tass--2020-03-18--Hainan to implement 30 projects on intellectual property protection

HAIKOU , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The administrative center of Hainan - the city of Haikou - will ensure the implementation of 30 major projects on intellectual property protection in 2020 , according to www.hinews.cn .
According to the news outlet , the authorities will be receicing applications for participation in the tender of the most promising inventions and innovations by March 31 .
Responsibility for funding the program lies with the local licensing authority .
According to the government 's plan , a third of the projects will be classified as expensive .
The authorities have not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these purposes .
Intellectual property protection is a key issue that is constantly being discussed during the Sino-US trade and economic negotiations .
The task of ensuring the rights of inventors , as well as those implementing new technologies , is recognized as no less important than balancing the trade imbalance between China and the US .
The program of protecting copyright holders planned for the current year is the second project implemented by the Haikou authorities in this area .
It is aimed mostly at ensuring the qualitative growth of Hainan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the `` Eastern Hawaii '' with their unique natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, March 18. /TASS/. The administrative center of Hainan - the city of Haikou - will ensure the implementation of 30 major projects on intellectual property protection in 2020, according to www.hinews.cn.
According to the news outlet, the authorities will be receicing applications for participation in the tender of the most promising inventions and innovations by March 31. Responsibility for funding the program lies with the local licensing authority. According to the government's plan, a third of the projects will be classified as expensive. The authorities have not yet announced the amount of funding allocated for these purposes.
Intellectual property protection is a key issue that is constantly being discussed during the Sino-US trade and economic negotiations. The task of ensuring the rights of inventors, as well as those implementing new technologies, is recognized as no less important than balancing the trade imbalance between China and the US.
The program of protecting copyright holders planned for the current year is the second project implemented by the Haikou authorities in this area. It is aimed mostly at ensuring the qualitative growth of Hainan's economy by cultivating favorable conditions for innovation.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-03-18--Coronavirus crisis complicates global situation but life goes on, says Lavrov

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Hungarian top diplomat ’ s visit to Moscow proves that although the @ @ @ @ @ global situation but life still goes on , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at @ @ @ @ @ counterpart Peter Szijjarto on Wednesday .
`` The world is facing a complicated situation in @ @ @ @ @ life goes on , '' Lavrov pointed out .
`` We appreciate the opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ with regard to agreements reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s visit to Budapest @ @ @ @ @ and also look at the global and regional situation in light of the current developments @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The Hungarian top diplomat’s visit to Moscow proves that although the coronavirus crisis has complicated the global situation but life still goes on, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto on Wednesday.
"The world is facing a complicated situation in terms of the coronavirus but life goes on," Lavrov pointed out. "We appreciate the opportunity to exchange views on bilateral relations with regard to agreements reached during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Budapest in October last year, and also look at the global and regional situation in light of the current developments," he added.


tass--2020-03-18--Russia builds up network of laboratories making COVID-19 tests — Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is building up a network of laboratories that make coronavirus tests , @ @ @ @ @ Peskov told the media on Wednesday , when asked why only one laboratory — research @ @ @ @ @ was providing this service .
`` There is more than one laboratory .
Tests are @ @ @ @ @ cities .
The network of these labs is expanding steadily and quickly enough , '' @ @ @ @ @ the anti-coronavirus center should be contacted for details .
`` I know nothing about some @ @ @ @ @ certified .
I have no information if any foreign tests are undergoing certification at the @ @ @ @ @ , when asked if Russia might use foreign systems for coronavirus tests .
All such @ @ @ @ @ the anti-coronavirus center , he reiterated .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia is building up a network of laboratories that make coronavirus tests, Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told the media on Wednesday, when asked why only one laboratory — research center Vector in Novosibirsk — was providing this service.
"There is more than one laboratory. Tests are already being made in several cities. The network of these labs is expanding steadily and quickly enough," Peskov said, adding that the anti-coronavirus center should be contacted for details.
"I know nothing about some other tests that have been certified. I have no information if any foreign tests are undergoing certification at the moment," Peskov replied, when asked if Russia might use foreign systems for coronavirus tests. All such questions should be addressed to the anti-coronavirus center, he reiterated.


tass--2020-03-18--List of those infected with coronavirus in Moscow grows to 86

Coronavirus cases in Russia rise to 147 over past day MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Another 30 persons @ @ @ @ @ with coronavirus , the coronavirus monitoring center said on Wednesday .
`` Thirty new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Moscow , '' the center said .

Coronavirus cases in Russia rise to 147 over past day
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Another 30 persons in Moscow have been diagnosed with coronavirus, the coronavirus monitoring center said on Wednesday.
"Thirty new coronavirus cases have been identified in Moscow," the center said.


tass--2020-03-18--Research into Russia’s fifth generation subs well in progress — Navy’s commander

According to a TASS ' source in the defense and industrial complex , the hypersonic missiles Tsirkon will be one of the strike weapons the yet-to-be created submarine will carry MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Research is well in progress into Russia ’ s fifth-generation submarines , the Navy ’ s commander-in-chief , Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov , told the Russian army daily Krasnaya Zvezda in an interview .
`` Currently Russia is building fourth generation submarines , but we are obliged to look ahead .
This is an imperative of our time and of progress in science and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development .
It is common knowledge that research into fifth generation submarines is well underway .
They are to boast far better parameters , '' Yevmenov promised .
On December 24 , 2019 , Russia ’ s Federation Council ( parliament 's upper house ) memos said that Russia ’ s future fifth generation nuclear powered submarines of the Laika project ( also called Husky ) will be configured to carry ballistic and anti-ship missiles .
Earlier , a source in the defense and industrial complex told TASS that the Marine Engineering Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multirole nuclear powered fifth-generation submarine Husky and started the next phase of the project — research and development work codenamed Laika .
According to the source , the hypersonic missiles Tsirkon will be one of the strike weapons the yet-to-be created submarine will carry .
Laika will have modular design and an integrated artificial intelligence-based combat control system .
Such submarines will be commissioned to perform a variety of tasks , including strategic non-nuclear deterrence .
The life cycle of Russia ’ s submarines of projects 971 and 949 will in fact double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more reasonable approach to overhaul , Nikolai Yevmenov stated .
`` We will push ahead with the repairs and upgrade of our nuclear-powered submarines , such as projects 667BDRM Delfin ( NATO ’ s reporting name Delta IV ) , 971 and 949 .
It is noteworthy that such rational and logical approach to repairs and overhaul will in fact double the life cycles of projects 971 and 949 , '' Yevmenov said .
Project 971 was designed for hunting enemy submarines and groups of surface ships and attacking the enemy ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with eight torpedo tubes capable of firing both torpedoes and cruise missiles .
The Project 949A sub is 155 meters long .
It has a displacement of 24,000 tonnes , maximum depth of 600 meters , underwater speed of up to 32 knots and a crew of 107 .
The submarines of this type are armed with 24 launchers of cruise missiles Granit ( having a range of about 500 kilometers ) and six torpedo tubes .
On November 8 , 2019 , Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko unveiled plans for arming one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irkutsk , with hypersonic cruise missiles Tsirkon .

According to a TASS' source in the defense and industrial complex, the hypersonic missiles Tsirkon will be one of the strike weapons the yet-to-be created submarine will carry
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Research is well in progress into Russia’s fifth-generation submarines, the Navy’s commander-in-chief, Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, told the Russian army daily Krasnaya Zvezda in an interview. "Currently Russia is building fourth generation submarines, but we are obliged to look ahead. This is an imperative of our time and of progress in science and engineering that concerns the Navy’s development. It is common knowledge that research into fifth generation submarines is well underway. They are to boast far better parameters," Yevmenov promised.
Read also Russia test-launches Tsirkon hypersonic missile from ship for first time
On December 24, 2019, Russia’s Federation Council (parliament's upper house) memos said that Russia’s future fifth generation nuclear powered submarines of the Laika project (also called Husky) will be configured to carry ballistic and anti-ship missiles. Earlier, a source in the defense and industrial complex told TASS that the Marine Engineering Bureau Malakhit had finalized the image of a multirole nuclear powered fifth-generation submarine Husky and started the next phase of the project — research and development work codenamed Laika. According to the source, the hypersonic missiles Tsirkon will be one of the strike weapons the yet-to-be created submarine will carry. Laika will have modular design and an integrated artificial intelligence-based combat control system. Such submarines will be commissioned to perform a variety of tasks, including strategic non-nuclear deterrence. Projects 971 and 949 submarines


tass--2020-03-18--Dollar surpasses 79 rubles on Moscow Exchange

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar added 4.9 % and reached 79.18 rubles on the Moscow Exchange @ @ @ @ @ dollar was trading at this level in February 2016 .
The euro increased by 4.8 @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , the price of futures contract for Brent crude oil with May delivery on @ @ @ @ @ % and reached $ 27.35 per barrel .
WTI oil lost 8.7 % and fell @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The dollar added 4.9% and reached 79.18 rubles on the Moscow Exchange. The last time the dollar was trading at this level in February 2016.
The euro increased by 4.8% to 86.875 rubles.
Meanwhile, the price of futures contract for Brent crude oil with May delivery on London's ICE lost 4.8% and reached $27.35 per barrel. WTI oil lost 8.7% and fell to $24.88 per barrel.


tass--2020-03-18--Putin’s schedule speaks volumes about his state of health, Kremlin says

`` The public work schedule of the president itself testifies in the best way to his state of health , '' he said .
`` All that is necessary to protect the president against the viruses and other diseases is being done round-the-clock , '' Peskov stressed .
He said he had no information as to whether the president had been tested for the novel coronavirus and what was the result , promising to specify this information .
On Tuesday , the president ’ s schedule included four events .
He addressed a board session of the General Prosecutor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ center , had a session with the government as well as met with the head of the Central Election Commission , Ella Pamfilova .
On Wednesday , the president is heading to Crimea , where he is scheduled for a number of events both on Wednesday and on Thursday .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 130 countries .
According to latest reports , over 190,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and about 8,000 have died .
There are 114 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia .

"The public work schedule of the president itself testifies in the best way to his state of health," he said. "All that is necessary to protect the president against the viruses and other diseases is being done round-the-clock," Peskov stressed. He said he had no information as to whether the president had been tested for the novel coronavirus and what was the result, promising to specify this information.
On Tuesday, the president’s schedule included four events. He addressed a board session of the General Prosecutor’s Office, visited the coronavirus monitoring center, had a session with the government as well as met with the head of the Central Election Commission, Ella Pamfilova. On Wednesday, the president is heading to Crimea, where he is scheduled for a number of events both on Wednesday and on Thursday.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 130 countries. According to latest reports, over 190,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and about 8,000 have died. There are 114 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia.


tass--2020-03-18--Kremlin slams allegations of Russian coronavirus disinformation as Russophobic obsession

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union ’ s allegations about Russia ’ s coronavirus disinformation are indicative of its Russophobic obsession , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters , commenting on the European External Action Service ’ s report , which claims that Russian media outlets had launched a large-scale disinformation campaign to exacerbate the coronavirus crisis in Western countries .
Why are the pro-Kremlin media pushing out disinformation and conspiracy theories about the # coronavirus ?
What ’ s in it for the Kremlin ?
Find out here : https : //t.co/VZZWARYKu6 '' From the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can not comment on it , '' Peskov said , adding that the document neither contained examples nor cited specific news outlets .
According to the Russian presidential spokesman , `` it is about some groundless accusations . ''
`` In fact , this Russophobic obsession could be expected to fade under the current situation , but it doesn ’ t seem to be fading , '' Peskov noted .
The Financial Times newspaper earlier wrote , citing the report , that `` Russian pro-Kremlin media have mounted a ‘ significant disinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis in western countries by destroying confidence in the emergency response . ''
`` The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation is to aggravate the public health crisis in western countries , specifically by undermining public trust in national healthcare systems — thus preventing an effective response to the outbreak , '' the paper said , citing the European diplomatic service analysis .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in more than 160 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 190,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 8,000 have died .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The European Union’s allegations about Russia’s coronavirus disinformation are indicative of its Russophobic obsession, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, commenting on the European External Action Service’s report, which claims that Russian media outlets had launched a large-scale disinformation campaign to exacerbate the coronavirus crisis in Western countries.
Why are the pro-Kremlin media pushing out disinformation and conspiracy theories about the #coronavirus ? What’s in it for the Kremlin? Find out here: https://t.co/VZZWARYKu6
"From the point of view of common sense, I cannot comment on it," Peskov said, adding that the document neither contained examples nor cited specific news outlets.
According to the Russian presidential spokesman, "it is about some groundless accusations." "In fact, this Russophobic obsession could be expected to fade under the current situation, but it doesn’t seem to be fading," Peskov noted.
The Financial Times newspaper earlier wrote, citing the report, that "Russian pro-Kremlin media have mounted a ‘significant disinformation campaign’ to aggravate the coronavirus pandemic crisis in western countries by destroying confidence in the emergency response." "The overarching aim of Kremlin disinformation is to aggravate the public health crisis in western countries, specifically by undermining public trust in national healthcare systems — thus preventing an effective response to the outbreak," the paper said, citing the European diplomatic service analysis.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in more than 160 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 190,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 8,000 have died.


tass--2020-03-18--Euro surpasses 86 rubles on Moscow Exchange first time since February 2016

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The euro added 3.79 % and reached the level of 86.05 rubles on @ @ @ @ @ dollar increased by 3.6 % and reached 78.15 rubles .
The price of futures contract @ @ @ @ @ May delivery reduced by 3.5 % to $ 27.72 per barrel on London 's ICE @ @ @ @ @ 5.63 % and reached $ 25.79 per barrel .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The euro added 3.79% and reached the level of 86.05 rubles on the Moscow Exchange.
The dollar increased by 3.6% and reached 78.15 rubles.
The price of futures contract for Brent crude oil with May delivery reduced by 3.5% to $27.72 per barrel on London's ICE. WTI oil is lost 5.63% and reached $25.79 per barrel.


tass--2020-03-18--Coronavirus cases in Russia rise to 147 over past day

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Russia has grown from 114 to 147 , and 31 of the new cases are in Moscow , the city ’ s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday .
`` Over the past day , 33 new coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia among Russian citizens , and 31 of the new cases are in Moscow , one in the Tomsk Region and one in the Novosibirsk Region , '' the response center said , noting that all cases have been brought from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Tatyana Golikova said there were no reasons to panic because of the spread of the novel coronavirus in Russia .
All measures taken by the Russian government are preventive , she stressed .
Golikova added that , due to the fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries , that is , in January , the infection was spreading to a limited extent .
According to preliminary data for 2020 , there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths .
In a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these numbers compared to the same period last year .
The outbreak of a disease caused by the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
The World Health Organization recognized the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11 .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
Overall , more than 130 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the novel coronavirus cases globally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Russia has grown from 114 to 147, and 31 of the new cases are in Moscow, the city’s anti-coronavirus crisis center told reporters on Wednesday.
"Over the past day, 33 new coronavirus cases have been registered in Russia among Russian citizens, and 31 of the new cases are in Moscow, one in the Tomsk Region and one in the Novosibirsk Region," the response center said, noting that all cases have been brought from overseas.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said there were no reasons to panic because of the spread of the novel coronavirus in Russia. All measures taken by the Russian government are preventive, she stressed. Golikova added that, due to the fact that Russia took prohibitive measures earlier than other countries, that is, in January, the infection was spreading to a limited extent. According to preliminary data for 2020, there has been no increase in the number of pneumonia cases and pneumonia-related deaths. In a number of regions, there is a decrease in these numbers compared to the same period last year.
The outbreak of a disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was registered in central China in late December 2019. The World Health Organization recognized the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic on March 11. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 130 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the novel coronavirus cases globally have exceeded 190,000, with nearly 8,000 deaths.


tass--2020-03-20--Over 20 reconnaissance aircraft, four drones spotted near Russia’s borders

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s radar stations spotted 22 aircraft and four drones of foreign @ @ @ @ @ reconnaissance near Russia ’ s borders over the past week , the Defense Ministry ’ @ @ @ @ @ ( Red Star ) said .
`` Twenty-two reconnaissance aircraft and four reconnaissance drones conducted @ @ @ @ @ and were monitored by Russia ’ s radar stations , '' the newspaper said .
@ @ @ @ @ forces on duty prevented the violation of the state border , according to the newspaper @

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Russia’s radar stations spotted 22 aircraft and four drones of foreign states, which conducted air reconnaissance near Russia’s borders over the past week, the Defense Ministry’s official newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda (Red Star) said.
"Twenty-two reconnaissance aircraft and four reconnaissance drones conducted air reconnaissance along the borders and were monitored by Russia’s radar stations," the newspaper said.
Russia’s air defense forces on duty prevented the violation of the state border, according to the newspaper.


tass--2020-03-19--Russian Embassy denies allegations of media coronavirus misinformation campaign

LONDON , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Embassy in London decisively denied UK newspapers reports on alleged `` state media campaign '' of misinformation regarding the coronavirus pandemic , the embassy spokesman told TASS Thursday .
`` We decisively deny these allegations .
They are ridiculous at least .
We do not accept use of the ongoing tragedy for political manipulations .
Instead , states should unite in a fight against the pandemic , '' the diplomat said .
`` Notably , these reports cite Russian talk shows ’ participants , op-eds from online media , strictly private and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , '' the representative said .
`` Russia , like any other democratic nation , has active social discussion of the pandemic .
Experts , social figures and regular citizens express their personal opinions , which do not always correspond to scientific data and certainly do not match Russian government line . ''
`` Maintenance of the atmosphere of openness , prevention of unjustified violations of human rights , including freedom of speech is an important component of effective social efforts on fight against the epidemic , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus , it is obviously caused by objective gravity of the situation .
If people in the UK are scared , it ’ s not because of Russian talk shows , but because of the UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser , who rolled out a truly catastrophic prognosis recently , '' the diplomat added .
On March 17 , The Financial Times newspaper , citing European External Action Service document , reported the Moscow ’ s alleged misinformation campaign .
According to the report , such campaign aims to worsen the western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to prevent effective response to the pandemic .
Since January 22 , the report says , the EU registered 80 cases of misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak .
The report alleges that `` people and accounts , connected to the Russian government , '' have switched to spreading misinformation about the virus in English , Spanish , Italian , German and French Internet segments .
The report suggests opinions that the novel coronavirus is human-made and is being used as a biological weapon by the West as an example of such misinformation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or people , but mentions that information of the RT TV Channels ’ Spanish division has been reposted more than 6.8 million times in Facebook , Twitter and Reddit between January 1 and March 12 .
This source has become 12th most popular among a list of reviewed media , whose list is not disclosed either .
Earlier , leaders of western nations repeatedly accused Russia of alleged attempts to meddle in western democratic processes by spreading misinformation online .
Russian authorities repeatedly denied such allegations .

LONDON, March 19. /TASS/. Russian Embassy in London decisively denied UK newspapers reports on alleged "state media campaign" of misinformation regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the embassy spokesman told TASS Thursday.
"We decisively deny these allegations. They are ridiculous at least. We do not accept use of the ongoing tragedy for political manipulations. Instead, states should unite in a fight against the pandemic," the diplomat said.
"Notably, these reports cite Russian talk shows’ participants, op-eds from online media, strictly private and having nothing to do with the Russian state," the representative said. "Russia, like any other democratic nation, has active social discussion of the pandemic. Experts, social figures and regular citizens express their personal opinions, which do not always correspond to scientific data and certainly do not match Russian government line."
"Maintenance of the atmosphere of openness, prevention of unjustified violations of human rights, including freedom of speech is an important component of effective social efforts on fight against the epidemic," he said.
"As for common feeling of anxiety over the coronavirus, it is obviously caused by objective gravity of the situation. If people in the UK are scared, it’s not because of Russian talk shows, but because of the UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, who rolled out a truly catastrophic prognosis recently," the diplomat added.
Allegations
On March 17, The Financial Times newspaper, citing European External Action Service document, reported the Moscow’s alleged misinformation campaign.
According to the report, such campaign aims to worsen the western countries’ healthcare systems crisis and therefore to prevent effective response to the pandemic.
Since January 22, the report says, the EU registered 80 cases of misinformation about the coronavirus outbreak. The report alleges that "people and accounts, connected to the Russian government," have switched to spreading misinformation about the virus in English, Spanish, Italian, German and French Internet segments.
The report suggests opinions that the novel coronavirus is human-made and is being used as a biological weapon by the West as an example of such misinformation.
The article does not name specific media or people, but mentions that information of the RT TV Channels’ Spanish division has been reposted more than 6.8 million times in Facebook, Twitter and Reddit between January 1 and March 12. This source has become 12th most popular among a list of reviewed media, whose list is not disclosed either.
Earlier, leaders of western nations repeatedly accused Russia of alleged attempts to meddle in western democratic processes by spreading misinformation online. Russian authorities repeatedly denied such allegations.


tass--2020-03-19--Cannes Film Festival postponed amid coronavirus pandemic, say organizers

PARIS , March 19./TASS/ .
The Cannes Film Festival won ’ t take place in May as scheduled due to @ @ @ @ @ France , the organizers are now looking at new dates - end of June or @ @ @ @ @ festival said a statement circulated on Thursday .
The statement said that it won ’ @ @ @ @ @ the film festival wihin the scheduled dates of May 12 - May 23 .
Several @ @ @ @ @ moment , the main is moving it to the end of June or the beginning @ @ @ @ @ said .

PARIS, March 19./TASS/. The Cannes Film Festival won’t take place in May as scheduled due to the spread of coronavirus in France, the organizers are now looking at new dates - end of June or start of July, the festival said a statement circulated on Thursday.
The statement said that it won’t be possible to hold the film festival wihin the scheduled dates of May 12 - May 23. Several options are considered at the moment, the main is moving it to the end of June or the beginning of July, the statement said.


tass--2020-03-19--Two Turkish military killed in Syrian Idlib, says Russian reconciliation center

MOSCOW , March 19./TASS/ .
Two Turkish military were killed in a militant attack during an engineer reconnaissance operation on M4 highway in Idlib , the head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides , Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlyov , told a briefing on Thursday .
`` During engineer reconnaissance on M4 highway in the area of Mhanbel town on March 19 , Turkish military came under a militant attack from a terrorist group not under Turkish control .
Two Turkish military were killed during an armed clash , '' Zhuravlyov said .
He also said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 24 hours from illegal armed units under Turkey ’ s control .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria ’ s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks in Moscow on March 5 .
All hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6 , the declaration signed on the outcomes of the meeting said .
Starting March 15 , Russia and Turkey began joint patrolling on the M4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along a security corridor will be created .

MOSCOW, March 19./TASS/. Two Turkish military were killed in a militant attack during an engineer reconnaissance operation on M4 highway in Idlib, the head of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides, Rear Admiral Oleg Zhuravlyov, told a briefing on Thursday.
"During engineer reconnaissance on M4 highway in the area of Mhanbel town on March 19, Turkish military came under a militant attack from a terrorist group not under Turkish control. Two Turkish military were killed during an armed clash," Zhuravlyov said.
He also said that no shelling has been reported in the last 24 hours from illegal armed units under Turkey’s control.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks in Moscow on March 5. All hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6, the declaration signed on the outcomes of the meeting said. Starting March 15, Russia and Turkey began joint patrolling on the M4 highway in Syria (Aleppo-Latakia), along a security corridor will be created.


tass--2020-03-19--Serbian president declares border shutdown amid coronavirus pandemic

BELGRADE , March 19./TASS/ .
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared on Thursday that the country was closing its borders for @ @ @ @ @ From tomorrow , all border-crossing points will be closed for aircraft , cars and railway @ @ @ @ @ only exception , '' he told an emergency news conference on Thursday .
Earlier , @ @ @ @ @ with other countries .
A state of emergency was declared in the country for 90 @ @ @ @ @ in place .
Serbia reports 103 coronavirus cases .
Six people are in grave condition @ @ @ @ @ reports coronavirus cases .
According to the latest statistics , more than 210,000 people have @ @ @ @ @ world .
The disease has claimed 8,500 lives .

BELGRADE, March 19./TASS/. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared on Thursday that the country was closing its borders for entry and exit.
"From tomorrow, all border-crossing points will be closed for aircraft, cars and railway transport. Trucks are the only exception," he told an emergency news conference on Thursday.
Earlier, Serbia suspended passenger airline services with other countries. A state of emergency was declared in the country for 90 days, and curfew is in place. Serbia reports 103 coronavirus cases. Six people are in grave condition. Bosnia and Herzegovina also reports coronavirus cases.
According to the latest statistics, more than 210,000 people have contracted the virus around the world. The disease has claimed 8,500 lives.


tass--2020-03-19--Moscow authorities dismiss as fake reports saying city will go into coronavirus lockdown

MOSCOW , March 19./TASS/ .
The Moscow Mayor ’ s Office is not planning to enforce coronavirus quarantine in the @ @ @ @ @ their homes in the city , mayor ’ s spokeswoman Gulnara Penkova told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ channels reported that a session considering a possible lockdown and restrictions on movement in the @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases exceeds 800 was allegedly held in Moscow on Thursday .
`` This is @ @ @ @ @ been no sessions , and respectively nothing of the kind was discussed .
We urge @ @ @ @ @ fake news and to rely on official information from the Moscow task force for monitoring @ @ @ @ @ she said .
According to the latest statistics , more than 210,000 people have contracted @ @ @ @ @ .
The disease has claimed 8,500 lives .
According to the anti-coronavirus center , 199 @ @ @ @ @ been registered in Russia .
In order to keep the citizens updated on the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ government has launched a website at http : //···············.·· .

MOSCOW, March 19./TASS/. The Moscow Mayor’s Office is not planning to enforce coronavirus quarantine in the city or restrict people to their homes in the city, mayor’s spokeswoman Gulnara Penkova told TASS on Thursday.
Earlier, Telegram channels reported that a session considering a possible lockdown and restrictions on movement in the city if the number of coronavirus cases exceeds 800 was allegedly held in Moscow on Thursday.
"This is fake news. There have been no sessions, and respectively nothing of the kind was discussed. We urge you not to fall for fake news and to rely on official information from the Moscow task force for monitoring the coronavirus situation," she said.
According to the latest statistics, more than 210,000 people have contracted the virus around the world. The disease has claimed 8,500 lives. According to the anti-coronavirus center, 199 cases of COVID-19 infection have been registered in Russia. In order to keep the citizens updated on the coronavirus situation in Russia, the government has launched a website at http://···············.··.


tass--2020-03-19--IKEA shuts down shops around the world over coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Sweden ’ s IKEA furniture retail network shuts down its shops in a number of countries over the coronavirus threat , IKEA parent company Ingka Group announced in a statement Thursday .
`` The primary concern for IKEA since the coronavirus outbreak has been the health and safety of our co-workers and customers , '' the statement says .
`` The below details Ingka Group store closures .
Online shopping is available in most countries . ''
According to the statement , shops closed in Austria , Belgium , Germany , Denmark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poland , Portugal , Slovakia , France , Croatia , the Czech Republic , Switzerland , Canada and the US .
Shops in Hungary remain open , but they will only work until 15:00 local time .
Shops in India , Ireland and the UK will close Friday .
Meanwhile , IKEA shops , previously closed in China , steadily return to work , as the epidemic in the country slows down .
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries .
According to the latest data , over 210,000 people have contracted the virus ; about 8,500 of them have died .
A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far , one person has died .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Sweden’s IKEA furniture retail network shuts down its shops in a number of countries over the coronavirus threat, IKEA parent company Ingka Group announced in a statement Thursday.
"The primary concern for IKEA since the coronavirus outbreak has been the health and safety of our co-workers and customers," the statement says. "The below details Ingka Group store closures. Online shopping is available in most countries."
According to the statement, shops closed in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, France, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Canada and the US.
Shops in Hungary remain open, but they will only work until 15:00 local time. Shops in India, Ireland and the UK will close Friday.
Meanwhile, IKEA shops, previously closed in China, steadily return to work, as the epidemic in the country slows down.
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries. According to the latest data, over 210,000 people have contracted the virus; about 8,500 of them have died. A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far, one person has died.


tass--2020-03-19--Foreigners that violate quarantine rules may be deported from Russia

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign citizens that violate rules of quarantine might be deported from Russia in accordance with existing procedure , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday , commenting on reports of deportation of Chinese citizens over self-isolation regime violations .
`` In accordance with the procedure adopted in Russian Federation , foreign nationals that violate quarantine regulations may be deported , '' she said .
She noted that Russian Foreign Ministry monitors the situation not only with the Chinese nationals , but citizens of other nations as well .
`` We cooperate with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country ’ s citizens .
We cooperate with embassies of other nations when we deal with their citizens , as well , '' she underscored .
`` And we solve these issues effectively in real time . ''
`` As for the Chinese side , we cooperate , while taking into account friendly nature of our bilateral relations , '' the diplomat added .
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 140 countries .
According to the latest data , over 210,000 people have contracted the virus ; about 8,500 of them have died .
A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far , one person has died .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Foreign citizens that violate rules of quarantine might be deported from Russia in accordance with existing procedure, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday, commenting on reports of deportation of Chinese citizens over self-isolation regime violations.
"In accordance with the procedure adopted in Russian Federation, foreign nationals that violate quarantine regulations may be deported," she said.
She noted that Russian Foreign Ministry monitors the situation not only with the Chinese nationals, but citizens of other nations as well.
"We cooperate with the Chinese partners when we deal with this country’s citizens. We cooperate with embassies of other nations when we deal with their citizens, as well," she underscored. "And we solve these issues effectively in real time."
"As for the Chinese side, we cooperate, while taking into account friendly nature of our bilateral relations," the diplomat added.
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries. According to the latest data, over 210,000 people have contracted the virus; about 8,500 of them have died. A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far, one person has died.


tass--2020-03-19--Coronavirus patients registered in Moscow came from Munich, Innsbruck, Zurich, Barcelona

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
All 12 new coronavirus infection cases registered in Moscow were diagnosed in tourists @ @ @ @ @ , Zurich and Barcelona , Moscow operational HQ on coronavirus monitoring and control disclosed Thursday @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow .
A total of 98 infection cases have been @ @ @ @ @ Most infected came from European nations , the HQ said .
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ in late December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it @ @ @ @ @ cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries .
According to the latest data @ @ @ @ @ contracted the virus ; about 8,500 of them have died .
A total of 199 @ @ @ @ @ in Russia so far , one person has died .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. All 12 new coronavirus infection cases registered in Moscow were diagnosed in tourists coming from Munich, Innsbruck, Zurich and Barcelona, Moscow operational HQ on coronavirus monitoring and control disclosed Thursday.
Earlier, 12 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Moscow. A total of 98 infection cases have been registered in the capital. Most infected came from European nations, the HQ said.
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries. According to the latest data, over 210,000 people have contracted the virus; about 8,500 of them have died. A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far, one person has died.


tass--2020-03-19--Entire world at war with coronavirus, says UN Secretary General

UNITED NATIONS , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The entire world is currently at a state of war with the @ @ @ @ @ Antonio Guterres said , speaking to the journalists via a video conference .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ .
We are at war with a virus , '' Guterres said .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ match the unique nature of the crisis - and the magnitude of the response must @ @ @ @ @ `` We are in an unprecedented situation and the normal rules no longer apply .
@ @ @ @ @ the usual tools in such unusual times , '' he added .

UNITED NATIONS, March 19. /TASS/. The entire world is currently at a state of war with the coronavirus, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said, speaking to the journalists via a video conference.
"Our world faces a common enemy. We are at war with a virus," Guterres said. "The creativity of the response must match the unique nature of the crisis - and the magnitude of the response must match its scale."
"We are in an unprecedented situation and the normal rules no longer apply. We cannot resort to the usual tools in such unusual times," he added.


tass--2020-03-19--Main ceremony on end of World War II in Berlin cancelled

BERLIN , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The central ceremony on 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II @ @ @ @ @ take place on May 8 , has been cancelled over the coronavirus situation , DPA @ @ @ @ @ citing German Presidential Administration .
The event , where President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was to speak @ @ @ @ @ attended by high foreign guests and take place at Berlin ’ s Platz der Republik @ @ @ @ @ building .
According to DPA , the ceremony will not be postponed for later .
@ @ @ @ @ notes that event of this level has never been cancelled in Germany before .
On @ @ @ @ @ liberation from Nazism and end of World War II in Europe .
On that day @ @ @ @ @ German Instrument of Surrender was signed .
Dates of official proclamation of Germany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ : May 8 in European nations and May 9 in the former Soviet Union nations @

BERLIN, March 19. /TASS/. The central ceremony on 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II, which was supposed to take place on May 8, has been cancelled over the coronavirus situation, DPA news agency reported Thursday, citing German Presidential Administration.
The event, where President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was to speak, was supposed to be attended by high foreign guests and take place at Berlin’s Platz der Republik, before the historic Reichstag building.
According to DPA, the ceremony will not be postponed for later.
Meanwhile, the Tagesspiel newspaper notes that event of this level has never been cancelled in Germany before.
On May 8, Germany celebrates liberation from Nazism and end of World War II in Europe. On that day in 1945, the Definitive German Instrument of Surrender was signed. Dates of official proclamation of Germany’s capitulation have become Victory Days: May 8 in European nations and May 9 in the former Soviet Union nations.


tass--2020-03-19--Four more coronavirus patients recover in Moscow

Putin calls on Russian officials ‘ to be ready for any scenario ’ due to spread of COVID-19 There are @ @ @ @ @ Russia as of March 18

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--2020-03-19--Russian businessman seeks criminal proceedings against Obama over unlawful prosecution

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin demanded that criminal proceedings be initiated against former US President Barack Obama , as well as a number of US congressmen , senators and officials because of the illegal prosecution of his Concord company and him personally .
The businessman ’ s letter to US Attorney General William Barr was published by the Concord Press Service on Thursday .
`` By this letter , I demand that a criminal case be initiated against a group of individuals , including former US President Barack Obama , senior officials from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Congress and Senate , who , by entering into collision , taking illegal actions , falsifying documents and evidence managed to institute `` the United States against Concord '' criminal proceedings to defame Concord , me personally , and the Russian Federation , '' Prigozhin said in a letter .
In another letter addressed to Barr , the businessman demands that the case against Concord , which was terminated on Wednesday , be returned to the court .
According to him , the trial was terminated at the request of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fears `` to present false evidence in open jury , on the basis of which a criminal case against Concord was framed and considered for more than two years . ''
Prigozhin demands either to continue the trial or remove charges from his company due to lack of guilt and corpus delicti .
Earlier the the businessman said that he was preparing a $ 50 billion lawsuit against the US authorities .
In February 2018 , the U.S. Department of Justice indicted 13 Russian citizens and three law firms for interfering in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prosecution , Prigozhin ’ s companies funded the St. Petersburg Internet Research Agency , which tried to support Donald Trump .
On March 16 , 2020 , the Washington federal court upheld the prosecutor 's motion to terminate the process .
Russian authorities have repeatedly rejected allegations of attempts to influence the course of US elections .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin demanded that criminal proceedings be initiated against former US President Barack Obama, as well as a number of US congressmen, senators and officials because of the illegal prosecution of his Concord company and him personally.
The businessman’s letter to US Attorney General William Barr was published by the Concord Press Service on Thursday.
"By this letter, I demand that a criminal case be initiated against a group of individuals, including former US President Barack Obama, senior officials from the US Department of Justice, members of the US Congress and Senate, who, by entering into collision, taking illegal actions, falsifying documents and evidence managed to institute "the United States against Concord" criminal proceedings to defame Concord, me personally, and the Russian Federation," Prigozhin said in a letter.
In another letter addressed to Barr, the businessman demands that the case against Concord, which was terminated on Wednesday, be returned to the court.
According to him, the trial was terminated at the request of the prosecutor’s office because the prosecution fears "to present false evidence in open jury, on the basis of which a criminal case against Concord was framed and considered for more than two years."
Prigozhin demands either to continue the trial or remove charges from his company due to lack of guilt and corpus delicti.
Earlier the the businessman said that he was preparing a $50 billion lawsuit against the US authorities.
In February 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted 13 Russian citizens and three law firms for interfering in the 2016 US presidential election. According to the prosecution, Prigozhin’s companies funded the St. Petersburg Internet Research Agency, which tried to support Donald Trump. On March 16, 2020, the Washington federal court upheld the prosecutor's motion to terminate the process. Russian authorities have repeatedly rejected allegations of attempts to influence the course of US elections.


tass--2020-03-19--Coronavirus pandemic is tantamount to test for humanism, says Russian Foregn Ministry

`` By and large the coronavirus pandemic is a test for humanism in international affairs .
It tests our ability to remain human beings at the most dramatic moments .
It verifies the ability and readiness of each individual and whole countries to act in a responsible way and present a common front amid new global challenges that know no borders , '' she said .
MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The current novel coronavirus pandemic is a test for humanism in international affairs , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases gave way to `` national or ideological interests and selfishness of those forces and countries that lay claim to world hegemony and exclusiveness . ''
`` At a time when countries that position themselves as world leaders might have displayed initiative and set a worthy example of economic support and of steps to be taken to resist this new challenge in both domestic and foreign affairs they fail to use this opportunity , '' she said .
In particular , Zakharova pointed to the International Monetary Fund ’ s outrageous decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle against coronavirus .
`` The Fund has been raising considerable resources - up to one trillion dollars to provide assistance to countries in coping with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak .
Caracas filed its own official request for five billion dollars addressed to the managing director .
The request was signed by President Maduro , '' Zakharova recalled .
`` The IMF ’ s spokesperson declared that the Fund was unable to consider the request because there is ‘ no clarity ’ on recognition of Venezuela 's government among its members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s people asked for assistance at the moment when `` they need it just as many other countries . ''
She drew attention to the fact that all this was happening against a backdrop of continuing statements by US officials the sanctions against Venezuela would be tightened .
`` This is a sample of hypocrisy , '' Zakharova said about the IMF ’ s stance .

"By and large the coronavirus pandemic is a test for humanism in international affairs. It tests our ability to remain human beings at the most dramatic moments. It verifies the ability and readiness of each individual and whole countries to act in a responsible way and present a common front amid new global challenges that know no borders," she said.
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The current novel coronavirus pandemic is a test for humanism in international affairs, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday.
Zakharova expressed regret this solidarity in some cases gave way to "national or ideological interests and selfishness of those forces and countries that lay claim to world hegemony and exclusiveness."
"At a time when countries that position themselves as world leaders might have displayed initiative and set a worthy example of economic support and of steps to be taken to resist this new challenge in both domestic and foreign affairs they fail to use this opportunity," she said.
In particular, Zakharova pointed to the International Monetary Fund’s outrageous decision to provide no assistance to Venezuela in the struggle against coronavirus.
"The Fund has been raising considerable resources - up to one trillion dollars to provide assistance to countries in coping with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. Caracas filed its own official request for five billion dollars addressed to the managing director. The request was signed by President Maduro," Zakharova recalled. "The IMF’s spokesperson declared that the Fund was unable to consider the request because there is ‘no clarity’ on recognition of Venezuela's government among its members."
Zakharova said that Venezuela’s people asked for assistance at the moment when "they need it just as many other countries."
She drew attention to the fact that all this was happening against a backdrop of continuing statements by US officials the sanctions against Venezuela would be tightened.
"This is a sample of hypocrisy," Zakharova said about the IMF’s stance.


tass--2020-03-19--Vaccine against COVID-19 may take 2-3 years to make, says expert

Earlier , Russia ’ s Health Ministry said that the Smorodintsev Institute had managed to sequence ( decode ) the first full genome of the novel coronavirus .
ST. PETERSBURG , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Producing a vaccine against the novel coronavirus is a rather lengthy process and will take an estimated two or three years , the acting director of the A.A. Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza , Doctor of Medical Science Dmitry Lioznov , told a news conference on Thursday , adding that pre-clinical and clinical tests normally consumed most of the time .
`` Any vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce , regardless of whether its production begins in Russia or elsewhere .
By and large there are no reasons to promise that a vaccine will become available right away , say this year .
It will take at least several years to produce .
At the moment we can say that in our country there are at least four or five research centers working on the vaccine .
The influenza institute is one of them . ''
Lioznov said that the shortest period in this process - lasting about six months - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making preparations to develop the vaccine .
Preclinical tests on animals and clinical tests on human volunteers were the longest phase .
`` At the moment we are yet to produce a prototype .
It will take 4-6 months , depending on the situation , '' Lioznov said .
[ At the influenza institute ] we are still in the process of formulating ideas .
We have three ideas , which will possibly materialize . ''
An outbreak of the novel coronavirus-related disease in central China late last year has spread to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization has declared a pandemic .
According to the latest statistics , more than 210,000 people have contracted the virus around the world .
The disease has claimed 8,500 lives .
According to the anti-coronavirus center , 199 cases of COVID-19 infection have been registered in Russia .

Earlier, Russia’s Health Ministry said that the Smorodintsev Institute had managed to sequence (decode) the first full genome of the novel coronavirus.
ST. PETERSBURG, March 19. /TASS/. Producing a vaccine against the novel coronavirus is a rather lengthy process and will take an estimated two or three years, the acting director of the A.A. Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, Doctor of Medical Science Dmitry Lioznov, told a news conference on Thursday, adding that pre-clinical and clinical tests normally consumed most of the time.
"Any vaccine will take an estimated 2-3 years to produce, regardless of whether its production begins in Russia or elsewhere. By and large there are no reasons to promise that a vaccine will become available right away, say this year. It will take at least several years to produce. At the moment we can say that in our country there are at least four or five research centers working on the vaccine. The influenza institute is one of them."
Lioznov said that the shortest period in this process - lasting about six months - was that of generating an idea and making preparations to develop the vaccine. Preclinical tests on animals and clinical tests on human volunteers were the longest phase.
"At the moment we are yet to produce a prototype. It will take 4-6 months, depending on the situation," Lioznov said. [At the influenza institute] we are still in the process of formulating ideas. We have three ideas, which will possibly materialize."
An outbreak of the novel coronavirus-related disease in central China late last year has spread to more than 140 countries. The World Health Organization has declared a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, more than 210,000 people have contracted the virus around the world. The disease has claimed 8,500 lives. According to the anti-coronavirus center, 199 cases of COVID-19 infection have been registered in Russia.


tass--2020-03-19--Putin, Xi Jinping speak in favor of deeper cooperation in medical field

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised achievements of the government and the people of China in countering the coronavirus infection during his phone talk with Chinese leader Xi Jinping , Kremlin press service said Thursday .
`` The coronavirus pandemic situation was discussed in detail , with emphasis on tight cooperation Russian and China have set up from the beginning [ of the outbreak ] .
Russian side has praised the results , achieved by the Chinese government and the entire Chinese people , in countering of the spread of the disease .
Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of further mutual assistance and deepening of cooperation in medical field and drug development , '' the press service noted .
The leaders have also exchanged opinions on a number of other aspects of development of friendly Russian-Chinese relations .
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries .
According to the latest data , over 210,000 people have contracted the virus ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far , one person has died .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised achievements of the government and the people of China in countering the coronavirus infection during his phone talk with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Kremlin press service said Thursday.
"The coronavirus pandemic situation was discussed in detail, with emphasis on tight cooperation Russian and China have set up from the beginning [of the outbreak]. Russian side has praised the results, achieved by the Chinese government and the entire Chinese people, in countering of the spread of the disease. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping spoke in favor of further mutual assistance and deepening of cooperation in medical field and drug development," the press service noted.
The leaders have also exchanged opinions on a number of other aspects of development of friendly Russian-Chinese relations.
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 140 countries. According to the latest data, over 210,000 people have contracted the virus; about 8,500 of them have died. A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far, one person has died.


tass--2020-03-19--Russia to open hot lines for entrepreneurs amid coronavirus pandemic

Opora Rossii , an organization bringing together Russian small-and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ) , plans to unite its regional hot lines for entrepreneurs in one to accept complaints , Alexander Kalinin , head of the business association , told TASS on Thursday .
MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Several state agencies in Russia will open their own `` hot lines '' to receive complaints from businessmen and to help them cope with the current difficulties and restrictions caused by the spread of coronavirus .
`` We are now planning to create a single hot line to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are going to announce its launch soon , '' he told TASS .
Kalinin said that currently similar lines are already operating in 64 regional bureaus of the association .
He noted that , the number of complaints related to the spread of coronavirus has increased recently .
First of all they come from enterprises working in tourism , hotel business and non-food retail .
The Russian Export Center ( REC ) also plans to launch its hot line to support enterprises .
REC ’ s senior vice president Alexey Kozhevnikov told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open a call center to consult exporters on products and services in a remote format and to inform them on the situation on international markets , '' he said as uoted by the REC ’ s press service .
Kozhevnikov also noted that due to the pandemic , the number of business meetings and missions abroad is decreasing , which is of extreme concern to small and medium-sized businesses working for export .
To solve this problem , RECs transfer many of such events into online mode .
On March 17 , First @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government had introduced the so-called force majeure regime .
That means that the government will not impose penalties on non-residents who fail to perform state contracts if their non-performance was caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We are introducing force majeure , which means that we won ’ t impose penalties in two cases : violation of state contracts and non-fulfillment of foreign currency contracts by non-residents due to coronavirus , '' Belousov said .
On March 18 , Russia ’ s Chamber of Commerce and Industries launched a hotline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Head of the chamber Sergey Katyrin told TASS , that the Chamber also confirms force majeure circumstances related to implementation of contracts , including foreign trade agreements .
The outbreak of a disease caused by the new coronavirus was recorded at the end of 2019 in Central China .
Later in spread to more than 140 countries .
The World Health Organization recognized it as a pandemic .
According to the latest data , more than 210,000 people were infected in the world , about 8,500 deaths were recorded .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been registered .

Opora Rossii, an organization bringing together Russian small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), plans to unite its regional hot lines for entrepreneurs in one to accept complaints, Alexander Kalinin, head of the business association, told TASS on Thursday.
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Several state agencies in Russia will open their own "hot lines" to receive complaints from businessmen and to help them cope with the current difficulties and restrictions caused by the spread of coronavirus.
"We are now planning to create a single hot line to receive business complaints related to the pandemic and we are going to announce its launch soon," he told TASS.
Kalinin said that currently similar lines are already operating in 64 regional bureaus of the association.
He noted that, the number of complaints related to the spread of coronavirus has increased recently. First of all they come from enterprises working in tourism, hotel business and non-food retail.
The Russian Export Center (REC) also plans to launch its hot line to support enterprises. REC’s senior vice president Alexey Kozhevnikov told TASS.
"Our center plans to open a call center to consult exporters on products and services in a remote format and to inform them on the situation on international markets," he said as uoted by the REC’s press service.
Kozhevnikov also noted that due to the pandemic, the number of business meetings and missions abroad is decreasing, which is of extreme concern to small and medium-sized businesses working for export. To solve this problem, RECs transfer many of such events into online mode.
On March 17, First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov reported that the Russian government had introduced the so-called force majeure regime. That means that the government will not impose penalties on non-residents who fail to perform state contracts if their non-performance was caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are introducing force majeure, which means that we won’t impose penalties in two cases: violation of state contracts and non-fulfillment of foreign currency contracts by non-residents due to coronavirus," Belousov said.
On March 18, Russia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industries launched a hotline to consult entrepreneurs on contract execution amid the pandemic. Head of the chamber Sergey Katyrin told TASS, that the Chamber also confirms force majeure circumstances related to implementation of contracts, including foreign trade agreements.
The outbreak of a disease caused by the new coronavirus was recorded at the end of 2019 in Central China. Later in spread to more than 140 countries. The World Health Organization recognized it as a pandemic. According to the latest data, more than 210,000 people were infected in the world, about 8,500 deaths were recorded. In Russia, 199 cases of infection have been registered.


tass--2020-03-19--Russian diplomat dubs as ‘catastrophic stupidity’ EU anti-Russian sanctions amid pandemic

MOSCOW , March 19./TASS/ .
EU ’ s extending individual sanctions against Russian nationals against the background of the spreading coronavirus is ‘ catastrophic stupidity ’ , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman told a briefing on Thursday .
`` The world is trying to stay afloat and join efforts , find points of coincidence , understanding the consequences of what is going on now , '' she stressed .
`` Additional restrictions , that will surely bring no benefits whatsoever for citizens of the European Union , are simply catastrophic stupidity , '' she stressed .
`` Do you understand what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global politics , do you realize that today all reasonable political forces , experts , the society of political analysts are dealing with the main aim - looking for a suitable and efficient way out of the existing situation ?
Why passing the decisions that will tie your hands in the future in the settlement of your own issues and problems ? ''
the diplomat asked European colleagues .
On March 13 , the European Union officially prolonged for half-a-year individual sanctions against Russian nationals that were expiring on March 15 .
Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in place at the moment - economic , individual and restrictions over Crimea .
The latter is a set of targeted sanctions against Crimea , with which European business is not allowed to maintain any ties .

MOSCOW, March 19./TASS/. EU’s extending individual sanctions against Russian nationals against the background of the spreading coronavirus is ‘catastrophic stupidity’, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman told a briefing on Thursday.
"The world is trying to stay afloat and join efforts, find points of coincidence, understanding the consequences of what is going on now," she stressed. "Additional restrictions, that will surely bring no benefits whatsoever for citizens of the European Union, are simply catastrophic stupidity," she stressed.
"Do you understand what is going on at the moment in global politics, do you realize that today all reasonable political forces, experts, the society of political analysts are dealing with the main aim - looking for a suitable and efficient way out of the existing situation? Why passing the decisions that will tie your hands in the future in the settlement of your own issues and problems?" the diplomat asked European colleagues.
On March 13, the European Union officially prolonged for half-a-year individual sanctions against Russian nationals that were expiring on March 15.
Several packages of EU sanctions against Russia are in place at the moment - economic, individual and restrictions over Crimea. The latter is a set of targeted sanctions against Crimea, with which European business is not allowed to maintain any ties.


Brent prices add 11.25%

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil futures with delivery in May 2020 surged by 11.25 % to @ @ @ @ @ the London-based ICE on Thursday , according to trading data .
The dollar dropped by @ @ @ @ @ to 79.45 rubles .
The euro fell 3.17 % to 85.53 rubles .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Brent oil futures with delivery in May 2020 surged by 11.25% to $27.68 a barrel on the London-based ICE on Thursday, according to trading data.
WTI futures soared 22.7% to $25.56 a barrel.
The dollar dropped by 1.76% against the ruble to 79.45 rubles. The euro fell 3.17% to 85.53 rubles.


tass--2020-03-19--Many countries request Russia’s assistance in combating coronavirus, says Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow has received a lot of requests for assistance in combating the coronavirus form other countries , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday , adding that all requests were under consideration .
`` There are a lot of requests concerning various issues and various aspects of the coronavirus spread .
Our state agencies consider every request coming from foreign countries and a coordination center makes the final decision , '' she pointed out .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 140 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died .
Russia has identified 199 cases so far .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Moscow has received a lot of requests for assistance in combating the coronavirus form other countries, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday, adding that all requests were under consideration.
"There are a lot of requests concerning various issues and various aspects of the coronavirus spread. Our state agencies consider every request coming from foreign countries and a coordination center makes the final decision," she pointed out.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 140 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 210,000 people have been infected around the world and about 8,500 have died. Russia has identified 199 cases so far. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-19--US annoyed by Russian-Turkish agreements on Syria, diplomat says

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The United States finds annoying the Russian-Turkish agreements on Syria ’ s Idlib and looks ready to use any pretext for upsetting a political settlement in that country , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday in the wake of growing contacts between senior US officials and ringleaders of the pseudo-humanitarian organization White Helmets operating in Syria .
`` One has an impression that the very thought the Russian-Turkish agreement may be implemented , the very idea of the Idlib zone of de-escalation annoys Washington so much that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fanning anti-Russian hysteria and upsetting a political settlement in Syria , '' she said .
In a situation like this the White Helmets , whom the United States has promised to support - financially , organizationally and politically - have no option left other than to strictly follow the instructions of their patrons and show they are worth the political expectations their sponsors pin on them . ''
Zakharova recalled that the White Helmets ’ contacts with their Western handlers as a rule entailed tragic events in the region .
`` One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instructions what subversive actions they should take and receive financial support as well .
This is very dangerous , '' Zakharova said .
`` It is already clear to one and all who had created them and what for , who continues to support this organization , whose chief aim is to create a false information environment for the purpose of carrying out external intervention in Syria ’ s internal affairs to suit the political interests of the masterminds . ''
Zakharova recalled that on March 17 the White Helmets ’ chief was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Biegun , although the Department of State earlier introduced restrictions on contacts with foreigners amid the spread of the coronavirus .
On March 11 , the chief of the White Helmets was allowed to speak in the US Senate .
Also , on March 3 , US Special Representative for Syria James Jeffrey and the United States ’ UN Ambassador Kelly Craft had contacts with members of that organization on the Turkish-Syrian border .
`` The aforesaid meetings took place amid an irresponsible anti-Russian media campaign , which Washington had launched over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de-escalation , being controlled by the terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , outlawed in Russia , '' Zakharova said .
`` Astoundingly , the White Helmets , which position themselves exclusively as a humanitarian organization , have once again become central to Western media manipulations , aimed at discrediting the real state of affairs in Idlib .
The main purpose is to discredit the anti-terrorist efforts of the Syrian government and blame the humanitarian situation in the northwest of the country on Damascus and its allies .
`` .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The United States finds annoying the Russian-Turkish agreements on Syria’s Idlib and looks ready to use any pretext for upsetting a political settlement in that country, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday in the wake of growing contacts between senior US officials and ringleaders of the pseudo-humanitarian organization White Helmets operating in Syria.
"One has an impression that the very thought the Russian-Turkish agreement may be implemented, the very idea of the Idlib zone of de-escalation annoys Washington so much that it is prepared to use any pretext for fanning anti-Russian hysteria and upsetting a political settlement in Syria," she said. In a situation like this the White Helmets, whom the United States has promised to support - financially, organizationally and politically - have no option left other than to strictly follow the instructions of their patrons and show they are worth the political expectations their sponsors pin on them."
Zakharova recalled that the White Helmets’ contacts with their Western handlers as a rule entailed tragic events in the region.
"One has an impression that they get direct instructions what subversive actions they should take and receive financial support as well. This is very dangerous," Zakharova said. "It is already clear to one and all who had created them and what for, who continues to support this organization, whose chief aim is to create a false information environment for the purpose of carrying out external intervention in Syria’s internal affairs to suit the political interests of the masterminds."
Zakharova recalled that on March 17 the White Helmets’ chief was received by US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, although the Department of State earlier introduced restrictions on contacts with foreigners amid the spread of the coronavirus. On March 11, the chief of the White Helmets was allowed to speak in the US Senate. Also, on March 3, US Special Representative for Syria James Jeffrey and the United States’ UN Ambassador Kelly Craft had contacts with members of that organization on the Turkish-Syrian border.
"The aforesaid meetings took place amid an irresponsible anti-Russian media campaign, which Washington had launched over the situation in the Idlib zone of de-escalation, being controlled by the terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, outlawed in Russia," Zakharova said. "Astoundingly, the White Helmets, which position themselves exclusively as a humanitarian organization, have once again become central to Western media manipulations, aimed at discrediting the real state of affairs in Idlib. The main purpose is to discredit the anti-terrorist efforts of the Syrian government and blame the humanitarian situation in the northwest of the country on Damascus and its allies.".


tass--2020-03-19--Hainan sends 200,000 medical face masks to Japan, South Korea

HAIKOU , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities sent 200,000 protective medical masks to Japan 's Hyogo Prefecture and the South Korean Island of Jeju to help combat novel coronavirus , www.hinews.cn reported on Thursday .
Humanitarian aid , 100,000 masks per a batch for both recipients , should be delivered within five-seven days .
`` A friend in need is a friend indeed .
Most recently , Hainan has been fighting desperately with the novel coronavirus , the governments of Japan and South Korea have shown great confidence in Hainan , have provided their assistance , demonstrating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders , '' the provincial Foreign Affairs Committee said in a statement .
The statement indicates that Hainan is ready to provide all possible help and support to Hyogo and Jeju amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The Chinese province of Hainan and the Japanese Hyogo prefecture became sister cities in 1990 , with the South Korean island of Jeju — in 1995. in the Hainan Province , 168 coronavirus cases were registered , six of which were fatal .
In the entire province , only one infected person is currently undergoing treatment in @ @ @

HAIKOU, March 19. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities sent 200,000 protective medical masks to Japan's Hyogo Prefecture and the South Korean Island of Jeju to help combat novel coronavirus, www.hinews.cn reported on Thursday.
Humanitarian aid, 100,000 masks per a batch for both recipients, should be delivered within five-seven days. "A friend in need is a friend indeed. Most recently, Hainan has been fighting desperately with the novel coronavirus, the governments of Japan and South Korea have shown great confidence in Hainan, have provided their assistance, demonstrating international support that does not recognize state borders," the provincial Foreign Affairs Committee said in a statement. The statement indicates that Hainan is ready to provide all possible help and support to Hyogo and Jeju amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The Chinese province of Hainan and the Japanese Hyogo prefecture became sister cities in 1990, with the South Korean island of Jeju — in 1995.
in the Hainan Province, 168 coronavirus cases were registered, six of which were fatal. In the entire province, only one infected person is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.


tass--2020-03-19--Prince of Monaco Albert II infected with coronavirus

Jair Bolsonaro ’ s aide who accompanied him to US diagnosed with coronavirus PARIS , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Prince of Monaco Albert II is infected with the novel coronavirus , but his health condition causes no concerns , the Prince ’ s office said in a statement Thursday .
`` Prince Albert II ’ s coronavirus test was positive , '' the statement reads .
`` His medical state causes no concerns . ''
The statement also points out that the Prince ’ s personal doctor and specialists from Princess Grace Hospital Center watch over his health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to work from his apartments .
`` He remains in constant contact with employees of the Cabinet , with the government and his closes aides , '' the palace added .
The statement underscores that the Prince calls on his subjects to comply with the restrictive measures introduced by the government and to limit their contacts .
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest data , over 220,000 people have contracted the virus ; about 8,900 of them have died .
A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia as yet .

Jair Bolsonaro’s aide who accompanied him to US diagnosed with coronavirus
PARIS, March 19. /TASS/. Prince of Monaco Albert II is infected with the novel coronavirus, but his health condition causes no concerns, the Prince’s office said in a statement Thursday.
"Prince Albert II’s coronavirus test was positive," the statement reads. "His medical state causes no concerns."
The statement also points out that the Prince’s personal doctor and specialists from Princess Grace Hospital Center watch over his health.
According to the statement, Prince Albert continues to work from his apartments.
"He remains in constant contact with employees of the Cabinet, with the government and his closes aides," the palace added.
The statement underscores that the Prince calls on his subjects to comply with the restrictive measures introduced by the government and to limit their contacts.
The ongoing coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China in late December 2019. On March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 170 countries. According to the latest data, over 220,000 people have contracted the virus; about 8,900 of them have died. A total of 199 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia as yet.


tass--2020-03-19--Plans for march on Crimea on May 3 are provocation — diplomat

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Preparations being made by the Mejlis of the Crimea Tatar People ( outlawed @ @ @ @ @ march on Crimea are a provocation and Russia is urging its prevention , Russian Foreign @ @ @ @ @ a news briefing on Thursday .
`` One more provocation is being prepared — some @ @ @ @ @ 3 , '' the diplomat said .
`` Its organizers from the Mejlis of the @ @ @ @ @ to literally force their way into the peninsula across Russia ’ s state border .
@ @ @ @ @ prevented . ''

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Preparations being made by the Mejlis of the Crimea Tatar People (outlawed in Russia) for a march on Crimea are a provocation and Russia is urging its prevention, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday.
"One more provocation is being prepared — some march on Crimea on May 3," the diplomat said. "Its organizers from the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People are going to literally force their way into the peninsula across Russia’s state border. We urge that this be prevented."


tass--2020-03-19--Russia to limit flights from Moscow to Dubai from March 20

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Flights from Moscow to Dubai will be limited - from March 20 , @ @ @ @ @ only from Terminal F of the Sheremetyevo Airport .
The relevant amendments were introduced to @ @ @ @ @ Mikhail Mishustin .
Earlier it was planned to leave flights between Moscow and Abu Dhabi @ @ @ @ @ instruct the Transport Ministry ] to ensure that from 00:00 Moscow time on March 20 @ @ @ @ @ from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territory of the United Arab Emirates @ @ @ @ @ exception of regular flights Moscow - Dubai and back via the Sheremetyevo International Airport ( @ @ @ @ @ according to the ruling .
From March 20 , Russia limits flights to the UK @ @ @ @ @ .
Flights to New York and London will also be operated only from Terminal F @ @ @ @ @ Russia has already limited flights with China , Iran , South Korea , Uzbekistan , @ @ @ @ @ countries .
Other states impose similar restrictions .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Flights from Moscow to Dubai will be limited - from March 20, these flights will be operated only from Terminal F of the Sheremetyevo Airport.
The relevant amendments were introduced to the ruling by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Earlier it was planned to leave flights between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.
"[Hereby I instruct the Transport Ministry] to ensure that from 00:00 Moscow time on March 20, 2020, passenger traffic from the territory of the Russian Federation to the territory of the United Arab Emirates is restricted, with the exception of regular flights Moscow - Dubai and back via the Sheremetyevo International Airport (terminal F)," according to the ruling.
From March 20, Russia limits flights to the UK, USA and the UAE. Flights to New York and London will also be operated only from Terminal F of the Sheremetyevo Airport.
Russia has already limited flights with China, Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, the European Union and other countries. Other states impose similar restrictions.


tass--2020-03-19--Russia to expand blacklist of EU officials in retaliation, says diplomat

`` The Russian side has taken a decision to expand the retaliatory list .
Regretfully we have to do this , '' Zakharova said , adding that this is `` a matter of parity . ''
She reiterated that in January sanctions were slapped on seven more Russian nationals — representatives of state bodies and the election commission of Crimea and Sevastopol .
`` We consider it as an unfriendly move to maintain and further expand such blacklists , which without the slightest grounds restricts our fellow countrymen in their legitimate rights , '' the diplomat added .
`` Of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she stressed .
Late in January , the European Union officially announced its decision to blacklist seven Crimean politicians — Acting Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev , Crimea ’ s Chairman of the Council of Ministers Yuri Gotsanyuk , Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol Vladimir Nemtsev , Russia ’ s Federation Council ( upper house ) member for Sevastopol , Yekaterina Altabayeva and three heads of electoral commissions of Crimea and Sevastopol .
In 2014 , the European Union slapped sanctions against Russia relating to the events in Ukraine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to expand and prolong .
The talks on the visa-free regime and the new basic agreement on cooperation were suspended , a number of Russian officials were prohibited from entering EU countries , with their assets being frozen , and restrictive trade , financial and military measures were adopted .
The EU blacklist in response to the crisis in Ukraine contains 175 people , including Russian and Ukrainian nationals , and 44 legal entities .
Almost all legal entities on the list are authoritative bodies and state and military institutions of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ republics .
On March 13 , the EU prolonged individual sanctions against Russian citizens for another six months .
Moscow views EU top diplomat Josep Borrell ’ s statement on Crimea as unfriendly , the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stated .
`` We consider the European Union ’ s comments to be unfriendly , '' she pointed out .
`` We believe that it is unacceptable to question Russia ’ s territorial integrity within its current borders , '' Zakharova added .
According to her , Brussels is repeating Kiev ’ s allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental issues in Crimea .
`` It is ridiculous to accuse our country of demographic replacement and allege that Russians are deliberately being moved to Crimea from other regions of the country , '' she stressed .
The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said , citing official statistics , that about 10,000 people from former Soviet countries had moved to live in Crimea in 2019 , and 80 % of them had come from Ukraine .
Zakharova emphasized that Borrell ’ s call on the United Nations member states to join the European Union 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at worsening the living conditions in Crimea , was particularly outrageous amid the international community ’ s efforts to combat the coronavirus .
`` We urge the EU to finally hear the voice of Crimea ’ s people .
It is time to recognize the democratic choice they made and take note of the positive changes that have taken place on the peninsula after its reunification with Russia , '' the diplomat pointed out .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russia has taken the decision to expand the list of nationals of the European Union countries banned from entering Russia in retaliation for action taken by Brussels, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a briefing on Thursday.
"The Russian side has taken a decision to expand the retaliatory list. Regretfully we have to do this," Zakharova said, adding that this is "a matter of parity." She reiterated that in January sanctions were slapped on seven more Russian nationals — representatives of state bodies and the election commission of Crimea and Sevastopol. "We consider it as an unfriendly move to maintain and further expand such blacklists, which without the slightest grounds restricts our fellow countrymen in their legitimate rights," the diplomat added. "Of course, we will retaliate proportionally," she stressed.
Read also Western sanctions protect Crimea from coronavirus — senior official
Late in January, the European Union officially announced its decision to blacklist seven Crimean politicians — Acting Governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev, Crimea’s Chairman of the Council of Ministers Yuri Gotsanyuk, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol Vladimir Nemtsev, Russia’s Federation Council (upper house) member for Sevastopol, Yekaterina Altabayeva and three heads of electoral commissions of Crimea and Sevastopol. In 2014, the European Union slapped sanctions against Russia relating to the events in Ukraine and Crimea’s reunification, which it continues to expand and prolong. The talks on the visa-free regime and the new basic agreement on cooperation were suspended, a number of Russian officials were prohibited from entering EU countries, with their assets being frozen, and restrictive trade, financial and military measures were adopted. The EU blacklist in response to the crisis in Ukraine contains 175 people, including Russian and Ukrainian nationals, and 44 legal entities. Almost all legal entities on the list are authoritative bodies and state and military institutions of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics. On March 13, the EU prolonged individual sanctions against Russian citizens for another six months. Statements on Crimea
Read also Plans for march on Crimea on May 3 are provocation — diplomat


tass--2020-03-19--Hainan to set up special production for medical protection goods

HAIKOU , MArch 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Hainan authorities approved a project to set up a specialized industrial site for the production of medical protection products which are in high demand on the international market amid novel coronavirus outbreak , www.chinanews.com reported .
According to the news outlet , investments in the production of masks , workwear , sanitizers and disposable medical supplies at the first stage will exceed 370 million yuan ( more than $ 52 million ) , and it will take about a year and a half to build .
Thanks to this industrial complex , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about a thousand jobs will be created .
This industrial base will annually produce products worth about 500 million yuan ( over $ 71 million ) .
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Haikou , Honz Pharmaceutical will own the facility .
`` There are no factories on Hainan that can produce some of the goods that will be produced here .
In particular , we are talking about various medical accessories that need to be replaced periodically , '' said Chen Yu , the project ’ s lead specialist .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to him , a specialized industrial zone will be able to create strategic stocks of medical supplies for at least six months .
As Honz Pharmaceutical Chairman Hong Jianyu clarified , Hainan very much needs a production site that will become an important link in the local healthcare system .
Earlier this year , in just eight days , the company created a medical mask factory on the island from scratch .
The novel coronavirus outbreak on Hainan is in fact almost over : no new cases of pneumonia have beem registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ province for a month now There is only one infected person in the region who is undergoing preventive treatment .
The province has already restored regular traffic , the work of many companies and tourist sites .

HAIKOU, MArch 19. /TASS/. The Hainan authorities approved a project to set up a specialized industrial site for the production of medical protection products which are in high demand on the international market amid novel coronavirus outbreak, www.chinanews.com reported.
According to the news outlet, investments in the production of masks, workwear, sanitizers and disposable medical supplies at the first stage will exceed 370 million yuan (more than $ 52 million), and it will take about a year and a half to build. Thanks to this industrial complex, dozens of production lines will be launched, about a thousand jobs will be created. This industrial base will annually produce products worth about 500 million yuan (over $ 71 million).
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Haikou,Honz Pharmaceutical will own the facility. "There are no factories on Hainan that can produce some of the goods that will be produced here. In particular, we are talking about various medical accessories that need to be replaced periodically," said Chen Yu, the project’s lead specialist. “We will fill this gap."
According to him, a specialized industrial zone will be able to create strategic stocks of medical supplies for at least six months. As Honz Pharmaceutical Chairman Hong Jianyu clarified, Hainan very much needs a production site that will become an important link in the local healthcare system. Earlier this year, in just eight days, the company created a medical mask factory on the island from scratch.
The novel coronavirus outbreak on Hainan is in fact almost over: no new cases of pneumonia have beem registered .in the counties and cities of the province for a month now There is only one infected person in the region who is undergoing preventive treatment. The province has already restored regular traffic, the work of many companies and tourist sites.