tass--2020-03-25--Hainan launches production of protective masks in Dongfang

HAIKOU , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
A new medical face masks factory has been commissioned in the city of Dongfang City in the Hainan Province , according to Nangodu Shibao newspaper .
It took 20 days to set up an enterprise and establish the production .
Currently , three lines are working , on which up to 60,000 masks per day can be produced .
Within the next 10 days , the newspaper notes , another 14 production lines are expected to be launched as well .
According to Zhang Damin , general director of Dongfang Bozui Kanyuan Yuan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks are manufactured according to the medical standard YYT09692013 .
Prior to obtaining a license to sell masks for use by medical personnel , they will be sold as a means of protection for the public .
The novel coronavirus outbreak on Hainan is practically over : there have been no new cases in the counties and cities of the province for a month .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiological situation , the authorities maintain tough sanitary control measures : across China , the number of infected people arriving from abroad is increasing every day .
The outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus was first registered at the end of 2019 in Central China and has already spread to more than 140 countries .
The World Health Organization has recognized it as a pandemic .

HAIKOU, March 25. /TASS/. A new medical face masks factory has been commissioned in the city of Dongfang City in the Hainan Province, according to Nangodu Shibao newspaper.
It took 20 days to set up an enterprise and establish the production. Currently, three lines are working, on which up to 60,000 masks per day can be produced. Within the next 10 days, the newspaper notes, another 14 production lines are expected to be launched as well.
According to Zhang Damin, general director of Dongfang Bozui Kanyuan Yuan Medical Equipment Manufacturing Company, medical face masks are manufactured according to the medical standard YYT09692013. Prior to obtaining a license to sell masks for use by medical personnel, they will be sold as a means of protection for the public.
Hainan amid novel coronavirus pandemic
The novel coronavirus outbreak on Hainan is practically over: there have been no new cases in the counties and cities of the province for a month. 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 attractions. Despite the stable epidemiological situation, the authorities maintain tough sanitary control measures: across China, the number of infected people arriving from abroad is increasing every day.
The outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus was first registered at the end of 2019 in Central China and has already spread to more than 140 countries. The World Health Organization has recognized it as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-25--Putin proposes tax defferals for SMEs except VAT for six months

`` I consider it necessary to provide tax deferrals for all taxes for small and medium-sized businesses , with the exception of VAT , for the next 6 months .
In addition to such deferrals , a deferment on insurance contributions to social funds should be given to micro-enterprises , '' he said on Wednesday during his televised address to the.nation over coronavirus spread .
SMEs , as well as microenterprises , which find themselves in the most difficult situation , should receive loan deferments from banks for the next six months , Putin said .
`` As for bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microenterprises , which find themselves in a difficult situation , should receive loans deferments for the next 6 months , '' he said .
According to him , small and medium-sized enterprises now face objective difficulties - decline in orders and in revenue .
He noted that such companies need help to continue their activities , and therefore to keep their employees .
All the social benefits and allowances of individuals will be extended tacitly during coming six months , without submission of references , he said .
`` All the social allowances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renewed automatically during six coming months , without submission of any further references and visits to authorities , '' Putin said .

"I consider it necessary to provide tax deferrals for all taxes for small and medium-sized businesses, with the exception of VAT, for the next 6 months. In addition to such deferrals, a deferment on insurance contributions to social funds should be given to micro-enterprises," he said on Wednesday during his televised address to the.nation over coronavirus spread.
SMEs, as well as microenterprises, which find themselves in the most difficult situation, should receive loan deferments from banks for the next six months, Putin said .
"As for bank loans, small and medium-sized companies, microenterprises, which find themselves in a difficult situation, should receive loans deferments for the next 6 months," he said. According to him, small and medium-sized enterprises now face objective difficulties - decline in orders and in revenue. He noted that such companies need help to continue their activities, and therefore to keep their employees.
All the social benefits and allowances of individuals will be extended tacitly during coming six months, without submission of references, he said.
"All the social allowances and benefits due to citizens must be renewed automatically during six coming months, without submission of any further references and visits to authorities," Putin said.


tass--2020-03-25--Russian President suggests 13% tax on gains from individuals’ investments into securities

NOVO-OGAREVO , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a proposal in his televised address to the @ @ @ @ @ a 13-percent tax on interest gains from deposits and investments into securities amounting to more @ @ @ @ @ $ 12,600 ) .
`` I suggest introducing a tax on interest gain at the @ @ @ @ @ citizens , whose total amount of bank contributions or investments into debentures is over 1 @ @ @ @ @ ) .
That is , I reiterate , the individual income tax will apply only @ @ @ @ @ such investments and not to the deposit , '' he said .
The withholding tax @ @ @ @ @ individuals from deposits and investments into securities in many countries , Putin said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ that this measure will cover just about one percent of depositors .
At the same @ @ @ @ @ funds with Russian banks will remain lucrative and among having the highest yield globally , @ @ @ @ @ added .

NOVO-OGAREVO, March 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin made a proposal in his televised address to the nation on Wednesday to introduce a 13-percent tax on interest gains from deposits and investments into securities amounting to more than 1 million rubles ($12,600).
"I suggest introducing a tax on interest gain at the rate of 13% for citizens, whose total amount of bank contributions or investments into debentures is over 1 million rubles ($12,600). That is, I reiterate, the individual income tax will apply only to the interest received from such investments and not to the deposit," he said.
The withholding tax applies to interest gains of individuals from deposits and investments into securities in many countries, Putin said.
"I would like to stress that this measure will cover just about one percent of depositors. At the same time, conditions for depositing funds with Russian banks will remain lucrative and among having the highest yield globally," the head of state added.


tass--2020-03-25--Putin calls on Russians 'to stay home' due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 25 .
/TASS/ Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to show discipline and responsibility and `` to stay home '' due to the coronavirus pandemic during his address to the nation amid the COVID-19 outbreak .
`` All recommendations must be followed .
We need to protect ourselves and those close to us , '' the Russian leader said in an address to the nation .
`` Believe me , the safest thing right now is to stay home , '' he stressed .
He called on Russians to carefully follow all measures taken to combat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
`` I urge all citizens to carefully follow the recommendations of doctors and the government .
A lot depends on it right now , '' the Russian leader said .
Putin noted that this especially concerns the older generation and those suffering from chronic illnesses .
Vladimir Putin declared the next week to be an official holiday with pay due to the coronavirus .
`` Now it is extremely important to prevent the threat of the rapid spread of the disease , therefore , I declare the next week to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , days off will last from Saturday March 28 to Sunday April 5 , '' President Putin said in his address to Russian citizens on Wednesday .
Putin clarified : `` All vital services , including medical facilities , pharmacies , grocery stores , banking and financial accounting organizations , transportation as well as all authorities of all levels will continue working . ''
The leader warned Russians that the coronavirus pandemic should not be taken lightly .
`` The long weekend is provided to slow down the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country : let ’ s not act irresponsibly .
Please don ’ t take ‘ the leave it to chance ’ attitude that ‘ It won ’ t affect me.
’ It can affect everyone , '' he stressed .
According to him , in this case `` what is happening now in many Western countries — in Europe and overseas — can become our immediate future . ''
The situation with the coronavirus spread is severe globally , Putin said , adding that it puts at threat all economies around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation with the coronavirus pandemic is globally as the number of infected continues growing in many countries , and the whole international economy is exposed , '' he commented .
Russia is managing to contain the coronavirus spread but can not fence off the threat completely , the president stated .
`` Thanks to the measures taken , we are managing to contain as a whole the wide and rapid spread of the disease but we should understand together with you that Russia can not fence itself off from the threat simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he noted .
The president announced that the constitutional vote has to be postponed due to the coronavirus .

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/ Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to show discipline and responsibility and "to stay home" due to the coronavirus pandemic during his address to the nation amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
"All recommendations must be followed. We need to protect ourselves and those close to us," the Russian leader said in an address to the nation. "Believe me, the safest thing right now is to stay home," he stressed.
He called on Russians to carefully follow all measures taken to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). "I urge all citizens to carefully follow the recommendations of doctors and the government. A lot depends on it right now," the Russian leader said. Putin noted that this especially concerns the older generation and those suffering from chronic illnesses.
Vladimir Putin declared the next week to be an official holiday with pay due to the coronavirus. "Now it is extremely important to prevent the threat of the rapid spread of the disease, therefore, I declare the next week to be a public holiday with pay, that is, days off will last from Saturday March 28 to Sunday April 5," President Putin said in his address to Russian citizens on Wednesday.
Putin clarified: "All vital services, including medical facilities, pharmacies, grocery stores, banking and financial accounting organizations, transportation as well as all authorities of all levels will continue working."
The leader warned Russians that the coronavirus pandemic should not be taken lightly. "The long weekend is provided to slow down the spread of the virus. I appeal to all citizens of the country: let’s not act irresponsibly. Please don’t take ‘the leave it to chance’ attitude that ‘It won’t affect me.’ It can affect everyone," he stressed. According to him, in this case "what is happening now in many Western countries — in Europe and overseas — can become our immediate future."
The situation with the coronavirus spread is severe globally, Putin said, adding that it puts at threat all economies around the world. "We see how severe the situation with the coronavirus pandemic is globally as the number of infected continues growing in many countries, and the whole international economy is exposed," he commented.
Russia is managing to contain the coronavirus spread but cannot fence off the threat completely, the president stated. "Thanks to the measures taken, we are managing to contain as a whole the wide and rapid spread of the disease but we should understand together with you that Russia cannot fence itself off from the threat simply due to its geographical position," he noted.
The president announced that the constitutional vote has to be postponed due to the coronavirus.


tass--2020-03-25--Hainan sets up special committee to boost healthcare system

HAIKOU , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan created a special commission that will deal with the issues of improving the efficiency of the local healthcare system amid thenovel coronavirus pandemic in the world , according to the provincial administration .
According to the decision , the commission to assist the 'Healthy Hainan ' movement will consist of representatives of senior management of a number of departments and carry out activities in all cities and counties of the province .
The committee will be led by Deputy Governor Wang Lu .
`` The new body will work on drafting key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious mass diseases , will pay attention to education in the health sector , ensuring its development , '' the document reads .
According to the statement , the commission should adjust the goals and measures taken to increase the level of protection of the population in response to the risks of the spread of dangerous diseases .
The office of the new organization will be part of the island 's hygiene and health committee .
The novel coronavirus outbreak on Hainan is practically over : there have been no new cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a month .
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 attractions .
Despite the stable epidemiological situation , the authorities maintain tough sanitary control measures : across China , the number of infected people arriving from abroad is increasing every day .
The outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus was first registered at the end of 2019 in Central China and has already spread to more than 140 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as a pandemic .

HAIKOU, March 25. /TASS/. Hainan created a special commission that will deal with the issues of improving the efficiency of the local healthcare system amid thenovel coronavirus pandemic in the world, according to the provincial administration.
According to the decision, the commission to assist the 'Healthy Hainan' movement will consist of representatives of senior management of a number of departments and carry out activities in all cities and counties of the province. The committee will be led by Deputy Governor Wang Lu. "The new body will work on drafting key recommendations regarding the prevention and treatment of serious mass diseases, will pay attention to education in the health sector, ensuring its development," the document reads.
According to the statement, the commission should adjust the goals and measures taken to increase the level of protection of the population in response to the risks of the spread of dangerous diseases. The office of the new organization will be part of the island's hygiene and health committee.
Hainan amid novel coronavirus pandemic
The novel coronavirus outbreak on Hainan is practically over: there have been no new cases in the counties and cities of the province for a month. 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 attractions. Despite the stable epidemiological situation, the authorities maintain tough sanitary control measures: across China, the number of infected people arriving from abroad is increasing every day.
The outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus was first registered at the end of 2019 in Central China and has already spread to more than 140 countries. The World Health Organization has recognized it as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-25--Russia’s defense chief briefs senators on Tsirkon hypersonic missile tests

`` The flight development tests of the Tsirkon sea-launched hypersonic missile are under way , '' the defense chief said at a plenary session in the upper house of Russia ’ s parliament .
Two sources in the domestic defense industry earlier told TASS that Russia would speed up the test launches of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the seaborne delivery vehicles .
As the sources specified , the test-launches of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from Yasen-class submarines will begin already this year along with the continued series of test-firings from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov .
The first test-launches from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be carried out from the submarine Severodvinsk from the surface position , the sources said .
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019 , Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled .
As the Russian leader said , the Tsirkon is capable of developing a speed of Mach 9 and its striking range capability can exceed 1,000 km .
The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets .
Putin specified at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines , including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in November 2019 that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon missiles on the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov currently undergoing modernization and on the Project 949A multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk .
In December 2019 , Head of Russia ’ s United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov said that it would be possible to deploy Tsirkon hypersonic missiles on all Russian ships of new Projects .
The Project 22350 lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 135 meters long .
It carries Kalibr cruise missiles as its main armament .

"The flight development tests of the Tsirkon sea-launched hypersonic missile are under way," the defense chief said at a plenary session in the upper house of Russia’s parliament.
Two sources in the domestic defense industry earlier told TASS that Russia would speed up the test launches of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from the seaborne delivery vehicles.
As the sources specified, the test-launches of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from Yasen-class submarines will begin already this year along with the continued series of test-firings from the frigate Admiral Gorshkov.
The first test-launches from an underwater delivery vehicle are expected to be carried out from the submarine Severodvinsk from the surface position, the sources said.
Tsirkon hypersonic missile
In his State-of-the-Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in February 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the work on the Tsirkon hypersonic missile was proceeding as scheduled. As the Russian leader said, the Tsirkon is capable of developing a speed of Mach 9 and its striking range capability can exceed 1,000 km. The Russian leader also said that the Tsirkon could strike both naval and ground targets. Putin specified at the time that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon on serial-produced surface ships and submarines, including the warships built or under construction for Kalibr cruise missiles.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in November 2019 that there were plans to deploy Tsirkon missiles on the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov currently undergoing modernization and on the Project 949A multi-purpose nuclear-powered submarine Irkutsk. In December 2019, Head of Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation Alexei Rakhmanov said that it would be possible to deploy Tsirkon hypersonic missiles on all Russian ships of new Projects.
The Project 22350 lead frigate Admiral Gorshkov displaces 4,500 tonnes and is 135 meters long. It carries Kalibr cruise missiles as its main armament.


tass--2020-03-25--Moscow authorities close entertainment venues due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Nightclubs , movie theaters , children ’ s playrooms and other entertainment venues will be closed in Moscow , the city ’ s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a decree published on the Moscow government ’ s website on Wednesday .
Sobyanin pointed out in his blog that as the coronavirus situation was getting more and more difficult , there was a need to minimize non-essential contacts between people .
About 1.9 mln elderly Muscovites , as well as those chronically ill , are obliged to self-isolate at home between March 26 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s libraries and other cultural facilities will also be temporarily closed .
At the same time , retail stores , banks and household services located in shopping malls will remain open .
However , the mayor also prohibited animators from working with kids at shopping malls and banned promotion campaigns .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reported in more than 150 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 410,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died .
Russia has identified 658 cases , 29 patients have recovered .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country ’ s people informed about the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. Nightclubs, movie theaters, children’s playrooms and other entertainment venues will be closed in Moscow, the city’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said in a decree published on the Moscow government’s website on Wednesday.
Sobyanin pointed out in his blog that as the coronavirus situation was getting more and more difficult, there was a need to minimize non-essential contacts between people. About 1.9 mln elderly Muscovites, as well as those chronically ill, are obliged to self-isolate at home between March 26 and April 14.
In addition, the city’s libraries and other cultural facilities will also be temporarily closed.
At the same time, retail stores, banks and household services located in shopping malls will remain open. However, the mayor also prohibited animators from working with kids at shopping malls and banned promotion campaigns.
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 150 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 410,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died. Russia has identified 658 cases, 29 patients have recovered. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-25--Coronavirus will not comptetely halt Russian tourism industry, says expert

`` The whole industry can not die .
It is clear that it will come out of this crisis greatly changed , there will be fewer companies .
They will not go bankrupt in the alarmist context that usually accompanies this concept - thousands of dissatisfied tourists , problems with export and import - some companies will just simly leave the market , and not only because there are certain difficulties with profitability , but also because the have accumulated a certain fatigue .
According to our estimates , about 30 % will leave the market by summer , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
/TASS/ .
The difficulties encountered by tour operators and travel agencies due to the situation with coronavirus will not lead to a complete halt in the tourism industry , but some companies will leave the market , Executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia ( ATOR ) Maya Lomidze said at a press conference on Wednesday .
Accorrding to Lomidze , small and medium-sized companies are now in the most difficult situation .
Large companies will survive the situation , she believes , since they have a larger `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer .
`` They will just become stronger .
The market has been mobilized and is not going to curtail - this applies , first of all , to large companies , '' she said .
At the same time , she noted that internatioanl tourism in Russia will receive 25 bln rubles ( $ 321.52 mln ) of losses , domestic - 12 bln rubles ( $ 154.33 mln ) , if most of the tourist destinations do not open before September .
`` According to our estimates , international tourism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic tourism - about 12 bln rubles if the current situation persists , '' she said .
According to Lomidze , the most effective decision for the industry from the package of measures proposed by the Russian government to support industries affected by the spread of coronavirus in Russia and the world , may be cancelling contributions to a reserve fund .
By law , tour operators must pay 0.1 % of the turnover for the previous year .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 150 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 410,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died .
Russia has identified 658 cases , 29 patients have recovered .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus situation .

"The whole industry cannot die. It is clear that it will come out of this crisis greatly changed, there will be fewer companies. They will not go bankrupt in the alarmist context that usually accompanies this concept - thousands of dissatisfied tourists, problems with export and import - some companies will just simly leave the market, and not only because there are certain difficulties with profitability, but also because the have accumulated a certain fatigue. According to our estimates, about 30% will leave the market by summer," she said.
MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. The difficulties encountered by tour operators and travel agencies due to the situation with coronavirus will not lead to a complete halt in the tourism industry, but some companies will leave the market, Executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) Maya Lomidze said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Accorrding to Lomidze, small and medium-sized companies are now in the most difficult situation. Large companies will survive the situation, she believes, since they have a larger "safety net", had more directions to offer. "They will just become stronger. The market has been mobilized and is not going to curtail - this applies, first of all, to large companies," she said.
At the same time, she noted that internatioanl tourism in Russia will receive 25 bln rubles ($321.52 mln) of losses, domestic - 12 bln rubles ($154.33 mln), if most of the tourist destinations do not open before September. "According to our estimates, international tourism will lose about 25 bln rubles, domestic tourism - about 12 bln rubles if the current situation persists," she said.
According to Lomidze, the most effective decision for the industry from the package of measures proposed by the Russian government to support industries affected by the spread of coronavirus in Russia and the world, may be cancelling contributions to a reserve fund. By law, tour operators must pay 0.1% of the turnover for the previous year.
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 150 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 410,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died. Russia has identified 658 cases, 29 patients have recovered. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-25--Man sentenced to 14 years behind bars in Moscow for IS financing

MOSCOW , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow ’ s second Western district military court has sentenced a Russian national @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic State ( IS , terrorist organization outlawed in Russia ) to 14 years @ @ @ @ @ service of the Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) directorate for Moscow and the @ @ @ @ @ `` The second Western district military court of Moscow has sentenced Kamalov I. D. to @ @ @ @ @ finding him guilty of committing crimes under Article 205.5 Part 2 of the Russian Criminal @ @ @ @ @ activity of an organization deemed terrorist in accordance with the Russian law ) and Article @ @ @ @ @ terrorist activity ) of the Russian Criminal Code , '' the directorate informed .
The @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Forming part of a terrorist cell , Kamalov collected , cashed out and @ @ @ @ @ the IS to the tune of over 700,000 rubles ( approximately $ 9,000 - TASS @ @ @ @ @ informed .

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. Moscow’s second Western district military court has sentenced a Russian national involved in the financing of the Islamic State (IS, terrorist organization outlawed in Russia) to 14 years behind bars, the press service of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) directorate for Moscow and the Moscow Region informed TASS.
"The second Western district military court of Moscow has sentenced Kamalov I. D. to 14 years behind bars, finding him guilty of committing crimes under Article 205.5 Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code (participating in the activity of an organization deemed terrorist in accordance with the Russian law) and Article 205.1 Part 1.1 (Facilitating terrorist activity) of the Russian Criminal Code," the directorate informed.
The ruling is now in force.
"Forming part of a terrorist cell, Kamalov collected, cashed out and transferred money to members of the IS to the tune of over 700,000 rubles (approximately $9,000 - TASS)," the FSB informed.


tass--2020-03-25--Volvo Trucks to suspend production in Kaluga from April 13 due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
The Kaluga-based Volvo truck plant will suspend operations from April 13 to 30 @ @ @ @ @ adverse epidemiological situation related to the coronavirus spread , Volvo Trucks says in a statement @ @ @ @ @ into consideration the adverse epidemiological situation with the novel coronavirus infection ( COVID-19 ) spread @ @ @ @ @ employees healthy and observe restrictive measures recommended by the Russian government , the management of @ @ @ @ @ to temporarily suspend operation of the Volvo truck plant in Kaluga from April 13 to @ @ @ @ @ the company says .

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. The Kaluga-based Volvo truck plant will suspend operations from April 13 to 30 on the back of the adverse epidemiological situation related to the coronavirus spread, Volvo Trucks says in a statement on Wednesday.
"Taking into consideration the adverse epidemiological situation with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spread, the need to keep employees healthy and observe restrictive measures recommended by the Russian government, the management of Volvo Group made a decision to temporarily suspend operation of the Volvo truck plant in Kaluga from April 13 to 30, 2020," the company says.


tass--2020-03-25--Russian, Kyrgyz PMs discuss delivery of COVID-19 test kits to Kyrgyzstan

MOSCOW , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Kyrgyz colleague Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev have discussed the measures taken to fight the coronavirus , including humanitarian deliveries of COVID-19 test systems to Kyrgyzstan , the Russian government informed on Wednesday .
`` The heads of government have discussed the measures taken to combat the novel coronavirus infection , namely humanitarian deliveries of test systems and reagents to Kyrgyzstan to diagnose the virus , '' the message published on the outcomes of the phone call between Mishustin and Abylgaziev informs .
On March 23 , the Kyrgyz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several batches of COVID-19 test systems ( in total , over 17,000 test kits ) to Kyrgyzstan .
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 190 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic .
As of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died .
Russia has identified 658 cases , 29 patients have recovered .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country ’ s people informed about the coronavirus situation .

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Kyrgyz colleague Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev have discussed the measures taken to fight the coronavirus, including humanitarian deliveries of COVID-19 test systems to Kyrgyzstan, the Russian government informed on Wednesday.
"The heads of government have discussed the measures taken to combat the novel coronavirus infection, namely humanitarian deliveries of test systems and reagents to Kyrgyzstan to diagnose the virus," the message published on the outcomes of the phone call between Mishustin and Abylgaziev informs.
On March 23, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry informed that Russia had delivered several batches of COVID-19 test systems (in total, over 17,000 test kits) to Kyrgyzstan.
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 190 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic. As of now, over 410,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died. Russia has identified 658 cases, 29 patients have recovered. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-25--Ukraine plans to declare national emergency for 30 days due to COVID-19

`` The government will consider declaring a national emergency on the entire territory of the country for 30 days .
All quarantine measures will be prolonged for 30 days , '' he said during a government session .
KIEV , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Ukraine plans to introduce a national emergency in the country for 30 days due to the situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal stated on Wednesday .
So far , a state of emergency has been introduced in Kiev and several other Ukrainian regions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Ukrainian Health Ministry , as of March 25 , there are 113 documented cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine .
Four people have died .
Quarantine has been introduced in the country from March 17 to April 3 .
Shopping centers , cafes , restaurants , gyms and other entertainment facilities have been shut .
International and domestic transport service in Ukraine has been suspended .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus - named COVID-19 by the WHO - have been reported in more than 150 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 410,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died .
Russia has identified 658 cases , 29 patients have recovered .
The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country ’ s people informed about the coronavirus situation .

"The government will consider declaring a national emergency on the entire territory of the country for 30 days. All quarantine measures will be prolonged for 30 days," he said during a government session.
KIEV, March 25. /TASS/. Ukraine plans to introduce a national emergency in the country for 30 days due to the situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal stated on Wednesday.
So far, a state of emergency has been introduced in Kiev and several other Ukrainian regions.
According to the Center for Public Health of the Ukrainian Health Ministry, as of March 25, there are 113 documented cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine. Four people have died. Quarantine has been introduced in the country from March 17 to April 3. Shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, gyms and other entertainment facilities have been shut. International and domestic transport service in Ukraine has been suspended.
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 150 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 410,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 18,000 have died. Russia has identified 658 cases, 29 patients have recovered. The Russian government has launched an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-25--Lynn Shotwell Joins Worldwide ERC® as President & Chief Executive Officer

ARLINGTON , Virginia , March 25 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide ERC® , the premier trade association for talent management and global mobility knowledge and innovation , today announced that Lynn Shotwell , GMS , SHRM-SCP , will join the organization as its new President & CEO on March 30 .
As an accomplished association executive , Shotwell brings a track record of successfully leading global workforce and talent mobility organizations to her new role .
With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of migration , economics and human capital , Shotwell will drive innovation for Worldwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encountering challenges and opportunities in today 's global economy .
`` The leadership team , board of directors and I are thrilled to work with an executive and proven CEO of Lynn 's caliber and have complete confidence in her ability to drive our organization forward in a rapidly changing environment , '' said Ed Hannibal , GMS , chairman of the board at Worldwide ERC® .
`` Talent , mobility and duty of care strategies are more important now than ever .
We look forward to working closely with Lynn to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tools and knowledge needed for success . ''
Shotwell takes on the role three months after the departure of the former President & CEO .
Shotwell accepted her new position following comprehensive efforts to identify the ideal candidate , which was led by prestigious executive search firm James & Co. '' I step into this role with a singular focus : to ensure our members have the resources they need to support the communities they serve , '' said Shotwell .
`` Now is the time for us all to pull together and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an industry with a long of history of supporting people in the workplace — no matter where they are or where they work .
You can be sure Worldwide ERC® and its members will be doing our part to aid in the global response to COVID-19 . ''
Prior to joining Worldwide ERC® , Shotwell served as senior vice president and head , Global Outreach and Operations for the Society for Human Resource Management ( SHRM ) , the world 's largest HR professional society .
In that role , Shotwell served as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Global Forum on Migration and Development and the Board of Trustees of World Education Services , drawing on her more than two decades of experience helping top organizations create global workforces .
Earlier in her career , Shotwell served as Executive Director at the Council for Global Immigration ( CFGI ) /American Council on International Personnel ( ACIP ) , where she drove significant growth and led the organization 's merger with SHRM in 2018 .
Shotwell has also provided mobility policy expertise as a lecturer and media spokesperson and has testified before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the World Trade Organization .
Find out how Worldwide ERC® is shaping the future of a dynamic , innovative and growing mobility community at www.worldwideerc.org .
Worldwide ERC® is a global organization committed to connecting and educating workforce mobility professionals across the globe since 1964 .
Headquartered in Washington , D.C. , with offices in London and Shanghai , Worldwide ERC® is the source of global mobility knowledge and innovation in talent management from Europe , the Middle East and Africa , to Asia and across the Americas .
For additional information @ @ @ @

ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide ERC®, the premier trade association for talent management and global mobility knowledge and innovation, today announced that Lynn Shotwell, GMS, SHRM-SCP, will join the organization as its new President & CEO on March 30. As an accomplished association executive, Shotwell brings a track record of successfully leading global workforce and talent mobility organizations to her new role. With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of migration, economics and human capital, Shotwell will drive innovation for Worldwide ERC® as the organization supports mobility professionals encountering challenges and opportunities in today's global economy.
"The leadership team, board of directors and I are thrilled to work with an executive and proven CEO of Lynn's caliber and have complete confidence in her ability to drive our organization forward in a rapidly changing environment," said Ed Hannibal, GMS, chairman of the board at Worldwide ERC®. "Talent, mobility and duty of care strategies are more important now than ever. We look forward to working closely with Lynn to continue supporting our members and partners with the tools and knowledge needed for success."
Shotwell takes on the role three months after the departure of the former President & CEO. Shotwell accepted her new position following comprehensive efforts to identify the ideal candidate, which was led by prestigious executive search firm James & Co.
"I step into this role with a singular focus: to ensure our members have the resources they need to support the communities they serve," said Shotwell. "Now is the time for us all to pull together and confront this global challenge. Ours is an industry with a long of history of supporting people in the workplace — no matter where they are or where they work. You can be sure Worldwide ERC® and its members will be doing our part to aid in the global response to COVID-19."
Prior to joining Worldwide ERC®, Shotwell served as senior vice president and head, Global Outreach and Operations for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest HR professional society. In that role, Shotwell served as co-chair of the Business Mechanism of the Global Forum on Migration and Development and the Board of Trustees of World Education Services, drawing on her more than two decades of experience helping top organizations create global workforces.
Earlier in her career, Shotwell served as Executive Director at the Council for Global Immigration (CFGI)/American Council on International Personnel (ACIP), where she drove significant growth and led the organization's merger with SHRM in 2018. Shotwell has also provided mobility policy expertise as a lecturer and media spokesperson and has testified before the U.S. Congress, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
Find out how Worldwide ERC® is shaping the future of a dynamic, innovative and growing mobility community at www.worldwideerc.org.
About Worldwide ERC®
Worldwide ERC® is a global organization committed to connecting and educating workforce mobility professionals across the globe since 1964. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in London and Shanghai, Worldwide ERC® is the source of global mobility knowledge and innovation in talent management from Europe, the Middle East and Africa, to Asia and across the Americas. For additional information, visit www.worldwideerc.org.
PR CONTACT:
Pam Anderson
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tass--2020-03-25--Putin still plans to take part in G20 emergency summit — Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin still plans to participate in an emergency G20 leaders @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus on Thursday , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` The president ’ @ @ @ @ @ conference , a virtual G20 summit , initiated by Saudi Arabia that is currently presiding @ @ @ @ @ he pointed out .
When asked how the summit would be organized from the technical @ @ @ @ @ Putin would participate in the video conference from the Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg .
@ @ @ @ @ in front of a screen in one of the palace ’ s halls , there @ @ @ @ @ , and he will see his colleagues on the screen , '' the Kremlin spokesman @ @ @ @ @ aspects were under consideration .
According to Peskov , if the summit ’ s participants @ @ @ @ @ a declaration , the Kremlin will make an announcement .

MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin still plans to participate in an emergency G20 leaders’ video conference on the coronavirus on Thursday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"The president’s agenda includes a video conference, a virtual G20 summit, initiated by Saudi Arabia that is currently presiding over the group," he pointed out.
When asked how the summit would be organized from the technical standpoint, Peskov explained that Putin would participate in the video conference from the Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg. "The president will sit in front of a screen in one of the palace’s halls, there will also be a camera, and he will see his colleagues on the screen," the Kremlin spokesman said, adding that technical aspects were under consideration.
According to Peskov, if the summit’s participants adopt a joint statement or a declaration, the Kremlin will make an announcement.


tass--2020-03-25--Russia to speed up testing of hypersonic missile Tsirkon

Launches from submarines will begin in 2020 to proceed in parallel with launches from the frigate The Admiral Gorshkov , according to TASS sources MOSCOW , March 25 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will speed up test launches of the hypersonic missile Tsirkon from naval ships : launches from submarines will begin in 2020 to proceed in parallel with launches from the frigate The Admiral Gorshkov , two sources in the defense-industrial complex have said .
`` The schedule of the hypersonic missile ’ s test launches from naval ships will be tightened .
The Yasen submarines will begin firing drills @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of launches from The Admiral Gorshkov , '' a source said .
Another source confirmed this saying that `` the missile ’ s first tests will be carried out from the submarine The Severodvinsk .
First , the submarine will launch the Tsirkon in the surface position .
Neither source mentioned any dates .
The NPO Mashinostroyenia company ( affiliated with the Tactical Missile Corporation ) , which reportedly designed the Tsirkon missile , has refrained from comment .
For the first time the Tsirkon was used from a ship at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other sources , at the end of December 2019 ) .
The Admiral Gorshkov launched the missile from the Barents Sea at a target on the coast 500 kilometers away .
The frigate is expected to make another 3-4 launches of the Tsirkon by the end of this year .
The Northern Fleet ’ s commander , Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev told the Russian daily Krasnaya Zvezda in an interview that the Northern Fleet ’ s submarines would conduct firing drills using hypersonic missiles soon .
The plans for creating a hypersonic shipborne missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 by then Deputy Defense Minister Vladimir Popovkin .
The missile ’ s flight tests began in 2015 .
According to a TASS source , more than ten launches had been carried out by the end of 2018 .
In his message to the Federal Assembly in February 2019 Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Tsirkon missile was capable of flying at a speed of Mach 9 and hitting surface targets on the sea and on the ground 1,000 kilometers away .
The Tsirkon is fired with the universal shipborne launcher 3S-14 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ project 22350 , corvettes of project 20380 and multirole submarines Yasen .

Launches from submarines will begin in 2020 to proceed in parallel with launches from the frigate The Admiral Gorshkov, according to TASS sources
MOSCOW, March 25. /TASS/. Russia will speed up test launches of the hypersonic missile Tsirkon from naval ships: launches from submarines will begin in 2020 to proceed in parallel with launches from the frigate The Admiral Gorshkov, two sources in the defense-industrial complex have said. "The schedule of the hypersonic missile’s test launches from naval ships will be tightened. The Yasen submarines will begin firing drills this year, alongside the continuing series of launches from The Admiral Gorshkov," a source said.
Read also Russia’s Northern Fleet submariners to test fire Tsirkon hypersonic missiles
Another source confirmed this saying that "the missile’s first tests will be carried out from the submarine The Severodvinsk. First, the submarine will launch the Tsirkon in the surface position. Neither source mentioned any dates. The NPO Mashinostroyenia company (affiliated with the Tactical Missile Corporation), which reportedly designed the Tsirkon missile, has refrained from comment. For the first time the Tsirkon was used from a ship at the beginning of January this year (according to other sources, at the end of December 2019). The Admiral Gorshkov launched the missile from the Barents Sea at a target on the coast 500 kilometers away. The frigate is expected to make another 3-4 launches of the Tsirkon by the end of this year. The Northern Fleet’s commander, Vice-Admiral Alexander Moiseyev told the Russian daily Krasnaya Zvezda in an interview that the Northern Fleet’s submarines would conduct firing drills using hypersonic missiles soon. Tsirkon


tass--2020-03-26--Russia testing self-propelled launcher for advanced anti-missile defense system

`` A modern mobile system has been created for the Aerospace Force as part of the Nudol R & D work .
The 14P222 self-propelled launcher has been developed and is undergoing trials .
For the first time in the domestic machine-building industry , the task of creating an electric hydraulic drive with the installation of a transporter and launcher container with a high degree of vertical accuracy for air and missile defense systems has been solved , '' the chief executive said .
MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is testing the 14P222 self-propelled launcher developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer ) for the Nudol anti-missile and anti-satellite defense system , Design Bureau CEO Vladimir Dolbenkov said in an interview with the National Defense magazine on Thursday .
The enterprise ’ s specialists have also developed the launching automation equipment for the self-propelled launcher and the transporter for its operation and maintenance , he added .
The Nudol is an advanced anti-missile defense system developed by Almaz-Antey Group .
According to the data of open sources , the long-range interception system is outfitted with new missile interceptors .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system has anti-satellite capabilities .
Editor-in-Chief of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine Viktor Murakhovsky told TASS in May 2019 that the Nudol was a mobile anti-missile defense system designed to strike hypersonic targets , such as intercontinental ballistic missile warheads .
As the editor-in-chief said , Russia ’ s vast territory can not be shielded from one position only and that is why the Nudol mobile system under development can move and deploy in positioning districts in the areas , from which a threat may come .
The daily Izvestia wrote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had received from Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , that the top brass would upgrade the Moscow anti-ballistic missile defense system before the end of 2018 , arming it with 53T6M Nudol super-fast and super-maneuverable missile interceptors with their deployment in the Moscow Region .
As Russia ’ s Defense Ministry told the daily Izvestia , the 53T6M missiles that will be put on experimental combat duty are designated for anti-missile and anti-satellite defense of both Moscow and the Central Industrial District .

"A modern mobile system has been created for the Aerospace Force as part of the Nudol R&D work. The 14P222 self-propelled launcher has been developed and is undergoing trials. For the first time in the domestic machine-building industry, the task of creating an electric hydraulic drive with the installation of a transporter and launcher container with a high degree of vertical accuracy for air and missile defense systems has been solved," the chief executive said.
MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. Russia is testing the 14P222 self-propelled launcher developed by the Design Bureau of Special Machine-Building (part of Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer) for the Nudol anti-missile and anti-satellite defense system, Design Bureau CEO Vladimir Dolbenkov said in an interview with the National Defense magazine on Thursday.
The enterprise’s specialists have also developed the launching automation equipment for the self-propelled launcher and the transporter for its operation and maintenance, he added.
The Nudol is an advanced anti-missile defense system developed by Almaz-Antey Group. According to the data of open sources, the long-range interception system is outfitted with new missile interceptors. As the US intelligence community believes, the system has anti-satellite capabilities.
Editor-in-Chief of the Arsenal of the Fatherland magazine Viktor Murakhovsky told TASS in May 2019 that the Nudol was a mobile anti-missile defense system designed to strike hypersonic targets, such as intercontinental ballistic missile warheads.
As the editor-in-chief said, Russia’s vast territory cannot be shielded from one position only and that is why the Nudol mobile system under development can move and deploy in positioning districts in the areas, from which a threat may come.
The daily Izvestia wrote in February 2018, citing the data it had received from Russia’s Defense Ministry, that the top brass would upgrade the Moscow anti-ballistic missile defense system before the end of 2018, arming it with 53T6M Nudol super-fast and super-maneuverable missile interceptors with their deployment in the Moscow Region.
As Russia’s Defense Ministry told the daily Izvestia, the 53T6M missiles that will be put on experimental combat duty are designated for anti-missile and anti-satellite defense of both Moscow and the Central Industrial District.


tass--2020-03-26--No need to impose lockdown in Russia, WHO official says

`` If Moscow and the entire Russia prove to be capable of self-discipline , it would be much easer to get through this period , when the virus threatens us all regardless of lockdowns .
However , if the need arises , I am sure that this step will be taken , but I don ’ t think it is necessary at the moment .
I completely trust the national authorities and the Moscow authorities who… have the figures , which is important , '' she said in response to a question .
MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown in Moscow and other Russian cities due to the coronavirus , the World Health Organization 's representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told the Future of Russia .
National Projects web portal operated by TASS .
According to Vujnovic , there are successful examples of ensuring social distancing without imposing lockdown .
`` For instance , there is no lockdown in Singapore as self-isolation and efforts to trace the contacts of those infected turned out to be enough .
Besides , there is Japan and others , '' the WHO official pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 150 countries , including Russia .
The WHO on March 11 declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic .
As of now , over 457,000 people have been infected around the world and about 21,000 have died .
Russia has identified 840 coronavirus cases so far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died .
The Russian government has set up an Internet hotline to keep the country ’ s people informed about the coronavirus situation .

"If Moscow and the entire Russia prove to be capable of self-discipline, it would be much easer to get through this period, when the virus threatens us all regardless of lockdowns. However, if the need arises, I am sure that this step will be taken, but I don’t think it is necessary at the moment. I completely trust the national authorities and the Moscow authorities who… have the figures, which is important," she said in response to a question.
MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. There is currently no need to impose lockdown in Moscow and other Russian cities due to the coronavirus, the World Health Organization's representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic told the Future of Russia. National Projects web portal operated by TASS.
According to Vujnovic, there are successful examples of ensuring social distancing without imposing lockdown. "For instance, there is no lockdown in Singapore as self-isolation and efforts to trace the contacts of those infected turned out to be enough. Besides, there is Japan and others," the WHO official 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 150 countries, including Russia.
The WHO on March 11 declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. As of now, over 457,000 people have been infected around the world and about 21,000 have died.
Russia has identified 840 coronavirus cases so far, 38 patients have recovered and two have died. The Russian government has set up an Internet hotline to keep the country’s people informed about the coronavirus situation.


tass--2020-03-26--Russia has enough funds to support those who may be affected by coronavirus, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
The state has enough funds to support those who may be affected by the coronavirus spread , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday when asked whether the state would have enough funds to support the affected citizens and sectors of economy without measures initiated by President Vladimir Putin to introduce more taxes on income from holdings and investment .
`` The state has enough funds and possibilities , both financial and technical , to support those who may be affected , both persons and legal entities , '' he said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restore the balance of fairness in the economic field in such moments ( the period of the coronavirus-related difficulties - TASS ) , and it is the first step in that direction . ''
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
According to the latest figures provided by the World Health Organization , more than 457,000 people worldwide have got infected and over 21,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection cases have been registered , 38 patients have recovered , two have died .

MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. The state has enough funds to support those who may be affected by the coronavirus spread, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday when asked whether the state would have enough funds to support the affected citizens and sectors of economy without measures initiated by President Vladimir Putin to introduce more taxes on income from holdings and investment.
"The state has enough funds and possibilities, both financial and technical, to support those who may be affected, both persons and legal entities," he said, adding that "it is important to restore the balance of fairness in the economic field in such moments (the period of the coronavirus-related difficulties - TASS), and it is the first step in that direction."
The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that occurred in late 2019 in Central China has spread to over 150 countries and territories and has been recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the latest figures provided by the World Health Organization, more than 457,000 people worldwide have got infected and over 21,000 have died. In Russia, 840 infection cases have been registered, 38 patients have recovered, two have died.


tass--2020-03-26--Kremlin spokesman calls tax on interest on deposits of over $12,772 restoration of justice

MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
Introducing tax on interest on deposits exceeding 1 mln rubles ( $ 12,772 ) is restoration of justice , Russian presidential spokesman , Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
He recalled that so far , interest on deposits has not been taxed , which , according to him , is unfair .
`` Given the assistance programs that have already been announced and which will be announced for business , for those who face a difficult life situation , and so on , the president considered it necessary to restore this justice and tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Peskov said .
He noted that the number of deposit holders in the amount of over 1 mln rubles ( $ 12,772 ) is estimated at several percent .
`` And they received interest from their deposits , which , by the way , still , despite all the crisis manifestations in Russia , are very attractive for ruble deposits — much more attractive than negative rates , which are already present in European banks , '' he said .
The initiative will affect less than 10 % of depositors , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the information that such deposits amount to more than 50 % in Russian banks false .
`` In any case , it is less than 10 % , '' Peskov stated , noting that he would not name a specific share .

MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. Introducing tax on interest on deposits exceeding 1 mln rubles ($12,772) is restoration of justice, Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
He recalled that so far, interest on deposits has not been taxed, which, according to him, is unfair. "Given the assistance programs that have already been announced and which will be announced for business, for those who face a difficult life situation, and so on, the president considered it necessary to restore this justice and tax these bank dividends at 13%," Peskov said.
He noted that the number of deposit holders in the amount of over 1 mln rubles ($12,772) is estimated at several percent. "And they received interest from their deposits, which, by the way, still, despite all the crisis manifestations in Russia, are very attractive for ruble deposits — much more attractive than negative rates, which are already present in European banks," he said.
The initiative will affect less than 10% of depositors, the presidential press secretary stressed. He called the information that such deposits amount to more than 50% in Russian banks false. "In any case, it is less than 10%," Peskov stated, noting that he would not name a specific share.


tass--2020-03-26--Russia’s latest S-500 anti-aircraft missile system at final stage of trials

`` In the interests of air and missile defense troops , the enterprise ’ s specialists have developed equipment units for the Triumphant-M next-generation mobile anti-aircraft missile system .
As part of this effort , they have developed and are completing the trials of units for the surface-to-air missile system : the launcher , the elements of the multi-functional locator and the missile defense locator , the equipped chassis for the combat control post and transporters for the long-range radar system , '' he said .
MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
The integral parts of Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the final stage of their trials , CEO of the Design Bureau of Special Machine-Building ( part of Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer ) Vladimir Dolbenkov said in an interview with the National Defense magazine on Thursday .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an article published in the corporate magazine Radio-Electronic Technologies of the KRET Group in February that military specialists had held the trials of the world ’ s unrivaled surface-to-air missiles for the latest S-500 air defense system last year .
The deputy defense minister said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krasnaya Zvezda in December 2019 that the preliminary tests of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system would begin in 2020 and the commencement of its serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025 .
Russia is developing the S-500 with a view of its operation in the next 25 years .
As the Western media reported , the new Russian missile system struck the target at a range of 481.2 km or 80 km more compared to any existing missile system .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that the deliveries of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 .
Russia has been training specialists to learn to operate the new system at the Military Academy of the Aerospace Force in Tver since 2017 .

"In the interests of air and missile defense troops, the enterprise’s specialists have developed equipment units for the Triumphant-M next-generation mobile anti-aircraft missile system. As part of this effort, they have developed and are completing the trials of units for the surface-to-air missile system: the launcher, the elements of the multi-functional locator and the missile defense locator, the equipped chassis for the combat control post and transporters for the long-range radar system," he said.
MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. The integral parts of Russia’s next-generation S-500 Triumphant-M anti-aircraft missile system are at the final stage of their trials, CEO of the Design Bureau of Special Machine-Building (part of Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer) Vladimir Dolbenkov said in an interview with the National Defense magazine on Thursday.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko said in an article published in the corporate magazine Radio-Electronic Technologies of the KRET Group in February that military specialists had held the trials of the world’s unrivaled surface-to-air missiles for the latest S-500 air defense system last year.
The deputy defense minister said in an interview with the Defense Ministry’s newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda in December 2019 that the preliminary tests of the S-500 anti-aircraft missile system would begin in 2020 and the commencement of its serial deliveries to the troops was scheduled for 2025.
Russia is developing the S-500 with a view of its operation in the next 25 years. As the Western media reported, the new Russian missile system struck the target at a range of 481.2 km or 80 km more compared to any existing missile system.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu earlier said that the deliveries of the S-500 to the troops would begin in 2020. Russia has been training specialists to learn to operate the new system at the Military Academy of the Aerospace Force in Tver since 2017.


tass--2020-03-26--Question on domestic flights restrictions to be addressed to cabinet, says Kremlin

Russian government rules to suspend all flights to foreign countries MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
The question on @ @ @ @ @ be addressed to the cabinet , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday .
@ @ @ @ @ to the government , '' he said when asked a respective question .

Russian government rules to suspend all flights to foreign countries
MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. The question on possible domestic flights restrictions should be addressed to the cabinet, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
"It should be addressed to the government," he said when asked a respective question.


tass--2020-03-26--Putin’s visit to COVID-19 hospital in Moscow wasn’t staged, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the medical facility for COVID-19 patients in Moscow ’ s Kommunarka was not staged , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday when asked to comment on the rumors on social networks .
`` 99 % of what you see on social networks right now is probably nonsense , '' he said .
`` The chief physician [ of the hospital in Kommunarka Denis Protsenko ] did not even know that Putin would visit .
He saw Putin when he went out to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know that the president is coming there , '' Peskov said .
`` So it was not staged at all . ''
On Tuesday , Putin visited the hospital in Kommunarka , inspecting the hospital for COVID-19 patients .
He was given a tour of the hospital by the facility ’ s chief physician Denis Protsenko .
On Thursday , Moscow officials informed that the total number of those infected with COVID-19 in the Russian capital had reached 546 , rising by 136 in the past 24 hours .
Russia has identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died , 38 have recovered .
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 ( COVID-19 ) have been reported in more than 150 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic .
As of now , over 450,000 people have been infected around the world and more than @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the medical facility for COVID-19 patients in Moscow’s Kommunarka was not staged, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday when asked to comment on the rumors on social networks.
"99% of what you see on social networks right now is probably nonsense," he said. "The chief physician [of the hospital in Kommunarka Denis Protsenko] did not even know that Putin would visit. He saw Putin when he went out to meet [the delegation], he did not know that the president is coming there," Peskov said. "So it was not staged at all."
On Tuesday, Putin visited the hospital in Kommunarka, inspecting the hospital for COVID-19 patients. He was given a tour of the hospital by the facility’s chief physician Denis Protsenko.
On Thursday, Moscow officials informed that the total number of those infected with COVID-19 in the Russian capital had reached 546, rising by 136 in the past 24 hours. Russia has identified 840 cases of the virus, two people have died, 38 have recovered.
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 (COVID-19) have been reported in more than 150 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a global pandemic. As of now, over 450,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 21,000 have died.


tass--2020-03-26--G20 virtual summit to be closed to press, Kremlin to share only certain footage

MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
The virtual summit of G20 leaders on Thursday will be closed for press , the Kremlin will only share footage demonstrating how the event is technically organized , Kremlin spokesman , Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
According to him , the summit will begin at 15:00 ( Moscow time ) .
`` We will show you footage of its technical organization , but it [ summit ] will generally be inaccessible to press , '' he said .
Peskov underlined that Saudi Arabia , the organizer state chairing G20 this year , chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Kremlin press service said that on March 26 Putin would take part in the urgent G20 virtual summit focusing on fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its ramifications for the global economy .
On March 18 , the Saudi Press Agency reported that Riyadh is planning to convene an urgent virtual G20 summit this week to discuss the coronavirus outbreak .
Saudi Arabia is chairing the club this year , the traditional G20 summit is planned to be held in the country in November .
According to previous reports , the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summit .

MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. The virtual summit of G20 leaders on Thursday will be closed for press, the Kremlin will only share footage demonstrating how the event is technically organized, Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
According to him, the summit will begin at 15:00 (Moscow time). "We will show you footage of its technical organization, but it [summit] will generally be inaccessible to press," he said. Peskov underlined that Saudi Arabia, the organizer state chairing G20 this year, chose this format for the event.
Earlier, the Kremlin press service said that on March 26 Putin would take part in the urgent G20 virtual summit focusing on fighting the coronavirus pandemic and its ramifications for the global economy.
On March 18, the Saudi Press Agency reported that Riyadh is planning to convene an urgent virtual G20 summit this week to discuss the coronavirus outbreak. Saudi Arabia is chairing the club this year, the traditional G20 summit is planned to be held in the country in November. According to previous reports, the UN Secretary-General will take part in the virtual summit.


tass--2020-03-26--Russia’s cabinet releases list of foreigners cleared to enter Russia

MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian government has updated its list of foreigners who can enter Russia as an exception , the document was published on the cabinet ’ s official website .
It indicates that the entry ban into Russia will not be applied to officials of the Union State ’ s Standing Committee or members of their families .
Foreign personnel of the Intergovernmental Courier Service can also travel to the country .
The document specifies the conditions for granting entry to other foreign citizens and stateless persons .
Citizens of states that have international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entering Russia as diplomatic couriers or due to a close relative ’ s passing can cross the border if they present a valid ID and a copy of a death certificate as well as a document proving their degree of relationship with the deceased person .
Family members ( spouses , parents , children , adopted parents or children ) , guardians and caretakers of Russian citizens can also cross the border if they present relevant documents .
On March 16 , the Russian government restricted the entry of foreign nationals and stateless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. The Russian government has updated its list of foreigners who can enter Russia as an exception, the document was published on the cabinet’s official website.
It indicates that the entry ban into Russia will not be applied to officials of the Union State’s Standing Committee or members of their families. Foreign personnel of the Intergovernmental Courier Service can also travel to the country.
The document specifies the conditions for granting entry to other foreign citizens and stateless persons. Citizens of states that have international visa-free travel treaties with Russia in effect entering Russia as diplomatic couriers or due to a close relative’s passing can cross the border if they present a valid ID and a copy of a death certificate as well as a document proving their degree of relationship with the deceased person. Family members (spouses, parents, children, adopted parents or children), guardians and caretakers of Russian citizens can also cross the border if they present relevant documents.
On March 16, the Russian government restricted the entry of foreign nationals and stateless persons into the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.


tass--2020-03-26--Press review: Putin postpones vote on amendments and G20 to look into lifting sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on Wednesday to comment on the coronavirus situation in the country and outline measures to support the economy , Kommersant writes .
He also proposed to postpone the nationwide vote on the amendments to Russia ’ s Constitution , stressing that people ’ s health and safety remained the top priorities .
Although the president made no mention of the new date for the vote , the paper ’ s source close to the Kremlin stated that it had been put off until late May or early June , but the final decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Kommersant ’ s source close to the presidential administration , the COVID-19 epidemic and the panic-driven sentiment associated with it are unlikely to affect the authorities ’ approval ratings .
On the contrary , all that `` can contribute to the nation ’ s unity , '' he said .
However , the economic fallout from the pandemic could impact these ratings .
For his part , Director of the Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Research Dmitry Badovsky believes that the measures proposed by Putin , `` can counter the pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any potential intensification of the protest vote . ''
According to the expert , the fact that the decision to put off the vote was announced during the address to the nation indicates that the authorities wanted to quell public sentiment .
`` On the other hand , the administration has been given a clear priority , that is , to focus primarily on the fight against the epidemic . ''
Meanwhile , Konstantin Kostin , Chairman of the Civil Society Development Foundation , pointed out to the paper that the steps proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the immediate aftermath of the coronavirus and for `` cushioning future risks and creating the conditions for effective actions in the economy and social sphere at the next stage . ''
A few months down the road , once the epidemic is over , the entire world and Russia in particular will find themselves in a new reality , which will affect people ’ s social well-being and , possibly , political ratings , the expert added .
Izvestia : Russia ’ s economy may be headed downhill in 2020 The Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , Izvestia writes citing data provided by the Institute of International Finance in Washington , DC .
However , the economic downturn in Russia will not be as substantial as in the United States , the EU and most developing countries , where the plunge is expected to reach 4.7 % .
The fluctuating ruble exchange rate , the stability of the banking sector and a sizeable amount of resources will help Russia weather the crisis , the institute ’ s experts believe .
However , they do not rule out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will worsen .
Russia ’ s economy will not be able to avoid a recession and a slowdown , the paper quotes Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich as saying .
The driver of GDP growth , that is , consumer demand , will be under tremendous pressure , since quarantine measures and a decrease in production can push down Russians ’ real disposable incomes by 2-4 % .
If that is the case , the country ’ s GDP will drop 2.8 % by the end of the year , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can reach positive growth rates by the end of this year , because the government has all the necessary tools and reserves , Director of the Financial Policy Center at the Russian government ’ s Financial University Vadim Ponkratov explained .
Now it is essential to focus on the situational measures , which will require minimum costs and will be the most effective .
Once the pandemic situation clears up , more systemic anti-crisis levers can be used .
Much will depend on the pace of an economic recovery in developed countries and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sooner Russia will overcome the crisis , he concluded .
Nezavisimaya Gazeta : G20 to discuss possibility of lifting sanctions hindering fight against COVID-19 The G20 will hold an emergency summit initiated by Saudi Arabia on March 26 to discuss the novel coronavirus pandemic .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier urged G20 leaders to push for removing sanctions that impede the battle against the virus , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
According to the UN chief , that would demonstrate solidarity with the peoples that are the most vulnerable to the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor of easing sanctions at the summit .
The video conference will enable leaders who are currently in quarantine , including German Chancellor Angela Merkel , to take part in it .
Senior Researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of Oriental Studies Vladimir Sazhin suggested in an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta that , regardless of the G20 ’ s stance , the Trump administration will not take any drastic steps on the sanctions .
`` I believe that the United States will not lift the freeze on Iran ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] Trump is conducting his election campaign and , naturally , he will not resort to any drastic steps , which could embarrass his voters .
Besides , the removal of sanctions is out of sync with his notion of how Iran should be dealt with , '' the expert said .
If Washington does not get on board with the initiative to ease sanctions , no changes whatsoever in this area will be significant , since of all the international sanctions , the ones imposed by the US are usually the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on major armed conflicts across the globe The UN has called on countries to cease hostilities around the globe , lift sanctions and focus on the fight against today ’ s common enemy , the coronavirus pandemic .
Izvestia interviewed experts , who commented on the potential impact of the outbreak on efforts to resolve some major armed conflicts , in particular , in Ukraine , Libya and Syria .
News about the COVID-19 epidemic came at the beginning of this year , but that did not prevent the escalation in Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General of the Russian International Affairs Council Andrey Kortunov noted .
`` We can see now that the virus divides the world , '' he said .
So far , there has been no substantial reduction in the number of shelling attacks in Donbass , so , the epidemic has had no significant effect on the course of the conflict , Mikhail Pogrebinsky , Director of the Kiev Center for Political Studies and Conflictology , said referring to the hostilities in eastern Ukraine .
He noted though that people in Ukraine did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
`` Testing systems are expected to begin working soon , and then the influence of the virus on politics will be clear , '' he noted .
Due to their domestic problems , external players are ready to pay less attention to the conflict in Libya than before the pandemic , so their participation in both proxy wars and the peace process is declining , Head of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies of the Institute of Oriental Studies Vasily Kuznetsov explained to Izvestia .
`` Another important factor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parties have less resources to continue the conflict .
However , one can not say that this will result in a full-scale ceasefire , '' he said .
According to political commentators , the pandemic has had no effect on the state of affairs in Syria ’ s Idlib province , which has been the chief hotbed of tension in recent months .
`` The players — Turkey , Russia and Syria — will probably shift part of their attention to the situation inside their countries .
However , Ankara ’ s armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled by pro-Turkish groups and terrorists , '' Head of the Center for the Near and Middle East at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Vladimir Fitin said , adding that the pandemic is unlikely to result in long-term stabilization in the region .
The growing market for online trade and sales of essential goods stemming from excessive demand has compelled some market participants to look for warehouse premises , Kommersant writes .
Against this backdrop , their absorption rate in the Moscow Region grew by 60 % in the first quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Industrial and Warehouse Department at Knight Frank , explains that the growing demand for warehouses is ensured by retailers who are actively searching for premises or logistics operators .
`` Networks are trying to build up stocks of goods and simultaneously lock in the current procurement prices ahead of the expected surge in producer prices , '' he explained .
According to Egor Dorofeev of Cushman & Wakefield , many supplies are transporting slow-selling goods to external warehouses , freeing up storage space for high-demand items .
`` Demand by other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logistics and manufacturing companies , will grow as well , '' the paper quotes Vladislav Fadeev of JLL as saying .
In turn , Anton Alyabyev , Director of the Warehouse and Industrial Department at CBRE in Russia , pointed out that this trend was going to be short-term .
He expects a slowdown in market activity by the end of the year .
A similar forecast has been made by Svetlana Pronina , the Regional Operations Director at Colliers International , who assumed that the total transaction volume will reach 1.3 mln @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Kommersant: Putin postpones nationwide vote on constitutional amendments Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on Wednesday to comment on the coronavirus situation in the country and outline measures to support the economy, Kommersant writes. He also proposed to postpone the nationwide vote on the amendments to Russia’s Constitution, stressing that people’s health and safety remained the top priorities. Although the president made no mention of the new date for the vote, the paper’s source close to the Kremlin stated that it had been put off until late May or early June, but the final decision will depend on the epidemiological situation. According to Kommersant’s source close to the presidential administration, the COVID-19 epidemic and the panic-driven sentiment associated with it are unlikely to affect the authorities’ approval ratings. On the contrary, all that "can contribute to the nation’s unity," he said. However, the economic fallout from the pandemic could impact these ratings. For his part, Director of the Institute of Socio-Economic and Political Research Dmitry Badovsky believes that the measures proposed by Putin, "can counter the pressure on the authorities’ approval ratings and any potential intensification of the protest vote." According to the expert, the fact that the decision to put off the vote was announced during the address to the nation indicates that the authorities wanted to quell public sentiment. "On the other hand, the administration has been given a clear priority, that is, to focus primarily on the fight against the epidemic."
Read also Putin signs decree postponing constitutional amendments vote
Meanwhile, Konstantin Kostin, Chairman of the Civil Society Development Foundation, pointed out to the paper that the steps proposed by Putin were important both for dealing with the immediate aftermath of the coronavirus and for "cushioning future risks and creating the conditions for effective actions in the economy and social sphere at the next stage." A few months down the road, once the epidemic is over, the entire world and Russia in particular will find themselves in a new reality, which will affect people’s social well-being and, possibly, political ratings, the expert added. Izvestia: Russia’s economy may be headed downhill in 2020
The Russian economy could decline by 1.3% in 2020, Izvestia writes citing data provided by the Institute of International Finance in Washington, DC. However, the economic downturn in Russia will not be as substantial as in the United States, the EU and most developing countries, where the plunge is expected to reach 4.7%. The fluctuating ruble exchange rate, the stability of the banking sector and a sizeable amount of resources will help Russia weather the crisis, the institute’s experts believe. However, they do not rule out that the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic will worsen. Russia’s economy will not be able to avoid a recession and a slowdown, the paper quotes Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich as saying. The driver of GDP growth, that is, consumer demand, will be under tremendous pressure, since quarantine measures and a decrease in production can push down Russians’ real disposable incomes by 2-4%. If that is the case, the country’s GDP will drop 2.8% by the end of the year, he noted. Theoretically, the Russian economy can reach positive growth rates by the end of this year, because the government has all the necessary tools and reserves, Director of the Financial Policy Center at the Russian government’s Financial University Vadim Ponkratov explained. Now it is essential to focus on the situational measures, which will require minimum costs and will be the most effective. Once the pandemic situation clears up, more systemic anti-crisis levers can be used. Much will depend on the pace of an economic recovery in developed countries and China. The faster they recover, the sooner Russia will overcome the crisis, he concluded. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: G20 to discuss possibility of lifting sanctions hindering fight against COVID-19
Read also UN calls for easing of sanctions against Iran and other states affected by COVID-19
The G20 will hold an emergency summit initiated by Saudi Arabia on March 26 to discuss the novel coronavirus pandemic. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier urged G20 leaders to push for removing sanctions that impede the battle against the virus, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. According to the UN chief, that would demonstrate solidarity with the peoples that are the most vulnerable to the pandemic. Russia is likewise expected to speak in favor of easing sanctions at the summit. The video conference will enable leaders who are currently in quarantine, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to take part in it. Senior Researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oriental Studies Vladimir Sazhin suggested in an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta that, regardless of the G20’s stance, the Trump administration will not take any drastic steps on the sanctions. "I believe that the United States will not lift the freeze on Iran’s bank accounts. [US President Donald] Trump is conducting his election campaign and, naturally, he will not resort to any drastic steps, which could embarrass his voters. Besides, the removal of sanctions is out of sync with his notion of how Iran should be dealt with," the expert said. If Washington does not get on board with the initiative to ease sanctions, no changes whatsoever in this area will be significant, since of all the international sanctions, the ones imposed by the US are usually the most painful. Izvestia: COVID-19’s impact on major armed conflicts across the globe
Read also Kurds agree to ceasefire to fight coronavirus
The UN has called on countries to cease hostilities around the globe, lift sanctions and focus on the fight against today’s common enemy, the coronavirus pandemic. Izvestia interviewed experts, who commented on the potential impact of the outbreak on efforts to resolve some major armed conflicts, in particular, in Ukraine, Libya and Syria. News about the COVID-19 epidemic came at the beginning of this year, but that did not prevent the escalation in Syria or ceasefire violations in Libya, Director General of the Russian International Affairs Council Andrey Kortunov noted. "We can see now that the virus divides the world," he said. So far, there has been no substantial reduction in the number of shelling attacks in Donbass, so, the epidemic has had no significant effect on the course of the conflict, Mikhail Pogrebinsky, Director of the Kiev Center for Political Studies and Conflictology, said referring to the hostilities in eastern Ukraine. He noted though that people in Ukraine did not trust statistics about the number of infected people. "Testing systems are expected to begin working soon, and then the influence of the virus on politics will be clear," he noted. Due to their domestic problems, external players are ready to pay less attention to the conflict in Libya than before the pandemic, so their participation in both proxy wars and the peace process is declining, Head of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies of the Institute of Oriental Studies Vasily Kuznetsov explained to Izvestia. "Another important factor is the reduction of international trade. The parties have less resources to continue the conflict. However, one cannot say that this will result in a full-scale ceasefire," he said. According to political commentators, the pandemic has had no effect on the state of affairs in Syria’s Idlib province, which has been the chief hotbed of tension in recent months. "The players — Turkey, Russia and Syria — will probably shift part of their attention to the situation inside their countries. However, Ankara’s armed forces remain in the part of Idlib controlled by pro-Turkish groups and terrorists," Head of the Center for the Near and Middle East at the Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Vladimir Fitin said, adding that the pandemic is unlikely to result in long-term stabilization in the region. Kommersant: Russian retailers purchasing warehouse space
Read also All shops except grocery stores to be closed in Moscow until April 5


tass--2020-03-26--Nissan plans to suspend car production in St. Petersburg next week

`` We will most likely stop the plant next week , now the procedures necessary for this are underway , '' he said .
MOSCOW , March 26 .
/TASS/ .
Nissan plans to suspend production of cars at a plant in St. Petersburg as part of the announced paid week off , an official representative of the company told TASS .
Previously , the plant also announced transition to work in one shift for several months due to the difficult situation in the car market .
According to the Association of European Businesses ( AEB ) , sales of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 20 % to 65,000 vehicles .
In February 2020 , the company sold 5,700 vehicles , which is 7 % lower than last year 's results .
On March 25 , Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russians will have a paid week off due to the coronavirus pandemic , the extended public holiday will last from March 28 to April 5 .
`` Now it is of utmost importance to prevent the disease from spreading quickly , therefore , I declare that the next week will be a paid holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take place between March 28 and April 5 , '' he said addressing the nation .
The leader warned Russians that the coronavirus pandemic should not be taken lightly .
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019 .
More than 150 countries have been hit by this infection , which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 .
According to the latest data , over 457,000 people have contracted the virus , and more than 21,000 have died .
The number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 182 over the past 24 hours and currently amounts to 840 , coronavirus cases have been recorded in 56 regions .

"We will most likely stop the plant next week, now the procedures necessary for this are underway," he said.
MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. Nissan plans to suspend production of cars at a plant in St. Petersburg as part of the announced paid week off, an official representative of the company told TASS.
Previously, the plant also announced transition to work in one shift for several months due to the difficult situation in the car market.
According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), sales of Nissan cars in Russia in 2019 fell by 20% to 65,000 vehicles. In February 2020, the company sold 5,700 vehicles, which is 7% lower than last year's results.
On March 25, Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Russians will have a paid week off due to the coronavirus pandemic, the extended public holiday will last from March 28 to April 5. "Now it is of utmost importance to prevent the disease from spreading quickly, therefore, I declare that the next week will be a paid holiday. It means that the weekend will take place between March 28 and April 5," he said addressing the nation. The leader warned Russians that the coronavirus pandemic should not be taken lightly.
The coronavirus outbreak was recorded in central China in late December 2019. More than 150 countries have been hit by this infection, which was labeled as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. According to the latest data, over 457,000 people have contracted the virus, and more than 21,000 have died.
The number of novel coronavirus cases in Russia has grown by 182 over the past 24 hours and currently amounts to 840, coronavirus cases have been recorded in 56 regions.