tass--2020-04-16--Russian military medics help treat coronavirus patients in Serbia

`` Two teams of doctors and nurses took part in examining and treating COVID-19 patients at the hospital of the city of Leskovac and at the Nis clinical center .
Overall , they received 28 patients , '' the ministry said in a statement .
BELGRADE , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian military medics examined and helped treat 28 coronavirus patients in the Serbian city of Nis , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday .
The Russian specialists also assessed and analyzed the epidemic situation at medical institutions in the cities of Pancevo and Subotica and checked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gym of a Nis educational facility where hospital beds were installed and medical equipment and medicines were delivered , the statement says .
`` Such Covid-centers are also being deployed on the premises of social facilities in various cities of the country , '' Russia ’ s Defense Ministry informed .
The Russian military medics also consulted the heads and specialists of the Serbian Defense Ministry ’ s Military Academy where the center for receiving patients is being deployed and gave recommendations on measures for receiving and sorting out patients .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Serbia has carried out a set of disinfection measures at 35 facilities in eight cities of the Republic of Serbia ( Belgrade , Nis , Valjevo , Backa Topola , Krusevac , Cuprija , Palic and Novi Sad ) , '' the ministry specified .
The Russian military medics examined and helped treat a total of 294 coronavirus patients in Serbia , the statement says .
Serbia earlier requested Russia ’ s assistance in fighting the novel coronavirus .
On April 3-4 , Russian military transport planes promptly delivered 87 military medics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual protection kits and 16 vehicles to Serbia .

"Two teams of doctors and nurses took part in examining and treating COVID-19 patients at the hospital of the city of Leskovac and at the Nis clinical center. Overall, they received 28 patients," the ministry said in a statement.
BELGRADE, April 16. /TASS/. Russian military medics examined and helped treat 28 coronavirus patients in the Serbian city of Nis, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
The Russian specialists also assessed and analyzed the epidemic situation at medical institutions in the cities of Pancevo and Subotica and checked the readiness to receive patients in the gym of a Nis educational facility where hospital beds were installed and medical equipment and medicines were delivered, the statement says.
"Such Covid-centers are also being deployed on the premises of social facilities in various cities of the country," Russia’s Defense Ministry informed.
The Russian military medics also consulted the heads and specialists of the Serbian Defense Ministry’s Military Academy where the center for receiving patients is being deployed and gave recommendations on measures for receiving and sorting out patients.
"The Russian combined group operating in the Republic of Serbia has carried out a set of disinfection measures at 35 facilities in eight cities of the Republic of Serbia (Belgrade, Nis, Valjevo, Backa Topola, Krusevac, Cuprija, Palic and Novi Sad)," the ministry specified.
The Russian military medics examined and helped treat a total of 294 coronavirus patients in Serbia, the statement says.
Serbia earlier requested Russia’s assistance in fighting the novel coronavirus. On April 3-4, Russian military transport planes promptly delivered 87 military medics and virologists, special medical equipment, individual protection kits and 16 vehicles to Serbia.


tass--2020-04-16--China dismisses claims that coronavirus originated in lab as 'baseless'

BEIJING , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Claims that the novel coronavirus was artificially created in a lab are baseless , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Thursday , commenting on the reports of the US TV channel Fox News claiming that an employee of the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab was the first to have contracted the virus .
`` As for the source and the origin of the virus , this issue should be researched by scientists and medics .
I would like to remind you that there is no proof that the novel coronavirus was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted .
`` Many respected medical researchers across the world consider the version claiming that the virus originated from a lab scientifically baseless .
The pandemic is a common enemy of mankind .
We can only overcome it with concentrated efforts of the entire global community , '' the diplomat said .
On Wednesday , Fox News informed , citing `` multiple sources '' familiar with the matter , that an employee of the lab might have contracted the virus from a bat , later transmitting the virus to Wuhan residents .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created as a bioweapon , but `` as part of China 's effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BEIJING, April 16. /TASS/. Claims that the novel coronavirus was artificially created in a lab are baseless, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Thursday, commenting on the reports of the US TV channel Fox News claiming that an employee of the Wuhan Institute of Virology lab was the first to have contracted the virus.
"As for the source and the origin of the virus, this issue should be researched by scientists and medics. I would like to remind you that there is no proof that the novel coronavirus was created in a lab," he noted.
"Many respected medical researchers across the world consider the version claiming that the virus originated from a lab scientifically baseless. The pandemic is a common enemy of mankind. We can only overcome it with concentrated efforts of the entire global community," the diplomat said.
On Wednesday, Fox News informed, citing "multiple sources" familiar with the matter, that an employee of the lab might have contracted the virus from a bat, later transmitting the virus to Wuhan residents. The channel claims that the virus was not created as a bioweapon, but "as part of China's effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States."
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 134,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 516,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Russian fleet holds exercise as US destroyer enters Black Sea

`` The crews of frontline bombers Sukhoi-24M and air defense planes and the submarine Kolpino have carried out a joint exercise to deliver a rocket and bombing strike against a group of ships of a hypothetical enemy in the Black Sea , '' the report says .
MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Planes and a submarine of Russia ’ s Black Sea Fleet have held an exercise to destroy a group of hypothetical enemy ’ s ships , the fleet ’ s press-service told the media .
Russia ’ s frigate Admiral Essen and the small missile ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ships were spotted by drones , which transmitted the targets ’ settings to the submarine .
Kolpino carried out an electronically simulated attack against the enemy with cruise missiles .
Sukhoi-24M planes imitated bombing raids .
Also , the air pilots practiced evasion from shipborne air defense weapons , and the submarine performed maneuvers to escape hypothetical attacks with anti-submarine weapons .
Russia ’ s National Defense Control Center said earlier the US destroyer USS Porter sailed through the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus on April 13 and entered the Black Sea .
USS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Black Sea Fleet is keeping track of its movements .

"The crews of frontline bombers Sukhoi-24M and air defense planes and the submarine Kolpino have carried out a joint exercise to deliver a rocket and bombing strike against a group of ships of a hypothetical enemy in the Black Sea," the report says.
MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Planes and a submarine of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet have held an exercise to destroy a group of hypothetical enemy’s ships, the fleet’s press-service told the media.
Russia’s frigate Admiral Essen and the small missile ship Orekhovo-Zuyevo simulated the enemy group. The ships were spotted by drones, which transmitted the targets’ settings to the submarine. Kolpino carried out an electronically simulated attack against the enemy with cruise missiles. Sukhoi-24M planes imitated bombing raids.
Also, the air pilots practiced evasion from shipborne air defense weapons, and the submarine performed maneuvers to escape hypothetical attacks with anti-submarine weapons.
Russia’s National Defense Control Center said earlier the US destroyer USS Porter sailed through the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus on April 13 and entered the Black Sea. USS Porter is armed with guided missiles. The Black Sea Fleet is keeping track of its movements.


tass--2020-04-16--Press review: Macron’s coronavirus-inspired global truce bid and Pentagon’s virus probe

Izvestia : Macron ’ s coronavirus-inspired global truce unlikely to pan out French President Emmanuel Macron ’ s bid to launch a worldwide ceasefire due to the coronavirus could be backed by some conflicting sides .
However , experts believe that the pandemic is unlikely to silence the guns forever .
The French leader assured that his appeal had been endorsed by three permanent UN Security Council member-states — the United States , the United Kingdom and China .
While some conflicting sides , for example , the Israelis and Palestinians , are observing the so-called coronavirus ceasefire , other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French president ’ s call for a global ceasefire during the coronavirus pandemic echoes the March 23 initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres .
The peace initiative was backed by a dozen countries , which include : Ukraine , Palestine , Afghanistan , Thailand , the Philippines , Yemen , Sudan , Cameroon and Sri Lanka , Director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo Henrik Urdal told Izvestia .
The Middle East ’ s longest conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians has seen a pause due to the coronavirus .
Both have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Jordanian Valley ’ s annexation and focused on their joint anti-coronavirus fight instead .
Meanwhile , the UN has voiced concerns over the growing number of casualties among civilians in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine , where the six-year-long war has already claimed 3,500 civilian lives .
The latest summit on ironing out the Ukrainian conflict was held in December 2019 , resulting in a joint communique by the leaders of the Normandy Four group — Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France .
However , German political scientist Alexander Rahr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the readiness of European countries to resume the Normandy Four talks soon , even in an online conference format .
`` Currently , the Ukrainian conflict is frozen and virtually it ’ s impossible to send even peacekeepers there now , '' Rahr noted .
According to him , the West is so weak due to the coronavirus now that it is preoccupied by its own problems .
So , Ukraine should understand that there is no chance to count on the West ’ s financial and political support .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders to resume talks on normalizing ties , namely on the economic front , the expert emphasized .
`` COVID-19 could offer a surprise chance for the UN Security Council ’ s member-states at this coming autumn ’ s meeting , where they will have to decide — like they once did in Yalta — on how to live in a multipolar world in the future . ''
The Erdogan regime has been flexing its muscles in Syria ’ s Idlib , which is still controlled by radical groups and militants loyal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlets claim that Ankara has been reconfiguring forces protecting the province and has been trying to integrate militants into its military units .
The Turkish leadership is apparently seeking to reduce the risks of clashes with Assad ’ s forces in case the ceasefire is broken , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Syria ’ s opposition newspaper Enab Baladi wrote that the Turkish military command planned to `` reset '' the situation in Idlib .
Its sources claim that Turkey ’ s brass seeks to set up a more organized army in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Syria ’ s armed opposition groups .
`` The opposition ’ s integration into Turkey ’ s regular units is obviously a response to the escalation in February and March when dozens of Turkish troops died , '' Russian International Affairs Council expert Anton Mardasov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
According to the expert , the key radical structure in Idlib — Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( HTS ) , which swallowed up the rest of Jabhat al-Nusra ( terror group , outlawed in Russia ) — is highly likely to be reconfigured .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in Idlib stabilizes , HTS will find it hard to play the Damascus threat card and impose their rules on the Turks in the de-escalation zone , '' the pundit said .
`` Obviously , Turkey is trying to compensate for a major problem in its military policy in Syria — the lack of a clear strategy on boosting its presence in the buffer zones that have been resistant to the Syrian regime ’ s pressure , '' Mardasov noted .
Meanwhile , Damascus is interested in engaging such influential Turkish foes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emirates and this makes the situation even more complicated .
For Russia , it ’ s advantageous to search for a balance between Turkey and the Persian Gulf states .
Moscow is not ready to raise the stakes in talks with Ankara , he stressed .
Despite a deal between the parties to the Libyan conflict on a humanitarian ceasefire due to the coronavirus pandemic , the fighting in the war-torn North African country rages on .
This week , the forces of the UN-recognized Government of National Accord seized control over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Tunisia .
Against this background , there have been reports that Russia is allegedly recruiting Syrian mercenaries and deploying them to Libya in order to enhance the positions of the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
Moscow has declined to comment on these statements but made it clear on numerous occasions earlier that it kept a distance in the Libyan conflict .
Fayez Al-Sarraj , who leads the internationally recognized Government of National Accord ( GNA ) based in Tripoli , told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiating table with Haftar `` after the disasters and the crimes he committed against all Libyans . ''
He also claimed that his opponent broke all the agreements , deciding to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic in order to attack Libya ’ s western regions .
According to Sarraj , `` Russia claimed that Russian mercenaries in Libya were not representing Russia ’ s interests and were not funded by Moscow .
There are Syrians , who are coming from Syria along Damascus-Benghazi flights run by Cham Wings airline , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` We don ’ t have any contracts with mercenaries , we signed a deal on military cooperation with Turkey in broad daylight , '' he said , answering a question whether Syrian mercenaries were fighting on the side of Tripoli and the Libyan National Amy .
Both the GNA controlling Tripoli and the LNA based in the east have accepted the proposal of UN chief Antonio Guterres on a humanitarian ceasefire in order to battle the coronavirus .
One of Syrian opposition ’ s commanders , Fateh Hasun , told Kommersant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Wagner Group private military company , backed by Bashar Assad , recruited hundreds of young Syrians near El Kuneitra and Deir ez-Zor .
According to some opposition sources , nearly 3,500 Syrian special ops will be sent to Libya under an agreement between Damascus , Haftar and Cairo .
They could arrive by planes in Egypt and then be sent through the Egyptian-Libyan border .
However , given the current situation in the Syrian army , it ’ s difficult to believe in such a large-scale agreement .
It is not ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justify the ongoing military alliance between Tripoli and Ankara , the newspaper writes .
Media : Russia ’ s economy could lose nearly $ 240 bln over coronavirus The total losses for Russia ’ s economic sectors , which are the worst-hit by the coronavirus pandemic , could reach 17.9 trillion rubles ( $ 239 bln ) , while up to 15.5 mln people could lose their jobs , according to macroeconomic research by the National Rating Agency , Izvestia reports .
The crisis will deal a heavy blow to the service sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fishery and forestry sectors will be the least affected .
According to analysts , the government won ’ t let this significant damage happen and will take additional measures for ironing out this economic crisis .
In its new forecast , the National Rating Agency relies on a basic scenario , where the GDP and real wages would decline nearly 3 % and the dollar rate would surge to 85-90 rubles to the US currency .
Experts believe that this optimistic scenario , where economic growth would continue , and a pessimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are highly unlikely .
The Russian National Wealth Fund ’ s reserves will be drained in the coming two years rather than in six years as the government said earlier , specialists from the Economic Expert Group , which consult with the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development , predicted , according to Izvestia .
Given the scale of the current crisis , the experts warn that the government will have to ditch the budget rule , and take out loans , while the Central Bank would have to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s securities .
`` The hallmark of the current situation is virtually a full lack of revenues , including in the sectors , which are the most vulnerable to shock .
This creates a serious threat of an exodus of small firms from the market , which have no reserves , severing production ties , and a sharp rise in unemployment and mounting poverty , '' the authors of the article wrote .
US intelligence is investigating the activity of scientific institutions in China 's Wuhan to find out whether they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection .
Pentagon chief Mark Esper said international inspectors could be sent to Chinese laboratories in the future .
Earlier , media reports claimed that the deadly virus could have originated from experiments , carried out by Chinese scientists .
Washington has jumped on the bandwagon , seeking to blame Beijing for the pandemic , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley explained that there was intelligence data about what happened in Wuhan in December 2019 .
The first evaluations suggested that the contamination was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pathogen from an animal to a human body .
Later , some media outlets claimed that the virus leaked from the Wuhan laboratory , although there is no sufficient evidence to draw this conclusion .
`` Before the epidemic started , the West had discussed the issue of whether China could have any bacteriological or chemical weapons .
US publications mentioned that China did not have programs for developing these weapons .
Meanwhile , there is a major research center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan , which deals with virology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research Fellow at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute for Far Eastern Studies Vasily Kashin told the newspaper .
According to the expert , there are many theories on how this coronavirus had originated .
`` Nothing can be ruled out .
But there is no trust in the Americans ’ statements .
They have done a terrible job in combating the pandemic and are trying to shift the blame to China .
We should not forget that US special services had spread obvious lies several times .
The most famous example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass destruction in Iraq , '' the expert highlighted .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Macron’s coronavirus-inspired global truce unlikely to pan out
French President Emmanuel Macron’s bid to launch a worldwide ceasefire due to the coronavirus could be backed by some conflicting sides. However, experts believe that the pandemic is unlikely to silence the guns forever. The French leader assured that his appeal had been endorsed by three permanent UN Security Council member-states — the United States, the United Kingdom and China. While some conflicting sides, for example, the Israelis and Palestinians, are observing the so-called coronavirus ceasefire, other parties have broken the truce. The French president’s call for a global ceasefire during the coronavirus pandemic echoes the March 23 initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The peace initiative was backed by a dozen countries, which include: Ukraine, Palestine, Afghanistan, Thailand, the Philippines, Yemen, Sudan, Cameroon and Sri Lanka, Director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo Henrik Urdal told Izvestia. The Middle East’s longest conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians has seen a pause due to the coronavirus. Both have taken a timeout in their dispute over the Jordanian Valley’s annexation and focused on their joint anti-coronavirus fight instead. Meanwhile, the UN has voiced concerns over the growing number of casualties among civilians in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine, where the six-year-long war has already claimed 3,500 civilian lives. The latest summit on ironing out the Ukrainian conflict was held in December 2019, resulting in a joint communique by the leaders of the Normandy Four group — Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France. However, German political scientist Alexander Rahr in his interview with Izvestia was skeptical about the readiness of European countries to resume the Normandy Four talks soon, even in an online conference format. "Currently, the Ukrainian conflict is frozen and virtually it’s impossible to send even peacekeepers there now," Rahr noted. According to him, the West is so weak due to the coronavirus now that it is preoccupied by its own problems. So, Ukraine should understand that there is no chance to count on the West’s financial and political support. Meanwhile, this could encourage the Russian and Ukrainian leaders to resume talks on normalizing ties, namely on the economic front, the expert emphasized. "COVID-19 could offer a surprise chance for the UN Security Council’s member-states at this coming autumn’s meeting, where they will have to decide — like they once did in Yalta — on how to live in a multipolar world in the future." Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Turkey lacks trust in Syria deal with Russia
The Erdogan regime has been flexing its muscles in Syria’s Idlib, which is still controlled by radical groups and militants loyal to Turkey. Meanwhile, some Syrian opposition media outlets claim that Ankara has been reconfiguring forces protecting the province and has been trying to integrate militants into its military units. The Turkish leadership is apparently seeking to reduce the risks of clashes with Assad’s forces in case the ceasefire is broken, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Syria’s opposition newspaper Enab Baladi wrote that the Turkish military command planned to "reset" the situation in Idlib. Its sources claim that Turkey’s brass seeks to set up a more organized army in this area, formally disbanding the current coalition of Syria’s armed opposition groups. "The opposition’s integration into Turkey’s regular units is obviously a response to the escalation in February and March when dozens of Turkish troops died," Russian International Affairs Council expert Anton Mardasov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. According to the expert, the key radical structure in Idlib — Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which swallowed up the rest of Jabhat al-Nusra (terror group, outlawed in Russia) — is highly likely to be reconfigured. "Another question is that if the situation in Idlib stabilizes, HTS will find it hard to play the Damascus threat card and impose their rules on the Turks in the de-escalation zone," the pundit said. "Obviously, Turkey is trying to compensate for a major problem in its military policy in Syria — the lack of a clear strategy on boosting its presence in the buffer zones that have been resistant to the Syrian regime’s pressure," Mardasov noted. Meanwhile, Damascus is interested in engaging such influential Turkish foes in the region as the United Arab Emirates and this makes the situation even more complicated. For Russia, it’s advantageous to search for a balance between Turkey and the Persian Gulf states. Moscow is not ready to raise the stakes in talks with Ankara, he stressed. Kommersant: Frontline focus moves from Syria to Libya Despite a deal between the parties to the Libyan conflict on a humanitarian ceasefire due to the coronavirus pandemic, the fighting in the war-torn North African country rages on. This week, the forces of the UN-recognized Government of National Accord seized control over the coastal area between Misrata and the border with Tunisia. Against this background, there have been reports that Russia is allegedly recruiting Syrian mercenaries and deploying them to Libya in order to enhance the positions of the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. Moscow has declined to comment on these statements but made it clear on numerous occasions earlier that it kept a distance in the Libyan conflict.
Read also Libyan parliament suspends participation in political intra-Libyan talks in Geneva
Fayez Al-Sarraj, who leads the internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli, told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that he would not sit down at the negotiating table with Haftar "after the disasters and the crimes he committed against all Libyans." He also claimed that his opponent broke all the agreements, deciding to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic in order to attack Libya’s western regions. According to Sarraj, "Russia claimed that Russian mercenaries in Libya were not representing Russia’s interests and were not funded by Moscow. There are Syrians, who are coming from Syria along Damascus-Benghazi flights run by Cham Wings airline, which is blacklisted by the US Treasury Department." "We don’t have any contracts with mercenaries, we signed a deal on military cooperation with Turkey in broad daylight," he said, answering a question whether Syrian mercenaries were fighting on the side of Tripoli and the Libyan National Amy. Both the GNA controlling Tripoli and the LNA based in the east have accepted the proposal of UN chief Antonio Guterres on a humanitarian ceasefire in order to battle the coronavirus. One of Syrian opposition’s commanders, Fateh Hasun, told Kommersant that they had information that Russia’s Wagner Group private military company, backed by Bashar Assad, recruited hundreds of young Syrians near El Kuneitra and Deir ez-Zor. According to some opposition sources, nearly 3,500 Syrian special ops will be sent to Libya under an agreement between Damascus, Haftar and Cairo. They could arrive by planes in Egypt and then be sent through the Egyptian-Libyan border. However, given the current situation in the Syrian army, it’s difficult to believe in such a large-scale agreement. It is not ruled out that these reports could serve to justify the ongoing military alliance between Tripoli and Ankara, the newspaper writes. Media: Russia’s economy could lose nearly $240 bln over coronavirus
Read also Most acute phase of COVID-19 influence on global economy unlikely to exceed half a year
The total losses for Russia’s economic sectors, which are the worst-hit by the coronavirus pandemic, could reach 17.9 trillion rubles ($239 bln), while up to 15.5 mln people could lose their jobs, according to macroeconomic research by the National Rating Agency, Izvestia reports. The crisis will deal a heavy blow to the service sector, while the food industry, agriculture, fishery and forestry sectors will be the least affected. According to analysts, the government won’t let this significant damage happen and will take additional measures for ironing out this economic crisis. In its new forecast, the National Rating Agency relies on a basic scenario, where the GDP and real wages would decline nearly 3% and the dollar rate would surge to 85-90 rubles to the US currency. Experts believe that this optimistic scenario, where economic growth would continue, and a pessimistic scenario, characterized by a deep fall, are highly unlikely. The Russian National Wealth Fund’s reserves will be drained in the coming two years rather than in six years as the government said earlier, specialists from the Economic Expert Group, which consult with the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development, predicted, according to Izvestia. Given the scale of the current crisis, the experts warn that the government will have to ditch the budget rule, and take out loans, while the Central Bank would have to start printing money to buy the Russian government’s securities. "The hallmark of the current situation is virtually a full lack of revenues, including in the sectors, which are the most vulnerable to shock. This creates a serious threat of an exodus of small firms from the market, which have no reserves, severing production ties, and a sharp rise in unemployment and mounting poverty," the authors of the article wrote. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Pentagon puts Chinese virologists under microscope


tass--2020-04-16--US may be prepping site in Nevada to test nukes, Russian diplomat warns

`` The United States , as many signs attest , including publications citing organizations engaged in the United States in maintaining their nuclear arsenal in combat readiness , may well be bringing their test site in Nevada on high alert , '' he said .
MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The United States may be on the way to bringing its nuclear test site in Nevada on high alert , as many signs attest , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Thursday .
`` As for the barrage of criticism coming from Washington for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly do not fully comply with our moratorium on nuclear tests , we repeat once again that we did not take any steps that would include elements of deviation from our obligations stemming from our unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing and from our ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty ( CTBT ) , '' he said commenting on a report by the US Department of State on the `` Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control , Nonproliferation , and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments '' issued on Wednesday .
Ryabkov stressed that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formally expressed its unwillingness to ratify the accord , had no right to hurl any accusations on this score .
He pointed out that Washington ’ s actions looked like a disinformation campaign that the United States had launched when it was preparing to unilaterally withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty .
`` At that time , they [ the Americans ] tried to find an excuse to create a suitable propaganda background for their subsequent withdrawal from the treaty , blaming others .
By doing so , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international community over what is going on in this area .
We urge the United States to abandon the growing practice of misinforming the global community about what is happening , '' he emphasized .
According to the US Department of State ’ s report on the `` 2019 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control , Nonproliferation , and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments , '' which was submitted to Congress , Washington continues to believe that Russia allegedly conducted nuclear tests last year .

"The United States, as many signs attest, including publications citing organizations engaged in the United States in maintaining their nuclear arsenal in combat readiness, may well be bringing their test site in Nevada on high alert," he said.
MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. The United States may be on the way to bringing its nuclear test site in Nevada on high alert, as many signs attest, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Thursday.
"As for the barrage of criticism coming from Washington for more than half a year now that we allegedly do not fully comply with our moratorium on nuclear tests, we repeat once again that we did not take any steps that would include elements of deviation from our obligations stemming from our unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing and from our ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)," he said commenting on a report by the US Department of State on the "Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments" issued on Wednesday.
Ryabkov stressed that the United States, as a country that formally expressed its unwillingness to ratify the accord, had no right to hurl any accusations on this score.
He pointed out that Washington’s actions looked like a disinformation campaign that the United States had launched when it was preparing to unilaterally withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. "At that time, they [the Americans] tried to find an excuse to create a suitable propaganda background for their subsequent withdrawal from the treaty, blaming others. By doing so, the United States is sowing uncertainty in the international community over what is going on in this area. We urge the United States to abandon the growing practice of misinforming the global community about what is happening," he emphasized.
According to the US Department of State’s report on the "2019 Adherence to and Compliance with Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Disarmament Agreements and Commitments," which was submitted to Congress, Washington continues to believe that Russia allegedly conducted nuclear tests last year.


tass--2020-04-16--Russian Central Bank receives four applications on Asian-Pacific Bank purchase

`` The Bank of Russia announced the completion of receiving applications from interested parties on intention to participate in purchase of shares of the Asian-Pacific Bank .
As of April 15 , 2020 , the Bank of Russia received four applications on the intention , '' the statement reads .
MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Central Bank has received four applications for participation in the purchase of the Asian-Pacific Bank , which underwent the financial recovery procedure via the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund , the regulator said in a statement on Thursday .
The Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acquiring shares from the regulator in the period between April 1 and 15 , 2020 .
The Asian-Pacific Bank started the financial recovery procedure via the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund controlled by the Bank of Russia in April 2018 .
The Central Bank holds 99.99 % of the credit organization .
Former Deputy Chairman of the Russian Central Bank Vasily Pozdyshev said in early August 2019 that the regulator ’ s losses from recovery procedures of banks through the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund were estimated at up to 1.4 trillion rubles ( $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bank of Russia saw the risk of selling assets at rock-bottom prices if the regulator restricted the terms of ownership of those banks ’ shares .
It was also reported that the regulator planned to return part of the funds through the sale of banks undergoing the recovery procedure , to which it provided capital .
The Asian-Pacific Bank was going to become the first among such banks planned to be sold .

"The Bank of Russia announced the completion of receiving applications from interested parties on intention to participate in purchase of shares of the Asian-Pacific Bank. As of April 15, 2020, the Bank of Russia received four applications on the intention," the statement reads.
MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Russia’s Central Bank has received four applications for participation in the purchase of the Asian-Pacific Bank, which underwent the financial recovery procedure via the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund, the regulator said in a statement on Thursday.
The Central Bank received applications from parties interested in acquiring shares from the regulator in the period between April 1 and 15, 2020. The Asian-Pacific Bank started the financial recovery procedure via the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund controlled by the Bank of Russia in April 2018. The Central Bank holds 99.99% of the credit organization.
Former Deputy Chairman of the Russian Central Bank Vasily Pozdyshev said in early August 2019 that the regulator’s losses from recovery procedures of banks through the Banking Sector Consolidation Fund were estimated at up to 1.4 trillion rubles ($18.8 bln). He added that the Bank of Russia saw the risk of selling assets at rock-bottom prices if the regulator restricted the terms of ownership of those banks’ shares. It was also reported that the regulator planned to return part of the funds through the sale of banks undergoing the recovery procedure, to which it provided capital. The Asian-Pacific Bank was going to become the first among such banks planned to be sold.


tass--2020-04-16--Russian military medics begin treating COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms in Bergamo

BERGAMO /Italy/ , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russian military medics have started treating patients with mild and moderate symptoms of COVID-19 at a recently opened therapeutic unit at a field hospital in Bergamo , the Russian Defense Ministry informed on Thursday .
`` I must say that you have high-class specialists .
Several days ago , general practitioners began their work , and we hope that they will be able to help patients with less severe symptoms of the disease than those held in intensive care units under observation of your specialists , '' head of the field hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Russian Defense Ministry .
The ministry explained that the therapeutic unit is open for patients with mild and moderate symptoms of the disease , as well as those who are recovering and no longer need intensive care .
This allows to free hospital beds in intensive care units for patients with more severe symptoms .
`` Currently , there are 12 patients in the unit under the care of Russian doctors .
In total , 35 COVID-19 patients are receiving treatment at the hospital .
Twelve patients who were treated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been discharged from the hospital , '' the ministry noted .
International teams at the hospital consist of anaesthesiologists , general practitioners , epidemiologists and nurses .
Russian military translators are also working on the site , establishing communication between Russian and Italian medics .
Under the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin , on March 22-25 , the Russian Defense Ministry sent 15 military jets to Italy that transported virologists , epidemiologists and the necessary equipment to the country .
According to the ministry , the group includes specialists who directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swine fever , as well as developing vaccines against Ebola and the plague .
The planes also delivered mobile stations for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories and medical equipment .
Russian military experts have been stationed in the town of Bergamo ( Lombardy ) , one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy with a record number of infections and deaths in the country .

BERGAMO /Italy/, April 16. /TASS/. Russian military medics have started treating patients with mild and moderate symptoms of COVID-19 at a recently opened therapeutic unit at a field hospital in Bergamo, the Russian Defense Ministry informed on Thursday.
"I must say that you have high-class specialists. Several days ago, general practitioners began their work, and we hope that they will be able to help patients with less severe symptoms of the disease than those held in intensive care units under observation of your specialists," head of the field hospital in Bergamo Oliviero Valoti said, quoted by the Russian Defense Ministry.
The ministry explained that the therapeutic unit is open for patients with mild and moderate symptoms of the disease, as well as those who are recovering and no longer need intensive care. This allows to free hospital beds in intensive care units for patients with more severe symptoms.
"Currently, there are 12 patients in the unit under the care of Russian doctors. In total, 35 COVID-19 patients are receiving treatment at the hospital. Twelve patients who were treated by Russian and Italian specialists have recovered and have been discharged from the hospital," the ministry noted.
International teams at the hospital consist of anaesthesiologists, general practitioners, epidemiologists and nurses. Russian military translators are also working on the site, establishing communication between Russian and Italian medics.
Under the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin, on March 22-25, the Russian Defense Ministry sent 15 military jets to Italy that transported virologists, epidemiologists and the necessary equipment to the country. According to the ministry, the group includes specialists who directly took part in fighting outbreaks of African swine fever, as well as developing vaccines against Ebola and the plague. The planes also delivered mobile stations for aerosol disinfection of transport and territories and medical equipment.
Russian military experts have been stationed in the town of Bergamo (Lombardy), one of the epicenters of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy with a record number of infections and deaths in the country.


tass--2020-04-16--Russia’s coronavirus case tally rises by 3,448 over past day

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Some 3,448 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Russia over the past day , taking the country ’ s total tally up to 27,938 in 84 regions , the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday .
A total of 2,304 people have recovered from the coronavirus and the death toll has hit 232 .
`` Russia has registered a rise in coronavirus infections to 27,938 cases ( +14.1 % ) in 84 regions .
Over the past day , 318 people have been discharged after recovering and to date this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus patients have died over the past 24 hours .
A total of 232 people have died over the entire period in Russia , '' the crisis center reported .
Moscow has recorded 1,370 new coronavirus cases , bringing the total number of those infected in the Russian capital to 16,146 .
The new cases have been reported in 77 other regions .
The Moscow Region accounts for the majority of cases - 467 , and is followed by St. Petersburg - 154 , the Nizhny Novgorod Region - 65 , the Ingushetia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 60 and the Tambov Region - 50 .
The Republic of Dagestan has reported 49 cases , the Chuvash Republic - 47 cases and the Tula Region - 44 cases .
Over the past day , 318 people have been discharged from hospitals after recovering , including 189 in Moscow , 16 in the Moscow Region , 15 in St. Petersburg and 11 in the Bryansk Region .
Some 34 coronavirus patients have died over the past 24 hours - seven of them in Moscow , another seven in the Moscow Region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three in the Republic of Dagestan , two in St. Petersburg , two in the Kursk Region and two in the Astrakhan Region .
One fatality was reported in the Ingushetia Republic , the Chuvash Republic , the Kaluga Region , the Mordovia Republic , the Orenburg Region , the Novosibirsk Region , the Belgorod Region and the Adygea Republic .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Some 3,448 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Russia over the past day, taking the country’s total tally up to 27,938 in 84 regions, the anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Thursday.
A total of 2,304 people have recovered from the coronavirus and the death toll has hit 232.
"Russia has registered a rise in coronavirus infections to 27,938 cases (+14.1%) in 84 regions. Over the past day, 318 people have been discharged after recovering and to date this number has reached 2,304. Some 34 coronavirus patients have died over the past 24 hours. A total of 232 people have died over the entire period in Russia," the crisis center reported.
Moscow has recorded 1,370 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of those infected in the Russian capital to 16,146. The new cases have been reported in 77 other regions. The Moscow Region accounts for the majority of cases - 467, and is followed by St. Petersburg - 154, the Nizhny Novgorod Region - 65, the Ingushetia Republic - 63, the Krasnoyarsk Region - 60 and the Tambov Region - 50. The Republic of Dagestan has reported 49 cases, the Chuvash Republic - 47 cases and the Tula Region - 44 cases.
Over the past day, 318 people have been discharged from hospitals after recovering, including 189 in Moscow, 16 in the Moscow Region, 15 in St. Petersburg and 11 in the Bryansk Region.
Some 34 coronavirus patients have died over the past 24 hours - seven of them in Moscow, another seven in the Moscow Region, three in the Vladimir Region, three in the Republic of Dagestan, two in St. Petersburg, two in the Kursk Region and two in the Astrakhan Region. One fatality was reported in the Ingushetia Republic, the Chuvash Republic, the Kaluga Region, the Mordovia Republic, the Orenburg Region, the Novosibirsk Region, the Belgorod Region and the Adygea Republic.


tass--2020-04-16--Donetsk, Kiev complete first prisoner swap in 2020

Russia not to ask the EU to withdraw sanctions amid the pandemic , Lavrov says But if the EU withdraws @ @ @ @ @ , Russian will be ready to reciprocate , Lavrov said

Ukraine crisis
US does not supply Kiev with new equipment, fearing Russia, China seize it — expert
Matthew Hoh pointed out that "the Russians, of course, figured out how to jam the GPS" used to control the HIMARS missiles
Read more


tass--2020-04-16--Russian diplomat rejects US accusations of Moscow’s violation of nuclear test ban

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
Russia did not take any actions violating its obligations on banning nuclear tests @ @ @ @ @ Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Thursday .
`` As for the reproaches coming from Washington @ @ @ @ @ year now that we allegedly do not fully comply with our moratorium on nuclear tests @ @ @ @ @ that we did not take any steps that would include elements of deviation from our @ @ @ @ @ moratorium on nuclear testing and from our ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty ( CTBT @ @ @ @ @ commenting on a report by the US Department of State on countries ’ compliance with @ @ @ @ @ of arms control , non-proliferation and disarmament issued on Wednesday .
`` We urge the @ @ @ @ @ increasing practice of providing the international community with disinformation about the current developments , '' @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. Russia did not take any actions violating its obligations on banning nuclear tests, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on Thursday.
"As for the reproaches coming from Washington for more than half a year now that we allegedly do not fully comply with our moratorium on nuclear tests, we say once again that we did not take any steps that would include elements of deviation from our obligations stemming from our unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing and from our ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)," he said commenting on a report by the US Department of State on countries’ compliance with the agreements in the field of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament issued on Wednesday.
Moscow urges Washington to stop spreading disinformation about nuclear tests.
"We urge the United States to abandon the increasing practice of providing the international community with disinformation about the current developments," he pointed out.


tass--2020-04-16--India’s confirmed coronavirus cases exceed 12,000

NEW DELHI , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has grown by 941 @ @ @ @ @ reached 12,380 , India 's health ministry said on Thursday .
The death toll has @ @ @ @ @ past 24 hours and climbed to 414 .
A total of 10,477 coronavirus patients remain @ @ @ @ @ have recovered .
The strict quarantine regime was introduced in India on March 25 and @ @ @ @ @ .

NEW DELHI, April 16. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has grown by 941 in the past day and reached 12,380, India's health ministry said on Thursday.
The death toll has grown by 37 in the past 24 hours and climbed to 414.
A total of 10,477 coronavirus patients remain hospitalized, and 1,489 people have recovered.
The strict quarantine regime was introduced in India on March 25 and will last until May 3.


tass--2020-04-16--Coronavirus death toll in US surpasses 30,000 — Johns Hopkins University

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from coronavirus-related illnesses and complications has climbed to @ @ @ @ @ , Johns Hopkins University reported on Wednesday .
A total of 637,716 coronavirus cases have @ @ @ @ @ so far , while 52,619 people recovered .
The number of fatalities reached 10,899 in @ @ @ @ @ late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about @ @ @ @ @ unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , @ @ @ @ @ - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the @ @ @ @ @ On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been @ @ @ @ @ so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. /TASS/. The death toll from coronavirus-related illnesses and complications has climbed to 30,826 in the United States, Johns Hopkins University reported on Wednesday.
A total of 637,716 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the US so far, while 52,619 people recovered.
The number of fatalities reached 10,899 in New York City.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--South Korea registers 22 new coronavirus cases in past day

MOSCOW , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Korea has increased @ @ @ @ @ day and reached 10,613 , while the death toll grew by four and climbed to @ @ @ @ @ health ministry said on Thursday .
The number of recoveries reached 141 in the past @ @ @ @ @ in total .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China @ @ @ @ @ of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in @ @ @ @ @ , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 16. /TASS/. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Korea has increased by 22 in the past day and reached 10,613, while the death toll grew by four and climbed to 229, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.
The number of recoveries reached 141 in the past day and grew to 7,757 in total.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Colombia surpasses 3,100

BOGOTA , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
A total of new 126 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Colombia in the past day , bringing the total number of cases in the country to 3,105 , Colombia 's health ministry reported on Wednesday .
`` We confirmed the recovery of 98 coronavirus patients in the past day , 126 new cases and four fatalities .
Therefore , the total number of recoveries in Colombia reached 452 , the number of confirmed cases climbed to 3,105 , and the death toll reached 131 , '' the ministry said adding that 1,291 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Bogota .
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Colombia on March 6 .
On March 17 , Colombian President Ivan Duque declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BOGOTA, April 16. /TASS/. A total of new 126 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Colombia in the past day, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 3,105, Colombia's health ministry reported on Wednesday.
"We confirmed the recovery of 98 coronavirus patients in the past day, 126 new cases and four fatalities. Therefore, the total number of recoveries in Colombia reached 452, the number of confirmed cases climbed to 3,105, and the death toll reached 131," the ministry said adding that 1,291 coronavirus cases were confirmed in the capital of Bogota.
The first coronavirus case was confirmed in Colombia on March 6. On March 17, Colombian President Ivan Duque declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Mexico’s confirmed coronavirus cases approaching 6,000

MEXICO CITY , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 448 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Mexico in the last 24 hours , bringing the total number to 5,847 , Mexico 's deputy health minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell told a press conference on Wednesday .
`` A total of 5,847 cases have been confirmed , '' he said adding that the death toll grew by 43 in the past day and climbed to 449 .
Most confirmed cases ( 1,686 ) were registered in the country 's capital .
The first case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 30 , the government declared a state of emergency in the healthcare system over the coronavirus outbreak .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MEXICO CITY, April 16. /TASS/. A total of 448 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Mexico in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number to 5,847, Mexico's deputy health minister Hugo Lopez-Gatell told a press conference on Wednesday.
"A total of 5,847 cases have been confirmed," he said adding that the death toll grew by 43 in the past day and climbed to 449. Most confirmed cases (1,686) were registered in the country's capital.
The first case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed in Mexico on February 28. On March 30, the government declared a state of emergency in the healthcare system over the coronavirus outbreak.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Moldova exceeds 2,000

CHISINAU , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Moldova has increased to 2,049 , Moldova ’ s Minister of Health , Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbraveanu said on Wednesday .
`` As many as 594 tests were carried out during the day , 115 of them were coronavirus-positive .
The overall number of such tests has reached 1,914 .
A total of 135 people are suspected of being infected but they have not been tested for coronavirus and are undergoing treatment at home , '' she said .
As many as 171 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 44 patients have died .
A state of emergency over the coronavirus epidemic was imposed on March 17 .
It will stay in force until May 15 .
The republic has closed its borders , prohibited mass events , closed most of shops and enterprises .
People are required to stay at home .
Violators will face big fines .
According to Moldovan President Igor Dodon , thanks to the lockdown measures and people ’ s responsible attitudes , the situation is developing in a more optimistic way than expected , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the ninth day .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reported .

CHISINAU, April 15. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Moldova has increased to 2,049, Moldova’s Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection Viorica Dumbraveanu said on Wednesday.
"As many as 594 tests were carried out during the day, 115 of them were coronavirus-positive. The overall number of such tests has reached 1,914. A total of 135 people are suspected of being infected but they have not been tested for coronavirus and are undergoing treatment at home," she said.
As many as 171 people have recovered from the coronavirus infection, and 44 patients have died.
A state of emergency over the coronavirus epidemic was imposed on March 17. It will stay in force until May 15. The republic has closed its borders, prohibited mass events, closed most of shops and enterprises. People are required to stay at home. Violators will face big fines.
According to Moldovan President Igor Dodon, thanks to the lockdown measures and people’s responsible attitudes, the situation is developing in a more optimistic way than expected, with the coronavirus daily tally demonstrating downwards tendency for the ninth day.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported.


tass--2020-04-16--Over 650 people on board Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier test positive for COVID-19

PARIS , April 15 .
/TASS/ .
Over 650 crewmembers of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier have tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 , France 's Ministry of Armed Forces said on Wednesday .
`` As of late April 14 , 1,767 crewmembers underwent testing .
A total of 668 people tested positive [ for COVID-19 ] , '' the ministry said adding that `` 31 people were hospitalized at St. Anne Hospital in Toulon , where one person remains in intensive care . ''
The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier arrived in the port of Toulon on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many crewmembers started presenting with novel coronavirus symptoms .
The whole crew of the aircraft carrier ( over 2,000 people ) were placed under quarantine for 14 days .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PARIS, April 15. /TASS/. Over 650 crewmembers of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier have tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19, France's Ministry of Armed Forces said on Wednesday.
"As of late April 14, 1,767 crewmembers underwent testing. A total of 668 people tested positive [for COVID-19]," the ministry said adding that "31 people were hospitalized at St. Anne Hospital in Toulon, where one person remains in intensive care."
The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier arrived in the port of Toulon on the Mediterranean Sea on April 12 because many crewmembers started presenting with novel coronavirus symptoms. The whole crew of the aircraft carrier (over 2,000 people) were placed under quarantine for 14 days.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-16--NATO countries will counter disinformation amid coronavirus pandemic — Pentagon

WASHINGTON , April 16 .
/TASS/ .
The defense ministers of the NATO member countries have noted the importance of countering disinformation amid the coronavirus pandemic , the US Department of Defense said in a statement released on Wednesday .
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper took part in the virtual meeting of the NATO defense ministers .
`` Allied ministers focused on maintaining a strong NATO deterrence and defense posture to preserve Alliance security during our collective battle against COVID-19 , '' the statement said .
`` Allies reaffirmed their commitment to readiness and to continue ongoing operations .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both state and non-state actors who are using the pandemic to spread false and harmful narratives , '' the statement added .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest statistics , over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

WASHINGTON, April 16. /TASS/. The defense ministers of the NATO member countries have noted the importance of countering disinformation amid the coronavirus pandemic, the US Department of Defense said in a statement released on Wednesday.
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper took part in the virtual meeting of the NATO defense ministers.
"Allied ministers focused on maintaining a strong NATO deterrence and defense posture to preserve Alliance security during our collective battle against COVID-19," the statement said.
"Allies reaffirmed their commitment to readiness and to continue ongoing operations. They emphasized the importance of countering disinformation from both state and non-state actors who are using the pandemic to spread false and harmful narratives," the statement added.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,000,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 126,800 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 485,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-01-07--Putin pays visit to Damascus, meets Syria’s al-Assad

MOSCOW , January 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Damascus for a visit , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday .
`` Vladimir Putin travelled from the airport to the headquarters of the Russian Armed Forces group in the Syrian Arab Republic , drove down the streets of Damascus , '' he underlined .
`` Putin was met by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the headquarters , '' Peskov informed .
`` The leaders heard military reports on developments in various regions of the country , '' the spokesman added .
Later , bilateral talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
`` Talking to [ Syrian President Bashar ] al-Assad , Putin underlined that it can certainly be said now that much ground was covered to restore Syria ’ s statehood and territorial integrity , '' the spokesman pointed out .
According to him , `` Putin also underlined that it is clear to the naked eye that peaceful life is returning to the streets of Damascus . ''
Peskov also informed that al-Assad in turn extended his gratitude to Putin for his visit to Damascus .
`` The Syrian president showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ help in fighting terrorism and restoring peaceful life in Syria , '' he stressed .
`` Al-Assad also extended warm wishes to Putin and the whole Russian nation on the occasion of the Christmas , '' Peskov said .
Putin ’ s agenda in Syria includes a few other visits , the spokesman added .
Putin last travelled to Syria in December 2017 .
He then arrived at Khmeimim Air Base where he was greeted by al-Assad as well as Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Sergey Surovikin who served as commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Putin and al-Assad held a meeting with Russian officers and heard Surovikin ’ s report updating them about the operation aimed at clearing the country of terrorist presence .

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Damascus for a visit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.
"Vladimir Putin travelled from the airport to the headquarters of the Russian Armed Forces group in the Syrian Arab Republic, drove down the streets of Damascus," he underlined.
"Putin was met by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the headquarters," Peskov informed. "The leaders heard military reports on developments in various regions of the country," the spokesman added.
Later, bilateral talks between the Russian and Syrian delegations took place. "Talking to [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad, Putin underlined that it can certainly be said now that much ground was covered to restore Syria’s statehood and territorial integrity," the spokesman pointed out. According to him, "Putin also underlined that it is clear to the naked eye that peaceful life is returning to the streets of Damascus."
Peskov also informed that al-Assad in turn extended his gratitude to Putin for his visit to Damascus. "The Syrian president showed appreciation for Russia and the Russian troops’ help in fighting terrorism and restoring peaceful life in Syria," he stressed. "Al-Assad also extended warm wishes to Putin and the whole Russian nation on the occasion of the Christmas," Peskov said. Putin’s agenda in Syria includes a few other visits, the spokesman added.
Putin last travelled to Syria in December 2017. He then arrived at Khmeimim Air Base where he was greeted by al-Assad as well as Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu and Sergey Surovikin who served as commander of the Russia forces in Syria then. Putin and al-Assad held a meeting with Russian officers and heard Surovikin’s report updating them about the operation aimed at clearing the country of terrorist presence.


tass--2020-01-07--Spain’s Pedro Sanchez wins parliament’s support to secure prime minister’s office

Erdogan says killing of Soleimani should not be left without response Turkish President pointed out that in the latest phone @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump to `` refrain from escalation with Iran ''


tass--2020-01-07--Putin to visit Turkey on Wednesday for TurkStream launch

MOSCOW , January 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Istanbul on Wednesday on a working visit @ @ @ @ @ in the launch ceremony of the TurkStream gas pipeline , the Kremlin press service said @ @ @ @ @ January 8 , Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to Turkey ( @ @ @ @ @ launch ceremony of the TurkStream gas pipeline , '' the statement said .
It also @ @ @ @ @ talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss issues of further development of Russian-Turkish @ @ @ @ @ , including the situation in Syria and Libya .
Earlier , presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov @ @ @ @ @ would meet in early January 2020 and participate in launching the TurkStream gas pipeline .

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Istanbul on Wednesday on a working visit, where he will participate in the launch ceremony of the TurkStream gas pipeline, the Kremlin press service said on Tuesday.
"On January 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to Turkey (Istanbul) to attend the launch ceremony of the TurkStream gas pipeline," the statement said. It also said that Putin will hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss issues of further development of Russian-Turkish cooperation and urgent international issues, including the situation in Syria and Libya.
Earlier, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Putin and Erdogan would meet in early January 2020 and participate in launching the TurkStream gas pipeline.


tass--2020-01-07--At least 35 people killed in stampede at Soleimani funeral in Iran

TEHRAN , January 7 .
/TASS/ .
At least 35 people were killed in a stampede during a funeral procession for Iranian general Qassem Soleimani who was killed last week in a U.S. airstrike , the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting ( Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting ) said on Tuesday .
It was also noted that another 48 people were injured , according to preliminary data .
According to medical services , the stampede was caused by a large crowd .
On January 3 , General Qasem Soleimani , the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards ’ elite Quds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike at Baghdad International Airport .
According to the US Administration , the operation was defensive , as it was aimed at protecting US troops stationed in the Middle East .
According to Washington , the attacks planned by the Iranian general could have led to the deaths of hundreds of Americans and Iraqis .
After the attack , Iran ’ s Supreme National Security Council vowed at an emergency session to exact `` severe revenge '' on those involved in the killing of Soleimani , blaming the US for the attack .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Antonio Guterres , Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif bashed the attack as an act of terrorism by the US .

TEHRAN, January 7. /TASS/. At least 35 people were killed in a stampede during a funeral procession for Iranian general Qassem Soleimani who was killed last week in a U.S. airstrike, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) said on Tuesday.
It was also noted that another 48 people were injured, according to preliminary data. According to medical services, the stampede was caused by a large crowd.
On January 3, General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ elite Quds Force, was killed in a drone strike at Baghdad International Airport. According to the US Administration, the operation was defensive, as it was aimed at protecting US troops stationed in the Middle East. According to Washington, the attacks planned by the Iranian general could have led to the deaths of hundreds of Americans and Iraqis.
After the attack, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council vowed at an emergency session to exact "severe revenge" on those involved in the killing of Soleimani, blaming the US for the attack. In a telephone call with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif bashed the attack as an act of terrorism by the US.


tass--2020-01-07--VTB sues Mozambique state company - Reuters

MOSCOW , January 7 .
/TASS/ .
VTB filed a lawsuit in Britain ’ s High Court against Mozambique 's @ @ @ @ @ ( MAM ) due to problems with `` general commercial contracts and arrangements '' , @ @ @ @ @ .
According to Reuters , the filing was dated December 23 and `` names as @ @ @ @ @ Mozambique Asset Management , which took a $ 535 million loan from VTB as part @ @ @ @ @ U.S. authorities say was an elaborate front for a bribery and kickback scheme '' .
@ @ @ @ @ the case relates to the loan .
Earlier on November 19 , VTB head Andrey @ @ @ @ @ with Reuters that the bank could make a complaint to the government of Mozambique if @ @ @ @ @ the parties do not agree on the debt restructuring plan .
In late October , @ @ @ @ @ Filipe Nyusi discussed plans to restructure the debt of the South African country .
VTB @ @ @ @ @ before the end of 2019 .

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. VTB filed a lawsuit in Britain’s High Court against Mozambique's state-owned company Mozambique Asset Management (MAM) due to problems with "general commercial contracts and arrangements", Reuters reported citing court documents.
According to Reuters, the filing was dated December 23 and "names as defendants the Mozambique state and Mozambique Asset Management, which took a $535 million loan from VTB as part of a costly project that U.S. authorities say was an elaborate front for a bribery and kickback scheme". It is not clear whether the case relates to the loan.
Earlier on November 19, VTB head Andrey Kostin said in an interview with Reuters that the bank could make a complaint to the government of Mozambique if by the end of 2019 the parties do not agree on the debt restructuring plan.
In late October, Kostin and President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi discussed plans to restructure the debt of the South African country. VTB hoped to resolve the issue before the end of 2019.


tass--2020-01-07--Around 2.3 mln people participated in Christmas festivities in Russia

MOSCOW , January 7 .
/TASS/ .
About 2.3 mln people participated in events dedicated to the celebration of Christmas @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk told TASS .
`` On the @ @ @ @ @ about 2.3 million people took part in events dedicated to the celebration of Christmas .
@ @ @ @ @ were held in 5,700 cities and towns of Russia , '' she said .
According @ @ @ @ @ no public order disturbances during Christmas services .
Security was provided by more than 45,900 @ @ @ @ @ Internal Affairs of Russia , as well as military servicemen of Russia ’ s National @ @ @ @ @ groups , volunteers and employees of private security organizations .

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. About 2.3 mln people participated in events dedicated to the celebration of Christmas in Russia, official representative of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs Irina Volk told TASS.
"On the night of January 7, about 2.3 million people took part in events dedicated to the celebration of Christmas. Services in churches and monasteries were held in 5,700 cities and towns of Russia," she said.
According to Volk, there were no public order disturbances during Christmas services. Security was provided by more than 45,900 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, as well as military servicemen of Russia’s National Guard, representatives of public groups, volunteers and employees of private security organizations.


tass--2020-01-07--Death toll from construction trailer fire rises to eight people

MOSCOW , January 7 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from a fire in construction trailers in the Moscow region rose to eight people , emergency services told TASS .
`` The bodies of two more people were discovered .
Thus , there are eight people deceased in total .
Presumably , all of them are citizens of Tajikistan , '' the source said .
The Ministry of Emergencies confirmed the death of eight people .
According to the ministry , the fire happened at about 05:00 Moscow time on an area of 240 square meters in a greenhouse complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue unit arrived , metal-frame cabins were on fire , '' the ministry said .
`` It is possible that the fire was a result of a short circuit from heating appliances .
Other versions of the fire are also being considered , '' the source in emergency services told TASS .
The Investigative Committee for the Moscow Region told TASS that investigators and forensic experts are now examining the scene .
`` The source and causes of the fire are being established .
Forensic and fire-technical examinations are planned , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on criminal proceedings .
Emergency services said that migrant workers lived in the construction trailers , the exact number is being assessed .

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. The death toll from a fire in construction trailers in the Moscow region rose to eight people, emergency services told TASS.
"The bodies of two more people were discovered. Thus, there are eight people deceased in total. Presumably, all of them are citizens of Tajikistan," the source said.
The Ministry of Emergencies confirmed the death of eight people. According to the ministry, the fire happened at about 05:00 Moscow time on an area of 240 square meters in a greenhouse complex. "When the first fire and rescue unit arrived, metal-frame cabins were on fire," the ministry said.
"It is possible that the fire was a result of a short circuit from heating appliances. Other versions of the fire are also being considered," the source in emergency services told TASS.
The Investigative Committee for the Moscow Region told TASS that investigators and forensic experts are now examining the scene. "The source and causes of the fire are being established. Forensic and fire-technical examinations are planned," the service said. A decision is pending on criminal proceedings.
Emergency services said that migrant workers lived in the construction trailers, the exact number is being assessed.


tass--2020-01-07--President Putin congratulates Orthodox Christians celebrating Christmas

MOSCOW , January 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Orthodox Christians and all Russian citizens celebrating Christmas , noting the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in strengthening spiritual and moral foundations of society , the Kremlin press service reported on Tuesday .
`` Millions of people all over the world are full with joy and inspiration on festive Christmas days , they share deep feelings of being a part of the centuries-old traditions , passed down from generation to generation , '' the message said .
`` The Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strengthening spiritual and moral foundations of society , in safeguarding our historical , cultural heritage , in educating young people .
Such a large , fruitful work is very important and deserves the deepest recognition , '' the president said .
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier presented the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God to the Transfiguration Cathedral of St. Petersburg on Tuesday at the Christmas services .
For more than half an hour , the President , along with other worshipers , took part in a nightly Divine Liturgy , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cathedral , Nikolai Bryndin , and presented him with an icon as a gift .
In response , the President received an icon of the Kazan Mother of God from Bryndin .
The Orthodox residents of Russia and other countries are celebrating Christmas on Tuesday , January 7 .
On Monday night , Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia started the Christmas service in Moscow ’ s Cathedral of Christ the Savior .
Further to the Russian Orthodox Church , the Serbian , Georgian and Polish Orthodox Churches , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monasteries and some Protestants and Catholics of the Eastern Rite also celebrate Christmas on January 7 or December 25 according to the Julian calendar .
Christians conclude a forty-day fast that lasted from November 28 of the last year until January 6 .
On Christmas Eve , they have special fasting , `` until the first star , '' in memory of how the Magi came first to the birthplace of Christ following the star in the sky .
At present , a candle in front of the altar , which is lit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , is brought to the middle of the temple , symbolizing the Bethlehem Star .
The Christmas celebration continues for twelve days ( the so-called ‘ Christmas tide ’ ) and ends on the Epiphany Day on January 19 .

MOSCOW, January 7. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Orthodox Christians and all Russian citizens celebrating Christmas, noting the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in strengthening spiritual and moral foundations of society, the Kremlin press service reported on Tuesday.
"Millions of people all over the world are full with joy and inspiration on festive Christmas days, they share deep feelings of being a part of the centuries-old traditions, passed down from generation to generation," the message said.
"The Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations of Russia play a huge formative role in strengthening spiritual and moral foundations of society, in safeguarding our historical, cultural heritage, in educating young people. Such a large, fruitful work is very important and deserves the deepest recognition," the president said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier presented the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God to the Transfiguration Cathedral of St. Petersburg on Tuesday at the Christmas services.
For more than half an hour, the President, along with other worshipers, took part in a nightly Divine Liturgy, after which he briefly talked with the Archpriest of the cathedral, Nikolai Bryndin, and presented him with an icon as a gift. In response, the President received an icon of the Kazan Mother of God from Bryndin.
The Orthodox residents of Russia and other countries are celebrating Christmas on Tuesday, January 7. On Monday night, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia started the Christmas service in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
Further to the Russian Orthodox Church, the Serbian, Georgian and Polish Orthodox Churches, the Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, Athos monasteries and some Protestants and Catholics of the Eastern Rite also celebrate Christmas on January 7 or December 25 according to the Julian calendar.
Christians conclude a forty-day fast that lasted from November 28 of the last year until January 6. On Christmas Eve, they have special fasting, "until the first star," in memory of how the Magi came first to the birthplace of Christ following the star in the sky. At present, a candle in front of the altar, which is lit at the end of the Christmas Eve service, is brought to the middle of the temple, symbolizing the Bethlehem Star.
The Christmas celebration continues for twelve days (the so-called ‘Christmas tide’) and ends on the Epiphany Day on January 19.