tass--2020-03-04--Deputy PM denies reports about concealing real number of coronavirus cases in Russia

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Reports alleging that the authorities conceal the real number of novel coronavirus cases in Russia are out of touch with reality , Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a meeting with members of the government chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin .
`` False reports on a fairly large number of infected people in Russia claiming that the authorities hide this information have appeared in social networks recently .
Let me stress once again that this is not true .
The special task team and the Russian government , all agencies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as regions , are involved in preventive work , '' she said .
According to Golikova , three coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia since efforts to prevent the spread of the disease were launched , and three more patients have been evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan .
`` These citizens are currently undergoing medical treatment in Kazan .
Their condition is satisfactory , '' she said .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 70 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest reports , almost 3,000 people have died in China , which accounts for the majority of novel coronavirus cases , nearly 50,000 patients have recovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people has exceeded 80,000 .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Reports alleging that the authorities conceal the real number of novel coronavirus cases in Russia are out of touch with reality, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said at a meeting with members of the government chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"False reports on a fairly large number of infected people in Russia claiming that the authorities hide this information have appeared in social networks recently. Let me stress once again that this is not true. The special task team and the Russian government, all agencies, which oversee the situation, as well as regions, are involved in preventive work," she said.
According to Golikova, three coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia since efforts to prevent the spread of the disease were launched, and three more patients have been evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan. "These citizens are currently undergoing medical treatment in Kazan. Their condition is satisfactory," she said.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 70 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
According to the latest reports, almost 3,000 people have died in China, which accounts for the majority of novel coronavirus cases, nearly 50,000 patients have recovered, while the total number of infected people has exceeded 80,000.


tass--2020-03-04--Russia to speed up development of coronavirus vaccine

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will speed up development of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Golikova said during a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and members of the Russian government @ @ @ @ @ , the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology `` VECTOR '' located in the @ @ @ @ @ developing vaccines against the novel coronavirus infection , working on 13 variants in 5 areas @ @ @ @ @ speed up the development of these drugs to the extent possible , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ reporters that Russia had received a strain of the coronavirus infection .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russia will speed up development of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said during a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and members of the Russian government on Wednesday.
"Currently, the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "VECTOR" located in the Novosibirsk Region is working on developing vaccines against the novel coronavirus infection, working on 13 variants in 5 areas. We are trying to speed up the development of these drugs to the extent possible," she said.
Earlier, Golikova informed reporters that Russia had received a strain of the coronavirus infection.


tass--2020-03-04--Russia wraps up first batch of unregistered medicine import

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Phenobarbital , a psychotropic medical compound , not registered in Russia , was imported to Tuesday , wrapping up the first batch of unregistered medical substances import , Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said Wednesday , adding that the compound would be used to treat 540 children .
In early September , then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered to allocate more than 26 million rubles to procure 11,270 packs of vitally important medicine , which are not registered in Russia .
On February 13 , Russian government allocated 22 million rubles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October and March , the following unregistered drugs were imported to Russia : Clobazam , Diazepam , Midazolam and Phenobarbital .
Manturov noted that Moscow Endocrine plant works to organize import of the second batch of non-registered drugs for 750 children from 58 regions .
`` Contracts with producers are signed , and necessary permissive papers are being processed to allow the [ drug ] import to Russia .
We expect the medicine to reach the regions between April and June , '' he said .
A decision to register and domestically produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manturov added .
`` By the end of 2020 , Ministry of Industry and Trade , together with Moscow Endocrine Plant , plan to set up production of Diazepam and Midazolam in oral and rectal form , '' he said .
According to social organizations ' representatives , at least 2,000 children in Russia require unregistered medicine .
The Health Ministry believes that the demand might increase .
Earlier , Moscow Endocrine Plant imported 7620 pack of Clobazam , complying with the Russian government ’ s order .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unregistered drugs , containing narcotic or psychotropic substances .
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to prepare relevant papers on the procedure of import of such substances .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Phenobarbital, a psychotropic medical compound, not registered in Russia, was imported to Tuesday, wrapping up the first batch of unregistered medical substances import, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said Wednesday, adding that the compound would be used to treat 540 children.
In early September, then-Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered to allocate more than 26 million rubles to procure 11,270 packs of vitally important medicine, which are not registered in Russia. On February 13, Russian government allocated 22 million rubles.
The minister disclosed that, between October and March, the following unregistered drugs were imported to Russia: Clobazam, Diazepam, Midazolam and Phenobarbital.
Manturov noted that Moscow Endocrine plant works to organize import of the second batch of non-registered drugs for 750 children from 58 regions.
"Contracts with producers are signed, and necessary permissive papers are being processed to allow the [drug] import to Russia. We expect the medicine to reach the regions between April and June," he said.
A decision to register and domestically produce some of these substances was made, Manturov added.
"By the end of 2020, Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with Moscow Endocrine Plant, plan to set up production of Diazepam and Midazolam in oral and rectal form," he said.
The problem
According to social organizations' representatives, at least 2,000 children in Russia require unregistered medicine. The Health Ministry believes that the demand might increase.
Earlier, Moscow Endocrine Plant imported 7620 pack of Clobazam, complying with the Russian government’s order.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill that allows import of unregistered drugs, containing narcotic or psychotropic substances. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to prepare relevant papers on the procedure of import of such substances.


tass--2020-03-04--North Korea eases coronavirus quarantine, lets foreigners shop in Pyongyang

In its note , the protocol department of the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea ’ s Foreign Ministry said that `` since March 2 when the quarantine ended , besides the network catering for foreigners in the diplomatic quarter , which includes the Pyongyang department store , the Taedonggang diplomatic club and the Rakwon and Taesong department stores will be also open for us , '' the embassy said .
PYONGYANG , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
North Korea ’ s Foreign Ministry informed foreign diplomats that coronavirus quarantine measures were partially eased and some shops reopened in Pyongyang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on its Facebook page on Wednesday .
According to the embassy , on Tuesday after a month-long isolation , during which Russian diplomats and their family members were banned from leaving the diplomatic mission ’ s premises , they were examined by doctors at the Pyongyang Friendship Hospital and received certificates enabling them to enter the city .
`` The Russian diplomats continue working with their colleagues from the North Korean Foreign Ministry on expanding the list of city facilities allowed for visits : an Orthodox church , car repair shops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Since early February , North Korea ’ s authorities have suspended international flights and passenger train services to China and Russia as a measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
The foreigners were not allowed to enter or leave the republic .
The Foreign Ministry recommended foreign missions not to leave the embassies and Pyongyang ’ s diplomatic quarter .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 80 countries and territories , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
In China , which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases , the death toll is nearing 3,000 , while almost 80,000 people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the WHO , the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died .

In its note, the protocol department of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s Foreign Ministry said that "since March 2 when the quarantine ended, besides the network catering for foreigners in the diplomatic quarter, which includes the Pyongyang department store, the Taedonggang diplomatic club and the Rakwon and Taesong department stores will be also open for us," the embassy said.
PYONGYANG, March 4. /TASS/. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry informed foreign diplomats that coronavirus quarantine measures were partially eased and some shops reopened in Pyongyang, the Russian embassy in the republic wrote on its Facebook page on Wednesday.
According to the embassy, on Tuesday after a month-long isolation, during which Russian diplomats and their family members were banned from leaving the diplomatic mission’s premises, they were examined by doctors at the Pyongyang Friendship Hospital and received certificates enabling them to enter the city.
"The Russian diplomats continue working with their colleagues from the North Korean Foreign Ministry on expanding the list of city facilities allowed for visits: an Orthodox church, car repair shops and utility services," the Russian embassy said.
Since early February, North Korea’s authorities have suspended international flights and passenger train services to China and Russia as a measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The foreigners were not allowed to enter or leave the republic. The Foreign Ministry recommended foreign missions not to leave the embassies and Pyongyang’s diplomatic quarter.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 80 countries and territories, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
In China, which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases, the death toll is nearing 3,000, while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered. According to the WHO, the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died.


tass--2020-03-04--First all-female Raptor patrol boat crew arrives in St. Petersburg for training

The crew will familiarize itself with the boat systems , including the engine , the radioelectronic armament and means of communication and navigation and will hone its boat control skills , the Navy commander informed MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The first female-only crew of the Project 03160 `` Raptor '' high-speed patrol boat has arrived for training in the St. Petersburg Joint Training Center , Russian Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday citing Russian Navy Commander Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov .
`` The first experimental all-female Raptor-class patrol boat crew of three has been created within the Black Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Minister of Defense .
The crew will undergo complex training in St. Petersburg that will include theory and practice and will continue until April 27 , '' the Commander said during a meeting on training centers development .
Yevmenov noted that over the course of training , the crew would familiarize itself with the boat systems , including the engine , the radioelectronic armament and means of communication and navigation and would hone its boat control skills .
The training will also involve the Center ’ s simulator systems .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to begin training on survivability , which includes fighting fire and water , as well as evacuation to the rescue raft , '' the Commander informed .
After completion of training , the crew will return to the Black Sea where it will begin service .
The Project 03160 `` Raptor '' high-speed patrol boats are built at St. Petersburg ’ s Pella Shipyard .
These boats are intended for patrolling of coastal area , straits and estuaries both day and night , at a range of up to 100 miles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 20 marines , for interception and apprehension of small targets , as well as for search-and-rescue operations .
The boat is fitted with remotely controlled 14.5 mm gun , as well as two 7.62 mm Pecheneg machineguns on pivots .

The crew will familiarize itself with the boat systems, including the engine, the radioelectronic armament and means of communication and navigation and will hone its boat control skills, the Navy commander informed
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The first female-only crew of the Project 03160 "Raptor" high-speed patrol boat has arrived for training in the St. Petersburg Joint Training Center, Russian Ministry of Defense announced Wednesday citing Russian Navy Commander Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov. "The first experimental all-female Raptor-class patrol boat crew of three has been created within the Black Sea Fleet, in accordance with the decision of the Minister of Defense. The crew will undergo complex training in St. Petersburg that will include theory and practice and will continue until April 27," the Commander said during a meeting on training centers development.
Read also Russian Baltic Fleet training ship wraps up visit to Sri Lanka
Yevmenov noted that over the course of training, the crew would familiarize itself with the boat systems, including the engine, the radioelectronic armament and means of communication and navigation and would hone its boat control skills. The training will also involve the Center’s simulator systems. "In the coming days, the crew is to begin training on survivability, which includes fighting fire and water, as well as evacuation to the rescue raft," the Commander informed. After completion of training, the crew will return to the Black Sea where it will begin service.


tass--2020-03-04--Terrorists plotted to carry out chemical attack in Syria’s Saraqib — reconciliation center

`` In an effort to stop the Syrian government forces from entering western quarters of the Saraqib settlement and further slapping accusations over using chemical weapons on March 2 , a group of up to 15 terrorists carried out an attempt to set off high-explosive ammunition with containers filled with toxic chemical substances , '' the statement said .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Terrorists tried to explode several containers with toxic substances in northwestern Syria ’ s Saraqib , the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria told reporters on Wednesday .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills of dealing with chemical substances , the militants broke the seal what resulted in a leak .
`` During the incident , the terrorists were severely poisoned by chemicals and failed to explode munitions and carry out their provocation , '' the Russian military said .
According to the reconciliation center , `` hard evidence of the failed chemical weapons provocation '' was obtained on March 3 when the Syrian army retaliated against terrorists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham ( the new title of the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group ) in the east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Reconciliation Center of the Opposing Sides in Syria has overwhelming evidence about this incident , which will be made public soon , its representatives stressed .
Earlier , the center reported that Russian military police units had been deployed to Saraqib , which conducted the first patrolling mission on March 3 .

"In an effort to stop the Syrian government forces from entering western quarters of the Saraqib settlement and further slapping accusations over using chemical weapons on March 2, a group of up to 15 terrorists carried out an attempt to set off high-explosive ammunition with containers filled with toxic chemical substances," the statement said.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Terrorists tried to explode several containers with toxic substances in northwestern Syria’s Saraqib, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria told reporters on Wednesday.
However, due to the lack of experience and skills of dealing with chemical substances, the militants broke the seal what resulted in a leak. "During the incident, the terrorists were severely poisoned by chemicals and failed to explode munitions and carry out their provocation," the Russian military said.
According to the reconciliation center, "hard evidence of the failed chemical weapons provocation" was obtained on March 3 when the Syrian army retaliated against terrorists of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (the new title of the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group) in the east of the Idlib de-escalation zone.
The Russian Reconciliation Center of the Opposing Sides in Syria has overwhelming evidence about this incident, which will be made public soon, its representatives stressed.
Earlier, the center reported that Russian military police units had been deployed to Saraqib, which conducted the first patrolling mission on March 3.


tass--2020-03-04--Putin says most ‘fake news’ on coronavirus spread in Russia comes from abroad

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Provocative fake news on coronavirus spread in Russia mostly comes from abroad , while in reality nothing critical is happening , Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his meeting with the government Wednesday .
`` In regard to this disturbing fake news , the Federal Security Service reports that it is mostly being organized from abroad , but this , sadly , is a constant issue , '' Putin said , commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova ’ s report , which mentioned `` fake news '' on coronavirus spread .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` sow panic among the population , '' and it can only be countered with timely and reliable informing of people on the situation .
`` Thankfully , nothing critical happens [ in Russia ] , but people must know about the real situation .
I ask you to set up this information work , '' the president said .
During the meeting , Golikova reported fake news coming primarily from the social media that tell about allegedly large number of people infected by the coronavirus and claim that the government seeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister underscored that this information is fake .
According to Golikova , only three coronavirus cases were registered in Russia since prevention measures have been deployed .
Besides , three infected Russians have been evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 70 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
In China , which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases , the death toll is nearing 3,000 , while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered .
According to the WHO , the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Provocative fake news on coronavirus spread in Russia mostly comes from abroad, while in reality nothing critical is happening, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his meeting with the government Wednesday.
"In regard to this disturbing fake news, the Federal Security Service reports that it is mostly being organized from abroad, but this, sadly, is a constant issue," Putin said, commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova’s report, which mentioned "fake news" on coronavirus spread.
According to Putin, this fake news aims to "sow panic among the population," and it can only be countered with timely and reliable informing of people on the situation.
"Thankfully, nothing critical happens [in Russia], but people must know about the real situation. I ask you to set up this information work," the president said.
During the meeting, Golikova reported fake news coming primarily from the social media that tell about allegedly large number of people infected by the coronavirus and claim that the government seeks to hide this data. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that this information is fake.
According to Golikova, only three coronavirus cases were registered in Russia since prevention measures have been deployed. Besides, three infected Russians have been evacuated from a cruise ship in Japan.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 70 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
In China, which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases, the death toll is nearing 3,000, while almost 80,000 people have been infected and another 50,000 have recovered. According to the WHO, the number of coronavirus sufferers outside China has exceeded 10,500 and more than 160 have died.


tass--2020-03-04--Erdogan expects ceasefire to be declared in Idlib following Moscow talks

`` As for the talks , we expect a ceasefire to be declared , '' Erdogan said , as cited by the NTV channel .
ANKARA , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expects that a ceasefire will be declared in the Syrian province of Idlib following his Thursday meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin , as Erdogan himself told reporters on Wednesday .
In addition , the Turkish president commented on a statement by US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey who had said that Washington was willing to provide ammunition to Ankara .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ US President Donald ] Trump , '' Erdogan noted .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov was hopeful earlier on Wednesday that talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey , scheduled for March 5 , would make it possible to figure out the causes of the Idlib crisis and agree on measures to end it .
The situation in Idlib escalated on February 27 , when militants attempted to carry out a large-scale offensive .
The Syrian Army conducted a strike on them , which , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After that , the Turkish Air Force carried out airstrikes on Syrian positions .
Turkey claimed to have hit more than 200 targets .
Turkey earlier conducted three military operations in Syria , dubbed Euphrates Shield , Olive Branch and Peace Spring .
As a result , Turkey created a safe zone between the border cities of Azaz and Jarabulus , occupied the city of Afrin and took control of areas east of the Euphrates River .

"As for the talks, we expect a ceasefire to be declared," Erdogan said, as cited by the NTV channel.
ANKARA, March 4. /TASS/. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expects that a ceasefire will be declared in the Syrian province of Idlib following his Thursday meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as Erdogan himself told reporters on Wednesday.
In addition, the Turkish president commented on a statement by US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey who had said that Washington was willing to provide ammunition to Ankara. "I have sent a request to [US President Donald] Trump," Erdogan noted.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov was hopeful earlier on Wednesday that talks between Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, scheduled for March 5, would make it possible to figure out the causes of the Idlib crisis and agree on measures to end it.
The situation in Idlib escalated on February 27, when militants attempted to carry out a large-scale offensive. The Syrian Army conducted a strike on them, which, according to Ankara, killed over 30 Turkish troops. After that, the Turkish Air Force carried out airstrikes on Syrian positions. Turkey claimed to have hit more than 200 targets.
On February 27, Ankara launched Operation Spring Shield, targeting the Syrian Army’s positions.
Turkey earlier conducted three military operations in Syria, dubbed Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring. As a result, Turkey created a safe zone between the border cities of Azaz and Jarabulus, occupied the city of Afrin and took control of areas east of the Euphrates River.


tass--2020-03-04--First coronavirus death reported in Iraq — media

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The first death from the novel coronavirus has been recorded in Iraq , @ @ @ @ @ , citing local authorities .
According to the channel , a 70-year-old man died of @ @ @ @ @ , Iraqi Kurdistan .
He is said to have been a preacher .
There is @ @ @ @ @ visited Iran before falling ill .
According to official data , a total of 32 @ @ @ @ @ in Iraq so far , Rudaw said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities @ @ @ @ @ ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus cases have also been reported in more than 70 countries , including Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ over 90,800 people have been infected with the virus across the world .
The death @ @ @ @ @ China , and over 160 people have died in other countries .
The WHO declared @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The first death from the novel coronavirus has been recorded in Iraq, the Rudaw TV channel reported, citing local authorities.
According to the channel, a 70-year-old man died of the virus in the Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan. He is said to have been a preacher. There is no information on whether he visited Iran before falling ill.
According to official data, a total of 32 coronavirus cases have been identified in Iraq so far, Rudaw said.
Coronavirus outbreak
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in more than 70 countries, including Russia.
According to the WHO, over 90,800 people have been infected with the virus across the world. The death toll has passed 2,900 in China, and over 160 people have died in other countries.
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.


tass--2020-03-04--Constitutional amendment on constituent people not to discriminate other peoples — Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s proposed constitutional amendment that defines Russian language @ @ @ @ @ constituent people does not lead to discrimination of other nations ’ rights in any way @ @ @ @ @ said Wednesday .
`` No way , '' Peskov replied to a question whether mentioning @ @ @ @ @ to discrimination of rights and interests of other nations living in Russia .
The Kremlin @ @ @ @ @ bill guarantees rights of minority peoples , cultural identity of all peoples and ethnic communities @ @ @ @ @ as support to compatriots abroad .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposed constitutional amendment that defines Russian language as the language of the constituent people does not lead to discrimination of other nations’ rights in any way, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday.
"No way," Peskov replied to a question whether mentioning of constituent people could lead to discrimination of rights and interests of other nations living in Russia.
The Kremlin spokesman noted that the proposed bill guarantees rights of minority peoples, cultural identity of all peoples and ethnic communities of Russia, as well as support to compatriots abroad.


tass--2020-03-04--Kremlin uses regular measures accessible to all to protect Putin from coronavirus

`` We are doing everything necessary to avoid the coronavirus infection reaching the president .
In fact , we are talking about regular preventive hygienic measures that can be applied by any Russian citizen , '' Peskov said .
MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin uses regular prophylactic measures accessible to every Russian citizen to protect Russian President Vladimir Putin from contracting the novel coronavirus , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday .
He stressed that there had been no complications with coronavirus in Moscow .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
According to Chinese authorities , over 80,000 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll is nearing 3,000 , while about 50,000 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 70 countries , including Russia .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to WHO , the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 10,500 , with over 160 people dead .

"We are doing everything necessary to avoid the coronavirus infection reaching the president. In fact, we are talking about regular preventive hygienic measures that can be applied by any Russian citizen," Peskov said.
MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The Kremlin uses regular prophylactic measures accessible to every Russian citizen to protect Russian President Vladimir Putin from contracting the novel coronavirus, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
He stressed that there had been no complications with coronavirus in Moscow.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. According to Chinese authorities, over 80,000 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll is nearing 3,000, while about 50,000 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been reported in over 70 countries, including Russia. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran and Italy.
According to WHO, the number of people infected with COVID-19 outside of China is nearing 10,500, with over 160 people dead.


tass--2020-03-04--Press review: Erdogan using refugees to blackmail EU and Netanyahu’s party wins election

Izvestia : Turkey uses Syrian war refugees as bargaining chip to blackmail EU The real number of refugees fleeing from Syria ’ s Idlib to Turkey has been sorely overblown , sources familiar with the situation told Izvestia .
Experts believe that Ankara is using the dire humanitarian situation as a bargaining chip at talks with the European Union .
During the fighting in Idlib not more than 260,000 people fled to Turkey , according to sources close to the Syrian government .
This figure , which has been confirmed by objective monitoring , is much less than 1 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Erdogan regime is apparently using these exaggerated refugee numbers as a tool for achieving two goals , military expert Vladislav Shurygin said .
`` [ Turkish President Recep Tayyip ] Erdogan is frightening Europe with them in order to force it to interfere in the conflict and get more preferences and money by bargaining , '' the expert noted .
At the same time , the Turkish leader seeks to exert pressure on Russia through international organizations to make it stop the anti-terror operation in Idlib .
`` When Turkey crushed the Kurdish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kurds and Arabs fled .
On the contrary , Ankara was not worried about their fate then , '' he noted .
The refugee problem has become a headache for Ankara , but now this is a good way to persuade the Europeans to pressure Moscow over the Syrian conflict , Yuri Mavashev , a Russian expert on Turkey pointed out .
Here , it ’ s unclear what the EU plans to do to contain the flow of refugees .
The question is why over the past four years the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s threats to `` flood Europe with migrants , '' has failed to invent Plan B ?
According to experts polled by Izvestia , there are no alternatives here and the 2016 deal remains the only way to solve the migration crisis .
German politician Lars Patrick Berg , a member of the SEDE committee in the European Parliament from the Identity and Democracy Group , told the paper that the EU should definitely say `` no '' to Erdogan ’ s migration blackmail and consider it as an attack on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a response to Erdogan ’ s shakedown , the politician suggests introducing new sanctions against Turkey .
Israel ’ s ruling party Likud won the parliamentary election on Monday .
With 90 % of the vote counted , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s party has secured 36 seats while the Blue and White centrist political alliance led by Benny Gantz has garnered 32 seats .
This was the third election over the past year because in the two previous polls , none of the parties managed to set up a ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final outcome will be announced only at the beginning of next week , the prime minister has already declared a landslide victory `` despite all hardships '' and vowed to start forming a coalition as soon as possible .
Netanyahu , who has recently faced accusations of bribery , fraud and breach of public trust , needs the support of the population and the Knesset .
The situation when the incumbent prime minister is under investigation is unprecedented for Israeli politics and it ’ s unclear whether President Reuven Rivlin could entrust Netanyahu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writes .
Although Netanyahu remains a popular politician , the court is likely to slap accusations on him , a senior research fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies Irina Zvyagelskaya said .
`` The question is whether the premier ’ s seat could safeguard him from a trial . ''
Israeli experts told Izvestia that Likud ’ s high performance in the March election campaign can be attributed to Netanyahu ’ s activity on the international arena .
First , the prime minister hosted the January 23 international forum in Jerusalem marking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Auschwitz death camp .
The event was attended by leaders from 46 countries .
Second , he helped free Israeli national Naama Issachar , who was sentenced to 7.5 years in Russia for carrying hashish .
The third factor that contributed to Netanyahu ’ s success is the publication of the White House ’ s `` Deal of the Century , '' which took into account all Israeli territorial claims .
Izvestia : Trump agrees to attend summit of five permanent UNSC members The United Nations Security Council ’ s five permanent members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a venue for a summit , which Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested holding back in January .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that the initiative had been backed by the leaders of France , China and the United States .
The United Kingdom is also expected to endorse the proposal because London sides with Washington ’ s stance , Chairman of the Russian Federation Council 's Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev told Izvestia .
`` Britain has no room for independent action here .
Let ’ s say that a turning point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arranging the meeting will begin , '' Kosachev said , noting that the timeframe and venue depend on the participants ’ political will .
According to Lavrov , besides the challenging issue of nuclear disarmament , the parties are expected to discuss regional conflicts , new challenges and threats such as international terrorism , drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime , as well as human trafficking , migration issues and new technologies , which could slip out of control and pose a serious threat to humanity .
It ’ s easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNSC permanent members in New York , said Pavel Podlesny , Head of the Center for Russian-American Relations at the Institute for the US and Canadian Studies .
`` China and France backed the idea to meet a long time ago and now the US has agreed , and therefore Britain has no other option .
It ’ s easier to hold the discussion in New York ahead of a session of the UN General Assembly as Donald Trump has offered , '' he noted .
The meeting is expected to take place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
This will be another chance for Trump to win extra political points .
`` Certainly , this meeting should not be delayed .
This will be a chance to discuss the most vulnerable issues , including arms control , '' the expert said .
Turkey ’ s confrontation with Damascus is forcing Assad to create surprising alliances .
Authorities in Eastern Libya opened a diplomatic mission in the Syrian capital on March 3 .
This comes eight years after the two countries , affected by the Arab spring events , had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eastern Libya nor the Assad administration are hiding the fact that they are restoring their partnership in order to counter Erdogan ’ s belligerent policy , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Syrian President Bashar Assad received Libya ’ s delegation consisting of Deputy Prime Minister Abdel Rahman Al-Ahiresh and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdul Hadi Al-Hweij .
The parties at the talks agreed that the events in Libya and Syria were links in a chain .
According to them , the policy of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factor in the region .
In accordance with the agreements signed between the Eastern Libyan government and Damascus , now all Syrian mercenaries captured by the Libyan National Army , will be handed over to Syria ’ s authorities .
The documents also envisage close cooperation in exchanging intelligence data .
This means trouble `` on the ground , '' according to the paper .
Military operations march on in both Libya and Syria despite the ceasefire deals promoted by Russia and Turkey .
Russian International Affairs Council expert Kirill Semenov , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Innovative Development Institute , told the paper that both governments have shown that they were ready for joint actions against Turkey .
`` I don ’ t believe that especially for this any assistance of the Arab monarchies [ supporting Commander Haftar ] was needed , '' the analyst said .
`` Damascus and Tobruk are able to find common ground independently .
They have a common enemy now — Turkey — which these regimes are at war with . ''
The US Federal Reserve has announced a surprise move to cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulator ’ s response to the threats hovering over the global economy from the coronavirus spread and a way to stop panic on financial markets .
This decision by the Fed could also prompt the Bank of Russia to slash the key rate in March , Rossiyskaya Gazeta writes .
The Fed ’ s emergency rate cut was the first since the 2008 global economic crisis , when the regulator urgently lowered the rate twice .
First , after the US stock market had crashed and then after the financial behemoth Lehman Brothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ markets have positively responded to the Fed ’ s decision .
However , investors understand that this monetary accommodation is not effective in a situation when people are limited in travel and production has stopped , chief analyst at Sovkombank Mikhail Vasilyev said .
Another measure such as tax incentives ( increasing budget spending ) would be more effective , and this could be announced later , he noted .
According to Anton Pokatovich , chief analyst at BCS Premier , by cutting the rate by 0.5 percentage points , the Fed has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of a further decline .
He estimated that the risks of a market collapse in March were high .
The analyst believes that the Fed ’ s decision could encourage the Bank of Russia to lower the key rate at its meeting on March 20 .
In January , the Russian Central Bank hinted that it was ready for this move , but recently the market doubted this scenario amid the ruble ’ s depreciation .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Turkey uses Syrian war refugees as bargaining chip to blackmail EU
Read also Turkish observation posts in Idlib merge with fortified terrorist positions — ministry
The real number of refugees fleeing from Syria’s Idlib to Turkey has been sorely overblown, sources familiar with the situation told Izvestia. Experts believe that Ankara is using the dire humanitarian situation as a bargaining chip at talks with the European Union. During the fighting in Idlib not more than 260,000 people fled to Turkey, according to sources close to the Syrian government. This figure, which has been confirmed by objective monitoring, is much less than 1 million as Turkey had earlier claimed. The Erdogan regime is apparently using these exaggerated refugee numbers as a tool for achieving two goals, military expert Vladislav Shurygin said. "[Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan is frightening Europe with them in order to force it to interfere in the conflict and get more preferences and money by bargaining," the expert noted. At the same time, the Turkish leader seeks to exert pressure on Russia through international organizations to make it stop the anti-terror operation in Idlib. "When Turkey crushed the Kurdish enclave around Afrin, hundreds of thousands of Kurds and Arabs fled. On the contrary, Ankara was not worried about their fate then," he noted. The refugee problem has become a headache for Ankara, but now this is a good way to persuade the Europeans to pressure Moscow over the Syrian conflict, Yuri Mavashev, a Russian expert on Turkey pointed out. Here, it’s unclear what the EU plans to do to contain the flow of refugees. The question is why over the past four years the EU, who has come up against Turkey’s threats to "flood Europe with migrants," has failed to invent Plan B? According to experts polled by Izvestia, there are no alternatives here and the 2016 deal remains the only way to solve the migration crisis. German politician Lars Patrick Berg, a member of the SEDE committee in the European Parliament from the Identity and Democracy Group, told the paper that the EU should definitely say "no" to Erdogan’s migration blackmail and consider it as an attack on the EU’s sovereignty and integrity. As a response to Erdogan’s shakedown, the politician suggests introducing new sanctions against Turkey. Media: Netanyahu’s party wins Israel’s third election in a year
Israel’s ruling party Likud won the parliamentary election on Monday. With 90% of the vote counted, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s party has secured 36 seats while the Blue and White centrist political alliance led by Benny Gantz has garnered 32 seats. This was the third election over the past year because in the two previous polls, none of the parties managed to set up a ruling coalition, Vedomosti writes. Although the final outcome will be announced only at the beginning of next week, the prime minister has already declared a landslide victory "despite all hardships" and vowed to start forming a coalition as soon as possible. Netanyahu, who has recently faced accusations of bribery, fraud and breach of public trust, needs the support of the population and the Knesset. The situation when the incumbent prime minister is under investigation is unprecedented for Israeli politics and it’s unclear whether President Reuven Rivlin could entrust Netanyahu with forming the coalition, the paper writes. Although Netanyahu remains a popular politician, the court is likely to slap accusations on him, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies Irina Zvyagelskaya said. "The question is whether the premier’s seat could safeguard him from a trial." Israeli experts told Izvestia that Likud’s high performance in the March election campaign can be attributed to Netanyahu’s activity on the international arena. First, the prime minister hosted the January 23 international forum in Jerusalem marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp. The event was attended by leaders from 46 countries. Second, he helped free Israeli national Naama Issachar, who was sentenced to 7.5 years in Russia for carrying hashish. The third factor that contributed to Netanyahu’s success is the publication of the White House’s "Deal of the Century," which took into account all Israeli territorial claims. Izvestia: Trump agrees to attend summit of five permanent UNSC members
Read also Trump backs Russia’s idea to hold summit of UNSC five permanent members
The United Nations Security Council’s five permanent members could soon agree on a timeframe and a venue for a summit, which Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested holding back in January. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that the initiative had been backed by the leaders of France, China and the United States. The United Kingdom is also expected to endorse the proposal because London sides with Washington’s stance, Chairman of the Russian Federation Council's Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev told Izvestia. "Britain has no room for independent action here. Let’s say that a turning point has come and soon actual preparations for arranging the meeting will begin," Kosachev said, noting that the timeframe and venue depend on the participants’ political will. According to Lavrov, besides the challenging issue of nuclear disarmament, the parties are expected to discuss regional conflicts, new challenges and threats such as international terrorism, drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime, as well as human trafficking, migration issues and new technologies, which could slip out of control and pose a serious threat to humanity. It’s easier to arrange this meeting of the five UNSC permanent members in New York, said Pavel Podlesny, Head of the Center for Russian-American Relations at the Institute for the US and Canadian Studies. "China and France backed the idea to meet a long time ago and now the US has agreed, and therefore Britain has no other option. It’s easier to hold the discussion in New York ahead of a session of the UN General Assembly as Donald Trump has offered," he noted. The meeting is expected to take place before the US presidential election in November 2020. This will be another chance for Trump to win extra political points. "Certainly, this meeting should not be delayed. This will be a chance to discuss the most vulnerable issues, including arms control," the expert said. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Arab leaders embark on creating anti-Turkish front
Turkey’s confrontation with Damascus is forcing Assad to create surprising alliances. Authorities in Eastern Libya opened a diplomatic mission in the Syrian capital on March 3. This comes eight years after the two countries, affected by the Arab spring events, had severed contacts. Neither the government of Eastern Libya nor the Assad administration are hiding the fact that they are restoring their partnership in order to counter Erdogan’s belligerent policy, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Syrian President Bashar Assad received Libya’s delegation consisting of Deputy Prime Minister Abdel Rahman Al-Ahiresh and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdul Hadi Al-Hweij. The parties at the talks agreed that the events in Libya and Syria were links in a chain. According to them, the policy of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was aimed at pursuing personal interests and was a destabilizing factor in the region. In accordance with the agreements signed between the Eastern Libyan government and Damascus, now all Syrian mercenaries captured by the Libyan National Army, will be handed over to Syria’s authorities. The documents also envisage close cooperation in exchanging intelligence data. This means trouble "on the ground," according to the paper. Military operations march on in both Libya and Syria despite the ceasefire deals promoted by Russia and Turkey. Russian International Affairs Council expert Kirill Semenov, who heads the Center for Islamic Studies at the Innovative Development Institute, told the paper that both governments have shown that they were ready for joint actions against Turkey. "I don’t believe that especially for this any assistance of the Arab monarchies [supporting Commander Haftar] was needed," the analyst said. "Damascus and Tobruk are able to find common ground independently. They have a common enemy now — Turkey — which these regimes are at war with." Rossiyskaya Gazeta: Russia mulls reducing key rate after surprise Fed rate cut
Read also US Federal Reserve System slashes base interest rate to 1-1.25%


tass--2020-03-04--ArisGlobal announced their participation at the World Drug Safety Congress Americas

MIAMI , March 4 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ArisGlobal , a leading provider of life sciences software that automates core drug development functions for over 250 life sciences companies , is thrilled to announce their participation at the World Drug Safety Congress Americas 2020 , March 24 – 25 , 2020 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston , Massachusetts .
Along with a large drug manufacturer , they will be co-presenting a session titled `` Enhancing Operations : Enabling Digital Transformation with Next-Gen Technology '' .
The presentation will explore new technology with a focus on the importance of artificial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
`` The time is now for the pharmaceutical industry to embrace automation technology and stay abreast with the progress made in other industries , '' said Aman Wasan , Vice President , Global Client Partners at ArisGlobal .
`` Cognitive computing tools can augment the expertise of pharmacovigilance staff , reduce the volume of manual repetitive tasks , and allow them to focus on more intelligent , value-added tasks .
This session will share the efficiencies gained from a real case study . ''
ArisGlobal is a Platinum Sponsor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety , cognitive computing platform , in Booth # 27 .
Attendees are invited to meet with ArisGlobal staff to learn about its innovative and leading pharmacovigilance and safety platform .
Click here to schedule a meeting with us while at the event , or to connect with one of our team members .
ArisGlobal is transforming the way today 's most successful Life Sciences companies develop breakthroughs and bring new products to market .
Our end-to-end drug development technology platform , LifeSphere® , integrates our proprietary Nava® cognitive computing engine to automate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifecycle .
Designed with deep expertise and a long-term perspective that spans more than 30 years , LifeSphere® is a unified platform that boosts efficiency , ensures compliance , delivers actionable insights , and lowers total cost of ownership through multi-tenant SaaS architecture .
Headquartered in the United States , ArisGlobal has regional offices in Europe , India , Japan and China .
For more updates , follow ArisGlobal on LinkedIn and Twitter .

MIAMI, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ArisGlobal, a leading provider of life sciences software that automates core drug development functions for over 250 life sciences companies, is thrilled to announce their participation at the World Drug Safety Congress Americas 2020, March 24 – 25, 2020 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Along with a large drug manufacturer, they will be co-presenting a session titled "Enhancing Operations: Enabling Digital Transformation with Next-Gen Technology". The presentation will explore new technology with a focus on the importance of artificial intelligence and automation in the life sciences industry.
"The time is now for the pharmaceutical industry to embrace automation technology and stay abreast with the progress made in other industries," said Aman Wasan, Vice President, Global Client Partners at ArisGlobal. "Cognitive computing tools can augment the expertise of pharmacovigilance staff, reduce the volume of manual repetitive tasks, and allow them to focus on more intelligent, value-added tasks. This session will share the efficiencies gained from a real case study."
ArisGlobal is a Platinum Sponsor of the conference, exhibiting and showcasing the LifeSphere® Safety, cognitive computing platform, in Booth #27. Attendees are invited to meet with ArisGlobal staff to learn about its innovative and leading pharmacovigilance and safety platform.
Click here to schedule a meeting with us while at the event, or to connect with one of our team members.
About ArisGlobal
ArisGlobal is transforming the way today's most successful Life Sciences companies develop breakthroughs and bring new products to market. Our end-to-end drug development technology platform, LifeSphere®, integrates our proprietary Nava® cognitive computing engine to automate all core functions of the drug development lifecycle. Designed with deep expertise and a long-term perspective that spans more than 30 years, LifeSphere® is a unified platform that boosts efficiency, ensures compliance, delivers actionable insights, and lowers total cost of ownership through multi-tenant SaaS architecture.
Headquartered in the United States, ArisGlobal has regional offices in Europe, India, Japan and China. For more updates, follow ArisGlobal on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523994/ArisGlobal_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Alberto Cantor, +1 609 360 4042, acantor@arisglobal.com


tass--2020-03-04--Kremlin will analyze court rulings on MH17 crash in Ukraine

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin can not predict how the court will rule in the trial @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine , but plans to thoroughly analyze its outcome , Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov @ @ @ @ @ `` We have always voiced doubts whether the investigative team ’ s work is unbiased @ @ @ @ @ of the opportunity to join it , '' Peskov told reporters .
`` As for @ @ @ @ @ , we won ’ t predict them , but will give comments and analyze what @ @ @ @ @ they [ the court ’ s rulings ] will be reasoned and substantiated , '' @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. The Kremlin cannot predict how the court will rule in the trial on the MH17 crash in Ukraine, but plans to thoroughly analyze its outcome, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
"We have always voiced doubts whether the investigative team’s work is unbiased because we have been stripped of the opportunity to join it," Peskov told reporters.
"As for the court’s rulings, we won’t predict them, but will give comments and analyze what will happen and how much they [the court’s rulings] will be reasoned and substantiated," Peskov stressed.


tass--2020-03-04--Janssen submits Marketing Authorisation Application for Ponesimod to the EMA

TITUSVILLE , New Jersey , March 4 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson ( Janssen ) announced today the submission of a marketing authorisation application ( MAA ) to the European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) seeking approval for ponesimod for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis ( MS ) .
Ponesimod is a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 ( S1P1 ) modulator that inhibits S1P protein activity and in so doing is believed to reduce the number of circulating lymphocytes that can cross the blood-brain barrier.i In patients with MS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brain damages myelin , the protective sheath that insulates nerve cells .
Damage to myelin slows or halts nerve conduction , producing the neurologic signs and symptoms of MS.ii '' More than 2.3 million people worldwide live with MSiii – including 700,000 in Europe aloneiv – and of this population , approximately 85 percent are initially diagnosed with relapsing MS.v Despite continuous advancements in the treatment landscape , a number of unmet needs remain , '' said Mathai Mammen , M.D.
, Ph.D. , Global Head , Janssen Research & Development , LLC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ milestone as we work to bring a new treatment option to those living with relapsing forms of MS. '' The MAA is based on the head-to-head OPTIMUM Phase 3 study , which showed superior efficacy of ponesimod 20 mg on the primary endpoint of reduced annualized relapse rate ( ARR ) , as well as most secondary endpoints compared to teriflunomide 14 mg in adults with relapsing MS. At week 108 , a highly statistically significant reduction of 30.5 percent on ARR was observed with ponesimod when compared to teriflunomide .
Additionally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a 56 percent reduction on combined unique active lesions ( CUALs ) in the brain was observed with ponesimod compared to teriflunomide .
The safety profile observed for ponesimod was consistent with previous studies of ponesimod and the known safety profile for other S1P receptor modulators .
The most common treatment-emergent adverse events ( TEAEs ) in the ponesimod 20 mg study arm were alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ) increased , nasopharyngitis , headache and upper respiratory tract infections.vi '' Fatigue remains a challenging , yet invisible , symptom among those living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results ponesimod shows in alleviating this symptom , as well as the reduction in new inflammatory lesions and disability accumulation , '' said Husseini Manji , M.D.
, F.R.C.P.C.
, Global Therapeutic Area Head for Neuroscience at Janssen Research & Development , LLC .
`` We look forward to collaborating closely with the EMA as the application process progresses . ''
The clinical study data that supports this filing was presented in September 2019 at the 35th Congress of The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Conference ( ECTRIMS ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be found here .
MS is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system affecting 2.3 million people worldwideiii , with females more impacted than males.vii The disease is characterized by demyelinationiii and axonal loss leading to neurological impairment and severe disability.viii Relapsing forms of MS , which make up 85 percent of all MS cases include clinically isolated syndrome , relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS.ix In addition to the debilitating neurological symptoms of the disease , patients often also suffer from `` hidden symptoms , '' namely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are major contributors to the reduced quality of life.x Relapses are defined as new , worsening or recurrent neurological symptoms that last for more than 24 hours with the absence of fever or infections .
Relapses may be fully resolved over days or weeks or lead to persistent residual deficits and accumulation of disability.xi About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson At Janssen , we 're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past .
We 're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , working tirelessly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everywhere by fighting sickness with science , improving access with ingenuity , and healing hopelessness with heart .
We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference : Cardiovascular & Metabolism , Immunology , Infectious Diseases & Vaccines , Neuroscience , Oncology , and Pulmonary Hypertension .
Learn more at www.janssen.com .
Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal .
Janssen Research & Development , LLC is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson .
This press release contains `` forward-looking statements '' as defined in the Private Securities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements .
These statements are based on current expectations of future events .
If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize , actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development , LLC , any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson .
Risks and uncertainties include , but are not limited to : challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development , including the uncertainty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; uncertainty of commercial success ; manufacturing difficulties and delays ; competition , including technological advances , new products and patents attained by competitors ; challenges to patents ; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services ; changes to applicable laws and regulations , including global health care reforms ; and trends toward health care cost containment .
A further list and descriptions of these risks , uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson 's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including in the sections captioned `` Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements '' and `` Item 1A .
Risk Factors , '' and in the company 's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q , and the company 's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission .
Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov , www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson .
None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freedman MS , Prinz J. Ponesimod , a selective S1P1 receptor modulator : a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated diseases .
Ther Adv Chronic Dis .
2016 Jan ; 7 ( 1 ) :18–33 .
Available at : doi : 10.1177/2040622315617354 .
ii National Multiple Sclerosis Society .
What is Myelin ?
Available at : https : //www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS/Myelin .
Accessed February 2020. vi Efficacy and safety of ponesimod compared to teriflunomide in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis : results of the randomized , active-controlled , double-blind , parallel-group phase 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kappos L. 09/11/19 ; 279416 ; 93. vii National Multiple Sclerosis Society .
Who Gets MS .
Available at : https : //www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Who-Gets-MS. Accessed February 2020. viii National Multiple Sclerosis Society .
Immunology of MS .
Available at : https : //www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS/Myelin .
Accessed February 2020. ix National Multiple Sclerosis Society .
What is MS ?
Types of MS .
Available at : https : //www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS. Accessed February 2020. x Biernacki T , Sandi D , Kincses ZT , et al .
Contributing factors to health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : https : //doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1466 .
xi Multiple Sclerosis Association of America .
What is an MS relapse ?
Available at : https : //mymsaa.org/publications/ms-relapse-toolkit/what-relapse/ .
Accessed February 2020 .

TITUSVILLE, New Jersey, March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) announced today the submission of a marketing authorisation application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking approval for ponesimod for the treatment of adult patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ponesimod is a selective sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) modulator that inhibits S1P protein activity and in so doing is believed to reduce the number of circulating lymphocytes that can cross the blood-brain barrier.i In patients with MS, the movement of immune cells into the brain damages myelin, the protective sheath that insulates nerve cells. Damage to myelin slows or halts nerve conduction, producing the neurologic signs and symptoms of MS.ii
"More than 2.3 million people worldwide live with MSiii – including 700,000 in Europe aloneiv – and of this population, approximately 85 percent are initially diagnosed with relapsing MS.v Despite continuous advancements in the treatment landscape, a number of unmet needs remain," said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "This submission is an important milestone as we work to bring a new treatment option to those living with relapsing forms of MS."
The MAA is based on the head-to-head OPTIMUM Phase 3 study, which showed superior efficacy of ponesimod 20 mg on the primary endpoint of reduced annualized relapse rate (ARR), as well as most secondary endpoints compared to teriflunomide 14 mg in adults with relapsing MS.
At week 108, a highly statistically significant reduction of 30.5 percent on ARR was observed with ponesimod when compared to teriflunomide. Additionally, a statistically significant reduction of fatigue symptoms and a 56 percent reduction on combined unique active lesions (CUALs) in the brain was observed with ponesimod compared to teriflunomide. The safety profile observed for ponesimod was consistent with previous studies of ponesimod and the known safety profile for other S1P receptor modulators. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in the ponesimod 20 mg study arm were alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased, nasopharyngitis, headache and upper respiratory tract infections.vi
"Fatigue remains a challenging, yet invisible, symptom among those living with MS. We are encouraged by the results ponesimod shows in alleviating this symptom, as well as the reduction in new inflammatory lesions and disability accumulation," said Husseini Manji, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., Global Therapeutic Area Head for Neuroscience at Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "We look forward to collaborating closely with the EMA as the application process progresses."
The clinical study data that supports this filing was presented in September 2019 at the 35th Congress of The European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis Conference (ECTRIMS) in Stockholm, Sweden. More information may be found here.
About Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system affecting 2.3 million people worldwideiii, with females more impacted than males.vii The disease is characterized by demyelinationiii and axonal loss leading to neurological impairment and severe disability.viii Relapsing forms of MS, which make up 85 percent of all MS cases include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS and active secondary progressive MS.ix In addition to the debilitating neurological symptoms of the disease, patients often also suffer from "hidden symptoms," namely fatigue and depression, both of which are major contributors to the reduced quality of life.x
Relapses are defined as new, worsening or recurrent neurological symptoms that last for more than 24 hours with the absence of fever or infections. Relapses may be fully resolved over days or weeks or lead to persistent residual deficits and accumulation of disability.xi
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
At Janssen, we're creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We're the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.
Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us at www.twitter.com/JanssenGlobal. Janssen Research & Development, LLC is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding ponesimod. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, any of the other Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2019, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in the company's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.
i D'Ambrosio D, Freedman MS, Prinz J. Ponesimod, a selective S1P1 receptor modulator: a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated diseases. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2016 Jan;7(1):18–33. Available at: doi: 10.1177/2040622315617354.
ii National Multiple Sclerosis Society. What is Myelin? Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS/Myelin. Accessed February 2020.
iii National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Multiple Sclerosis FAQs. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/MS-FAQ-s#question-How-many-people-have-MS. Accessed February 2020.
iv European Multiple Sclerosis Platform. MS Facts. Available at: http://www.emsp.org/about-ms/. Accessed February 2020.
v National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS). Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS/Relapsing-remitting-MS. Accessed February 2020.
vi Efficacy and safety of ponesimod compared to teriflunomide in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: results of the randomized, active-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group phase 3 OPTIMUM study. ECTRIMS Online Library. Kappos L. 09/11/19; 279416; 93.
vii National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Who Gets MS. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Who-Gets-MS. Accessed February 2020.
viii National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Immunology of MS. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS/Myelin. Accessed February 2020.
ix National Multiple Sclerosis Society. What is MS? Types of MS. Available at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS. Accessed February 2020.
x Biernacki T, Sandi D, Kincses ZT, et al. Contributing factors to health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis. Brain Behav. 2019. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1466.
xi Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. What is an MS relapse? Available at: https://mymsaa.org/publications/ms-relapse-toolkit/what-relapse/. Accessed February 2020.
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tass--2020-03-04--Kremlin expects Putin, Erdogan to agree on steps to end crisis in Idlib

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed the hope that the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan scheduled for March 5 will help understand the causes of the Idlib crisis and agree on a package of measures to end it .
`` Plans are in store to discuss the Idlib crisis with Erdogan .
We expect that an understanding on the forerunner of that crisis , the reasons for that crisis , the fallout from that crisis and the package of necessary joint measures aimed at ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters .
The Kremlin spokesman refrained from specifying what particular measures were meant .
`` Let ’ s wait for tomorrow , '' he said .
On March 3 , the Kremlin press service reported that Putin and Erdogan would hold talks in Moscow .
Peskov earlier stressed that Moscow was committed to the Sochi agreements , favored Syria ’ s territorial integrity , supported Syria ’ s determination to continue the fight against terrorist groups , including those on the UN Security Council ’ s list and assigned high priority to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again on February 27 when , according to the Russian Defense Ministry , militants attempted to launch a major offensive .
The Syrian military carried out a strike against them , which , according to Ankara , has killed 36 Turkish soldiers .
Shortly after that , the Turkish armed forces retaliated by carrying out attacks against Syrian positions , specifying that more than 200 targets had been hit .
On February 27 , Ankara launched a new military operation in Syria dubbed Operation Spring Shield against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military operations in Syria : Euphrates Shield , Olive Branch and Peace Spring .
They resulted in creating a buffer security zone between the border towns of Azaz and Jarablus , occupying Afrin and taking under control the territory east of the Euphrates River .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed the hope that the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan scheduled for March 5 will help understand the causes of the Idlib crisis and agree on a package of measures to end it.
"Plans are in store to discuss the Idlib crisis with Erdogan. We expect that an understanding on the forerunner of that crisis, the reasons for that crisis, the fallout from that crisis and the package of necessary joint measures aimed at ending it will be reached," he told reporters.
The Kremlin spokesman refrained from specifying what particular measures were meant. "Let’s wait for tomorrow," he said.
On March 3, the Kremlin press service reported that Putin and Erdogan would hold talks in Moscow. Peskov earlier stressed that Moscow was committed to the Sochi agreements, favored Syria’s territorial integrity, supported Syria’s determination to continue the fight against terrorist groups, including those on the UN Security Council’s list and assigned high priority to cooperation with its Turkish partners.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again on February 27 when, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, militants attempted to launch a major offensive. The Syrian military carried out a strike against them, which, according to Ankara, has killed 36 Turkish soldiers. Shortly after that, the Turkish armed forces retaliated by carrying out attacks against Syrian positions, specifying that more than 200 targets had been hit.
On February 27, Ankara launched a new military operation in Syria dubbed Operation Spring Shield against Syrian forces. Turkey has conducted three military operations in Syria: Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch and Peace Spring. They resulted in creating a buffer security zone between the border towns of Azaz and Jarablus, occupying Afrin and taking under control the territory east of the Euphrates River.


tass--2020-03-04--US airstrike on Taliban in Afghanistan blatantly violates peace treaty — envoy

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
US Air Force airstrike on the Taliban in Afghanistan ’ s Helmand province is a gross violation of the Doha peace treaty , which the US and the Taliban signed on February 29 in Qatar ’ s Doha , says Russian Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan , Director of the Second Asian Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry Zamir Kabulov .
`` This is a treaty violation , because both the US and the Taliban entered into legally binding commitments not to attack .
The Taliban did not attack the Americans or other foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they violated the agreement blatantly , '' the diplomat pointed out .
According to Reuters report citing US Armed Forces source , the US conducted airstrike on the Taliban fighters in Afghanistan province of Helmand on Wednesday .
The source claimed that the airstrike was a defensive measure against the Taliban fighters who assaulted a government forces checkpoint .
On February 29 , the US and the Taliban signed a peace treaty in Qatar ’ s Doha .
In a bid to create favorable environment , the Taliban agreed on a seven-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started on February 22 .
On March 2 , the Taliban announced resumption of military activities against the Afghan government forces .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. US Air Force airstrike on the Taliban in Afghanistan’s Helmand province is a gross violation of the Doha peace treaty, which the US and the Taliban signed on February 29 in Qatar’s Doha, says Russian Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan, Director of the Second Asian Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry Zamir Kabulov.
"This is a treaty violation, because both the US and the Taliban entered into legally binding commitments not to attack. The Taliban did not attack the Americans or other foreign forces. If the US did that, they violated the agreement blatantly," the diplomat pointed out.
According to Reuters report citing US Armed Forces source, the US conducted airstrike on the Taliban fighters in Afghanistan province of Helmand on Wednesday. The source claimed that the airstrike was a defensive measure against the Taliban fighters who assaulted a government forces checkpoint.
On February 29, the US and the Taliban signed a peace treaty in Qatar’s Doha. In a bid to create favorable environment, the Taliban agreed on a seven-day "reduced violence period," which started on February 22. On March 2, the Taliban announced resumption of military activities against the Afghan government forces.


tass--2020-03-04--US may deploy weapons in outer space soon, Russian diplomat says

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russia does not rule out that the United States and its NATO allies may shortly deploy weapon components in outer space , Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov said at a news conference on Wednesday .
`` It is not ruled out that we may soon witness the emergence of already weapon components of the US potential and , perhaps , the potential of other states that are US NATO allies , in outer space .
We will continue taking all efforts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat said .
`` In the United States and in France and now in NATO as a whole , the talk is about the possibility of military actions in outer space , '' he explained .
This situation is a real problem for Russia and its fears of a possible arms race in outer space are beginning to materialize , the Russian diplomat stressed .
First Deputy Head of the Main Operations Department of Russia ’ s General Staff Lieutenant-General Viktor Poznikhir said at the 8th Moscow International Security Conference in April last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a space echelon with striking anti-ballistic missile defense capabilities to hit ballistic missiles at the early stages of their flight , thus actually reviving the concept of ‘ star wars.
’ As the general stressed , it is not ruled out that these capabilities may be used to deliver a pre-emptive strike against facilities in Russia , China and any other country .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russia does not rule out that the United States and its NATO allies may shortly deploy weapon components in outer space, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Vladimir Yermakov said at a news conference on Wednesday.
"It is not ruled out that we may soon witness the emergence of already weapon components of the US potential and, perhaps, the potential of other states that are US NATO allies, in outer space. We will continue taking all efforts to prevent this scenario," the Russian diplomat said.
"In the United States and in France and now in NATO as a whole, the talk is about the possibility of military actions in outer space," he explained.
This situation is a real problem for Russia and its fears of a possible arms race in outer space are beginning to materialize, the Russian diplomat stressed.
First Deputy Head of the Main Operations Department of Russia’s General Staff Lieutenant-General Viktor Poznikhir said at the 8th Moscow International Security Conference in April last year that the United States was planning to create a space echelon with striking anti-ballistic missile defense capabilities to hit ballistic missiles at the early stages of their flight, thus actually reviving the concept of ‘star wars.’
As the general stressed, it is not ruled out that these capabilities may be used to deliver a pre-emptive strike against facilities in Russia, China and any other country.


tass--2020-03-04--EU permanent representatives agree to extend individual sanctions against Russia

BRUSSELS , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Permanent representatives of 27 member states of the European Union agreed to renew individual sanctions against Russians expiring on March 15 for six more months , a source in the EU Council told TASS on Wednesday .
`` Individual sanctions against Russian individual and legal entities were renewed for six months at the morning meeting of Permanent Representatives without a discussion .
The decision should be formally approved by the EU Council now , '' the source said .
The EU Council is expected to endorse the decision without a discussion on March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the official journal of the European Union .
In 2014 , the EU began to impose sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian citizens in connection with `` actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity , sovereignty and independence of Ukraine . ''
Since that time , it has blacklisted 175 people , including citizens of Russia and Ukraine and 44 legal entities , mainly executive bodies and military forces of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People ’ s Republics ( DPR and LPR ) .
Currently there are several packages of EU sanctions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual restrictive measures and restrictions against Crimea .
The anti-Crimean restrictions are a package of targeted sanctions against Crimea , with which the European businesses are banned to support any ties .

BRUSSELS, March 4. /TASS/. Permanent representatives of 27 member states of the European Union agreed to renew individual sanctions against Russians expiring on March 15 for six more months, a source in the EU Council told TASS on Wednesday.
"Individual sanctions against Russian individual and legal entities were renewed for six months at the morning meeting of Permanent Representatives without a discussion. The decision should be formally approved by the EU Council now," the source said.
The EU Council is expected to endorse the decision without a discussion on March 12 and it will then be published in the official journal of the European Union.
In 2014, the EU began to impose sanctions on Russian and Ukrainian citizens in connection with "actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine." Since that time, it has blacklisted 175 people, including citizens of Russia and Ukraine and 44 legal entities, mainly executive bodies and military forces of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR).
Currently there are several packages of EU sanctions operating against Russia: economic measures, individual restrictive measures and restrictions against Crimea. The anti-Crimean restrictions are a package of targeted sanctions against Crimea, with which the European businesses are banned to support any ties.


tass--2020-03-04--MiG rolls out intellectual g-force protection system for fighter jets

MOSCOW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Russian engineers have secured a patent for the new intellectual critical g-force protection @ @ @ @ @ , the MiG Aircraft Corporation announced Wednesday .
According to the MiG Corporation , a @ @ @ @ @ g-force , which might at times reach 9G , using dashboard indicators , while simultaneously @ @ @ @ @ .
The new intellectual system , which works in conjunction with the helmet display system @ @ @ @ @ to not get distracted by the dashboard and concentrate on the mission .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ overcome the critical g-force level by 1-2G by exerting additional force on the stick , @ @ @ @ @ system altogether , either temporarily or permanently , the MiG Corporation said .
`` Increase @ @ @ @ @ safety of use are our priority goals during development of future tech .
The new @ @ @ @ @ system is already being introduced to the modern planes , '' the MiG CEO Ilya @ @ @ @ @ , the new safety feature will be installed on MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 .

MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russian engineers have secured a patent for the new intellectual critical g-force protection system for military high-maneuver planes, the MiG Aircraft Corporation announced Wednesday.
According to the MiG Corporation, a pilot must always monitor the g-force, which might at times reach 9G, using dashboard indicators, while simultaneously conducting maneuvers during a dogfight. The new intellectual system, which works in conjunction with the helmet display system, would allow the pilot to not get distracted by the dashboard and concentrate on the mission.
"The system allows the pilot to overcome the critical g-force level by 1-2G by exerting additional force on the stick, as well as disabling the system altogether, either temporarily or permanently, the MiG Corporation said.
"Increase of automation, comfort and safety of use are our priority goals during development of future tech. The new intellectual automatic critical g-force protection system is already being introduced to the modern planes," the MiG CEO Ilya Tarasenko said.
In particular, the new safety feature will be installed on MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35.


tass--2020-03-04--Six coronavirus cases confirmed in Belarus

`` Two cases that were suspected yesterday have been confirmed by tests .
So , there are six coronavirus cases in Belarus - four in Minsk and two in the Vitebsk Region , '' according to the ministry .
MINSK , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
Two more novel coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Belarus , bringing the total number to six , the country ’ s Health Ministry said on Wednesday .
Earlier , the ministry noted that more than 5,000 tests had been carried out by the Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus case on February 28 .
A student from Iran tested positive for COVID-19 and later a man who had contacted with him also contracted the virus .
On March 1 , the ministry confirmed that a woman from Vitebsk , who had returned from Italy , was diagnosed with the coronavirus .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
Besides China , major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
More than 70 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest reports , the death toll has exceeded 3,200 , including more than 2,900 in China , which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases .
Over 50,000 patients have recovered , while the total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"Two cases that were suspected yesterday have been confirmed by tests. So, there are six coronavirus cases in Belarus - four in Minsk and two in the Vitebsk Region," according to the ministry.
MINSK, March 4. /TASS/. Two more novel coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Belarus, bringing the total number to six, the country’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
Earlier, the ministry noted that more than 5,000 tests had been carried out by the Republican Research and Practical Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.
The Belarusian Health Ministry reported the first coronavirus case on February 28. A student from Iran tested positive for COVID-19 and later a man who had contacted with him also contracted the virus. On March 1, the ministry confirmed that a woman from Vitebsk, who had returned from Italy, was diagnosed with the coronavirus.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. Besides China, major coronavirus outbreaks have been reported in South Korea, Iran and Italy. More than 70 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases.
According to the latest reports, the death toll has exceeded 3,200, including more than 2,900 in China, which accounts for the majority of the novel coronavirus cases. Over 50,000 patients have recovered, while the total number of infected people has exceeded 90,000.


tass--2020-03-04--KazanSummit 2020 postponed amid coronavirus outbreak

KAZAN , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The Russia-Islamic World : Kazan Summit 2020 has been postponed to a later @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , the organizers said in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization of an emergency due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Summit `` Russia-Islamic World : KAZANSUMMIT '' @ kazansummit is postponed to a later date @ @ @ @ @ our publications to be the first to know about the date .
The safety and @ @ @ @ @ all for us !
, '' the statement reads .

KAZAN, March 4. /TASS/. The Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Summit 2020 has been postponed to a later date due to the coronavirus outbreak, the organizers said in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday.
"In connection with the announcement by the World Health Organization of an emergency due to the outbreak of a new coronavirus infection, the International Economic Summit "Russia-Islamic World: KAZANSUMMIT" @kazansummit is postponed to a later date. Turn on notifications on our publications to be the first to know about the date. The safety and health of participants are above all for us!," the statement reads.


tass--2020-03-04--First coronavirus case confirmed in Poland

`` Today we have received test results of the first patient whose coronavirus infection was confirmed , '' the minister @ @ @ @ @ well . ''
WARSAW , March 4 .
/TASS/ .
The first coronavirus case has @ @ @ @ @ Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said Wednesday .
According to Szumowski , the infected person came @ @ @ @ @ been hospitalized in the town of Zielona Gora .
`` We act in accordance with @ @ @ @ @ whom the patient contacted recently , have been quarantined , '' the minister said , @ @ @ @ @ 500 people have been quarantined over possible infection across the country .
The Polish authorities @ @ @ @ @ to counter the disease spread : several dozen infection facilities and laboratories have been prepared @ @ @ @ @ tests have been procured .
Monday morning , the Polish Sejm passed a bill that @ @ @ @ @ fight against the coronavirus .
In particular , the bill involves remote work options , @ @ @ @ @ of schools and kindergartens closure , accelerated medical equipment procurement procedures .

"Today we have received test results of the first patient whose coronavirus infection was confirmed," the minister said. "He feels well."
WARSAW, March 4. /TASS/. The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in Poland, Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said Wednesday.
According to Szumowski, the infected person came from Germany; he has been hospitalized in the town of Zielona Gora.
"We act in accordance with the procedure. Everyone, whom the patient contacted recently, have been quarantined," the minister said, underscoring that a total of 500 people have been quarantined over possible infection across the country.
The Polish authorities claim they took all measures to counter the disease spread: several dozen infection facilities and laboratories have been prepared, tens of thousands coronavirus tests have been procured.
Monday morning, the Polish Sejm passed a bill that streamlines many procedures to optimize fight against the coronavirus. In particular, the bill involves remote work options, payment of benefits in case of schools and kindergartens closure, accelerated medical equipment procurement procedures.