tass--2020-01-23--Putin: Russia, Israel indignant over attempts at WWII revisionism

`` I would like to note with gratitude and recognition that Israel attaches special attention to preserving the truth about the decisive contribution by the Soviet Union to the victory over Nazism .
Here , like in Russia , people are concerned , alarmed and indignant over attempts to deny the Holocaust , revise the results of World War Two and whitewash murderers and criminals , '' the Russian leader stressed .
JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Israel are indignant over attempts to deny the Holocaust and revise the results of World War Two , Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of opening the Candle of Memory monument to residents and defenders of the besieged Leningrad on Thursday .
The monument opened in Jerusalem is a symbol of `` deep common memory , '' Putin stressed .
He recalled that the idea of creating the monument belonged to non-indifferent representatives of the Israeli public and Russian war veterans `` and it was created with the assistance of the authorities of St. Petersburg and Jerusalem with the financial support of philanthropists from both countries . ''
The Russian leader also pointed out that the Candle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site on Israeli soil opened in recent years : a monument was erected in the city of Netanya in 2012 to commemorate the feat of Red Army combatants and commanders .
Putin also pointed to `` the honest and extremely respectful attitude to Soviet soldiers '' reflected in the expositions of the Yad Vashem memorial to Jewish victims in Europe .
`` The name of the memorial that is opening today is also dear to us .
Each year , the Candle of Memory action starts in Russia at four hours in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War .
People in all the cities , towns and villages light a candle as a sign of grief over those fallen in that terrible war .
This tradition started precisely in St. Petersburg , formerly Leningrad , in 2009 .
Now a Candle of Memory is also present here in Israel where almost 1,300 residents of the besieged city , their descendants and friends live and where people honor their heroes and remember the fallen , '' Putin said .
In his speech , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of residents of the besieged Leningrad .
`` Several days ago , when I was looking through documents , I came across the fact that shook me .
Over the years of the siege , the Leningraders donated 144 tonnes of blood for the needs of the front , notwithstanding this situation , '' he said .
As Putin went on to say , `` deprived of food , lighting and heating , they continued to work in hospitals , engage in arts , science and education and saved the great city for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The unconquered Leningrad became a true legend while the grandeur of the strength of its residents ’ spirit and their belief in the victory proved to be the highest point of human dignity , '' the Russian leader stressed .

"I would like to note with gratitude and recognition that Israel attaches special attention to preserving the truth about the decisive contribution by the Soviet Union to the victory over Nazism. Here, like in Russia, people are concerned, alarmed and indignant over attempts to deny the Holocaust, revise the results of World War Two and whitewash murderers and criminals," the Russian leader stressed.
JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russia and Israel are indignant over attempts to deny the Holocaust and revise the results of World War Two, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a ceremony of opening the Candle of Memory monument to residents and defenders of the besieged Leningrad on Thursday.
The monument opened in Jerusalem is a symbol of "deep common memory," Putin stressed. He recalled that the idea of creating the monument belonged to non-indifferent representatives of the Israeli public and Russian war veterans "and it was created with the assistance of the authorities of St. Petersburg and Jerusalem with the financial support of philanthropists from both countries."
The Russian leader also pointed out that the Candle of Memory monument was the second memorial site on Israeli soil opened in recent years: a monument was erected in the city of Netanya in 2012 to commemorate the feat of Red Army combatants and commanders. Putin also pointed to "the honest and extremely respectful attitude to Soviet soldiers" reflected in the expositions of the Yad Vashem memorial to Jewish victims in Europe.
"The name of the memorial that is opening today is also dear to us. Each year, the Candle of Memory action starts in Russia at four hours in the morning on June 22, the day of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. People in all the cities, towns and villages light a candle as a sign of grief over those fallen in that terrible war. This tradition started precisely in St. Petersburg, formerly Leningrad, in 2009. Now a Candle of Memory is also present here in Israel where almost 1,300 residents of the besieged city, their descendants and friends live and where people honor their heroes and remember the fallen," Putin said.
In his speech, the Russian president spoke about the unprecedented feat of residents of the besieged Leningrad. "Several days ago, when I was looking through documents, I came across the fact that shook me. Over the years of the siege, the Leningraders donated 144 tonnes of blood for the needs of the front, notwithstanding this situation," he said.
As Putin went on to say, "deprived of food, lighting and heating, they continued to work in hospitals, engage in arts, science and education and saved the great city for future generations while sacrificing themselves."
"The unconquered Leningrad became a true legend while the grandeur of the strength of its residents’ spirit and their belief in the victory proved to be the highest point of human dignity," the Russian leader stressed.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin shakes hands with Prince Charles at Jerusalem forum

JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heir apparent to the British throne , @ @ @ @ @ hands at the Jerusalem forum commemorating victims of the Holocaust .
The Russian leader arrived @ @ @ @ @ in between speeches when most attendees were already seated .
At the hall entrance , @ @ @ @ @ President Reuven Rivlin who saw him to his front row central seat by himself and @ @ @ @ @ .
French President Emmanuel Macron was also seating close by , Putin shook hands with @ @ @ @ @ seat , the Russian president made a welcoming gesture towards Prince Charles sitting two chairs @ @ @ @ @ seat to shake hands with the heir to the British throne .

JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heir apparent to the British throne, Prince Charles, have shaken hands at the Jerusalem forum commemorating victims of the Holocaust.
The Russian leader arrived at the forum meeting hall in between speeches when most attendees were already seated. At the hall entrance, Putin was greeted by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin who saw him to his front row central seat by himself and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. French President Emmanuel Macron was also seating close by, Putin shook hands with him. After taking his seat, the Russian president made a welcoming gesture towards Prince Charles sitting two chairs away and lifted from his seat to shake hands with the heir to the British throne.


tass--2020-01-23--Azerbaijan’s Socar signs memorandum with Lukoil on three new Caspian projects

BAKU , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s state oil company Socar and Russia ’ s oil major @ @ @ @ @ of understanding on cooperation in exploration at promising offshore blocks Nakhchevan , Pre-Caspian-Guba and Goshadash @ @ @ @ @ the Caspian Sea , press service of Socar said in a statement on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan ’ s Socar on new Caspian projects , says CEO '' On January 22 @ @ @ @ @ was signed by Socar and Lukoil on the exploration block covering the promising structure of @ @ @ @ @ of the Caspian Sea , as well as promising structures of Pre-Caspian-Guba and Goshadash in @ @ @ @ @ , '' the statement reads .
The document was inked on the sidelines of the @ @ @ @ @ by Socar president Rovnag Abdullayev and Lukoil Chief Executive Officer Vagit Alekperov .
The agreement @ @ @ @ @ oil and gas potential of the Goshadash block was signed on September 1 , 2018 @ @ @ @ @ Aliyev ’ s visit to Russia .

BAKU, January 23. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar and Russia’s oil major Lukoil have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in exploration at promising offshore blocks Nakhchevan, Pre-Caspian-Guba and Goshadash in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, press service of Socar said in a statement on Thursday.
Lukoil to sign agreement with Azerbaijan’s Socar on new Caspian projects, says CEO
"On January 22, a memorandum of understanding was signed by Socar and Lukoil on the exploration block covering the promising structure of Nakhchevan in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, as well as promising structures of Pre-Caspian-Guba and Goshadash in shallow waters of the sea," the statement reads.
The document was inked on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos by Socar president Rovnag Abdullayev and Lukoil Chief Executive Officer Vagit Alekperov.
The agreement on joint exploration of the oil and gas potential of the Goshadash block was signed on September 1, 2018 in Sochi as part of Aliyev’s visit to Russia.


tass--2020-01-23--Yandex CEO confirms plans to sell small stake in Russian Internet giant

DAVOS , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Arkady Volozh , the founder and the director of Yandex group of companies @ @ @ @ @ sidelines of the World Economic Forum that he would sell a small stake in the @ @ @ @ @ trust .
`` Certainly , this is public [ information ] .
However , not @ @ @ @ @ stake but a tiny share , '' Volozh said .
The sale of shares is @ @ @ @ @ the chief executive clarified .
It was reported earlier that Volozh together with the family @ @ @ @ @ to the US Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) concerning the possibility of selling @ @ @ @ @ the company over the year .

DAVOS, January 23. /TASS/. Arkady Volozh, the founder and the director of Yandex group of companies, told reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum that he would sell a small stake in the company together with the family trust.
"Certainly, this is public [information]. However, not [the whole] my stake but a tiny share," Volozh said. The sale of shares is needed to diversify assets, the chief executive clarified.
It was reported earlier that Volozh together with the family trust filed a special notice to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concerning the possibility of selling a portion of shares in the company over the year.


tass--2020-01-23--FSB confirms six members of extremist cell detained in Dagestan

MAKHACHKALA , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Law enforcement officers exposed a cell of the outlawed Takfir wal-Hijra extremist organization @ @ @ @ @ region , detaining six people , a spokesperson for the FSB Department in Dagestan told @ @ @ @ @ On January 23 , the FSB Department in Dagestan has carried out a joint operation @ @ @ @ @ expose a cell of the Takfir wal-Hijra religious extremist group , which was active in @ @ @ @ @ cell ’ s leaders and active members , who are Russian nationals , were detained @ @ @ @ @ out .
According to the FSB , extremist literature and digital data storage devices were @ @ @ @ @ homes .
`` The operation was carried out as part of an investigation opened under @ @ @ @ @ Criminal Code ( organization of extremist activity ) , '' the spokesperson added .

MAKHACHKALA, January 23. /TASS/. Law enforcement officers exposed a cell of the outlawed Takfir wal-Hijra extremist organization in Russia’s Dagestan region, detaining six people, a spokesperson for the FSB Department in Dagestan told TASS on Thursday.
"On January 23, the FSB Department in Dagestan has carried out a joint operation with the Interior Ministry to expose a cell of the Takfir wal-Hijra religious extremist group, which was active in Dagestan. Six of the cell’s leaders and active members, who are Russian nationals, were detained," the spokesperson pointed out.
According to the FSB, extremist literature and digital data storage devices were seized during searches of their homes. "The operation was carried out as part of an investigation opened under Article 282.2.1 of the Russian Criminal Code (organization of extremist activity)," the spokesperson added.


tass--2020-01-23--Russian delegation to PACE ready to counter attempts to dispute its mandate, says MP

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) is ready to counter attempts to dispute its mandate during the assembly ’ s winter session , Chairman of the Russian State Duma ’ s ( lower house of parliament ) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky stated during a briefing on Thursday .
`` We expect our colleagues from the so-called Baltic Plus group ( it essentially was established to counter us and to be our constant opponents ) to try to dispute the Russian delegation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am not exaggerating when I say that we will counter such attempts successfully and by a great margin , due to the current alignment of forces at PACE and our outlook on all political groups , '' he added .
Earlier , the head of Ukraine ’ s delegation to PACE , Elizaveta Yasko , informed about the creation of a permanent group within PACE named Baltic Plus , comprising also Latvia , Lithuania , Estonia and Georgia .
According to Yasko , the group is tasked with `` carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the annexation of Crimea and condemns Russian occupation of Crimea , parts of eastern Ukraine , Georgia and Moldova .
`` .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is ready to counter attempts to dispute its mandate during the assembly’s winter session, Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s (lower house of parliament) Committee for Foreign Affairs Leonid Slutsky stated during a briefing on Thursday.
"We expect our colleagues from the so-called Baltic Plus group (it essentially was established to counter us and to be our constant opponents) to try to dispute the Russian delegation’s mandate," the MP said. "I am not exaggerating when I say that we will counter such attempts successfully and by a great margin, due to the current alignment of forces at PACE and our outlook on all political groups," he added.
Earlier, the head of Ukraine’s delegation to PACE, Elizaveta Yasko, informed about the creation of a permanent group within PACE named Baltic Plus, comprising also Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Georgia. According to Yasko, the group is tasked with "carrying on the policy that does not recognize the annexation of Crimea and condemns Russian occupation of Crimea, parts of eastern Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.".


tass--2020-01-23--Moscow, Minsk to devise long-term formula on energy prices, says Union State

MINSK , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
State Secretary of the Union State Grigory Rapota considers it reasonable for Minsk @ @ @ @ @ long-term formula on energy prices .
`` It is necessary to devise a long-term formula @ @ @ @ @ sure the sides are not forced to conduct difficult talks each time , '' he @ @ @ @ @ for Strategic Studies on Thursday .
`` The matter of the dispute on oil and @ @ @ @ @ put to rest , '' the BelTA news agency quoted Rybakov as saying .
Belarus @ @ @ @ @ with Russian oil companies on terms of oil supplies starting January 1 , 2020 by @ @ @ @ @ .
Utilization of refineries has been reduced to the minimum technologically allowed level .
Later @ @ @ @ @ oil to Belarusian refineries were resumed , particularly to the Novopolotsk refinery Naftan and the @ @ @ @ @ , Belarus will receive gas at last year ’ s price of $ 127 per @ @ @ @

MINSK, January 23. /TASS/. State Secretary of the Union State Grigory Rapota considers it reasonable for Minsk and Moscow to devise a long-term formula on energy prices.
"It is necessary to devise a long-term formula on energy prices to make sure the sides are not forced to conduct difficult talks each time," he said at the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies on Thursday.
"The matter of the dispute on oil and gas issues has not been put to rest," the BelTA news agency quoted Rybakov as saying.
Belarus failed to reach an agreement with Russian oil companies on terms of oil supplies starting January 1, 2020 by the end of last year. Utilization of refineries has been reduced to the minimum technologically allowed level. Later one-off contracts on supplies of oil to Belarusian refineries were resumed, particularly to the Novopolotsk refinery Naftan and the Mozyr refinery.
In January-February, Belarus will receive gas at last year’s price of $127 per 1,000 cubic meters.


tass--2020-01-23--Makeblock Announced STEAM On Board Global Program at BETT, Expected to Reach 10000 Schools

LONDON , Jan. 23 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Jan 22 , Makeblock , the global STEAM education solution provider , showcased at BETT London together with 800 leading educational companies .
At Bett , Makeblock announced its strategic global program STEAM On Board that it will concentrate on building up an educator-oriented global network in 2020 aiming to reach 10,000 schools worldwide .
At Bett , Makeblock disclosed that educators will be the key group to focus on in 2020 .
Although Makeblock has accumulated a global network of educators and schools , the awareness of STEAM education is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited access to educational tools and curricula .
Through the STEAM On Board program , Makeblock is ready to donate educational products worthy of 300,000 USD to schools .
Furthermore , series of offline training will be carried out worldwide to better support teaching practices .
`` By offering one-stop STEAM education solutions , Makeblock will boost the awareness of STEAM and empower teachers to the next level of education , especially for Europe , the strategic market of Makeblock , '' General Manager of Makeblock Europe Yu Hu said .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the newly launched versatile 3D printer mCreate .
It features smart leveling that can avoid any kinds of errors for accurate printing and also doubles as a laser engraver .
With the release of mCreate , Makeblock further completed its STEAM product line , making it one of the leading players in STEAM education ecosystem .
Sign up here and get a free Makeblock coding gift during Bett at http : //bit.ly/2TgWBQK Besides , Makeblock is proactively building up partnerships with renown global names .
mBlock , the coding software platform of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardware Micro : bit which is designed by BBC for use in computer education in the UK .
Through a true continuum based on Makeblock software platform , local education institutes will only need to learn one single system to access a whole package of educational solutions from KG to University .
Makeblock Co. , Ltd , founded in 2013 , is a Global STEAM education solution provider .
Targeting the STEAM education and entertainment markets for schools , educational institutions and families , Makeblock provides the most complete hardware , software , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to achieve deep integration of technology and education .
To learn more , please follow @ Makeblock on Facebook , Twitter , or visit www.makeblock.com .

LONDON, Jan. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On Jan 22, Makeblock, the global STEAM education solution provider, showcased at BETT London together with 800 leading educational companies. At Bett, Makeblock announced its strategic global program STEAM On Board that it will concentrate on building up an educator-oriented global network in 2020 aiming to reach 10,000 schools worldwide.
At Bett, Makeblock disclosed that educators will be the key group to focus on in 2020. Although Makeblock has accumulated a global network of educators and schools, the awareness of STEAM education is still far from saturated due to the limited access to educational tools and curricula. Through the STEAM On Board program, Makeblock is ready to donate educational products worthy of 300,000 USD to schools. Furthermore, series of offline training will be carried out worldwide to better support teaching practices. "By offering one-stop STEAM education solutions, Makeblock will boost the awareness of STEAM and empower teachers to the next level of education, especially for Europe, the strategic market of Makeblock," General Manager of Makeblock Europe Yu Hu said.
During the exhibition, Makeblock showcased its representative products including the newly launched versatile 3D printer mCreate. It features smart leveling that can avoid any kinds of errors for accurate printing and also doubles as a laser engraver. With the release of mCreate, Makeblock further completed its STEAM product line, making it one of the leading players in STEAM education ecosystem.
Sign up here and get a free Makeblock coding gift during Bett at http://bit.ly/2TgWBQK
Besides, Makeblock is proactively building up partnerships with renown global names. mBlock, the coding software platform of Makeblock, is currently collaborating with open-sourced hardware Micro:bit which is designed by BBC for use in computer education in the UK. Through a true continuum based on Makeblock software platform, local education institutes will only need to learn one single system to access a whole package of educational solutions from KG to University.
About Makeblock
Makeblock Co., Ltd, founded in 2013, is a Global STEAM education solution provider. Targeting the STEAM education and entertainment markets for schools, educational institutions and families, Makeblock provides the most complete hardware, software, content solutions, and top-notch robotics competitions, to achieve deep integration of technology and education. To learn more, please follow @Makeblock on Facebook, Twitter, or visit www.makeblock.com.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1081132/Makeblock__Bett_London.jpg
CONTACT: Vanessa Liu, vanessa.liu@makeblock.com, +86-18576603272


tass--2020-01-23--Arctic expedition returns from Yakutia’s coldest districts

YAKUTSK , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Cold Conquerors expedition registered January ’ s lowest air temperature in Yakutia @ @ @ @ @ , the expedition ’ s leader Vyacheslav Ipatyev told TASS on Wednesday .
Two groups @ @ @ @ @ bloggers from January 12 registered extremely low air temperatures in Yakutia ’ s Verkhoyansk and @ @ @ @ @ preliminary reports say average temperatures in January are lower in the Oymyakon district , where @ @ @ @ @ temperature of minus 54 degrees , '' he said .
`` The nearby meteorology station @ @ @ @ @ and in the Verkhoyansk district the freezing fell to minus 50.5 degrees . ''
According @ @ @ @ @ leader , all the data is preliminary and will be verified by the regional hydro-meteorology @ @ @ @ @ be announced at a news conference at the Russian Geographic Society on January 29 .
@ @ @ @ @ will be used also to lay best routes for next groups .

YAKUTSK, January 23. /TASS/. The Cold Conquerors expedition registered January’s lowest air temperature in Yakutia - minus 54 degrees Celsius, the expedition’s leader Vyacheslav Ipatyev told TASS on Wednesday.
Two groups of researchers, reporters and bloggers from January 12 registered extremely low air temperatures in Yakutia’s Verkhoyansk and Oymyakon districts.
"Their preliminary reports say average temperatures in January are lower in the Oymyakon district, where the groups fixed the air temperature of minus 54 degrees," he said. "The nearby meteorology station also registered that temperature; and in the Verkhoyansk district the freezing fell to minus 50.5 degrees."
According to the expedition’s leader, all the data is preliminary and will be verified by the regional hydro-meteorology service. Final results will be announced at a news conference at the Russian Geographic Society on January 29. Results of the first experience will be used also to lay best routes for next groups.


tass--2020-01-23--Russian delegation to PACE to propose declaration condemning attempts at WWII revisionism

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( @ @ @ @ @ draft declaration during the assembly ’ s winter session condemning the attempts to revise WWII @ @ @ @ @ delegation Pyotr Tolstoy said on Thursday .
`` We plan to offer our colleagues - @ @ @ @ @ a declaration that condemns the attempts to destroy burial sites and memorials of war heroes @ @ @ @ @ currently in some Eastern European states , attempts to rewrite history and cast doubt on @ @ @ @ @ and its allies in the Second World War , '' Tolstoy said .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will present a draft declaration during the assembly’s winter session condemning the attempts to revise WWII history, head of the delegation Pyotr Tolstoy said on Thursday.
"We plan to offer our colleagues - European MPs - to approve a declaration that condemns the attempts to destroy burial sites and memorials of war heroes, which is taking place currently in some Eastern European states, attempts to rewrite history and cast doubt on the victory of the USSR and its allies in the Second World War," Tolstoy said.


tass--2020-01-23--Israeli PM lauds meeting with Putin as ‘excellent’

`` We have recently concluded an excellent working meeting between myself and President Putin .
On the outcomes of the meeting , Putin asked to meet with Yaffa , the mother of Naama Issachar .
It was a very touching meeting .
I thank you for this gesture , Mr. President , '' the PM said , quoted by his press service .
Earlier on Thursday , Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Issachar ’ s mother that `` everything is going to be alright '' regarding her daughter .
`` I have just met with Naama ’ s mother , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting .
`` It is clear to me that Naama comes from a very good and decent family .
I am aware of the position of [ Israeli ] Prime Minister [ Benjamin Netanyahu ] who asks to make an appropriate decision .
All that will certainly be taken into account when the final decision is made , '' Putin said .
Putin ’ s trip to Israel is timed to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Red Army and the International Holocaust Remembrance Day .
Putin is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Holocaust Forum .
Naama Issachar , an Israeli and US national , was detained at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9 , 2019 , when she was in the airport ’ s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi .
The airport ’ s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage .
On October 11 , 2019 , the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling ( Part 1 , Section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19 .
In October 2019 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked Putin to pardon Issachar .
On December 6 , Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that he had raised the issue at a meeting with Russia ’ s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Rome , expressing hope that the Russian president would consider the request to pardon the Israeli @ @

"We have recently concluded an excellent working meeting between myself and President Putin. On the outcomes of the meeting, Putin asked to meet with Yaffa, the mother of Naama Issachar. It was a very touching meeting. I thank you for this gesture, Mr. President," the PM said, quoted by his press service.
Earlier on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Issachar’s mother that "everything is going to be alright" regarding her daughter. "I have just met with Naama’s mother," the head of state said after the meeting. "It is clear to me that Naama comes from a very good and decent family. I am aware of the position of [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] who asks to make an appropriate decision. All that will certainly be taken into account when the final decision is made," Putin said.
Putin’s trip to Israel is timed to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Red Army and the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Putin is set to make an address at the World Holocaust Forum.
Issachar’s case
Naama Issachar, an Israeli and US national, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport on April 9, 2019, when she was in the airport’s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi. The airport’s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage.
On October 11, 2019, the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling (Part 1, Section 228 and Part 2, Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19.
In October 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked Putin to pardon Issachar. On December 6, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that he had raised the issue at a meeting with Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Rome, expressing hope that the Russian president would consider the request to pardon the Israeli national.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin calls for international response to attempts to justify Nazism

JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Attempts to distort the truth about WWII and justify the Nazis and their accomplices require a response from the entire international community , Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement for a collection of remarks by world leaders about their commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism presented on the sidelines of the World Holocaust Forum .
`` World War Two , the deadliest and bloodiest conflict in human history , brought inexplicable suffering to the peoples of Europe and the whole world , '' the Russian president noted .
`` The Holocaust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examples of inhumane crimes committed by the Nazis .
The memories of its victims will remain in our hearts forever .
We are mourning millions of citizens of various countries who were tortured to death in concentration camps and ghettos or died of starvation or diseases .
We are paying homage to the courage of heroic Soviet soldiers and officers , our allies and Resistance fighters who risked their lives to save the world from Nazism . ''
The Russian leader voiced regret over the fact that , in the contemporary world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism and anti-Semitism and held neo-Nazi marches .
He added that attempts were being made to distort the truth about WWII and justify the aggressors and their accomplices , while monuments dedicated to liberators were vandalized and demolished .
`` Such an outrageous phenomenon calls for a response from the entire international community , '' he stressed .
`` I would like to recall that Russia has been working on the issue systematically and consistently .
We submit a draft resolution titled ‘ Combating glorification of Nazism , neo-Nazism and other practices that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , racial discrimination , xenophobia and related intolerance ’ to the UN General Assembly annually .
A provision condemning any Holocaust denial is an integral part of that document . ''
`` We are determined to continue to adamantly resist any forms of nationalism and extremism , anti-Semitism and religious conflicts .
We expect all counties and peoples to pool efforts in the fight against these threats , '' Putin concluded .
The World Holocaust Forum is being held in Jerusalem on Thursday .
The heads of state and government from 45 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the United States , Ukraine and France , are taking part in the event .

JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Attempts to distort the truth about WWII and justify the Nazis and their accomplices require a response from the entire international community, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a statement for a collection of remarks by world leaders about their commitment to the fight against anti-Semitism presented on the sidelines of the World Holocaust Forum.
"World War Two, the deadliest and bloodiest conflict in human history, brought inexplicable suffering to the peoples of Europe and the whole world," the Russian president noted. "The Holocaust tragedy is one of the most horrifying examples of inhumane crimes committed by the Nazis. The memories of its victims will remain in our hearts forever. We are mourning millions of citizens of various countries who were tortured to death in concentration camps and ghettos or died of starvation or diseases. We are paying homage to the courage of heroic Soviet soldiers and officers, our allies and Resistance fighters who risked their lives to save the world from Nazism."
The Russian leader voiced regret over the fact that, in the contemporary world, some countries openly promoted misanthropic ideas of racism and anti-Semitism and held neo-Nazi marches. He added that attempts were being made to distort the truth about WWII and justify the aggressors and their accomplices, while monuments dedicated to liberators were vandalized and demolished.
"Such an outrageous phenomenon calls for a response from the entire international community," he stressed. "I would like to recall that Russia has been working on the issue systematically and consistently. We submit a draft resolution titled ‘Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fueling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance’ to the UN General Assembly annually. A provision condemning any Holocaust denial is an integral part of that document."
"We are determined to continue to adamantly resist any forms of nationalism and extremism, anti-Semitism and religious conflicts. We expect all counties and peoples to pool efforts in the fight against these threats," Putin concluded.
The World Holocaust Forum is being held in Jerusalem on Thursday. The heads of state and government from 45 countries, including Russia, Germany, Italy, the United States, Ukraine and France, are taking part in the event.


tass--2020-01-23--Post-Soviet security bloc agrees on 2021 plan of developing collective forces

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Representatives of the defense ministries from the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization ( CSTO ) discussed a draft plan of jointly training the command staff and forming the organization ’ s collective security forces and capabilities in 2021 , CSTO Joint Headquarters spokesman Vladislav Shchegrikovich told TASS on Thursday .
`` The sides discussed measures aimed at enhancing the readiness of the CSTO collective security forces and capabilities for accomplishing assigned tasks .
They agreed the timeframe , the venues and the structure of the command centers and formations that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying out planned measures of joint operational and combat training in 2021 , '' the spokesman said .
The session was chaired by First Deputy Chief of the CSTO Joint Headquarters Lieutenant-General Khasan Kaloyev and was attended by representatives of Russia , Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan , the CSTO Secretariat and Joint Headquarters , and also by representatives of the coordination service of the Council of Border Guard Commanders from the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) .
`` The basic goal of the consultations is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan submitted by the defense ministries of the CSTO member states and finalize them , '' Lieutenant-General Khasan Kaloyev said .
The agreed draft document will be examined by the CSTO Permanent Council , which will decide on submitting it for inter-state approval .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. Representatives of the defense ministries from the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) discussed a draft plan of jointly training the command staff and forming the organization’s collective security forces and capabilities in 2021, CSTO Joint Headquarters spokesman Vladislav Shchegrikovich told TASS on Thursday.
"The sides discussed measures aimed at enhancing the readiness of the CSTO collective security forces and capabilities for accomplishing assigned tasks. They agreed the timeframe, the venues and the structure of the command centers and formations that will be involved and those responsible for carrying out planned measures of joint operational and combat training in 2021," the spokesman said.
The session was chaired by First Deputy Chief of the CSTO Joint Headquarters Lieutenant-General Khasan Kaloyev and was attended by representatives of Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the CSTO Secretariat and Joint Headquarters, and also by representatives of the coordination service of the Council of Border Guard Commanders from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
"The basic goal of the consultations is to discuss proposals and comments on the draft plan submitted by the defense ministries of the CSTO member states and finalize them," Lieutenant-General Khasan Kaloyev said.
The agreed draft document will be examined by the CSTO Permanent Council, which will decide on submitting it for inter-state approval.


tass--2020-01-23--Mayor vows facial recognition system to be set up across Moscow’s subway by September

`` Last year , we experimented with the facial recognition system .
We apprehended dozens of wanted citizens , '' Sobyanin said at an extended meeting of the Moscow Department of the Interior Ministry ’ s panel .
MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
A full-fledged video surveillance system with facial recognition capabilities will be completely installed throughout Moscow ’ s subway system by September 1 , assured Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin .
According to the city ’ s highest official , the system has proven its effectiveness .
`` This is why we decided to deploy it citywide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old ] city cameras with HD cameras , introduced artificial intelligence facial recognition systems .
On September 1 , this system will be fully deployed throughout the Moscow Metro , '' the mayor said .
This would make it possible to `` identify wanted persons in a split second , '' he emphasized .
`` This is a different level of service , there are totally different possibilities .
We ’ ll have to develop video analytical capabilities as well , so that we can identify criminogenic location points , sites where migrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on , '' Sobyanin specified .

"Last year, we experimented with the facial recognition system. We apprehended dozens of wanted citizens," Sobyanin said at an extended meeting of the Moscow Department of the Interior Ministry’s panel.
MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. A full-fledged video surveillance system with facial recognition capabilities will be completely installed throughout Moscow’s subway system by September 1, assured Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.
According to the city’s highest official, the system has proven its effectiveness.
"This is why we decided to deploy it citywide starting January 1. We replaced [old] city cameras with HD cameras, introduced artificial intelligence facial recognition systems. On September 1, this system will be fully deployed throughout the Moscow Metro," the mayor said.
This would make it possible to "identify wanted persons in a split second," he emphasized.
"This is a different level of service, there are totally different possibilities. We’ll have to develop video analytical capabilities as well, so that we can identify criminogenic location points, sites where migrants accumulate, drug stashes, and so on," Sobyanin specified.


tass--2020-01-23--Israeli president notes Russia’s role in struggle against antisemitism

`` We feel deeply excited as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Oswiecim ( Auschwitz ) .
On the world scene there is a common understanding any manifestations of anti-semitism , xenophobia and fascism are impermissible , '' Rivlin said on television .
JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Thursday called for joint struggle against anti-semitism and stated that there was no chance of being successful in this respect without Russia ’ s participation .
“ It is important that we fight anti-Semitism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fought without Russia taking an active part in it , ” Rivlin said .
“ Mr .
President , we are very pleased to welcome you .
I want to express satisfaction with the efforts you are making , ” Rivlin added , addressing Putin .
The Russian president arrived in Israel on Thursday .
He will speak at the World Holocaust Forum as the main foreign guest .
“ It is important that we fight anti-Semitism together .
This battle can not be fought without Russia taking an active part in it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President , we are very pleased to welcome you .
I want to express satisfaction with the efforts you are making , ” Rivlin added , addressing Putin .

"We feel deeply excited as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Oswiecim (Auschwitz). On the world scene there is a common understanding any manifestations of anti-semitism, xenophobia and fascism are impermissible," Rivlin said on television.
JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Thursday called for joint struggle against anti-semitism and stated that there was no chance of being successful in this respect without Russia’s participation.
“It is important that we fight anti-Semitism together. This battle cannot be fought without Russia taking an active part in it,” Rivlin said.
“Mr. President, we are very pleased to welcome you. I want to express satisfaction with the efforts you are making,” Rivlin added, addressing Putin.
The Russian president arrived in Israel on Thursday. He will speak at the World Holocaust Forum as the main foreign guest.
“It is important that we fight anti-Semitism together. This battle cannot be fought without Russia taking an active part in it,” Rivlin said. “Mr. President, we are very pleased to welcome you. I want to express satisfaction with the efforts you are making,” Rivlin added, addressing Putin.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin, Netanyahu unveil monument to Leningrad siege defenders in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a Memorial Candle monument in downtown Jerusalem on Thursday honoring the heroic feat of defenders and residents of besieged Leningrad in the Second World War , TASS reports .
The monument was erected in Sacher Park located close to Israel ’ s Foreign Ministry buildings , Supreme Court and Knesset ( parliament ) .
Two symbols are on the eight-meter stele : the St. Petersburg one is a Bronze horseman and the silhouette of the Peter and Paul Fortress in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Israeli one is the Star of David with a Menorah in the center , entangled with barbed wire , symbolizing concentration camps .
Another semantic element of the monument is the image of the besieged swallow — a symbol of the fortitude and hope of Leningraders .
At the top of the stele is a bronze component symbolizing the flame of a candle .
A capsule is laid in the monument ’ s foundation containing ground from St. Petersburg ’ s Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery where 490,000 residents and defenders of Leningrad with tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buried .
The stela is created by St. Petersburg ’ s and Israeli architects .
It was the initiative of World War II veterans , siege survivors and compatriots living in Israel to erect the monument as well as of St. Petersburg ’ s authorities .
Speaking at the unveiling of the Memorial Candle monument to the residents and defenders of Leningrad who experienced the World War II siege , Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it was the duty of Russia and Israel to teach younger generations to be grateful to those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proved the value of peace and to remember the lessons of World War II .
`` Here [ in Israel ] and in Russia there is the awareness of the importance of World War II lessons and of not letting the world forget what national egoism , discord and connivance with any forms of chauvinism , anti-Semitism and Russophobia lead to , '' Putin stated .
`` It is our common duty to pass on this knowledge to future generations , the great grand-children of victors , and to teach them to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at the cost of the their lives proved the ever-lasting value of peace and justice . ''
The Russian leader cordially thanked the authorities of Israel , who put up a monument to the residents and defenders of the besieged Leningrad .
He put the emphasis on the idea that this event might have been arranged differently .
The way it was done by the Israelis evoked the Russian president ’ s special gratitude .
`` The monument is very good .
It will last long , hopefully for centuries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the way you did it today … Many thanks , '' he concluded .
The siege of Leningrad ( currently St. Petersburg ) started on September 8 , 1941 and lasted 872 days .
It was broken on January 18 , 1943 , in the course of the Iskra strategic military operation during the Soviet Union ’ s Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany and was completely lifted on January 27 , 1944 .
Leningrad is the only large city in the world ’ s history that withstood an almost 900-day encirclement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remaining in the city by the end of the siege out of the 3 million people that had lived in Leningrad and its suburbs .
According to various estimates , from 641,000 to 1 million Leningraders died as a result of hunger , bombings and artillery shelling .
Almost 34,000 people were wounded , 716,000 residents were left without shelter and 1.7 million were evacuated across the Road of Life and by air in 1941-1942 .

JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have unveiled a Memorial Candle monument in downtown Jerusalem on Thursday honoring the heroic feat of defenders and residents of besieged Leningrad in the Second World War, TASS reports.
The monument was erected in Sacher Park located close to Israel’s Foreign Ministry buildings, Supreme Court and Knesset (parliament). Two symbols are on the eight-meter stele: the St. Petersburg one is a Bronze horseman and the silhouette of the Peter and Paul Fortress in the sight of enemy guns, and the Israeli one is the Star of David with a Menorah in the center, entangled with barbed wire, symbolizing concentration camps. Another semantic element of the monument is the image of the besieged swallow — a symbol of the fortitude and hope of Leningraders. At the top of the stele is a bronze component symbolizing the flame of a candle.
A capsule is laid in the monument’s foundation containing ground from St. Petersburg’s Piskaryovskoye Memorial Cemetery where 490,000 residents and defenders of Leningrad with tens of thousands of Jews among them are buried. The stela is created by St. Petersburg’s and Israeli architects. It was the initiative of World War II veterans, siege survivors and compatriots living in Israel to erect the monument as well as of St. Petersburg’s authorities.
Russian president's address
Speaking at the unveiling of the Memorial Candle monument to the residents and defenders of Leningrad who experienced the World War II siege, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it was the duty of Russia and Israel to teach younger generations to be grateful to those who at the cost of their lives proved the value of peace and to remember the lessons of World War II.
"Here [in Israel] and in Russia there is the awareness of the importance of World War II lessons and of not letting the world forget what national egoism, discord and connivance with any forms of chauvinism, anti-Semitism and Russophobia lead to," Putin stated. "It is our common duty to pass on this knowledge to future generations, the great grand-children of victors, and to teach them to remember with gratitude those who earned us freedom and at the cost of the their lives proved the ever-lasting value of peace and justice."
The Russian leader cordially thanked the authorities of Israel, who put up a monument to the residents and defenders of the besieged Leningrad. He put the emphasis on the idea that this event might have been arranged differently. The way it was done by the Israelis evoked the Russian president’s special gratitude.
"The monument is very good. It will last long, hopefully for centuries. The unveiling ceremony could've been different. But the way you did it today … Many thanks," he concluded.
The siege of Leningrad (currently St. Petersburg) started on September 8, 1941 and lasted 872 days. It was broken on January 18, 1943, in the course of the Iskra strategic military operation during the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany and was completely lifted on January 27, 1944. Leningrad is the only large city in the world’s history that withstood an almost 900-day encirclement.
No more than 800,000 residents were remaining in the city by the end of the siege out of the 3 million people that had lived in Leningrad and its suburbs. According to various estimates, from 641,000 to 1 million Leningraders died as a result of hunger, bombings and artillery shelling. Almost 34,000 people were wounded, 716,000 residents were left without shelter and 1.7 million were evacuated across the Road of Life and by air in 1941-1942.


tass--2020-01-23--Third patient hospitalized in St. Petersburg over coronavirus scare

When asked whether the reports about the third case were true , the committee 's press service answered with a simple `` yes . ''
SAINT PETERSBURG , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
One more patient was taken to a St. Petersburg hospital over the coronavirus scare , says city Health Committee .
Earlier reports disclosed that two people - Russian and Chinese nationals who came from China - were taken to hospital due to coronavirus suspicions .
The Russian national was taken directly from the airport , while the Chinese student reportedly came to Russia a week ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Committee reported that the two patients had shown no signs that would indicate the existence of the coronavirus infection , but added that testing is still underway .
Reports about the hospitalized Russian national appeared Wednesday in a number of Russian regional media outlets and Telegram channels .
Due to the coronavirus outbreak in China , passengers coming from a number of Asian countries have been undergoing thermal imaging checks .
Since the early days of the outbreak , the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitary and quarantine control at the border checkpoints , streamlined a plan of action for medical staff upon encountering suspected infection cases , and ensured the readiness of medical organizations to receive patients coming from at-risk countries .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia strain in the city of Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , 2020 , Chinese specialists identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit .
All cases of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result , infectious agents of such diseases as flu , bird flu , severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) and Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens .
Separate cases of the new pneumonia were registered in Japan , South Korea and Thailand .
Russia ’ s Health Ministry commenced work on a vaccine and has held talks with Chinese scientists on obtaining the required biological material .

When asked whether the reports about the third case were true, the committee's press service answered with a simple "yes."
SAINT PETERSBURG, January 23. /TASS/. One more patient was taken to a St. Petersburg hospital over the coronavirus scare, says city Health Committee.
Earlier reports disclosed that two people - Russian and Chinese nationals who came from China - were taken to hospital due to coronavirus suspicions. The Russian national was taken directly from the airport, while the Chinese student reportedly came to Russia a week ago.
Earlier on Thursday, the St. Petersburg Health Committee reported that the two patients had shown no signs that would indicate the existence of the coronavirus infection, but added that testing is still underway.
Reports about the hospitalized Russian national appeared Wednesday in a number of Russian regional media outlets and Telegram channels.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak in China, passengers coming from a number of Asian countries have been undergoing thermal imaging checks. Since the early days of the outbreak, the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing has set up epidemiology monitoring, ramped up sanitary and quarantine control at the border checkpoints, streamlined a plan of action for medical staff upon encountering suspected infection cases, and ensured the readiness of medical organizations to receive patients coming from at-risk countries.
Coronavirus discovery
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia strain in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, 2020, Chinese specialists identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit. All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested. As a result, infectious agents of such diseases as flu, bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens.
Separate cases of the new pneumonia were registered in Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
Russia’s Health Ministry commenced work on a vaccine and has held talks with Chinese scientists on obtaining the required biological material.


tass--2020-01-23--Russian Black Sea Fleet warship fires Kalibr cruise missiles during drills

SEVASTOPOL , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The crew of the Black Sea Fleet ’ s small missile ship Vyshny @ @ @ @ @ employing the Kalibr-NK cruise missile system , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on @ @ @ @ @ training exercise , the personnel of the missile and artillery combat unit of the small @ @ @ @ @ the algorithm of operations to conduct electronic launches against a surface target , '' the @ @ @ @ @ statement .
Under the drills ’ scenario , the ship ’ s crew thwarted a @ @ @ @ @ attack , employing the AK-630M-2 ‘ Duet ’ anti-aircraft artillery system and delivering a retaliatory @ @ @ @ @ Kalibr-NK missile system , the statement says .
The training exercise was held at the @ @ @ @ @ Sea Fleet ’ s ships .
The drills were conducted in accordance with the Fleet @ @ @ @ @ , the press office specified .

SEVASTOPOL, January 23. /TASS/. The crew of the Black Sea Fleet’s small missile ship Vyshny Volochyok held drills to practice employing the Kalibr-NK cruise missile system, the Fleet’s press office reported on Thursday.
"During the training exercise, the personnel of the missile and artillery combat unit of the small missile ship Vyshny Volochyok practiced the algorithm of operations to conduct electronic launches against a surface target," the press office said in a statement.
Under the drills’ scenario, the ship’s crew thwarted a notional enemy’s air attack, employing the AK-630M-2 ‘Duet’ anti-aircraft artillery system and delivering a retaliatory strike by electronically launching the Kalibr-NK missile system, the statement says.
The training exercise was held at the permanent base of the Black Sea Fleet’s ships. The drills were conducted in accordance with the Fleet’s combat training plan, the press office specified.


tass--2020-01-23--Two hospitalized in St. Petersburg not showing signs of coronavirus, say health officials

The doctors are diligently working on a diagnosis , and testing is underway , the Committee added .
SAINT PETERSBURG , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Two people hospitalized in St. Petersburg are not exhibiting any signs of the infamous coronavirus , the city ’ s Healthcare Committee told journalists .
`` The patient 's state remains moderate .
There are no clinical and laboratory signs that would indicate the coronavirus .
Diagnostic measures are continuing , and biomaterial has been sent to a certified virology laboratory , '' the press service said .
A number of regional media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian national who came from China was hospitalized over the suspected coronavirus infection .
A total of two people were taken to St. Petersburg ’ s Botkin Hospital for Infectious Diseases .
A Russian national coming from China was hospitalized at the airport Wednesday .
The other patient is a Chinese student who also returned from China recently , Hospital Chief of Staff Alexey Yakovlev said .
The Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being clarified that the student came from China a week ago .
Due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming from a number of Asian countries undergo thermal imaging check .
Since the early days of the outbreak , the public health watchdog has set up epidemiology monitoring , ramped up sanitary and quarantine control at the border checkpoints , streamlined a plan of action for medical staff upon encountering suspected infection cases , and ensured the readiness of medical organizations to receive patients coming from at-risk countries .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , Chinese specialists identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit .
All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested .
As a result , infectious agents of such diseases as flu , bird flu , severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ( MERS ) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens .
Separate cases of the new pneumonia were registered in Japan , South Korea and Thailand .
Russia ’ s Health Ministry commenced work on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists on obtaining the required biological material .

The doctors are diligently working on a diagnosis, and testing is underway, the Committee added.
SAINT PETERSBURG, January 23. /TASS/. Two people hospitalized in St. Petersburg are not exhibiting any signs of the infamous coronavirus, the city’s Healthcare Committee told journalists.
"The patient's state remains moderate. There are no clinical and laboratory signs that would indicate the coronavirus. Diagnostic measures are continuing, and biomaterial has been sent to a certified virology laboratory," the press service said.
A number of regional media and Telegram channels have reported Wednesday that a Russian national who came from China was hospitalized over the suspected coronavirus infection.
A total of two people were taken to St. Petersburg’s Botkin Hospital for Infectious Diseases. A Russian national coming from China was hospitalized at the airport Wednesday. The other patient is a Chinese student who also returned from China recently, Hospital Chief of Staff Alexey Yakovlev said. The Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being clarified that the student came from China a week ago.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak in China, the passengers coming from a number of Asian countries undergo thermal imaging check. Since the early days of the outbreak, the public health watchdog has set up epidemiology monitoring, ramped up sanitary and quarantine control at the border checkpoints, streamlined a plan of action for medical staff upon encountering suspected infection cases, and ensured the readiness of medical organizations to receive patients coming from at-risk countries.
Coronavirus discovery
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia strain in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the culprit. All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested. As a result, infectious agents of such diseases as flu, bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens.
Separate cases of the new pneumonia were registered in Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
Russia’s Health Ministry commenced work on a vaccine and has held talks with Chinese scientists on obtaining the required biological material.


tass--2020-01-23--Russia urges Council of Europe to react to Ukrainian disinformation bill

PARIS , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Permanent Representation of Russia to the Council of Europe is calling on @ @ @ @ @ a new Ukrainian bill on disinformation , the mission ’ s Twitter informed on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ # CouncilofEurope to react to another initiative in Ukraine which aims at limiting the freedom @ @ @ @ @ message states .

PARIS, January 23. /TASS/. The Permanent Representation of Russia to the Council of Europe is calling on the organization to react to a new Ukrainian bill on disinformation, the mission’s Twitter informed on Thursday.
"We urge the #CouncilofEurope to react to another initiative in Ukraine which aims at limiting the freedom of expression," the message states.


tass--2020-01-23--Hainan's biggest resort city sets up HQ to tackle coronavirus

HAIKOU , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
One of China 's biggest resorts — the city of Sanya on the island of Hainan — set up a headquarters to coordinate measures on preventing the spread of coronavirus and take emergency steps on tackling it , the local authorities announced on Thursday .
“ The headquarters set up in the city to fight against coronavirus is taking active measures to prevent the spread of the virus , ” said party official Tong Daochi , addressing representatives of the Sanya authorities and relevant government agencies .
`` It is necessary to realize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus , to take joint efforts and conduct preventive measures . ''
All urban transport workers will be provided with protective masks and hygiene products .
The Sanya Hotel Industry Association has decided to pursue a more flexible policy regarding clients from the city of Wuhan , where the outbreak of the coronavirus originated : people can refuse to book hotel rooms without paying a fine .
Those who are forced to cancel trips to the resort due to pneumonia have an opportunity to move the reservation date for free throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency response centers have been set up in Sanya , where one can get detailed information about the coronavirus .
They operate at railway stations and marinas , at airports and bus terminals , where quarantine facilities are also open .
Anyone arriving in the city from abroad or from other Chinese regions undergo a brief search for the virus ' typical symptoms .
According to official statistics , four cases of corona virus infection have been confirmed on Hainan .
All infected came from Wuhan , three of them are city residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman who arrived in Lingao County in the north of the island on January 14 .
All carriers of the virus were sent for treatment to special departments of two major Hainan hospitals .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of earlier unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China .
On January 7 , Chinese specialists denoted the virus causing the disease as coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ such diseases as flu , bird flu , severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) and Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) guidelines reveal that contracting the coronavirus is accompanied by the following symptoms - cold , cough , sore throat and chest congestion .
Patients can also experience headaches and fever that can last up to a few days .
People with low immune system , children and seniors are the high-risk group .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bronchitis .

HAIKOU, January 23. /TASS/. One of China's biggest resorts — the city of Sanya on the island of Hainan — set up a headquarters to coordinate measures on preventing the spread of coronavirus and take emergency steps on tackling it, the local authorities announced on Thursday.
“The headquarters set up in the city to fight against coronavirus is taking active measures to prevent the spread of the virus,” said party official Tong Daochi, addressing representatives of the Sanya authorities and relevant government agencies. "It is necessary to realize how important the work is for fighting the virus, to take joint efforts and conduct preventive measures."
All urban transport workers will be provided with protective masks and hygiene products.
The Sanya Hotel Industry Association has decided to pursue a more flexible policy regarding clients from the city of Wuhan, where the outbreak of the coronavirus originated: people can refuse to book hotel rooms without paying a fine. Those who are forced to cancel trips to the resort due to pneumonia have an opportunity to move the reservation date for free throughout the year.
What is more, special emergency response centers have been set up in Sanya, where one can get detailed information about the coronavirus. They operate at railway stations and marinas, at airports and bus terminals, where quarantine facilities are also open. Anyone arriving in the city from abroad or from other Chinese regions undergo a brief search for the virus' typical symptoms.
According to official statistics, four cases of corona virus infection have been confirmed on Hainan. All infected came from Wuhan, three of them are city residents. The first case was a 65-year-old woman who arrived in Lingao County in the north of the island on January 14. All carriers of the virus were sent for treatment to special departments of two major Hainan hospitals.
The virus
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of earlier unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists denoted the virus causing the disease as coronavirus 2019-nCoV. All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested. As a result, infecting agents of such diseases as flu, bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines reveal that contracting the coronavirus is accompanied by the following symptoms - cold, cough, sore throat and chest congestion. Patients can also experience headaches and fever that can last up to a few days. People with low immune system, children and seniors are the high-risk group. They exhibit symptoms similar to those of pneumonia and bronchitis.


tass--2020-01-23--Analysts name Putin’s ten lessons for Russia’s future political leaders

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian political scientists Oleg Matveichev , Pavel Danilin and Alexei Martynov presented their report entitled Putin ’ s Mission - The Results of Vladimir Putin ’ s Twenty-Year Rule at a TASS news conference on Thursday .
In their survey the analysts described the Russian president ’ s mission and formulated ten lessons for political leaders of the future .
`` Putin ’ s mission , formulated in just one sentence , may sound like ‘ Make Russia great again !
’ His years-long work at the highest posts of state power in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the report says .
According to the authors of the survey `` each of the president ’ s steps was based on his philosophy of political leadership , enabling him to confidently respond to ever new challenges and act effectively amid constantly changing conditions . ''
`` In making this report we repeatedly turned to this or that element of his [ Putin ’ s ] philosophy .
Put together in a single narrative , they can serve as a precious lesson for the political leaders of the future , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Putin ’ s lesson number one is to follow `` the moderate path . ''
`` Never try to ram through .
Overpower crude force with soft power , avoid using direct resistance to aggression , use the enemy ’ s power to one ’ s advantage , make concessions for the sake of future victory .
Russia ’ s foreign policy in 2000-2003 was carried out in strict compliance with these principles .
Putin easily found a common language with the leaders of the West , without seeking a leading place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time being , '' the authors of the report say .
Lessons two and three in the report mention the president ’ s ability to `` interchangeably use the intensification of efforts and relaxation and pauses , '' as well as the custom of `` following the natural course of life . ''
`` Putin used the pendulum principle in the domestic policy , characterized by the continued change of periods of strict administrative control and the easing of screws… It is the authorities ’ business to maintain the internal balance in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to neutralize the factors that upset the balance , and to timely create the required counterbalances in response to the changing agenda .
The homeostatic type of governance must prevail over planning , '' the report says .
The political scientists see Putin ’ s fourth and fifth lessons in his ability to `` avoid creating hypothetical doctrines '' and to `` possess information . ''
`` Ideology is merely an instrument .
The state needs both right-and left-wingers and the centrist forces .
As long as they remain in a condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they keep the system in a dynamic balance and prevent society from sliding into one of the extremes , '' the analysts say .
Among other lessons , the political scientists say , are the president ’ s ability `` to have a reserve for a rainy day , '' `` to keep problems in the background , '' `` to keep outsiders ignorant of his plans , '' `` to delegate one ’ s tasks to the enemies '' and `` to work for strategic aims . ''
The experts point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles into reality throughout his activity at the highest posts in the country .
`` Without creating large-scale ideological constructs or formulating abstract national ideas which one may easily become a hostage of ( all most terrible things had been done for the sake of this or that great idea ) , he kept doing his job without unbracing for a second , '' the authors of the report said .
In their opinion , many results of the president ’ s activity became evident at once , such as `` people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , major decline in the consumption of alcohol , greater life expectancy , revival of patriotism , successes of Russian school and university students at international Olympiads and growing military potential . ''

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. Russian political scientists Oleg Matveichev, Pavel Danilin and Alexei Martynov presented their report entitled Putin’s Mission - The Results of Vladimir Putin’s Twenty-Year Rule at a TASS news conference on Thursday. In their survey the analysts described the Russian president’s mission and formulated ten lessons for political leaders of the future.
"Putin’s mission, formulated in just one sentence, may sound like ‘Make Russia great again!’ His years-long work at the highest posts of state power in the country was geared to achieving this," the report says.
According to the authors of the survey "each of the president’s steps was based on his philosophy of political leadership, enabling him to confidently respond to ever new challenges and act effectively amid constantly changing conditions."
"In making this report we repeatedly turned to this or that element of his [Putin’s] philosophy. Put together in a single narrative, they can serve as a precious lesson for the political leaders of the future," the report says.
President’s lessons
The authors said that Putin’s lesson number one is to follow "the moderate path."
"Never try to ram through. Overpower crude force with soft power, avoid using direct resistance to aggression, use the enemy’s power to one’s advantage, make concessions for the sake of future victory. Russia’s foreign policy in 2000-2003 was carried out in strict compliance with these principles. Putin easily found a common language with the leaders of the West, without seeking a leading place for Russia in the world for the time being," the authors of the report say.
Lessons two and three in the report mention the president’s ability to "interchangeably use the intensification of efforts and relaxation and pauses," as well as the custom of "following the natural course of life."
"Putin used the pendulum principle in the domestic policy, characterized by the continued change of periods of strict administrative control and the easing of screws… It is the authorities’ business to maintain the internal balance in the country, considered as a complex system, to neutralize the factors that upset the balance, and to timely create the required counterbalances in response to the changing agenda. The homeostatic type of governance must prevail over planning," the report says.
The political scientists see Putin’s fourth and fifth lessons in his ability to "avoid creating hypothetical doctrines" and to "possess information."
"Ideology is merely an instrument. The state needs both right-and left-wingers and the centrist forces. As long as they remain in a condition of a lively discussion or active confrontation, they keep the system in a dynamic balance and prevent society from sliding into one of the extremes," the analysts say.
Among other lessons, the political scientists say, are the president’s ability "to have a reserve for a rainy day," "to keep problems in the background," "to keep outsiders ignorant of his plans," "to delegate one’s tasks to the enemies" and "to work for strategic aims."
Results of work
The experts point out that Putin invariably translated all these principles into reality throughout his activity at the highest posts in the country.
"Without creating large-scale ideological constructs or formulating abstract national ideas which one may easily become a hostage of (all most terrible things had been done for the sake of this or that great idea), he kept doing his job without unbracing for a second," the authors of the report said.
In their opinion, many results of the president’s activity became evident at once, such as "people’s growing wealth, restoration of production, major decline in the consumption of alcohol, greater life expectancy, revival of patriotism, successes of Russian school and university students at international Olympiads and growing military potential."


tass--2020-01-23--Tokyo pulled its territorial claims during talks with USSR in 1956 — newspaper

TOKYO , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
During the last stage of 1956 negotiations on restoring diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union , the Japanese government dropped its claim that the sovereignty of the South Kuril Islands must be determined during future talks on a peace agreement , says the Asahi Shimbun newspaper , citing previously unpublished diplomatic notes made at the time by the staff of the Japanese Foreign Ministry .
The notes ended up in the archive of Japan ’ s ex-Prime Minister Takeo Miki .
After his death , in accordance with his will , the archive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tokyo , where researchers have discovered the document .
Up until this moment , the government of Japan had claimed that during the 1956 negotiations with the USSR , it consistently demanded that the Kuril Islands dispute must be settled before a peace deal is signed .
However , the newly discovered document clearly proves that this demand was eventually withdrawn for the sake of speeding up the agreement , since the Soviet Union had yet to consent to Japan ’ s admission to the United Nations , and that depended on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Kremlin , the newspaper says .
However , that does not mean that Tokyo really gave up on its claims , it adds .

TOKYO, January 23. /TASS/. During the last stage of 1956 negotiations on restoring diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union, the Japanese government dropped its claim that the sovereignty of the South Kuril Islands must be determined during future talks on a peace agreement, says the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, citing previously unpublished diplomatic notes made at the time by the staff of the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
The notes ended up in the archive of Japan’s ex-Prime Minister Takeo Miki. After his death, in accordance with his will, the archive was handed over to Meiji University in Tokyo, where researchers have discovered the document.
Up until this moment, the government of Japan had claimed that during the 1956 negotiations with the USSR, it consistently demanded that the Kuril Islands dispute must be settled before a peace deal is signed. However, the newly discovered document clearly proves that this demand was eventually withdrawn for the sake of speeding up the agreement, since the Soviet Union had yet to consent to Japan’s admission to the United Nations, and that depended on the restoration of bilateral relations between Tokyo and the Kremlin, the newspaper says. However, that does not mean that Tokyo really gave up on its claims, it adds.


tass--2020-01-23--About 3,000 people were detained at political rallies in Moscow in 2019

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Police detained about 3,000 people for disrupting public order during political rallies that @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the Russian Interior Ministry ’ s Main Moscow Department announced on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ more than 5,000 people were detained for disrupting order during public events , with 3,000 @ @ @ @ @ rallies . ''
A total of 155 unauthorized rallies were held in Moscow in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ Police Chief Oleg Barabanov pointed out that the number of public rallies had doubled .
@ @ @ @ @ independent candidates barred from running for Moscow ’ s City Council took place on July @ @ @ @ @ Police detained about 2,000 people , recording cases of violence against law enforcement officers .
@ @ @ @ @ several criminal cases under Articles 212 and 318 of the country ’ s Criminal Code @ @ @ @ @ use of violence against officials ) .
Over 29 people were eventually convicted .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. Police detained about 3,000 people for disrupting public order during political rallies that took place in Moscow in 2019, the Russian Interior Ministry’s Main Moscow Department announced on Thursday.
According to police, "more than 5,000 people were detained for disrupting order during public events, with 3,000 of them apprehended at political rallies."
A total of 155 unauthorized rallies were held in Moscow in 2019. The city’s Police Chief Oleg Barabanov pointed out that the number of public rallies had doubled.
Unauthorized rallies in support of independent candidates barred from running for Moscow’s City Council took place on July 27 and August 3. Police detained about 2,000 people, recording cases of violence against law enforcement officers. The Russian Investigation Committee opened several criminal cases under Articles 212 and 318 of the country’s Criminal Code (mass unrest, the use of violence against officials). Over 29 people were eventually convicted.


tass--2020-01-23--Russian drones reconnoiter militant camps in Tajikistan drills

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The teams of Orlan-10 drones of Russia ’ s 201st military base reconnoitered notional militants ’ camps during drills in the mountains of Tajikistan , the press office of Russia ’ s Central Military District reported on Thursday .
`` Under the drills ’ scenario , motorized infantry units reinforced with tank platoons switched to an attack to eliminate the defending enemy force in the mountainous terrain .
Drones carried out ground and air reconnaissance of the terrain in the gorges of the Gissar Ridge jointly with reconnaissance squads .
Upon detecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardware and fortifications , the troops transmitted coordinates to strike them by the fire of artillery , armored and motor rifle units , '' the press office said in a statement .
The drones flew at an altitude of 300 meters above the terrain in the airspace of the Lyaur mountainous training range .
The target acquisition data were transmitted to mobile command posts .
`` The full-size targets simulating combat hardware and the fire pockets were eliminated by the concentrated fire of 122mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery guns , T-72 tanks , 82mm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motorized infantry troops , '' the press office added .
`` The two-day exercise held on January 22-23 involved over 500 Russian troops and about 80 items of military hardware , the statement says .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The teams of Orlan-10 drones of Russia’s 201st military base reconnoitered notional militants’ camps during drills in the mountains of Tajikistan, the press office of Russia’s Central Military District reported on Thursday.
"Under the drills’ scenario, motorized infantry units reinforced with tank platoons switched to an attack to eliminate the defending enemy force in the mountainous terrain. Drones carried out ground and air reconnaissance of the terrain in the gorges of the Gissar Ridge jointly with reconnaissance squads. Upon detecting the positions of the enemy’s combat hardware and fortifications, the troops transmitted coordinates to strike them by the fire of artillery, armored and motor rifle units," the press office said in a statement.
The drones flew at an altitude of 300 meters above the terrain in the airspace of the Lyaur mountainous training range. The target acquisition data were transmitted to mobile command posts.
"The full-size targets simulating combat hardware and the fire pockets were eliminated by the concentrated fire of 122mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery guns, T-72 tanks, 82mm Sani mortars and the small arms of motorized infantry troops," the press office added.
"The two-day exercise held on January 22-23 involved over 500 Russian troops and about 80 items of military hardware, the statement says.


tass--2020-01-23--Russia, Ukraine begin prisoner swap talks

KIEV , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Ukraine have begun negotiations on a new prisoner exchange , Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ office reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday .
`` We have already begun talks @ @ @ @ @ exchanging Ukrainians - all of them , including Crimean Tatars , other Ukrainians who are @ @ @ @ @ was quoted as saying when talking to reporters in Jerusalem .

KIEV, January 23. /TASS/. Russia and Ukraine have begun negotiations on a new prisoner exchange, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s office reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday.
"We have already begun talks with the Russian Federation on exchanging Ukrainians - all of them, including Crimean Tatars, other Ukrainians who are in Russia," Zelensky was quoted as saying when talking to reporters in Jerusalem.


tass--2020-01-23--Chinese authorities cut transport services to three cities over coronavirus outbreak

BEIJING , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese authorities have cut bus and waterborne services to the city of Wuhan , Hubei province , over a pneumonia outbreak caused by the 2019-nCoV coronavirus , the country ’ s Transport Ministry said .
According to the ministry , local transport authorities have been instructed to suspend public transportation in Wuhan , a city with a population of about 11.1 mln .
Wuhan has actually been put on quarantine .
Authorities recommend that local residents refrain from leaving the city without a good reason .
Train service to the neighboring city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as bus and train services to the city of Huanggang .
Cases of pneumonia have been reported in all regions of China , except for the Xinjiang and Tibet autonomous territories and the Qinghai province .
Suspected cases have been detected in the provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu , as well as in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region .
Infection cases have also been recorded in Thailand , South Korea , the United States and Japan .
The Chinese authorities earlier confirmed 617 cases of patients infected with the virus and 17 @ @

BEIJING, January 23. /TASS/. Chinese authorities have cut bus and waterborne services to the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, over a pneumonia outbreak caused by the 2019-nCoV coronavirus, the country’s Transport Ministry said.
According to the ministry, local transport authorities have been instructed to suspend public transportation in Wuhan, a city with a population of about 11.1 mln.
Wuhan has actually been put on quarantine. Authorities recommend that local residents refrain from leaving the city without a good reason. Train service to the neighboring city of Ezhou has also been suspended, as well as bus and train services to the city of Huanggang.
Cases of pneumonia have been reported in all regions of China, except for the Xinjiang and Tibet autonomous territories and the Qinghai province. Suspected cases have been detected in the provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu, as well as in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Infection cases have also been recorded in Thailand, South Korea, the United States and Japan.
The Chinese authorities earlier confirmed 617 cases of patients infected with the virus and 17 deaths.


tass--2020-01-23--Russian large amphibious assault ship takes to sea for further trials

`` The deployment to the sea will last several days , depending on weather conditions .
The tests of the navigation system and artillery firings are envisaged , '' the spokesman said .
MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 11711 large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov built by the Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast deployed to the sea to continue the program of its trials , Shipyard spokesman Sergei Mikhailov told TASS on Thursday .
Last time , the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov deployed to the sea in December 2019 for further trials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage of shipbuilders ’ sea trials aboard the Pyotr Morgunov would be combined with state trials .
Shipyard spokesman Mikhailov said in December last year that the shipbuilders planned to deliver the warship to the Russian Navy in the first quarter of 2020 .
The baseline Project 11711 lead large amphibious assault ship Ivan Gren was delivered to the Russian Navy in June 2018 .
On April 23 , the Yantar Shipyard ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) laid down two warships of the modified Project 11711 that will differ from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altered superstructure and the ability to carry two Ka-52K ‘ Katran ’ attack helicopters .
Head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov told TASS at the Army 2019 international arms show that new large amphibious assault ships would be slightly wider and slightly longer while their displacement might reach 8,000 tonnes .
The Pyotr Morgunov is the first serial-produced Project 11711 warship designed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau .
The contract on the warship ’ s construction was concluded with Russia ’ s Defense Ministry in September 2014 and the warship was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pyotr Morgunov is the largest in its class and displaces 5,000 tonnes .
The warship is expected to be accepted for service in the Russian Navy after all of its trials are over .
The Pyotr Morgunov will be able to take on its board 13 main battle tanks , or 36 armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles .
An option is envisaged for taking a marine infantry battalion on its board .
The amphibious assault ship can also transport a reinforced marine infantry company with organic military hardware and land it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amphibious assault ship is armed with 30mm six-barrel artillery guns and two Kamov Ka-29 transport/attack helicopters in its deck hangars .
The Project ’ s lead ship Ivan Gren was floated out in Kaliningrad in May 2012 .
It was accepted for service in the Russian Navy on June 20 , 2018 .
It arrived at the Northern Fleet ’ s man naval base of Severomorsk in late October .

"The deployment to the sea will last several days, depending on weather conditions. The tests of the navigation system and artillery firings are envisaged," the spokesman said.
MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The Project 11711 large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov built by the Yantar Shipyard on the Baltic coast deployed to the sea to continue the program of its trials, Shipyard spokesman Sergei Mikhailov told TASS on Thursday.
Last time, the large amphibious assault ship Pyotr Morgunov deployed to the sea in December 2019 for further trials. It was earlier reported that the final stage of shipbuilders’ sea trials aboard the Pyotr Morgunov would be combined with state trials. Shipyard spokesman Mikhailov said in December last year that the shipbuilders planned to deliver the warship to the Russian Navy in the first quarter of 2020.
The baseline Project 11711 lead large amphibious assault ship Ivan Gren was delivered to the Russian Navy in June 2018.
On April 23, the Yantar Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) laid down two warships of the modified Project 11711 that will differ from their predecessors by larger displacement, an altered superstructure and the ability to carry two Ka-52K ‘Katran’ attack helicopters.
Head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov told TASS at the Army 2019 international arms show that new large amphibious assault ships would be slightly wider and slightly longer while their displacement might reach 8,000 tonnes.
The Pyotr Morgunov is the first serial-produced Project 11711 warship designed by the Nevskoye Design Bureau. The contract on the warship’s construction was concluded with Russia’s Defense Ministry in September 2014 and the warship was laid down in June 2015.
The Pyotr Morgunov is the largest in its class and displaces 5,000 tonnes. The warship is expected to be accepted for service in the Russian Navy after all of its trials are over.
The Pyotr Morgunov will be able to take on its board 13 main battle tanks, or 36 armored personnel carriers or infantry fighting vehicles. An option is envisaged for taking a marine infantry battalion on its board.
The amphibious assault ship can also transport a reinforced marine infantry company with organic military hardware and land it with the use of pontoons.
The amphibious assault ship is armed with 30mm six-barrel artillery guns and two Kamov Ka-29 transport/attack helicopters in its deck hangars.
The Project’s lead ship Ivan Gren was floated out in Kaliningrad in May 2012. It was accepted for service in the Russian Navy on June 20, 2018. It arrived at the Northern Fleet’s man naval base of Severomorsk in late October.


tass--2020-01-23--Stril Explorer vessel to survey Nord Stream 2 route

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Stril Explorer ship is performing Nord Stream 2 route surveys for Nord @ @ @ @ @ service of the gas pipeline operator told TASS on Thursday .
US President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ signed the US defense budget providing for sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 and companies @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Stril Explorer vessel of Sweden ’ s MMT is performing agreed sea @ @ @ @ @ pipeline route to the south-east of the Island of Bornholm in the exclusive economic zone @ @ @ @ @ for Nord Stream 2 Company , '' the operator said .
Stone fill laying continues @ @ @ @ @ of the gas pipeline on the sea bottom in Russian waters , with subsequent performance @ @ @ @ @ of Finland and Sweden .
Over 2,300 km of the Nord Stream 2 were laid @ @ @ @ @ km , which amounts to 93 % .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The Stril Explorer ship is performing Nord Stream 2 route surveys for Nord Stream 2 AG, press service of the gas pipeline operator told TASS on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump on December 20, 2019 signed the US defense budget providing for sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 and companies that participate in the project.
"The Stril Explorer vessel of Sweden’s MMT is performing agreed sea bottom survey along the gas pipeline route to the south-east of the Island of Bornholm in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Denmark for Nord Stream 2 Company," the operator said.
Stone fill laying continues at present to ensure stability of the gas pipeline on the sea bottom in Russian waters, with subsequent performance of such work in waters of Finland and Sweden.
Over 2,300 km of the Nord Stream 2 were laid to date from approximately 2,460 km, which amounts to 93%.


tass--2020-01-23--Sberbank CEO says will step down if bank’s strategy pivots

DAVOS /Switzerland/ , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Herman Gref will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Russia ’ s biggest lender Sberbank if the bank ’ s cornerstone of development pivots , he told reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday .
He is confident though that the strategy of the credit organization will remain unchanged after the main shareholder is changed ( Bank of Russia holds 50 % plus one share in Sberbank ) , Gref added .
`` I should hope not .
I am thoroughly convinced that the strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice .
I brought a concept when I started ( as CEO ) .
If the concept pivots I see no place for me in the company , '' he said .
According to Sberbank ’ s strategy , the lender positions itself as an ecosystem that integrates its partners providing both financial and non-financial services , on the basis of a single platform .
Sberbank ’ s ecosystem includes over 30 companies representing the main sectors such as e-commerce ( Yandex.Market ) , medicine ( DocDoc ) , telecommunications ( Sberbank Telecom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , communications ( Dialog ) , identification ( VisionLabs ) , life style ( Foodplex ) , services for business processes optimization ( Evotor , Sber Solutions ) , etc .

DAVOS /Switzerland/, January 23. /TASS/. Herman Gref will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Russia’s biggest lender Sberbank if the bank’s cornerstone of development pivots, he told reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. He is confident though that the strategy of the credit organization will remain unchanged after the main shareholder is changed (Bank of Russia holds 50% plus one share in Sberbank), Gref added.
"I should hope not. I am thoroughly convinced that the strategy is correct, which is proved by practice. I brought a concept when I started (as CEO). If the concept pivots I see no place for me in the company," he said.
According to Sberbank’s strategy, the lender positions itself as an ecosystem that integrates its partners providing both financial and non-financial services, on the basis of a single platform. Sberbank’s ecosystem includes over 30 companies representing the main sectors such as e-commerce (Yandex.Market), medicine (DocDoc), telecommunications (Sberbank Telecom), cloud technology (SberCloud), communications (Dialog), identification (VisionLabs), life style (Foodplex), services for business processes optimization (Evotor, Sber Solutions), etc.