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Serbia’s request would not remain unanswered.
Serbia has closed its borders, having introduced a state of emergency and a curfew on the entire territory of the country. Parliamentary elections have been canceled, railway and bus transport links between cities have been suspended. People over the age of 65 are forbidden from leaving their homes.
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Serbia has risen by 111 in the past 24 hours, reaching 1,171, with 31 reported deaths. Kosovo and Metohija reported 108 cases of infection and one death. The neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina has documented 410 cases of COVID-19, 12 deaths and 17 recoveries. Montenegro has reported 115 cases of infection and one death.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported. That said, over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
So far, a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 235 patients having recovered from the virus. The country’s latest data indicates 30 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-02--Kazakh president says country ready to provide forum for Syria talks

NUR-SULTAN , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has had a phone call with President of the European Council Charles Michel and confirmed that the country is willing to provide a forum to hold a new round of talks on Syria , the leader ’ s press service said Thursday .
It is noted that Michel took an interest in prospects of holding Astana inter-Syrian peace talks .
`` From his side , Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed Kazakhstan ’ s willingness to act as a forum to hold a new round of talks serving as an attribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria , '' the statement reads .
During the conversation , the Kazakh leader informed the EU official about the results of phone calls with leaders of Russia , China and a number of Central Asian states to hash over countering coronavirus spread .
`` Along with that , Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ’ initiative to advance a humanitarian plan to tackle coronavirus , including attracting international funding ( $ 5 trillion ) to provide assistance to the most vulnerable countries in the world , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchanged opinions on the current state and prospects for the Kazakh-EU relations , particularly the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union .
The latest meeting on Syria in the Astana format took place on December 10-11 , 2019 .
Delegations from the Syrian government and the Syrian armed opposition took part in the talks .
Representatives of the UN , Jordan , Iraq and Lebanon acted as observers .
The next meeting within this format was planned for March .

NUR-SULTAN, April 2. /TASS/. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has had a phone call with President of the European Council Charles Michel and confirmed that the country is willing to provide a forum to hold a new round of talks on Syria, the leader’s press service said Thursday.
It is noted that Michel took an interest in prospects of holding Astana inter-Syrian peace talks. "From his side, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev confirmed Kazakhstan’s willingness to act as a forum to hold a new round of talks serving as an attribute to the Geneva process on peaceful settlement on Syria," the statement reads.
During the conversation, the Kazakh leader informed the EU official about the results of phone calls with leaders of Russia, China and a number of Central Asian states to hash over countering coronavirus spread. "Along with that, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ initiative to advance a humanitarian plan to tackle coronavirus, including attracting international funding ($5 trillion) to provide assistance to the most vulnerable countries in the world," the press service clarified. Moreover, the parties exchanged opinions on the current state and prospects for the Kazakh-EU relations, particularly the implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the European Union.
The latest meeting on Syria in the Astana format took place on December 10-11, 2019. Delegations from the Syrian government and the Syrian armed opposition took part in the talks. Representatives of the UN, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon acted as observers. The next meeting within this format was planned for March.


tass--2020-04-02--Serbian president informs of Russian humanitarian aid deliveries to combat COVID-19

`` A very good conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin .
Our friendship has been reaffirmed , and significant deliveries of aid are coming to Serbia .
We thank Vladimir Putin and the Russian nation , '' Vucic wrote on Twitter .
BELGRADE , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is delivering aid to Serbia to combat the novel coronavirus , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday on the outcomes of the phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
The Serbian leader ’ s press service informed that Vucic had held phone calls with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` President Putin has expressed solidarity , promising to provide significant aid and support to the Serbian government and Serbian citizens in the fight against the coronavirus , which will include Russian experts and medics being sent to disinfect facilities , '' the press service informed .
On March 26 , Serbia ’ s Cabinet of Ministers asked Russia for help in the fight against the novel coronavirus .
Belgrade has asked for aid in accordance with the existing agreement between the states on emergency humanitarian cooperation .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain unanswered .
Serbia has closed its borders , having introduced a state of emergency and a curfew on the entire territory of the country .
Parliamentary elections have been canceled , railway and bus transport links between cities have been suspended .
People over the age of 65 are forbidden from leaving their homes .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Serbia has risen by 111 in the past 24 hours , reaching 1,171 , with 31 reported deaths .
Kosovo and Metohija reported 108 cases of infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Herzegovina has documented 410 cases of COVID-19 , 12 deaths and 17 recoveries .
Montenegro has reported 115 cases of infection and one death .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
To date , more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported .
That said , over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
So far , a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 235 patients having recovered from the virus .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 30 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"A very good conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Our friendship has been reaffirmed, and significant deliveries of aid are coming to Serbia. We thank Vladimir Putin and the Russian nation," Vucic wrote on Twitter.
BELGRADE, April 2. /TASS/. Russia is delivering aid to Serbia to combat the novel coronavirus, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday on the outcomes of the phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Serbian leader’s press service informed that Vucic had held phone calls with the Russian and French leaders on Thursday.
"President Putin has expressed solidarity, promising to provide significant aid and support to the Serbian government and Serbian citizens in the fight against the coronavirus, which will include Russian experts and medics being sent to disinfect facilities," the press service informed.
On March 26, Serbia’s Cabinet of Ministers asked Russia for help in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Belgrade has asked for aid in accordance with the existing agreement between the states on emergency humanitarian cooperation. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Serbia’s request would not remain unanswered.
Serbia has closed its borders, having introduced a state of emergency and a curfew on the entire territory of the country. Parliamentary elections have been canceled, railway and bus transport links between cities have been suspended. People over the age of 65 are forbidden from leaving their homes.
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Serbia has risen by 111 in the past 24 hours, reaching 1,171, with 31 reported deaths. Kosovo and Metohija reported 108 cases of infection and one death. The neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina has documented 410 cases of COVID-19, 12 deaths and 17 recoveries. Montenegro has reported 115 cases of infection and one death.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported. That said, over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
So far, a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 235 patients having recovered from the virus. The country’s latest data indicates 30 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-02--Saudi Arabia calls to urgently discuss oil market situation

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Countries participating in the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement should urgently hold an @ @ @ @ @ fair agreement on the oil market rebalancing , the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ for an urgent meeting for OPEC+ group and other countries , with aim of reaching @ @ @ @ @ the desired balance of oil markets , '' the Press Agency said .
Brent oil @ @ @ @ @ to $ 36.29 a barrel on the London-based ICE after the statement today , while @ @ @ @ @ to $ 22 per barrel over the last three months .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Countries participating in the OPEC+ oil production limiting agreement should urgently hold an extraordinary meeting to reach a fair agreement on the oil market rebalancing, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
"The Kingdom calls for an urgent meeting for OPEC+ group and other countries, with aim of reaching a fair agreement to restore the desired balance of oil markets," the Press Agency said.
Brent oil futures skyrocketed by 46.7% to $36.29 a barrel on the London-based ICE after the statement today, while they plummeted at their peak to $22 per barrel over the last three months.


tass--2020-04-02--Russia, Poland preparing visit of Polish delegation to Smolensk on April 10, says diplomat

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Warsaw are organizing the visit of the Polish delegation to Smolensk and Katyn on April 10 , taking into account the coronavirus situation , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated during Thursday ’ s briefing .
`` The Polish side has addressed us with the request to organize a visit of the Polish delegation headed by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki to Smolensk and Katyn on April 10 , timed to the anniversary of the Polish presidential plane crash and the 80th anniversary of the events in Katyn .
We maintain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking into account the situation in the world in relation to the spread of the coronavirus , '' she said .
Earlier , Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki informed that he plans to visit Russia on the anniversaries of the tragic events in Smolensk and Katyn .
Polish President Andrzej Duda said that he would not form part of the delegation .
In late February , the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow would provide all the necessary support to the Polish delegation .
The Tupolev-154M presidential plane of the Polish Air Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2010 while trying to land at the Smolensk North Airport , killing eight crew and 88 passengers , including President Lech Kaczynski .
Criminal investigations are continuing in Poland and Russia .
The Interstate Aviation Committee ( IAC ) experts concluded that the crash happened as a result of the actions of crew , who had made the wrong decision to land under difficult weather conditions and under psychological pressure .
The Polish governmental commission also named the crew ’ s mistakes among the causes of the crash , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TAWS ( Terrain awareness and warning system ) signals to prevent unintentional impact with the ground .
The Law and Justice Polish political party chaired by Jaroslaw Kaczynski , twin brother of the deceased Lech Kaczynski , disputed these conclusions initiated a revision of the experts ’ work in 2015 by forming an updated sub-commission for investigating plane catastrophes .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Moscow and Warsaw are organizing the visit of the Polish delegation to Smolensk and Katyn on April 10, taking into account the coronavirus situation, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated during Thursday’s briefing.
"The Polish side has addressed us with the request to organize a visit of the Polish delegation headed by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki to Smolensk and Katyn on April 10, timed to the anniversary of the Polish presidential plane crash and the 80th anniversary of the events in Katyn. We maintain direct contact with our Polish partners, taking into account the situation in the world in relation to the spread of the coronavirus," she said.
Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki informed that he plans to visit Russia on the anniversaries of the tragic events in Smolensk and Katyn. Polish President Andrzej Duda said that he would not form part of the delegation. In late February, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow would provide all the necessary support to the Polish delegation.
The Polish presidential plane crash
The Tupolev-154M presidential plane of the Polish Air Force crashed in the morning of April 10, 2010 while trying to land at the Smolensk North Airport, killing eight crew and 88 passengers, including President Lech Kaczynski. Criminal investigations are continuing in Poland and Russia.
The Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) experts concluded that the crash happened as a result of the actions of crew, who had made the wrong decision to land under difficult weather conditions and under psychological pressure. The Polish governmental commission also named the crew’s mistakes among the causes of the crash, as well as the fact that the pilot ignored the TAWS (Terrain awareness and warning system) signals to prevent unintentional impact with the ground.
The Law and Justice Polish political party chaired by Jaroslaw Kaczynski, twin brother of the deceased Lech Kaczynski, disputed these conclusions initiated a revision of the experts’ work in 2015 by forming an updated sub-commission for investigating plane catastrophes.


tass--2020-04-02--Moscow authorities, business set up task force to hammer out anti-crisis measures

MOSCOW , April 2./TASS/ .
A working group to hammer out anti-crisis measures to support Moscow ’ s business amid @ @ @ @ @ its work next Monday , the head of the city ’ s department for entrepreneurship @ @ @ @ @ Fursin , told a round table with representatives from the business community and field-specific associations @ @ @ @ @ support for business .
Putin highlights need for tougher restrictions in some Russian regions The @ @ @ @ @ Moscow regional branch of Business Russia .
It will be set up at the department @ @ @ @ @ from the business community and business associations .
On March 24 , the Moscow government @ @ @ @ @ the small and medium-sized business hit by the coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, April 2./TASS/. A working group to hammer out anti-crisis measures to support Moscow’s business amid the coronavirus pandemic will begin its work next Monday, the head of the city’s department for entrepreneurship and innovation development, Alexei Fursin, told a round table with representatives from the business community and field-specific associations to discuss new measures of support for business.
Putin highlights need for tougher restrictions in some Russian regions
The move was initiated by the Moscow regional branch of Business Russia. It will be set up at the department for entrepreneurship jointly with representatives from the business community and business associations.
On March 24, the Moscow government announced certain measures to support the small and medium-sized business hit by the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-04-02--Russia to aid Serbia in fight against COVID-19

`` They have discussed the measures taken by both states to combat the coronavirus epidemic , and the opportunities of practical cooperation in this area .
In the spirit of traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Serbia , humanitarian aid to Serbia has been approved with the aim to combat the spread of the infection .
This aid , namely , the deployment of experts , will be carried out by the Russian Ministry of Defense , '' the Kremlin informed .
MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will help Serbia in the fight against the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service informed on Thursday on the outcomes of the phone call between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin .
Earlier , Vucic lauded the phone call with Putin on Twitter .
`` A very good conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin .
Our friendship has been reaffirmed , and significant deliveries of aid are coming to Serbia .
We thank Vladimir Putin and the Russian nation , '' the Serbian leader wrote .
On March 26 , Serbia ’ s Cabinet of Ministers asked Russia for help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Belgrade has asked for aid in accordance with the existing agreement between the states on emergency humanitarian cooperation .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Serbia ’ s request would not remain unanswered .
Serbia has closed its borders , having introduced a state of emergency and a curfew on the entire territory of the country .
Parliamentary elections have been canceled , railway and bus transport links between cities have been suspended .
People over the age of 65 are forbidden from leaving their homes .
The number of people infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risen by 111 in the past 24 hours , reaching 1,171 , with 31 reported deaths .
Kosovo and Metohija reported 108 cases of infection and one death .
The neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina has documented 410 cases of COVID-19 , 12 deaths and 17 recoveries .
Montenegro has reported 115 cases of infection and one death .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported .
That said , over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
So far , a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 235 patients having recovered from the virus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"They have discussed the measures taken by both states to combat the coronavirus epidemic, and the opportunities of practical cooperation in this area. In the spirit of traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Serbia, humanitarian aid to Serbia has been approved with the aim to combat the spread of the infection. This aid, namely, the deployment of experts, will be carried out by the Russian Ministry of Defense," the Kremlin informed.
MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russia will help Serbia in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Kremlin press service informed on Thursday on the outcomes of the phone call between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier, Vucic lauded the phone call with Putin on Twitter. "A very good conversation with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Our friendship has been reaffirmed, and significant deliveries of aid are coming to Serbia. We thank Vladimir Putin and the Russian nation," the Serbian leader wrote.
On March 26, Serbia’s Cabinet of Ministers asked Russia for help in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Belgrade has asked for aid in accordance with the existing agreement between the states on emergency humanitarian cooperation. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Serbia’s request would not remain unanswered.
Serbia has closed its borders, having introduced a state of emergency and a curfew on the entire territory of the country. Parliamentary elections have been canceled, railway and bus transport links between cities have been suspended. People over the age of 65 are forbidden from leaving their homes.
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Serbia has risen by 111 in the past 24 hours, reaching 1,171, with 31 reported deaths. Kosovo and Metohija reported 108 cases of infection and one death. The neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina has documented 410 cases of COVID-19, 12 deaths and 17 recoveries. Montenegro has reported 115 cases of infection and one death.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported. That said, over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
So far, a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 235 patients having recovered from the virus. The country’s latest data indicates 30 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-02--Putin, South African president discuss coordination to bring Russians home

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have had @ @ @ @ @ cooperation in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences , the Kremlin press service said @ @ @ @ @ to counter the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences were discussed , particularly considering the results @ @ @ @ @ summit , '' the statement says .
`` Cyril Ramaphosa as the head of the @ @ @ @ @ informed [ Putin ] about the steps planned to be taken by this regional organization @ @ @ @ @ agreed to coordinate resolution of issues regarding bringing home Russian citizens currently staying in South @ @ @ @ @ added .
It is noted that the conversation took place at the South African side @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have had a phone call to discuss cooperation in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences, the Kremlin press service said.
"Opportunities for cooperation to counter the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences were discussed, particularly considering the results of the recent G20 digital summit," the statement says. "Cyril Ramaphosa as the head of the country chairing the African Union informed [Putin] about the steps planned to be taken by this regional organization."
"It was agreed to coordinate resolution of issues regarding bringing home Russian citizens currently staying in South Africa," the Kremlin added.
It is noted that the conversation took place at the South African side’s initiative.


tass--2020-04-02--Trump hopes Riyadh, Moscow to cut oil production by 10 mln barrels/day or more

WASHINGTON , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected and will hopefully cut oil production by @ @ @ @ @ day ] or more , US President Donald Trump tweeted on Thursday .
`` Just @ @ @ @ @ ( Crown Prince ) [ Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud - TASS ] of Saudi @ @ @ @ @ President [ Vladimir ] Putin of Russia , & I expect & hope that they @ @ @ @ @ 10 million barrels [ per day ] , and maybe substantially more which , if @ @ @ @ @ great for the oil & gas industry ! ''
the US President wrote in Twitter @ @ @ @ @ Russia and Saudi Arabia will jointly look for a way out in the current situation @ @ @ @ @ , Trump said on Tuesday .

WASHINGTON, April 2. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected and will hopefully cut oil production by 10 million barrels [per day] or more, US President Donald Trump tweeted on Thursday.
"Just spoke to my friend MBS (Crown Prince) [Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud - TASS]of Saudi Arabia, who spoke with President [Vladimir] Putin of Russia, & I expect & hope that they will be cutting back approximately 10 million barrels [per day], and maybe substantially more which, if it happens, will be great for the oil & gas industry!" the US President wrote in Twitter.
The United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia will jointly look for a way out in the current situation on the global oil market, Trump said on Tuesday.


tass--2020-04-02--Switzerland reports more than 1,100 new coronavirus cases

GENEVA , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
The number of new coronavirus cases has risen by 1,128 over the past 24 hours and 54 people died , the national health agency said Thursday .
`` Currently , 18,267 people tested positive [ for coronavirus ] and 432 people died , '' the agency cited nationwide results .
As of April 1 , the county reported 17,139 cases of coronavirus and 378 fatalities .
Switzerland reported its first coronavirus case on February 25 .
More than 139,000 Swiss had their coronavirus tests taken , the infection was found in 15 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities , the average age of patients is 53 .
The infection map published on Thursday shows that the canton of Ticino on the Italian border is the most affected ( on average , 638.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants ) .
The canton of Vaud comes second ( 478.8 ) .
They are followed by Geneva ( 491.3 ) and Basel-Stadt ( 413.8 ) .
Tribune de Geneve daily is monitoring the death toll and cases in the country , saying that 141 people died in Ticino , 84 - in Vaud , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported 19 fatalities .
The Swiss government on March 20 tightened rules to combat coronavirus spread , however , stopped short of imposing a total lockdown .
Public gatherings of more than five people outside of homes are banned , while people should observe social distancing of two meters .
Perpetrators are fined by the police .
The emergency is declared until April 19 , while restaurants , bars , museums and cinemas are shut down .
Educational facilities are closed until April 4 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported .
That said , over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the @ @

GENEVA, April 2. /TASS/. The number of new coronavirus cases has risen by 1,128 over the past 24 hours and 54 people died, the national health agency said Thursday.
"Currently, 18,267 people tested positive [for coronavirus] and 432 people died," the agency cited nationwide results.
As of April 1, the county reported 17,139 cases of coronavirus and 378 fatalities. Switzerland reported its first coronavirus case on February 25.
More than 139,000 Swiss had their coronavirus tests taken, the infection was found in 15% of the tests. According to the authorities, the average age of patients is 53. The infection map published on Thursday shows that the canton of Ticino on the Italian border is the most affected (on average, 638.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The canton of Vaud comes second (478.8). They are followed by Geneva (491.3) and Basel-Stadt (413.8). Tribune de Geneve daily is monitoring the death toll and cases in the country, saying that 141 people died in Ticino, 84 - in Vaud, while Geneva has 59 deaths and Basel-Stadt reported 19 fatalities.
The Swiss government on March 20 tightened rules to combat coronavirus spread, however, stopped short of imposing a total lockdown. Public gatherings of more than five people outside of homes are banned, while people should observe social distancing of two meters. Perpetrators are fined by the police. The emergency is declared until April 19, while restaurants, bars, museums and cinemas are shut down. Educational facilities are closed until April 4.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported. That said, over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-02--Top brass slams La Stampa’s claims about Russian mission in Italy as propaganda

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Claims being made by the Italian newspaper La Stampa about the mission of the Russian military in Italy who help fight against coronavirus infection are based on old-time anti-Soviet propaganda manuals , Russian Defense Ministry spokesman , Igor Konashenkov said on Facebook .
The Russian Defense Ministry has noted La Stampa ’ s attempts at discrediting Russia ’ s mission .
Konashenkov points out that the newspaper uses speculations about the ideals of freedom of speech and pluralism to juggle with the cheapest Russophobic fakes of the Cold War era , mentioning as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by anonymous `` high-ranking officials . ''
`` La Stampa does not hesitate to use everything that its authors manage to think up on the basis of recommendations of old-time anti-Soviet propaganda manuals , '' Konashenkov said .
He dismissed as far-fetched falsehoods La Stampa ’ s allegations Russian virologists were biological warfare specialists and the equipment delivered to Italy was useless .
Konashenkov explained that Russian epidemiologists and their Italian counterparts were pushing ahead with the anti-coronavirus treatment of 65 homes for the aged in Bergamo , while Russian military medics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care wards at a field camp near Bergamo to help treat the Italians infected with the virus .
`` All this is being done with the use of Russian equipment , which the newspaper describes as allegedly useless , '' Konashenkov said .
He stressed that the Russian military ’ s chief mission was `` free assistance to the Italian people . ''
Konashenkov said the Russian Defense Ministry was well aware of the masterminds of the publication .
`` A bad penny always comes back , '' he quoted a British proverb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Zakharova said that a company registered in Britain was behind La Stampa ’ s charges .
On March 21 , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held a telephone conversation to agree that Moscow would provide the necessary assistance to Rome in the fight against the coronavirus .
From the evening of March 22 to the morning of March 25 , 15 planes arrived in Italy to deliver a hundred Russian military virologists and Defense Ministry epidemiologists , eight teams of doctors and nurses and disinfection equipment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bergamo , Lombardy , one of the areas that have been the hardest-hit by the pandemic .
Currently Russian doctors and nurses and their Italian counterparts are creating intensive care facilities at a hospital in Bergamo for the treatment of coronavirus patients .
It is to open within days .
More than 200 Italian and Russian specialists will be employed there , the Russian Defense Ministry said .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Claims being made by the Italian newspaper La Stampa about the mission of the Russian military in Italy who help fight against coronavirus infection are based on old-time anti-Soviet propaganda manuals, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Igor Konashenkov said on Facebook.
The Russian Defense Ministry has noted La Stampa’s attempts at discrediting Russia’s mission. Konashenkov points out that the newspaper uses speculations about the ideals of freedom of speech and pluralism to juggle with the cheapest Russophobic fakes of the Cold War era, mentioning as its sources some "opinions" voiced by anonymous "high-ranking officials."
"La Stampa does not hesitate to use everything that its authors manage to think up on the basis of recommendations of old-time anti-Soviet propaganda manuals," Konashenkov said.
He dismissed as far-fetched falsehoods La Stampa’s allegations Russian virologists were biological warfare specialists and the equipment delivered to Italy was useless.
Konashenkov explained that Russian epidemiologists and their Italian counterparts were pushing ahead with the anti-coronavirus treatment of 65 homes for the aged in Bergamo, while Russian military medics and the Italian military personnel were deploying intensive care wards at a field camp near Bergamo to help treat the Italians infected with the virus.
"All this is being done with the use of Russian equipment, which the newspaper describes as allegedly useless," Konashenkov said. He stressed that the Russian military’s chief mission was "free assistance to the Italian people."
Konashenkov said the Russian Defense Ministry was well aware of the masterminds of the publication. "A bad penny always comes back," he quoted a British proverb.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that a company registered in Britain was behind La Stampa’s charges.
Russia’s assistance to Italy
On March 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held a telephone conversation to agree that Moscow would provide the necessary assistance to Rome in the fight against the coronavirus. From the evening of March 22 to the morning of March 25, 15 planes arrived in Italy to deliver a hundred Russian military virologists and Defense Ministry epidemiologists, eight teams of doctors and nurses and disinfection equipment and vehicles. The Russian military currently work in Bergamo, Lombardy, one of the areas that have been the hardest-hit by the pandemic.
Currently Russian doctors and nurses and their Italian counterparts are creating intensive care facilities at a hospital in Bergamo for the treatment of coronavirus patients. It is to open within days. More than 200 Italian and Russian specialists will be employed there, the Russian Defense Ministry said.


tass--2020-04-02--Brent up in price by more than 46%

Brent up in price by more than 46%

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/ TASS / .
The cost of June futures for Brent crude oil on the @ @ @ @ @ peak rose by 46.7 % to $ 36.29 per barrel , according to the trading @ @ @ @ @ At 17:47 Moscow time , Brent is growing by 22 % and is trading at @ @ @ @ @ The price of WTI oil is growing by 24.8 % - up to $ 25.67 @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 2. / TASS /. The cost of June futures for Brent crude oil on the London ICE exchange at its peak rose by 46.7% to $ 36.29 per barrel, according to the trading platform data on Thursday.
At 17:47 Moscow time, Brent is growing by 22% and is trading at $ 30.65 per barrel. The price of WTI oil is growing by 24.8% - up to $ 25.67 per barrel.


tass--2020-04-02--Putin signs decree on non-working days for Russian citizens until April 30

`` In order to ensure the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the Russian nation due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection ( COVID-19 ) , in accordance with Article 80 of the Russian Constitution , I rule to declare the period from April 4 to April 30 , 2020 non-working days-off , '' the document says .
MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree prolonging paid non-working days for Russian citizens until April 30 on the outcomes of his address to the nation , the Kremlin press service informed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian regions must introduce restrictive measures depending on the situation in the region .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported .
That said , over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
So far , a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 235 patients having recovered from the virus .
The country ’ s latest data indicates 30 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"In order to ensure the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the Russian nation due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), in accordance with Article 80 of the Russian Constitution, I rule to declare the period from April 4 to April 30, 2020 non-working days-off," the document says.
MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree prolonging paid non-working days for Russian citizens until April 30 on the outcomes of his address to the nation, the Kremlin press service informed.
The decree also states that heads of Russian regions must introduce restrictive measures depending on the situation in the region.
Earlier, Putin declared a paid non-working week from March 30 to April 5.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 938,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 47,000 deaths have been reported. That said, over 195,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
So far, a total of 3,548 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 235 patients having recovered from the virus. The country’s latest data indicates 30 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-02--Roscongress Foundation Sole Organizer of Russia-Kazakhstan and Russia-Uzbekistan Forums

Moscow , 2 April .
A decree of the Russian Government has approved the Roscongress Foundation as the sole procurement executor of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia for the preparation and holding of forums for interregional cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan and Russia and Uzbekistan .
The document has been published on the Official legal information Internet portal .
`` Interregional cooperation forums seek to develop and strength relations between the Russian Federation and its neighbours – Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , Azerbaijan , Armenia , Abkhazia , and Uzbekistan .
The forums are traditionally attended by heads of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status , significance , and effectiveness of the communication platforms .
This creates a place of trust and open dialogue between representatives of government , business , and public organizations '' , - Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov said .
By 10 December 2020 , the Roscongress Foundation will conclude a state contract with the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia for the provision of services for the preparation and holding of a forum for interregional cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan .
A similar document will be signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17th Russia and Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum .
`` Strong partner relations tie Russia and Uzbekistan .
The development of interregional cooperation between our countries will serve as impetus for the launch of new business projects and the conclusion of agreements in various fields .
The initiative to hold such forums came from the heads of our two states , and , for our part , we are ready for active cooperation with the Roscongress Foundation in the process of preparing for the event and generating the content of the business programme '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov said .
The Russian-Armenian Interregional Forum , the Russian-Azerbaijani Interregional Forum , the Abkhaz-Russian Business Forum , the Russian-Kyrgyz Interregional Conference , the Russia-Tajikistan Interregional Cooperation Conference , and the Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum are all part of a series of events organized by the Roscongress Foundation aimed at developing relations with neighbouring republics .
Interregional cooperation forums have established themselves as an effective tool for strengthening bilateral relations and diversifying business contacts and communication between government and business representatives of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 2019 , an agreement was signed in Tashkent between the Roscongress Foundation and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan on cooperation in holding high-level events in the Republic of Uzbekistan .

Moscow, 2 April. A decree of the Russian Government has approved the Roscongress Foundation as the sole procurement executor of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia for the preparation and holding of forums for interregional cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan and Russia and Uzbekistan. The document has been published on the Official legal information Internet portal.
"Interregional cooperation forums seek to develop and strength relations between the Russian Federation and its neighbours – Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Abkhazia, and Uzbekistan. The forums are traditionally attended by heads of state, which testifies to the high status, significance, and effectiveness of the communication platforms. This creates a place of trust and open dialogue between representatives of government, business, and public organizations", - Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov said.
By 10 December 2020, the Roscongress Foundation will conclude a state contract with the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia for the provision of services for the preparation and holding of a forum for interregional cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan. A similar document will be signed for 2021 for the organization of the 17th Russia and Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum.
"Strong partner relations tie Russia and Uzbekistan. The development of interregional cooperation between our countries will serve as impetus for the launch of new business projects and the conclusion of agreements in various fields. The initiative to hold such forums came from the heads of our two states, and, for our part, we are ready for active cooperation with the Roscongress Foundation in the process of preparing for the event and generating the content of the business programme", - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov said.
The Russian-Armenian Interregional Forum, the Russian-Azerbaijani Interregional Forum, the Abkhaz-Russian Business Forum, the Russian-Kyrgyz Interregional Conference, the Russia-Tajikistan Interregional Cooperation Conference, and the Russia-Kazakhstan Interregional Cooperation Forum are all part of a series of events organized by the Roscongress Foundation aimed at developing relations with neighbouring republics. Interregional cooperation forums have established themselves as an effective tool for strengthening bilateral relations and diversifying business contacts and communication between government and business representatives of two states.
For reference: in September 2019, an agreement was signed in Tashkent between the Roscongress Foundation and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan on cooperation in holding high-level events in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Age limitations 6+.


tass--2020-04-02--Diplomat says Italians grateful to Russia for helping hand in battling COVID-19 pandemic

`` Russia ’ s assistance to Italy in the battle against the spread of the coronavirus infection is humanitarian and it is in no way linked to a political agenda , '' the diplomat stressed .
MOSCOW , April 2./TASS/ .
The Italian people are grateful to Russia for its assistance in fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
She said the presence of Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio at the airfield to welcome the first planes of the Russian Aerospace Troops on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy ’ s top authorities to Russia for its assistance .
`` The Italians welcomed Russia ’ s assistance with great enthusiasm , '' she added , noting that the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russian missions abroad are receiving hundreds and thousands of messages of gratitude .
Russia ’ s assistance to Italy is solid and pragmatic .
`` Not only was humanitarian cargo sent , but also our civilian and military specialists are working there , and special-purpose hardware is being utilized as well , '' she explained .
The Russian Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid , Zakharova pointed out .
`` These are examples of civilized humanitarian cooperation and mutual assistance , which is probably the best manifestation of what mankind has accumulated over all these years , '' she added .
On March 21 , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte agreed during a phone call that Russia would send much-needed aid to Italy to fight the coronavirus pandemic .
From the evening of March 22 to the morning of March 25 , Russia sent 15 jets , transporting around 100 Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiology , eight nursing brigades , and equipment for diagnostics and disinfection .
The Russian specialists arrived in Bergamo , one of the most affected cities , on Wednesday .
A hospital for coronavirus patients in Bergamo , in northern Italy ’ s Lombardy region , will be opened in early April and more than 200 Italian and Russian specialists will be working there , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday .

"Russia’s assistance to Italy in the battle against the spread of the coronavirus infection is humanitarian and it is in no way linked to a political agenda," the diplomat stressed.
MOSCOW, April 2./TASS/. The Italian people are grateful to Russia for its assistance in fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
She said the presence of Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio at the airfield to welcome the first planes of the Russian Aerospace Troops on March 22 spoke volumes about the gratitude of Italy’s top authorities to Russia for its assistance. "The Italians welcomed Russia’s assistance with great enthusiasm," she added, noting that the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russian missions abroad are receiving hundreds and thousands of messages of gratitude.
Russia’s assistance to Italy is solid and pragmatic. "Not only was humanitarian cargo sent, but also our civilian and military specialists are working there, and special-purpose hardware is being utilized as well," she explained. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is also sending aid, Zakharova pointed out. "These are examples of civilized humanitarian cooperation and mutual assistance, which is probably the best manifestation of what mankind has accumulated over all these years," she added.
Assistance to Italy
On March 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte agreed during a phone call that Russia would send much-needed aid to Italy to fight the coronavirus pandemic. From the evening of March 22 to the morning of March 25, Russia sent 15 jets, transporting around 100 Russian military virologists and defense ministry specialists in epidemiology, eight nursing brigades, and equipment for diagnostics and disinfection. The Russian specialists arrived in Bergamo, one of the most affected cities, on Wednesday.
A hospital for coronavirus patients in Bergamo, in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, will be opened in early April and more than 200 Italian and Russian specialists will be working there, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.


tass--2020-04-02--Russia postpones launch of Nauka research module to orbital outpost to 2021

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists of the Khrunichev Space Center expect to complete the trials of the Nauka multi-functional laboratory module in May , Head of Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday .
`` The Khrunichev Center : continuous tests of the multi-functional laboratory module for the Russian segment of the ISS [ International Space Station ] before its dispatch to Baikonur .
The specialists hope to complete the work in May , '' the Roscosmos chief said .
As Rogozin stressed , the module ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year . ''
A source in the domestic space industry earlier told TASS that the tests of the Nauka research module continued despite days off declared in Russia over the coronavirus .
As the source specified , autonomous trials of the module ’ s propulsion unit are currently underway , after which the lab will undergo pneumatic and vacuum trials , following which a special echelon will be formed to deliver the Nauka module to the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan .
The module ’ s construction began in 1995 .
Russia initially planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ISS as a back-up of the Zarya compartment ( the station ’ s first module that continues its flight as part of the orbital outpost ) but the launch was numerously delayed .
In 2013 , the Nauka module was sent to the Khrunichev Space Center after metal chips were found in its fuel system .
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine .
The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts ( the first is located in the Zvezda module @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crewmember .
It will also use the European Robotic Arm ( ERA ) that will help perform some operations without spacewalks .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Specialists of the Khrunichev Space Center expect to complete the trials of the Nauka multi-functional laboratory module in May, Head of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin wrote on his Twitter account on Thursday.
"The Khrunichev Center: continuous tests of the multi-functional laboratory module for the Russian segment of the ISS [International Space Station] before its dispatch to Baikonur. The specialists hope to complete the work in May," the Roscosmos chief said.
As Rogozin stressed, the module’s launch will take place "early next year."
A source in the domestic space industry earlier told TASS that the tests of the Nauka research module continued despite days off declared in Russia over the coronavirus. As the source specified, autonomous trials of the module’s propulsion unit are currently underway, after which the lab will undergo pneumatic and vacuum trials, following which a special echelon will be formed to deliver the Nauka module to the Baikonur spaceport in Kazakhstan.
The module’s construction began in 1995. Russia initially planned to launch the Nauka lab to the ISS as a back-up of the Zarya compartment (the station’s first module that continues its flight as part of the orbital outpost) but the launch was numerously delayed. In 2013, the Nauka module was sent to the Khrunichev Space Center after metal chips were found in its fuel system.
The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine. The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts (the first is located in the Zvezda module) and a room for the third crewmember. It will also use the European Robotic Arm (ERA) that will help perform some operations without spacewalks.


tass--2020-04-02--Putin highlights need for tougher restrictions in some Russian regions

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his televised address to citizens on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ required in some Russian regions to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
`` More stringent @ @ @ @ @ , while somewhere else , where there is a high level of preparedness , local @ @ @ @ @ enough now , '' the president said , calling for the need to take into @ @ @ @ @ The Russian regions will receive additional powers to decide which methods to choose to fight @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The constituent regions and heads of the regions will get additional authorities @ @ @ @ @ the end of this week , they are to define the concrete set of preventive @ @ @ @ @ from the point of view of ensuring the health and safety of the people , @ @ @ @ @ the economy and key infrastructure , '' Putin said .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his televised address to citizens on Thursday that more stringent restrictions were required in some Russian regions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"More stringent restrictions must be observed somewhere, while somewhere else, where there is a high level of preparedness, local, point solutions will be enough now," the president said, calling for the need to take into account specific regional features.
The Russian regions will receive additional powers to decide which methods to choose to fight the novel coronavirus, Putin said.
"The constituent regions and heads of the regions will get additional authorities by my orders. Before the end of this week, they are to define the concrete set of preventive measures optimal for their territories from the point of view of ensuring the health and safety of the people, as well as stability of the economy and key infrastructure," Putin said.


tass--2020-04-02--Keeping jobs, earnings even in pandemic environment is unconditional priority, says Putin

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
An unconditional priority for Russian authorities is to preserve jobs and earnings of @ @ @ @ @ environment , President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday in his televised State of the Nation @ @ @ @ @ measures to combat the epidemic , we should not forget that it is no less @ @ @ @ @ and earnings of citizens .
This is a common priority for the government , regions @ @ @ @ @ '' Putin said .
`` The efficient and sustainably operating economy underlies solution of key @ @ @ @ @ healthcare sector also , '' the head of state noted .
Putin requested Russians `` @ @ @ @ @ to requirements of authorities and recommendations of doctors and specialists , take care of themselves @ @ @ @ @ ones . ''
`` Our common responsibility and mutual support have been and remain the @ @ @ @ @ - decisive ones , '' he added .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. An unconditional priority for Russian authorities is to preserve jobs and earnings of citizens in the coronavirus pandemic environment, President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday in his televised State of the Nation Address.
"When implementing measures to combat the epidemic, we should not forget that it is no less important now to preserve jobs and earnings of citizens. This is a common priority for the government, regions, and the business," Putin said.
"The efficient and sustainably operating economy underlies solution of key tasks, including in the healthcare sector also," the head of state noted.
Putin requested Russians "to continue exercising utmost attention to requirements of authorities and recommendations of doctors and specialists, take care of themselves and their nearest and dearest ones."
"Our common responsibility and mutual support have been and remain the most important and certain cases - decisive ones," he added.


tass--2020-04-02--Russia calls on Baku, Yerevan to refrain from using force

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from using force and return @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday .
In response @ @ @ @ @ s request to comment on the March 30 clashes on the two countries ’ border @ @ @ @ @ `` according to available information , ceasefire violations are talking place on the border .
@ @ @ @ @ vehicles are coming under fire .
There have been reports of casualties , particularly among @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We call on both parties to show restraint , refrain from using force @ @ @ @ @ table as soon as the situation allows , '' the Russian diplomat emphasized .
On @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan reported armed clashes on the border near the Voskevan settlement , which led to @ @ @ @ @ blamed the clashes on each other .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Moscow calls on Azerbaijan and Armenia to refrain from using force and return to the negotiating table, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.
In response to an Armenian journalist’s request to comment on the March 30 clashes on the two countries’ border, Zakharova pointed out that "according to available information, ceasefire violations are talking place on the border." "Civilian facilities and vehicles are coming under fire. There have been reports of casualties, particularly among civilians," she added.
"We call on both parties to show restraint, refrain from using force and return to the negotiating table as soon as the situation allows," the Russian diplomat emphasized.
On March 30, Armenia and Azerbaijan reported armed clashes on the border near the Voskevan settlement, which led to casualties. The two countries blamed the clashes on each other.


tass--2020-04-02--UK company behind La Stampa’s article claiming Russian aid to Italy useless — diplomat

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
A company registered in the UK is behind the article published in Italy ’ s La Stampa daily claiming that Russian humanitarian aid to Italy is useless in the fight against the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Thursday .
`` They have published another fake article with the aim to distort Russia ’ s actions in relation to the sanitary-epidemiological crisis in Italy .
Citing questionable sources , if those sources existed at all , the outlet declared that Russia ’ s cargo was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` We have managed to trace the intermediary — a company registered in London < … > , whose representatives refused to provide any information about this deal mentioned in the article or to answer any questions regarding the location , price and nature of the cargo , as well as its sender and recipient , '' the diplomat informed .
`` When we began to study it , it turned out that this is a purely commercial operation that some foreign structures attempted to stage using non-transparent methods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials have not been informed of this deal , they had nothing to do with it .
And the newspaper presents it as Russia ’ s humanitarian efforts . ''
Zakharova stressed that separate dealers are trying to use Italy ’ s tragedy for their own benefit .
On March 27 , the Russian Embassy in Italy sent a note of protest to La Stampa in relation to its publications claiming that 80 % of Russia ’ s humanitarian aid is useless .
Under the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent 15 military jets to Italy that transported virologists , epidemiologists and the necessary equipment to the country .
According to the ministry , the group includes specialists who directly took part in fighting outbreaks of African swine fever , as well as developing vaccines against Ebola and the plague .
The planes also delivered mobile stations for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories and medical equipment .
Russian military experts have been stationed in the town of Bergamo ( Lombardy ) , one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in the country .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Italy has surpassed 110,000 since the start of the epidemic , with over 13,000 people dead .

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. A company registered in the UK is behind the article published in Italy’s La Stampa daily claiming that Russian humanitarian aid to Italy is useless in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Thursday.
"They have published another fake article with the aim to distort Russia’s actions in relation to the sanitary-epidemiological crisis in Italy. Citing questionable sources, if those sources existed at all, the outlet declared that Russia’s cargo was allegedly scarce, providing false information," she said. "We have managed to trace the intermediary — a company registered in London <…>, whose representatives refused to provide any information about this deal mentioned in the article or to answer any questions regarding the location, price and nature of the cargo, as well as its sender and recipient," the diplomat informed.
"When we began to study it, it turned out that this is a purely commercial operation that some foreign structures attempted to stage using non-transparent methods," Zakharova stated. "Russian officials have not been informed of this deal, they had nothing to do with it. And the newspaper presents it as Russia’s humanitarian efforts."
Zakharova stressed that separate dealers are trying to use Italy’s tragedy for their own benefit.
On March 27, the Russian Embassy in Italy sent a note of protest to La Stampa in relation to its publications claiming that 80% of Russia’s humanitarian aid is useless.
Under the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on March 22-25, the Russian Defense Ministry sent 15 military jets to Italy that transported virologists, epidemiologists and the necessary equipment to the country. According to the ministry, the group includes specialists who directly took part in fighting outbreaks of African swine fever, as well as developing vaccines against Ebola and the plague. The planes also delivered mobile stations for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories and medical equipment.
Russian military experts have been stationed in the town of Bergamo (Lombardy), one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy with a record number of infections and deaths in the country.
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus in Italy has surpassed 110,000 since the start of the epidemic, with over 13,000 people dead.


tass--2020-04-02--Putin's second address to the nation on coronavirus pandemic

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his second address to the nation on the coronavirus situation in the last eight days .
The head of state ’ s speech is broadcast by Russian television .
The president declared that paid non-working days in Russia would be prolonged until April 30 .
`` We have not passed the peak of the epidemic in the world and in our country yet .
Due to this , I have decided to prolong the non-working days until the end of the month , that is , until April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would still be paid during the days-off .
Public agencies , pharmacies , groceries , essential good shops will continue working during the days-off , the president informed .
Vladimir Putin has thanked all those who observe coronavirus prevention recommendations , in particular medics .
`` I am certain that all citizens will join their voices to the deepest thanks to our medical workers , '' Putin stated in his televised message .
`` I would like to sincerely thank all of you without an exception and to say ‘ thank you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not stayed indifferent and realized their personal responsibility for the struggle against the epidemic and strictly follow the recommendations of the authorities and medical specialists , caring about their own health as well as that of their relatives and dear ones and the security of all those around , '' Putin said .
According to the president , Russian authorities managed to win time for preventive measures against the coronavirus .
`` The days-off declared nationwide , and also self-isolation envisaged for residents of many regions allowed us to win time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power and build up resources of the health care system in order to fight the epidemic maximally efficiently , banking both on our own experience and the best practices of other countries , '' Putin stressed .
Russia is managing to shield elderly people against the coronavirus and prevent the infection ’ s spread in educational institutions , the Russian leader said .
`` I consider it principally important that we are generally managing so far to shield people of older generations against the serious threat and to prevent an outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher education institutions and other educational establishments , '' Putin said .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his second address to the nation on the coronavirus situation in the last eight days. The head of state’s speech is broadcast by Russian television.
The president declared that paid non-working days in Russia would be prolonged until April 30.
"We have not passed the peak of the epidemic in the world and in our country yet. Due to this, I have decided to prolong the non-working days until the end of the month, that is, until April 30." He stressed that workers would still be paid during the days-off.
Public agencies, pharmacies, groceries, essential good shops will continue working during the days-off, the president informed.
Vladimir Putin has thanked all those who observe coronavirus prevention recommendations, in particular medics. "I am certain that all citizens will join their voices to the deepest thanks to our medical workers," Putin stated in his televised message.
"I would like to sincerely thank all of you without an exception and to say ‘thank you’ to the volunteers and all people who have not stayed indifferent and realized their personal responsibility for the struggle against the epidemic and strictly follow the recommendations of the authorities and medical specialists, caring about their own health as well as that of their relatives and dear ones and the security of all those around," Putin said.
According to the president, Russian authorities managed to win time for preventive measures against the coronavirus. "The days-off declared nationwide, and also self-isolation envisaged for residents of many regions allowed us to win time for preventive measures, mobilize all the bodies of power and build up resources of the health care system in order to fight the epidemic maximally efficiently, banking both on our own experience and the best practices of other countries," Putin stressed.
Russia is managing to shield elderly people against the coronavirus and prevent the infection’s spread in educational institutions, the Russian leader said.
"I consider it principally important that we are generally managing so far to shield people of older generations against the serious threat and to prevent an outbreak of the epidemic in kindergartens, schools, higher education institutions and other educational establishments," Putin said.
Developments in Moscow


tass--2020-04-02--Lavrov calls for humane attitude to Russians jailed in US amid coronavirus pandemic

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on March 24 sent a message to US @ @ @ @ @ , urging Washington to adopt a humane attitude towards Russians jailed in the US amid @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ time to persuade Washington to release Konstantin Yaroshenko , Viktor Bout , Bogdana Osipova , @ @ @ @ @ , '' she pointed out .
`` More than a week ago , on March @ @ @ @ @ Sergey Lavrov sent another message in this regard to the US Secretary of State , @ @ @ @ @ a humane attitude towards them because their health is really in danger , '' Zakharova @ @

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on March 24 sent a message to US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, urging Washington to adopt a humane attitude towards Russians jailed in the US amid the coronavirus pandemic, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.
"We have been trying for a long time to persuade Washington to release Konstantin Yaroshenko, Viktor Bout, Bogdana Osipova, Roman Seleznev and many others," she pointed out. "More than a week ago, on March 24, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent another message in this regard to the US Secretary of State, Mr. Pompeo, calling for a humane attitude towards them because their health is really in danger," Zakharova added.


tass--2020-04-02--Global actors may use coronavirus to reshape world without war — Belarus’ president

According to the president , many people already ask the main question : what will be after the pandemic ?
`` Don ’ t you have an impression that the powers that be < ... > would like to reshape the world without a war through this so-called coronavirus psychosis , the infodemic ? ''
the president asked , adding that French President Emmanuel Macron had already called the pandemic a war .
MINSK , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko believes that global actors might use the coronavirus to reshape the world without a war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mir broadcasting company Thursday .
He recapped the UN proposal to print 10 % of global GDP worth of money to fight the economic consequences of the coronavirus .
`` This is empty money .
The US dollar continues to devalue as it is , and this [ printing ] will spark a tidal wave of inflation .
It is clear where [ Belarus ] will end up with its ruble , '' Lukashenko noted .
`` Even more : who will get these trillions , where will they end up ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming even richer and the poor becoming even poorer ?
It would . ''
According to Lukashenko , world nations , including Belarus , are being forced to `` stop , sit down and eat through their modest currency reserves . ''
`` We can not say that even Russia has huge reserves .
We neither .
Then , after printing 10 % of the GDP , those who remain upright , will come to you and tell you : here ’ s a small bit , but , in exchange , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is how the world could be reshaped , '' the president believes .
Lukashenko underscored that he is worried about his country ’ s future , and this is why he tries to look ahead .
`` Everyone says : after the pandemic the world will be different , and I agree with that , '' he stated .
`` But where will our place in this new world be ?
This is the main question for me , not this coronapsychosis , not the infodemic . ''
According to the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone .
`` [ It will become pressing ] for Kazakhstan , Turkmenistan , Tajikistan , rich in natural resources ; even more — for Armenia , Kyrgyzstan , Ukraine and for [ Lithuanian President Gitanas ] Nauseda , who seeks to doubt the politics of the Belarusian president .
I am afraid we all will be divided without war , '' Lukashenko went on .
He explained why he insists that the Belarusian industry keeps working amid the pandemic .
`` Because I can imagine what will happen to us after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like many : the Lithuanians , the Latvians and other , '' Lukashenko said .
`` They will endure .
Russia has oil and gas that the whole world needs today .
China has huge economic capacities .
The US has a money printer : they throw in two trillions and another two are already underway . ''

According to the president, many people already ask the main question: what will be after the pandemic? "Don’t you have an impression that the powers that be <...> would like to reshape the world without a war through this so-called coronavirus psychosis, the infodemic?" the president asked, adding that French President Emmanuel Macron had already called the pandemic a war.
MINSK, April 2. /TASS/. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko believes that global actors might use the coronavirus to reshape the world without a war, the president said in an interview with the Mir broadcasting company Thursday.
He recapped the UN proposal to print 10% of global GDP worth of money to fight the economic consequences of the coronavirus. "This is empty money. The US dollar continues to devalue as it is, and this [printing] will spark a tidal wave of inflation. It is clear where [Belarus] will end up with its ruble," Lukashenko noted. "Even more: who will get these trillions, where will they end up? Would this not lead to the rich becoming even richer and the poor becoming even poorer? It would."
According to Lukashenko, world nations, including Belarus, are being forced to "stop, sit down and eat through their modest currency reserves."
"We cannot say that even Russia has huge reserves. We neither. Then, after printing 10% of the GDP, those who remain upright, will come to you and tell you: here’s a small bit, but, in exchange, you will do as you are told. This is how the world could be reshaped," the president believes.
Lukashenko underscored that he is worried about his country’s future, and this is why he tries to look ahead. "Everyone says: after the pandemic the world will be different, and I agree with that," he stated. "But where will our place in this new world be? This is the main question for me, not this coronapsychosis, not the infodemic."
According to the president, this issue will soon become pressing for everyone. "[It will become pressing] for Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, rich in natural resources; even more — for Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine and for [Lithuanian President Gitanas] Nauseda, who seeks to doubt the politics of the Belarusian president. I am afraid we all will be divided without war," Lukashenko went on.
He explained why he insists that the Belarusian industry keeps working amid the pandemic. "Because I can imagine what will happen to us after this pandemic, if we stop, like many: the Lithuanians, the Latvians and other," Lukashenko said. "They will endure. Russia has oil and gas that the whole world needs today. China has huge economic capacities. The US has a money printer: they throw in two trillions and another two are already underway."


tass--2020-04-02--Moscow’s mayor approves fines for violating quarantine rules

MOSCOW , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has signed a legal act setting a @ @ @ @ @ fine for those who violate self-quarantine rules .
The act was uploaded to the official @ @ @ @ @ mayor and city government on Thursday .
It is effective immediately .
The Moscow City @ @ @ @ @ for a legal act establishing administrative punishment for those obliged to stay at home or @ @ @ @ @ , the act recommends using the CCTV cameras for exposing those who break the quarantine @ @ @ @ @ s code of administrative offenses has been amended to establish administrative punishment for individuals for @ @ @ @ @ self-quarantine .
The first offence committed by individuals is punishable with a 4,000-ruble ( $ @ @ @ @ @ repeated violations or those involving the use of motor vehicles , with a 5,000-ruble fine @

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has signed a legal act setting a 5,000-ruble ($63) fine for those who violate self-quarantine rules. The act was uploaded to the official website of Moscow’s mayor and city government on Thursday. It is effective immediately.
The Moscow City Duma on April 1 voted for a legal act establishing administrative punishment for those obliged to stay at home or in the hospital. Also, the act recommends using the CCTV cameras for exposing those who break the quarantine rules. The city’s code of administrative offenses has been amended to establish administrative punishment for individuals for ignoring alert rules, including self-quarantine. The first offence committed by individuals is punishable with a 4,000-ruble ($50) fine, and repeated violations or those involving the use of motor vehicles, with a 5,000-ruble fine.


tass--2020-04-02--Hainan Airlines resumes flights to China's Hubei

HAIKOU , April 2 .
/TASS/ .
Starting from April 2 , Hainan Airlines resumes flights to some cities of Hubei Province which was most hit by the novel coronavirus outbreak , according to the company 's press service .
The airline announced the resumption of flights along the Sanya — Tianjin route through the city of Xianyang ( Hubei Province ) .
Flights to this destination will be carried out four times a week .
Another Sanya – Hohhot flight via Shiyan ( Hubei Province ) will be operated three times a week .
Starting from April 8 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thus , Hainan Airlines also resumes flights between seven Chinese cities and Wuhan , the administrative center of Hubei Province : Haikou , Sanya and Taiyuan .
In a week , the airline intends to carry out about 42 flights through Wuhan Tianhe Airport .
Subsequently , all canceled flights to Hubei Province in accordance with the order of the State Civil Aviation Administration of China are expected to be resumed .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
To date , more than 900,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 45,000 deaths have been reported .

HAIKOU, April 2. /TASS/. Starting from April 2, Hainan Airlines resumes flights to some cities of Hubei Province which was most hit by the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to the company's press service.
The airline announced the resumption of flights along the Sanya — Tianjin route through the city of Xianyang (Hubei Province). Flights to this destination will be carried out four times a week. Another Sanya – Hohhot flight via Shiyan (Hubei Province) will be operated three times a week.
Starting from April 8, Wuhan Airport resumes domestic flights service. Thus, Hainan Airlines also resumes flights between seven Chinese cities and Wuhan, the administrative center of Hubei Province: Haikou, Sanya and Taiyuan. In a week, the airline intends to carry out about 42 flights through Wuhan Tianhe Airport. Subsequently, all canceled flights to Hubei Province in accordance with the order of the State Civil Aviation Administration of China are expected to be resumed.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. To date, more than 900,000 people have been infected worldwide and over 45,000 deaths have been reported.