tass--2020-02-23--Putin announces plans to equip Russian military with advanced hardware

MOSCOW , February 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian army and navy will be equipped with cutting-edge weapons , including laser and hypersonic systems , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday .
`` We will be doing our utmost so that our army and navy can become more and more advanced , which means strengthening capabilities of the strategic forces , channeling cutting-edge hardware to all types of forces , including laser , hypersonic systems and high-precision systems , '' Putin said at the State Kremlin Palace at a gala concert marking Defender of the Motherland Day .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no equivalents in the world .
`` Along with this , as for promising models which are actually the weapons of the future , we have already gone from the stage of trials up to [ the stage ] of putting them on constant combat duty , '' Putin said .
According to the president , `` it means that Russia ’ s defense and security are faultlessly safeguarded for the distant future . ''
`` Undoubtedly , courageous people loyal to the Fatherland , true patriots - soldiers and sergeants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers , or the country ’ s officer corps - have always been and still remain the fundamental and most solid basis of our Armed Forces , '' the president added .
Putin pointed out that the commanders ’ duty is to teach and educate their students and to serve as a model for them , rather than just master the science of soldiering .
`` It is no coincidence that there is a saying : an officer will teach , a soldier will do , '' the president stressed adding that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We will continue creating conditions for your decent lives and service , and this work will certainly be continued , '' he pledged .
Defender of the Motherland Day marked in Russia on February 23 was introduced in 1922 as an anniversary of the Red Army ’ s establishment and until 1993 was called Day of the Soviet Army and Navy .

MOSCOW, February 23. /TASS/. The Russian army and navy will be equipped with cutting-edge weapons, including laser and hypersonic systems, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday.
"We will be doing our utmost so that our army and navy can become more and more advanced, which means strengthening capabilities of the strategic forces, channeling cutting-edge hardware to all types of forces, including laser, hypersonic systems and high-precision systems," Putin said at the State Kremlin Palace at a gala concert marking Defender of the Motherland Day.
The president pointed out that most Russian weapons have no equivalents in the world.
"Along with this, as for promising models which are actually the weapons of the future, we have already gone from the stage of trials up to [the stage] of putting them on constant combat duty," Putin said.
According to the president, "it means that Russia’s defense and security are faultlessly safeguarded for the distant future."
"Undoubtedly, courageous people loyal to the Fatherland, true patriots - soldiers and sergeants, and I will particularly emphasize, our officers, or the country’s officer corps - have always been and still remain the fundamental and most solid basis of our Armed Forces," the president added.
Putin pointed out that the commanders’ duty is to teach and educate their students and to serve as a model for them, rather than just master the science of soldiering.
"It is no coincidence that there is a saying: an officer will teach, a soldier will do," the president stressed adding that the state highly appreciates military professionals.
"We will continue creating conditions for your decent lives and service, and this work will certainly be continued," he pledged.
Defender of the Motherland Day marked in Russia on February 23 was introduced in 1922 as an anniversary of the Red Army’s establishment and until 1993 was called Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.


tass--2020-02-23--Summit on Syria will be held if participants agree on the date - Kremlin

MOSCOW , February 23 .
/TASS/ .
The quadripartite summit on the Syrian settlement with the participation of Russia , @ @ @ @ @ Turkey will be held if the schedules of the presidents of these countries are aligned @ @ @ @ @ Peskov said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` [ Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ of the summit .
[ If ] it is possible to agree on the schedules @ @ @ @ @ then , of course , the summit will be held , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ Russia ] this week paid great attention to the situation in Syria and the crisis @ @ @ @ @ , '' Peskov added .
The only quadripartite meeting on Syria with the participation of @ @ @ @ @ Germany , France , and Turkey was held in Istanbul in October 2018 .

MOSCOW, February 23. /TASS/. The quadripartite summit on the Syrian settlement with the participation of Russia, Germany, France, and Turkey will be held if the schedules of the presidents of these countries are aligned, Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"[Russian President Vladimir] Putin is a supporter of the summit. [If] it is possible to agree on the schedules of the four presidents, then, of course, the summit will be held," he said.
"The president of [Russia] this week paid great attention to the situation in Syria and the crisis, in particular around Idlib," Peskov added.
The only quadripartite meeting on Syria with the participation of the leaders of Russia, Germany, France, and Turkey was held in Istanbul in October 2018.


tass--2020-02-23--Russian, Turkish militaries remain in constant contact on situation in Syria - Kremlin

MOSCOW , February 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian and Turkish militaries are actively cooperating in resolving the tense situation in Syrian Idlib that arose due to intensified terrorist attacks , Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel .
`` Naturally , offensive actions of the terrorists could not remain unanswered .
The Syrian military , being in their own country , on their territory , naturally responded .
This all led to extreme tension .
Thank God , both our militaries , Russian and Turkish are in constant contact , and , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidents join in the discussions of this topic , '' he said .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically after the Russian and Turkish taskforces had made another attempt to enforce a ceasefire .
Terrorists only intensified their attacks instead , killing Russian and Turkish military specialists .
The Syrian government army took retaliatory actions against extremists and gained control of the city of Saraqib near Idlib on February 5 .
In the morning of February 11 , the Turkey-backed Syrian opposition launched mass-scale attacks on the Syrian government army on two fronts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community of Nayrab situated to the north of Saraqib in Idlib .
The opposition ’ s offensive was carried out with the fire support from the Turkish artillery .
Jabhat al-Nusra ( a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia ) militants took an active part in the fighting .
Syrian forces repelled these attacks , while militants suffered heavy losses , with many killed and wounded .
On September 17 , 2018 , Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at their meeting in Sochi agreed to create a 15-20 kilometer-wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Idlib province by October 15 , 2018 .
However , at the time Ankara asked to have extra time and to postpone the start of joint patrolling in Idlib due to the inability to guarantee security on their part .

MOSCOW, February 23. /TASS/. The Russian and Turkish militaries are actively cooperating in resolving the tense situation in Syrian Idlib that arose due to intensified terrorist attacks, Russian Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in an interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"Naturally, offensive actions of the terrorists could not remain unanswered. The Syrian military, being in their own country, on their territory, naturally responded. This all led to extreme tension. Thank God, both our militaries, Russian and Turkish are in constant contact, and, as we see, if necessary, the presidents join in the discussions of this topic," he said.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically after the Russian and Turkish taskforces had made another attempt to enforce a ceasefire. Terrorists only intensified their attacks instead, killing Russian and Turkish military specialists. The Syrian government army took retaliatory actions against extremists and gained control of the city of Saraqib near Idlib on February 5.
In the morning of February 11, the Turkey-backed Syrian opposition launched mass-scale attacks on the Syrian government army on two fronts - the town of Saraqib and the community of Nayrab situated to the north of Saraqib in Idlib. The opposition’s offensive was carried out with the fire support from the Turkish artillery. Jabhat al-Nusra (a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia) militants took an active part in the fighting. Syrian forces repelled these attacks, while militants suffered heavy losses, with many killed and wounded.
On September 17, 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at their meeting in Sochi agreed to create a 15-20 kilometer-wide demilitarized zone along the line of contact in the Idlib province by October 15, 2018. However, at the time Ankara asked to have extra time and to postpone the start of joint patrolling in Idlib due to the inability to guarantee security on their part.


tass--2020-02-23--Nine Turkish citizens dead in earthquake - Interior Ministry

ANKARA , February 23 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll of Turkish citizens in the earthquake on Sunday that struck @ @ @ @ @ the border with Turkey reached nine people , Anadolu Agency wrote with reference to the @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the ministry , at least 37 people were injured in the disaster @ @ @ @ @ magnitude 5.7 was recorded on Sunday in northwestern Iran near the border with Turkey .
@ @ @ @ @ of 5 km , the epicenter was located 141 km west of the city of @ @ @ @ @ 1.5 mln people ) .

ANKARA, February 23. /TASS/. The death toll of Turkish citizens in the earthquake on Sunday that struck the territory of Iran near the border with Turkey reached nine people, Anadolu Agency wrote with reference to the Turkish Ministry of the Interior.
According to the ministry, at least 37 people were injured in the disaster.
An earthquake of a magnitude 5.7 was recorded on Sunday in northwestern Iran near the border with Turkey. The quake had a depth of 5 km, the epicenter was located 141 km west of the city of Tabriz (population - around 1.5 mln people).


tass--2020-02-24--Russia to conduct observation flight over Turkey this week

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian inspectors will perform an observation flight over Turkey in the framework of the Open Skies Treaty , Head of the Russian Defense Ministry ’ s National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergey Ryzhkov said .
`` The observation flight over the territory of Turkey will be performed on February 25-28 , 2020 from the Open Skies airfield of Eskisehir .
The maximum flight range will be 1,900 km , '' Ryzhkov said .
The flight will be carried out by the Russian surveillance plane Tu-154M-LK-1 .
The aircraft will be strictly following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialists onboard the plane will be controlling the use of the surveillance equipment and observation of the Treaty provisions , the military official stated .
Flights under the treaty are performed in order to ensure more transparency in military activity of the member-states and enhance security through confidence building measures , '' he noted .
The Open Skies Treaty was signed in 1992 and has 34 member states .
It entered into force in 2002 .
Surveillance flights are conducted over Russia , the United States , Canada and European countries .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop transparency , monitor the fulfillment of armament control agreements , and expand capabilities to prevent crises in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) and other international organizations .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Russian inspectors will perform an observation flight over Turkey in the framework of the Open Skies Treaty, Head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center Sergey Ryzhkov said.
"The observation flight over the territory of Turkey will be performed on February 25-28, 2020 from the Open Skies airfield of Eskisehir. The maximum flight range will be 1,900 km," Ryzhkov said.
The flight will be carried out by the Russian surveillance plane Tu-154M-LK-1.
The aircraft will be strictly following the route earlier approved by Turkey and Turkish specialists onboard the plane will be controlling the use of the surveillance equipment and observation of the Treaty provisions, the military official stated.
Flights under the treaty are performed in order to ensure more transparency in military activity of the member-states and enhance security through confidence building measures," he noted.
The Open Skies Treaty was signed in 1992 and has 34 member states. It entered into force in 2002. Surveillance flights are conducted over Russia, the United States, Canada and European countries.
The key tasks of the treaty are to develop transparency, monitor the fulfillment of armament control agreements, and expand capabilities to prevent crises in the framework of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other international organizations.


tass--2020-02-24--Chinese envoy says coronavirus outbreak will be defeated, effective vaccine developed

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese authorities are confident that the novel coronavirus outbreak will be defeated soon and a normal life will resume in most regions across the country by the end of February .
A supposedly effective vaccine has been developed that helps mount an immune response against the infection , and it needs to be fine-tuned and tested , Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui told reporters on Monday .
`` There is confidence in China that soon we will finally defeat this outbreak , '' the ambassador said .
`` Besides the epidemic center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be restored in most provinces and cities by the end of this month .
Certainly , I believe this moment will happen later in the center of the outbreak , somewhere in March , '' he noted .
According to the diplomat , the vaccine developed in China has proven to be effective , but more tests need to be carried out .
`` China has developed a vaccine that shows immunity .
But these are preliminary results and time is needed for further tests and fine-tuning [ the vaccine ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation with the international community to fight the coronavirus spread .
The World Health Organization has sent a delegation to the country to conduct a study on the novel coronavirus .
`` This delegation includes two specialists from Russia .
Earlier , Russia sent a delegation of medical specialists and our specialists exchanged views .
This is a very good start of cooperation between China and Russia in healthcare sector , '' he said .
China is ready to step up cooperation with Russia in this field , the envoy noted .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Russian leadership and Russian citizens .
We see a sign of a good will , '' the ambassador said .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 12 million people .
The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus .
Besides China , the cases of COVID-19 have been detected in 30 countries , including Russia .
The WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global health emergency .
Currently , the total number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has exceeded 77,000 in China , with nearly 2,600 deaths .
Some 25,000 people have recovered to date .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Chinese authorities are confident that the novel coronavirus outbreak will be defeated soon and a normal life will resume in most regions across the country by the end of February.
A supposedly effective vaccine has been developed that helps mount an immune response against the infection, and it needs to be fine-tuned and tested, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui told reporters on Monday.
"There is confidence in China that soon we will finally defeat this outbreak," the ambassador said. "Besides the epidemic center [in Wuhan] a normal life will be restored in most provinces and cities by the end of this month. Certainly, I believe this moment will happen later in the center of the outbreak, somewhere in March," he noted.
According to the diplomat, the vaccine developed in China has proven to be effective, but more tests need to be carried out. "China has developed a vaccine that shows immunity. But these are preliminary results and time is needed for further tests and fine-tuning [the vaccine]," he explained.
China has enhanced cooperation with the international community to fight the coronavirus spread. The World Health Organization has sent a delegation to the country to conduct a study on the novel coronavirus. "This delegation includes two specialists from Russia. Earlier, Russia sent a delegation of medical specialists and our specialists exchanged views. This is a very good start of cooperation between China and Russia in healthcare sector," he said.
China is ready to step up cooperation with Russia in this field, the envoy noted. "We are very thankful for the support of the Russian leadership and Russian citizens. We see a sign of a good will," the ambassador said.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 12 million people. The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus. Besides China, the cases of COVID-19 have been detected in 30 countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has exceeded 77,000 in China, with nearly 2,600 deaths. Some 25,000 people have recovered to date.


tass--2020-02-24--Lawyers of Russian national Vinnik file cassation appeal against Paris court’s ruling

PARIS , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
The defense team of Russian national Alexander Vinnik , who is suspected of stealing personal data and extortion , has filed a cassation appeal against the ruling of a Paris court of appeal to leave him in custody , lawyer Timofei Musatov told TASS on Monday .
`` We have lodged a cassation appeal , '' Musatov said , answering a question about the steps taken by the Russian national ’ s attorneys .
`` Vinnik is still isolated , access to him is hindered both for consulate staff and the lawyers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ specialist , was detained while vacationing in Greece on July 25 , 2017 at the United States ’ request , where he is accused of laundering four to nine billion US dollars .
On January 23 , he was extradited to France , which accuses him of stealing personal data and extortion .
Vinnik ’ s extradition was also sought by Russia and the United States .
The Russian dismissed all the charges brought against him and expressed readiness to return home .
On January 28 , a Paris court ruled to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session was held behind closed doors and , according to the defense attorneys , with numerous violations of law .
Neither the defense team nor Vinnik himself were allowed to speak during these hearings .
A Paris court ruled on February 17 to keep the Russian in custody .

PARIS, February 24. /TASS/. The defense team of Russian national Alexander Vinnik, who is suspected of stealing personal data and extortion, has filed a cassation appeal against the ruling of a Paris court of appeal to leave him in custody, lawyer Timofei Musatov told TASS on Monday.
"We have lodged a cassation appeal," Musatov said, answering a question about the steps taken by the Russian national’s attorneys. "Vinnik is still isolated, access to him is hindered both for consulate staff and the lawyers."
Alexander Vinnik, a Russian IT specialist, was detained while vacationing in Greece on July 25, 2017 at the United States’ request, where he is accused of laundering four to nine billion US dollars. On January 23, he was extradited to France, which accuses him of stealing personal data and extortion. Vinnik’s extradition was also sought by Russia and the United States. The Russian dismissed all the charges brought against him and expressed readiness to return home.
On January 28, a Paris court ruled to keep Vinnik under arrest. The five-hour court session was held behind closed doors and, according to the defense attorneys, with numerous violations of law. Neither the defense team nor Vinnik himself were allowed to speak during these hearings. A Paris court ruled on February 17 to keep the Russian in custody.


tass--2020-02-24--Russian journalist barred from entering Latvia

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian reporter working for Izvestia Andrei Zakharov has been barred from entering @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
`` A correspondent of Izvestia multimedia information center Andrei Zakharov has not @ @ @ @ @ and his Schengen visa has been canceled for three years at Estonia ’ s request @ @ @ @ @ .
The film crew arrived in Riga in the morning of February 24 .
The @ @ @ @ @ could not enter the country .
Latvia ’ s customs officers refused to explain the @ @ @ @ @ Izvestia confirmed the report , noting that it had asked the authorities of Estonia and @ @ @ @ @ According to the TV channel , the film crew planned to report about the 200-fold @ @ @ @ @ in Latvia ’ s Daugavpils .
Last year , Zakharov published several reports about Estonia @ @ @ @ @ authorities ’ refusal to hold events on occasion of the 75th anniversary of liberating Tallinn @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. A Russian reporter working for Izvestia Andrei Zakharov has been barred from entering Latvia, Channel Five reported on Monday.
"A correspondent of Izvestia multimedia information center Andrei Zakharov has not been allowed to enter Latvia and his Schengen visa has been canceled for three years at Estonia’s request," the report said.
The film crew arrived in Riga in the morning of February 24. The journalist was told that he could not enter the country. Latvia’s customs officers refused to explain the reasons for the move.
Izvestia confirmed the report, noting that it had asked the authorities of Estonia and Latvia to provide explanations.
According to the TV channel, the film crew planned to report about the 200-fold expansion of a military base in Latvia’s Daugavpils.
Last year, Zakharov published several reports about Estonia, including about the local authorities’ refusal to hold events on occasion of the 75th anniversary of liberating Tallinn from German and Nazi invaders.


tass--2020-02-24--Over 30 OneWeb satellites delivered from Florida to Baikonur spaceport

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
A new batch of British OneWeb communication satellites has been sent from a @ @ @ @ @ spaceport , the press service of the company ’ s branch in Russia said on @ @ @ @ @ with 34 satellites took off at 01.55 Moscow Time from the United States , '' @ @ @ @ @ delivery to Baikonur is expected on February 25 .
Earlier , OneWeb ’ s press @ @ @ @ @ second launch of British satellites from the Baikonur spaceport was scheduled for the second half @ @ @ @ @ six OneWeb satellites were launched on February 28 , 2019 from the Kourou spaceport in @ @ @ @ @ carrier rocket .
Another 34 satellites were sent to the orbit by the Soyuz 2.1 @ @ @ @ @ spaceport on February 7 .
In total , OneWeb plans to deploy 648 satellites on @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , the British company expects to ensure full-time communication for users around the globe @

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. A new batch of British OneWeb communication satellites has been sent from a Florida plant to the Baikonur spaceport, the press service of the company’s branch in Russia said on Monday.
"The plane with 34 satellites took off at 01.55 Moscow Time from the United States," a spokesperson said.
The delivery to Baikonur is expected on February 25.
Earlier, OneWeb’s press service told TASS that the second launch of British satellites from the Baikonur spaceport was scheduled for the second half of March.
The first six OneWeb satellites were launched on February 28, 2019 from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana by the Soyuz-ST carrier rocket. Another 34 satellites were sent to the orbit by the Soyuz 2.1 b rocket from the Baikonur spaceport on February 7. In total, OneWeb plans to deploy 648 satellites on the near-earth orbit. By 2021, the British company expects to ensure full-time communication for users around the globe.


tass--2020-02-24--Putin congratulates Russian Buddhists on Lunar New Year

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the Buddhists of Russia on occasion of @ @ @ @ @ a lunar calendar , the Kremlin press service said .
`` This is bright and @ @ @ @ @ symbolizes the renewal of nature , the human desire for harmony and purity of thoughts @ @ @ @ @ spiritual and moral origins of this ancient religion , its enduring foundations and values , @ @ @ @ @ president also highlighted that Russian Buddhists carefully observe and pass on their ancestors ’ traditions @ @ @ @ @ `` Buddhist communities actively participate in the country ’ s life , making a significant @ @ @ @ @ interreligious relations , paying constant attention to strengthening a fruitful dialogue with state and social @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` May the coming year be happy and prosperous for you and bring @ @ @ @ @ and undertakings , '' Putin said .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated the Buddhists of Russia on occasion of the New Year according to a lunar calendar, the Kremlin press service said.
"This is bright and very respected holiday among Buddhists symbolizes the renewal of nature, the human desire for harmony and purity of thoughts. It makes believers remember spiritual and moral origins of this ancient religion, its enduring foundations and values," Putin said.
The president also highlighted that Russian Buddhists carefully observe and pass on their ancestors’ traditions from generation to generation. "Buddhist communities actively participate in the country’s life, making a significant contribution to harmonizing interethnic and interreligious relations, paying constant attention to strengthening a fruitful dialogue with state and social organizations," the statement said.
"May the coming year be happy and prosperous for you and bring you success in good deeds and undertakings," Putin said.


tass--2020-02-24--Missing Russian teenager found in Mexico

MEXICO CITY , February 24 .
/ TASS / .
A young Russian woman , who disappeared on February 17 @ @ @ @ @ of Jalisco has been found , the Prosecutor General 's Office of the region twitted @ @ @ @ @ A 15-year-old teenager was found , '' the message says .
`` Thank you for @ @ @ @ @ details surrounding the incident have been made public .
On February 22 , the Russian @ @ @ @ @ that they are aware of the situation and are assisting in the search for the @ @

MEXICO CITY, February 24. / TASS /. A young Russian woman, who disappeared on February 17 in the western Mexican state of Jalisco has been found, the Prosecutor General's Office of the region twitted on Sunday evening.
"A 15-year-old teenager was found," the message says. "Thank you for your cooperation." No details surrounding the incident have been made public.
On February 22, the Russian Embassy in Mexico told TASS that they are aware of the situation and are assisting in the search for the child.


tass--2020-02-24--Russian film Ice 2 makes over 1 bln rubles in 10 days

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/ TASS / .
The Russian drama Ice 2 , directed by Zhora Kryzhovnikova has @ @ @ @ @ the box office since February 14 , according to the Unified Federal Automated Information System @ @ @ @ @ films in cinemas report released on Monday .
The sequel to the melodrama Ice was @ @ @ @ @ and stars Alexander Petrov , Aglaya Tarasova , Maria Aronova , Nadezhda Mikhalkova .
It @ @ @ @ @ figure skater Nadia and the hockey player Sasha after they got married .
After it @ @ @ @ @ 1.6 bln rubles , 577 mln rubles of which was during the first weekend .
@ @ @ @ @ box office between February 20-23 , making 298.4 mln rubles .
According to the information @ @ @ @ @ the first Ice , which came out in 2017 , made 1 bln rubles after @ @ @ @ @ office , and overall made 1.5 bln rubles .

MOSCOW, February 24. / TASS /. The Russian drama Ice 2, directed by Zhora Kryzhovnikova has made 1 bln rubles at the box office since February 14, according to the Unified Federal Automated Information System of information on screenings of films in cinemas report released on Monday.
The sequel to the melodrama Ice was releases on February 14, and stars Alexander Petrov, Aglaya Tarasova, Maria Aronova, Nadezhda Mikhalkova. It tell the story of the figure skater Nadia and the hockey player Sasha after they got married.
After it premiered, the film made 1.6 bln rubles, 577 mln rubles of which was during the first weekend. The film led at the box office between February 20-23, making 298.4 mln rubles. According to the information from the film-screening agency, the first Ice, which came out in 2017, made 1 bln rubles after 12 days at the box office, and overall made 1.5 bln rubles.


tass--2020-02-25--Syrian troops withdraw from Nayrab in Idlib — media

MOSCOW , February 25 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Syrian government troops withdrew from the village of Nayrab in the Idlib governorate , the Al-Masdar news portal reported on Monday citing sources in the provincial administration .
According to the report , militants supported by Turkish artillery and tanks attacked positions held by the pro-governmental troops thrice in the past day .
While repelling the assaults , Syrian servicemen killed more than 150 militants .
Turkey ’ s Anadolu news agency reported earlier on Monday that opposition forces captured Nayrab , a village west of the strategically important area town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely under their control .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups , including the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group , 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 .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically after the Russian and Turkish taskforces had made another attempt to enforce a ceasefire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing Russian and Turkish military specialists .
The Syrian army launched a military operation in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib on January 25 , after militants had once again disrupted an agreement declaring a ceasefire in the northern de-escalation zone .
After defeating militant groups on the outskirts of Aleppo , government troops regained control of over half of the Idlib province , driving terrorists away from a strategically important road connecting Damascus and Aleppo .
Their rapid advancement angered Ankara , which supports armed groups of the Syrian opposition .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey-backed Syrian opposition launched mass-scale attacks on the Syrian government army on two fronts - the town of Saraqib and the community of Nayrab situated to the north of Saraqib in Idlib .
The opposition ’ s offensive was carried out with the fire support from the Turkish artillery .
Jabhat al-Nusra ( a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia ) militants took an active part in the fighting .
Syrian forces repelled these attacks , while militants suffered heavy losses , with many killed and wounded .
A similar attempt was made on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On February 19 , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that Damascus withdrew its troops to the positions they held in late December .
He also said that Ankara is ready to use all of its firepower in case of a large-scale military operation , adding that the start of a new operation in Idlib is a question of time , and that all preparations for it are complete .
Militant attacks on the positions of the Syrian army have increased in past days , causing the Syrian government forces to retaliate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aerospace Forces started to provide support to the Syrian army .

MOSCOW, February 25. /TASS/. /TASS/. Syrian government troops withdrew from the village of Nayrab in the Idlib governorate, the Al-Masdar news portal reported on Monday citing sources in the provincial administration.
According to the report, militants supported by Turkish artillery and tanks attacked positions held by the pro-governmental troops thrice in the past day. While repelling the assaults, Syrian servicemen killed more than 150 militants.
Turkey’s Anadolu news agency reported earlier on Monday that opposition forces captured Nayrab, a village west of the strategically important area town of Saraqib, and it was now completely under their control.
Situation in Idlib
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups, including the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group, 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.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically after the Russian and Turkish taskforces had made another attempt to enforce a ceasefire. Terrorists only intensified their attacks instead, killing Russian and Turkish military specialists.
The Syrian army launched a military operation in the provinces of Aleppo and Idlib on January 25, after militants had once again disrupted an agreement declaring a ceasefire in the northern de-escalation zone. After defeating militant groups on the outskirts of Aleppo, government troops regained control of over half of the Idlib province, driving terrorists away from a strategically important road connecting Damascus and Aleppo. Their rapid advancement angered Ankara, which supports armed groups of the Syrian opposition.
In the morning of February 11, the Turkey-backed Syrian opposition launched mass-scale attacks on the Syrian government army on two fronts - the town of Saraqib and the community of Nayrab situated to the north of Saraqib in Idlib. The opposition’s offensive was carried out with the fire support from the Turkish artillery. Jabhat al-Nusra (a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia) militants took an active part in the fighting. Syrian forces repelled these attacks, while militants suffered heavy losses, with many killed and wounded. A similar attempt was made on February 20, but it also failed.
On February 19, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded that Damascus withdrew its troops to the positions they held in late December. He also said that Ankara is ready to use all of its firepower in case of a large-scale military operation, adding that the start of a new operation in Idlib is a question of time, and that all preparations for it are complete.
Militant attacks on the positions of the Syrian army have increased in past days, causing the Syrian government forces to retaliate. On February 20, the Russian Aerospace Forces started to provide support to the Syrian army.


tass--2020-02-25--Novel coronavirus has pandemic potential — WHO

GENEVA , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
The outbreak of novel coronavirus infection , detected in China and a number of other countries , has the potential for becoming a pandemic , World Health Organization ( WHO ) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during Monday ’ s briefing in Geneva .
`` Using the word pandemic now does not fit the facts , '' he said , describing the current situation as `` epidemics in different parts of the world , affecting countries in different ways and requiring a tailored response . ''
`` Does this virus have pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are we there yet ?
From our assessment , not yet , '' Ghebreyesus added .
According to the WHO Director General , the decision about whether to use the word `` pandemic '' to describe an epidemic is made as a result of assessment of the `` geographical spread of the virus , the severity of disease it causes and the impact it has on the whole of society . ''
`` For the moment , we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus , and we are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the official said , adding that the sudden increases of cases in Italy , the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea `` are deeply concerning . ''
Ghebreyesus called upon all nations to focus on containment , while preparing for a potential pandemic .
`` There is no one-size-fits-all approach .
Every country must make its own risk assessment for its own context .
WHO is also continuing to do its own risk assessment and is monitoring the evolution of the epidemic around the clock , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Executive Director Michael Ryan told reporters that a group of WHO experts will visit Iran to help the Islamic Republic tackle the coronavirus .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 12 million people .
The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus .
Besides China , the cases of COVID-19 have been detected in 32 countries , including Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ China a global health emergency .
Currently , the total number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has exceeded 77,000 in China , with nearly 2,600 deaths .
Some 25,000 people have recovered to date .

GENEVA, February 24. /TASS/. The outbreak of novel coronavirus infection, detected in China and a number of other countries, has the potential for becoming a pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during Monday’s briefing in Geneva.
"Using the word pandemic now does not fit the facts," he said, describing the current situation as "epidemics in different parts of the world, affecting countries in different ways and requiring a tailored response."
"Does this virus have pandemic potential? Absolutely, it has. Are we there yet? From our assessment, not yet," Ghebreyesus added.
According to the WHO Director General, the decision about whether to use the word "pandemic" to describe an epidemic is made as a result of assessment of the "geographical spread of the virus, the severity of disease it causes and the impact it has on the whole of society."
"For the moment, we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus, and we are not witnessing large-scale severe disease or death," the official said, adding that the sudden increases of cases in Italy, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea "are deeply concerning."
Ghebreyesus called upon all nations to focus on containment, while preparing for a potential pandemic.
"There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every country must make its own risk assessment for its own context. WHO is also continuing to do its own risk assessment and is monitoring the evolution of the epidemic around the clock," he said.
Meanwhile, WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Michael Ryan told reporters that a group of WHO experts will visit Iran to help the Islamic Republic tackle the coronavirus.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 12 million people. The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus. Besides China, the cases of COVID-19 have been detected in 32 countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency.
Currently, the total number of people infected with the novel coronavirus has exceeded 77,000 in China, with nearly 2,600 deaths. Some 25,000 people have recovered to date.


tass--2020-02-25--Russian Defense Ministry refutes reports of airstrikes in Idlib on Monday

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed reports that its Aerospace Forces carried out air raids in Syira ’ s Idlib governorate on Monday .
The ministry dismissed the claims as `` deliberate misinformation . ''
`` Claims that the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out air strikes on the towns of Kansafra and Al-Bara of the Idlib governorate on February 24 , disseminated by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , are untrue , '' the Russian Defense Ministry said .
`` On February 24 , Russian aviation had no combat assignment in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria , Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev , told reporters on Monday that Russian servicemen and their allies continue their efforts to implement the October 22 , 2019 Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding .
In the past 24 hours , Russian and Turkish military jointly patrolled the Al-Hasakah governorate .
Russian servicemen also carried out patrol missions in the governorates of Aleppo , Raqqa and Al-Hasakah .
`` All patrolling missions were carried out in line with previously agreed plans .
No incidents were reported , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues its aerial patrolling in Syria , the Russian military official added .
At the same time , Zhuravlev said that illegal armed groups continue to violate ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone , with 26 shelling incidents reported in the past 24 hours .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed reports that its Aerospace Forces carried out air raids in Syira’s Idlib governorate on Monday.
The ministry dismissed the claims as "deliberate misinformation."
"Claims that the Russian Aerospace Forces carried out air strikes on the towns of Kansafra and Al-Bara of the Idlib governorate on February 24, disseminated by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, are untrue," the Russian Defense Ministry said. "On February 24, Russian aviation had no combat assignment in the above-mentioned districts."
The head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Parties in Syria, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlev, told reporters on Monday that Russian servicemen and their allies continue their efforts to implement the October 22, 2019 Russian-Turkish memorandum of understanding. In the past 24 hours, Russian and Turkish military jointly patrolled the Al-Hasakah governorate.
Russian servicemen also carried out patrol missions in the governorates of Aleppo, Raqqa and Al-Hasakah.
"All patrolling missions were carried out in line with previously agreed plans. No incidents were reported," he said.
Russian army aviation continues its aerial patrolling in Syria, the Russian military official added.
At the same time, Zhuravlev said that illegal armed groups continue to violate ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone, with 26 shelling incidents reported in the past 24 hours.


tass--2020-02-25--Russian top diplomat meets with UN secretary-general in Geneva

GENEVA , February 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Geneva on Monday .
The UN secretary-general ’ s special envoy for Syria , Geir Pedersen , was also present at the meeting .
The sides warmly greeted each other and shook each other ’ s hands , and the conversation continued behind closed doors .
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement later in the day that during their talks , Lavrov and Guterres discussed the situation in Syria and the Russia-UN dialogue , .
`` A detailed exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the international agenda , including the situation in Syria , has taken place , '' the ministry said .
`` Issues of Russia ’ s contacts with the UN Secretariat have been considered , '' it said .
`` Special attention was paid to the 75th anniversary of victory in World War II and the creation of the global organization . ''
The sides confirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening of the United Nations ’ central role in global affairs .
The Russian top diplomat arrived in Geneva to to take part in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Human Rights Council and to address the Disarmament Conference on February 25 .
The UN chief ’ s official spokesperson , Stephane Dujarric , said earlier in the day that the sides may address the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib governorate , which deteriorated sharply in early February after Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to introduce a ceasefire .
In response , terrorists only stepped up their attacks .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week that Ankara was ready to use all of its military force in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted that a military operation in Idlib was `` only a matter of time .
`` .

GENEVA, February 25. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Geneva on Monday.
The UN secretary-general’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, was also present at the meeting.
The sides warmly greeted each other and shook each other’s hands, and the conversation continued behind closed doors.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement later in the day that during their talks, Lavrov and Guterres discussed the situation in Syria and the Russia-UN dialogue, .
"A detailed exchange of opinions on most pressing issues of the international agenda, including the situation in Syria, has taken place," the ministry said.
"Issues of Russia’s contacts with the UN Secretariat have been considered," it said. "Special attention was paid to the 75th anniversary of victory in World War II and the creation of the global organization."
The sides confirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening of the United Nations’ central role in global affairs.
The Russian top diplomat arrived in Geneva to to take part in the high-level 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council and to address the Disarmament Conference on February 25.
The UN chief’s official spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said earlier in the day that the sides may address the situation in Syria’s Idlib governorate, which deteriorated sharply in early February after Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to introduce a ceasefire. In response, terrorists only stepped up their attacks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week that Ankara was ready to use all of its military force in case of an operation in Idlib. He noted that a military operation in Idlib was "only a matter of time.".


tass--2020-02-25--US to step up sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector — envoy

WASHINGTON , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
The United States plan to tighten sanctions against Venezuela ’ s oil sector @ @ @ @ @ Venezuela Elliott Abrams said in an interview with Reuters on Monday .
President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ a sanctions campaign on Venezuela ’ s oil sector and will be more aggressive in @ @ @ @ @ violate them , the US envoy said .
On February 18 , the US Administration @ @ @ @ @ S. A. and its President Didier Casimiro in connection with oil sales from Venezuela .
@ @ @ @ @ have their assets in the US frozen , while American citizens and companies can not @ @ @ @ @ with them .
Washington granted 90 days to complete all deals with Rosneft Trading S. @ @

WASHINGTON, February 24. /TASS/. The United States plan to tighten sanctions against Venezuela’s oil sector, US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams said in an interview with Reuters on Monday.
President Donald Trump has decided to step up a sanctions campaign on Venezuela’s oil sector and will be more aggressive in punishing people and companies that violate them, the US envoy said.
On February 18, the US Administration announced sanctions against Rosneft Trading S. A. and its President Didier Casimiro in connection with oil sales from Venezuela. Those on the sanctions list have their assets in the US frozen, while American citizens and companies cannot engage in any business activities with them. Washington granted 90 days to complete all deals with Rosneft Trading S. A.


tass--2020-02-25--Libyan parliament suspends participation in political intra-Libyan talks in Geneva

CAIRO , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Libya ’ s House of Representatives ( internationally recognized parliament ) decided on Monday to suspend participation in the political track of intra-Libyan talks in Geneva , the first round of which is scheduled for February 26 , the Libyan Al-Wasat news outlet reported on Monday .
The parliament urged all members of the delegation to leave Geneva and return to Libya , denying `` the involvement of the UN Mission , '' the report said .
According to Second Deputy Speaker of the parliament Ahmid Houma , `` the House of Representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the political track of the Geneva dialogue , which was to start on Wednesday , as the UN mission interferes in the process of defining the participants of the talks . ''
`` The parliament defined 13 people for participating in the political meeting , with the list submitted to the UN mission , '' he said , adding that `` the mission only chose a few people , not all , without consulting with the House of Representatives in advance , which is unacceptable . ''
The second round of talks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on February 18 .
However , in the evening the Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj informed the United Nations ' Support Mission in Libya that he was suspending participation in the military commission ’ s work after the Libyan National Army shelled the Tripoli port .
The mission released a statement on February 19 expressing hope that the Geneva discussions would continue .
It condemned the port ’ s shelling , calling for ending the escalation .
The talks resumed on February 20 .
The first round of talks was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The discussions were aimed at achieving a long-term ceasefire .
Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame acts as a mediator at the talks .
On January 19 , a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government , including Russia .
In the final document , participants in the conference called for a ceasefire , pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya 's internal affairs , suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood .
The sides in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special commission for ceasefire monitoring .
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord , and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country supported by the House of Representatives ( parliament ) and the Libyan National Army .

CAIRO, February 24. /TASS/. Libya’s House of Representatives (internationally recognized parliament) decided on Monday to suspend participation in the political track of intra-Libyan talks in Geneva, the first round of which is scheduled for February 26, the Libyan Al-Wasat news outlet reported on Monday.
The parliament urged all members of the delegation to leave Geneva and return to Libya, denying "the involvement of the UN Mission," the report said. According to Second Deputy Speaker of the parliament Ahmid Houma, "the House of Representatives has decided to suspend its participation in the political track of the Geneva dialogue, which was to start on Wednesday, as the UN mission interferes in the process of defining the participants of the talks."
"The parliament defined 13 people for participating in the political meeting, with the list submitted to the UN mission," he said, adding that "the mission only chose a few people, not all, without consulting with the House of Representatives in advance, which is unacceptable."
The second round of talks on military issues officially kicked off in Geneva on February 18. However, in the evening the Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj informed the United Nations' Support Mission in Libya that he was suspending participation in the military commission’s work after the Libyan National Army shelled the Tripoli port. The mission released a statement on February 19 expressing hope that the Geneva discussions would continue. It condemned the port’s shelling, calling for ending the escalation. The talks resumed on February 20.
The first round of talks was held in Geneva on February 3-8. The discussions were aimed at achieving a long-term ceasefire. Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame acts as a mediator at the talks.
On January 19, a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government, including Russia. In the final document, participants in the conference called for a ceasefire, pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya's internal affairs, suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood. The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring.
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord, and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country supported by the House of Representatives (parliament) and the Libyan National Army.


tass--2020-02-25--Serbian president, Russian ambassador discuss schedule of bilateral visits

BELGRADE , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko met in Belgrade on Monday to discuss Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ’ s possible visit to Belgrade and the Serbian leader ’ s participation in the VE Day celebrations in Moscow in May .
`` The sides discussed the schedule of upcoming visits : Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ’ s visit to Belgrade and President Vucic ’ s attendance of events in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany , '' the Serbian leader ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Russian diplomat also discussed the situation in Kosovo and Metohija .
Meanwhile , a diplomatic source in Serbia told TASS that Lavrov ’ s visit to Belgrade is expected on March 24 .
`` The visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Serbia is expected at the end of March , on the 24th , '' the source said .
Vucic earlier confirmed that he would attend the Victory Day celebrations on Moscow ’ s Red Square .
Besides , 75 Serbian servicemen will take part in the military parade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union ’ s Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War will take place in Moscow on May 9 .
Russia has sent invitations to the event to US President Donald Trump , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson , North Korean leader Kim Jong-un , the leaders of Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO ) countries .
The leaders of Armenia , Belarus , Bulgaria , Cuba , the Czech Republic , France , India and Venezuela are among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia on this occasion .

BELGRADE, February 24. /TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko met in Belgrade on Monday to discuss Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s possible visit to Belgrade and the Serbian leader’s participation in the VE Day celebrations in Moscow in May.
"The sides discussed the schedule of upcoming visits: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Belgrade and President Vucic’s attendance of events in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany," the Serbian leader’s press service said.
The Serbian leader and the Russian diplomat also discussed the situation in Kosovo and Metohija.
Meanwhile, a diplomatic source in Serbia told TASS that Lavrov’s visit to Belgrade is expected on March 24.
"The visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Serbia is expected at the end of March, on the 24th," the source said.
Vucic earlier confirmed that he would attend the Victory Day celebrations on Moscow’s Red Square. Besides, 75 Serbian servicemen will take part in the military parade there.
A military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s Victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War will take place in Moscow on May 9. Russia has sent invitations to the event to US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the leaders of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries. The leaders of Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cuba, the Czech Republic, France, India and Venezuela are among those who have confirmed that they will visit Russia on this occasion.


tass--2020-02-24--Driver in Volkmarsen carnival crash intentionally drove into people, say police

BERLIN , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
The driver of a car that crashed into a carnival parade in the @ @ @ @ @ the state of Hesse ) on Monday , intentionally drove into a group of people @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
`` We do not consider the incident a terrorist act , '' he @ @ @ @ @ the DPA news agency .
The police assume that the issue is not about a @ @ @ @ @ that it was most likely an `` intentional crime . ''
Nevertheless , a representative @ @ @ @ @ said that `` currently a terrorist act can not be ruled out . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ in Frankfurt am Main is investigating the incident .
The Focus Online portal wrote that @ @ @ @ @ local resident , a German citizen .
The Bild newspaper said earlier that around 30 @ @ @ @ @ were injured in the incident .
The crash came at around 4:30 pm Moscow time @ @ @ @ @ with population of about 6,800 people located near Kassel .

BERLIN, February 24. /TASS/. The driver of a car that crashed into a carnival parade in the German town of Volkmarsen (the state of Hesse) on Monday, intentionally drove into a group of people, a police representative told reporters.
"We do not consider the incident a terrorist act," he was quoted as saying by the DPA news agency. The police assume that the issue is not about a politically motivated attack, but that it was most likely an "intentional crime."
Nevertheless, a representative of the local interior ministry said that "currently a terrorist act cannot be ruled out." The General Prosecutor’s Office in Frankfurt am Main is investigating the incident.
The Focus Online portal wrote that the suspect is a 29-year-old local resident, a German citizen.
The Bild newspaper said earlier that around 30 people, including children, were injured in the incident. The crash came at around 4:30 pm Moscow time in Volkmarsen, a town with population of about 6,800 people located near Kassel.


tass--2020-02-24--Guterres, Lavrov to discuss Idlib issue at a meeting in a few hours

UNITED NATIONS , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will have a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a few hours to discuss the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib , his spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a briefing on Monday , adding that the meeting would be held on the sidelines of the session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva .
`` This evening he [ Secretary General ] is scheduled to meet with [ Foreign Minister Sergey ] Lavrov in Geneva , '' spokesman said when asked about the planned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Idlib issue .
[ He will meet ] Mr Lavrov in a few hours , '' he said , adding that Guterres `` has been passing publicly and privately his message '' for de-escalation of hostilities in Syria .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated severely in early February after Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to introduce a ceasefire regime .
In response , terrorists only stepped up their attacks .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week that Ankara was ready to use all of its military force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He noted that a military operation in Idlib is `` only a matter of time .
`` .

UNITED NATIONS, February 24. /TASS/. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will have a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in a few hours to discuss the situation in Syria’s Idlib, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a briefing on Monday, adding that the meeting would be held on the sidelines of the session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.
"This evening he [Secretary General] is scheduled to meet with [Foreign Minister Sergey] Lavrov in Geneva," spokesman said when asked about the planned contacts of Secretary General with Russian authorities on the Idlib issue. [He will meet] Mr Lavrov in a few hours," he said, adding that Guterres "has been passing publicly and privately his message" for de-escalation of hostilities in Syria.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated severely in early February after Russian and Turkish military made another attempt to introduce a ceasefire regime. In response, terrorists only stepped up their attacks.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week that Ankara was ready to use all of its military force in case of an operation in Idlib. He noted that a military operation in Idlib is "only a matter of time.".


tass--2020-02-24--Dow Jones down 800 points amid novel coronavirus spread

NEW YORK , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
The US ’ Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged over 800 points as trading opened on Monday due to concerns related to the spread of the novel coronavirus , according to the information released on the website of the New York ’ s stock exchange .
As of 10:00 am East Coast Time ( 6:00 pm Moscow time ) , Dow Jones lost 812.77 points ( 2.80 % ) to 28,179.64 , S & P 500 Index , which includes shares of 500 biggest US companies , dropped by 88.36 ( 2.65 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell by 270.27 ( 2.82 % ) to 9,306.32 .
The US stocks nosedived on Monday due to the spread of the novel coronavirus ( 2019-nCoV ) as investors are becoming more aware of the risks to corporate profits and economic growth , CNN reported .
`` The accumulation of reported cases and fatalities in China continue to [ grow ] at a slower pace but it 's the spread elsewhere that 's becoming a major worry , '' Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid was quoted as saying .
The Chinese authorities registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the city of Wuhan at the end of December 2019 .
The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
Coronavirus cases were confirmed in 32 other countries and territories , including in Russia .
According to the latest data , almost 2,600 people have died in China , around 25,000 have recovered , while the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus has exceeded 77,000 .

NEW YORK, February 24. /TASS/. The US’ Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged over 800 points as trading opened on Monday due to concerns related to the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to the information released on the website of the New York’s stock exchange.
As of 10:00 am East Coast Time (6:00 pm Moscow time), Dow Jones lost 812.77 points (2.80%) to 28,179.64, S&P 500 Index, which includes shares of 500 biggest US companies, dropped by 88.36 (2.65%) to 3,249.39, while NASDAQ Index fell by 270.27 (2.82%) to 9,306.32.
The US stocks nosedived on Monday due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as investors are becoming more aware of the risks to corporate profits and economic growth, CNN reported. "The accumulation of reported cases and fatalities in China continue to [grow] at a slower pace but it's the spread elsewhere that's becoming a major worry," Deutsche Bank strategist Jim Reid was quoted as saying.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan at the end of December 2019. The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Coronavirus cases were confirmed in 32 other countries and territories, including in Russia. According to the latest data, almost 2,600 people have died in China, around 25,000 have recovered, while the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus has exceeded 77,000.


tass--2020-02-24--Brent crude price down below $56 per barrel first since Feb 13, 2020

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
The cost of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for April 2020 delivery @ @ @ @ @ $ 55.88 per barrel on London 's ICE on Monday , according to the trading @ @ @ @ @ Moscow time .
The price of Brent future was last below $ 56 per barrel @ @ @ @ @ .
The price of WTI futures lost 4.28 % to $ 51.19 per barrel .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. The cost of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for April 2020 delivery decreased by 4.48% to $55.88 per barrel on London's ICE on Monday, according to the trading data as of 4:55 pm Moscow time.
The price of Brent future was last below $56 per barrel on February 13, 2020.
The price of WTI futures lost 4.28% to $51.19 per barrel.


tass--2020-02-24--US’ statements on possible dialogue with Jabhat al-Nusra unacceptable, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow considers the statements made by Washington ’ s officials about the possibility of holding a dialogue with Jabhat al-Nusra ( a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia ) unacceptable , Russia ’ s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a joint press conference following the talks with his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin on Monday .
Russia is worried about the attitude to Jabhat al-Nusra of certain western countries , including the United States , the diplomat said .
`` Both those structures - Jabhat al-Nusra and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( one of the names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist organizations ’ lists compiled by the UN Security Council , they are also on the US ’ national list of terrorist organizations .
Nevertheless , Washington ’ s officials , including the US ’ Special Representative for Syria ( Engagement and the Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS ) James Jeffrey , have repeatedly made statements , which mean that they consider Hayat Tahrir al-Sham not a terrorist organization as such and that it would be possible under certain circumstances to enter into a dialogue with it .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broad , and consider them absolutely unacceptable , '' he emphasized .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Moscow considers the statements made by Washington’s officials about the possibility of holding a dialogue with Jabhat al-Nusra (a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia) unacceptable, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a joint press conference following the talks with his Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin on Monday.
Russia is worried about the attitude to Jabhat al-Nusra of certain western countries, including the United States, the diplomat said. "Both those structures - Jabhat al-Nusra and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra) are officially on terrorist organizations’ lists compiled by the UN Security Council, they are also on the US’ national list of terrorist organizations. Nevertheless, Washington’s officials, including the US’ Special Representative for Syria (Engagement and the Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS) James Jeffrey, have repeatedly made statements, which mean that they consider Hayat Tahrir al-Sham not a terrorist organization as such and that it would be possible under certain circumstances to enter into a dialogue with it. We have repeatedly heard such hints, rather broad, and consider them absolutely unacceptable," he emphasized.


tass--2020-02-24--Car crashes into carnival parade in Germany

BERLIN , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
A car has crashed into a carnival parade in the German town of @ @ @ @ @ Hesse ) , ARD TV channel reported on Monday .
Over 30 people , including @ @ @ @ @ as a car crashed into a carnival parade in the German town of Volkmarsen ( @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , the Bild newspaper reported .
The driver of the car has been @ @ @ @ @ said .
Volkmarsen with population of about 6,800 people is located near the city of @ @ @ @ @ are held in Volkmarsen on Mondays as in other German towns .

BERLIN, February 24. /TASS/. A car has crashed into a carnival parade in the German town of Volkmarsen (the state of Hesse), ARD TV channel reported on Monday.
Over 30 people, including children, have been injured as a car crashed into a carnival parade in the German town of Volkmarsen (the state of Hesse) on Monday, the Bild newspaper reported.
The driver of the car has been taken into custody, police said.
Volkmarsen with population of about 6,800 people is located near the city of Kassel. Traditional carnival parades are held in Volkmarsen on Mondays as in other German towns.


tass--2020-02-24--Libyan parliament suspends participation in political intra-Libyan talks in Geneva

CAIRO , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Libya ’ s House of Representatives ( internationally recognized parliament ) decided on @ @ @ @ @ the political track of intra-Libyan talks in Geneva , the first round of which is @ @ @ @ @ the Libyan Al-Wasat news outlet reported on Monday .
The parliament urged all members of @ @ @ @ @ and return to Libya , denying `` the involvement of the UN Mission , '' @ @ @ @ @ to Second Deputy Speaker of the parliament Ahmid Houma , `` the House of Representatives @ @ @ @ @ participation in the political track of the Geneva dialogue , which was to start on @ @ @ @ @ mission interferes in the process of defining the participants of the talks . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ for participating in the political meeting , with the list submitted to the UN mission @ @ @ @ @ adding that `` the mission only chose a few people , not all , without @ @ @ @ @ Representatives in advance , which is unacceptable .
`` .

CAIRO, February 24. /TASS/. Libya’s House of Representatives (internationally recognized parliament) decided on Monday to suspend participation in the political track of intra-Libyan talks in Geneva, the first round of which is scheduled for February 26, the Libyan Al-Wasat news outlet reported on Monday.
The parliament urged all members of the delegation to leave Geneva and return to Libya, denying "the involvement of the UN Mission," the report said. According to Second Deputy Speaker of the parliament Ahmid Houma, "the House of Representatives has decided to suspend its participation in the political track of the Geneva dialogue, which was to start on Wednesday, as the UN mission interferes in the process of defining the participants of the talks."
"The parliament defined 13 people for participating in the political meeting, with the list submitted to the UN mission," he said, adding that "the mission only chose a few people, not all, without consulting with the House of Representatives in advance, which is unacceptable.".


tass--2020-02-24--Russia, Turkey preparing new series of consultations on Idlib - Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Ankara are preparing a new series of consultations on the situation in Syria ’ s Idlib , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference on Monday .
`` Another series of consultations is now being prepared and we hope it will help us reach an agreement on how to ensure that this really becomes a de-escalation zone and terrorists don ’ t boss around there , '' Lavrov said .
Russia ’ s top diplomat noted that the Turkish military in Idlib understands that the fighting in the de-escalation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one has ever agreed in the framework of the achieved deals between the Russian and Turkish presidents that retaliatory strikes won ’ t be delivered on terrorists should they try to act as they are doing now , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` I ’ m sure that the Turkish military working `` on the ground '' sees and understands this very well .
Moreover , terrorists have attacked our positions and the positions of Syrian troops many times as well as Syrian civilian facilities from the area where Turkey ’ s observation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically after Russian and Turkish militaries attempted to enforce another ceasefire .
Instead , terrorists stepped up their attacks .
Last week , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Ankara was ready to use all of its military might in case of an operation in Idlib .
He added that such an operation was only a matter of time as all preparations for it had been completed .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Moscow and Ankara are preparing a new series of consultations on the situation in Syria’s Idlib, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference on Monday.
"Another series of consultations is now being prepared and we hope it will help us reach an agreement on how to ensure that this really becomes a de-escalation zone and terrorists don’t boss around there," Lavrov said.
Russia’s top diplomat noted that the Turkish military in Idlib understands that the fighting in the de-escalation zone is against terrorists. "No one has ever agreed in the framework of the achieved deals between the Russian and Turkish presidents that retaliatory strikes won’t be delivered on terrorists should they try to act as they are doing now," Lavrov stressed.
"I’m sure that the Turkish military working "on the ground" sees and understands this very well. Moreover, terrorists have attacked our positions and the positions of Syrian troops many times as well as Syrian civilian facilities from the area where Turkey’s observation points are located," he noted.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically after Russian and Turkish militaries attempted to enforce another ceasefire. Instead, terrorists stepped up their attacks. Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that Ankara was ready to use all of its military might in case of an operation in Idlib. He added that such an operation was only a matter of time as all preparations for it had been completed.


tass--2020-02-24--Russia will counter attempts to justify terrorists, Lavrov says

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow will rebuff any attempts to justify terrorists , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey @ @ @ @ @ `` We will absolutely counter any attempts to justify terrorists , which have been called @ @ @ @ @ Council , '' Lavrov said .
Russia ’ s top diplomat voiced hope that dialogue @ @ @ @ @ Idlib would bear fruit .
`` I expect that the continuing contacts between our and @ @ @ @ @ security services will be positive and we will be able to ensure that terrorists won @ @ @ @ @ that part of Syria .
Well , they should not boss around anywhere else , @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Moscow will rebuff any attempts to justify terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.
"We will absolutely counter any attempts to justify terrorists, which have been called so by the UN Security Council," Lavrov said.
Russia’s top diplomat voiced hope that dialogue between Russia and Turkey on Idlib would bear fruit. "I expect that the continuing contacts between our and Turkish military involving diplomats and security services will be positive and we will be able to ensure that terrorists won’t boss around in that part of Syria. Well, they should not boss around anywhere else," Lavrov stressed.


tass--2020-02-24--Senior Russian diplomat to take part in Vienna meeting on Iran nuclear deal

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS that he would represent Russia at a meeting of the joint commission on the Iran nuclear program at the level of political directors in Vienna on February 26 .
`` I will take part in the Vienna meeting , '' Ryabkov said .
Earlier , the European Union ’ s External Action Service reported that the meeting of the parties to the nuclear deal ( Russia , the United Kingdom , Germany , China and France ) with Iran would be held on February 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s nuclear program exacerbated after Washington unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA on May 8 , 2018 and slapped US economic sanctions on Iran ’ s oil exports .
On May 8 , 2019 , Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Tehran was suspending the fulfilment of its part of the nuclear deal obligations .
According to the Iranian side , the parties to the deal , particularly the Europeans , are not fully honoring their economic obligations and , therefore , the JCPOA in its current form is meaningless .
Tehran continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal throughout 2019 .
On January 5 , Iran announced that it would no longer abide by restrictions set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) on the Iranian nuclear program .
Tehran ’ s latest move means that Iran will no longer honor the JCPOA-set limitations on the number of centrifuges required to enrich uranium .
On January 14 , France , Germany and the United Kingdom declared that they had triggered the dispute resolution mechanism in the JCPOA , justifying the move by saying that Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the European countries had not yet used this mechanism .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told TASS that he would represent Russia at a meeting of the joint commission on the Iran nuclear program at the level of political directors in Vienna on February 26.
"I will take part in the Vienna meeting," Ryabkov said.
Earlier, the European Union’s External Action Service reported that the meeting of the parties to the nuclear deal (Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, China and France) with Iran would be held on February 26 in Vienna.
Tensions over Iran’s nuclear program exacerbated after Washington unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA on May 8, 2018 and slapped US economic sanctions on Iran’s oil exports. On May 8, 2019, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Tehran was suspending the fulfilment of its part of the nuclear deal obligations. According to the Iranian side, the parties to the deal, particularly the Europeans, are not fully honoring their economic obligations and, therefore, the JCPOA in its current form is meaningless. Tehran continued to scale back on its commitments to the deal throughout 2019.
On January 5, Iran announced that it would no longer abide by restrictions set by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear program. Tehran’s latest move means that Iran will no longer honor the JCPOA-set limitations on the number of centrifuges required to enrich uranium. On January 14, France, Germany and the United Kingdom declared that they had triggered the dispute resolution mechanism in the JCPOA, justifying the move by saying that Iran’s actions left them no other choice. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said the European countries had not yet used this mechanism.


tass--2020-02-24--Renowned Russian pianist Matsuev puts off tour of Italy amid coronavirus outbreak

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/TASS/ .
Denis Matsuev , piano virtuoso and honored artist of Russia , has postponed his concerts in Bologna and Rome scheduled for February 24 and February 27 over the coronavirus outbreak in Italy .
`` Unfortunately , my concerts in Bologna and Rome have been put off until the near future over the notorious coronavirus outbreak .
We and the concerts ’ organizers are concerned over the situation and that ’ s why a decision was made that these concerts scheduled for February won ’ t take place , '' Matsuev wrote on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fans that these concerts would be held , pledging to announce the new date later .
`` I wish a speedy recovery to all those ill and wish that those healthy keep in good health , and scientists should invent the medicine as soon as possible .
Listen to classic music as the most effective means of improving your immunity and mood , '' he said .
The death toll from coronavirus in Italy has grown to five and a total of 219 infection cases have been reported , Angelo Borelli , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service , said .
The heads of several Italian regions , including those where the coronavirus outbreak was recorded ( Lombardy and Veneto ) , have beefed up precaution measures .
Schools have been closed for quarantine and all public events have been canceled , while cultural facilities and state offices have suspended operation .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus .
Cases of COVID-19 have been detected in at least 31 countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency .
Currently , the total number of people infected with the novel coronavirus is nearing 80,000 with over 2,600 reported deaths , mostly in China .
Meanwhile , over 235,000 patients have recovered to date .

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. Denis Matsuev, piano virtuoso and honored artist of Russia, has postponed his concerts in Bologna and Rome scheduled for February 24 and February 27 over the coronavirus outbreak in Italy.
"Unfortunately, my concerts in Bologna and Rome have been put off until the near future over the notorious coronavirus outbreak. We and the concerts’ organizers are concerned over the situation and that’s why a decision was made that these concerts scheduled for February won’t take place," Matsuev wrote on his Facebook page.
The renowned pianist assured his fans that these concerts would be held, pledging to announce the new date later. "I wish a speedy recovery to all those ill and wish that those healthy keep in good health, and scientists should invent the medicine as soon as possible. Listen to classic music as the most effective means of improving your immunity and mood," he said.
The death toll from coronavirus in Italy has grown to five and a total of 219 infection cases have been reported, Angelo Borelli, the head of Italy's civil protection service, said. The heads of several Italian regions, including those where the coronavirus outbreak was recorded (Lombardy and Veneto), have beefed up precaution measures. Schools have been closed for quarantine and all public events have been canceled, while cultural facilities and state offices have suspended operation.
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan - a large trade and industrial center in central China populated by 12 million people. The source of the outbreak is the COVID-19 coronavirus. Cases of COVID-19 have been detected in at least 31 countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency. Currently, the total number of people infected with the novel coronavirus is nearing 80,000 with over 2,600 reported deaths, mostly in China. Meanwhile, over 235,000 patients have recovered to date.


tass--2020-02-24--Moscow winter to set warm historical record

MOSCOW , February 24 .
/ TASS / .
This winter will be the warmest in the history of meteorological @ @ @ @ @ record will be difficult to break in subsequent winters , said the scientific director of @ @ @ @ @ Roman Wilfand on Monday .
Regular meteorological observations in Russia have been conducted for about @ @ @ @ @ Moscow it will be the warmest winter .
There is no doubt .
The temperature @ @ @ @ @ season .
I think that in the coming years this record will be impossible to @ @ @ @ @ will go down in history , '' he told TASS .
Wilfand noted that at @ @ @ @ @ heat belongs to the winter of 1961 , and then the average temperature for three @ @ @ @ @ zero .
`` This winter , the average temperature will certainly be higher , '' @ @ @ @ @ accurate data will appear in early March .

MOSCOW, February 24. / TASS /. This winter will be the warmest in the history of meteorological observations, and such a record will be difficult to break in subsequent winters, said the scientific director of the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia Roman Wilfand on Monday.
Regular meteorological observations in Russia have been conducted for about 140 years.
"In Moscow it will be the warmest winter. There is no doubt. The temperature has been extremely high all season. I think that in the coming years this record will be impossible to break, and this winter will go down in history," he told TASS.
Wilfand noted that at present, the record for heat belongs to the winter of 1961, and then the average temperature for three months was 2.8 degrees below zero. "This winter, the average temperature will certainly be higher," he said, explaining that accurate data will appear in early March.


tass--2020-02-28--First launch of Russia’s Proton carrier rocket scheduled for March 31

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of a Proton-M carrier rocket with Express-80 and Express-103 communications satellites from the Baikonur spaceport is scheduled for March 31 , the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company said in the corporate newspaper Sibirsky Sputnik on Friday .
`` The telecoms satellites Express-80 and Express-103 will go into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome already quite soon .
Their paired launch is scheduled for March 31 , '' the newspaper said .
Head of Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin also wrote on his Twitter page about the scheduled launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are waiting for their launch .
The nearest launch of this heavy rocket this year will take place on March 31 , '' the Roscosmos chief twitted .
The satellites were manufactured during three years from the end of December 2016 .
Their active service life in orbit is 15 years .
The Express-80 and Express-103 satellites have been built on order from the Russian Satellite Communications Company and are based on the standardized Express-1000 medium-class platform developed by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company .
The European firm Thales Alenia Space traditionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Satellite Communications Company for the supply of payloads for new satellites .
The payload will include 38 ( for the Express-80 ) and 37 ( for the Express-103 ) basic transponders for operation in the C- , Ku-and L-bands .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The launch of a Proton-M carrier rocket with Express-80 and Express-103 communications satellites from the Baikonur spaceport is scheduled for March 31, the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company said in the corporate newspaper Sibirsky Sputnik on Friday.
"The telecoms satellites Express-80 and Express-103 will go into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome already quite soon. Their paired launch is scheduled for March 31," the newspaper said.
Head of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin also wrote on his Twitter page about the scheduled launch on March 31.
"The Protons are waiting for their launch. The nearest launch of this heavy rocket this year will take place on March 31," the Roscosmos chief twitted.
The satellites were manufactured during three years from the end of December 2016. Their active service life in orbit is 15 years.
The Express-80 and Express-103 satellites have been built on order from the Russian Satellite Communications Company and are based on the standardized Express-1000 medium-class platform developed by the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company. The European firm Thales Alenia Space traditionally acts as a partner of the Russian Satellite Communications Company for the supply of payloads for new satellites. The payload will include 38 (for the Express-80) and 37 (for the Express-103) basic transponders for operation in the C-, Ku-and L-bands.


tass--2020-02-28--This week in photos: Trump tossing flower petals, medieval fighting, Batmobile in Moscow

Putin recalls being advised to use a double , but the idea was dropped The Russian president recollected that in @ @ @ @ @ had been advised that a body double should substitute for him at events where the @ @ @ @ @ at risk

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-02-28--Russian, US top brass discuss situation in Syria in phone call

`` The sides exchanged opinions on the situation in Syria and on other issues of mutual interest , '' the ministry added .
MOSCOW , February 28./TASS/ .
Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces , General Valery Gerasimov , and Mark Milley , United States Army general and Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff , discussed the situation in Syria in a phone call on Friday , the Russian Defense Ministry reported .
The most recent conversation of the two generals was on December 18 , 2019 , when they discussed measures to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gerasimov and Milley also exchanged opinions on strategic stability , the situation in Syria and in other regions .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again overnight to Friday .
Ankara said that an airstrike by Syrian government forces had killed 33 Turkish soldiers .
Shortly after that , the Turkish armed forces carried out strikes against Syrian troops , specifying that more than 200 targets had been hit .
Meanwhile , the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia ) made an attempt on Thursday to launch a large-scale offensive in Syria ’ s Idlib .
The Turkish military servicemen who came under fire from Syrian troops were among the advancing militants , it added .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call on Friday to discuss the developments .
They emphasized the need to normalize the situation and agreed to look into the possibility of having a summit meeting shortly .

"The sides exchanged opinions on the situation in Syria and on other issues of mutual interest," the ministry added.
MOSCOW, February 28./TASS/. Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, General Valery Gerasimov, and Mark Milley, United States Army general and Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the situation in Syria in a phone call on Friday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
The most recent conversation of the two generals was on December 18, 2019, when they discussed measures to prevent incidents during military activity of the sides. Gerasimov and Milley also exchanged opinions on strategic stability, the situation in Syria and in other regions.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated dramatically once again overnight to Friday. Ankara said that an airstrike by Syrian government forces had killed 33 Turkish soldiers. Shortly after that, the Turkish armed forces carried out strikes against Syrian troops, specifying that more than 200 targets had been hit.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that militants from the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (one of the names of Jabhat al-Nusra, outlawed in Russia) made an attempt on Thursday to launch a large-scale offensive in Syria’s Idlib. The Turkish military servicemen who came under fire from Syrian troops were among the advancing militants, it added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call on Friday to discuss the developments. They emphasized the need to normalize the situation and agreed to look into the possibility of having a summit meeting shortly.


tass--2020-02-28--Hainan medics treat more than 2,700 patients with coronavirus in Hubei

HAIKOU , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Doctors and medical personnel from the Chinese province of Hainan who were sent to Hubei to tackle coronavirus helped more than 2,700 patients , 324 of those have already been discharged from hospitals , reported www.hinews.cn .
The first group of medical workers arrived in Jingzhou on January 27 .
Prior to this , the doctors worked , in particular , in the respiratory and emergency departments .
The Hainan doctors are able to independently provide any necessary assistance to local medics in the fight against the spread of coronavirus .
In total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hubei province , helping local doctors in 12 hospitals in Wuhan and Jingzhou .
Another group of Hainan doctors ( 278 medics ) is heading there to tackle the virus .
When the epidemic only started , the situation in Hubei was very difficult , and Hainan doctors had to perform their duties in the face of a rapidly growing number of the infected , lack of medical equipment and materials .
Hainan subsequently increased the volume of aid provided to Hubei afterwards , having sent a total of 12 batches of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hainan sent more than 3,000 tonnes of food and essentials to Hubei .
The next batch of aid ( 933 tonnes ) is ready for shipment to Jingzhou .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 55 countries and territories , including Russia .
According to Chinese authorities , over 83,380 people have been infected with the virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,850 , while over 36,600 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

HAIKOU, February 28. /TASS/. Doctors and medical personnel from the Chinese province of Hainan who were sent to Hubei to tackle coronavirus helped more than 2,700 patients, 324 of those have already been discharged from hospitals, reported www.hinews.cn.
The first group of medical workers arrived in Jingzhou on January 27. Prior to this, the doctors worked, in particular, in the respiratory and emergency departments. The Hainan doctors are able to independently provide any necessary assistance to local medics in the fight against the spread of coronavirus. In total, more than 860 medics are working in Hubei province, helping local doctors in 12 hospitals in Wuhan and Jingzhou. Another group of Hainan doctors (278 medics) is heading there to tackle the virus.
When the epidemic only started, the situation in Hubei was very difficult, and Hainan doctors had to perform their duties in the face of a rapidly growing number of the infected, lack of medical equipment and materials. Hainan subsequently increased the volume of aid provided to Hubei afterwards, having sent a total of 12 batches of medical equipment and supplies. Moreover, Hainan sent more than 3,000 tonnes of food and essentials to Hubei. The next batch of aid (933 tonnes) is ready for shipment to Jingzhou.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 55 countries and territories, including Russia. According to Chinese authorities, over 83,380 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has reached 2,850, while over 36,600 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.
Hainan confirmed 168 coronavirus cases on the island.