tass--2020-03-19--Over 22,000 people in Russia remain under coronavirus observation

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Over 22,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement on Thursday .
`` A total of 62,541 people have undergone @ @ @ @ @ As many as 22,178 people remain under monitoring as of March 18 , '' the @ @ @ @ @ added that as of Wednesday , 133,101 people arriving from coronavirus-affected countries had been tested @

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Over 22,000 people in Russia remain under medical observation over the novel coronavirus, the national consumer watchdog said in a statement on Thursday.
"A total of 62,541 people have undergone medical observation so far. As many as 22,178 people remain under monitoring as of March 18," the statement reads.
The watchdog added that as of Wednesday, 133,101 people arriving from coronavirus-affected countries had been tested.
Coronavirus pandemic


tass--2020-03-19--Dollar surpasses 81 rubles, euro - 89 rubles on Moscow Exchange

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar increased by 0.3 % to 81.09 rubles on the Moscow Exchange @ @ @ @ @ turn , the euro added 1.3 % and reached the level of 89.5 rubles .
@ @ @ @ @ was above 81 rubles in January 2016 .
The euro surpasses 89 rubles in February @ @

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The dollar increased by 0.3% to 81.09 rubles on the Moscow Exchange early on Thursday. In turn, the euro added 1.3% and reached the level of 89.5 rubles.
The last time the dollar was above 81 rubles in January 2016. The euro surpasses 89 rubles in February 2016.


tass--2020-03-19--Putin trusts ordinary Russian folks most of all

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the opinion of ordinary Russians and their sentiments are the most authentic source of information .
`` Most of all , I trust the sentiments of ordinary people , '' Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
`` When I communicate with people , when there 's direct contact - even if it is brief - I think I feel the public ’ s mood .
And that perception has not faded over the years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is crucial for me indeed .
I believe that people are very sincere .
Very sincere , sensitive and frank , '' he added .
`` Ordinary people do not hesitate to speak their mind , or sound off .
And they do n't care what some Mr. Big might say .
They just speak their mind .
They may criticize and speak from the heart , they say what they like and what they do n't , '' Putin said .
`` I appreciate that .
It is very important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is essential to turn an attentive ear to the problem of every person , he added , because `` the problem of millions can be drawn from the problem of a single specific individual . ''
Asked what sources of information he used in his work , Putin pointed to opinion polls , reports from security services , and the mass media .
Episode 17 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the opinion of ordinary Russians and their sentiments are the most authentic source of information.
"Most of all, I trust the sentiments of ordinary people," Putin told TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin". "When I communicate with people, when there's direct contact - even if it is brief - I think I feel the public’s mood. And that perception has not faded over the years, it is still with me, and it is crucial for me indeed. I believe that people are very sincere. Very sincere, sensitive and frank," he added.
"Ordinary people do not hesitate to speak their mind, or sound off. And they don't care what some Mr. Big might say. They just speak their mind. They may criticize and speak from the heart, they say what they like and what they don't," Putin said.
"I appreciate that. It is very important to me," he remarked. It is essential to turn an attentive ear to the problem of every person, he added, because "the problem of millions can be drawn from the problem of a single specific individual."
Asked what sources of information he used in his work, Putin pointed to opinion polls, reports from security services, and the mass media.
Episode 17 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-03-19--Putin rejects ‘tsar’ label

Putin rejects ‘tsar’ label

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that by no means does he consider himself to be a tsar .
In his TASS interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' , the head of state asserted that a tsar merely issues orders , while the president works every day .
`` A tsar is one who just sits there , looks down from above and says : ‘ They will do as I order ’ , while he just tries on a cap and looks at himself in the mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has spent 20 years holding the highest-ranking posts in the Russian government , confessed it had never occurred to him that his stay at the helm of power would last so long .
`` It never crossed my mind .
I never thought that I would wind up here .
That never would have occurred to me , '' he said .
About the possibility of dropping out of the race at some point , Putin said he felt `` responsible for what is going on , and for what will happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in 2008 , he did not have the slightest idea that in four years ’ time he would occupy the presidential office again , although he did not exclude that possibility altogether .
Episode 17 of the video interview is available at https : //putin.tass.ru/en .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that by no means does he consider himself to be a tsar. In his TASS interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin", the head of state asserted that a tsar merely issues orders, while the president works every day. "A tsar is one who just sits there, looks down from above and says: ‘They will do as I order’, while he just tries on a cap and looks at himself in the mirror," he said.
Putin, who has spent 20 years holding the highest-ranking posts in the Russian government, confessed it had never occurred to him that his stay at the helm of power would last so long.
"It never crossed my mind. I never thought that I would wind up here. That never would have occurred to me," he said.
About the possibility of dropping out of the race at some point, Putin said he felt "responsible for what is going on, and for what will happen in the future."
He added that in 2008, he did not have the slightest idea that in four years’ time he would occupy the presidential office again, although he did not exclude that possibility altogether.
Episode 17 of the video interview is available at https://putin.tass.ru/en.


tass--2020-03-19--Putin says his status after 2024 will depend on society’s aspirations

Putin said he still has four more years MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it ’ s too early to mull over his status after 2024 , when his current term of office expires .
A future answer will depend on the `` aspirations of the people , '' he explained to TASS in an interview for the project entitled `` 20 Questions with Vladimir Putin '' .
`` I do not know , we ’ ll see , '' the head of state said when asked about his future status after 2024 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and right now I have no answer . ''
All will depend on `` the nation ’ s sentiment and people ’ s aspirations . ''
`` The most important thing , the key issue , the matter of principle is the attitude of the vast majority of the citizens .
Of course , it is a question of trust , '' he said .
He agreed that `` the elites might get nervous '' in view of some uncertainties over the matter of power .
Putin regards this as a drawback , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` I realize that such an imbalance is possible .
However , the people are ultimately the prime source of power .
And I am not trying to show off .
It is very important for me , too .
It is very important for me to sense , to understand what the people want .
It is a matter of principle , '' he concluded .
On Monday , the Constitutional Court ruled that the amendments earlier adopted by the State Duma , approved by the Federation Council and endorsed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s regions were compliant with the fundamental law .
The legislation on the amendments will take effect only upon its approval in a nationwide public vote , scheduled for April 22 .
The amendments constitutionally stipulate a number of social guarantees , expand the powers of the parliament , introduce certain restrictions on top officials and set a two-term limit for Russia ’ s presidents , however the incumbent president will be able to run in the presidential election again should the amendments come into force .
Episode 17 of the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Putin said he still has four more years
MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes it’s too early to mull over his status after 2024, when his current term of office expires. A future answer will depend on the "aspirations of the people," he explained to TASS in an interview for the project entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin". "I do not know, we’ll see," the head of state said when asked about his future status after 2024. I still have four more years, and right now I have no answer." All will depend on "the nation’s sentiment and people’s aspirations."
Read also Putin strongly opposes attempts to build personality cult around him — spokesman
"The most important thing, the key issue, the matter of principle is the attitude of the vast majority of the citizens. Of course, it is a question of trust," he said. He agreed that "the elites might get nervous" in view of some uncertainties over the matter of power. Putin regards this as a drawback, because an "imbalance is possible." "I realize that such an imbalance is possible. However, the people are ultimately the prime source of power. And I am not trying to show off. It is very important for me, too. It is very important for me to sense, to understand what the people want. It is a matter of principle," he concluded.
Read also Putin rejects ‘tsar’ label


tass--2020-03-19--Moscow won’t introduce curfew due to COVID-19, task force says

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow officials do not plan to introduce a curfew in the city to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , Moscow ’ s coronavirus task force reported on Thursday , disproving media reports .
`` The task force on controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow informs that the reports claiming that Moscow will introduce a curfew are false .
We ask you to only trust official sources of information , '' the task force stated .
Earlier , a copy of the document allegedly signed by Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks , which claimed that a curfew would be introduced in Moscow starting March 30 .
The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed the reports as false in a statement on Wednesday , claiming that this fake report may have been created by `` representatives of one of the neighboring states . ''
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 140 countries .
According to latest reports , over 210,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and about 8,500 have died .
There are 147 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia as of March 18 .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Moscow officials do not plan to introduce a curfew in the city to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Moscow’s coronavirus task force reported on Thursday, disproving media reports.
"The task force on controlling and monitoring the coronavirus situation in Moscow informs that the reports claiming that Moscow will introduce a curfew are false. We ask you to only trust official sources of information," the task force stated.
Earlier, a copy of the document allegedly signed by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu appeared on social networks, which claimed that a curfew would be introduced in Moscow starting March 30.
The Russian Defense Ministry dismissed the reports as false in a statement on Wednesday, claiming that this fake report may have been created by "representatives of one of the neighboring states."
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 140 countries. According to latest reports, over 210,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and about 8,500 have died. There are 147 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia as of March 18.


tass--2020-03-19--Risen Energy to provide 20MW of 500W modules to Malaysia-based Tokai Engineering

NINGBO , China , March 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese A-share market-listed PV leader Risen Energy Co. , Ltd. recently inked a collaborative contract with leading solution provider in the field of lightning and surge protection , Shah Alam , Malaysia-based Tokai Engineering ( M ) Sdn .
Bhd .
Under the contract , the Chinese firm will provide 20MW of high-efficiency solar PV modules to the Malaysian firm .
It represents the world 's first order for the 500W modules and another example of Risen Energy 's leadership in the era of PV 5.0 .
With 27 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established solar solution investor as a result of its comprehensive , customized and high-quality solutions .
As a pioneer launching the world 's first 500W high-efficiency modules , Risen Energy will provide the modules using G12 ( 210mm ) monocrystalline silicon wafer to Tokai .
The modules can reduce the balance-of-system ( BOS ) cost by 9.6 % and the levelized cost of energy ( LCOE ) by 6 % , while increasing single line output by 30 % .
Commenting on the partnership , Tokai Group CEO Dato ' Ir .
Jimmy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Energy is leading the industry in embracing the era of PV 5.0 with the 500W high-efficiency modules based on cutting-edge technologies .
We are so excited to enter into this collaboration with Risen Energy and expect the delivery and implementation of the modules as soon as possible with the aim of achieving a lower levelized cost of electricity and a higher level of income from the power generated . ''
Risen Energy global marketing director Leon Chuang said , `` We 're greatly honored to be able to provide Tokai with the 500W @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the world 's first provider of 500W modules , we are confident of and competent at taking the lead in the era of PV 5.0 .
We will stay committed to an R & D approach focused on low-cost , high-efficiency products as well as solutions that meet market demand .
We also look forward to cooperating with more partners to help the PV industry embrace a new era of mass-produced high-output modules . ''

NINGBO, China, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese A-share market-listed PV leader Risen Energy Co., Ltd. recently inked a collaborative contract with leading solution provider in the field of lightning and surge protection, Shah Alam, Malaysia-based Tokai Engineering (M) Sdn. Bhd. Under the contract, the Chinese firm will provide 20MW of high-efficiency solar PV modules to the Malaysian firm. It represents the world's first order for the 500W modules and another example of Risen Energy's leadership in the era of PV 5.0.
With 27 years of experience, Tokai has become an established solar solution investor as a result of its comprehensive, customized and high-quality solutions. As a pioneer launching the world's first 500W high-efficiency modules, Risen Energy will provide the modules using G12 (210mm) monocrystalline silicon wafer to Tokai. The modules can reduce the balance-of-system (BOS) cost by 9.6% and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) by 6%, while increasing single line output by 30%.
Commenting on the partnership, Tokai Group CEO Dato' Ir. Jimmy Lim Lai Ho said: "Risen Energy is leading the industry in embracing the era of PV 5.0 with the 500W high-efficiency modules based on cutting-edge technologies. We are so excited to enter into this collaboration with Risen Energy and expect the delivery and implementation of the modules as soon as possible with the aim of achieving a lower levelized cost of electricity and a higher level of income from the power generated."
Risen Energy global marketing director Leon Chuang said, "We're greatly honored to be able to provide Tokai with the 500W high-efficiency modules, which feature several advantages. As the world's first provider of 500W modules, we are confident of and competent at taking the lead in the era of PV 5.0. We will stay committed to an R&D approach focused on low-cost, high-efficiency products as well as solutions that meet market demand. We also look forward to cooperating with more partners to help the PV industry embrace a new era of mass-produced high-output modules."
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1135126/Risen_Energy.jpg
CONTACT: Tina Feng, +86-574-59953077


tass--2020-03-19--Glooko Enables Remote Patient Care at No Charge to Medical Clinics, People with Diabetes

MOUNTAIN VIEW , California , March 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic , Glooko , a leading diabetes software company that enables people with diabetes and clinicians to manage care in real-time , is committed to helping ensure the health and well-being of people with diabetes , their caregivers , and their healthcare professionals .
Glooko is therefore taking action to serve the global diabetes community by providing a no-charge remote-care solution that provides live patient-to-clinician connectivity .
As many efforts undertaken in our communities are aimed at reducing the chances of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have chronic conditions like diabetes and contract the virus appear to be at a higher risk for developing complications ; as such limiting exposure is critical .
For certain appointments , healthcare professionals may determine that the patient and their care team would be best served by a remote review of the patient 's personal diabetes data and a corresponding telehealth consult , reserving in-office visits only for those appointments where a patient 's medical status truly requires in-person treatment .
To minimize the risk to people with diabetes during this time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with healthcare providers , Glooko is offering its secure , privacy-protected remote-care solution at no charge to medical clinics and people with diabetes as a public service until the greatest threat of the pandemic has subsided .
This public service is being made available to medical clinics and people with diabetes in countries where Glooko technology is already provided .
Interested medical clinics and people with diabetes can learn more about how to access the Glooko remote-care solution at .
Glooko 's universal diabetes software products provide insights to improve outcomes for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Glooko product suite contains the Glooko and diasend® by Glooko diabetes management solutions , which integrate with many of the leading EHR systems used today .
Both systems synchronize data from more than 190 diabetes devices and activity trackers , and they deliver integrated , timely and useful patient data , including glucose levels , blood pressure , weight , and food , insulin and medication intake .
Trusted by the world 's leaders in diabetes care , our solutions cover more than 2.8 million people with diabetes and are used in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 languages .
Learn more by visiting www.glooko.com .

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Glooko, a leading diabetes software company that enables people with diabetes and clinicians to manage care in real-time, is committed to helping ensure the health and well-being of people with diabetes, their caregivers, and their healthcare professionals. Glooko is therefore taking action to serve the global diabetes community by providing a no-charge remote-care solution that provides live patient-to-clinician connectivity.
As many efforts undertaken in our communities are aimed at reducing the chances of being exposed to and spreading COVID-19, individuals who have chronic conditions like diabetes and contract the virus appear to be at a higher risk for developing complications; as such limiting exposure is critical. For certain appointments, healthcare professionals may determine that the patient and their care team would be best served by a remote review of the patient's personal diabetes data and a corresponding telehealth consult, reserving in-office visits only for those appointments where a patient's medical status truly requires in-person treatment.
To minimize the risk to people with diabetes during this time by broadening access to remote medical appointments with healthcare providers, Glooko is offering its secure, privacy-protected remote-care solution at no charge to medical clinics and people with diabetes as a public service until the greatest threat of the pandemic has subsided.
This public service is being made available to medical clinics and people with diabetes in countries where Glooko technology is already provided. Interested medical clinics and people with diabetes can learn more about how to access the Glooko remote-care solution at www.glooko.com .
About Glooko
Glooko's universal diabetes software products provide insights to improve outcomes for people with diabetes and their care teams. The Glooko product suite contains the Glooko and diasend® by Glooko diabetes management solutions, which integrate with many of the leading EHR systems used today. Both systems synchronize data from more than 190 diabetes devices and activity trackers, and they deliver integrated, timely and useful patient data, including glucose levels, blood pressure, weight, and food, insulin and medication intake. Trusted by the world's leaders in diabetes care, our solutions cover more than 2.8 million people with diabetes and are used in 9,000+ clinic locations in 25 countries across 15 languages. Learn more by visiting www.glooko.com.
Media Contact: PR@Glooko.com
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1043398/Glooko_Logo.jpg


tass--2020-03-19--ZTE helps China Telecom deploy industry's 1-st commercial trial of 400G OTN cluster system

SHENZHEN , China , March 19 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation ( 0763.HK / 000063.SZ ) , a major international provider of telecommunications , enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet , today has deployed the industry 's first commercial trial of 400G OTN cluster system together with the Shenzhen Branch of China Telecom .
The system supports a maximum of 64-wavelength 400G , and its capacity is 3.2 times of that of a 100G system .
It can effectively satisfy the requirements for cross-ring non-blocking scheduling of an enterprise private line , reduce the difficulty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the high-speed and stable operation of 5G transport networks .
ZTE and the Shenzhen Branch of China Telecom deployed the industry 's first 400G OTN cluster solution at multiple super-core nodes in the network , with each site supporting 128 service slots and 64T cross-connect capacity .
Meanwhile , the solution satisfies the non-blocking scheduling requirements of a large number of small-granularity services brought by SDH equipment phasing out , effectively enabling high-speed transport of 5G , gigabit broadband and enterprise private line services , significantly reducing O & M difficulty and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers .
Moreover , ZTE 's flagship OTN device ZXONE 9700 is deployed for this solution , on which CE band is employed .
The device supports a maximum network capacity of 25.6T , which is 3.2 times the capacity of a 100G system , thereby fulfilling the demands of further network expansion and saving customer prior investment .
In addition , the project is also deployed with a 32-degree ROADM optical-layer architecture , in a bid to further improve transport efficiency .
The architecture allows MAN flatness and full-Mesh multi-directional connections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OTN service transport latency , improving user experience and alleviating bandwidth pressure on MAN core nodes .
ZTE 's ZXONE 9700 series has maintained the `` Leader '' rating in the `` Core Packet – Optical Transport '' and `` Metro Packet – Optical Transport '' fields , according to the latest assessment of GlobalData .
By means of profound technical experience and solid market position in optical networking field , ZTE has deployed more than 400 100G/B100G networks across the world with the total fiber length exceeding 400,000 km .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March 2020 , the market share of ZTE optical network devices increased by 2.4 % in 2019 , becoming one of the two vendors with the largest increase .
Moreover , Omdia showed that ZTE ranked No.2 in global OTN switching market in 2019 .
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems , mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers , operators , companies and public sector customers .
As a part of ZTE 's strategy , the company is committed to providing customers with integrated E2E innovations to deliver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information technology sectors converge .
Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen ( H share stock code : 0763.HK / A share stock code : 000063.SZ ) , ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries .
To date , ZTE has obtained 46 commercial 5G contracts in major markets , such as Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East and Africa ( MEA ) .
ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations .

SHENZHEN, China, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, today has deployed the industry's first commercial trial of 400G OTN cluster system together with the Shenzhen Branch of China Telecom.
The system supports a maximum of 64-wavelength 400G, and its capacity is 3.2 times of that of a 100G system. It can effectively satisfy the requirements for cross-ring non-blocking scheduling of an enterprise private line, reduce the difficulty of network O&M, and help with the high-speed and stable operation of 5G transport networks.
ZTE and the Shenzhen Branch of China Telecom deployed the industry's first 400G OTN cluster solution at multiple super-core nodes in the network, with each site supporting 128 service slots and 64T cross-connect capacity.
Meanwhile, the solution satisfies the non-blocking scheduling requirements of a large number of small-granularity services brought by SDH equipment phasing out, effectively enabling high-speed transport of 5G, gigabit broadband and enterprise private line services, significantly reducing O&M difficulty and saving network O&M costs for customers.
Moreover, ZTE's flagship OTN device ZXONE 9700 is deployed for this solution, on which CE band is employed. The device supports a maximum network capacity of 25.6T, which is 3.2 times the capacity of a 100G system, thereby fulfilling the demands of further network expansion and saving customer prior investment.
In addition, the project is also deployed with a 32-degree ROADM optical-layer architecture, in a bid to further improve transport efficiency. The architecture allows MAN flatness and full-Mesh multi-directional connections, and supports one-hop transmission, thus decreasing OTN service transport latency, improving user experience and alleviating bandwidth pressure on MAN core nodes.
ZTE's ZXONE 9700 series has maintained the "Leader" rating in the "Core Packet – Optical Transport" and "Metro Packet – Optical Transport" fields, according to the latest assessment of GlobalData.
By means of profound technical experience and solid market position in optical networking field, ZTE has deployed more than 400 100G/B100G networks across the world with the total fiber length exceeding 400,000 km.
According to the latest report of Dell'Oro Group released in March 2020, the market share of ZTE optical network devices increased by 2.4% in 2019, becoming one of the two vendors with the largest increase. Moreover, Omdia showed that ZTE ranked No.2 in global OTN switching market in 2019.
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, operators, companies and public sector customers. As a part of ZTE's strategy, the company is committed to providing customers with integrated E2E innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries.
To date, ZTE has obtained 46 commercial 5G contracts in major markets, such as Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA). ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations.
Media Contacts:


tass--2020-03-19--Number of coronavirus cases in South Korea exceeds 8,500

SEOUL , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases in South Korea has increased by 152 @ @ @ @ @ people have died over the past 24 hours , the overall number of fatalities has @ @ @ @ @ for Disease Control and Prevention at the country ’ s Ministry of Health reported .
@ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus in past day , none of them in Wuhan According to South Korean @ @ @ @ @ had recovered have been discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours .
A total @ @ @ @ @ since the coronavirus outbreak began .
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ recorded in more than 140 countries .
According to the latest data , over 210,000 @ @ @ @ @ , more than 8,500 of them have died .
A total of 147 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ so far .

SEOUL, March 19. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases in South Korea has increased by 152 to reach 8,565. Seven people have died over the past 24 hours, the overall number of fatalities has reached 91, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at the country’s Ministry of Health reported.
China reports 34 new cases of coronavirus in past day, none of them in Wuhan
According to South Korean doctors, 407 patients who had recovered have been discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours. A total of 1,947 people have recovered since the coronavirus outbreak began.
The current coronavirus illness was registered in central China at the end of 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, more than 8,500 of them have died. A total of 147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia so far.


tass--2020-03-19--Russian antiviral drug’s coronavirus trials in China to be over by late May

YEKATERINBURG , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Trials of Russian antiviral drug Triazaverin , which is being tested against the @ @ @ @ @ , are scheduled for completion in May , the head of the drug ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
A humanitarian batch of the medicine was sent to China in late January @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus began shortly after .
`` The trials are to be over in @ @ @ @ @ board chairman Alexander Petrov said .
`` I wrote an official letter to China ’ @ @ @ @ @ , asking to provide us with the results , but received no response so far @ @

YEKATERINBURG, March 19. /TASS/. Trials of Russian antiviral drug Triazaverin, which is being tested against the novel coronavirus infection in China, are scheduled for completion in May, the head of the drug’s manufacturer Medsintez told TASS on Thursday.
A humanitarian batch of the medicine was sent to China in late January, and its tests against the novel coronavirus began shortly after.
"The trials are to be over in late May," Medsintez board chairman Alexander Petrov said. "I wrote an official letter to China’s consul general in Yekaterinburg, asking to provide us with the results, but received no response so far."


tass--2020-03-19--China ready to organize emergency supplies of medicines to Russia

BEIJING , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that his country was ready to organize emergency supplies of medicines to Russia to tackle the novel coronavirus , the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday .
`` As a sign of gratitude for Russia ’ s support , we are ready to actively work on the issue of offering aid in return , in the form of supplies of goods for your country ’ s emergency needs , '' the foreign ministry quoted Wang Yi as saying in a phone conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign minister , Beijing is interested in stepping up cooperation with Moscow to tackle the coronavirus infection .
He said that this task required a team effort from the international community .
The Chinese top diplomat also thanked Russia for supporting China when the coronavirus outbreak in the country was at its peak .
The coronavirus outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic .
According to latest reports , more than 200,000 people contracted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .
Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far .
In China , about 80,900 people contracted the coronavirus infection since the start of the outbreak , over 3,200 of them died .
Some 70,400 passengers have recovered .
About 6,900 infected persons remain in hospitals in the central Chinese province of Hubei , where the disease broke out .

BEIJING, March 19. /TASS/. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that his country was ready to organize emergency supplies of medicines to Russia to tackle the novel coronavirus, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
"As a sign of gratitude for Russia’s support, we are ready to actively work on the issue of offering aid in return, in the form of supplies of goods for your country’s emergency needs," the foreign ministry quoted Wang Yi as saying in a phone conversation with Lavrov.
According to the Chinese foreign minister, Beijing is interested in stepping up cooperation with Moscow to tackle the coronavirus infection. He said that this task required a team effort from the international community.
The Chinese top diplomat also thanked Russia for supporting China when the coronavirus outbreak in the country was at its peak.
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. According to latest reports, more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide, and 8,000 of them died. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.
In China, about 80,900 people contracted the coronavirus infection since the start of the outbreak, over 3,200 of them died. Some 70,400 passengers have recovered. About 6,900 infected persons remain in hospitals in the central Chinese province of Hubei, where the disease broke out.


tass--2020-03-19--Venezuelan government requests WHO aid amid coronavirus outbreak

CARACAS , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Venezuelan government decided to request the World Health Organization ( WHO ) ’ s aid in tackling the novel coronavirus outbreak , Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said during a televised speech in Caracas .
`` [ Venezuelan ] President Nicolas Maduro had a fruitful phone conversation with WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
President Maduro requested international assistance , including tests for detecting COVID-19 , '' she said .
According to the vice president , no new cases of the novel coronavirus infection were detected in the country in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Juan Guaido made appealed to the country ’ s armed forces , urging them to let international humanitarian aid into Venezuela .
`` Our clear and direct call to the national armed forces is as follows : there is no time left , we need to open seaports and airports .
< ... > Let the humanitarian assistance in , '' Guaido said in a written statement , issued by his press service .
The opposition leader claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro `` is unable to cope with this emergency .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two cases of novel coronavirus in the country on March 13 .
By now , the country has 36 confirmed cases .
On March 17 , Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the decision to introduce a quarantine on the entire territory of the republic .
The coronavirus outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic .
According to latest reports , more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide , and 8,000 of them died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ far .

CARACAS, March 19. /TASS/. The Venezuelan government decided to request the World Health Organization (WHO)’s aid in tackling the novel coronavirus outbreak, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez said during a televised speech in Caracas.
"[Venezuelan] President Nicolas Maduro had a fruitful phone conversation with WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. President Maduro requested international assistance, including tests for detecting COVID-19," she said.
According to the vice president, no new cases of the novel coronavirus infection were detected in the country in the past 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido made appealed to the country’s armed forces, urging them to let international humanitarian aid into Venezuela.
"Our clear and direct call to the national armed forces is as follows: there is no time left, we need to open seaports and airports. <...> Let the humanitarian assistance in," Guaido said in a written statement, issued by his press service.
The opposition leader claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro "is unable to cope with this emergency."
The Venezuelan government reported the first two cases of novel coronavirus in the country on March 13. By now, the country has 36 confirmed cases. On March 17, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the decision to introduce a quarantine on the entire territory of the republic.
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. According to latest reports, more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide, and 8,000 of them died. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.


tass--2020-03-19--Little Big, Russia’s Eurovision contestant, supports decision to cancel contest

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Rave band Little Big , which had earlier been chosen to represent Russia at this year ’ s Eurovision song contest in The Netherlands , expressed its support to the decision to cancel the show due to the novel coronavirus outbreak .
`` We regret , but we also think that this is the right thing to do under the current circumstances , '' the musicians wrote on their Instagram page .
The band also thanked its fans for their support .
`` Since the moment we were declared participants of the competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our compatriots and foreigners .
Thanks to everyone who watched our video , listened to our song Uno and believed in our victory , '' the musicians said .
Little Big also joked about the skyrocketing popularity of its official video for the song Uno , which went viral on YouTube and has garnered over 33.5 million views .
`` Let CorUNOvirus continue , despite coronavirus , '' the group said .
The coronavirus outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to latest reports , more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide , and 8,000 of them died .
Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Rave band Little Big, which had earlier been chosen to represent Russia at this year’s Eurovision song contest in The Netherlands, expressed its support to the decision to cancel the show due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
"We regret, but we also think that this is the right thing to do under the current circumstances," the musicians wrote on their Instagram page.
The band also thanked its fans for their support.
"Since the moment we were declared participants of the competition, we have received enormous support from our compatriots and foreigners. Thanks to everyone who watched our video, listened to our song Uno and believed in our victory," the musicians said.
Little Big also joked about the skyrocketing popularity of its official video for the song Uno, which went viral on YouTube and has garnered over 33.5 million views.
"Let CorUNOvirus continue, despite coronavirus," the group said.
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. According to latest reports, more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide, and 8,000 of them died. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.


tass--2020-03-19--Roscosmos starts manufacturing components of its future super-heavy rocket

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Progress rocket and space center has started manufacturing components for Russia ’ s prospective super-heavy Yenisei rocket , Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin has said .
`` Good news from the Samara-based Progress rocket and space center : here are the already manufactured tank lips and other components of the new Soyuz-5 rocket .
They will be parts of universal modules of our new super-heavy rocket , Yenisei , '' Rogozin wrote in a Twitter post , attaching images of those components .
Earlier he said that the first stage of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engines from the medium-class Soyuz-5 rocket .
Rogozin earlier said the Yenisei new super-heavy carrier rocket would be assembled using the principle of a technological building kit where each part of the launcher should be an independent flight element .
Under the designers ’ plans , the rocket is intended to deliver more than 70 tonnes of cargo into the low near-Earth orbit at the first stage .
Under Russia ’ s federal target program , the first launch of the Yenisei super-heavy carrier rocket is due to take place in 2028 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the super-heavy carrier rocket at the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East .
Russia intends to use the new super-heavy rocket for missions to the Moon , including the landing of Russian cosmonauts on the surface of the Earth ’ s natural satellite .
In Roscosmos ’ estimates , the Yenisei will be able to deliver a 27-tonne payload to the Moon ’ s orbit .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The Progress rocket and space center has started manufacturing components for Russia’s prospective super-heavy Yenisei rocket, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin has said.
"Good news from the Samara-based Progress rocket and space center: here are the already manufactured tank lips and other components of the new Soyuz-5 rocket. They will be parts of universal modules of our new super-heavy rocket, Yenisei," Rogozin wrote in a Twitter post, attaching images of those components.
Earlier he said that the first stage of the super-heavy rocket will comprise five or six engines from the medium-class Soyuz-5 rocket.
Rogozin earlier said the Yenisei new super-heavy carrier rocket would be assembled using the principle of a technological building kit where each part of the launcher should be an independent flight element. Under the designers’ plans, the rocket is intended to deliver more than 70 tonnes of cargo into the low near-Earth orbit at the first stage.
Under Russia’s federal target program, the first launch of the Yenisei super-heavy carrier rocket is due to take place in 2028. Russia will build the launch pad for the super-heavy carrier rocket at the Vostochny spaceport in the Russian Far East.
Russia intends to use the new super-heavy rocket for missions to the Moon, including the landing of Russian cosmonauts on the surface of the Earth’s natural satellite. In Roscosmos’ estimates, the Yenisei will be able to deliver a 27-tonne payload to the Moon’s orbit.


tass--2020-03-19--Two US congressmen test positive for novel coronavirus

WASHINGTON , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Another US congressman , Utah Democrat Benjamin McAdams , said he had contracted the novel coronavirus .
`` On Saturday evening , after returning from Washington , D.C. , I developed mild cold-like symptoms .
In consultation with my doctor on Sunday , I immediately isolated myself in my home , '' McAdams said , adding that his symptoms eventually got worse .
`` On Tuesday , my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral , I went to the local testing clinic for the test .
Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Earlier on Wednesday , US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart ( Rep. , Florida ) has become the first member of the United States legislature diagnosed with the novel coronavirus , his press service said .
`` On Saturday evening , Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms , including a fever and a headache .
Just a short while ago , he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19 , '' reads a statement , posted on Diaz-Balart ’ s website .
`` I ’ m feeling much better , '' Diaz-Balart wrote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take all the necessary precautions .
According to the Johns Hopkins University , which aggregates novel coronavirus statistics provided by federal and state authorities , the number of confirmed cases in the country has topped 7,700 .
At least 118 people have died .

WASHINGTON, March 19. /TASS/. Another US congressman, Utah Democrat Benjamin McAdams, said he had contracted the novel coronavirus.
"On Saturday evening, after returning from Washington, D.C., I developed mild cold-like symptoms. In consultation with my doctor on Sunday, I immediately isolated myself in my home," McAdams said, adding that his symptoms eventually got worse. "On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test. Today I learned that I tested positive."
Earlier on Wednesday, US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (Rep., Florida) has become the first member of the United States legislature diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, his press service said.
"On Saturday evening, Congressman Diaz-Balart developed symptoms, including a fever and a headache. Just a short while ago, he was notified that he has tested positive for COVID-19," reads a statement, posted on Diaz-Balart’s website.
"I’m feeling much better," Diaz-Balart wrote on his Twitter page, calling upon everyone to take all the necessary precautions.
According to the Johns Hopkins University, which aggregates novel coronavirus statistics provided by federal and state authorities, the number of confirmed cases in the country has topped 7,700. At least 118 people have died.


tass--2020-03-19--ECB to purchase securities worth 750bln euro to maintain financial stability

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank ( ECB ) has announced the launch of its program to purchase securities worth 750 billion euro to maintain financial stability amid the novel coronavirus outbreak , the organization said on its website .
`` The Governing Council decided < … > to launch a new temporary asset purchase programme of private and public sector securities to counter the serious risks to the monetary policy transmission mechanism and the outlook for the euro area posed by the outbreak and escalating diffusion of the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
The new Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme ( PEPP ) will have an overall envelope of €750 billion .
It will be conducted until the end of 2020 and `` will include all the asset categories eligible under the existing asset purchase programme ( APP ) . ''
The ECB will conclude the program once it judges that the coronavirus Covid-19 crisis phase is over , but `` in any case not before the end of the year . ''
The coronavirus outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic .
According to latest reports , more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide , and 8,000 of them died .
Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has announced the launch of its program to purchase securities worth 750 billion euro to maintain financial stability amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, the organization said on its website.
"The Governing Council decided <…> to launch a new temporary asset purchase programme of private and public sector securities to counter the serious risks to the monetary policy transmission mechanism and the outlook for the euro area posed by the outbreak and escalating diffusion of the coronavirus, COVID-19," ECB said in a statement.
The new Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) will have an overall envelope of €750 billion. It will be conducted until the end of 2020 and "will include all the asset categories eligible under the existing asset purchase programme (APP)."
The ECB will conclude the program once it judges that the coronavirus Covid-19 crisis phase is over, but "in any case not before the end of the year."
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. According to latest reports, more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide, and 8,000 of them died. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.


tass--2020-03-19--Aeroflot to reduce flights to US, close air traffic with UAE and Portugal

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russian flagship air carrier Aeroflot will suspend its flights to Washington , Miami , Los Angeles , Dubai and Lisbon until April 30 , the Russian company said in a statement posted on its website .
`` Starting from March 29 , Aeroflot will continue its flights to the US only via the Moscow-New York-Moscow route , '' the statement says .
Aeroflot ’ s earlier schedule included regular flights from Moscow to New York , Los Angeles , Dubai and Lisbon , one flight a week to Washington and four flights a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrier , Rossiya , announced it was suspending its flight from St. Petersburg to London .
According to a decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin , flights to the United Kingdom , the United States and the United Arab Emirates will be limited .
Flights to New York , London and Abu Dhabi can be carried out only from Terminal F of Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo airport .
From March 18 and until May 1 , Russia restricts entry into the country for foreign citizens and stateless persons .
Over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed a series of restrictions on flights to the European Union , China , South Korea , Iran , Uzbekistan and other states amid the spread of the novel coronavirus disease .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russian flagship air carrier Aeroflot will suspend its flights to Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, Dubai and Lisbon until April 30, the Russian company said in a statement posted on its website.
"Starting from March 29, Aeroflot will continue its flights to the US only via the Moscow-New York-Moscow route," the statement says.
Aeroflot’s earlier schedule included regular flights from Moscow to New York, Los Angeles, Dubai and Lisbon, one flight a week to Washington and four flights a week to Miami.
Another Russian air carrier, Rossiya, announced it was suspending its flight from St. Petersburg to London.
According to a decree signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, flights to the United Kingdom, the United States and the United Arab Emirates will be limited. Flights to New York, London and Abu Dhabi can be carried out only from Terminal F of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport.
From March 18 and until May 1, Russia restricts entry into the country for foreign citizens and stateless persons. Over the past month and a half, Russia imposed a series of restrictions on flights to the European Union, China, South Korea, Iran, Uzbekistan and other states amid the spread of the novel coronavirus disease.


tass--2020-03-19--Over 4.5 million people entering Russia examined for signs of infection this year

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Since January 2020 , Russia ’ s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor examined more than @ @ @ @ @ borders and detected signs of infectious diseases in some 400 of them , the organization @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` Since January 2020 , Rospotrebnadzor employees deployed at borders have examined over @ @ @ @ @ by air , land and rail transport .
Signs of infectious diseases have been detected @ @ @ @ @ In each case , a complex of necessary preventative measures was carried out , '' @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , has spread to over 130 @ @ @ @ @ it as a global pandemic .
According to latest reports , more than 200,000 people @ @ @ @ @ and 8,000 of them died .
Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Since January 2020, Russia’s sanitary watchdog Rospotrebnadzor examined more than 4.5 million people crossing Russian borders and detected signs of infectious diseases in some 400 of them, the organization said on its website on Thursday.
"Since January 2020, Rospotrebnadzor employees deployed at borders have examined over 4.5 million people who arrived by air, land and rail transport. Signs of infectious diseases have been detected in over 400 persons. In each case, a complex of necessary preventative measures was carried out," Rospotrebnadzor said.
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. According to latest reports, more than 200,000 people contracted the disease worldwide, and 8,000 of them died. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.


tass--2020-03-19--China reports 34 new cases of coronavirus in past day, none of them in Wuhan

BEIJING , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The number of novel coronavirus cases in China risen by 34 in the @ @ @ @ @ new cases were reported in the disease ’ s epicenter of Wuhan , China ’ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday .
Eight people died of the infection in the reported period , while @ @ @ @ @ 6,900 infected persons remain in hospitals in the central Chinese province of Hubei , where @ @ @ @ @ in late 2019 .
According to the country ’ s authorities , the overall number @ @ @ @ @ 80,900 people .
Some 70,400 of them recovered and 3,245 died .
According to the @ @ @ @ @ mortality rate of the novel coronavirus is 4 % .

BEIJING, March 19. /TASS/. The number of novel coronavirus cases in China risen by 34 in the past 24 hours, no new cases were reported in the disease’s epicenter of Wuhan, China’s National Health Commission said on Thursday.
Eight people died of the infection in the reported period, while 819 people recovered.
About 6,900 infected persons remain in hospitals in the central Chinese province of Hubei, where the disease first broke out in late 2019.
According to the country’s authorities, the overall number of those infected reached about 80,900 people. Some 70,400 of them recovered and 3,245 died. According to the official statistics, the current mortality rate of the novel coronavirus is 4%.


tass--2020-03-19--Russia’s advanced radar in Kaliningrad to monitor entire territory of Europe — source

MOSCOW , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Konteiner new-generation over-the-horizon radar , capable of tracking launches of cruise and hypersonic missiles at the distance of up to 3,000 km , will be deployed in Russia ’ s Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad to cover the entire territory of Europe , including the United Kingdom , a defense industry source told TASS on Thursday .
The first Konteiner radar went on combat duty in the Volga area region of Mordovia on December 1 , 2019 .
`` The second Konteiner radar will be deployed in the Kaliningrad region .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the source said .
He did not elaborate on when the radar will enter service , saying only that `` the radar is planned to be deployed in the short-term perspective . ''
`` The second radar will complement the first one , which entered service in Mordovia , and will be capable of monitoring the entire territory of Europe , including the United Kingdom , '' the source said .
`` Moreover , data coming from both stations will be combined to increase precision . ''
The Russian Defense Ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a continuous radar field around its borders .
The new system will comprise Konteiner new-generation over-the-horizon radars , based on the principle of receiving radio signals reflected from the ionosphere .
Those radars are capable of tracking a mass take-off of combat aircraft , the launch of cruise missiles or hypersonic weapons at the distance of up to 3,000 km .
Among other locations , Russia plans to deploy Konteiner radar stations in the Arctic region .
By now , Russia has set up a continuous radar field of its missile early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations , which are designated to track the launches of ballistic missiles towards Russian territory .

MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russia’s Konteiner new-generation over-the-horizon radar, capable of tracking launches of cruise and hypersonic missiles at the distance of up to 3,000 km, will be deployed in Russia’s Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad to cover the entire territory of Europe, including the United Kingdom, a defense industry source told TASS on Thursday.
The first Konteiner radar went on combat duty in the Volga area region of Mordovia on December 1, 2019.
"The second Konteiner radar will be deployed in the Kaliningrad region. Several potential sites are now being considered," the source said.
He did not elaborate on when the radar will enter service, saying only that "the radar is planned to be deployed in the short-term perspective."
"The second radar will complement the first one, which entered service in Mordovia, and will be capable of monitoring the entire territory of Europe, including the United Kingdom," the source said. "Moreover, data coming from both stations will be combined to increase precision."
The Russian Defense Ministry said last December that Russia would set up a continuous radar field around its borders. The new system will comprise Konteiner new-generation over-the-horizon radars, based on the principle of receiving radio signals reflected from the ionosphere. Those radars are capable of tracking a mass take-off of combat aircraft, the launch of cruise missiles or hypersonic weapons at the distance of up to 3,000 km. Among other locations, Russia plans to deploy Konteiner radar stations in the Arctic region.
By now, Russia has set up a continuous radar field of its missile early warning system. It integrates Voronezh-type radar stations, which are designated to track the launches of ballistic missiles towards Russian territory.


tass--2020-03-19--DPR to close border with Ukraine for coronavirus concerns — head

DONETSK , March 19 .
/TASS/ .
The self-proclaimed Donetsk People ’ s Republic ( DPR ) in eastern Ukraine will close all border crossings to the Kiev-controlled territory starting from March 21 , DPR head Denis Pushilin said on Wednesday .
`` In order to prevent the coronavirus infection from spreading to the territory of the republic , a decision was made to completely halt the movement of citizens via border and customs control checkpoints on the border with Ukraine starting from 00:00 on March 21 , 2020 , '' reads a statement , posted on Pushilin ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` there are all grounds to believe that the novel coronavirus situation in Ukraine will deteriorate , including due to mass return of Ukrainian citizens from Italy , Spain , Poland and other European states that have already reported thousands of those infected . ''
According to the DPR leader , citizens of the self-proclaimed republic who are now on the Kiev-controlled territory `` still have the time to return home . ''
At the same time , `` all necessary measures will be taken to place those who had returned under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no cases of the novel coronavirus infection on its territory so far .
Meanwhile , mobile quarantine stations have been deployed on the line of contact , separating DPR and the Kiev-controlled territory of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass .
`` The emergencies ministry , the health ministry and regional authorities have organized mobile sanitary and quarantine stations at border checkpoints .
They have all the necessary equipment and supplies and will be tasked with detecting citizens with fever , '' Olga Korol , who heads the inter-departmental crisis response center tasked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was quoted as saying by the Donetsk News Agency .
DPR declared the high coronavirus alert regime on March 14 and obliged those who arrived from Ukraine , China , Spain , Italy , Iran , Korea , France and Germany to go into self-imposed quarantine for 14 days .
The first case of the novel coronavirus infection was reported in the Kiev-controlled area of eastern Ukraine ’ s Donetsk region , the Ukrainian health ministry said via its Telegram channel on Wednesday night .
`` As of 22:00 local time [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a total of 16 COVID-19 cases are registered in Ukraine : in the regions of Chernovtsy ( 10 ) , Zhitomir ( 1 ) , Kiev ( 2 ) , Donetsk ( 1 ) and in [ the city ] of Kiev ( 2 ) , '' the statement says .
Therefore , two new cases of the novel coronavirus infection were detected in the country in the past 24 hours .
So far , Ukraine reported two deaths from the infection on its territory .

DONETSK, March 19. /TASS/. The self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) in eastern Ukraine will close all border crossings to the Kiev-controlled territory starting from March 21, DPR head Denis Pushilin said on Wednesday.
"In order to prevent the coronavirus infection from spreading to the territory of the republic, a decision was made to completely halt the movement of citizens via border and customs control checkpoints on the border with Ukraine starting from 00:00 on March 21, 2020," reads a statement, posted on Pushilin’s official website.
According to the statement, "there are all grounds to believe that the novel coronavirus situation in Ukraine will deteriorate, including due to mass return of Ukrainian citizens from Italy, Spain, Poland and other European states that have already reported thousands of those infected."
According to the DPR leader, citizens of the self-proclaimed republic who are now on the Kiev-controlled territory "still have the time to return home." At the same time, "all necessary measures will be taken to place those who had returned under medical supervision."
DPR has reported no cases of the novel coronavirus infection on its territory so far.
Meanwhile, mobile quarantine stations have been deployed on the line of contact, separating DPR and the Kiev-controlled territory of the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass.
"The emergencies ministry, the health ministry and regional authorities have organized mobile sanitary and quarantine stations at border checkpoints. They have all the necessary equipment and supplies and will be tasked with detecting citizens with fever," Olga Korol, who heads the inter-departmental crisis response center tasked with containing the novel coronavirus in DPR, was quoted as saying by the Donetsk News Agency.
DPR declared the high coronavirus alert regime on March 14 and obliged those who arrived from Ukraine, China, Spain, Italy, Iran, Korea, France and Germany to go into self-imposed quarantine for 14 days.
Coronavirus in Ukraine
The first case of the novel coronavirus infection was reported in the Kiev-controlled area of eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, the Ukrainian health ministry said via its Telegram channel on Wednesday night.
"As of 22:00 local time [23:00 Moscow time] on March 18, a total of 16 COVID-19 cases are registered in Ukraine: in the regions of Chernovtsy (10), Zhitomir (1), Kiev (2), Donetsk (1) and in [the city] of Kiev (2)," the statement says.
Therefore, two new cases of the novel coronavirus infection were detected in the country in the past 24 hours.
So far, Ukraine reported two deaths from the infection on its territory.


tass--2020-03-20--G20 plans to hold video conference summit to discuss coronavirus situation

The discussion of the agenda of the summit is underway , he added .
`` As for the content parameters , the issue at hand is holding such a video conference summit to discuss one issue , the coronavirus situation , '' Peskov stressed .
`` Indeed , there is such an initiative from the G20 presiding country , Saudi Arabia .
All technical parameters for organizing a video conference are indeed being agreed on through diplomatic channels , '' the noted .
On Tuesday , Saudi Arabia said that it planned to convene an extraordinary G20 summit next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked whether other issues , such as oil prices , could be discussed at the summit , Peskov noted that `` this will depend on what issues the participants in the meeting will raise and how . ''
`` This is communication between the leaders , they are free to raise those issues , which they deem necessary , '' he explained .
The Kremlin spokesman noted that , as soon as the exact dates and time [ of the summit ] were agreed on through diplomatic channels , the media would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the issue of the openness of the event had not been resolved yet .
`` This is the first , unique experience , there have been no such formats before , so the issues related to covering [ the summit ) were not discussed yet , '' he explained .

The discussion of the agenda of the summit is underway, he added. "As for the content parameters, the issue at hand is holding such a video conference summit to discuss one issue, the coronavirus situation," Peskov stressed.
"Indeed, there is such an initiative from the G20 presiding country, Saudi Arabia. All technical parameters for organizing a video conference are indeed being agreed on through diplomatic channels," the noted.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia said that it planned to convene an extraordinary G20 summit next week to discuss the coronavirus situation.
When asked whether other issues, such as oil prices, could be discussed at the summit, Peskov noted that "this will depend on what issues the participants in the meeting will raise and how." "This is communication between the leaders, they are free to raise those issues, which they deem necessary," he explained.
The Kremlin spokesman noted that, as soon as the exact dates and time [of the summit] were agreed on through diplomatic channels, the media would be informed about the decisions. He added that the issue of the openness of the event had not been resolved yet. "This is the first, unique experience, there have been no such formats before, so the issues related to covering [the summit) were not discussed yet," he explained.


tass--2020-03-20--Kremlin never discloses instructions to energy minister for OPEC talks — press secretary

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Kremlin never discloses details of instructions given by President Vladimir Putin to @ @ @ @ @ connection with OPEC talks , press secretary of the Russian president , Dmitry Peskov told @ @ @ @ @ says Russia and Saudi Arabia do not wage wars over oil prices '' We never @ @ @ @ @ Novak and will not do it this time , '' Peskov replied to a question @ @ @ @ @ minister with initiating new talks with the OPEC .
Russia and Saudi Arabia do not @ @ @ @ @ on the oil market in the collapsing prices environment , head of the Russian Direct @ @ @ @ @ on March 17 .
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts @ @ @ @ @ demand due to the coronavirus spread during consultations on March 6 .
All the limitations @ @ @ @ @ lifted from April 1 .
Brent oil prices , which were about $ 50 per @ @ @ @ @ dropped almost twofold to below $ 25 a barrel in mid-week .

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The Kremlin never discloses details of instructions given by President Vladimir Putin to Energy Minister Alexander Novak in connection with OPEC talks, press secretary of the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
Kremlin says Russia and Saudi Arabia do not wage wars over oil prices
"We never disclose instructions Putin gives to Novak and will not do it this time," Peskov replied to a question whether the president entrusted the minister with initiating new talks with the OPEC.
Russia and Saudi Arabia do not hold talks on joint actions on the oil market in the collapsing prices environment, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev said on March 17.
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to the coronavirus spread during consultations on March 6. All the limitations in oil production will be lifted from April 1.
Brent oil prices, which were about $50 per barrel in early March, dropped almost twofold to below $25 a barrel in mid-week.


tass--2020-03-20--Kremlin says reports about US sanctions against Russia are 'spring aggravation'

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has criticized reports about the likely introduction of @ @ @ @ @ against Russia for the sake of stabilizing the oil market .
`` I would not @ @ @ @ @ fakes about possible sanctions .
They are rather a side effect of a spring aggravation @ @ @ @ @ experienced against the backdrop of the coronavirus issue , '' Peskov told the media on @ @ @ @ @ Journal quoted on Thursday quoted sources as saying the US authorities were considering the possibility @ @ @ @ @ in an attempt to stabilize the situation on the oil market .

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has criticized reports about the likely introduction of sanctions by the United States against Russia for the sake of stabilizing the oil market.
"I’m not going to comment on this fake [news] about possible sanctions. These [reports] are more like a side effect of March madness, those suffering from Russophobia have experienced given the backdrop of the coronavirus issue," Peskov told the media on Friday.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal quoted sources as saying US officials were mulling over the possibility of taking sanctions against Russia in an attempt to stabilize the situation on the oil market.


tass--2020-03-20--Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 6%

Bank of Russia keeps key rate at 6%

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
The Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to keep the key rate @ @ @ @ @ , the regulator said in a press release following the board ’ s meeting on @ @ @ @ @ March 2020 , the Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to keep the key @ @ @ @ @ annum .
In February - March , the situation has been developing with a significant @ @ @ @ @ Russia ’ s forecast under the baseline scenario .
This is related to changes in @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus epidemic and a sharp drop in oil prices , '' the regulator @ @ @ @ @ Russia noted that in its key rate decision-making it will take into account actual and @ @ @ @ @ the target and economic developments over the forecast horizon , as well as risks posed @ @ @ @ @ and the reaction of financial markets .

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to keep the key rate at 6% per annum, the regulator said in a press release following the board’s meeting on Friday.
"On 20 March 2020, the Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to keep the key rate at 6.00% per annum. In February - March, the situation has been developing with a significant deviation from the Bank of Russia’s forecast under the baseline scenario. This is related to changes in external conditions: the spread of the coronavirus epidemic and a sharp drop in oil prices," the regulator said.
The Bank of Russia noted that in its key rate decision-making it will take into account actual and expected inflation dynamics relative to the target and economic developments over the forecast horizon, as well as risks posed by domestic and external conditions and the reaction of financial markets.


tass--2020-03-20--Citywide quarantine in Moscow not under discussion — Kremlin

`` This is not currently under discussion whatsoever , '' he said in response to a question on whether Moscow @ @ @ @ @ to combat the spread of the virus .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities @ @ @ @ @ ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of @ @ @ @ @ On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ The disease has spread to over 180 countries .
According to latest reports , over @ @ @ @ @ with the virus globally , and about 10,000 have died .
According to the federal @ @ @ @ @ cases of the novel coronavirus have been documented in Russia .
The majority of patients @ @ @ @ @ the disease .

"This is not currently under discussion whatsoever," he said in response to a question on whether Moscow may be fully closed off to combat the spread of the virus.
Earlier, Moscow officials also refuted reports of a planned citywide quarantine.
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 180 countries. According to latest reports, over 240,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and about 10,000 have died. According to the federal coronavirus task force, 199 cases of the novel coronavirus have been documented in Russia. The majority of patients are experiencing mild symptoms of the disease.


tass--2020-03-20--Kremlin says Russia and Saudi Arabia do not wage wars over oil prices

MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and Saudi Arabia are not waging any wars over oil prices .
He is certain that other states should not interfere in the partnership between the two countries .
`` There are no price wars between Russia and Saudi Arabia .
There is a very unfavorable pricing environment for many countries , '' he told reporters .
According to him , Russia and Saudi Arabia have `` good relations , a partnership . ''
`` We do not think that anyone should intervene in these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , US President Donald Trump said that he was about to join in a discussion of the situation around the differences between Russia and Saudi Arabia over oil .
Peskov noted that the Kremlin paid attention to this statement .
`` We understand that indeed many companies are now suffering due to low oil prices , we know that the huge US oil sector is now in distress because of these prices , '' he said , adding that he meant those who produce shale oil .
`` There is a serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Peskov said .
The Brent oil price of $ 25 per barrel is adverse but it not catastrophic , according to Peskov .
`` Certainly , this price situation is fairly unpleasant .
It is possible to agree in this respect , '' Peskov said .
However , Russia has a sufficient safety margin , the press secretary said .
`` When saying that this is a catastrophe for Russia , there is probably no way of agreeing with this in midterm , since as our president and our government reiterated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several years , which will support fulfilling all social commitments , development plans , and so on , '' Peskov added .
`` There were times when the price was even lower , '' the press secretary said .
Hardly anyone will venture to forecast international oil prices situation for a year ahead and more , Peskov said .
`` Even if somebody undertakes forecasting , such forecasts will hardly be accurate to any extent , '' he noted .
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus spread during consultations on March 6 .
Oil prices have fallen since then .
All the limitations of oil production will be lifted from April 1 .

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia and Saudi Arabia are not waging any wars over oil prices. He is certain that other states should not interfere in the partnership between the two countries.
"There are no price wars between Russia and Saudi Arabia. There is a very unfavorable pricing environment for many countries," he told reporters.
According to him, Russia and Saudi Arabia have "good relations, a partnership." "We do not think that anyone should intervene in these relations," Peskov added.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that he was about to join in a discussion of the situation around the differences between Russia and Saudi Arabia over oil.
Peskov noted that the Kremlin paid attention to this statement. "We understand that indeed many companies are now suffering due to low oil prices, we know that the huge US oil sector is now in distress because of these prices," he said, adding that he meant those who produce shale oil. "There is a serious crisis, we also understand this," Peskov said.
Not a catastrophe
The Brent oil price of $25 per barrel is adverse but it not catastrophic, according to Peskov.
"Certainly, this price situation is fairly unpleasant. It is possible to agree in this respect," Peskov said.
However, Russia has a sufficient safety margin, the press secretary said. "When saying that this is a catastrophe for Russia, there is probably no way of agreeing with this in midterm, since as our president and our government reiterated that we have a solid safety margin for several years, which will support fulfilling all social commitments, development plans, and so on," Peskov added.
"There were times when the price was even lower," the press secretary said. Hardly anyone will venture to forecast international oil prices situation for a year ahead and more, Peskov said. "Even if somebody undertakes forecasting, such forecasts will hardly be accurate to any extent," he noted.
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to the coronavirus spread during consultations on March 6. Oil prices have fallen since then. All the limitations of oil production will be lifted from April 1.


tass--2020-03-20--Putin does not need to take coronavirus tests, there are no symptoms — spokesman

The presidential press secretary confirmed that the people who are in direct contact with the head of state , for instance , Crimea Bridge builders who on March 18 received decorations from Vladimir Putin in Sevastopol , do undergo checks MOSCOW , March 20 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not need to be tested for coronavirus , because there are no symptoms of the disease , Russian presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov told the media .
`` The president does not need to undergo coronavirus tests , because he is well and keeps working according to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spokesman confirmed that the people who are in direct contact with the head of state , for instance , Crimea Bridge builders who on March 18 received decorations from Putin in Sevastopol , do undergo such checks .
`` This is really so .
We believe such precautions are reasonable .
To ensure the president is able to keep working everybody around him must take precautions , '' he added .
Early measures have helped prevent a large-scale spread of the coronavirus in Russia , the Kremlin spokesman told reporters .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country , Peskov pointed out that head of the national consumer watchdog Anna Popova `` began to take measures in advance , which produced certain results . ''
`` Besides , the government created a response center that has been working effectively , '' the presidential spokesman noted , adding that the work continued round-the-clock .
According to the Kremlin spokesman , none of the countries facing the coronavirus threat has been able to stop COVID-19 from crossing its borders .
`` We also failed to do it because it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized that it was incorrect to compare the situations in different countries , as well as the disease statistics .
`` We are all in the same boat .
In this regard , the consolidated efforts of our virologists are important , as well as the efforts that health professionals are making on the global level to determine guidelines for the treatment of the disease and create a vaccine , '' he stated .
The presidential spokesman added that efforts to that end were underway .
In particular , Russian health workers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved good results . ''
Peskov specified that cooperation with Chinese health professionals had been touched upon in Thursday ’ s telephone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping .
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 180 countries , including Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 240,000 people have been infected around the world and about 10,000 have died .
Russia has identified 199 cases as yet .

The presidential press secretary confirmed that the people who are in direct contact with the head of state, for instance, Crimea Bridge builders who on March 18 received decorations from Vladimir Putin in Sevastopol, do undergo checks
MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin does not need to be tested for coronavirus, because there are no symptoms of the disease, Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told the media. "The president does not need to undergo coronavirus tests, because he is well and keeps working according to his original schedule," Peskov said. The spokesman confirmed that the people who are in direct contact with the head of state, for instance, Crimea Bridge builders who on March 18 received decorations from Putin in Sevastopol, do undergo such checks. "This is really so. We believe such precautions are reasonable. To ensure the president is able to keep working everybody around him must take precautions," he added. Effectiveness of early measures
Read also Russia starts testing vaccine against COVID-19
Early measures have helped prevent a large-scale spread of the coronavirus in Russia, the Kremlin spokesman told reporters. When asked what kept the virus from spreading across the country, Peskov pointed out that head of the national consumer watchdog Anna Popova "began to take measures in advance, which produced certain results." "Besides, the government created a response center that has been working effectively," the presidential spokesman noted, adding that the work continued round-the-clock.
Read also China greenlights clinical testing of first vaccine against COVID-19
According to the Kremlin spokesman, none of the countries facing the coronavirus threat has been able to stop COVID-19 from crossing its borders. "We also failed to do it because it is impossible," he noted. Peskov emphasized that it was incorrect to compare the situations in different countries, as well as the disease statistics. "We are all in the same boat. In this regard, the consolidated efforts of our virologists are important, as well as the efforts that health professionals are making on the global level to determine guidelines for the treatment of the disease and create a vaccine," he stated.


tass--2020-03-20--Russian Foreign Ministry debunks Dutch newspaper article on alleged meddling in MH17 case

`` We view this article as another attempt to distract attention from serious discrepancies in the chosen uncontested version of alleged ‘ Russian trace ’ in the tragedy , '' the Foreign Ministry said .
`` The article , published in de Volkskrant newspaper , close to the Dutch governing circles , is a product of a media misinformation campaign with obvious anti-Russian bias , which once again gained traction in the Netherlands recently .
Apparently , its creators seek to impact the court proceedings on the MH17 case , which began on March 9 in the Hague District court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ /TASS/ .
The article by the Dutch de Volkskrant newspaper about alleged Russian attempts to obstruct the investigation of the 2014 MH17 Boeing crash is misinformation that seeks to influence the court proceedings in the Hague , Russian Foreign Ministry announced Thursday on its website ’ s `` rebuttals `` section .
The article in question is titled `` Hacks , manipulatie en diefstal : Rusland deed alles om het MH17-onderzoek te dwarsbomen '' ( `` Hacks , Manipulation and Theft : Russia did everything to thwart the MH17 Investigation '' ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The authors , who had published Russophobic articles earlier , claim that Russia has `` exerted direct influence on the investigative team members '' for years .
`` In particular , Russian intelligence services agents are mentioned in the context of their alleged involvement in incidents that happened with the experts : surveillance , database theft , phone call tapping and hacker attacks , '' the Foreign Ministry commented .
The Foreign Ministry underscored that the article is based on statements made by `` anonymous sources in Dutch intelligence services and the Joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the odious Bellingcat journalist investigative agency , notorious for its `` scandalous fake news '' and political bias against Russia .
`` The article ’ s authors adhere to the Western media ’ s ‘ spy investigation ’ style : having no real evidence , they cite sources , whose reliability inherently can not be proven , '' the Ministry states .

"We view this article as another attempt to distract attention from serious discrepancies in the chosen uncontested version of alleged ‘Russian trace’ in the tragedy," the Foreign Ministry said. "The article, published in de Volkskrant newspaper, close to the Dutch governing circles, is a product of a media misinformation campaign with obvious anti-Russian bias, which once again gained traction in the Netherlands recently. Apparently, its creators seek to impact the court proceedings on the MH17 case, which began on March 9 in the Hague District court."
MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. The article by the Dutch de Volkskrant newspaper about alleged Russian attempts to obstruct the investigation of the 2014 MH17 Boeing crash is misinformation that seeks to influence the court proceedings in the Hague, Russian Foreign Ministry announced Thursday on its website’s " rebuttals " section.
The article in question is titled "Hacks, manipulatie en diefstal: Rusland deed alles om het MH17-onderzoek te dwarsbomen" ("Hacks, Manipulation and Theft: Russia did everything to thwart the MH17 Investigation"). It was published on March 5.
The authors, who had published Russophobic articles earlier, claim that Russia has "exerted direct influence on the investigative team members" for years.
"In particular, Russian intelligence services agents are mentioned in the context of their alleged involvement in incidents that happened with the experts: surveillance, database theft, phone call tapping and hacker attacks," the Foreign Ministry commented.
The Foreign Ministry underscored that the article is based on statements made by "anonymous sources in Dutch intelligence services and the Joint Investigative Team," as well as the odious Bellingcat journalist investigative agency, notorious for its "scandalous fake news" and political bias against Russia.
"The article’s authors adhere to the Western media’s ‘spy investigation’ style: having no real evidence, they cite sources, whose reliability inherently cannot be proven," the Ministry states.