tass--2020-01-22--Upper house dismisses Russia’s top prosecutor Chaika

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s upper house , the Federation Council , voted at its @ @ @ @ @ sack Yuri Chaika from the Prosecutor-General ’ s post .
The senators expressed gratitude to @ @ @ @ @ fruitful cooperation with the Federation Council as well as for his huge contribution to strengthening @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
On Monday , Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested dismissing Chaika , saying that @ @ @ @ @ new job .
Putin also nominated Igor Krasnov , deputy head of the Investigative Committee @ @ @ @ @ .
Chaika was offered a job as the president ’ s envoy to the North @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russia’s upper house, the Federation Council, voted at its plenary meeting on Wednesday to sack Yuri Chaika from the Prosecutor-General’s post.
The senators expressed gratitude to Chaika for his constructive and fruitful cooperation with the Federation Council as well as for his huge contribution to strengthening the rule of law in Russia.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested dismissing Chaika, saying that he would take up a new job. Putin also nominated Igor Krasnov, deputy head of the Investigative Committee, for the top prosecutor. Chaika was offered a job as the president’s envoy to the North Caucasian Federal District.


tass--2020-01-22--PM requests drafting amendments to budget to implement Putin’s address

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has tasked the Finance Ministry and Labor Ministry with drafting amendments to the law on federal budget and the law on budget of the Pension Fund aimed at implementation of President Vladimir Putin ’ s State of the Nation Address by February 11 , according to the statement released on the government ’ s website on Wednesday .
`` < … > to ensure that Russia ’ s Finance Ministry with participation of relevant federal executive authorities submits to the government of the Russian Federation the draft of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law ‘ On federal budget for 2020 and the planned period of 2021 and 2022 ’ ( considering draft enactments developed by mentioned federal executive authorities aimed at implementation of measures specified by President of the Russian Federation in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly ) , '' the statement said .
Mishustin also tasked the Labor Ministry with participation of relevant bodies and organizations with drafting amendments to the federal law on budget of the Russian Pension Fund for 2020 and the planned period of 2021-2022 .
PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for implementation of the social component of the address promptly at the first meeting of the new government on Tuesday .

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has tasked the Finance Ministry and Labor Ministry with drafting amendments to the law on federal budget and the law on budget of the Pension Fund aimed at implementation of President Vladimir Putin’s State of the Nation Address by February 11, according to the statement released on the government’s website on Wednesday.
"<…> to ensure that Russia’s Finance Ministry with participation of relevant federal executive authorities submits to the government of the Russian Federation the draft of federal law ‘On amendments to federal law ‘On federal budget for 2020 and the planned period of 2021 and 2022’ (considering draft enactments developed by mentioned federal executive authorities aimed at implementation of measures specified by President of the Russian Federation in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly)," the statement said.
Mishustin also tasked the Labor Ministry with participation of relevant bodies and organizations with drafting amendments to the federal law on budget of the Russian Pension Fund for 2020 and the planned period of 2021-2022.
The deadline is February 11.
PM urged to submit amendments to the budget for implementation of the social component of the address promptly at the first meeting of the new government on Tuesday.


tass--2020-01-22--Japanese-Russian ties reach unprecedented level in 2019, Abe says

TOKYO , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The development of Japanese-Russian relations has reached unprecedented heights over the past year @ @ @ @ @ projects in the Southern Kuril Islands , Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said during the @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` Over the past year , the development of relations between Japan and @ @ @ @ @ agreements in Nagato [ during Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s visit to Japan in @ @ @ @ @ an unprecedented level , '' Abe said answering a question of Yukio Edano , leader @ @ @ @ @ Constitutional Democratic Party .
As an example , Abe cited launching the first tour to @ @ @ @ @ Japanese tourists and also allowing access to the islands for Japanese citizens , who used @ @ @ @ @ We will continue persistent talks in order to solve the territorial issue and sign a @ @ @ @ @ prime minister said .

TOKYO, January 22. /TASS/. The development of Japanese-Russian relations has reached unprecedented heights over the past year due to implementing joint economic projects in the Southern Kuril Islands, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said during the debate in the parliament on Wednesday.
"Over the past year, the development of relations between Japan and Russia on the basis of agreements in Nagato [during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan in 2016 - TASS] reached an unprecedented level," Abe said answering a question of Yukio Edano, leader of the opposition’s Constitutional Democratic Party.
As an example, Abe cited launching the first tour to the Southern Kuril Islands for Japanese tourists and also allowing access to the islands for Japanese citizens, who used to reside there. "We will continue persistent talks in order to solve the territorial issue and sign a peace treaty," the prime minister said.


tass--2020-01-22--Russia, North Korea discuss cooperation in air transportation

PYONGYANG , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Ambassador to Pyongyang Alexander Matsegora discussed joint cooperation in air transportation with North Korean Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Civil Aviation ( GACA ) Ri Yong Son , the diplomatic mission said on its Facebook page .
`` The sides held talks to discuss issues of strengthening Russian-Korean cooperation in air transportation of passengers and cargoes with the focus on ensuring flights ’ safety , '' the Russian Embassy said .
Matsegora thanked the official for the North Korean delegation ’ s support for Russia ’ s re-election as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( ICAO ) Council in the first group of states and expressed confidence that close cooperation between aviation authorities and experts from the two countries would continue , including at the upcoming 219th session of the ICAO Council ( Montreal , March 2020 ) .
ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations , established in 1944 in order to ensure reliable operations and the development of international air transport .
The organization brings together 191 states , and its supreme body is the ICAO Council , consisting of 36 states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Russia has been elected to the ICAO Council since 1971 .

PYONGYANG, January 22. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to Pyongyang Alexander Matsegora discussed joint cooperation in air transportation with North Korean Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Civil Aviation (GACA) Ri Yong Son, the diplomatic mission said on its Facebook page.
"The sides held talks to discuss issues of strengthening Russian-Korean cooperation in air transportation of passengers and cargoes with the focus on ensuring flights’ safety," the Russian Embassy said.
Matsegora thanked the official for the North Korean delegation’s support for Russia’s re-election as a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council in the first group of states and expressed confidence that close cooperation between aviation authorities and experts from the two countries would continue, including at the upcoming 219th session of the ICAO Council (Montreal, March 2020).
ICAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1944 in order to ensure reliable operations and the development of international air transport. The organization brings together 191 states, and its supreme body is the ICAO Council, consisting of 36 states elected by the ICAO Assembly for three years. Russia has been elected to the ICAO Council since 1971.


tass--2020-01-22--Cognate BioServices closes Series B and completes acquisition of Cobra Biologics

MEMPHIS , Tennessee , Jan. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognate BioServices , a leading contract development and manufacturing organization ( CDMO ) specialized in cell and cell-mediated gene therapy products today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Cobra Biologics , a leading CDMO specialized in providing development and manufacturing services for plasmid DNA and viral vector .
Existing Cognate shareholder , EW Healthcare Partners and its co-investors led the investment in Cognate and the financing for the acquisition of Cobra , with participation from Medivate Partners .
With the addition of Cobra 's specialized expertise in plasmid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microbiota , from development to fill-finish , Cognate is well-positioned as a global industry-leading services provider to deliver drug development and manufacturing solutions to the cell and gene immunotherapy and regenerative medicine industry around the world .
Cobra Biologics has cGMP facilities in the UK and Sweden .
Cognate operates an 80,000+ square foot manufacturing facility located in Memphis , TN , and a dedicated development facility in Baltimore .
`` We are all thrilled to close this transaction and start delivering on our combined value proposition , '' said J. Kelly Ganjei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combined Cognate-Cobra expertise , infrastructure , and geographical footprint immediately position both businesses to address current and future market needs more quickly , effectively , and comprehensively , with our focus of owning and optimizing the complex aspects of the supply chain .
In support of this acquisition we have been working to expand our commercial capacity and capabilities to effectively provide a unique , scalable option for drug development and manufacturing to our clients and their patients . ''
This transaction further supports Cognate 's mission to meet the needs of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients with unmet medical needs while maintaining focus on providing rapid access to advanced manufacturing capabilities integrated into a scalable manufacturing environment .
Cognate is a dynamic , results-driven , organization focused on providing the broadest range of commercialization services to regenerative medicine , cellular immunotherapy and advance cell therapy companies .
Cognate provides a unique combination of custom services to companies across all points of clinical and commercial development specializing in mid to late stage clinical trials and supporting our clients through product scale-up into commercial manufacturing .
Cognate applies the knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and technical teams to successfully develop autologous and allogeneic products across multiple cell-based technology platforms from start to finish .
http : //www.cognatebioservices.com Cobra Biologics is a leading international advanced therapy CDMO with GMP approved facilities in both Sweden and the UK each with an extensive track record in serving our global client base .
We offer a broad range of integrated and stand-alone services for both the clinical and commercial market .
As a trusted provider and a key partner in the drug development and commercialization process , we take pride in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries .
For more information please visit : www.cobrabio.com With close to $ 4 billion raised since inception , EW Healthcare Partners is one of the largest and oldest private healthcare investment firms and seeks to make growth equity investments in fast growing commercial-stage healthcare companies in the pharmaceutical , medical device , diagnostics , and technology-enabled services sectors in the United States and in Europe .
Since its founding in 1985 , EW Healthcare Partners has maintained its singular commitment to the healthcare industry and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 healthcare companies , ranging across sectors , stages and geographies .
The team is comprised of over 20 senior investment professionals with offices in Palo Alto , Houston , New York , and London .
For more information , see www.ewhealthcare.com .
Medivate is a private equity and venture capital firm that focuses investment in biotech/healthcare industry in Asia and North America .
The firm is well positioned to capture surging healthcare investment opportunities between Asia and North America , and looks to arbitrage the unique cross border investment advantages .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly built a reputation for providing inner circle access to top caliber syndicates and successful life science deals in Asia and North America .
For our latest news , please visit https : //www.cognatebioservices.com/category/press-releases/ For more information , please contact James Wilkerson at 901-969-8981

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognate BioServices, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specialized in cell and cell-mediated gene therapy products today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Cobra Biologics, a leading CDMO specialized in providing development and manufacturing services for plasmid DNA and viral vector.
Existing Cognate shareholder, EW Healthcare Partners and its co-investors led the investment in Cognate and the financing for the acquisition of Cobra, with participation from Medivate Partners.
With the addition of Cobra's specialized expertise in plasmid DNA, viral vectors, protein and microbiota, from development to fill-finish, Cognate is well-positioned as a global industry-leading services provider to deliver drug development and manufacturing solutions to the cell and gene immunotherapy and regenerative medicine industry around the world.
Cobra Biologics has cGMP facilities in the UK and Sweden. Cognate operates an 80,000+ square foot manufacturing facility located in Memphis, TN, and a dedicated development facility in Baltimore.
"We are all thrilled to close this transaction and start delivering on our combined value proposition," said J. Kelly Ganjei, CEO of Cognate. "The combined Cognate-Cobra expertise, infrastructure, and geographical footprint immediately position both businesses to address current and future market needs more quickly, effectively, and comprehensively, with our focus of owning and optimizing the complex aspects of the supply chain. In support of this acquisition we have been working to expand our commercial capacity and capabilities to effectively provide a unique, scalable option for drug development and manufacturing to our clients and their patients."
This transaction further supports Cognate's mission to meet the needs of the ultimate consumer of its services — the patients with unmet medical needs while maintaining focus on providing rapid access to advanced manufacturing capabilities integrated into a scalable manufacturing environment.
About Cognate BioServices, Inc.
Cognate is a dynamic, results-driven, organization focused on providing the broadest range of commercialization services to regenerative medicine, cellular immunotherapy and advance cell therapy companies. Cognate provides a unique combination of custom services to companies across all points of clinical and commercial development specializing in mid to late stage clinical trials and supporting our clients through product scale-up into commercial manufacturing. Cognate applies the knowledge and expertise of its business, scientific and technical teams to successfully develop autologous and allogeneic products across multiple cell-based technology platforms from start to finish. http://www.cognatebioservices.com
About Cobra Biologics
Cobra Biologics is a leading international advanced therapy CDMO with GMP approved facilities in both Sweden and the UK each with an extensive track record in serving our global client base. We offer a broad range of integrated and stand-alone services for both the clinical and commercial market. As a trusted provider and a key partner in the drug development and commercialization process, we take pride in our manufacturing excellence and comprehensive range of services to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. For more information please visit: www.cobrabio.com
About EW Healthcare Partners
With close to $4 billion raised since inception, EW Healthcare Partners is one of the largest and oldest private healthcare investment firms and seeks to make growth equity investments in fast growing commercial-stage healthcare companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and technology-enabled services sectors in the United States and in Europe. Since its founding in 1985, EW Healthcare Partners has maintained its singular commitment to the healthcare industry and has been a long term investor in over 150 healthcare companies, ranging across sectors, stages and geographies. The team is comprised of over 20 senior investment professionals with offices in Palo Alto, Houston, New York, and London. For more information, see www.ewhealthcare.com.
About Medivate Partners:
Medivate is a private equity and venture capital firm that focuses investment in biotech/healthcare industry in Asia and North America. The firm is well positioned to capture surging healthcare investment opportunities between Asia and North America, and looks to arbitrage the unique cross border investment advantages. While closing its third fund, Medivate Partners quickly built a reputation for providing inner circle access to top caliber syndicates and successful life science deals in Asia and North America.
For our latest news, please visit https://www.cognatebioservices.com/category/press-releases/
For more information, please contact James Wilkerson at 901-969-8981
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1080178/Cognate_Bioservices_acquires_Cobra_Biologics.jpg


tass--2020-01-22--Risen Energy announces that its power station has been connected to the grid in Kazakhstan

NINGBO , China , Jan. 21 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Risen Energy Co. , Ltd. announced recently that its 50MW photovoltaic power station project in Kazakhstan has been successfully connected to the grid .
As the first large-scale ground-mounted tracking system power station connected to the grid in Kazakhstan , the implementation of the project is a significant cooperation milestone between Kazakhstan and China in the renewable energy sector .
Construction commenced in mid-2019 and it only took a little more than half a year for the facility , located in Chulakkurgan , Kazakhstan , to be connected to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polycrystalline components for the project and they also built a new 110KV booster station and a 110KV delivery line to ensure the smooth operation and successful delivery of the project .
Risen Energy is the first Chinese PV enterprise that has invested in the construction of a PV power station in Kazakhstan .
With its remarkable product advantages and localization strategy , Risen Energy has invested in many power stations in the country and successfully obtained market advantages and capital preference .
Of significance are the two PV power station projects with installed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which won the financing support of EBRD .
These two projects have become a driving force for the company 's international expansion .
Since the implementation of China 's Belt and Road Initiative , Risen Energy has continuously expanded into overseas markets .
Besides Kazakhstan , the company also has businesses in Ukraine , Vietnam and other countries targeted by the initiative , adding to investment worldwide in the development of PV power stations , while promoting the global energy transformation and clean development .
Risen Energy president Xie Jian said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has enhanced our reputation in the Kazakhstan market , and also strengthened the competitiveness and influence in other markets along the Belt and Road Initiative .
We will continue to enhance our innovation in technology , explore new markets , strengthen cooperation with all partners and deliver advanced photovoltaic technologies and products to more markets at home and abroad , while jointly participating in the upgrading of the global energy structure . ''

NINGBO, China, Jan. 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Risen Energy Co., Ltd. announced recently that its 50MW photovoltaic power station project in Kazakhstan has been successfully connected to the grid. As the first large-scale ground-mounted tracking system power station connected to the grid in Kazakhstan, the implementation of the project is a significant cooperation milestone between Kazakhstan and China in the renewable energy sector.
Construction commenced in mid-2019 and it only took a little more than half a year for the facility, located in Chulakkurgan, Kazakhstan, to be connected to the grid. Risen Energy provided the 330W polycrystalline components for the project and they also built a new 110KV booster station and a 110KV delivery line to ensure the smooth operation and successful delivery of the project.
Risen Energy is the first Chinese PV enterprise that has invested in the construction of a PV power station in Kazakhstan. With its remarkable product advantages and localization strategy, Risen Energy has invested in many power stations in the country and successfully obtained market advantages and capital preference. Of significance are the two PV power station projects with installed capacity of 40 MW and 50 MW which won the financing support of EBRD. These two projects have become a driving force for the company's international expansion.
Since the implementation of China's Belt and Road Initiative, Risen Energy has continuously expanded into overseas markets. Besides Kazakhstan, the company also has businesses in Ukraine, Vietnam and other countries targeted by the initiative, adding to investment worldwide in the development of PV power stations, while promoting the global energy transformation and clean development.
Risen Energy president Xie Jian said: "The successful grid connection of the project has enhanced our reputation in the Kazakhstan market, and also strengthened the competitiveness and influence in other markets along the Belt and Road Initiative. We will continue to enhance our innovation in technology, explore new markets, strengthen cooperation with all partners and deliver advanced photovoltaic technologies and products to more markets at home and abroad, while jointly participating in the upgrading of the global energy structure."
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1078994/50MW_power_station.jpg
CONTACT: Tina Feng, +86-574-59953077


tass--2020-01-22--Explosion hits burning trawler in Sea of Okhotsk — source

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
An explosion occurred at night on the burning Enigma Astralis trawler in the Sea of Okhotsk , which is carrying diesel fuel , a source at the incident scene told TASS on Wednesday , warning that a new blast could hit the vessel .
The fishing vessel caught fire on January 21 in the Sea of Okhotsk , some 130 kilometers away from the city of Magadan .
The fire was extinguished and no one was injured .
The entire crew consisting of 47 people were evacuated to the nearby fish factory ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Office has launched a probe into the blaze .
The Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport reported an open combustion on the vessel , stressing that the fuel continued posing a threat .
`` Enigma is again on fire , nearly all of it has been burnt out and thick smoke is coming from it .
At night a strong explosion occurred onboard .
The Sibirtsev rescue ship has not entered a direct contact with the trawler , fearing that a new blast could happen , '' the source said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the engine room .
The trawler is owned by the Far Eastern Fishing Company , which catches mackerel , herring and sardines .
The amount of fish caught declared by the company on its website is about 25,000-30,000 tonnes annually .

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. An explosion occurred at night on the burning Enigma Astralis trawler in the Sea of Okhotsk, which is carrying diesel fuel, a source at the incident scene told TASS on Wednesday, warning that a new blast could hit the vessel.
The fishing vessel caught fire on January 21 in the Sea of Okhotsk, some 130 kilometers away from the city of Magadan. The fire was extinguished and no one was injured. The entire crew consisting of 47 people were evacuated to the nearby fish factory ship. The Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office has launched a probe into the blaze. The Federal Agency for Maritime and River Transport reported an open combustion on the vessel, stressing that the fuel continued posing a threat.
"Enigma is again on fire, nearly all of it has been burnt out and thick smoke is coming from it. At night a strong explosion occurred onboard. The Sibirtsev rescue ship has not entered a direct contact with the trawler, fearing that a new blast could happen," the source said, noting that the fire was reported in the engine room.
The trawler is owned by the Far Eastern Fishing Company, which catches mackerel, herring and sardines. The amount of fish caught declared by the company on its website is about 25,000-30,000 tonnes annually.


tass--2020-01-22--Wuhan invites specialists from WHO to help fight against new coronavirus

`` The city of Wuhan daily publishes the information about the new coronavirus and carries out intensive work on notifying the population , '' Li told a briefing .
`` We have invited specialists from the WHO , Hong Kong , Macao and Taiwan to come to Wuhan to study the situation and participate in the work on preventing the spread of the virus , '' Li added .
BEIJING , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The administration of the city of Wuhan and Chinese authorities have invited specialists from the World Health Organization ( WHO ) to help fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019-nCoV , deputy head of China 's National Health Commission Li Bin said on Wednesday .
The official said that Beijing will remain fully transparent in the fight against the new coronavirus and will timely notify all countries , including Russia , about the successes in preventing the spread of the virus .
According to latest reports , the death toll in the outbreak of the new coronavirus in China reached nine , and 440 cases of the virus were confirmed .
On December 31 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose , cough , sore throat and chest tightness .
Migraines and fever are also possible , and they can last for several days .
The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system , such as seniors and children .
They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia @ @ @

"The city of Wuhan daily publishes the information about the new coronavirus and carries out intensive work on notifying the population," Li told a briefing. "We have invited specialists from the WHO, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan to come to Wuhan to study the situation and participate in the work on preventing the spread of the virus," Li added.
BEIJING, January 22. /TASS/. The administration of the city of Wuhan and Chinese authorities have invited specialists from the World Health Organization (WHO) to help fight against the spread of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV, deputy head of China's National Health Commission Li Bin said on Wednesday.
The official said that Beijing will remain fully transparent in the fight against the new coronavirus and will timely notify all countries, including Russia, about the successes in preventing the spread of the virus.
According to latest reports, the death toll in the outbreak of the new coronavirus in China reached nine, and 440 cases of the virus were confirmed.
On December 31, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose, cough, sore throat and chest tightness. Migraines and fever are also possible, and they can last for several days. The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system, such as seniors and children. They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis.


tass--2020-01-22--China takes measures to prevent new coronavirus from spreading to Russia — official

BEIJING , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities have taken urgent measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV to Russia and timely notified the Russian authorities about the outbreak , deputy head of China 's National Health Commission Li Bin said on Wednesday .
`` We have urgently notified the World Health Organization about this , as well as Russia and other countries < ... > and provided the information about the spread of the virus , '' Li told a briefing in response to a question from TASS on whether any steps were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
The official added that communication on the issue is constantly maintained with the relevant authorities in Russia , other countries , as well as with other Chinese regions .
`` We will make maximum effort to maximally lower the risks of the virus spreading to other regions and countries during the upcoming holiday season and Chinese New Year [ celebrated on January 24-30 ] , '' Li said .
According to latest reports , the death toll in the outbreak of the new coronavirus in China reached nine , and 440 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On December 31 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection — coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose , cough , sore throat and chest tightness .
Migraines and fever are also possible , and they can last for several days .
The risk group includes people with a compromised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis .

BEIJING, January 22. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities have taken urgent measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV to Russia and timely notified the Russian authorities about the outbreak, deputy head of China's National Health Commission Li Bin said on Wednesday.
"We have urgently notified the World Health Organization about this, as well as Russia and other countries <...> and provided the information about the spread of the virus," Li told a briefing in response to a question from TASS on whether any steps were taken to prevent the coronavirus from spreading to Russia.
The official added that communication on the issue is constantly maintained with the relevant authorities in Russia, other countries, as well as with other Chinese regions.
"We will make maximum effort to maximally lower the risks of the virus spreading to other regions and countries during the upcoming holiday season and Chinese New Year [celebrated on January 24-30]," Li said.
According to latest reports, the death toll in the outbreak of the new coronavirus in China reached nine, and 440 cases of the virus were confirmed.
On December 31, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection — coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose, cough, sore throat and chest tightness. Migraines and fever are also possible, and they can last for several days. The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system, such as seniors and children. They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis.


tass--2020-01-22--Death toll in outbreak of new coronavirus in China reaches 9

WHO trying to understand how severe new coronavirus is , spokesperson says BEIJING , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll in the outbreak of a new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China has reached nine , deputy head of China 's National Health Commission Li Bin told a briefing on Wednesday .
`` The death toll has increased by three more people , to nine in total .
The number of confirmed cases has grown to 440 , '' Li said .
`` We are taking active preventive measures , '' Li added .
Earlier reports said that the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached 324 , and six people have died from the new coronavirus .
On December 31 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection — coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose , cough , sore throat and chest tightness .
Migraines and fever are also possible , and they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group includes people with a compromised immune system , such as seniors and children .
They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis .

WHO trying to understand how severe new coronavirus is, spokesperson says
BEIJING, January 22. /TASS/. The death toll in the outbreak of a new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China has reached nine, deputy head of China's National Health Commission Li Bin told a briefing on Wednesday.
"The death toll has increased by three more people, to nine in total. The number of confirmed cases has grown to 440," Li said. "We are taking active preventive measures," Li added.
Earlier reports said that the number of confirmed cases in 14 Chinese regions reached 324, and six people have died from the new coronavirus.
On December 31, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection — coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose, cough, sore throat and chest tightness. Migraines and fever are also possible, and they can last for several days. The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system, such as seniors and children. They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis.


tass--2020-01-22--Earthquake of 5.5 magnitude rocks Fiji

Earthquake of 5.5 magnitude rocks Fiji

MOSCOW , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
An earthquake of 5.5 magnitude has rocked Fiji islands in the @ @ @ @ @ Survey reported .
The earthquake 's epicenter lay in 195 km to the north-west of @ @ @ @ @ around 77,000 residents ) at the depth of 10 km .
No injuries or damages @ @ @ @ @ tsunami alert was issued .

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. /TASS/. An earthquake of 5.5 magnitude has rocked Fiji islands in the Pacific Ocean, US Geological Survey reported.
The earthquake's epicenter lay in 195 km to the north-west of Fiji's capital Suva (around 77,000 residents) at the depth of 10 km.
No injuries or damages were reported, and no tsunami alert was issued.


tass--2020-01-22--Over 320 cases of new coronavirus confirmed in China — media

WHO trying to understand how severe new coronavirus is , spokesperson says BEIJING , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China has reached 324 , China Central Television ( CCTV ) reported on Wednesday .
The Chinese authorities earlier confirmed 309 cases of the new coronavirus .
According to CCTV , 2019-nCoV cases were confirmed in 14 Chinese regions by 7am local time on Wednesday .
Most cases — 270 — are registered in the Hubei province with the administrative center in Wuhan , another 17 cases were reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Beijing , six — in Shanghai , five — in the eastern Zhejiang province , and another five — in the Chongqing municipality .
The Hong Kong authorities reported 117 cases suspected to be the new coronavirus , and one case was confirmed in China 's Heilongjiang province that borders Russia .
On December 31 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , Chinese specialists determined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019-nCoV .
Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose , cough , sore throat and chest tightness .
Migraines and fever are also possible , and they can last for several days .
The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system , such as seniors and children .
They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis .

WHO trying to understand how severe new coronavirus is, spokesperson says
BEIJING, January 22. /TASS/. The number of people infected with the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China has reached 324, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday.
The Chinese authorities earlier confirmed 309 cases of the new coronavirus. According to CCTV, 2019-nCoV cases were confirmed in 14 Chinese regions by 7am local time on Wednesday.
Most cases — 270 — are registered in the Hubei province with the administrative center in Wuhan, another 17 cases were reported in the southern Guangdong province, 10 — in Beijing, six — in Shanghai, five — in the eastern Zhejiang province, and another five — in the Chongqing municipality.
The Hong Kong authorities reported 117 cases suspected to be the new coronavirus, and one case was confirmed in China's Heilongjiang province that borders Russia.
On December 31, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose, cough, sore throat and chest tightness. Migraines and fever are also possible, and they can last for several days. The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system, such as seniors and children. They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis.


tass--2020-01-22--Israel values Putin's understanding of its security needs — foreign minister

`` Russia plays an important role in the Middle East .
Israel works on resolving regional issues in cooperation with Russia .
Israel values President Putin 's understanding of the importance of ensuring security of the State of Israel .
I am confident that this time Israel 's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss a lot of issues , including countering the Iranian threat to Israel and to the whole region , '' Katz said .
TEL AVIV , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
Russia plays an important role in the Middle East , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding of the importance of ensuring security of the Jewish state , Israel 's Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz told TASS in an interview ahead of Putin 's visit to Israel on January 23 .
`` Iran 's strengthening positions on the territory of Syria represent a threat to Israel 's security , and we can not allow such developments .
Iran brings a threat not only for our country but also for the whole region , '' the Israeli foreign minister stressed noting that Israel `` will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually at talks [ between the Russian and Israeli leaders ] , regional issues are discussed , as well as spheres in which the countries can further develop their relations . ''
In 2019 , Putin met with Netanyahu three times — in February and March in Moscow , and in September in Sochi .
During his visit to Israel , Putin will also attend the World Holocaust Forum at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem .
`` We highly value Russian President Putin 's visit to our country .
Israel considers as important the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberation of concentration camps .
We think that remembering the victims of the Holocaust is the duty of every country in the world .
We are happy to welcome representatives of seven dozen countries who decided to partake in such an important event as the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem , '' Katz said .
The forum is held in Israel for the first time this year .
It is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Oswiecim .
`` This event connects the dart past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State of Israel .
It is important to not forget about the Holocaust , so that this tragedy does not happen again , '' Katz said .
The 5th World Holocaust Forum will be held on January 23 at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem .
Among participants in the forum will be the heads of state and government of 46 countries , including Russia , France , Austria , Greece , Italy and Ukraine .

"Russia plays an important role in the Middle East. Israel works on resolving regional issues in cooperation with Russia. Israel values President Putin's understanding of the importance of ensuring security of the State of Israel. I am confident that this time Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss a lot of issues, including countering the Iranian threat to Israel and to the whole region," Katz said.
TEL AVIV, January 21. /TASS/. Russia plays an important role in the Middle East, and Israel values Russian President Vladimir Putin's understanding of the importance of ensuring security of the Jewish state, Israel's Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz told TASS in an interview ahead of Putin's visit to Israel on January 23.
"Iran's strengthening positions on the territory of Syria represent a threat to Israel's security, and we cannot allow such developments. Iran brings a threat not only for our country but also for the whole region," the Israeli foreign minister stressed noting that Israel "will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons."
Katz said that "usually at talks [between the Russian and Israeli leaders], regional issues are discussed, as well as spheres in which the countries can further develop their relations."
In 2019, Putin met with Netanyahu three times — in February and March in Moscow, and in September in Sochi.
World Holocaust Forum
During his visit to Israel, Putin will also attend the World Holocaust Forum at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. "We highly value Russian President Putin's visit to our country. Israel considers as important the contribution of the Soviet Union to the liberation of concentration camps. We think that remembering the victims of the Holocaust is the duty of every country in the world. We are happy to welcome representatives of seven dozen countries who decided to partake in such an important event as the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem," Katz said.
The forum is held in Israel for the first time this year. It is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Oswiecim. "This event connects the dart past with the modern reality of the prospering State of Israel. It is important to not forget about the Holocaust, so that this tragedy does not happen again," Katz said.
The 5th World Holocaust Forum will be held on January 23 at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. Among participants in the forum will be the heads of state and government of 46 countries, including Russia, France, Austria, Greece, Italy and Ukraine.


tass--2020-01-22--Chechnya's head hopes that new Russian government will closely cooperate with regions

Main task of new cabinet of ministers is to improve well-being of citizens — Putin GROZNY , January 22 .
@ @ @ @ @ Ramzan Kadyrov has said he hopes that the new Russian government will achieve the goals @ @ @ @ @ in close cooperation with regions .
`` It is known that the government has colossal @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin 's address to the Federal Assembly , '' Kadyrov wrote on his Telegram @ @ @ @ @ confident that they will be fulfilled with close cooperation with regions .
Today , every @ @ @ @ @ position , should work three times as hard , '' he added .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ appointed the new cabinet of ministers , headed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin .
In @ @ @ @ @ by the president , the cabinet will include 31 people , including the prime ministers @ @ @ @

Main task of new cabinet of ministers is to improve well-being of citizens — Putin
GROZNY, January 22. /TASS/. Chechnya's head Ramzan Kadyrov has said he hopes that the new Russian government will achieve the goals set by President Vladimir Putin in close cooperation with regions.
"It is known that the government has colossal tasks outlined in Russian President Vladimir Putin's address to the Federal Assembly," Kadyrov wrote on his Telegram account. "I am confident that they will be fulfilled with close cooperation with regions. Today, every official, no matter his position, should work three times as hard," he added.
On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed the new cabinet of ministers, headed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. In accordance with the decrees signed by the president, the cabinet will include 31 people, including the prime ministers and his deputies.


tass--2020-01-22--Libya's joint military committee to meet on January 28

THE UNITED NATIONS , January 22 .
/TASS/ .
The first session of Libya 's joint military committee with five representatives of each party in the conflict is scheduled for January 28 in Geneva , UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters after closed consultations on Libya at the UN Security Council .
Guterres noted that the decision to set up a joint military committee with five representatives from each party in the Libyan conflict was one of the most important results of the Berlin conference .
He said that he hopes the joint military committee will hold its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The high-level international conference on Libya was held in Berlin on January 19 .
In the final document , participants in the conference called for establishing a ceasefire , pledged to abstain from interfering into the affairs of Libya , suggested to set up a unity government and launch reforms for restoring statehood .
The parties in the conflict also agreed to set up a special commission to monitor the ceasefire .
There are currently two executive bodies in Libya — the internationally recognized Government of National Accord and temporary cabinet operating in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the parliament and supported by the Libyan National Army .

THE UNITED NATIONS, January 22. /TASS/. The first session of Libya's joint military committee with five representatives of each party in the conflict is scheduled for January 28 in Geneva, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told reporters after closed consultations on Libya at the UN Security Council.
Guterres noted that the decision to set up a joint military committee with five representatives from each party in the Libyan conflict was one of the most important results of the Berlin conference. He said that he hopes the joint military committee will hold its first session on Tuesday, January 28.
The high-level international conference on Libya was held in Berlin on January 19. In the final document, participants in the conference called for establishing a ceasefire, pledged to abstain from interfering into the affairs of Libya, suggested to set up a unity government and launch reforms for restoring statehood. The parties in the conflict also agreed to set up a special commission to monitor the ceasefire.
There are currently two executive bodies in Libya — the internationally recognized Government of National Accord and temporary cabinet operating in the east of the country together with the parliament and supported by the Libyan National Army.


tass--2020-01-21--Hainan's foreign trade volume up by 6.8% in 2019

HAIKOU , January 21 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's foreign trade turnover in 2019 amounted to 90.5 billion yuan ( about $ 13.3 billion ) , which is by 6.8 % higher than the same figure for 2018 .
The data was published by the Hainan Daily , with a reference to local customs statistics .
Exports for the said period grew by 15.4 % to 34.3 billion yuan ( $ 5.04 billion ) , while imports amounted to 56.2 billion yuan ( $ 8.2 billion ) , an increase of 2.1 % year on year .
The highest foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , was seen last year in Danzhou , Haikou and Sanya .
The corresponding figures for these three cities in 2019 amounted to 41 billion yuan ( $ 6 billion ) , 33.1 billion yuan ( $ 4.8 billion ) and 9.7 billion yuan ( $ 1.4 billion ) .
Out of fourteen cities and counties of the province that conduct foreign trade operations , growth in trade was recorded in nine territorial units .
The increase in foreign trade is observed against the background of the implementation of the pilot project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free port with Chinese characteristics in Hainan .
President Xi Jinping announced his launch in April 2018 at the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the island province and Hainan Special Economic Zone .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, January 21. /TASS/. Hainan's foreign trade turnover in 2019 amounted to 90.5 billion yuan (about $ 13.3 billion), which is by 6.8% higher than the same figure for 2018. The data was published by the Hainan Daily, with a reference to local customs statistics.
Exports for the said period grew by 15.4% to 34.3 billion yuan ($ 5.04 billion), while imports amounted to 56.2 billion yuan ($ 8.2 billion), an increase of 2.1% year on year. The highest foreign trade turnover, according to the customs office, was seen last year in Danzhou, Haikou and Sanya. The corresponding figures for these three cities in 2019 amounted to 41 billion yuan ($ 6 billion), 33.1 billion yuan ($ 4.8 billion) and 9.7 billion yuan ($ 1.4 billion). Out of fourteen cities and counties of the province that conduct foreign trade operations, growth in trade was recorded in nine territorial units.
The increase in foreign trade is observed against the background of the implementation of the pilot project of a free trade zone and a free port with Chinese characteristics in Hainan. President Xi Jinping announced his launch in April 2018 at the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the island province and Hainan Special Economic Zone.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-01-23--Archaeologists uncover Scythian golden jewelry in Crimea

`` Our expedition , together with the ‘ Scythian Neapolis ’ reserve , was digging the well-known Ust-Alminsky necropolis , where we managed to uncover a large area .
This increased the number of [ discovered ] precious metal items .
I can not say how much , [ because ] the items are still being processed .
I believe that in several months we will be able to show something specific , '' he said .
SIMFEROPOL , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The archaeological expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology of Crimea , together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has discovered Scythian golden jewelry in the Ust-Alminsky necropolis located in the Backhchysarai District , Institute Director Vadim Mayko said Thursday .
In the meantime , the Director of the Backchysarai Historical , Cultural and Archaeological Museum Reserve , where the necropolis is located , told TASS that the discovered objects include jewelry ; funeral inventory items , including those made of precious metals ; hand-made and wheel-made pottery ; and weapons .
These items help recreate the way of life of the late Scythian population of the southwestern part of the Crimean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began after the decision was made to build the Tavrida highway , connecting Kerch to Sevastopol .
The archaeologists were given a unique opportunity to conduct research in various regions of Crimea .
In December 2019 , Mayko told TASS that the total area examined by the archaeologists since 2014 has amounted to several square kilometers .
The Ust-Alminsky settlement is dated between 2nd century B.C , and 3rd century AD and belongs to the late Scythian period .
The ancient hillfort has been excavated since the 1930s , its total area is @ @ @ @ @

"Our expedition, together with the ‘Scythian Neapolis’ reserve, was digging the well-known Ust-Alminsky necropolis, where we managed to uncover a large area. This increased the number of [discovered] precious metal items. I cannot say how much, [because] the items are still being processed. I believe that in several months we will be able to show something specific," he said.
SIMFEROPOL, January 23. /TASS/. The archaeological expedition of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology of Crimea, together with the ‘Scythian Neapolis’ museum-reserve has discovered Scythian golden jewelry in the Ust-Alminsky necropolis located in the Backhchysarai District, Institute Director Vadim Mayko said Thursday.
In the meantime, the Director of the Backchysarai Historical, Cultural and Archaeological Museum Reserve, where the necropolis is located, told TASS that the discovered objects include jewelry; funeral inventory items, including those made of precious metals; hand-made and wheel-made pottery; and weapons. These items help recreate the way of life of the late Scythian population of the southwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula.
The large-scale excavation in Crimea began after the decision was made to build the Tavrida highway, connecting Kerch to Sevastopol. The archaeologists were given a unique opportunity to conduct research in various regions of Crimea. In December 2019, Mayko told TASS that the total area examined by the archaeologists since 2014 has amounted to several square kilometers.
The Ust-Alminsky settlement is dated between 2nd century B.C, and 3rd century AD and belongs to the late Scythian period. The ancient hillfort has been excavated since the 1930s, its total area is approximately 60,000 square meters.


tass--2020-01-23--Hainan exports $ 2.5 billion in petroleum products and gas in 2019

HAIKOU , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The volume of exports of oil products and natural gas in China 's Hainan in 2019 amounted to 17.5 billion yuan ( about $ 2.5 billion ) , the Hainan Daily newspaper reported citing the local cuctoms office .
At the same time , the volume of petroleum product supplies to foreign markets increased by 37.7 % over the said period , amounting to 16.8 billion yuan ( $ 2.4 billion ) , reaching about 49.1 % of the total export of the province .
The volume of natural gas exports in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 730 million yuan ( about $ 107 million ) .
Oil refining and gas are among the key industries in the island 's economy , playing an important role in the structure of its export .
In December 2019 , the head of the Haikou customs Chen Zhen said that the province plans to increase the supply of duty-free oil products to international ports , which has to do with market demand and boosts the province 's development .
Sinopec Hainan Petroleum company , which is already experimentally engaged in duty-free supplies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement these plans .
According to experts , due to these supplies alone , Sinopec will be able to increase Hainan 's turnover by 5 billion yuan ( about $ 820 million ) a year in the near future .
In 2019 , the province 's foreign trade amounted to $ 13.3 billion .

HAIKOU, January 23. /TASS/. The volume of exports of oil products and natural gas in China's Hainan in 2019 amounted to 17.5 billion yuan (about $ 2.5 billion), the Hainan Daily newspaper reported citing the local cuctoms office.
At the same time, the volume of petroleum product supplies to foreign markets increased by 37.7% over the said period, amounting to 16.8 billion yuan ($ 2.4 billion), reaching about 49.1% of the total export of the province. The volume of natural gas exports in 2019 on Hainan increased by 29.9%, to 730 million yuan (about $ 107 million).
Oil refining and gas are among the key industries in the island's economy, playing an important role in the structure of its export. In December 2019, the head of the Haikou customs Chen Zhen said that the province plans to increase the supply of duty-free oil products to international ports, which has to do with market demand and boosts the province's development. Sinopec Hainan Petroleum company, which is already experimentally engaged in duty-free supplies of petroleum products, was chosen to implement these plans.
According to experts, due to these supplies alone, Sinopec will be able to increase Hainan's turnover by 5 billion yuan (about $ 820 million) a year in the near future. In 2019, the province's foreign trade amounted to $ 13.3 billion.


tass--2020-01-23--Netanyahu: Israel will always remember that Red Army soldiers liberated Auschwitz

`` It was the Red Army that liberated Auschwitz , and we will always remember that , '' he said at the ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin .
JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed on Thursday at the ceremony of unveiling the Memorial Candle monument dedicated to residents and defenders of besieged Leningrad that the Jewish state would always remember that Auschwitz had been liberated by the Red Army .
Netanyahu noted that the monument honoring the feat of Leningrad residents `` speaks a universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one ’ s motherland , the language of sacrifice , constant struggle and victory . ''
`` Together with the period of death that lasted 900 days , the world saw that bravery and heroism were gaining the upper hand , '' he proclaimed at the ceremony , which was broadcast by Israel ’ s major TV channels .
The prime minister noted that nowadays , `` in contrast to what happened during the Holocaust , the Jewish people have a strong state . ''
`` We must stand together to protect our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on .
Netanyahu recalled that , in 2018 , he arrived in Moscow for Victory Day celebrations and joined the Immortal Regiment march in the Russian capital .
For his part , Israeli President Reuven Rivlin noted that `` standing here in Jerusalem in mid-January , it is difficult to imagine the bitter frost in Leningrad in January 1942 . ''
`` People who survived the siege say that was the coldest winter the city had seen , '' he added .
`` The Germans expected the city to surrender , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , '' Rivlin stressed .
`` Perhaps , it is no coincidence that January 27 , the day when the Leningrad siege was lifted , is a symbolic date in our common history .
On January 27 , 1945 , Red Army soldiers liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp . ''
Earlier in the day , Putin and Netanyahu unveiled the Memorial Candle monument in downtown Jerusalem dedicated to heroism of defenders and residents of besieged Leningrad during the Soviet Union ’ s Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany .
It was designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monument was installed at the initiative of war veterans , Leningrad siege survivors and compatriots living in Israel and the St. Petersburg authorities .

"It was the Red Army that liberated Auschwitz, and we will always remember that," he said at the ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Israeli counterpart Reuven Rivlin.
JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed on Thursday at the ceremony of unveiling the Memorial Candle monument dedicated to residents and defenders of besieged Leningrad that the Jewish state would always remember that Auschwitz had been liberated by the Red Army.
Netanyahu noted that the monument honoring the feat of Leningrad residents "speaks a universal language — the language of love for one’s motherland, the language of sacrifice, constant struggle and victory." "Together with the period of death that lasted 900 days, the world saw that bravery and heroism were gaining the upper hand," he proclaimed at the ceremony, which was broadcast by Israel’s major TV channels.
The prime minister noted that nowadays, "in contrast to what happened during the Holocaust, the Jewish people have a strong state." "We must stand together to protect our security and our future," he went on.
Netanyahu recalled that, in 2018, he arrived in Moscow for Victory Day celebrations and joined the Immortal Regiment march in the Russian capital.
For his part, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin noted that "standing here in Jerusalem in mid-January, it is difficult to imagine the bitter frost in Leningrad in January 1942." "People who survived the siege say that was the coldest winter the city had seen," he added.
"The Germans expected the city to surrender, but that did not suit Leningrad’s residents," Rivlin stressed. "Perhaps, it is no coincidence that January 27, the day when the Leningrad siege was lifted, is a symbolic date in our common history. On January 27, 1945, Red Army soldiers liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp."
Earlier in the day, Putin and Netanyahu unveiled the Memorial Candle monument in downtown Jerusalem dedicated to heroism of defenders and residents of besieged Leningrad during the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. It was designed by Russian and Israeli architects. The monument was installed at the initiative of war veterans, Leningrad siege survivors and compatriots living in Israel and the St. Petersburg authorities.


tass--2020-01-23--Serbian leader salutes TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman on 70th birthday

`` My dear friend , please accept my genuine congratulations on your birthday .
I wish you good health , personal happiness and big success in your further endeavors .
I have a lot of respect for your rich experience and achievements that make you a well-respected man not only in your country , but also abroad , '' Vucic wrote , adding that he is honored to have worked with Gusman .
Vucic highlighted Gusman ’ s contribution to Russian-Serbian relations .
`` You are the only reporter in Russia who has developed six films about my country based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great contribution that strengthens friendship and cooperation between our brotherly nations and states , '' the Serbian leader wrote , expressing hope for further cooperation .
Mikhail Gusman was born in Azerbaijan ’ s capital of Baku on January 23 , 1950 .
He graduated from Azerbaijan University of Languages and the Journalism Department of the Baku Higher School of Political Science .
In 1995 , he was appointed as Vice President of the ANKOM-TASS international think tank .
In October 2000 , the Russian president signed a decree appointing Gusman as TASS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV program known as The Formula of Power has been on air for nearly 20 years and earned him Russia ’ s State Award in literature and arts .
Gusman also holds the title of Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation .
In addition , he was awarded the Order of Friendship , the Order of Honor , and the Order of Merit Fourth Class .
Over his career , he has won a number of international journalism awards .
For years , Gusman has represented Russia in UNESCO ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , Gusman has served on numerous boards of global media associations .

"My dear friend, please accept my genuine congratulations on your birthday. I wish you good health, personal happiness and big success in your further endeavors. I have a lot of respect for your rich experience and achievements that make you a well-respected man not only in your country, but also abroad," Vucic wrote, adding that he is honored to have worked with Gusman.
Vucic highlighted Gusman’s contribution to Russian-Serbian relations. "You are the only reporter in Russia who has developed six films about my country based on your interviews. This is a great contribution that strengthens friendship and cooperation between our brotherly nations and states," the Serbian leader wrote, expressing hope for further cooperation.
Mikhail Gusman was born in Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku on January 23, 1950. He graduated from Azerbaijan University of Languages and the Journalism Department of the Baku Higher School of Political Science. In 1995, he was appointed as Vice President of the ANKOM-TASS international think tank. In October 2000, the Russian president signed a decree appointing Gusman as TASS first deputy director general.
His popular TV program known as The Formula of Power has been on the air for nearly 20 years and earned him Russia’s State Award in literature and arts. Gusman also holds the title of Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation. In addition, he was awarded the Order of Friendship, the Order of Honor, and the Order of Merit Fourth Class. Over his career, he has won a number of international journalism awards. For years, Gusman has represented Russia in UNESCO’s International Program for the Development of Communication. In addition, Gusman has served on numerous boards of global media associations.


tass--2020-01-23--Activity of nearly 1,500 members of organized crime groups halted in Moscow in 2019

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The activity of nearly 1,500 leaders and members of organized crime groups has @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the document presented at the expanded session of Moscow ’ s Main Directorate @ @ @ @ @ informed .
`` Special attention was paid to countering organize crime , including its ethnic @ @ @ @ @ activity of 1,480 leaders and members of organized crime groups has been halted .
The @ @ @ @ @ by them comes up to 4,600 , '' the document states .
33 crime groups @ @ @ @ @ , with criminal proceedings launched against 173 of their active members .
In total , @ @ @ @ @ 40,300 crimes in 2019 , including 14,200 serious and particularly serious offences .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The activity of nearly 1,500 leaders and members of organized crime groups has been halted in Moscow in 2019, the document presented at the expanded session of Moscow’s Main Directorate of the Russian Interior Ministry informed.
"Special attention was paid to countering organize crime, including its ethnic component. In 2019, activity of 1,480 leaders and members of organized crime groups has been halted. The number of resolved crimes committed by them comes up to 4,600," the document states.
33 crime groups have been eliminated in Moscow, with criminal proceedings launched against 173 of their active members.
In total, the Moscow police have solved 40,300 crimes in 2019, including 14,200 serious and particularly serious offences.


tass--2020-01-23--Combat teams of Pantsyr-S1 air defense systems repel drone attack in Siberia drills

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The combat teams of Pantsyr-S1 surface-to-air missile/gun systems of the air defense large unit stationed in Novosibirsk repelled an attack by drones on a command post and a convoy of military hardware during planned drills , the press office of Russia ’ s Central Military District reported on Thursday .
Under the drills ’ scenario , the teams of Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile systems detected a group of attack drones heading towards a column of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ surface-to-air missile systems from various directions .
`` All the air targets were timely spotted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully eliminated by surface-to-air missiles at a safe distance , '' the press office said in a statement .
During the drills , the crews of Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile systems also repelled a drone attack on the command post of an all-arms force grouping , the statement says .
The drills involved about 500 troops and more than 20 items of military and special hardware .
Russia ’ s S-400 Triumf ( NATO reporting name : SA-21 Growler ) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cruise and ballistic missiles , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming .
The Pantsyr-S1 ( NATO reporting name : SA-22 Greyhound ) is a ground-based self-propelled surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities , including long-range air defense systems , from all modern and future air attack weapons .
The Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second , as well as 12 anti-aircraft missiles .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The combat teams of Pantsyr-S1 surface-to-air missile/gun systems of the air defense large unit stationed in Novosibirsk repelled an attack by drones on a command post and a convoy of military hardware during planned drills, the press office of Russia’s Central Military District reported on Thursday.
Under the drills’ scenario, the teams of Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile systems detected a group of attack drones heading towards a column of S-400 ‘Triumf’ surface-to-air missile systems from various directions.
"All the air targets were timely spotted at a distance of 20 km and successfully eliminated by surface-to-air missiles at a safe distance," the press office said in a statement.
During the drills, the crews of Pantsyr-S1 anti-aircraft missile systems also repelled a drone attack on the command post of an all-arms force grouping, the statement says.
The drills involved about 500 troops and more than 20 items of military and special hardware.
Russia’s S-400 Triumf (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007. It is designated to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 35 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming.
The Pantsyr-S1 (NATO reporting name: SA-22 Greyhound) is a ground-based self-propelled surface-to-air missile/gun system designated to shield military and civilian facilities, including long-range air defense systems, from all modern and future air attack weapons.
The Pantsyr mounted on the truck chassis for greater mobility is armed with two 30mm guns, each of which is capable of firing up to 40 rounds per second, as well as 12 anti-aircraft missiles.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin proposes holding summit of five permanent UNSC members in 2020

/UpdaJERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested holding a summit of the leaders of Russia , China , the US , France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs .
`` Neglect of the past and discord in the face of threats may entail terrible consequences .
We should have the courage to not only say so straightforwardly , but to do everything in our powers to protect and defend peace , '' Putin told the fifth World Holocaust Forum .
In his opinion , the United Nations ’ five founding nations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preservation of civilization , can and must set an example . ''
Putin said he had already discussed this idea with some colleagues to hear their positive response .
The Russian leader suggested `` holding a meeting of the heads of state from the permanent members of the UN Security Council - Russia , China , the United States , France and Britain - in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient . ''
`` Russia is prepared for such a serious discussion .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quintet ’ s leaders without delay , '' Putin promised .
In his opinion the permanent UN Security Council members are faced with many tasks .
As an example , he mentioned the issue of Libya , which was discussed in Berlin just recently .
`` We are to get back to this issue in the US Security Council and to adopt a corresponding resolution .
Also , there are many other problems , '' Putin said .
In his opinion `` holding such a meeting this year , in 2020 , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are marking 75 years since the end of World War II and the creation of the United Nations Organization , '' he said .
He pointed out that `` a summit meeting by the countries that made the chief contribution to the defeat of the aggressor and creation of the post-war world system would play an enormous role in the search for collective answers to the modern challenges and , of course , would demonstrate the common commitment to the spirit of alliance , historical memory and the high ideals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fathers fought for shoulder to shoulder .
`` .

/UpdaJERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested holding a summit of the leaders of Russia, China, the US, France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs.
"Neglect of the past and discord in the face of threats may entail terrible consequences. We should have the courage to not only say so straightforwardly, but to do everything in our powers to protect and defend peace," Putin told the fifth World Holocaust Forum.
In his opinion, the United Nations’ five founding nations, five powers that bear special responsibility for the preservation of civilization, can and must set an example."
Putin said he had already discussed this idea with some colleagues to hear their positive response.
The Russian leader suggested "holding a meeting of the heads of state from the permanent members of the UN Security Council - Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain - in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient."
"Russia is prepared for such a serious discussion. We are prepared to send corresponding messages to the quintet’s leaders without delay," Putin promised.
In his opinion the permanent UN Security Council members are faced with many tasks.
As an example, he mentioned the issue of Libya, which was discussed in Berlin just recently.
"We are to get back to this issue in the US Security Council and to adopt a corresponding resolution. Also, there are many other problems," Putin said. In his opinion "holding such a meeting this year, in 2020, would be very important and symbolic."
"We are marking 75 years since the end of World War II and the creation of the United Nations Organization," he said.
He pointed out that "a summit meeting by the countries that made the chief contribution to the defeat of the aggressor and creation of the post-war world system would play an enormous role in the search for collective answers to the modern challenges and, of course, would demonstrate the common commitment to the spirit of alliance, historical memory and the high ideals and values which our ancestors, our grandfathers and fathers fought for shoulder to shoulder.".


tass--2020-01-23--Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee session to take place in Kazan in March

BELGRADE , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The next session of the Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee on trade , economic and @ @ @ @ @ in Kazan in March , the Serbian Foreign Ministry ’ s press service informed on @ @ @ @ @ between Serbian top diplomat Ivica Dacic and Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko .
`` @ @ @ @ @ of action for further development of bilateral cooperation in the upcoming period , focusing on @ @ @ @ @ session of the Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee on trade , economic and science-technical cooperation , represented @ @ @ @ @ side .
The session is set to take place in Kazan in March of this @ @ @ @ @ informs .
The latest session of the committee took place in Belgrade in March 2019 @ @ @ @ @ committee discussed the issues of digitalization , digital economy , joint development and use of @ @ @ @ @ system ) , infrastructure and transport development .

BELGRADE, January 23. /TASS/. The next session of the Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee on trade, economic and science-technical cooperation will take place in Kazan in March, the Serbian Foreign Ministry’s press service informed on the outcomes of the meeting between Serbian top diplomat Ivica Dacic and Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko.
"They have discussed the plan of action for further development of bilateral cooperation in the upcoming period, focusing on the organization of the next session of the Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee on trade, economic and science-technical cooperation, represented by Dacic from the Serbian side. The session is set to take place in Kazan in March of this year," the message informs.
The latest session of the committee took place in Belgrade in March 2019. Members of the intergovernmental committee discussed the issues of digitalization, digital economy, joint development and use of GLONASS (global satellite navigation system), infrastructure and transport development.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin: Nothing in history can hold a candle to the Holocaust, Siege of Leningrad

JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
No tragic event in history can be compared to the Siege of Leningrad and the Holocaust , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Jerusalem-hosted ceremony to unveil the Memorial Candle monument dedicated to the wartime defenders and residents of Leningrad , now known as St. Petersburg .
The Russian leader pointed out that he was honored to participate in the ceremony .
According to Putin , the event was taking place ahead of two important dates , the anniversary of the lifting of the Siege of Leningrad on January 27 , 1944 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Auschwitz concentration camp on January 27 , 1945 .
`` History has numerous examples of unprecedented resistance , sacrificial valor and large-scale human tragedies .
But nothing can be compared to the Siege of Leningrad and the Holocaust , '' Putin emphasized .
The Russian president noted that the whole world was aware of the heroism of the defenders of Leningrad thanks to the multitude of documented evidence on the matter .
At the same time , in Putin ’ s words , no written record can convey , `` what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said that he knew about it from his parents .
`` My father defended the city on the frontlines and my mom lived in the besieged city with an infant who died in the winter of 1942 and is buried in the Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery along with hundreds of thousands of other city residents , '' Putin revealed .
He added that the sacred memory of the courage and martyrdom of those millions of people , and the stories of their suffering that they had endured , had been passed down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the righteous anger against what the Nazis did . ''
He pointed out that the enemy had condemned Leningrad residents to a brutal death through starvation and had also sought to wipe the city off the face of the Earth through an incessant aerial bombing crusade .
`` However , the enemy failed to fulfill the order that had been put on paper .
Leningraders , people of various ethnic backgrounds , refused to surrender and did their utmost at the front , where the fighting raged , and behind the lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produced ammunition and weapons for the army non-stop , '' Putin stated .

JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. No tragic event in history can be compared to the Siege of Leningrad and the Holocaust, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Jerusalem-hosted ceremony to unveil the Memorial Candle monument dedicated to the wartime defenders and residents of Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg.
The Russian leader pointed out that he was honored to participate in the ceremony. According to Putin, the event was taking place ahead of two important dates, the anniversary of the lifting of the Siege of Leningrad on January 27, 1944, and the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp on January 27, 1945.
"History has numerous examples of unprecedented resistance, sacrificial valor and large-scale human tragedies. But nothing can be compared to the Siege of Leningrad and the Holocaust," Putin emphasized.
The Russian president noted that the whole world was aware of the heroism of the defenders of Leningrad thanks to the multitude of documented evidence on the matter. At the same time, in Putin’s words, no written record can convey, "what these people had to go through." He said that he knew about it from his parents. "My father defended the city on the frontlines and my mom lived in the besieged city with an infant who died in the winter of 1942 and is buried in the Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery along with hundreds of thousands of other city residents," Putin revealed.
He added that the sacred memory of the courage and martyrdom of those millions of people, and the stories of their suffering that they had endured, had been passed down through the generations, as well as "the righteous anger against what the Nazis did." He pointed out that the enemy had condemned Leningrad residents to a brutal death through starvation and had also sought to wipe the city off the face of the Earth through an incessant aerial bombing crusade. "However, the enemy failed to fulfill the order that had been put on paper. Leningraders, people of various ethnic backgrounds, refused to surrender and did their utmost at the front, where the fighting raged, and behind the lines on the factory floors, where they produced ammunition and weapons for the army non-stop," Putin stated.


tass--2020-01-23--Wuhan goes into lockdown amid coronavirus outbreak in China

China closed off the city of Wuhan in an unprecedented effort to try to control the spread of the new coronavirus .
Wuhan has shut down public transportation , including railway stations , the airport , bus and subway services .
The number of people in China diagnosed with the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV has reached 617 as of 09:00 Moscow time , according to China ’ s regional health commission report .
The largest number of cases ( 444 ) was reported in the Hubei province .
The region accounts for all 17 deaths recorded to date .
The disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered in Thailand , South Korea , the United States and Japan .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia strain in the city of Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , 2020 , Chinese specialists identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit .
All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested .
As a result , infectious agents of such diseases as flu , bird flu , severe acute respiratory syndrome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syndrome ( MERS ) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens .

China closed off the city of Wuhan in an unprecedented effort to try to control the spread of the new coronavirus. Wuhan has shut down public transportation, including railway stations, the airport, bus and subway services.
The number of people in China diagnosed with the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV has reached 617 as of 09:00 Moscow time, according to China’s regional health commission report. The largest number of cases (444) was reported in the Hubei province. The region accounts for all 17 deaths recorded to date. The disease has already crossed borders with sporadic cases registered in Thailand, South Korea, the United States and Japan.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia strain in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, 2020, Chinese specialists identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit. All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested. As a result, infectious agents of such diseases as flu, bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens.


tass--2020-01-23--Convicted Israeli satisfied with incarceration conditions — Russian ombudswoman

`` As for the incarceration conditions and regulations , medical assistance , she said she had no complaints and she was satisfied with the conditions at the pre-trial detention facility , '' Moskalkova told journalists , adding that Issachar was `` very excited '' to meet her as she had watched a TV coverage of her mother ’ s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian human rights ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova said on Thursday after visiting Israeli national Naama Issachar , who was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison in Russia on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was satisfied with the incarceration conditions .
The human rights advocate added she was ready to give a hand to the Israeli in writing a plea of mercy .
`` If she needs my help in writing a plea of mercy or release on parole , in case her record with the penitentiary system is good , naturally , I will be ready to help , '' she told journalists .
Issachar ’ s defense attorneys said earlier they hoped she would be pardoned and released from the pre-trial detention facility soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vladimir Putin met with Naama ’ s mother , Jaffa Issachar , and promised her that `` everything is going to be fine . ''
Naama Issachar , 25 , was detained at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport on April 9 , 2019 when she was in the airport ’ s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi .
The airport ’ s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage .
On October 11 , 2019 , the Khimki City Court in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drug possession and smuggling ( part 1 , Article 228 and part 2 , Article 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
Issachar admitted her guilt of possessing the drug but denied smuggling charges , saying she had no access to her luggage checked in for the transit flight .
She claimed she never took drugs and had no idea of how the cannabis could happen to be in her backpack .
The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked the Russian president to pardon Issachar .
In December 2019 , Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz informed that he had also raised the issue at a meeting with his Russian counterpart , Sergey Lavrov , in Rome to express the hope that the Russian president would look at possible pardoning of the Israeli woman .

"As for the incarceration conditions and regulations, medical assistance, she said she had no complaints and she was satisfied with the conditions at the pre-trial detention facility," Moskalkova told journalists, adding that Issachar was "very excited" to meet her as she had watched a TV coverage of her mother’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. Russian human rights ombudswoman Tatiana Moskalkova said on Thursday after visiting Israeli national Naama Issachar, who was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison in Russia on drugs smuggling charges, that the latter was satisfied with the incarceration conditions.
The human rights advocate added she was ready to give a hand to the Israeli in writing a plea of mercy. "If she needs my help in writing a plea of mercy or release on parole, in case her record with the penitentiary system is good, naturally, I will be ready to help," she told journalists.
Issachar’s defense attorneys said earlier they hoped she would be pardoned and released from the pre-trial detention facility soon.
Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Naama’s mother, Jaffa Issachar, and promised her that "everything is going to be fine."
Issachar case
Naama Issachar, 25, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on April 9, 2019 when she was in the airport’s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi. The airport’s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage.
On October 11, 2019, the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling (part 1, Article 228 and part 2, Article 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. Issachar admitted her guilt of possessing the drug but denied smuggling charges, saying she had no access to her luggage checked in for the transit flight. She claimed she never took drugs and had no idea of how the cannabis could happen to be in her backpack. The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19.
In October 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked the Russian president to pardon Issachar. In December 2019, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz informed that he had also raised the issue at a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Rome to express the hope that the Russian president would look at possible pardoning of the Israeli woman.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin proposes holding summit of five permanent UN SC members in 2020

Putin indicated that he had already discussed this idea with some colleagues to hear their positive response .
In his opinion , the United Nations ’ five founding nations , five powers that bear special responsibility for the preservation of civilization , can and must set an example . ''
`` Neglect of the past and discord in the face of threats may entail terrible consequences .
We should have the courage to not only say so straightforwardly , but to do everything in our powers to protect and defend peace , '' Putin told the fifth World Holocaust Forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested holding a summit of the leaders of Russia , China , the US , France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs .
The Russian leader suggested `` holding a meeting of the heads of state from the permanent members of the UN Security Council — Russia , China , the United States , France and Britain — in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient . ''
`` Russia is prepared for such a serious discussion .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quintet ’ s leaders without delay , '' Putin promised .
In his opinion the permanent UN Security Council members are faced with many tasks .
As an example , he mentioned the issue of Libya , which was discussed in Berlin just recently .
`` We are to get back to this issue in the US Security Council and to adopt a corresponding resolution .
Also , there are many other problems , '' Putin stressed .
In his opinion `` holding such a meeting this year , in 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` We are marking 75 years since the end of World War II and the creation of the United Nations Organization , '' he stated .
He pointed out that `` a summit by the countries that made the chief contribution to the defeat of the aggressor and creation of the post-war world system would play an enormous role in the search for collective answers to the modern challenges and , of course , would demonstrate the common commitment to the spirit of alliance , historical memory and the high ideals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fathers fought for shoulder to shoulder . ''

Putin indicated that he had already discussed this idea with some colleagues to hear their positive response.
In his opinion, the United Nations’ five founding nations, five powers that bear special responsibility for the preservation of civilization, can and must set an example."
"Neglect of the past and discord in the face of threats may entail terrible consequences. We should have the courage to not only say so straightforwardly, but to do everything in our powers to protect and defend peace," Putin told the fifth World Holocaust Forum.
JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested holding a summit of the leaders of Russia, China, the US, France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs.
The Russian leader suggested "holding a meeting of the heads of state from the permanent members of the UN Security Council — Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain — in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient."
"Russia is prepared for such a serious discussion. We are prepared to send corresponding messages to the quintet’s leaders without delay," Putin promised.
In his opinion the permanent UN Security Council members are faced with many tasks. As an example, he mentioned the issue of Libya, which was discussed in Berlin just recently.
"We are to get back to this issue in the US Security Council and to adopt a corresponding resolution. Also, there are many other problems," Putin stressed. In his opinion "holding such a meeting this year, in 2020, would be very important and symbolic."
"We are marking 75 years since the end of World War II and the creation of the United Nations Organization," he stated.
He pointed out that "a summit by the countries that made the chief contribution to the defeat of the aggressor and creation of the post-war world system would play an enormous role in the search for collective answers to the modern challenges and, of course, would demonstrate the common commitment to the spirit of alliance, historical memory and the high ideals and values which our ancestors, our grandfathers and fathers fought for shoulder to shoulder."