tass--2020-02-13--NATO says will respond to Russian missiles by staying ‘committed to arms control’

BRUSSELS , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
NATO would `` remain fully committed to arms control and disarmament , '' as it prepares its response to Russia ’ s alleged deployment of 9M729 ( SSC-8 ) missiles , NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday , as he opened the second meeting of the Alliance ’ s Ministers of Defense .
`` We will [ … ] discuss our response to the ongoing Russian missile build-up , both conventional and nuclear .
NATO has been united on Russia ’ s breach of the INF Treaty .
Consulting closely over many years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last June , we agreed a balanced and defensive package of measures to respond to Russia ’ s SSC-8 missiles .
Today , we will take a broader look at the full range of Russia ’ s short and intermediate range missiles , while remaining fully committed to arms control and disarmament , '' Stoltenberg said , adding that the ministers would also discuss increased military spending .
On February 11 , Stoltenberg said that the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces [ INF ] Treaty demise demonstrated the `` strength of NATO . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treaty , which is a bad and negative thing , shows the importance and the strength of NATO , '' he said .
`` We [ NATO ] have agreed on every step .
First , we all agreed , [ … ] that Russia was violating the treaty .
[ … ] And then we agreed that we called on Russia to come back into compliance .
Russia did not come back into compliance .
Then we set a time limit and Russia didn ’ t come back to the compliance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ US decision to withdraw , because a treaty which is only respected by one side doesn ’ t work .
And then we have agreed , after close consultations , on the way forward . ''
According to the US and NATO , Russian 9M729 missiles violate the now-defunct INF Treaty .
In January 2019 , Russian Ministry of Defense conducted a presentation of the 9M729 missile for all military attaches in Moscow , showing that these missiles comply with the terms of the military agreement .
However , representatives of the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at the event .

BRUSSELS, February 13. /TASS/. NATO would "remain fully committed to arms control and disarmament," as it prepares its response to Russia’s alleged deployment of 9M729 (SSC-8) missiles, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday, as he opened the second meeting of the Alliance’s Ministers of Defense.
"We will […] discuss our response to the ongoing Russian missile build-up, both conventional and nuclear. NATO has been united on Russia’s breach of the INF Treaty. Consulting closely over many years. And agreeing on every step. Last June, we agreed a balanced and defensive package of measures to respond to Russia’s SSC-8 missiles. Today, we will take a broader look at the full range of Russia’s short and intermediate range missiles, while remaining fully committed to arms control and disarmament," Stoltenberg said, adding that the ministers would also discuss increased military spending. On February 11, Stoltenberg said that the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces [INF] Treaty demise demonstrated the "strength of NATO."
"I think the demise of the INF Treaty, which is a bad and negative thing, shows the importance and the strength of NATO," he said. "We [NATO] have agreed on every step. First, we all agreed, […] that Russia was violating the treaty. […] And then we agreed that we called on Russia to come back into compliance. Russia did not come back into compliance. Then we set a time limit and Russia didn’t come back to the compliance. And then we all agreed on the US decision to withdraw, because a treaty which is only respected by one side doesn’t work. And then we have agreed, after close consultations, on the way forward."
According to the US and NATO, Russian 9M729 missiles violate the now-defunct INF Treaty. In January 2019, Russian Ministry of Defense conducted a presentation of the 9M729 missile for all military attaches in Moscow, showing that these missiles comply with the terms of the military agreement. However, representatives of the US and leading NATO countries refused to show up at the event.


tass--2020-02-13--Shanghai Health Commission: New coronavirus diagnosis method used only in Hubei province

`` The standards for diagnosing the coronavirus will remain the same in other provinces apart from Hubei in accordance with the publicized diagnostics program of the Chinese National Health Commission , '' financial news website Caijing reported .
MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
A new method for diagnosing the coronavirus , in which ‘ clinically diagnosed ’ cases are included , is employed only in China ’ s Hubei province , Zheng Jin , a spokesperson for the Shanghai Health Commission said Thursday .
Earlier , the Chinese authorities said that the sharp rise in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( over 14,800 just in one day ) on Thursday was attributed to the introduction of a broader definition to diagnose people , which includes ‘ clinically diagnosed ’ cases .
According to the updated reports , the number of people infected with the coronavirus in the central Chinese province of Hubei has surpassed 48,200 cases with 1,310 fatalities and 2,441 recoveries .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan , an economic and industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The virus - now named COVID-19 ( 2019-nCoV ) , otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , over 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data confirmed by the Chinese authorities , the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 60,000 , more than 1,300 people have died and over 6,000 have recovered .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .

"The standards for diagnosing the coronavirus will remain the same in other provinces apart from Hubei in accordance with the publicized diagnostics program of the Chinese National Health Commission," financial news website Caijing reported.
MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. /TASS/. A new method for diagnosing the coronavirus, in which ‘clinically diagnosed’ cases are included, is employed only in China’s Hubei province, Zheng Jin, a spokesperson for the Shanghai Health Commission said Thursday.
Earlier, the Chinese authorities said that the sharp rise in the official number of coronavirus cases in Hubei (over 14,800 just in one day) on Thursday was attributed to the introduction of a broader definition to diagnose people, which includes ‘clinically diagnosed’ cases.
According to the updated reports, the number of people infected with the coronavirus in the central Chinese province of Hubei has surpassed 48,200 cases with 1,310 fatalities and 2,441 recoveries.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - now named COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, over 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data confirmed by the Chinese authorities, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 60,000, more than 1,300 people have died and over 6,000 have recovered.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.


tass--2020-02-13--Moscow court arrests businessman Boris Mints in absentia

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Basmanny Court in Moscow has arrested businessman Boris Mints in absentia in the case of embezzlement of 35 bln rubles ( $ 549 mln ) , a TASS correspondent reported from the courtroom .
`` [ The court hereby rules ] to satisfy the petition of the investigation to choose a preventive measure for Boris Mints in the form of detention in absentia , '' judge Irina Vysheva announced .
According to the court ’ s ruling , Boris Mints will be in custody for two months after his detention .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list .
Mints ’ lawyers claim that he is in London and is not hiding from Russian law enforcement agencies .
`` The investigation should not seek the arrest of Mints in absentia , but use the tools at their disposal to interrogate Mints via the assistance of the British authorities , '' lawyer Alexey Kupriyanov said in court .
Earlier , the Basmanny court also arrested in absentia the sons of Mints - Dmitry and Alexander .
The court ’ s decisions have not yet entered into force and can be appealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigators , in July-August 2017 , Boris Mints and his sons Dmitry and Alexander , Chairman of the board of FC Otkrytie Evgeny Dankevich concluded a deal that was obviously unprofitable for the bank , having acquired exchange-traded bonds of the O1 Group Finance controlled by Mints .
The investigation believes that by doing so they committed the theft of bank assets in the amount of 35 bln rubles ( $ 549 mln ) .
The Investigative Committee of Russia uninitiated criminal proceedings against them under Part 4 of Article 160 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Embezzlement ) .
Earlier , Vedomosti reported that the Investigative Committee had been checking Mints ’ activities following a statement by Mikhail Zadornov , Chairman of the board of Otkritie FC Bank .
Boris Mints is the founder of the investment company O1 Group , which focuses on financing and real estate .
In 2018 , he transferred control over the Future Financial Group and the O1 Properties development company ( part of the O1 Group ) to the Cyprus-based Riverstretch Trading & Investments ( RT & I ) .
The magnate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Russian Impressionism .
The US Congress put Boris Mints on the so-called Kremlin list .
This list includes businessmen , who have fortunes of more than $ 1 bln and can be subject to sanctions .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The Basmanny Court in Moscow has arrested businessman Boris Mints in absentia in the case of embezzlement of 35 bln rubles ($549 mln), a TASS correspondent reported from the courtroom.
"[The court hereby rules] to satisfy the petition of the investigation to choose a preventive measure for Boris Mints in the form of detention in absentia," judge Irina Vysheva announced.
According to the court’s ruling, Boris Mints will be in custody for two months after his detention. Earlier Mints was put on the international wanted list.
Mints’ lawyers claim that he is in London and is not hiding from Russian law enforcement agencies.
"The investigation should not seek the arrest of Mints in absentia, but use the tools at their disposal to interrogate Mints via the assistance of the British authorities," lawyer Alexey Kupriyanov said in court.
Earlier, the Basmanny court also arrested in absentia the sons of Mints - Dmitry and Alexander. The court’s decisions have not yet entered into force and can be appealed in the court of appeal.
Mints’ case
According to investigators, in July-August 2017, Boris Mints and his sons Dmitry and Alexander, Chairman of the board of FC Otkrytie Evgeny Dankevich concluded a deal that was obviously unprofitable for the bank, having acquired exchange-traded bonds of the O1 Group Finance controlled by Mints. The investigation believes that by doing so they committed the theft of bank assets in the amount of 35 bln rubles ($549 mln).
The Investigative Committee of Russia uninitiated criminal proceedings against them under Part 4 of Article 160 of Russia’s Criminal Code (Misappropriation or Embezzlement).
Earlier, Vedomosti reported that the Investigative Committee had been checking Mints’ activities following a statement by Mikhail Zadornov, Chairman of the board of Otkritie FC Bank.
Boris Mints is the founder of the investment company O1 Group, which focuses on financing and real estate. In 2018, he transferred control over the Future Financial Group and the O1 Properties development company (part of the O1 Group) to the Cyprus-based Riverstretch Trading & Investments (RT&I). The magnate is also the founder of the Museum of Russian Impressionism.
The US Congress put Boris Mints on the so-called Kremlin list. This list includes businessmen, who have fortunes of more than $1 bln and can be subject to sanctions.


tass--2020-02-13--Russia-Serbia relations achieve level of true strategic partnership, says Lavrov

BELGRADE , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Great trust and intensive bilateral cooperation have propelled Russia-Serbia relations to a level of genuine strategic partnership , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a congratulations message to his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic on the occasion of Serbia ’ s National Day .
`` The high level of trust and the intensity of Russian-Serbian dialogue , including cooperation by the foreign ministries , indicate that relations between our countries have achieved a level of genuine strategic partnership .
I am certain that the centuries-old traditions of friendship and mutual support will invariably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relations and the implementation of the entire package of initiatives on the agenda .
This fully meets the interests of the people of Russia and Serbia and enhances security in the Balkans , '' the press-service of Serbia ’ s Foreign Ministry quotes Lavrov ’ s message as saying .
Serbia celebrates the holiday on February 15 and 16 .
Both are days off .
The Serbian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in this tradition .
The public holiday coincides with the church holiday Candlemas .
On February 15 , 1805 future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serbian uprising ( 1804-1813 ) , which heralded the beginning of the Serbs ’ struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire .
The country ’ s first constitution was adopted on February 15 , 1835 .

BELGRADE, February 13. /TASS/. Great trust and intensive bilateral cooperation have propelled Russia-Serbia relations to a level of genuine strategic partnership, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a congratulations message to his Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic on the occasion of Serbia’s National Day.
"The high level of trust and the intensity of Russian-Serbian dialogue, including cooperation by the foreign ministries, indicate that relations between our countries have achieved a level of genuine strategic partnership. I am certain that the centuries-old traditions of friendship and mutual support will invariably contribute to the further deepening of bilateral relations and the implementation of the entire package of initiatives on the agenda. This fully meets the interests of the people of Russia and Serbia and enhances security in the Balkans," the press-service of Serbia’s Foreign Ministry quotes Lavrov’s message as saying.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic upon Serbia’s National Day.
Serbia celebrates the holiday on February 15 and 16. Both are days off. The Serbian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in this tradition. The public holiday coincides with the church holiday Candlemas. On February 15, 1805 future Prince George Petrovic Karageorge started the first Serbian uprising (1804-1813), which heralded the beginning of the Serbs’ struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. The country’s first constitution was adopted on February 15, 1835.


tass--2020-02-13--Over 1,000 Russian marines land on Caspian coast in large-scale drills

`` The drills involve more than 1,000 servicemen of the Caspian Flotilla ’ s marine infantry , 20 ships , Serna amphibious assault boats and support craft , about 200 items of armament , military and special hardware , and also six Mi-8AMTSh ‘ Terminator ’ helicopters from the 4th Air Force and Air Defense Army of the Southern Military District , '' the press office said in a statement .
ROSTOV-ON-DON , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Over 1,000 Caspian Flotilla marines landed on an unequipped sea coast in large-scale force-on-force tactical drills , the press office of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Under the drills ’ scenario , the troops performed a march on BTR-82A armored personnel carriers from practice ranges in Dagestan to the area of forming columns and boarded amphibious assault boats .
After that , the boats landed the amphibious assault main forces .
The crews of combat vehicles that rolled out from the amphibious assault boats negotiated water obstacles and barriers on cross-country terrain .
The marines seized a bridgehead on the coast and launched an operation to break through the enemy ’ s defense and eliminate its forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support with small arms and grenade throwing against enemy positions .
The artillery units fired Nona guns .
The company-level tactical drills will come to a close at the end of the week with the troops ’ march to their permanent bases , the Southern Military District said .

"The drills involve more than 1,000 servicemen of the Caspian Flotilla’s marine infantry, 20 ships, Serna amphibious assault boats and support craft, about 200 items of armament, military and special hardware, and also six Mi-8AMTSh ‘Terminator’ helicopters from the 4th Air Force and Air Defense Army of the Southern Military District," the press office said in a statement.
ROSTOV-ON-DON, February 13. /TASS/. Over 1,000 Caspian Flotilla marines landed on an unequipped sea coast in large-scale force-on-force tactical drills, the press office of Russia’s Southern Military District reported on Thursday.
Under the drills’ scenario, the troops performed a march on BTR-82A armored personnel carriers from practice ranges in Dagestan to the area of forming columns and boarded amphibious assault boats.
After that, the boats landed the amphibious assault main forces. The crews of combat vehicles that rolled out from the amphibious assault boats negotiated water obstacles and barriers on cross-country terrain.
The marines seized a bridgehead on the coast and launched an operation to break through the enemy’s defense and eliminate its forces. The armored personnel carriers provided fire support with small arms and grenade throwing against enemy positions. The artillery units fired Nona guns.
The company-level tactical drills will come to a close at the end of the week with the troops’ march to their permanent bases, the Southern Military District said.


tass--2020-02-13--Syrian army in Idlib fights terrorism on its territory, Kremlin says

When asked about Kremlin ’ s attitude towards the potential involvement of the US in the situation in Idlib , he said that so far , it is too early to talk about direct involvement of the US in this conflict .
`` In any case , we are not talking about a conflict here ; we are talking about adhering to the Sochi agreements and the obligations taken on by the sides in accordance with this document .
First and foremost , the armed forces of the Syrian Arab Republic are fighting terrorism on the territory of their country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Foreign Ministry noted a rise in tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past few weeks .
The Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to establish a ceasefire , however , terrorist attacks persisted .
As a result , military specialists from Russia and Turkey were killed .
On February 5 , Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib , an outpost of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group ( banned in Russia ) in the Idlib province .
Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups since 2012 .
A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria ’ s southern regions .
The Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province .

When asked about Kremlin’s attitude towards the potential involvement of the US in the situation in Idlib, he said that so far, it is too early to talk about direct involvement of the US in this conflict.
"In any case, we are not talking about a conflict here; we are talking about adhering to the Sochi agreements and the obligations taken on by the sides in accordance with this document. First and foremost, the armed forces of the Syrian Arab Republic are fighting terrorism on the territory of their country," Peskov stressed.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted a rise in tensions in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the past few weeks. The Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to establish a ceasefire, however, terrorist attacks persisted. As a result, military specialists from Russia and Turkey were killed.
On February 5, Syrian government forces entered the town of Saraqib, an outpost of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (banned in Russia) in the Idlib province. Saraqib is a town of strategic importance that sits at the junction of two main roads connecting Latakia and Damascus with Aleppo.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups since 2012. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria’s southern regions. The Turkish army has 12 observation outposts in the province.


tass--2020-02-13--Dutch authorities reject proposal on holding MH17 trial in Russia

THE HAGUE , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The Dutch authorities have rejected Moscow ’ s proposal that the trial @ @ @ @ @ in Ukraine in July 2014 should be held in Russia , according to a letter @ @ @ @ @ Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Ferdinand Grapperhaus published on Thursday .
In October 2019 @ @ @ @ @ put forward a proposal on holding the trial of three suspects in the case in @ @ @ @ @ has not considered this offer , '' the minister said , noting that the trial @ @ @ @ @ was not an option .
In its turn , the Netherlands sent a request to @ @ @ @ @ them to consider the possibility of implementing the Dutch court ’ s ruling in Russia @ @ @ @ @ case of a guilty verdict .

THE HAGUE, February 13. /TASS/. The Dutch authorities have rejected Moscow’s proposal that the trial of suspects in MH17 crash in Ukraine in July 2014 should be held in Russia, according to a letter to the national parliament by Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Ferdinand Grapperhaus published on Thursday.
In October 2019, Russia’s authorities put forward a proposal on holding the trial of three suspects in the case in Russia. "The Netherlands has not considered this offer," the minister said, noting that the trial on this case in Russia was not an option.
In its turn, the Netherlands sent a request to Russia’s authorities asking them to consider the possibility of implementing the Dutch court’s ruling in Russia and enforce a sentence in case of a guilty verdict.


tass--2020-02-13--Kremlin says Russia’s position on OPEC+ deal extension is yet to be defined

`` No , '' he said responding to the question if there is already a decision on the OPEC+ agreement .
MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s position on possible extension of the OPEC+ agreement on reduction of oil production is yet to be defined , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday .
Peskov did not name the timeframe when Russia 's position on this issue could be voiced .
According to him , this will happen `` timely . ''
On Wednesday , representatives of Russian oil companies met with Energy Minister Alexander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After that meeting first executive Vice President of Lukoil oil major Ravil Maganov told reporters that most companies are inclined to support the extension of the OPEC+ deal for another three months .
He added that there has been no single position on that matter yet .
At the same time , a source attending the meeting noted that most companies insist on keeping the current terms of the agreement while extending it for three months .
Last week , the OPEC+ technical committee arrived at a conclusion after the three-day meeting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production capping deal should further cut production by 600,000 barrels daily to mitigate the impact of the new coronavirus on the oil market .
It also recommended to extend the current oil production cut agreement until the end of 2020 .
Russia has not yet supported the proposal and took time for internal consultations .
The meeting of OPEC and OPEC+ is scheduled for March 5-6 .

"No," he said responding to the question if there is already a decision on the OPEC+ agreement.
MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Russia’s position on possible extension of the OPEC+ agreement on reduction of oil production is yet to be defined, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
Peskov did not name the timeframe when Russia's position on this issue could be voiced. According to him, this will happen "timely."
On Wednesday, representatives of Russian oil companies met with Energy Minister Alexander Novak to discuss the OPEC+ deal. After that meeting first executive Vice President of Lukoil oil major Ravil Maganov told reporters that most companies are inclined to support the extension of the OPEC+ deal for another three months. He added that there has been no single position on that matter yet. At the same time, a source attending the meeting noted that most companies insist on keeping the current terms of the agreement while extending it for three months.
Last week, the OPEC+ technical committee arrived at a conclusion after the three-day meeting in Vienna that countries participating in the oil production capping deal should further cut production by 600,000 barrels daily to mitigate the impact of the new coronavirus on the oil market. It also recommended to extend the current oil production cut agreement until the end of 2020. Russia has not yet supported the proposal and took time for internal consultations.
The meeting of OPEC and OPEC+ is scheduled for March 5-6.


tass--2020-02-13--Extra expenses on Putin’s address to exceed $31 bln in 3 years

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Extra expenditures on implementation of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s State of the Nation Address will exceed 2 trillion rubles ( $ 31.4 bln ) in the next three years , with over 1.8 trillion rubles ( $ 28.3 bln ) worth of federal budget funds , Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a government meeting on Thursday .
`` All provisions of the address have been included in amendments to the budget law .
Additional expenditures for three years will be worth over 2 trillion rubles ( $ 31.4 bln ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expenditures worth over 1.8 trillion rubles ( $ 28.3 bln ) .
Russian substituent entities ’ additional expenditures are projected at around 190 bln rubles ( $ 2.9 bln ) , '' he said .
Extra non-oil and gas revenues , as well as saved transfers to the Pension Fund are the sources of funds for such budget expenditures , the minister noted .
`` Those are surely the so-called reserves , conditionally approved expenditures that will be made in the second and third years of the three-year period .
That means that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming years are declining , '' he said , adding though that `` it is necessary to ensure the focus of ( president ’ s ) address by respective resources . ''

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. Extra expenditures on implementation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s State of the Nation Address will exceed 2 trillion rubles ($31.4 bln) in the next three years, with over 1.8 trillion rubles ($28.3 bln) worth of federal budget funds, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said at a government meeting on Thursday.
"All provisions of the address have been included in amendments to the budget law. Additional expenditures for three years will be worth over 2 trillion rubles ($31.4 bln). Those are mainly additional federal budget expenditures worth over 1.8 trillion rubles ($28.3 bln). Russian substituent entities’ additional expenditures are projected at around 190 bln rubles ($2.9 bln)," he said.
Extra non-oil and gas revenues, as well as saved transfers to the Pension Fund are the sources of funds for such budget expenditures, the minister noted.
"Those are surely the so-called reserves, conditionally approved expenditures that will be made in the second and third years of the three-year period. That means that our possibilities of using those reserves in coming years are declining," he said, adding though that "it is necessary to ensure the focus of (president’s) address by respective resources."


tass--2020-02-13--Press review: Turkey flexes muscles at Russia and what the US has planned for Central Asia

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has put forward an ultimatum against Damascus and Moscow , insisting that Assad ’ s forces must leave the Idlib de-escalation zone and stop the attacks against the Turkish military .
Otherwise , Ankara reserves the right to deep-six the deal brokered with Moscow on Syria and use its full combat might .
What ’ s more , for the first time , Erdogan has blamed Russia for the deaths of civilians in Idlib , warning that jets now attacking settlements , won ’ t be able to act as freely as earlier , Kommersant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin , Erdogan announced that an agreement had been reached that delegates from the Foreign Ministry , the Defense Ministry and intelligence services would hold talks in Moscow .
The two previous rounds of negotiations held in Ankara on Saturday and Monday failed to yield any result , the paper writes .
While Moscow and Ankara squabble over who is to blame for the current situation and over the Sochi memorandum , the United States has fully taken Turkey ’ s side .
Russian International Affairs Council expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rhetoric , Erdogan hints that he is not seeking a direct conflict with Damascus .
`` He signals that he expects to strike a new deal on Idlib with Moscow by the end of February , '' Semenov said , noting that a demand to withdraw pro-government forces from the de-escalation zone could be viewed as a starting point for bargaining .
A high-ranking diplomatic source told Vedomosti that Erdogan ’ s rhetoric is far from his usual tone at his talks with Putin .
This is bad because by using far-fetched pretexts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is making the challenging situation in Syria even worse .
Erdogan hopes that the issue will be solved during the Turkish delegation ’ s upcoming visit to Moscow led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal .
However , looking back at prior experience , no illusions should be expected here , the source notes .
During the Russian delegation ’ s visit to Turkey on February 8-10 , the sides failed to bring their positions closer on any issue as the Turkish negotiators had failed to develop an independent stance .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not ruled out provocations in Syria in the near future .
Izvestia : US returns to Central Asia , aiming to bring region closer to Afghanistan US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s recent tour of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan , and the new US strategy on Central Asia are now in the region ’ s spotlight .
Moscow and Beijing are guessing Washington ’ s plans concerning the Central Asian states , which are often branded as `` Russia ’ s underbelly , '' Izvestia writes .
For the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Central Asian states are self-sufficient regardless of the situation in Afghanistan , China and Russia .
The US strategy also highlights that the Central Asian republics , which are close to Afghanistan , should partly take responsibility for restoring the war-torn country .
Experts polled by Izvestia believe it would be too simple to regard any US steps in the region as an attempt to move in on Russia .
They also believe that the regional states need ties with the US as a counterbalance in their relations with Moscow and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Americans are not planning to get drawn into a new confrontation with Russia in the post-Soviet space .
However , they are interested in elbowing out China , '' said Rafael Sattarov , a US-based expert in Central Asia .
`` If we look at the biographies of US ambassadors in Central Asian countries , all of them are somehow linked to China and Asia .
Several years ago they used to send diplomats there , who were experts on the Soviet Union or Russia . ''
Temur Umarov from the Carnegie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding in the region that although relations with the US are important , they take a back seat to their key neighbors , Russia and China .
`` From the geographic perspective , the Central Asian states will still remain in Moscow and Beijing ’ s orbit , since Washington is far away .
In addition , Russia is not that naive and it understands that although the Americans promise the moon , they are not very interested in the region . ''
Washington is now focusing on the Central Asian countries ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve success , but it is not going to call the shots in the region , the expert explains .
Kommersant : Kiev offers water supply to Crimea in exchange for concessions on Donbass Moscow and Kiev have been entangled in a new scandal over Crimea and Donbass .
David Arakhamiya , who chairs the Servant of the People faction , the largest in Ukraine ’ s parliament , has suggested that water supplies from the Dnieper River could resume to Crimea in return for Russia ’ s concessions on Donbass .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kiev , fueling a heated debate , Kommersant writes .
Arakhamiya said that the idea of supplying water to Crimea via the Northern Crimean Canal would be a compromise since `` one way or another the water in Crimea would be used by Ukrainian citizens . ''
In exchange , Kiev should receive full control over the border in Donbass .
Later , the lawmaker retracted his statement , noting that his words had been quoted out of context .
There is a debate in Kiev now whether this statement could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trial balloon '' to lay the groundwork for bargaining on Crimean water .

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has put forward an ultimatum against Damascus and Moscow, insisting that Assad’s forces must leave the Idlib de-escalation zone and stop the attacks against the Turkish military. Otherwise, Ankara reserves the right to deep-six the deal brokered with Moscow on Syria and use its full combat might. What’s more, for the first time, Erdogan has blamed Russia for the deaths of civilians in Idlib, warning that jets now attacking settlements, won’t be able to act as freely as earlier, Kommersant business daily writes.
In his phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan announced that an agreement had been reached that delegates from the Foreign Ministry, the Defense Ministry and intelligence services would hold talks in Moscow. The two previous rounds of negotiations held in Ankara on Saturday and Monday failed to yield any result, the paper writes. While Moscow and Ankara squabble over who is to blame for the current situation and over the Sochi memorandum, the United States has fully taken Turkey’s side. Russian International Affairs Council expert Kirill Semenov notes that despite his belligerent rhetoric, Erdogan hints that he is not seeking a direct conflict with Damascus. "He signals that he expects to strike a new deal on Idlib with Moscow by the end of February," Semenov said, noting that a demand to withdraw pro-government forces from the de-escalation zone could be viewed as a starting point for bargaining.
A high-ranking diplomatic source told Vedomosti that Erdogan’s rhetoric is far from his usual tone at his talks with Putin. This is bad because by using far-fetched pretexts, Turkey is delaying meeting its commitments and is making the challenging situation in Syria even worse. Erdogan hopes that the issue will be solved during the Turkish delegation’s upcoming visit to Moscow led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal. However, looking back at prior experience, no illusions should be expected here, the source notes. During the Russian delegation’s visit to Turkey on February 8-10, the sides failed to bring their positions closer on any issue as the Turkish negotiators had failed to develop an independent stance. A source close to the Russian General Staff has not ruled out provocations in Syria in the near future.
Izvestia: US returns to Central Asia, aiming to bring region closer to Afghanistan
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent tour of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and the new US strategy on Central Asia are now in the region’s spotlight. Moscow and Beijing are guessing Washington’s plans concerning the Central Asian states, which are often branded as "Russia’s underbelly," Izvestia writes.
For the first time, Washington has acknowledged in its strategy that the Central Asian states are self-sufficient regardless of the situation in Afghanistan, China and Russia. The US strategy also highlights that the Central Asian republics, which are close to Afghanistan, should partly take responsibility for restoring the war-torn country.
Experts polled by Izvestia believe it would be too simple to regard any US steps in the region as an attempt to move in on Russia. They also believe that the regional states need ties with the US as a counterbalance in their relations with Moscow and Beijing. "The trend is that the Americans are not planning to get drawn into a new confrontation with Russia in the post-Soviet space.
However, they are interested in elbowing out China," said Rafael Sattarov, a US-based expert in Central Asia. "If we look at the biographies of US ambassadors in Central Asian countries, all of them are somehow linked to China and Asia. Several years ago they used to send diplomats there, who were experts on the Soviet Union or Russia."
Temur Umarov from the Carnegie Moscow Center believes that there is an understanding in the region that although relations with the US are important, they take a back seat to their key neighbors, Russia and China. "From the geographic perspective, the Central Asian states will still remain in Moscow and Beijing’s orbit, since Washington is far away. In addition, Russia is not that naive and it understands that although the Americans promise the moon, they are not very interested in the region." Washington is now focusing on the Central Asian countries’ proximity to Afghanistan, where it seeks to achieve success, but it is not going to call the shots in the region, the expert explains.
Kommersant: Kiev offers water supply to Crimea in exchange for concessions on Donbass
Moscow and Kiev have been entangled in a new scandal over Crimea and Donbass. David Arakhamiya, who chairs the Servant of the People faction, the largest in Ukraine’s parliament, has suggested that water supplies from the Dnieper River could resume to Crimea in return for Russia’s concessions on Donbass. His remark has come under severe fire in Kiev, fueling a heated debate, Kommersant writes.
Arakhamiya said that the idea of supplying water to Crimea via the Northern Crimean Canal would be a compromise since "one way or another the water in Crimea would be used by Ukrainian citizens." In exchange, Kiev should receive full control over the border in Donbass. Later, the lawmaker retracted his statement, noting that his words had been quoted out of context. There is a debate in Kiev now whether this statement could be viewed as a non-binding confession or "a trial balloon" to lay the groundwork for bargaining on Crimean water.


tass--2020-02-13--Putin has great respect for Ukrainian people, Kremlin says

`` President Putin has always had great respect for the Ukrainian nation , '' Peskov stressed , adding that Putin @ @ @ @ @ numerous occasions .
`` Unfortunately , this has not been reciprocated by previous Ukrainian leaders @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the Kremlin spokesman , Ukraine ’ s Russophobic policy reached its peak @ @ @ @ @ it will take much time to restore relations of kinship between the two countries .
@ @ @ @ @ state policy in Ukraine , '' Peskov pointed out , adding that `` it was @ @ @ @ @ , '' whipping up the public sentiment against Russia .
`` We regret to say @ @ @ @ @ that even if the Russophobic policy changes , it will take a long time to @ @ @ @ @ should be an integral part of Russia-Ukraine relations , the relations of kinship , '' @ @ @ @ @

"President Putin has always had great respect for the Ukrainian nation," Peskov stressed, adding that Putin has stated the same on numerous occasions.
"Unfortunately, this has not been reciprocated by previous Ukrainian leaders," the spokesman stated.
According to the Kremlin spokesman, Ukraine’s Russophobic policy reached its peak under the previous president but it will take much time to restore relations of kinship between the two countries.
"Russophobia actually became a state policy in Ukraine," Peskov pointed out, adding that "it was sure to produce dire results," whipping up the public sentiment against Russia.
"We regret to say this. We do understand that even if the Russophobic policy changes, it will take a long time to balance out the atmosphere that should be an integral part of Russia-Ukraine relations, the relations of kinship," the Kremlin spokesman noted.


tass--2020-02-13--Court in Rostov-on-Don sentences scientist to 7.5 years in jail for high treason

`` The court found Temirev guilty under article 275 of the Criminal Code ( High Treason ) and sentenced him to seven years and six months in a maximum security penitentiary .
Also , Temirev ’ s freedom will be restricted for one year after the prison term , '' the court ’ s spokeswoman said .
MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
A court in Rostov has sentenced Doctor of Technical Science Alexei Temirev , of Novocherkassk , to 7.5 years in a maximum security penitentiary for high treason .
The court ’ s press-service told TASS Temirev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convict decided against appealing the sentence , which has already entered into force .
The details of the case were not disclosed , because some pertinent information was classified .
According to TASS sources in the law enforcement , the federal security service FSB charged Temirev with sharing information about equipment he had worked on at the design bureau together with his graduate student from Vietnam and with passing state secrets to that country .
Alexei Temirev ’ s arrest came into the limelight two years ago .
A member of Moscow ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On July 19 , 2018 a court in Moscow issued a warrant for his arrest .
The scientist was charged with high treason under article 275 of the Criminal Code .
He faced a maximum punishment of 20 years in jail .
At the moment of detention Temirev was 64 .
He emphatically dismissed the charges throughout the pretrial investigation .
According to information available from open sources , Temirev was the chief of the small innovative business venture Mekhatronika and founder of the design bureau Intelligent Robust Integrated Systems .

"The court found Temirev guilty under article 275 of the Criminal Code (High Treason) and sentenced him to seven years and six months in a maximum security penitentiary. Also, Temirev’s freedom will be restricted for one year after the prison term," the court’s spokeswoman said.
MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. A court in Rostov has sentenced Doctor of Technical Science Alexei Temirev, of Novocherkassk, to 7.5 years in a maximum security penitentiary for high treason. The court’s press-service told TASS Temirev’s trial was fast-tracked.
The convict decided against appealing the sentence, which has already entered into force. The details of the case were not disclosed, because some pertinent information was classified.
According to TASS sources in the law enforcement, the federal security service FSB charged Temirev with sharing information about equipment he had worked on at the design bureau together with his graduate student from Vietnam and with passing state secrets to that country.
Alexei Temirev’s arrest came into the limelight two years ago. A member of Moscow’s Public Monitoring Commission broke the news. On July 19, 2018 a court in Moscow issued a warrant for his arrest. The scientist was charged with high treason under article 275 of the Criminal Code. He faced a maximum punishment of 20 years in jail. At the moment of detention Temirev was 64. He emphatically dismissed the charges throughout the pretrial investigation. According to information available from open sources, Temirev was the chief of the small innovative business venture Mekhatronika and founder of the design bureau Intelligent Robust Integrated Systems.


tass--2020-02-13--New T-90M Proryv tank might be displayed at Army 2020 forum

TOMSK , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The upgraded T-90M Proryv tank , developed by UralVagonZavod ( UVZ ) , @ @ @ @ @ public during the Army 2020 forum , UVZ CEO Alexander Potapov said .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ [ T-90M ] soon .
This year , we have 75th anniversary of the Victory @ @ @ @ @ Great Patriotic War ] , the 100th anniversary of tank building industry , and the @ @ @ @ @ said .
In early February , UVZ press service said that the company already commenced @ @ @ @ @ to the military , in accordance with the contract .
The Proryv tank features a @ @ @ @ @ more powerful engine .
The tank is equipped with multi-channel sights that allow firing at @ @ @ @ @ , and one of the tank ’ s main features is its ability to share @ @ @ @ @ real time .
The armor is covered with a special anti-slip compound , also used @ @ @ @ @ .

TOMSK, February 13. /TASS/. The upgraded T-90M Proryv tank, developed by UralVagonZavod (UVZ), might be displayed to the public during the Army 2020 forum, UVZ CEO Alexander Potapov said.
"I think we will see them [T-90M] soon. This year, we have 75th anniversary of the Victory [over Nazism during the Great Patriotic War], the 100th anniversary of tank building industry, and the Army forum," Potapov said.
In early February, UVZ press service said that the company already commenced shipping the upgraded T-90M tanks to the military, in accordance with the contract.
The Proryv tank features a completely new turret and a more powerful engine. The tank is equipped with multi-channel sights that allow firing at any time of the day, and one of the tank’s main features is its ability to share data with other vehicles in real time. The armor is covered with a special anti-slip compound, also used on the T-14 Armata tank.


tass--2020-02-13--Nikki Beach Global Announces Nikki Beach Montenegro

MIAMI , Feb. 13 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikki Beach , the family owned and operated global luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand , announced today that they are opening a second location in Montenegro .
Nikki Beach Montenegro is slated to open in early summer 2020 , joining the neighboring Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro , which , as previously announced , will open in 2022/2023 .
Nikki Beach , which is the first and original luxury beach club concept with 13 locations around the world , has blossomed into a well-respected beach club brand and hotel and resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Bay of Tivat , Nikki Beach Montenegro is a 250-person capacity restaurant and beach club that will focus heavily on the brand 's key elements .
In proximity to Porto Montenegro , which is just a ten-minute boat ride away , the property will include a 45-room boutique resort , gym and luxury spa .
The property will also showcase spectacular sea and mountain views facing the inside of the fjord with direct water access and two jetties .
The location will cater to the yachting community as a top mega @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feature three dedicated pools , one that is more high energy and two additional relaxation pools for guests who are staying on property .
A picturesque waterfall will connect two of the pools and a bridge will be constructed over one pool to cross over towards the seaside .
In terms of hotel accommodations , there will be a great mix of large rooms and suites .
`` We 're very excited to bring our global brand to a new country , '' says Lucia Penrod , CEO of Nikki Beach Global .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain ranges will greatly appeal to our loyal brand followers as they travel the world every summer season . ''
Nikki Beach Montenegro will showcase the brand 's signature design aesthetic , featuring an inviting décor of all white with wood accents .
A palm-tree-lined platform with sunbeds , lounge chairs and cabanas will overlook the water and mountain range .
The brand 's six elements of music , dining , entertainment , fashion , film and art will be highlighted throughout the space .
The location will present daytime and dinner service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which incorporates approachable cuisine that is healthful , beautifully presented and prepared with simplicity in mind .
Guests will savor oversized seafood platters , tasty sushi boats , colorful salads and global favorites representing the brand 's locations around the world .
Nikki Beach will bring its sought-after musical culture to the venue with resident DJs and musicians , featuring chill house , happy house , deep house , afro house , Latin house and more .
An in-house saxophonist , among other musicians , will create an atmosphere that lends itself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area , Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro , is situated on a private peninsula in the bay of Budva and will be part of a luxury private villa development .
The property , which is slated to open in 2022/2023 , will house 150 rooms and suites , 20 ultra-luxury villas , three individual private beaches , a jetty , Nikki Spa , Tone Gym , and five restaurants including Key West , which is currently open .
`` Nikki Beach Montenegro , the restaurant and beach club , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culinary delights and energy to Montenegro this spring , '' says Alexander Schneider , President of the Global Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts division .
`` The adjacent Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro will combine the best of both worlds , a luxury boutique hotel offering the perfect backdrop to unwind and pamper yourself with the spirit of Nikki Beach . ''
Most recently , in a joint venture with Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts EMEA , the brand opened Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini in August of 2019 .
Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since opening , Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts embarked on a long-term contract renewal with Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Porto Heli ( also in Greece ) .
As recently announced , the brand will also be further growing its portfolio with the addition of Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Sri Lanka , a project that is currently under construction .
This year , Nikki Beach is focused on expansion in the luxury lifestyle industry and the scheduled opening of new locations in the next five years .
As the brand adds new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will no longer operate Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Bodrum .
In 2019 , Nikki Beach Global celebrated 20 years in business with milestone events at its beach clubs and resorts .
The brand was founded by entrepreneur Jack Penrod and his wife Lucia in Miami Beach in 1998 .
Today , Nikki Beach Global has grown into an international , multifaceted luxury hospitality company with 13 beach clubs around the world , including Versilia , Saint Barth , Saint Tropez , Dubai , Monte Carlo , Marbella and Ibiza , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global has offices in Miami , Marbella , Barcelona , Geneva and Dubai .
In 1998 , entrepreneur Jack Penrod introduced the world to Nikki Beach , the first and original luxury beach club concept that combines the elements of music , dining , entertainment , fashion , film and art into one .
Today , as Nikki Beach marks over 20 years in business , the brand has grown into a global , multifaceted lifestyle hospitality company with 13 beach clubs , 4 hotels and resorts , a fashion division ( including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nikki Cares , a 501c3 non-profit charity .
Nikki Beach can now be experienced in : Miami Beach , USA ; Saint Tropez , France ; Saint Barth , Caribbean ; Marbella , Spain ; Koh Samui , Thailand ; Mallorca , Spain ; Ibiza , Spain ; Monte Carlo , Monaco ; Dubai , UAE ; Versilia , Italy ; Barbados , Caribbean and Costa Smeralda , Italy .
Every year , Nikki Beach has a pop-up location during the Cannes International Film Festival in France and a summer-long pop-up lounge at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Hotels & Resorts division has properties in Koh Samui , Thailand ; Porto Heli , Greece ; Dubai , UAE and Santorini , Greece .
For more information , please visit www.nikkibeach.com Facebook : @ nikkibeachworld Instagram : @ nikkibeachworld Twitter : @ NikkiBeachWorld Spotify : @ nikkibeach Since its inception in 2007 , the Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts division has disrupted the classic hotel business model by offering a new concept based on unique lifestyle and dining features .
Nikki Beach 's Hotels & Resorts are a natural extension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club experience into a resort setting .
More than just hotel rooms , however , Nikki Beach 's DNA is embedded into each of the international properties , from the dining , spa and fitness concepts we have created exclusively—including Key West , Café Nikki , Nikki Spa and Tone Gym—to the vibrant décor , friendly service and signature entertainment .
With locations in Koh Samui , Thailand ; Porto Heli , Greece ; Dubai , UAE ; and Santorini , Greece , Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts is gaining rapid momentum in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide on prime beachfront and urban locations .

MIAMI, Feb. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikki Beach, the family owned and operated global luxury lifestyle and hospitality brand, announced today that they are opening a second location in Montenegro. Nikki Beach Montenegro is slated to open in early summer 2020, joining the neighboring Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro, which, as previously announced, will open in 2022/2023.
Nikki Beach, which is the first and original luxury beach club concept with 13 locations around the world, has blossomed into a well-respected beach club brand and hotel and resort company.
Located in Budva and situated on the Bay of Tivat, Nikki Beach Montenegro is a 250-person capacity restaurant and beach club that will focus heavily on the brand's key elements. In proximity to Porto Montenegro, which is just a ten-minute boat ride away, the property will include a 45-room boutique resort, gym and luxury spa. The property will also showcase spectacular sea and mountain views facing the inside of the fjord with direct water access and two jetties. The location will cater to the yachting community as a top mega yacht destination.
Nikki Beach Montenegro will feature three dedicated pools, one that is more high energy and two additional relaxation pools for guests who are staying on property. A picturesque waterfall will connect two of the pools and a bridge will be constructed over one pool to cross over towards the seaside. In terms of hotel accommodations, there will be a great mix of large rooms and suites.
"We're very excited to bring our global brand to a new country," says Lucia Penrod, CEO of Nikki Beach Global. "Montenegro's beautiful coastline and scenic mountain ranges will greatly appeal to our loyal brand followers as they travel the world every summer season."
Nikki Beach Montenegro will showcase the brand's signature design aesthetic, featuring an inviting décor of all white with wood accents. A palm-tree-lined platform with sunbeds, lounge chairs and cabanas will overlook the water and mountain range. The brand's six elements of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art will be highlighted throughout the space.
The location will present daytime and dinner service featuring the brand's globally inspired menu, which incorporates approachable cuisine that is healthful, beautifully presented and prepared with simplicity in mind. Guests will savor oversized seafood platters, tasty sushi boats, colorful salads and global favorites representing the brand's locations around the world.
Nikki Beach will bring its sought-after musical culture to the venue with resident DJs and musicians, featuring chill house, happy house, deep house, afro house, Latin house and more. An in-house saxophonist, among other musicians, will create an atmosphere that lends itself to lasting memories.
The second project in the area, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro, is situated on a private peninsula in the bay of Budva and will be part of a luxury private villa development. The property, which is slated to open in 2022/2023, will house 150 rooms and suites, 20 ultra-luxury villas, three individual private beaches, a jetty, Nikki Spa, Tone Gym, and five restaurants including Key West, which is currently open.
"Nikki Beach Montenegro, the restaurant and beach club, will bring an unprecedented level of entertainment, culinary delights and energy to Montenegro this spring," says Alexander Schneider, President of the Global Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts division. "The adjacent Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Montenegro will combine the best of both worlds, a luxury boutique hotel offering the perfect backdrop to unwind and pamper yourself with the spirit of Nikki Beach."
Most recently, in a joint venture with Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts EMEA, the brand opened Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Santorini in August of 2019. Additionally, after the location's best season since opening, Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts embarked on a long-term contract renewal with Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Porto Heli (also in Greece). As recently announced, the brand will also be further growing its portfolio with the addition of Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Sri Lanka, a project that is currently under construction.
This year, Nikki Beach is focused on expansion in the luxury lifestyle industry and the scheduled opening of new locations in the next five years. As the brand adds new properties and projects to the pipeline, we will no longer operate Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Bodrum.
In 2019, Nikki Beach Global celebrated 20 years in business with milestone events at its beach clubs and resorts. The brand was founded by entrepreneur Jack Penrod and his wife Lucia in Miami Beach in 1998. Today, Nikki Beach Global has grown into an international, multifaceted luxury hospitality company with 13 beach clubs around the world, including Versilia, Saint Barth, Saint Tropez, Dubai, Monte Carlo, Marbella and Ibiza, and four hotels and resorts. Nikki Beach Global has offices in Miami, Marbella, Barcelona, Geneva and Dubai.
Press Contact: Amanda Greenberg, Director of PR & Communications, Nikki Beach Global amanda@nikkibeach.com
About Nikki Beach Global
In 1998, entrepreneur Jack Penrod introduced the world to Nikki Beach, the first and original luxury beach club concept that combines the elements of music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film and art into one. Today, as Nikki Beach marks over 20 years in business, the brand has grown into a global, multifaceted lifestyle hospitality company with 13 beach clubs, 4 hotels and resorts, a fashion division (including lifestyle boutiques), special events and Nikki Cares, a 501c3 non-profit charity.
Nikki Beach can now be experienced in: Miami Beach, USA; Saint Tropez, France; Saint Barth, Caribbean; Marbella, Spain; Koh Samui, Thailand; Mallorca, Spain; Ibiza, Spain; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Dubai, UAE; Versilia, Italy; Barbados, Caribbean and Costa Smeralda, Italy. Every year, Nikki Beach has a pop-up location during the Cannes International Film Festival in France and a summer-long pop-up lounge at the Waterfront in Porto Cervo, Italy. The Hotels & Resorts division has properties in Koh Samui, Thailand; Porto Heli, Greece; Dubai, UAE and Santorini, Greece.
For more information, please visit www.nikkibeach.com
Facebook: @nikkibeachworld
Instagram: @nikkibeachworld
Twitter: @NikkiBeachWorld
Spotify: @nikkibeach
About Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts Division
Since its inception in 2007, the Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts division has disrupted the classic hotel business model by offering a new concept based on unique lifestyle and dining features. Nikki Beach's Hotels & Resorts are a natural extension of the brand, bringing our beach club experience into a resort setting. More than just hotel rooms, however, Nikki Beach's DNA is embedded into each of the international properties, from the dining, spa and fitness concepts we have created exclusively—including Key West, Café Nikki, Nikki Spa and Tone Gym—to the vibrant décor, friendly service and signature entertainment. With locations in Koh Samui, Thailand; Porto Heli, Greece; Dubai, UAE; and Santorini, Greece, Nikki Beach Hotels & Resorts is gaining rapid momentum in conceptualizing, developing and operating exclusive properties worldwide on prime beachfront and urban locations.
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1089278/Nikki_Beach_Global.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/634734/Nikki_Beach_Worldwide_Logo.jpg


tass--2020-02-13--Russian health official sues woman who fled coronavirus quarantine

According to the statement , the lawsuit has been filed with the Kuibyshevsky District Court .
ST. PETERSBURG , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The chief sanitary physician in the Russian city of St. Petersburg has filed a lawsuit against a woman who escaped from the Botkin Hospital for Infectious Diseases where she was undergoing coronavirus quarantine , the united press service of the city ’ s courts said in a statement on Thursday .
Alla Ilyina , who had returned from China in early February , left the hospital without permission , short-circuiting the electric lock on the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian consumer watchdog and St. Petersburg ’ s health authorities , the patient committed an administrative offense by breaking quarantine regulations and potentially exposing other people to the virus .
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 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency .
The total number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeded 59,800 , while the death toll has hit 1,368 .
More than 5,900 patients have recovered .

According to the statement, the lawsuit has been filed with the Kuibyshevsky District Court.
ST. PETERSBURG, February 13. /TASS/. The chief sanitary physician in the Russian city of St. Petersburg has filed a lawsuit against a woman who escaped from the Botkin Hospital for Infectious Diseases where she was undergoing coronavirus quarantine, the united press service of the city’s courts said in a statement on Thursday.
Alla Ilyina, who had returned from China in early February, left the hospital without permission, short-circuiting the electric lock on the door to her ward.
According to the Russian consumer watchdog and St. Petersburg’s health authorities, the patient committed an administrative offense by breaking quarantine regulations and potentially exposing other people to the virus.
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 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency. The total number of coronavirus cases recorded in China has exceeded 59,800, while the death toll has hit 1,368. More than 5,900 patients have recovered.


tass--2020-02-13--Eight Russians aboard Westerdam cruise ship arrived in Cambodia

TASS , February 13 .
The Westerdam cruise ship has docked in the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville Thursday , passenger lists say there are seven Russian tourists ( five women and two men ) and a Russian crewmember on board , the Cambodian side shared a full list with TASS .
Most tourists travelling on the ship come from the United States ( 651 people ) and Canada ( 271 ) .
Germans , British , Dutch and other nationals are also on board the Westerdam .
Only one holder of the Chinese passport is among the passengers as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Special Administrative Region .
After docking , Cambodia ’ s migration service officers came aboard , Alexei , a Russian tourist travelling with his family , told TASS .
`` We handed in our passports to obtain visas .
Holland America [ Line ] ( cruise operator - TASS ) will get us Cambodian visas and within three days we will be sent to Moscow at the company ’ s expense , plus all our costs are covered - the cruise tickers are refunded and we get 100 % off the next cruise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The US-based Holland America Line announced that all their guests aboard the Westerdam are healthy in spite of false reports there are and have never been coronavirus cases or suspected cases on the ship .
`` All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board , nor have their ever been , '' the company said on Facebook .
The situation on the Westerdam is calm , no one is ill or wearing face masks , the Russian passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good here .
No one is sick on the ship or wearing face masks .
The food is great , '' he underlined .
According to the Russian , passengers are in good spirits .
`` Temperature controls are carried out , '' he added .
The Westerdam cruise ship left Hong Kong on February 1 .
The ship was planning stopovers in a number of Japanese ports .
These plans were axed since Japan feared that people that had possible contracted the novel coronavirus could be aboard the ship .
Subsequently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned the ship away .
The Westerdam was stuck for more than a week trying to dock in Asian ports .
Eventually , it was cleared to do so by Cambodian authorities and entered Sihanoukville on Thursday morning .
`` The ship docked in the port of Sihanoukville .
Local authorities are awaiting further instructions from Phnom Penh , '' the Russian embassy in Cambodia told TASS .
Some reports emerged suggesting that passengers can be taken to airports in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville .
Holland America Line said Wednesday that Cambodian authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 802 crewmembers on board to dock in one of the ports where passengers will disembark .
`` All approvals have been received and we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for their support , '' the company said via its official Facebook account .
Charter flights are expected to fly passengers to the Cambodian capital within the next few days and then they will be able to leave the country .
Holland America Line is covering all expenses for organizing flights and will fully refund the cruise costs .

TASS, February 13. The Westerdam cruise ship has docked in the Cambodian port of Sihanoukville Thursday, passenger lists say there are seven Russian tourists (five women and two men) and a Russian crewmember on board, the Cambodian side shared a full list with TASS.
Most tourists travelling on the ship come from the United States (651 people) and Canada (271). Germans, British, Dutch and other nationals are also on board the Westerdam. Only one holder of the Chinese passport is among the passengers as well as 29 residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
After docking, Cambodia’s migration service officers came aboard, Alexei, a Russian tourist travelling with his family, told TASS. "We handed in our passports to obtain visas. Holland America [Line] (cruise operator - TASS) will get us Cambodian visas and within three days we will be sent to Moscow at the company’s expense, plus all our costs are covered - the cruise tickers are refunded and we get 100% off the next cruise. We are satisfied," he said.
No sick people onboard
The US-based Holland America Line announced that all their guests aboard the Westerdam are healthy in spite of false reports there are and have never been coronavirus cases or suspected cases on the ship. "All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board, nor have their ever been," the company said on Facebook.
The situation on the Westerdam is calm, no one is ill or wearing face masks, the Russian passenger told TASS. "We are all good here. No one is sick on the ship or wearing face masks. The food is great," he underlined. According to the Russian, passengers are in good spirits. "Temperature controls are carried out," he added.
Troubled voyage
The Westerdam cruise ship left Hong Kong on February 1. The ship was planning stopovers in a number of Japanese ports. These plans were axed since Japan feared that people that had possible contracted the novel coronavirus could be aboard the ship. Subsequently, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand also turned the ship away.
The Westerdam was stuck for more than a week trying to dock in Asian ports. Eventually, it was cleared to do so by Cambodian authorities and entered Sihanoukville on Thursday morning.
"The ship docked in the port of Sihanoukville. Local authorities are awaiting further instructions from Phnom Penh," the Russian embassy in Cambodia told TASS. Some reports emerged suggesting that passengers can be taken to airports in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville.
Operator’s position
Holland America Line said Wednesday that Cambodian authorities had allowed the ship with 1,455 tourists and 802 crewmembers on board to dock in one of the ports where passengers will disembark. "All approvals have been received and we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for their support," the company said via its official Facebook account.
Charter flights are expected to fly passengers to the Cambodian capital within the next few days and then they will be able to leave the country. Holland America Line is covering all expenses for organizing flights and will fully refund the cruise costs.


tass--2020-02-13--New Oryol multiple use spacecraft to begin tests in 2024

The first Oryol flight model is scheduled for launch in 2023 .
The spacecraft would be carried from Vostochny Cosmodrome by Angara-A5 missile .
The flight would involve start , orbital operations and safe spacecraft capsule landing .
MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The second flight model of the upcoming Russian Oryol Spacecraft is scheduled for space flights in 2024 and 2025 , says CEO of Energia Rocket and Space Company Nikolai Sevastianov .
`` The second flight product that will test the life support system , is scheduled for launch to the International Space Station in non-piloted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dock to the ISS would also be conducted on the second flight product in 2025 , '' Sevastianov said .
The CEO said that the design documents for the new spaceship are being developed and the production is being prepared .
Earlier , Russian Space Agency CEO Dmitry Rogozin told TASS that Energia has already made several elements for the upcoming Oryol spacecraft .
Unlike the Soyuz spacecraft currently in use , the Oryol spacecraft ( previously known as Federation ) would be multiple-use .
The spacecraft interior would be much bigger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six people ( versus Soyuz ’ s three ) .
Oryol would be able to fly autonomously for 30 days , and up to 1 year as a part of a space station .
The spacecraft is supposed to conduct its first non-piloted flight to the Moon in 2028 .

The first Oryol flight model is scheduled for launch in 2023. The spacecraft would be carried from Vostochny Cosmodrome by Angara-A5 missile. The flight would involve start, orbital operations and safe spacecraft capsule landing.
MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The second flight model of the upcoming Russian Oryol Spacecraft is scheduled for space flights in 2024 and 2025, says CEO of Energia Rocket and Space Company Nikolai Sevastianov.
"The second flight product that will test the life support system, is scheduled for launch to the International Space Station in non-piloted mode in 2024.The piloted flight that would dock to the ISS would also be conducted on the second flight product in 2025," Sevastianov said. The CEO said that the design documents for the new spaceship are being developed and the production is being prepared.
Earlier, Russian Space Agency CEO Dmitry Rogozin told TASS that Energia has already made several elements for the upcoming Oryol spacecraft.
Unlike the Soyuz spacecraft currently in use, the Oryol spacecraft (previously known as Federation) would be multiple-use. The spacecraft interior would be much bigger, and the crew would be extended to six people (versus Soyuz’s three). Oryol would be able to fly autonomously for 30 days, and up to 1 year as a part of a space station. The spacecraft is supposed to conduct its first non-piloted flight to the Moon in 2028.


tass--2020-02-13--Coronavirus cases in China exceed 59,800

BEIJING , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The COVID-19 death toll in China has passed 1,367 , while over 5,900 @ @ @ @ @ number of infected people has exceeded 59,800 , the National Health Commission said in a @ @ @ @ @ calls for $ 675 mln in donations to combat novel coronavirus outbreak According to updated @ @ @ @ @ from the novel coronavirus in China stood at 2.28 % .
As many as 181,300 @ @ @ @ @ direct contacts with those infected remain under medical observation , and about 13,400 are going @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the @ @ @ @ @ pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have also been @ @ @ @ @ , including Russia .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global @ @ @

BEIJING, February 13. /TASS/. The COVID-19 death toll in China has passed 1,367, while over 5,900 patients have recovered. The number of infected people has exceeded 59,800, the National Health Commission said in a statement on Thursday.
WHO calls for $675 mln in donations to combat novel coronavirus outbreak
According to updated data, the death rate from the novel coronavirus in China stood at 2.28%.
As many as 181,300 people in China who had direct contacts with those infected remain under medical observation, and about 13,400 are going through quarantine.
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 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.


tass--2020-02-13--Washington in search for envoy for arms control talks with Russia — media

WASHINGTON , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The US administration plans to name a negotiator to oversee nuclear talks with @ @ @ @ @ citing former US officials .
According to the news outlet , `` the negotiator would @ @ @ @ @ focused on arms control talks . ''
`` And while Moscow would likely be his @ @ @ @ @ partner , Trump may insist that the envoy take on the even harder task of @ @ @ @ @ such discussions , '' Politico said , adding that `` the search has been going @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Neither the US Department of State nor the White House National Security Council @ @ @ @ @ the matter yet .

WASHINGTON, February 13. /TASS/. The US administration plans to name a negotiator to oversee nuclear talks with Russia, Politico wrote, citing former US officials.
According to the news outlet, "the negotiator would act as a special envoy focused on arms control talks." "And while Moscow would likely be his or her primary overseas negotiating partner, Trump may insist that the envoy take on the even harder task of convincing China to engage in such discussions," Politico said, adding that "the search has been going on since late last year."
Neither the US Department of State nor the White House National Security Council have commented to TASS on the matter yet.


tass--2020-02-13--Westerdam cruise ship arrives in Cambodia

MOSCOW , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
The MS Westerdam cruise ship , which was earlier prohibited from entering several Asian ports over coronavirus fears , finally entered Cambodia on Thursday morning after receiving the green light from the country ’ s authorities , a Russian embassy official told TASS .
`` The vessel entered the port of Sihanoukville .
Local authorities are waiting for further directions from Phnom Penh , '' the source said .
According to the local interior ministry department , one passenger is a Russian citizen .
However , the embassy said it had received information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship ’ s passengers .
The ship ’ s operator , Holland America Line , said Wednesday that Cambodian officials had granted the vessel permission to dock after several unsuccessful attempts to call at other ports .
The vessel has 1,455 passengers and 802 crew members on board .
`` All approvals have been received and we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for their support , '' the company said on its Facebook page .
Passengers are expected to travel to Cambodia ’ s capital Phnom Penh by charter flights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Line will arrange and pay for all flights home and reimburse travel costs .
`` All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board , nor have they ever been , '' the company reported .
A Russian passenger of the ship , who identified himself as Alexei , told TASS that `` nobody has gotten ill on board . ''
`` No one is wearing masks , and the meals are excellent , '' he said , adding that passengers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sailed from Hong Kong on February 1 and planned to call several Japanese ports .
Plans were canceled at the behest of Japan , which was concerned about several suspected coronavirus cases it believed were on board .
Likewise , Thailand , Philippines and Taiwan also barred the ship from entering their ports .
The ship ’ s passengers are mostly from Europe and United States .
No Chinese citizens were among them .

MOSCOW, February 13. /TASS/. The MS Westerdam cruise ship, which was earlier prohibited from entering several Asian ports over coronavirus fears, finally entered Cambodia on Thursday morning after receiving the green light from the country’s authorities, a Russian embassy official told TASS.
"The vessel entered the port of Sihanoukville. Local authorities are waiting for further directions from Phnom Penh," the source said.
According to the local interior ministry department, one passenger is a Russian citizen. However, the embassy said it had received information about at least seven Russians among the ship’s passengers.
The ship’s operator, Holland America Line, said Wednesday that Cambodian officials had granted the vessel permission to dock after several unsuccessful attempts to call at other ports. The vessel has 1,455 passengers and 802 crew members on board. "All approvals have been received and we are extremely grateful to the Cambodian authorities for their support," the company said on its Facebook page.
Passengers are expected to travel to Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh by charter flights and then return back home. Holland America Line will arrange and pay for all flights home and reimburse travel costs. "All guests on board are healthy and despite erroneous reports there are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on board, nor have they ever been," the company reported.
A Russian passenger of the ship, who identified himself as Alexei, told TASS that "nobody has gotten ill on board." "No one is wearing masks, and the meals are excellent," he said, adding that passengers regularly undergo body temperature screenings.
Westerdam sailed from Hong Kong on February 1 and planned to call several Japanese ports. Plans were canceled at the behest of Japan, which was concerned about several suspected coronavirus cases it believed were on board. Likewise, Thailand, Philippines and Taiwan also barred the ship from entering their ports.
The ship’s passengers are mostly from Europe and United States. No Chinese citizens were among them.


tass--2020-02-13--Number of confirmed coronavirus cases on cruise ship in Japan reaches 219

TOKTO , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 44 passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off Japan were diagnosed with novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours , bringing the overall number of COVID-19 cases onboard to 219 , the country ’ s Minister of Health , Labor and Welfare Katsunobu Kato said on Thursday .
The figure includes one quarantine service employee who worked onboard the ship and was reported to have contracted the disease on Wednesday .
The minister said that among those 44 passengers are `` 29 citizens of Japan and 15 foreigners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizenship .
According to the Kyodo news agency , the country ’ s authorities have made the decision to evacuate all elderly passengers from the ship .
`` Lengthy stay of such passengers on board may cause their chronic conditions to exacerbate , '' Kato said .
All people aged 80 or older , who are willing to leave the ship , will have a chance to do so before the quarantine period expires on February 19 .
Evacuation is expected to begin on Friday .
Some 3,700 people from 50 countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cruise ship when it left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3 .
Among them was a coronavirus-infected Chinese citizen who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong .
In accordance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities , the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks , until February 19 .
All people who were infected with the virus have been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized in Kanagawa prefecture .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
According to latest reports , over 42,700 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in China , the death toll surpassed 1,000 , and over 4,000 people recovered from the virus .

TOKTO, February 13. /TASS/. A total of 44 passengers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off Japan were diagnosed with novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall number of COVID-19 cases onboard to 219, the country’s Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Katsunobu Kato said on Thursday.
The figure includes one quarantine service employee who worked onboard the ship and was reported to have contracted the disease on Wednesday.
The minister said that among those 44 passengers are "29 citizens of Japan and 15 foreigners," but did not specify their citizenship.
According to the Kyodo news agency, the country’s authorities have made the decision to evacuate all elderly passengers from the ship.
"Lengthy stay of such passengers on board may cause their chronic conditions to exacerbate," Kato said.
All people aged 80 or older, who are willing to leave the ship, will have a chance to do so before the quarantine period expires on February 19. Evacuation is expected to begin on Friday.
Some 3,700 people from 50 countries, including Russia, were on board the cruise ship when it left Yokohama on January 20 and returned on February 3. Among them was a coronavirus-infected Chinese citizen who left the ship on January 25 in Hong Kong. In accordance with the decision made by the Japanese authorities, the ship was anchored near Yokohama and quarantined for two weeks, until February 19. All people who were infected with the virus have been evacuated from the ship and hospitalized in Kanagawa prefecture.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. According to latest reports, over 42,700 cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in China, the death toll surpassed 1,000, and over 4,000 people recovered from the virus.


tass--2020-02-13--US defense secretary says Syrian incident altercation, not escalation

WASHINGTON , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he considered the recent incident in Syria , in which a Syrian teenager was killed by US troops , to be an altercation , but not escalation , the Voice of America said .
`` I got an initial report that there was an altercation in Syria .
That 's all the further I have on it right now , '' the radio station quoted the defense secretary as saying in Brussels .
`` I would n't say that there 's escalating if you will , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you will . ''
`` With regard to the Russians we have deconfliction measures that have been in place for some time , '' he continued .
`` We talk to them constantly on the ground ... these are things we work through on a day-to-day basis . ''
`` As far as I know , today 's incident did not involve the Russians , '' the US defense chief added .
Major General Yuri Borenkov , the chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Syrian region of Al-Hasakah in a clash of US troops with local civilians , while another civilian was wounded .
The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria explained that the conflict broke out after the US military convoy deviated from its route and was stopped by Syrian government units outside Harbat Hamo in Al-Hasakah Province at 10.30 a.m. local time on Wednesday .
`` Only thanks to efforts of the Russian soldiers who had arrived at the scene was it possible to avoid any further escalation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
According to the general , the Russian service members also helped to `` ensure the exit of the US Forces ’ convoy towards their base at the inhabited locality of Himo in Al-Hasakah Province .
`` .

WASHINGTON, February 13. /TASS/. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he considered the recent incident in Syria, in which a Syrian teenager was killed by US troops, to be an altercation, but not escalation, the Voice of America said.
"I got an initial report that there was an altercation in Syria. That's all the further I have on it right now," the radio station quoted the defense secretary as saying in Brussels. "I wouldn't say that there's escalating if you will, or you used the plural, clashes, if you will."
"With regard to the Russians we have deconfliction measures that have been in place for some time," he continued. "We talk to them constantly on the ground...these are things we work through on a day-to-day basis."
"As far as I know, today's incident did not involve the Russians," the US defense chief added.
Major General Yuri Borenkov, the chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria, said on Wednesday a 14-year-old boy was killed in the Syrian region of Al-Hasakah in a clash of US troops with local civilians, while another civilian was wounded.
The Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria explained that the conflict broke out after the US military convoy deviated from its route and was stopped by Syrian government units outside Harbat Hamo in Al-Hasakah Province at 10.30 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
"Only thanks to efforts of the Russian soldiers who had arrived at the scene was it possible to avoid any further escalation of the conflict with local residents," Borenkov said. According to the general, the Russian service members also helped to "ensure the exit of the US Forces’ convoy towards their base at the inhabited locality of Himo in Al-Hasakah Province.".


tass--2020-02-13--WHO sees possibility of testing novel coronavirus vaccine on humans in 3-4 months

GENEVA , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Four novel coronavirus vaccines are currently being developed , two of them might be tested on humans in three or four months , WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said .
Human trials for one or two of the most promising vaccine candidates could begin in three or four months , the WHO official said .
She added that WHO experts , who gathered for a two-day forum in Geneva earlier this week , have discussed possible timeframes for determining what vaccine should be a priority .
In her opinion , the new vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On February 11 and 12 , Geneva hosted a two-day global forum aimed at establishing measures to fight the novel coronavirus .
The forum brings together around 400 experts from across the world .
The main goal of the forum is to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities in order to produce scientific information and medical products most needed to minimize the impact of the outbreak .
A team of experts from the Russian Health Ministry and the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare ( Rospotrebnadzor ) is @ @ @ @ @ @

GENEVA, February 13. /TASS/. Four novel coronavirus vaccines are currently being developed, two of them might be tested on humans in three or four months, WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said.
Human trials for one or two of the most promising vaccine candidates could begin in three or four months, the WHO official said.
She added that WHO experts, who gathered for a two-day forum in Geneva earlier this week, have discussed possible timeframes for determining what vaccine should be a priority.
In her opinion, the new vaccine expected to be ready in 12-18 months.
On February 11 and 12, Geneva hosted a two-day global forum aimed at establishing measures to fight the novel coronavirus. The forum brings together around 400 experts from across the world. The main goal of the forum is to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities in order to produce scientific information and medical products most needed to minimize the impact of the outbreak.
A team of experts from the Russian Health Ministry and the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) is taking part in the event.


tass--2020-02-13--First new disengagement zone agreed during Minsk talks

MINSK , February 13 .
/TASS/ .
Participants of Wednesday ’ s eastern Ukraine reconciliation talks in the Belarusian capital of Minsk managed to agree on the first out of three new disengagement areas along the line of contact , the Ukrainian delegation ’ s spokesperson Darya Olifer said .
`` We have practically agreed on one of the disengagement zones in the area of the Gnutovo village , which was earlier proposed by the Ukrainian side , '' she wrote on her Facebook page .
`` Work is under way to agree on others . ''
Initially , representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People ’ s Republics ( DPR and LPR ) , Russia and the OSCE signed a framework agreement on the disengagement of forces and weapons on the contact line in Donbass back in September 2016 .
However , it was implemented only at the end of last year as Russia stipulated its fulfillment as a condition for holding the Normandy Four summit .
Participants of the latest Normandy Quartet summit ( Germany , Russia , Ukraine and France ) , held in the French capital Paris in late 2019 , agreed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other things , the sides agreed to withdraw their personnel and weaponry from three more areas by April .
This is one of preconditions for holding the next summit .

MINSK, February 13. /TASS/. Participants of Wednesday’s eastern Ukraine reconciliation talks in the Belarusian capital of Minsk managed to agree on the first out of three new disengagement areas along the line of contact, the Ukrainian delegation’s spokesperson Darya Olifer said.
"We have practically agreed on one of the disengagement zones in the area of the Gnutovo village, which was earlier proposed by the Ukrainian side," she wrote on her Facebook page. "Work is under way to agree on others."
Initially, representatives of Ukraine, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR), Russia and the OSCE signed a framework agreement on the disengagement of forces and weapons on the contact line in Donbass back in September 2016. However, it was implemented only at the end of last year as Russia stipulated its fulfillment as a condition for holding the Normandy Four summit.
Participants of the latest Normandy Quartet summit (Germany, Russia, Ukraine and France), held in the French capital Paris in late 2019, agreed on the need to continue the process. Among other things, the sides agreed to withdraw their personnel and weaponry from three more areas by April. This is one of preconditions for holding the next summit.