tass--2020-05-20--Russians spend more money on video games amid quarantine — retailers

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russians have began to spend more money on video games duing the self isolation regime imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic , representatives of the biggest retailers told TASS adding that the peak of demand was marked in late April-early May .
M.Video Eldorado notes that in the first four months of the year , demand for game consoles grew by 15 % in physical and by 20 % in monetary terms .
But in April , in conditions of self-isolation , online sales of games and consoles more than tripled .
Sony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the unit sales , Microsoft Xbox took second place , and Nintendo took third .
`` At the same time , inexpensive re-issued retro game consoles Dendy and Sega accounted for about 30 % [ of purchases ] , which influenced the decrease in the average check for the market , '' the company said .
In January-February , sales in the video gaming segment on AliExpress Russia in monetary terms soared threefold year-on-year , while in April console sales skyrocketed seven-fold , and in the first two weeks of May - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s gaming department Anton Shokurov .
In the first quarter , Citylink ’ s sales of game consoles in units increased 1.6 times , accessories - 2.7 times , but in April , due to self-isolation , sales of Sony PlayStation consoles soared 14 times .
Sales of Nintendo and Microsoft Xbox increased 5.4 times and twofold respectively , Oleg Pchelnikov , head of the company ’ s purchasing department , said .
The most popular games among Russians now are Nintendo 's exclusive Animal Crossing life simulator : New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DOOM Eternal series of shooters , FIFA 20 and UFC 3 sports simulators , and popular Rockstar Games action games - Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 , remakes of classic Japanese games Resident Evil 3 and Final Fantasy VII , as well as PlayStation exclusive - God of War , which is named by many leading gaming editions of one of the best games of the decade .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russians have began to spend more money on video games duing the self isolation regime imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, representatives of the biggest retailers told TASS adding that the peak of demand was marked in late April-early May.
M.Video Eldorado notes that in the first four months of the year, demand for game consoles grew by 15% in physical and by 20% in monetary terms. But in April, in conditions of self-isolation, online sales of games and consoles more than tripled. Sony PlayStation 4 accounted for more than half of the unit sales, Microsoft Xbox took second place, and Nintendo took third.
"At the same time, inexpensive re-issued retro game consoles Dendy and Sega accounted for about 30% [of purchases], which influenced the decrease in the average check for the market," the company said.
In January-February, sales in the video gaming segment on AliExpress Russia in monetary terms soared threefold year-on-year, while in April console sales skyrocketed seven-fold, and in the first two weeks of May - 3.7 times, said the head of the company’s gaming department Anton Shokurov.
In the first quarter, Citylink’s sales of game consoles in units increased 1.6 times, accessories - 2.7 times, but in April, due to self-isolation, sales of Sony PlayStation consoles soared 14 times. Sales of Nintendo and Microsoft Xbox increased 5.4 times and twofold respectively, Oleg Pchelnikov, head of the company’s purchasing department, said.
The most popular games among Russians now are Nintendo's exclusive Animal Crossing life simulator: New Horizons, a sequel of the legendary DOOM Eternal series of shooters, FIFA 20 and UFC 3 sports simulators, and popular Rockstar Games action games - Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2, remakes of classic Japanese games Resident Evil 3 and Final Fantasy VII, as well as PlayStation exclusive - God of War, which is named by many leading gaming editions of one of the best games of the decade.


tass--2020-05-20--Russia to import 300 mln face masks from China in April-May — ministry

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian will import about 300 mln face masks from China in April-May , Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Viktor Yevtukhov said on air of the Rossiya -24 television channel .
`` A large number of masks have been imported from China .
On average , taking into account all the suppliers , ( and we carried out such an analysis ) , about 300 million masks will be imported in April-May , '' the deputy minister said .
Earlier , Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Alexey Gruzdev said that almost 185 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two months were delivered to Russia as part of government purchases , while companies and foundations acquired about 90 million masks for the regions of the Russian Federation .
According to the ministry , in April , about 138.5 million different types of masks were produced in Russia , and about 105 million masks were delivered from China .
In general , up to 9 million masks per day are produced in Russia .
In an interview with the Rossiaya 24 TV channel , Yevtukhov also said that about 4 million masks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail chains and small retail stores .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russian will import about 300 mln face masks from China in April-May, Russian Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Viktor Yevtukhov said on air of the Rossiya -24 television channel.
"A large number of masks have been imported from China. On average, taking into account all the suppliers, (and we carried out such an analysis), about 300 million masks will be imported in April-May," the deputy minister said.
Earlier, Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Alexey Gruzdev said that almost 185 million masks purchased in China over the past two months were delivered to Russia as part of government purchases, while companies and foundations acquired about 90 million masks for the regions of the Russian Federation.
According to the ministry, in April, about 138.5 million different types of masks were produced in Russia, and about 105 million masks were delivered from China. In general, up to 9 million masks per day are produced in Russia.
In an interview with the Rossiaya 24 TV channel, Yevtukhov also said that about 4 million masks are sold daily by Russian pharmacies, large retail chains and small retail stores.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-19--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia up to 10,733, with 234 fatalities

BELGRADE , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia has risen by 34 over @ @ @ @ @ 10,733 , with 234 fatalities , the country ’ s health ministry said on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ the day .
The mortality rate is 2.18 % As many as 6,298 people were @ @ @ @ @ during the day .
A total of 4,904 people have recovered .
In all , @ @ @ @ @ at hospitals .
As many as 190,683 people have been tested for coronavirus since the @ @ @ @ @ asked Russia ’ s assistance to help it cope with the coronavirus epidemic .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ specialists of the radiation , chemical and biological defense troops stayed on the anti-coronavirus mission @ @ @ @ @ to May 18 .
According to Russia ’ s defense ministry , Russian specialists have @ @ @ @ @ than 1.685 million square meters of indoor premises and about 500,000 square meters of motor @ @ @ @ @ examined 881 coronavirus patients .

BELGRADE, May 19. /TASS/. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Serbia has risen by 34 over the past day and reached 10,733, with 234 fatalities, the country’s health ministry said on Tuesday.
Three patients died during the day. The mortality rate is 2.18% As many as 6,298 people were tested for the novel coronavirus during the day. A total of 4,904 people have recovered.
In all, 808 people are undergoing treatment at hospitals. As many as 190,683 people have been tested for coronavirus since the epidemic outbreak.
Serbia earlier asked Russia’s assistance to help it cope with the coronavirus epidemic. Russian military medics, virologists and specialists of the radiation, chemical and biological defense troops stayed on the anti-coronavirus mission in Serbia from April 3 to May 18. According to Russia’s defense ministry, Russian specialists have disinfected 376 facilities with more than 1.685 million square meters of indoor premises and about 500,000 square meters of motor roards. Russian military medics examined 881 coronavirus patients.


tass--2020-05-19--Mi-8 military helicopter crashes near Moscow, crew dies — defense ministry

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The crew of the Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian aerospace forces that crash landed near Moscow has died , the Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday .
`` A Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian aerospace that was on a training flight crash landed 20 kilometers of the settlement of Klin , Moscow region , in a desolate location at about 20:00 Moscow time on May 19 .
The crew died of injuries , '' the ministry said .
`` According to preliminary data , the crash might have been caused by a technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there were no broadside munitions onboard .
The source in the emergencies services told TASS on Tuesday the rotorcraft was destroyed in the accident .
`` The helicopter has been practically destroyed .
The crew of three has died , '' the source said , adding that there were no damages on the ground .
The previous military helicopter crash took place on May 7 when a Mi-35 rotorcraft crash landed in Crimea .
One crewmember died , two others survived .
The Mi-8 is a family of multipurpose helicopters manufactured in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
It is one of the world ’ s most mass produced rotorcraft .
More than 12,000 Mi-8 helicopters of various modifications have been manufactured since 1965 .
Such helicopters have been exported to more than 100 world nations .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The crew of the Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian aerospace forces that crash landed near Moscow has died, the Russian defense ministry said on Tuesday.
"A Mi-8 helicopter of the Russian aerospace that was on a training flight crash landed 20 kilometers of the settlement of Klin, Moscow region, in a desolate location at about 20:00 Moscow time on May 19. The crew died of injuries," the ministry said.
"According to preliminary data, the crash might have been caused by a technical failure," it said, adding that there were no broadside munitions onboard.
The source in the emergencies services told TASS on Tuesday the rotorcraft was destroyed in the accident.
"The helicopter has been practically destroyed. The crew of three has died," the source said, adding that there were no damages on the ground.
The previous military helicopter crash took place on May 7 when a Mi-35 rotorcraft crash landed in Crimea. One crewmember died, two others survived.
The Mi-8 is a family of multipurpose helicopters manufactured in the former Soviet Union and later in Russia. It is one of the world’s most mass produced rotorcraft. More than 12,000 Mi-8 helicopters of various modifications have been manufactured since 1965. Such helicopters have been exported to more than 100 world nations.


tass--2020-05-19--State Duma, foreign ministry to react to false reports about COVID situation in Russia

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s State Duma lower parliament house and the Russian foreign ministry @ @ @ @ @ Western media publications distorting information about the coronavirus situation in Russia , Adalbi Shkhagoshev , @ @ @ @ @ United Russia faction in the State Duma , told TASS on Tuesday after an online @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergei Ryabkov .
The lawmaker recalled that a number of Western media outlets had @ @ @ @ @ underreporting coronavirus-related fatalities .
`` The way the State Duma and the foreign ministry began @ @ @ @ @ effect in a positive sense of the word .
They have begun to react .
@ @ @ @ @ be called a serious achievement but we will reach to their allegations each time , @ @ @ @ @ that such publications about Russia and China were bound to appear again , especially during @ @ @ @ @ United States .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russia’s State Duma lower parliament house and the Russian foreign ministry will continue to react to Western media publications distorting information about the coronavirus situation in Russia, Adalbi Shkhagoshev, first deputy head of the United Russia faction in the State Duma, told TASS on Tuesday after an online meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
The lawmaker recalled that a number of Western media outlets had claimed that Russia was allegedly underreporting coronavirus-related fatalities.
"The way the State Duma and the foreign ministry began to act has had its effect in a positive sense of the word. They have begun to react. Naturally, it cannot be called a serious achievement but we will reach to their allegations each time," he said, adding that such publications about Russia and China were bound to appear again, especially during the presidential campaign in the United States.


tass--2020-05-19--Coronavirus morbidity going down in Russia, says virologist

`` I think the peak has been passed .
The [ incidence ] curve is sliding down .
It is applicable to both entire Russia and in Moscow .
It is telling because Moscow , regrettably , was the leader among Russian regions in terms of coronavirus cases .
We now see that following a quite long plateau the morbidity rates begin to go down , '' he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel .
MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The coronavirus infection in Russia has passed its peak and now the infection morbidity rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virologist and head of the department for microbiology of latent infections of the Gamalei Institute , said on Tuesday .
However , he noted that after the coronavirus lockdowns are lifted a new wave of cases may be expected .
`` I think self-isolation should be continues because we should not spoil the good beginning , the good process .
It should be backed by strict discipline .
It won ’ t take long , '' he said .
According to the expert , the infection spread will be curbed by the warm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so to say , a style of an infection process .
For example , flu .
Flu comes to us twice a year , when the weather is cold , wet and windy : in late autumn and early spring .
And summer helps get rid of it , '' he added .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"I think the peak has been passed. The [incidence] curve is sliding down. It is applicable to both entire Russia and in Moscow. It is telling because Moscow, regrettably, was the leader among Russian regions in terms of coronavirus cases. We now see that following a quite long plateau the morbidity rates begin to go down," he said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.
MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The coronavirus infection in Russia has passed its peak and now the infection morbidity rate is going down, Viktor Zuyev, virologist and head of the department for microbiology of latent infections of the Gamalei Institute, said on Tuesday.
However, he noted that after the coronavirus lockdowns are lifted a new wave of cases may be expected. "I think self-isolation should be continues because we should not spoil the good beginning, the good process. It should be backed by strict discipline. It won’t take long," he said.
According to the expert, the infection spread will be curbed by the warm summer weather. "There is, so to say, a style of an infection process. For example, flu. Flu comes to us twice a year, when the weather is cold, wet and windy: in late autumn and early spring. And summer helps get rid of it," he added.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-19--Russia proposes measures on strengthening of cooperation between Baltic States

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has proposed a complex of measures on strengthening of cooperation of the Baltic Sea nations within the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States ( CBSS ) , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said following a meeting of the Council ’ s foreign ministers Tuesday .
`` We have discussed in substance the effect of the crisis caused by the coronavirus infection on the multilateral interaction in the region .
All participants were unanimous that the ongoing situation significantly affect many aspects of the international relations and requires rethinking of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among other things , '' Lavrov said .
`` We have called on our partners to think about systemic steps that would make it possible to consolidate our efforts to find regional responses to the global challenges emerging in the region .
We have offered to implement a complex of concrete measures within the framework of the CBSS to strengthen the Baltic cooperation . ''
`` For example , we have underscored the importance of development of a new strategic paper for the Baltic region , which would define the aims and goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins in 2021 .
This is when the current Lithuanian declaration , which outlined the main directions of the Council ’ s activity for the current decade , will expire , '' the top diplomat explained .
Lavrov pointed out that the meeting attendees have confirmed the role of the CBSS as key mechanism of multilateral and intergovernmental cooperation , which `` facilitates creation of space of trust , stability and sustainable development . ''
`` We have stated that the two key elements of cooperation within the Council are the political dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects , '' the minister said .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russia has proposed a complex of measures on strengthening of cooperation of the Baltic Sea nations within the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said following a meeting of the Council’s foreign ministers Tuesday.
"We have discussed in substance the effect of the crisis caused by the coronavirus infection on the multilateral interaction in the region. All participants were unanimous that the ongoing situation significantly affect many aspects of the international relations and requires rethinking of approaches of activity of multilateral structures, among other things," Lavrov said. "We have called on our partners to think about systemic steps that would make it possible to consolidate our efforts to find regional responses to the global challenges emerging in the region. We have offered to implement a complex of concrete measures within the framework of the CBSS to strengthen the Baltic cooperation."
"For example, we have underscored the importance of development of a new strategic paper for the Baltic region, which would define the aims and goals of our interaction for the decade that begins in 2021. This is when the current Lithuanian declaration, which outlined the main directions of the Council’s activity for the current decade, will expire," the top diplomat explained.
Lavrov pointed out that the meeting attendees have confirmed the role of the CBSS as key mechanism of multilateral and intergovernmental cooperation, which "facilitates creation of space of trust, stability and sustainable development."
"We have stated that the two key elements of cooperation within the Council are the political dialogue and practical cooperation, implementation of concrete projects," the minister said.


tass--2020-05-19--World Health Organization needs ‘hardheaded analysis’ to move ahead, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
A further development of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) must be based on ‘ the hardheaded analysis of the situation and facts ’ as the fight against the novel coronavirus can not be used as a tool for achieving geopolitical interests , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday .
Russia ’ s top diplomat made this statement at a press conference after a ministerial video conference of the Council of the Baltic Sea States on Tuesday .
`` I am sure that the WHO , just like any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Lavrov said .
`` This can not be achieved in a one-step move , which will solve all problems within a 30-day period or will predict all problems , which may emerge during this 30-day period , '' Lavrov said .
`` We need to resort to hardheaded analysis of the current situation and facts , first of all , the facts , '' he continued .
`` It ’ s undesirable to see the fight against the coronavirus turning into a victim of geopolitical games and ambitions , '' Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the World Health Organization approved earlier a declaration aimed against any attempt of politicizing the fight against the novel coronavirus and stipulating steps to overcome the pandemic .
`` This declaration stipulated the need to establish professional and unbiased facts with an exclusive aim to understand how this pandemic emerged and what measures had to be resorted to on behalf of the World Health Organization to preserve this experience and to prevent a possible appearance of such pandemics in the future , which , according to experts , are highly likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Russian foreign minister also said that the WHO declaration particularly urged the creation of a vaccine against the coronavirus and the accessibility of all countries to this vaccine .
Lavrov stressed that Russia speaks for an open and transparent global cooperation on this issue as well as for the unification of international efforts to overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic , while Moscow urges not to be guided by financial aspects of this matter .
`` Russia ’ s corresponding enterprises have established strong contacts with the United States , European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions of the world and we keep promoting all other possible forms of cooperation with the main focus on recommendations provided by the World Health Organization , '' the Russian foreign minister added .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. A further development of the World Health Organization (WHO) must be based on ‘the hardheaded analysis of the situation and facts’ as the fight against the novel coronavirus cannot be used as a tool for achieving geopolitical interests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.
Russia’s top diplomat made this statement at a press conference after a ministerial video conference of the Council of the Baltic Sea States on Tuesday.
"I am sure that the WHO, just like any other organization, needs to be developed further," Lavrov said. "This cannot be achieved in a one-step move, which will solve all problems within a 30-day period or will predict all problems, which may emerge during this 30-day period," Lavrov said.
"We need to resort to hardheaded analysis of the current situation and facts, first of all, the facts," he continued.
"It’s undesirable to see the fight against the coronavirus turning into a victim of geopolitical games and ambitions," Lavrov said.
The Russian top diplomat reminded that the World Health Organization approved earlier a declaration aimed against any attempt of politicizing the fight against the novel coronavirus and stipulating steps to overcome the pandemic.
"This declaration stipulated the need to establish professional and unbiased facts with an exclusive aim to understand how this pandemic emerged and what measures had to be resorted to on behalf of the World Health Organization to preserve this experience and to prevent a possible appearance of such pandemics in the future, which, according to experts, are highly likely to occur again," Lavrov stated.
The Russian foreign minister also said that the WHO declaration particularly urged the creation of a vaccine against the coronavirus and the accessibility of all countries to this vaccine.
Lavrov stressed that Russia speaks for an open and transparent global cooperation on this issue as well as for the unification of international efforts to overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Moscow urges not to be guided by financial aspects of this matter.
"Russia’s corresponding enterprises have established strong contacts with the United States, European countries, China and countries of other regions of the world and we keep promoting all other possible forms of cooperation with the main focus on recommendations provided by the World Health Organization," the Russian foreign minister added.


tass--2020-05-19--About 18,000 coronavirus patients in Moscow are in serious condition, says city’s mayor

`` It would be irresponsible of us to say that we have defeated the coronavirus infection .
About 18,000 patients are currently in serious condition in the city ’ s hospitals , '' he said in an interview with the 60 Minutes on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Around 18,000 coronavirus patients in Moscow are in serious condition , Moscow ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday .
According to the mayor , the issue of lifting coronavirus lockdowns in the city should be addressed `` carefully '' to avoid a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we don ’ t have to shup down entire sectors because of irresponsible decisions , '' he explained .
The self-isolation regime has been in force in Moscow since March 29 , with shops , except those selling food products and articles of daily necessity , theaters , restaurants , cafes , gyms , beauty parlors being closed and mass gatherings prohibited .
A system of digital passes for travels about the city was introduced on April 15 .
And from May 12 , people are obliged to wear face masks and gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many as 149,607 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow .

"It would be irresponsible of us to say that we have defeated the coronavirus infection. About 18,000 patients are currently in serious condition in the city’s hospitals," he said in an interview with the 60 Minutes on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Around 18,000 coronavirus patients in Moscow are in serious condition, Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday.
According to the mayor, the issue of lifting coronavirus lockdowns in the city should be addressed "carefully" to avoid a new wave of hospitalizations. "So that we don’t have to shup down entire sectors because of irresponsible decisions," he explained.
The self-isolation regime has been in force in Moscow since March 29, with shops, except those selling food products and articles of daily necessity, theaters, restaurants, cafes, gyms, beauty parlors being closed and mass gatherings prohibited. A system of digital passes for travels about the city was introduced on April 15. And from May 12, people are obliged to wear face masks and gloves in public places.
To date, as many as 149,607 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Moscow.


tass--2020-05-19--Russian, German top diplomats call for coordination of global anti-coronavirus efforts

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and German Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Heiko Maas , have called for coordinating global efforts to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic , the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday after their telephone talks .
`` The ministers spoke in favor of coordination of global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed the hope the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly will help do it , '' the ministry said .
Apart from that , the two top diplomats touched upon the topic of the implementation of the agreements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their Paris summit in later 2019 .
`` The sides discussed issues of the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict .
Sergey Lavrov stressed that it is necessary to push Kiev towards unconditional and complete implementation of the agreements that were reached after the summit of the Normandy Four leaders on December 9 , 2019 in Paris and are to be realized via the Contact Group mechanisms , '' the ministry said .
According to the ministry , Lavrov noted that Maas ’ s words about the inadmissibility of distorting the historic truth about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Der Spiegel ’ s May 8 issue sounded especially topical in the year of the 75th anniversary of Europe ’ s liberation from Nazism .
The conversation was initiated by the German side .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russian and German Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Heiko Maas, have called for coordinating global efforts to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday after their telephone talks.
"The ministers spoke in favor of coordination of global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed the hope the 73rd session of the World Health Assembly will help do it," the ministry said.
Apart from that, the two top diplomats touched upon the topic of the implementation of the agreements reached by the Normandy Four leaders during their Paris summit in later 2019. "The sides discussed issues of the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. Sergey Lavrov stressed that it is necessary to push Kiev towards unconditional and complete implementation of the agreements that were reached after the summit of the Normandy Four leaders on December 9, 2019 in Paris and are to be realized via the Contact Group mechanisms," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, Lavrov noted that Maas’s words about the inadmissibility of distorting the historic truth about World War II in his article in Der Spiegel’s May 8 issue sounded especially topical in the year of the 75th anniversary of Europe’s liberation from Nazism.
The conversation was initiated by the German side.


tass--2020-05-19--US administration is shaping great power standoff concept, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The US administration is replacing the stabilization of international relations by strategic rivalry among great powers , thus forming a standoff concept , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told TASS when asked about the development of a `` super-duper '' missile in the United States .
`` The current US administration is phasing out the term ‘ strategic stability ’ from its vocabulary .
Instead of strategic stability as a goal to be sought in relations between our countries and relations among all leading powers of the world a new notion , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : strategic great power rivalry .
In other words , it is standoff , and not stabilization of the situation that is used as the conceptual basis , '' he said .
Lavrov believes that for understanding the reasons behind such transformation of fundamental terms `` there must be a direct dialogue , which regrettably does not exist yet . ''
He announced that Russia and the United States were going to hold a video conference on strategic stability .
Lavrov and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier agreed to establish contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arms Control Marshall Billingsley and Russia ’ s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov .
`` They held a telephone conversation on May 8 .
A rather preliminary one .
The Americans promised that as soon as they are ready , they will propose specific dates for holding the videoconference to discuss strategic stability issues - all those ‘ supers ’ and ‘ dupers ’ ( earlier , US President Donald Trump declared the development of a `` super-duper missile '' - TASS ) and everything else that concerns nuclear arms control , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security services taking part .
We are now waiting for such a proposal regarding the date of our video consultations , '' Lavrov said .
Asked for a comment on Trump ’ s statement the `` super-duper missile '' the United States was working on was capable of flying 17 times faster than any other missile existing at the moment , Lavrov said he would prefer not to go into details .
`` I do not possess special technical knowledge that would let me measure the speed of sound and the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of military hardware is capable of developing… I would not enter into this discussion .
My job is to ensure our relations with the United States should not be overshadowed by new problems , '' he explained , adding that the strategic stability dialogue was one of the fields where Russian-US relations needed considerable improvement .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The US administration is replacing the stabilization of international relations by strategic rivalry among great powers, thus forming a standoff concept, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told TASS when asked about the development of a "super-duper" missile in the United States.
"The current US administration is phasing out the term ‘strategic stability’ from its vocabulary. Instead of strategic stability as a goal to be sought in relations between our countries and relations among all leading powers of the world a new notion, a new term has begun to be used: strategic great power rivalry. In other words, it is standoff, and not stabilization of the situation that is used as the conceptual basis," he said.
Lavrov believes that for understanding the reasons behind such transformation of fundamental terms "there must be a direct dialogue, which regrettably does not exist yet."
He announced that Russia and the United States were going to hold a video conference on strategic stability. Lavrov and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier agreed to establish contacts between the US Special Presidential Representative for Arms Control Marshall Billingsley and Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.
"They held a telephone conversation on May 8. A rather preliminary one. The Americans promised that as soon as they are ready, they will propose specific dates for holding the videoconference to discuss strategic stability issues - all those ‘supers’ and ‘dupers’ (earlier, US President Donald Trump declared the development of a "super-duper missile" - TASS) and everything else that concerns nuclear arms control, with officials from the ministries of defense and security services taking part. We are now waiting for such a proposal regarding the date of our video consultations," Lavrov said.
Asked for a comment on Trump’s statement the "super-duper missile" the United States was working on was capable of flying 17 times faster than any other missile existing at the moment, Lavrov said he would prefer not to go into details.
"I do not possess special technical knowledge that would let me measure the speed of sound and the number of speeds of sound this or that piece of military hardware is capable of developing… I would not enter into this discussion. My job is to ensure our relations with the United States should not be overshadowed by new problems," he explained, adding that the strategic stability dialogue was one of the fields where Russian-US relations needed considerable improvement.


tass--2020-05-19--Most dramatic coronavirus scenario averted in Moscow, says mayor

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has managed to avert the most dramatic scenario of the development of @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday .
According to the mayor , some @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s authorities expected a peak of the epidemic in mid-May , with @ @ @ @ @ hospitals .
`` It was a huge stress : it was an awful forecast .
@ @ @ @ @ have averted it thanks to the city dwellers who demonstrated a very responsible approach to @ @ @ @ @ recommendations , '' he said in an interview with the 60 Minutes program on the @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Moscow has managed to avert the most dramatic scenario of the development of the coronavirus situation, Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Tuesday.
According to the mayor, some three to four weeks ago the city’s authorities expected a peak of the epidemic in mid-May, with too many serious patients at hospitals. "It was a huge stress: it was an awful forecast. And the fact that we have averted it thanks to the city dwellers who demonstrated a very responsible approach to the restriction, appeals and recommendations," he said in an interview with the 60 Minutes program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.


tass--2020-05-19--Russia shared the UN ambassador’s intent to continue meetings on Syria, says envoy

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia supports the UN Special Envoy on Syria Geir Otto Pedersen ’ s @ @ @ @ @ on Syrian political settlement in Geneva after the epidemiological situation normalizes , says Gennady Gatilov @ @ @ @ @ United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva .
`` Yesterday , a UN @ @ @ @ @ took place , UN Secretary General ’ s Envoy Mr. Pedersen spoke , we stay @ @ @ @ @ , '' Gatilov said .
`` We would like to hope that , after this @ @ @ @ @ would allow Geneva to continue the political process .
Yesterday , Pedersen spoke in favor @ @ @ @ @ entirely support him on this .
The Syrian crisis could not be solved by any @ @ @ @ @ ones .
`` .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russia supports the UN Special Envoy on Syria Geir Otto Pedersen’s proposal to restore the dialogue on Syrian political settlement in Geneva after the epidemiological situation normalizes, says Gennady Gatilov, Russian Permanent Representative to United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva.
"Yesterday, a UN Security Council meeting on Syria took place, UN Secretary General’s Envoy Mr. Pedersen spoke, we stay in constant contact with him," Gatilov said. "We would like to hope that, after this coronavirus crisis betters, it would allow Geneva to continue the political process. Yesterday, Pedersen spoke in favor of this, and we entirely support him on this. The Syrian crisis could not be solved by any means other than the political ones.".


tass--2020-05-19--Pandemic to boost investment into medical science, high-tech sector, says MGIMO rector

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus pandemic-related crisis will boost investment into medical science and biotechnologies , but the question how products of this research will be used on the mass scale will vary from country to country , the rector of the MGIMO University , Anatoly Torkunov , said in an exclusive interview to TASS Director-General Mikhail Gusman .
`` The medics and scientists , whatever their current problems , have lived to see the day when they are in the greatest demand .
It will be possible to expect greater investment in medical and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the list of breakthrough reforms of the future .
Now they will get a special impetus , '' said Torkunov , a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences .
At the same time , he stressed that different countries would determine the end result of such innovations in their own way .
They will have to choose between the development and introduction of extra-expensive and unique technological solutions for the elite and medical care of all citizens .
In his opinion the current crisis has demonstrated that the health service systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response such challenge as high infection rates , although they are capable of handling some unique cases and curing grave illnesses .
`` There has emerged the question of medical sovereignty , if you wish .
Many governments are pondering over how to reform the health system with a special emphasis on the mass segment and on deploying critically important manufacturing facilities in their own territories , '' Torkunov said .
Also , in the struggle against the coronavirus the importance of state sovereignty has appeared in the forefront alongside the problems of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting the coronavirus , it is not so much important how effective and high-tech your health service is as whether you are capable of arranging for and maintaining quarantine measures and minimizing the damage to the economy and the social sphere , inevitable in such cases .
Well-organized countries are capable of coping with this challenge far better , '' he explained .
Torkunov foresees another controversial issue the pandemic will entail : the use of digital technologies , which `` may give an impetus to development but at the same time breed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed cyber systems to enforce quarantines and lockdowns .
The legal and ethical aspects of this are still to gauged , '' he warned .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the latest statistics , over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus @ @

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus pandemic-related crisis will boost investment into medical science and biotechnologies, but the question how products of this research will be used on the mass scale will vary from country to country, the rector of the MGIMO University, Anatoly Torkunov, said in an exclusive interview to TASS Director-General Mikhail Gusman.
"The medics and scientists, whatever their current problems, have lived to see the day when they are in the greatest demand. It will be possible to expect greater investment in medical and biotechnologies. Both branches have long been on the list of breakthrough reforms of the future. Now they will get a special impetus," said Torkunov, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
At the same time, he stressed that different countries would determine the end result of such innovations in their own way. They will have to choose between the development and introduction of extra-expensive and unique technological solutions for the elite and medical care of all citizens.
In his opinion the current crisis has demonstrated that the health service systems in many countries performed poorly in their response such challenge as high infection rates, although they are capable of handling some unique cases and curing grave illnesses.
"There has emerged the question of medical sovereignty, if you wish. Many governments are pondering over how to reform the health system with a special emphasis on the mass segment and on deploying critically important manufacturing facilities in their own territories," Torkunov said.
Also, in the struggle against the coronavirus the importance of state sovereignty has appeared in the forefront alongside the problems of the health service proper.
"In fighting the coronavirus, it is not so much important how effective and high-tech your health service is as whether you are capable of arranging for and maintaining quarantine measures and minimizing the damage to the economy and the social sphere, inevitable in such cases. Well-organized countries are capable of coping with this challenge far better," he explained.
Torkunov foresees another controversial issue the pandemic will entail: the use of digital technologies, which "may give an impetus to development but at the same time breed inequality."
"Many countries have deployed cyber systems to enforce quarantines and lockdowns. The legal and ethical aspects of this are still to gauged," he warned.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 4,905,800 people have been infected worldwide and more than 320,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 1,916,300 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-05-19--First investments in future Arctic port exceed $5 million

TASS , May 19 .
About five million dollars have been invested in the construction of a deepwater year-round port near Indiga , a settlement on the Barents Sea coast , the Arkhangelsk Region ’ s Acting Governor Alexander Tsybulsky told reporters on Monday , adding that the exploration and geological works had been completed at the site .
The project to build the port , where investments may exceed 300 billion rubles ( $ 4.13 billion ) , is carried out by the AEON Corporation .
In September 2019 , AEON ’ s Chairman of the Board of Directors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 , to be over in 2025 .
A new out-shipment hub will have the capacity to handle 80 million tonnes a year .
Japan will account for a certain part of the cargo , since the new port will be built to handle first of all coking coal , wood , fertilizers , chemical products , and paper .
`` The work is underway .
It is not extensive yet , but anyway about $ 5 million has been invested .
This year , they arrived at the site and conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will begin to build a mooring wall there , '' the acting governor said .
The official expects a major economic effect if a new Arctic-bound railway , Belkomur , is connected to the Indiga port .
`` We shall be able to handle most export cargo , which now is shipped via St. Petersburg , and thus we shall offer economic conditions for our investors to be able to develop here more actively and not to waste money on transport expenses , '' he said .
`` On the other hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of the Northern Sea Route . ''
The Belkomur project is a new railway route , which will connect industrially developed regions in Siberia and the Urals with ports in Russia ’ s north and north-west .
The project will add to effective development of the Arctic projects and will form an international railway route across Russia between Russia ’ s European north and China , thus cutting by 800km the distance for deliveries from Siberia and the Urals .
The route will offer the shortest access to the Northern Sea Route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arkhangelsk , Belomorsk and Sabetta , and in the future , Indiga and others ) .

TASS, May 19. About five million dollars have been invested in the construction of a deepwater year-round port near Indiga, a settlement on the Barents Sea coast, the Arkhangelsk Region’s Acting Governor Alexander Tsybulsky told reporters on Monday, adding that the exploration and geological works had been completed at the site.
The project to build the port, where investments may exceed 300 billion rubles ($4.13 billion), is carried out by the AEON Corporation. In September 2019, AEON’s Chairman of the Board of Directors Roman Trotsenko said the construction would begin in 2021, to be over in 2025. A new out-shipment hub will have the capacity to handle 80 million tonnes a year. Japan will account for a certain part of the cargo, since the new port will be built to handle first of all coking coal, wood, fertilizers, chemical products, and paper.
"The work is underway. It is not extensive yet, but anyway about $5 million has been invested. This year, they arrived at the site and conducted geological studies. And next year they will begin to build a mooring wall there," the acting governor said.
The official expects a major economic effect if a new Arctic-bound railway, Belkomur, is connected to the Indiga port. "We shall be able to handle most export cargo, which now is shipped via St. Petersburg, and thus we shall offer economic conditions for our investors to be able to develop here more actively and not to waste money on transport expenses," he said. "On the other hand, we shall boost the economy, including that of the Northern Sea Route."
The Belkomur project is a new railway route, which will connect industrially developed regions in Siberia and the Urals with ports in Russia’s north and north-west. The project will add to effective development of the Arctic projects and will form an international railway route across Russia between Russia’s European north and China, thus cutting by 800km the distance for deliveries from Siberia and the Urals. The route will offer the shortest access to the Northern Sea Route’s backbone ports (Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, Belomorsk and Sabetta, and in the future, Indiga and others).


tass--2020-05-19--Wood processing, Northern Sea Route projects top Arkhangelsk Region’s economy - official

ARKHANGELSK , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The key directions for the Arkhangelsk Region ’ s economy should be deep wood processing , development of small and medium businesses , and projects related to the Northern Sea Route , the region ’ s Acting Governor Alexander Tsybulsky told reporters on Monday .
`` Clearly , here we should support and develop the deep < … > wood processing .
Small and medium businesses are another very important direction .
< … > And yet another priority is any projects , related to development of the Northern Sea Route , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a high industrial level and for highly skilled specialists , he continued .
Wood processing should continue along with forest recovery , he added .
Small and medium businesses should be offered attractive conditions .
`` Anyway , small and medium businesses < … > in near future in the changing economic and industrial environment will offer maximum jobs , and here we should offer to small and medium businesses most favorable conditions so that they see that doing business here is profitable , '' the acting governor said .
He paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Northern Sea Route , which , in his opinion , may change the global logistics .
`` The competition for this resource is very high , and we must win this competition , not to lag behind those who are about to enter this project now , '' he said .
`` The Northern Sea Route project will develop as planned ( this is clear from the investment program to build the icebreaker fleet ) , and it will change greatly the global economy , the global logistics .
`` .

ARKHANGELSK, May 19. /TASS/. The key directions for the Arkhangelsk Region’s economy should be deep wood processing, development of small and medium businesses, and projects related to the Northern Sea Route, the region’s Acting Governor Alexander Tsybulsky told reporters on Monday.
"Clearly, here we should support and develop the deep <…> wood processing. Small and medium businesses are another very important direction. <…> And yet another priority is any projects, related to development of the Northern Sea Route," he said.
The region is known for a high industrial level and for highly skilled specialists, he continued. Wood processing should continue along with forest recovery, he added. Small and medium businesses should be offered attractive conditions.
"Anyway, small and medium businesses <…> in near future in the changing economic and industrial environment will offer maximum jobs, and here we should offer to small and medium businesses most favorable conditions so that they see that doing business here is profitable," the acting governor said.
He paid special attention to projects, related to the Northern Sea Route, which, in his opinion, may change the global logistics.
"The competition for this resource is very high, and we must win this competition, not to lag behind those who are about to enter this project now," he said. "The Northern Sea Route project will develop as planned (this is clear from the investment program to build the icebreaker fleet), and it will change greatly the global economy, the global logistics.".


tass--2020-05-19--Arctic-bound railway to go to new deepwater port

ARKHANGELSK , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The planned deepwater year-round port near Indiga , a settlement on the Barents Sea coast , along with Arkhangelsk , will be a final point of the Belkomur ( White Sea - Komi - Urals ) Arctic-bound railway .
The Indiga port will be able to handle deliveries from Kyrgyzstan , China and Kazakhstan , the Arkhangelsk Region ’ s Acting Governor Alexander Tsybulsky told reporters on Monday .
Belkomur was intended as the shortest route connecting industrial districts in West Siberia with the sea port in Arkhangelsk .
Through this project Arkhangelsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Sea Route ’ s main port , which it lost following the construction of the sea port in Murmansk in 1916 .
The railway ’ s latest project envisages a branching line from Belkomur ’ s main route connecting the Arkhangelsk and the Nenets Autonomous Region .
`` It will be about 500km long , '' the official said .
`` The topography is not complicated , and we do not expect any expensive works there . ''
Investments in the line ’ s construction are estimated at 200 billion rubles ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Arkhangelsk `` will handle its part of the cargo , and Indiga will handle mostly export deliveries , which are now shipped bypassing Arkhangelsk , '' he added .
The new port may serve goods from certain SCO ( Shanghai Cooperation Organization ) countries , Tsybulsky continued .
`` Kyrgyzstan is about to make a decision on investments in railway projects .
They plan to make a railway line across the country , so that to handle Chinese goods .
If we take those deliveries ‘ upwards ’ , then , first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kyrgyz cargo — not big amounts though , I believe up to five million tonnes .
We may also take some part of the Chinese cargo… Plus we may serve Kazakhstan , which is a subject for summit talks each year — a transit of about 30-40 million tonnes of coal , '' he said .

ARKHANGELSK, May 19. /TASS/. The planned deepwater year-round port near Indiga, a settlement on the Barents Sea coast, along with Arkhangelsk, will be a final point of the Belkomur (White Sea - Komi - Urals) Arctic-bound railway. The Indiga port will be able to handle deliveries from Kyrgyzstan, China and Kazakhstan, the Arkhangelsk Region’s Acting Governor Alexander Tsybulsky told reporters on Monday.
Belkomur was intended as the shortest route connecting industrial districts in West Siberia with the sea port in Arkhangelsk. Through this project Arkhangelsk hopes to regain the status of the Northern Sea Route’s main port, which it lost following the construction of the sea port in Murmansk in 1916.
The railway’s latest project envisages a branching line from Belkomur’s main route connecting the Arkhangelsk and the Nenets Autonomous Region. "It will be about 500km long," the official said. "The topography is not complicated, and we do not expect any expensive works there."
Investments in the line’s construction are estimated at 200 billion rubles ($2.75 billion). The port in Arkhangelsk "will handle its part of the cargo, and Indiga will handle mostly export deliveries, which are now shipped bypassing Arkhangelsk," he added.
The new port may serve goods from certain SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) countries, Tsybulsky continued.
"Kyrgyzstan is about to make a decision on investments in railway projects. They plan to make a railway line across the country, so that to handle Chinese goods. If we take those deliveries ‘upwards’, then, first of all, we’ll handle the Kyrgyz cargo — not big amounts though, I believe up to five million tonnes. We may also take some part of the Chinese cargo… Plus we may serve Kazakhstan, which is a subject for summit talks each year — a transit of about 30-40 million tonnes of coal," he said.


tass--2020-05-19--US to use military planes to deliver 200 ventilators to Russia, says Pentagon

WASHINGTON , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The US use military planes to deliver 200 ventilators to Russia , a Pentagon source told TASS Tuesday .
`` The US government is using military aircraft to transport the ventilators to the Russian people , '' the source said .
`` With extremely limited commercial flights , this was the best option available . ''
A senior source in the US Administration told TASS Tuesday that the 200 ventilators will be handed over to Russia free of charge .
The first batch of 50 ventilators will be ready for shipment by Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they have been produced in California and will be used in a surgical center in Moscow .
The remaining 150 will be ready for shipment shortly after that .
According to radio Voice of America , the total cost of these units , their delivery and supplies is about $ 4.7 million .
The US covers all costs .
According to Voice of America , the shipment is not a cooperation between the two Defense Ministries , which is prohibited by the US defense budget for current fiscal year ( which began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US authorities are happy that they can try to help Russia fight this virus .
He announced that `` some testing equipment and medical ventilators '' were `` on its way . ''
Earlier , the US President Donald Trump announced that the US will send ventilators to Russia , if such need arises .
According to the president , he proposed it during his phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin .
In April , Russia handed over a batch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At that time , Trump called it a `` very nice gesture '' from Russia .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia would use the US proposal on shipment of ventilators , should such need arise .

WASHINGTON, May 19. /TASS/. The US use military planes to deliver 200 ventilators to Russia, a Pentagon source told TASS Tuesday.
"The US government is using military aircraft to transport the ventilators to the Russian people," the source said. "With extremely limited commercial flights, this was the best option available."
A senior source in the US Administration told TASS Tuesday that the 200 ventilators will be handed over to Russia free of charge. The first batch of 50 ventilators will be ready for shipment by Wednesday. According to radio Voice of America, they have been produced in California and will be used in a surgical center in Moscow. The remaining 150 will be ready for shipment shortly after that.
According to radio Voice of America, the total cost of these units, their delivery and supplies is about $4.7 million. The US covers all costs. According to Voice of America, the shipment is not a cooperation between the two Defense Ministries, which is prohibited by the US defense budget for current fiscal year (which began on October 1).
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US authorities are happy that they can try to help Russia fight this virus. He announced that "some testing equipment and medical ventilators" were "on its way."
Earlier, the US President Donald Trump announced that the US will send ventilators to Russia, if such need arises. According to the president, he proposed it during his phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
In April, Russia handed over a batch of medical supplies as aid in coronavirus prevention. At that time, Trump called it a "very nice gesture" from Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said later that Russia would use the US proposal on shipment of ventilators, should such need arise.


tass--2020-05-19--Children under 10 easily overcome COVID-19 infection, but exceptions exist, medic says

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
No cases of severe COVID-19 infection in children under 10 have been registered yet , and presence of genetic condition could be the only exception , says Alexander Rumyantsev , president of the Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology , Oncology and Immunology , and the chief non-resident pediatric oncologist and hematologist of the Russian Ministry of Health .
`` Only several fatality cases have been registered in the world - those are children with genetic conditions , '' the medic said on TV Tuesday .
`` Overall , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can have a severe disease .
There are cases of [ pregnant ] women , infected with COVID-19 , who gave birth and their children were infected , but they survived the infection without symptoms , one such case has been [ scientifically ] described . ''
He added that although cases of severe COVID-19 disease in children above ten have been registered , they are few and far between .
To date , a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 76,130 patients having recovered from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. No cases of severe COVID-19 infection in children under 10 have been registered yet, and presence of genetic condition could be the only exception, says Alexander Rumyantsev, president of the Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, and the chief non-resident pediatric oncologist and hematologist of the Russian Ministry of Health.
"Only several fatality cases have been registered in the world - those are children with genetic conditions," the medic said on TV Tuesday. "Overall, there are still no reports that children under 10 can have a severe disease. There are cases of [pregnant] women, infected with COVID-19, who gave birth and their children were infected, but they survived the infection without symptoms, one such case has been [scientifically] described."
He added that although cases of severe COVID-19 disease in children above ten have been registered, they are few and far between.
To date, a total of 299,941 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 76,130 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 2,837 fatalities nationwide.


tass--2020-05-19--US rhetoric about nuclear arms in Europe harms Russia-NATO relations — diplomat

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
US rhetoric over the redeployment of American nuclear weapons from Germany to Poland is a factor worsening relations between Russia and NATO , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response to a statement by US ambassador in Warsaw Georgette Mosbacher about the possibility of bringing NATO ’ s nuclear weapons closer to Russian borders .
`` We hope that Washington and Warsaw are aware of the dangerous nature of such statements , which further worsen Russia-NATO relations during this no easy period in their history , as well as jeopardize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmed as a result of unilateral US steps , in the first place , the pullout from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces ( INF ) Treaty , '' Zakharova is quoted as saying on the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s website .
`` The return of American warheads to the US territory would be a real contribution to strengthening European security .
Russia had taken such a move a long time ago by bringing all of its nuclear arms to its national territory , '' she said .
Zakharova recalled that in fact Mosbacher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the discussion regarding the expediency of US nuclear weapons ’ further presence in Germany .
Such statements by the US side , she said , reflect the current condition of transatlantic solidarity : `` The main partner takes the liberty of exerting outright pressure and in some cases resorting to blackmail of its allies . ''
`` All this is aimed at making them increase the spending on the purchase of US defense industry products , including dual purpose aircraft .
In the meantime , it is the allies ’ prerogative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves , '' Zakharova said .
She stressed that Russia regarded such joint nuclear missions within NATO as violations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty .
Also , the possible redeployment of nuclear weapons closer to Russia ’ s borders which Mosbacher had mentioned would constitute a violation of NATO ’ s obligations under the Founding Act on Mutual Relations , Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation of May 27 , 1997 .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. US rhetoric over the redeployment of American nuclear weapons from Germany to Poland is a factor worsening relations between Russia and NATO, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response to a statement by US ambassador in Warsaw Georgette Mosbacher about the possibility of bringing NATO’s nuclear weapons closer to Russian borders.
"We hope that Washington and Warsaw are aware of the dangerous nature of such statements, which further worsen Russia-NATO relations during this no easy period in their history, as well as jeopardize the very material basis of European security, harmed as a result of unilateral US steps, in the first place, the pullout from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty," Zakharova is quoted as saying on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
"The return of American warheads to the US territory would be a real contribution to strengthening European security. Russia had taken such a move a long time ago by bringing all of its nuclear arms to its national territory," she said.
Zakharova recalled that in fact Mosbacher had addressed Germany with an ultimatum in response to the discussion regarding the expediency of US nuclear weapons’ further presence in Germany. Such statements by the US side, she said, reflect the current condition of transatlantic solidarity: "The main partner takes the liberty of exerting outright pressure and in some cases resorting to blackmail of its allies."
"All this is aimed at making them increase the spending on the purchase of US defense industry products, including dual purpose aircraft. In the meantime, it is the allies’ prerogative to decide how to build relations among themselves," Zakharova said.
She stressed that Russia regarded such joint nuclear missions within NATO as violations of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Also, the possible redeployment of nuclear weapons closer to Russia’s borders which Mosbacher had mentioned would constitute a violation of NATO’s obligations under the Founding Act on Mutual Relations, Cooperation and Security between NATO and the Russian Federation of May 27, 1997.


tass--2020-05-19--Back in the USSR: The Young Pioneers, the Soviet Union’s version of the Boy Scouts

WTI oil price collapse below zero may repeat as early as May 19 , say experts They noted that the @ @ @ @ @ but the possibility is not ruled out

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-05-19--Kazakh president urges EAEU colleagues to prepare for post-crisis period

NUR-SULTAN , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) states should start preparing for a post-crisis @ @ @ @ @ response to external challenges now , Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a meeting of @ @ @ @ @ in a video conference format on Tuesday .
`` We should prepare for a post-crisis @ @ @ @ @ Kazakh government has developed an anti-crisis plan .
I am confident that similar work has @ @ @ @ @ as well .
That is why I suggest that a platform should be created and @ @ @ @ @ heads of ministries of the financial and economic block of our countries , and overall @ @ @ @ @ response to external challenges and economic development [ in EAEU countries ] in the post-crisis @ @ @ @ @ .

NUR-SULTAN, May 19. /TASS/. Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) states should start preparing for a post-crisis period and discuss measures of response to external challenges now, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in a video conference format on Tuesday.
"We should prepare for a post-crisis period already now. The Kazakh government has developed an anti-crisis plan. I am confident that similar work has been done in other countries as well. That is why I suggest that a platform should be created and actively used, consisting of heads of ministries of the financial and economic block of our countries, and overall governments for discussing measures of response to external challenges and economic development [in EAEU countries] in the post-crisis period," he said.


tass--2020-05-19--Second batch of US-made ventilators to be shipped to Russia on May 26

WASHINGTON , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The second batch of US-made ventilators for Russia will be produced and ready @ @ @ @ @ , while the first one will be available on May 20 , '' a senior @ @ @ @ @ told TASS Tuesday .
`` The first 50 ventilators are being produced by the [ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be ready for shipment on May 20 .
The remaining 150 ventilators will @ @ @ @ @ to be ready on May 26 , '' the source said .

WASHINGTON, May 19. /TASS/. The second batch of US-made ventilators for Russia will be produced and ready for shipment on May 26, while the first one will be available on May 20," a senior source in the US administration told TASS Tuesday.
"The first 50 ventilators are being produced by the [US] manufacturer and are expected to be ready for shipment on May 20. The remaining 150 ventilators will be produced and are expected to be ready on May 26," the source said.


tass--2020-05-19--Russian Baltic Fleet minesweepers kick off drills in Gulf of Finland

KALININGRAD , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Two harbor and one base-type minesweepers of the Baltic Fleet will practice searching @ @ @ @ @ notional enemy during drills that kicked off in the Gulf of Finland , the Fleet @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` The mine warfare ships will carry out reconnaissance measures to search @ @ @ @ @ and also contact and non-contact sweeps , '' the press office said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ for several days and end with joint artillery firings against naval and air targets .
@ @ @ @ @ crews will practice anti-subversion defense during the ships ’ anchorage in an unsafe roadstead , @ @ @ @ @ personnel will also fire small arms from the ship board against a floating object , @ @ @ @ @ frogmen will inspect the underwater parts of the ships ’ hulls , the press office @ @

KALININGRAD, May 19. /TASS/. Two harbor and one base-type minesweepers of the Baltic Fleet will practice searching for mines planted by a notional enemy during drills that kicked off in the Gulf of Finland, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"The mine warfare ships will carry out reconnaissance measures to search for mines using sonar stations and also contact and non-contact sweeps," the press office said in a statement.
The maneuvers will run for several days and end with joint artillery firings against naval and air targets. Besides, the minesweepers’ crews will practice anti-subversion defense during the ships’ anchorage in an unsafe roadstead, the statement says.
The personnel will also fire small arms from the ship board against a floating object, employing hand-held grenade launchers while frogmen will inspect the underwater parts of the ships’ hulls, the press office said.


tass--2020-05-19--Russian Central Bank sees potential for key rate reduction to support economy

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Bank of Russia sees potential for further key rate reduction to support the economy when the coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions are removed , the regulator ’ s Chief Elvira Nabiullina said at a meeting headed by President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday .
`` Inflation has stabilized somewhere at the level of 3.1 % per annum and , what is very important , inflation expectations are also starting to decline following a certain increase .
All that enables us to pursue a mild policy .
We have already reduced the key rate , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our expectations , with our forecast , we have potential for further reduction of the interest rate for supporting demand in the economy , particularly , in the period when restrictive measures are gradually lifted , '' she explained .
Growth of prices for certain goods accelerated in March-April , after which prices started declining in early May , Nabiullina added .
Moreover , the financial market situation has stabilized in general , she noted .
`` As for the situation on the financial markets , generally it has remained stable .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declined , same as risk premiums on Russian financial assets , '' the regulator ’ s chief said .
Meanwhile , she mentioned that the yields of federal loan bonds ( OFZ ) , which also influence the level of interest rates in the economy , have fallen .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia sees potential for further key rate reduction to support the economy when the coronavirus pandemic-related restrictions are removed, the regulator’s Chief Elvira Nabiullina said at a meeting headed by President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.
"Inflation has stabilized somewhere at the level of 3.1% per annum and, what is very important, inflation expectations are also starting to decline following a certain increase. All that enables us to pursue a mild policy. We have already reduced the key rate, and if the situation unfolds in accordance with our expectations, with our forecast, we have potential for further reduction of the interest rate for supporting demand in the economy, particularly, in the period when restrictive measures are gradually lifted," she explained.
Growth of prices for certain goods accelerated in March-April, after which prices started declining in early May, Nabiullina added.
Moreover, the financial market situation has stabilized in general, she noted. "As for the situation on the financial markets, generally it has remained stable. The ruble’s exchange rate volatility has declined, same as risk premiums on Russian financial assets," the regulator’s chief said.
Meanwhile, she mentioned that the yields of federal loan bonds (OFZ), which also influence the level of interest rates in the economy, have fallen.


tass--2020-05-19--Putin urges proper spending of unused national projects funds

NOVO-OGARYOVO , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
President Vladimir Putin has called for properly spending funds that were earmarked for @ @ @ @ @ not be used this year for this purpose .
Speaking at a meeting on the @ @ @ @ @ the economy and the social sector , he admitted that some works on the national @ @ @ @ @ this year and would be delayed .
`` Let 's not forget about the current @ @ @ @ @ work on national projects .
Obviously , for a number of objective reasons , some @ @ @ @ @ shifted , for purely objective reasons , we will not be able to implement them @ @ @ @ @ said .
According to the president , if such decisions are made , one should @ @ @ @ @ the untapped resources this year . ''
`` In these circumstances , they [ funds @ @ @ @ @ be used properly , they should be transferred to [ those areas , sectors ] @ @ @ @ @ , '' Putin stressed .

NOVO-OGARYOVO, May 19. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin has called for properly spending funds that were earmarked for the national projects but would not be used this year for this purpose. Speaking at a meeting on the implementation of measures to support the economy and the social sector, he admitted that some works on the national projects may not be completed this year and would be delayed.
"Let's not forget about the current work, including the current work on national projects. Obviously, for a number of objective reasons, some of our programs can be shifted, for purely objective reasons, we will not be able to implement them this year, "Putin said.
According to the president, if such decisions are made, one should "understand how to spend the untapped resources this year."
"In these circumstances, they [funds — TASS] need to be used properly, they should be transferred to [those areas, sectors] where they are needed most," Putin stressed.


tass--2020-05-19--‘No turning back’: World has changed due to pandemic, ex-PM Medvedev says

The chairman of the majority United Russia party , Dmitry Medvedev , proposed to discuss amendments to the party ’ s electoral platform amid the new circumstances MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The United Russia political party must react to changes caused by the pandemic to retain its role as the leading political force in Russia , party chairman and Deputy Head of Russia ’ s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said during an online meeting with the PolitStartup HR project members .
He proposed to conduct a separate meeting shortly to discuss the proposals on amendments to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approaches to various issues , put forth amid the changed circumstances .
The party chairman underscored that ideological changes are certainly needed .
`` The world has changed and there will certainly be no turning back to the previous state ; we will have to react to all this properly , and if we manage this , we will be able to stay the leading political force , '' Medvedev believes .
He added that `` this is only the beginning '' and that there are lessons to be learned from the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of volunteers , non-profits and other activists in the United Russia ’ s work on provision of aid to the citizens and the businesses amid the pandemic , Medvedev noted that it is important for the party to `` keep these people '' and to `` not squander everything that has been achieved recently . ''
According to Medvedev , these people have contacted the party in a bid to help and not for a political career .
`` This is , probably , the most valuable political capital that we could accumulate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
According to Medvedev , such work has been established only by the United Russia , although there are other political organizations with long history and big assets .
`` But they did not do this , '' he noted .
The crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic gets prolonged and the employment services in these circumstances are not effective enough , Dmitry Medvedev opined .
`` Any crisis story always reveals the weak points .
Obviously , this has also happened in our country , just like in the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He mentioned the lack of effectiveness of the employment services as one such weak point .
`` In circumstances of relative stability they more or less cope with their duties , but when a crisis strikes — and this is not the first crisis , although it is a special one , and , unfortunately , there is no end in sight for this one — it is a flop , '' the chairman believes .
He proposed to `` think about how to enhance these services ' performance so that they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an employer , to make them not simply shuffle papers and file some data into computers , but be both a facilitator and a controller of this process . ''
`` Maybe , create a working group , include representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development , representatives of the United Russia and public structures and work together , '' the chairman proposed .
Medvedev ordered to prepare a relevant decision `` within the party '' to implement this idea .

The chairman of the majority United Russia party, Dmitry Medvedev, proposed to discuss amendments to the party’s electoral platform amid the new circumstances
MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The United Russia political party must react to changes caused by the pandemic to retain its role as the leading political force in Russia, party chairman and Deputy Head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said during an online meeting with the PolitStartup HR project members. He proposed to conduct a separate meeting shortly to discuss the proposals on amendments to the party’s electoral platform and its approaches to various issues, put forth amid the changed circumstances. The party chairman underscored that ideological changes are certainly needed.
Read also Current crisis could be worse than 2008-2009, Medvedev says
"The world has changed and there will certainly be no turning back to the previous state; we will have to react to all this properly, and if we manage this, we will be able to stay the leading political force," Medvedev believes. He added that "this is only the beginning" and that there are lessons to be learned from the current state of affairs. Commenting on participation of volunteers, non-profits and other activists in the United Russia’s work on provision of aid to the citizens and the businesses amid the pandemic, Medvedev noted that it is important for the party to "keep these people" and to "not squander everything that has been achieved recently." According to Medvedev, these people have contacted the party in a bid to help and not for a political career. "This is, probably, the most valuable political capital that we could accumulate during this period," the chairman said. According to Medvedev, such work has been established only by the United Russia, although there are other political organizations with long history and big assets. "But they did not do this," he noted. End to crisis
The crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic gets prolonged and the employment services in these circumstances are not effective enough, Dmitry Medvedev opined. "Any crisis story always reveals the weak points. Obviously, this has also happened in our country, just like in the majority of other ones," Medvedev stated.
Read also Unemployment in Russia doubles


tass--2020-05-19--WHO must not turn into political football, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) must not become an ice hockey @ @ @ @ @ and forth to settle political scores , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on @ @ @ @ @ against politicization of everything linked with the coronavirus spread .
We call for finding such @ @ @ @ @ number of states might have that would make it possible to take more efficient measures @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , to consolidate the role of the World Health Organization , not to let @ @ @ @ @ let it be used as a platform for settling political scores , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ Russian lawmakers .
`` The WHO must not be turned into a puck to be @ @ @ @ @ goals other than those of building most efficient international cooperation against the pandemic , '' @ @ @

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The World Health Organization (WHO) must not become an ice hockey puck to pass it back and forth to settle political scores, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday.
"We are against politicization of everything linked with the coronavirus spread. We call for finding such solutions to the questions a number of states might have that would make it possible to take more efficient measures on problems linked with the pandemic, to consolidate the role of the World Health Organization, not to let it weaken and not to let it be used as a platform for settling political scores," he said and an online meeting with Russian lawmakers.
"The WHO must not be turned into a puck to be passed back and forth pursuing goals other than those of building most efficient international cooperation against the pandemic," he said.


tass--2020-05-19--Russian academic reveals four scenarios for post-pandemic world

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Specialists from the Moscow State International Relations Institute ( MGIMO ) are looking into four possible scenarios for global development after the coronavirus pandemic , MGIMO rector Anatoly Torkunov said in an interview with TASS .
Torkunov revealed that since the 1970s MGIMO has had a scenario analysis school , which is now studying predictions concerning the pandemic , among other things .
The `` sprouts '' of each scenario are already visible at this moment , he emphasized .
The first scenario is characterized by an abundance of resources and a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s imagine that the global economic crisis is overcome relatively fast and new technologies - for example , the digital [ technology ] and biotech – ensure a high growth rate and key players gain new cooperation experience during the fight against the pandemic , '' Torkunov said .
`` American-Chinese relations strike a balance , based on mutual economic interests .
In addition , the world manages to preserve the advantages of globalization , even via an exchange of assets between the biggest economic players . ''
Economic growth would gradually diminish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the US would stabilize , in addition , its foreign policy would become less impulsive .
According to the rector , under this scenario , the perception of the globalization itself would change : from the expansion of transnational corporations , whose security is provided by a single superpower , to broad cooperation among nation-states .
This scenario , he says , could be dubbed `` the new globalization . ''
The second scenario highlights the world amid shortage of resources and poor cooperation .
`` The global economy mires in stagnation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mounting inequality amid the shock from the pandemic , which many states coped with poorly , escalates into social conflicts , '' Torkunov elaborates .
`` We have already seen it in the past decade : the Occupy Wall Street movement , the Yellow Vests in France , the electoral triumphs of ‘ non-systemic ’ politicians from both the right and the left , and the rise of nationalism along with skepticism towards traditional integration structures . ''
He underscored that these trends had appeared even before the coronavirus outbreak , and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The needy can ’ t get medical assistance , conflicts and unrest in the international system escalate , and sanctions become a tool of ‘ carnivorous expropriation ’ .
This scenario could be dubbed `` the new Great Depression , '' the MGIMO rector says .
In the third scenario , resources are still scarce , but the level of international cooperation is high .
`` The idea of equality , of fair distribution of goods becomes fashionable again .
Meanwhile , the economic situation might become too difficult to support politically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation , '' Torkunov pointed out .
This `` harmonious '' scenario is quite possible , the rector says .
`` The elites are entirely consumed by internal political problems and do not conduct an active foreign policy .
In fact , the pandemic provides possible trajectories for such harmonization in this regard , '' he explained .
Everyone for themselves In the fourth scenario , resources are abundant , but international cooperation is fragile .
`` The global economy recuperates relatively fast , while the pandemic sharpens existing trends rather than creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
International competition intensifies , although the most militarily powerful players refrain from the most risky decisions , '' Torkunov noted .
`` The most powerful economies - the US and China , above all - realizing that ‘ globalization is broken , ’ seek to surround themselves with techno-economical blocs , with larger associations of nations , oriented towards a technological leader , who possesses an emission center , a critical mass of population and high-technology companies , with a vast enough market . ''
Under these circumstances , international trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within these techno-economical blocs .
`` Their existence fuels competition between the largest powers and shapes the architecture of a new polycentric world .
International cooperation is active within these blocs , but is relatively weak between them , '' the rector said , adding that MGIMO analysts have dubbed this scenario `` everyone for themselves . ''

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Specialists from the Moscow State International Relations Institute (MGIMO) are looking into four possible scenarios for global development after the coronavirus pandemic, MGIMO rector Anatoly Torkunov said in an interview with TASS.
Torkunov revealed that since the 1970s MGIMO has had a scenario analysis school, which is now studying predictions concerning the pandemic, among other things. The "sprouts" of each scenario are already visible at this moment, he emphasized.
The new globalization
The first scenario is characterized by an abundance of resources and a high level of cooperation.
"Let’s imagine that the global economic crisis is overcome relatively fast and new technologies - for example, the digital [technology] and biotech – ensure a high growth rate and key players gain new cooperation experience during the fight against the pandemic," Torkunov said. "American-Chinese relations strike a balance, based on mutual economic interests. In addition, the world manages to preserve the advantages of globalization, even via an exchange of assets between the biggest economic players."
Economic growth would gradually diminish inequality, and the domestic political situation in the US would stabilize, in addition, its foreign policy would become less impulsive. According to the rector, under this scenario, the perception of the globalization itself would change: from the expansion of transnational corporations, whose security is provided by a single superpower, to broad cooperation among nation-states. This scenario, he says, could be dubbed "the new globalization."
The ‘new’ Great Depression
The second scenario highlights the world amid shortage of resources and poor cooperation.
"The global economy mires in stagnation, with US-Chinese relations in crisis. Mounting inequality amid the shock from the pandemic, which many states coped with poorly, escalates into social conflicts," Torkunov elaborates. "We have already seen it in the past decade: the Occupy Wall Street movement, the Yellow Vests in France, the electoral triumphs of ‘non-systemic’ politicians from both the right and the left, and the rise of nationalism along with skepticism towards traditional integration structures."
He underscored that these trends had appeared even before the coronavirus outbreak, and many problems had only intensified during the pandemic. The needy can’t get medical assistance, conflicts and unrest in the international system escalate, and sanctions become a tool of ‘carnivorous expropriation’. This scenario could be dubbed "the new Great Depression," the MGIMO rector says.
Goods and equality
In the third scenario, resources are still scarce, but the level of international cooperation is high.
"The idea of equality, of fair distribution of goods becomes fashionable again. Meanwhile, the economic situation might become too difficult to support politically motivated and costly restrictions on international economic cooperation," Torkunov pointed out.
This "harmonious" scenario is quite possible, the rector says.
"The elites are entirely consumed by internal political problems and do not conduct an active foreign policy. In fact, the pandemic provides possible trajectories for such harmonization in this regard," he explained.
Everyone for themselves
In the fourth scenario, resources are abundant, but international cooperation is fragile.
"The global economy recuperates relatively fast, while the pandemic sharpens existing trends rather than creating new ones. Previous regional conflicts drag on. International competition intensifies, although the most militarily powerful players refrain from the most risky decisions," Torkunov noted. "The most powerful economies - the US and China, above all - realizing that ‘globalization is broken,’ seek to surround themselves with techno-economical blocs, with larger associations of nations, oriented towards a technological leader, who possesses an emission center, a critical mass of population and high-technology companies, with a vast enough market."
Under these circumstances, international trade and investments will tend to enclose itself within these techno-economical blocs.
"Their existence fuels competition between the largest powers and shapes the architecture of a new polycentric world. International cooperation is active within these blocs, but is relatively weak between them," the rector said, adding that MGIMO analysts have dubbed this scenario "everyone for themselves."


tass--2020-05-19--Russian, Italian top diplomats call for consolidated efforts to overcome pandemic impacts

MOSCOW , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Italian Foreign Ministers , Sergey Lavrov and Luigi Di Maio , @ @ @ @ @ consolidated efforts to overcome the aftermaths of the coronavirus pandemic , including in the economic @ @ @ @ @ ministry said on Tuesday after their telephone conversation .
`` The two top diplomats highly @ @ @ @ @ between the two countries ’ ministries and agencies in combating the coronavirus pandemic .
On @ @ @ @ @ , Luigi Di Maio expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in combating this infection @ @ @ @ @ ministry said .
`` The sides stressed the importance of consolidated efforts of countries and @ @ @ @ @ coordinating role of the United Nations , to cope with the consequences of the crisis @ @ @ @ @ sphere , '' it said .

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. Russian and Italian Foreign Ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Luigi Di Maio, have stressed the importance of consolidated efforts to overcome the aftermaths of the coronavirus pandemic, including in the economic sphere, the Russian foreign ministry said on Tuesday after their telephone conversation.
"The two top diplomats highly estimated efficient coordination of efforts between the two countries’ ministries and agencies in combating the coronavirus pandemic. On behalf of the Italian government, Luigi Di Maio expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in combating this infection in Italy," the ministry said.
"The sides stressed the importance of consolidated efforts of countries and international organizations, with the coordinating role of the United Nations, to cope with the consequences of the crisis, including in the economic sphere," it said.


tass--2020-05-19--Russia elected to WHO Executive Board at World Health Assembly’s session

GENEVA , May 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has been elected to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ according to a decision made at the session of the World Health Assembly on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ to the Executive Board are Botswana , the United Kingdom , Ghana , Guinea-Bissau , @ @ @ @ @ , Oman and South Korea .
The decision was made at the session without holding @ @ @ @ @ delegate said his country had decided against hindering the consensus given the current situation .
@ @ @ @ @ of 34 countries elected for three-year terms .
This is a decision-making body of the @ @ @ @ @ facilitates and gives direction to the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly .
@ @ @ @ @ s 73rd annual session is held on May 18-19 in the format of a teleconference @ @ @ @ @ combating the coronavirus .

GENEVA, May 19. /TASS/. Russia has been elected to the Executive Board of the World Health Organization for a three-year term, according to a decision made at the session of the World Health Assembly on Tuesday.
Other nine countries elected to the Executive Board are Botswana, the United Kingdom, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, India, Colombia, Madagascar, Oman and South Korea. The decision was made at the session without holding the vote.
A Ukrainian delegate said his country had decided against hindering the consensus given the current situation.
The Executive Board is composed of 34 countries elected for three-year terms. This is a decision-making body of the organization, which advises, facilitates and gives direction to the decisions and policies of the World Health Assembly.
The World Health Assembly’s 73rd annual session is held on May 18-19 in the format of a teleconference. The discussion focuses on combating the coronavirus.