tass--2020-02-29--Putin pledges aid to Iran in fight against novel coronavirus

MOSCOW , February 29 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani offered his condolences over deaths from the new coronavirus in Iran and offered assistance in curbing the spread of the infection , the Kremlin said in a statement on Saturday .
`` Vladimir Putin offered condolences to Hassan Rouhani over fatalities in the coronavirus infection outbreak in Iran and pledged help aimed at containing the spread of the infection , '' the statement says .
On February 19 , the Iranian health ministry informed about first cases of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country has confirmed 593 cases , while 43 people died from the infection .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Apart from China , more than 50 other countries , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest reports , China has confirmed over 79,200 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus .
The virus ’ death toll has hit over 2,800 , yet more than 39,000 patients have recovered from the disease .

MOSCOW, February 29. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani offered his condolences over deaths from the new coronavirus in Iran and offered assistance in curbing the spread of the infection, the Kremlin said in a statement on Saturday.
"Vladimir Putin offered condolences to Hassan Rouhani over fatalities in the coronavirus infection outbreak in Iran and pledged help aimed at containing the spread of the infection," the statement says.
On February 19, the Iranian health ministry informed about first cases of the newly identified coronavirus. Since then, the country has confirmed 593 cases, while 43 people died from the infection.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Apart from China, more than 50 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest reports, China has confirmed over 79,200 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus. The virus’ death toll has hit over 2,800, yet more than 39,000 patients have recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-03-02--Several rockets fall near US Embassy in Baghdad - TV

CAIRO , March 2 .
/ TASS / .
Several rockets fell near the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital @ @ @ @ @ reported on Monday .
According to the channel , two missiles exploded in this area @ @ @ @ @ where state institutions and foreign diplomatic missions , including the US embassy , are located @ @ @ @ @ , air raid sirens went off .
According to preliminary data , missiles were launched @ @ @ @ @ injuries have been reported .

CAIRO, March 2. / TASS /. No one was injured when several rockets fell near the US Embassy in the Iraqi capital, Al-Hadas, TV channel reported on Monday.
According to the channel, two missiles exploded in this area of the Iraqi capital, where state institutions and foreign diplomatic missions, including the US embassy, are located. Along with the attacks, air raid sirens went off.
"Two rockets fell some time ago in the green zone in the center of Baghdad," sources of the Al-Sumariya channel in the Iraqi capital’s security forces indicated. "There were no casualties from the shelling." According to sources, rockets were fired from an area in the east of the capital.
The Green Zone is a well-fortified area in the center of Baghdad, where government offices and foreign diplomatic missions are located. In recent months, it has repeatedly been subjected to rocket and mortar attacks, which resulted in injuries and deaths among the Iraqis. Washington DC repeatedly accused the pro-Iranian militias and groups operating in Iraq of involvement in them.
On January 26, five rockets were fired at the Green Zone. Three of them fell directly to the territory of the US Embassy, and one got into the dining room, where dinner was taking place at that moment. As-Sumariya, citing a source in the security services, then reported three victims, without specifying their citizenship. The channel also claimed that several people had been evacuated from the territory of the diplomatic mission in American helicopters.


tass--2020-03-01--Russia cannot guarantee safety of Turkish aircraft’s flights over Syria

MOSCOW , March 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian taskforce ’ s command can not guarantee safety of Turkish aircraft ’ s flights over Syria , Oleg Zhuravlev , chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria , said on Sunday .
According to Zhuravlev , the Syrian government was forces to declare the closure of airspace over Syria ’ s Idlib governorate .
`` In such conditions , the command of the Russian taskforce can not guarantee safety of flights by Turkish planes over Syria , '' he stressed .
A source in the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkish F-16 fighter jets had downed two Syrian warplanes over the Idlib de-escalation zone , the pilots had ejected themselves .
The source also said that Syrian air defense systems had destroyed six Turkish drones .
`` Reports citing internet resources that a Su-24 plane of the Russian aerospace forces had been hit from a man-portable air defense system in the airspace over the Idlib de-escalation zone are not true , '' Zhuravlev stressed .
The situation around Idlib aggravated on February 27 when , according to the Russian defense ministry , militants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government army retaliated by delivering a strike , which , Ankara claims , killed 33 Turkish soldiers .
The Russian defense ministry said however that the Turkish soldiers who had come under fire from the Syria army were fighting along with the terrorists .

MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. Russian taskforce’s command cannot guarantee safety of Turkish aircraft’s flights over Syria, Oleg Zhuravlev, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, said on Sunday.
According to Zhuravlev, the Syrian government was forces to declare the closure of airspace over Syria’s Idlib governorate.
"In such conditions, the command of the Russian taskforce cannot guarantee safety of flights by Turkish planes over Syria," he stressed.
A source in the Syrian defense ministry said earlier on Sunday that Turkish F-16 fighter jets had downed two Syrian warplanes over the Idlib de-escalation zone, the pilots had ejected themselves. The source also said that Syrian air defense systems had destroyed six Turkish drones.
"Reports citing internet resources that a Su-24 plane of the Russian aerospace forces had been hit from a man-portable air defense system in the airspace over the Idlib de-escalation zone are not true," Zhuravlev stressed.
The situation around Idlib aggravated on February 27 when, according to the Russian defense ministry, militants attempted a large-scale attack. The Syrian government army retaliated by delivering a strike, which, Ankara claims, killed 33 Turkish soldiers. The Russian defense ministry said however that the Turkish soldiers who had come under fire from the Syria army were fighting along with the terrorists.


tass--2020-03-01--Over 100,000 refugees cross Turkey’s border with EU - Turkish interior minister

ANKARA , March 1 .
/TASS/ .
More than 100,000 refugees have crossed Turkey ’ s border with the European @ @ @ @ @ decision to open it for them , Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ , the number of refugees who left our country via Edirne was 100,577 people , @ @ @ @ @ Twitter account .
Reuters reported on Friday that Ankara had decided not to stop Syrian @ @ @ @ @ either by sea or by land .
The decision came as a response to the @ @ @ @ @ 36 Turkish soldiers were killed in Syria ’ s Idlib governorate .

ANKARA, March 1. /TASS/. More than 100,000 refugees have crossed Turkey’s border with the European Union after Ankara took a decision to open it for them, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Sunday.
"As of 19:40, the number of refugees who left our country via Edirne was 100,577 people," he wrote on his Twitter account.
Reuters reported on Friday that Ankara had decided not to stop Syrian refugees seeking to reach Europe either by sea or by land. The decision came as a response to the incident overnight to Friday when 36 Turkish soldiers were killed in Syria’s Idlib governorate.


tass--2020-03-01--Number of coronavirus cases in Italy exceeds 1,500

ROME , March 1 .
/TASS/ .
The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Italy has reached 1,694 .
As many as 34 patients have died , chief of Italy ’ Civil Protection Department Angelo Borrelli said on Sunday .
`` By now , we have 1,694 infected people , with about 51 % of them being quarantined at home .
It means than they show no symptoms of the disease , '' he said , adding that 34 patients have died and more than 80 have recovered .
According to Borrelli , nine percent of the coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from 55 other countries , including Russia .
According to the latest update , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has exceeded 79,200 , with more than 2,800 people killed by this coronavirus .
More than 39,000 have recovered .

ROME, March 1. /TASS/. The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Italy has reached 1,694. As many as 34 patients have died, chief of Italy’ Civil Protection Department Angelo Borrelli said on Sunday.
"By now, we have 1,694 infected people, with about 51% of them being quarantined at home. It means than they show no symptoms of the disease," he said, adding that 34 patients have died and more than 80 have recovered. According to Borrelli, nine percent of the coronavirus patients are currently kept in intensive care departments.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from 55 other countries, including Russia. According to the latest update, the number of confirmed cases of the disease has exceeded 79,200, with more than 2,800 people killed by this coronavirus. More than 39,000 have recovered.


tass--2020-03-01--Russian Union of Journalists calls for not ignoring Sputnik employees’ detention in Turkey

MOSCOW , March 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Union of Journalists calls for not turning a blind eye on the detention of journalists from Russian Sputnik news agency in Turkey even after their release in order to prevent such situation in future , Timur Sharif , the Union ’ s secretary , told TASS on Sunday .
`` The very fact of the detention of our colleagues must not be ignored .
We can not turn a blind eye on it .
Such steps can be used for taking our colleagues hostage in the context of this or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hostages to such situation , '' he said .
According to earlier reports , Mahir Boztepe , editor-in-chief of Sputnik Turkiye , the Turkish bureau of Russia ’ s Sputnik news agency , has been released by the Turkish authorities in Istanbul .
Earlier in the day , the Ankara prosecutor ’ s office released three Sputnik journalists .
Editor-in-Chief of the Rossiya Segodnya media group , RT and Sputnik Margarita Simonyan wrote on her Telegram channel earlier on Sunday that the police was searching the agency ’ s Istanbul office under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the three Sputnik Turkiye employees , who had been detained earlier , were taken to the Palace of Justice for questioning .
According to Simonyan , practically all Spitnik Turkiye employees are Turkish nationals .
On Saturday night , Simonyan wrote that unidentified persons had broken into the apartments of three Sputnik employees in Ankara , accusing them of high treason because of their work for a Russian mass media outlet .
Later , the Sozcu newspaper said that the police had detrained these three journalists over a publication on the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stolen Province : Why Turkey Was Given A Corner of Syria By France 80 years ago . ''
The province of Hatay became part of Turkey in 1939 under an agreement with France when Syria was ruled by the French mandate .
On Sunday , the Russian foreign ministry called on the Turkish authorities to clarify the situation with the detention of Sputnik employees .
It also demanded security of Russin media employees be properly ensured .
The ministry stressed that the attack on the agency ’ s staff and their detention was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rossiya Segodnya called on the United Nations , OSCE , UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists to take notice of this situation .

MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. Russia’s Union of Journalists calls for not turning a blind eye on the detention of journalists from Russian Sputnik news agency in Turkey even after their release in order to prevent such situation in future, Timur Sharif, the Union’s secretary, told TASS on Sunday.
"The very fact of the detention of our colleagues must not be ignored. We cannot turn a blind eye on it. Such steps can be used for taking our colleagues hostage in the context of this or that political situation. Journalists should not be hostages to such situation," he said.
According to earlier reports, Mahir Boztepe, editor-in-chief of Sputnik Turkiye, the Turkish bureau of Russia’s Sputnik news agency, has been released by the Turkish authorities in Istanbul. Earlier in the day, the Ankara prosecutor’s office released three Sputnik journalists.
Editor-in-Chief of the Rossiya Segodnya media group, RT and Sputnik Margarita Simonyan wrote on her Telegram channel earlier on Sunday that the police was searching the agency’s Istanbul office under an official warrant. She also wrote that the three Sputnik Turkiye employees, who had been detained earlier, were taken to the Palace of Justice for questioning. According to Simonyan, practically all Spitnik Turkiye employees are Turkish nationals.
On Saturday night, Simonyan wrote that unidentified persons had broken into the apartments of three Sputnik employees in Ankara, accusing them of high treason because of their work for a Russian mass media outlet.
Later, the Sozcu newspaper said that the police had detained these three journalists over a publication on the news agency’s website titled "The Stolen Province: Why Turkey Was Given A Corner of Syria By France 80 years ago." The province of Hatay became part of Turkey in 1939 under an agreement with France when Syria was ruled by the French mandate.
On Sunday, the Russian foreign ministry called on the Turkish authorities to clarify the situation with the detention of Sputnik employees. It also demanded security of Russin media employees be properly ensured. The ministry stressed that the attack on the agency’s staff and their detention was a flagrant violation of their rights.
Rossiya Segodnya called on the United Nations, OSCE, UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists to take notice of this situation.


tass--2020-03-01--Putin lays flowers at monument to fallen Russian paratroopers in Pskov

PSKOV , March 1 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to the servicemen of the 6th company @ @ @ @ @ , who lost their lives in a battle with militants in the Argun River gorge @ @ @ @ @ .
Putin arrived in Pskov , northwestern Russia , which is marking the 20th anniversary @ @ @ @ @ Russian leader talked to the relatives of the perished paratroopers .
During the battle on @ @ @ @ @ , some 90 paratroopers were attacked by a 2,000-strong group of militants led by Al-Khattab @ @ @ @ @ and between 400 and 500 gunmen were killed .

PSKOV, March 1. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to the servicemen of the 6th company of the Pskov airborne division, who lost their lives in a battle with militants in the Argun River gorge in Chechnya 20 years ago.
Putin arrived in Pskov, northwestern Russia, which is marking the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. The Russian leader talked to the relatives of the perished paratroopers.
During the battle on February 29-March 1, 2000, some 90 paratroopers were attacked by a 2,000-strong group of militants led by Al-Khattab. Some 84 servicemen died and between 400 and 500 gunmen were killed.


tass--2020-03-02--EU raises risk of coronavirus from moderate to high

BRUSSELS , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
EU officials have raised the risk of coronavirus in EU member states from @ @ @ @ @ Commission President Ursula von der Leyen informed during a press conference in Brussels .
`` @ @ @ @ @ from moderate to high , '' she said .

BRUSSELS, March 2. /TASS/. EU officials have raised the risk of coronavirus in EU member states from moderate to high, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen informed during a press conference in Brussels.
"The risk level has risen from moderate to high," she said.


tass--2020-03-02--Russia’s human rights chief dismisses rumors on coronavirus spread in Moscow

Moskalkova said in a statement published on her Instagram account that reports were circulating in social networks that `` 20,000 people have allegedly contracted the coronavirus . ''
`` These reports claimed that this data had been swept under the carpet , '' she noted .
`` I call on you not to give way to panic and trust official sources .
If you are afraid and you want to be on a safe side , then go and take your children to a doctor for a medical checkup .
Please recommend your relatives and friends to do the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the saying goes , trust but verify , '' Moskalkova wrote .
The human rights chief recalled that a similar situation occurred during the March 2018 fire at the Zimnaya Vishnya ( Winter Cherry ) shopping mall in Kemerovo when fake news claimed that hundreds of people had been killed and law enforcement officials had failed to act .
`` However , this data was not substantiated by any evidence , '' the ombudsperson said .
According to Moskalkova , such reports `` could sow panic and riots , destabilize society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ security . ''
Earlier , some Telegram channels published reports that a patient of Moscow ’ s infectious disease hospital number one had tested positive for the coronavirus .
The Moscow healthcare department did not confirm the final diagnosis on Sunday .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in Italy and South Korea .
According to the latest reports , nearly 90,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in 67 countries , including Russia .
The death toll from the virus has exceeded 3,000 , yet over 45,000 patients have recovered to date .

Moskalkova said in a statement published on her Instagram account that reports were circulating in social networks that "20,000 people have allegedly contracted the coronavirus." "These reports claimed that this data had been swept under the carpet," she noted.
"I call on you not to give way to panic and trust official sources. If you are afraid and you want to be on a safe side, then go and take your children to a doctor for a medical checkup. Please recommend your relatives and friends to do the same and don’t fall for provocations. As the saying goes, trust but verify," Moskalkova wrote.
The human rights chief recalled that a similar situation occurred during the March 2018 fire at the Zimnaya Vishnya (Winter Cherry) shopping mall in Kemerovo when fake news claimed that hundreds of people had been killed and law enforcement officials had failed to act. "However, this data was not substantiated by any evidence," the ombudsperson said.
According to Moskalkova, such reports "could sow panic and riots, destabilize society and therefore posed a threat to citizens’ security."
Earlier, some Telegram channels published reports that a patient of Moscow’s infectious disease hospital number one had tested positive for the coronavirus. The Moscow healthcare department did not confirm the final diagnosis on Sunday.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in Italy and South Korea. According to the latest reports, nearly 90,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in 67 countries, including Russia. The death toll from the virus has exceeded 3,000, yet over 45,000 patients have recovered to date.


tass--2020-03-02--Motor rifle troops hold live-fire exercise in Siberia drills

The drills involved over 800 troops and more than 100 pieces of military and special hardware and practiced defensive and offensive operations and units ’ inter-operability , the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Motor rifle troops and a wing of Mi-24 helicopters from the Central Military District ’ s separate aviation regiment completed their force-on-force battalion-level tactical drills at the Yurginsky training ground in the Kemerovo Region with a live-fire exercise , the District ’ s press office reported on Monday .
About 10,000 troops from SCO member states to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To wrap up their exercises , the troops delivered fire from small arms , 2S3 ‘ Akatsiya ’ self-propelled artillery systems , infantry fighting vehicles , T-72B3 tanks and Grad multiple launch rocket systems against moving and pop-up targets , which simulated the notional enemy ’ s positions , '' the statement runs .
The maneuvers that preceded the live-fire exercise involved motor rifle , artillery , tank and reconnaissance units and squads of unmanned aerial vehicles , the press office specified .
`` In addition , the tank units employed the tactic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drills , when the armored vehicles changed their firing positions in the warfare to mislead the enemy and conceal the location and the strength of the firepower and military hardware , '' the statement reads .

The drills involved over 800 troops and more than 100 pieces of military and special hardware and practiced defensive and offensive operations and units’ inter-operability, the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Motor rifle troops and a wing of Mi-24 helicopters from the Central Military District’s separate aviation regiment completed their force-on-force battalion-level tactical drills at the Yurginsky training ground in the Kemerovo Region with a live-fire exercise, the District’s press office reported on Monday.
About 10,000 troops from SCO member states to take part in anti-terror drills in Russia
"To wrap up their exercises, the troops delivered fire from small arms, 2S3 ‘Akatsiya’ self-propelled artillery systems, infantry fighting vehicles, T-72B3 tanks and Grad multiple launch rocket systems against moving and pop-up targets, which simulated the notional enemy’s positions," the statement runs.
The maneuvers that preceded the live-fire exercise involved motor rifle, artillery, tank and reconnaissance units and squads of unmanned aerial vehicles, the press office specified.
"In addition, the tank units employed the tactic of ‘roving tanks’ during the drills, when the armored vehicles changed their firing positions in the warfare to mislead the enemy and conceal the location and the strength of the firepower and military hardware," the statement reads.


tass--2020-03-02--First launch from Russia’s Vostochny spaceport in 2020 scheduled for late April

`` The first launch this year from that spaceport [ is due — TASS ] at the end of April @ @ @ @ @ MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos has @ @ @ @ @ the Vostochny spaceport in 2020 for the end of April , Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
The Roscosmos chief also demonstrated rockets and boosters that were in the cosmodrome @ @ @ @ @ facility and the pace of construction of the launch pad for the Angara carrier rocket @ @ @ @ @ four Fregat boosters had been delivered to the spaceport for scheduled launches of OneWeb satellites @ @ @ @ @ five Soyuz-2.1b carrier rockets are kept in the assembly and testing facility .
In December @ @ @ @ @ presented a video during a press conference at the Vostochny spaceport , according to which @ @ @ @ @ the Vostochny Cosmodrome in 2020 .
It was announced in February that the blast-off of @ @ @ @ @ been delayed until 2021 due to the need of additional tests .

"The first launch this year from that spaceport [is due — TASS] at the end of April," Rogozin twitted.
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos has scheduled the first launch from the Vostochny spaceport in 2020 for the end of April, Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin said on his Twitter on Monday.
The Roscosmos chief also demonstrated rockets and boosters that were in the cosmodrome’s assembly and testing facility and the pace of construction of the launch pad for the Angara carrier rocket.
Roscosmos earlier reported that four Fregat boosters had been delivered to the spaceport for scheduled launches of OneWeb satellites in 2020.
Currently, five Soyuz-2.1b carrier rockets are kept in the assembly and testing facility. In December 2019, Roscosmos Chief Rogozin presented a video during a press conference at the Vostochny spaceport, according to which five launches are planned from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in 2020. It was announced in February that the blast-off of the Meteor-M No.2-3 satellite had been delayed until 2021 due to the need of additional tests.


tass--2020-03-02--Tinkov to remain in London for duration of US Internal Revenue Service court hearings

MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Businessman Oleg Tinkov will remain in London for the duration of court hearings @ @ @ @ @ Revenue Service , TCS Group ( parent company of Tinkoff Bank ) said in a @ @ @ @ @ Stock Exchange on Monday .
`` The hearings , now underway in London , are @ @ @ @ @ under-reporting of tax by the US Internal Revenue Service with respect to Mr Tinkov .
@ @ @ @ @ remain in London for the duration of these proceedings , having been granted bail after @ @ @ @ @ was issued .
Mr Tinkov has informed us that his legal team is working to @ @ @ @ @ as possible , '' the group said .

MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Businessman Oleg Tinkov will remain in London for the duration of court hearings initiated by the US Internal Revenue Service, TCS Group (parent company of Tinkoff Bank) said in a statement released on the London Stock Exchange on Monday.
"The hearings, now underway in London, are in response to allegations of under-reporting of tax by the US Internal Revenue Service with respect to Mr Tinkov. Mr Tinkov is expected to remain in London for the duration of these proceedings, having been granted bail after a warrant for his detention was issued. Mr Tinkov has informed us that his legal team is working to resolve this issue as soon as possible," the group said.


tass--2020-03-02--Russian, Chinese diplomats discuss measures to curb coronavirus spread

MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus were in focus of @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and China ’ s Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui , the @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
`` The sides discussed measures taken in Russia and China to curb the @ @ @ @ @ , as well as current issues of the Russian-Chinese relations , including cooperation between the @ @ @ @ @ arena , '' the ministry said .

MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus were in focus of a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and China’s Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui, the Russian foreign ministry said on Monday.
"The sides discussed measures taken in Russia and China to curb the spread of the coronavirus infection, as well as current issues of the Russian-Chinese relations, including cooperation between the two countries on the international arena," the ministry said.


tass--2020-03-02--One imported coronavirus case confirmed in Russia

`` An imported COVID-19 coronavirus infection case was confirmed on March 2 in Russian national who returned from Italy , '' the spokesman said , adding that the patient has a mild form of the disease .
MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian national have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus after returning from Italy , a spokesman for Russia ’ s coronavirus response headquarters said on Monday .
According to the spokesman , the young man contracted the infection when he was vacationing in Italy in late February .
He returned home on February 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an acute respiratory disease on February 27 to be immediately taken to hospital .
Laboratory tests confirmed coronavirus infection .
`` Those who contacted with the man both in Italy and at home have been placed under medical monitoring , either in hospital or at home .
Laboratory testing is underway , '' the spokesman stressed .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from 67 other countries , including Russia .
The most serious situation outside China is reported in Italy and South Korea .
According to the latest update , the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,000 , with more than 2,900 people killed by this coronavirus .
More than 44,400 have recovered .

"An imported COVID-19 coronavirus infection case was confirmed on March 2 in Russian national who returned from Italy," the spokesman said, adding that the patient has a mild form of the disease.
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. A Russian national have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus after returning from Italy, a spokesman for Russia’s coronavirus response headquarters said on Monday.
According to the spokesman, the young man contracted the infection when he was vacationing in Italy in late February. He returned home on February 23 and sought medical assistance with symptoms of an acute respiratory disease on February 27 to be immediately taken to hospital. Laboratory tests confirmed coronavirus infection.
"Those who contacted with the man both in Italy and at home have been placed under medical monitoring, either in hospital or at home. Laboratory testing is underway," the spokesman stressed.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from 67 other countries, including Russia. The most serious situation outside China is reported in Italy and South Korea. According to the latest update, the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 80,000, with more than 2,900 people killed by this coronavirus. More than 44,400 have recovered.


tass--2020-03-02--First coronavirus cases registered in Portugal — media

MADRID , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
First cases of COVID-19 coronavirus infection have been registered in Portugal , Sabado @ @ @ @ @ According to the report , two infected were hospitalized in Porto .
One person previously @ @ @ @ @ previously visited Spain , the report says .
The coronavirus outbreak was first registered in @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan .
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ 65 nations , including Russia , reported infection cases .
According to publicly available data @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , while approximately 45,200 people recovered .
More than 89,200 people remain infected @ @ @ @

MADRID, March 2. /TASS/. First cases of COVID-19 coronavirus infection have been registered in Portugal, Sabado weekly magazine reported Monday.
According to the report, two infected were hospitalized in Porto. One person previously visited Italy, while another previously visited Spain, the report says.
The coronavirus outbreak was first registered in late 2019 in Chinese 12-million city of Wuhan. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international emergency. Outside China, more than 65 nations, including Russia, reported infection cases. According to publicly available data, 3,058 people died of the coronavirus, while approximately 45,200 people recovered. More than 89,200 people remain infected with the disease.


tass--2020-03-02--No instructions from Putin to resume probe into journalist Listyev’s murder — spokesman

MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
No instructions have been issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume the probe into the murder of journalist Vladislav Listyev , Putin ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday .
`` So far , there have been no instructions or requests on that matter from the head of state , '' he told reporters .
When asked whether such an instruction could be expected to the head of the Russian Investigative Committee , the Kremlin spokesman noted he was uncertain if it was possible `` in legal terms . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue such an instruction , but until today there have been none , '' he added .
Earlier , journalists Ksenia Sobchak , Alexei Pivovarov and Rodion Chepel asked the Russian Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General ’ s Office to resume investigation of the Listyev ’ s murder case .
Vladislav Listyev was shot dead on the stairs near his apartment in central Moscow on Macrh 1 , 1995 .
Investigators said his murder was linked with his professional activities as director general of the ORT ( now Channel One ) television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 .

MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. No instructions have been issued by Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume the probe into the murder of journalist Vladislav Listyev, Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
"So far, there have been no instructions or requests on that matter from the head of state," he told reporters.
When asked whether such an instruction could be expected to the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, the Kremlin spokesman noted he was uncertain if it was possible "in legal terms." "In general, he can well issue such an instruction, but until today there have been none," he added.
Earlier, journalists Ksenia Sobchak, Alexei Pivovarov and Rodion Chepel asked the Russian Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General’s Office to resume investigation of the Listyev’s murder case.
Vladislav Listyev was shot dead on the stairs near his apartment in central Moscow on Macrh 1, 1995. Investigators said his murder was linked with his professional activities as director general of the ORT (now Channel One) television channel. The investigation was suspended in 2009.


tass--2020-03-02--Erdogan hopes to reach agreement on Idlib during upcoming talks with Putin

MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday that he expects to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria ’ s Idlib during the upcoming talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin , the Daily Sabah newspaper quotes the Turkish leader as saying .
`` We will evaluate the recent changes in Idlib with Russian President [ Vladimir ] Putin .
I hope that we will be able to facilitate a ceasefire and take other steps to resolve this issue , '' Erdogan said .
`` I will talk with German Chancellor Angela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-or five-party summits , '' Erdogan added .
`` I hope that [ during the talks with Putin ] , a decision on a ceasefire will be reached , along with other steps , and we will regulate the situation quickly , '' the NTV channel quotes the Turkish leader as saying .
Putin and Erdogan plan to hold talks in Moscow on March 5 .
In the early hours of February 28 , tensions in Syria ’ s Idlib escalated once again when Turkey stated that over 30 of its military officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian government forces .
In response , Turkey struck over 200 Syrian military targets .

MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Monday that he expects to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib during the upcoming talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Daily Sabah newspaper quotes the Turkish leader as saying.
"We will evaluate the recent changes in Idlib with Russian President [Vladimir] Putin. I hope that we will be able to facilitate a ceasefire and take other steps to resolve this issue," Erdogan said.
"I will talk with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. There are offers to hold four-or five-party summits," Erdogan added. "I hope that [during the talks with Putin], a decision on a ceasefire will be reached, along with other steps, and we will regulate the situation quickly," the NTV channel quotes the Turkish leader as saying.
Putin and Erdogan plan to hold talks in Moscow on March 5.
In the early hours of February 28, tensions in Syria’s Idlib escalated once again when Turkey stated that over 30 of its military officers had been killed in an attack of the Syrian government forces. In response, Turkey struck over 200 Syrian military targets.


tass--2020-03-02--About 10,000 troops from SCO member states to take part in anti-terror drills in Russia

YEKATERINBURG , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
About 10,000 troops from the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ in the Peace Mission anti-terror drills that will run for the first time at the @ @ @ @ @ Kemerovo Region in August , Russia ’ s Central Military District reported on Monday .
@ @ @ @ @ member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have signed a joint protocol , following the @ @ @ @ @ of staff consultations that have ended in the Kemerovo Region .
The agreement that has @ @ @ @ @ of the all-embracing provision for the troops and the scenario of practical stages .
About @ @ @ @ @ take part in the drills , '' the press office of the Central Military District @ @ @ @ @

YEKATERINBURG, March 2. /TASS/. About 10,000 troops from the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will take part in the Peace Mission anti-terror drills that will run for the first time at the Yurginsky training ground in the Kemerovo Region in August, Russia’s Central Military District reported on Monday.
"Military representatives of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization have signed a joint protocol, following the results of the second round of staff consultations that have ended in the Kemerovo Region. The agreement that has been signed includes the issues of the all-embracing provision for the troops and the scenario of practical stages. About 10,000 troops are expected to take part in the drills," the press office of the Central Military District said in a statement.


tass--2020-03-02--Kremlin hopes Russian media outlets will experience no restrictions in Turkey

MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin hopes that the Russian media outlets in Turkey will not face situations similar to what Sputnik journalists experienced , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday .
The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry had already expressed `` deep concern over such actions against media representatives . ''
`` We , of course , hope that media representatives , all the more so , those who are working for the Russian media , such as Sputnik , will not experience any restrictions and will not face situations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the Kremlin spokesman commented on the detention of Sputnik Turkiye employees on March 1 .
Editor-in-Chief of the Rossiya Segodnya media group , RT and Sputnik Margarita Simonyan wrote on her Telegram channel on March 1 that the police were searching the agency ’ s Istanbul office under an official warrant .
She also indicated that the three Sputnik Turkiye employees , who had been detained earlier , were taken to the Palace of Justice for questioning .
According to Simonyan , actually all Sputnik Turkiye employees are Turkish nationals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ broken into the apartments of three Sputnik employees in Ankara , accusing them of high treason because of their work for a Russian mass media outlet .
Later , the Sozcu newspaper said that the police had apprehended these three journalists over a publication on the news agency ’ s website titled `` The Stolen Province : Why Turkey Was Given A Corner of Syria By France 80 years ago . ''
The province of Hatay became a part of Turkey in 1939 under an agreement with France when Syria was ruled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Russian Foreign Ministry called on the Turkish authorities to clarify the situation with the detention of Sputnik employees .
It also demanded security of Russian media employees be properly ensured .
The ministry stressed that the attack on the agency ’ s staff and their detention was a flagrant violation of their rights .
Rossiya Segodnya called on the United Nations , the OSCE , UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists to take notice of this situation .
As a result , the Turkish authorities released Sputnik Turkiye Editor-in-Chief Mahir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , the Ankara prosecutor ’ s office freed three other Sputnik journalists .

MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The Kremlin hopes that the Russian media outlets in Turkey will not face situations similar to what Sputnik journalists experienced, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
The Kremlin spokesman added that Russia’s Foreign Ministry had already expressed "deep concern over such actions against media representatives."
"We, of course, hope that media representatives, all the more so, those who are working for the Russian media, such as Sputnik, will not experience any restrictions and will not face situations similar to what occurred the other day," the Kremlin spokesman commented on the detention of Sputnik Turkiye employees on March 1.
Detention of Sputnik journalists in Turkey
Editor-in-Chief of the Rossiya Segodnya media group, RT and Sputnik Margarita Simonyan wrote on her Telegram channel on March 1 that the police were searching the agency’s Istanbul office under an official warrant. She also indicated that the three Sputnik Turkiye employees, who had been detained earlier, were taken to the Palace of Justice for questioning. According to Simonyan, actually all Sputnik Turkiye employees are Turkish nationals.
Simonyan earlier informed that unidentified persons had broken into the apartments of three Sputnik employees in Ankara, accusing them of high treason because of their work for a Russian mass media outlet.
Later, the Sozcu newspaper said that the police had apprehended these three journalists over a publication on the news agency’s website titled "The Stolen Province: Why Turkey Was Given A Corner of Syria By France 80 years ago." The province of Hatay became a part of Turkey in 1939 under an agreement with France when Syria was ruled by the French mandate.
On March 1, the Russian Foreign Ministry called on the Turkish authorities to clarify the situation with the detention of Sputnik employees. It also demanded security of Russian media employees be properly ensured. The ministry stressed that the attack on the agency’s staff and their detention was a flagrant violation of their rights.
Rossiya Segodnya called on the United Nations, the OSCE, UNESCO and the International Federation of Journalists to take notice of this situation.
As a result, the Turkish authorities released Sputnik Turkiye Editor-in-Chief Mahir Boztepe in Istanbul. Earlier in the day, the Ankara prosecutor’s office freed three other Sputnik journalists.


tass--2020-03-02--Russia’s Radio Mayak launches archived 1945 news reports broadcast project

`` Radio Mayak unveils the special on-air and internet project called ‘ Chronicles of the Victory.
’ The last days of the Great Patriotic War are being presented through Soviet Information Bureau reports which were the source of information both for Soviet and foreign press , '' the radio station said .
MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Radio Mayak launched a Chronicles of the Victory special project , broadcasting reports by the Soviet Information Bureau ( Sovinformburo ) on the last months of the Great Patriotic War , the radio station 's press service told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the listeners will be able to hear the voice of the legendary announcer Yury Levitan , reciting `` events of the past 24 hours . ''
They will be able to follow the advance of the Red Army from the USSR ’ s western borders to Berlin by tuning in to Mayak station or via Yandex ’ s Alisa voice assistant .
`` The project ’ s main goal is to tell the listeners about the final stage of the war .
This provides a unique firsthand account that can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcast on Mayak every day between 10:55 am and 11:00 am [ Moscow time ] .
They are also available at any time using Alisa : just say ‘ Den pobedy ’ [ ‘ Victory Day ’ ] and the assistant will deliver this day ’ s account as of 1945 , '' says Rustam Vakhidov , first deputy director of ‘ Radio Russia ’ State Broadcasting Company .
The project includes a total of 75 records , digitized and integrated into both Mayak broadcasting schedule and Yandex ’ s Alisa voice assistant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

"Radio Mayak unveils the special on-air and internet project called ‘Chronicles of the Victory.’ The last days of the Great Patriotic War are being presented through Soviet Information Bureau reports which were the source of information both for Soviet and foreign press," the radio station said.
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Russia’s Radio Mayak launched a Chronicles of the Victory special project, broadcasting reports by the Soviet Information Bureau (Sovinformburo) on the last months of the Great Patriotic War, the radio station's press service told TASS.
Every day until May 9, the listeners will be able to hear the voice of the legendary announcer Yury Levitan, reciting "events of the past 24 hours." They will be able to follow the advance of the Red Army from the USSR’s western borders to Berlin by tuning in to Mayak station or via Yandex’s Alisa voice assistant.
"The project’s main goal is to tell the listeners about the final stage of the war. This provides a unique firsthand account that cannot be changed or rewritten. The reports are broadcast on Mayak every day between 10:55 am and 11:00 am [Moscow time]. They are also available at any time using Alisa: just say ‘Den pobedy’ [‘Victory Day’] and the assistant will deliver this day’s account as of 1945," says Rustam Vakhidov, first deputy director of ‘Radio Russia’ State Broadcasting Company.
The project includes a total of 75 records, digitized and integrated into both Mayak broadcasting schedule and Yandex’s Alisa voice assistant. Every report is five minutes long.


tass--2020-03-02--Kremlin says no decisions stating that Putin could lead United Russia's list

United Russia party aware of its responsibility for the country ’ s future , says PM MOSCOW , March 2 @ @ @ @ @ have been made stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead the list of the @ @ @ @ @ elections , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
`` There are neither @ @ @ @ @ decisions , so it is too early to talk about that , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ reported citing some sources close to the Russian president 's administration that Putin could lead @ @ @ @ @ during the elections to Russia ’ s State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) @

United Russia party aware of its responsibility for the country’s future, says PM
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. No decisions have been made stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead the list of the United Russia party at the elections, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
"There are neither steps, nor preparations nor decisions, so it is too early to talk about that," he said.
The Kommersant daily earlier reported citing some sources close to the Russian president's administration that Putin could lead United Russia’s list during the elections to Russia’s State Duma (lower house of parliament).


tass--2020-03-02--Press review: Moscow moves closer to Turkey’s foes and Serbia teeters between Russia, West

Russia has been trying to abandon its tactical partnership with Turkey in Syria counterbalancing it by cooperating with the Gulf states , Al-Monitor wrote , stressing that of late Moscow has stepped up contacts with a number of Arab countries .
The reason behind this could be irreconcilable differences between Russia and Turkey in Syria ’ s Idlib Governorate , which is controlled by both the pro-Turkish opposition and terrorists .
Arab monarchies , except for Qatar , are Turkey ’ s key geopolitical rivals and any move to intensify contacts , especially amid escalating tensions over Idlib , could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking a counterbalance to its ally Ankara , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Russian International Affairs Council expert Anton Mardasov believes that Moscow has the resources for rebalancing forces , but it has to change the rules of the game in Syria .
`` First , it was important for the Kremlin to galvanize Turkey ’ s efforts in Idlib .
There was no other means of forcing it to interfere rather than to raise the stakes .
Second , Moscow is interested in weakening Syria ’ s opposition and even more wants Damascus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Assad ’ s units are powerless without Russia ’ s direct support , '' the analyst said .
This means that Russia could use this situation to get greater loyalty from President Bashar Assad , Mardasov noted .
`` Third , distancing itself from Turkey over Idlib allows Russia to take into account the opinion of Arab monarchies , which seek to contain both Iran and Turkey , '' he pointed out .
According to military expert Yuri Netkachev , Ankara has no reason to quarrel with Moscow over Idlib .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active participation in the Syrian war and their losses have already come under criticism of the country ’ s politicians and its society . ''
Besides , the Turks have a major economic interest in Russia as far as agricultural trade , tourism , energy projects and military and technical cooperation go .
`` All this finally encourages them to search for a compromise . ''
Russian political scientist Fyodor Lukyanov told Vedomosti that a Russian-Turkish war is impossible , noting that the behavior of Moscow and Ankara points to this .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides and that ’ s why this is ruled out .
We do not know for sure who had carried out the strike [ on the Turkish military ] but everyone carefully stresses that this was the Syrian regime and this shows that no one is interested in any Russian-Turkish escalation . ''
The only way to iron out challenging issues around Idlib is to hold face-to-face talks between the Russian and Turkish leaders , Izvestia writes .
According to both sides , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan plan to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 .
Enes Bayrakli , an expert at the Turkish think-tank SETA , believes that the two leaders have every chance of resolving the Idlib crisis .
Izvestia : Serbia walking tightrope between Russia , US and EU Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is paying a three-day visit to Washington D.C. until March 3 .
During the visit , the Serbian leader is scheduled to meet with US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
The talks are expected to focus on Kosovo and Metohija .
Earlier , the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its purchase of Russian armaments , namely the Pantsir-S1 missile system .
Against this background , Belgrade is cementing ties with NATO while Washington and Brussels are resuming active mediation in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo after a year-long pause , Izvestia writes .
A key point of Donald Trump ’ s strategy is to force Serbia to recognize Kosovo ’ s independence , Senior Researcher with the Institute of Slavic Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Pyotr Iskenderov told the paper .
`` Ahead of the US presidential election in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score major triumphs on the international arena .
Reaching a deal between Belgrade and Pristina would be a big win , '' the analyst noted .
Western leaders are ready to make a surprise offer on changing the border between Kosovo and Serbia as part of a peace deal between Pristina and Belgrade .
Presidents Vucic and Hashim Thaci have welcomed the border review proposal .
Should Vucic decide to recognize Kosovo without securing Moscow ’ s backing , he could face the risk of losing support in his own country where Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of the local politicians , the paper notes .
However , it ’ s disadvantageous for Moscow to push for a final settlement on Kosovo , since this could shatter its influence in the region .
Meanwhile , President Vucic has a Plan B in the offing and could suggest holding a referendum on a deal that would envisage certain guarantees from Washington and Brussels on Serbia joining the EU , the analyst notes .
Former US Vice President Joe Biden has won his first triumph , clinching victory in the South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to become the Democratic Party ’ s presidential nominee lies ahead .
On Super Tuesday , 14 states are set to hold their primaries .
Biden ’ s success in South Carolina is really impressive .
Nearly half of those Democrats who came to vote , backed him , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont , who used to be in the Democratic Party lead , garnered less than 20 % .
Billionaire Tom Steyer ’ s third spot with 11 % is also a huge surprise .
The entrepreneur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party ’ s polls although he has major influence among the Democrats .
Speaking about the reasons behind Biden ’ s big win in South Carolina , analysts note that he was mostly backed by racial minorities .
`` If the mood in South Carolina is typical for African-Americans , this means that they are less subjected to left-wing populism as it seemed .
Biden with his centrist ideology and reputation of being in `` Barack Obama ’ s shadow '' tends to be more common for them , '' Chief Researcher at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Vasilyev told the paper .
Apparently , African-Americans contributed to Michael Bloomberg ’ s failure in the primaries .
The former New York mayor , who had infamously introduced his stop-and-frisk policing strategy , which chiefly impacted minorities , made a fatal error .
Critics castigated the ex-mayor ’ s policy in debates and the newspapers as racist .
Biden ’ s victory in South Carolina is a major boost for the ex-vice president , demonstrating that it is too early to dismiss him .
However , this won ’ t change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still remains the frontrunner in most nationwide opinion polls , the paper writes .
Kommersant : Russia ’ s Power Machines pulls out of JV with Siemens Power Machines , a Russian energy systems machine-building company , hit by sanctions and owned by Alexei Mordashov , has decided to fully withdraw from its joint venture with Siemens Gas Turbine Technologies and sell its 35 % share to the German industrial giant , sources told Kommersant business daily .
The talks started in mid-January .
Under the terms of the joint venture , Power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years to sell its stake to Siemens .
This window lasts for three months ( it opened on December 2 , 2019 and closed on March 1 ) .
The reason for this deal is that due to the shareholders ’ agreement the companies can not develop new technologies and sell products to Russia outside the JV ’ s framework .
Meanwhile , Power Machines seeks to manufacture their own gas turbine .
Besides , under the government ’ s demands , turbines created in a company where a major share belongs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a modernization program .
Siemens ’ share is not subject to an option , but Power Machines had offered to buy it , sources told the paper .
Siemens can initiate an option to buy the share of Power Machines only on December 2 , 2021 .
The price is yet unknown .
Under the option ’ s terms , Siemens and Power Machines should agree on the price tag within two months .
If the companies fail to do that , this effort will be carried out by an independent appraiser .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s share in the JV at $ 5 mln or $ 6 mln .
After buying Power Machines ’ share , Siemens should offer another Russian investor the opportunity to join the JV and this could be Gazprom Energy Holding .
The work of Siemens and Power Machines in the JV was no more constructive several years ago , the paper says .
Amid the US sanctions , Power Machines have been seeking to block foreigners ’ access to the Russian market .
Media : Fears grow that coronavirus could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) has spread around the world , with Armenia , Ireland , Qatar , Ecuador and Chile confirming their first cases .
A Russian national became the first person to contract the virus in Azerbaijan and deaths from the disease have been reported in the US , Thailand and Australia .
The novel coronavirus has affected more than 60 countries .
Although the World Health Organization has not yet declared the virus a pandemic , many specialists say that the spread of this disease has all signs of this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly likely that a pandemic will be declared with the novel coronavirus .
In my view , it has already begun given the number of states registering COVID-19 , '' epidemiologist Viktor Zuev told the paper .
According to him , out of all countries hit by the novel coronavirus Italy has been the most irresponsible .
Instead of taking emergency measures , its authorities failed to act and as a result , the country is ranked third in terms of the number of those infected .
On Saturday , Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of the novel coronavirus on the Russian economy , Vedomosti writes .
This epidemic poses a serious risk to the nation ’ s GDP growth , the Bank of Russia said .
The spread of COVID-19 could expand the slowdown in production activity that began in early 2020 .
The coronavirus has turned into a major problem for the global economy , causing a panic among investors and triggering a collapse of stock markets .
Against this background , oil prices are dropping and the ruble rate is decreasing .
Experts note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s economy is a decline in oil exports to China and a slump in oil prices .
However , this economic blow could be mitigated by increasing domestic demand through raising salaries and budget expenses , analysts at the Bank of Russia said .
/TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Media: Russia creating anti-Turkish alliance amid tensions over Idlib
Russia has been trying to abandon its tactical partnership with Turkey in Syria counterbalancing it by cooperating with the Gulf states, Al-Monitor wrote, stressing that of late Moscow has stepped up contacts with a number of Arab countries. The reason behind this could be irreconcilable differences between Russia and Turkey in Syria’s Idlib Governorate, which is controlled by both the pro-Turkish opposition and terrorists. Arab monarchies, except for Qatar, are Turkey’s key geopolitical rivals and any move to intensify contacts, especially amid escalating tensions over Idlib, could give rise to suspicions that Moscow is seeking a counterbalance to its ally Ankara, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Russian International Affairs Council expert Anton Mardasov believes that Moscow has the resources for rebalancing forces, but it has to change the rules of the game in Syria. "First, it was important for the Kremlin to galvanize Turkey’s efforts in Idlib. There was no other means of forcing it to interfere rather than to raise the stakes. Second, Moscow is interested in weakening Syria’s opposition and even more wants Damascus to acknowledge the boundaries of its capabilities: Assad’s units are powerless without Russia’s direct support," the analyst said. This means that Russia could use this situation to get greater loyalty from President Bashar Assad, Mardasov noted. "Third, distancing itself from Turkey over Idlib allows Russia to take into account the opinion of Arab monarchies, which seek to contain both Iran and Turkey," he pointed out. According to military expert Yuri Netkachev, Ankara has no reason to quarrel with Moscow over Idlib. "First, the Turkish military’s active participation in the Syrian war and their losses have already come under criticism of the country’s politicians and its society." Besides, the Turks have a major economic interest in Russia as far as agricultural trade, tourism, energy projects and military and technical cooperation go. "All this finally encourages them to search for a compromise." Russian political scientist Fyodor Lukyanov told Vedomosti that a Russian-Turkish war is impossible, noting that the behavior of Moscow and Ankara points to this. "A war would trigger devastating consequences for both sides and that’s why this is ruled out. We do not know for sure who had carried out the strike [on the Turkish military] but everyone carefully stresses that this was the Syrian regime and this shows that no one is interested in any Russian-Turkish escalation." The only way to iron out challenging issues around Idlib is to hold face-to-face talks between the Russian and Turkish leaders, Izvestia writes. According to both sides, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan plan to meet in Moscow on March 5 or March 6. Enes Bayrakli, an expert at the Turkish think-tank SETA, believes that the two leaders have every chance of resolving the Idlib crisis. Izvestia: Serbia walking tightrope between Russia, US and EU
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is paying a three-day visit to Washington D.C. until March 3. During the visit, the Serbian leader is scheduled to meet with US Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The talks are expected to focus on Kosovo and Metohija. Earlier, the US threatened to slap sanctions on Serbia over its purchase of Russian armaments, namely the Pantsir-S1 missile system. Against this background, Belgrade is cementing ties with NATO while Washington and Brussels are resuming active mediation in normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo after a year-long pause, Izvestia writes. A key point of Donald Trump’s strategy is to force Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence, Senior Researcher with the Institute of Slavic Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences Pyotr Iskenderov told the paper. "Ahead of the US presidential election in November, the American leader wants to score major triumphs on the international arena. Reaching a deal between Belgrade and Pristina would be a big win," the analyst noted. Western leaders are ready to make a surprise offer on changing the border between Kosovo and Serbia as part of a peace deal between Pristina and Belgrade. Presidents Vucic and Hashim Thaci have welcomed the border review proposal. Should Vucic decide to recognize Kosovo without securing Moscow’s backing, he could face the risk of losing support in his own country where Russian President Vladimir Putin is more popular than any of the local politicians, the paper notes. However, it’s disadvantageous for Moscow to push for a final settlement on Kosovo, since this could shatter its influence in the region. Meanwhile, President Vucic has a Plan B in the offing and could suggest holding a referendum on a deal that would envisage certain guarantees from Washington and Brussels on Serbia joining the EU, the analyst notes. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: ‘Sleepy Joe’ awakes from slumber landing first big primary win
Former US Vice President Joe Biden has won his first triumph, clinching victory in the South Carolina primaries, but the real struggle to become the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee lies ahead. On Super Tuesday, 14 states are set to hold their primaries. Biden’s success in South Carolina is really impressive. Nearly half of those Democrats who came to vote, backed him, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who used to be in the Democratic Party lead, garnered less than 20%. Billionaire Tom Steyer’s third spot with 11% is also a huge surprise. The entrepreneur was not among the favorites at the party’s polls although he has major influence among the Democrats. Speaking about the reasons behind Biden’s big win in South Carolina, analysts note that he was mostly backed by racial minorities. "If the mood in South Carolina is typical for African-Americans, this means that they are less subjected to left-wing populism as it seemed. Biden with his centrist ideology and reputation of being in "Barack Obama’s shadow" tends to be more common for them," Chief Researcher at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies Vladimir Vasilyev told the paper. Apparently, African-Americans contributed to Michael Bloomberg’s failure in the primaries. The former New York mayor, who had infamously introduced his stop-and-frisk policing strategy, which chiefly impacted minorities, made a fatal error. Critics castigated the ex-mayor’s policy in debates and the newspapers as racist. Biden’s victory in South Carolina is a major boost for the ex-vice president, demonstrating that it is too early to dismiss him. However, this won’t change the fact that for him, Sanders still remains the frontrunner in most nationwide opinion polls, the paper writes. Kommersant: Russia’s Power Machines pulls out of JV with Siemens
Power Machines, a Russian energy systems machine-building company, hit by sanctions and owned by Alexei Mordashov, has decided to fully withdraw from its joint venture with Siemens Gas Turbine Technologies and sell its 35% share to the German industrial giant, sources told Kommersant business daily. The talks started in mid-January. Under the terms of the joint venture, Power Machines has an option once in three years to sell its stake to Siemens. This window lasts for three months (it opened on December 2, 2019 and closed on March 1). The reason for this deal is that due to the shareholders’ agreement the companies cannot develop new technologies and sell products to Russia outside the JV’s framework. Meanwhile, Power Machines seeks to manufacture their own gas turbine. Besides, under the government’s demands, turbines created in a company where a major share belongs to a foreign shareholder cannot bid for a modernization program. Siemens’ share is not subject to an option, but Power Machines had offered to buy it, sources told the paper. Siemens can initiate an option to buy the share of Power Machines only on December 2, 2021. The price is yet unknown. Under the option’s terms, Siemens and Power Machines should agree on the price tag within two months. If the companies fail to do that, this effort will be carried out by an independent appraiser. A source close to Power Machines estimates the company’s share in the JV at $5 mln or $6 mln. After buying Power Machines’ share, Siemens should offer another Russian investor the opportunity to join the JV and this could be Gazprom Energy Holding. The work of Siemens and Power Machines in the JV was no more constructive several years ago, the paper says. Amid the US sanctions, Power Machines have been seeking to block foreigners’ access to the Russian market. Media: Fears grow that coronavirus could turn into new Spanish flu
Read also Number of countries with reported cases of coronavirus reaches 65


tass--2020-03-02--Kremlin confirms Erdogan, Putin will meet in Moscow on March 5

`` Indeed , the president of the Republic of Turkey will arrive in Moscow for a working visit on March 5 where he is scheduled to hold talks with our president , '' Peskov said .
MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Turkish presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan , will meet in Moscow on March 5 , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday .
Speaking on the stance at the upcoming talks between the Russian and Turkish presidents , Peskov stressed that Moscow was committed to the Sochi agreements and called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia `` supports Syria ’ s intention to continue fight against terrorists and terror groups , including those placed on the UN Security Council ’ s terror groups ’ list , and certainly attaches great importance to cooperating with Turkish partners . ''
Russia ’ s position at the upcoming talks will be absolutely consistent and will remain unchanged , he stressed .
`` This stance was outlined at various levels by President Putin , Foreign Minister [ Sergey Lavrov ] and also an interdepartmental working group and an interdepartmental delegation that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past days , '' Peskov said .
The Kremlin spokesman highlighted that Russia ’ s military and specialists should analyze the particular situation on the ground in Idlib .
`` We proceed from yesterday ’ s statement by our military from the task force in Syria that it was impossible to guarantee safety of flights over Idlib , '' Peskov said .
The Russian and Turkish militaries have maintained a permanent contact , the Kremlin spokesman said .
`` It is most important that now we are guided by the talks between Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mentioned , '' he noted .
The Russian and Turkish leaders held a phone conversation on February 28 , stressing the need to take extra measures to normalize the situation in northwestern Syria .
The Kremlin press service stressed that the sides had agreed to step up consultations and consider the opportunity of holding a high-level meeting .

"Indeed, the president of the Republic of Turkey will arrive in Moscow for a working visit on March 5 where he is scheduled to hold talks with our president," Peskov said.
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The Russian and Turkish presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will meet in Moscow on March 5, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
Speaking on the stance at the upcoming talks between the Russian and Turkish presidents, Peskov stressed that Moscow was committed to the Sochi agreements and called for Syria’s territorial integrity. Russia "supports Syria’s intention to continue fight against terrorists and terror groups, including those placed on the UN Security Council’s terror groups’ list, and certainly attaches great importance to cooperating with Turkish partners."
Russia’s position at the upcoming talks will be absolutely consistent and will remain unchanged, he stressed. "This stance was outlined at various levels by President Putin, Foreign Minister [Sergey Lavrov] and also an interdepartmental working group and an interdepartmental delegation that has been working with Turkish colleagues over the past days," Peskov said.
The Kremlin spokesman highlighted that Russia’s military and specialists should analyze the particular situation on the ground in Idlib. "We proceed from yesterday’s statement by our military from the task force in Syria that it was impossible to guarantee safety of flights over Idlib," Peskov said.
The Russian and Turkish militaries have maintained a permanent contact, the Kremlin spokesman said. "It is most important that now we are guided by the talks between Putin and Erdogan, which we have just mentioned," he noted.
The Russian and Turkish leaders held a phone conversation on February 28, stressing the need to take extra measures to normalize the situation in northwestern Syria. The Kremlin press service stressed that the sides had agreed to step up consultations and consider the opportunity of holding a high-level meeting.


tass--2020-03-02--Lunar orbital station to allow spacemen stay on the Moon for 30 days

Today , the scientific community looks into two types of lunar missions , he said .
In the first one , spacemen would arrive to a low near-Moon orbit of only about 200 km , and then land on the Moon in a special landing module .
According to Sevastyanov , this method would allow only for short-term missions to the lunar surface - `` no more than 3 days . ''
MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Construction of the lunar orbital station would reduce the risks for expeditions and would allow lunar surface missions of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Space Corporation CEO Nikolay Sevastyanov .
`` The second path is to have a lunar orbit station at a height of about 10,000 km .
It is possible to bring along additional resources ; it is also possible to deliver a [ separate ] takeoff and landing complex there , so that the crew can comfortably land on the Moon , complete its mission - which might in this case take up to 30 days - and then return to the orbit station , change to the spacecraft and return back to Earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this option significantly reduces the risks involved .
Construction of the lunar orbital station would enable long-term missions for large spacemen teams , construction of lunar bases and conduction of large-scale operations .
`` An effective transport infrastructure is needed that would enable access to various most interesting lunar surface regions , that would allow the enable the required mission length , that would allow optimal rocket carrying capacity and , in perspective , reusable vehicles .
Construction of a transit station at the Moon orbit is the solution , '' Sevastyanov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required resources and also carry the lunar takeoff and landing complex .
After arriving to the station , the spacemen would change to the complex , and land on the Moon .
In the meantime , their spacecraft would wait for the crew to return , using the station ’ s power grid .

Today, the scientific community looks into two types of lunar missions, he said. In the first one, spacemen would arrive to a low near-Moon orbit of only about 200 km, and then land on the Moon in a special landing module. According to Sevastyanov, this method would allow only for short-term missions to the lunar surface - "no more than 3 days."
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Construction of the lunar orbital station would reduce the risks for expeditions and would allow lunar surface missions of up to 30 days, says Energia Rocket and Space Corporation CEO Nikolay Sevastyanov.
"The second path is to have a lunar orbit station at a height of about 10,000 km. It is possible to bring along additional resources; it is also possible to deliver a [separate] takeoff and landing complex there, so that the crew can comfortably land on the Moon, complete its mission - which might in this case take up to 30 days - and then return to the orbit station, change to the spacecraft and return back to Earth," the CEO said, adding that this option significantly reduces the risks involved.
Construction of the lunar orbital station would enable long-term missions for large spacemen teams, construction of lunar bases and conduction of large-scale operations.
"An effective transport infrastructure is needed that would enable access to various most interesting lunar surface regions, that would allow the enable the required mission length, that would allow optimal rocket carrying capacity and, in perspective, reusable vehicles. Construction of a transit station at the Moon orbit is the solution," Sevastyanov said.
The station would store all required resources and also carry the lunar takeoff and landing complex. After arriving to the station, the spacemen would change to the complex, and land on the Moon. In the meantime, their spacecraft would wait for the crew to return, using the station’s power grid.


tass--2020-03-02--Putin congratulates Gorbachev on 89th birthday

MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mikhail Gorbachev , the former Soviet president @ @ @ @ @ Foundation for Socio-Economic and Political Studies , on his 89th birthday .
Putin ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin ’ s website on Monday .
`` You are rightfully considered to be @ @ @ @ @ and statesman , as well as a person who played a meaningful role in Russian @ @ @ @ @ Putin pointed out .
`` The important thing is that you continue to work hard @ @ @ @ @ significant social activities and implementing crucial humanitarian projects , '' he added .
Putin offered @ @ @ @ @ in particular , wishing him good health .
Mikhail Gorbachev is a prominent Russian politician @ @ @ @ @ the last Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union ( 1985-1991 ) @ @ @ @ @ President of the Soviet Union ( 1990-1991 ) .
He was awarded the Nobel Peace @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet president and head of the International Foundation for Socio-Economic and Political Studies, on his 89th birthday. Putin’s message was published on the Kremlin’s website on Monday.
"You are rightfully considered to be an experienced and influential politician and statesman, as well as a person who played a meaningful role in Russian and global history," Putin pointed out. "The important thing is that you continue to work hard, paying constant attention to significant social activities and implementing crucial humanitarian projects," he added.
Putin offered Gorbachev his warmest greetings, in particular, wishing him good health.
Mikhail Gorbachev is a prominent Russian politician and statesman. He was the last Secretary General of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (1985-1991) and the first and only President of the Soviet Union (1990-1991). He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.


tass--2020-03-02--Passenger of Tehran-Moscow-Beijing flight diagnosed with coronavirus

`` According to Beijing ’ s health commission , the foreign national , who arrived in Beijing from Moscow on February 29 on flight SU204 of Russia ’ s Aeroflot airline has been diagnosed with a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 .
This passenger had traveled from Iran with a transfer in Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport , '' the embassy said .
This passenger ’ s citizenship has not been reported .
BEIJING , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Beijing ’ s health commission has confirmed that a passenger who arrived in the Chinese capital from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport has tested positive for the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , the Russian Embassy in China said on Monday .
According to the diplomatic mission , all passengers who had been on this flight were taken to a hotel-turned isolation site to undergo medical examination .
Some 20 Russian passengers were on this flight .
None of them have tested positive for the coronavirus .
Those individuals , including two Russians , seated next to the coronavirus sufferer , will remain isolated in this hotel and undergo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to leave the hotel later on Monday , the embassy stated .
Beijing Capital International Airport ’ s authorities reported that a passenger who arrived from Moscow on February 29 was suspected of having contracted the coronavirus .
In addition to 20 Russian passengers , 15 Russian crew members were onboard that plane .
According to the Russian Embassy in China , they did not have any symptoms of the disease on Saturday .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in Italy and South Korea .
According to the latest reports , nearly 90,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in 65 countries , including Russia .
The death toll from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients have recovered to date .

"According to Beijing’s health commission, the foreign national, who arrived in Beijing from Moscow on February 29 on flight SU204 of Russia’s Aeroflot airline has been diagnosed with a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus COVID-19. This passenger had traveled from Iran with a transfer in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport," the embassy said. This passenger’s citizenship has not been reported.
BEIJING, March 2. /TASS/. Beijing’s health commission has confirmed that a passenger who arrived in the Chinese capital from Iran on Saturday morning with a transfer in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Russian Embassy in China said on Monday.
According to the diplomatic mission, all passengers who had been on this flight were taken to a hotel-turned isolation site to undergo medical examination. Some 20 Russian passengers were on this flight. None of them have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Those individuals, including two Russians, seated next to the coronavirus sufferer, will remain isolated in this hotel and undergo a 14-day quarantine. Other passengers will be able to leave the hotel later on Monday, the embassy stated.
Beijing Capital International Airport’s authorities reported that a passenger who arrived from Moscow on February 29 was suspected of having contracted the coronavirus. In addition to 20 Russian passengers, 15 Russian crew members were onboard that plane. According to the Russian Embassy in China, they did not have any symptoms of the disease on Saturday.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in Italy and South Korea. According to the latest reports, nearly 90,000 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been confirmed in 65 countries, including Russia. The death toll from the virus has exceeded 3,000, yet over 45,000 patients have recovered to date.


tass--2020-03-02--Iranian official infected with coronavirus dies

Mirmohammadi was 72 years old .
He was elected member of the Iranian parliament twice from the province of Qom .
No exact cause of death is stated .
The agency points out that earlier , the official was diagnosed with coronavirus .
On March 1 , he was taken to one of Tehran ’ s hospitals .
On February 19 , the Iranian Health Ministry reported first cases of novel coronavirus in the country in the city of Qom .
According to official data , there are 978 cases of COVID-19 in Iran , with at least 54 recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , over 80,026 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has reached 2,912 , while over 44,400 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in 65 countries , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detected in South Korea and Italy .

Mirmohammadi was 72 years old. He was elected member of the Iranian parliament twice from the province of Qom.
No exact cause of death is stated. The agency points out that earlier, the official was diagnosed with coronavirus. On March 1, he was taken to one of Tehran’s hospitals.
On February 19, the Iranian Health Ministry reported first cases of novel coronavirus in the country in the city of Qom. According to official data, there are 978 cases of COVID-19 in Iran, with at least 54 recorded deaths.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, over 80,026 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has reached 2,912, while over 44,400 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in 65 countries, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea and Italy.


tass--2020-03-02--Syrian Army retakes Saraqib

Syrian Army retakes Saraqib

According to the paper , the rest of the city was recaptured from the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group ( outlawed in Russia ) and units cooperating with them .
MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
The Syrian Army has retaken the city of Saraqib in the east of the Idlib province , the Al-Watan newspaper reported on Monday , citing a source .
Syrian government forces liberated Saraqib in February , angering Ankara , which demanded the Syrian troops return to the positions they had occupied in late December 2019 .
However , the Syrian forces fought off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed by the Turkish Army , carried out on February 11 and 20 .
However , following several days of attacks by militants supported by the Turkish artillery , Syrian troops had to retreat for tactical reasons .
Idlib is the only region in Syria still largely controlled by illegal armed groups .
A de-escalation zone was created in Idlib in 2017 , and militants reluctant to lay down their arms moved there from the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta and the country ’ s south .
The Turkish Army ’ s observation @ @ @ @ @ @ @

According to the paper, the rest of the city was recaptured from the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group (outlawed in Russia) and units cooperating with them.
MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. The Syrian Army has retaken the city of Saraqib in the east of the Idlib province, the Al-Watan newspaper reported on Monday, citing a source.
Syrian government forces liberated Saraqib in February, angering Ankara, which demanded the Syrian troops return to the positions they had occupied in late December 2019. However, the Syrian forces fought off the attacks that armed Syrian opposition units, backed by the Turkish Army, carried out on February 11 and 20. However, following several days of attacks by militants supported by the Turkish artillery, Syrian troops had to retreat for tactical reasons.
Idlib is the only region in Syria still largely controlled by illegal armed groups. A de-escalation zone was created in Idlib in 2017, and militants reluctant to lay down their arms moved there from the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta and the country’s south. The Turkish Army’s observation points are located in the province.


tass--2020-03-02--Jailed Russian pilot Yaroshenko provided with medical aid

ROSTOV-ON-DON , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko , who is currently serving a prison sentence in @ @ @ @ @ provided with medical aid in prison , his wife Viktoria Yaroshenko told TASS on Monday @ @ @ @ @ in the US informed earlier that Yaroshenko might have suffered a mild stroke .
`` @ @ @ @ @ over the phone that the prison ’ s medical personnel had not provided him with @ @ @ @ @ health condition of our compatriot is worsening .
Konstantin does not rule out that he @ @ @ @ @ stroke , '' the diplomats noted .
Yaroshenko ’ s wife also informed earlier that @ @ @ @ @ s legs had gone numb .
Russian diplomats sent a note to the US Department @ @ @ @ @ demanding that Yaroshenko receive urgent medical care .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, March 2. /TASS/. Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the US, has been provided with medical aid in prison, his wife Viktoria Yaroshenko told TASS on Monday.
The Russian diplomatic mission in the US informed earlier that Yaroshenko might have suffered a mild stroke. "Konstantin Yaroshenko told our diplomats over the phone that the prison’s medical personnel had not provided him with any medical assistance. The health condition of our compatriot is worsening. Konstantin does not rule out that he may have had a mild stroke," the diplomats noted. Yaroshenko’s wife also informed earlier that one of the pilot’s legs had gone numb. Russian diplomats sent a note to the US Department of State on February 26 demanding that Yaroshenko receive urgent medical care.


tass--2020-03-02--Nine Moscow courts evacuated due to bomb threats

A source in the emergency services informed TASS that the Okhotny Ryad shopping mall , the Four Seasons Hotel and @ @ @ @ @ are undergoing a security sweep in the wake of anonymous bomb threats .
The source @ @ @ @ @ been evacuated from the shopping mall for security purposes .
A wave of bomb threats @ @ @ @ @ Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019 .
Unknown persons repeatedly call in @ @ @ @ @ : courts , schools , hospitals , airports , train stations .
All the previous @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , Russia ’ s Federal Security Service ( FSB ) informed that it @ @ @ @ @ foreign mail services used to send out bomb threats at various facilities in the country @

A source in the emergency services informed TASS that the Okhotny Ryad shopping mall, the Four Seasons Hotel and a school in downtown Moscow are undergoing a security sweep in the wake of anonymous bomb threats. The source added that 50 people had been evacuated from the shopping mall for security purposes.
A wave of bomb threats began in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian regions in late November 2019. Unknown persons repeatedly call in bomb threats at various facilities: courts, schools, hospitals, airports, train stations. All the previous threats resulted to be false. Earlier, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) informed that it had blocked access to five foreign mail services used to send out bomb threats at various facilities in the country.


tass--2020-03-02--Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirms detention of ex-commander of Aidar Battalion in Greece

KIEV , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Ex-commander of Ukraine ’ s nationalist Aidar Battalion Sergei Melnichuk has been detained @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry ’ s Consular Department Sergei Pogoreltsev confirmed .
`` As soon @ @ @ @ @ law enforcers detained Sergei Melnichuk on March 1 , the Ukrainian consul in Thessaloniki was @ @ @ @ @ '' he said , as cited by the Ukrinform news agency .

KIEV, March 2. /TASS/. Ex-commander of Ukraine’s nationalist Aidar Battalion Sergei Melnichuk has been detained in Greece, Director of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department Sergei Pogoreltsev confirmed.
"As soon as we learned that Greek law enforcers detained Sergei Melnichuk on March 1, the Ukrainian consul in Thessaloniki was on his way there," he said, as cited by the Ukrinform news agency.


tass--2020-03-02--Russian medium and heavy rockets to be used to deliver cargo to the Moon

MOSCOW , March 2 .
/TASS/ .
Beside super-heavy rockets , medium-and heavy-class launch vehicles would be used to deliver cargo to the Moon , says Energia Rocket and Space Corporation CEO Nikolay Sevastyanov .
According to the CEO , the Oryol crewed spacecraft would be launched using super-heavy rockets .
The lunar takeoff and landing complex and lunar orbital station modules would also require super-heavy launch vehicles .
`` Other cargo , such as scientific equipment and fuel , could be delivered by middle-and heavy-class rockets with lower carrying capacity , '' Sevastyanov said .
He disclosed that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Energia Corporation , could be used in the lunar station program .
It could deliver equipment of smaller mass , such as scientific probes , to the lunar orbit .
Besides , the technology implemented in Soyuz-5 would also be used for development of the super-heavy vehicle .
For example , this Soyuz-5 ’ s first stage would become the super-heavy ’ s booster .
The super-heavy rocket would have six boosters , while the central module would use the 400-ton RD-181 engine .
Heavy launch vehicles , such as Proton-M and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 50 tons .
Middle-class rockets , such as Soyuz-5 , can deliver approximately 20 tons of cargo .

MOSCOW, March 2. /TASS/. Beside super-heavy rockets, medium-and heavy-class launch vehicles would be used to deliver cargo to the Moon, says Energia Rocket and Space Corporation CEO Nikolay Sevastyanov.
According to the CEO, the Oryol crewed spacecraft would be launched using super-heavy rockets. The lunar takeoff and landing complex and lunar orbital station modules would also require super-heavy launch vehicles.
"Other cargo, such as scientific equipment and fuel, could be delivered by middle-and heavy-class rockets with lower carrying capacity," Sevastyanov said.
He disclosed that the upcoming Soyuz-5 rocket, currently in development by Energia Corporation, could be used in the lunar station program. It could deliver equipment of smaller mass, such as scientific probes, to the lunar orbit.
Besides, the technology implemented in Soyuz-5 would also be used for development of the super-heavy vehicle. For example, this Soyuz-5’s first stage would become the super-heavy’s booster. The super-heavy rocket would have six boosters, while the central module would use the 400-ton RD-181 engine.
Heavy launch vehicles, such as Proton-M and Angara-A5, have carrying capacity of 20 to 50 tons. Middle-class rockets, such as Soyuz-5, can deliver approximately 20 tons of cargo.


tass--2020-03-02--A Solar Supplies 100MW Mono PERC Modules for Subsidy-free Projects in Spain

BEIJING , March 2 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- JA Solar , a leading manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic products , announced that it is to supply two 50MW solar power plants in Alvarado-La Risca , a town in the region of Extremadura , Spain , with 100MW high-efficiency mono PERC modules .
The power plants are expected to enter operation in the third quarter of 2020 .
Developed and built by Spanish solar company - Solarpack , the two subsidy-free projects were recently acquired by Green Investment Group Limited ( GIG ) , which signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
PPA is one of the key factors driving the Spanish PV market back to Gigawatt scale , and leads investors to focus more on the power generating capability and long-term performance of solar modules .
The 100MW modules supplied by JA Solar used solar cells manufactured with Gallium-doped silicon wafers .
In 2019 , JA Solar was granted with the IP rights on doping silicon crystals with Ga and using the Ga-doped p-type crystalline silicon wafers for making solar cells over various nations and regions where the related patents covered .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mitigate the initial light induced degradation ( LID ) that solar cells using boron doped p-type silicon wafers having long suffered .
It enables the solar modules with long-term performance , stability , and improved return of investment .

BEIJING, March 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- JA Solar, a leading manufacturer of high-performance photovoltaic products, announced that it is to supply two 50MW solar power plants in Alvarado-La Risca, a town in the region of Extremadura, Spain, with 100MW high-efficiency mono PERC modules. The power plants are expected to enter operation in the third quarter of 2020.
Developed and built by Spanish solar company - Solarpack, the two subsidy-free projects were recently acquired by Green Investment Group Limited (GIG), which signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Shell Energy Europe Limited. PPA is one of the key factors driving the Spanish PV market back to Gigawatt scale, and leads investors to focus more on the power generating capability and long-term performance of solar modules.
The 100MW modules supplied by JA Solar used solar cells manufactured with Gallium-doped silicon wafers. In 2019, JA Solar was granted with the IP rights on doping silicon crystals with Ga and using the Ga-doped p-type crystalline silicon wafers for making solar cells over various nations and regions where the related patents covered. The application of Ga-doped silicon wafers can effectively mitigate the initial light induced degradation (LID) that solar cells using boron doped p-type silicon wafers having long suffered. It enables the solar modules with long-term performance, stability, and improved return of investment.
CONTACT: Xiaorui Sun, +86-10-6361-1888 x1698, bj.sunxr@jasolar.com