tass--2020-05-01--Experts: Russian economy may require support worth 5 trillion rubles ($67.3 bln)

MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
A number of anti-crisis measures to support the Russian economy comes into effect on May 1.The total amount of these measures is estimated at more than 2 trillion rubles ( $ 26.9 bln ) .
However , experts interviewed by TASS note that it will require more extensive action to prevent the recession .
So far , the support of the economy is planned in the form of separate packages of measures .
Currently , the first two packages have been approved and are being implemented , while the government is discussing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package is aimed at providing credit support to small and medium-sized enterprises , as well as individual entrepreneurs .
The second package also includes measures that are aimed at supporting systemically important enterprises and airlines , as well as stabilizing regional budgets .
The amount of funds that are planned to be allocated to support the economy as part of the first package of measures is 1.4 trillion rubles ( $ 18.8 bln ) .
The amount of funds allocated for anti-crisis support of the Russian economy under the second package is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The experts interviewed by TASS note that anti-crisis measures undertaken by the Russian government are correct in general , but their volume needs to be increased .
In their opinion , these purposes require at least twice as much as the earlier declared amount , which is about 5 trillion rubles ( $ 67.3 bln ) .
According to experts , the most effective measures to support SMEs are the reduction of VAT and direct payments , which would save the number of employees .
According to Georgiy Ostapkovich , head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Higher School of Economics , in order to stop the recession in the economy , it is necessary to allocate funds in the amount of 5-6 % of GDP , which is 5 trillion rubles .
`` The estimates they are voicing now are around 2.5-3 % of GDP , which is insufficient in the current situation , '' Ostapkovich says .
In turn , Alisen Alisenov , associate professor at the Department of Economics and Finance at the Department of Economic and Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , notes that it is necessary to provide tax holidays and to increase the real amount of the support to 8 % of GDP .
According to him , reduction of VAT and income tax would be the most effective measure to support businesses .
Laura Nakoryakova , head of the Center for Social and Economic Research at the Center for Social Development ( CSD ) , reiterates the need to increase the volume of assistance to business .
`` The business often states the need for full-wage subsidies and the abolition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next six months ( and these measures are also necessary for those industries that have not been supported yet ) , '' she says .
Nakoryakova also notes that business may require direct assistance from the state to maintain the number of employees .
`` Providing direct gratuitous assistance to enterprises so they can pay wages is one of the most popular measures of state support for businesses ( as shown by the results of the monitoring of the CSD ) , '' she says .
According to Ostapkovich , a surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ income are the main problems the Russian economy may face in the period when restrictive measures are gradually lifted .
He stresses that these indicators are much more important than the indicator of GDP decline , which can be compensated in 1-3 years .
`` The main problem is not how GDP will fall , but there are four main indicators : unemployment , real disposable income , welfare and income inequality .
The main thing is to control these indicators , '' he said .
Alisen Alisenov from RANEPA also agrees that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia may increase significantly .
`` The total number of unemployed will increase with the extension of quarantine measures and may grow from 4 million to 7 million people , if the restrictions are in force until June 1 , 2020 .
The unemployment rate may jump from the current 4.6 % to 10 % , '' he says .
According to him , this may require for additional funds to pay unemployment benefits .
`` The need to pay unemployment benefits will increase significantly , since the planned funds for these purposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , '' Alisenov said .

MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. A number of anti-crisis measures to support the Russian economy comes into effect on May 1.The total amount of these measures is estimated at more than 2 trillion rubles ($26.9 bln). However, experts interviewed by TASS note that it will require more extensive action to prevent the recession.
So far, the support of the economy is planned in the form of separate packages of measures. Currently, the first two packages have been approved and are being implemented, while the government is discussing the third and fourth packages.
The first package is aimed at providing credit support to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as individual entrepreneurs. The second package also includes measures that are aimed at supporting systemically important enterprises and airlines, as well as stabilizing regional budgets. The amount of funds that are planned to be allocated to support the economy as part of the first package of measures is 1.4 trillion rubles ($18.8 bln). The amount of funds allocated for anti-crisis support of the Russian economy under the second package is more than 600 billion rubles ($8bln).
The experts interviewed by TASS note that anti-crisis measures undertaken by the Russian government are correct in general, but their volume needs to be increased.
In their opinion, these purposes require at least twice as much as the earlier declared amount, which is about 5 trillion rubles ($67.3 bln).
According to experts, the most effective measures to support SMEs are the reduction of VAT and direct payments, which would save the number of employees.
According to Georgiy Ostapkovich, head of the Center for Market Studies at the Higher School of Economics, in order to stop the recession in the economy, it is necessary to allocate funds in the amount of 5-6% of GDP, which is 5 trillion rubles.
"The estimates they are voicing now are around 2.5-3% of GDP, which is insufficient in the current situation," Ostapkovich says.
In turn, Alisen Alisenov, associate professor at the Department of Economics and Finance at the Department of Economic and Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), notes that it is necessary to provide tax holidays and to increase the real amount of the support to 8% of GDP. According to him, reduction of VAT and income tax would be the most effective measure to support businesses.
Laura Nakoryakova, head of the Center for Social and Economic Research at the Center for Social Development (CSD), reiterates the need to increase the volume of assistance to business.
"The business often states the need for full-wage subsidies and the abolition of taxes (including VAT) for the next six months (and these measures are also necessary for those industries that have not been supported yet)," she says.
Nakoryakova also notes that business may require direct assistance from the state to maintain the number of employees.
"Providing direct gratuitous assistance to enterprises so they can pay wages is one of the most popular measures of state support for businesses (as shown by the results of the monitoring of the CSD)," she says.
According to Ostapkovich, a surge in unemployment and a decline in real disposable income are the main problems the Russian economy may face in the period when restrictive measures are gradually lifted. He stresses that these indicators are much more important than the indicator of GDP decline, which can be compensated in 1-3 years.
"The main problem is not how GDP will fall, but there are four main indicators: unemployment, real disposable income, welfare and income inequality. The main thing is to control these indicators," he said.
Alisen Alisenov from RANEPA also agrees that due to quarantine the unemployment rate in Russia may increase significantly.
"The total number of unemployed will increase with the extension of quarantine measures and may grow from 4 million to 7 million people, if the restrictions are in force until June 1, 2020. The unemployment rate may jump from the current 4.6% to 10%," he says.
According to him, this may require for additional funds to pay unemployment benefits.
"The need to pay unemployment benefits will increase significantly, since the planned funds for these purposes were calculated taking into account 2.5 million people," Alisenov said.


tass--2020-05-01--Israeli military helicopters deliver air strikes on southern Syria

MOSCOW , May 1 .
/TASS/ .
Israeli Air Force helicopters delivered missile strikes on the southern parts of Syria , SANA news agency reported on Friday .
According to the agency , the air strikes were delivered around midnight on Thursday from the Golan Heights aiming at targets located about 40 kilometers ( some 25 miles ) to the southwest of the Syrian capital of Damascus .
The Syrian state-run agency did not report any casualties after the air strikes stating only that `` the damages were restricted to materials . ''
Syrian radio broadcaster Sham FM reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sites in southern Syria .
SANA reported earlier in the week that the Syrian military intercepted on Monday Israeli airstrikes aimed at the Palmyra area in the east of the Homs governorate .
Al Mayadeen TV channel reported at that time that Israeli planes attempted to strike military facilities north of the Palmyra airport .
On January 15 , Israel 's Air Force carried out a missile attack against Syria by attacking the T-4 military aerodrome from the Al-Tanf region bordering Jordan and Iraq .
The area houses a US military base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense units repelled an airstrike at the Shayrat military airfield some 38 km east of Homs .
The attack was carried out from the Lebanese airspace .

MOSCOW, May 1. /TASS/. Israeli Air Force helicopters delivered missile strikes on the southern parts of Syria, SANA news agency reported on Friday.
According to the agency, the air strikes were delivered around midnight on Thursday from the Golan Heights aiming at targets located about 40 kilometers (some 25 miles) to the southwest of the Syrian capital of Damascus.
The Syrian state-run agency did not report any casualties after the air strikes stating only that "the damages were restricted to materials."
Syrian radio broadcaster Sham FM reported that five missiles were fired by Israeli helicopters on sites in southern Syria.
SANA reported earlier in the week that the Syrian military intercepted on Monday Israeli airstrikes aimed at the Palmyra area in the east of the Homs governorate. Al Mayadeen TV channel reported at that time that Israeli planes attempted to strike military facilities north of the Palmyra airport.
On January 15, Israel's Air Force carried out a missile attack against Syria by attacking the T-4 military aerodrome from the Al-Tanf region bordering Jordan and Iraq. The area houses a US military base.
On March 31, Syrian missile defense units repelled an airstrike at the Shayrat military airfield some 38 km east of Homs. The attack was carried out from the Lebanese airspace.


tass--2020-05-01--Donald Trump says he ‘understands’ situation with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

WASHINGTON , May 1 .
/TASS/ .
President of the United States Donald Trump said he understands the situation regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un , but does not want to discuss it at the moment .
`` I understand what 's going on , and I just ca n't talk about Kim Jong-un right now , '' Trump told journalists .
`` I just hope everything is going to be fine .
But I do understand the situation very well , '' the US president stated .
The North Korean leader has not been seen in public since April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers ' Party of Korea .
He was absent from the annual session of the Supreme People 's Assembly on April 12 and missed a ceremony commemorating the 108th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung on April 15 , sparking rumors about his health .
Conflicting reports kept coming since the start of the week about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un .
Numerous media reports claimed that he was either seriously ill or already dead .
A vice director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company made it into the headlines over the past weekend , announcing the death of Kim Jong-un .
However , there were two things that made the announcement lack credibility .
First , the vice director did not reveal the source of the news , and second , Hong Kong media outlets , HKSTV included , have never been famous for their knowledge of North Korea 's affairs .
North Korea ’ s Rodong Sinmun daily reported on Monday that Kim Jong-un continues to work with documents as he sent a letter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coastal tourist area .

WASHINGTON, May 1. /TASS/. President of the United States Donald Trump said he understands the situation regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, but does not want to discuss it at the moment.
"I understand what's going on, and I just can't talk about Kim Jong-un right now," Trump told journalists.
"I just hope everything is going to be fine. But I do understand the situation very well," the US president stated.
The North Korean leader has not been seen in public since April 11, when he chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
He was absent from the annual session of the Supreme People's Assembly on April 12 and missed a ceremony commemorating the 108th birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung on April 15, sparking rumors about his health.
Conflicting reports kept coming since the start of the week about the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Numerous media reports claimed that he was either seriously ill or already dead.
A vice director of the Hong Kong Satellite Television (HKSTV) company made it into the headlines over the past weekend, announcing the death of Kim Jong-un. However, there were two things that made the announcement lack credibility. First, the vice director did not reveal the source of the news, and second, Hong Kong media outlets, HKSTV included, have never been famous for their knowledge of North Korea's affairs.
North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun daily reported on Monday that Kim Jong-un continues to work with documents as he sent a letter of gratitude to construction workers of the Wonsan-Kalma coastal tourist area.


tass--2020-05-01--WHO: number of coronavirus cases worldwide rises by almost 72,000 in 24 hours

GENEVA , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus worldwide has risen by almost 72,000 over the past day .
The number of fatalities has risen by more than 9,000 , which is 4,000 more than the day before , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) reported on Thursday .
As of 11:00 Moscow time on April 30 , 3,090,445 coronavirus cases and 217,769 deaths have been registered worldwide .
The number of infected people has risen by 71,839 and the number of fatalities - by 9,797 .
Europe accounts for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 1,434,649 and 135,961 respectively ) .
The number of infected people there has risen by 27,824 over the past 24 hours , the number of fatalities - by 6,650 .
In North and South America , 1,246,190 people have contracted the virus , 65,228 people have died .
The Eastern Mediterranean Region ranks third in the number of infected people ( 182,417 new cases and 7,447 fatalities ) .
According to WHO data , the United States accounts for the largest number of infected people ( 1,003,974 ) .
It is followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 203,591 ) , the UK ( 165,225 ) , Germany ( 159,119 ) , France ( 127,066 ) , Turkey ( 117,589 ) , Russia ( 106,498 ) , Iran ( 93,657 ) and China ( 84,373 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .

GENEVA, April 30. /TASS/. The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus worldwide has risen by almost 72,000 over the past day. The number of fatalities has risen by more than 9,000, which is 4,000 more than the day before, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday.
As of 11:00 Moscow time on April 30, 3,090,445 coronavirus cases and 217,769 deaths have been registered worldwide. The number of infected people has risen by 71,839 and the number of fatalities - by 9,797. Europe accounts for the largest number of new infections and deaths (1,434,649 and 135,961 respectively). The number of infected people there has risen by 27,824 over the past 24 hours, the number of fatalities - by 6,650.
In North and South America, 1,246,190 people have contracted the virus, 65,228 people have died. The Eastern Mediterranean Region ranks third in the number of infected people (182,417 new cases and 7,447 fatalities).
According to WHO data, the United States accounts for the largest number of infected people (1,003,974). It is followed by Spain (212,917), Italy (203,591), the UK (165,225), Germany (159,119), France (127,066), Turkey (117,589), Russia (106,498), Iran (93,657) and China (84,373).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia. On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.


tass--2020-04-30--People who personally contacted Russian PM to be isolated, tested for coronavirus

`` Personal conversations with the prime minister was already restricted as much as possible a few weeks ago , '' he noted .
`` All meetings were held via video conferences or phone calls . ''
MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin limited his personal contacts as much as possible already a few weeks ago , however , those who recently came in close contact with him will be isolated and tested for coronavirus , spokesperson for the Russian government Boris Belyakov told reporters on Thursday .
`` Those who personally contacted the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ additionally tested , '' Belyakov added .
The spokesperson assured that informed President Vladimir Putin that he tested positive for coronavirus as soon as he received his test results .
`` As soon as the results came back , the head of government notified the president , '' he said .
According to Belyakov , the cabinet will continue working as usual while Mishustin recovers .
`` The government meeting on May 7 will take place as planned , '' he added .
Mishustin earlier told Putin that he had tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the medical advice he should self-isolate and follow doctors ’ orders .
Putin appointed First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov as acting prime minister while Mishustin is receiving treatment .

"Personal conversations with the prime minister was already restricted as much as possible a few weeks ago," he noted. "All meetings were held via video conferences or phone calls."
MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin limited his personal contacts as much as possible already a few weeks ago, however, those who recently came in close contact with him will be isolated and tested for coronavirus, spokesperson for the Russian government Boris Belyakov told reporters on Thursday.
"Those who personally contacted the head of government will also be isolated and additionally tested," Belyakov added.
The spokesperson assured that informed President Vladimir Putin that he tested positive for coronavirus as soon as he received his test results. "As soon as the results came back, the head of government notified the president," he said.
According to Belyakov, the cabinet will continue working as usual while Mishustin recovers. "The government meeting on May 7 will take place as planned," he added.
Mishustin earlier told Putin that he had tested positive for coronavirus. The prime minister underlined that in accordance with the medical advice he should self-isolate and follow doctors’ orders. Putin appointed First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov as acting prime minister while Mishustin is receiving treatment.


tass--2020-04-30--Mayor says Moscow has long way to go to win battle against coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has a long way to go to emerge victorious in the fight @ @ @ @ @ major challenges lie ahead , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told the Rossiya 24 TV channel @ @ @ @ @ I hear irresponsible statements that everything is fine here and that we will win within @ @ @ @ @ … > I believe we have covered a quarter of the path at the most @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .

MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Moscow has a long way to go to emerge victorious in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, major challenges lie ahead, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told the Rossiya 24 TV channel on Thursday.
"When I hear irresponsible statements that everything is fine here and that we will win within just a few days… <…> I believe we have covered a quarter of the path at the most. Major challenges lie ahead," he said.


tass--2020-04-30--China will hardly fulfill terms of trade deal with US due to pandemic, says expert

BEIJING , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
China will hardly be able to fulfill its obligations stipulated by the Sino-US deal on the first stage of the trade agreement due to the coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented force-majeure global circumstances , Chief Economist at the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges ( CCIEE ) Chen Wenling told TASS on Thursday .
`` I do not think that Beijing will be able to fully implement its own obligations on the trade deal with Washington amid major force-majeure circumstances , '' she said .
`` Nevertheless , China continues assuming efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House .
Even amid the current environment we are trying to boost imports of agriculture products and energy from the United States .
China has virtually started increasing purchases of US products in full , '' the economist added .
The State Council of the People ’ s Republic of China announced the lifting of part of trade restrictions on a wide list of US products in the first quarter of this year , Chen Wenling noted , adding though that `` Washington has never lifted the majority of increased duties on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical products . ''
Incredible as it may seem , it is the US that may hinder China ’ s fulfillment of its own obligations on increasing imports of American goods amid the current situation , she said .
`` For example , oil prices in the US fell to negative not long ago ( the issue is about the collapse of the price of futures contracts of North American WTI crude oil to negative - TASS ) .
Is Washington really going to insist on our boosting imports of American hydrocarbons in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay us for that ?
< … > As for agriculture products , the question arises whether the Americans are able to ensure their supplies in the volumes that China needs in the current situation ? ''
the economist emphasized .
US President Donald Trump and Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Liu He signed an agreement on the first phase of a deal to settle bilateral trade disputes on January 15 in Washington .
Particularly , Beijing agreed to increase purchases of US goods by $ 76.7 bln during the first year and by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the agreement .
The issue is about agriculture products and other US goods .
According to the official statistics , trade turnover between China and the US dropped by 20.1 % in January-March period of 2020 in annual terms to $ 95.7 bln .
China ’ s exports to the US fell by 25.2 % to $ 68.3 bln , while imports of American goods to the country slipped by 3.7 % to $ 27.4 bln .
Positive balance of the People ’ s Republic of China decreased by 34.6 % .

BEIJING, April 30. /TASS/. China will hardly be able to fulfill its obligations stipulated by the Sino-US deal on the first stage of the trade agreement due to the coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented force-majeure global circumstances, Chief Economist at the China Centre for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE) Chen Wenling told TASS on Thursday.
"I do not think that Beijing will be able to fully implement its own obligations on the trade deal with Washington amid major force-majeure circumstances," she said. "Nevertheless, China continues assuming efforts to ensure implementation of agreements made with the White House. Even amid the current environment we are trying to boost imports of agriculture products and energy from the United States. China has virtually started increasing purchases of US products in full," the economist added.
The State Council of the People’s Republic of China announced the lifting of part of trade restrictions on a wide list of US products in the first quarter of this year, Chen Wenling noted, adding though that "Washington has never lifted the majority of increased duties on Chinese goods, excluding 11 types of medical products."
Incredible as it may seem, it is the US that may hinder China’s fulfillment of its own obligations on increasing imports of American goods amid the current situation, she said. "For example, oil prices in the US fell to negative not long ago (the issue is about the collapse of the price of futures contracts of North American WTI crude oil to negative - TASS). Is Washington really going to insist on our boosting imports of American hydrocarbons in the current situation and even ready to pay us for that? <…> As for agriculture products, the question arises whether the Americans are able to ensure their supplies in the volumes that China needs in the current situation?" the economist emphasized.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese Deputy Prime Minister Liu He signed an agreement on the first phase of a deal to settle bilateral trade disputes on January 15 in Washington. Particularly, Beijing agreed to increase purchases of US goods by $76.7 bln during the first year and by $123.3 bln during the second year of the agreement. The issue is about agriculture products and other US goods.
According to the official statistics, trade turnover between China and the US dropped by 20.1% in January-March period of 2020 in annual terms to $95.7 bln. China’s exports to the US fell by 25.2% to $68.3 bln, while imports of American goods to the country slipped by 3.7% to $27.4 bln. Positive balance of the People’s Republic of China decreased by 34.6%.


tass--2020-04-30--Erdogan’s spokesman says Turkey will continue to deploy S-400 systems despite delay

He added that Ankara was also willing to purchase Patriot missiles from the United States .
`` There has been a delay because of the coronavirus but it will move forward as it was planned , '' he said at an online meeting hosted by the Atlantic Council .
ANKARA , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
The implementation of the S-400 deal has been delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak , Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Thursday .
US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus earlier said that Washington was `` deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operation . ''
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara .
The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12 , 2019 .
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia 's S-400 missile systems .
Washington has warned on numerous occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey , if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal .
On July 17 , 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House said in a written statement that Turkey ’ s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems rendered Ankara ’ s further participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible .
The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 30 km .

He added that Ankara was also willing to purchase Patriot missiles from the United States.
"There has been a delay because of the coronavirus but it will move forward as it was planned," he said at an online meeting hosted by the Atlantic Council.
ANKARA, April 30. /TASS/. The implementation of the S-400 deal has been delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak, Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Thursday.
US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus earlier said that Washington was "deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is continuing its efforts to bring the S-400 into operation."
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara. The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12, 2019.
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia's S-400 missile systems. Washington has warned on numerous occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey, if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal. On July 17, 2019, the press secretary of the US White House said in a written statement that Turkey’s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems rendered Ankara’s further participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-04-30--Russia’s First Deputy PM Belousov appointed acting PM

Earlier , Mishustin revealed that his coronavirus tests came back positive and proposed Belousov to deputize for him .
MOSCOW @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov as acting @ @ @ @ @ the news broke out that head of the cabinet Mikhail Mishustin contracted coronavirus , the @ @ @ @ @ `` To ensure continuous functioning of state bodies of power < … > I decree @ @ @ @ @ that Russian First Deputy Prime Minsiter Andrei Belousov fulfils the duties of Russian Prime Minsiter @ @ @ @ @ This executive order enters into force on the day of signing , '' the document @ @ @ @ @ told Putin that he had contracted coronavirus .
`` The government will continue working as @ @ @ @ @ be in active contact via phone and video calls on all key issues , '' @ @ @ @ @ well as soon as possible , '' Putin told him .

Earlier, Mishustin revealed that his coronavirus tests came back positive and proposed Belousov to deputize for him.
MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov as acting Prime Minister on Thursday after the news broke out that head of the cabinet Mikhail Mishustin contracted coronavirus, the Kremlin press service informed.
"To ensure continuous functioning of state bodies of power <…> I decree: 1. To establish that Russian First Deputy Prime Minsiter Andrei Belousov fulfils the duties of Russian Prime Minsiter Mikhail Mishustin. 2. This executive order enters into force on the day of signing," the document reads.
Earlier, Mishustin told Putin that he had contracted coronavirus. "The government will continue working as normal, I plan to be in active contact via phone and video calls on all key issues," he said.
"Get well as soon as possible," Putin told him.


tass--2020-04-30--During pandemic, NGO's will be able to receive support like business,says Putin

NOVO-OGAREVO , April 30 .
/ TASS / .
During the pandemic , socially oriented non-profit organizations ( NGOs ) @ @ @ @ @ on assistance similar to that received by small and medium enterprises ( SMEs ) , @ @ @ @ @ during an online meeting with volunteers on Thursday .
`` We will definitely consider [ @ @ @ @ @ I already asked the government to work it out .
There are certain proposals to @ @ @ @ @ the same way that we support small and medium-sized businesses , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ we need to think about the support of workers in social institutions where they work @ @ @ @ @ associated with the coronavirus pandemic .

NOVO-OGAREVO, April 30. / TASS /. During the pandemic, socially oriented non-profit organizations (NGOs) will be able to rely on assistance similar to that received by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), said Russian President Vladimir Putin during an online meeting with volunteers on Thursday.
"We will definitely consider [this issue], and I already asked the government to work it out. There are certain proposals to support socially oriented NGOs in the same way that we support small and medium-sized businesses," he said. President Putin added that "we need to think about the support of workers in social institutions where they work directly to overcome problems" associated with the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-04-30--Russian PM Mishustin says tested positive for coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has announced that he contracted coronavirus .
`` It has just been revealed that my coronavirus tests have come back positive , '' he said during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` In light of this and in accordance with Rospotrebnadzor ( Russia ’ s consumer watchdog - TASS ) requirements , I should self-isolate and follow doctors ’ orders . ''
Mishustin explained , `` it is necessary to safeguard colleagues . ''
`` The government will continue working as normal , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone with colleagues < … > on all key issues , '' he noted , adding that he will be constantly available for video calls with Putin .
He also assured the Russian leader that the government `` is taking and will continue to take all the necessary measures '' to fight the virus .
Moreover , the Russian head of cabinet proposed First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov should serve as acting prime minister while Mishustin himself recovers from the virus .
Mishustin also addressed the nation , urging them to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
`` In the current conditions , I would like to once more address all the citizens of our country to ask them to treat the coronavirus infection and its spread with utmost seriousness , '' he noted .
`` I am certain that we can together defeat this infection and return to normal life . ''
`` I ask you to remember that the date when our country can return to full-fledged life depends on the discipline and willpower of every one of us .
Look after yourself and your loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Putin signed executive order to appoint First Deputy Prime Minister Belousov as acting PM while Mishustin recovers from coronavirus .
The Russian leader has extended wishes of speedy recovery to the Russian Prime Minister .
`` I would like to wish you a speedy recovery , get well soon , '' Putin stressed .

MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has announced that he contracted coronavirus.
"It has just been revealed that my coronavirus tests have come back positive," he said during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "In light of this and in accordance with Rospotrebnadzor (Russia’s consumer watchdog - TASS) requirements, I should self-isolate and follow doctors’ orders."
Mishustin explained, "it is necessary to safeguard colleagues."
"The government will continue working as normal, I plan to be in active contact via phone with colleagues <…> on all key issues," he noted, adding that he will be constantly available for video calls with Putin. He also assured the Russian leader that the government "is taking and will continue to take all the necessary measures" to fight the virus.
Moreover, the Russian head of cabinet proposed First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov should serve as acting prime minister while Mishustin himself recovers from the virus.
Mishustin also addressed the nation, urging them to stay home to curb the spread of the virus. "In the current conditions, I would like to once more address all the citizens of our country to ask them to treat the coronavirus infection and its spread with utmost seriousness," he noted. "I am certain that we can together defeat this infection and return to normal life."
"I ask you to remember that the date when our country can return to full-fledged life depends on the discipline and willpower of every one of us. Look after yourself and your loved ones!" the prime minister concluded.
Putin signed executive order to appoint First Deputy Prime Minister Belousov as acting PM while Mishustin recovers from coronavirus.
The Russian leader has extended wishes of speedy recovery to the Russian Prime Minister. "I would like to wish you a speedy recovery, get well soon," Putin stressed.


tass--2020-04-30--Russia concerned over tensions on Turkish-Syrian border

MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is concerned over the tensions arising in the area of the Turkish-Syrian border under the control of Ankara , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary published on the ministry ’ s website on Thursday .
`` We are concerned over the periodical spikes in tensions in the area of the Syrian-Turkish border , currently under the control of Ankara , '' she pointed out .
On April 28 , a blast took place in Syria ’ s Afrin to the northeast of the Aleppo province , killing 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuring 47 .
Turkey blamed Kurdish forces for the attack .
`` We strongly condemn terrorist attacks that claim the lives of civilians .
In this regard , we would like to stress once again that there is no alternative to continuing the fight against terrorists in Syria , recognized as such by the UN Security Council , '' Zakharova said , commenting on the terrorist attack in Afrin .
The Russian diplomat stressed that this territory must return under the control of Damascus in the end .
`` We are confident that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area of the Syrian-Turkish border and in the country on the whole is only possible based on the recovery of its sovereignty , independence , unity and territorial integrity , '' she stressed .
The Syrian town of Afrin was occupied by the Turkish forces in March 2018 during a Turkish operation against the Kurdish forces in the region .

MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Russia is concerned over the tensions arising in the area of the Turkish-Syrian border under the control of Ankara, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a commentary published on the ministry’s website on Thursday.
"We are concerned over the periodical spikes in tensions in the area of the Syrian-Turkish border, currently under the control of Ankara," she pointed out.
On April 28, a blast took place in Syria’s Afrin to the northeast of the Aleppo province, killing 40 people, including 11 children, and injuring 47. Turkey blamed Kurdish forces for the attack.
"We strongly condemn terrorist attacks that claim the lives of civilians. In this regard, we would like to stress once again that there is no alternative to continuing the fight against terrorists in Syria, recognized as such by the UN Security Council," Zakharova said, commenting on the terrorist attack in Afrin.
The Russian diplomat stressed that this territory must return under the control of Damascus in the end. "We are confident that establishing lasting and longterm stability and security in the area of the Syrian-Turkish border and in the country on the whole is only possible based on the recovery of its sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity," she stressed.
The Syrian town of Afrin was occupied by the Turkish forces in March 2018 during a Turkish operation against the Kurdish forces in the region.


tass--2020-04-30--Russian icebreaker completes unique tasks during MOSAiC expedition to Arctic

ST. PETERSBURG , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
The Kapitan Dranitsyn icebreaker , which resupplied the MOSAiC international polar expedition , set two records in northern latitudes as a diesel-electric vessel , press service of the Russian marine ports authority , Rosmorport , said .
`` The Kapitan Dranistyn is the first ever diesel-electric icebreaker to get to the Arctic ’ s highest point - 88 degrees and 36 minutes northern latitude - in winter .
< … > Another record is the unique refueling at the latitude of 84 degrees and 46 minutes from another icebreaker - the Admiral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The previous record was set in 1934 when the Yermak soviet icebreaker delivered coal for three vessels to a point at 83 degrees 04 minutes northern latitude , the press service said .
On September 20 , 2019 , scientists from 17 countries , including Russia , on board Germany ’ s Polarstern research icebreaker departed from Norway ’ s Tromso .
The icebreaker has been frozen into ice .
By autumn 2020 , the Polarstern will get free from the ice in the Fram Strait .
The route repeats Fridtjof Nansen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1893-1896 .
The Kapitan Dranitsyn resupplied fuel and cargo and exchanged the expedition ’ s personnel .
Presently , the Russian icebreaker is in Murmansk , where it has observed an obligatory two-week ’ quarantine .
The MOSAiC ( Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate ) international expedition studies physical processes in the Central Arctic climate system .
The Polarstern has become an observatory for atmosphere , ice , snow , ocean , ecology and bio-geo-chemical measures and experiments .
In waters of the Northern Sea Route , Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are nuclear powered - Yamal , Taimyr , Vaigach ( 40MWt ) and 50 Let Pobedy ( 60MWt ) .
Another four are diesel-electric icebreakers - Admiral Makarov , Krasin , Kapitan Khlebnikov and Kapitan Dranistyn .

ST. PETERSBURG, April 30. /TASS/. The Kapitan Dranitsyn icebreaker, which resupplied the MOSAiC international polar expedition, set two records in northern latitudes as a diesel-electric vessel, press service of the Russian marine ports authority, Rosmorport, said.
"The Kapitan Dranistyn is the first ever diesel-electric icebreaker to get to the Arctic’s highest point - 88 degrees and 36 minutes northern latitude - in winter. <…> Another record is the unique refueling at the latitude of 84 degrees and 46 minutes from another icebreaker - the Admiral Makarov," the press service said.
The previous record was set in 1934 when the Yermak soviet icebreaker delivered coal for three vessels to a point at 83 degrees 04 minutes northern latitude, the press service said.
On September 20, 2019, scientists from 17 countries, including Russia, on board Germany’s Polarstern research icebreaker departed from Norway’s Tromso. The icebreaker has been frozen into ice. By autumn 2020, the Polarstern will get free from the ice in the Fram Strait. The route repeats Fridtjof Nansen’s drifting onboard the Fram vessel in 1893-1896.
The Kapitan Dranitsyn resupplied fuel and cargo and exchanged the expedition’s personnel. Presently, the Russian icebreaker is in Murmansk, where it has observed an obligatory two-week’ quarantine.
The MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) international expedition studies physical processes in the Central Arctic climate system. The Polarstern has become an observatory for atmosphere, ice, snow, ocean, ecology and bio-geo-chemical measures and experiments.
In waters of the Northern Sea Route, Russia has eight icebreakers. Four of them are nuclear powered - Yamal, Taimyr, Vaigach (40MWt) and 50 Let Pobedy (60MWt). Another four are diesel-electric icebreakers - Admiral Makarov, Krasin, Kapitan Khlebnikov and Kapitan Dranistyn.


tass--2020-04-30--Africa’s coronavirus cases top 36,000, reports WHO

PRETORIA , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Africa has reached 36,460 , with 1,850 new infections recorded in the last 24 hours , while 1,581 people died from the virus-related causes across the continent , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Thursday .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 5,350 ) and 103 deaths .
Algeria , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 444 ) and 3,848 infections .
Egypt reported 380 fatalities and 5,268 cases , while Morocco identified 4,289 cases and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 40 fatalities .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with 1,806 coronavirus infections and 59 fatalities , followed by Ghana ( 1,671 and 16 ) , Nigeria ( 1,532 and 44 ) , Guinea ( 1,351 and 7 ) and Ivory Coast ( 1,164 and 14 ) .
In recent coronavirus developments in Africa , a major US military base in Djibouti - Camp Lemonnier - has locked down after a second infection case was identified among the base personnel .
Djibouti currently has 1,077 infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, April 30. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Africa has reached 36,460, with 1,850 new infections recorded in the last 24 hours, while 1,581 people died from the virus-related causes across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Thursday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (5,350) and 103 deaths. Algeria, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (444) and 3,848 infections. Egypt reported 380 fatalities and 5,268 cases, while Morocco identified 4,289 cases and 167 deaths, and Tunisia registered 975 cases and 40 fatalities.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with 1,806 coronavirus infections and 59 fatalities, followed by Ghana (1,671 and 16), Nigeria (1,532 and 44), Guinea (1,351 and 7) and Ivory Coast (1,164 and 14).
In recent coronavirus developments in Africa, a major US military base in Djibouti - Camp Lemonnier - has locked down after a second infection case was identified among the base personnel. Djibouti currently has 1,077 infections and two deaths.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-30--Envoy assures Russia doing its utmost to solve media problems

VIENNA , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Respect for the rights of journalists is one of priorities for Russia , which is doing the best it can to resolve issues related to freedom of the press , Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said on Thursday at an online meeting of the organization ’ s Permanent Council in Vienna .
His speech was dedicated to World Press Freedom Day , which will be celebrated on May 3 .
`` Respecting the rights of journalists , ensuring free access to information as well as supporting independent and pluralistic media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top priorities .
There are problems related to freedom of the press and journalists ’ safety in almost all [ OSCE ] participating states .
We have them too .
We are doing our utmost to solve them , including holding those responsible accountable , '' Lukashevich said .
In order to ensure the inevitability of punishment , Russia closely monitors such offenses , interacts with specialized international organizations , in particular , the OSCE representative on freedom of the media .
World Press Freedom Day was established by UN General Assembly in @ @

VIENNA, April 30. /TASS/. Respect for the rights of journalists is one of priorities for Russia, which is doing the best it can to resolve issues related to freedom of the press, Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Alexander Lukashevich said on Thursday at an online meeting of the organization’s Permanent Council in Vienna. His speech was dedicated to World Press Freedom Day, which will be celebrated on May 3.
"Respecting the rights of journalists, ensuring free access to information as well as supporting independent and pluralistic media have always been among Russia’s top priorities. There are problems related to freedom of the press and journalists’ safety in almost all [OSCE] participating states. We have them too. We are doing our utmost to solve them, including holding those responsible accountable," Lukashevich said.
In order to ensure the inevitability of punishment, Russia closely monitors such offenses, interacts with specialized international organizations, in particular, the OSCE representative on freedom of the media.
World Press Freedom Day was established by UN General Assembly in 1993.


tass--2020-04-30--Putin notes importance of psychological support of citizens during COVID-19 pandemic

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the importance of psychological support of Russian nationals during the novel coronavirus pandemic .
`` When we are going through such difficult times as today , we need to focus on this once again , understand what we are lacking , support these specialists , '' the president said .
`` Society must understand once again how necessary this is . ''
Putin noted that psychological support in Russia had always been overlooked to a certain extent .
The president noted that on the outcomes of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public organizations and government structures would realize the importance of psychological aid and would pay more attention to it .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest statistics , over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 106,498 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 11,619 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,073 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the importance of psychological support of Russian nationals during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
"When we are going through such difficult times as today, we need to focus on this once again, understand what we are lacking, support these specialists," the president said. "Society must understand once again how necessary this is." Putin noted that psychological support in Russia had always been overlooked to a certain extent.
The president noted that on the outcomes of the current situation, the majority of citizens, public organizations and government structures would realize the importance of psychological aid and would pay more attention to it.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 106,498 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 11,619 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,073 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-30--Putin stresses importance of blood donations during COVID-19 pandemic

Putin noted that at some point in his life , he was shocked to hear that during the Siege of Leningrad , people still donated blood , which was then used to treat Russian soldiers .
`` I think that today , in our situation , this honorable activity is very much in demand , '' the president stated .
NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Blood donations are especially important during the novel coronavirus pandemic , Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed during a video conference with Russian volunteers on Thursday .
He has expressed support for the call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current difficult conditions .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 106,498 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 11,619 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 1,073 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

Putin noted that at some point in his life, he was shocked to hear that during the Siege of Leningrad, people still donated blood, which was then used to treat Russian soldiers. "I think that today, in our situation, this honorable activity is very much in demand," the president stated.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 30. /TASS/. Blood donations are especially important during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed during a video conference with Russian volunteers on Thursday. He has expressed support for the call to continue donating blood even in the current difficult conditions.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 106,498 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 11,619 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 1,073 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-30--Czech Republic reports 40% COVID-19 recoveries

PRAGUE , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of recoveries from COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus in the Czech Republic has increased to 3,120 or 40 % of the total number of cases identified in the country , Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtech told reporters on Thursday .
`` The number of recovered patients is growing , '' he noted .
`` The number of recoveries is taking up 40 % of the total number of coronavirus infections . ''
The minister stressed that the coronavirus outbreak is under control now in the country .
Doctors are underlining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear trend for decreasing new daily infections .
This result has been possible thanks to the strict lockdown measures imposed by the Czech government in mid-March .
Experts say that the total number of coronavirus cases in the Czech Republic will reach around 8,500 by late May , while the daily increase is expected to stabilize at 15 new infections .
On March 1 , the country reported its first case of the virus , and the total number of infections now stands at 7,581 .
In the last 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 227 people died from COVID-19 across the country , while 242,088 people were tested .
On March 12 , the Czech Republic entered a state of emergency expected to stay in place until May 25 .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRAGUE, April 30. /TASS/. The number of recoveries from COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus in the Czech Republic has increased to 3,120 or 40% of the total number of cases identified in the country, Czech Health Minister Adam Vojtech told reporters on Thursday.
"The number of recovered patients is growing," he noted. "The number of recoveries is taking up 40% of the total number of coronavirus infections."
The minister stressed that the coronavirus outbreak is under control now in the country. Doctors are underlining that it is waning now, with a clear trend for decreasing new daily infections. This result has been possible thanks to the strict lockdown measures imposed by the Czech government in mid-March.
Experts say that the total number of coronavirus cases in the Czech Republic will reach around 8,500 by late May, while the daily increase is expected to stabilize at 15 new infections.
On March 1, the country reported its first case of the virus, and the total number of infections now stands at 7,581. In the last 24 hours, 75 new cases were registered. Moreover, 227 people died from COVID-19 across the country, while 242,088 people were tested.
On March 12, the Czech Republic entered a state of emergency expected to stay in place until May 25.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-30--Portugal tops 25,000 coronavirus cases and nears 1,000 deaths

According to the agency , the number of fatalities rose by 16 in the past 24 hours to 989 .
Moreover , more than 1,500 people recovered from COVID-19 since the pandemic hit the country , with most recoveries reported from the northern parts of the country .
TASS , April 30 .
The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Potrugal has increased by 540 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 25,045 , the national healthcare agency said Thursday .
Portugal has imposed a state of emergency until May 2 to curb the spread of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister announced that the government had extended the shutdown of land border with Spain until May 15 as well as the air travel with Italy until May 6 .
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa is expected to present the government plan to gradually exit lockdown later today .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

According to the agency, the number of fatalities rose by 16 in the past 24 hours to 989. Moreover, more than 1,500 people recovered from COVID-19 since the pandemic hit the country, with most recoveries reported from the northern parts of the country.
TASS, April 30. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in Potrugal has increased by 540 in the past 24 hours to bring the total to 25,045, the national healthcare agency said Thursday.
Portugal has imposed a state of emergency until May 2 to curb the spread of coronavirus. On April 13, the interior minister announced that the government had extended the shutdown of land border with Spain until May 15 as well as the air travel with Italy until May 6.
Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa is expected to present the government plan to gradually exit lockdown later today.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-30--Sweden nears 2,600 coronavirus deaths

Sweden nears 2,600 coronavirus deaths

STOCKHOLM , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Sweden has increased from 20,302 to 21,092 @ @ @ @ @ ( 210 cases per 100,000 people ) , while the number of fatalities increased by @ @ @ @ @ , the national healthcare agency said .
There are 1,476 people in ICU in the @ @ @ @ @ them male patients .
The biggest number of infections ( 8,033 ) and deaths ( @ @ @ @ @ the capital region .
`` This is not the end .
Regarding coronavirus , we @ @ @ @ @ of the beginning .
There is a long way ahead .
We are hoping to @ @ @ @ @ picture in Stockholm , there is not a sharply increasing curve , '' head of @ @ @ @ @ Carlson told a press conference on Thursday .

STOCKHOLM, April 30. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Sweden has increased from 20,302 to 21,092 in the past 24 hours (210 cases per 100,000 people), while the number of fatalities increased by 124 on Thursday to 2,586, the national healthcare agency said.
There are 1,476 people in ICU in the country, with 1,103 of them male patients. The biggest number of infections (8,033) and deaths (1,406) are reported from the capital region.
"This is not the end. Regarding coronavirus, we might be in the end of the beginning. There is a long way ahead. We are hoping to see a slightly more positive picture in Stockholm, there is not a sharply increasing curve," head of the national healthcare agency Johan Carlson told a press conference on Thursday.


tass--2020-04-30--Kuwait’s coronavirus infections exceed 4,000

TASS , April 30 .
Kuwaiti doctors have identified 284 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours , Kuwait @ @ @ @ @ reported citing the national health ministry on Thursday .
The agency added that the total @ @ @ @ @ 4,024 in the country .
According to the ministry , two people died over the @ @ @ @ @ 150 patients recovered .
Since the outbreak erupted in Kuwait , 26 fatalities were recorded @ @ @ @ @ .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner @ @ @ @ @ March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According @ @ @ @ @ over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported @ @ @ @ @ far , over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

TASS, April 30. Kuwaiti doctors have identified 284 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, Kuwait’s KUNA news agency reported citing the national health ministry on Thursday.
The agency added that the total number of cases rose to 4,024 in the country.
According to the ministry, two people died over the last 24 hours, while 150 patients recovered. Since the outbreak erupted in Kuwait, 26 fatalities were recorded as well as 1,539 recoveries.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-30--Action plan for economic recovery to address new reality, says Putin

NOVO-OGAREVO , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
The government should take into consideration the new reality related to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ plan on economic recovery , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ when planning the long-term action strategy , '' the head of state said .
It @ @ @ @ @ into account changes on market and in cooperation ties , use new business models and @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We should not merely stabilize the situation .
We know the world is @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic influences on the key markets , on the system of cooperative @ @ @ @ @ Russian ones , are looking for and quickly implementing fundamentally new business models based on @ @ @ @ @ , '' the President added .

NOVO-OGAREVO, April 30. /TASS/. The government should take into consideration the new reality related to the coronavirus pandemic when drafting the action plan on economic recovery, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
"We must address the new reality when planning the long-term action strategy," the head of state said. It is also required to take into account changes on market and in cooperation ties, use new business models and scientific achievements, Putin added.
"We should not merely stabilize the situation. We know the world is changing. The crisis related to the coronavirus pandemic influences on the key markets, on the system of cooperative ties. Companies, including Russian ones, are looking for and quickly implementing fundamentally new business models based on digital and other advance solutions," the President added.


tass--2020-04-30--Germany to share archive information about Soviet POWs at TASS on May 6

MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Germany is about to hand over to Russia the first batch of digitized archive information about Soviet prisoners of war who had been kept at German camps during World War II .
The special ceremony will take place at the TASS head office in Moscow on May 6 , the German embassy said .
`` The handover of digitized copies of documents from Germany ’ s federal archive within the framework of the German-Russian project for searching for and digitizing archive materials concerning Soviet and German prisoners of war and interned persons dating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place in Moscow , '' the embassy said .
`` The ceremony will be held at the TASS press-center , with Germany ’ s ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr and Russia ’ s special presidential representative for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoi taking part .
Messages of greeting will be read out from Germany ’ s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov .
There will be a presentation of the `` German-Russian project for searching for and digitizing archive materials concerning Soviet and German prisoners of war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Germany will open to Russian specialists information about Soviet prisoners of war and forced laborers , which is kept at the federal archive in Koblenz .
The archive contains information about the plight of 500,000 Soviet citizens .
It is expected that taking part in the online conference will be the President of the German People 's Union for the Care of Military Graves , Wolfgang Schneiderhan , and the President of Germany ’ s Federal Archives , Michael Hollman .
At the TASS press-center Germany will be represented by German embassy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute in Moscow , and Russia , by the deputy chief of the Federal Archive Agency Andrei Yurasov , director of the Russian State Military Archive Vladimir Tarasov , president of ELAR corporation Sergei Balandyuk , the Russian Defense Minster ’ s aide Alexander Kirilin , and chief of the Defense Ministry ’ s Directorate for Commemorating Fallen Soldiers Pavel Sheludchenko .

MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Germany is about to hand over to Russia the first batch of digitized archive information about Soviet prisoners of war who had been kept at German camps during World War II. The special ceremony will take place at the TASS head office in Moscow on May 6, the German embassy said.
"The handover of digitized copies of documents from Germany’s federal archive within the framework of the German-Russian project for searching for and digitizing archive materials concerning Soviet and German prisoners of war and interned persons dating back to World War II will take place in Moscow," the embassy said. "The ceremony will be held at the TASS press-center, with Germany’s ambassador to Russia Geza Andreas von Geyr and Russia’s special presidential representative for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoi taking part.
Messages of greeting will be read out from Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. There will be a presentation of the "German-Russian project for searching for and digitizing archive materials concerning Soviet and German prisoners of war and its humanitarian and political significance."
Germany will open to Russian specialists information about Soviet prisoners of war and forced laborers, which is kept at the federal archive in Koblenz. The archive contains information about the plight of 500,000 Soviet citizens.
It is expected that taking part in the online conference will be the President of the German People's Union for the Care of Military Graves, Wolfgang Schneiderhan, and the President of Germany’s Federal Archives, Michael Hollman.
At the TASS press-center Germany will be represented by German embassy officials and staffers of the German Historical Institute in Moscow, and Russia, by the deputy chief of the Federal Archive Agency Andrei Yurasov, director of the Russian State Military Archive Vladimir Tarasov, president of ELAR corporation Sergei Balandyuk, the Russian Defense Minster’s aide Alexander Kirilin, and chief of the Defense Ministry’s Directorate for Commemorating Fallen Soldiers Pavel Sheludchenko.


tass--2020-04-30--Russians to watch live air show of aerobatic groups near Moscow on Victory Day

ST. PETERSBURG , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Aerobatic groups of Russia ’ s Aerospace Force will hold an air show over the Kubinka airfield near Moscow on May 9 that will be broadcast by central Russian television channels , Deputy Commander of the Western Military District for Military-Political Work Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko said on Thursday .
`` I would like to invite all to watch the air show over the Kubinka airfield from 15:30 to 16:30 Moscow time on May 9 on central television channels .
This will be a fascinating show by four aerobatic groups of our Aerospace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference hosted by the TASS information center in St. Petersburg .
All the festive events planned by the Western Military District will necessarily take place but some of them will be postponed to later dates due to the coronavirus pandemic , the general said .
Western Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Zhuravlyov earlier said that military aircraft will fly over 12 cities where the District ’ s forces are stationed to celebrate Victory Day on May 9 .
Also , the artillery salute will be held in Moscow , St. Petersburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the evening of May 9 , the commander said .
Russia to hold airborne Victory Day parade on May 9 The air parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War will take place in Russia on May 9 and fireworks will be held in Russian cities , Russia ’ s President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday .
`` We will also celebrate our sacred holiday - Victory Day while complying with the safety requirements and the self-isolation regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the whole of the country will do it , '' the head of state said , addressing Russian citizens .
As the Russian president stressed , `` on May 9 , aircraft will fly in a parade formation in the sky of Russia - modern combat planes and helicopters , paying tribute to heroes and traditional festive fireworks will necessarily be held in the centers of cities in the evening . ''
`` This day , its spiritual strength is in our hearts forever , '' the Russian leader stressed .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Patriotic War , all those who are already not with us and , of course , we will congratulate our war veterans .
Even if we won ’ t be able to hug them , we will find a possibility to tell them the warmest words , '' Putin said .
Russia will hold the military parade on Moscow ’ s Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the Victory when the threat of the coronavirus spread is over , Putin said .
`` All that we planned in honor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessarily take place .
We will hold both the main parade on Red Square and the Immortal Regiment march , '' the head of state said .
As the Russian president stressed , `` We will worthily celebrate the jubilee date of the Victory when there is the confidence that the situation is fully safe and , first of all , twice as safe for our war veterans , '' the Russian president stressed .

ST. PETERSBURG, April 30. /TASS/. Aerobatic groups of Russia’s Aerospace Force will hold an air show over the Kubinka airfield near Moscow on May 9 that will be broadcast by central Russian television channels, Deputy Commander of the Western Military District for Military-Political Work Major-General Yuri Yevtushenko said on Thursday.
"I would like to invite all to watch the air show over the Kubinka airfield from 15:30 to 16:30 Moscow time on May 9 on central television channels. This will be a fascinating show by four aerobatic groups of our Aerospace Force, the general said at a press conference hosted by the TASS information center in St. Petersburg.
All the festive events planned by the Western Military District will necessarily take place but some of them will be postponed to later dates due to the coronavirus pandemic, the general said.
Western Military District Commander Colonel-General Alexander Zhuravlyov earlier said that military aircraft will fly over 12 cities where the District’s forces are stationed to celebrate Victory Day on May 9. Also, the artillery salute will be held in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Voronezh, Kaliningrad, Tula and Smolensk in the evening of May 9, the commander said.
Russia to hold airborne Victory Day parade on May 9
The air parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War will take place in Russia on May 9 and fireworks will be held in Russian cities, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.
"We will also celebrate our sacred holiday - Victory Day while complying with the safety requirements and the self-isolation regime. Despite everything, we all together and the whole of the country will do it," the head of state said, addressing Russian citizens.
As the Russian president stressed, "on May 9, aircraft will fly in a parade formation in the sky of Russia - modern combat planes and helicopters, paying tribute to heroes and traditional festive fireworks will necessarily be held in the centers of cities in the evening."
"This day, its spiritual strength is in our hearts forever," the Russian leader stressed.
"We will commemorate our soldiers of the Great Patriotic War, all those who are already not with us and, of course, we will congratulate our war veterans. Even if we won’t be able to hug them, we will find a possibility to tell them the warmest words," Putin said.
Russia will hold the military parade on Moscow’s Red Square to mark the 75th anniversary of the Victory when the threat of the coronavirus spread is over, Putin said.
"All that we planned in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Victory will necessarily take place. We will hold both the main parade on Red Square and the Immortal Regiment march," the head of state said.
As the Russian president stressed, "We will worthily celebrate the jubilee date of the Victory when there is the confidence that the situation is fully safe and, first of all, twice as safe for our war veterans," the Russian president stressed.


tass--2020-04-30--Saudi Arabia’s coronavirus cases top 22,700

TASS , April 30 .
Saudi Arabian doctors has identified 1,351 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours , the national health ministry said via Twitter on Tuesday , adding that the total number of infections , therefore , has increased to 22,753 .
The national data shows that five people died in a single day , while 210 patients recovered .
Overall , 162 coronavirus-related fatalities were recorded , the number of recoveries stands at 3,163 .
Saudi Arabia remains the most affected Arab nation with the biggest number of infections .
In late December 2019 , Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @

TASS, April 30. Saudi Arabian doctors has identified 1,351 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, the national health ministry said via Twitter on Tuesday, adding that the total number of infections, therefore, has increased to 22,753.
The national data shows that five people died in a single day, while 210 patients recovered. Overall, 162 coronavirus-related fatalities were recorded, the number of recoveries stands at 3,163. Saudi Arabia remains the most affected Arab nation with the biggest number of infections.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 3,200,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 228,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,000,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-30--This week in photos: Lukashenko and his dog, VP pops out with no mask, and rooftop tennis

Gravediggers work in a collective burial in the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery in the city of Manaus , Brazil , April 28 .
The number of burials per day in the capital of Amazonas does not drop below 120 people due to the COVID-19 pandemic , which has led the local government to order the opening of mass graves © EPA-EFE/RAPHAEL ALVES Pranav Manadhar , aged 13 , Nepal ’ s U-14 junior national tennis player , playing tennis with his father at the rooftop of his home in Kathmandu , Nepal , April 28 © EPA-EFE/NARENDRA SHRESTHA US Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayo Clinic workers after his visit , where he toured the facilities supporting COVID-19 research and treatment in Rochester , USA , April 28 © AP Photo/Jim Mone Singers of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army Southern Military District performing outside a block of flats to cheer up people who have to stay at home due to lockdown measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic , Rostov-on-Don , Russia , April 25 .
The open-air concert is part of a series of concerts , which the military musicians plan to perform in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the forthcoming 75th anniversary of Soviet Victory in the Great Patriotic War © Valery Matytsin/TASS A girl infected with the novel coronavirus is seen in an infectious diseases center opened at a high-tech surgery unit of the National Medical Research Center for Children 's Health of the Russian Healthcare Ministry , Moscow , Russia , April 26 © Valery Sharifulin/TASS A health worker wearing a protective suit is disinfected inside a portable tent outisee the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center during an enhanced community quarantine to prevent the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 © AP Photo/Aaron Favila Handmade face masks are fixed to dry at the window of an apartment in les Lilas near Paris , France , April 27 © EPA-EFE/YOAN VALAT Inmates are lined up during a security operation under the watch of police at the Izalco prison in San Salvador , El Salvador , April 25 .
Authorities crammed the prisoners , albeit wearing masks , tightly together in prison yards while searching their cells .
President Nayib Bukele ordered the crackdown after more than 20 people were murdered in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imprisoned gang leaders © El Salvador President Press Office via AP Workers at a construction site during the installation of a tunnelling shield to enable excavation of the left tunnel for a technical stretch of a railroad track at Vystavochnaya Station of the Moscow Metro , Moscow , Russia , April 29 © Vladimir Gerdo/TASS Residents from the Alexandra township in Johannesburg gathering in a stadium to be tested for COVID-19 , Johannesburg , South Africa , April 29 .
South Africa will begin a phased easing of its strict lockdown measures on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus continue to increase © AP Photo/Jerome Delay , File

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko is seen planting young trees in Pripyatsky National Park in southern Belarus during the nationwide spring community work day (subbotnik), Belarus, April 25 © Maxim Guchek/BELTA/TASS
Gravediggers work in a collective burial in the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery in the city of Manaus, Brazil, April 28. The number of burials per day in the capital of Amazonas does not drop below 120 people due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led the local government to order the opening of mass graves © EPA-EFE/RAPHAEL ALVES
A patient at an intensive care unit of the COVID-19 treatment facility at Moscow City Clinical Hospital No.64, Moscow, Russia, April 28 © Valery Sharifulin/TASS
Pranav Manadhar, aged 13, Nepal’s U-14 junior national tennis player, playing tennis with his father at the rooftop of his home in Kathmandu, Nepal, April 28 © EPA-EFE/NARENDRA SHRESTHA
US Vice President Mike Pence giving a thumbs-up to Mayo Clinic workers after his visit, where he toured the facilities supporting COVID-19 research and treatment in Rochester, USA, April 28 © AP Photo/Jim Mone
Singers of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army Southern Military District performing outside a block of flats to cheer up people who have to stay at home due to lockdown measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Rostov-on-Don, Russia, April 25. The open-air concert is part of a series of concerts, which the military musicians plan to perform in various residential areas of the city ahead of the forthcoming 75th anniversary of Soviet Victory in the Great Patriotic War © Valery Matytsin/TASS
A girl infected with the novel coronavirus is seen in an infectious diseases center opened at a high-tech surgery unit of the National Medical Research Center for Children's Health of the Russian Healthcare Ministry, Moscow, Russia, April 26 © Valery Sharifulin/TASS
An employee cleaning the Gold Star on top of the Leningrad Hero City Obelisk in Vosstaniya Square, Saint Petersburg, Russia, April 28 © Peter Kovalev/TASS
A health worker wearing a protective suit is disinfected inside a portable tent outisee the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center during an enhanced community quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Manila, Philippines, April 27 © AP Photo/Aaron Favila
Handmade face masks are fixed to dry at the window of an apartment in les Lilas near Paris, France, April 27 © EPA-EFE/YOAN VALAT
Inmates are lined up during a security operation under the watch of police at the Izalco prison in San Salvador, El Salvador, April 25. Authorities crammed the prisoners, albeit wearing masks, tightly together in prison yards while searching their cells. President Nayib Bukele ordered the crackdown after more than 20 people were murdered in the country and intelligence suggested the orders came from imprisoned gang leaders © El Salvador President Press Office via AP
Workers at a construction site during the installation of a tunnelling shield to enable excavation of the left tunnel for a technical stretch of a railroad track at Vystavochnaya Station of the Moscow Metro, Moscow, Russia, April 29 © Vladimir Gerdo/TASS


tass--2020-04-30--Lavrov emphasizes need to ensure special status of Donbass

MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has reiterated that ensuring the special status of Donbass as part of @ @ @ @ @ the conflict , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters following a video conference of @ @ @ @ @ Normandy Four group ( Russia , France , Germany and Ukraine ) .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ the key provisions of the Minsk Agreements concerns ensuring the special status of Donbass as @ @ @ @ @ is the goal and basis of efforts to resolve the conflict , '' Lavrov said @

MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Moscow has reiterated that ensuring the special status of Donbass as part of Ukraine is crucial for resolving the conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters following a video conference of the top diplomats of the Normandy Four group (Russia, France, Germany and Ukraine).
"We pointed out that one of the key provisions of the Minsk Agreements concerns ensuring the special status of Donbass as part of Ukraine. This is the goal and basis of efforts to resolve the conflict," Lavrov said.


tass--2020-04-30--Normandy Four says more efforts on prisoners exchange needed, says German Foreign Minister

BERLIN , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Normandy Four video conference participants ( Russia , Ukraine , France , Germany @ @ @ @ @ exchange of prisoners [ between Kiev and self-proclaimed republics of Donbass ] must be continued @ @ @ @ @ Maas said following the group ’ s video conference Thursday .
`` We talked about @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that the recent progress in this direction is encouraging .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ that further efforts in this context are needed , '' the Minister added .
According @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic must become a call to work on resolution of the conflict even @ @

BERLIN, April 30. /TASS/. Normandy Four video conference participants (Russia, Ukraine, France, Germany) believe that efforts on exchange of prisoners [between Kiev and self-proclaimed republics of Donbass] must be continued, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said following the group’s video conference Thursday.
"We talked about prisoner exchange," Maas said, adding that the recent progress in this direction is encouraging.
"We were unanimous in our opinion that further efforts in this context are needed," the Minister added.
According to the top diplomat, the coronavirus pandemic must become a call to work on resolution of the conflict even faster.


tass--2020-04-30--Only one out of Normandy Four Paris summit’s decisions implemented so far — Lavrov

The Paris Normandy Four summit took place on December 9 , 2019 .
The next meeting of leaders of the four states was supposed to take place in April 2020 .
`` We stated that , out of nine points of the Paris summit , only one was implemented , and even that one - only partially , '' the foreign minister said , adding that he means the exchange of people in custody .
MOSCOW , April 30 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign Ministers of the Normandy Four ( Russia , Ukraine , France , Germany ) confirmed implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Paris summit , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists Thursday , following a Normandy Four video conference .
`` Today , we spoke about preparations for another prisoner swap .
The process of hammering out a sequence of steps is underway , because , as you know , the Minsk agreements provide for all for all exchanges .
However , in practical terms it turned out that it is necessary to identify everyone first before exchanging all , '' he noted .
A total of 230 people were exchanged during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lugansk , in December and April , the minister reminded .
The Paris Normandy Four summit took place on December 9 , 2019 .
The next meeting of leaders of the four states was supposed to take place in April 2020 .
Moscow has reiterated that ensuring the special status of Donbass as part of Ukraine is crucial for resolving the conflict .
`` We pointed out that one of the key provisions of the Minsk Agreements concerns ensuring the special status of Donbass as part of Ukraine .
This is the goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict , '' Lavrov said .
According to the Russian top diplomat , progress on this track would create conditions for progress in other areas , including security , social , economic and humanitarian issues .
`` Unfortunately , there is nothing to boast about .
The Kiev authorities are reluctant to build direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk , though the parties need to hold direct dialogue to agree on all legal aspects concerning permanent special status , '' Lavrov emphasized .
He added that there had been no progress in efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorporating the Steinmeier Formula into Ukrainian legislation .
`` I would like to point out that the Steinmeier Formula establishes a link between plans to hold elections and the provision of special status to Donbass , '' Lavrov noted .
He said that Russia had once again called on other Normandy Four countries `` to press the Contact Group to implement this decision , which was made at the Paris summit . ''
Donetsk and Lugansk are facing politicized accusations over the new entry rules they introduced in order to prevent the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We took note of the fact that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ’ s reports contain strong criticism of the DPR and LPR [ the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics - TASS ] .
We were asked to react to the situation and their move to change the rules for crossing the line of contact for the OSCE SMM members , '' Lavrov said .
`` These rules are simple and differ little from those introduced by the Ukrainian authorities , '' he added .

The Paris Normandy Four summit took place on December 9, 2019. The next meeting of leaders of the four states was supposed to take place in April 2020.
"We stated that, out of nine points of the Paris summit, only one was implemented, and even that one - only partially," the foreign minister said, adding that he means the exchange of people in custody.
MOSCOW, April 30. /TASS/. Foreign Ministers of the Normandy Four (Russia, Ukraine, France, Germany) confirmed implementation of only one decision out of nine adopted during the Paris summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists Thursday, following a Normandy Four video conference.
"Today, we spoke about preparations for another prisoner swap. The process of hammering out a sequence of steps is underway, because, as you know, the Minsk agreements provide for all for all exchanges. However, in practical terms it turned out that it is necessary to identify everyone first before exchanging all," he noted.
A total of 230 people were exchanged during two exchanges between Kiev and Donetsk and Lugansk, in December and April, the minister reminded.
The Paris Normandy Four summit took place on December 9, 2019. The next meeting of leaders of the four states was supposed to take place in April 2020.
Special status of Donbass
Moscow has reiterated that ensuring the special status of Donbass as part of Ukraine is crucial for resolving the conflict.
"We pointed out that one of the key provisions of the Minsk Agreements concerns ensuring the special status of Donbass as part of Ukraine. This is the goal and basis of efforts to resolve the conflict," Lavrov said.
According to the Russian top diplomat, progress on this track would create conditions for progress in other areas, including security, social, economic and humanitarian issues.
"Unfortunately, there is nothing to boast about. The Kiev authorities are reluctant to build direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk, though the parties need to hold direct dialogue to agree on all legal aspects concerning permanent special status," Lavrov emphasized.
He added that there had been no progress in efforts to make specific decisions in relation to incorporating the Steinmeier Formula into Ukrainian legislation. "I would like to point out that the Steinmeier Formula establishes a link between plans to hold elections and the provision of special status to Donbass," Lavrov noted. He said that Russia had once again called on other Normandy Four countries "to press the Contact Group to implement this decision, which was made at the Paris summit."
'Politicized accusations'
Donetsk and Lugansk are facing politicized accusations over the new entry rules they introduced in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, Lavrov said.
"We took note of the fact that the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission’s reports contain strong criticism of the DPR and LPR [the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics - TASS]. We were asked to react to the situation and their move to change the rules for crossing the line of contact for the OSCE SMM members," Lavrov said. "These rules are simple and differ little from those introduced by the Ukrainian authorities," he added.