tass--2020-01-30--Fire aboard Russia’s sole aircraft carrier in December damaged electric cables

The fire aboard the medium aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov broke out during repairs in the morning of December 12 to be fully extinguished by about 08:00 a.m. Moscow time on December 13 MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The fire that broke out aboard Russia ’ s sole aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in December damaged some electric power cables as the preliminary fault detection results indicate , two sources in the shipbuilding industry told TASS on Thursday .
`` The fault detection aboard the aircraft-carrying cruiser continues and the full estimate of the damage will become known later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire in the area of the blaze damaged a whole number of electric cables laid in the tracks along the board , '' one of the sources said .
According to the other source , `` the burnt cables were largely slated for their replacement during the repairs and so this damage will not affect the schedule of the work and will not increase its cost significantly . ''
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet .
The fire aboard the medium aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov broke out during repair works @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fully extinguished at about 08:00 a.m. Moscow time on December 13 .
The aircraft carrier is currently under repairs in Murmansk .
As the Zvyozdochka Shipyard specified earlier , the fire erupted in the hold of the ship ’ s first power compartment .
Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with the newspaper Izvestia in late December that the work to estimate the damage done to the Admiral Kuznetsov would be completed at the end of the first quarter of 2020 and there were no plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s repairs .
The Project 1143.5 heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov ( the medium-class carrier according to the Western classification ) , was floated out in 1985 under the name of Leonid Brezhnev ( later Tbilisi ) .
It entered service with the Navy in December 1990 .
The aircraft carrier is designated to gain superiority at sea and in the air in the areas of the fleet ’ s operation to ensure the Navy ’ s combat sustainability , deliver air strikes against enemy targets , and support troops ’ landing operations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a length of 305 meters .
The aircraft carrier has a full speed capacity of 200,000 horsepower and develops a speed of up to 30 knots .
The warship can carry up to 50 aircraft , including deck-based Su-33 and MiG-29K/KUB fighter jets .
From November 2016 to January 2017 , the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov performed tasks as part of the Russian Navy ’ s Mediterranean permanent taskforce .
During its deployment , the carrier ’ s fighters delivered strikes against terrorist positions in Syria , destroying a total of over @ @ @ @ @

The fire aboard the medium aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov broke out during repairs in the morning of December 12 to be fully extinguished by about 08:00 a.m. Moscow time on December 13
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The fire that broke out aboard Russia’s sole aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov in December damaged some electric power cables as the preliminary fault detection results indicate, two sources in the shipbuilding industry told TASS on Thursday. "The fault detection aboard the aircraft-carrying cruiser continues and the full estimate of the damage will become known later. It has been preliminarily established that the fire in the area of the blaze damaged a whole number of electric cables laid in the tracks along the board," one of the sources said. According to the other source, "the burnt cables were largely slated for their replacement during the repairs and so this damage will not affect the schedule of the work and will not increase its cost significantly."
Read also Firefighters put out blaze onboard Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet. The fire aboard the medium aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov broke out during repair works in the morning of December 12 and was fully extinguished at about 08:00 a.m. Moscow time on December 13. The aircraft carrier is currently under repairs in Murmansk. As the Zvyozdochka Shipyard specified earlier, the fire erupted in the hold of the ship’s first power compartment. Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with the newspaper Izvestia in late December that the work to estimate the damage done to the Admiral Kuznetsov would be completed at the end of the first quarter of 2020 and there were no plans to reschedule the timeframe of the carrier’s repairs. Aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov
Read also Number of injured from fire onboard Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier reaches 10


tass--2020-01-30--Press review: Middle East reacts to ‘deal of the century’ and pardoned Israeli woman freed

US President Donald Trump ’ s plan for ironing out the Middle East crisis , dubbed `` the deal of the century , '' has received a mixed reaction worldwide .
Europe has generally backed the US leader ’ s peace initiative , while the Palestinians and Tehran have strongly condemned it .
On the contrary , Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf monarchies have made rather ambiguous statements , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
The reaction to the White House ’ s peace plan , unveiled on January 28 , clearly shows that the time when Islamic nations were ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thing of the past .
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has described Trump ’ s proposal as the dream project of a bankruptcy-ridden real estate developer and `` a nightmare for the region and the world . ''
Turkey is apparently ready to support Iran ’ s position .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slammed the idea of handing over control of Jerusalem to Israel as unacceptable .
Those regional states , which are expected to be involved in `` the deal of the century , '' stopped short of criticizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which showed solidarity with the Palestinians .
The supposed sponsors of the initiative approved it in general .
Saudi Arabia ’ s King Salman called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas assuring him that the Palestinian people would back him .
Egypt ’ s Foreign Ministry made a similar statement .
Other comments in support of the proposal came from the United Arab Emirates , Bahrain and Oman .
An expert on the Middle East and chief researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of Europe Alexander Shumilin told the paper that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected .
Meanwhile , he noted that one should not hope that support for the deal from the leading regional states ( except for Turkey and Iran ) would guarantee its successful implementation .
`` Trump ’ s plan has fixed a new reality : it won ’ t be possible anymore to return to the 1967 borders .
And other terms of peaceful settlement for the Palestinians would be worse than these , '' Shumilin said .
Izvestia : US presidential hopeful Sanders poised to grab lead in Iowa race , poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate , is in the lead ahead of the first caucuses in Iowa due on February 3 and the February 11 primaries in New Hampshire .
Although his lead over ex-Vice President Joe Biden was within the poll ’ s margin , the mere fact that this `` democratic socialist '' is popular signals that the upcoming struggle for the nomination will be fierce , Izvestia writes .
Opinion polls in Iowa showed that Senator Sanders has all chances of winning the first US state , which is crucial for the entire presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dozen Democratic candidates will vie for the Oval Office , the major struggle is expected to be between former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts .
Biden , who was considered a favorite in the Democratic race , has lost ground since the start of Trump ’ s impeachment trial and in the wake of corruption allegations against the former vice president ’ s son Hunter in connection with Ukraine ’ s Burisma oil and gas company .
Sanders is the oldest among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong support among the youth , the paper writes .
According to a survey by Emerson , 44 % voters under 50 plan to support the legislator from Vermont .
His growing popularity is not surprising , Anders Aslund , a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council , said , explaining that this is the result of mounting inequality in US society over the past 40 years .
According to him , Sanders has a real chance of winning the presidential nomination , but apparently , Trump also wants this .
The US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while he is anxious about Biden , who has better chances of winning , he explained .
The spreading coronavirus in China poses a threat to Russian exporters of foodstuffs to the country .
China has stopped several batches of Russian fish products and halted talks on new contracts , while falling consumer demand has cut prices on poultry 10-15 % .
Market participants have not yet adjusted their plans but report logistic problems in China , Kommersant writes .
The Chinese are a major importer of Russia ’ s foodstuffs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23.7 % to $ 2.72 bln , the Russian Export Center told the paper citing the Federal Customs Service .
According to figures , frozen fish accounted for more than $ 1.2 bln , crustaceans for over $ 250 mln , sunflower oil for more than $ 200 mln , and poultry and chocolates for roughly $ 100 mln each .
Managing Director at Dobroflot fish trading company Alexander Efremov confirmed problems with exporting foodstuffs to China .
At least two batches of Russian fish , which were to be supplied for Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said .
`` Perhaps , production at the enterprises has been suspended due to the quarantine .
Or Chinese manufacturers fear that their goods won ’ t be bought globally due to the coronavirus , '' Efremov assumed .
President of the Walleye Pollock Producers Association Alexei Buglak said that prices on his type of fish dropped 15 % .
What ’ s more , unless the situation with the coronavirus stabilizes within a week , Russia ’ s fish exports could face more negative consequences , he warned .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German Zverev notes that China ’ s demand for crabs has significantly declined , and the prices have dropped to $ 7 per kg from $ 15- $ 18 per kg last year .
According to the association , some Russian crab producers have suspended harvesting .
Izvestia : Israeli woman jailed in Russia on drug charges to fly home soon Naama Issachar , an Israeli-American who was sentenced in Russia to seven and a half years in a penal colony on drug smuggling charges , was pardoned ahead of the January 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
The woman ’ s release was not linked to Israel ’ s decision to return the Alexander Metochion in Jerusalem to Russia , Netanyahu ’ s adviser Ariel Bulstein told Izvestia .
During Putin ’ s visit to Jerusalem on January 23 , media reports said that Tel Aviv had launched the process of handing over the mission to Russia .
The official in Netanyahu ’ s administration also voiced doubt over Israeli media reports that Naama Issachar would return home on the same plane with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s key goal was to discuss Trump ’ s `` the deal of the century . ''
`` There is no talk that Naama Issachar would come back to Israel on the same plane with Netanyahu , there is no such possibility .
Perhaps , the prime minister had known in advance that the Russian president could pardon the woman today or tomorrow , but this visit was not timed especially for this , '' Bulstein stressed .
Yedioth Ahronoth , an Israeli publication , reported that the Israeli embassy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister ’ s plane on Thursday and they would return home together .
The official also dismissed rumors that the woman ’ s release was linked to the transfer of the Alexander Metochion in Jerusalem to Russia .
Earlier , Middle East media reports said that Israel would return the historic buildings to Russia in exchange for pardoning the woman .
`` These stories are not related .
Deals and exchanges take place between unfriendly states .
As you know , Israel and Russia have friendly relations , although from time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues may not coincide , '' he explained .
Naama Issachar ’ s attorney Vadim Klyuvgant told Izvestia that her release was expected and it had been planned in advance .
Russian energy giant Gazprom has set its sights on ramping up gas production in Bangladesh and has signed agreements with Bangladeshi state-run companies Petrobangla and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited ( BAPEX ) .
The move signals that the Russian energy giant apparently seeks to launch direct gas supplies to Indian consumers , Kommersant writes .
Analysts say that Gazprom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to produce gas , but in order to be able to sell liquefied natural gas ( LNG ) in the future .
Gazprom International has been operating in Bangladesh since 2012 and has drilled 17 gas wells with the total capacity of 7 bln cubic meters .
According to Sergei Kapitonov , a gas analyst at the Energy Center of the Moscow School of Management Skolkovo , given the current output rate ( nearly 27 bln cubic meters per year ) the reserves could be enough for 10 or 12 years .
Gazprom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to gain access to India ’ s rapidly growing market , the paper says .
The Russian monopoly has been showing interest in this for many years .
However , it is impossible to supply Russian pipeline gas to this market .
According to Kapitonov , Gazprom is interested in working in Bangladesh to secure a presence in the strategic region given its future growth rates .
Besides , the established ties in Bangladesh ’ s oil and gas sector could be useful when discussing future projects on LNG supplies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence in Bangladesh offers prospects with neighboring India , where the potential growth of the gas market looks much more attractive , he notes .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Trump’s ‘deal of the century’ draws mixed reaction US President Donald Trump’s plan for ironing out the Middle East crisis, dubbed "the deal of the century," has received a mixed reaction worldwide. Europe has generally backed the US leader’s peace initiative, while the Palestinians and Tehran have strongly condemned it. On the contrary, Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf monarchies have made rather ambiguous statements, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. The reaction to the White House’s peace plan, unveiled on January 28, clearly shows that the time when Islamic nations were ready to act together against Israel has become a thing of the past. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has described Trump’s proposal as the dream project of a bankruptcy-ridden real estate developer and "a nightmare for the region and the world." Turkey is apparently ready to support Iran’s position. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has slammed the idea of handing over control of Jerusalem to Israel as unacceptable.
Those regional states, which are expected to be involved in "the deal of the century," stopped short of criticizing it. The only exception was Lebanon, which showed solidarity with the Palestinians. The supposed sponsors of the initiative approved it in general. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas assuring him that the Palestinian people would back him. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry made a similar statement. Other comments in support of the proposal came from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman. An expert on the Middle East and chief researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Europe Alexander Shumilin told the paper that the Arab world’s reaction was expected. Meanwhile, he noted that one should not hope that support for the deal from the leading regional states (except for Turkey and Iran) would guarantee its successful implementation. "Trump’s plan has fixed a new reality: it won’t be possible anymore to return to the 1967 borders. And other terms of peaceful settlement for the Palestinians would be worse than these," Shumilin said. Izvestia: US presidential hopeful Sanders poised to grab lead in Iowa race, poll shows Bernie Sanders, a 78-year-old Democratic candidate, is in the lead ahead of the first caucuses in Iowa due on February 3 and the February 11 primaries in New Hampshire. Although his lead over ex-Vice President Joe Biden was within the poll’s margin, the mere fact that this "democratic socialist" is popular signals that the upcoming struggle for the nomination will be fierce, Izvestia writes. Opinion polls in Iowa showed that Senator Sanders has all chances of winning the first US state, which is crucial for the entire presidential election campaign.
Read also Trump impeachment crusade continuation of domestic political strife in US, says Putin
Although more than a dozen Democratic candidates will vie for the Oval Office, the major struggle is expected to be between former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. Biden, who was considered a favorite in the Democratic race, has lost ground since the start of Trump’s impeachment trial and in the wake of corruption allegations against the former vice president’s son Hunter in connection with Ukraine’s Burisma oil and gas company. Sanders is the oldest among the three Democratic frontrunners but he enjoys strong support among the youth, the paper writes. According to a survey by Emerson, 44% voters under 50 plan to support the legislator from Vermont. His growing popularity is not surprising, Anders Aslund, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, said, explaining that this is the result of mounting inequality in US society over the past 40 years. According to him, Sanders has a real chance of winning the presidential nomination, but apparently, Trump also wants this. The US leader sees Sanders as his ideal rival, while he is anxious about Biden, who has better chances of winning, he explained. Kommersant: Russian exporters facing logistic hurdles in China The spreading coronavirus in China poses a threat to Russian exporters of foodstuffs to the country. China has stopped several batches of Russian fish products and halted talks on new contracts, while falling consumer demand has cut prices on poultry 10-15%. Market participants have not yet adjusted their plans but report logistic problems in China, Kommersant writes. The Chinese are a major importer of Russia’s foodstuffs. In January-November 2019, the supplies grew 23.7% to $2.72 bln, the Russian Export Center told the paper citing the Federal Customs Service. According to figures, frozen fish accounted for more than $1.2 bln, crustaceans for over $250 mln, sunflower oil for more than $200 mln, and poultry and chocolates for roughly $100 mln each.
Read also China allocates almost $4 bln to fight coronavirus outbreak
Managing Director at Dobroflot fish trading company Alexander Efremov confirmed problems with exporting foodstuffs to China. At least two batches of Russian fish, which were to be supplied for Chinese processing plants, have been held up, he said. "Perhaps, production at the enterprises has been suspended due to the quarantine. Or Chinese manufacturers fear that their goods won’t be bought globally due to the coronavirus," Efremov assumed. President of the Walleye Pollock Producers Association Alexei Buglak said that prices on his type of fish dropped 15%. What’s more, unless the situation with the coronavirus stabilizes within a week, Russia’s fish exports could face more negative consequences, he warned. President of the All-Russian Association of Fish Breeders German Zverev notes that China’s demand for crabs has significantly declined, and the prices have dropped to $7 per kg from $15-$18 per kg last year. According to the association, some Russian crab producers have suspended harvesting. Izvestia: Israeli woman jailed in Russia on drug charges to fly home soon Naama Issachar, an Israeli-American who was sentenced in Russia to seven and a half years in a penal colony on drug smuggling charges, was pardoned ahead of the January 30 meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The woman’s release was not linked to Israel’s decision to return the Alexander Metochion in Jerusalem to Russia, Netanyahu’s adviser Ariel Bulstein told Izvestia. During Putin’s visit to Jerusalem on January 23, media reports said that Tel Aviv had launched the process of handing over the mission to Russia. The official in Netanyahu’s administration also voiced doubt over Israeli media reports that Naama Issachar would return home on the same plane with the prime minister. He stressed that Netanyahu’s key goal was to discuss Trump’s "the deal of the century."
Read also Pardoned Israeli national Naama Issachar released from custody
"There is no talk that Naama Issachar would come back to Israel on the same plane with Netanyahu, there is no such possibility. Perhaps, the prime minister had known in advance that the Russian president could pardon the woman today or tomorrow, but this visit was not timed especially for this," Bulstein stressed. Yedioth Ahronoth, an Israeli publication, reported that the Israeli embassy’s staff would escort Naama Issachar to the prime minister’s plane on Thursday and they would return home together. The official also dismissed rumors that the woman’s release was linked to the transfer of the Alexander Metochion in Jerusalem to Russia. Earlier, Middle East media reports said that Israel would return the historic buildings to Russia in exchange for pardoning the woman. "These stories are not related. Deals and exchanges take place between unfriendly states. As you know, Israel and Russia have friendly relations, although from time to time their interests and positions on some issues may not coincide," he explained. Naama Issachar’s attorney Vadim Klyuvgant told Izvestia that her release was expected and it had been planned in advance. Kommersant: Gazprom seeks to boost production in Bangladesh Russian energy giant Gazprom has set its sights on ramping up gas production in Bangladesh and has signed agreements with Bangladeshi state-run companies Petrobangla and Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration & Production Company Limited (BAPEX). The move signals that the Russian energy giant apparently seeks to launch direct gas supplies to Indian consumers, Kommersant writes. Analysts say that Gazprom is interested in potential cooperation not just to produce gas, but in order to be able to sell liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the future.
Read also Gazprom plans to keep gas exports to Europe at level of previous years


tass--2020-01-30--Russia closes border with China in Far East over coronavirus

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed an instruction to close the state border in the Far East as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
`` A corresponding instruction was signed today .
Work on it is already in progress .
We will inform all those concerned properly about the measures to close the border in the Far Eastern region and other steps the government has taken [ to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Russia ] , '' Mishustin said in his opening remarks at the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities identified an outbreak of coronavirus 2019-nCoV-related pneumonia in Wuhan at the end of December 2019 .
By the morning of Thursday the number of those sick exceeded 7,700 .
No less than 170 died .
The coronavirus has been exposed in Australia , Vietnam , Germany , Italy , Cambodia , Malaysia , Nepal , South Korea , Singapore , the United States , Thailand , France , Sri Lanka and Japan .
The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of the disease as China ’ s national emergency and @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Russia’s government has ordered to close the Russian-Polish and Russian-Norwegian land border for foreign nationals on Sunday to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, the government said in a statement on Saturday.
"At 00.00 Moscow time on March 15, 2020, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) shall suspend crossings by foreign nationals and stateless persons through the Russian-Polish and Russian-Norwegian land border into the territory of the Russian Federation for purposes of education and employment, as well as for private and tourist purposes, except for citizens of the Republic of Belarus, members of official delegations and persons with a residence permit in the Russian Federation," the document says.
In addition, the Foreign Ministry is tasked with notifying Poland, Norway and other states whose interests might be affected by the implementation of the regulation "of the measures envisaged, emphasizing that they are justified by particular circumstances and are provisional."
On Saturday, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved a set of measures aimed at containing the spread of the novel coronavirus infection across Russia.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. After the coronavirus broke out of China’s Hubei province, it spread across China and then around the world affecting more than 120 countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the outbreak as a pandemic on March 11. According to the WHO data, around 140,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed up to now. The virus’ death toll has surpassed 5,000. Russia has 59 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-01-30--PM Mishustin denies plans to expand police access to Russians' personal data

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s authorities have no plans to provide law enforcement agencies with unlimited access to the personal data of the country ’ s citizens , Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a cabinet meeting .
`` As for reports saying that law enforcement agencies will get unlimited access to people ’ s online personal data , the way it was presented has nothing to do with the real state of things .
There was no discussion of such a plan , '' Mishustin pointed out .
According to him , the relevant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear for the people that the plan is not to limit their rights and freedoms but to automate online data access .
`` However , someone misinterpreted it all and this is how the media saw it .
I would like to ask the deputy prime ministers , the ministers and the heads of services and agencies to make sure that there is a quick response in such situations .
People need detailed comments , '' Mishustin added .
The prime minister also emphasized the need to improve the performance of press services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the possibility of such incidents so that if you are unable to provide a quick response for some reason - if you are away on a business trip - they can turn to the government ’ s press service and coordinate their steps with the cabinet , '' Mishustin said , addressing the meeting ’ s participants .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russia’s authorities have no plans to provide law enforcement agencies with unlimited access to the personal data of the country’s citizens, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a cabinet meeting.
"As for reports saying that law enforcement agencies will get unlimited access to people’s online personal data, the way it was presented has nothing to do with the real state of things. There was no discussion of such a plan," Mishustin pointed out.
According to him, the relevant agencies had had to make it absolutely clear for the people that the plan is not to limit their rights and freedoms but to automate online data access. "However, someone misinterpreted it all and this is how the media saw it. I would like to ask the deputy prime ministers, the ministers and the heads of services and agencies to make sure that there is a quick response in such situations. People need detailed comments," Mishustin added.
The prime minister also emphasized the need to improve the performance of press services. "Please notify your press services about the possibility of such incidents so that if you are unable to provide a quick response for some reason - if you are away on a business trip - they can turn to the government’s press service and coordinate their steps with the cabinet," Mishustin said, addressing the meeting’s participants.


tass--2020-01-30--FSB suspends investigation into Ukrainian sailors for indefinite period — lawyer

`` The investigation has been suspended for an indefinite period because the whereabouts of the defendants are known but investigators are unable to ensure the participation of all the 24 sailors , '' he pointed out .
MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) has suspended its investigation into Ukrainian Navy sailors detained during the Kerch Strait incident in November 2018 for an indefinite period , the sailors ’ lawyer Nikolai Polozov told TASS .
Polozov added that the sailors were not recommended to travel to Russia from Ukraine .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they seek to escape justice , '' the lawyer noted .
According to him , the sailors remain defendants in the case and may be put on a wanted list if they leave their country of residence .
`` We are not satisfied with such an uncertain situation so will file an appeal against the decision , '' Polozov emphasized .
On November 25 , 2018 , three Ukrainian naval ships illegally crossed Russia ’ s border and tried to carry out some unlawful actions in Russian territorial waters .
They ignored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belonging to the FSB Border Service and the Black Sea Fleet , and continued maneuvering dangerously .
In order to stop the Ukrainian ships , weapons had to be used .
The three vessels were detained in Russian territorial waters .
A criminal investigation was opened into the border incident .
The Ukrainian ships ’ crew members were arrested and charged with violating the Russian border under Article 322.3 of the Russian Criminal Code .
On September 7 , 2019 , Russia and Ukraine carried out an exchange of prisoners .
Those freed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 18 , Russia handed the detained ships over to Ukraine .

"The investigation has been suspended for an indefinite period because the whereabouts of the defendants are known but investigators are unable to ensure the participation of all the 24 sailors," he pointed out.
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has suspended its investigation into Ukrainian Navy sailors detained during the Kerch Strait incident in November 2018 for an indefinite period, the sailors’ lawyer Nikolai Polozov told TASS.
Polozov added that the sailors were not recommended to travel to Russia from Ukraine. "However, it doesn’t mean that they seek to escape justice," the lawyer noted. According to him, the sailors remain defendants in the case and may be put on a wanted list if they leave their country of residence. "We are not satisfied with such an uncertain situation so will file an appeal against the decision," Polozov emphasized.
Kerch Strait incident
On November 25, 2018, three Ukrainian naval ships illegally crossed Russia’s border and tried to carry out some unlawful actions in Russian territorial waters. They ignored legitimate demands to stop issued by vessels belonging to the FSB Border Service and the Black Sea Fleet, and continued maneuvering dangerously. In order to stop the Ukrainian ships, weapons had to be used. The three vessels were detained in Russian territorial waters.
A criminal investigation was opened into the border incident. The Ukrainian ships’ crew members were arrested and charged with violating the Russian border under Article 322.3 of the Russian Criminal Code.
On September 7, 2019, Russia and Ukraine carried out an exchange of prisoners. Those freed included the 24 Ukrainian sailors. On November 18, Russia handed the detained ships over to Ukraine.


tass--2020-01-30--Coronavirus infection soars, as all Chinese regions affected

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The novel 2019-nCoV coronavirus-induced pneumonia saw a sharp spike during the last 24 hours in China .
The number of those infected jumped from 6,012 to 7,711 , while the amount of deaths surged from 132 to 170 .
According to the China ’ s Ministry of Finance , the government has already allocated some 27.3 bln yuan ( $ 3.96 billion ) .
Earlier reports indicated that the government planned to earmark some 60.3 bln yuan ( $ 8.75 billion ) .
The pneumonia outbreak has hit all Chinese regions , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the epidemic ’ s epicenter is the Hubei province and its capital of Wuhan , a city of 11 million people .
The quarantined city accommodates a large number of foreigners .
There are 177 Russian nationals across the province at the moment , and 120 of them are in Wuhan .
Foreign nations are discussing evacuation options from Wuhan with the Chinese government .
So far , only Japanese and US nationals have been evacuated by emergency flights , while South Korea , Singapore , Canada and a number of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greenlight .
Among several hundred evacuated Japanese nationals , three were infected with the coronavirus .
In total , infection cases were identified in more than 15 nations , yet none have been identified in Russia so far .
In order to prevent the infiltration of the coronavirus into Russia , a health emergency response HQ was set up , led by Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova .
At the HQ ’ s first meeting , she announced a decision to suspend railway service with China , with Moscow-Beijing trains being excluded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China .
The world ’ s largest air carriers also announced suspension of their flights to China , while many foreign companies temporarily closed their Chinese offices .
On Wednesday , Google announced a temporary suspension of its Chinese division .
Besides limiting transportation service , Russia and other nations are going to take additional measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , including mass medical examinations of passengers coming from China , tightening up the visa system and sanitary control over Chinese meat and plant products .
Following Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan have also set up special HQs for fighting the spread of the infection .
These HQs also provide estimations on the outbreak ’ s possible economic consequences .
According to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Envoy to the Far East Yuri Trutnev , the pneumonia situation poses no threat to the Russian economy .
On Thursday , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) will conduct its second emergency committee meeting this week .
It is possible that , following the conference , the WHO will declare an international emergency @

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The novel 2019-nCoV coronavirus-induced pneumonia saw a sharp spike during the last 24 hours in China. The number of those infected jumped from 6,012 to 7,711, while the amount of deaths surged from 132 to 170. According to the China’s Ministry of Finance, the government has already allocated some 27.3 bln yuan ($3.96 billion). Earlier reports indicated that the government planned to earmark some 60.3 bln yuan ($8.75 billion). Outbreak hits all Chinese regions The pneumonia outbreak has hit all Chinese regions, including the cities of Beijing and Shanghai, but the epidemic’s epicenter is the Hubei province and its capital of Wuhan, a city of 11 million people. The quarantined city accommodates a large number of foreigners. There are 177 Russian nationals across the province at the moment, and 120 of them are in Wuhan.
Read also China allocates almost $4 bln to fight coronavirus outbreak
Foreign nations are discussing evacuation options from Wuhan with the Chinese government. So far, only Japanese and US nationals have been evacuated by emergency flights, while South Korea, Singapore, Canada and a number of other nations are still waiting to get the greenlight. Among several hundred evacuated Japanese nationals, three were infected with the coronavirus. In total, infection cases were identified in more than 15 nations, yet none have been identified in Russia so far. Railway service on hold In order to prevent the infiltration of the coronavirus into Russia, a health emergency response HQ was set up, led by Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova. At the HQ’s first meeting, she announced a decision to suspend railway service with China, with Moscow-Beijing trains being excluded. Earlier, many Russian airlines suspended flights to China. The world’s largest air carriers also announced suspension of their flights to China, while many foreign companies temporarily closed their Chinese offices. On Wednesday, Google announced a temporary suspension of its Chinese division. Possible economic consequences Besides limiting transportation service, Russia and other nations are going to take additional measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including mass medical examinations of passengers coming from China, tightening up the visa system and sanitary control over Chinese meat and plant products.
Read also Carriers cancelling flights to China amid growing concern about coronavirus


tass--2020-01-30--Netanyahu offers to discuss White House’s ‘deal of the century’ with Putin

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
At their meeting in the Kremlin on Thursday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the US `` deal of the century '' on ironing out the Middle Eastern crisis , showing interest in the Russian leader ’ s stance on this issue .
`` Mr. President , you are the first leader whom I meet after my visit to Washington and [ the unveiling of ] Trump ’ s plan .
I think we have an opportunity today [ to discuss this issue ] , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listen to your opinion and see how we can join all forces for peace and calm [ in the region ] , '' Netanyahu said .
Netanyahu recalled that earlier he had held `` talks with his US friends . ''
`` And I can tell you about some things related to this , '' he noted .
The Israeli prime minister noted that his current visit to Moscow `` symbolizes strengthening relations between the two countries . ''
He also thanked Putin for `` his leading role in the Middle East '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Jerusalem and the `` touching '' speech at the ceremony to inaugurate a monument to the victims of the Leningrad siege during the Great Patriotic War ( 1941-1945 ) .
Netanyahu recalled that during Putin ’ s visit to Jerusalem the sides were able to discuss problems facing the Middle Eastern region .
Putin also thanked Netanyahu for opening the monument in Jerusalem dedicated to the victims of the siege of Leningrad .
`` The monument was very worthy and the place where it was built is excellent and the procedure [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and emotional , '' Putin noted .
The Russian leader also praised the January 23 international events in Jerusalem dedicated to the Holocaust victims .
Speaking on Russian-Israeli economic ties , Putin recalled that Israel was in talks with the Eurasian Economic Union on a free trade zone .
`` Our bilateral ties are developing in economic and humanitarian fields , '' Putin said , noting that Netanyahu had initiated some areas of this cooperation , which is rapidly developing .
`` I ’ m glad to have an opportunity to discuss with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as the situation in the [ Middle Eastern ] region , '' he noted .
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled the key points of the so-called `` deal of the century , '' a plan for Israel-Palestine settlement based on mutual recognition of both states .
The US offers to link the Palestinian territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with a tunnel , also proposing to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestine ’ s capital .
At the same time , Trump has stressed that Jerusalem remains Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the US intends to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements founded on Palestinian territories .
Among the preconditions for the peace process , the US leader listed Palestine denouncing the Hamas radical movement active in Gaza and ceasing military activity .
The US offers Palestine $ 50 bln in investments .
Netanyahu supported the initiative and expressed his readiness to start negotiations immediately .
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas denounced the proposition blasting it as a `` conspiracy deal , '' while the Hamas movement stressed that the plan is `` not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. At their meeting in the Kremlin on Thursday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the US "deal of the century" on ironing out the Middle Eastern crisis, showing interest in the Russian leader’s stance on this issue.
"Mr. President, you are the first leader whom I meet after my visit to Washington and [the unveiling of] Trump’s plan. I think we have an opportunity today [to discuss this issue], I would like to talk to you and listen to your opinion and see how we can join all forces for peace and calm [in the region]," Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu recalled that earlier he had held "talks with his US friends." "And I can tell you about some things related to this," he noted.
The Israeli prime minister noted that his current visit to Moscow "symbolizes strengthening relations between the two countries." He also thanked Putin for "his leading role in the Middle East" as well as for his recent visit to Jerusalem and the "touching" speech at the ceremony to inaugurate a monument to the victims of the Leningrad siege during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).
Netanyahu recalled that during Putin’s visit to Jerusalem the sides were able to discuss problems facing the Middle Eastern region.
Putin also thanked Netanyahu for opening the monument in Jerusalem dedicated to the victims of the siege of Leningrad. "The monument was very worthy and the place where it was built is excellent and the procedure [the opening ceremony] was very impressing and emotional," Putin noted. The Russian leader also praised the January 23 international events in Jerusalem dedicated to the Holocaust victims.
Speaking on Russian-Israeli economic ties, Putin recalled that Israel was in talks with the Eurasian Economic Union on a free trade zone. "Our bilateral ties are developing in economic and humanitarian fields," Putin said, noting that Netanyahu had initiated some areas of this cooperation, which is rapidly developing. "I’m glad to have an opportunity to discuss with you the issues of our cooperation as well as the situation in the [Middle Eastern] region," he noted.
"Deal of the century"
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled the key points of the so-called "deal of the century," a plan for Israel-Palestine settlement based on mutual recognition of both states. The US offers to link the Palestinian territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with a tunnel, also proposing to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital.
At the same time, Trump has stressed that Jerusalem remains Israel's "undivided capital," adding that the US intends to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements founded on Palestinian territories. Among the preconditions for the peace process, the US leader listed Palestine denouncing the Hamas radical movement active in Gaza and ceasing military activity. The US offers Palestine $50 bln in investments.
Netanyahu supported the initiative and expressed his readiness to start negotiations immediately. President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas denounced the proposition blasting it as a "conspiracy deal," while the Hamas movement stressed that the plan is "not worth the ink it was written with."
Pardoning Naama Issachar


tass--2020-01-30--MiG-31 fighters intercept supersonic targets in Urals drills

`` The pilots of MiG-31 high-altitude interceptor fighters performed solitary take-offs and united into pairs at an altitude of about 3,000 meters and practiced training missions aimed at improving interaction between the crews as combat pairs , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of MiG-31 interceptor fighters from Russia ’ s Central Military District practiced complex aerobatic maneuvers as combat pairs and trained to intercept supersonic targets in the stratosphere during drills in the Perm Region , the District ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pilots of MiG-31 fighters employed the Zaslon-M onboard radar to monitor the air situation .
During patrols , the crews detected a target simulated by a MiG-31 fighter moving at a speed of about 2,300 km/h .
The pilots promptly approached , took the aim and notionally destroyed the target , the statement says .
The MiG-31 crews also practiced complex aerobatic maneuvers .
All the elements were performed at ultimate speeds of up to 3,000 km/h .
The maneuvers and the exercise to eliminate a notional intruder involved about 10 crews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 personnel and about 50 items of ground equipment , the press office said .

"The pilots of MiG-31 high-altitude interceptor fighters performed solitary take-offs and united into pairs at an altitude of about 3,000 meters and practiced training missions aimed at improving interaction between the crews as combat pairs," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The crews of MiG-31 interceptor fighters from Russia’s Central Military District practiced complex aerobatic maneuvers as combat pairs and trained to intercept supersonic targets in the stratosphere during drills in the Perm Region, the District’s press office reported on Thursday.
At an altitude of over 16,000 meters, the pilots of MiG-31 fighters employed the Zaslon-M onboard radar to monitor the air situation. During patrols, the crews detected a target simulated by a MiG-31 fighter moving at a speed of about 2,300 km/h. The pilots promptly approached, took the aim and notionally destroyed the target, the statement says.
The MiG-31 crews also practiced complex aerobatic maneuvers. All the elements were performed at ultimate speeds of up to 3,000 km/h.
The maneuvers and the exercise to eliminate a notional intruder involved about 10 crews of high-altitude interceptor fighters, more than 40 personnel and about 50 items of ground equipment, the press office said.


tass--2020-01-30--Vietnamese-Russian relations marked by high level of mutual trust — top diplomat

The Vietnamese foreign minister recalled that the Soviet Union had been one of the first countries in the world to recognize the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and establish diplomatic ties with it 70 years ago HANOI , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Relations between Vietnam and Russia are marked by a high degree of mutual trust , which contributes to multifaceted cooperation between the two countries , Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh wrote in his article timed to 70 years of diplomatic relations between Hanoi and Moscow marked on January 30 .
He recalled that the Soviet Union had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world to recognize the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and establish diplomatic ties with it 70 years ago .
`` Since then , despite the distance between us , we have maintained spiritual affinity , overcoming difficulties and challenges shoulder to shoulder , preserving and enriching the traditions of special friendship between the peoples of both countries , '' the top diplomat stressed .
According to Pham Binh Minh , the relations of traditional friendship and cooperation are `` an invaluable asset and a solid foundation for the Vietnamese-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established in various fields , from foreign policy , defense and security to trade , economy , investment , science , education and humanitarian ties , are constantly being improved .
One of the pillars of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership is the oil and gas industry .
Along with the Vietsovpetro joint venture , which has been producing oil in Vietnam since 1981 , major Russian companies , specifically , Gazprom , Rosneft and Zarubezhneft , have been expanding their involvement in various oil and gas exploration projects on Vietnam ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries .
The Rusvietpetro joint venture , which has been developing oil and gas fields in the Nenets Autonomous Region since 2010 , has achieved high economic efficiency in Russia .
Referring to the prospects for bilateral relations , the diplomat noted that both countries planned to push ahead with efforts to increase the impact of the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) , remove non-tariff barriers in bilateral trade and create favorable conditions for investment cooperation .
The issue at hand is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas as the energy sector , infrastructure construction and agriculture .
The two countries will also continue defense , security , military-technical and humanitarian cooperation , including education and personnel training .
`` Thanks to consistent efforts of the two countries ’ leadership , we can be sure that , despite new challenges and difficulties , the Vietnamese-Russian strategic partnership will strengthen and develop in the spirit of the traditions of friendship , in the name of peace , cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world , '' the minister concluded @

The Vietnamese foreign minister recalled that the Soviet Union had been one of the first countries in the world to recognize the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and establish diplomatic ties with it 70 years ago
HANOI, January 30. /TASS/. Relations between Vietnam and Russia are marked by a high degree of mutual trust, which contributes to multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh wrote in his article timed to 70 years of diplomatic relations between Hanoi and Moscow marked on January 30. He recalled that the Soviet Union had been one of the first countries in the world to recognize the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and establish diplomatic ties with it 70 years ago. "Since then, despite the distance between us, we have maintained spiritual affinity, overcoming difficulties and challenges shoulder to shoulder, preserving and enriching the traditions of special friendship between the peoples of both countries," the top diplomat stressed. The basis of bilateral cooperation
Read also Vietnam expects trade turnover with Russia to soar to $10 bln by 2020
According to Pham Binh Minh, the relations of traditional friendship and cooperation are "an invaluable asset and a solid foundation for the Vietnamese-Russian comprehensive strategic partnership at the present time." Interaction mechanisms established in various fields, from foreign policy, defense and security to trade, economy, investment, science, education and humanitarian ties, are constantly being improved. One of the pillars of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership is the oil and gas industry. Along with the Vietsovpetro joint venture, which has been producing oil in Vietnam since 1981, major Russian companies, specifically, Gazprom, Rosneft and Zarubezhneft, have been expanding their involvement in various oil and gas exploration projects on Vietnam’s continental shelf in the interests of both countries. The Rusvietpetro joint venture, which has been developing oil and gas fields in the Nenets Autonomous Region since 2010, has achieved high economic efficiency in Russia. The future of Vietnamese-Russian relations
Read also Medvedev arrives in Vietnam for official visit to discuss major joint projects


tass--2020-01-30--Russian Investigation Committee requests arrest of ex-policemen in reporter Golunov’s case

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Investigation Committee has requested Moscow ’ s Basmanny District Court to arrest five former officers from the police force of Moscow ’ s Western Administrative District detained in the case of Meduza news website reporter Ivan Golunov , a court spokesperson told TASS , adding that charges had been brought against all of them .
`` The Basmanny Court has received the investigation ’ s request to arrest Roman Feofanov , Maxim Umetbayev , Akbar Sergaliyev , Igor Lyakhovets and Denis Konovalov , charged with abuse of office , evidence tampering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The Investigative Committee ’ s spokesperson , in turn , confirmed that investigators had brought charges against Konovalov , Sergaliyev , Feofanov , Umetbayev and Lyakhovets .
According to investigators , police officers illegally purchased drugs and planted them on Golunov in June 2019 .
A law enforcement source told TASS that former Chief of the Western Administrative District ’ s Police Drug Control Unit Andrei Shchirov had been questioned as a witness in the case .
Golunov was detained in downtown Mocsow on June 6 .
According to police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mephedrone , a synthetic stimulant drug , while five grams of cocaine were found during a search of his rented apartment .
Moscow ’ s Nikulinsky District Court placed the journalist under house arrest .
Golunov ’ s lawyer said that the drugs could have been planted on his client .
All charges were eventually dropped on June 11 and Golunov was set free .
President Vladimir Putin said at his annual news conference in December that Russia ’ s Investigative Committee had opened criminal cases against five former police officers following Golunov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TASS on Wednesday , Golunov was hopeful that a trial against the former police officers would be fair .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The Russian Investigation Committee has requested Moscow’s Basmanny District Court to arrest five former officers from the police force of Moscow’s Western Administrative District detained in the case of Meduza news website reporter Ivan Golunov, a court spokesperson told TASS, adding that charges had been brought against all of them.
"The Basmanny Court has received the investigation’s request to arrest Roman Feofanov, Maxim Umetbayev, Akbar Sergaliyev, Igor Lyakhovets and Denis Konovalov, charged with abuse of office, evidence tampering and drug trafficking," the spokesperson said.
The Investigative Committee’s spokesperson, in turn, confirmed that investigators had brought charges against Konovalov, Sergaliyev, Feofanov, Umetbayev and Lyakhovets.
According to investigators, police officers illegally purchased drugs and planted them on Golunov in June 2019. A law enforcement source told TASS that former Chief of the Western Administrative District’s Police Drug Control Unit Andrei Shchirov had been questioned as a witness in the case.
Golunov case
Golunov was detained in downtown Mocsow on June 6. According to police, the reporter was carrying four grams of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant drug, while five grams of cocaine were found during a search of his rented apartment. Moscow’s Nikulinsky District Court placed the journalist under house arrest. Golunov’s lawyer said that the drugs could have been planted on his client. All charges were eventually dropped on June 11 and Golunov was set free.
President Vladimir Putin said at his annual news conference in December that Russia’s Investigative Committee had opened criminal cases against five former police officers following Golunov’s detention.
While speaking to TASS on Wednesday, Golunov was hopeful that a trial against the former police officers would be fair.


tass--2020-01-30--Facebook monthly active users base rises to 2.5 bln

NEW YORK , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of monthly active users of social network Facebook reached 2.5 bln as of December 31 , 2019 , an increase of 8 % year-over-year , the company said in a report .
The figure reflects the number of people who enter the social network at least once a month .
According to company estimates , in December last year , 1.66 bln people used Facebook at least once a day .
This indicator increased by 9 % over the year .
Facebook revenue last year amounted to $ 70.697 bln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 2018 .
The company 's net income in the same period , on the contrary , decreased by 16 % - from $ 22.112 bln to $ 18.485 bln .
Advertising revenue increased by 27 % , from $ 55.013 bln to $ 69.655 bln .
`` We had a good quarter and a strong end to the year as our community and business continue to grow .
We remain focused on building services that help people stay connected to those they care about , '' Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media and technology company founded on February 4 , 2004 , by Mark Zuckerberg and three fellow students Harvard College students .
Facebook includes other social media products and services , such as Instagram , WhatsApp , and others .

NEW YORK, January 30. /TASS/. The number of monthly active users of social network Facebook reached 2.5 bln as of December 31, 2019, an increase of 8% year-over-year, the company said in a report.
The figure reflects the number of people who enter the social network at least once a month. According to company estimates, in December last year, 1.66 bln people used Facebook at least once a day. This indicator increased by 9% over the year.
Facebook revenue last year amounted to $70.697 bln, an increase of 27% compared with 2018. The company's net income in the same period, on the contrary, decreased by 16% - from $22.112 bln to $18.485 bln. Advertising revenue increased by 27%, from $55.013 bln to $69.655 bln.
"We had a good quarter and a strong end to the year as our community and business continue to grow. We remain focused on building services that help people stay connected to those they care about," Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.
Facebook, Inc. is a social media and technology company founded on February 4, 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg and three fellow students Harvard College students. Facebook includes other social media products and services, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and others.


tass--2020-01-30--Pardoned Israeli national Naama Issachar released from custody

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Federal Penitentiary Service ( FPS ) of Russia confirmed that the Israeli national Naama Issachar , sentenced in Russia for drug smuggling and pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin , has been released from the penal colony located in the Moscow Region .
`` In accordance with the January 29 , 2020 , Presidential pardon , Naama Issachar has been released from the penal facility , '' the FPS press service told TASS .
Earlier , a law enforcement source told TASS that Issachar has been released .
Another source told TASS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Israeli woman was serving her sentence in the Penal Colony №1 , located in Moscow Region ’ s Novoye Grishino .
On January 29 , Issachar was pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
Her attorney , Alexey Dobrynin , said that she would depart to Israel Thursday on the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s plane , who expressed a desire to take her from Russia personally .
Naama Issachar has been apprehended on April 9 , 2019 , in Sheremetyevo airport , where she awaited plane change on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aviv in the transit zone .
A service dog reacted to her bag , and the customs officers discovered some 10 grams of hashish .
On October 11 , Khimki City Court convicted Issachar of drug smuggling and sentenced her to 7.5 years .
On December 19 , Moscow Region Court upheld the sentence .
Earlier , the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained to journalists that the pardon process is slowed down by absence of Issachar ’ s personal pardon plea , since it is required by Russian law .
On January 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been filed by Issachar .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The Federal Penitentiary Service (FPS) of Russia confirmed that the Israeli national Naama Issachar, sentenced in Russia for drug smuggling and pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been released from the penal colony located in the Moscow Region.
"In accordance with the January 29, 2020, Presidential pardon, Naama Issachar has been released from the penal facility," the FPS press service told TASS.
Earlier, a law enforcement source told TASS that Issachar has been released.
Another source told TASS that Issachar has been released Wednesday night.
The Israeli woman was serving her sentence in the Penal Colony №1, located in Moscow Region’s Novoye Grishino. On January 29, Issachar was pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Her attorney, Alexey Dobrynin, said that she would depart to Israel Thursday on the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane, who expressed a desire to take her from Russia personally.
Naama Issachar’s case
Naama Issachar has been apprehended on April 9, 2019, in Sheremetyevo airport, where she awaited plane change on her flight from New Delhi to Tel Aviv in the transit zone. A service dog reacted to her bag, and the customs officers discovered some 10 grams of hashish. On October 11, Khimki City Court convicted Issachar of drug smuggling and sentenced her to 7.5 years. On December 19, Moscow Region Court upheld the sentence.
Earlier, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov explained to journalists that the pardon process is slowed down by absence of Issachar’s personal pardon plea, since it is required by Russian law. On January 26, media reported that the plea has been filed by Issachar.


tass--2020-01-30--Culinary tourism, new accessible routes make Arkhangelsk Region’s tourism strategy

ARKHANGELSK , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Culinary tourism , routes for travelers with disabilities , and routes across several districts will be key directions of the strategy to develop tourism in the Arkhangelsk Region in 2020 , the region ’ s Deputy Minister of Culture , supervising tourism , Svetlana Zenovskaya told TASS .
`` Our new projects refer to routes for travelers with disabilities - we shall invite them to see our region , '' she said .
`` The Arkhangelsk Region has launched new projects in culinary and social tourism ; we also offer new ethnography routes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on packages to travel across several districts within the region . ''
In 2019 , the region welcomed about 420,000 tourists ( 3 % growth year-on-year ) .
`` Most visitors come from Moscow , St. Petersburg and Russia ’ s big cities , and foreigners come from Germany , Italy , other European countries and from the US , '' she added .
The region has been working on routes for travelers with disabilities .
Typically , tourists have to cover long distances between towns in the region , thus for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arkhangelsk and Kargopol .
`` People who can not hear or see well , who have musculoskeletal disorders want to travel , and for them we must offer special conditions , '' the deputy minister said .
`` We shall offer a route , where travelers will have additional time to relax ; they will be offered special equipment and guides . ''
`` On our website we have a questionnaire to see what programs such guests would prefer in terms of comfortable duration and special arrangements , '' she said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characters of different districts .
`` The problem is that our people quite often are unaware of products , which are made in their districts .
In 2019 , we asked local administrations to lists five products , which they consider typical for the district , so that we could present them further on to both domestic and foreign tourists , '' the official said .
During the Chef School project in Velsk , guests learned history of the old town of merchants by tasting dishes , cooked according to recipes of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to order baked beets with salted trout and sour cream , or wanted to have milk jelly with forest berries and local honey .
Packaging and tableware also matter .
Guest houses in the Pinezha district offer clay and wood dishes as well as the Soviet-style tableware of the 1960s .
Tourists are invited to see a century old bakery with the wood stove , where cooks make not only bread , but tasty cakes .
Another tourist attraction is the local painting , which decorates tableware and souvenirs .
`` Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most popular is the Mezen painting ( typically an image of a horse , usually in red and white colors - TASS ) .
We can see examples of it also in Moscow ; and Russia ’ s modern designers use its elements in new collections , '' the deputy minister said .
In the Velsk district , tourists attend master classes in the Vazha painting .
Its main element is three flowers .
`` Velsk has been changing its look , '' she continued .
Tourists now use a bus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ painting ; the well-recognized images are on bus stops , pavilions , on plates of street names .
For the Day of Tourism , the locals decorate parasols , and for the New Year - the kozulyas ( richly decorated gingerbread with many herbs ) .
The Krasnoborsk district is known for three northern painting styles , each of them being very specific .
The Permogora painting is a combination of herb ornaments and scenes of peasants ’ lives , the Uftuga painting consists mostly of long branches with colored leaves and flowers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which look like larks or blackbirds .
The Rakula images also have birds , but those are mostly magpies and hens in a frame of leaves and geometry figures , and typical colors are golden-ochre and black .
Travelers to the Krasnoborsk district are invited to master classes , where they learn to make and decorate wooden toys for children , and where they can see a defile , demonstrating garments with the painting ’ s elements .
The region ’ s six districts develop a project , dubbed `` Three Northern Rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for children , '' the deputy minister told TASS .
`` It is easier to offer for school students short-distance traveling programs .
Short - in the local understanding of distances .
We hope , more people would be coming to us , and meanwhile sightseeing organizers practice skills and get ready to welcome families , visiting our region . ''
These districts offer programs related to fairytale characters .
The best known character is Mother Winter in the Lena district .
`` In December-January , all days to visit her residence are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago , we registered several hundred visitors in winter , nowadays about 10,000 come to see her , '' she said .
Visitors come mostly from the Komi Region .
After seeing the residence , travelers usually go to Koryazhma to meet Grandfather Cedar .
He is believed to protect the local cedar forest .
Krasnoborsk is known as the origin of Porcino Mushroom .
In the Koshkino village ( name originates from the word , meaning `` cat '' ) , travelers see the Cat ’ s House ( as described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and learn about cats and the local history .
They also learn how to use matches and how to handle a stove ( fire was among the fairy tale ’ s misfortunes ) .
The Three-Rivers ’ route also offers a culinary trip , where on the Viled River tourists taste soup with grain , cooked in a traditional stove , and dishes of cottage cheese with sour cream .
In Kotlass - porridge cooked in the stove and beverages with rose hips and cranberries , and in Krasoborsk - a dish of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a brewery to taste seven bears with starters of capercaillie and wild boar .
In Koryazhma , menu is based on cedar nuts .
The program offers mushroom hunting , master classes and sightseeing .
As recently the share of self-organized tourists has been growing , the regional tourism center offers a few new audio guides .
For example , in Arkhangelsk , a visitor may use one to learn the history of the Ostrov Solombala , or to hear about the city attractions during a boat voyage along the Northern Dvina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit the time of a flight from Arkhangelsk to Moscow or St. Petersburg .
Within one hour , a tourist may learn about Arkhangelsk , the White Sea , the Solovki Islands , the Kiy Island , the Small Korely museum of wooden architecture , about villages on the list of Russia ’ s most beautiful villages , about Kargopol and Solvychegordsk , about Kholmogory - Lomonosov ’ s birth place , which is also known for bone carving , about the Pinega caves , the White Nights and the Northern Lights .

ARKHANGELSK, January 30. /TASS/. Culinary tourism, routes for travelers with disabilities, and routes across several districts will be key directions of the strategy to develop tourism in the Arkhangelsk Region in 2020, the region’s Deputy Minister of Culture, supervising tourism, Svetlana Zenovskaya told TASS. "Our new projects refer to routes for travelers with disabilities - we shall invite them to see our region," she said. "The Arkhangelsk Region has launched new projects in culinary and social tourism; we also offer new ethnography routes. We shall focus on culinary routes and on packages to travel across several districts within the region." In 2019, the region welcomed about 420,000 tourists (3% growth year-on-year). "Most visitors come from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s big cities, and foreigners come from Germany, Italy, other European countries and from the US," she added. Accessible travel for the disabled The region has been working on routes for travelers with disabilities. Typically, tourists have to cover long distances between towns in the region, thus for this specific direction the destinations would be Arkhangelsk and Kargopol. "People who cannot hear or see well, who have musculoskeletal disorders want to travel, and for them we must offer special conditions," the deputy minister said. "We shall offer a route, where travelers will have additional time to relax; they will be offered special equipment and guides." "On our website we have a questionnaire to see what programs such guests would prefer in terms of comfortable duration and special arrangements," she said. Food, tableware and history In culinary tourism, the region highlights specific characters of different districts. "The problem is that our people quite often are unaware of products, which are made in their districts. In 2019, we asked local administrations to lists five products, which they consider typical for the district, so that we could present them further on to both domestic and foreign tourists," the official said.
Read also Russian company prepares to offer trips along Northern Sea Route, to Antarctica
During the Chef School project in Velsk, guests learned history of the old town of merchants by tasting dishes, cooked according to recipes of the 18-19 centuries. Back then, visitors used to order baked beets with salted trout and sour cream, or wanted to have milk jelly with forest berries and local honey. Packaging and tableware also matter. Guest houses in the Pinezha district offer clay and wood dishes as well as the Soviet-style tableware of the 1960s. Tourists are invited to see a century old bakery with the wood stove, where cooks make not only bread, but tasty cakes. Northern paintings Another tourist attraction is the local painting, which decorates tableware and souvenirs. "Among the paintings in the Arkhangelsk Region, the most popular is the Mezen painting (typically an image of a horse, usually in red and white colors - TASS). We can see examples of it also in Moscow; and Russia’s modern designers use its elements in new collections," the deputy minister said. In the Velsk district, tourists attend master classes in the Vazha painting. Its main element is three flowers. "Velsk has been changing its look," she continued. Tourists now use a bus, decorated in the style of the Vazha painting; the well-recognized images are on bus stops, pavilions, on plates of street names. For the Day of Tourism, the locals decorate parasols, and for the New Year - the kozulyas (richly decorated gingerbread with many herbs). The Krasnoborsk district is known for three northern painting styles, each of them being very specific. The Permogora painting is a combination of herb ornaments and scenes of peasants’ lives, the Uftuga painting consists mostly of long branches with colored leaves and flowers resembling tulips and bellflowers and birds, which look like larks or blackbirds. The Rakula images also have birds, but those are mostly magpies and hens in a frame of leaves and geometry figures, and typical colors are golden-ochre and black. Travelers to the Krasnoborsk district are invited to master classes, where they learn to make and decorate wooden toys for children, and where they can see a defile, demonstrating garments with the painting’s elements. Fairytale characters The region’s six districts develop a project, dubbed "Three Northern Rivers." "We develop actively routes for children," the deputy minister told TASS. "It is easier to offer for school students short-distance traveling programs. Short - in the local understanding of distances. We hope, more people would be coming to us, and meanwhile sightseeing organizers practice skills and get ready to welcome families, visiting our region." These districts offer programs related to fairytale characters. The best known character is Mother Winter in the Lena district. "In December-January, all days to visit her residence are sold out. While only a few years ago, we registered several hundred visitors in winter, nowadays about 10,000 come to see her," she said. Visitors come mostly from the Komi Region. After seeing the residence, travelers usually go to Koryazhma to meet Grandfather Cedar. He is believed to protect the local cedar forest. Krasnoborsk is known as the origin of Porcino Mushroom. In the Koshkino village (name originates from the word, meaning "cat"), travelers see the Cat’s House (as described in a popular Russian folk tale) and learn about cats and the local history. They also learn how to use matches and how to handle a stove (fire was among the fairy tale’s misfortunes).


tass--2020-01-30--China allocates almost $4 bln to fight coronavirus outbreak

BEIJING , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
China ’ s financial agencies at all levels have allocated a total of @ @ @ @ @ $ 3.96 billion ) to fight the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Chinese Ministry of Finance said on Thursday .
`` Financial agencies at all levels actively @ @ @ @ @ counter the outbreak , '' the ministry said in a statement .
`` As of @ @ @ @ @ Moscow time ] of January 29 , a total of 27.3 billion yuan has already @ @ @ @ @ . ''

BEIJING, January 30. /TASS/. China’s financial agencies at all levels have allocated a total of 27.3 billion yuan (about $3.96 billion) to fight the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in the country, the Chinese Ministry of Finance said on Thursday.
"Financial agencies at all levels actively support efforts to prevent and counter the outbreak," the ministry said in a statement. "As of 17:00 local time [noon Moscow time] of January 29, a total of 27.3 billion yuan has already been allocated at all levels."


tass--2020-01-30--Man who reported hoax bomb threat at Sheremetyevo airport detained — source

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The law enforcement agencies have detained a man who reported a fake bomb @ @ @ @ @ Sheremetyevo International Airport , an emergency source told TASS on Thursday .
FSB shuts down @ @ @ @ @ hoaxes in Russia '' The administration of [ Moscow 's ] Sheremetyevo airport received a @ @ @ @ @ had been planted in a runway .
No explosive objects were found during the search @ @ @ @ @ a hoax bomb threat has been detained .
His identity and motives are being established @ @ @ @ @ .
The airport is currently operating as usual .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The law enforcement agencies have detained a man who reported a fake bomb threat at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, an emergency source told TASS on Thursday.
FSB shuts down website behind wave of bomb hoaxes in Russia
"The administration of [Moscow's] Sheremetyevo airport received a message claiming that a bomb had been planted in a runway. No explosive objects were found during the search. The man who reported a hoax bomb threat has been detained. His identity and motives are being established," the source said.
The airport is currently operating as usual.


tass--2020-01-30--Palestine prepares UN resolution against US ‘deal of the century’ — envoy

UN , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will attend a UN Security Council session to submit a resolution against the US-proposed plan for Middle Eastern reconciliation dubbed ‘ deal of the century , ’ the Palestinian envoy to the UN told reporters .
`` We will continue the consultations .
These consultations will be culminated in a visit by President Abbas within the next two weeks to the Security Council , in which he will put before the entire international community the reaction of the Palestinian people and the Palestinian leadership to this onslaught against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration , '' Riyad Mansour said .
`` We will also be consulting with everyone , '' the Palestinian diplomat added .
`` Hopefully , by that time we will have the agreement on the text that the Security Council will vote on it . ''
The resolution will be brought before the UN Security Council in cooperation with Tunisia , which currently is a non-permanent member of the UN body .
Mansour described the US initiative as `` the opposite of peace '' that would allow Israel `` to annex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On Tuesday , US President Donald Trump revealed the key points of the so-called `` deal of the century '' , a plan for Israel-Palestine regulation based on mutual recognition of both states .
The US offers to link the Palestinian territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with a tunnel , also proposing to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestine ’ s capital .
At the same time , Trump has stressed that Jerusalem remains Israel 's `` undivided capital , '' adding that the US intends to recognize Israeli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories .
Among the preconditions for the peace process , the US leader listed Palestine denouncing the Hamas radical movement active in Gaza and ceasing military activity .
The US offers Palestine $ 50 bln as an investment to promote regulation .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the initiative and expressed his readiness to start negotiations immediately .
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas denounced the deal , blasting it as a `` conspiracy deal '' , while the Hamas movement stressed that the plan is `` not worth the ink it was @ @ @ @ @

UN, January 30. /TASS/. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will attend a UN Security Council session to submit a resolution against the US-proposed plan for Middle Eastern reconciliation dubbed ‘deal of the century,’ the Palestinian envoy to the UN told reporters.
"We will continue the consultations. These consultations will be culminated in a visit by President Abbas within the next two weeks to the Security Council, in which he will put before the entire international community the reaction of the Palestinian people and the Palestinian leadership to this onslaught against the national rights of the Palestinian people by the Trump administration," Riyad Mansour said.
"We will also be consulting with everyone," the Palestinian diplomat added. "Hopefully, by that time we will have the agreement on the text that the Security Council will vote on it."
The resolution will be brought before the UN Security Council in cooperation with Tunisia, which currently is a non-permanent member of the UN body.
Mansour described the US initiative as "the opposite of peace" that would allow Israel "to annex" 40% of the Palestinian territory.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump revealed the key points of the so-called "deal of the century", a plan for Israel-Palestine regulation based on mutual recognition of both states. The US offers to link the Palestinian territories of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with a tunnel, also proposing to recognize East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital.
At the same time, Trump has stressed that Jerusalem remains Israel's "undivided capital," adding that the US intends to recognize Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements founded on Palestinian territories. Among the preconditions for the peace process, the US leader listed Palestine denouncing the Hamas radical movement active in Gaza and ceasing military activity. The US offers Palestine $50 bln as an investment to promote regulation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the initiative and expressed his readiness to start negotiations immediately.
President of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas denounced the deal, blasting it as a "conspiracy deal", while the Hamas movement stressed that the plan is "not worth the ink it was written with.".


tass--2020-01-30--Israeli president, foreign minister thank Putin for pardoning Naama Issachar

On Wednesday , the Kremlin press service announced that Putin had pardoned Issachar , who was serving a sentence in Russia for drug smuggling .
`` So happy to get the news of President Putin 's decision to pardon Naama and I thank him for the wisdom and mercy of the decision .
The [ Israeli ] Prime Minister 's important work on her release is praiseworthy .
Our best wishes to the whole Issachar family , '' the president said in a statement released by his office .
Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move earlier in the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ m glad for the Issachar family , first of all for Naama ’ s mother , Yaffa .
I ’ m glad that Naama would return home , '' he said .
`` I would like to note the important role of personal contacts between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu and Russian President Vladimir Putin , as well as good relations between our countries . ''
Netanyahu and Rivlin requested Putin to pardon Issachar in October 2019 .
Katz said on December 6 that he discussed the issue during his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Rome .
During a visit to Jerusalem on January 23 , Putin met with Issachar ’ s mother , assuring her that `` everything will be alright '' regarding her daughter .
`` I am aware of the position of [ Israeli ] Prime Minister [ Benjamin Netanyahu ] who asks to make an appropriate decision .
All that will certainly be taken into account when the final decision is made , '' Putin said .
On January 26 , Issachar made an official pardon appeal .
Commenting on the decision , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been waiting for this moment for almost a year .
`` It has been a long journey that I would not wish upon anyone , '' she said .
`` Now , all I want is to hug my daughter Naama .
I thank Prime Minister Netanyahu from the heart for his diplomatic determination and great efforts ... .
I also thank Russian President Vladimir Putin for showing mercy . ''
Naama Issachar , an Israeli and US national , was detained at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9 , 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi .
The airport ’ s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage .
On October 11 , 2019 , the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling ( Part 1 , Section 228 and Part 2 , Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict @ @ @ @

On Wednesday, the Kremlin press service announced that Putin had pardoned Issachar, who was serving a sentence in Russia for drug smuggling.
"So happy to get the news of President Putin's decision to pardon Naama and I thank him for the wisdom and mercy of the decision. The [Israeli] Prime Minister's important work on her release is praiseworthy. Our best wishes to the whole Issachar family," the president said in a statement released by his office.
Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the move earlier in the day.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a similar statement to welcome Putin’s move.
"Like all residents of Israel, I’m glad for the Issachar family, first of all for Naama’s mother, Yaffa. I’m glad that Naama would return home," he said. "I would like to note the important role of personal contacts between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as good relations between our countries."
Netanyahu and Rivlin requested Putin to pardon Issachar in October 2019. Katz said on December 6 that he discussed the issue during his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Rome.
During a visit to Jerusalem on January 23, Putin met with Issachar’s mother, assuring her that "everything will be alright" regarding her daughter. "I am aware of the position of [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] who asks to make an appropriate decision. All that will certainly be taken into account when the final decision is made," Putin said. On January 26, Issachar made an official pardon appeal.
Commenting on the decision, Yaffa Issachar told Jerusalem Post she had been waiting for this moment for almost a year.
"It has been a long journey that I would not wish upon anyone," she said. "Now, all I want is to hug my daughter Naama. I thank Prime Minister Netanyahu from the heart for his diplomatic determination and great efforts.... I also thank Russian President Vladimir Putin for showing mercy."
Issachar case
Naama Issachar, an Israeli and US national, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9, 2019, when she was in the airport’s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi. The airport’s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage.
On October 11, 2019, the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling (Part 1, Section 228 and Part 2, Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19.


tass--2020-01-30--Chinese novel coronavirus death toll reaches 170

BEIJING , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people in China suffering from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus has risen to 7,711 , 170 of them died , China ’ s national health authority said on Thursday .
`` As of 24:00 local time ( 19:00 Mosow time ) on January 29 , the National Health Commission registered 7,711 confirmed cases of the disease , of which 1,370 are considered to be serious .
The death toll reached 170 , '' the commission said in a statement .
On Wednesday alone , 1,737 new cases of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38 patinets died in the reported period , including 37 in the outbreak ’ s hotspot of Hubei and one in the southwestern province of Sichuan .
By Thursday , the number of suspected cases reached 12,867 .
At least 88,693 people had close contacts with those infected .
81,947 of them have been placed under medical supervision .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent : coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Apart from China , the infection was registered in Australia , Vietnam , Cambodia , Canada , Malaysia , Nepal , UAE , South Korea , Singapore , the United States , Thailand , Finland , France , Germany , Sri Lanka and Japan .
The WHO recognized the pneumonia outbreak in China as a national emergency but stopped short of declaring an international one .

BEIJING, January 30. /TASS/. The number of people in China suffering from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus has risen to 7,711, 170 of them died, China’s national health authority said on Thursday.
"As of 24:00 local time (19:00 Mosow time) on January 29, the National Health Commission registered 7,711 confirmed cases of the disease, of which 1,370 are considered to be serious. The death toll reached 170," the commission said in a statement.
On Wednesday alone, 1,737 new cases of the disease have been confirmed in China. 38 patinets died in the reported period, including 37 in the outbreak’s hotspot of Hubei and one in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
By Thursday, the number of suspected cases reached 12,867. At least 88,693 people had close contacts with those infected. 81,947 of them have been placed under medical supervision.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 11 million people. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent: coronavirus 2019-nCoV.
Apart from China, the infection was registered in Australia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Canada, Malaysia, Nepal, UAE, South Korea, Singapore, the United States, Thailand, Finland, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Japan. The WHO recognized the pneumonia outbreak in China as a national emergency but stopped short of declaring an international one.


tass--2020-01-30--US sanctions undermine basis for mutual cooperation with Russia — embassy

WASHINGTON , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The US sanctions will not make Russia change its policies , but will erode the basis for bilateral cooperation , Russia ’ s embassy in Washington said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` We would like to remind our colleagues that restrictions will not change Russia 's policy .
And their authors inflict damage only to their own interests undermining the basis for mutually beneficial cooperation with our country , '' the embassy said .
`` Washington still believes it can by means of restrictive measures undermine the positive changes occurring in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' it said .
`` They can ’ t reconcile with the success of the Russian authorities with the comprehensive development of the region , particularly with the implementation of a large-scale infrastructure project to launch a direct motorway and railroad to the peninsula . ''
Russian diplomats said that the US administration was attempting `` to misrepresent the strengthening of local government and transparent political processes '' in Crimea .
The US Department of the Treasury ’ s Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) on Wednesday added eight individuals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Crimea ’ s reunification with Russia .

WASHINGTON, January 30. /TASS/. The US sanctions will not make Russia change its policies, but will erode the basis for bilateral cooperation, Russia’s embassy in Washington said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We would like to remind our colleagues that restrictions will not change Russia's policy. And their authors inflict damage only to their own interests undermining the basis for mutually beneficial cooperation with our country," the embassy said.
"Washington still believes it can by means of restrictive measures undermine the positive changes occurring in Crimea after the reunification with Russia," it said. "They can’t reconcile with the success of the Russian authorities with the comprehensive development of the region, particularly with the implementation of a large-scale infrastructure project to launch a direct motorway and railroad to the peninsula."
Russian diplomats said that the US administration was attempting "to misrepresent the strengthening of local government and transparent political processes" in Crimea.
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday added eight individuals and one company to its blacklist of sanctions over Crimea’s reunification with Russia.


tass--2020-01-30--2020 World Athletics Indoor Championships in China postponed amid coronavirus outbreak

MOSCOW , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
World Athletics , the international association of national track and field athletics federations , resolved to postpone the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 2020 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in the host nation , China .
The tournament was scheduled to take place in the Chinese city of Nanjing on March 13-15 , 2020 .
World Athletics thanked the countries that offered to host the tournament instead of China , but decided to reject the proposals `` as it may lead to further postponement at a later date . ''
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our partners and the Nanjing organising committee to secure a date in 2021 to stage this event , '' World Athletics said in a statement .
The Chinese government ruled to cancel all sporting events on the country ’ s territory until April due to an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the 2019-nCoV coronavirus .
As of Wednesday , the number of infected persons topped 6,000 , more than 130 of them died .
Apart from China , the infection was registered in 15 countries .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national emergency but stopped short of declaring an international one .

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. World Athletics, the international association of national track and field athletics federations, resolved to postpone the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 2020 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in the host nation, China.
The tournament was scheduled to take place in the Chinese city of Nanjing on March 13-15, 2020.
World Athletics thanked the countries that offered to host the tournament instead of China, but decided to reject the proposals "as it may lead to further postponement at a later date."
"We will now work with our athletes, our partners and the Nanjing organising committee to secure a date in 2021 to stage this event," World Athletics said in a statement.
The Chinese government ruled to cancel all sporting events on the country’s territory until April due to an outbreak of pneumonia caused by the 2019-nCoV coronavirus. As of Wednesday, the number of infected persons topped 6,000, more than 130 of them died. Apart from China, the infection was registered in 15 countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized the outbreak in China as a national emergency but stopped short of declaring an international one.


tass--2020-01-30--New chemical provocations plotted in Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

UN , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
Terrorists are plotting new chemical attacks to claim once again that chemical weapons @ @ @ @ @ Syrian territory , Russia ’ s UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia told the UN Security Council @ @ @ @ @ would also like to draw attention to diplomatic notes by the Syrian Arab Republic ’ @ @ @ @ @ UN and to media reports about terrorists plotting to organize more provocations and staged chemical @ @ @ @ @ the Russian diplomat said .
`` We consider those reports very alarming , '' he @ @ @ @ @ very well how such staged attacks are used to attain military and political goals .
@

UN, January 30. /TASS/. Terrorists are plotting new chemical attacks to claim once again that chemical weapons are being used on the Syrian territory, Russia’s UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia told the UN Security Council on Wednesday.
"We would also like to draw attention to diplomatic notes by the Syrian Arab Republic’s permanent mission to the UN and to media reports about terrorists plotting to organize more provocations and staged chemical incidents in Syria," the Russian diplomat said.
"We consider those reports very alarming," he added. "We know very well how such staged attacks are used to attain military and political goals."


tass--2020-01-30--US Treasury expands its Crimea sanctions blacklist

WASHINGTON , January 30 .
/TASS/ .
The US Department of the Treasury ’ s Office of Foreign Assets Control @ @ @ @ @ added eight individuals and one company to its blacklist of sanctions over Crimea ’ s @ @ @ @ @ blacklisted Grand Service Express , a Moscow-based railway company that offers passenger rail service between @ @ @ @ @ Peninsula over the Kerch Strait Bridge , and its CEO Alexander Ganov .
Besides , @ @ @ @ @ Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozzhayev , Crimean Prime Minister Yuri Gotsanyuk , Chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ , Federation Council ( Russian parliament ’ s upper house ) member representing Sevastopol Ekaterina @ @ @ @ @ Sevastopol Election Commission Sergei Danilenko , his deputy Lidiya Basova and the commission ’ s @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON, January 30. /TASS/. The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday added eight individuals and one company to its blacklist of sanctions over Crimea’s reunification with Russia.
OFAC blacklisted Grand Service Express, a Moscow-based railway company that offers passenger rail service between the mainland and the Crimean Peninsula over the Kerch Strait Bridge, and its CEO Alexander Ganov.
Besides, sanctions were imposed on Acting Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozzhayev, Crimean Prime Minister Yuri Gotsanyuk, Chairman of the Sevastopol Legislative Assembly Vladimir Nemtsev, Federation Council (Russian parliament’s upper house) member representing Sevastopol Ekaterina Altabaeva, Chairman of the Sevastopol Election Commission Sergei Danilenko, his deputy Lidiya Basova and the commission’s secretary Yekaterina Pyrkova.