tass--2020-01-10--Full-fledged freight traffic over Crimean Bridge to start from July 1 — Putin

YALTA , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The full-scale freight traffic over the Crimean Bridge will be opened from July @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin said on Friday .
`` Railway transportation of goods [ over the @ @ @ @ @ implemented regularly from July 1 , '' the head of state said .

YALTA, January 10. /TASS/. The full-scale freight traffic over the Crimean Bridge will be opened from July 1 of this year, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
"Railway transportation of goods [over the Crimean Bridge] will be implemented regularly from July 1," the head of state said.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazian CEC to announce date of presidential election rerun before Monday noon

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s Central Election Commission ( CEC ) will announce the date of presidential election rerun before Monday ( January 13 ) noon , head of the Commission Tamaz Gogiya told reporters on Saturday .
`` We plan to take the decision no later than the first half of Monday .
The law says we have five days , but we will not drag on even for five days , '' he said .
The court ’ s documents , after receiving which the Commission has to set an election , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gogiya said .
The issue of cancellation of the voting results was considered under his appeal .
`` That is probably a legal decision of the court .
We have to examine it and we will enforce it in any case , '' he noted .
A member of Abkhazia ’ s Central Election Commission who represented it at the court hearing on the legitimacy of the presidential election , Gabniya told TASS earlier that the Commission would propose a date for a new presidential voting in the country within the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court .
The voting is to be held within 2-3 months .
Raul Khajimba , in accordance with the law , will have to perform the duties of Abkhazia ’ s President until a new head of state is elected and sworn in .
Gabniya also noted that , although the court has annulled the outcome of the 2019 presidential election , Khajimba remains the last legally elected head of state , since he won the 2014 election .
Meanwhile , representatives of the opposition believe that the power should be transferred to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun .
That means the court board sustained Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission (CEC) will announce the date of presidential election rerun before Monday (January 13) noon, head of the Commission Tamaz Gogiya told reporters on Saturday.
"We plan to take the decision no later than the first half of Monday. The law says we have five days, but we will not drag on even for five days," he said.
The court’s documents, after receiving which the Commission has to set an election, have been brought by opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia, Gogiya said. The issue of cancellation of the voting results was considered under his appeal.
"That is probably a legal decision of the court. We have to examine it and we will enforce it in any case," he noted.
A member of Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission who represented it at the court hearing on the legitimacy of the presidential election, Gabniya told TASS earlier that the Commission would propose a date for a new presidential voting in the country within the next five days, as ruled by the court. The voting is to be held within 2-3 months. Raul Khajimba, in accordance with the law, will have to perform the duties of Abkhazia’s President until a new head of state is elected and sworn in.
Gabniya also noted that, although the court has annulled the outcome of the 2019 presidential election, Khajimba remains the last legally elected head of state, since he won the 2014 election. Meanwhile, representatives of the opposition believe that the power should be transferred to the parliament until a new president is elected.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down.
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun. That means the court board sustained Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful.


tass--2020-01-11--IRGC admits responsibility for Ukrainian jet crash near Tehran, says Aerospace Force head

TEHRAN , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) has taken responsibility @ @ @ @ @ near Tehran , Commander of the IRGC ’ s Aerospace Force Amirali Hajizadeh said on @ @ @ @ @ full responsibility and are ready to follow any orders given by the ( country ’ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` I wished I were dead '' when learning about the plane @ @ @ @ @ The country ’ s air defense system was on highest alert during that night , @ @ @ @ @ 8 , a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran @ @ @ @ @ Airport .
According to the data provided by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko , 176 @ @ @ @ @ crash .
They were citizens of Iran , Canada , Ukraine , Sweden , Afghanistan @ @ @ @ @ UK .
Iran ’ s General Staff said in a statement on Saturday that the @ @ @ @ @ due to human error .

TEHRAN, January 11. /TASS/. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has taken responsibility for the Ukrainian plane crash near Tehran, Commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Force Amirali Hajizadeh said on Saturday.
"We admit full responsibility and are ready to follow any orders given by the (country’s) authorities," he said. "I wished I were dead" when learning about the plane crash, Commander added.
The country’s air defense system was on highest alert during that night, he noted.
"The plane was identified as a cruise vehicle," he was quoted as saying by the ISNA News Agency. "The operator had 10 seconds to take a decision," Commander added.
Hajizadeh added that "the statement was delayed not because someone wanted to keep back (the reason of the crash)." "The General Staff had to conduct an investigation," he explained.
On January 8, a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to the data provided by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko, 176 people were killed in the crash. They were citizens of Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK.
Iran’s General Staff said in a statement on Saturday that the plane had been shot down due to human error.


tass--2020-01-11--Ex-candidate Kvitsinia submits court decision on new election to Abkhazia’s CEC

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The former Abkhazian presidential candidate and opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia , who represents the Amtsakhara party , has submitted the decision of the republic ’ s Supreme Court on presidential election rerun to the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) , TASS correspondent reports .
The court ’ s decision has been registered .
When asked by the CEC 's head why the document had been brought to the Commission by Kvitsinia instead of the court ’ s courier , he replied that it had been done to speed up the process .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid delays and any misunderstandings , '' he said .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
The Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun .
That means the court board sustained Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. The former Abkhazian presidential candidate and opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia, who represents the Amtsakhara party, has submitted the decision of the republic’s Supreme Court on presidential election rerun to the Central Election Commission (CEC), TASS correspondent reports.
The court’s decision has been registered.
When asked by the CEC's head why the document had been brought to the Commission by Kvitsinia instead of the court’s courier, he replied that it had been done to speed up the process.
"We have brought the decision ourselves to avoid delays and any misunderstandings," he said.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down.
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun. That means the court board sustained Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful.


tass--2020-01-11--Recorders of Ukrainian plane shot down in Iran to be sent for decoding to France

TEHRAN , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The flight data recorders of the Ukrainian plane , which was shot down due to human error by the Iranian armed forces near Tehran , will be sent for decoding to France , the chief of the air incidents investigation board of Iran ’ s Civil Aviation Organization Hassan Rezaiefar said .
`` Flight data recorders of the Ukrainian plane will be sent to France , '' he was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency on Saturday .
Meanwhile , the IRIB broadcast corporation reported on Saturday with reference to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization familiar with the matter , that the final decision on sending the recorders abroad had not been taken yet .
On January 8 , a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran ’ s Imam Khomeini International Airport .
According to the data provided by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko , 176 people were killed in the crash .
They were citizens of Iran , Canada , Ukraine , Sweden , Afghanistan , Germany , and the UK .
On Saturday morning , Iran ’ s General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane had been shot down due to human error .
The plane had flown in close proximity to one of the most important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) , the statement said .

TEHRAN, January 11. /TASS/. The flight data recorders of the Ukrainian plane, which was shot down due to human error by the Iranian armed forces near Tehran, will be sent for decoding to France, the chief of the air incidents investigation board of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization Hassan Rezaiefar said.
"Flight data recorders of the Ukrainian plane will be sent to France," he was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the IRIB broadcast corporation reported on Saturday with reference to a source in Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization familiar with the matter, that the final decision on sending the recorders abroad had not been taken yet.
On January 8, a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to the data provided by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko, 176 people were killed in the crash. They were citizens of Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK.
On Saturday morning, Iran’s General Staff said in a statement that the plane had been shot down due to human error. The plane had flown in close proximity to one of the most important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the statement said.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazian law enforcement agencies beef up security in Sukhum due to protests

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Law enforcement agencies have beefed up staff out on the streets of the Abkhazian capital Sukhum due to protests , whereas in other regions of the country such heavy security is not needed as the situation is calm there , Secretary of the republic ’ s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS .
`` Beefed-up security is in State Guard , Interior Ministry and other agencies .
Monitoring is underway inside the building , around the building , in the city and in the republic .
Heavy security , meaning physical increase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sukhum .
In other regions , the situation is stable and calm , '' he said .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun .
That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Law enforcement agencies have beefed up staff out on the streets of the Abkhazian capital Sukhum due to protests, whereas in other regions of the country such heavy security is not needed as the situation is calm there, Secretary of the republic’s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS.
"Beefed-up security is in State Guard, Interior Ministry and other agencies. Monitoring is underway inside the building, around the building, in the city and in the republic. Heavy security, meaning physical increase of forces, is in place only in Sukhum. In other regions, the situation is stable and calm," he said.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down.
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun. That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazian election commission to decide on new voting date after court decision received

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s Central Election Commission has not yet received documents from the Supreme Court , which late on Friday canceled the results of the presidential election held in September 2019 and ruled to call for a rerun , head of the Commission Tamaz Gogiya told TASS on Saturday .
The decision on the new date can only be taken after the decision is received , he added .
`` As soon as we receive documents from the court , we will set the date of the Central Election Commission ’ s meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to be held within five days .
We will announce the decision once we take it , '' Gogiya said .
According to the court decision , the ruling by the Court of Cassation dated January 10 comes into force once it is stated .
Givi Gabniya , a member of Abkhazia ’ s Central Election Commission who represented it at the court hearing on the legitimacy of the presidential election , told TASS earlier that the Commission would propose a date for a new presidential voting in the country within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the court .
The voting is to be held within 2-3 months .
Raul Khajimba , in accordance with the law , will have to perform the duties of Abkhazia ’ s President until a new head of state is elected and sworn in .
Gabniya also noted that , although the court has annulled the outcome of the 2019 presidential election , Khajimba remains the last legally elected head of state , since he won the 2014 election .
Meanwhile , representatives of the opposition believe that the power should be transferred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is elected .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun .
That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission has not yet received documents from the Supreme Court, which late on Friday canceled the results of the presidential election held in September 2019 and ruled to call for a rerun, head of the Commission Tamaz Gogiya told TASS on Saturday. The decision on the new date can only be taken after the decision is received, he added.
"As soon as we receive documents from the court, we will set the date of the Central Election Commission’s meeting. According to the legislation, it is to be held within five days. We will announce the decision once we take it," Gogiya said.
According to the court decision, the ruling by the Court of Cassation dated January 10 comes into force once it is stated.
Givi Gabniya, a member of Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission who represented it at the court hearing on the legitimacy of the presidential election, told TASS earlier that the Commission would propose a date for a new presidential voting in the country within the next five days, as ruled by the court. The voting is to be held within 2-3 months. Raul Khajimba, in accordance with the law, will have to perform the duties of Abkhazia’s President until a new head of state is elected and sworn in.
Gabniya also noted that, although the court has annulled the outcome of the 2019 presidential election, Khajimba remains the last legally elected head of state, since he won the 2014 election. Meanwhile, representatives of the opposition believe that the power should be transferred to the parliament until a new president is elected.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down.
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun. That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.


tass--2020-01-11--Haitham bin Tariq Al Said becomes successor to Oman’s Sultan Qaboos, says newspaper

TASS , January 11 .
Omani culture minister Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has become the new head of state @ @ @ @ @ Qaboos bin Said al-Said , the Al-Watan Oman daily wrote on Twitter on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ confirmation from Muscat so far .
Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said of Oman , aged @ @ @ @ @ Friday after a long illness .

TASS, January 11. Omani culture minister Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has become the new head of state and the successor to Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said, the Al-Watan Oman daily wrote on Twitter on Saturday.
There has been no official confirmation from Muscat so far.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said of Oman, aged 79, died late on Friday after a long illness.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazian Security Council says authorities will hold talks with opposition on January 11

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The talks between Abkhazian authorities and representatives of the opposition are planned for Saturday , January 11 , Secretary of Abkhazia ’ s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS .
`` The talks between representatives of the authorities and opposition , possible meetings - I repeat , possible - of representatives of the Russian delegation with representatives of various political forces are planned for today .
We expect positive results - resolution , removal of the ‘ hot ’ phase of the current conflict - by the evening , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of now , as `` it is necessary not to hold the talks for the sake of talks , but to involve the most interested persons from both sides and reach particular agreements , '' Kilba noted .
Representatives of the Public Chamber of Abkhazia , who act as mediators , announced the start of preparations to the talks between the authorities and the opposition on Friday .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. The talks between Abkhazian authorities and representatives of the opposition are planned for Saturday, January 11, Secretary of Abkhazia’s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS.
"The talks between representatives of the authorities and opposition, possible meetings - I repeat, possible - of representatives of the Russian delegation with representatives of various political forces are planned for today. We expect positive results - resolution, removal of the ‘hot’ phase of the current conflict - by the evening," he said.
When the talks will start is unknown as of now, as "it is necessary not to hold the talks for the sake of talks, but to involve the most interested persons from both sides and reach particular agreements," Kilba noted.
Representatives of the Public Chamber of Abkhazia, who act as mediators, announced the start of preparations to the talks between the authorities and the opposition on Friday. The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.


tass--2020-01-11--New US envoy to Russia looks forward to enhancing bilateral relations, says embassy

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The newly appointed US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan , who is arriving in Moscow on January 16 , looks forward to enhancing the relationship between the two countries and strengthening cooperation between Moscow and Washington , US Embassy in Russia said in a statement on Saturday .
`` Ambassador Sullivan plans to arrive in Moscow on January 16 and present his credentials to the Russian government soon thereafter .
Ambassador Sullivan looks forward to enhancing the overall bilateral relationship and strengthening US-Russian cooperation on several global and regional issues of mutual interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead the US embassy in Moscow and its consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok `` as they further US foreign policy goals , protect American citizens , and expand trade and business opportunities between the United States and Russia , '' the diplomatic mission noted .
Sullivan will succeed Jon Huntsman who tendered his resignation in early August 2019 .
Huntsman ’ s tenure expired on October 3 .
Two weeks later , US President Donald Trump nominated Sullivan who earlier served as Deputy Secretary of State , for confirmation by the Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee on Foreign Relations approved his candidacy .

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. The newly appointed US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan, who is arriving in Moscow on January 16, looks forward to enhancing the relationship between the two countries and strengthening cooperation between Moscow and Washington, US Embassy in Russia said in a statement on Saturday.
"Ambassador Sullivan plans to arrive in Moscow on January 16 and present his credentials to the Russian government soon thereafter. Ambassador Sullivan looks forward to enhancing the overall bilateral relationship and strengthening US-Russian cooperation on several global and regional issues of mutual interest," the statement said
Sullivan will lead the US embassy in Moscow and its consulates in Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok "as they further US foreign policy goals, protect American citizens, and expand trade and business opportunities between the United States and Russia," the diplomatic mission noted.
Sullivan will succeed Jon Huntsman who tendered his resignation in early August 2019. Huntsman’s tenure expired on October 3. Two weeks later, US President Donald Trump nominated Sullivan who earlier served as Deputy Secretary of State, for confirmation by the Senate. On November 20, the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved his candidacy.


tass--2020-01-11--Situation in Abkhazia stable, under control, says Security Council

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The environment in Abkhazia on the third day of mass protests demanding the resignation of President is stable and under control , Secretary of the republic ’ s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS .
`` The situation is under control , not dramatically awful , but steadily difficult .
Yesterday and the day before yesterday it was steadily severe .
Though there have been no particular changes : the difficulties remains , people stay inside the captured building ( presidential administration ) , '' he said , adding that both protesters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city center now .
Kilba added that President Raul Khajimba has several meetings planned for Saturday , particularly with leaders of the opposition and with the Russian delegation .
He expressed hope that the crisis would be overcome by Saturday evening .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun .
That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. The environment in Abkhazia on the third day of mass protests demanding the resignation of President is stable and under control, Secretary of the republic’s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS.
"The situation is under control, not dramatically awful, but steadily difficult. Yesterday and the day before yesterday it was steadily severe. Though there have been no particular changes: the difficulties remains, people stay inside the captured building (presidential administration)," he said, adding that both protesters and supporters of the acting authorities are in the city center now.
Kilba added that President Raul Khajimba has several meetings planned for Saturday, particularly with leaders of the opposition and with the Russian delegation. He expressed hope that the crisis would be overcome by Saturday evening.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down.
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun. That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazian government operating as normal, country led by President, says PM

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Despite the third day of protests in the country , the Abkhaz government is operating as normal , Prime Minister Valeri Bganba told TASS on Saturday , adding that the state is led by President Raul Khajimba , while resignation demands of the opposition are illegal .
`` According to our legislation , sitting head of state fulfills duties until the inauguration of the president elect .
That is why even after the court ’ s decision president remains at the post and maintains functions .
Resignation demands are illegal , that being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on President and the law on elections .
Overall the situation in the republic is calm , the government is operating as normal , '' he said .
Protests are centered around the presidential administration 's building , PM said , adding that `` elsewhere everything is calm , everything is functioning in the republic . ''
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Despite the third day of protests in the country, the Abkhaz government is operating as normal, Prime Minister Valeri Bganba told TASS on Saturday, adding that the state is led by President Raul Khajimba, while resignation demands of the opposition are illegal.
"According to our legislation, sitting head of state fulfills duties until the inauguration of the president elect. That is why even after the court’s decision president remains at the post and maintains functions. Resignation demands are illegal, that being incompatible with the Constitution, the law on President and the law on elections. Overall the situation in the republic is calm, the government is operating as normal," he said.
Protests are centered around the presidential administration's building, PM said, adding that "elsewhere everything is calm, everything is functioning in the republic."
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.


tass--2020-01-11--Rouhani pledges to prosecute those guilty of Ukrainian plane crash

TEHRAN , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has pledged to complete the investigation of the crash of Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 plane near Tehran and prosecute those responsible for it , according to a respective statement made on Saturday after Iranian Armed Forces ’ General Staff said that the plane was shot down due to human error .
`` This painful accident is not something that can be easily overlooked .
Further investigation is needed to identify all the causes and roots of this tragedy and prosecute the perpetrators of this unforgivable mistake , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
`` It is also necessary to adopt the required arrangements and measures to address the weaknesses of the country 's defense systems to make sure such a disaster is never repeated , '' Rouhani noted .
He added that Iran is `` deeply sorry by this disastrous mistake . ''
`` I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic incident on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran , '' President said .
On January 8 , a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Imam Khomeini International Airport .
According to the data provided by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko , 176 people were killed in the crash .
They were citizens of Iran , Canada , Ukraine , Sweden , Afghanistan , Germany , and the UK .
On Saturday morning , ISNA News Agency released a statement made by Iran ’ s General Staff , which said that a Ukraine International Airlines plane had been shot down due to human error .
According to the statement , the plane had flown in close proximity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) .

TEHRAN, January 11. /TASS/. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has pledged to complete the investigation of the crash of Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 plane near Tehran and prosecute those responsible for it, according to a respective statement made on Saturday after Iranian Armed Forces’ General Staff said that the plane was shot down due to human error.
"This painful accident is not something that can be easily overlooked. Further investigation is needed to identify all the causes and roots of this tragedy and prosecute the perpetrators of this unforgivable mistake," President was quoted as saying by press service. "It is also necessary to adopt the required arrangements and measures to address the weaknesses of the country's defense systems to make sure such a disaster is never repeated," Rouhani noted.
He added that Iran is "deeply sorry by this disastrous mistake." "I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic incident on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran," President said.
On January 8, a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to the data provided by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko, 176 people were killed in the crash. They were citizens of Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK.
On Saturday morning, ISNA News Agency released a statement made by Iran’s General Staff, which said that a Ukraine International Airlines plane had been shot down due to human error. According to the statement, the plane had flown in close proximity to one of the most important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).


tass--2020-01-11--Iran deeply regrets disastrous mistake with Ukrainian plane - Rouhani

TASS , January 11 .
Iran deeply regrets the disastrous mistake with the Ukrainian plane shot down near Tehran , President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday .
`` The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake , '' he wrote on his Twitter page .
Rouhani also offered condolences to the victims of the tragedy .
He noted that the investigation continued to clarify the circumstances of `` this great tragedy and unforgivable mistake '' .
On Saturday morning , ISNA News Agency released a statement made by Iran ’ s General Staff , which said that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down due to human error .
According to the statement , the plane had flown in close proximity to one of the most important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) .
On January 8 , a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran ’ s Imam Khomeini International Airport .
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko , 176 people , were killed in the crash .
They were citizens of Iran , Canada , Ukraine , Sweden , Afghanistan , Germany and @ @ @

TASS, January 11. Iran deeply regrets the disastrous mistake with the Ukrainian plane shot down near Tehran, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran deeply regrets this disastrous mistake," he wrote on his Twitter page. Rouhani also offered condolences to the victims of the tragedy.
He noted that the investigation continued to clarify the circumstances of "this great tragedy and unforgivable mistake".
On Saturday morning, ISNA News Agency released a statement made by Iran’s General Staff, which said that a Ukraine International Airlines plane had been shot down due to human error. According to the statement, the plane had flown in close proximity to one of the most important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
On January 8, a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko, 176 people, were killed in the crash. They were citizens of Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany and the UK.


tass--2020-01-11--Iran’s top diplomat says Ukrainian plane crash caused by human error, "US adventurism"

TASS , January 11 .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has written in a Twitter post that human error at a time of the crisis caused by US adventurism had led to the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines plane near Tehran .
`` A sad day .
Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces [ of Iran ] : human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster , '' he wrote .
Zarif offered condolences and apologies to the Iranian people , `` to the families of all victims , and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning , ISNA News Agency released a statement made by Iran ’ s General Staff , which said that a Ukraine International Airlines plane had been shot down due to human error .
According to the statement , the plane had flown in close proximity to one of the most important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ) .
On January 8 , a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran ’ s Imam Khomeini International Airport .
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the crash .
They were citizens of Iran , Canada , Ukraine , Sweden , Afghanistan , Germany and the UK .

TASS, January 11. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has written in a Twitter post that human error at a time of the crisis caused by US adventurism had led to the crash of a Ukraine International Airlines plane near Tehran.
"A sad day. Preliminary conclusions of internal investigation by Armed Forces [of Iran]: human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster," he wrote.
Zarif offered condolences and apologies to the Iranian people, "to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations."
On Saturday morning, ISNA News Agency released a statement made by Iran’s General Staff, which said that a Ukraine International Airlines plane had been shot down due to human error. According to the statement, the plane had flown in close proximity to one of the most important military facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
On January 8, a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko, 176 people, were killed in the crash. They were citizens of Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany and the UK.


tass--2020-01-11--AP: Iran says Ukrainian plane was shot down unintentionally

TASS , January 11 .
Iran has said that a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines had been shot down @ @ @ @ @ reported on Saturday citing an official statement made by the Iranian authorities .
The statement @ @ @ @ @ for the tragedy .

TASS, January 11. Iran has said that a plane operated by Ukraine International Airlines had been shot down unintentionally, the Associated Press reported on Saturday citing an official statement made by the Iranian authorities.
The statement blamed "human error" for the tragedy.


tass--2020-01-11--Top German diplomat calls for cooperation with Russia to resolve crises around the world

BERLIN , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has said that Russia ’ s role is crucial for resolving the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine .
His interview with the Funke media group was published on Saturday .
Maas who will accompany German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Moscow on Saturday called for diplomatic efforts aimed at deescalating the situation in Libya .
`` To do so , we need to bring the countries , which have influence there , particularly Russia , to the negotiating table .
We also need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iran nuclear deal , about how to preserve these agreements and avoid new escalation in the Persian Gulf .
In addition , we will focus on how to make progress in implementing the Minsk agreements for the sake of peace in eastern Ukraine and on Syria , of course .
In a word , we need dialogue with Russia to resolve crises in our neighborhood , '' Maas said .
According to the minister , the US-Iran standoff complicates the situation in Iraq , Lebanon , Syria and Yemen , tense as @ @ @

BERLIN, January 11. /TASS/. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has said that Russia’s role is crucial for resolving the crises in the Middle East and Ukraine. His interview with the Funke media group was published on Saturday.
Maas who will accompany German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Moscow on Saturday called for diplomatic efforts aimed at deescalating the situation in Libya.
"To do so, we need to bring the countries, which have influence there, particularly Russia, to the negotiating table. We also need to talk with Moscow, a party to the Iran nuclear deal, about how to preserve these agreements and avoid new escalation in the Persian Gulf. In addition, we will focus on how to make progress in implementing the Minsk agreements for the sake of peace in eastern Ukraine and on Syria, of course. In a word, we need dialogue with Russia to resolve crises in our neighborhood," Maas said.
According to the minister, the US-Iran standoff complicates the situation in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, tense as it is.


tass--2020-01-11--Sultan of Oman dies aged 79

Sultan of Oman dies aged 79

CAIRO , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said of Oman has died aged 79 after a @ @ @ @ @ Agency reported on Saturday citing his office .
Three days of national mourning have been @ @ @ @ @ State flags were lowered for 40 days .
The ruler of Oman had been battling @ @ @ @ @ reports recently said that his health condition had been getting worse .
In late December @ @ @ @ @ office said that he continued treatment after returning to his home country from a hospital @ @ @

CAIRO, January 11. /TASS/. Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said of Oman has died aged 79 after a long illness, Oman News Agency reported on Saturday citing his office.
Sultan Qaboos died on Friday evening, state media reported.
Three days of national mourning have been declared in the country. State flags were lowered for 40 days.
The ruler of Oman had been battling cancer since 2015. Media reports recently said that his health condition had been getting worse. In late December, the sultan’s office said that he continued treatment after returning to his home country from a hospital in Belgium.


tass--2020-01-11--US seeks constructive relations with Russia, says Pompeo

WASHINGTON , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The US administration seeks constructive and productive relations with Russia , US Secretary @ @ @ @ @ in a Twitter post , commenting on swearing in new Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan @ @ @ @ @ in John Sullivan as our new Ambassador to Russia .
John is undoubtedly the right @ @ @ @ @ this critical job as we seek a constructive and productive relationship with the Russian Federation @ @ @ @ @ Sullivan is expected to arrive in the Russian capital on January 16 .
He will @ @ @ @ @ his resignation in early August 2019 .
Huntsman ’ s tenure expired on October 3 @ @ @ @ @ US President Donald Trump nominated Sullivan who earlier served as Deputy Secretary of State for @ @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, January 11. /TASS/. The US administration seeks constructive and productive relations with Russia, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote in a Twitter post, commenting on swearing in new Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan.
"Thrilled to swear in John Sullivan as our new Ambassador to Russia. John is undoubtedly the right person to join USEmbRu for this critical job as we seek a constructive and productive relationship with the Russian Federation," he wrote.
Sullivan is expected to arrive in the Russian capital on January 16. He will succeed Jon Huntsman who tendered his resignation in early August 2019. Huntsman’s tenure expired on October 3. Two weeks later, US President Donald Trump nominated Sullivan who earlier served as Deputy Secretary of State for confirmation by the Senate.


tass--2020-01-11--UN Security Council passes resolution on extending cross-border aid to Syria

UNITED NATIONS , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution on extending cross-border operations to deliver humanitarian aid to Syria , a TASS correspondent reported .
Eleven countries voted for the document , while Russia , China , the United Kingdom and the United States abstained .
After more than three hours of closed-door consultations , the parties were able to agree on the parameters for extending the mechanism , which was to expire on January 10 .
According to the document , aid will be delivered through two checkpoints on the border with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for six months , after which an assessment of the situation on the ground will be carried out .
Nevertheless , disagreements between the parties persist .
Four of five Security Council permanent members abstained .
None of them voted against the document so as not to veto it , since that would halt the delivery of UN humanitarian aid .
`` Russia abstained for just one purpose - not to block the aid to Idlib , the only province , which still needs cross-border aid , '' Russian Permanent Representative to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is still unclear to us why a number of delegations refused to take part in negotiations on our alternative version of the resolution .
We actually agreed on the same scheme . ''
Nebenzya described the delegations ’ behavior as `` a dangerous political game , in which Syrians become exchange figures .
`` .

UNITED NATIONS, January 11. /TASS/. The UN Security Council has passed a resolution on extending cross-border operations to deliver humanitarian aid to Syria, a TASS correspondent reported. Eleven countries voted for the document, while Russia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States abstained.
After more than three hours of closed-door consultations, the parties were able to agree on the parameters for extending the mechanism, which was to expire on January 10. According to the document, aid will be delivered through two checkpoints on the border with Turkey. The mechanism has been extended for six months, after which an assessment of the situation on the ground will be carried out.
Nevertheless, disagreements between the parties persist. Four of five Security Council permanent members abstained. None of them voted against the document so as not to veto it, since that would halt the delivery of UN humanitarian aid.
"Russia abstained for just one purpose - not to block the aid to Idlib, the only province, which still needs cross-border aid," Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said at the session. "It is still unclear to us why a number of delegations refused to take part in negotiations on our alternative version of the resolution. We actually agreed on the same scheme."
Nebenzya described the delegations’ behavior as "a dangerous political game, in which Syrians become exchange figures.".


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhaz parliament to hold session on Saturday to discuss political situation

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament will hold a session on Saturday to discuss the current political situation in the country in the wake of the Supreme Court ’ s ruling to annul the outcome of the presidential election , a source in the parliament told TASS .
`` `` We will get together by 11 [ hours on Saturday - TASS ] to decide on the agenda .
It is unclear so far what will be discussed , '' the source said .
Meanwhile , Aslan Bzhania , one of the opposition leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters that the participants in the meeting could make decisions that would help resolve the political crisis .
`` Further actions will be taken in such a way as to localize the fallout from the political crisis very quickly and dynamically .
There are issues that are still unresolved , one can say that this is an interim result .
The ultimate result will be setting the date for the new election .
I believe that the parliament ’ s session will be held to make a decision on the issue , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s Supreme Court reversed the decision by the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on the outcome of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s parliament will hold a session on Saturday to discuss the current political situation in the country in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling to annul the outcome of the presidential election, a source in the parliament told TASS.
""We will get together by 11 [hours on Saturday - TASS] to decide on the agenda. It is unclear so far what will be discussed," the source said.
Meanwhile, Aslan Bzhania, one of the opposition leaders and member of the Abkhaz parliament, told reporters that the participants in the meeting could make decisions that would help resolve the political crisis.
"Further actions will be taken in such a way as to localize the fallout from the political crisis very quickly and dynamically. There are issues that are still unresolved, one can say that this is an interim result. The ultimate result will be setting the date for the new election. I believe that the parliament’s session will be held to make a decision on the issue," he said.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court reversed the decision by the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on the outcome of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.


tass--2020-01-11--Under law, Khajimba must serve as Abkhaz president until new election - CEC

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Raul Khajimba , in accordance with the law , will have to perform the duties of Abkhazia ’ s President until a new head of state is elected and sworn in , Givi Gabniya , a member of the Central Election Commission who represented it at the court hearing on the legitimacy of the presidential election , told TASS .
`` Khajimba , under the court decision , will perform his duties < … > until a new president is elected and sworn in , '' he said .
He noted that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 2019 presidential election , Khajimba remained the last legally elected head of state , since he won the 2014 election .
On Friday , the country ’ s Supreme Court reversed the decision by the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on the outcome of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Raul Khajimba, in accordance with the law, will have to perform the duties of Abkhazia’s President until a new head of state is elected and sworn in, Givi Gabniya, a member of the Central Election Commission who represented it at the court hearing on the legitimacy of the presidential election, told TASS.
"Khajimba, under the court decision, will perform his duties <…> until a new president is elected and sworn in," he said.
He noted that, although the court had annulled the outcome of the 2019 presidential election, Khajimba remained the last legally elected head of state, since he won the 2014 election.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court reversed the decision by the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on the outcome of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.


tass--2020-01-12--Trump calls on Iran to allow human rights groups to monitor ongoing protests

WASHINGTON , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump has called on the Iranian government to allow human rights groups to monitor the ongoing protests in the country , expressing support for the protesters .
`` To the brave , long-suffering people of Iran : I 've stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency , and my Administration will continue to stand with you .
We are following your protests closely , and are inspired by your courage , '' he wrote on Twitter .
The US leader also published a similar message in Farsi .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people .
There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters , nor an internet shutdown .
The world is watching , '' Trump added .
Reuters news agency reported earlier that anti-government rallies began on Saturday in several Iranian cities , including Tehran , in the wake of the Iranian Air Force admitting that a Ukrainian passenger plane had been downed by an Iranian missile .
Tensions in the Middle East escalated following a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on January 3 , which killed General Qasem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ' Quds Force .
In the early hours of January 8 , Iran carried out missile strikes on Iraq ’ s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility in Erbil , which house US troops , in retaliation for the attack .
On January 8 , Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport .
All people onboard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed .
Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens .
On Saturday , Iran ’ s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down .
According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh , the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force .

WASHINGTON, January 12. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has called on the Iranian government to allow human rights groups to monitor the ongoing protests in the country, expressing support for the protesters.
"To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: I've stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage," he wrote on Twitter. The US leader also published a similar message in Farsi.
"The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching," Trump added.
Reuters news agency reported earlier that anti-government rallies began on Saturday in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, in the wake of the Iranian Air Force admitting that a Ukrainian passenger plane had been downed by an Iranian missile.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated following a US drone strike near Baghdad's airport on January 3, which killed General Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. In the early hours of January 8, Iran carried out missile strikes on Iraq’s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility in Erbil, which house US troops, in retaliation for the attack.
On January 8, Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. All people onboard, 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers, were killed. Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens. On Saturday, Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down. According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force.


tass--2020-01-12--Haftar’s forces declare ceasefire in western Libya

`` The Libyan army declares a ceasefire in the western region starting 00:01 January 12 , '' the statement quoted by the Al-Wasat news outlet informs .
`` The ceasefire will remain in place as long as the other side adheres to it .
In case of any violations , the response will be tough . ''
On the outcomes of the January 8 meeting in Istanbul , Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on all sides to the Libyan conflict to declare a ceasefire starting midnight January 12 .
After the talks with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin stressed that he expects the Libyan conflict parties to heed the call of Moscow and Ankara regarding the ceasefire .
The president added that Moscow supports the German chancellor ’ s idea on holding a conference on Libyan regulation in Berlin under the auspices of the UN .
Putin stated that such a conference could begin the process of steady peaceful regulation in the country via political means .
The Government of National Accord , based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , welcomed the outcomes of the Putin-Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any serious call to restart the political process in Libya and avoid war .
On Saturday , al-Sarraj stated after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in Rome that he is ready to adhere to a ceasefire if the Libyan National Army stops its offensive .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , alongside the parliament , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On December 12 , 2019 , Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli , aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there .
On January 2 , Turkey ’ s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya .
This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region .
On January 5 , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops ’ deployment to Libya .
Erdogan pointed out that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out coordination actions '' and with `` ensuring the security of [ Libya 's ] legitimate government , '' but would not be involved in fighting .
On Tuesday , Libya ’ s Government of National Accord confirmed that the first group of Turkish service members had arrived in Tripoli .

"The Libyan army declares a ceasefire in the western region starting 00:01 January 12," the statement quoted by the Al-Wasat news outlet informs. "The ceasefire will remain in place as long as the other side adheres to it. In case of any violations, the response will be tough."
On the outcomes of the January 8 meeting in Istanbul, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish colleague Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on all sides to the Libyan conflict to declare a ceasefire starting midnight January 12. After the talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday, Putin stressed that he expects the Libyan conflict parties to heed the call of Moscow and Ankara regarding the ceasefire. The president added that Moscow supports the German chancellor’s idea on holding a conference on Libyan regulation in Berlin under the auspices of the UN. Putin stated that such a conference could begin the process of steady peaceful regulation in the country via political means.
The Government of National Accord, based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, welcomed the outcomes of the Putin-Erdogan talks, noting that it will support any serious call to restart the political process in Libya and avoid war. On Saturday, al-Sarraj stated after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in Rome that he is ready to adhere to a ceasefire if the Libyan National Army stops its offensive.
Libya crisis
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, alongside the parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. On December 12, 2019, Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli, aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there.
On January 2, Turkey’s parliament approved a bill that would allow the government to send troops to Libya. This step sparked a wave of criticism across the region. On January 5, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops’ deployment to Libya. Erdogan pointed out that the force would be "tasked with carrying out coordination actions" and with "ensuring the security of [Libya's] legitimate government," but would not be involved in fighting. On Tuesday, Libya’s Government of National Accord confirmed that the first group of Turkish service members had arrived in Tripoli.


tass--2020-01-12--Putin and Erdogan confirm determination to help seek peace for Libya

MOSCOW , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Turkish Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan , confirmed in a telephone call on Saturday their countries ’ willingness to help advance the political settlement process in Libya , the Kremlin said in a statement on Saturday .
`` [ The two presidents ] continued exchanging views on the situation in Libya basing on the Russian-Turkish agreements , which the [ two ] heads of state achieved in Istanbul on January 8 .
[ They ] confirmed Russia and Turkey 's aspiration to provide comprehensive assistance to advancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libyan conflict , '' the statement said .
The Russian and Turkish presidents emphasized `` their readiness to contribute so that an international conference on Libya scheduled in Berlin can bring about results '' .
Putin informed Erdogan about his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel held in Moscow on Saturday , and also `` about phone conversations with some leaders of regional states '' .
The two presidents agreed `` to maintain constant contacts , in particular concerning the Libya and Syria issues '' .
The phone call was requested by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after their summit in Istanbul Putin and Erdogan urged the warring parties in Libya to stop fighting at midnight on January 12 .
Fayez al-Sarraj , the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord , said on January 11 that he was ready to cease fire under the condition that Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar ’ s Libyan National Army ( LNA ) stopped its offensive .
Earlier , the LNA had welcomed the ceasefire idea , but emphasized the need to go on with the war on terror .
After his talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopeful that the conflicting sides in Libya would heed the Russian-Turkish appeal .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , alongside the parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On December 12 , 2019 Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli , aiming to eradicate terrorist @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. The Russian and Turkish Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, confirmed in a telephone call on Saturday their countries’ willingness to help advance the political settlement process in Libya, the Kremlin said in a statement on Saturday.
"[The two presidents] continued exchanging views on the situation in Libya basing on the Russian-Turkish agreements, which the [two] heads of state achieved in Istanbul on January 8. [They] confirmed Russia and Turkey's aspiration to provide comprehensive assistance to advancing the process of political settlement of the Libyan conflict," the statement said.
The Russian and Turkish presidents emphasized "their readiness to contribute so that an international conference on Libya scheduled in Berlin can bring about results".
Putin informed Erdogan about his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel held in Moscow on Saturday, and also "about phone conversations with some leaders of regional states".
The two presidents agreed "to maintain constant contacts, in particular concerning the Libya and Syria issues".
The phone call was requested by the Turkish side.
On January 8, after their summit in Istanbul Putin and Erdogan urged the warring parties in Libya to stop fighting at midnight on January 12. Fayez al-Sarraj, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord, said on January 11 that he was ready to cease fire under the condition that Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) stopped its offensive. Earlier, the LNA had welcomed the ceasefire idea, but emphasized the need to go on with the war on terror.
After his talks with Merkel, Putin said he was hopeful that the conflicting sides in Libya would heed the Russian-Turkish appeal.
Libya crisis
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, alongside the parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. On December 12, 2019 Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli, aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there.


tass--2020-01-12--Putin has no doubt Russia will be able to finish Nord Stream 2 construction on its own

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has no doubt that Russian will be capable of finishing the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on its own and the pipeline will be put into operation , the Russian leader said after his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow on Saturday .
`` Yes , we will definitely be able to finish the construction [ of the pipeline ] by ourselves , '' Putin assured .
`` The question is about the timeframe .
It is the only question raised in this context .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to extend the deadline for the construction for several months .
`` I hope that by the end of the current year or in the first quarter of next year , the work will be over and the gas pipeline will be put into operation , '' Putin concluded .
US President Donald Trump on December 20 , 2019 signed the US defense budget envisaging sanctions against companies that participate in the Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream projects .
A day later , in the face of the sanctions the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nord Stream 2 pipe , suspended construction work and revoked ships involved in the project .
Nord Stream-2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states , such as Ukraine , Belarus , Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic countries .
The new 1,200 kilometer pipeline , basically following the same route as Nord Stream , will traverse economic zones and territorial water of five countries , namely Russia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany .
The pipeline ’ s capacity will be 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year .

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has no doubt that Russian will be capable of finishing the construction of Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on its own and the pipeline will be put into operation, the Russian leader said after his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow on Saturday.
"Yes, we will definitely be able to finish the construction [of the pipeline] by ourselves," Putin assured. "The question is about the timeframe. It is the only question raised in this context."
The Russian president admitted that they would have to extend the deadline for the construction for several months.
"I hope that by the end of the current year or in the first quarter of next year, the work will be over and the gas pipeline will be put into operation," Putin concluded.
US President Donald Trump on December 20, 2019 signed the US defense budget envisaging sanctions against companies that participate in the Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream projects. A day later, in the face of the sanctions the Swiss company Allseas, which lies the Nord Stream 2 pipe, suspended construction work and revoked ships involved in the project.
Nord Stream-2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states, such as Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic countries.
The new 1,200 kilometer pipeline, basically following the same route as Nord Stream, will traverse economic zones and territorial water of five countries, namely Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. The pipeline’s capacity will be 55 billion cubic meters of gas a year.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazia’s president ready to run again in election rerun

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s President Raul Khajimba is ready to run in a rerun of the country ’ s presidential election if it is set out , former Vice President Vitaly Gabniya said on Saturday .
On Friday , the country ’ s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call repeat elections .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the lower court that recognized the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawful .
`` The president is ready to run in the new election .
Under the law , he is to fulfil his duty in the next three months , '' Gabniya said .
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters , who demanded resignation of President Raul Khajimba , stormed into the presidential administration building .
The president convened an emergency session of the country ’ s Security Council and said after the session that a state of emergency could be declared in the country .
At its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed a resolution calling on the president to step down .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s President Raul Khajimba is ready to run in a rerun of the country’s presidential election if it is set out, former Vice President Vitaly Gabniya said on Saturday.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call repeat elections. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the lower court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
"The president is ready to run in the new election. Under the law, he is to fulfil his duty in the next three months," Gabniya said.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters, who demanded resignation of President Raul Khajimba, stormed into the presidential administration building. The president convened an emergency session of the country’s Security Council and said after the session that a state of emergency could be declared in the country. At its emergency session, Abkhazia’s parliament passed a resolution calling on the president to step down.


tass--2020-01-11--Merkel says Germany supports Nord Stream 2 implementation

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Berlin rejects the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 as it is a commercial @ @ @ @ @ Merkel said at a joint news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the talks @ @ @ @ @ `` It is an economic project , '' she said .
`` Therefore , we @ @ @ @ @ . ''
According to Merkel , Germany does not support the extraterritorial sanctions of the @ @ @ @ @ targeting the participants in the NordStream 2 project .
Merkel pointed out that Germany can @ @ @ @ @ Russia in gas supply issues .

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. Berlin rejects the sanctions against Nord Stream 2 as it is a commercial project, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a joint news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin after the talks in Moscow on Saturday.
"It is an economic project," she said. "Therefore, we believe it to be right."
According to Merkel, Germany does not support the extraterritorial sanctions of the United States, which are targeting the participants in the NordStream 2 project.
Merkel pointed out that Germany cannot see unilateral dependence on Russia in gas supply issues.


tass--2020-01-11--Minsk accords remain sole basis for peace solution in Ukraine - Putin

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel @ @ @ @ @ news conference after his talks with Merkel on Saturday .
According to the Russian president @ @ @ @ @ Minsk agreements have no alternative in settling the Ukraine crisis .
`` We talked in @ @ @ @ @ a solution to the intra-Ukrainian crisis .
According to our shared opinion , the Minsk @ @ @ @ @ has no alternative in normalization in southeastern Ukraine , '' Putin said .

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine crisis with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he said at a news conference after his talks with Merkel on Saturday.
According to the Russian president, Berlin agrees that the Minsk agreements have no alternative in settling the Ukraine crisis.
"We talked in detail with Ms. Merkel about a solution to the intra-Ukrainian crisis. According to our shared opinion, the Minsk accords remain the basis that has no alternative in normalization in southeastern Ukraine," Putin said.


tass--2020-01-11--Russia’s arms exports total $14-15 bln per year, says Deputy PM Borisov

KRASNOYARSK , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Long-term orders of Russian arms by other countries amount to $ 55 bln @ @ @ @ @ local arms and military equipment stand at $ 14-15 bln , Deputy Prime Minister Yuri @ @ @ @ @ `` We have guaranteed long-term orders worth $ 55 bln , while annual sales amount @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
The share of civil production in the structure of the @ @ @ @ @ output went up from 20.9 % in 2018 to 24.1 % in 2019 .
The @ @ @ @ @ to 34.1 % in 2019 in aircraft construction , 14.6 % in radio-electronic industry , @ @ @ @ @ , Borisov said referring to the Industry and Trade Ministry ’ s figures .
`` @ @ @ @ @ to bring the share of civil production in the structure of the defense industry to @ @ @ @ @ to 50 % by 2030 , '' Deputy PM added .

KRASNOYARSK, January 11. /TASS/. Long-term orders of Russian arms by other countries amount to $55 bln, whereas annual exports of local arms and military equipment stand at $14-15 bln, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said on Saturday.
"We have guaranteed long-term orders worth $55 bln, while annual sales amount to roughly $14-15 bln," he said.
The share of civil production in the structure of the Russian defense industry’s output went up from 20.9% in 2018 to 24.1% in 2019.
The share of civil production amounted to 34.1% in 2019 in aircraft construction, 14.6% in radio-electronic industry, and 19.1% in shipbuilding, Borisov said referring to the Industry and Trade Ministry’s figures.
"President has set a goal to bring the share of civil production in the structure of the defense industry to 30% by 2025 and to 50% by 2030," Deputy PM added.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazian PM discusses ways to overcome political crisis with opposition

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazian Prime Minister and representatives of the opposition have held a meeting on Saturday focused on discussing ways to overcome the ongoing political crisis in the country , the opposition leader Aslan Bzhania told reporters .
The meeting of PM Valeri Bganba with opposition members , which was closed for the press , was held in the parliament building .
`` The meeting with Prime Minister went based on mutual understanding .
A set of issues on stabilization of the situation in the republic were discussed .
It seemed to me that Bganba @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun .
That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Abkhazian Prime Minister and representatives of the opposition have held a meeting on Saturday focused on discussing ways to overcome the ongoing political crisis in the country, the opposition leader Aslan Bzhania told reporters.
The meeting of PM Valeri Bganba with opposition members, which was closed for the press, was held in the parliament building.
"The meeting with Prime Minister went based on mutual understanding. A set of issues on stabilization of the situation in the republic were discussed. It seemed to me that Bganba is positive," Bzhania said after the meeting.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down.
The Supreme Court of Abkhazia overturned on Friday the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission on results of the presidential election and ruled to call for a rerun. That means the court board sustained the opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential election as lawful.


tass--2020-01-11--Putin holds telephone talks with crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Libyan issue, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi , Deputy @ @ @ @ @ Armed Force Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have held a telephone conversation to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ in Libya , the Kremlin ’ s press-service said in a statement on Saturday .
@ @ @ @ @ the results of the talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on January 8 in @ @ @ @ @ ceasefire efforts aimed at establishing the peaceful process between the sides of the conflict , @ @ @ @ @ On January 2 , the Turkish parliament approved the bill greenlighting deployment of Turkish forces @ @ @ @ @ a wave of criticism from neighboring states .
On January 5 , Erdogan said that @ @ @ @ @ forces to Libya , noting that their objectives include `` coordination activities '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ '' , whereas they will not engage in direct fighting .

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Force Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have held a telephone conversation to discuss the issue related to the situation in Libya, the Kremlin’s press-service said in a statement on Saturday.
"Vladimir Putin informed about the results of the talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on January 8 in Istanbul and supported intensified Libya ceasefire efforts aimed at establishing the peaceful process between the sides of the conflict," the statement said.
On January 2, the Turkish parliament approved the bill greenlighting deployment of Turkish forces in Libya, which triggered a wave of criticism from neighboring states. On January 5, Erdogan said that Turkey had begun sending military forces to Libya, noting that their objectives include "coordination activities" and "security of the legitimate government", whereas they will not engage in direct fighting.


tass--2020-01-11--Putin discusses Libyan issue with Emir of Qatar over phone, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the issues related to the situation in @ @ @ @ @ Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a telephone conversation , the Kremlin ’ s press @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
`` The sides shared opinions on the Libyan situation in detail considering @ @ @ @ @ January 8 in Istanbul .
The necessity to cease fire and launch the process of @ @ @ @ @ was noted , '' the statement said .
On January 2 , the Turkish parliament @ @ @ @ @ of Turkish forces in Libya , which triggered a wave of criticism from neighboring states @ @ @ @ @ Erdogan said that Turkey had begun sending military forces to Libya , noting that their @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` security of the legitimate government '' , whereas they will not engage @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has discussed the issues related to the situation in Libya with Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a telephone conversation, the Kremlin’s press service said in a statement on Saturday.
"The sides shared opinions on the Libyan situation in detail considering the Russian-Turkish agreements reached on January 8 in Istanbul. The necessity to cease fire and launch the process of peaceful settlement of the conflict was noted," the statement said.
On January 2, the Turkish parliament approved the bill greenlighting deployment of Turkish forces in Libya, which triggered a wave of criticism from neighboring states. On January 5, Erdogan said that Turkey had begun sending military forces to Libya, noting that their objectives include "coordination activities" and "security of the legitimate government", whereas they will not engage in direct fighting.


tass--2020-01-12--Abkhaz president will challenge CEC’s decision on setting rerun election

SUKHUM , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
Incumbent Abkhaz President Raul Khajimba plans to appeal the Central Election Commission ’ s decision on setting a rerun presidential election , according to a statement posted on the president ’ s website on Sunday .
`` The decision of the CEC of the Republic of Abkhazia on holding a rerun presidential election in the Republic of Abkhazia on March 22 this year was made based on an illegal and unlawful ruling by the Cassation Board of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Abkhazia .
< ... > We say that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in the future in a legal procedure , '' the statement said .
The press service noted that the court had made this decision `` amid the seizure of government buildings and unprecedented pressure on the judges . ''
`` The decision on holding a rerun presidential election in the Republic of Abkhazia made after an illegal verdict by the Cassation Board , pulls us away from searching for the ways of stabilizing the social and political situation in the country , '' it said .
On Friday , the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
Earlier reports said Khajimba planned to appeal the court ’ s ruling and stand in the new election .
The CEC and the head of state insist that under the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bzhania said he would make a decision on running in the new election after ironing out the social and political crisis in the republic .
Kvitsinia , who was defeated by a narrow margin , has not yet decided on standing in the new polls .

SUKHUM, January 12. /TASS/. Incumbent Abkhaz President Raul Khajimba plans to appeal the Central Election Commission’s decision on setting a rerun presidential election, according to a statement posted on the president’s website on Sunday.
"The decision of the CEC of the Republic of Abkhazia on holding a rerun presidential election in the Republic of Abkhazia on March 22 this year was made based on an illegal and unlawful ruling by the Cassation Board of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Abkhazia. <...> We say that we disagree with this decision and will appeal it in the future in a legal procedure," the statement said.
The press service noted that the court had made this decision "amid the seizure of government buildings and unprecedented pressure on the judges."
"The decision on holding a rerun presidential election in the Republic of Abkhazia made after an illegal verdict by the Cassation Board, pulls us away from searching for the ways of stabilizing the social and political situation in the country," it said.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to set a rerun election. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
Earlier reports said Khajimba planned to appeal the court’s ruling and stand in the new election. The CEC and the head of state insist that under the law Khajimba must continue ruling the country until the rerun election.
Opposition leader Aslan Bzhania said he would make a decision on running in the new election after ironing out the social and political crisis in the republic. Kvitsinia, who was defeated by a narrow margin, has not yet decided on standing in the new polls.


tass--2020-01-12--Two killed, three injured as terrorists shell Syria’s Aleppo

TASS , January 12 .
Two people were killed and three others were injured when terrorists shelled residential areas in @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday , SANA news agency reported citing a police spokesman .
Two teenagers are @ @ @ @ @ to the officer .
Several mortar shells fired by terrorists exploded in a residential area @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s central street .
At least seven shells exploded in the city 's @ @ @ @ @ the report .

TASS, January 12. Two people were killed and three others were injured when terrorists shelled residential areas in northwestern Syria’s Aleppo on Sunday, SANA news agency reported citing a police spokesman.
Two teenagers are among those wounded, according to the officer.
Several mortar shells fired by terrorists exploded in a residential area of Al-Khalidiyah and in the city’s central street. At least seven shells exploded in the city's residential areas, according to the report.


tass--2020-01-12--Haftar’s troops withdrawal to former positions is only chance to keep ceasefire, GNA says

CAIRO , January 12 .
/TASS/ .
The withdrawal of the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar to its positions before the April 2019 offensive in Tripoli is the only chance to maintain the ceasefire proposed by Russia and Turkey , the Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj said on its official Facebook page .
`` The presidential council [ acts as the head of state and is led by al-Sarraj ] has recorded ceasefire violations by the formations carrying out aggression in the areas of Salah al-Din and Wadi Rabie just several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement said .
`` While confirming our commitment to the ceasefire , we emphasize that the sponsors of this deal and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya should be committed to its full implementation , '' the GNA said , stressing that these incidents should not be ignored and must be prevented .
`` We want to recall that our firm position is that the aggressor must withdraw its forces to the areas from where it had come , '' the GNA stressed .
`` We believe that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any ceasefire initiative .
We won ’ t stand still in case these violations repeat and our response will be harsh . ''
Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the January 8 summit in Istanbul urged all the conflicting parties in Libya to stop fighting at midnight on January 12 .
On Saturday evening , the Libyan National Army announced backing the ceasefire , and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord later voiced its support for the initiative .
Shortly after the ceasefire came into effect , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , alongside the parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar .
On December 12 , 2019 , Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli , aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there .

CAIRO, January 12. /TASS/. The withdrawal of the Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar to its positions before the April 2019 offensive in Tripoli is the only chance to maintain the ceasefire proposed by Russia and Turkey, the Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj said on its official Facebook page.
"The presidential council [acts as the head of state and is led by al-Sarraj] has recorded ceasefire violations by the formations carrying out aggression in the areas of Salah al-Din and Wadi Rabie just several minutes after it had entered into force," the statement said. "While confirming our commitment to the ceasefire, we emphasize that the sponsors of this deal and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya should be committed to its full implementation," the GNA said, stressing that these incidents should not be ignored and must be prevented.
"We want to recall that our firm position is that the aggressor must withdraw its forces to the areas from where it had come," the GNA stressed. "We believe that this is the only way for success of any ceasefire initiative. We won’t stand still in case these violations repeat and our response will be harsh."
Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the January 8 summit in Istanbul urged all the conflicting parties in Libya to stop fighting at midnight on January 12. On Saturday evening, the Libyan National Army announced backing the ceasefire, and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord later voiced its support for the initiative. Shortly after the ceasefire came into effect, the conflicting sides started trading blame for violating it.
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, alongside the parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar. On December 12, 2019, Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli, aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there.