tass--2020-04-23--Russia returns two notes on Crimea to Ukraine — diplomat

In the first one , Kiev protests against archaeological excavations and earthworks in Crimea ; in the second one , it demands a report on measures taken to fight the coronavirus epidemic in Crimea and Donbass MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry returned two diplomatic notes on Crimea to Ukraine , the ministry ’ s spokeswoman , Maria Zakharova said Thursday .
`` This week , the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs returned two [ diplomatic ] notes to Ukraine , '' she said .
`` In the first one , Kiev protests against archaeological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second one , Kiev demands a report on measures taken to fight the coronavirus epidemic in Crimea and Donbass . ''
`` Such steps of the Ukrainian diplomacy never cease to surprise us , '' the diplomat said .
`` At the time when a pandemic is rampant in the country , wildfires ravage Chernobyl , when Russian planes repatriate Ukrainian citizens from third countries and Russian diplomats help them to return home , the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry put all efforts into bombarding the aggressor state , as they call us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In this regard , the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman called on the Ukrainian colleagues to `` save paper . ''
`` It feels like the Ukrainian authorities live in a parallel universe , '' she continued .
`` First , they cut Crimea off water and power supply , blockade Donbass , and then demand reports from Russia on how it protects people of these regions from the coronavirus infection .
It ’ s actually pretty funny at this point . ''
She recalled that `` Kiev has an option of direct dialogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ukrainian authorities are really concerned about the destiny and health of the people living there . ''
`` Russia is not a side of the conflict in southeastern Ukraine and does not control the Donbass territory , '' she added .
`` The issue of Crimea ’ s identity is closed , '' she concluded .
`` The Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol have voluntarily reunited with Russia in 2014 .
All notes of protest regarding actions of the Russian government for the exercise of sovereignty over the Crimean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , construction of infrastructure facilities , including archeological excavations , or elections — will be returned to the Ukrainian side due to absence of grounds for their review . ''

In the first one, Kiev protests against archaeological excavations and earthworks in Crimea; in the second one, it demands a report on measures taken to fight the coronavirus epidemic in Crimea and Donbass
MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry returned two diplomatic notes on Crimea to Ukraine, the ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said Thursday. "This week, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs returned two [diplomatic] notes to Ukraine," she said. "In the first one, Kiev protests against archaeological excavations and earthworks in Crimea. In the second one, Kiev demands a report on measures taken to fight the coronavirus epidemic in Crimea and Donbass."
Read also Crimea launches first criminal case over COVID-19 infection
"Such steps of the Ukrainian diplomacy never cease to surprise us," the diplomat said. "At the time when a pandemic is rampant in the country, wildfires ravage Chernobyl, when Russian planes repatriate Ukrainian citizens from third countries and Russian diplomats help them to return home, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry put all efforts into bombarding the aggressor state, as they call us, by fearsome notes of protest." In this regard, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman called on the Ukrainian colleagues to "save paper."
"It feels like the Ukrainian authorities live in a parallel universe," she continued. "First, they cut Crimea off water and power supply, blockade Donbass, and then demand reports from Russia on how it protects people of these regions from the coronavirus infection. It’s actually pretty funny at this point." She recalled that "Kiev has an option of direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk, in case the Ukrainian authorities are really concerned about the destiny and health of the people living there."
Read also Ukrainian president vows to settle Donbass issue before his presidential term expires


tass--2020-04-23--Daily increase in COVID-19 cases in Moscow reaches up to 15%

`` We have n't detected a dramatic growth .
Every day , we see an 8-10-12 % growth , it reaches up to 15 % .
This number includes people who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus via lab tests , '' Sobyanin said on the Rossiya-24 channel on Thursday .
MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The daily increase in novel coronavirus cases in Moscow reaches up to 15 % , Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday , noting that Moscow officials have not detected a dramatic growth .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

"We haven't detected a dramatic growth. Every day, we see an 8-10-12% growth, it reaches up to 15%. This number includes people who have been diagnosed with the coronavirus via lab tests," Sobyanin said on the Rossiya-24 channel on Thursday.
MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The daily increase in novel coronavirus cases in Moscow reaches up to 15%, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Thursday, noting that Moscow officials have not detected a dramatic growth.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--Moscow authorities debunk reports that coronavirus patients are charged for treatment

The department noted that a number of media outlets published reports , alleging that people , hospitalized over coronavirus symptoms @ @ @ @ @ to pay for their treatment themselves .
MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Reports @ @ @ @ @ will have to pay for their treatment in case of hospitalization not by ambulance are @ @ @ @ @ Health Department announced on its website Thursday .
`` Medical aid is provided free of @ @ @ @ @ Insurance number , '' the Department said , adding that people who experience respiratory symptoms @ @ @ @ @ to hospital by themselves .
Instead , they are urged to summon a doctor immediately @ @ @ @ @ 47 city clinics for testing for coronavirus .
`` Should examination reveal that the patient @ @ @ @ @ be provided via ambulance immediately .
If there is no such need , the patient @ @ @ @ @ necessary medicine and recommendations and put under observation at home , '' the department says @

The department noted that a number of media outlets published reports, alleging that people, hospitalized over coronavirus symptoms not by ambulance will have to pay for their treatment themselves.
MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Reports that patients with coronavirus diagnosis will have to pay for their treatment in case of hospitalization not by ambulance are not true, the Moscow Health Department announced on its website Thursday.
"Medical aid is provided free of charge by the Mandatory Health Insurance number," the Department said, adding that people who experience respiratory symptoms do not need to go to hospital by themselves.
Instead, they are urged to summon a doctor immediately or visit one of the 47 city clinics for testing for coronavirus.
"Should examination reveal that the patient requires hospitalization, it will be provided via ambulance immediately. If there is no such need, the patient will be given all the necessary medicine and recommendations and put under observation at home," the department says.


tass--2020-04-23--Kremlin aware of US probes into suspicious oil futures trading

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin has seen media reports that the American authorities had launched investigations @ @ @ @ @ futures to find out whether oil traders might have raked in millions of dollars by @ @ @ @ @ OPEC+ interaction strategy project prepared by Russia , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ reports in the mass media but we do not know to what extent they are @ @ @ @ @ Peskov said .
`` The number of false reports and factoids in the mass media @ @ @ @ @ this should be perceived with great reservations , '' he added .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The Kremlin has seen media reports that the American authorities had launched investigations into suspicious transactions with oil futures to find out whether oil traders might have raked in millions of dollars by having insider information about the OPEC+ interaction strategy project prepared by Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
"We have seen reports in the mass media but we do not know to what extent they are consistent with facts," Peskov said.
"The number of false reports and factoids in the mass media is so high now that this should be perceived with great reservations," he added.


tass--2020-04-23--UNSC considering draft resolution on coronavirus response, source says

UNITED NATIONS , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
France and Tunisia have suggested the United Nations Security Council adopt a resolution calling for a global ceasefire amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The document , available to TASS , `` demands a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all countries on its agenda and supports the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General and his Special Representatives and Special Envoys in that respect . ''
The draft resolution also `` requests the Secretary General to instruct peace-keeping operations to provide support , within their mandates and existing resources , to host country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , in particular to facilitate humanitarian access to internally displaced person and refugee camps and allow for medical evacuations . ''
A source in the UN headquarters told TASS that members of the UN Security Council were holding consultations on the document but no date for a vote had been set .
France earlier initiated a similar resolution but it failed to be passed due to disagreements between China and the US .
A thing to note is that the new draft resolution does not mention the role of the World Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the United States insisted on a provision urging `` all Member States to rapidly disclose accurate information to the international community , including epidemiological data , origination and transmission information , the number of cases and deaths . ''
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

UNITED NATIONS, April 23. /TASS/. France and Tunisia have suggested the United Nations Security Council adopt a resolution calling for a global ceasefire amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The document, available to TASS, "demands a general and immediate cessation of hostilities in all countries on its agenda and supports the efforts undertaken by the Secretary-General and his Special Representatives and Special Envoys in that respect."
The draft resolution also "requests the Secretary General to instruct peace-keeping operations to provide support, within their mandates and existing resources, to host country authorities in their efforts to contain the pandemic, in particular to facilitate humanitarian access to internally displaced person and refugee camps and allow for medical evacuations."
A source in the UN headquarters told TASS that members of the UN Security Council were holding consultations on the document but no date for a vote had been set. France earlier initiated a similar resolution but it failed to be passed due to disagreements between China and the US.
A thing to note is that the new draft resolution does not mention the role of the World Health Organization in coronavirus response efforts. Besides, the United States insisted on a provision urging "all Member States to rapidly disclose accurate information to the international community, including epidemiological data, origination and transmission information, the number of cases and deaths."
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia calls on Norway to return to cooperation — diplomat

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow calls on Oslo to abandon its confrontational approach to relations with Russia and to build mutually beneficial cooperation in the traditions of good neighborliness , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday ’ s briefing .
`` It is unfortunate that this country is playing a rather active role in all foreign anti-Russian scenarios .
The centuries-old traditions of good neighborliness with our country have fallen victim to foreign interests , including , financial ones .
The flywheel of military build-up aimed against Russia is gaining momentum , while bilateral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oslo to reconsider these destructive approaches and to build longterm cooperation with our country based on mutual respect , taking into account each other ’ s interests , '' the diplomat commented .
Zakharova recalled that in recent years , Norway had been `` the frontier of deterrence of Russia '' in the foreign policy plans of the US and NATO .
`` The country is steadily beefing up its military capacity , modernizing the corresponding infrastructure , opening military training centers for allied units , expanding weapon and equipment storages of US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norway is also working on involving non-allied countries , Finland and Sweden , in the alliance ’ s affairs , '' the diplomat noted .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Moscow calls on Oslo to abandon its confrontational approach to relations with Russia and to build mutually beneficial cooperation in the traditions of good neighborliness, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said during Thursday’s briefing.
"It is unfortunate that this country is playing a rather active role in all foreign anti-Russian scenarios. The centuries-old traditions of good neighborliness with our country have fallen victim to foreign interests, including, financial ones. The flywheel of military build-up aimed against Russia is gaining momentum, while bilateral cooperation has decreased. We call on Oslo to reconsider these destructive approaches and to build longterm cooperation with our country based on mutual respect, taking into account each other’s interests," the diplomat commented.
Zakharova recalled that in recent years, Norway had been "the frontier of deterrence of Russia" in the foreign policy plans of the US and NATO.
"The country is steadily beefing up its military capacity, modernizing the corresponding infrastructure, opening military training centers for allied units, expanding weapon and equipment storages of US Marines and regularly holding large-scale drills. Norway is also working on involving non-allied countries, Finland and Sweden, in the alliance’s affairs," the diplomat noted.


tass--2020-04-23--Andy Warhol exhibition in Moscow postponed due to pandemic

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s New Tretyakov Gallery was supposed to welcome a large-scale exhibition entitled ‘ I am Andy Warhol ’ on April 24 , but it had to be rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Organizers will announce the new opening date soon , their press service said Thursday .
`` The exhibition ‘ I am Andy Warhol ’ will be postponed to a later date due to the high alert measures introduced in Russia as well as the relevant measures imposed to prevent coronavirus spread , '' the statement reads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ postponement will not affect the exposition .
Visitors will be able to marvel at more than 170 pieces of the pop art pioneer such as canvas paintings , drawings and series of works .
The exhibition will feature such landmark portfolios as Marilyn Diptych , Campbell 's Soup Cans and Mao as well as Flowers , Camouflage and more .
Moreover , critically acclaimed works such as Double Self Portrait , Skull , Electric Chair , Vesuvius and Lenin portraits will also be on show .
Organizers note that the exhibition will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event will also include a cinema hall where visitors will be able to watch Warhol ’ s video works as well as documentaries about the artist .
A separate hall will be dedicated to Warhol ’ s collaborations with brands and musical bands ( The Rolling Stones , The Velvet Underground and others ) .
Moreover , the recreated Factory ( Warhol ’ s art studio in New York operating actively since 1962 ) will also be featured .
The exhibition will be decorated with trademark wallpaper by the artist .
The exhibition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s pieces but also those by photographers from his entourage — Fred McDarrah , Gerard Malanga and Christopher Makos .
The visitors will also be able to see a collection of fashionable New York magazines ( Vogue , Glamour , Harper ’ s Bazaar ) where the artist worked as illustrator in the 1950s and a collection of original Interview magazines that Warhol founded in 1969 .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Moscow’s New Tretyakov Gallery was supposed to welcome a large-scale exhibition entitled ‘I am Andy Warhol’ on April 24, but it had to be rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers will announce the new opening date soon, their press service said Thursday.
"The exhibition ‘I am Andy Warhol’ will be postponed to a later date due to the high alert measures introduced in Russia as well as the relevant measures imposed to prevent coronavirus spread," the statement reads.
The press service clarified that the forced postponement will not affect the exposition. Visitors will be able to marvel at more than 170 pieces of the pop art pioneer such as canvas paintings, drawings and series of works. The exhibition will feature such landmark portfolios as Marilyn Diptych, Campbell's Soup Cans and Mao as well as Flowers, Camouflage and more. Moreover, critically acclaimed works such as Double Self Portrait, Skull, Electric Chair, Vesuvius and Lenin portraits will also be on show. Organizers note that the exhibition will take up around 2,500 square meters.
The event will also include a cinema hall where visitors will be able to watch Warhol’s video works as well as documentaries about the artist. A separate hall will be dedicated to Warhol’s collaborations with brands and musical bands (The Rolling Stones, The Velvet Underground and others). Moreover, the recreated Factory (Warhol’s art studio in New York that has been active since 1962) will also be featured. The exhibition will be decorated with trademark wallpaper by the artist.
The exhibition will not just showcase Andy Warhol’s pieces but also those by photographers from his entourage — Fred McDarrah, Gerard Malanga and Christopher Makos. The visitors will also be able to see a collection of fashionable New York magazines (Vogue, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar) where the artist worked as illustrator in the 1950s and a collection of original Interview magazines that Warhol founded in 1969.


tass--2020-04-23--Nuclear deal does not limit Iran’s right to explore space, says Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The nuclear deal does not limit Iran ’ s right to explore space , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday , commenting on the launch of Iran ’ s Noor military satellite .
According to her , the United States ’ call on the UN Security Council to assess if Tehran ’ s move was in line with Resolution 2231 was `` a dirty trick . ''
`` Neither the Resolution nor the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action limit Tehran ’ s right and ability to peacefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Zakharova pointed out .
`` Futile attempts by some Washington analysts to make it seem as if Iran ’ s space rockets are capable of carrying nuclear warheads are a manipulation that will be broken by reality , '' the Russian diplomat went on to say .
`` Iran does not have and we hope will never have nuclear weapons .
Iran complies with the resolution and refrains from developing and testing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons , '' she noted .
The International Atomic Energy Agency has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was signed , she added .
`` The agency has not found nuclear weapons there , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman pointed out .
`` It seems , some in Washington don ’ t like the fact that despite unprecedented pressure and difficulties created by the US authorities , Tehran continues to fulfill its obligations , '' she said .
On April 22 , Iran launched its first military satellite named Noor ( or Light ) .
According to Iran ’ s Mehr news agency , the satellite was placed in an @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The nuclear deal does not limit Iran’s right to explore space, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday, commenting on the launch of Iran’s Noor military satellite.
According to her, the United States’ call on the UN Security Council to assess if Tehran’s move was in line with Resolution 2231 was "a dirty trick." "Neither the Resolution nor the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action limit Tehran’s right and ability to peacefully explore space and develop national space programs," Zakharova pointed out.
"Futile attempts by some Washington analysts to make it seem as if Iran’s space rockets are capable of carrying nuclear warheads are a manipulation that will be broken by reality," the Russian diplomat went on to say. "Iran does not have and we hope will never have nuclear weapons. Iran complies with the resolution and refrains from developing and testing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons," she noted.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has been thoroughly inspecting Iran since the nuclear deal was signed, she added. "The agency has not found nuclear weapons there," the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman pointed out. "It seems, some in Washington don’t like the fact that despite unprecedented pressure and difficulties created by the US authorities, Tehran continues to fulfill its obligations," she said.
On April 22, Iran launched its first military satellite named Noor (or Light). According to Iran’s Mehr news agency, the satellite was placed in an orbit of 425 km.


tass--2020-04-23--Phone calls to US for Paul Whelan to be provided shortly — diplomat

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
US national Paul Whelan , accused of spying against Russia , will be able to contact his family in the US by phone shortly , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday .
`` The court sanctioned provision of phone calls to the defendant to his family members in the US .
We believe such calls will be provided shortly , '' Zakharova said .
The diplomat explained that there is nothing surprising in the closed nature of Whelan ’ s court hearing , which US Ambassador John Sullivan was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just like in a number of other countries — this might happen if the case involves information that constitutes national secret .
Responding to US criticism regarding the court proceedings against Whelan , Zakharova recalled the court process against Maria Butina .
Unlike Whelan , caught red-handed , Butina was apprehended without required grounds , and all inquiries of the Russian representatives drew a reply that challenging rulings of the US court is unacceptable .
`` Somehow , they do not hesitate to voice their assessments of the Russian court process , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceedings [ on the Whelan ’ s case ] are conducted in strict compliance with the Russian law and in adherence to all required procedures , '' Zakharova underscored , adding that the next hearing will take place next week .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) apprehended Whelan , a citizen of the US , the UK , Canada and Ireland , on December 28 , 2018 , in Moscow , in the middle of a spy action .
The FSB Investigative Directorate initiated criminal proceedings on charges of espionage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 20 years in prison .
According to the defense , the investigators accuse Whelan of espionage in favor of the US intelligence services ; a flash drive found on Whelan included information that constitutes a national secret .
Whelan denies his guilt and his defense insists that the case is fabricated .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. US national Paul Whelan, accused of spying against Russia, will be able to contact his family in the US by phone shortly, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
"The court sanctioned provision of phone calls to the defendant to his family members in the US. We believe such calls will be provided shortly," Zakharova said.
The diplomat explained that there is nothing surprising in the closed nature of Whelan’s court hearing, which US Ambassador John Sullivan was unable to attend. According to Russian legislation — just like in a number of other countries — this might happen if the case involves information that constitutes national secret.
Responding to US criticism regarding the court proceedings against Whelan, Zakharova recalled the court process against Maria Butina. Unlike Whelan, caught red-handed, Butina was apprehended without required grounds, and all inquiries of the Russian representatives drew a reply that challenging rulings of the US court is unacceptable.
"Somehow, they do not hesitate to voice their assessments of the Russian court process," the spokeswoman noted.
"The court proceedings [on the Whelan’s case] are conducted in strict compliance with the Russian law and in adherence to all required procedures," Zakharova underscored, adding that the next hearing will take place next week.
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) apprehended Whelan, a citizen of the US, the UK, Canada and Ireland, on December 28, 2018, in Moscow, in the middle of a spy action. The FSB Investigative Directorate initiated criminal proceedings on charges of espionage, which carries a penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison. According to the defense, the investigators accuse Whelan of espionage in favor of the US intelligence services; a flash drive found on Whelan included information that constitutes a national secret. Whelan denies his guilt and his defense insists that the case is fabricated.


tass--2020-04-23--Russian ambassador points to Yemen’s steps to prevent coronavirus spread

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Yemen ’ s authorities have asked the international community , including Russia , for assistance in preventing the spread of the coronavirus , Russian Ambassador to Yemen Vladimir Dedushkin told TASS on Thursday .
`` Yemen is making serious preparations to combat a possible outbreak , '' he said , commenting on the country ’ s request for assistance .
`` The authorities are taking preventing measures so that they have the necessary resources to combat the pandemic in the future , '' the envoy added .
According to Dedushkin , the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why the number is incorrect . ''
`` Only one coronavirus case has so far been confirmed in Yemen .
The government is making preparations for a possible outbreak .
In particular , they are stocking up on medicines and equipment and setting up hospital beds , '' he specified .
United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Lise Grande said earlier that if the coronavirus spread in the country after years of war , the consequences would be catastrophic .
The war between the internationally-recognized Yemeni government and Houthi rebels from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 2014 .
The conflict entered an active phase when a Saudi-led coalition invaded the country .
Saudi Arabia , supported by Bahrain , Qatar , Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates , is involved in a military operation against the rebels .
Egypt , Jordan , Morocco and Sudan are also part of the coalition .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Yemen’s authorities have asked the international community, including Russia, for assistance in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, Russian Ambassador to Yemen Vladimir Dedushkin told TASS on Thursday.
"Yemen is making serious preparations to combat a possible outbreak," he said, commenting on the country’s request for assistance. "The authorities are taking preventing measures so that they have the necessary resources to combat the pandemic in the future," the envoy added.
According to Dedushkin, the country currently lacks "testing systems, which is why the number is incorrect." "Only one coronavirus case has so far been confirmed in Yemen. The government is making preparations for a possible outbreak. In particular, they are stocking up on medicines and equipment and setting up hospital beds," he specified.
United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Yemen Lise Grande said earlier that if the coronavirus spread in the country after years of war, the consequences would be catastrophic.
The war between the internationally-recognized Yemeni government and Houthi rebels from the Ansar Allah movement has been raging since August 2014. The conflict entered an active phase when a Saudi-led coalition invaded the country. Saudi Arabia, supported by Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, is involved in a military operation against the rebels. Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Sudan are also part of the coalition.
Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-04-23--Russia backs World Health Organization’s measures to fight coronavirus

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia shares and supports the approaches of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) in the fight against the coronavirus , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
`` Russia supports measures , which the WHO and its leadership are taking to combat the coronavirus , and stands for strengthening the organization ’ s coordinating role in the fight against the pandemic , '' the Russian diplomat said .
`` We proceed from the need to immediately cancel all illegal unilateral sanctions , which are worsening the humanitarian situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , '' she added .
The current crisis has proven to be a test for many states for their readiness to develop `` new approaches in contemporary international relations for drastically resolving acute issues of the collective agenda , `` the Russian diplomat stressed .
`` Today we have a unique opportunity , once we comprehend the essence of the developments , realize our interrelation and inter-dependence and the common nature of the destinies in the face of a real planetary threat , to confirm that there is no alternative to joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tasks , '' the Russian diplomat said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .
To date , a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia , with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus .
Russia ’ s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide .
Earlier , the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Russia shares and supports the approaches of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fight against the coronavirus, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"Russia supports measures, which the WHO and its leadership are taking to combat the coronavirus, and stands for strengthening the organization’s coordinating role in the fight against the pandemic," the Russian diplomat said.
"We proceed from the need to immediately cancel all illegal unilateral sanctions, which are worsening the humanitarian situation in a whole number of states amid the pandemic," she added.
The current crisis has proven to be a test for many states for their readiness to develop "new approaches in contemporary international relations for drastically resolving acute issues of the collective agenda, " the Russian diplomat stressed.
"Today we have a unique opportunity, once we comprehend the essence of the developments, realize our interrelation and inter-dependence and the common nature of the destinies in the face of a real planetary threat, to confirm that there is no alternative to joint constructive efforts and initiatives in solving common tasks," the Russian diplomat said.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.
To date, a total of 62,773 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia, with 4,891 patients having recovered from the virus. Russia’s latest data indicates 555 fatalities nationwide. Earlier, the Russian government set up an Internet hotline to keep the public updated on the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-04-23--BRICS states could increase WHO funding due to US withdrawal of contributions, says expert

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
BRICS member states ( Brazil , Russia , India , China , South Africa ) could increase their funding of the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and to expand medical cooperation with other states due to the US decision to withdraw its contributions to the organization , Dmitry Suslov , deputy head of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies of the Higher School of Economics National Research University , said on Thursday .
`` A few days ago , the US announced that it would withdraw or suspend funding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could make a statement , in which they would announce their increased contributions to this organization that plays a central role in the global anti-pandemic governance , '' Suslov said .
`` BRICS states could announce further coordination in their approaches to aiding other states , states with weaker healthcare systems than those of BRICS states . ''
The expert stressed that the spread of the disease in less developed countries would threaten the security of BRICS member states .
He noted that BRICS is interested in strengthening the healthcare system in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Research Center for the Economies and Politics of Transitional Countries at Liaoning University , expressed a similar opinion .
He noted that China actively helps their partners within BRICS to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. BRICS member states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) could increase their funding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and to expand medical cooperation with other states due to the US decision to withdraw its contributions to the organization, Dmitry Suslov, deputy head of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies of the Higher School of Economics National Research University, said on Thursday.
"A few days ago, the US announced that it would withdraw or suspend funding of the World Health Organization. BRICS states could make a statement, in which they would announce their increased contributions to this organization that plays a central role in the global anti-pandemic governance," Suslov said. "BRICS states could announce further coordination in their approaches to aiding other states, states with weaker healthcare systems than those of BRICS states."
The expert stressed that the spread of the disease in less developed countries would threaten the security of BRICS member states. He noted that BRICS is interested in strengthening the healthcare system in such states.
Cui Zheng, deputy head of the Research Center for the Economies and Politics of Transitional Countries at Liaoning University, expressed a similar opinion. He noted that China actively helps their partners within BRICS to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-04-23--Russian Foreign Ministry notes reports of coronavirus infection among US forces in Syria

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry notes the reports of explosive coronavirus infection spread among US servicemen in Syria , Ministry spokeswoman , Maria Zakharova said Thursday .
US seeks to provide assistance to militants in Rukban at the expense of UN — statement '' We receive reports of explosive coronavirus infection spread among the US servicemen [ in Syria ] and of these facts being kept mum on , '' she said .
The spokeswoman underscored that the US forces stay in Syria illegally .
`` This means that Washington bears full responsibility for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanitarian needs on territories under its control east of the Euphrates and in the south near Al-Tanf , where the notorious Rukban camp for the internally displaced people is located , '' the diplomat said .
Besides , the diplomat noted reports of US aid to the Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria .
`` The aid is truly strange .
According to reports , the Americans have handed over to the Kurds not only medical materials for disinfection , but also means of prison riots suppression , which , you would agree , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she noted .
The spokeswoman expressed concern that spread of the coronavirus in northeastern Syria , where prisons and refugee camps are located , which are effectively inaccessible , might turn into a `` true catastrophe , making already difficult living conditions there unbearable . ''
Turkey ’ s efforts to drive militants from M4 highway in Syria Moscow welcomes Ankara ’ s efforts to drive militants away from the M4 highway in Syria ’ s Idlib province and expects that moderate militants will be separated from terrorists , the Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry notes the reports of explosive coronavirus infection spread among US servicemen in Syria, Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
US seeks to provide assistance to militants in Rukban at the expense of UN — statement
"We receive reports of explosive coronavirus infection spread among the US servicemen [in Syria] and of these facts being kept mum on," she said.
The spokeswoman underscored that the US forces stay in Syria illegally.
"This means that Washington bears full responsibility for the civilian population and provision for their humanitarian needs on territories under its control east of the Euphrates and in the south near Al-Tanf, where the notorious Rukban camp for the internally displaced people is located," the diplomat said.
Besides, the diplomat noted reports of US aid to the Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria.
"The aid is truly strange. According to reports, the Americans have handed over to the Kurds not only medical materials for disinfection, but also means of prison riots suppression, which, you would agree, hardly qualify as humanitarian aid," she noted.
The spokeswoman expressed concern that spread of the coronavirus in northeastern Syria, where prisons and refugee camps are located, which are effectively inaccessible, might turn into a "true catastrophe, making already difficult living conditions there unbearable."
Turkey’s efforts to drive militants from M4 highway in Syria
Moscow welcomes Ankara’s efforts to drive militants away from the M4 highway in Syria’s Idlib province and expects that moderate militants will be separated from terrorists, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stated.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia registers the lowest daily coronavirus case growth since beginning of the outbreak

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
On Thursday , the coronavirus case growth in Russia was 8.2 % , - the lowest daily increase since the outbreak in the country .
In Moscow , this figure was even lower - 6.1 % .
According to the federal coronavirus prevention operational HQ , 4,774 cases were registered across Russia in the past 24 hours , bringing the total case to 62,773 .
The last time the daily case increase was below these levels was on March 15 .
Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova suggests that the next day , March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak in the country .
That day , the number of the infected approached 100 .
Ever since then , the number of cases grew by about 20 % every day , and since early April - by over 15 % every day .
Currently , there are about 43 infection cases for 100,000 residents .
This is still one of the lowest rates among nations with the most cases .
Over 2.4 million coronavirus tests were conducted in Russia , approximately 2.6 % returned positive results .
In the meantime , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 471 and reach 4,891 ( 7.8 % of all infected ) .
Moscow alone released 181 patients in the past 24 hours , and 2,448 patients overall .
The fatality rate stays low , at about 0.88 % .
In the past 24 hours , 42 people with confirmed coronavirus infection died , bringing the total death toll to 555 .
This is the lowest rate among the nations with the most cases .
The federal operational headquarters confirmed that almost half of patients , diagnosed with the coronavirus , show no clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen in the regions In the past 24 hours , Moscow registered 1,959 new cases - the same number as on April 17 .
The daily case growth rate was 6.1 % - the lowest number since March 21 ( 4.58 % ) .
Moscow ’ s share in the nationwide statistics since the beginning of the outbreak went down from 55.1 % to 54.1 % .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. On Thursday, the coronavirus case growth in Russia was 8.2%, - the lowest daily increase since the outbreak in the country. In Moscow, this figure was even lower - 6.1%.
According to the federal coronavirus prevention operational HQ, 4,774 cases were registered across Russia in the past 24 hours, bringing the total case to 62,773.
The last time the daily case increase was below these levels was on March 15. Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova suggests that the next day, March 16, marked the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. That day, the number of the infected approached 100. Ever since then, the number of cases grew by about 20% every day, and since early April - by over 15% every day.
Currently, there are about 43 infection cases for 100,000 residents. This is still one of the lowest rates among nations with the most cases.
Over 2.4 million coronavirus tests were conducted in Russia, approximately 2.6% returned positive results.
Almost 5,000 recoveries
In the meantime, the number of recovered patients grew by 471 and reach 4,891 (7.8% of all infected). Moscow alone released 181 patients in the past 24 hours, and 2,448 patients overall.
The fatality rate stays low, at about 0.88%. In the past 24 hours, 42 people with confirmed coronavirus infection died, bringing the total death toll to 555. This is the lowest rate among the nations with the most cases.
The federal operational headquarters confirmed that almost half of patients, diagnosed with the coronavirus, show no clinical symptoms.
Three out of five cases happen in the regions
In the past 24 hours, Moscow registered 1,959 new cases - the same number as on April 17. The daily case growth rate was 6.1% - the lowest number since March 21 (4.58%). Moscow’s share in the nationwide statistics since the beginning of the outbreak went down from 55.1% to 54.1%.


tass--2020-04-23--Diplomat excoriates American inaction in search for Russian school students stuck in US

MOSCOW , April 23./TASS/ .
The Russian side has not yet received from the Department of State the list and addresses of the Russian school students remaining in the US , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday .
According to the diplomat , Russian senior pupils went to the US through various study programs , and now they can not return home amid the pandemic .
`` About 80 Russian students have been staying in the US since last autumn , but regretfully , their list and contact information have not been provided to us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out .
`` So far , the embassy has managed to identify 42 people .
Eight of them have already returned to Russia , while 34 remain in different parts of the US .
Many of them want to return back home as soon as possible , '' she stressed .
Some Russian schoolchildren believe they are safe and plan to stay in the US and leave as it was initially scheduled — in May or June .
`` We still don ’ t know the whereabouts of at least 38 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the families of schoolchildren will take a more responsible stance and will realize possible risks when they next time see such American programs advertised , '' Zakharova stressed .
`` We strongly believe that trips abroad of Russia ’ s underage citizens are inadmissible without coordinating this duly with Russian competent agencies , unless they are accompanied by parents or some other legitimate representatives . ''
The diplomat also urged the parents of the school students who are still in the US to provide data on them , including mobile phone numbers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Foreign Ministry will not turn a blind eye to US reluctance in helping Russia find its school students who are stuck in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic , Maria Zakharova stated .
According to her , the US has brushed aside requests from the Russian Embassy .
`` That is why , Russian diplomats in Washington and in the US have to deal with that issue independently , '' she pointed out .
`` We will of course draw conclusions from this behavior by US officials , '' Zakharova stressed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 23./TASS/. The Russian side has not yet received from the Department of State the list and addresses of the Russian school students remaining in the US, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
According to the diplomat, Russian senior pupils went to the US through various study programs, and now they cannot return home amid the pandemic. "About 80 Russian students have been staying in the US since last autumn, but regretfully, their list and contact information have not been provided to us in the past half-a-month," Zakharova pointed out.
"So far, the embassy has managed to identify 42 people. Eight of them have already returned to Russia, while 34 remain in different parts of the US. Many of them want to return back home as soon as possible," she stressed.
Some Russian schoolchildren believe they are safe and plan to stay in the US and leave as it was initially scheduled — in May or June. "We still don’t know the whereabouts of at least 38 people. We hope that our schools and the families of schoolchildren will take a more responsible stance and will realize possible risks when they next time see such American programs advertised," Zakharova stressed.
"We strongly believe that trips abroad of Russia’s underage citizens are inadmissible without coordinating this duly with Russian competent agencies, unless they are accompanied by parents or some other legitimate representatives."
The diplomat also urged the parents of the school students who are still in the US to provide data on them, including mobile phone numbers, to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The Russian Foreign Ministry will not turn a blind eye to US reluctance in helping Russia find its school students who are stuck in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, Maria Zakharova stated.
According to her, the US has brushed aside requests from the Russian Embassy. "That is why, Russian diplomats in Washington and in the US have to deal with that issue independently," she pointed out. "We will of course draw conclusions from this behavior by US officials," Zakharova stressed.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--Political expert warns US firing up plot to sow discord among BRICS members

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The United States will carry on its efforts to pit member-countries of the BRICS association ( Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa ) against each other , though this is unlikely to descend into confrontation , Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Suslov said on Thursday .
`` Of course , the United States is embarking on and will be intensifying attempts to pull apart BRICS and set some countries against others .
First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India and Brazil against China .
For BRICS , this comes as a challenge , '' the expert said during an online presentation of the report by the Valdai international discussion club titled : `` BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic . ''
The `` rivalry pandemic '' that has surfaced worldwide has ramped up negative confrontational developments in international relations , in particular , Washington ’ s confrontational approach to both China and Russia and has widened fault lines between countries , the expert pointed out .
`` The coronavirus pandemic has significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world leadership .
The United States is positioning its rivalry with China as the central aspect of its foreign policy and even as the central pivot of international relations .
Sanctions , trade wars and confrontation in general will be intensifying , '' he stressed .
On the one hand , this is a challenge for BRICS because the association was formed under completely different conditions and is a peacetime forum .
However , the fact that BRICS is not a military alliance and engages in soft security issues makes it `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of global governance under current conditions , '' the expert pointed out .
`` By now , we see that these confrontational developments that are arising are paralyzing many international institutions .
In this context , BRICS , which is above confrontation and should neither be dragged into , nor is it now being drawn into confrontational processes around the world , is capable of strengthening the general multilateral format in international relations , '' the expert said .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The United States will carry on its efforts to pit member-countries of the BRICS association (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) against each other, though this is unlikely to descend into confrontation, Deputy Director of the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies at the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Suslov said on Thursday.
"Of course, the United States is embarking on and will be intensifying attempts to pull apart BRICS and set some countries against others. First of all, it will be pitting India and Brazil against China. For BRICS, this comes as a challenge," the expert said during an online presentation of the report by the Valdai international discussion club titled: "BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic."
The "rivalry pandemic" that has surfaced worldwide has ramped up negative confrontational developments in international relations, in particular, Washington’s confrontational approach to both China and Russia and has widened fault lines between countries, the expert pointed out.
"The coronavirus pandemic has significantly stepped up developments in the struggle for world leadership. The United States is positioning its rivalry with China as the central aspect of its foreign policy and even as the central pivot of international relations. Sanctions, trade wars and confrontation in general will be intensifying," he stressed.
On the one hand, this is a challenge for BRICS because the association was formed under completely different conditions and is a peacetime forum. However, the fact that BRICS is not a military alliance and engages in soft security issues makes it "a more relevant and a more essential institution of global governance under current conditions," the expert pointed out.
"By now, we see that these confrontational developments that are arising are paralyzing many international institutions. In this context, BRICS, which is above confrontation and should neither be dragged into, nor is it now being drawn into confrontational processes around the world, is capable of strengthening the general multilateral format in international relations," the expert said.


tass--2020-04-23--Belgium’s coronavirus death toll approach 6,500

BRUSSELS , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Belgium increased by 230 in the past 24 hours to reach 6,490 , the national health ministry said Thursday .
The agency expressed hope that the country had passed the coronavirus death toll peak .
In the past 24 hours , 908 new coronavirus infections were identified , bringing the total to 42,797 .
Today ’ s figures are almost identical to the ones reported yesterday .
Belgium has been placed under a strict nationwide lockdown since March 14 .
It was initially planned to be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on March 27 the authorities decided to extend it until April 19 and later until May 3 .
All educational , cultural and social facilities are shut down , students and schoolkids are practicing distance learning , all mass events are banned irrespective of the number of participants .
All private companies are recommended to tell their employees to work from home , working hours of government agencies are cut down , while only emergency services operate without any changes .
Belgium also shut down its borders and banned any trips around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel within their district of residence .
Citizens are obliged to practice social distancing in transport and shops .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

BRUSSELS, April 23. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Belgium increased by 230 in the past 24 hours to reach 6,490, the national health ministry said Thursday.
The agency expressed hope that the country had passed the coronavirus death toll peak.
In the past 24 hours, 908 new coronavirus infections were identified, bringing the total to 42,797. Today’s figures are almost identical to the ones reported yesterday.
Belgium has been placed under a strict nationwide lockdown since March 14. It was initially planned to be in effect only until April 5, but on March 27 the authorities decided to extend it until April 19 and later until May 3. All educational, cultural and social facilities are shut down, students and schoolkids are practicing distance learning, all mass events are banned irrespective of the number of participants. All private companies are recommended to tell their employees to work from home, working hours of government agencies are cut down, while only emergency services operate without any changes.
Belgium also shut down its borders and banned any trips around the country, residents are only allowed to travel within their district of residence. Citizens are obliged to practice social distancing in transport and shops.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--Russia places US-based Project Harmony on list of undesirable organizations

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Justice has placed a US non-governmental organization Project Harmony @ @ @ @ @ organizations .
The ministry informed that the organization was financing the Center for Development of @ @ @ @ @ '' which is considered a foreign agent in the Russian Federation .
Project Harmony is @ @ @ @ @ list published on the website of the Russian Ministry of Justice .
On April 22 @ @ @ @ @ ’ s office ruled to deem its activity undesirable on the territory of Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Justice placed `` Proyectoria '' on the list of foreign agents .
The @ @ @ @ @ Office informed TASS that the organization had received funding from abroad .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Justice has placed a US non-governmental organization Project Harmony on the list of undesirable organizations. The ministry informed that the organization was financing the Center for Development of Social Initiatives "Proyectoria," which is considered a foreign agent in the Russian Federation.
Project Harmony is the 22nd organization on the list published on the website of the Russian Ministry of Justice. On April 22, the Russian Prosecutor General’s office ruled to deem its activity undesirable on the territory of Russia.
On Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Justice placed "Proyectoria" on the list of foreign agents. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office informed TASS that the organization had received funding from abroad.


tass--2020-04-23--Aslan Bzhania inaugurated as President of Abkhazia

SUKHUM , April 23./TASS/ .
Abkhazian president-elect Aslan Bzhania was on Thursday officially sworn in , becoming the fifth president of Abkhazia since it got independence .
The inauguration ceremony for the first time takes place without foreign guests due to the coronavirus pandemic , TASS reports from the site .
Bzhania won the March 22 presidential election with 56.5 % of the vote .
Former Minister of Culture Badra Gunba was elected as Vice President .
`` I swear to the multinational people of Abkhazia that I will exert my knowledge and strength for the sake of their well-being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work I will strictly follow the requirements of the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia , act as a guarantor of its strict execution by the authorities and of the respect for the rights and freedoms of all citizens of the republic , '' Bzhaniya read out the text of the oath in the Abkhaz language .
The president ’ s inauguration takes place in the assembly hall of the presidential administration .
A presidential administration official said on Wednesday that the ceremony would be attended by lawmakers , Constitutional Court judges and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission .

SUKHUM, April 23./TASS/. Abkhazian president-elect Aslan Bzhania was on Thursday officially sworn in, becoming the fifth president of Abkhazia since it got independence. The inauguration ceremony for the first time takes place without foreign guests due to the coronavirus pandemic, TASS reports from the site.
Bzhania won the March 22 presidential election with 56.5% of the vote. Former Minister of Culture Badra Gunba was elected as Vice President.
"I swear to the multinational people of Abkhazia that I will exert my knowledge and strength for the sake of their well-being, peace and tranquility. In my work I will strictly follow the requirements of the Constitution of the Republic of Abkhazia, act as a guarantor of its strict execution by the authorities and of the respect for the rights and freedoms of all citizens of the republic," Bzhaniya read out the text of the oath in the Abkhaz language.
The president’s inauguration takes place in the assembly hall of the presidential administration.
A presidential administration official said on Wednesday that the ceremony would be attended by lawmakers, Constitutional Court judges and representatives of Abkhazia’s Central Election Commission.
Cooperation with Russia


tass--2020-04-23--Africa’s coronavirus cases top 25,000, says WHO

PRETORIA , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infections in Africa has reached 25,320 people , while 1,225 people died across the continent , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Africa branch said Thursday .
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections ( 3,635 ) and 65 deaths .
Algeria , meanwhile , has the biggest coronavirus death toll ( 402 ) and 2,910 infections .
Egypt reported 264 fatalities and 3,490 cases , while Morocco identified 3,377 and 149 deaths .
In Sub-Saharan Africa , Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by Ghana ( 1,154 and 9 ) and Ivory Coast ( 952 and 14 ) .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRETORIA, April 23. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infections in Africa has reached 25,320 people, while 1,225 people died across the continent, the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa branch said Thursday.
South Africa accounts for the biggest number of infections (3,635) and 65 deaths. Algeria, meanwhile, has the biggest coronavirus death toll (402) and 2,910 infections. Egypt reported 264 fatalities and 3,490 cases, while Morocco identified 3,377 and 149 deaths.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Cameroon is ranked second after South Africa with 1,163 coronavirus infections and 43 fatalities, followed by Ghana (1,154 and 9) and Ivory Coast (952 and 14).
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--Slovakia’s coronavirus cases climb to 1,325

PRAGUE , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people in Slovakia who have contracted the novel coronavirus has reached 1,325 , the Slovak radio reported on Thursday citing the country ’ s Ministry of Health .
The number of coronavirus cases in the country with a population of about 5.4 mln rose by 81 on Wednesday .
On Tuesday , 45 new cases were reported .
One patient died on Wednesday , the death toll from the pandemic climbed to 15 .
Currently , 265 people are in hospitals , 288 patients have recovered .
A total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 , when the first coronavirus case was confirmed in the country .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

PRAGUE, April 23. /TASS/. The number of people in Slovakia who have contracted the novel coronavirus has reached 1,325, the Slovak radio reported on Thursday citing the country’s Ministry of Health.
The number of coronavirus cases in the country with a population of about 5.4 mln rose by 81 on Wednesday. On Tuesday, 45 new cases were reported.
One patient died on Wednesday, the death toll from the pandemic climbed to 15. Currently, 265 people are in hospitals, 288 patients have recovered.
A total of 57,421 people have been tested since March 6, when the first coronavirus case was confirmed in the country.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--President of Republika Srpska decorates Russian servicemen for coronavirus assistance

US seeks to provide assistance to militants in Rukban at the expense of UN — statement The document emphasized that @ @ @ @ @ the development of the UN plan on sending a humanitarian and medical mission to the @

West was covering up crimes of Kiev regime that led to Ukraine’s tragedy, Lavrov says
"During this entire period, the population of DPR and LPR was subjected to abuse, perennial shelling on the part of the Kiev regime that openly adopted a course towards Russophobia and genocide," the Russian top diplomat noted
Read more


tass--2020-04-23--Russian military concludes COVID-19 aid mission in Republika Srpska

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Nuclear , Biological and Chemical Protection Troops have met all the objectives of their aid mission in Republika Srpska ( part of Bosnia and Herzegovina ) and are returning home , the Russian Defense Ministry informed on Thursday .
`` Russian troops have meet all their objectives .
The president ( of Republika Srpska - TASS ) Zeljka Cvijanovic announced it during the award ceremony for Russian specialists , '' the ministry said .
During their mission , Russian military officers have disinfected 28 objects in 11 cities in Republika @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked Russia for assistance in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic .
On April 9 , Russian Military transport aviation conducted three flights to Banja Luka , delivering medical equipment , ventilators , drugs , 24 servicemen ( including medics and decontamination specialists ) , as well as five military and specialized vehicles .
Earlier , Russia sent virologists and other military specialists and vehicles to Italy and Serbia .
In particular , in Italy , Russian specialists assist with decontamination of the nursing homes .
In Serbia , Russian medical brigades work in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Belgrade while decontamination specialists have cleared hundreds of thousands of square meters in the country ’ s most important medical centers .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. Russia’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Protection Troops have met all the objectives of their aid mission in Republika Srpska (part of Bosnia and Herzegovina) and are returning home, the Russian Defense Ministry informed on Thursday.
"Russian troops have meet all their objectives. The president (of Republika Srpska - TASS) Zeljka Cvijanovic announced it during the award ceremony for Russian specialists," the ministry said.
During their mission, Russian military officers have disinfected 28 objects in 11 cities in Republika Srpska.
The authorities of Republika Srpska asked Russia for assistance in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic. On April 9, Russian Military transport aviation conducted three flights to Banja Luka, delivering medical equipment, ventilators, drugs, 24 servicemen (including medics and decontamination specialists), as well as five military and specialized vehicles.
Earlier, Russia sent virologists and other military specialists and vehicles to Italy and Serbia. In particular, in Italy, Russian specialists assist with decontamination of the nursing homes. In Serbia, Russian medical brigades work in a number of cities, including the capital city of Belgrade while decontamination specialists have cleared hundreds of thousands of square meters in the country’s most important medical centers.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--BRICS states plan to hold joint exercises on combating epidemics

MOSCOW , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
BRICS states ( Brazil , Russia , India , China and South Africa ) plan to organize joint exercises on combating various epidemics , Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Foreign Policy Planning Department Pavel Knyazev said during an online presentation of the Valdai Discussion Club `` BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic . ''
`` There are plans to hold joint exercises with the participation of mobile anti-epidemic units , '' he said .
According to Knyazev , the current novel coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need to speed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia finds it important to launch a BRICS center for vaccine research and development .
BRICS states agreed to establish this center back in 2018 .
`` Life has shown that this area of cooperation is crucial and urgent , '' Knyazev stressed .
He noted that BRICS experts had already begun to develop a mechanism of early infectious disease prevention and diagnosis .
`` These and other possible steps to combat the pandemic will be discussed during the upcoming video sessions , namely , during the session between senior healthcare officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the diplomat concluded .
In late December 2019 , Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,600,000 people have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reported .
In addition , so far , over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe .

MOSCOW, April 23. /TASS/. BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) plan to organize joint exercises on combating various epidemics, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Foreign Policy Planning Department Pavel Knyazev said during an online presentation of the Valdai Discussion Club "BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic."
"There are plans to hold joint exercises with the participation of mobile anti-epidemic units," he said. According to Knyazev, the current novel coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the need to speed up the implementation of such plans within BRICS.
Russia finds it important to launch a BRICS center for vaccine research and development. BRICS states agreed to establish this center back in 2018. "Life has shown that this area of cooperation is crucial and urgent," Knyazev stressed.
He noted that BRICS experts had already begun to develop a mechanism of early infectious disease prevention and diagnosis.
"These and other possible steps to combat the pandemic will be discussed during the upcoming video sessions, namely, during the session between senior healthcare officials of the five [BRICS states]," the diplomat concluded.
In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.
On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, over 2,600,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 184,000 deaths have been reported. In addition, so far, over 723,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.


tass--2020-04-23--Iran ready to target US ships that threaten national security, say Revolutionary Guards

TEHRAN , April 23 .
/TASS/ .
Iran ’ s Navy is determined to target US ships that will threaten @ @ @ @ @ , Commander of Iran ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Hossein Salami said @ @ @ @ @ are fully determined and serious in defending our national security , maritime borders , maritime @ @ @ @ @ security of our forces at sea , '' Salami pointed out , as cited by @ @ @ @ @ `` We have also ordered our military units at sea that if a vessel or @ @ @ @ @ of the US ’ terrorist military seeks to threaten the security of our civilian ships @ @ @ @ @ should target that vessel or military unit , '' he added .

TEHRAN, April 23. /TASS/. Iran’s Navy is determined to target US ships that will threaten the country’s security, Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Hossein Salami said on Thursday.
"We are fully determined and serious in defending our national security, maritime borders, maritime interests, maritime security and security of our forces at sea," Salami pointed out, as cited by the Tasnim news agency.
"We have also ordered our military units at sea that if a vessel or military unit of the navy of the US’ terrorist military seeks to threaten the security of our civilian ships or combat vessels, they should target that vessel or military unit," he added.


tass--2020-04-24--Central Bank expects Russia's GDP to decline 4-6% in 2020

MOSCOW , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Bank of Russia expects a decrease in the country ’ s GDP by 4-6 % in 2020 and its recovery growth in 2021-2022 , the regulator said in a press release on Friday .
`` The Bank of Russia has substantially reviewed its baseline scenario parameters .
GDP is forecast to decrease by 4-6 % in 2020 .
The Russian economy is thereafter expected to follow a recovery path with growth predicted to total 2.8-4.8 % in 2021 and 1.5-3.5 % in 2022 , '' according to the press release .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia and the restrictive measures in place to address it have combined with a drop in external demand and a further decline in the prices of oil and other export goods to make a substantial negative impact on economic activity .
In this environment , Q2 GDP is set to decline , '' the regulator said .
`` The pace of economic recovery will in large measure depend on the amount and efficiency of the Government and Bank of Russia ’ s measures aimed at mitigating the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , the Bank of Russia reduced the key rate by 50 basis points at once for the first time since October 2019 to 5.5 % per annum .

MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia expects a decrease in the country’s GDP by 4-6% in 2020 and its recovery growth in 2021-2022, the regulator said in a press release on Friday.
"The Bank of Russia has substantially reviewed its baseline scenario parameters. GDP is forecast to decrease by 4-6% in 2020. The Russian economy is thereafter expected to follow a recovery path with growth predicted to total 2.8-4.8% in 2021 and 1.5-3.5% in 2022," according to the press release.
"The spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Russia and the restrictive measures in place to address it have combined with a drop in external demand and a further decline in the prices of oil and other export goods to make a substantial negative impact on economic activity. In this environment, Q2 GDP is set to decline," the regulator said.
"The pace of economic recovery will in large measure depend on the amount and efficiency of the Government and Bank of Russia’s measures aimed at mitigating the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic," the regulator added.
Earlier on Friday, the Bank of Russia reduced the key rate by 50 basis points at once for the first time since October 2019 to 5.5% per annum.


tass--2020-04-24--Many companies are in very tough conditions due to coronavirus — Putin

NOVO-OGARYOVO , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
The demand for high-technology products has declined dramatically because of the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` The coronavirus epidemic disturbed the pace of economic , business life in @ @ @ @ @ .
Many companies found themselves in very tough conditions actually at the same time , @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` The demand declines abruptly , including for complex high technology products ; @ @ @ @ @ affected , '' he noted .

Twelve Russian automakers can expect to receive preferential loans for working capital replenishment within systemic companies’ support framework, Vladimir Putin announced
Read also Putin to discuss measures to support economy with banks’ representatives
NOVO-OGARYOVO, April 24. /TASS/. The demand for high-technology products has declined dramatically because of the coronavirus, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. "The coronavirus epidemic disturbed the pace of economic, business life in Russia and in other countries. Many companies found themselves in very tough conditions actually at the same time," the head of state said. "The demand declines abruptly, including for complex high technology products; cooperation ties and chains are affected," he noted. "The domestic automotive industry is dealing with the consequences of the epidemic and its indicators largely reflect the status of the consumer market and the economy at large," the president stated. Twelve automakers cleared for preferential loans
Read also TASS News Agency included in list of backbone companies of Russia
Twelve Russian automakers can expect to receive preferential loans for working capital replenishment within systemic companies’ support framework, Vladimir Putin announced. "Twelve Russian automakers are in the list of systemic companies, that is, the ones playing an exceptionally important role for our economy," Putin said. The program of preferential loans for working capital replenishment is stipulated for such companies, he added. "We agreed at the meeting with the banking community [on April 23 — TASS] that this program should start working from the coming week," Putin said. "I am confident that the automobile industry, just as the construction complex, can become one of the basic, the backbone sectors for recovery of the economy on the whole," he added. Situation in car manufacturing sector
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tass--2020-04-24--Too early to discuss mass treatment of COVID-19 with blood plasma, says Russian expert

MOSCOW , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
It is too early to discuss mass treatment of COVID-19 patients with blood plasma in Russia , although some promising results have been achieved , Vladimir Chulanov , deputy chief of the National Medical Research Center for Phthisiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases under the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation , told reporters on Friday .
`` The treatment of patients with the plasma of those recovered was used in China during the epidemic ; it is also being used in European states .
< … > There are not so many results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of patients received treatment with the plasma with some good results , however , it is too early to talk about some large-scale implications .
However , it is clear that this needs to be done , this is justified and logical , '' the expert said .
Chulanov explained that treating patients with blood plasma of those already recovered is not a new method .
`` There is some logic in it , as the people who have recovered from the disease become immune to the infection , and their blood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immune proteins that can neutralize the virus itself .
So it is only logical that we take the blood plasma of those recovered and use it to treat patients with severe symptoms of the infection in order to neutralize the virus , '' the expert said .

MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. It is too early to discuss mass treatment of COVID-19 patients with blood plasma in Russia, although some promising results have been achieved, Vladimir Chulanov, deputy chief of the National Medical Research Center for Phthisiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases under the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, told reporters on Friday.
"The treatment of patients with the plasma of those recovered was used in China during the epidemic; it is also being used in European states. <…> There are not so many results in Moscow so far: a small number of patients received treatment with the plasma with some good results, however, it is too early to talk about some large-scale implications. However, it is clear that this needs to be done, this is justified and logical," the expert said.
Chulanov explained that treating patients with blood plasma of those already recovered is not a new method. "There is some logic in it, as the people who have recovered from the disease become immune to the infection, and their blood, their blood plasma contains antibodies: immune proteins that can neutralize the virus itself. So it is only logical that we take the blood plasma of those recovered and use it to treat patients with severe symptoms of the infection in order to neutralize the virus," the expert said.


tass--2020-04-24--Repatriating Russians from India is most challenging — Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
Repatriating Russian citizens from India poses the biggest challenge , Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ Ekho Moskvy ( or Echo of Moscow ) radio station on Friday .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ in terms of the epidemic and domestic tensions , '' she pointed out .
`` @ @ @ @ @ changing and tensions are growing , affecting people ’ s attitude towards foreigners who are @ @ @ @ @ '' Zakharova added .
Earlier issues emerged during the repatriation process from Thailand but thanks @ @ @ @ @ regional authorities , Russian nationals are now returning home from the country in large numbers @ @ @ @ @ said .

MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. Repatriating Russian citizens from India poses the biggest challenge, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the Ekho Moskvy (or Echo of Moscow) radio station on Friday.
"The situation is very tough there in terms of the epidemic and domestic tensions," she pointed out. "Normal pace of life is changing and tensions are growing, affecting people’s attitude towards foreigners who are not part of society," Zakharova added.
Earlier issues emerged during the repatriation process from Thailand but thanks to the assistance of Russian regional authorities, Russian nationals are now returning home from the country in large numbers, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.


tass--2020-04-24--UNSC P5 leaders’ schedule should be synchronized to hold summit — Kremlin

MOSCOW , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
The UN Security Council permanent members ’ summit depends on the synchronization of the leaders ’ schedules and drafting of the final document , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
He emphasized that the Kremlin had not announced any specific dates .
`` As and if the [ final ] document is agreed and all schedules of heads of state and government are synchronized , we will make the corresponding announcement , '' Peskov commented .
On January 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020 .
Lavrov earlier announced that China and France had backed this initiative .
Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric had informed that the UN leadership would also welcome such a summit but the initiative was put off by the coronavirus pandemic .
On April 17 , the Russian leader and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed possibilities to hold a working meeting of the UN Security Council permanent members ( Russia , China , France , Great Britain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. The UN Security Council permanent members’ summit depends on the synchronization of the leaders’ schedules and drafting of the final document, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
He emphasized that the Kremlin had not announced any specific dates. "As and if the [final] document is agreed and all schedules of heads of state and government are synchronized, we will make the corresponding announcement," Peskov commented.
On January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech at the World Holocaust Forum where he proposed organizing a summit for the five permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2020. Lavrov earlier announced that China and France had backed this initiative. Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric had informed that the UN leadership would also welcome such a summit but the initiative was put off by the coronavirus pandemic.
On April 17, the Russian leader and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron discussed possibilities to hold a working meeting of the UN Security Council permanent members (Russia, China, France, Great Britain, the United States) via video conference.


tass--2020-04-24--Investors may sue Moscow Exchange for $13 mln over May WTI futures negative price

MOSCOW , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
The amount of investors ’ lawsuit against the Moscow Exchange due to the @ @ @ @ @ WTI crude oil at a negative price could make 1 billion rubles ( $ 13 @ @ @ @ @ with the Milton Legal law firm told TASS .
`` The approximate amount of claims @ @ @ @ @ 1 billion rubles , '' the lawyers said .
More than 150 investors plan to @ @ @ @ @ data will be promptly updated as new plaintiffs join the lawsuit , the law firm @ @

MOSCOW, April 24. /TASS/. The amount of investors’ lawsuit against the Moscow Exchange due to the closure of May futures for WTI crude oil at a negative price could make 1 billion rubles ($13 mln), a representative with the Milton Legal law firm told TASS.
"The approximate amount of claims at the moment is about 1 billion rubles," the lawyers said.
More than 150 investors plan to join the lawsuit. The data will be promptly updated as new plaintiffs join the lawsuit, the law firm explained.


tass--2020-04-24--US tries to use nuclear power as geopolitical instrument — Chinese Foreign Ministry

US violates its international obligations by suspending WHO funding , according to the Foreign Ministry spokesman BEIJING , April 24 .
/TASS/ .
The United States tries to use international cooperation in nuclear power as its geopolitical instrument , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang commented on Friday on the US Department of Energy ’ s strategy , which mentions the need for ousting Russia and China from international nuclear power markets .
`` We ’ ve taken note of this report .
It argues that in contrast to the United States China and Russia fail to observe non-proliferation requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The United States uses a variety of pretexts for upsetting normal cooperation between other countries in nuclear power , '' Geng said .
`` US officials have been saying in public that they will use cooperation in nuclear power as a geopolitical instrument , '' he added .
`` China officially dismisses such politicization [ of cooperation in nuclear power ] and it will never agree with such accusations .
Aware of its responsibility China will be developing nuclear power and also contributing to stable international cooperation in this field , '' Geng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy published a strategy in which it proclaimed as one of its main tasks the ousting of Russia and China from the international markets of nuclear power and technologies .
Also , it voiced the intention to impede cooperation by Moscow and Beijing with East European and African countries in this field .
The US violates its own international obligations by suspending contributions to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) , undermining global cooperation , the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday , commenting on the statement by US Secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO funding .
`` Attacks on the WHO and attempts to discredit it by the United States are baseless , '' the diplomat said .
`` The US is paying its dues to the WHO as a legal entity , and it must adhere to its obligations as a member state of the organization .
The suspension of funding by Washington is a violation of its fundamental obligations , namely before other members of the organization .
Such actions undermine global cooperation and may lead to serious consequences , '' the spokesman stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many lives and stop the spread of the pandemic , '' Geng Shuang concluded .
On Wednesday , US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Fox News that the US might suspend its funding of the WHO indefinitely .
On April 14 , Trump announced that Washington had halted funding of the World Health Organization .
He declared that the United States was suspending its WHO membership dues and accused the organization of wrong judgements and recommendations , which allegedly resulted in a 20-fold increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide .
In late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , in central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in every corner of the globe , including Russia .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , over 2,700,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 191,000 deaths have been reported .
In addition , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the illness across the globe .

US violates its international obligations by suspending WHO funding, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesman
BEIJING, April 24. /TASS/. The United States tries to use international cooperation in nuclear power as its geopolitical instrument, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang commented on Friday on the US Department of Energy’s strategy, which mentions the need for ousting Russia and China from international nuclear power markets.
"We’ve taken note of this report. It argues that in contrast to the United States China and Russia fail to observe non-proliferation requirements, which is absolutely not true. The United States uses a variety of pretexts for upsetting normal cooperation between other countries in nuclear power," Geng said. "US officials have been saying in public that they will use cooperation in nuclear power as a geopolitical instrument," he added. "China officially dismisses such politicization [of cooperation in nuclear power] and it will never agree with such accusations. Aware of its responsibility China will be developing nuclear power and also contributing to stable international cooperation in this field," Geng concluded. Earlier the US Department of Energy published a strategy in which it proclaimed as one of its main tasks the ousting of Russia and China from the international markets of nuclear power and technologies. Also, it voiced the intention to impede cooperation by Moscow and Beijing with East European and African countries in this field. US halting WHO funding
Read also BRICS states could increase WHO funding due to US withdrawal of contributions, says expert
The US violates its own international obligations by suspending contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO), undermining global cooperation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Friday, commenting on the statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding further suspension of WHO funding. "Attacks on the WHO and attempts to discredit it by the United States are baseless," the diplomat said. "The US is paying its dues to the WHO as a legal entity, and it must adhere to its obligations as a member state of the organization. The suspension of funding by Washington is a violation of its fundamental obligations, namely before other members of the organization. Such actions undermine global cooperation and may lead to serious consequences," the spokesman stressed. "Supporting the WHO can save many lives and stop the spread of the pandemic," Geng Shuang concluded. On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Fox News that the US might suspend its funding of the WHO indefinitely. On April 14, Trump announced that Washington had halted funding of the World Health Organization. He declared that the United States was suspending its WHO membership dues and accused the organization of wrong judgements and recommendations, which allegedly resulted in a 20-fold increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide.