tass--2020-02-21--Press review: NATO spooked by myth of Russian ‘doctrines’ and RAND sparks Turkey coup talk

At a recent meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested restoring a regular dialogue between both militaries , Kommersant wrote .
However , the alliance is ready to continue only political-level communication within the Russia-NATO Council , which Moscow considers insufficient .
According to the Russian side , the lack of military-level communication , and an almost complete lack of mutual trust , can lead to a mistaken interpretation of each other 's intentions , and , therefore , to a possible escalation .
Sources in the Russia ’ s state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kommersant : NATO ’ s recent ramped-up ‘ struggle ’ against two military doctrines that has been allegedly attributed to Russia , yet , Moscow rebuffs them as “ non-existent ” .
In 2019 , the Pentagon said that Russia began developing scenarios for a limited nuclear strike , Kommersant wrote .
NATO calls this doctrine supposedly adopted by Russia an `` escalation for the sake of de-escalation . ''
According to many Western military experts , Moscow allegedly assumes that if a local conflict with conventional weapons between Russia and one or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian military is overcome with a feeling of imminent defeat , they could use tactical nuclear weapons to try to finish the confrontation on their own terms .
Along with this doctrine , NATO began fighting the Russian `` hybrid threat '' , supposedly based on the `` Gerasimov Doctrine '' on non-military ways to achieve political and strategic goals .
`` The statement about the ‘ escalation for the sake of de-escalation '' principle allegedly enshrined in the Russian Military Doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons does not correspond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' the Russian Defense Ministry told Kommersant .
The ministry emphasized that the principle of `` defensive nuclear deterrence '' is included in the Military Doctrine , according to which the use of nuclear weapons is possible only in response .
However , Kommersant ’ s source in the alliance ’ s structures are convinced that this is the reason for the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads being deployed in the Kaliningrad Region .
`` The fact that official Russian documents do not mention such a blow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working on such scenarios .
Recent events show that Russia sees NATO as a key threat , and we do not have the right to disregard this , '' one of the newspaper ’ s sources in NATO headquarters said .
Russia kicked off the year with a slowdown in the economy and a new decline in exports .
The country ’ s economy is losing 1 bln rubles ( $ 15.58 mln ) per day from the plunge in trade with China over the coronavirus , Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus experienced a structural slowdown of its economy , will now see an acceleration of this process .
The situation in China will continue to negatively affect Russia ’ s exports , experts told the newspaper .
According to the Ministry of Economic Development , the Russian economy in January showed a slowdown .
GDP growth decelerated to 1.6 % after 2.3 % in December .
The ministry expects that this year the country 's economy will grow by 1.9 % .
It was noted that among the basic industries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to GDP growth , while construction and mining retained weak output dynamics .
The volume of Sino-Russian trade is also on the decline .
Chinese shipments of goods to Russia slumped due to the outbreak of the coronavirus , Russia ’ s Federal Customs Service confirmed .
The decrease in Russian supplies to China in the first six weeks of this year could hit the 30 % mark .
The main decline , as reported , was seen in the supplies of ore , fats and wax , flour products and cereals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that they had recorded a drop in traffic between China and Russia in January and early February amid the novel coronavirus spread .
`` China is Russia 's largest trading partner , the volume of bilateral trade in which amounted to about $ 110 bln in 2018 .
A slowdown in the Chinese economy is fraught with a decrease in the consumption of energy resources , which is bad for prices on commodity markets and may slow down the formation of Russia 's reserves , '' senior analyst at BCS Premier Sergey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : US think tank stirs up potential coup fears in Turkey A report by the RAND Corporation on Turkey ’ s political course , which mentioned the likelihood of a new coup , caused confusion in Ankara , a Turkish source familiar with the discussions told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
According to the source , many fear that the study done by an American company may partially reflect the Trump administration ’ s plans .
However , this could have been done by Washington on purpose in order to control the agenda , Nezavisimaya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Turkey ’ s Nationalist Course '' got local experts and politicians talking .
`` Everyone is discussing this topic because they think that the reports put together by the RAND either reflect or may change US foreign policy , '' the Turkish source told the Russian paper .
`` There are many versions .
People say that before the coup attempt in 2016 , there were similar studies , their forecasts came true to some extent , '' the source added .
However , there are those who do not take what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the Turkish army is a structure that is too closed to judge its mood accurately .
According to the Turkish media , local officials scrutinized the risks of a new coup in closed meetings .
The fact that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was acquainted with excerpts from the report proves how serious the Turkish establishment takes this study .
At least , his statements partially testified to this , the newspaper wrote .
Without mentioning the study directly , Erdogan on board his plane the day before told reporters that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be a lesson for everyone .
Meanwhile , experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the RAND report ’ s appearance in the spotlight might partially reflect the desire of the ruling elite to manage the agenda and consolidate Turkish society , which fails to demonstrate unity on the new cross-border operations in Syria .
Wintershall Noordzee B.V. ( WINZ ) announced the start of production at the Sillimanite gas field in the North Sea .
Wintershall Noordzee is a joint venture of Gazprom EP International B.V. and Germany ’ s Wintershall Dea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Experts told Vedomosti , that the projects ’ production volumes might not be its main attraction .
This is an image project for Gazprom since the company will work with one of its most important German partners in a prestigious European production region .
The Sillimanite field was discovered in 2015 in the southern North Sea .
It is roughly equal in distance from the shores of Great Britain and the Netherlands , which is why it falls under the jurisdiction of both countries , but WINZ ( 39.7 % ) is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EP International directly owns another 19.9 % in the project .
Representatives of Wintershall Dea and Gazprom EP International have not yet commented on the field ’ s reserves .
Analyst with the Energy Center at Skolkovo School of Management Sergey Kapitonov told Vedomosti , `` Gazprom receives image dividends from working with one of its most important German partners in a traditional and prestigious European oil and gas production region .
This experience is really unique , because , for example , Gazprom was not allowed on the Norwegian shelf . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas fields means using current technologies as well as mastering new ones , which Gazprom may not have enough of , given the generally ‘ continental ’ nature of the company , '' he added .
Production in the North Sea is more expensive than in Western Siberia .
The average cost here is estimated at $ 15 per barrel of oil and about $ 92 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas , Kapitonov noted .
`` But consumer centers are in close proximity , and operator companies do not need to spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the structure of Gazprom ’ s gas price in Europe , the main share falls on transportation costs and export duties , '' the analyst told Vedomosti .
The Amur Shipbuilding Plant in Russia ’ s Far East may receive the largest order for the construction of warships in its history .
A top manager in the industry and a person close to the Russian Defense Ministry told Vedomosti , the parties are discussing the terms of a contract for the construction of up to 10 corvettes for the Pacific Fleet .
Ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 180 bln rubles ( $ 2.8 bln ) , and the signing of a firm contract may take place as early as 2021 , one of the sources said .
The new order will allow loading the plant ’ s capacities for the next 12-14 years , the source said .
This will preserve the plant , which plays an important role in equipping the forces of the Pacific Fleet , and will ensure the social stability of the urban area , which is dependent on this company .
According to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Navy , the contracting of a new series of corvettes for this project will correct the existing bias in the surface forces of the Pacific Fleet .
Out of about 50 ships , it has only two new corvettes received from the shipyard in 2017-2018 .
The Amur Shipbuilding Plant is one of the most problematic of the United Shipbuilding Corporation plants , Vedomosti wrote , but it was impossible to close it for socio-political reasons , a source in the government told the newspaper .
In 2012-2017 , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed constant capitalization .
Now the situation is improving , a person close to the military department said .
At least , there was no sharp criticism of the Amur shipbuilders from Defense Deputy Minister Alexey Krivoruchko , who visited the plant in November 2019 .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Kommersant: NATO battling two ‘non-existent’ Russian military concepts At a recent meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested restoring a regular dialogue between both militaries, Kommersant wrote. However, the alliance is ready to continue only political-level communication within the Russia-NATO Council, which Moscow considers insufficient. According to the Russian side, the lack of military-level communication, and an almost complete lack of mutual trust, can lead to a mistaken interpretation of each other's intentions, and, therefore, to a possible escalation. Sources in the Russia’s state agencies cited an example of this to Kommersant: NATO’s recent ramped-up ‘struggle’ against two military doctrines that has been allegedly attributed to Russia, yet, Moscow rebuffs them as “non-existent”.
In 2019, the Pentagon said that Russia began developing scenarios for a limited nuclear strike, Kommersant wrote. NATO calls this doctrine supposedly adopted by Russia an "escalation for the sake of de-escalation." According to many Western military experts, Moscow allegedly assumes that if a local conflict with conventional weapons between Russia and one or several NATO countries occurred, and if the Russian military is overcome with a feeling of imminent defeat, they could use tactical nuclear weapons to try to finish the confrontation on their own terms. Along with this doctrine, NATO began fighting the Russian "hybrid threat", supposedly based on the "Gerasimov Doctrine" on non-military ways to achieve political and strategic goals. "The statement about the ‘escalation for the sake of de-escalation" principle allegedly enshrined in the Russian Military Doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons does not correspond to reality and is a deliberate distortion of it," the Russian Defense Ministry told Kommersant. The ministry emphasized that the principle of "defensive nuclear deterrence" is included in the Military Doctrine, according to which the use of nuclear weapons is possible only in response. However, Kommersant’s source in the alliance’s structures are convinced that this is the reason for the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads being deployed in the Kaliningrad Region. "The fact that official Russian documents do not mention such a blow does not mean that Russia is not working on such scenarios. Recent events show that Russia sees NATO as a key threat, and we do not have the right to disregard this," one of the newspaper’s sources in NATO headquarters said. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Coronavirus fears hammering Russian exports Russia kicked off the year with a slowdown in the economy and a new decline in exports. The country’s economy is losing 1 bln rubles ($15.58 mln) per day from the plunge in trade with China over the coronavirus, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote. Meanwhile, China, which even before the outbreak of the virus experienced a structural slowdown of its economy, will now see an acceleration of this process. The situation in China will continue to negatively affect Russia’s exports, experts told the newspaper. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, the Russian economy in January showed a slowdown. GDP growth decelerated to 1.6% after 2.3% in December. The ministry expects that this year the country's economy will grow by 1.9%. It was noted that among the basic industries, manufacturing and trade had contributed the most to GDP growth, while construction and mining retained weak output dynamics. The volume of Sino-Russian trade is also on the decline.
Read also Death toll from new coronavirus in China climbs to 2,236
Chinese shipments of goods to Russia slumped due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, Russia’s Federal Customs Service confirmed. The decrease in Russian supplies to China in the first six weeks of this year could hit the 30% mark. The main decline, as reported, was seen in the supplies of ore, fats and wax, flour products and cereals, as well as wood. Russian Railways reported that they had recorded a drop in traffic between China and Russia in January and early February amid the novel coronavirus spread. "China is Russia's largest trading partner, the volume of bilateral trade in which amounted to about $110 bln in 2018. A slowdown in the Chinese economy is fraught with a decrease in the consumption of energy resources, which is bad for prices on commodity markets and may slow down the formation of Russia's reserves," senior analyst at BCS Premier Sergey Suverov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: US think tank stirs up potential coup fears in Turkey A report by the RAND Corporation on Turkey’s political course, which mentioned the likelihood of a new coup, caused confusion in Ankara, a Turkish source familiar with the discussions told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. According to the source, many fear that the study done by an American company may partially reflect the Trump administration’s plans. However, this could have been done by Washington on purpose in order to control the agenda, Nezavisimaya Gazeta wrote.
The RAND study entitled "Turkey’s Nationalist Course" got local experts and politicians talking. "Everyone is discussing this topic because they think that the reports put together by the RAND either reflect or may change US foreign policy," the Turkish source told the Russian paper. "There are many versions. People say that before the coup attempt in 2016, there were similar studies, their forecasts came true to some extent," the source added. However, there are those who do not take what RAND publishes seriously, the source said, adding that the Turkish army is a structure that is too closed to judge its mood accurately. According to the Turkish media, local officials scrutinized the risks of a new coup in closed meetings. The fact that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was acquainted with excerpts from the report proves how serious the Turkish establishment takes this study. At least, his statements partially testified to this, the newspaper wrote. Without mentioning the study directly, Erdogan on board his plane the day before told reporters that the resistance to the coup in 2016 should be a lesson for everyone. Meanwhile, experts told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that the RAND report’s appearance in the spotlight might partially reflect the desire of the ruling elite to manage the agenda and consolidate Turkish society, which fails to demonstrate unity on the new cross-border operations in Syria. Vedomosti: Gazprom, Wintershall begin gas production in the North Sea Wintershall Noordzee B.V. (WINZ) announced the start of production at the Sillimanite gas field in the North Sea. Wintershall Noordzee is a joint venture of Gazprom EP International B.V. and Germany’s Wintershall Dea, both companies own 50% each. Experts told Vedomosti, that the projects’ production volumes might not be its main attraction. This is an image project for Gazprom since the company will work with one of its most important German partners in a prestigious European production region. The Sillimanite field was discovered in 2015 in the southern North Sea. It is roughly equal in distance from the shores of Great Britain and the Netherlands, which is why it falls under the jurisdiction of both countries, but WINZ (39.7%) is the operator in both cases, and Gazprom EP International directly owns another 19.9% in the project. Representatives of Wintershall Dea and Gazprom EP International have not yet commented on the field’s reserves.
Read also Gazprom plans to keep gas exports to Europe at level of previous years


tass--2020-02-21--About 40 meaningful amendments expected to be included in Russian Constitution

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The final amount of amendments to be included in the Russian Constitution would @ @ @ @ @ ’ s second reading , but about 40 meaningful amendments are expected to be included @ @ @ @ @ says Andrey Klishas , the constitutional amendment workgroup co-chairman .
`` All proposed amendments are @ @ @ @ @ , we can not count them now .
Probably , there would be about 40 @ @ @ @ @ more changes in the text , because some amendments require changing language at several points @ @ @ @ @ The workgroup members would provide accurate statistics , the senator disclosed , adding that `` @ @ @ @ @ than the bill is prepared for second reading . ''

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. The final amount of amendments to be included in the Russian Constitution would be known after the bill’s second reading, but about 40 meaningful amendments are expected to be included in the basic law, says Andrey Klishas, the constitutional amendment workgroup co-chairman.
"All proposed amendments are in the works right now, we cannot count them now. Probably, there would be about 40 amendments. There would be more changes in the text, because some amendments require changing language at several points," Klishas said.
The workgroup members would provide accurate statistics, the senator disclosed, adding that "it would appear no sooner than the bill is prepared for second reading."


tass--2020-02-21--Russia’s generation 4++ MiG-35 fighter jet to feature automatic landing system

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s MiG Aircraft Company ( part of the United Aircraft-Building Corporation ) has patented a system of a fighter jet ’ s automatic approach for landing in adverse weather conditions for MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 aircraft , the Company ’ s press office announced on Friday .
The new device integrates several innovation units , drive mechanisms and systems , including the navigation and measuring equipment .
It will enhance the safety of piloting in adverse weather conditions , enable a pilot to reach the glide path in the automatic mode , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for landing and ensure a safe descent until visibility appears .
As the MiG Aircraft Company said , `` the technology will find its application in MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 planes . ''
The system ’ s advantages have been confirmed by flight tests with pilots ’ positive remarks , the press office said .
`` We are planning to introduce the new automatic landing system developed by our engineers into modern and future MiG aviation complexes .
The work is already underway .
Safety and the maximum efficiency of the use of aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineers , '' the press office quoted MiG Aircraft Company CEO Ilya Tarasenko as saying .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russia’s MiG Aircraft Company (part of the United Aircraft-Building Corporation) has patented a system of a fighter jet’s automatic approach for landing in adverse weather conditions for MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 aircraft, the Company’s press office announced on Friday.
The new device integrates several innovation units, drive mechanisms and systems, including the navigation and measuring equipment. It will enhance the safety of piloting in adverse weather conditions, enable a pilot to reach the glide path in the automatic mode, cut the time of making an approach for landing and ensure a safe descent until visibility appears.
As the MiG Aircraft Company said, "the technology will find its application in MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 planes."
The system’s advantages have been confirmed by flight tests with pilots’ positive remarks, the press office said.
"We are planning to introduce the new automatic landing system developed by our engineers into modern and future MiG aviation complexes. The work is already underway. Safety and the maximum efficiency of the use of aircraft are among the main priorities of our engineers," the press office quoted MiG Aircraft Company CEO Ilya Tarasenko as saying.


tass--2020-02-21--China will fully vanquish novel coronavirus by late March, ambassador says

`` We can emerge victorious in the battle against that virus .
In addition to Hubei province , we can win that victory in other regions as early as this month , while in the epicenter of the epidemic , we could completely eliminate that virus throughout China within next month , '' he said at a meeting with First Deputy Speaker of the Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) Ivan Melnikov .
MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities will be able to win the battle against the novel coronavirus throughout the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said on Friday .
According to the ambassador , 99 % of novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in China .
`` To date , more than 18,000 people have been discharged from hospitals .
In many provinces and regions , except the central part , there have been no new infection cases for more than 10 days .
In Hubei province , especially in the city of Wuhan , the number of infected people is declining , '' he pointed out .
The diplomat noted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In Hubei province , it is about two-plus percent , and throughout the country just 0.55 % .
We are able to control the situation , '' he added .
He also reaffirmed Beijing ’ s willingness to intensify cooperation with Russian partners in healthcare and in the fight against foreign meddling in both countries ’ domestic affairs .
The outbreak of the now-infamous novel coronavirus pneumonia was recorded in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis , in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization has declared it a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Apart from China , 25 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the death toll in China has climbed to 2,239 , more than 18,300 patients have recovered , while the number of infected people has almost reached 75,600 .

"We can emerge victorious in the battle against that virus. In addition to Hubei province, we can win that victory in other regions as early as this month, while in the epicenter of the epidemic, we could completely eliminate that virus throughout China within next month," he said at a meeting with First Deputy Speaker of the Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Ivan Melnikov.
MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities will be able to win the battle against the novel coronavirus throughout the country by the end of March, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said on Friday.
According to the ambassador, 99% of novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in China. "To date, more than 18,000 people have been discharged from hospitals. In many provinces and regions, except the central part, there have been no new infection cases for more than 10 days. In Hubei province, especially in the city of Wuhan, the number of infected people is declining," he pointed out.
The diplomat noted that the novel coronavirus mortality rate was relatively low. "In Hubei province, it is about two-plus percent, and throughout the country just 0.55%. We are able to control the situation," he added.
He also reaffirmed Beijing’s willingness to intensify cooperation with Russian partners in healthcare and in the fight against foreign meddling in both countries’ domestic affairs.
The outbreak of the now-infamous novel coronavirus pneumonia was recorded in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Apart from China, 25 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
According to the latest data, the death toll in China has climbed to 2,239, more than 18,300 patients have recovered, while the number of infected people has almost reached 75,600.


tass--2020-02-21--Silicon Motion demonstrates full product line of embedded storage at 2020 embedded world

TAIPEI , Taiwan , Feb. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Motion Technology Corporation ( NasdaqGS : SIMO ) ( `` Silicon Motion '' ) , a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices , today announced it will be presenting at Embedded World in Nuremberg , Germany from February 25th to 27th and will be showcasing an array of embedded storage solutions and embedded graphics solutions in booth 1-139 in hall 1 .
The FerriSSD , a Silicon Motion-branded BGA-SSD , is optimally designed for a wide range of embedded applications featuring high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Available in PCIe NVMe , SATA , PATA and SSD industry standard interfaces , the SM689 series supports embedded DRAM with data redundancy in a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface - delivering sequential read speed of up to 1.65GB/s and sequential write speed of up to 650MB/s .
The SM681 DRAM-Less series features the best balance of price and performance by eliminating the need for expensive DRAM while maintaining high performance via HMB ( Host Memory Buffer ) .
Available in C-temp and I-temp in 3D TLC/MLC/SLC modes , FerriSSD incorporates a unique flexible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 4GB to 480GB and features full data path protection with self-correction capability via the latest proprietary technologies from Silicon Motion .
The Ferri-UFS leverages industry leading technology and experience in NAND management , and supports UFS2.1 advanced features such as HS-Gear3 x 2-lane mode and command queue .
With extended temperature and various capacity support , the Ferri-UFS is also well suited for the unique requirements of point-of-sale terminals , networking and telecommunications equipment as well as a variety of leading-edge industrial applications .
With superior performance , multitasking support , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve the needs of a wide variety of mobile devices and embedded/portable applications .
The Ferri-eMMC Solution combines NAND flash memory and an embedded microcontroller with firmware in a cost-effective form-factor and is compliant with the JEDEC/eMMC 4.5/5.0/5.1 interface and protocol standards .
Ferri-eMMC is useful for a wide range of applications and is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive requirements .
Based on proven Silicon Motion eMMC controller and firmware technologies , Ferri-eMMC Solutions feature advanced NAND management , error correction , bad block management and health monitoring .
All of these features combine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more robust data integrity and protection unprecedented in the market .
Silicon Motion 's new Graphics Display SoC enables high performance single as well as multiple displays at 4K ultra high definition through PCIe , USB , Ethernet or Wi-Fi interfaces .
Target applications include embedded PCIe graphics , USB display docking station/adapters , USB monitors , zero/thin clients , point-of-sales terminals , wireless displays , digital signage , video conferencing systems , etc .
Silicon Motion 's Graphics Display SoC can connect to a host through PCI-Express or an integrated USB 3.0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CAT ) .
CAT uses adaptive algorithms to compress content for delivery through USB or a network .
We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices and the merchant leader in supplying SSD controllers .
We have the broadest portfolio of controller technologies and our controllers are widely used in embedded storage products such as SSDs and eMMC+UFS devices , which are found in smartphones , PCs and commercial and industrial applications .
We have shipped over six billion NAND controllers in the last ten years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .
We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and industrial SSD solutions .
Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors , storage device module makers and leading OEMs .
For further information on Silicon Motion , visit us at www.siliconmotion.com .

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO) ("Silicon Motion"), a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices, today announced it will be presenting at Embedded World in Nuremberg, Germany from February 25th to 27th and will be showcasing an array of embedded storage solutions and embedded graphics solutions in booth 1-139 in hall 1.
Products showcased at Silicon Motion's booth will include:
FerriSSD® Solutions
The FerriSSD, a Silicon Motion-branded BGA-SSD, is optimally designed for a wide range of embedded applications featuring high performance in a small form factor. Available in PCIe NVMe, SATA, PATA and SSD industry standard interfaces, the SM689 series supports embedded DRAM with data redundancy in a PCIe Gen3 x4 interface - delivering sequential read speed of up to 1.65GB/s and sequential write speed of up to 650MB/s. The SM681 DRAM-Less series features the best balance of price and performance by eliminating the need for expensive DRAM while maintaining high performance via HMB (Host Memory Buffer). Available in C-temp and I-temp in 3D TLC/MLC/SLC modes, FerriSSD incorporates a unique flexible design which supports multiple capacity configurations ranging from 4GB to 480GB and features full data path protection with self-correction capability via the latest proprietary technologies from Silicon Motion.
Ferri-UFS™ Solutions
The Ferri-UFS leverages industry leading technology and experience in NAND management, and supports UFS2.1 advanced features such as HS-Gear3 x 2-lane mode and command queue. With extended temperature and various capacity support, the Ferri-UFS is also well suited for the unique requirements of point-of-sale terminals, networking and telecommunications equipment as well as a variety of leading-edge industrial applications. With superior performance, multitasking support, and high stability, the Ferri-UFS can seamlessly serve the needs of a wide variety of mobile devices and embedded/portable applications.
Ferri-eMMC® Solutions
The Ferri-eMMC Solution combines NAND flash memory and an embedded microcontroller with firmware in a cost-effective form-factor and is compliant with the JEDEC/eMMC 4.5/5.0/5.1 interface and protocol standards. Ferri-eMMC is useful for a wide range of applications and is AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive requirements. Based on proven Silicon Motion eMMC controller and firmware technologies, Ferri-eMMC Solutions feature advanced NAND management, error correction, bad block management and health monitoring. All of these features combine to give Ferri-eMMC the power to deliver more robust data integrity and protection unprecedented in the market.
Graphics Display SoCs
Silicon Motion's new Graphics Display SoC enables high performance single as well as multiple displays at 4K ultra high definition through PCIe, USB, Ethernet or Wi-Fi interfaces. Target applications include embedded PCIe graphics, USB display docking station/adapters, USB monitors, zero/thin clients, point-of-sales terminals, wireless displays, digital signage, video conferencing systems, etc. Silicon Motion's Graphics Display SoC can connect to a host through PCI-Express or an integrated USB 3.0 interface incorporating our Content Adaptive Technology (CAT). CAT uses adaptive algorithms to compress content for delivery through USB or a network.
About Silicon Motion
We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices and the merchant leader in supplying SSD controllers. We have the broadest portfolio of controller technologies and our controllers are widely used in embedded storage products such as SSDs and eMMC+UFS devices, which are found in smartphones, PCs and commercial and industrial applications. We have shipped over six billion NAND controllers in the last ten years, more than any other company in the world. We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and industrial SSD solutions. Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors, storage device module makers and leading OEMs. For further information on Silicon Motion, visit us at www.siliconmotion.com.
Corporate Media Contact:
Minnie Lin
Director of Marketing Communication Department
Tel: +886-2-2219-6688x3010
E-mail: minnie.lin@siliconmotion.com
Sales & Marketing Communications Contact:
Robert Fan
President of SMI USA
Tel: +1-408-519-7219
E-mail: rfan@siliconmotion.com


tass--2020-02-21--Eight more Russian citizens leave cruise ship in Japan

TOKYO , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Another eight Russian nationals who had tested negative for the novel coronavirus and who had been held under a two-week quarantine have left the Diamond Princess cruise ship anchored in the port of the Japanese city of Yokohama , the Russian Embassy in Japan reported on Friday .
`` Eight Russians who will return to their home country soon left the ship earlier today .
Our fellow countrymen who remain onboard will soon go ashore as well as soon as all the paperwork is done , '' the embassy said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had tested negative for the novel coronavirus have left the vessel over the past two days .
There were a total of 3,700 people , including 24 Russians , onboard the ship .
Four Russian citizens were earlier taken to the hospitals , three of them had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and another one was hospitalized due to the risk of being infected .
The evacuation of passengers from the Diamond Princess ship , which began on February 19 , is expected to end on Friday .
About 1,150 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that time .
The Diamond Princess cruise ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3 .
A coronavirus-infected Chinese citizen who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong was among the passengers .
In accordance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities , the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks starting with February 5 .
The outbreak of the now-infamous novel coronavirus pneumonia was recorded in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million , in late December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared it a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Apart from China , 25 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the death toll in China has climbed to 2,236 , more than 18,200 patients have recovered , while the number of infected people has exceeded 75,400 .

TOKYO, February 21. /TASS/. Another eight Russian nationals who had tested negative for the novel coronavirus and who had been held under a two-week quarantine have left the Diamond Princess cruise ship anchored in the port of the Japanese city of Yokohama, the Russian Embassy in Japan reported on Friday.
"Eight Russians who will return to their home country soon left the ship earlier today. Our fellow countrymen who remain onboard will soon go ashore as well as soon as all the paperwork is done," the embassy said in a statement posted on Facebook. Six Russian citizens who had tested negative for the novel coronavirus have left the vessel over the past two days.
There were a total of 3,700 people, including 24 Russians, onboard the ship. Four Russian citizens were earlier taken to the hospitals, three of them had been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and another one was hospitalized due to the risk of being infected.
The evacuation of passengers from the Diamond Princess ship, which began on February 19, is expected to end on Friday. About 1,150 people are supposed to leave the ship during that time.
The Diamond Princess cruise ship left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3. A coronavirus-infected Chinese citizen who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong was among the passengers. In accordance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities, the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks starting with February 5.
The outbreak of the now-infamous novel coronavirus pneumonia was recorded in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Apart from China, 25 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
According to the latest data, the death toll in China has climbed to 2,236, more than 18,200 patients have recovered, while the number of infected people has exceeded 75,400.


tass--2020-02-21--Huawei Releases Best 5G Network to Empower Business Success

LONDON , Feb. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Huawei product and solution launch in London , Peng Song , President of Huawei 's Carrier BG Marketing and Solution Sales Dept , delivered a keynote .
During this keynote , he announced the release of a cutting-edge 5G network , which is intended to help operators achieve commercial 5G success .
As a Chinese saying goes , `` to become rich , you must first build a road '' .
Likewise , operators ' commercial 5G success must be built upon the most advanced 5G network that is simplifed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultra-high bandwidth and end-to-end AI .
The cutting-edge 5G network released at the event is not just for show .
It includes a series of product solutions , such as the simplified radio access network ( RAN ) , smart IP network , ultra-high-bandwidth transport network , green connections , and AI-enabled end-to-end 5G services .
• Simplified RAN accelerates 5G deployment : The simplified RAN features three product solutions : the industry 's lightest 3rd-generation Massive MIMO antenna ; the Blade AAU with the industry 's highest level of integration ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions address pain points during installation , site acquisition , and scattered frequency bands to help operators rapidly deploy 5G .
The 3rd-generation Massive MIMO antenna , supporting 64T64R , is both light and easy to install .
The Blade AAU supports active and passive integration under all sub-6 GHz frequency bands , significantly shortening the time required for site acquisition .
The 400 MHz ultra-wideband AAU is an entire generation ahead of the rest of the industry .
• Smart IP network leads the industry in supporting committable SLA : Through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transformed into SLA-committable IP networks .
With FlexE-based flexible network slicing , the smart IP network boasts the industry 's highest slicing precision , at 1 Gbit/s .
This is 5 times the industry average .
Working with the Network Cloud Engine ( NCE ) and using SRv6 , the smart IP network is the first in the industry to support committable latency .
The solution also utilizes In-situ Flow Information Telemetry ( iFIT ) , meaning faults can be located in minutes and the network is highly available .
• Ultra-high-bandwidth transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ module : This solution provides a transmission capacity of 48 Tbit/s on a single optical fiber , 40 % higher than the industry average .
This will ensure the transport network can evolve smoothly over the next 10 years .
• Green connections lower the power consumption of 5G sites : The 5G AAU uses Huawei 's proprietary highly integrated chips , reducing power consumption by more than 15 % .
The AI-enabled PowerStar solution also supports multi-standard , multi-frequency-band coordination , lowing the power consumption of the entire network by an additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AI-enabled , end-to-end 5G delivery opens the way to a digital , intelligent era : AI is applied to the full lifecycle management of 5G .
This ensures network planning becomes more precise for better user experience , network construction becomes more agile for higher quality , services marketed to users are more targeted , and user experience issues are addressed more rapidly .
`` The cutting-edge 5G network we released today is just a tip of the iceberg , '' says Peng Song , `` We consistently invest in areas such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to develop leading products and solutions for the industry and help operators achieve commercial 5G success . ''

LONDON, Feb. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Huawei product and solution launch in London, Peng Song, President of Huawei's Carrier BG Marketing and Solution Sales Dept, delivered a keynote. During this keynote, he announced the release of a cutting-edge 5G network, which is intended to help operators achieve commercial 5G success.
As a Chinese saying goes, "to become rich, you must first build a road". Likewise, operators' commercial 5G success must be built upon the most advanced 5G network that is simplifed, smart, eco-friendly, and supports ultra-high bandwidth and end-to-end AI.
The cutting-edge 5G network released at the event is not just for show. It includes a series of product solutions, such as the simplified radio access network (RAN), smart IP network, ultra-high-bandwidth transport network, green connections, and AI-enabled end-to-end 5G services.
Simplified RAN accelerates 5G deployment: The simplified RAN features three product solutions: the industry's lightest 3rd-generation Massive MIMO antenna; the Blade AAU with the industry's highest level of integration; and a 400 MHz ultra-wideband AAU. These solutions address pain points during installation, site acquisition, and scattered frequency bands to help operators rapidly deploy 5G. The 3rd-generation Massive MIMO antenna, supporting 64T64R, is both light and easy to install. The Blade AAU supports active and passive integration under all sub-6 GHz frequency bands, significantly shortening the time required for site acquisition. The 400 MHz ultra-wideband AAU is an entire generation ahead of the rest of the industry.
The simplified RAN features three product solutions: the industry's lightest 3rd-generation Massive MIMO antenna; the Blade AAU with the industry's highest level of integration; and a 400 MHz ultra-wideband AAU. These solutions address pain points during installation, site acquisition, and scattered frequency bands to help operators rapidly deploy 5G. The 3rd-generation Massive MIMO antenna, supporting 64T64R, is both light and easy to install. The Blade AAU supports active and passive integration under all sub-6 GHz frequency bands, significantly shortening the time required for site acquisition. The 400 MHz ultra-wideband AAU is an entire generation ahead of the rest of the industry. Smart IP network leads the industry in supporting committable SLA: Through this solution, best-effort IP networks can be transformed into SLA-committable IP networks. With FlexE-based flexible network slicing, the smart IP network boasts the industry's highest slicing precision, at 1 Gbit/s. This is 5 times the industry average. Working with the Network Cloud Engine (NCE) and using SRv6, the smart IP network is the first in the industry to support committable latency. The solution also utilizes In-situ Flow Information Telemetry (iFIT), meaning faults can be located in minutes and the network is highly available.
Through this solution, best-effort IP networks can be transformed into SLA-committable IP networks. With FlexE-based flexible network slicing, the smart IP network boasts the industry's highest slicing precision, at 1 Gbit/s. This is 5 times the industry average. Working with the Network Cloud Engine (NCE) and using SRv6, the smart IP network is the first in the industry to support committable latency. The solution also utilizes In-situ Flow Information Telemetry (iFIT), meaning faults can be located in minutes and the network is highly available. Ultra-high-bandwidth transport network with the industry's first 800G module: This solution provides a transmission capacity of 48 Tbit/s on a single optical fiber, 40% higher than the industry average. This will ensure the transport network can evolve smoothly over the next 10 years.
This solution provides a transmission capacity of 48 Tbit/s on a single optical fiber, 40% higher than the industry average. This will ensure the transport network can evolve smoothly over the next 10 years. Green connections lower the power consumption of 5G sites: The 5G AAU uses Huawei's proprietary highly integrated chips, reducing power consumption by more than 15%. The AI-enabled PowerStar solution also supports multi-standard, multi-frequency-band coordination, lowing the power consumption of the entire network by an additional 15% to 20%.
The 5G AAU uses Huawei's proprietary highly integrated chips, reducing power consumption by more than 15%. The AI-enabled PowerStar solution also supports multi-standard, multi-frequency-band coordination, lowing the power consumption of the entire network by an additional 15% to 20%. AI-enabled, end-to-end 5G delivery opens the way to a digital, intelligent era: AI is applied to the full lifecycle management of 5G. This ensures network planning becomes more precise for better user experience, network construction becomes more agile for higher quality, services marketed to users are more targeted, and user experience issues are addressed more rapidly.
"The cutting-edge 5G network we released today is just a tip of the iceberg," says Peng Song, "We consistently invest in areas such as basic theories, materials, and algorithms to develop leading products and solutions for the industry and help operators achieve commercial 5G success."
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1093528/Peng_Song_Releases_5G_E2E_Solution.jpg
CONTACT: Zheng Xinyi,+86-136-895-70489


tass--2020-02-21--Putin has not seen Zelensky’s Servant of the People TV series

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he has not watched the TV @ @ @ @ @ starring Vladimir Zelensky , Ukraine ’ s current president .
`` I have n't seen @ @ @ @ @ TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' @ @ @ @ @ nothing about the main character Vasily Goloborodko , or any episodes of the series .
@ @ @ @ @ the first time on the 1+1 television channel , later skyrocketing in Ukraine ’ s @ @ @ @ @ nationwide hit .
Earlier , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin had not been @ @ @ @ @ series at all , nor would he be able to watch the Servant of the @ @ @ @ @ pressed for time .
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https : @ @

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he has not watched the TV series Servant of the People starring Vladimir Zelensky, Ukraine’s current president.
"I haven't seen it," Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin". He added he knew nothing about the main character Vasily Goloborodko, or any episodes of the series.
The series was aired for the first time on the 1+1 television channel, later skyrocketing in Ukraine’s TV ratings to become a nationwide hit.
Earlier, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin had not been able to watch any TV series at all, nor would he be able to watch the Servant of the People, because he was pressed for time.
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-02-21--Putin notes founders of Ukrainian nationalism favored good relations with Russia

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The founders of Ukrainian nationalism in the 19th century sought good relations with Russia , Russian President Vladimir Putin recalled .
`` The founding fathers of Ukrainian nationalism never spoke about any urgent need to break up with Russia , '' Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
The Russian leader recalled that in their fundamental works , the Ukrainian nationalists of the 19th century said that Ukraine was multi-ethnic and should be a federal state that would build good relations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem to have forgotten that .
I ’ ll tell you why they have forgotten that .
You know why ?
Because the interests of the Ukrainian people are not the main issue on their agenda .
How can it be in the interest of the Ukrainian people , if the break-up with Russia has led to the loss of aerospace engineering , shipbuilding , aeronautical engineering and engine manufacturing .
It is virtually deindustrializing the country , '' he stated .
Putin recalled that gas prices in Ukraine were soaring because the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also , the country was forced into exporting round timber from the Carpathians .
`` Soon , the Carpathians are going to become deforested , '' he warned .
`` What was the reason for doing this ?
If we pool our efforts together , we can innumerably bolster our competitive advantages , so why forfeit it ?
Why throw everything away ?
For what ? ''
Putin wondered .
Episode 2 of this video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. The founders of Ukrainian nationalism in the 19th century sought good relations with Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin recalled.
"The founding fathers of Ukrainian nationalism never spoke about any urgent need to break up with Russia," Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin".
The Russian leader recalled that in their fundamental works, the Ukrainian nationalists of the 19th century said that Ukraine was multi-ethnic and should be a federal state that would build good relations with Russia.
"Today’s nationalists seem to have forgotten that. I’ll tell you why they have forgotten that. You know why? Because the interests of the Ukrainian people are not the main issue on their agenda. How can it be in the interest of the Ukrainian people, if the break-up with Russia has led to the loss of aerospace engineering, shipbuilding, aeronautical engineering and engine manufacturing. It is virtually deindustrializing the country," he stated.
Putin recalled that gas prices in Ukraine were soaring because the World Bank demanded an end to cross-subsidization. Also, the country was forced into exporting round timber from the Carpathians. "Soon, the Carpathians are going to become deforested," he warned.
"What was the reason for doing this? If we pool our efforts together, we can innumerably bolster our competitive advantages, so why forfeit it? Why throw everything away? For what?" Putin wondered.
Episode 2 of this video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-02-21--Putin hopes to work with Zelensky towards better Russian-Ukrainian ties

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes for an agreement with Ukraine ’ s President Vladimir Zelensky on improving relations between the two countries .
`` There ’ s always hope , '' Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
By the same token , he pointed to certain changes in the stance of his Ukrainian counterpart .
`` Unfortunately , as you see , after returning from Paris ( from the Normandy Quartet summit between Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelensky ] started talking about the necessity to review the Minsk Agreements .
This begs the question , '' Putin said .
At the same time , he recalled that Moscow and Kiev had managed to agree on a prisoner swap , and on gas transit through Ukraine .
Zelensky , who emerged as the winner in Ukraine ’ s presidential election in the spring of 2019 , declared that he saw his main goal in putting an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and vowed readiness to implement the Minsk Agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader , there was the first-ever telephone conversation between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents .
In the autumn , there was the first swap of individuals in custody , already convicted or still under investigation .
At the very end of 2019 , Gazprom and Naftogaz agreed to prolong the agreement to transit Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine .
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes for an agreement with Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky on improving relations between the two countries.
"There’s always hope," Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin".
By the same token, he pointed to certain changes in the stance of his Ukrainian counterpart.
"Unfortunately, as you see, after returning from Paris (from the Normandy Quartet summit between Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France on December 9 - TASS) he [Zelensky] started talking about the necessity to review the Minsk Agreements. This begs the question," Putin said.
At the same time, he recalled that Moscow and Kiev had managed to agree on a prisoner swap, and on gas transit through Ukraine.
Zelensky, who emerged as the winner in Ukraine’s presidential election in the spring of 2019, declared that he saw his main goal in putting an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine and vowed readiness to implement the Minsk Agreements. At the initiative of the Ukrainian leader, there was the first-ever telephone conversation between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. In the autumn, there was the first swap of individuals in custody, already convicted or still under investigation. At the very end of 2019, Gazprom and Naftogaz agreed to prolong the agreement to transit Russian gas to Europe through Ukraine.
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-02-21--Putin urges respect for Ukrainians’ identity, highlights mutual roots

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it is important to respect Ukrainians ’ national identity , but at the same time never lose sight of the fact that both countries have a common history .
`` Once it happened like this and a big part of the Ukrainian population got a sense of their own national identity , etc.
, we should respect that , '' Putin said .
`` We should understand where we are now , but not forget who we are and where we come from , '' Putin told TASS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
He pointed out that at a certain historical stage in areas sharing the border with the Catholic world `` a community of people feeling to some extent independent from the Russian state began to emerge . ''
`` How should we feel about that ?
We should respect that .
But we should not forget about our shared community . ''
`` In the modern world our joint efforts bring us huge competitive advantages .
And , vice versa , division makes us weaker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the eve of World War I by the Austrian special service .
Why ?
It is well-known - to divide and rule , '' Putin explained .
Russians and Ukrainians are the same people Putin said that Russia and Ukraine had a great deal to share , although some rifts certainly existed .
He agreed that Russia was sustaining losses from the lack of friendship with Ukraine .
`` I have said time and again , I believe that we are the same people .
I do n't know whether they [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but if you look at the real situation , that is true , '' Putin said .
He pointed out that several centuries ago there were no linguistic differences .
`` Only as a result of Polonization of Ukrainians that lived in the territory under the Rzeczpospolita , only around the 16th century would the first language differences appear , '' he added .
`` The term ‘ Ukrainians ’ was used when talking about the people who lived on the frontiers of the Russian state .
Ukrainians lived in Pskov , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Crimean khan were called Ukrainians .
Ukrainians were everywhere , even in the Urals .
`` Around the same time , up until the 14th-15th centuries even those people , the eastern Slavs , who lived in the Rzeczpospolita or in Muscovy or later in Poland were called Russians .
The first linguistic differences appeared much later , '' he stated .
Putin is certain that `` in order to talk about today and tomorrow we need to know history , we need to know who we are , where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The Russian leader acknowledged : `` Many things do divide us , but we should not forget about the bonds that unite us .
Also , we should avoid ruining what we have . ''
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it is important to respect Ukrainians’ national identity, but at the same time never lose sight of the fact that both countries have a common history.
"Once it happened like this and a big part of the Ukrainian population got a sense of their own national identity, etc., we should respect that," Putin said. "We should understand where we are now, but not forget who we are and where we come from," Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin".
He pointed out that at a certain historical stage in areas sharing the border with the Catholic world "a community of people feeling to some extent independent from the Russian state began to emerge." "How should we feel about that? We should respect that. But we should not forget about our shared community."
"In the modern world our joint efforts bring us huge competitive advantages. And, vice versa, division makes us weaker. The Ukrainian factor was specifically played out on the eve of World War I by the Austrian special service. Why? It is well-known - to divide and rule," Putin explained.
Russians and Ukrainians are the same people
Putin said that Russia and Ukraine had a great deal to share, although some rifts certainly existed. He agreed that Russia was sustaining losses from the lack of friendship with Ukraine.
"I have said time and again, I believe that we are the same people. I don't know whether they [Ukrainians] like this or not, but if you look at the real situation, that is true," Putin said.
He pointed out that several centuries ago there were no linguistic differences.
"Only as a result of Polonization of Ukrainians that lived in the territory under the Rzeczpospolita, only around the 16th century would the first language differences appear," he added.
"The term ‘Ukrainians’ was used when talking about the people who lived on the frontiers of the Russian state. Ukrainians lived in Pskov, those who defended the southern frontiers from attacks by the Crimean khan were called Ukrainians. Ukrainians were everywhere, even in the Urals.
"Around the same time, up until the 14th-15th centuries even those people, the eastern Slavs, who lived in the Rzeczpospolita or in Muscovy or later in Poland were called Russians. The first linguistic differences appeared much later," he stated.
Putin is certain that "in order to talk about today and tomorrow we need to know history, we need to know who we are, where we came from, and what unites us".
The Russian leader acknowledged: "Many things do divide us, but we should not forget about the bonds that unite us. Also, we should avoid ruining what we have."
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-02-21--Putin says church rift in Ukraine ‘cut the cords that bind’

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate had been fully independent from Moscow before the schism .
`` The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is in fact fully autonomous .
It has been fully autonomous all along in all respects , including the election of hierarchs , '' Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
`` There has only been full communion and the liturgical commemoration of the Moscow Patriarch , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That 's it !
It has been the only thing uniting the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate .
But they needed to cut the cords that bind .
Why ? ''
he asked .
Putin stressed that many people were unaware of that .
`` They ’ ll understand better , if they know it .
They should be told that , '' he believes .
In 2018 , after the Unification Orthodox Assembly in Kiev , two non-canonical religious organizations - the Ukrainian Autocephalous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Kiev Patriarchate merged under a common name of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine , which was given autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew II of Constantinople .
The Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox churches do not recognize the OCU as a canonical church .
The OCU ’ s recognition was the reason why the Russian Orthodox Church severed full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and also with the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and the hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Alexandria .
Episode @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate had been fully independent from Moscow before the schism.
"The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is in fact fully autonomous. It has been fully autonomous all along in all respects, including the election of hierarchs," Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin".
"There has only been full communion and the liturgical commemoration of the Moscow Patriarch, who was recalled all the time in churches. That's it! It has been the only thing uniting the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. But they needed to cut the cords that bind. Why?" he asked.
Putin stressed that many people were unaware of that. "They’ll understand better, if they know it. They should be told that," he believes.
In 2018, after the Unification Orthodox Assembly in Kiev, two non-canonical religious organizations - the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kiev Patriarchate merged under a common name of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which was given autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew II of Constantinople. The Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox churches do not recognize the OCU as a canonical church. The OCU’s recognition was the reason why the Russian Orthodox Church severed full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and also with the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and the hierarchs of the Greek Orthodox Church and the Orthodox Church of Alexandria.
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-02-21--Putin says Russia, Ukraine torn apart to prevent major rival from emerging

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian-Ukrainian cooperation irks numerous countries because it creates a global competitor to challenge them , Russian President Vladimir Putin said .
`` Any integration of Russia and Ukraine , along with their capacities and competitive advantages would spell the emergence of a rival , a global rival for both Europe and the world .
No one wants this .
That 's why they 'll do anything to tear us apart , '' Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
He refrained from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Those who took power pursued their self-interests .
And what were they ?
Not even to get more from robbing the Ukrainian people blind , but hold on to what they had previously stolen .
That was the main objective .
So , where ’ s the cold hard cash ?
Pardon my slang , where is the money ?
In foreign banks , '' he emphasized .
Putin stressed that the owners of the foreign accounts were keen `` to show that they are serving those who hold that money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they trade in is Russophobia .
Because some like dividing Ukraine and Russia , they believe it 's a very important goal , '' he added .
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en starting from 09:30 Moscow time .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian-Ukrainian cooperation irks numerous countries because it creates a global competitor to challenge them, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"Any integration of Russia and Ukraine, along with their capacities and competitive advantages would spell the emergence of a rival, a global rival for both Europe and the world. No one wants this. That's why they'll do anything to tear us apart," Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin".
He refrained from mentioning the countries he had in mind.
"Those who took power pursued their self-interests. And what were they? Not even to get more from robbing the Ukrainian people blind, but hold on to what they had previously stolen. That was the main objective. So, where’s the cold hard cash? Pardon my slang, where is the money? In foreign banks," he emphasized.
Putin stressed that the owners of the foreign accounts were keen "to show that they are serving those who hold that money." Hence, the only thing that they trade in is Russophobia. Because some like dividing Ukraine and Russia, they believe it's a very important goal," he added.
Episode 2 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en starting from 09:30 Moscow time.


tass--2020-02-21--Russian Embassy slams Canada’s statement on Georgia cyberattacks

OTTAWA , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Canadian Foreign Ministry ’ s statement pinning the responsibility for cyberattacks targeting Georgian government websites in October 2019 on Russia is another Russophobic step , which will exacerbate Russian-Canadian relations , the Russian Embassy in Ottawa said in a Twitter post .
`` Another piece of Russophobic lies and fakes spread by Ottawa in concert with Tbilisi and Washington .
Highly deplorable and reprehensible policy furtherly degrading already weakened Russia-Canada relations , '' the embassy noted .
On Thursday , the Canadian Foreign Ministry said that Ottawa joined its allies who likewise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of massive and destructive cyberattacks targeting Georgia .
The Russian Foreign Ministry has rejected these accusations stressing that they were unfounded and politically motivated .
Moscow voiced regret over the fact that Georgia continued to pursue the policy of demonizing Russia and learned no lessons from last year ’ s crisis .
Georgian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Vladimir Konstantinidi earlier alleged that the Main Directorate of Russia ’ s General Staff was behind the massive cyberattack on Georgia ’ s government and commercial websites in October 2019 .
He claimed that the investigation conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation with its international partners pointed to that .

OTTAWA, February 21. /TASS/. The Canadian Foreign Ministry’s statement pinning the responsibility for cyberattacks targeting Georgian government websites in October 2019 on Russia is another Russophobic step, which will exacerbate Russian-Canadian relations, the Russian Embassy in Ottawa said in a Twitter post.
"Another piece of Russophobic lies and fakes spread by Ottawa in concert with Tbilisi and Washington. Highly deplorable and reprehensible policy furtherly degrading already weakened Russia-Canada relations," the embassy noted.
On Thursday, the Canadian Foreign Ministry said that Ottawa joined its allies who likewise accused Moscow of carrying out a series of massive and destructive cyberattacks targeting Georgia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has rejected these accusations stressing that they were unfounded and politically motivated. Moscow voiced regret over the fact that Georgia continued to pursue the policy of demonizing Russia and learned no lessons from last year’s crisis.
Georgian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Vladimir Konstantinidi earlier alleged that the Main Directorate of Russia’s General Staff was behind the massive cyberattack on Georgia’s government and commercial websites in October 2019. He claimed that the investigation conducted by Georgia and the information received in cooperation with its international partners pointed to that.


tass--2020-02-21--China may start clinical trials of new coronavirus vaccine in April

BEIJING , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese scientists will be able to prepare the new vaccine against the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ end of April at the earliest , China 's Deputy Minister of Science and Technology @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` When it comes to developing a vaccine , according to comprehensive @ @ @ @ @ this vaccine will be submitted for clinical trials no earlier than at the end of @ @ @ @ @ .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus were confirmed in 25 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
According to latest reports @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus climbed to 2,236 , while around 18,300 people recovered , and the @ @ @ @ @ exceeded 75,400 .

BEIJING, February 21. /TASS/. Chinese scientists will be able to prepare the new vaccine against the coronavirus for clinical trials at the end of April at the earliest, China's Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Xu Nanping told a briefing on Friday.
"When it comes to developing a vaccine, according to comprehensive research and preliminary calculations, this vaccine will be submitted for clinical trials no earlier than at the end of April," Xu said.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 25 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. According to latest reports, the death toll from the new coronavirus climbed to 2,236, while around 18,300 people recovered, and the totoal number of confirmed cases exceeded 75,400.


tass--2020-02-21--Earthquake of 5.1 magnitude rocks Mexico's south-west

MEXICO CITY , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
An earthquake of 5.1 magnitude has rocked the state of Guerrero in @ @ @ @ @ National Seismological Service wrote on its official Twitter account on Thursday .
The earthquake 's @ @ @ @ @ to the north of the city of Atayac de Alvarez at the depth of 10 @ @ @ @ @ damages were reported .
The tremors were felt in several parts of Mexico City .

MEXICO CITY, February 21. /TASS/. An earthquake of 5.1 magnitude has rocked the state of Guerrero in Mexico's south-west, the National Seismological Service wrote on its official Twitter account on Thursday.
The earthquake's epicenter lay in 19 km to the north of the city of Atayac de Alvarez at the depth of 10 km. No injuries or damages were reported. The tremors were felt in several parts of Mexico City.


tass--2020-02-21--Bolivia's electoral body blocks Morales from running for Senate

BUENOS AIRES , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Bolivia 's Supreme Electoral Tribunal has declined the application of former president @ @ @ @ @ a candidate for the Senate , the Tribunal 's head Salvador Romero told a press @ @ @ @ @ Economy Minister Luis Arce , who is a supporter of Morales , was allowed to @ @ @ @ @ .
`` A decision was made to decline the application for registering as a candidate @ @ @ @ @ > by Evo Morales .
At the same time , complaints against registration of Luis @ @ @ @ @ the Movement to Socialism party , were considered unfounded , '' Romero said .
He @ @ @ @ @ was declined because he failed to fulfill the permanent residence requirement .
After resigning in @ @ @ @ @ Bolivia and went to Mexico and then to Argentina , which granted him a refugee @ @

BUENOS AIRES, February 21. /TASS/. Bolivia's Supreme Electoral Tribunal has declined the application of former president Evo Morales to register as a candidate for the Senate, the Tribunal's head Salvador Romero told a press conference on Thursday.
Former Economy Minister Luis Arce, who is a supporter of Morales, was allowed to run in the upcoming elections.
"A decision was made to decline the application for registering as a candidate for the Senate <...> by Evo Morales. At the same time, complaints against registration of Luis Arce, presidential candidate from the Movement to Socialism party, were considered unfounded," Romero said.
He added that Morales' application was declined because he failed to fulfill the permanent residence requirement. After resigning in November 2019, Morales left Bolivia and went to Mexico and then to Argentina, which granted him a refugee status.


tass--2020-02-21--Death toll from new coronavirus in China climbs to 2,236

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from the new coronavirus has climbed to 2,236 @ @ @ @ @ people recovered , China 's National Health Commission reported on Friday .
The death toll @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours , and 2,109 people recovered in the last day .
The total @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus in China exceeded 75,400 , increasing by 889 in the past day @ @ @ @ @ fatalities is reported in Hubei province — 115 in the last 24 hours .
Around @ @ @ @ @ in Hubei , where the new coronavirus outbreak was first reported in late December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of @ @ @ @ @ 25 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared @ @ @ @ @ health emergency of international concern .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. /TASS/. The death toll from the new coronavirus has climbed to 2,236 in China, and 18,264 people recovered, China's National Health Commission reported on Friday.
The death toll increased by 118 in the past 24 hours, and 2,109 people recovered in the last day. The total number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in China exceeded 75,400, increasing by 889 in the past day.
The largest number of fatalities is reported in Hubei province — 115 in the last 24 hours. Around 62,400 confirmed cases are registered in Hubei, where the new coronavirus outbreak was first reported in late December 2019.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 25 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-21--Leaders of EU members call for ceasing hostilities in Syria's Idlib

BRUSSELS , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The leaders of the 27 EU member states call on all parties in the Syrian conflict to immediately cease hostilities in Idlib province , the statement of the Europan Council said .
`` The renewed military offensive in Idlib by the Syrian regime and its backers , casuing enormous human suffering , is unacceptable , '' the statement said .
`` The EU calls on all actors to cease hostilities immediately , '' the statement added .
`` The EU reiterates , in the strongest possible terms , its calls on all parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , guarantee the protection of civilians and fully implement their commitments under the Sochi Memorandum of 17 September 2018 , '' the statement stressed .
`` The EU urges all parties to the conflict to fully respect its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to allow unimpeded and direct humanitarian access to all those in need , '' the statement said .
`` Accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law is of utmost importance .
For this reason the EU reiterates its call for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the International Criminal Court .
The EU is committed to strengthening its humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable civilian population in the Idlib area , '' the statement added .
The situation in Idlib escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish forces made another attempt to introduce a ceasefire regime .
In response , terrorists only stepped up their attacks .
On February 11 , the Syrian opposition with Turkey 's support launched an offensive at the Syrian forces in Saraqib and Neirab in Idlib province .
The Syrian army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use all of its military force in case of an operation in Idlib .
He added that a military operation in Idlib is `` only a matter of time .
`` .

BRUSSELS, February 21. /TASS/. The leaders of the 27 EU member states call on all parties in the Syrian conflict to immediately cease hostilities in Idlib province, the statement of the Europan Council said.
"The renewed military offensive in Idlib by the Syrian regime and its backers, casuing enormous human suffering, is unacceptable," the statement said. "The EU calls on all actors to cease hostilities immediately," the statement added.
"The EU reiterates, in the strongest possible terms, its calls on all parties to put in place a sustainable ceasefire, guarantee the protection of civilians and fully implement their commitments under the Sochi Memorandum of 17 September 2018," the statement stressed.
"The EU urges all parties to the conflict to fully respect its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to allow unimpeded and direct humanitarian access to all those in need," the statement said.
"Accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law is of utmost importance. For this reason the EU reiterates its call for the situation in Syria to be referred to the International Criminal Court. The EU is committed to strengthening its humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable civilian population in the Idlib area," the statement added.
The situation in Idlib escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish forces made another attempt to introduce a ceasefire regime. In response, terrorists only stepped up their attacks. On February 11, the Syrian opposition with Turkey's support launched an offensive at the Syrian forces in Saraqib and Neirab in Idlib province. The Syrian army repelled the attacks.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use all of its military force in case of an operation in Idlib. He added that a military operation in Idlib is "only a matter of time.".


tass--2020-02-21--Death toll from new coronavirus in China's Hubei province climbs to 2,144

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from the new coronavirus in China 's Hubei @ @ @ @ @ , the regional health commission reported on Friday .
The number of confirmed cases of @ @ @ @ @ province surpassed 62,400 .
On Thursday , the regional health commission reported around 62,000 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ in China 's Hubei province and the death toll at 2,029 .
The Chinese authorities @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a @ @ @ @ @ concern .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. /TASS/. The death toll from the new coronavirus in China's Hubei province has climbed to 2,144, the regional health commission reported on Friday.
The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Hubei province surpassed 62,400.
On Thursday, the regional health commission reported around 62,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in China's Hubei province and the death toll at 2,029.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 25 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-21--Turkey's support for militants in Idlib may lead to conflict escalation — Russian ministry

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey 's support for militants who tried to attack positions of Syrian government forces in Idlib represents a violation of the agreements between Moscow and Ankara , Russian Foreign Ministry 's official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response to a question about terrorists ' attacks at positions of the Syrian government forces in Idlib .
Zakharova 's response was published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday .
`` On February 20 , the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria reported several mass attacks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armored vehicles at the positions of the Syrian army in the Idlib de-escalation zone carried out by terrorist units , '' Zakharova said .
`` At the same time , the actions of militants were supported by artillery fire by the Turkish forces , which allowed terrorists to breach Syrian army 's defenses , '' she added .
She noted that to prevent terrorists from entering the territory controlled by Syrian government forces , Russian Aerospace Forces delivered a strike at terrorists , which allowed Syrian government forces to repell the attacks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for militants by Turkish forces , '' Zakharova said .
`` This incident represents a violation of Russian-Turkish agreement on separating the armed opposition and terrorists and establishing a demilitarized zone , and risks to provoke further escalation of the conflict in this part of the Syrian territory , '' she added .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Turkey's support for militants who tried to attack positions of Syrian government forces in Idlib represents a violation of the agreements between Moscow and Ankara, Russian Foreign Ministry's official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response to a question about terrorists' attacks at positions of the Syrian government forces in Idlib. Zakharova's response was published on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday.
"On February 20, the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria reported several mass attacks with the use of a large amount of armored vehicles at the positions of the Syrian army in the Idlib de-escalation zone carried out by terrorist units," Zakharova said. "At the same time, the actions of militants were supported by artillery fire by the Turkish forces, which allowed terrorists to breach Syrian army's defenses," she added.
She noted that to prevent terrorists from entering the territory controlled by Syrian government forces, Russian Aerospace Forces delivered a strike at terrorists, which allowed Syrian government forces to repell the attacks.
"We express serious concern over such support for militants by Turkish forces," Zakharova said. "This incident represents a violation of Russian-Turkish agreement on separating the armed opposition and terrorists and establishing a demilitarized zone, and risks to provoke further escalation of the conflict in this part of the Syrian territory," she added.


tass--2020-02-21--Russian fighter jets scrambled on interception missions twice in last week

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian fighter jets have been scrambled twice on interception missions in the last @ @ @ @ @ ( Red Star ) newspaper quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying .
According to @ @ @ @ @ foreign aircraft and eight unmanned aerial vehicles conducted reconnaissance near Russian borders .
Foreign aircraft @ @ @ @ @ Russian radars .
The defense ministry said that violations of Russian airspace were prevented .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian fighter jets have been scrambled twice on interception missions in the last week, the Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) newspaper quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying.
According to the defense ministry, 22 foreign aircraft and eight unmanned aerial vehicles conducted reconnaissance near Russian borders. Foreign aircraft and drones were monitored by Russian radars. The defense ministry said that violations of Russian airspace were prevented.


tass--2020-02-21--US embassy in Russia aware of US citizen Gene Spektor’s arrest

`` We are aware of press reports of the arrest of a U.S. citizen .
The protection of U.S. citizens abroad is our highest priority .
Due to privacy considerations , we can not provide any additional information on individual cases , '' the press service stated in response to a question on whether the US diplomatic mission plans to provide support to Spektor during his arrest .
MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The US Embassy in Russia is aware of the arrest of US citizen Gene Spektor on suspicion of bribery mediation , the embassy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to divulge any additional details for privacy reasons .
On February 20 , Moscow ’ s Basmanny Court arrested US citizen Gene Spektor for two months on suspicion of bribery mediation in relation to the case of Anastasia Alekseeva , a former aide to then-Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich .
Alekseeva was also arrested on bribery charges for two months .
According to the prosecution , in the period from 2015 to 2016 , Alekseeva accepted a bribe from Maksim Yakushkin , corporate director of Promomed DM and former director general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over 4 mln roubles ( about $ 62,400 ) in the form of a paid trip to Thailand in January 2016 and to the Dominican Republic in May 2016 .
In both cases , the trips cost 2 mln roubles ( about $ 31,200 ) each .
In that period , Alekseeva was serving as an aide to former Russian Deputy PM Arkady Dvorkovich .
Vadim Belonozhko , an aide to the director general of R-Pharm , is also among the suspects in the case .
Criminal proceedings against Alekseeva were initiated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a source close to the investigation informed TASS on Thursday .
In November 2018 , RBK informed that Alekseeva was fired from the office of Anton Siluanov , who served as First Deputy PM at the time , for leaking internal correspondence to the media .

"We are aware of press reports of the arrest of a U.S. citizen. The protection of U.S. citizens abroad is our highest priority. Due to privacy considerations, we cannot provide any additional information on individual cases," the press service stated in response to a question on whether the US diplomatic mission plans to provide support to Spektor during his arrest.
MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. The US Embassy in Russia is aware of the arrest of US citizen Gene Spektor on suspicion of bribery mediation, the embassy’s press service informed TASS on Friday, refusing to divulge any additional details for privacy reasons.
On February 20, Moscow’s Basmanny Court arrested US citizen Gene Spektor for two months on suspicion of bribery mediation in relation to the case of Anastasia Alekseeva, a former aide to then-Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich. Alekseeva was also arrested on bribery charges for two months.
According to the prosecution, in the period from 2015 to 2016, Alekseeva accepted a bribe from Maksim Yakushkin, corporate director of Promomed DM and former director general of Promomed Rus, to the tune of over 4 mln roubles (about $62,400) in the form of a paid trip to Thailand in January 2016 and to the Dominican Republic in May 2016. In both cases, the trips cost 2 mln roubles (about $31,200) each. In that period, Alekseeva was serving as an aide to former Russian Deputy PM Arkady Dvorkovich.
Vadim Belonozhko, an aide to the director general of R-Pharm, is also among the suspects in the case.
Criminal proceedings against Alekseeva were initiated in relation to lobbying of pharmaceutical companies, a source close to the investigation informed TASS on Thursday.
In November 2018, RBK informed that Alekseeva was fired from the office of Anton Siluanov, who served as First Deputy PM at the time, for leaking internal correspondence to the media.


tass--2020-02-21--Russian embassy to offer all possible assistance to Russian national detained in Spain

`` According to unofficial information we have , Krasilova ’ s detention may probably be linked with some sort of request from the American side .
If so , it is yet another evidence that the US authorities continue the unacceptable practice of ‘ hunt ’ for Russian nationals across the globe .
The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly issued warnings about the threats and risks stemming from such activities of the US special services , '' the ministry said .
MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s embassy in Spain will offer all possible assistance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that country in mid-February , the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday .
Russia ’ s embassy in Spain `` will take all necessary measures to clarify the circumstances of the incident , '' the ministry pledged .
`` We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation and do our best to defend Krasilova ’ s rights and legal interests .
All possible assistance will be offered to the Russian national within the limits of the Russian foreign mission ’ s competences . ''
Krasilova , an employee of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization of Russia ’ s government veterinary and phytosanitary watchdog , arrived in Spain for a short-term official assignment , as a member of an official delegation .
She was detained at Tenerife South Airport when the delegation was leaving the country .
She is currently being kept at a Tenerife penitentiary .
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry , employees of Russia ’ s honorary consulate on the Canary Islands visited Krasilova to `` give her warm clothes and personal care products . ''

"According to unofficial information we have, Krasilova’s detention may probably be linked with some sort of request from the American side. If so, it is yet another evidence that the US authorities continue the unacceptable practice of ‘hunt’ for Russian nationals across the globe. The Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly issued warnings about the threats and risks stemming from such activities of the US special services," the ministry said.
MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russia’s embassy in Spain will offer all possible assistance to Russian national Olesya Krasilova who was detained in that country in mid-February, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
Russia’s embassy in Spain "will take all necessary measures to clarify the circumstances of the incident," the ministry pledged. "We will continue to keep a close eye on the situation and do our best to defend Krasilova’s rights and legal interests. All possible assistance will be offered to the Russian national within the limits of the Russian foreign mission’s competences."
Krasilova, an employee of the All-Russia Plant Quarantine Center, an organization of Russia’s government veterinary and phytosanitary watchdog, arrived in Spain for a short-term official assignment, as a member of an official delegation. She was detained at Tenerife South Airport when the delegation was leaving the country. She is currently being kept at a Tenerife penitentiary.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, employees of Russia’s honorary consulate on the Canary Islands visited Krasilova to "give her warm clothes and personal care products."


tass--2020-02-21--Putin expresses concern over extremists’ aggressive actions in Syria’s Idlib — Kremlin

Putin , Erdogan to hold phone talks on evening of February 21 , Kremlin confirms MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Turkish counterpart , Recep Tayyip Erdogan , that Russia is seriously concerned over extremists ’ aggressive actions in Syria ’ s Idlib governorate , the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation .
`` The focus was again made on the current situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone .
Vladimir Putin expressed serious concern over ongoing aggressive actions of extremist groups , '' the press service stated .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unconditional commitment to Syria ’ s sovereignty and territorial integrity , '' the Kremlin added .
The two leaders agreed to invigorate inter-ministerial consultations on Syria ’ s Idlib to reduce tensions in this region , the Kremlin press service commented .
`` The Russian and Turkish presidents agreed to invigorate bilateral inter-ministerial consultations on Idlib to reduce tensions , insure the ceasefire and neutralize the terrorist threat .
They agreed that active contacts between the defense ministries would be continued , '' the Kremlin concluded .
The telephone call was initiated by @ @ @ @

Putin, Erdogan to hold phone talks on evening of February 21, Kremlin confirms
MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that Russia is seriously concerned over extremists’ aggressive actions in Syria’s Idlib governorate, the Kremlin press service said on Friday after their telephone conversation.
"The focus was again made on the current situation in the Idlib de-escalation zone. Vladimir Putin expressed serious concern over ongoing aggressive actions of extremist groups," the press service stated.
"The two presidents stressed the necessity of unconditional commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Kremlin added.
The two leaders agreed to invigorate inter-ministerial consultations on Syria’s Idlib to reduce tensions in this region, the Kremlin press service commented.
"The Russian and Turkish presidents agreed to invigorate bilateral inter-ministerial consultations on Idlib to reduce tensions, insure the ceasefire and neutralize the terrorist threat. They agreed that active contacts between the defense ministries would be continued," the Kremlin concluded.
The telephone call was initiated by the Turkish side.


tass--2020-02-21--No decision in US on possible deployment of Patriot systems in Turkey

WASHINGTON , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has not yet made a final decision on possible temporary @ @ @ @ @ systems in Turkey near Syria ’ s border , a US official told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ aware of a request for Patriot missiles in Turkey near the Syrian border , but @ @ @ @ @ , '' the latter stated .

WASHINGTON, February 21. /TASS/. The United States has not yet made a final decision on possible temporary Ankara-requested deployment of Patriot missile systems in Turkey near Syria’s border, a US official told TASS on Friday.
"We are aware of a request for Patriot missiles in Turkey near the Syrian border, but no decision has been made," the latter stated.