tass--2020-02-28--Russia’s government temporarily restricts entry of Iranian citizens into country

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government has decided to temporarily restrict entry of Iranian citizens into the country from February 28 due to an outbreak of coronavirus , according to a report on the government ’ s website .
`` In order to ensure state security , protect public health , and prevent the spread of a new coronavirus infection ( 2019-nCoV ) on the territory of the Russian Federation , from 00:00 on February 28 , 2020 , Moscow time , the Russian Federal Security Service temporarily suspends passage of citizens of the Islamic Republic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their entry into the territory of the Russian Federation for studying and employment , as well as for private , tourist and transit purposes , '' the report reads .
According to the decree , the Russian Foreign Ministry must temporarily suspend processing and issuance of visas to Iranian citizens .
The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs halts registration and issuance of work permits to Iranian citizens outside of Russia , as well as invitations for studying and employment .
By another decree , the government adopted a temporary restriction for entry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checkpoints at the Russian state border starting on February 28 .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 55 countries and territories , including Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
According to latest reports , the death toll climbed to 2,859 in China , while the number of confirmed cases surpassed 83,380 , and over 36,620 people recovered .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The Russian government has decided to temporarily restrict entry of Iranian citizens into the country from February 28 due to an outbreak of coronavirus, according to a report on the government’s website.
"In order to ensure state security, protect public health, and prevent the spread of a new coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) on the territory of the Russian Federation, from 00:00 on February 28, 2020, Moscow time, the Russian Federal Security Service temporarily suspends passage of citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran across the Russian state border, their entry into the territory of the Russian Federation for studying and employment, as well as for private, tourist and transit purposes," the report reads.
According to the decree, the Russian Foreign Ministry must temporarily suspend processing and issuance of visas to Iranian citizens. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs halts registration and issuance of work permits to Iranian citizens outside of Russia, as well as invitations for studying and employment.
By another decree, the government adopted a temporary restriction for entry of foreign citizens from Iran through air checkpoints at the Russian state border starting on February 28.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 55 countries and territories, including Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. According to latest reports, the death toll climbed to 2,859 in China, while the number of confirmed cases surpassed 83,380, and over 36,620 people recovered.


tass--2020-02-28--Turkish troops shelled by Syrian forces were among militants — Russian top brass

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Turkish military who came under fire from Syrian troops on February 27 were among the advancing militants , the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters .
`` Turkish military who were in the terrorist units ’ battle formations came under Syrian troops ’ fire near the inhabited community of Behun on February 27 , '' the ministry said .
According to the ministry , militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terror group ( one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra , outlawed in Russia ) made an attempt to launch a large-scale offensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On February 27 , 2020 , the units of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terror group operating in the Idlib de-escalation zone made an attempt to conduct a large-scale offensive operation on the positions of Syrian government troops , '' the ministry informed .
It stressed that the Russian Reconciliation Center in Syria had requested information on the exact locations of all units of the Turkish armed forces deployed close to the areas of terrorists ’ military operations .
According to the information provided by Ankara , there were no Turkish troops in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Russian Reconciliation Center has stayed in touch with Turkey ’ s coordination center in Idlib in order to rule out any security threats to Turkish observation posts and units deployed in the Idlib de-escalation zone caused by the Syrian army ’ s reprisal fire .
As for the Russian Aerospace Forces , they did not carry out airstrikes in the area close to Behun where Turkish servicemen had been killed , the Russian top brass stated .
`` Aircraft of Russia ’ s Aerospace Forces were not used near the inhabited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads .
According to the Defense Ministry , `` immediately after receiving information about the injured Turkish troops , Russia took comprehensive measures to ensure full cessation of hostilities by Syrian forces . ''
The evacuation of the Turkish servicemen who had been killed or wounded to Turkey was ensured as well .
Governor of Turkey ’ s Hatay province bordering Syria Rahmi Dogan earlier reported that Turkish troops had come under fire in Syria ’ s idlib Governorate , with at least 33 soldiers killed .
According to Omer Celik , spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan , after that incident Ankara will view Syrian troops as enemy targets .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The Turkish military who came under fire from Syrian troops on February 27 were among the advancing militants, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters.
"Turkish military who were in the terrorist units’ battle formations came under Syrian troops’ fire near the inhabited community of Behun on February 27," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terror group (one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra, outlawed in Russia) made an attempt to launch a large-scale offensive in Syria’s Idlib.
"On February 27, 2020, the units of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham terror group operating in the Idlib de-escalation zone made an attempt to conduct a large-scale offensive operation on the positions of Syrian government troops," the ministry informed.
It stressed that the Russian Reconciliation Center in Syria had requested information on the exact locations of all units of the Turkish armed forces deployed close to the areas of terrorists’ military operations. According to the information provided by Ankara, there were no Turkish troops in the Behun area, the Defense Ministry stressed.
The Russian Reconciliation Center has stayed in touch with Turkey’s coordination center in Idlib in order to rule out any security threats to Turkish observation posts and units deployed in the Idlib de-escalation zone caused by the Syrian army’s reprisal fire.
Air strikes by Russia
As for the Russian Aerospace Forces, they did not carry out airstrikes in the area close to Behun where Turkish servicemen had been killed, the Russian top brass stated. "Aircraft of Russia’s Aerospace Forces were not used near the inhabited community of Behun," the statement reads.
According to the Defense Ministry, "immediately after receiving information about the injured Turkish troops, Russia took comprehensive measures to ensure full cessation of hostilities by Syrian forces." The evacuation of the Turkish servicemen who had been killed or wounded to Turkey was ensured as well.
Governor of Turkey’s Hatay province bordering Syria Rahmi Dogan earlier reported that Turkish troops had come under fire in Syria’s idlib Governorate, with at least 33 soldiers killed. According to Omer Celik, spokesman for the Justice and Development Party led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, after that incident Ankara will view Syrian troops as enemy targets.


tass--2020-02-28--Turkey now recognizes Syrian government forces as "hostile targets" — official

`` All elements of the Syrian regime have now become targets .
Turkey now recognizes all Assad regime elements as hostile targets , '' Celik was quoted by the Sabah newspaper as saying .
ANKARA , Feburary 28 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey will now recognize all elements of the Syrian government forces as hostile targets , spokesman for Turkey 's ruling Justice and Development Party ( AK Party ) Omer Celik said .
He added that Turkey 's migration policy remains unchanged but Ankara will no longer contain the flow of Syrian refugees to Europe .
The situation in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara was ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib was needed .
Erdogan added that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations had been made .
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up there , and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Gouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there .

"All elements of the Syrian regime have now become targets. Turkey now recognizes all Assad regime elements as hostile targets," Celik was quoted by the Sabah newspaper as saying.
ANKARA, Feburary 28. /TASS/. Turkey will now recognize all elements of the Syrian government forces as hostile targets, spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Omer Celik said.
He added that Turkey's migration policy remains unchanged but Ankara will no longer contain the flow of Syrian refugees to Europe.
The situation in Idlib escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara was ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib was needed. Erdogan added that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations had been made.
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups. In 2017, a northern de-escalation zone was set up there, and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Gouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there.


tass--2020-02-28--Risen Energy has become one of the top popular PV module suppliers in the Brazilian market

NINGBO , China , Feb. 28 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Greener , a leading Brazilian research agency , recently released the Strategic Market Research Report on Photovoltaic Power Generation in 2019 , which was conducted by a total of 884 system integrators between December 19 , 2019 and January 27 , 2020 .
According to the report , Brazil 's solar modules mainly rely on imports in 2019 , with import volume reaching 4.14GW , up 120.3 percent from 1.88GW in 2018 .
According to the data , in 2019 , Risen Energy has become one of the top three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shipments of Risen Energy in the Brazilian market is about 500MW .
In addition , Risen Energy adheres to the global development strategy and continues to expand the scale of overseas markets , making remarkable achievements in many countries and regions .
According to the 2019 module export data released by consultative machinery Zhixinzixun , the export volume of Risen Energy 's modules in 2019 is about 5.53GW .
In the Indian market , Risen Energy has successfully ranked among the top three in India 's 2019 module shipments .
`` Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential and is one of our strategic locations overseas .
In 2020 , we will adhere to the implementation of the localization strategy , further expand the Brazilian market to achieve the company 's target of 1GW of shipments in the Brazilian market .
We will also strive to continue to provide Brazilian customers with high-quality module products and quality services , '' said Bob Hao , who is responsible for sales in Brazilian market in Risen Energy .

NINGBO, China, Feb. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Greener, a leading Brazilian research agency, recently released the Strategic Market Research Report on Photovoltaic Power Generation in 2019, which was conducted by a total of 884 system integrators between December 19, 2019 and January 27, 2020.
According to the report, Brazil's solar modules mainly rely on imports in 2019, with import volume reaching 4.14GW, up 120.3 percent from 1.88GW in 2018. According to the data, in 2019, Risen Energy has become one of the top three most popular brands in Brazil, and the shipments of Risen Energy in the Brazilian market is about 500MW.
In addition, Risen Energy adheres to the global development strategy and continues to expand the scale of overseas markets, making remarkable achievements in many countries and regions. According to the 2019 module export data released by consultative machinery Zhixinzixun, the export volume of Risen Energy's modules in 2019 is about 5.53GW. In the Indian market, Risen Energy has successfully ranked among the top three in India's 2019 module shipments.
"Brazil is an emerging market with great growth potential and is one of our strategic locations overseas. In 2020, we will adhere to the implementation of the localization strategy, further expand the Brazilian market to achieve the company's target of 1GW of shipments in the Brazilian market. We will also strive to continue to provide Brazilian customers with high-quality module products and quality services," said Bob Hao, who is responsible for sales in Brazilian market in Risen Energy.
CONTACT: Tina Feng, +86-574-59953077


tass--2020-02-28--Lithuania, New Zealand, Belarus confirm first novel coronavirus cases

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Lithuania ’ s Ministry of Health has reported the first novel coronavirus case in the country .
A statement to this effect was posted on the ministry ’ s website on Friday .
According to the ministry , a woman who returned from Verona , Italy , on February 24 , has tested positive for the virus .
She is currently in hospital in Siauliai .
The patient has no fever or any pronounced symptoms of the disease .
New Zealand ’ s Ministry of Health has also reported the first novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person [ diagnosed with the novel coronavirus ] arrived in Auckland on 26 February , '' The New Zealand Herald quotes a spokesman for the Ministry of Health as saying .
The paper noted that the aforementioned person had arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday on Emirates flight EK450 from Tehran via Bali .
The Belarusian Ministry of Health has registered the first novel coronavirus case in the country too .
According to the ministry , an Iranian citizen has tested positive .
`` The first imported coronavirus case has been recorded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student from Iran has tested positive for the 2019-nCoV coronavirus during tests conducted at the Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology on February 27 , '' the ministry posted a statement on its website .
The Iranian student arrived in Belarus from Baku on February 22 .
`` The patient and the persons who had contacts with him have been placed in isolation wards in the Minsk Hospital of Infectious Diseases .
The young man ’ s condition is satisfactory , '' the Ministry of Health added .
The outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis , in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Apart from China , 55 other countries and territories , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the authorities , the number of people infected with the new coronavirus in China has passed 83,380 .
Of these , 2,858 were fatalities , while more than 36,581 patients recovered .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Lithuania’s Ministry of Health has reported the first novel coronavirus case in the country. A statement to this effect was posted on the ministry’s website on Friday.
According to the ministry, a woman who returned from Verona, Italy, on February 24, has tested positive for the virus. She is currently in hospital in Siauliai. The patient has no fever or any pronounced symptoms of the disease.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has also reported the first novel coronavirus case in the country.
"The person [diagnosed with the novel coronavirus] arrived in Auckland on 26 February," The New Zealand Herald quotes a spokesman for the Ministry of Health as saying.
The paper noted that the aforementioned person had arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday on Emirates flight EK450 from Tehran via Bali.
The Belarusian Ministry of Health has registered the first novel coronavirus case in the country too.
According to the ministry, an Iranian citizen has tested positive.
"The first imported coronavirus case has been recorded in Belarus. We inform you that a student from Iran has tested positive for the 2019-nCoV coronavirus during tests conducted at the Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology on February 27," the ministry posted a statement on its website.
The Iranian student arrived in Belarus from Baku on February 22. "The patient and the persons who had contacts with him have been placed in isolation wards in the Minsk Hospital of Infectious Diseases. The young man’s condition is satisfactory," the Ministry of Health added.
The outbreak of the now-infamous novel coronavirus pneumonia was recorded in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis, in late December 2019. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Apart from China, 55 other countries and territories, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
According to the authorities, over 78,800 people have been infected with the virus in China. The death toll has reached 2,788, while over 36,100 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-02-28--Number of coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeds 2,000 — ministry

Three Russian airlines to continue charter flights to South Korea only to get people home MOSCOW , Feburary 28 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus has climbed to 2,022 in South Korea , and the death toll reached 13 , South Korea 's Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Friday .
Most coronavirus cases were confirmed in the city of Daegu ( 1,314 ) and in the neighboring province of Gyeongsangbuk-do ( 394 ) .
Sixty-two cases were registered in Seoul , and 63 cases were reported in the second-largest city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in South Korea has been rapidly growing .
On February 23 , the government decided to postpone the start of the school year until March 9 .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 45 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
According to laterst reports , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the number of confirmed cases surpassed 78,800 , and over 36,100 people recovered .

Three Russian airlines to continue charter flights to South Korea only to get people home
MOSCOW, Feburary 28. /TASS/. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus has climbed to 2,022 in South Korea, and the death toll reached 13, South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare said on Friday.
Most coronavirus cases were confirmed in the city of Daegu (1,314) and in the neighboring province of Gyeongsangbuk-do (394). Sixty-two cases were registered in Seoul, and 63 cases were reported in the second-largest city of Busan.
In the last several days, the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in South Korea has been rapidly growing. On February 23, the government decided to postpone the start of the school year until March 9.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 45 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. According to laterst reports, the death toll climbed to 2,788, while the number of confirmed cases surpassed 78,800, and over 36,100 people recovered.


tass--2020-02-28--US concerned with escalation in Syria's Idlib — spokesperson

WASHINGTON , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The United States is very concerned about the escalation in Syria 's Idlib , a spokesperson for the US Department of State told TASS on Thursday .
`` We are aware of the reports out of Idlib and are very concerned about a reported attack on Turkish soldiers that resulted in casualties , '' the spokesperson said .
`` We are in contact with Turkish authorities to confirm these developments and to have more clarity on the current situation on the ground , '' the spokesperson added .
`` We stand by our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an immediate end to this despicable offensive by the Assad regime , Russia , and Iranian-backed forces .
As the President and the Secretary have said , we are looking at options on how we can best support Turkey in this crisis , '' the spokesperson noted .
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed .
Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made .
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups .
In 2017 , a northern de-escalation zone was set up there , and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there .

WASHINGTON, February 28. /TASS/. The United States is very concerned about the escalation in Syria's Idlib, a spokesperson for the US Department of State told TASS on Thursday.
"We are aware of the reports out of Idlib and are very concerned about a reported attack on Turkish soldiers that resulted in casualties," the spokesperson said.
"We are in contact with Turkish authorities to confirm these developments and to have more clarity on the current situation on the ground," the spokesperson added.
"We stand by our NATO ally Turkey and continue to call for an immediate end to this despicable offensive by the Assad regime, Russia, and Iranian-backed forces. As the President and the Secretary have said, we are looking at options on how we can best support Turkey in this crisis," the spokesperson noted.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups. In 2017, a northern de-escalation zone was set up there, and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there.


tass--2020-02-28--UN secretary-general calls for immediate ceasefire in Syria's Idlib

THE UNITED NATIONS , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Syria 's Idlib , Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday .
`` The Secretary-General is following with grave concern the escalation in northwest Syria and reports that dozens of Turkish soldiers have been killed by an airstrike , '' Dujarric said .
`` The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and expresses particular concern about the risk to civilians from escalating military actions , '' he added .
`` Without urgent action , the risk of even greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he noted .
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed .
Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made .
Idlib is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly controlled by illegal armed groups .
In 2017 , a northern de-escalation zone was set up there , and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Gouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there .

THE UNITED NATIONS, February 28. /TASS/. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Syria's Idlib, Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday.
"The Secretary-General is following with grave concern the escalation in northwest Syria and reports that dozens of Turkish soldiers have been killed by an airstrike," Dujarric said. "The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and expresses particular concern about the risk to civilians from escalating military actions," he added.
"Without urgent action, the risk of even greater escalation grows by the hour," he noted.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups. In 2017, a northern de-escalation zone was set up there, and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Gouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there.


tass--2020-02-28--Number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria's Idlib grows to 33 — authorities

ANKARA , Feburary 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria 's Idlib province has grown to 33 , governor of Turkey 's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan told TRT channel on Friday .
`` The number of killed soldiers increased to 33 .
There is no threat to the lives of the injured soldiers , '' Dogan said .
Earlier reports said that 29 Turkish soldiers were killed and 36 more were injured .
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed .
Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made .
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups .
In 2017 , a northern de-escalation zone was set up there , and militants who refused to lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in southern parts of Syria moved there .

ANKARA, Feburary 28. /TASS/. The number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria's Idlib province has grown to 33, governor of Turkey's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan told TRT channel on Friday.
"The number of killed soldiers increased to 33. There is no threat to the lives of the injured soldiers," Dogan said.
Earlier reports said that 29 Turkish soldiers were killed and 36 more were injured.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups. In 2017, a northern de-escalation zone was set up there, and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Gouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there.


tass--2020-02-28--Death toll from new coronavirus in China climbs to 2,788 — authorities

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from the new coronavirus in China has climbed to 2,788 @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases reached 78,824 , China 's National Health Commission reported on Friday .
The @ @ @ @ @ people have fully recovered .
A total of 39,919 people continue to remain hospitalized , @ @ @ @ @ people is serious .
A total of 318 new cases were confirmed in Hubei province @ @ @ @ @ started .
Out of the 318 new cases , 313 were reported in the city @ @ @ @ @ authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
@ @ @ @ @ confirmed in 35 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health @ @ @ @ @ a public health emergency of international concern .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The death toll from the new coronavirus in China has climbed to 2,788, and the number of confirmed cases reached 78,824, China's National Health Commission reported on Friday.
The commission also said that 36,117 people have fully recovered. A total of 39,919 people continue to remain hospitalized, and the condition of 7,952 people is serious.
A total of 318 new cases were confirmed in Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak started. Out of the 318 new cases, 313 were reported in the city of Wuhan.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 35 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-28--Turkey delivering airstrikes at Syrian forces in response to shellings at Turkish forces

ANKARA , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish forces are delivering airstrikes at the positions of Syrian government forces in response to shellings at Turkish soldiers in Idlib , the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement released on Friday after an emergency session in Ankara .
`` With the support in air and on land , airstrikes were delivered at the position of the regime [ of Syrian President Bashar Assad ] , and we will continue delivering airstrikes , '' the statement said .
Ankara also called `` on the participants in the Astana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop crimes against humanity . ''
On Firiday , governor of Turkey 's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan said that Turkish forces came under fire in Syria 's Idlib province , and at least 22 Turkish soldiers were killed .
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made .

ANKARA, February 28. /TASS/. Turkish forces are delivering airstrikes at the positions of Syrian government forces in response to shellings at Turkish soldiers in Idlib, the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement released on Friday after an emergency session in Ankara.
"With the support in air and on land, airstrikes were delivered at the position of the regime [of Syrian President Bashar Assad], and we will continue delivering airstrikes," the statement said.
Ankara also called "on the participants in the Astana process and on the whole international community to stop crimes against humanity."
On Firiday, governor of Turkey's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan said that Turkish forces came under fire in Syria's Idlib province, and at least 22 Turkish soldiers were killed.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.


tass--2020-02-28--Number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria's Idlib grows to 29 — authorities

ANKARA , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria 's Idlib province has grown @ @ @ @ @ Turkey 's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan told NTV channel on Friday .
`` Twenty-nine soldiers @ @ @ @ @ and 36 more were injured .
They are receiving medical assistance , '' Dogan said @ @ @ @ @ has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt @ @ @ @ @ , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President @ @ @ @ @ Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time @ @ @ @ @ been made .
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled @ @ @ @ @ In 2017 , a northern de-escalation zone was set up there , and militants who @ @ @ @ @ in Eastern Gouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there .

ANKARA, February 28. /TASS/. The number of Turkish soldiers killed in Syria's Idlib province has grown to 29, governor of Turkey's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan told NTV channel on Friday.
"Twenty-nine soldiers were killed in Idlib, and 36 more were injured. They are receiving medical assistance," Dogan said.
Earlier reports said 22 Turkish soldiers were killed.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups. In 2017, a northern de-escalation zone was set up there, and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Gouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there.


tass--2020-02-28--Russian ambassador asks UN colleagues "not to bury Astana process"

At the session of the Security Council on Thursday , representatives from Germany , France and other countries urged Russia and Turkey to start talks in order to stop an escalation in Syria 's Idlib .
US Ambassador Kelly Craft accused Russia and Iran of making the situation worse , while Estonia ’ s UN Ambassador Sven Jurgenson expressed an opinion that the Astana format had failed .
`` We ask you not to paint everything in black and white , not to stay mum on the other aspect of the matter , not to build up political pressure .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Astana format .
Like many other countries , we are working with the Syrian side to settle the existing difficulties , '' the Russian diplomat stressed .
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed .
Erdogan said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made .
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups .
In 2017 , a northern de-escalation zone was set up there , and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there .

At the session of the Security Council on Thursday, representatives from Germany, France and other countries urged Russia and Turkey to start talks in order to stop an escalation in Syria's Idlib. US Ambassador Kelly Craft accused Russia and Iran of making the situation worse, while Estonia’s UN Ambassador Sven Jurgenson expressed an opinion that the Astana format had failed.
"We ask you not to paint everything in black and white, not to stay mum on the other aspect of the matter, not to build up political pressure. Don’t rush to bury the Astana format. Like many other countries, we are working with the Syrian side to settle the existing difficulties," the Russian diplomat stressed.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.
Idlib is the only region of Syria that is still mostly controlled by illegal armed groups. In 2017, a northern de-escalation zone was set up there, and militants who refused to lay down arms in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus and in southern parts of Syria moved there.


tass--2020-02-28--22 Turkish soldiers killed in Syria's Idlib — authorities

UN says humanitarian law has been systematically ignored in Syria 's Idlib ANKARA , Feburary 28 .
/TASS/ .
Twenty-two @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian province of Idlib , governor of Turkey 's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan told @ @ @ @ @ `` Twenty-two soldiers were killed in Idlib .
Several soldiers were seriously injured , and @ @ @ @ @ '' Dogan said .
Earlier reports said nine Turkish soldiers were killed .
The situation @ @ @ @ @ the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a @ @ @ @ @ only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed .
@ @ @ @ @ of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all @ @ @ @ @

UN says humanitarian law has been systematically ignored in Syria's Idlib
ANKARA, Feburary 28. /TASS/. Twenty-two Turkish soldiers were killed in the Syrian province of Idlib, governor of Turkey's Hatay province Rahmi Dogan told NTV channel on Friday.
"Twenty-two soldiers were killed in Idlib. Several soldiers were seriously injured, and they are receiving assistance," Dogan said.
Earlier reports said nine Turkish soldiers were killed.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.


tass--2020-02-28--Russian fighter jets not scrambled on interception missions in last week

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian fighter jets have not been scrambled on interception missions in the last @ @ @ @ @ ( Red Star ) newspaper quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying .
According to @ @ @ @ @ foreign aircraft and five unmanned aerial vehicles conducted reconnaissance near Russian borders .
Foreign aircraft @ @ @ @ @ Russian radars .
The defense ministry said that violations of Russian airspace were prevented .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian pilots carried out 242 sorties at 74 aerodromes in the past week .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Russian fighter jets have not been scrambled on interception missions in the last week, the Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) newspaper quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying.
According to the defense ministry, 18 foreign aircraft and five unmanned aerial vehicles conducted reconnaissance near Russian borders. Foreign aircraft and drones were monitored by Russian radars. The defense ministry said that violations of Russian airspace were prevented.
The defense ministry said that Russian pilots carried out 242 sorties at 74 aerodromes in the past week.


tass--2020-02-28--Turkish combat UAV brought down in Idlib zone on Tuesday — reconciliation center

MOSCOW , February 27./TASS/ .
A Turkish unmanned areal vehicle ( UAV ) Anka was brought down by Syrian air defense systems in the Idlib zone on February 25 , the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides reported on Thursday .
A multi-purpose combat UAV of the Turkish Armed Forces `` entered the Syrian airspace at 8:15am Moscow time on February 25 , violating the state border , '' chief of the Russian reconciliation center Oleg Zhuravlev told a briefing .
Zhuravelev noted that at 8:50am Moscow time , Syria 's air defense systems destroyed the drone `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike on positions of the government troops in the area of Maarzaf . ''
He added that ceasefire violations persist in the Idlib de-escalation zone .
As many as 28 shelling episodes have been reported over the past 24 hours in the provinces of Aleppo , Latakia , Idlib and Hama .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill the tasks assigned to them after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
They regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aiding the refugees who are returning back to their homes and evacuating civilians from the war-torn country ’ s de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, February 27./TASS/. A Turkish unmanned areal vehicle (UAV) Anka was brought down by Syrian air defense systems in the Idlib zone on February 25, the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides reported on Thursday.
A multi-purpose combat UAV of the Turkish Armed Forces "entered the Syrian airspace at 8:15am Moscow time on February 25, violating the state border," chief of the Russian reconciliation center Oleg Zhuravlev told a briefing.
Zhuravelev noted that at 8:50am Moscow time, Syria's air defense systems destroyed the drone "as it was preparing to deliver a strike on positions of the government troops in the area of Maarzaf."
He added that ceasefire violations persist in the Idlib de-escalation zone. As many as 28 shelling episodes have been reported over the past 24 hours in the provinces of Aleppo, Latakia, Idlib and Hama.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill the tasks assigned to them after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. They regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on aiding the refugees who are returning back to their homes and evacuating civilians from the war-torn country’s de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-02-28--Turkey continues supporting illegal armed units in Idlib — reconciliation center

MOSCOW , February 27./TASS/ .
Turkey continues supporting illegal armed groups in the Idlib de-escalation zone , using artillery and combat UAVs , chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides Oleg Zhuravlev told a briefing on Thursday .
`` In violation of the Sochi agreements , the Turkish side continues supporting the activities of illegal armed units in the Idlib de-escalation zone through artillery fire and the use of combat reconnaissance drones for strikes on units of the Syrian Armed Forces , '' Zhuravlev said .
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed .
Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made .
On 17 September 2018 in Sochi , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to create by October 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Idlib along the contact line between the Syrian government forces and the armed opposition .
However , Ankara asked to give it extra time and delay the start of joint patrolling in Idlib due to its inability to guarantee security .

MOSCOW, February 27./TASS/. Turkey continues supporting illegal armed groups in the Idlib de-escalation zone, using artillery and combat UAVs, chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides Oleg Zhuravlev told a briefing on Thursday.
"In violation of the Sochi agreements, the Turkish side continues supporting the activities of illegal armed units in the Idlib de-escalation zone through artillery fire and the use of combat reconnaissance drones for strikes on units of the Syrian Armed Forces," Zhuravlev said.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.
On 17 September 2018 in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to create by October 15 a 15-20 km deep demilitarized zone in Idlib along the contact line between the Syrian government forces and the armed opposition. However, Ankara asked to give it extra time and delay the start of joint patrolling in Idlib due to its inability to guarantee security.


tass--2020-02-27--Russia and Turkey carry out joint patrols in Syria's Hasakah province

MOSCOW , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish servicemen have held a joint patrolling mission in Syria 's @ @ @ @ @ Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria said on Thursday .
`` Another @ @ @ @ @ carried out along the route of Qamishli — Shayreq — Delliq — Tavrat — Qasra @ @ @ @ @ — Kara Mania — Salam Alayk — Shayreq — Qamishli in Hasakah province , '' @ @ @ @ @ center Oleg Zhuravlev said .
Moreover , Russian military police carried out three patrol missions @ @ @ @ @ in Hasakah province .
Aerial patrolling missions were also carried out from the aerdoromes in @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 27. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish servicemen have held a joint patrolling mission in Syria's Hasakah province, the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria said on Thursday.
"Another joint Russian-Turkish patrolling mission was carried out along the route of Qamishli — Shayreq — Delliq — Tavrat — Qasra — Duhayt — Tell Boum — Kara Mania — Salam Alayk — Shayreq — Qamishli in Hasakah province," chief of the Russian reconciliation center Oleg Zhuravlev said.
Moreover, Russian military police carried out three patrol missions on Aleppo province and one in Hasakah province. Aerial patrolling missions were also carried out from the aerdoromes in Qamishli and Qwaires.


tass--2020-02-27--UN says humanitarian law has been systematically ignored in Syria's Idlib

THE UNITED NATIONS , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
International humanitarian law has been systematically ignored in Syria 's Idlib governorate , UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ursula Mueller said at the session of the UN Security Council on Thursday .
`` Our latest available data indicate that almost 950,000 people have fled the advancing frontlines in the northwest since 1 December , '' Mueller said .
`` Most have moved to the northwest of Idleb governorate , a small area along Syria 's border with Turkey that already hosts hundreds of thousands of displaced people , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians have been systematically ignored , '' she continued .
`` Hospitals , schools , camps and other sites where displaced families have sought shelter are not being spared .
In the last ten days , a camp hosting more than 800 people was hit by shelling in Dana , which is now the most crowded of the sub-districts of Idleb Governorate .
Idleb Central Hospital was among several facilities struck this week , with multiple casualties , '' she noted .
`` Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian women in Idleb and northern Aleppo , '' Mueller said .
`` The women from Idleb described to me the day-to-day reality of living in this overcrowded environment .
One has found shelter in a basement with 15 other adults and 20 children .
There is no privacy .
Some women told me they could not change their clothes for weeks .
Violence against women , they said , has become 'routine ' , '' she explained .
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ceasefire regime , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response .
Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed .
Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made .

THE UNITED NATIONS, February 27. /TASS/. International humanitarian law has been systematically ignored in Syria's Idlib governorate, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Ursula Mueller said at the session of the UN Security Council on Thursday.
"Our latest available data indicate that almost 950,000 people have fled the advancing frontlines in the northwest since 1 December," Mueller said. "Most have moved to the northwest of Idleb governorate, a small area along Syria's border with Turkey that already hosts hundreds of thousands of displaced people," she added.
"The Secretary-General has stated that international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians have been systematically ignored," she continued. "Hospitals, schools, camps and other sites where displaced families have sought shelter are not being spared. In the last ten days, a camp hosting more than 800 people was hit by shelling in Dana, which is now the most crowded of the sub-districts of Idleb Governorate. Idleb Central Hospital was among several facilities struck this week, with multiple casualties," she noted.
"Last week I spoke via video link with 14 Syrian women in Idleb and northern Aleppo," Mueller said. "The women from Idleb described to me the day-to-day reality of living in this overcrowded environment. One has found shelter in a basement with 15 other adults and 20 children. There is no privacy. Some women told me they could not change their clothes for weeks. Violence against women, they said, has become 'routine'," she explained.
The situation in Idlib has escalated at the start of February after Russian and Turkish militaries made another attempt to impose a ceasefire regime, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks in response. Last week Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to use its full combat power in case an operation in Idlib is needed. Erdogan said that the start of a military campaign in Idlib is only a matter of time and that all preparations have been made.


tass--2020-02-27--Malaysia to allocate $4.7 bln for support of economy in coronavirus outbreak conditions

Spread of coronavirus outside of China presents negative scenario for ruble — experts SINGAPORE , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ Mahathir Mohamad announced on Thursday that the government will allocate 20 bln ringgits ( $ @ @ @ @ @ measures for the economy in view of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak .
`` @ @ @ @ @ economic stimulus package 2020 to ensure the risks related to the outbreak can be tackled @ @ @ @ @ said in his statement .
Economic growth rates will decelerate to 3.2-4.2 % this year @ @ @ @ @ spread , the Acting Prime Minister noted .

Spread of coronavirus outside of China presents negative scenario for ruble — experts
SINGAPORE, February 27. /TASS/. Acting Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad announced on Thursday that the government will allocate 20 bln ringgits ($4.7 bln) as stimulating measures for the economy in view of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
"The government is introducing the economic stimulus package 2020 to ensure the risks related to the outbreak can be tackled effectively," the politician said in his statement.
Economic growth rates will decelerate to 3.2-4.2% this year in view of the coronavirus spread, the Acting Prime Minister noted.


tass--2020-02-27--Russia aims to expand diverse ties with Kyrgyzstan, Putin says

MOSCOW , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
Russia aims to expand its diverse ties with Kyrgyzstan , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during the opening of the Russian-Kyrgyz exchange year in Moscow .
`` I would like to stress that Russia aims to expand diverse ties with Kyrgyzstan .
We expect that the successful organization of the Russian-Kyrgyz exchange year will help facilitate that , '' Putin said .
The Russian leader said that the exchange year is an important event for both states .
He noted that Russia and Kyrgyzstan are united by strategic ties that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our countries maintain intensive political ties and intensive political dialogue .
We regularly meet with [ Kyrgyz ] President [ Sooronbay ] Jeenbekov , and our talks today have been held in a traditionally businesslike and constructive manner , '' Putin stated .
He added that Russia and Kyrgyzstan are working together to ensure regional stability , cooperating in the defense sphere both on a bilateral basis and within the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) .
Putin also noted close cooperation with Kyrgyzstan within the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that cultural , spiritual and brotherly ties between the people of Russia and Kyrgyzstan remain unbroken .
`` Despite the ups and downs of post-Soviet history , we have remained a close , brotherly , friendly country to Russia , '' he assured .
Jeenbekov arrived in Moscow on February 27 on a two-day working visit .
He has already met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier .
He also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin .

MOSCOW, February 27. /TASS/. Russia aims to expand its diverse ties with Kyrgyzstan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during the opening of the Russian-Kyrgyz exchange year in Moscow.
"I would like to stress that Russia aims to expand diverse ties with Kyrgyzstan. We expect that the successful organization of the Russian-Kyrgyz exchange year will help facilitate that," Putin said.
The Russian leader said that the exchange year is an important event for both states. He noted that Russia and Kyrgyzstan are united by strategic ties that are developing steadily in all areas. "Our countries maintain intensive political ties and intensive political dialogue. We regularly meet with [Kyrgyz] President [Sooronbay] Jeenbekov, and our talks today have been held in a traditionally businesslike and constructive manner," Putin stated.
He added that Russia and Kyrgyzstan are working together to ensure regional stability, cooperating in the defense sphere both on a bilateral basis and within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Putin also noted close cooperation with Kyrgyzstan within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Earlier, Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov said that cultural, spiritual and brotherly ties between the people of Russia and Kyrgyzstan remain unbroken. "Despite the ups and downs of post-Soviet history, we have remained a close, brotherly, friendly country to Russia," he assured.
Jeenbekov arrived in Moscow on February 27 on a two-day working visit. He has already met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin.


tass--2020-02-27--Hainan authorities urge to continue fight against coronavirus in the province

HAIKOU , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities called on the people and businesses to continue efforts to fight novel coronavirus , despite lowering the level of emergency response to the epidemic , www.hinews.cn reported with reference to the Deputy Director of the Provincial Health Commission Chen Jianhong .
According to the official , the island 's residents should still wear protective medical masks particularly in public places such as supermarkets , shopping malls , gas stations , pharmacies and hotels .
Companiesgwtting back to regular schedule should maintain sanitary control measures for their employees , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ body temperature before starting work and disinfecting the premises .
The official pointed out the importance of preventive measures in the public transport system , which has resumed its work .
All vehicles should be thoroughly disinfected .
Staff also need to ensure proper ventilation of cars , buses and stations .
On February 26 , the Hainan province downgraded the emergency response level in the province after assessing that health risks from the coronavirus outbreak have receded .
According to Xinhua , the order came into force starting 17:00 local time this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after thorough assessment of the situation around the epidemic by experts responsible for combatting the virus .
As the epidemiological situation on the island improves following tough sanitary control measures , experts believe that the virus ' spreading in individual communities is quite unlikely .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 44 countries outside of China , including Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 78,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has reached 2,744 , while over 32,400 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

HAIKOU, February 27. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities called on the people and businesses to continue efforts to fight novel coronavirus, despite lowering the level of emergency response to the epidemic, www.hinews.cn reported with reference to the Deputy Director of the Provincial Health Commission Chen Jianhong.
According to the official, the island's residents should still wear protective medical masks particularly in public places such as supermarkets, shopping malls, gas stations, pharmacies and hotels. Companiesgwtting back to regular schedule should maintain sanitary control measures for their employees, including the mandatory wearing of face masks, measuring body temperature before starting work and disinfecting the premises.
The official pointed out the importance of preventive measures in the public transport system, which has resumed its work. All vehicles should be thoroughly disinfected. Staff also need to ensure proper ventilation of cars, buses and stations.
On February 26, the Hainan province downgraded the emergency response level in the province after assessing that health risks from the coronavirus outbreak have receded. According to Xinhua, the order came into force starting 17:00 local time this Wednesday.
The authorities made that decision after thorough assessment of the situation around the epidemic by experts responsible for combatting the virus. As the epidemiological situation on the island improves following tough sanitary control measures, experts believe that the virus' spreading in individual communities is quite unlikely.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 44 countries outside of China, including Russia. According to Chinese authorities, about 78,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has reached 2,744, while over 32,400 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.


tass--2020-02-27--Zelensky’s approval rating nosediving, poll indicates

KIEV , February27 .
/TASS/ .
Domestic public opinion of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is plummeting , indicates a survey @ @ @ @ @ International Institute of Sociology and made public on Thursday .
According to the Institute , @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , the share of the Ukrainians who don ’ t approve of Zelensky ’ @ @ @ @ @ state has grown from 25 % to 40 % .
`` Evaluation of Ukrainian president @ @ @ @ @ February as compared with December - the number of those who approve of his work @ @ @ @ @ points ( from 62 % to 47 % ) , and the share of those @ @ @ @ @ grown by 15 percentage points ( from 25 % to 40 % ) , '' @ @ @ @ @ Sociology said in its report .

KIEV, February27. /TASS/. Domestic public opinion of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is plummeting, indicates a survey carried out by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology and made public on Thursday.
According to the Institute, between December 2019 and February 2020, the share of the Ukrainians who don’t approve of Zelensky’s actions as head of state has grown from 25% to 40%. "Evaluation of Ukrainian president's performance has worsened in February as compared with December - the number of those who approve of his work has declined by 15 percentage points (from 62% to 47%), and the share of those who disapprove of it has grown by 15 percentage points (from 25% to 40%)," the Kiev International Institute of Sociology said in its report.


tass--2020-02-27--Former Iranian ambassador to the Vatican dies of coronavirus — media

It said the politician was hospitalized in grave condition on Wednesday .
The tests confirmed the coronavirus , and Khosrowshahi died early on Thursday .
TEHRAN , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
Former Iranian ambassador to the Vatican and Egypt Hadi Khosrowshahi has died of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus , IRNA news agency reported on Thursday .
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has extended condolences to the diplomat ’ s next-of-kin .
Earlier on Thursday , head of the Iranian parliament ’ s National Security and Foreign Relations Commission Mojtaba Zonnour stated that he had tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iranian MP Mahmoud Sadeghi and Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi also confirmed that they had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Besides , Iranian Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar has tested positive for coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , IRNA news agency said on Thursday .
According to the agency , Ebtekar chose to remain quarantined at home .
On February 19 , the Iranian Health Ministry reported first cases of novel coronavirus in the country in the city of Qom .
According to official data , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with at least 26 recorded deaths .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - now named COVID-19 ( 2019-nCoV ) , otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 44 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus in China is about 78,400 , as many as 2,744 people have died and over 32,400 have recovered .

It said the politician was hospitalized in grave condition on Wednesday. The tests confirmed the coronavirus, and Khosrowshahi died early on Thursday.
TEHRAN, February 27. /TASS/. Former Iranian ambassador to the Vatican and Egypt Hadi Khosrowshahi has died of the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, IRNA news agency reported on Thursday.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has extended condolences to the diplomat’s next-of-kin.
Earlier on Thursday, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Relations Commission Mojtaba Zonnour stated that he had tested positive for the virus. On Tuesday, Iranian MP Mahmoud Sadeghi and Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi also confirmed that they had tested positive for COVID-19. Besides, Iranian Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), IRNA news agency said on Thursday. According to the agency, Ebtekar chose to remain quarantined at home.
On February 19, the Iranian Health Ministry reported first cases of novel coronavirus in the country in the city of Qom. According to official data, there are 245 cases of COVID-19 in Iran, with at least 26 recorded deaths.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - now named COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7, 2020.
Apart from China, 44 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China is about 78,400, as many as 2,744 people have died and over 32,400 have recovered.


tass--2020-02-27--WHO concerned about spread of coronavirus outside of China

`` But as you know , it ’ s what is happening in the rest of Europe that is now our greatest concern .
Outside China , there are 3,474 cases in 44 countries and 54 deaths , '' he noted .
GENEVA , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
Director General of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during Thursday ’ s briefing in Geneva that the spread of novel coronavirus outside China causes major concern .
He noted that in the past two days , more cases have been documented outside of China than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past two days , the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the rest of the world exceeded the number of new cases in China , '' he noted .
In the past 24 hours , seven countries have reported cases of coronavirus for the first time : Brazil , Georgia , Greece , North Macedonia , Norway , Pakistan and Romania , he added .
`` My message to each of these countries is : this is your window of opportunity .
If you act aggressively now , you can contain this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick .
You can save lives , '' the WHO chief stressed .
He reminded that the current outbreak has the potential to become a pandemic .
`` But this coronavirus is not influenza .
With the right measures , it can be contained , '' he said .
`` That is one of the key messages from China .
The evidence we have is that there does not appear to be widespread community transmission . ''
The WHO chief pointed out that several states had not reported any new coronavirus cases for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , India , Nepal , the Philippines , Russia , Sri Lanka and Vietnam .
`` Each of these countries is different and each shows that aggressive , early measures can prevent transmission before coronavirus gets a foothold , '' he added .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 44 countries outside of China , including Russia .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has reached 2,744 , while over 32,400 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

"But as you know, it’s what is happening in the rest of Europe that is now our greatest concern. Outside China, there are 3,474 cases in 44 countries and 54 deaths," he noted.
GENEVA, February 27. /TASS/. Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during Thursday’s briefing in Geneva that the spread of novel coronavirus outside China causes major concern. He noted that in the past two days, more cases have been documented outside of China than within the country.
"For the past two days, the number of new COVID-19 cases reported in the rest of the world exceeded the number of new cases in China," he noted.
In the past 24 hours, seven countries have reported cases of coronavirus for the first time: Brazil, Georgia, Greece, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan and Romania, he added. "My message to each of these countries is: this is your window of opportunity. If you act aggressively now, you can contain this coronavirus. You can prevent people getting sick. You can save lives," the WHO chief stressed. He reminded that the current outbreak has the potential to become a pandemic.
"But this coronavirus is not influenza. With the right measures, it can be contained," he said. "That is one of the key messages from China. The evidence we have is that there does not appear to be widespread community transmission."
The WHO chief pointed out that several states had not reported any new coronavirus cases for over two weeks: Belgium, Cambodia, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. "Each of these countries is different and each shows that aggressive, early measures can prevent transmission before coronavirus gets a foothold," he added.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 44 countries outside of China, including Russia. According to Chinese authorities, about 78,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has reached 2,744, while over 32,400 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.


tass--2020-02-27--Russia's Safmar can deliver 300,000 tonnes of oil to Belarus

MINSK , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
The Belarusian holding Belneftekhim confirms that Russia ’ s Safmar can supply 300,000 @ @ @ @ @ Neft can deliver 50,000 tonnes to Belarus in March , press secretary of the holding @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` I confirm that Safmar Group can supply 300,000 tonnes of oil to @ @ @ @ @ Neft - 50,000 tonnes .
No such negotiations are held on supplies of Rosneft and @ @ @ @ @ secretary said .
Safmar Group can deliver 300,000 tonnes of oil through the pipeline system @ @ @ @ @ a source familiar with the company ’ s plans told TASS earlier on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ oil to Belarus in January 2020 .
450,000 tonnes of oil were planned to be @ @ @ @

MINSK, February 27. /TASS/. The Belarusian holding Belneftekhim confirms that Russia’s Safmar can supply 300,000 tonnes of oil and UDS Neft can deliver 50,000 tonnes to Belarus in March, press secretary of the holding Alexander Tischenko told reporters on Thursday.
"I confirm that Safmar Group can supply 300,000 tonnes of oil to Belarus in March and UDS Neft - 50,000 tonnes. No such negotiations are held on supplies of Rosneft and Tatneft," the press secretary said.
Safmar Group can deliver 300,000 tonnes of oil through the pipeline system to Belarus in March, a source familiar with the company’s plans told TASS earlier on Thursday.
Safmar supplied 500,000 tonnes of oil to Belarus in January 2020. 450,000 tonnes of oil were planned to be delivered in February.


tass--2020-02-27--14% of recovered patients in China’s Guangdong contract coronavirus again — media

BEIJING , February 27 .
/TASS/ .
About 14 % of patients recovered from novel coronavirus have tested positive for the disease again in China ’ s Guangdong Province , the China Daily newspaper informed on Thursday .
`` About 14 % of patients recovered from novel pneumonia in the Guangdong Province have tested positive for coronavirus after their discharge from hospital during the period of medical supervision , '' the newspaper quotes Deputy Director of the Guangdong Centre of Disease Control And Prevention Song Tie as saying .
As of February 25 , 841 people out of 1,347 infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guangdong Province .
Medical professionals believe that those recovered from the disease develop antibodies preventing them from contracting the novel coronavirus again .
Song Tie noted that young people who had recovered from the disease tend to develop antibodies within two weeks .
`` Even if they test positive , the risk of infection is low , '' the expert assured .
However , he noted that some elderly persons take longer to develop the same antibodies .
`` Such patients still maintain virulence ( they are contagious - TASS ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Cases of recovered patients testing positive for coronavirus depend on the severity of their symptoms and their general condition , medical professionals say .
On February 19 , Guangdong Province ’ s officials ordered to extend the period of medical supervision of recovered patients that may still infect others with the disease .
They must undergo medical supervision for at least 14 days after being discharged from hospital .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central China .
Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 44 countries outside of China , including Russia .
According to Chinese authorities , about 78,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has reached 2,744 , while over 32,400 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

BEIJING, February 27. /TASS/. About 14% of patients recovered from novel coronavirus have tested positive for the disease again in China’s Guangdong Province, the China Daily newspaper informed on Thursday.
"About 14% of patients recovered from novel pneumonia in the Guangdong Province have tested positive for coronavirus after their discharge from hospital during the period of medical supervision," the newspaper quotes Deputy Director of the Guangdong Centre of Disease Control And Prevention Song Tie as saying.
As of February 25, 841 people out of 1,347 infected have recovered from the disease in the Guangdong Province. Medical professionals believe that those recovered from the disease develop antibodies preventing them from contracting the novel coronavirus again.
Song Tie noted that young people who had recovered from the disease tend to develop antibodies within two weeks. "Even if they test positive, the risk of infection is low," the expert assured. However, he noted that some elderly persons take longer to develop the same antibodies. "Such patients still maintain virulence (they are contagious - TASS), and can get infected for a second time."
Cases of recovered patients testing positive for coronavirus depend on the severity of their symptoms and their general condition, medical professionals say.
On February 19, Guangdong Province’s officials ordered to extend the period of medical supervision of recovered patients that may still infect others with the disease. They must undergo medical supervision for at least 14 days after being discharged from hospital.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 44 countries outside of China, including Russia. According to Chinese authorities, about 78,400 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has reached 2,744, while over 32,400 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.


tass--2020-02-27--Russia urges global, human rights agencies to undertake efforts to protect Assange

The diplomat reiterated that hearings on Assange ’ s extradition to the US opened in London on February 24 .
`` We all understand pretty well how this extradition will end if it does take place , we ’ ve seen more than enough examples , '' Zakharova pointed out .
`` Assange 's condition causes more than just concerns , international experts reported it as critical .
And the reason is not his age , but a continuous exposure to psychological tortures , '' the diplomat stressed .
`` We urge the human rights community and concerned international agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every effort to see that justice prevails before the worst happens , '' the spokeswoman said , adding that the case of Julian Assange is a blow to the institution of investigative journalism .
Such punitive measures against a journalist are an absolutely inadmissible action in the 21st century , and are a disgrace to the involved western countries that consider themselves democratic and free .
`` It is amazing that everything that happens to Assange is the price that the journalist pays for being conscientious in his job , and actually - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat stressed .
She also drew attention to the position of the so-called independent British media which make only brief isolated reports , instead `` of a real general protest '' .
`` We all remember well how the absolutely mysterious Skripal case was covered in the British media , how states and individuals were accused , guesses were made that were not substantiated by facts or data , '' the diplomat noted .
`` However , everything is clear in this case - there as a concrete individual who is still alive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British media in this case to do everything to prevent this crime ? ''
she asked .
Julian Assange founded the WikiLeaks portal in 2006 to publish classified information about the activities of a number of governments , including that of the United States .
After harassment charges had been brought against him in Sweden in 2012 , Assange sought refuge in London 's Ecuadorian Embassy to escape extradition .
In April 2019 , Ecuador ’ s President Lenin Moreno withdrew his asylum and Assange was arrested by the United Kingdom ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in court in London in 2012 , as well as on a 2018 extradition request from Washington .
On May 1 , Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in jail for breaching his British bail conditions .
If extradited to the United States and found guilty on all charges , Assange could face 175 years in prison .
On March 4 , 2018 former GRU Colonel Sergei Skripal , convicted in Russia of spying for Britain , and his daughter Yulia were affected by a nerve agent , if the British version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The alleged attack took place in Salisbury .
London later claimed that the chemical substance had been developed in Russia and accused Moscow of complicity .
Russia dismissed all speculations on this score .
In particular , it stated that programs for developing such an agent had never existed in the Soviet Union or Russia .
Britain ’ s Porton Down laboratory failed to identify the origin of the substance that poisoned the Skripals .

The diplomat reiterated that hearings on Assange’s extradition to the US opened in London on February 24. "We all understand pretty well how this extradition will end if it does take place, we’ve seen more than enough examples," Zakharova pointed out. "Assange's condition causes more than just concerns, international experts reported it as critical. And the reason is not his age, but a continuous exposure to psychological tortures," the diplomat stressed.
"We urge the human rights community and concerned international agencies to firmly voice their position and make every effort to see that justice prevails before the worst happens," the spokeswoman said, adding that the case of Julian Assange is a blow to the institution of investigative journalism.
Such punitive measures against a journalist are an absolutely inadmissible action in the 21st century, and are a disgrace to the involved western countries that consider themselves democratic and free. "It is amazing that everything that happens to Assange is the price that the journalist pays for being conscientious in his job, and actually - in his civic duty," the diplomat stressed.
She also drew attention to the position of the so-called independent British media which make only brief isolated reports, instead "of a real general protest". "We all remember well how the absolutely mysterious Skripal case was covered in the British media, how states and individuals were accused, guesses were made that were not substantiated by facts or data," the diplomat noted. "However, everything is clear in this case - there as a concrete individual who is still alive. Maybe it makes sense for the British media in this case to do everything to prevent this crime?" she asked.
Assange case
Julian Assange founded the WikiLeaks portal in 2006 to publish classified information about the activities of a number of governments, including that of the United States. After harassment charges had been brought against him in Sweden in 2012, Assange sought refuge in London's Ecuadorian Embassy to escape extradition. In April 2019, Ecuador’s President Lenin Moreno withdrew his asylum and Assange was arrested by the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police over his failure to appear in court in London in 2012, as well as on a 2018 extradition request from Washington.
On May 1, Assange was sentenced to 50 weeks in jail for breaching his British bail conditions. If extradited to the United States and found guilty on all charges, Assange could face 175 years in prison.
Skripal saga
On March 4, 2018 former GRU Colonel Sergei Skripal, convicted in Russia of spying for Britain, and his daughter Yulia were affected by a nerve agent, if the British version of the affair is to be believed. The alleged attack took place in Salisbury. London later claimed that the chemical substance had been developed in Russia and accused Moscow of complicity. Russia dismissed all speculations on this score. In particular, it stated that programs for developing such an agent had never existed in the Soviet Union or Russia. Britain’s Porton Down laboratory failed to identify the origin of the substance that poisoned the Skripals.


tass--2020-02-29--Syrian army has right to respond to terrorist attacks on its territory - Russia’s UN envoy

UN , February 29 .
/TASS/ .
The Syrian army has a full right to respond to terrorist attacks on its territory , Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said .
`` In response to the ongoing violations of the ceasefire regime within the zone of Idlib , the Syrian army certainly has the right to respond and suppress terrorists , '' Nebenzya said speaking at the UN Security Council session on the situation in the Syrian province of Idlib .
`` We can not forbid the Syrian army to fulfill requirements , stipulated by the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against terrorism in all of its forms , particularly on its territory - the territory of sovereign Syria , '' Nebenzya added .
Russia firmly believes that the deconfliction mechanism will help to avoid casualties among the Turkish and Syrian military in Syria ’ s province of Idlib , Nebenzya said .
`` We regret that Turkish military servicemen were killed as well as we regret the deaths of Syrian soldiers , '' Nebenzya said speaking at the UN Security Council session on the situation in the Syrian province of Idlib .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements , including on the deconfliction , will help to avoid such tragedies in the future , '' he said .

UN, February 29. /TASS/. The Syrian army has a full right to respond to terrorist attacks on its territory, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said.
"In response to the ongoing violations of the ceasefire regime within the zone of Idlib, the Syrian army certainly has the right to respond and suppress terrorists," Nebenzya said speaking at the UN Security Council session on the situation in the Syrian province of Idlib.
"We cannot forbid the Syrian army to fulfill requirements, stipulated by the UN Security Council resolutions on the unconditional fight against terrorism in all of its forms, particularly on its territory - the territory of sovereign Syria," Nebenzya added.
The Russian diplomat also turned the attention of the session participants to attempts of justifying terrorists in regard to the situation in Idlib.
"Unfortunately, it comes at the level of officials, including representatives of the United States," he added.
Russia firmly believes that the deconfliction mechanism will help to avoid casualties among the Turkish and Syrian military in Syria’s province of Idlib, Nebenzya said.
"We regret that Turkish military servicemen were killed as well as we regret the deaths of Syrian soldiers," Nebenzya said speaking at the UN Security Council session on the situation in the Syrian province of Idlib.
"We are confident that the implementation of agreements, including on the deconfliction, will help to avoid such tragedies in the future," he said.


tass--2020-02-28--UN Secretary General urges all those involved to step back from edge of further escalation

UNITED NATIONS , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The escalation in Syria ’ s Idlib region has become one of @ @ @ @ @ the Syria conflict , United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ the most alarming moments across the duration of the Syrian conflict , '' Guterres said @ @ @ @ @ contacts with those involved , I have had one simple message : step back from @ @ @ @ @ . ''
However , Guterres did not specify who he had had contacts with .

UNITED NATIONS, February 28. /TASS/. The escalation in Syria’s Idlib region has become one of the most alarming moments during the Syria conflict, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Friday.
"This is one of the most alarming moments across the duration of the Syrian conflict," Guterres said. "In all my contacts with those involved, I have had one simple message: step back from the edge of further escalation."
However, Guterres did not specify who he had had contacts with.


tass--2020-02-28--One person dies in helicopter crash in Russia’s Astrakhan Region — source

ASTRAKHAN , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
A helicopter crashed in the Russian southern region of Astrakhan on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ source with the emergency services told TASS .
`` One person died , '' he @ @

ASTRAKHAN, February 28. /TASS/. A helicopter crashed in the Russian southern region of Astrakhan on Friday, killing one person, a source with the emergency services told TASS.
"One person died," he said.


tass--2020-02-28--Iranian parliament suspends work over coronavirus fears

TEHRAN , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Iranian parliament will suspend its hearings next week amid an outbreak of the coronavirus in the country , member of the parliamentary presidium Mohammad Ali Vakili said on Friday .
`` The presidium has made the decision not to hold hearings next week due to the risk of the spread of coronavirus , '' ISNA News Agency quoted him as saying .
According to the lawmaker , `` consideration of the budget will be postponed , possibly for a week '' .
On February 19 , the Iranian Health Ministry reported first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city of Qom .
According to official data , there are 388 cases of COVID-19 in Iran , with at least 34 recorded deaths .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - now named COVID-19 ( 2019-nCoV ) , otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 78,800 , as many as 2,788 people have died and over 36,100 have recovered .

TEHRAN, February 28. /TASS/. The Iranian parliament will suspend its hearings next week amid an outbreak of the coronavirus in the country, member of the parliamentary presidium Mohammad Ali Vakili said on Friday.
"The presidium has made the decision not to hold hearings next week due to the risk of the spread of coronavirus," ISNA News Agency quoted him as saying. According to the lawmaker, "consideration of the budget will be postponed, possibly for a week".
On February 19, the Iranian Health Ministry reported first cases of novel coronavirus in the country in the city of Qom. According to official data, there are 388 cases of COVID-19 in Iran, with at least 34 recorded deaths.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - now named COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7, 2020.
Apart from China, 52 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 78,800, as many as 2,788 people have died and over 36,100 have recovered.


tass--2020-02-28--UN to hold emergency meeting on Idlib on Friday

According to him , the developments will be discussed in an open session that will start at 00:00 Moscow time .
UNITED NATIONS , February 28./TASS/ .
The UN Security Council will hold on Friday an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating conflict in Syria ’ s Idlib province , Belgian UN Ambassador Marc Pecsteen , the current council president , told journalists .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again overnight to Friday .
Ankara said that an airstrike by Syrian government forces had killed 33 Turkish soldiers .
Shortly after that , the Turkish armed forces carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that more than 200 targets had been hit .
Meanwhile , the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra , outlawed in Russia ) made an attempt on Thursday to launch a large-scale offensive in Syria ’ s Idlib .
The Turkish military servicemen who came under fire from Syrian troops were among the advancing militants , it added .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone call on Friday to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to normalize the situation and agreed to look into the possibility of having a summit meeting shortly .

According to him, the developments will be discussed in an open session that will start at 00:00 Moscow time.
UNITED NATIONS, February 28./TASS/. The UN Security Council will hold on Friday an emergency meeting to discuss the escalating conflict in Syria’s Idlib province, Belgian UN Ambassador Marc Pecsteen, the current council president, told journalists.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again overnight to Friday. Ankara said that an airstrike by Syrian government forces had killed 33 Turkish soldiers. Shortly after that, the Turkish armed forces carried out strikes against Syrian troops, specifying that more than 200 targets had been hit.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra, outlawed in Russia) made an attempt on Thursday to launch a large-scale offensive in Syria’s Idlib. The Turkish military servicemen who came under fire from Syrian troops were among the advancing militants, it added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone call on Friday to discuss the developments. They emphasized the need to normalize the situation and agreed to look into the possibility of having a summit meeting shortly.


tass--2020-02-28--Over 20 coronavirus vaccines in development globally, WHO head says

`` More than 20 vaccines are in development globally , and several therapeutics are in clinical trials , '' he said adding that the first results were expected `` in a few weeks . ''
GENEVA , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
More than 20 vaccines are being developed across the world , and the first results are expected in a few weeks , WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a briefing on Friday .
The head of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) is concerned about the `` risk of spread and the risk of impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high at a global level . ''
The WHO earlier assessed this level as `` high '' .
`` We do not see evidence as yet that the virus is spreading freely in communities , '' he said adding that `` we still have a chance of containing this coronavirus . ''
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Apart from China , 52 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest reports , China has confirmed over 78,800 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus .
The virus ’ death toll has hit 2,788 , yet more than 36,100 patients have recovered from the disease .

"More than 20 vaccines are in development globally, and several therapeutics are in clinical trials," he said adding that the first results were expected "in a few weeks."
GENEVA, February 28. /TASS/. More than 20 vaccines are being developed across the world, and the first results are expected in a few weeks, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a briefing on Friday.
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the "risk of spread and the risk of impact of COVID-19" assessing it as "very high at a global level." The WHO earlier assessed this level as "high".
"We do not see evidence as yet that the virus is spreading freely in communities," he said adding that "we still have a chance of containing this coronavirus."
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Apart from China, 52 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest reports, China has confirmed over 78,800 cases of patients infected with the novel coronavirus. The virus’ death toll has hit 2,788, yet more than 36,100 patients have recovered from the disease.


tass--2020-02-28--WHO sees risk of the spread of coronavirus as very high

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization assesses the risk of the spread of the novel @ @ @ @ @ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday .
`` Our epidemiologists have been monitoring @ @ @ @ @ we have now increased our assessment of the risk of spread and the risk of @ @ @ @ @ high at a global level , '' the WHO quoted the director-general on its Twitter @ @ @ @ @ organization assessed this risk as high .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The World Health Organization assesses the risk of the spread of the novel coronavirus as very high, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Friday.
"Our epidemiologists have been monitoring these developments continuously, and we have now increased our assessment of the risk of spread and the risk of impact of COVID19 to very high at a global level," the WHO quoted the director-general on its Twitter account.
Earlier, the organization assessed this risk as high.


tass--2020-02-28--Putin, Erdogan may hold talks in Moscow on March 5 or 6

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The presidents of Russia and Turkey , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow on March 5 or 6 , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ a possible summit meeting was indeed discussed today .
The meeting between President Putin and @ @ @ @ @ March 5 or 6 is being worked out at the moment .
In other words @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
The Russian and Turkish presidents held phone talks on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ extra measures to normalize the situation in northwestern Syria .
The Kremlin press office said @ @ @ @ @ to speed up corresponding consultations between agencies and to work out the possibility of a @ @ @ @ @ future . ''

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The presidents of Russia and Turkey, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, could hold a meeting in Moscow on March 5 or 6, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
"The issue of a possible summit meeting was indeed discussed today. The meeting between President Putin and President Erdogan in Moscow on March 5 or 6 is being worked out at the moment. In other words, the next week," he said.
The Russian and Turkish presidents held phone talks on Friday, focusing on the urgency of extra measures to normalize the situation in northwestern Syria. The Kremlin press office said that the sides agreed "to speed up corresponding consultations between agencies and to work out the possibility of a summit meeting in the near future."