tass--2020-03-10--Troops fire next-generation shells for heavy flamethrowers in Siberia drills

`` The teams of heavy flamethrower systems from a radiation , chemical and biological protection regiment of the Central Military District ’ s 41st combined arms army live-fired new 220mm rocket shells , striking a notional enemy ’ s manpower , armor and communications centers .
The employment of new shells helped increase the efficiency of striking targets by 1.5 times , expanding the range from 6 to 9 kilometers , '' the press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Radiation , chemical and biological protection troops live-fired next-generation increased-range rocket shells for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Altai Region in Siberia , the press office of Russia ’ s Central Military District reported on Tuesday .
The live-fire exercise involved over 600 troops and about 60 items of military hardware , the statement says .
`` In addition to striking targets by heavy flamethrower systems , radiation , chemical and biological protection specialists practiced conducting chemical reconnaissance , using the latest PKhRDD-3 devices and advanced meteorological tools and gas analyzers , '' according to the statement .
On June 1 , 2018 , the radiation , chemical and biological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 41st combined arms army set up a unit armed with TOS-1A ‘ Solntsepyok ’ heavy flamethrower systems in the Altai Region .
In October 2019 , ex-chief of the Central Military District ’ s radiation , chemical and biological protection troops Major-General Valery Vasilyev said that the heavy flamethrower unit would receive next-generation rocket projectiles with the increased firing range .
The TOS-1A ‘ Solntsepyok ’ ( ‘ Scorching Sun ’ ) is a flamethrower system based on the T-72 tank ’ s chassis .
The flamethrower fires 220mm rockets with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designated to set ablaze and destroy buildings and structures and the enemy ’ s manpower .

"The teams of heavy flamethrower systems from a radiation, chemical and biological protection regiment of the Central Military District’s 41st combined arms army live-fired new 220mm rocket shells, striking a notional enemy’s manpower, armor and communications centers. The employment of new shells helped increase the efficiency of striking targets by 1.5 times, expanding the range from 6 to 9 kilometers," the press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Radiation, chemical and biological protection troops live-fired next-generation increased-range rocket shells for Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems during drills in the Altai Region in Siberia, the press office of Russia’s Central Military District reported on Tuesday.
The live-fire exercise involved over 600 troops and about 60 items of military hardware, the statement says.
"In addition to striking targets by heavy flamethrower systems, radiation, chemical and biological protection specialists practiced conducting chemical reconnaissance, using the latest PKhRDD-3 devices and advanced meteorological tools and gas analyzers," according to the statement.
On June 1, 2018, the radiation, chemical and biological protection regiment of the Central Military District’s 41st combined arms army set up a unit armed with TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’ heavy flamethrower systems in the Altai Region. In October 2019, ex-chief of the Central Military District’s radiation, chemical and biological protection troops Major-General Valery Vasilyev said that the heavy flamethrower unit would receive next-generation rocket projectiles with the increased firing range.
The TOS-1A ‘Solntsepyok’ (‘Scorching Sun’) is a flamethrower system based on the T-72 tank’s chassis. The flamethrower fires 220mm rockets with the thermobaric warhead. The Solntsepyok is designated to set ablaze and destroy buildings and structures and the enemy’s manpower.


tass--2020-03-10--Latest S-400 missile systems to arrive for air defense regiment in Urals by October

YEKATERINBURG , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The air defense regiment in the Sverdlovsk Region in the Urals will receive the latest S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ surface-to-air missile systems by the end of October , the press office of Russia ’ s Central Military District reported on Tuesday .
`` The systems are scheduled to arrive at the end of October 2020 , which will help boost the combat potential of the anti-aircraft missile regiment twofold , '' the press office said in a statement .
The regiment ’ s squads have already undergone re-training at the anti-aircraft missile troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Military Academy in the Leningrad Region in Russia ’ s northwest to learn to operate S-400 systems , the statement says .
As the final stage of the training course , the teams will hold initial live-firings at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in November 2020 , after which they will return to their permanent stations to assume combat duty , the press office said .
Russia ’ s Central Military District reported in January that it was planning to arm two regiments in the Samara and Sverdlovsk Regions with S-400 surface-to-air missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , under enemy intensive fire and jamming , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km .

YEKATERINBURG, March 10. /TASS/. The air defense regiment in the Sverdlovsk Region in the Urals will receive the latest S-400 ‘Triumf’ surface-to-air missile systems by the end of October, the press office of Russia’s Central Military District reported on Tuesday.
"The systems are scheduled to arrive at the end of October 2020, which will help boost the combat potential of the anti-aircraft missile regiment twofold," the press office said in a statement.
The regiment’s squads have already undergone re-training at the anti-aircraft missile troops’ training center of the Aerospace Defense Military Academy in the Leningrad Region in Russia’s northwest to learn to operate S-400 systems, the statement says.
As the final stage of the training course, the teams will hold initial live-firings at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in November 2020, after which they will return to their permanent stations to assume combat duty, the press office said.
Russia’s Central Military District reported in January that it was planning to arm two regiments in the Samara and Sverdlovsk Regions with S-400 surface-to-air missile systems by the end of the year.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, under enemy intensive fire and jamming, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-03-10--US asks Turkey to guarantee S-400 systems will not come into operation — Erdogan

ANKARA , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has requested Turkey to guarantee that the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems purchased from Russia will not come into operation , Turkey ’ s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Turkish journalists aboard his airliner upon flight from Belgium to Turkey , the CNN Turk television channel reported on Tuesday .
`` As you know , we have made a proposal to the United States on the issue of Patriot air defense systems : if you are going to give us Patriot launchers , let us buy them .
But as for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ softened their stance .
Now they are requesting us to promise that we will not put S-400s into operation , '' the Turkish president said .
The Turkish president said on March 6 , however , that Turkey would start deploying S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems in April .
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $ 2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara .
Under the contract , Ankara will get a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems ( two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side .
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia .
The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12 , 2019 .
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia 's S-400 missile systems .
Washington has warned on many occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey , if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal .
On July 17 , 2019 , the press secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a written statement that Turkey ’ s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems rendered Ankara ’ s further participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible .
The S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , including medium-range weapons , and can also be used against ground installations .
The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

ANKARA, March 10. /TASS/. The United States has requested Turkey to guarantee that the S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems purchased from Russia will not come into operation, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Turkish journalists aboard his airliner upon flight from Belgium to Turkey, the CNN Turk television channel reported on Tuesday.
"As you know, we have made a proposal to the United States on the issue of Patriot air defense systems: if you are going to give us Patriot launchers, let us buy them. But as for the S-400s, they have also quite softened their stance. Now they are requesting us to promise that we will not put S-400s into operation," the Turkish president said.
The Turkish president said on March 6, however, that Turkey would start deploying S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems in April.
Russia announced in September 2017 that it had signed a $2.5 billion deal with Turkey on the delivery of S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems to Ankara. Under the contract, Ankara will get a regiment set of S-400 air defense missile systems (two battalions). The deal also envisages partial transfer of production technology to the Turkish side.
Turkey is the first NATO member state to purchase such air defense missile systems from Russia. The deliveries of S-400 launchers to Turkey began on July 12, 2019.
The United States and NATO have been making attempts to prevent Turkey from purchasing Russia's S-400 missile systems. Washington has warned on many occasions that it may impose sanctions on Turkey, if Ankara presses ahead with the S-400 deal. On July 17, 2019, the press secretary of the US White House said in a written statement that Turkey’s decision to acquire Russian-made S-400 air defense systems rendered Ankara’s further participation in the US program of the fifth-generation F-35 fighter-bomber impossible.
The S-400 ‘Triumf’ is the most advanced long-range air defense missile system that went into service in Russia in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including medium-range weapons, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.


tass--2020-03-10--Over 1,000 Black Sea Fleet artillery troops kick off live-fire exercise in Crimea

SEVASTOPOL , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Artillery troops of the Russian Black Sea Fleet ’ s army corps have @ @ @ @ @ in Crimea involving over 250 weapon systems , the Fleet ’ s press office reported @ @ @ @ @ the Black Sea Fleet army corps ’ combat training ranges located on the Crimean peninsula @ @ @ @ @ the skills of artillery fire control and participating in force-on-force tactical drills .
Overall , @ @ @ @ @ than 250 items of military and special hardware , '' the press office said in @ @ @

SEVASTOPOL, March 10. /TASS/. Artillery troops of the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s army corps have kicked off a field exercise in Crimea involving over 250 weapon systems, the Fleet’s press office reported on Tuesday.
"At the Black Sea Fleet army corps’ combat training ranges located on the Crimean peninsula, the troops are practicing the skills of artillery fire control and participating in force-on-force tactical drills. Overall, the field exercise involves more than 250 items of military and special hardware," the press office said in a statement.


tass--2020-03-10--Putin to address State Duma over discussion on amendments

`` I have informed President Putin about the discussion held at the State Duma .
The president took the decision to arrive at the State Duma and address it today after 3pm , '' Volodin said .
MOSCOW , March 10./TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the State Duma lower house of parliament after 3pm on Tuesday and will address the parliamentarians in connection with discussion on new amendments to the constitution , Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has told TASS .
At a plenary session of the lower house earlier , an initiative was voiced to have an early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is linked with amendments to the constitution .
Besides , parliamentarian Valentina Tereshkova suggested lifting restrictions on the number of presidential terms making it possible for the incumbent head of state to run for president once again .
On Tuesday , Duma gives a second reading to the bill on constitutional amendments .
If it passes , a third reading may take place as early as on March 11 and the document will be sent to the Federation Council upper house on the same day .
After that , it will go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could discuss it .
The bill on amendments to the Constitution was submitted to the lower house of parliament by President Vladimir Putin on January 20 .
The first reading was held on January 23 .
The initiative is based on Putin ’ s message to the Federal Assembly on January 15 , which concerned the expansion of the parliament ’ s powers , assertion of the social guarantees in the fundamental law and the primacy of the Constitution over international treaties in the Russian legal space .

"I have informed President Putin about the discussion held at the State Duma. The president took the decision to arrive at the State Duma and address it today after 3pm," Volodin said.
MOSCOW, March 10./TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the State Duma lower house of parliament after 3pm on Tuesday and will address the parliamentarians in connection with discussion on new amendments to the constitution, Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has told TASS.
At a plenary session of the lower house earlier, an initiative was voiced to have an early election to the lower house, which is linked with amendments to the constitution. Besides, parliamentarian Valentina Tereshkova suggested lifting restrictions on the number of presidential terms making it possible for the incumbent head of state to run for president once again.
On Tuesday, Duma gives a second reading to the bill on constitutional amendments. If it passes, a third reading may take place as early as on March 11 and the document will be sent to the Federation Council upper house on the same day. After that, it will go to the Russian regions so that regional lawmakers could discuss it.
The bill on amendments to the Constitution was submitted to the lower house of parliament by President Vladimir Putin on January 20. The first reading was held on January 23. The initiative is based on Putin’s message to the Federal Assembly on January 15, which concerned the expansion of the parliament’s powers, assertion of the social guarantees in the fundamental law and the primacy of the Constitution over international treaties in the Russian legal space.


tass--2020-03-10--Kremlin has no comments on MH-17 court hearings in the Netherlands

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin would not comment on the court hearing on the 2014 MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine , which began in the Netherlands .
`` Our attitude towards the work of the plaintiffs and the investigative group is well known : we had no chance to take part in this work and we treat it accordingly , '' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists .
`` We have no comments on the court proceedings so far . ''
The Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777 , flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur , crashed on July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , killing 298 people from 10 states .
A Joint Investigative Group ( JIT ) , including experts from Australia , Belgium , Malaysia , the Netherlands and Ukraine , was formed to investigate the incident .
Initially , the experts said that the plane was taken down by the Buk air defense system , and in 2019 , they claimed that they have identified four people - three Russian and one Ukrainian national - suspected for involvement in the incident .
According to the investigation , the four men were involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location where the missile was fired .
The court hearings coincide with serious disagreement between Russian and the West regarding whether international investigators could be relied upon .
Russian officials have repeatedly expressed their lack of confidence in the JIT , pointing out that plaintiffs ’ arguments are baseless and that the investigators refuse to review Russian conclusions during the investigation .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. Kremlin would not comment on the court hearing on the 2014 MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine, which began in the Netherlands.
"Our attitude towards the work of the plaintiffs and the investigative group is well known: we had no chance to take part in this work and we treat it accordingly," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. "We have no comments on the court proceedings so far."
The Malaysian Airlines Boeing 777, flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crashed on July 17, 2014 in Donetsk region of Ukraine, killing 298 people from 10 states. A Joint Investigative Group (JIT), including experts from Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine, was formed to investigate the incident.
Initially, the experts said that the plane was taken down by the Buk air defense system, and in 2019, they claimed that they have identified four people - three Russian and one Ukrainian national - suspected for involvement in the incident. According to the investigation, the four men were involved in delivering the Buk system to the location where the missile was fired.
The court hearings coincide with serious disagreement between Russian and the West regarding whether international investigators could be relied upon. Russian officials have repeatedly expressed their lack of confidence in the JIT, pointing out that plaintiffs’ arguments are baseless and that the investigators refuse to review Russian conclusions during the investigation.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian economy is strong enough to get through volatility in oil market — Kremlin

Oil prices recovery to take several months , says energy minister MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian economy has the necessary margin of safety to get through the volatility in the oil market , while the demand reduction was predictable , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` I want to remind you of the president ’ s repeated statement : amid this turbulence and volatility of world markets , the Russian economy has the necessary margin of safety to dump this temporary instability , '' he said .
Peskov added that industry experts began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil and oil products on world markets even earlier . ''
The Kremlin official refrained from making predictions about how long the uncertainty in the global oil markets would last .
`` We won ’ t be reading tea leaves , let ’ s leave it to experts , '' he commented .
However , he stressed that what is going on the market is `` an objective fact . ''
`` Similar dynamics and similar volatility were predicted , '' he noted .
Nobody excludes the possibility of coming to terms within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dmitry Peskov stated .
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak already commented on this topic , the press secretary noted .
`` I will not add anything in this regard .
Nobody rules out such a possibility , '' he added .
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to the coronavirus spread last week .
All the limitations in oil production will be lifted from April 1 .
On March 9 , the ruble fell sharply against the US and European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices after the failure of negotiations on reduction of oil production in Vienna .
The dollar-to-ruble rate on the international Forex market exceeded 75 rubles .
The euro-to-ruble rate rose above 85 rubles .
Last time , both foreign currencies were at this level in 2016 .
At the height of the trading on the ICE Exchange in London , the cost of futures for Brent crude oil with settlement in May 2020 fell to $ 31.02 per barrel .
Later Brent crude price began to win back positions .
The cost of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 27.59 per barrel .
Later WTI also recouped the losses a bit .
Oil prices fell amid the news that OPEC+ countries had failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production following lower demand due to the outbreak of coronavirus .
OPEC proposed to further reduce production by 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year .
However , Russia and Kazakhstan opposed this proposal .

Oil prices recovery to take several months, says energy minister
MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The Russian economy has the necessary margin of safety to get through the volatility in the oil market, while the demand reduction was predictable, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"I want to remind you of the president’s repeated statement: amid this turbulence and volatility of world markets, the Russian economy has the necessary margin of safety to dump this temporary instability," he said.
Peskov added that industry experts began to register "the decline in demand for oil and oil products on world markets even earlier."
The Kremlin official refrained from making predictions about how long the uncertainty in the global oil markets would last. "We won’t be reading tea leaves, let’s leave it to experts," he commented.
However, he stressed that what is going on the market is "an objective fact."
"Similar dynamics and similar volatility were predicted," he noted.
New arrangements within OPEC+ framework
Nobody excludes the possibility of coming to terms within the OPEC+ oil production capping deal framework, Dmitry Peskov stated.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak already commented on this topic, the press secretary noted. "I will not add anything in this regard. Nobody rules out such a possibility," he added.
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to the coronavirus spread last week. All the limitations in oil production will be lifted from April 1.
On March 9, the ruble fell sharply against the US and European currencies amid a severe collapse in oil prices after the failure of negotiations on reduction of oil production in Vienna.
The dollar-to-ruble rate on the international Forex market exceeded 75 rubles. The euro-to-ruble rate rose above 85 rubles. Last time, both foreign currencies were at this level in 2016.
At the height of the trading on the ICE Exchange in London, the cost of futures for Brent crude oil with settlement in May 2020 fell to $31.02 per barrel. Later Brent crude price began to win back positions. The cost of the April WTI oil futures dropped to $27.59 per barrel. Later WTI also recouped the losses a bit.
Oil prices fell amid the news that OPEC+ countries had failed to agree on an additional reduction in oil production following lower demand due to the outbreak of coronavirus. OPEC proposed to further reduce production by 1.5 mln barrels per day until the end of this year. However, Russia and Kazakhstan opposed this proposal.


tass--2020-03-10--Russian lawmaker calls for removing presidential term limits

MOSCOW , March 10 .
/TASS/ .
The United Russia Party ’ s faction in the State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) will support a constitutional amendment removing limits on presidential terms , proposed by State Duma member Valentina Tereshkova , the faction ’ s leader Sergey Neverov told reporters .
Tereshkova earlier called for removing presidential terms limits , making it possible for the incumbent head of state to run for president once again .
`` It ’ s not about him , it ’ s about us , the Russian people , and our future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter and create unnecessary obstacles ?
We need to plan everything honestly and openly .
Or perhaps , presidential term limits should be removed from the Constitution , '' she said at a State Duma meeting on Tuesday .
`` If this is what the situation requires , if this is what the people want , then the incumbent head of state should have a legal opportunity to run for president in accordance with the amended Constitution , '' Tereshkova added .
Neverov said that the parliamentary factions ’ leaders would soon gather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will need to hold consultations with the president , '' he noted , adding : `` If the amendment is properly formulated , the United Russia faction will definitely support it .
`` .

MOSCOW, March 10. /TASS/. The United Russia Party’s faction in the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) will support a constitutional amendment removing limits on presidential terms, proposed by State Duma member Valentina Tereshkova, the faction’s leader Sergey Neverov told reporters.
Tereshkova earlier called for removing presidential terms limits, making it possible for the incumbent head of state to run for president once again.
"It’s not about him, it’s about us, the Russian people, and our future. That said, why overcomplicate the matter and create unnecessary obstacles? We need to plan everything honestly and openly. Or perhaps, presidential term limits should be removed from the Constitution," she said at a State Duma meeting on Tuesday. "If this is what the situation requires, if this is what the people want, then the incumbent head of state should have a legal opportunity to run for president in accordance with the amended Constitution," Tereshkova added.
Neverov said that the parliamentary factions’ leaders would soon gather to discuss the initiative. "We will need to hold consultations with the president," he noted, adding: "If the amendment is properly formulated, the United Russia faction will definitely support it.".


tass--2020-03-13--Russian, Turkish military conduct joint patrol mission in Syria’s Aleppo governorate

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted a regular joint patrol mission in Syria ’ s Aleppo governorate , Oleg Zhuravlev , chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria , told reporters on Thursday .
`` A regular joint Russian-Turkish patrol mission was conducted along the route Jarih-al-Fawkani-Shakhli-al-Fawkani-Zor Mgar-Mishko-Koula-Mutuluja-Siftek-Salib-Jarih-al-Fawkani in the Aleppo governorate , '' he said .
Units of the Russian military police also carried out patrolling in the Aleppo and al-Hasakah governorates .
Russia ’ s air taskforce conducted an aerial patrol mission from the Qamishli airfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian-Turkish agreements , a ceasefire had been declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone from March 6 .
`` During the day , no shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported , '' he noted .
However , in his words , 11 ceasefire violations by units of the Islamic Party of Turkestan and Jahbat al-Nusra ( both banned in Russia ) , which are not controlled by Turkey , were reported in the Latakia and Aleppo governorates .
Apart from that , units of the Russian military police escorted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Idlib de-escalation zone .
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russian and Turkish servicemen conducted a regular joint patrol mission in Syria’s Aleppo governorate, Oleg Zhuravlev, chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria, told reporters on Thursday.
"A regular joint Russian-Turkish patrol mission was conducted along the route Jarih-al-Fawkani-Shakhli-al-Fawkani-Zor Mgar-Mishko-Koula-Mutuluja-Siftek-Salib-Jarih-al-Fawkani in the Aleppo governorate," he said.
Units of the Russian military police also carried out patrolling in the Aleppo and al-Hasakah governorates. Russia’s air taskforce conducted an aerial patrol mission from the Qamishli airfield.
Zhuravlev recalled that in line with the Russian-Turkish agreements, a ceasefire had been declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone from March 6. "During the day, no shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported," he noted.
However, in his words, 11 ceasefire violations by units of the Islamic Party of Turkestan and Jahbat al-Nusra (both banned in Russia), which are not controlled by Turkey, were reported in the Latakia and Aleppo governorates.
Apart from that, units of the Russian military police escorted a Turkish convoy to a Turkish observation post in the Idlib de-escalation zone.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-03-13--Russian fighter jets prevent violations of Russian airspace in past week

MOSCOW , March 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russian fighter jets have prevented any violations of the Russian airspace by foreign @ @ @ @ @ , the Krasnaya Zvezda ( Red Star ) newspaper quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as @ @ @ @ @ defense ministry , 28 foreign aircraft and four unmanned aerial vehicles conducted reconnaissance near Russian @ @ @ @ @ drones were monitored by Russian radars .

MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Russian fighter jets have prevented any violations of the Russian airspace by foreign aircraft in the past week, the Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) newspaper quoted the Russian Defense Ministry as saying.
According to the defense ministry, 28 foreign aircraft and four unmanned aerial vehicles conducted reconnaissance near Russian borders. Foreign aircraft and drones were monitored by Russian radars.


tass--2020-03-13--Two Russian Tu-160 bombers carry out patrol mission over northern Atlantic

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers performed a regular patrol flight over neutral waters @ @ @ @ @ Seas , and the Atlantic Ocean , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ 15 hours .
The Tu-160 crews drilled aerial refueling skills .
Norwegian F-16 and British @ @ @ @ @ the Russian planes at certain sections of their route , '' the ministry said .
@ @ @ @ @ Russian long-range aircraft perform regular flights over neutral waters of the Arctic , North Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ , and the Pacific Ocean .
All flights are performed in strict compliance with the @ @ @ @ @ of other states ’ borders .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Two Russian Tu-160 strategic bombers performed a regular patrol flight over neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas, and the Atlantic Ocean, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.
"The flight duration was 15 hours. The Tu-160 crews drilled aerial refueling skills. Norwegian F-16 and British Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets escorted the Russian planes at certain sections of their route," the ministry said.
According to the ministry, Russian long-range aircraft perform regular flights over neutral waters of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black and Baltic Seas, and the Pacific Ocean. All flights are performed in strict compliance with the international rules, without violations of other states’ borders.


tass--2020-03-13--Over 780 cases of novel coronavirus confirmed in Norway — media

Death toll from novel coronavirus in France climbs to 61 — authorities HELSINKI , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Norway has suprassed 780 , the Verdens Gang newspaper reported on Thursday .
A total of 151 new cases were confirmed in the past day , and most cases were reported in the city of Oslo and in Viken county .
The first fatality was reported in Norway on Thursday .
The first case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed in the country at the end of February .
All kindergartens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for quarantine in Norway starting from March 12 .
Moreover , everyone returning to Norway from foreign trips after February 27 will be quarantined at home for 14 days .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
Outside of China , most cases of the new coronavirus were reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far , and the death toll exceeded 4,300 .

Death toll from novel coronavirus in France climbs to 61 — authorities
HELSINKI, March 12. /TASS/. The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Norway has suprassed 780, the Verdens Gang newspaper reported on Thursday.
A total of 151 new cases were confirmed in the past day, and most cases were reported in the city of Oslo and in Viken county.
The first fatality was reported in Norway on Thursday. The first case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed in the country at the end of February.
All kindergartens, schools and universities were temporarily closed for quarantine in Norway starting from March 12.
Moreover, everyone returning to Norway from foreign trips after February 27 will be quarantined at home for 14 days.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the city of Wuhan. Cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in more than 100 countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Outside of China, most cases of the new coronavirus were reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
Over 118,000 cases of novel coronavirus were confirmed in the world so far, and the death toll exceeded 4,300.


tass--2020-03-13--Death toll from novel coronavirus in France climbs to 61 — authorities

PARIS , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in France has reached 61 @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases climbed to 2,876 , France 's health authorities said on Thursday .
Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ of fatalities reached 48 , all of them elderly people , and that the total @ @ @ @ @ 2,281 , including 105 people in the intesive care .
The first death from the @ @ @ @ @ France on February 15 .
It was an elderly Chinese tourist who had already been @ @ @ @ @ France .
The first death from the novel coronavirus of a French citizen on the @ @ @ @ @ on February 26 .
It was an instructor at a lyceum , and he was @ @ @ @ @ only after his death .

PARIS, March 12. /TASS/. The death toll from the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in France has reached 61, while the number of confirmed cases climbed to 2,876, France's health authorities said on Thursday.
Wednesday reports said that the number of fatalities reached 48, all of them elderly people, and that the total number of confirmed cases reached 2,281, including 105 people in the intesive care.
The first death from the novel coronavirus was reported in France on February 15. It was an elderly Chinese tourist who had already been infected when he arrived in France.
The first death from the novel coronavirus of a French citizen on the territory of France was reported on February 26. It was an instructor at a lyceum, and he was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus only after his death.


tass--2020-03-12--UK in principle supports Russia's proposal to hold summit of UNSC permanent members

LONDON , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The United Kingdom in principle support Russian President Vladimir Putin 's proposal to @ @ @ @ @ members of the UN Security Council in 2020 , a British Government Spokesperson told TASS @ @ @ @ @ principle , the UK supports a meeting of P5 leaders in the future , to @ @ @ @ @ , '' the spokesperson said .
`` We 're in contact with the Russian government @ @ @ @ @ their proposal , '' the spokesperson added .
On January 23 , Putin said in @ @ @ @ @ Holocaust Forum that he proposes to hold a summit of the five permanent members of @ @ @ @ @ Russia , the United Kingdom , China , the United States , France ) in @ @ @ @ @ supported by China , France and the UN leadership .

LONDON, March 12. /TASS/. The United Kingdom in principle support Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal to hold a summit of permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020, a British Government Spokesperson told TASS on Thursday.
"In principle, the UK supports a meeting of P5 leaders in the future, to discuss international peace and security," the spokesperson said. "We're in contact with the Russian government to discuss further details of their proposal," the spokesperson added.
On January 23, Putin said in his speech at the World Holocaust Forum that he proposes to hold a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Russia, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, France) in 2020. The initiative was supported by China, France and the UN leadership.


tass--2020-03-12--UK's Typhoon jets intercept two Russian bombers — spokesperson

Russian jets carried out flights near US airspace in accordance with rules — ministry LONDON , March 12 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ were launched on Thursday from air bases in Lossiemouth and Coningsby to intercept two Russian @ @ @ @ @ UK airspace , '' a spokesperson for the Royal Air Force ( RAF ) told @ @ @ @ @ RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This was a routine response to intercept two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers approaching @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson added .
`` The aircraft were monitored throughout and at no point entered UK @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson noted .
The Russian Embassy in the UK repeatedly noted that British politicians and @ @ @ @ @ Russian threat to justify increasing the defense budget and expanding British military presence in other @ @

Russian jets carried out flights near US airspace in accordance with rules — ministry
LONDON, March 12. /TASS/. UK's Typhoon aircraft were launched on Thursday from air bases in Lossiemouth and Coningsby to intercept two Russian bombers that were "approaching UK airspace," a spokesperson for the Royal Air Force (RAF) told TASS on Thursday.
"RAF Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon aircraft were launched today from RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Coningsby," the spokesperson said. "This was a routine response to intercept two Russian Tu-160 Blackjack bombers approaching UK airspace," the spokesperson added. "The aircraft were monitored throughout and at no point entered UK sovereign airspace," the spokesperson noted.
The Russian Embassy in the UK repeatedly noted that British politicians and military often reference the alleged Russian threat to justify increasing the defense budget and expanding British military presence in other regions.


tass--2020-03-12--Azerbaijan reports first death of coronavirus patient

BAKU , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The first death of a coronavirus patient has been reported in Azerbaijan , the coronavirus task force set up by the country ’ s government said on Thursday .
`` A female Azerbaijani national born in 1969 applied to the hospital over chronic diseases .
Along with being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and renal failure , she also tested positive for the novel coronavirus .
Medics tried hard to save her life , but failed , '' the report said .
Her family and people who had come into contact with her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force has urged the nationals to avoid places of mass gatherings , as well as to observe sanitation and hygiene rules .
As of now , Azerbaijan has reported 15 coronavirus cases .
Fourteen infected people , including a Russian national , had returned from Iran , and one more - from Italy .
According to the task force , three infected patients recovered and have been discharged from hospital .
The others are in hospitals under the control of medics .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 100 countries and territories , including Russia .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000 , with about 4,300 deaths .
The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as @ @ @

BAKU, March 12. /TASS/. The first death of a coronavirus patient has been reported in Azerbaijan, the coronavirus task force set up by the country’s government said on Thursday.
"A female Azerbaijani national born in 1969 applied to the hospital over chronic diseases. Along with being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and renal failure, she also tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Medics tried hard to save her life, but failed," the report said.
Her family and people who had come into contact with her were placed in quarantine.
The task force has urged the nationals to avoid places of mass gatherings, as well as to observe sanitation and hygiene rules.
As of now, Azerbaijan has reported 15 coronavirus cases. Fourteen infected people, including a Russian national, had returned from Iran, and one more - from Italy. According to the task force, three infected patients recovered and have been discharged from hospital. The others are in hospitals under the control of medics.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 100 countries and territories, including Russia. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-12--Venezuela is discussing oil price situation with OPEC, Russia

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Venezuelan authorities are discussing the situation with the oil price collapse with OPEC @ @ @ @ @ Maduro said on Thursday at a press conference broadcasted in Twitter .
`` We contacted @ @ @ @ @ such our partners as Russia , with oil producing countries , to undertake steps in @ @ @ @ @ new dialog between OPEC and non-OPEC countries , '' Maduro said .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Venezuelan authorities are discussing the situation with the oil price collapse with OPEC and Russia, President Nicolas Maduro said on Thursday at a press conference broadcasted in Twitter.
"We contacted our partners in OPEC, such our partners as Russia, with oil producing countries, to undertake steps in days to come for a new dialog between OPEC and non-OPEC countries," Maduro said.


tass--2020-03-12--Retail notes growth in demand for groceries, canned food and antiseptics

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/ TASS / .
Representatives of Russian retail chains in February - March noted an increase in demand for groceries , canned goods and antiseptic agents , several interviewed representatives told TASS on Thursday .
`` Since the beginning of the year , we have indeed seen an increased demand for online delivery services and a significant increase in sales .
Some groups of goods grew faster than others in late February -early March , especially goods with a long shelf life : groceries , canned goods , and hygiene products , '' said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He emphasized that there were no interruptions with the shipment of goods to the warehouse , as well as with the supply of products , so representatives of the distribution network did not expect a shortage .
A similar situation is observed by other representatives of the industry .
`` We are seeing a slight increase in the demand for disinfectants and groceries , in particular for canned goods and pasta , '' the O'Key press service said .
Representatives of the Lenta network also do not observe an increase in demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not characterize the demand as excessive .
`` There are no interruptions in the supply of goods , '' assured Lenta representative .
However , not all retailers record an increase in demand .
`` At Metro , we are not seeing rush demand for food .
We are ready to ensure uninterrupted supply with an increase in demand , '' the network representative said .
A significant increase in demand and shortages of goods are not observed in Auchan stores .
After the jump in the exchange rate ( from March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online platform also did not notice any significant changes in demand for electronics , household appliances or jewelry compared to other days of the month , the company ’ s press service told the agency .
`` Sales of electronics , cosmetics and many other categories have been growing in recent days , primarily due to March 8 - for example , headphones , e-books and cosmetics sets were among the most popular gifts this year , its sales grew by more than 200 % relative to last year .
In addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth quarter of 2014 , when people bought electronics because of a sharp jump in cross-currency exchange rates , and then a month or two later , tried to sell their purchases through websites .
Many will probably take into account that situation and will be more rational when shopping , `` the Ozon online retailer press service told TASS .
Some products may go up in price Retailers believe that a significant rise in price of goods will not happen , but some goods may still be affected by the growth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian industries may depend on foreign raw materials , but this is definitely not 100 % of companies , and in any case , such an impact will have a delayed effect .
According to Tolokonnikov , the main categories of food products in the assortment of the distribution network are produced in Russia and the share of imports in supplies is insignificant .
`` Because of this , we do not predict a significant increase in the prices of goods in assortment under the current situation , '' he stressed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ requests from suppliers about the increase in prices to the representatives of the distribution network , and no price increase is expected in its hypermarkets in the near future .

MOSCOW, March 12. / TASS /. Representatives of Russian retail chains in February - March noted an increase in demand for groceries, canned goods and antiseptic agents, several interviewed representatives told TASS on Thursday.
"Since the beginning of the year, we have indeed seen an increased demand for online delivery services and a significant increase in sales. Some groups of goods grew faster than others in late February -early March, especially goods with a long shelf life: groceries, canned goods, and hygiene products," said the commercial Director of Utkonos-Online Mikhail Tolokonnikov.
He emphasized that there were no interruptions with the shipment of goods to the warehouse, as well as with the supply of products, so representatives of the distribution network did not expect a shortage.
A similar situation is observed by other representatives of the industry. "We are seeing a slight increase in the demand for disinfectants and groceries, in particular for canned goods and pasta," the O'Key press service said. Representatives of the Lenta network also do not observe an increase in demand for sanitizers and antibacterial agents, but they cannot characterize the demand as excessive. "There are no interruptions in the supply of goods," assured Lenta representative.
However, not all retailers record an increase in demand. "At Metro, we are not seeing rush demand for food. We are ready to ensure uninterrupted supply with an increase in demand," the network representative said. A significant increase in demand and shortages of goods are not observed in Auchan stores. After the jump in the exchange rate (from March 9 to 11), the Wildberries online platform also did not notice any significant changes in demand for electronics, household appliances or jewelry compared to other days of the month, the company’s press service told the agency.
"Sales of electronics, cosmetics and many other categories have been growing in recent days, primarily due to March 8 - for example, headphones, e-books and cosmetics sets were among the most popular gifts this year, its sales grew by more than 200% relative to last year. In addition, if you recall the hype in the fourth quarter of 2014, when people bought electronics because of a sharp jump in cross-currency exchange rates, and then a month or two later, tried to sell their purchases through websites. Many will probably take into account that situation and will be more rational when shopping, " the Ozon online retailer press service told TASS.
Some products may go up in price
Retailers believe that a significant rise in price of goods will not happen, but some goods may still be affected by the growth of the exchange rate. "A number of Russian industries may depend on foreign raw materials, but this is definitely not 100% of companies, and in any case, such an impact will have a delayed effect.
According to Tolokonnikov, the main categories of food products in the assortment of the distribution network are produced in Russia and the share of imports in supplies is insignificant. "Because of this, we do not predict a significant increase in the prices of goods in assortment under the current situation," he stressed.
Auchan also said that there were no requests from suppliers about the increase in prices to the representatives of the distribution network, and no price increase is expected in its hypermarkets in the near future.


tass--2020-03-12--Russia to temporary close border with Italy from March 13 over coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will impose a temporary entry ban for Italians and other foreigners arriving @ @ @ @ @ a bid to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus , as follows from the @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the resolution , the ban will be imposed from 00:00 Moscow time @ @ @ @ @ .
The ban will not be applicable to citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union ( @ @ @ @ @ aircraft crews , members of official delegations and holders of residence permits .
The Russian @ @ @ @ @ divisions were instructed to suspend the issuance of entry invitations to people staying or living @ @ @ @ @ the use of Italian nationals as labor migrants .
The foreign ministry was instructed to @ @ @ @ @ above mentioned categories of people and notify the Iranian side about these measures .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russia will impose a temporary entry ban for Italians and other foreigners arriving in Russia from Italy in a bid to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, as follows from the government resolution issued on Thursday.
According to the resolution, the ban will be imposed from 00:00 Moscow time on March 13, 2020.
The ban will not be applicable to citizens of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, aircraft crews, members of official delegations and holders of residence permits.
The Russian interior ministry and its territorial divisions were instructed to suspend the issuance of entry invitations to people staying or living in Italy and permits for the use of Italian nationals as labor migrants. The foreign ministry was instructed to suspend visa issuance to the above mentioned categories of people and notify the Iranian side about these measures.


tass--2020-03-12--US blacklisted Rosneft’s subsidiary

US blacklisted Rosneft’s subsidiary

WASHINGTON , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The United States introduced sanctions against TNK Trading International SA , a subsidiary @ @ @ @ @ Rosneft , the Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) said on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ supplies of Venezuelan oil in circumvention of earlier introduced restrictions , according to OFAC .

WASHINGTON, March 12. /TASS/. The United States introduced sanctions against TNK Trading International SA, a subsidiary of the Russian oil producer Rosneft, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said on Thursday.
Sanctions were introduced for alleged supplies of Venezuelan oil in circumvention of earlier introduced restrictions, according to OFAC.


tass--2020-03-12--President Erdogan postpones foreign trips over coronavirus, agency reports

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/./TASS/ .
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has postponed indefinitely his foreign trips amid the spread of the novel coronavirus , Anadolu Agency quoted president ’ s Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin as telling a news conference on Thursday .
According to Ibrahim Kalin , the Turkish authorities have also decided to close schools for a week starting from March 16 , while the universities will be closed for three weeks from March 16 .
From March 23 , university students will be learning online .
All sporting events will be held without the spectators until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Wednesday , a Turkish national tested positive for the novel coronavirus after returning from Europe .
His condition is stable , he was quarantined .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
Overall , more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Wednesday .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000 , with about 4,300 deaths .
The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/./TASS/. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has postponed indefinitely his foreign trips amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, Anadolu Agency quoted president’s Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin as telling a news conference on Thursday.
According to Ibrahim Kalin, the Turkish authorities have also decided to close schools for a week starting from March 16, while the universities will be closed for three weeks from March 16. From March 23, university students will be learning online. All sporting events will be held without the spectators until the end of April, Kalin added.
Overnight to Wednesday, a Turkish national tested positive for the novel coronavirus after returning from Europe. His condition is stable, he was quarantined.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-12--Six new coronavirus cases registered in Russia in past day

`` In the past 24 hours , six coronavirus infection cases were registered in Russia , including four in Moscow , one in Kaliningrad , and one in the Krasnodar territory , '' the spokesman said , adding that all the six infected persons had visited countries most seriously hit by the novel coronavirus in the recent weeks .
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Six new coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia in the past day , a spokesman for the coronavirus response headquarters said on Thursday .
`` As of today , 34 coronavirus infection cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients are Russian nationals returning from foreign countries , two patients are Chinese citizens , and one is Italian national , '' the spokesman said , adding that some of the patients had already recovered and been discharged from hospital .
They are the two Chinese nationals , one Russian who visited Italy , and three Russian citizens evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan .
According to the spokesman , the new cases were found after examining those who were on the same flights with those infected .
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Moscow .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 100 countries and territories , including Russia .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4,300 deaths .
The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

"In the past 24 hours, six coronavirus infection cases were registered in Russia, including four in Moscow, one in Kaliningrad, and one in the Krasnodar territory," the spokesman said, adding that all the six infected persons had visited countries most seriously hit by the novel coronavirus in the recent weeks.
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Six new coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia in the past day, a spokesman for the coronavirus response headquarters said on Thursday.
"As of today, 34 coronavirus infection cases have been registered in Russia. Thirty-one patients are Russian nationals returning from foreign countries, two patients are Chinese citizens, and one is Italian national," the spokesman said, adding that some of the patients had already recovered and been discharged from hospital. They are the two Chinese nationals, one Russian who visited Italy, and three Russian citizens evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.
According to the spokesman, the new cases were found after examining those who were on the same flights with those infected.
As of March 12, there are 19 coronavirus cases in Moscow.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 100 countries and territories, including Russia. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-12--Oil prices would drop to $35/bbl even without OPEC+ deal breaking, says Gazprom Neft

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The market would sooner or later found itself in the situation with the @ @ @ @ @ a barrel even without failure of the OPEC+ oil production capping deal , Chief Executive @ @ @ @ @ Dyukov told reporters on Thursday .
`` Let us not overestimate the role of OPEC+ @ @ @ @ @ agreement or its non-extension , the new pricing policy of OPEC countries made the price @ @ @ @ @ am confident we would nevertheless come to such situation with $ 35 per barrel even @ @ @ @ @ , considering factors effective on the market , '' Dyukov said .
Brent oil futures @ @ @ @ @ has recently fell by 1.21 % to $ 33.38 a barrel on the London-based ICE @

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The market would sooner or later found itself in the situation with the oil prices of $35 a barrel even without failure of the OPEC+ oil production capping deal, Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov told reporters on Thursday.
"Let us not overestimate the role of OPEC+ agreement. Rupture of this agreement or its non-extension, the new pricing policy of OPEC countries made the price drop more stark but I am confident we would nevertheless come to such situation with $35 per barrel even if this does not occur, considering factors effective on the market," Dyukov said.
Brent oil futures with delivery in May 2020 has recently fell by 1.21% to $33.38 a barrel on the London-based ICE.


tass--2020-03-12--Gazprom Neft disappointed at OPEC+ deal failure, says CEO

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom Neft is disappointed at Russia ’ s withdrawal from the OPEC+ oil @ @ @ @ @ was OPEC that resorted to rupture the agreement , Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` There was some disappointment with the outcome of negotiations in Vienna .
@ @ @ @ @ agreement achieved by OPEC+ proved its efficiency and workability .
Certainly , it would be @ @ @ @ @ in this situation , '' the top manager said .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Gazprom Neft is disappointed at Russia’s withdrawal from the OPEC+ oil production capping deal but it was OPEC that resorted to rupture the agreement, Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov told reporters on Thursday.
"There was some disappointment with the outcome of negotiations in Vienna. I sincerely regret. The agreement achieved by OPEC+ proved its efficiency and workability. Certainly, it would be more proper to keep it in this situation," the top manager said.


tass--2020-03-12--Gazprom Neft can start increasing production from April

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom Neft can start increasing oil production from April 1 , Chief Executive @ @ @ @ @ Dyukov told reporters on Thursday .
`` Production increase within a month by 40-45-50 thousand @ @ @ @ @ '' can be indicated , since the OPEC+ agreement will cease to be effective in @ @ @ @ @ `` Regarding the further increase , we have such opportunities and we have such intention @ @ @ @ @ efficiency , '' the top manager said .
Gazprom Neft is working out several options @ @ @ @ @ added .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Gazprom Neft can start increasing oil production from April 1, Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov told reporters on Thursday.
"Production increase within a month by 40-45-50 thousand barrels [per day]" can be indicated, since the OPEC+ agreement will cease to be effective in April, Dyukov said.
"Regarding the further increase, we have such opportunities and we have such intention and do so with economic efficiency," the top manager said. Gazprom Neft is working out several options of production increase, he added.


tass--2020-03-12--Russian Embassy in UAE checks reports on another infected Russian national

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Embassy in the UAE so far has no precise information about the @ @ @ @ @ with the coronavirus .
`` We can not provide any comments so far .
We @ @ @ @ @ the Embassy spokesman Maksim Slesarev told TASS .
Earlier on Thursday , UAE ’ s @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Health and Prevention , reported 11 new coronavirus infection cases in the @ @ @ @ @ report , one Russian national is among the infected .
On Monday , the UAE @ @ @ @ @ cases , also including one Russian national .
According to Slesarev , the Embassy `` @ @ @ @ @ information on this national from the UAE authorities .
In early March , two Russian @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus in UAE .
Currently , they remain in hospital ; their state is @ @ @ @ @ Russian athletes have been quarantined in one of the Abu-Dhabi hotels .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russian Embassy in the UAE so far has no precise information about the Russian national, allegedly infected with the coronavirus.
"We cannot provide any comments so far. We check the information," the Embassy spokesman Maksim Slesarev told TASS.
Earlier on Thursday, UAE’s WAM news agency, citing the Ministry of Health and Prevention, reported 11 new coronavirus infection cases in the country. According to the report, one Russian national is among the infected.
On Monday, the UAE Health Ministry reported 14 new cases, also including one Russian national. According to Slesarev, the Embassy "still waits" for the information on this national from the UAE authorities.
In early March, two Russian bicycle athletes got infected with the coronavirus in UAE. Currently, they remain in hospital; their state is estimated as fair. Other Russian athletes have been quarantined in one of the Abu-Dhabi hotels.


tass--2020-03-12--Energy cooperation in focus of Putin’s phone conversation with Bulgarian PM, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Issues of bilateral cooperation , including in the energy sector , were in focus of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s telephone conversation with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov , the Kremlin press service said on Thursday .
`` Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov at the initiative of the Bulgarian side .
The sides discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation , including in the energy sector , '' the press service said .
Putin met with Borisov in Istanbul on January 8 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turk Stream gas pipeline .
As the press service of the Bulgarian government said back then , Borisov informed the Russian president about works to extend the gas pumping infrastructure from the Turkish-Bulgarian to the Bulgarian-Serbian border as part of the construction of the Balkan Stream gas pipeline .
The 474-kilometer pipeline runs across 34 districts in 11 Bulgarian regions .
Its core section of 325 kilometers is to be put into operation by late May .
At a joint news conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in early December 2019 , Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implementation of the Turk Stream pipeline .
Commenting on this statement , Borisov said the process has being stalled by long procedures .
Later , he pledged that the construction would be finished in due time , i.e .
by May 31 and the entire pipeline would ready by late 2020 .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Issues of bilateral cooperation, including in the energy sector, were in focus of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s telephone conversation with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov, the Kremlin press service said on Thursday.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov at the initiative of the Bulgarian side. The sides discussed current issues of bilateral cooperation, including in the energy sector," the press service said.
Putin met with Borisov in Istanbul on January 8, 2020 before the official commissioning ceremony of the Turk Stream gas pipeline. As the press service of the Bulgarian government said back then, Borisov informed the Russian president about works to extend the gas pumping infrastructure from the Turkish-Bulgarian to the Bulgarian-Serbian border as part of the construction of the Balkan Stream gas pipeline. The 474-kilometer pipeline runs across 34 districts in 11 Bulgarian regions. Its core section of 325 kilometers is to be put into operation by late May.
At a joint news conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in early December 2019, Putin said that Bulgaria was deliberately protracting the implementation of the Turk Stream pipeline. Commenting on this statement, Borisov said the process has being stalled by long procedures. Later, he pledged that the construction would be finished in due time, i.e. by May 31 and the entire pipeline would ready by late 2020.


tass--2020-03-12--Indonesia drops $1.1 bln deal to purchase 11 fighter jets from Russia, reports say

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Indonesian authorities have decided against moving ahead with a plan to purchase @ @ @ @ @ from Russia for about $ 1.1 billion , the news agency Bloomberg reported on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ this decision under the US pressure , according to the news agency ’ s data @ @ @ @ @ early 2018 that Jakarta had signed a contract with Russia on the purchase of 11 @ @ @ @ @ , the contract ’ s implementation has not begun to date over US sanctions .
@ @ @ @ @ Wahid Supriyadi said in July 2019 that the delay was due to the complex trade @ @ @ @ @ government agencies and companies were involved .
Head of Russia ’ s Federal Service for @ @ @ @ @ Shugayev said in October last year that the Russian side hoped for a decision in @ @ @ @ @ the contract for the delivery of Su-35 fighters to Indonesia .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The Indonesian authorities have decided against moving ahead with a plan to purchase 11 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia for about $1.1 billion, the news agency Bloomberg reported on Thursday.
The Indonesian authorities made this decision under the US pressure, according to the news agency’s data.
It was reported in early 2018 that Jakarta had signed a contract with Russia on the purchase of 11 Su-35 fighter jets. However, the contract’s implementation has not begun to date over US sanctions. Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Mohamad Wahid Supriyadi said in July 2019 that the delay was due to the complex trade scheme, in which both government agencies and companies were involved.
Head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev said in October last year that the Russian side hoped for a decision in the immediate future on implementing the contract for the delivery of Su-35 fighters to Indonesia.


tass--2020-03-12--Russia hopes another intra-Palestinian meeting be organized in Moscow, says diplomat

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s foreign ministry is in close contact with Palestine ’ s various movements with an eye of organizing another intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
`` Senior officials of the Russian foreign ministry have been having very close contacts with representatives of various Palestinian movements since February , '' she said .
`` We hope that these contacts will be crowned by another intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow .
We believe it will help reach an agreement on the restoration of national unity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liberation Organization . ''
`` We are convinced that bridging the gap between Ramallah and the Gaza Strip is a key condition for establishing sustainable direct Palestinian-Israeli talks aiming comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the generally recognized international laws , including corresponding resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly , and the Arab Peace Initiative , '' Zakharova stressed .
The spokeswoman noted that some journalists tended to decontextualize Russia ’ s contacts with representatives of the Palestinian movements rather than have a general view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to ask to be oriented towards what I have just said , i.e .
towards a comprehensive , all-embracing attitude to Russia ’ s efforts concerning a meeting with representatives of various Palestinian political forces and to the goals Russia is pursuing , '' she added .
The conflict between two major Palestinian political parties , Fatah and Hamas , broke out after the 2006 parliamentary elections , won by Hamas .
Following the 2007 coup , Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip , actually splitting the Sate of Palestine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strip and the Fatah-controlled West Bank .
The rival factions signed a reconciliation agreement in Cairo in the autumn of 2017 .
The parties agreed that the National Accord Government would assume all powers over all Palestinian territories .
The transfer of control over the Rafah Border Crossing on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip to the West Bank authorities was due to take place as well .
Later on , the factions held a few more rounds of talks in Cairo on forming the new government , organizing the elections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deploying the Palestinian administration ’ s forces in Gaza .
However , the inter-Palestinian reconciliation process once again stalled because of constantly emerging disagreements .
Following a Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement of the spring 2014 , the Palestinian Unity Government of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah was sworn to office .
The government was tasked to organize presidential and parliamentary polls on the Palestinian territories .
The government however failed to do what it was supposed to because of never-stopping disagreements between the two movements .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russia’s foreign ministry is in close contact with Palestine’s various movements with an eye of organizing another intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"Senior officials of the Russian foreign ministry have been having very close contacts with representatives of various Palestinian movements since February," she said. "We hope that these contacts will be crowned by another intra-Palestinian meeting in Moscow. We believe it will help reach an agreement on the restoration of national unity on the political platform of the Palestine Liberation Organization."
"We are convinced that bridging the gap between Ramallah and the Gaza Strip is a key condition for establishing sustainable direct Palestinian-Israeli talks aiming comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the generally recognized international laws, including corresponding resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly, and the Arab Peace Initiative," Zakharova stressed.
The spokeswoman noted that some journalists tended to decontextualize Russia’s contacts with representatives of the Palestinian movements rather than have a general view of them. :Indeed, I would like to ask to be oriented towards what I have just said, i.e. towards a comprehensive, all-embracing attitude to Russia’s efforts concerning a meeting with representatives of various Palestinian political forces and to the goals Russia is pursuing," she added.
The conflict between two major Palestinian political parties, Fatah and Hamas, broke out after the 2006 parliamentary elections, won by Hamas. Following the 2007 coup, Hamas seized power in the Gaza Strip, actually splitting the Sate of Palestine in two parts - the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and the Fatah-controlled West Bank.
The rival factions signed a reconciliation agreement in Cairo in the autumn of 2017. The parties agreed that the National Accord Government would assume all powers over all Palestinian territories. The transfer of control over the Rafah Border Crossing on the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip to the West Bank authorities was due to take place as well. Later on, the factions held a few more rounds of talks in Cairo on forming the new government, organizing the elections, reforming the Palestine Liberation Organization and deploying the Palestinian administration’s forces in Gaza. However, the inter-Palestinian reconciliation process once again stalled because of constantly emerging disagreements.
Following a Hamas-Fatah reconciliation agreement of the spring 2014, the Palestinian Unity Government of Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah was sworn to office. The government was tasked to organize presidential and parliamentary polls on the Palestinian territories. The government however failed to do what it was supposed to because of never-stopping disagreements between the two movements.


tass--2020-03-12--Russia debunks media reports on deploying troops to Afghanistan — diplomat

`` I would like to state with all responsibility — and I use this phrasing intentionally — that this allegation is absolutely false and has never been expressed in any form by the Russian presidential envoy , '' she said .
`` Russian position on this issue is well known : under no circumstances did Russia plan to send its troops to Afghanistan and it does not plan to do so now . ''
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia has never planned to deploy troops to Afghanistan , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said , commenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov allegedly speculated about possible deployment of forces to fight terrorism upon Afghan government 's request .
Zakharova explained that only issues of `` possible expansion of cooperation with Afghanistan on fighting terrorism and drug threat through military-technical sphere and training of qualified personnel , which happens already '' could be on the table .
According to the spokeswoman , the false statement was attributed to Kabulov by only one internet edition .
No other media , whose representatives were also present at the Presidential Envoy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` All this could be viewed as a very poor interpretation of the Russian diplomat ’ s words .
I hope we are not dealing with intentional distortion or some fake news .
I rather believe that we are dealing with wording problems in those who prepared this story for the website , '' she said .
The spokeswoman called on the media to fulfill their duties professionally and responsibly , because such distortion of Russian officials ' statements might `` cause big problems with perception of messages in various countries .
@

"I would like to state with all responsibility — and I use this phrasing intentionally — that this allegation is absolutely false and has never been expressed in any form by the Russian presidential envoy," she said. "Russian position on this issue is well known: under no circumstances did Russia plan to send its troops to Afghanistan and it does not plan to do so now."
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russia has never planned to deploy troops to Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, commenting on a foreign article which claimed that Russian Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov allegedly speculated about possible deployment of forces to fight terrorism upon Afghan government's request.
Zakharova explained that only issues of "possible expansion of cooperation with Afghanistan on fighting terrorism and drug threat through military-technical sphere and training of qualified personnel, which happens already" could be on the table.
According to the spokeswoman, the false statement was attributed to Kabulov by only one internet edition. No other media, whose representatives were also present at the Presidential Envoy’s briefing, have published such information.
"All this could be viewed as a very poor interpretation of the Russian diplomat’s words. I hope we are not dealing with intentional distortion or some fake news. I rather believe that we are dealing with wording problems in those who prepared this story for the website," she said.
The spokeswoman called on the media to fulfill their duties professionally and responsibly, because such distortion of Russian officials' statements might "cause big problems with perception of messages in various countries."


tass--2020-03-12--Gazprom Neft does not see threats to its oil supplies to Europe

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Gazprom Neft does not see any threats on the side of Saud Arabia @ @ @ @ @ European market , Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov told reporters on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ placement of our oil volumes are concerned , including on the European market , I @ @ @ @ @ or threats of our failure to place there the oil volumes we are producing and @ @ @ @ @ .
Almost the whole volume we are producing has been contracted and sold this year @ @ @ @ @ OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus spread last week .
All the limitations of oil production will be lifted from @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Gazprom Neft does not see any threats on the side of Saud Arabia for their share of the European market, Chief Executive Officer of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dyukov told reporters on Thursday.
"As far as placement of our oil volumes are concerned, including on the European market, I do not see any obstacles or threats of our failure to place there the oil volumes we are producing and planning to export to Europe. Almost the whole volume we are producing has been contracted and sold this year," Dyukov said.
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to the coronavirus spread last week. All the limitations of oil production will be lifted from April 1.


tass--2020-03-12--Putin, Erdogan discuss situation in Idlib and agreements reached in Moscow

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed the @ @ @ @ @ implementation of agreements reached in Moscow on March 5 , the Kremlin press service informed @ @ @ @ @ informs that the call was held at the initiative of Russia .
`` They have @ @ @ @ @ the implementation of the agreements reached during the Russian-Turkish top-level meeting in Moscow on March @ @ @ @ @ to note a considerable reduction of tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone , '' the @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have discussed the situation in Idlib and the implementation of agreements reached in Moscow on March 5, the Kremlin press service informed on Thursday.
The message informs that the call was held at the initiative of Russia.
"They have discussed the issues related to the implementation of the agreements reached during the Russian-Turkish top-level meeting in Moscow on March 5. They were pleased to note a considerable reduction of tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone," the press service informed.


tass--2020-03-12--Russian, Hungarian top diplomats to hold talks in Moscow on March 18

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Hungarian colleague Peter Szijjarto will hold @ @ @ @ @ 18 to discuss Ukrainian crisis regulation and the situation in the Middle East , Russian @ @ @ @ @ said during Thursday ’ s briefing .
`` They plan to discuss the political aspects @ @ @ @ @ special focus paid to the implementation of the agreements reached on October 30 of last @ @ @ @ @ meeting between the Russian President [ Vladimir Putin ] and the Hungarian Prime Minister [ @ @ @ @ @ Zakharova said .
`` They will exchange opinions on various international issues , including Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ of language rights of national minorities in Ukraine , as well as the situation in @ @ @ @ @ in the context of the Russian-Hungarian initiative on aiding Christian communities residing in the region @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Hungarian colleague Peter Szijjarto will hold talks in Moscow on March 18 to discuss Ukrainian crisis regulation and the situation in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday’s briefing.
"They plan to discuss the political aspects of Russian-Hungarian relations with a special focus paid to the implementation of the agreements reached on October 30 of last year in Budapest during the meeting between the Russian President [Vladimir Putin] and the Hungarian Prime Minister [Viktor Orban]," Zakharova said.
"They will exchange opinions on various international issues, including Ukrainian crisis regulation and the protection of language rights of national minorities in Ukraine, as well as the situation in the Middle East, namely in the context of the Russian-Hungarian initiative on aiding Christian communities residing in the region," the diplomat added.


tass--2020-03-12--Hainan to renovate more than 150 neighborhoods in 2020

HAIKOU , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan administration this year will implement a large-scale program for the reconstruction and renovation of more than 150 neighborhoods with dilapidated housing , www.hinews.cn reported .
According to the authorities , due to this government project , an area of 2.47 million square meters will be renovated , over 20,000 families will be able to live in more comfortable conditions .
The changes will affect all buildings built before 2000 and in need of major repairs .
`` The renovation of the districts will be carried out using state funding with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it also involves active participation of individuals , organizations and companies , '' the local authorities noted .
The Hainan administration will closely monitor the process of redevelopment and reconstruction of courtyards and residential areas .
The program is aimed at creating the conditions for the free trade zone and port in the province , which should compete with such economically developed island territories as Singapore and the South Korean island of Jeju .
According to official statistics , there are more than 1,900 old residential quarters on the Island of Hainan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 million square meters — and this makes up for 6,000 houses .
As a rule , there may be interruptions with operation of water supply , sewage , electrical wiring and the Internet .
Moreover , according to the analysis , in such areas there are not enough kindergartens , parking lots and gyms .
In addition to these dilapidated neighborhoods , as it turned out , adjacent roads need to be repaired as well and makeshift shelters need to be demolished .

HAIKOU, March 12. /TASS/. The Hainan administration this year will implement a large-scale program for the reconstruction and renovation of more than 150 neighborhoods with dilapidated housing, www.hinews.cn reported.
According to the authorities, due to this government project, an area of 2.47 million square meters will be renovated, over 20,000 families will be able to live in more comfortable conditions. The changes will affect all buildings built before 2000 and in need of major repairs.
"The renovation of the districts will be carried out using state funding with the involvement of funds on various levels, and it also involves active participation of individuals, organizations and companies," the local authorities noted.
The Hainan administration will closely monitor the process of redevelopment and reconstruction of courtyards and residential areas. The program is aimed at creating the conditions for the free trade zone and port in the province, which should compete with such economically developed island territories as Singapore and the South Korean island of Jeju.
According to official statistics, there are more than 1,900 old residential quarters on the Island of Hainan, the total area of which exceeds 16 million square meters — and this makes up for 6,000 houses. As a rule, there may be interruptions with operation of water supply, sewage, electrical wiring and the Internet. Moreover, according to the analysis, in such areas there are not enough kindergartens, parking lots and gyms. In addition to these dilapidated neighborhoods, as it turned out, adjacent roads need to be repaired as well and makeshift shelters need to be demolished.


tass--2020-03-12--UN General Assembly schedule revised over coronavirus, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The schedule of activity of the UN General Assembly from March to April has been revised due to the spread of the novel coronavirus , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
`` Many international events have been canceled or postponed , or the schedule of these events is changed .
In particular , just yesterday the Russian side received a message from the president of the UN General Assembly concerning additional measures and changes in the program of activity of the General Assembly from March until April of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The message `` proposes to limit the number of diplomats visiting the UN headquarters for sessions of the General Assembly , as well as to refrain from inviting the participants who live outside the state and New York City , '' Zakharova said .
`` Besides , `` there is also a suggestion to cancel parallel events and restrict celebrations marking certain dates , such as national days , '' Zakharova said .
According to the diplomat , apart from the Foreign Ministry ’ s taking part in the activity of the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up its own task force led by Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov .
`` Of course , all this affects the work of diplomats in the central office , as well as staff of the embassies , permanent missions and consulates general , '' Zakharova added .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
Outside China , the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Iran .
Overall , more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000 , with about 4,300 deaths .
The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The schedule of activity of the UN General Assembly from March to April has been revised due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"Many international events have been canceled or postponed, or the schedule of these events is changed. In particular, just yesterday the Russian side received a message from the president of the UN General Assembly concerning additional measures and changes in the program of activity of the General Assembly from March until April of this year," the diplomat said.
The message "proposes to limit the number of diplomats visiting the UN headquarters for sessions of the General Assembly, as well as to refrain from inviting the participants who live outside the state and New York City," Zakharova said. "Besides, "there is also a suggestion to cancel parallel events and restrict celebrations marking certain dates, such as national days," Zakharova said.
According to the diplomat, apart from the Foreign Ministry’s taking part in the activity of the national coronavirus task force, the ministry set up its own task force led by Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov. "Of course, all this affects the work of diplomats in the central office, as well as staff of the embassies, permanent missions and consulates general," Zakharova added.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-12--Russian Northern Fleet ships thwart enemy air attack in Arctic drills

MURMANSK , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The small anti-submarine warfare ships Snezhnogorsk and Yunga from the Northern Fleet ’ s Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces successfully struck the notional enemy ’ s simulated air targets during drills in the Barents Sea , the Fleet ’ s press office reported .
Under the drills ’ scenario , a sole ship was assigned the task of repelling the notional enemy ’ s air attack and eliminating a small-size air target flying towards the ship .
`` Each of the crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Snezhnogorsk and Yunga alternately launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solid-propellant missiles .
The sailors alternately practiced firing OSA-MA surface-to-air missile systems and also AK-176 artillery guns and 30mm AK-630 rapid-fire artillery systems against the simulated air targets , '' the press office said in a statement .
The drills passed successfully and all the targets were eliminated .
The ships ’ crews also practiced maneuvering tactics upon repelling an enemy ’ s air attack and air target tracking , according to the statement .
The small anti-submarine warfare ships Snezhnogorsk and Yunga are armed with AK-176M and AK-630M surface-to-air artillery systems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and also with modern sonar systems .
They are designated to search for , track and eliminate enemy submarines in the close-in sea and coastal zones .

MURMANSK, March 12. /TASS/. The small anti-submarine warfare ships Snezhnogorsk and Yunga from the Northern Fleet’s Kola Flotilla of All-Arms Forces successfully struck the notional enemy’s simulated air targets during drills in the Barents Sea, the Fleet’s press office reported.
Under the drills’ scenario, a sole ship was assigned the task of repelling the notional enemy’s air attack and eliminating a small-size air target flying towards the ship.
"Each of the crews of the small anti-submarine warfare ships Snezhnogorsk and Yunga alternately launched air target simulators - the Saman small-size solid-propellant missiles. The sailors alternately practiced firing OSA-MA surface-to-air missile systems and also AK-176 artillery guns and 30mm AK-630 rapid-fire artillery systems against the simulated air targets," the press office said in a statement.
The drills passed successfully and all the targets were eliminated. The ships’ crews also practiced maneuvering tactics upon repelling an enemy’s air attack and air target tracking, according to the statement.
The small anti-submarine warfare ships Snezhnogorsk and Yunga are armed with AK-176M and AK-630M surface-to-air artillery systems, RBU-6000 rocket launchers and 533mm torpedo tubes and also with modern sonar systems. They are designated to search for, track and eliminate enemy submarines in the close-in sea and coastal zones.


tass--2020-03-12--Arrested Hizb ut-Tahrir members face charges of attempt to seize power

SIMFEROPOL , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
A group of members of the international terrorist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir ( outlawed in Russia ) , who were arrested in Crimea and the Rostov Region a year ago , face more charges — those of an attempt to seize power , their lawyer Edem Semedlyayev told TASS on Thursday .
FSB operatives in March 2019 quashed a Hizb ut-Tahrir cell in Crimea and detained 20 of its members .
Another three members of the same cell were arrested in Rostov-on-Don while trying to leave for Ukraine .
Two more suspects were detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abroad , the lawyer said , adding that originally there were a total of 29 names on the list of suspects .
`` Yesterday the prolongation of the restrictive measure was considered .
From the investigator ’ s request we learned that another article has now been added to the list of charges .
As far as we understand , a criminal case was opened under article 278 of the Criminal Code ( seizure of power by force ) .
No formal charges have been presented yet .
I believe that the investigator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Semedlyayev commented .
The newly-formulated charges will be a sufficient reason for the investigation to request prolongation of the arrest by more than one year .
Earlier , the defense said that five of the arrestees were charged as organizers under part 1 of article 205.5 of the Criminal Code , and the others , as accomplices under part 2 of article 205.5 .
Another four Hizb ut-Tahrir members were nabbed in Crimea on March 11 .
The public relations center of the Federal Security Service ( FSB ) told TASS that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruiting Crimea ’ s Muslims and spreading terrorist ideology .

SIMFEROPOL, March 12. /TASS/. A group of members of the international terrorist organization Hizb ut-Tahrir (outlawed in Russia), who were arrested in Crimea and the Rostov Region a year ago, face more charges — those of an attempt to seize power, their lawyer Edem Semedlyayev told TASS on Thursday.
FSB operatives in March 2019 quashed a Hizb ut-Tahrir cell in Crimea and detained 20 of its members. Another three members of the same cell were arrested in Rostov-on-Don while trying to leave for Ukraine. Two more suspects were detained later and another four are in hiding abroad, the lawyer said, adding that originally there were a total of 29 names on the list of suspects.
"Yesterday the prolongation of the restrictive measure was considered. From the investigator’s request we learned that another article has now been added to the list of charges. As far as we understand, a criminal case was opened under article 278 of the Criminal Code (seizure of power by force). No formal charges have been presented yet. I believe that the investigator will do this within twelve days," Semedlyayev commented.
The newly-formulated charges will be a sufficient reason for the investigation to request prolongation of the arrest by more than one year.
Earlier, the defense said that five of the arrestees were charged as organizers under part 1 of article 205.5 of the Criminal Code, and the others, as accomplices under part 2 of article 205.5.
Another four Hizb ut-Tahrir members were nabbed in Crimea on March 11. The public relations center of the Federal Security Service (FSB) told TASS that the four men in question had been recruiting Crimea’s Muslims and spreading terrorist ideology.