tass--2020-02-19--Russia blocks access to several foreign mail services after wave of bomb threats

MOSCOW , February 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has blocked access to four foreign mail services used to send out bomb threats at various facilities , the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) informed TASS on Wednesday .
`` In February 2020 , anonymous users have continued their criminal activity via the Tutanota.com mail service ( Germany ) .
On February 13 , 2020 , three e-mails with fake bomb threats at 206 facilities in St. Petersburg were sent out , including courts and kindergartens of the Petrodvortsovsky District of St. Petersburg , '' the FSB Public Relations Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year , 58 anonymous bomb threats had been sent with the use of the same mail client to various facilities across Russia .
The Russian security service noted that the mail service Tutanota.com would be banned in Russia starting February 14 for security purposes .
According to the FSB Public Relations Center , `` starting January 29 , 2020 , in accordance with Russian law , access to Protonmail.com ( Switzerland ) has been blocked , as it was used starting January 24 to send out bomb threats to judicial bodies of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` All threats were confirmed false .
For the same reason , access to foreign mail services Startmail.com , Guerrillamail.com and Cock.li has been blocked as well , '' the FSB stated .
A wave of bomb threats descended upon Moscow , St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019 .
Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats at various facilities : courts , schools , hospitals , airports , train stations .
All the previous threats resulted to be false .

MOSCOW, February 19. /TASS/. Russia has blocked access to four foreign mail services used to send out bomb threats at various facilities, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) informed TASS on Wednesday.
"In February 2020, anonymous users have continued their criminal activity via the Tutanota.com mail service (Germany). On February 13, 2020, three e-mails with fake bomb threats at 206 facilities in St. Petersburg were sent out, including courts and kindergartens of the Petrodvortsovsky District of St. Petersburg," the FSB Public Relations Center informed TASS.
The FSB added that last year, 58 anonymous bomb threats had been sent with the use of the same mail client to various facilities across Russia. The Russian security service noted that the mail service Tutanota.com would be banned in Russia starting February 14 for security purposes.
According to the FSB Public Relations Center, "starting January 29, 2020, in accordance with Russian law, access to Protonmail.com (Switzerland) has been blocked, as it was used starting January 24 to send out bomb threats to judicial bodies of power in four Russian regions."
"All threats were confirmed false. For the same reason, access to foreign mail services Startmail.com, Guerrillamail.com and Cock.li has been blocked as well," the FSB stated.
A wave of bomb threats descended upon Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019. Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats at various facilities: courts, schools, hospitals, airports, train stations. All the previous threats resulted to be false.


tass--2020-02-19--Haikou, Sanya online taxi services resume work

HAIKOU , February 19 .
/TASS/ .
Online taxi services in the cities of Sanya and Haikou ( the southern Chinese province of Hainan ) resumed work on Wednesday after the authorities had previously banned their activities amid coronavirus outbreak , www.hinews.cn reported .
The order to suspend the work of these services was issued by the city traffic control regulators on February 9 .
Such measures became a part of the joint effort to combat the spread of the virus in the province .
One of the main conditions for the resumption of the work of online taxi platforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the authorities for the carrying passengers amid coronavirus oubreak .
All drivers are obliged to wear protective face masks while driving , as well as to register passengers before the ride .
The car 's windows should be open for better ventilation , the salon 's disinfection should be carried out at least twice a day , according to the rules .
In conformity with the new rules , taxi drivers should register their passengers in a special book after they get into the car .
If a client refuses to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the driver has the right to decline the order .
Earlier , due to the outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus the Hainan authorities had to temporarily suspend online taxi booking services in Haikou and Sanya .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .

HAIKOU, February 19. /TASS/. Online taxi services in the cities of Sanya and Haikou (the southern Chinese province of Hainan) resumed work on Wednesday after the authorities had previously banned their activities amid coronavirus outbreak, www.hinews.cn reported.
The order to suspend the work of these services was issued by the city traffic control regulators on February 9. Such measures became a part of the joint effort to combat the spread of the virus in the province.
One of the main conditions for the resumption of the work of online taxi platforms was their compliance with the rules set by the authorities for the carrying passengers amid coronavirus oubreak. All drivers are obliged to wear protective face masks while driving, as well as to register passengers before the ride. The car's windows should be open for better ventilation, the salon's disinfection should be carried out at least twice a day, according to the rules.
In conformity with the new rules, taxi drivers should register their passengers in a special book after they get into the car. If a client refuses to provide their ID and a mobile phone number, the driver has the right to decline the order.
Earlier, due to the outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus the Hainan authorities had to temporarily suspend online taxi booking services in Haikou and Sanya.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 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--S-400 missile defense systems purchased by Turkey will be commissioned — minister

ANKARA , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia 's S-400 missile defense systems purchased by Turkey will be commissioned , @ @ @ @ @ told CNN Turk TV channel on Thursday .
`` We follow the rules of the @ @ @ @ @ principles .
We heard statements like 'you can not purchase them , you can not @ @ @ @ @ president gave a relevant necessary response and accepted S-400 .
No one should doubt that @ @ @ @ @ Works will start around April , '' Akar said .
In September 2017 , Russia @ @ @ @ @ billion contract with Turkey on delivering S-400 .
The United States and NATO oppose Turkey @ @ @ @ @

ANKARA, February 20. /TASS/. Russia's S-400 missile defense systems purchased by Turkey will be commissioned, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told CNN Turk TV channel on Thursday.
"We follow the rules of the game and proceed from main principles. We heard statements like 'you cannot purchase them, you cannot deliver them'. Our president gave a relevant necessary response and accepted S-400. No one should doubt that S-400 will be commissioned. Works will start around April," Akar said.
In September 2017, Russia announced signing a $2.5 billion contract with Turkey on delivering S-400. The United States and NATO oppose Turkey's purchase of S-400.


tass--2020-02-21--Turkey and Russia may start joint patrolling in Syria's Idlib — defense minister

`` All of this may be implemented .
The main thing is that the Sochi memorandum is observed , '' Akar said in response to a question about several media reports that stated that Ankara and Moscow may launch joint patrolling in Idlib .
`` Our militaries in Idlib maintain a healthy dialogue .
Contacts with Russia on Idlib will continue , '' he added .
`` Talks on using the airspace for Idlib continue .
The difficulties may be overcome if Russia does not obstruct .
Our goal is to establish a ceasefire regime , '' the Turkish defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` does not fully satisfy [ Turkey 's ] requests on using [ Syria 's ] airspace . ''
`` We do not intend to start a confrontation with Russia .
Our talks [ on Idlib ] have not stalled , they will continue .
Our observation posts will also continue to operate , '' Akar stressed .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
`` .

"All of this may be implemented. The main thing is that the Sochi memorandum is observed," Akar said in response to a question about several media reports that stated that Ankara and Moscow may launch joint patrolling in Idlib. "Our militaries in Idlib maintain a healthy dialogue. Contacts with Russia on Idlib will continue," he added.
"Talks on using the airspace for Idlib continue. The difficulties may be overcome if Russia does not obstruct. Our goal is to establish a ceasefire regime," the Turkish defense minister noted. He added that Russia "does not fully satisfy [Turkey's] requests on using [Syria's] airspace."
"We do not intend to start a confrontation with Russia. Our talks [on Idlib] have not stalled, they will continue. Our observation posts will also continue to operate," Akar stressed.
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--Merkel, Macron told Putin they are ready to hold joint meeting with Erdogan

BERLIN , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have held a joint phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday , during which they have discussed the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib , Angela Merkel ’ s Spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters .
`` Chancellor Merkel and President Macron made their concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Syrian province of Idlib clear , '' the spokesman noted .
`` They [ Merkel and Macron ] have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for unhindered access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They have expressed their readiness to hold a joint meeting with Putin and Turkish President [ Recep Tayyip ] Erdogan to find a political solution to the crisis , '' Seibert said .
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted a rise in tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past few weeks .
The Russian and Turkish military attempted to establish a ceasefire in the region , however , terrorist attacks persisted .
As a result , military specialists from Russia and Turkey were killed .
On January 25 , the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim to regain control over the western and southern outskirts of Aleppo .
On February 5 , Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib , an outpost of Jabhat al-Nusra ( terrorist organization banned in Russia ) in the Idlib province .
Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo .
On February 11 , the Syrian opposition launched an offensive against the Syrian government forces in two directions : the city of Saraqib and the settlement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The armed opposition units are aided by the Turkish military .
The Syrian army repelled the attacks .
On Wednesday , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara is ready to use all of its firepower in case of a large-scale military operation in Idlib .
He added that the start of a new operation in Idlib is a question of time , and that all preparations for it are complete .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups , including the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria ’ s southern regions .
The Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province .

BERLIN, February 20. /TASS/. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have held a joint phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, during which they have discussed the situation in Syria’s Idlib, Angela Merkel’s Spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters.
"Chancellor Merkel and President Macron made their concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Syrian province of Idlib clear," the spokesman noted.
"They [Merkel and Macron] have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for unhindered access to humanitarian aid to those who need it. They have expressed their readiness to hold a joint meeting with Putin and Turkish President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan to find a political solution to the crisis," Seibert said.
Tensions in Idlib
The Russian Foreign Ministry noted a rise in tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past few weeks. The Russian and Turkish military attempted to establish a ceasefire in the region, however, terrorist attacks persisted. As a result, military specialists from Russia and Turkey were killed.
On January 25, the Syrian government army began an operation with the aim to regain control over the western and southern outskirts of Aleppo. On February 5, Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib, an outpost of Jabhat al-Nusra (terrorist organization banned in Russia) in the Idlib province. Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo.
On February 11, the Syrian opposition launched an offensive against the Syrian government forces in two directions: the city of Saraqib and the settlement of Neirab to the north of Saraqib. The armed opposition units are aided by the Turkish military. The Syrian army repelled the attacks.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara is ready to use all of its firepower in case of a large-scale military operation in Idlib. He added that the start of a new operation in Idlib is a question of time, and that all preparations for it are complete.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups, including the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group, since 2012. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria’s southern regions. The Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province.


tass--2020-02-21--Putin, Macron and Merkel call for resuming political dialogue on Libya — Kremlin

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have held a telephone conversation and spoke in favor of observing the ceasefire and resuming political dialogue on Libya in line with the decisions made at the Berlin conference , the Kremlin press service said on Thursday .
`` When exchanging opinions on the issue of Libyan settlement , the leaders spoke in favor of observing the ceasefire and resuming political dialogue in the framework of the decisions made at the Berlin conference on Libya , '' the Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government .
In the final document , participants in the conference called for a ceasefire , pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya 's internal affairs , suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood .
The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring .
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country which is supported by the House of Representatives ( parliament ) and the Libyan National Army .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have held a telephone conversation and spoke in favor of observing the ceasefire and resuming political dialogue on Libya in line with the decisions made at the Berlin conference, the Kremlin press service said on Thursday.
"When exchanging opinions on the issue of Libyan settlement, the leaders spoke in favor of observing the ceasefire and resuming political dialogue in the framework of the decisions made at the Berlin conference on Libya," the Kremlin said.
On January 19, a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government. In the final document, participants in the conference called for a ceasefire, pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya's internal affairs, suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood. The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring.
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord, and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country which is supported by the House of Representatives (parliament) and the Libyan National Army.


tass--2020-02-21--Putin says terrorist threat should be neutralized while observing Syria's sovereignty

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin considers it necessary to take effective measures to neutralize a terrorist threat in Syria while observing the country 's sovereignty , the Kremlin press service said on Thursday after Putin 's telephone talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel .
Russia supports Syria , which has to respond to inadmissible provocations in Idlib — Lavrov '' Special attention was paid to issues of settling the Syrian crisis in the context of rapidly escalating situation in Idlib as a result o aggressive actions by extremist units @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The importance was underscored of preventing humanitarian consequences for civilians , '' the Kremlin said .
`` Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of taking effective measures on neutralizing a terrorist threat while observing the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic , '' the Kremlin added .
Macron and Merkel expressed `` readiness to facilitate decreasing tensions in Syria 's north-east . ''
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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 .
`` .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin considers it necessary to take effective measures to neutralize a terrorist threat in Syria while observing the country's sovereignty, the Kremlin press service said on Thursday after Putin's telephone talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Russia supports Syria, which has to respond to inadmissible provocations in Idlib — Lavrov
"Special attention was paid to issues of settling the Syrian crisis in the context of rapidly escalating situation in Idlib as a result o aggressive actions by extremist units against Syrian government forces and civilians. The importance was underscored of preventing humanitarian consequences for civilians," the Kremlin said.
"Vladimir Putin stressed the importance of taking effective measures on neutralizing a terrorist threat while observing the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic," the Kremlin added.
Macron and Merkel expressed "readiness to facilitate decreasing tensions in Syria's north-east."
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--2020-02-20--Russian Baltic Fleet amphibious assault ships thwart enemy air and sea strikes in drills

`` During the drills at one of the training ranges in the Baltic Sea , a naval group comprising the @ @ @ @ @ and Minsk and the air-cushion landing craft Lieutenant Rimsky-Korsakov successfully accomplished the assignments of repelling @ @ @ @ @ attack of a notional enemy ’ s surface ships , '' the press office said @ @ @ @ @ ships ’ air defense systems locked on the notional air targets and destroyed them by @ @ @ @ @ , the large amphibious assault ships Kaliningrad and Minsk suppressed the naval targets by artillery @ @ @ @ @ `` At the concluding stage of combat training , the amphibious assault ships will land @ @ @ @ @ an unequipped coast .
The ships ’ crews will also provide fire support for the @ @ @ @ @ artillery and Groza multiple rocket launchers , '' the press office specified .

"During the drills at one of the training ranges in the Baltic Sea, a naval group comprising the large amphibious assault ships Kaliningrad and Minsk and the air-cushion landing craft Lieutenant Rimsky-Korsakov successfully accomplished the assignments of repelling an air strike and an attack of a notional enemy’s surface ships," the press office said in a statement.
The ships’ air defense systems locked on the notional air targets and destroyed them by artillery guns. After that, the large amphibious assault ships Kaliningrad and Minsk suppressed the naval targets by artillery, the statement says.
"At the concluding stage of combat training, the amphibious assault ships will land a marine assault force onto an unequipped coast. The ships’ crews will also provide fire support for the landing party by the shipborne artillery and Groza multiple rocket launchers," the press office specified.


tass--2020-02-20--Brother of jailed US national Whelan grateful for eased access to lawyers

NEW YORK , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The brother of US national Paul Whelan , accused in Russia of @ @ @ @ @ the fact that Whelan ’ s attorneys have had eased access to the jailed US @ @ @ @ @ a message sent out on Thursday .
`` We are grateful that Foreign Minister 's @ @ @ @ @ prison 's restrictions on Paul 's access to his lawyers have had an impact .
@ @ @ @ @ had increased access to Paul since then and that has enabled them to complete their @ @ @ @ @ more quickly , '' he wrote .
`` This has moved up the expected trial @ @ @ @ @ The next stages involve pre-trial motions and , hopefully , a trial starting in March @ @ @ @ @ obstacle to Paul 's freedom and we hope it begins and concludes quickly . ''

NEW YORK, February 20. /TASS/. The brother of US national Paul Whelan, accused in Russia of espionage, is grateful for the fact that Whelan’s attorneys have had eased access to the jailed US citizen, he said in a message sent out on Thursday.
"We are grateful that Foreign Minister's Lavrov's comments about the prison's restrictions on Paul's access to his lawyers have had an impact. Paul's defense counsel have had increased access to Paul since then and that has enabled them to complete their review of the purported evidence more quickly," he wrote. "This has moved up the expected trial from May or June. The next stages involve pre-trial motions and, hopefully, a trial starting in March. The trial remains an obstacle to Paul's freedom and we hope it begins and concludes quickly."


tass--2020-02-20--Crimean court remands teenagers accused of plotting terrorist attack until April 18

`` The court ruled to remand the defendants in custody for one month and 30 days , until April 18 , 2020 , '' a spokesperson for the regional branch said .
SIMFEROPOL , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Kievsky District Court of Simferopol has ruled to remand until April 18 two teenagers accused of plotting a terrorist attack in Crimea ’ s city of Kerch , the press service for the regional branch of Russia ’ s Investigative Committee told reporters on Thursday .
The hearing was held behind closed doors .
The attorney for one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents were present in the courtroom .
The Investigative Committee informs that the teenagers are facing charges of preparing to commit a terrorism offence .
Earlier , the Center for Public Relations for the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) reported that two teenagers were identified in Kerch who were conspiring to perform terror attacks in two educational facilities .
The two are followers of Vladislav Roslyakov , who killed 20 people at the Kerch Polytechnic College in October 2018 .
Searches in their homes yielded improvised explosive devices purchased via the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The teenagers tested these devices on animals .
The Russian Investigative Committee is overseeing the investigation .

"The court ruled to remand the defendants in custody for one month and 30 days, until April 18, 2020," a spokesperson for the regional branch said.
SIMFEROPOL, February 20. /TASS/. The Kievsky District Court of Simferopol has ruled to remand until April 18 two teenagers accused of plotting a terrorist attack in Crimea’s city of Kerch, the press service for the regional branch of Russia’s Investigative Committee told reporters on Thursday.
The hearing was held behind closed doors. The attorney for one of the defendants told reporters that the teenagers’ parents were present in the courtroom.
The Investigative Committee informs that the teenagers are facing charges of preparing to commit a terrorism offence.
Earlier, the Center for Public Relations for the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reported that two teenagers were identified in Kerch who were conspiring to perform terror attacks in two educational facilities. The two are followers of Vladislav Roslyakov, who killed 20 people at the Kerch Polytechnic College in October 2018. Searches in their homes yielded improvised explosive devices purchased via the Internet and components to make explosives. The teenagers tested these devices on animals. The Russian Investigative Committee is overseeing the investigation.


tass--2020-02-20--Moscow vows to get Dutch court decision on Yukos shareholders annulled

`` Russia repeatedly stated that the International Arbitration Court did not have the jurisdiction to consider the dispute , and its decision was a politically charged act that was issued in violation of due legal procedures .
Russia , as already stated , will continue to seek its cancellation [ of the decision ] in the Supreme Court of the Netherlands , '' she said .
MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will fight on to have the decision of the Hague Court of Appeal obliging it to pay out over $ 50 bln to former Yukos shareholders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zakharova said at Thursday ’ s briefing .
On February 18 , the Hague Court of Appeal reinstated an order of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague , which obliged Russia to pay $ 50 bln to the companies associated with former Yukos shareholders in 2014 .
Russia ’ s Justice Ministry said that it would appeal against the court ’ s decision .
According to Andrey Kondakov , who heads the International Center for Legal Protection , the court of appeal ignored the view of a district court in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shareholder of Yukos were not bona fide investors and committed a number of illegal acts .
He also told TASS that decision of the Hague Court of Appeal obliging Russia to pay $ 50 bln to former shareholders of Yukos does not automatically translate to the seizure of Russia ’ s assets abroad .
The International Center for Legal Protection represents Russia ’ s interests in the case of Yukos in foreign courts .

"Russia repeatedly stated that the International Arbitration Court did not have the jurisdiction to consider the dispute, and its decision was a politically charged act that was issued in violation of due legal procedures. Russia, as already stated, will continue to seek its cancellation [of the decision] in the Supreme Court of the Netherlands," she said.
MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Russia will fight on to have the decision of the Hague Court of Appeal obliging it to pay out over $50 bln to former Yukos shareholders invalidated, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at Thursday’s briefing.
On February 18, the Hague Court of Appeal reinstated an order of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which obliged Russia to pay $50 bln to the companies associated with former Yukos shareholders in 2014. Russia’s Justice Ministry said that it would appeal against the court’s decision.
According to Andrey Kondakov, who heads the International Center for Legal Protection, the court of appeal ignored the view of a district court in the Hague and the fact that the former shareholder of Yukos were not bona fide investors and committed a number of illegal acts.
He also told TASS that decision of the Hague Court of Appeal obliging Russia to pay $50 bln to former shareholders of Yukos does not automatically translate to the seizure of Russia’s assets abroad.
The International Center for Legal Protection represents Russia’s interests in the case of Yukos in foreign courts.


tass--2020-02-20--Moscow court arrests US citizen for bribery mediation

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s Basmanny Court has arrested US citizen Gene Spektor on suspicion of bribery mediation , TASS reports from court .
`` The court has ruled to satisfy the appeal of the prosecution and to place Mr. Spektor at a detention facility for a period of two months , until April 19 , '' the judge stated .
The defense asked the court to place Spektor under house arrest or release him on 5-mln-rouble ( about $ 77,900 ) bail .
The main defendant in this case is former aide to then-Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alekseeva .
The court has ruled to arrest the latter for two months on bribery charges , TASS reports from the courtroom .
`` The court has ruled to satisfy the appeal of the prosecution and to place Ms. Alekseeva at a detention facility for a period of two months , until April 19 , '' the judge announced .
Alekseeva did not comment on the details of the case .
She had previously asked the court to place her under house arrest .
The ruling can be appealed .
The prosecution informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vadim Belonozhko , an aide to the director general of R-Pharm , and Maksim Yakushkin , corporate director of Promomed DM and former director general of Promomed Rus , are among the suspects in the case .
According to the prosecution , in the period from 2015 to 2016 , Alekseeva accepted a bribe from Yakushkin 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( about $ 31,200 ) each .
In this period , Alekseeva was serving as an aide to former Russian Deputy PM Arkady Dvorkovich .
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 .
Gene Spektor is an entrepreneur who patented a cancer treatment medication in Russia .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Moscow’s Basmanny Court has arrested US citizen Gene Spektor on suspicion of bribery mediation, TASS reports from court.
"The court has ruled to satisfy the appeal of the prosecution and to place Mr. Spektor at a detention facility for a period of two months, until April 19," the judge stated.
The defense asked the court to place Spektor under house arrest or release him on 5-mln-rouble (about $77,900) bail.
The main defendant in this case is former aide to then-Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, Anastasia Alekseeva. The court has ruled to arrest the latter for two months on bribery charges, TASS reports from the courtroom.
"The court has ruled to satisfy the appeal of the prosecution and to place Ms. Alekseeva at a detention facility for a period of two months, until April 19," the judge announced.
Alekseeva did not comment on the details of the case. She had previously asked the court to place her under house arrest. The ruling can be appealed.
The prosecution informed during a court session on Thursday that Vadim Belonozhko, an aide to the director general of R-Pharm, and Maksim Yakushkin, corporate director of Promomed DM and former director general of Promomed Rus, are among the suspects in the case.
According to the prosecution, in the period from 2015 to 2016, Alekseeva accepted a bribe from Yakushkin 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 this period, Alekseeva was serving as an aide to former Russian Deputy PM Arkady Dvorkovich.
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.
Gene Spektor is an entrepreneur who patented a cancer treatment medication in Russia.


tass--2020-02-20--Belarus purchases Russian oil without premium via traders with supplies in March

MINSK , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Minsk has purchased 160,000 tonnes of Russian oil without premium via traders , @ @ @ @ @ two tankers to Klaipeda in March and then [ will be transported ] to Belarus @ @ @ @ @ Belneftekhim Concern reported on Thursday .
`` That is Russian oil , which was purchased @ @ @ @ @ Short delivery period was taken into account .
The price is commercial confidentiality .
The @ @ @ @ @ '' the concern said .

MINSK, February 20. /TASS/. Minsk has purchased 160,000 tonnes of Russian oil without premium via traders, which will be supplied by two tankers to Klaipeda in March and then [will be transported] to Belarus, the press service of Belneftekhim Concern reported on Thursday.
"That is Russian oil, which was purchased via traders without premium. Short delivery period was taken into account. The price is commercial confidentiality. The volume is 160,000 tonnes," the concern said.


tass--2020-02-20--Norway violates Svalbard Treaty, refuses to hold consultations — diplomat

On February 4 , top diplomat Sergey Lavrov sent a letter to his Norwegian counterpart Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide , proposing bilateral consultations to lift restrictions placed on activities of Russian bodies in Svalbard .
The letter underlined that Norway should honor the spirit and letter of the 1920 treaty in ensuring `` equal free access '' to the archipelago and carrying out of business and economic activities `` based on conditions of full equality . ''
MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Norway is practically violating provisions of the Svalbard Treaty and is rejecting the idea to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry , Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` Unfortunately , Russia ’ s proposals to organize bilateral consultations to hash over problematic issues the Russian business and scientific activity is facing on the archipelago were disregarded , '' Zakharova lamented .
`` Let ’ s not forget that < ... > Svalbard was transferred to Norway under certain conditions .
In the last few years , Oslo has been practically violating the treaty ’ s provisions which set out specific obligations of Norwegian authorities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inadmissible and we do not accept it , '' the diplomat underlined .
According to her , it is not about debating Svalbard ’ s sovereignty but rather `` about looking for ways to resolve specific difficulties Russian operators experience on the archipelago . ''
`` Norway ’ s non-constructive position , alas , only multiplies these problems , '' Zakharova noted .
`` Their complexity is exacerbated , while Oslo ’ s policy of restricting the Russian presence there casts a shadow on the bilateral ties . ''
`` We do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look for constructive ways to resolve this crisis .
Such a policy can not add positive spirit to our cooperation , '' she concluded .
On February 9 , 1920 , Denmark , France , Italy , Japan , the Netherlands , Norway , Sweden , the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Svalbard Treaty ( originally the Spitsbergen Treaty ) in Paris .
The treaty recognized Norway ’ s sovereignty over the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and designated it as a demilitarized zone .
All states that signed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and scientific activity in Svalbard and its territorial waters .
According to Russian experts , the Svalbard Treaty does not clearly determine maritime borders of its effect , which gives rise to disagreements between Moscow and Oslo .
In 2002 , Norway adopted the environment protection bill , saying that Norwegian authorities should issue a special permit to carry out any activity in Svalbard , while a notice sufficed previously to gain access .
Around 65 % of the archipelago ’ s territory is designated as conservation area by the country .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas '' limits economic activity on the archipelago .

On February 4, top diplomat Sergey Lavrov sent a letter to his Norwegian counterpart Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide, proposing bilateral consultations to lift restrictions placed on activities of Russian bodies in Svalbard. The letter underlined that Norway should honor the spirit and letter of the 1920 treaty in ensuring "equal free access" to the archipelago and carrying out of business and economic activities "based on conditions of full equality."
MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Norway is practically violating provisions of the Svalbard Treaty and is rejecting the idea to meet for bilateral talks on the issue, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"Unfortunately, Russia’s proposals to organize bilateral consultations to hash over problematic issues the Russian business and scientific activity is facing on the archipelago were disregarded," Zakharova lamented. "Let’s not forget that <...> Svalbard was transferred to Norway under certain conditions. In the last few years, Oslo has been practically violating the treaty’s provisions which set out specific obligations of Norwegian authorities in this regard. Such an approach is inadmissible and we do not accept it," the diplomat underlined.
According to her, it is not about debating Svalbard’s sovereignty but rather "about looking for ways to resolve specific difficulties Russian operators experience on the archipelago." "Norway’s non-constructive position, alas, only multiplies these problems," Zakharova noted. "Their complexity is exacerbated, while Oslo’s policy of restricting the Russian presence there casts a shadow on the bilateral ties."
"We do not understand the Norwegian authorities’ tenacious unwillingness to look for constructive ways to resolve this crisis. Such a policy cannot add positive spirit to our cooperation," she concluded.
Svalbard Treaty
On February 9, 1920, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States signed the Svalbard Treaty (originally the Spitsbergen Treaty) in Paris. The treaty recognized Norway’s sovereignty over the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and designated it as a demilitarized zone. All states that signed the document obtained the right to conduct business and scientific activity in Svalbard and its territorial waters.
According to Russian experts, the Svalbard Treaty does not clearly determine maritime borders of its effect, which gives rise to disagreements between Moscow and Oslo. In 2002, Norway adopted the environment protection bill, saying that Norwegian authorities should issue a special permit to carry out any activity in Svalbard, while a notice sufficed previously to gain access.
Around 65% of the archipelago’s territory is designated as conservation area by the country. Russia believes that "artificial expansion of conservation areas" limits economic activity on the archipelago.


tass--2020-02-20--Sanya to set up bureau for supporting tourism industry amid coronavirus outbreak

SANYA , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Sanya authorities ( the province of Hainan ) are planning to create a special bureau for the rehabilitation and modernization of the tourism sector , affected by the outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus , reported Xinhua .
This is the Sanya administration 's initiative .
The city Office for Tourism , Culture , Radio , Television and Sports , together with 10 Hainan travel agencies , will be involved in the project .
The bureau will , in particular , organize events for promoting tourist potential , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint advertising campaigns with airlines .
The Sanya authorities are taking the necessary measures to support local travel agencies amid coronavirus oubreak which affected the tourist flow to China , the agency notes .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial megalopolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus was identified on January 7 as 2019-nCoV .
Apart from China , 29 other countries and territories , including Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on February 11 that the organization gave the novel coronavirus an official name of COVID-19 .
According to the latest reports , over 75,770 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China and other countries .
The virus ’ death toll has hit the number of 2,130 , yet more than 16,880 patients have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of coronavirus infection on the Island of Hainan .

SANYA, February 20. /TASS/. The Sanya authorities (the province of Hainan) are planning to create a special bureau for the rehabilitation and modernization of the tourism sector, affected by the outbreak of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus, reported Xinhua.
This is the Sanya administration's initiative. The city Office for Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, together with 10 Hainan travel agencies, will be involved in the project. The bureau will, in particular, organize events for promoting tourist potential, as well as global marketing research and joint advertising campaigns with airlines.
The Sanya authorities are taking the necessary measures to support local travel agencies amid coronavirus oubreak which affected the tourist flow to China, the agency notes.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial megalopolis with a population of 11 million.
The virus was identified on January 7 as 2019-nCoV. Apart from China, 29 other countries and territories, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on February 11 that the organization gave the novel coronavirus an official name of COVID-19.
According to the latest reports, over 75,770 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in China and other countries. The virus’ death toll has hit the number of 2,130, yet more than 16,880 patients have recovered from the disease.
There rae 168 cases of coronavirus infection on the Island of Hainan.


tass--2020-02-20--Ankara accuses Damascus of targeting Turkish army’s positions in Idlib

ANKARA , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Syrian air force has carried out strikes on the Turkish army ’ @ @ @ @ @ province , killing two troops , Turkish Presidential Spokesman Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter on @ @ @ @ @ deployed to Idlib to ensure peace and carry out humanitarian activities came under the [ @ @ @ @ @ attack , which killed two troops and left another five wounded , '' the tweet @ @ @ @ @ Ministry earlier issued a statement about an airstrike on the Turkish positions .
At the @ @ @ @ @ reported that `` over 50 [ Syrian ] regime soldiers were killed , five tanks @ @ @ @ @ a self-propelled artillery gun and two military pickups were destroyed . ''
Turkey ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday that the so-called armed Syrian opposition had launched an operation against government forces @ @ @ @ @ According to the Syrian Arab News Agency ( SANA ) , Syrian troops managed to @ @ @ @ @ attacks .

ANKARA, February 20. /TASS/. The Syrian air force has carried out strikes on the Turkish army’s positions in the Idlib province, killing two troops, Turkish Presidential Spokesman Fahrettin Altun said on Twitter on Wednesday.
"Our troops deployed to Idlib to ensure peace and carry out humanitarian activities came under the [Assad] regime’s attack, which killed two troops and left another five wounded," the tweet reads.
The Turkish Defense Ministry earlier issued a statement about an airstrike on the Turkish positions. At the same time, the ministry reported that "over 50 [Syrian] regime soldiers were killed, five tanks, two armored vehicles, a self-propelled artillery gun and two military pickups were destroyed."
Turkey’s Anadolu news agency informed earlier on Thursday that the so-called armed Syrian opposition had launched an operation against government forces in the Idlib province. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Syrian troops managed to thwart the opposition’s attacks.


tass--2020-02-20--Russian diplomat slams UK envoy to UN remarks about Donbass aid as surrealistic

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The statements of the United Kingdom ’ s Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council Karen Pierce alleging that Russia is not doing anything to ensure secure delivery of humanitarian aid supplies to Donbass people in dire need as well as Pierce 's demands to immediately stop sending unexpected humanitarian convoys in are surrealistic , Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
`` They are lying even about such a case that seems to be impossible to trick people about because there are not just facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records that Russia is not just delivering but also collecting humanitarian aid , '' Zakharova stressed .
`` It is simply surrealistic .
To be honest , I can not believe these words were uttered , but they indeed were . ''
`` As for the call of Ms. Pierce for Russia to facilitate delivery of international humanitarian aid to Donbass , I would like to redirect this heartfelt speech to the very United Kingdom , its representatives and other Western states .
We are appealing to them to persuade incumbent Ukrainian authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport blockade imposed on southeastern Ukraine , '' she emphasized .
The spokeswoman added that such a step would truly alleviate suffering of the Donbass people .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. The statements of the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council Karen Pierce alleging that Russia is not doing anything to ensure secure delivery of humanitarian aid supplies to Donbass people in dire need as well as Pierce's demands to immediately stop sending unexpected humanitarian convoys in are surrealistic, Russian Foreign Ministry’s Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"They are lying even about such a case that seems to be impossible to trick people about because there are not just facts but dozens and hundreds of hours of records that Russia is not just delivering but also collecting humanitarian aid," Zakharova stressed. "It is simply surrealistic. To be honest, I cannot believe these words were uttered, but they indeed were."
"As for the call of Ms. Pierce for Russia to facilitate delivery of international humanitarian aid to Donbass, I would like to redirect this heartfelt speech to the very United Kingdom, its representatives and other Western states. We are appealing to them to persuade incumbent Ukrainian authorities to lift the economic, food and transport blockade imposed on southeastern Ukraine," she emphasized. The spokeswoman added that such a step would truly alleviate suffering of the Donbass people.


tass--2020-02-20--Hainan authorities to support doctors' children amid novel coronavirus outbreak

HAIKOU , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan provincial authorities will provide benefits for the children of medics who help to combat the pneumonia epidemic in the country in the Hubei province , according to www.hinews.cn .
According to the news outlet , when applying for pre-school educational institutions , children will have a priority right to enroll in kindergarten in conformity with the place of their residence .
A number of benefits will be given to children of medics who enter schools and universities and pass final exams .
What is more , psychologists , counselors and volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New rules partly extend to the doctors themselves .
In particular , members of the medical staff sent to Hubei will enjoy benefits during graduate school exams at Hainan universities this year .
The measures are temporary and will stay in effect until December 31 , 2020 .
Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in Wuhan , a densely populated city in central China , in late December 2019 .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases have also been reported in 25 other countries , including Russia .
According to the latest data , the overall number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases has exceeded 75,000 and the death toll has hit 2,130 .
Nearly 17,000 patients have recovered to date .

HAIKOU, February 20. /TASS/. The Hainan provincial authorities will provide benefits for the children of medics who help to combat the pneumonia epidemic in the country in the Hubei province, according to www.hinews.cn.
According to the news outlet, when applying for pre-school educational institutions, children will have a priority right to enroll in kindergarten in conformity with the place of their residence. A number of benefits will be given to children of medics who enter schools and universities and pass final exams. What is more, psychologists, counselors and volunteers will be supporting students during the epidemic.
New rules partly extend to the doctors themselves. In particular, members of the medical staff sent to Hubei will enjoy benefits during graduate school exams at Hainan universities this year.
The measures are temporary and will stay in effect until December 31, 2020.
Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, a densely populated city in central China, in late December 2019. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 25 other countries, including Russia.
According to the latest data, the overall number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases has exceeded 75,000 and the death toll has hit 2,130. Nearly 17,000 patients have recovered to date.


tass--2020-02-20--Moscow, Ankara in contact on Idlib — diplomat

`` We are in contact on a daily basis through various channels , particularly through diplomats and military experts .
Consultations continue without interruption , '' she stated in response to a question .
MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Ankara remain in contact on the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib province , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday .
`` We maintain contact through embassies and military experts on the ground , the ministers hold telephone conversations , and so on .
In addition , each party assesses the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for joint visits by delegations , they take place when the need arises , and in fact , the need may arise at any time , as well as [ they may ] be postponed , '' Zakharova noted .
When commenting on the Turkish authorities ’ ultimatums to Damascus , she pointed out that Syria was a sovereign country .
`` A thing to remember is that the Syrian Armed Forces are on their own soil .
This is the main thing .
The Syrian army certainly cooperates with the Russian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international community needs to remember this main thing , '' the Russian diplomat added .
The situation in the Syrian province of Idlib escalated after the Russian and Turkish militaries had made another attempt to ensure a ceasefire .
In response , terrorists increased attacks , killing both Russian and Turkish military experts .
The Syrian army took action against extremists , seizing the town of Saraqib on February 5 .
In the morning of February 11 , Syrian opposition forces supported by Turkey launched large-scale attacks on Syrian government troops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fighting also involved supporters of the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group ( outlawed in Russia ) .
Syrian troops thwarted the attacks , while militants suffered substantial losses .

"We are in contact on a daily basis through various channels, particularly through diplomats and military experts. Consultations continue without interruption," she stated in response to a question.
MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Moscow and Ankara remain in contact on the situation in Syria’s Idlib province, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.
"We maintain contact through embassies and military experts on the ground, the ministers hold telephone conversations, and so on. In addition, each party assesses the statements the other party makes. As for joint visits by delegations, they take place when the need arises, and in fact, the need may arise at any time, as well as [they may] be postponed," Zakharova noted.
When commenting on the Turkish authorities’ ultimatums to Damascus, she pointed out that Syria was a sovereign country. "A thing to remember is that the Syrian Armed Forces are on their own soil. This is the main thing. The Syrian army certainly cooperates with the Russian military and servicemen from other countries, but the international community needs to remember this main thing," the Russian diplomat added.
Idlib tensions
The situation in the Syrian province of Idlib escalated after the Russian and Turkish militaries had made another attempt to ensure a ceasefire. In response, terrorists increased attacks, killing both Russian and Turkish military experts. The Syrian army took action against extremists, seizing the town of Saraqib on February 5.
In the morning of February 11, Syrian opposition forces supported by Turkey launched large-scale attacks on Syrian government troops, particularly on Saraqib and the Nayrab settlement. The fighting also involved supporters of the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group (outlawed in Russia). Syrian troops thwarted the attacks, while militants suffered substantial losses.


tass--2020-02-20--Russia’s Su-24 bombers strike terrorists in Syria’s Idlib

MOSCOW , February 20 .
/TASS/ .
Su-24 bombers of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force delivered a strike against terrorists in the Idlib de-escalation zone who broke into Syrian territory in an attack , the Center for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides said in a statement on Thursday .
Russia supports Syria , which has to respond to inadmissible provocations in Idlib — Lavrov '' In order to prevent terrorist groups from advancing deep into the Syrian territory , Su-24 aircraft of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force delivered a strike at the request of the Syrian command against the terrorists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area .
This helped the Syrian troops to repel all the attacks successfully .
They eliminated one tank , six infantry fighting vehicles and five pick-up trucks with the militants ’ large-caliber guns , '' the statement reads .
Four Syrian servicemen were wounded in the Turkish army ’ s shelling , the Center reported .
The shelling stopped after the Turkish side was informed through the de-confliction channel that the Russian side had exposed its artillery fire .
The statement added that instances of the Turkish army ’ s backing militants had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side to refrain from delivering them armament and rendering further support in order to avoid incidents .
On February 20 , terrorists carried out a few massive attacks with a large number of armored vehicles targeting Syrian army units near the Kminas and Nayrab communities .
`` The militants ’ actions were supported by the Turkish armed forces ’ artillery fire which allowed them to breach Syrian army defenses , '' the center noted .

MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Su-24 bombers of Russia’s Aerospace Force delivered a strike against terrorists in the Idlib de-escalation zone who broke into Syrian territory in an attack, the Center for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides said in a statement on Thursday.
Russia supports Syria, which has to respond to inadmissible provocations in Idlib — Lavrov
"In order to prevent terrorist groups from advancing deep into the Syrian territory, Su-24 aircraft of Russia’s Aerospace Force delivered a strike at the request of the Syrian command against the terrorists’ armed formations that had penetrated the area. This helped the Syrian troops to repel all the attacks successfully. They eliminated one tank, six infantry fighting vehicles and five pick-up trucks with the militants’ large-caliber guns," the statement reads.
Four Syrian servicemen were wounded in the Turkish army’s shelling, the Center reported.
The shelling stopped after the Turkish side was informed through the de-confliction channel that the Russian side had exposed its artillery fire.
The statement added that instances of the Turkish army’s backing militants had been registered before and urged the Turkish side to refrain from delivering them armament and rendering further support in order to avoid incidents.
On February 20, terrorists carried out a few massive attacks with a large number of armored vehicles targeting Syrian army units near the Kminas and Nayrab communities. "The militants’ actions were supported by the Turkish armed forces’ artillery fire which allowed them to breach Syrian army defenses," the center noted.


tass--2020-02-21--Sanya authorities lift ban on visiting local sights amid novel coronavirus outbreak

SANYA , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Sanya authorities in the southern province of Hainan lifted a ban on visiting some of the key tourist attractions that have been closed since late January amid coronavirus outbreak , according to www.hinews.cn .
According to the publication , starting from Friday tourists will again be able to visit such famous places as the End of the World Park , the Nanshan Mountains Park , as well as the island of Wuzhizhou .
Tourist facilities magagers have been instructed to provide a high level of service while observing strict sanitary standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should regularly disinfect the area and take all necessary precautions .
On the territory of all tourist facilities , both staff and visitors are required to wear medical face masks , as well as checkbody temperature at the entrance .
Tourists are encouraged to avoid big groups and maintain a distance of at least one meter between each other .
All Sanya tourist attractions were closed to the public from January 25 amid coronavirus outbreak in the country .
The authorities had to take those measures to prevent the virus from spreading .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

SANYA, February 21. /TASS/. The Sanya authorities in the southern province of Hainan lifted a ban on visiting some of the key tourist attractions that have been closed since late January amid coronavirus outbreak, according to www.hinews.cn.
According to the publication, starting from Friday tourists will again be able to visit such famous places as the End of the World Park, the Nanshan Mountains Park, as well as the island of Wuzhizhou. Tourist facilities magagers have been instructed to provide a high level of service while observing strict sanitary standards. Employees of parks and other tourist facilities should regularly disinfect the area and take all necessary precautions. On the territory of all tourist facilities, both staff and visitors are required to wear medical face masks, as well as checkbody temperature at the entrance. Tourists are encouraged to avoid big groups and maintain a distance of at least one meter between each other.
All Sanya tourist attractions were closed to the public from January 25 amid coronavirus outbreak in the country. The authorities had to take those measures to prevent the virus from spreading.
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.


tass--2020-02-21--Kremlin spokesman declines to talk about ‘worst-case scenarios’ for Syria’s Idlib

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is deeply concerned about the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib province and continues consultations on the issue with Ankara , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
`` The situation in Idlib is indeed alarming and causes deep concern .
Russia and Turkey continue to discuss the situation .
We would like to refrain from talking about the worst-case scenarios , '' he commented on the possibility of an armed confrontation between Russia and Turkey in Idlib .
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that `` Syrian troops are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Peskov , `` these terrorist groups carry out aggressive actions against the Syrian army and must be eliminated . ''
In view of the developments , the possibility of a four-party summit on Syria , involving Russia , Turkey , France and Germany is under consideration , but no final decision has been made yet , Dmitry Peskov revealed .
`` The idea of holding another summit like that has been put forward on several occasions , '' he pointed out .
`` The possibility of such a summit is under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made yet , '' he added .
According to Peskov , if the four countries ' leaders consider it necessary , they may hold a meeting .
The first and the only four-party meeting on Syria took place in Istanbul in October 2018 .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Moscow is deeply concerned about the situation in Syria’s Idlib province and continues consultations on the issue with Ankara, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
"The situation in Idlib is indeed alarming and causes deep concern. Russia and Turkey continue to discuss the situation. We would like to refrain from talking about the worst-case scenarios," he commented on the possibility of an armed confrontation between Russia and Turkey in Idlib.
The Kremlin spokesman pointed out that "Syrian troops are fighting terrorist groups" in Idlib. According to Peskov, "these terrorist groups carry out aggressive actions against the Syrian army and must be eliminated."
In view of the developments, the possibility of a four-party summit on Syria, involving Russia, Turkey, France and Germany is under consideration, but no final decision has been made yet, Dmitry Peskov revealed.
"The idea of holding another summit like that has been put forward on several occasions," he pointed out. "The possibility of such a summit is under consideration but no specific decisions have been made yet," he added. According to Peskov, if the four countries' leaders consider it necessary, they may hold a meeting.
The first and the only four-party meeting on Syria took place in Istanbul in October 2018.


tass--2020-02-21--Moscow court sentences in absentia Ukraine’s ex-defense minister to 6-year prison term

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
A military court of Moscow ruled on Friday to sentence in absentia former Defense Minister of Ukraine Anatoly Gritsenko to a six-year prison term after he was found guilty of calling for terrorist attacks on the territory of Russia .
`` The court took into account arguments of both sides , found Gritsenko guilty of violating Article 205.2 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and ruled to sentence him in absentia to a 6-year term in a standard regime penal colony , '' Judge Daniil Logachev said as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation stipulates a punishment for Public calls for the commission of terrorist activity or public justification of terrorism committed through the use of the mass media .
The Main Department of the Russian Investigative Committee was in charge of the investigation into the Gritsenko case .
The ex-defense minister of Ukraine was put on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia in 2019 .
Gritsenko is currently staying on the territory of Ukraine , which can not turn him over to Russia in line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian national legislation .
The criminal case against the ex-defense minister was initiated after Gritsenko ’ s public statements , which he made using mass media , in July 16 , 2014 and July 2 , 2017 .
Speaking in 2014 during a live broadcast of the Ukrainian television and radio station ‘ Studio 1+1 , ’ Gritsenko made a public statement calling for terrorist activities on the territory of Russia by blowing up railway trains .
In July 2017 , as he spoke live on air of the Ukrainian television channel ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up cars in the Russian capital of Moscow and in the country ’ s southern city of Taganrog , in response to alleged activities of the Russian intelligence services aimed at the elimination of Ukrainian military hardware and military servicemen .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. A military court of Moscow ruled on Friday to sentence in absentia former Defense Minister of Ukraine Anatoly Gritsenko to a six-year prison term after he was found guilty of calling for terrorist attacks on the territory of Russia.
"The court took into account arguments of both sides, found Gritsenko guilty of violating Article 205.2 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and ruled to sentence him in absentia to a 6-year term in a standard regime penal colony," Judge Daniil Logachev said as he announced the verdict.
Article 205.2 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation stipulates a punishment for Public calls for the commission of terrorist activity or public justification of terrorism committed through the use of the mass media.
The Main Department of the Russian Investigative Committee was in charge of the investigation into the Gritsenko case. The ex-defense minister of Ukraine was put on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia in 2019.
Gritsenko is currently staying on the territory of Ukraine, which cannot turn him over to Russia in line with the international legal norms and the Ukrainian national legislation.
The criminal case against the ex-defense minister was initiated after Gritsenko’s public statements, which he made using mass media, in July 16, 2014 and July 2, 2017.
Speaking in 2014 during a live broadcast of the Ukrainian television and radio station ‘Studio 1+1,’ Gritsenko made a public statement calling for terrorist activities on the territory of Russia by blowing up railway trains.
In July 2017, as he spoke live on air of the Ukrainian television channel ‘112 Ukraine,’ Gritsenko proposed blowing up cars in the Russian capital of Moscow and in the country’s southern city of Taganrog, in response to alleged activities of the Russian intelligence services aimed at the elimination of Ukrainian military hardware and military servicemen.


tass--2020-02-21--No date set for next Normandy Four summit yet — Kremlin

`` No , there is no specific date .
In order to hold this summit , we need to have a clear understanding of how and to what extent the agreements reached at the Paris summit have been implemented , '' Peskov said .
MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The date for the next Normandy Four ( Russia , Germany , France , Ukraine ) summit has not been set as yet , since not all agreements reached at the previous summit held in December 2019 have been implemented , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany , Ukraine , France ) summit took place in Paris on December 9 , 2019 .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky , German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to carry out the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Donbass republics before the end of 2019 .
They also agreed to ensure disengagement of forces in three additional areas on the Donbass line of contact by March 2020 .
The leaders also agreed to continue the talks in four months in Berlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political regulation in Donbass .
On Monday , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the plans to hold the next Normandy Four meeting in April are just suggestions .
He recommended that Kiev conclude the implementation of previous agreements before planning to take part in a new summit .

"No, there is no specific date. In order to hold this summit, we need to have a clear understanding of how and to what extent the agreements reached at the Paris summit have been implemented," Peskov said.
MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. The date for the next Normandy Four (Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine) summit has not been set as yet, since not all agreements reached at the previous summit held in December 2019 have been implemented, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
The Normandy Four (Russia, Germany, Ukraine, France) summit took place in Paris on December 9, 2019. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to carry out the exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Donbass republics before the end of 2019. They also agreed to ensure disengagement of forces in three additional areas on the Donbass line of contact by March 2020.
The leaders also agreed to continue the talks in four months in Berlin after completing several steps aimed to ensure political regulation in Donbass.
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the plans to hold the next Normandy Four meeting in April are just suggestions. He recommended that Kiev conclude the implementation of previous agreements before planning to take part in a new summit.


tass--2020-02-21--Russia, Belarus to continue discussing oil issue, says Kremlin

He confirmed that presidents of Russia and Belarus , Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko , `` discussed various issues related to Russian oil supplies , to the price '' in a telephone conversation earlier on Friday .
`` Supplies are provided not by the Russian state , but by Russian oil companies , '' Peskov noted .
Deputy head of Russia ’ s presidential administration Dmitry Kozak held a meeting earlier this week to `` clarify the position of oil companies regarding oil prices that they are ready to offer to their Belarusian colleagues , '' Peskov said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible prices , discounts .
Imposing unfavorable terms inconsistent with the Russian and global price environment on those companies is out of the question , of course , '' he added .
Spokesman recognized that he can not `` provide the details '' of the oil discussion between Putin and Lukashenko .
`` Based on the discussion , each side makes its own calculations , '' Peskov said , adding that `` the work will continue as the Belarusian government has been tasked with continuing contacts with Russian companies and representatives of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is underway to develop the dialogue that ( Putin and Lukashenko ) had in Sochi ( in February ) , and a number of parameters should still be defined , '' he noted .
Speaking about Friday ’ s telephone conversation , Peskov said that presidents `` discussed again oil issues , financial issues , other issues of bilateral relations , which are intensively expanding on various areas . ''
The supplies of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries were stopped on January 1 , 2020 because Moscow and Minsk had failed to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s supplies .
Later , deliveries were partially resumed by the Safmar Group .
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko instructed his government earlier to find alternatives to importing oil from Russia .
Minsk also insists on compensation of the costs of the Belarusian side due to the tax maneuver in Russia ’ s oil sector .
On February 7 , another round of oil talks with participation of presidents of Belarus and Russia was held , following which it was announced that Moscow and Minsk would continue discussing crude supplies solely on commercial terms @

He confirmed that presidents of Russia and Belarus, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, "discussed various issues related to Russian oil supplies, to the price" in a telephone conversation earlier on Friday. "Supplies are provided not by the Russian state, but by Russian oil companies," Peskov noted.
Deputy head of Russia’s presidential administration Dmitry Kozak held a meeting earlier this week to "clarify the position of oil companies regarding oil prices that they are ready to offer to their Belarusian colleagues," Peskov said. "Different oil companies expressed their stance on possible prices, discounts. Imposing unfavorable terms inconsistent with the Russian and global price environment on those companies is out of the question, of course," he added.
Spokesman recognized that he cannot "provide the details" of the oil discussion between Putin and Lukashenko. "Based on the discussion, each side makes its own calculations," Peskov said, adding that "the work will continue as the Belarusian government has been tasked with continuing contacts with Russian companies and representatives of the Russian side."
"The work is underway to develop the dialogue that (Putin and Lukashenko) had in Sochi (in February), and a number of parameters should still be defined," he noted.
Speaking about Friday’s telephone conversation, Peskov said that presidents "discussed again oil issues, financial issues, other issues of bilateral relations, which are intensively expanding on various areas."
The supplies of Russian oil to Belarusian refineries were stopped on January 1, 2020 because Moscow and Minsk had failed to come to an agreement on this year’s supplies. Later, deliveries were partially resumed by the Safmar Group. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko instructed his government earlier to find alternatives to importing oil from Russia. Minsk also insists on compensation of the costs of the Belarusian side due to the tax maneuver in Russia’s oil sector.
On February 7, another round of oil talks with participation of presidents of Belarus and Russia was held, following which it was announced that Moscow and Minsk would continue discussing crude supplies solely on commercial terms.


tass--2020-02-21--Kremlin: Russia coordinates steps on coronavirus with China through diplomatic channels

`` We cherish our relations with the People ’ s Republic of China .
All actions are being coordinated with China .
The Chinese leadership is informed through diplomatic channels , '' Peskov said stressing that Russia is in full solidarity with China .
`` Of course , any discriminatory actions are out of the question , '' the Kremlin spokesman highlighted , commenting on remarks by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin that , to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the Russian capital , every person returning from China is issued a prescription on a two-week isolation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sick leave .
Peskov added that `` there should be some measures , which prevent the penetration of the coronavirus into our country . ''
According to the Kremlin spokesman , steps taken by the government `` prove effective . ''
`` Measures must be taken , and the primary goal is to protect Russians and our country from the penetration of the [ novel ] coronavirus , '' he commented .
He recalled that Russia provided humanitarian aid to China and offered any other assistance that could be necessary .
Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website that every person returning from China was issued a prescription on a two-week isolation at one ’ s place of residence or stay and a sick leave in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
A total of 2,500 such orders have been issued by now .
That means that any person coming from China should not leave his or her apartment or hotel for two weeks .
According to the mayor , no novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in Moscow so far .
The outbreak of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

"We cherish our relations with the People’s Republic of China. All actions are being coordinated with China. The Chinese leadership is informed through diplomatic channels," Peskov said stressing that Russia is in full solidarity with China.
"Of course, any discriminatory actions are out of the question," the Kremlin spokesman highlighted, commenting on remarks by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin that, to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the Russian capital, every person returning from China is issued a prescription on a two-week isolation at the place of residence or stay and a sick leave.
Peskov added that "there should be some measures, which prevent the penetration of the coronavirus into our country." According to the Kremlin spokesman, steps taken by the government "prove effective." "Measures must be taken, and the primary goal is to protect Russians and our country from the penetration of the [novel] coronavirus," he commented.
He recalled that Russia provided humanitarian aid to China and offered any other assistance that could be necessary.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin earlier said on his website that every person returning from China was issued a prescription on a two-week isolation at one’s place of residence or stay and a sick leave in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. A total of 2,500 such orders have been issued by now. That means that any person coming from China should not leave his or her apartment or hotel for two weeks. According to the mayor, no novel coronavirus cases have been recorded in Moscow so far.
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.


tass--2020-02-21--Russia suggests oil price premium reduction by $2/tonne annually to Belarus

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russian oil producers suggested a new pricing formula to Belarus , where the @ @ @ @ @ by $ 2/tonne annually in proportion to the export duty decline , Energy Minister Alexander @ @ @ @ @ .
`` An approach was offered that addresses the export duty reduction , that is @ @ @ @ @ approximately $ 2 per tonne every year , in proportion to the export duty decline @ @ @ @ @ to partly compensate the effect from the export duty reduction , '' the minister said @

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russian oil producers suggested a new pricing formula to Belarus, where the exporters’ premium is reduced by $2/tonne annually in proportion to the export duty decline, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on Friday.
"An approach was offered that addresses the export duty reduction, that is, slashing the premium by approximately $2 per tonne every year, in proportion to the export duty decline. This will make possible to partly compensate the effect from the export duty reduction," the minister said.


tass--2020-02-21--Kremlin: Some countries do not benefit from good relations between Russia and Ukraine

`` It is clear that [ Russian President Vladimir ] Putin meant a number of states that steadily work towards maintaining the relations between Russia and Ukraine in their current sad state , '' the Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Friday .
`` I would rather not name any specific states . ''
MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that good relations between Russia and Ukraine are not beneficial to certain states ; however , he refused to name these countries .
Peskov ’ s comment came in response to Putin ’ s interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation between Russia and Ukraine is not beneficial to various states , as it creates a global competitor for those countries .
`` We need to go back to the moment preceding the coup that took place in Kiev , '' Peskov said .
`` The [ Ukrainian ] President at the time , Viktor Yanukovich , decided to sign the document endorsed and signed by several foreign ministers .
Despite certain obligations , the conditions of the signed document were not guaranteed .
Some signatories failed to adhere to the obligations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is already in the past , some have forgotten it .
However , we must not forget that , '' he added .

"It is clear that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin meant a number of states that steadily work towards maintaining the relations between Russia and Ukraine in their current sad state," the Kremlin spokesman told reporters on Friday. "I would rather not name any specific states."
MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that good relations between Russia and Ukraine are not beneficial to certain states; however, he refused to name these countries.
Peskov’s comment came in response to Putin’s interview with TASS, where he said that cooperation between Russia and Ukraine is not beneficial to various states, as it creates a global competitor for those countries.
"We need to go back to the moment preceding the coup that took place in Kiev," Peskov said. "The [Ukrainian] President at the time, Viktor Yanukovich, decided to sign the document endorsed and signed by several foreign ministers. Despite certain obligations, the conditions of the signed document were not guaranteed. Some signatories failed to adhere to the obligations," Peskov said. "Now, it is already in the past, some have forgotten it. However, we must not forget that," he added.


tass--2020-02-21--Kremlin spokesman slams allegations about Russian election interference as ‘paranoid’

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin expects that as the US presidential election approaches , there will be an increasing number of reports about Russia ’ s alleged attempts to interfere in the vote , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters , commenting on a New York Time article claiming that Moscow `` was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump re-elected . ''
`` This is another in a series of paranoid reports , and we regret to say that their number will grow as the election approaches .
They certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he pointed out .
According to the New York Times , `` intelligence officials warned House lawmakers '' about Russia ’ s alleged election interference at a classified briefing , which `` angered Mr. Trump , who complained that Democrats would use it against him . ''
`` The day after the February 13 briefing to lawmakers , the president berated Joseph Maguire , the outgoing acting director of national intelligence , for allowing it to take place , people familiar with the exchange said , '' the newspaper pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was replacing Mr. Maguire with Richard Grenell , the ambassador to Germany and an aggressively vocal Trump supporter . ''
US intelligence continues to accuse Russia of interfering in the American political process in 2016 .
An investigation into Moscow ’ s alleged interference , led by ex-FBI Director Robert Mueller , took almost two years to complete .
Mueller eventually announced that there had been no collusion between Trump ’ s campaign and Russia .
Moscow has also repeatedly refuted these allegations .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. The Kremlin expects that as the US presidential election approaches, there will be an increasing number of reports about Russia’s alleged attempts to interfere in the vote, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, commenting on a New York Time article claiming that Moscow "was interfering in the 2020 campaign to try to get President Trump re-elected."
"This is another in a series of paranoid reports, and we regret to say that their number will grow as the election approaches. They certainly have nothing to do with the truth," he pointed out.
According to the New York Times, "intelligence officials warned House lawmakers" about Russia’s alleged election interference at a classified briefing, which "angered Mr. Trump, who complained that Democrats would use it against him."
"The day after the February 13 briefing to lawmakers, the president berated Joseph Maguire, the outgoing acting director of national intelligence, for allowing it to take place, people familiar with the exchange said," the newspaper pointed out. The US president later "announced that he was replacing Mr. Maguire with Richard Grenell, the ambassador to Germany and an aggressively vocal Trump supporter."
US intelligence continues to accuse Russia of interfering in the American political process in 2016. An investigation into Moscow’s alleged interference, led by ex-FBI Director Robert Mueller, took almost two years to complete. Mueller eventually announced that there had been no collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia. Moscow has also repeatedly refuted these allegations.


tass--2020-02-21--Media: China postpones Boao Forum for Asia amid coronavirus outbreak

HONG KONG , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
China 's authorities decided to postpone the Boao summit for Asia amid coronavirus outbreak in the country , which was due to to be held on March 24-27 on the Island of Hainan , according to South China Morning Post and its sources .
The Boao International Forum for Asia 's organizing committee has not provided any comments as of yet .
Boao Forum for Asia , dubbed the Davos of the East , is a big platform for signing important agreements and international coordination between business and political elites .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually in spring , following China 's main annual political event — the two sessions , where the Chinese authorities shape up the country 's national strategy .
The government pays special attention to the forum as it facilitates China 's international contracts , settles diplomatic agenda , promotes China 's image and the concept of `` Community of Common Destiny '' globally .
According to the Chinese top diplomat , this regular forum `` has become an important bridge connecting China with the outside world '' .
The Boao Forum bacame the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , when China 's President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony .
Speaking at the forum , the Chinese leader for the first time announced a number of important national policy highlights regarding the new market reforms , structural changes and boosting China 's openness .

HONG KONG, February 21. /TASS/. China's authorities decided to postpone the Boao summit for Asia amid coronavirus outbreak in the country, which was due to to be held on March 24-27 on the Island of Hainan, according to South China Morning Post and its sources.
The Boao International Forum for Asia's organizing committee has not provided any comments as of yet.
About the forum's history
Boao Forum for Asia, dubbed the Davos of the East, is a big platform for signing important agreements and international coordination between business and political elites. The forum has been held since 2001, usually in spring, following China's main annual political event — the two sessions, where the Chinese authorities shape up the country's national strategy.
The government pays special attention to the forum as it facilitates China's international contracts, settles diplomatic agenda, promotes China's image and the concept of "Community of Common Destiny" globally. According to the Chinese top diplomat, this regular forum "has become an important bridge connecting China with the outside world".
The Boao Forum bacame the center of global attention in April, 2018, when China's President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony. Speaking at the forum, the Chinese leader for the first time announced a number of important national policy highlights regarding the new market reforms, structural changes and boosting China's openness.


tass--2020-02-21--Russia’s Proton-M rocket ready to deliver Nauka research lab to space station

MOSCOW , February 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Khrunichev Space Center has built a Proton-M carrier rocket to @ @ @ @ @ ) multi-functional laboratory module to the International Space Station ( ISS ) , Head of @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday .
`` The Proton for this launch has already been @ @ @ @ @ that the multi-functional laboratory module will fly [ to the International Space Station ] , @ @ @ @ @ 11th international conference of the Russian Association of Aviation and Space Insurers .
The Roscosmos @ @ @ @ @ was expected to be sent to the Baikonur spaceport on March 19 this year .
@ @ @ @ @ Chief Alexei Varochko also mentioned this date .

MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. Russia’s Khrunichev Space Center has built a Proton-M carrier rocket to deliver the Nauka (Science) multi-functional laboratory module to the International Space Station (ISS), Head of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said on Friday.
"The Proton for this launch has already been built and I am confident that the multi-functional laboratory module will fly [to the International Space Station]," Rogozin said at the 11th international conference of the Russian Association of Aviation and Space Insurers.
The Roscosmos chief confirmed that the module was expected to be sent to the Baikonur spaceport on March 19 this year. Earlier, Khrunichev Space Center Chief Alexei Varochko also mentioned this date.