tass--2020-03-06--Press review: Putin, Erdogan reach new Syria deal and Russia might review Taliban's status

Russian-Turkish relations have not been going through the best of times recently , Izvestia wrote .
The militant rhetoric of Recep Tayyip Erdogan raises serious concerns in Moscow .
A few days ago , the Turkish leader turned to Donald Trump , asking him to supply Ankara with weapons and ammunition .
On March 4 , the Russian Defense Ministry accused Turkey of violating international law in the Idlib zone and announced a practical merger of Turkish roadblocks and the positions of militants .
The Turkish leader presents the actions of Ankara as an attempt to ensure national security .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent the Kurdish formations from approaching their borders and the next influx of refugees , Turkish political scientist Kerim Has told Izvestia .
According to the expert , in reality there are currently no Kurds in Idlib .
In addition , Ankara ’ s actions only exacerbate the refugee problem .
However , during the talks between the presidents , the Turkish leader expressed hope that the negotiations would ease the situation in the region .
At the same time , he emphasized - Ankara values relations with Moscow and is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the end , the parties agreed to introduce a ceasefire in Idlib at midnight on March 5-6 .
However , the Turkish leader said that Turkey reserves the right to respond to any attacks by the Syrian forces .
Meanwhile , the Russian Federation Council believes that negotiations will help normalize the situation in the region .
Franz Klintsevich , member of the parliament ’ s upper house committee on defense and security , told Izvestia that Ankara had cornered itself , since Turkey ’ s task of shifting the current government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also contradicts the international law .
One of the most important security agreements , the Non-Proliferation Treaty , celebrates its 50th anniversary .
At the end of April , representatives of 191 member states of the treaty will gather in New York to assess its implementation .
Meanwhile , Russia ’ s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov believes that the situation around the Treaty is `` extremely difficult '' .
At the same time he is certain that Russia has ideas on how to prevent its failure , he said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , disputes are inevitable here .
Under these conditions , the chances of adopting a meaningful outcome document are probably not very high , '' Ryabkov said about the upcoming conference .
`` However , the Russian delegation , as always , will work on positive results .
Let me remind you that during the last such event , we were one step away from approving the final document .
At the time , Russia confirmed its readiness to join the consensus , but due to well-known circumstances , primarily topics related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction in the Middle East , this did not work , '' he added .
According to the diplomat , Russia is working on the permanent members of the UN Security Council ( the United Kingdom , China , Russia , the United States and France ) accepting a joint statement on the inadmissibility of nuclear war , despite the United States not responding to Russia 's proposal to do so in a bilateral format .
`` It is too early to say whether it will be possible to reach an acceptable result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are signs that some capitals do not mind blurring this formula , '' he told the newspaper .
`` We support that the idea of the inadmissibility of nuclear war and the impossibility of achieving victory in it was directly and unequivocally confirmed and possibly strengthened by emphasizing that modern technologies in this field make the unleashing of such a war even more dangerous than before .
Alas , it is not yet clear that colleagues in Washington agree with this approach .
Rather , the opposite , '' the diplomat noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confrontation rise following to the logic of arms buildup .
`` Nevertheless , we hope that it will be possible to deter the Americans from further rash steps , '' the politician told Kommersant .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : Russia may look into reviewing Taliban 's status The first strike by the US Armed Forces in Afghanistan in 11 days attracted criticism of Russian diplomacy .
The Russian Foreign Ministry called the latest attempt by the Americans to stop the Taliban ( banned in the Russian Federation ) attacks on the Afghan military a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pointed out that the Taliban has no obligations to the Afghan armed forces .
A source in Kabul told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that work might be underway in Russia to review the status of the movement .
However , no specific steps in this direction should be made .
US Air Force Representative in Afghanistan ( USFOR-A ) Colonel Sonny Leggett said the United States attacked Taliban militants who were actively attacking the Afghan Armed Forces checkpoint .
In turn , Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry 's Second Asia Department Zamir Kabulov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Taliban did not take any obligations with respect to the Afghan government , but only to the United States . ''
The situation once again raises the question of Russia 's position on revising the Taliban ’ s status .
The movement was recognized as a terrorist organization by decision of the Russian Supreme Court in 2003 .
According to Russian diplomats , the decision to lift sanctions on the Taliban could be made by the UN Security Council before May 29 , 2020 .
`` Judging by indirect evidence , certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaves the list of banned organizations has been carried out in Russia for a long time , but , obviously , this issue is not in the competence of one structure , '' political source in Kabul told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
`` It will be reasonable to do this after the relevant decision of the UN Security Council .
However , it could be possible only after the Taliban has proven that it has broken relations with terrorist organizations , '' the source added .
The source noted that Russia should not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organization .
`` This could damage the image of the country in the international arena , '' the source said .
It is possible that Russia 's initiative would draw criticism from official Kabul .
Cellular operators will not be able to use the frequencies that they already have for the deployment of 5G networks .
The State Commission for Radio Frequencies was expected to issue permission to use the frequencies that are now occupied by 2G , 3G , and LTE .
However , after the recent meeting , the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the three communications companies , and a person familiar with the materials of the State Committee for Radio Frequencies told Vedomosti .
Two sources also claim that the meeting of the commission was postponed from March 10 , tentatively to March 17 .
The Ministry of Communications did not comment on the development .
A source close with the managers of several operators , and a person familiar with the documents told the newspaper that representatives of several departments spoke out against it , including the Federal Security Service and Roscosmos .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 5G in the proposed ranges will interfere with their radio equipment , one of the sources added noting that it particularly concerns space communication systems .
According to Vadim Poskakukhin , Project Manager of the Spectrum Management projects , the frequencies mentioned in the draft decision would allow combining 5G and LTE networks in one channel , which could make quick launch possible without completely replacing equipment .
According to him , this would lead to first 5G base stations becoming operational in spring , and large-scale coverage could be set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postponing the issue to the second half of the year will lead to 5G launch at least in 2021 .
Meanwhile , the range of 3.4-3.8 GHz used by popular 5G equipment , is designated in Russia to the Ministry of Defense and Roscosmos .
`` Unfortunately , there is no progress towards using the 3.4-3.8 GHz range , where the whole world will build 5G networks , '' a representative of Rostelecom told Vedomosti .
Vedomosti : Mechel asks for $ 1.47 bln for its main investment project Mechel asks for 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a 51 % stake in the Elga coal project in Yakutia , a source close to one of the parties to the potential deal told Vedomosti .
Thus , the entire project can be valued at 196 bln rubles ( $ 2.89 bln ) , and the share of Gazprombank ( 49 % ) - at 96 bln rubles ( $ 1.42 bln ) .
The figure was formed based on the debt to Gazprombank .
Elga is Mechel ’ s key investment project , the largest coking coal deposit with reserves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been developing the field and building its infrastructure for over 10 years , spending over $ 2 bln .
Gazprombank bought 49 % in the project in 2016 for 34.4 bln rubles ( $ 507.9 mln ) .
Under the terms of the deal , Gazprombank three years later received the right to sell Mechel this share ( 49 % ) , or find another buyer if it refuses .
In August 2019 , Gazprombank announced that it found A-Property company .
In January 2020 , A-Property submitted a request to the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elga .
FAS agreed .
Selling shares would allow Mechel to reduce its debt by around 30 % and make the debt burden manageable , which could ensure debt restructuring on favorable terms , a person close to one of the parties to the transaction told Vedomosti .
It is unfortunate that the company is losing its upstream asset , but in the current state of affairs , it is better to get rid of the capital costs of its development , Raiffeisenbank analyst Irina Alizarovskaya told the newspaper .
Even if , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the debt burden after the sale of Elga will not decrease too much , this will be a good result for Mechel , Maxim Khudalov , senior director of ACRA told Vedomosti .
Of course , this is a lot for the Russian metallurgical market ( net debt does not exceed EBITDA for the largest companies in the sector ) , but for Mechel , the very fact of a declining debt burden is important , the expert noted .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: Leaders of Russia and Turkey reach deal on Idlib ceasefire During the six-hour talks, Moscow and Ankara agreed on introducing a ceasefire in Idlib. In addition, the parties decided to create a security corridor near the strategically important M4 highway - this area will be patrolled by Russian and Turkish forces. Experts interviewed by Izvestia believe that the negotiations will contribute to the normalization of the situation in the region.
Read also Turkey uses Idlib crisis to strengthen its presence in Syria, expert says
Russian-Turkish relations have not been going through the best of times recently, Izvestia wrote. The militant rhetoric of Recep Tayyip Erdogan raises serious concerns in Moscow. A few days ago, the Turkish leader turned to Donald Trump, asking him to supply Ankara with weapons and ammunition. On March 4, the Russian Defense Ministry accused Turkey of violating international law in the Idlib zone and announced a practical merger of Turkish roadblocks and the positions of militants. The Turkish leader presents the actions of Ankara as an attempt to ensure national security. He repeatedly emphasized that he was trying to prevent the Kurdish formations from approaching their borders and the next influx of refugees, Turkish political scientist Kerim Has told Izvestia. According to the expert, in reality there are currently no Kurds in Idlib. In addition, Ankara’s actions only exacerbate the refugee problem. However, during the talks between the presidents, the Turkish leader expressed hope that the negotiations would ease the situation in the region. At the same time, he emphasized - Ankara values relations with Moscow and is not interested in a confrontation with Russia. At the end, the parties agreed to introduce a ceasefire in Idlib at midnight on March 5-6. However, the Turkish leader said that Turkey reserves the right to respond to any attacks by the Syrian forces. Meanwhile, the Russian Federation Council believes that negotiations will help normalize the situation in the region. Franz Klintsevich, member of the parliament’s upper house committee on defense and security, told Izvestia that Ankara had cornered itself, since Turkey’s task of shifting the current government in Syria is not only counterproductive, but also contradicts the international law. Kommersant: Russia’s senior diplomat sees future for Non-Proliferation Treaty One of the most important security agreements, the Non-Proliferation Treaty, celebrates its 50th anniversary. At the end of April, representatives of 191 member states of the treaty will gather in New York to assess its implementation. Meanwhile, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov believes that the situation around the Treaty is "extremely difficult". At the same time he is certain that Russia has ideas on how to prevent its failure, he said in an interview with Kommersant. "Sharp clashes, disputes are inevitable here. Under these conditions, the chances of adopting a meaningful outcome document are probably not very high," Ryabkov said about the upcoming conference. "However, the Russian delegation, as always, will work on positive results. Let me remind you that during the last such event, we were one step away from approving the final document. At the time, Russia confirmed its readiness to join the consensus, but due to well-known circumstances, primarily topics related to the zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, this did not work," he added.
Read also Russia slams US allegations about UN nonproliferation standards as mythmaking
According to the diplomat, Russia is working on the permanent members of the UN Security Council (the United Kingdom, China, Russia, the United States and France) accepting a joint statement on the inadmissibility of nuclear war, despite the United States not responding to Russia's proposal to do so in a bilateral format. "It is too early to say whether it will be possible to reach an acceptable result for all five participants. Unfortunately, there are signs that some capitals do not mind blurring this formula," he told the newspaper. "We support that the idea of the inadmissibility of nuclear war and the impossibility of achieving victory in it was directly and unequivocally confirmed and possibly strengthened by emphasizing that modern technologies in this field make the unleashing of such a war even more dangerous than before. Alas, it is not yet clear that colleagues in Washington agree with this approach. Rather, the opposite," the diplomat noted. Ryabkov added that tensions and military confrontation rise following to the logic of arms buildup. "Nevertheless, we hope that it will be possible to deter the Americans from further rash steps," the politician told Kommersant. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia may look into reviewing Taliban's status The first strike by the US Armed Forces in Afghanistan in 11 days attracted criticism of Russian diplomacy. The Russian Foreign Ministry called the latest attempt by the Americans to stop the Taliban (banned in the Russian Federation) attacks on the Afghan military a violation of the agreement signed in Qatar and pointed out that the Taliban has no obligations to the Afghan armed forces. A source in Kabul told Nezavisimaya Gazeta that work might be underway in Russia to review the status of the movement. However, no specific steps in this direction should be made.
Read also US airstrike on Taliban in Afghanistan blatantly violates peace treaty — envoy
US Air Force Representative in Afghanistan (USFOR-A) Colonel Sonny Leggett said the United States attacked Taliban militants who were actively attacking the Afghan Armed Forces checkpoint. In turn, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Second Asia Department Zamir Kabulov commenting on the situation noted, "The Taliban did not take any obligations with respect to the Afghan government, but only to the United States." The situation once again raises the question of Russia's position on revising the Taliban’s status. The movement was recognized as a terrorist organization by decision of the Russian Supreme Court in 2003. According to Russian diplomats, the decision to lift sanctions on the Taliban could be made by the UN Security Council before May 29, 2020. "Judging by indirect evidence, certain lobbying work to ensure that the Taliban leaves the list of banned organizations has been carried out in Russia for a long time, but, obviously, this issue is not in the competence of one structure," political source in Kabul told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. "It will be reasonable to do this after the relevant decision of the UN Security Council. However, it could be possible only after the Taliban has proven that it has broken relations with terrorist organizations," the source added. The source noted that Russia should not be the first to review the status of the organization. "This could damage the image of the country in the international arena," the source said. It is possible that Russia's initiative would draw criticism from official Kabul. Vedomosti: Russia’s launch of 5G networks postponed Cellular operators will not be able to use the frequencies that they already have for the deployment of 5G networks. The State Commission for Radio Frequencies was expected to issue permission to use the frequencies that are now occupied by 2G, 3G, and LTE. However, after the recent meeting, the decision disappeared from the draft, sources close to the three communications companies, and a person familiar with the materials of the State Committee for Radio Frequencies told Vedomosti. Two sources also claim that the meeting of the commission was postponed from March 10, tentatively to March 17.
Read also Russia plans to create 25 pilot zones for 5G using domestic equipment by 2024


tass--2020-03-06--First coronavirus infection case registered in Cameroon

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The first COVID-19 coronavirus infection case has been registered in Cameroon , Reuters @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Ministry of Health .
According to the report , the patient is a @ @ @ @ @ who came to the Cameroon capital of Yaounde on February 24 .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The first COVID-19 coronavirus infection case has been registered in Cameroon, Reuters reported Friday citing the country’s Ministry of Health.
According to the report, the patient is a 58-year old French national, who came to the Cameroon capital of Yaounde on February 24.


tass--2020-03-06--About 60,000 people in Donetsk, Lugansk republics granted Russian citizenship this year

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
About 60,000 residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics have been granted Russian citizenship since the beginning of this year .
More than 225,000 people in these republics have been granted Russian citizenship since the presidential decree on the issue came into force last year , the press center of the Russian Interior Ministry informed TASS .
`` More than 225,000 residents of Ukraine ’ s Donetsk and Lugansk regions were granted Russian citizenship in 2019 and 58,000 in 2020 , '' the press center said in response to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , taking into account the decisions made by the president , the migration situation in the country has changed substantially .
`` The number of individuals who have been granted Russian citizenship grew by 85 % compared to 2018 amounting to about 500,000 , '' the ministry said .
On April 24 , 2019 , Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree enabling people living in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics to receive Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure .
According to the document , the decision has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights and freedoms '' based on universally accepted international laws .
The first passports were issued in Russia ’ s Rostov Region on July 14 .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. About 60,000 residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics have been granted Russian citizenship since the beginning of this year. More than 225,000 people in these republics have been granted Russian citizenship since the presidential decree on the issue came into force last year, the press center of the Russian Interior Ministry informed TASS.
"More than 225,000 residents of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Lugansk regions were granted Russian citizenship in 2019 and 58,000 in 2020," the press center said in response to an inquiry from TASS.
It also noted that, taking into account the decisions made by the president, the migration situation in the country has changed substantially. "The number of individuals who have been granted Russian citizenship grew by 85% compared to 2018 amounting to about 500,000," the ministry said.
On April 24, 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree enabling people living in the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics to receive Russian citizenship under a simplified procedure. According to the document, the decision has been made "in order to protect human rights and freedoms" based on universally accepted international laws. The first passports were issued in Russia’s Rostov Region on July 14.


tass--2020-03-06--The Netherlands seeks to exert pressure on court ahead of MH17 case hearing — diplomat

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson , the media campaign launched ahead of the trial is aimed at compensating for gaps in the evidence base MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The media campaign , launched by the Netherlands ahead of the court hearing on Malaysian Boeing crash in Donbass , is a blatant attempt to exert pressure on the court , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing Friday .
`` The media campaign gains unprecedented scale .
It features an accusatory tone against Russia and its citizens , which is totally unacceptable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched days before the hearing to compensate for gaps in the evidence base and to conceal manipulation of facts in favor of a version chosen in advance .
Maybe , it has also been done to create an image of flawlessness of the investigation , pre-determine the verdict and prevent any veering off the course taken 6 years ago . ''
`` We classify all of the abovementioned as a blatant attempt to exert pressure on the court , '' Zakharova underscored .
The diplomat recalled that , within the media campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced `` some witnesses , whose names and identities are classified . ''
`` All this looks like the magic formula : ‘ we definitely know that you did it , because secret sources , which we can not disclose , told us . '
We have an impression that this formula has become a working instrument in a whole number of loud cases , events , incidents .
And it is being employed more and more widely , '' Zakharova noted .
The spokeswoman highlighted that some sensitive issues , directly related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fall out of public discourse , such as `` the fact that Ukraine failed to close its airspace for civilian aircraft in summer 2014 despite an ongoing domestic armed conflict . ''
`` A wealth of information sent by Russia regarding the circumstances of the accident continue to be ignored .
The investigators are also not interested in why all employees of the Prosecutor ’ s Office of Ukraine , who probed the crash , got fired ahead of the court proceedings , '' Zakharova indicated .
On July 17 , 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed in Donetsk Region of Ukraine , killing 298 people from at least 10 states .
Despite active armed conflict , Kiev decided not to close its airspace for international passenger flights .
A Joint Investigative Team ( JIT ) , involving specialists from Australia , Belgium , Malaysia , the Netherlands and Ukraine , was created to investigate the incident .
Last June , the JIT announced that it identified four people suspected of involvement in the accident , including three Russian and one Ukrainian nationals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of confidence in the JIT investigation results , pointed out baselessness of the plaintiffs ’ arguments and the investigators ’ unwillingness to use conclusions of the Russian side .

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the media campaign launched ahead of the trial is aimed at compensating for gaps in the evidence base
MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The media campaign, launched by the Netherlands ahead of the court hearing on Malaysian Boeing crash in Donbass, is a blatant attempt to exert pressure on the court, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during a briefing Friday.
Read also Kremlin says new data on MH17 crash in Ukraine demonstrates that Russia was right
"The media campaign gains unprecedented scale. It features an accusatory tone against Russia and its citizens, which is totally unacceptable," Zakharova stated. "It was launched days before the hearing to compensate for gaps in the evidence base and to conceal manipulation of facts in favor of a version chosen in advance. Maybe, it has also been done to create an image of flawlessness of the investigation, pre-determine the verdict and prevent any veering off the course taken 6 years ago." "We classify all of the abovementioned as a blatant attempt to exert pressure on the court," Zakharova underscored.
Read also Russia ready to hand over data ahead of MH17 court hearing in Netherlands — diplomat
The diplomat recalled that, within the media campaign, the Joint Investigative Group (JIT) announced "some witnesses, whose names and identities are classified." "All this looks like the magic formula: ‘we definitely know that you did it, because secret sources, which we cannot disclose, told us.' We have an impression that this formula has become a working instrument in a whole number of loud cases, events, incidents. And it is being employed more and more widely," Zakharova noted.
The spokeswoman highlighted that some sensitive issues, directly related to the crash of the Malaysian Boeing, fall out of public discourse, such as "the fact that Ukraine failed to close its airspace for civilian aircraft in summer 2014 despite an ongoing domestic armed conflict." "A wealth of information sent by Russia regarding the circumstances of the accident continue to be ignored. The investigators are also not interested in why all employees of the Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine, who probed the crash, got fired ahead of the court proceedings," Zakharova indicated. Crash and investigation


tass--2020-03-06--Moscow says Washington’s moves to upgrade nuclear forces increase possibility of their use

Russia is concerned about attempts by some US politicians to exploit the rhetoric around the Open Skies Treaty in domestic political gambling , the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said '' We would like to point out that Washington is not only upgrading its nuclear forces but also seeks to provide them with new capabilities , which significantly increases the possibility of their use .
Particularly concerning are the United States ’ moves to expand the range of low-powered weapons , including the development and deployment of munitions designed for strategic delivery vehicles , '' she stated .
`` This clearly lowers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons , '' Zakharova pointed out .
According to her , Washington seems to `` consider a nuclear standoff as an actual political option and is now working to create the necessary potential . ''
Zakharova added that in order to make those destructive actions `` seem more legitimate , '' the United States referred to Russia and China as external threats .
`` Unrestrained military buildup with no laws to limit it will just lead nowhere .
A far more effective way to protect national security is to carry on the policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries , which is what we are again calling on the US to do , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman emphasized .
Russia is concerned about attempts by some US politicians to exploit the rhetoric around the Open Skies Treaty in domestic political gambling , whereas there is no official information on Washington ’ s potential withdrawal from the accord , Maria Zakharova noted .
`` We are gravely concerned about statements made by some high-ranking officials , US legislators who are trying to make the treaty a bargaining chip in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I would like to inform you that , to date , no official statements have been made regarding the United States ’ potential withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty . ''
`` We consider the treaty to be an important mechanism for ensuring European security and transparency in the military realm , along with the 2011 Vienna Document on Confidence-and Security-Building Measures , '' the diplomat stressed .
According to Zakharova , Russia has been in touch with its American partners , openly briefing them on its stance and providing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document .
`` We hope that common sense and constructive approach by all parties to the treaty will help prevent its collapse , '' she said .
The Treaty on Open Skies was signed in Helsinki on March 24 , 1992 , by the member states of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe , and went into force on January 1 , 2002 .
The purpose of the deal is to help build confidence between countries through the improvement of mechanisms to control military activities and compliance with arms control agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington has been accusing Moscow of exercising a selective approach to the treaty ’ s implementation and violating some of its provisions .
Russia has been laying counter-claims to the United States .
In 2017 , Washington imposed restrictions on Russian observation flights over its territory under this treaty .
This move was followed by Moscow ’ s tit-for-tat response .

Russia is concerned about attempts by some US politicians to exploit the rhetoric around the Open Skies Treaty in domestic political gambling, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said
MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. The United States seeks to provide new capabilities to its nuclear forces, which increases the possibility of their use, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday.
Read also US withdrawal from INF makes nuclear threat as high as during 1962 Cuban crisis — experts
"We would like to point out that Washington is not only upgrading its nuclear forces but also seeks to provide them with new capabilities, which significantly increases the possibility of their use. Particularly concerning are the United States’ moves to expand the range of low-powered weapons, including the development and deployment of munitions designed for strategic delivery vehicles," she stated. "This clearly lowers the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons," Zakharova pointed out. According to her, Washington seems to "consider a nuclear standoff as an actual political option and is now working to create the necessary potential." Zakharova added that in order to make those destructive actions "seem more legitimate," the United States referred to Russia and China as external threats. "Unrestrained military buildup with no laws to limit it will just lead nowhere. A far more effective way to protect national security is to carry on the policy of arms control and building ties with other countries, which is what we are again calling on the US to do," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman emphasized. US rhetoric around Open Skies Treaty


tass--2020-03-06--Unidentified assailants open fire at ceremony attended by Afghan PM in Kabul

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
A shooting took place Friday in Kabul , during the ceremony on Mujahedeen @ @ @ @ @ anniversary , attended by Prime Minister Abdullah Abdullah , Afghanistan ’ s 1TV reported .
@ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister of Afghanistan emerged unscathed from the shootout between the security forces and @ @ @ @ @ reasons or other details are unknown at this moment .
There have been no reports @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. A shooting took place Friday in Kabul, during the ceremony on Mujahedeen leader Abdul Ali Mazari death anniversary, attended by Prime Minister Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan’s 1TV reported.
According to the report, the Prime Minister of Afghanistan emerged unscathed from the shootout between the security forces and the unidentified assailants.
The reasons or other details are unknown at this moment. There have been no reports on victims yet.


tass--2020-03-06--Ukraine’s new PM denies his own words on water supply to Crimea

`` It is an issue of humanitarian responsibility before people who live in Crimea .
Failure to supply water would lead to humanitarian catastrophe .
We don ’ t want to be its authors , '' he noted .
Speaking Thursday on Ukraine ’ s 1+1 TV , Shmygal said that water supply to Crimea `` is not an issue of trade with the occupant , not a business issue . ''
The Prime Minister specified that he was talking about water `` that Ukrainians would use for personal consumption , not for industrial objects . ''
`` We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Crimea is Ukraine , '' he concluded .
His statement was widely reported by the media .
However , after just a couple of hours , the Prime Minister denied his words in a Facebook post , claiming that he was misunderstood , and saying that talk shows `` is not the best format to discuss complex issues , such as water supply to Crimea . ''
`` Our position remains unchanged : we would like to supply water to our citizens , but we can not and have no technical option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de-occupied and returned to Ukraine , '' Shmygal wrote , adding that `` this thesis got lost in the noise of the studio . ''
Following the 2014 coup d ’ etat in Ukraine and subsequent reunion of Crimea and Russia , Ukrainian authorities stopped supplying water to the peninsula via the North Crimean Canal .
This canal was built in the 1960s , to provide water to arid territories of Kherson and Crimean Regions of the then-Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from the Kakhovskoye Reservoir , created in lower Dnieper .
This supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water demand .
In the past five years , Russia implemented a project to use Crimea ’ s underground water reserves to meet the needs of the peninsula ’ s population .

"It is an issue of humanitarian responsibility before people who live in Crimea. Failure to supply water would lead to humanitarian catastrophe. We don’t want to be its authors," he noted.
Speaking Thursday on Ukraine’s 1+1 TV, Shmygal said that water supply to Crimea "is not an issue of trade with the occupant, not a business issue."
The Prime Minister specified that he was talking about water "that Ukrainians would use for personal consumption, not for industrial objects."
"We cannot fail to supply water to Ukrainians. Crimea is Ukraine," he concluded.
His statement was widely reported by the media. However, after just a couple of hours, the Prime Minister denied his words in a Facebook post, claiming that he was misunderstood, and saying that talk shows "is not the best format to discuss complex issues, such as water supply to Crimea."
"Our position remains unchanged: we would like to supply water to our citizens, but we cannot and have no technical option to do that until the peninsula is de-occupied and returned to Ukraine," Shmygal wrote, adding that "this thesis got lost in the noise of the studio."
Following the 2014 coup d’etat in Ukraine and subsequent reunion of Crimea and Russia, Ukrainian authorities stopped supplying water to the peninsula via the North Crimean Canal. This canal was built in the 1960s, to provide water to arid territories of Kherson and Crimean Regions of the then-Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from the Kakhovskoye Reservoir, created in lower Dnieper. This supply covered up to 90% of Crimean water demand. In the past five years, Russia implemented a project to use Crimea’s underground water reserves to meet the needs of the peninsula’s population.


tass--2020-03-06--Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum postponed indefinitely

`` It was postponed for an indefinite period .
The decision has just been made , '' he said .
KRASNOYARSK , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum , which was supposed to be held on March 19-21 , was postponed indefinitely , head of the governor ’ s press service Maxim Kudryavtsev told TASS .
Chairman of the government of the Krasnoyarsk region Yuri Lapshin confirmed to TASS that on Friday at a meeting with the governor of the region , the issue of transferring the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum was discussed .
`` After a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to counteract coronavirus on the one hand and yesterday ’ s decision announced by [ SPIEF organizing committee chairman Andrey ] Belousov about the St. Petersburg forum in June , we have no other options , '' Lapshin said .
The 17th Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum was to be held from March 19 to 21 .
A draft investment strategy of the regions of Siberia near the Yenisei River ( Krasnoyarsk region , Khakassia , Tuva ) was expected to be presented at the event .
For the first time , the Krasnoyarsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the time , it brought together about 700 participants .

"It was postponed for an indefinite period. The decision has just been made," he said.
KRASNOYARSK, March 6. /TASS/. The Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum, which was supposed to be held on March 19-21, was postponed indefinitely, head of the governor’s press service Maxim Kudryavtsev told TASS.
Chairman of the government of the Krasnoyarsk region Yuri Lapshin confirmed to TASS that on Friday at a meeting with the governor of the region, the issue of transferring the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum was discussed.
"After a clear position of the federal authorities regarding the measures to counteract coronavirus on the one hand and yesterday’s decision announced by [SPIEF organizing committee chairman Andrey] Belousov about the St. Petersburg forum in June, we have no other options," Lapshin said.
The 17th Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum was to be held from March 19 to 21. A draft investment strategy of the regions of Siberia near the Yenisei River (Krasnoyarsk region, Khakassia, Tuva) was expected to be presented at the event. For the first time, the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum was held in 2004. At the time, it brought together about 700 participants.


tass--2020-03-06--Putin wishes first woman in space Valentina Tereshkova happy birthday

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished happy birthday to Valentina Tereshkova , the @ @ @ @ @ who turned 83 on March 6 .
The president ’ s telegram was published at @ @ @ @ @ You belong to the cohort of real heroes : brave , determined , strong people @ @ @ @ @ serving the Homeland .
Your professional biography , your personal contribution to the national space @ @ @ @ @ deserve the deepest appreciation .
Of course , I also note your long-time social , @ @ @ @ @ president said , wishing Tereshkova good health and well-being .
Valentina Tereshkowa was born on @ @ @ @ @ in village of Maslennikovo , Yaroslavl Region .
She is a Soviet cosmonaut , Hero @ @ @ @ @ In 1963 , she has become the first woman to fly in space .
In @ @ @ @ @ Russian National Award for humanitarian activity .
She has also been awarded a number of @ @ @ @ @ medals .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has wished happy birthday to Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, who turned 83 on March 6. The president’s telegram was published at the Kremlin website.
"You belong to the cohort of real heroes: brave, determined, strong people who dedicated their life to serving the Homeland. Your professional biography, your personal contribution to the national space program is truly unique and deserve the deepest appreciation. Of course, I also note your long-time social, lawmaking activity," the president said, wishing Tereshkova good health and well-being.
Valentina Tereshkowa was born on March 6, 1937, in village of Maslennikovo, Yaroslavl Region. She is a Soviet cosmonaut, Hero of the Soviet Union. In 1963, she has become the first woman to fly in space. In 2008, she received the Russian National Award for humanitarian activity. She has also been awarded a number of Soviet and Russian orders and medals.


tass--2020-03-06--Foreign investments in Hainan's economy up by 366.4% reaching $115.5 mln in January

HAIKOU , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of foreign investments in Hainan 's economy in January increased by 366.4 % YoY reaching $ 115.5 mln , the Hainan Daily newspaper reported on Friday .
According to the news outlet , 29 more enterprises with foreign capital started working on the island in January .
The majority of the companies are located in the cities of Haikou and Sanya , and also on the territory of the Yangpu port in the island 's north-west .
Commercial firms engaged in water purification , pharma and mineral resources are among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and innovative projects in the province .
According to official statistics , foreign capital investments in Hainan 's economy in 2019 exceeded $ 1.5 bln which is by 17.8 % more than in 2018 .
In the near future the Island of Hainan intends to draw investments in the fields of finance , eco-friendly transport , pharma and medical equipment .
These projects are aimed at turning the island into an advanced trade zone in South East Asia .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, March 6. /TASS/. The volume of foreign investments in Hainan's economy in January increased by 366.4% YoY reaching $115.5 mln, the Hainan Daily newspaper reported on Friday.
According to the news outlet, 29 more enterprises with foreign capital started working on the island in January. The majority of the companies are located in the cities of Haikou and Sanya, and also on the territory of the Yangpu port in the island's north-west.
Commercial firms engaged in water purification, pharma and mineral resources are among those interested. Several companies eye implementing hi-tech and innovative projects in the province.
According to official statistics, foreign capital investments in Hainan's economy in 2019 exceeded $1.5 bln which is by 17.8% more than in 2018. In the near future the Island of Hainan intends to draw investments in the fields of finance, eco-friendly transport, pharma and medical equipment. These projects are aimed at turning the island into an advanced trade zone in South East Asia.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-03-06--Russian polymer hull speedboats maker to present its products in Sweden

ROSTOV-ON-DON , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
The only Russian producer of speedboats with polyethylene hulls RIF Shipyard JSC will present its products at the upcoming Allt For Sjon ( All for Sea ) maritime exhibition in Sweden .
The company ’ s representatives are included in the Russian delegation , which participates in the event for the first time , says RIF CEO Gennady Vasilyuk .
`` Between March 6 and 15 , the shipyard would take part in the Allt For Sjon international maritime exhibition in Stockholm .
We plan to show our speedboat among other Russian producers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this exhibition for the first time , '' he said .
According to Vasilyuk , RIF speedboats have been used in Monaco yacht club for two years already , but the company seeks to expand its presence at the European market .
The Allt For Sjon annual international shipbuilding exhibition is the biggest event in the industry .
According to the exhibition website , shipbuilding companies from Sweden , Norway , Finland , Denmark , Germany , the Netherlands and two dozen other nations take part in it .
The exhibition area is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a subsidiary of Rostovsky Port JSC and is the only shipyard in Russia that makes speedboats with polyethylene hulls .
According to the company ’ s website , it produces more than 20 types of speedboats : delivery , patrol , service , passenger , for both civilian and special purposes .

ROSTOV-ON-DON, March 6. /TASS/. The only Russian producer of speedboats with polyethylene hulls RIF Shipyard JSC will present its products at the upcoming Allt For Sjon (All for Sea) maritime exhibition in Sweden. The company’s representatives are included in the Russian delegation, which participates in the event for the first time, says RIF CEO Gennady Vasilyuk.
"Between March 6 and 15, the shipyard would take part in the Allt For Sjon international maritime exhibition in Stockholm. We plan to show our speedboat among other Russian producers. The Russian delegation takes part in this exhibition for the first time," he said.
According to Vasilyuk, RIF speedboats have been used in Monaco yacht club for two years already, but the company seeks to expand its presence at the European market.
The Allt For Sjon annual international shipbuilding exhibition is the biggest event in the industry. According to the exhibition website, shipbuilding companies from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and two dozen other nations take part in it. The exhibition area is 52,000 square meters.
The RIF JSC is a subsidiary of Rostovsky Port JSC and is the only shipyard in Russia that makes speedboats with polyethylene hulls. According to the company’s website, it produces more than 20 types of speedboats: delivery, patrol, service, passenger, for both civilian and special purposes.


tass--2020-03-06--First case of novel coronavirus confirmed in Bhutan — media

Tshering said that the novel coronavirus was confirmed in a 76-year-old American tourist who arrived in Bhutan on Monday from India .
MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The first case of the novel coronavirus has been confirmed in Bhutan , Xinhua news agency reported on Friday citing Prime Minister Lotay Tshering .
Xinhua said that schools and other facilities in areas visited by the infected person will be closed for three weeks .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including in Russia .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
Outside of China , most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy .
In China , the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus exceeded 80,500 , while the death toll surpassed 3,000 , and over 53,500 people recovered and left hospitals .
Outside of China , 267 people died from the new coronaivurs , and the number of confirmed cases nears 15,000 .

Tshering said that the novel coronavirus was confirmed in a 76-year-old American tourist who arrived in Bhutan on Monday from India.
MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. /TASS/. The first case of the novel coronavirus has been confirmed in Bhutan, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday citing Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.
Xinhua said that schools and other facilities in areas visited by the infected person will be closed for three weeks.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 70 other countries, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea and Italy.
In China, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus exceeded 80,500, while the death toll surpassed 3,000, and over 53,500 people recovered and left hospitals. Outside of China, 267 people died from the new coronaivurs, and the number of confirmed cases nears 15,000.


tass--2020-03-06--CNPC Continues Orderly Overseas Oil and Gas Operations Despite COVID-19 Outbreak

BEIJING , March 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Andes Petroleum Ecuador LTD. of China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Corporation ( CNODC ) , a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation ( Shanghai : 601857 ) ( CNPC ) , has put two new oil wells into production in the Province of Orellana , Ecuador , a breakthrough for CNPC in the field of lithologic oil reservoir exploration .
As the COVID-19 spreads globally , CNPC is ensuring uninterrupted production and smooth management in its various projects overseas , while introducing China 's effective measures in preventing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , partners and staff .
Dai Houliang , Chairman of CNPC , wrote letters specifically to foreign partners and received understanding and support .
On January 26 , CNODC initiated a Level I public health emergency response and put together a leading group for COVID-19 prevention and control .
The most essential task is to implement various preventive and control measures and to guarantee that production and operations are carried out in a highly-organized way .
CNODC then introduced telecommuting solutions highlighting the use of a uniform communication and video conferencing platform to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and projects also prepared disease prevention and control implementation programs and contingency plans , which include procurement of necessary supplies and paying close attention to staff wellbeing .
In addition , CNPC actively reported the situation of China 's fight against the epidemic and CNPC 's people-oriented measures to foreign staff of its joint ventures , local communities and governments , and provided regular briefings on the health conditions of its Chinese staff .
CNPC 's refining company in Niger published articles about COVID-19 on Niger 's official website ACTUNIFER and national newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Niger-Benin crude oil pipeline project wrote for the local newspaper on the prevention and control of COVID-19 .
In Brazil , CNPC sent more than 30 letters to its partners and community residents .
`` CNPC stands with all of our staff and partners in the fight against the novel coronavirus .
We are committed to providing all necessary assistance to keep everyone safe and healthy while trying the best to contribute to the economic and social development of host countries , by ensuring continued oil and gas production from our overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vice President of PetroChina & Chairman of CNODC .

BEIJING, March 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Andes Petroleum Ecuador LTD. of China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Corporation (CNODC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (Shanghai: 601857) (CNPC), has put two new oil wells into production in the Province of Orellana, Ecuador, a breakthrough for CNPC in the field of lithologic oil reservoir exploration.
As the COVID-19 spreads globally, CNPC is ensuring uninterrupted production and smooth management in its various projects overseas, while introducing China's effective measures in preventing and controlling the epidemic to other countries, partners and staff. Dai Houliang, Chairman of CNPC, wrote letters specifically to foreign partners and received understanding and support.
On January 26, CNODC initiated a Level I public health emergency response and put together a leading group for COVID-19 prevention and control. The most essential task is to implement various preventive and control measures and to guarantee that production and operations are carried out in a highly-organized way.
CNODC then introduced telecommuting solutions highlighting the use of a uniform communication and video conferencing platform to support flexible working. The overseas companies and projects also prepared disease prevention and control implementation programs and contingency plans, which include procurement of necessary supplies and paying close attention to staff wellbeing.
In addition, CNPC actively reported the situation of China's fight against the epidemic and CNPC's people-oriented measures to foreign staff of its joint ventures, local communities and governments, and provided regular briefings on the health conditions of its Chinese staff.
CNPC's refining company in Niger published articles about COVID-19 on Niger's official website ACTUNIFER and national newspaper Le SAHEL. RAYNATOU MAHAMADOU SALIFOU from the Niger-Benin crude oil pipeline project wrote for the local newspaper on the prevention and control of COVID-19. In Brazil, CNPC sent more than 30 letters to its partners and community residents.
"CNPC stands with all of our staff and partners in the fight against the novel coronavirus. We are committed to providing all necessary assistance to keep everyone safe and healthy while trying the best to contribute to the economic and social development of host countries, by ensuring continued oil and gas production from our overseas projects," said Wang Zhongcai, Vice President of PetroChina & Chairman of CNODC.
CONTACT: Fan Cunqiang, +86-10-6011 8978, fancunqiang@cnpcint.com


tass--2020-03-06--Berkeley Lights launched their new T Cell Receptor Sequencing Kit

EMERYVILLE , Calif. , March 5 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today , Berkeley Lights , a leader in cell selection , launched their new T Cell Receptor Sequencing Kit ( TCRseq Kit ) .
The TCRseq Kit enables users of Berkeley Lights ' Beacon and Lightning instruments to recover functionally validated T cell receptors ( TCRs ) from a cell sample that has as few as 10,000 input cells .
The TCRseq Kit enables Berkeley Lights platform users to first characterize the T cell function using the Berkeley Lights Cell Therapy Development Suite and then only sequence the T cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existing methodologies that require re-expressing hundreds of TCRs in the hopes of identifying the rare sequence that imparts an ideal specificity .
`` We 're excited to announce the launch of the TCRseq Kit , an advanced tool that enables recovery of alpha/beta chain sequences specific TCRs from single cells and increases TCR recovery to over 70 % , '' said John Proctor , Ph.D. , Senior Vice President of Marketing at Berkeley Lights .
`` We are building a Cell Therapy Development Suite of tools to help our customers better characterize T @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
After performing a T cell functional assay on the Beacon or Lightning instrument , the user selects single human T cells of interest and exports them from the company 's OptoSelect chip to a well plate .
Using reagents provided in the TCRseq Kit , RNA from single T cells is recovered and V ( D ) J regions of the TCR alpha and beta chains are amplified .
The resulting cDNA is ready for the user to index and sequence using sequencing platforms .
The TCRseq Kit includes reagents and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human T cells .
The TCRseq Kit is available for purchase now .
You can find more information here : Here at Berkeley Lights , we think cells are awesome !
Cells are capable of manufacturing cures for diseases , fibers for clothing , energy in the form of biofuels , and food proteins for nutrition .
So the question is , if nature is capable of manufacturing the products we need in a scalable way , why are n't we doing more of this ?
Well , the answer is that with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard .
It takes a long time to find the right cell for a specific job , costs lots of money , and if you have picked a suboptimal cell line , has a very low process yield .
Berkeley Lights has the complete solution to find the best cells by functionally screening and recovering individual cells for antibody discovery , cell line development , T cell analysis , and synthetic biology .
Our proprietary technology and Beacon® and Lightning™ platforms accelerate the rate you can discover and develop cell-based products in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraction of the cost of conventional , legacy research methods .
Using our tools and solutions , scientists can find the best cells , the first time they look .
For more information , visit www.berkeleylights.com .
Berkeley Lights ' Beacon and Lightning instruments and the TCRseq Kit are : For Research Use Only .
Not for use in diagnostic procedures .

EMERYVILLE, Calif., March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Berkeley Lights, a leader in cell selection, launched their new T Cell Receptor Sequencing Kit (TCRseq Kit). The TCRseq Kit enables users of Berkeley Lights' Beacon and Lightning instruments to recover functionally validated T cell receptors (TCRs) from a cell sample that has as few as 10,000 input cells. The TCRseq Kit enables Berkeley Lights platform users to first characterize the T cell function using the Berkeley Lights Cell Therapy Development Suite and then only sequence the T cells that matter. This therefore functionally replaces existing methodologies that require re-expressing hundreds of TCRs in the hopes of identifying the rare sequence that imparts an ideal specificity.
"We're excited to announce the launch of the TCRseq Kit, an advanced tool that enables recovery of alpha/beta chain sequences specific TCRs from single cells and increases TCR recovery to over 70%," said John Proctor, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Marketing at Berkeley Lights. "We are building a Cell Therapy Development Suite of tools to help our customers better characterize T cells with the Beacon and Lightning instruments."
After performing a T cell functional assay on the Beacon or Lightning instrument, the user selects single human T cells of interest and exports them from the company's OptoSelect chip to a well plate. Using reagents provided in the TCRseq Kit, RNA from single T cells is recovered and V(D)J regions of the TCR alpha and beta chains are amplified. The resulting cDNA is ready for the user to index and sequence using sequencing platforms. The TCRseq Kit includes reagents and protocols for processing up to 192 single human T cells.
The TCRseq Kit is available for purchase now. You can find more information here: https://www.berkeleylights.com/applications/t-cell-functional-analytics
About Berkeley Lights
Here at Berkeley Lights, we think cells are awesome! Cells are capable of manufacturing cures for diseases, fibers for clothing, energy in the form of biofuels, and food proteins for nutrition. So the question is, if nature is capable of manufacturing the products we need in a scalable way, why aren't we doing more of this? Well, the answer is that with the solutions available today, it is hard. It takes a long time to find the right cell for a specific job, costs lots of money, and if you have picked a suboptimal cell line, has a very low process yield. Berkeley Lights has the complete solution to find the best cells by functionally screening and recovering individual cells for antibody discovery, cell line development, T cell analysis, and synthetic biology. Our proprietary technology and Beacon® and Lightning™ platforms accelerate the rate you can discover and develop cell-based products in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of conventional, legacy research methods. Using our tools and solutions, scientists can find the best cells, the first time they look. For more information, visit www.berkeleylights.com.
Berkeley Lights' Beacon and Lightning instruments and the TCRseq Kit are: For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1100171/Berkeley_Lights_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: berkeleylights@bulleitgroup.com


tass--2020-03-06--Double-digit profitability growth at Natura &Co in Q4

SÃO PAULO , March 6 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura & Co posted another strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2019 , with revenue growth in all three of its brands , Natura , The Body Shop and Aesop , and a 12.2 % increase in adjusted EBITDA .
The fourth-quarter performance caps another transformational year for Natura & Co as it announced the acquisition of Avon Products , Inc. in May 2019 , creating the world 's fourth-largest pure play beauty group and a leader in the Direct-to-Consumer space , with a portfolio of iconic brands .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
Natura & Co 's consolidated net revenue reached R $ 4.7 billion in Q4 , up 7.3 % on a reported basis and up 6.1 % at constant currency .
Adjusted EBITDA was R $ 816.7 million , up by a strong 12.2 % .
Underlying Operating Income ( UOI ) , which excludes one-off items , was up in Q4 by a very strong 18.2 % .
Net income , at 14.3 million Reais , was impacted by Avon-related acquisition costs and taxes related to the creation of the Natura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-year , consolidated net revenue grew 7.8 % on a reported basis and 7.0 % at constant currency to 14.4 billion Reais .
Adjusted EBITDA was up 7.5 % to 2.0 billion Reais and UOI increased 5.7 % .
The quarter also saw Natura & Co make new advances in sustainability : Natura became the first beauty company in Brazil to obtain the Green Patent from INPI , the National Institute of Intellectual Property , for the use of residue assets from Brazil 's biodiversity as production inputs , while The Body Shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its Community Fair Trade program .
Roberto Marques , Executive Chairman of Natura & Co , declared : `` 2019 was another year of profitable growth and transformation for Natura & Co , as we continued to make significant progress in building a multi-brand , multi-channel , purpose-driven group .
Our results continue to demonstrate our ability to serve an ever-increasing number of customers across price points and distribution channels .
Natura posted further growth while evolving its Relationship Selling model and multichannel strategy ; The Body Shop continued to successfully implement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and Aesop 's business picked up strongly in the fourth quarter , resulting in another year of solid double-digit growth .
The year 2019 was of course marked by the announcement of our acquisition of Avon , which we successfully closed ahead of schedule just after the New Year .
We continue to see major growth opportunities and potential to unlock significant synergies .
With Avon we are creating a group even more committed to making positive social , economic and environmental impact , with a stronger voice to advocate for causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have started our journey to build not the best beauty company in the world , but the best beauty company FOR the world . ''
The Natura brand 's adjusted net revenue in Brazil was up 3.0 % in Q4 , a very strong performance as it came against a very challenging comparable base .
Productivity per consultant rose for the 13th consecutive quarter .
Natura 's digital platform now has over 900,000 users in Brazil and online sales grew in double-digits .
Latam also saw growth of 10.6 % in net @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28.9 % in constant currency .
Argentina posted a strong performance despite a challenging market environment , and Mexico and Colombia also delivered growth .
EBITDA and margin increased in Q4 both in Brazil and in Latam .
In the full year , sales were up 4.0 % in Brazil and 13.5 % in Latam ( +23.9 % in constant currency ) .
The Body Shop continues to make headway in its transformation plan .
Net revenue was up 6.7 % in Reais in Q4 .
Sales grew 5.4 % in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its biggest market .
Adjusted EBITDA was up 7.8 % with margin up 20 basis points .
Full-year sales rose 6.3 % and Adjusted EBITDA was up 15.5 % , with margin up 90 basis points .
Aesop delivered an exceptional performance .
Revenue increased 25.78 % in Reais and 13.4 % at constant currency .
Like-for-like retail sales growth was 7 % in the quarter , and Aesop opened seven new signature stores in the period , bringing the total to 247 .
EBITDA grew 44.8 % in the quarter , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the full year , sales rose 22.5 % in Reais and 12.3 % at constant currency , while EBITDA was up 40.0 % , with margin expansion of 210 basis points .
Natura & Co 's net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio stood at 2.41 times at year-end , decreasing from 2.71x in Q4-18 , helped by solid cash-flow generation .
The group is on track to achieve its target of reducing the company 's leverage to the pre-The Body Shop acquisition level of 1.4 times by 2021 .
Natura & Co is a global , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which includes Avon , Natura , The Body Shop and Aesop .
Natura & Co posted net revenues of R $ 13.4 billion in 2018 .
The four companies that form the group are committed to generating positive economic , social and environmental impact .
For 130 years Avon has stood for women : providing innovative , quality beauty products which are primarily sold to women , through women .
Founded in 1969 , Natura is a Brazilian multinational in the cosmetics and personal care segment , leader in direct sales .
Founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Anita Roddick , The Body Shop is a global beauty brand that seeks to make a positive difference in the world .
The Australian beauty brand Aesop was established in 1987 with a quest to create a range of superlative products for skin , hair and the body .
Statements in this communication ( or in the documents it incorporates by reference ) that are not historical facts or information may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 .
Among other things , these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the proposed transaction involving Natura and Avon ; beliefs relating to value creation as a result of a proposed transaction involving Natura and Avon ; the expected timetable for completing the transaction ; benefits and synergies of the transaction ; future opportunities for the combined company ; and any other statements regarding Avon 's and Natura 's future beliefs , expectations , plans , intentions , financial condition or performance .
In some cases , words such as `` estimate , '' `` project , '' `` forecast , '' `` plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' `` expect , '' `` anticipate , '' `` intend , '' `` planned , '' `` potential , '' `` can , '' `` expectation , '' `` could , '' `` will , '' `` would '' and similar expressions , or the negative of those expressions , may identify forward-looking statements .
These forward-looking statements are based on Natura 's and Avon 's expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations .
These factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be beyond Natura 's and Avon 's control .
Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made .
New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time , and it is impossible for Natura or Avon to predict these events or how they may affect Natura or Avon .
Therefore , you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as predictors of future events .
Except as required by law , neither Natura nor Avon has any duty to , and does not intend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued .
In light of these risks and uncertainties , investors should keep in mind that results , events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur .
Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Natura 's and/or Avon 's future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this communication include , but are not limited to , ( a ) the parties ' ability to consummate the transaction or satisfy the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the receipt of shareholder approvals and the receipt of regulatory approvals required for the transaction on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule ; ( b ) the parties ' ability to meet expectations regarding the timing , completion and accounting and tax treatments of the transaction ; ( c ) the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period ; ( d ) the risk that integration of Avon 's operations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or will be more costly or difficult than expected ; ( e ) the failure of the proposed transaction to close for any other reason ; ( f ) the effect of the announcement of the transaction on customer and consultant relationships and operating results ( including , without limitation , difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees or customers ) ; ( g ) dilution caused by Natura 's issuance of additional shares of its common stock in connection with the transaction ; ( h ) the possibility that the transaction may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including as a result of unexpected factors or events ; ( i ) the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues ; ( j ) the possibility that the intended accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transactions are not achieved ; ( k ) those risks described in Section 4 of Natura 's Reference Form for 2018 , version 15 , which was filed with the Brazilian Securities Commission on April 24 , 2019 ; and ( l ) those risks described in Item 1A of Avon 's most recently filed Annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Forms 10-Q and 8-K .

SÃO PAULO, March 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura &Co posted another strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2019, with revenue growth in all three of its brands, Natura, The Body Shop and Aesop, and a 12.2% increase in adjusted EBITDA.
The fourth-quarter performance caps another transformational year for Natura &Co as it announced the acquisition of Avon Products, Inc. in May 2019, creating the world's fourth-largest pure play beauty group and a leader in the Direct-to-Consumer space, with a portfolio of iconic brands. That transaction officially closed on January 3, 2020.
Natura &Co's consolidated net revenue reached R$4.7 billion in Q4, up 7.3% on a reported basis and up 6.1% at constant currency. Adjusted EBITDA was R$816.7 million, up by a strong 12.2%. Underlying Operating Income (UOI), which excludes one-off items, was up in Q4 by a very strong 18.2%. Net income, at 14.3 million Reais, was impacted by Avon-related acquisition costs and taxes related to the creation of the Natura &Co Holding company.
In the full-year, consolidated net revenue grew 7.8% on a reported basis and 7.0% at constant currency to 14.4 billion Reais. Adjusted EBITDA was up 7.5% to 2.0 billion Reais and UOI increased 5.7%.
The quarter also saw Natura &Co make new advances in sustainability: Natura became the first beauty company in Brazil to obtain the Green Patent from INPI, the National Institute of Intellectual Property, for the use of residue assets from Brazil's biodiversity as production inputs, while The Body Shop won Ethical Corporation's Plastics Innovation award for its Community Fair Trade program.
Roberto Marques, Executive Chairman of Natura &Co, declared: "2019 was another year of profitable growth and transformation for Natura &Co, as we continued to make significant progress in building a multi-brand, multi-channel, purpose-driven group. Our results continue to demonstrate our ability to serve an ever-increasing number of customers across price points and distribution channels.
Natura posted further growth while evolving its Relationship Selling model and multichannel strategy; The Body Shop continued to successfully implement its ongoing transformation plan and expanded margin; and Aesop's business picked up strongly in the fourth quarter, resulting in another year of solid double-digit growth.
The year 2019 was of course marked by the announcement of our acquisition of Avon, which we successfully closed ahead of schedule just after the New Year. We continue to see major growth opportunities and potential to unlock significant synergies. With Avon we are creating a group even more committed to making positive social, economic and environmental impact, with a stronger voice to advocate for causes that matter to us. Together, we have started our journey to build not the best beauty company in the world, but the best beauty company FOR the world."
The Natura brand's adjusted net revenue in Brazil was up 3.0% in Q4, a very strong performance as it came against a very challenging comparable base. Productivity per consultant rose for the 13th consecutive quarter. Natura's digital platform now has over 900,000 users in Brazil and online sales grew in double-digits. Latam also saw growth of 10.6% in net revenue in Brazilian Reais and a stronger 28.9% in constant currency. Argentina posted a strong performance despite a challenging market environment, and Mexico and Colombia also delivered growth. EBITDA and margin increased in Q4 both in Brazil and in Latam. In the full year, sales were up 4.0% in Brazil and 13.5% in Latam (+23.9% in constant currency).
The Body Shop continues to make headway in its transformation plan. Net revenue was up 6.7% in Reais in Q4. Sales grew 5.4% in the UK, underscoring the brand's attractiveness in its biggest market. Adjusted EBITDA was up 7.8% with margin up 20 basis points. Full-year sales rose 6.3% and Adjusted EBITDA was up 15.5%, with margin up 90 basis points.
Aesop delivered an exceptional performance. Revenue increased 25.78% in Reais and 13.4% at constant currency. Like-for-like retail sales growth was 7% in the quarter, and Aesop opened seven new signature stores in the period, bringing the total to 247. EBITDA grew 44.8% in the quarter, with margin growing by 360 basis points. In the full year, sales rose 22.5% in Reais and 12.3% at constant currency, while EBITDA was up 40.0%, with margin expansion of 210 basis points.
Natura &Co's net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio stood at 2.41 times at year-end, decreasing from 2.71x in Q4-18, helped by solid cash-flow generation. The group is on track to achieve its target of reducing the company's leverage to the pre-The Body Shop acquisition level of 1.4 times by 2021.
About Natura &Co
Natura &Co is a global, purpose-driven, multi-channel and multi-brand cosmetics group which includes Avon, Natura, The Body Shop and Aesop. Natura &Co posted net revenues of R$ 13.4 billion in 2018. The four companies that form the group are committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. For 130 years Avon has stood for women: providing innovative, quality beauty products which are primarily sold to women, through women. Founded in 1969, Natura is a Brazilian multinational in the cosmetics and personal care segment, leader in direct sales. Founded in 1976 in Brighton, England, by Anita Roddick, The Body Shop is a global beauty brand that seeks to make a positive difference in the world. The Australian beauty brand Aesop was established in 1987 with a quest to create a range of superlative products for skin, hair and the body.
Caution about forward-looking statements
Statements in this communication (or in the documents it incorporates by reference) that are not historical facts or information may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Among other things, these forward looking statements may include statements regarding the proposed transaction involving Natura and Avon; beliefs relating to value creation as a result of a proposed transaction involving Natura and Avon; the expected timetable for completing the transaction; benefits and synergies of the transaction; future opportunities for the combined company; and any other statements regarding Avon's and Natura's future beliefs, expectations, plans, intentions, financial condition or performance. In some cases, words such as "estimate," "project," "forecast," "plan," "believe," "may," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "planned," "potential," "can," "expectation," "could," "will," "would" and similar expressions, or the negative of those expressions, may identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Natura's and Avon's expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Natura's and Avon's control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Natura or Avon to predict these events or how they may affect Natura or Avon. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements as predictors of future events. Except as required by law, neither Natura nor Avon has any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Natura's and/or Avon's future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this communication include, but are not limited to, (a) the parties' ability to consummate the transaction or satisfy the conditions to the completion of the transaction, including the receipt of shareholder approvals and the receipt of regulatory approvals required for the transaction on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule; (b) the parties' ability to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the transaction; (c) the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; (d) the risk that integration of Avon's operations with those of Natura will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; (e) the failure of the proposed transaction to close for any other reason; (f) the effect of the announcement of the transaction on customer and consultant relationships and operating results (including, without limitation, difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees or customers); (g) dilution caused by Natura's issuance of additional shares of its common stock in connection with the transaction; (h) the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (i) the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; (j) the possibility that the intended accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transactions are not achieved; (k) those risks described in Section 4 of Natura's Reference Form for 2018, version 15, which was filed with the Brazilian Securities Commission on April 24, 2019; and (l) those risks described in Item 1A of Avon's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K.
(For purposes of comparison, the results in this press release exclude the IFRS 16 new accounting standard for lease agreements. The reported results, including the impacts of IFRS 16, are disclosed in the company's financial statements. Adjusted results exclude effects that are not considered recurring not comparable between the periods under analysis.)
Press Contact, Brunswick Group, + 55 11 3076-7620, gkivitz@brunswickgroup.com


tass--2020-03-06--Axiom Space plans first-ever fully private human spaceflight mission to the ISS

HOUSTON , March 5 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Axiom Space announced it is planning history 's first fully private human spaceflight to the International Space Station .
Axiom has signed a contract with SpaceX for a Crew Dragon flight which will transport a commander professionally trained by Axiom alongside three private astronauts to and from the International Space Station .
The mission , set to launch as soon as the second half of 2021 , will allow the crew to live aboard the ISS and experience at least eight days of microgravity and views of Earth that can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venerable station .
`` This history-making flight will represent a watershed moment in the march toward universal and routine access to space , '' Axiom CEO Michael Suffredini said .
`` This will be just the first of many missions to ISS to be completely crewed and managed by Axiom Space – a first for a commercial entity .
Procuring the transportation marks significant progress toward that goal , and we 're glad to be working with SpaceX in this effort . ''
This is the first of Axiom 's proposed `` precursor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its 2016 Space Act Agreement ( SAA ) with NASA .
Discussions with NASA are underway to establish additional enabling agreements for the private astronaut missions to ISS .
Axiom plans to offer professional and private astronaut flights to ISS at a rate of up to two per year to align with flight opportunities as they are made available by NASA , while simultaneously constructing its own privately funded space station .
`` Since 2012 , SpaceX has been delivering cargo to the International Space Station in partnership with NASA and later this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the first time , '' said SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell .
`` Now , thanks to Axiom and their support from NASA , privately crewed missions will have unprecedented access to the space station , furthering the commercialization of space and helping usher in a new era of human exploration . ''
With its team 's vast experience in human spaceflight , Axiom serves as a one-stop shop overseeing all elements of its missions .
In addition to contracting with SpaceX for a Crew Dragon vehicle to transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's turnkey service for the mission – two days in transit and at least eight days aboard the ISS – includes training , mission planning , hardware development , life support , medical support , crew provisions , hardware and safety certifications , on-orbit operations and overall mission management .
NASA recently selected Axiom 's proposal to attach its space station modules to the ISS beginning in the second half of 2024 , ultimately creating a new 'Axiom Segment ' which will expand the station 's usable and habitable volume .
When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Axiom complex will detach and operate as a free-flying commercial space station .
By serving the market for immediate access to space while building the future platform for a global user base , Axiom is leading the development and settlement of low Earth orbit now and into the future .
Axiom Space was founded in 2016 with the aim of creating humanity 's home in space to ensure a prosperous future for everyone , everywhere .
While building and launching the Axiom Segment of the International Space Station to one day form the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Axiom provides access to the ISS today by conducting crewed missions for professional and private astronauts .
More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com .

HOUSTON, March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Axiom Space announced it is planning history's first fully private human spaceflight to the International Space Station.
Axiom has signed a contract with SpaceX for a Crew Dragon flight which will transport a commander professionally trained by Axiom alongside three private astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The mission, set to launch as soon as the second half of 2021, will allow the crew to live aboard the ISS and experience at least eight days of microgravity and views of Earth that can only be fully appreciated in the large, venerable station.
"This history-making flight will represent a watershed moment in the march toward universal and routine access to space," Axiom CEO Michael Suffredini said. "This will be just the first of many missions to ISS to be completely crewed and managed by Axiom Space – a first for a commercial entity. Procuring the transportation marks significant progress toward that goal, and we're glad to be working with SpaceX in this effort."
This is the first of Axiom's proposed "precursor missions" to the ISS envisioned under its 2016 Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA. Discussions with NASA are underway to establish additional enabling agreements for the private astronaut missions to ISS.
Axiom plans to offer professional and private astronaut flights to ISS at a rate of up to two per year to align with flight opportunities as they are made available by NASA, while simultaneously constructing its own privately funded space station.
"Since 2012, SpaceX has been delivering cargo to the International Space Station in partnership with NASA and later this year, we will fly NASA astronauts for the first time," said SpaceX President and Chief Operating Officer Gwynne Shotwell. "Now, thanks to Axiom and their support from NASA, privately crewed missions will have unprecedented access to the space station, furthering the commercialization of space and helping usher in a new era of human exploration."
With its team's vast experience in human spaceflight, Axiom serves as a one-stop shop overseeing all elements of its missions. In addition to contracting with SpaceX for a Crew Dragon vehicle to transport its crew to the ISS, Axiom's turnkey service for the mission – two days in transit and at least eight days aboard the ISS – includes training, mission planning, hardware development, life support, medical support, crew provisions, hardware and safety certifications, on-orbit operations and overall mission management.
NASA recently selected Axiom's proposal to attach its space station modules to the ISS beginning in the second half of 2024, ultimately creating a new 'Axiom Segment' which will expand the station's usable and habitable volume. When the ISS reaches its retirement date, the Axiom complex will detach and operate as a free-flying commercial space station.
By serving the market for immediate access to space while building the future platform for a global user base, Axiom is leading the development and settlement of low Earth orbit now and into the future.
About Axiom Space
Axiom Space was founded in 2016 with the aim of creating humanity's home in space to ensure a prosperous future for everyone, everywhere. While building and launching the Axiom Segment of the International Space Station to one day form the world's first commercial space station, Axiom provides access to the ISS today by conducting crewed missions for professional and private astronauts. More information about Axiom can be found at www.axiomspace.com.
CONTACT: Beau Holder, beau@axiomspace.com


tass--2020-03-06--Isotropic will be highlighting its revolutionary Datadragon™ bandwidth management solution

LAKE GENEVA , Wis. , March 5 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Isotropic , the trusted provider of global Internet services offering unrivaled certainty , will be highlighting its revolutionary Datadragon™ bandwidth management solution at next week 's Satellite 2020 show in Washington , D.C .
Through Datadragon , the company demonstrates its commitment to advancing 5G deployment in the industry by playing an active role in validating new 5G satellite applications and by creating new management tools that can power 5G systems .
New technology and standards , including 5G , are emerging on a constant basis and therefore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and distribution models across multiuse and hybrid networks is more critical than ever .
This is coupled with an insatiable appetite for bandwidth and speed as a result of consumer demand for greater connectivity .
Datadragon enables unprecedented levels of application-level transparency , optimization , and personalization across any single or hybrid network .
Utilizing its patented algorithm , coupled with state-of-the-art AI technology , Datadragon offers detailed insights into day-to-day user activities and gives clients the ability to optimize and prioritize bandwidth allocation according to their end users ' needs .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bandwidth usage patterns and user history to create greater efficiencies , leading to frictionless experiences and opportunities to increase revenues from excess bandwidth and to enable the delivery of exceptional user experiences , '' said Hank Zbierski , Chief Catalyst and CEO at Isotropic .
`` These strategic insights will provide our clients with opportunities to create new revenue streams and increase network profitability which are essential in these changing times . ''
The Datadragon platform is already deployed in various industry sectors and is elevating customers ' ability to become closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do more with their bandwidth .
`` Since deploying Datadragon , we now have the ability to visualize the data across the network , prioritize time critical applications such as VoIP , and ensure no data flow is left behind , '' said Michael Zalle , Vice President at Squire Tech Solutions , a Texas-based critical communications provider .
`` With the Datadragon portal , we can easily see if the client is online , where the client geographically is , and whether the data is properly being allocated .
This is vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have limited resources available to them during critical times .
The difference that Datadragon has made to our client 's overall user experience has been immeasurable . ''
The Isotropic team will be available for meetings during the Satellite 2020 event .
Discover more about Datadragon and how the platform can empower your business by making an appointment .
Contact Toni Lee Rudnicki at tlrudnicki @ isotropic.network .
Isotropic Networks , Inc. ( Isotropic ) is a global provider of satellite Internet services and network management solutions .
With the best uptime in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainty for leaders in high-risk , high-pressure industries including Oil and Gas , Maritime , and Enterprise Solutions .
Isotropic is built on high standards for troubleshooting and solving technically complex problems with the latest technologies .
Our team of highly-trained hardware and software engineers delivers personalized services and solutions that support our clients when and where they need it most—now and into the future .
Isotropic is connecting the planet and continually raising the bar for what satellite connectivity can be .

LAKE GENEVA, Wis., March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Isotropic, the trusted provider of global Internet services offering unrivaled certainty, will be highlighting its revolutionary Datadragon™ bandwidth management solution at next week's Satellite 2020 show in Washington, D.C. Through Datadragon, the company demonstrates its commitment to advancing 5G deployment in the industry by playing an active role in validating new 5G satellite applications and by creating new management tools that can power 5G systems.
New technology and standards, including 5G, are emerging on a constant basis and therefore, the need to understand bandwidth capacity availability and distribution models across multiuse and hybrid networks is more critical than ever. This is coupled with an insatiable appetite for bandwidth and speed as a result of consumer demand for greater connectivity. Datadragon enables unprecedented levels of application-level transparency, optimization, and personalization across any single or hybrid network.
Utilizing its patented algorithm, coupled with state-of-the-art AI technology, Datadragon offers detailed insights into day-to-day user activities and gives clients the ability to optimize and prioritize bandwidth allocation according to their end users' needs.
"Datadragon holds a magnifying glass up to bandwidth usage patterns and user history to create greater efficiencies, leading to frictionless experiences and opportunities to increase revenues from excess bandwidth and to enable the delivery of exceptional user experiences," said Hank Zbierski, Chief Catalyst and CEO at Isotropic. "These strategic insights will provide our clients with opportunities to create new revenue streams and increase network profitability which are essential in these changing times."
The Datadragon platform is already deployed in various industry sectors and is elevating customers' ability to become closer to their end users, empowering them to do more with their bandwidth.
"Since deploying Datadragon, we now have the ability to visualize the data across the network, prioritize time critical applications such as VoIP, and ensure no data flow is left behind," said Michael Zalle, Vice President at Squire Tech Solutions, a Texas-based critical communications provider. "With the Datadragon portal, we can easily see if the client is online, where the client geographically is, and whether the data is properly being allocated. This is vital to us, as our clients often have limited resources available to them during critical times. The difference that Datadragon has made to our client's overall user experience has been immeasurable."
The Isotropic team will be available for meetings during the Satellite 2020 event. Discover more about Datadragon and how the platform can empower your business by making an appointment. Contact Toni Lee Rudnicki at tlrudnicki@isotropic.network.
About Isotropic Networks
Isotropic Networks, Inc. (Isotropic) is a global provider of satellite Internet services and network management solutions. With the best uptime in the satellite industry, we deliver unrivaled certainty for leaders in high-risk, high-pressure industries including Oil and Gas, Maritime, and Enterprise Solutions.
Isotropic is built on high standards for troubleshooting and solving technically complex problems with the latest technologies. Our team of highly-trained hardware and software engineers delivers personalized services and solutions that support our clients when and where they need it most—now and into the future.
Isotropic is connecting the planet and continually raising the bar for what satellite connectivity can be.
www.isotropic.network
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/952870/Isotropic_Networks_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Isotropic, Toni Lee Rudnicki, Chief Marketing Guru, +1 (603) 548-5532, tl.rudnicki@isotropic.netw


tass--2020-03-06--Dozens of people evacuated from hotel in central Moscow because of fire — source

MOSCOW , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
Several dozen people have been evacuated from a hotel in central Moscow because @ @ @ @ @ source in the emergency services told TASS .
`` The incident occurred at Voznesensky Lane @ @ @ @ @ started in the basement of Hotel Neapol .
Several dozen people , both guests and @ @ @ @ @ from it , '' he said .
According to the source , the fire has @ @ @ @ @ no information on the causes of the fire or those injured .

MOSCOW, March 6. /TASS/. Several dozen people have been evacuated from a hotel in central Moscow because of the fire, a source in the emergency services told TASS.
"The incident occurred at Voznesensky Lane, 12. The fire started in the basement of Hotel Neapol. Several dozen people, both guests and employees, have been evacuated from it," he said. According to the source, the fire has been localized. There is no information on the causes of the fire or those injured.


tass--2020-03-06--UN chief hopes Russian-Turkish agreements on Idlib will result in ceasefire

UNITED NATIONS , March 6 .
/TASS/ .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed the hope that the agreements on @ @ @ @ @ s Idlib province reached by the Russian and Turkish leaders will lead to an immediate @ @ @ @ @ The Secretary-General hopes that this agreement will lead to an immediate and lasting cessation of @ @ @ @ @ of civilians in northwest Syria '' , reads a statement issued on behalf of the @ @ @

UNITED NATIONS, March 6. /TASS/. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed the hope that the agreements on the situation in Syria’s Idlib province reached by the Russian and Turkish leaders will lead to an immediate cessation of hostilities.
"The Secretary-General hopes that this agreement will lead to an immediate and lasting cessation of hostilities that ensures the protection of civilians in northwest Syria", reads a statement issued on behalf of the UN chief.