tass--2020-01-13--Toshiba smart microwave with Amazon Alexa and Google Home introduced at CES 2020

LAS VEGAS , Jan. 13 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba has ushered in a new era of smart kitchen technology with its revolutionary smart microwave oven .
The microwave oven was unveiled at the Google and Amazon booths during CES 2020 in Las Vegas , Nevada , and marks a milestone for Toshiba in the application of IoT technology in the smart home .
The Toshiba smart microwave oven integrates state-of-the-art voice control technology to create a versatile kitchen assistant that meets everyone 's daily cooking needs .
With the ability to pair with Amazon Alexa or Google Home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using natural voice commands for the ultimate in convenience and hands-free navigation .
`` Smart homes are the latest technological trend , '' said Dr. Scott Sun from Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) , USA , Chief Technologist of Toshiba Microwave Oven Overseas .
`` Faced with the rise of the IoT and AI , we will stick to our innovation-driven approach and continue providing high-quality , safe products for households worldwide . ''
Toshiba 's latest microwave oven is equipped with a range of smart home features , designed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a compatible smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo , voice commands can be used to start , pause and stop re-heating , or specify cooking times .
Users deliver a command and the microwave will begin reheating , using the appropriate power and time settings .
The microwave also features a dedicated voice command button that users can press , then tell the microwave how long they would like it to cook the food .
In addition to voice control , the microwave features a simple keypad , multiple different power levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's also user-friendly : users simply plug in the microwave , connect to the internet using their smart home app , then ask their smart home device to start microwaving .
Toshiba 's microwave ovens have been built using principles of scientific and technological innovation under stringent quality control standards .
Anticipating the smart home trend , Toshiba has continued to bring cutting-edge technologies to microwave ovens to deliver an enhanced experience for global users throughout the years .

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba has ushered in a new era of smart kitchen technology with its revolutionary smart microwave oven. The microwave oven was unveiled at the Google and Amazon booths during CES 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada, and marks a milestone for Toshiba in the application of IoT technology in the smart home.
The Toshiba smart microwave oven integrates state-of-the-art voice control technology to create a versatile kitchen assistant that meets everyone's daily cooking needs. With the ability to pair with Amazon Alexa or Google Home, users can control the Toshiba smart microwave using natural voice commands for the ultimate in convenience and hands-free navigation.
"Smart homes are the latest technological trend," said Dr. Scott Sun from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, Chief Technologist of Toshiba Microwave Oven Overseas. "Faced with the rise of the IoT and AI, we will stick to our innovation-driven approach and continue providing high-quality, safe products for households worldwide."
Toshiba's latest microwave oven is equipped with a range of smart home features, designed for intuitive and seamless home cooking. With a compatible smart speaker such as an Amazon Echo, voice commands can be used to start, pause and stop re-heating, or specify cooking times. Users deliver a command and the microwave will begin reheating, using the appropriate power and time settings. The microwave also features a dedicated voice command button that users can press, then tell the microwave how long they would like it to cook the food.
In addition to voice control, the microwave features a simple keypad, multiple different power levels and a child lock function. It's also user-friendly: users simply plug in the microwave, connect to the internet using their smart home app, then ask their smart home device to start microwaving.
Toshiba's microwave ovens have been built using principles of scientific and technological innovation under stringent quality control standards. Anticipating the smart home trend, Toshiba has continued to bring cutting-edge technologies to microwave ovens to deliver an enhanced experience for global users throughout the years.
CONTACT: Lucian He (China), +86-138-2555-2331, lucian.he@midea.com; Stephen Bodnarchuk (USA), Stephen.bodnarchuk@midea.com, 201-406-2793


tass--2020-01-13--Schools in Vladivostok evacuated due to reports of explosive devices

VLADIVOSTOK , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
The authorities of the city of Vladivostok in Russia ’ s Far East @ @ @ @ @ least a dozen of schools due to reports of explosive devices planted in those buildings @ @ @ @ @ city administration told TASS on Monday .
`` Already 10 schools have received reports of @ @ @ @ @ They are all being checked , children and staff have been evacuated , '' the @ @ @ @ @ , the authorities of the cities of Khabarovsk , Blagoveshchensk and Birobidzhan also received threats @ @ @ @ @ educational institutions .
Local police evacuated children and staff from schools and inspected the buildings @ @ @ @ @ evacuation of kindergartens , schools , universities and other institutions in Russia ’ s Far @ @ @ @ @ due to threats of explosions .
The work of dozens of institutions was interrupted .
@ @ @ @ @ of those threats was confirmed .

VLADIVOSTOK, January 13. /TASS/. The authorities of the city of Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East have evacuated schoolchildren from at least a dozen of schools due to reports of explosive devices planted in those buildings, a spokesperson with the city administration told TASS on Monday.
"Already 10 schools have received reports of explosive devices planted there. They are all being checked, children and staff have been evacuated," the official said.
On Monday, the authorities of the cities of Khabarovsk, Blagoveshchensk and Birobidzhan also received threats about explosive devices planted in educational institutions. Local police evacuated children and staff from schools and inspected the buildings.
In December, mass evacuation of kindergartens, schools, universities and other institutions in Russia’s Far East took place several times due to threats of explosions. The work of dozens of institutions was interrupted. As a result, none of those threats was confirmed.


tass--2020-01-13--Warring parties of Libya will sign a ceasefire agreement in Moscow - High Council of State

CAIRO , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
A ceasefire agreement between Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Tripoli-based Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj will be signed on Monday in Moscow .
Head of the High Council of State , Khalid al-Mishri announced it on the Libyan television on Sunday .
`` The signing of this agreement tomorrow ( Monday ) will be the beginning of the collapse of the army project , it is designed to put an end to all attempts to impose military rule on us and open the way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Al-Mishri said he will accompany al-Sarraj in his upcoming trip to Russia .
On Sunday evening , the Libyan information portal Akhbar Libya 24 announced that Haftar and al-Sarraj are expected to arrive in Moscow on Monday .
No official information was received regarding the upcoming meeting and the format of possible negotiations .
At midnight from Saturday to Sunday , a ceasefire between the parties entered into force as part of the initiative proposed by the Presidents of Russia and Turkey Vladimir Putin and Tayyip Erdogan on January 8 .

CAIRO, January 13. /TASS/. A ceasefire agreement between Libyan National Army led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Tripoli-based Government of National Accord led by Fayez al-Sarraj will be signed on Monday in Moscow. Head of the High Council of State, Khalid al-Mishri announced it on the Libyan television on Sunday.
"The signing of this agreement tomorrow (Monday) will be the beginning of the collapse of the army project, it is designed to put an end to all attempts to impose military rule on us and open the way to launching the political process," he said. Al-Mishri said he will accompany al-Sarraj in his upcoming trip to Russia.
On Sunday evening, the Libyan information portal Akhbar Libya 24 announced that Haftar and al-Sarraj are expected to arrive in Moscow on Monday. No official information was received regarding the upcoming meeting and the format of possible negotiations.
At midnight from Saturday to Sunday, a ceasefire between the parties entered into force as part of the initiative proposed by the Presidents of Russia and Turkey Vladimir Putin and Tayyip Erdogan on January 8.


tass--2020-01-13--Militants continue to shell outskirts of Aleppo - Syrian Arab army

ALEPPO /Syria/ , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
Illegal armed groups continue to shell the village of Zahra on the outskirts of the largest city in Syria - Allepo , which is part of the Idlib de-escalation zone , a representative of the Syrian Arab army told reporters .
From January 9 , under the agreement with the Turkish side , hostilities and the use of combat air forces were stopped in this zone .
Despite this , the militants did not stop shelling the positions of the armed forces of the Syrian Arab army and civilian settlements .
Since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has intensified and now the militants shell the area daily , the representative of the Syrian Arab army said .
Terrorists brought several rocket launchers from Idlib into that area , which means that at any moment not only mortars , but also multiple launch rocket systems can hit Zahra , the source said .
`` The militants killed my husband .
He died when they fired mines , a splinter hit him in the head .
I have seven children left , and I am very afraid for them , '' a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zahra village has been under siege for six years , the militants have repeatedly tried to capture it .
Before the war , it was considered as one of the uptown parts of Aleppo .
Four de-escalation zones were set up in Syria in May 2017 in accordance with a decision made by Russia , Iran and Turkey - the guarantors of the Syrian ceasefire .
The four zones include the Idlib Province , certain parts of neighboring areas in the Latakia , Hama and Aleppo provinces , as well as some areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern Syria .
Damascus took control of three of the four zones in 2018 , but the fourth one , which covers the Idlib province and certain parts of the Latakia , Hama and Aleppo provinces , is still controlled by terrorists from the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group ( outlawed in Russia ) .

ALEPPO /Syria/, January 13. /TASS/. Illegal armed groups continue to shell the village of Zahra on the outskirts of the largest city in Syria - Allepo, which is part of the Idlib de-escalation zone, a representative of the Syrian Arab army told reporters.
From January 9, under the agreement with the Turkish side, hostilities and the use of combat air forces were stopped in this zone. Despite this, the militants did not stop shelling the positions of the armed forces of the Syrian Arab army and civilian settlements.
Since the end of December, the shelling has intensified and now the militants shell the area daily, the representative of the Syrian Arab army said.
Terrorists brought several rocket launchers from Idlib into that area, which means that at any moment not only mortars, but also multiple launch rocket systems can hit Zahra, the source said.
"The militants killed my husband. He died when they fired mines, a splinter hit him in the head. I have seven children left, and I am very afraid for them," a local resident of Varfa told reporters.
Zahra village has been under siege for six years, the militants have repeatedly tried to capture it. Before the war, it was considered as one of the uptown parts of Aleppo.
Syrian de-escalation zones
Four de-escalation zones were set up in Syria in May 2017 in accordance with a decision made by Russia, Iran and Turkey - the guarantors of the Syrian ceasefire. The four zones include the Idlib Province, certain parts of neighboring areas in the Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces, as well as some areas in the Daraa and Quneitra provinces in southern Syria. Damascus took control of three of the four zones in 2018, but the fourth one, which covers the Idlib province and certain parts of the Latakia, Hama and Aleppo provinces, is still controlled by terrorists from the Jabhat al-Nusra terror group (outlawed in Russia).


tass--2020-01-13--Trump says he doesn’t care if Iran will negotiate with US

WASHINGTON , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump said that he doesn ’ t care whether Tehran will negotiate with Washington .
He wrote the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday .
According to him what is really important is that Iran has no nuclear weapons and there is no violence against the protesters in the country .
`` National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions and protests have Iran `` choked off '' , will force them to negotiate .
Actually , I couldn ’ t care less if they negotiate .
Will be totally up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` don ’ t kill your protesters , '' he tweeted .
Earlier , US national security advisor Robert O ’ Brien said chances that Tehran would negotiate with Washington are higher after the death of Qasem Soleimani , head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps .
In turn , Pentagon Chief , Mark Esper , said on Sunday that the US is ready for negotiations with the Iranian authorities without preconditions , despite the support of the protesters in that country from Washington .
Trump previously called on the Iranian leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as allowing human rights organizations to monitor protests in the country .
He expressed support for their participants .
Reuters news agency reported earlier that anti-government rallies began on Saturday in several Iranian cities , including Tehran , in the wake of the Iranian Air Force admitting that a Ukrainian passenger plane had been downed by an Iranian missile .
Tensions in the Middle East escalated following a US drone strike near Baghdad 's airport on January 3 , which killed General Qasem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's Islamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the early hours of January 8 , Iran carried out missile strikes on Iraq ’ s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility in Erbil , which house US troops , in retaliation for the attack .
On January 8 , Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport .
All people onboard , 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers , were killed .
Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens .
On Saturday , Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down .
According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh , the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force .

WASHINGTON, January 13. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump said that he doesn’t care whether Tehran will negotiate with Washington. He wrote the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday.
According to him what is really important is that Iran has no nuclear weapons and there is no violence against the protesters in the country.
"National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions and protests have Iran "choked off", will force them to negotiate. Actually, I couldn’t care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and "don’t kill your protesters," he tweeted.
Earlier, US national security advisor Robert O’Brien said chances that Tehran would negotiate with Washington are higher after the death of Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In turn, Pentagon Chief, Mark Esper, said on Sunday that the US is ready for negotiations with the Iranian authorities without preconditions, despite the support of the protesters in that country from Washington.
Trump previously called on the Iranian leadership not to use violence against protesters, as well as allowing human rights organizations to monitor protests in the country. He expressed support for their participants.
Reuters news agency reported earlier that anti-government rallies began on Saturday in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, in the wake of the Iranian Air Force admitting that a Ukrainian passenger plane had been downed by an Iranian missile.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated following a US drone strike near Baghdad's airport on January 3, which killed General Qasem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. In the early hours of January 8, Iran carried out missile strikes on Iraq’s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility in Erbil, which house US troops, in retaliation for the attack.
On January 8, Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. All people onboard, 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers, were killed. Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens. On Saturday, Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down. According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force.


tass--2020-01-13--US wants China to stop buying Iranian oil - US Treasury

NEW YORK , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
US officials are consulting with Chinese colleagues to cut off oil supplies @ @ @ @ @ US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin told Fox News .
He noted that through sanctions Washington @ @ @ @ @ cut off probably over 95 % of the oil revenues '' of Iran .
According @ @ @ @ @ , China accounts for a significant part of the remaining oil exports of Iran .
@ @ @ @ @ the Chinese officials .
They flew in a delegation to meet with us and the @ @ @ @ @ this .
They 've cut off all of the state companies from buying oil , @ @ @ @ @ with them to make sure that they cease all additional oil activities , '' Mnuchin @ @ @ @ @ the United States had previously imposed sanctions on a number of Chinese firms transporting Iranian @ @

NEW YORK, January 13. /TASS/. US officials are consulting with Chinese colleagues to cut off oil supplies from Iran to China, US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin told Fox News.
He noted that through sanctions Washington has now managed to "cut off probably over 95% of the oil revenues" of Iran. According to Mnuchin, at present, China accounts for a significant part of the remaining oil exports of Iran.
"I sat down with the Chinese officials. They flew in a delegation to meet with us and the State Department to talk about this. They've cut off all of the state companies from buying oil, and we're working closely with them to make sure that they cease all additional oil activities," Mnuchin said.
Mnuchin noted that the United States had previously imposed sanctions on a number of Chinese firms transporting Iranian oil.


tass--2020-01-13--US Secretary of State Pompeo ‘outraged’ by attack on Iraqi air base

WASHINGTON , January 13 .
/TASS/ .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his indignation at an attack of the Balad air base in Iraq and called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable .
He posted the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday .
`` Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi air base , '' he tweeted calling on the Iraqi government `` to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable . ''
`` These continued violations of Iraq ’ s sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier , an official representative of the headquarters of the Operation Inherent Resolve ( OIR ) told TASS that the US personnel are not present at Balad Air Base .
OIR is carried out both in in Iraq and Syria by a coalition of countries led by the United States .
Earlier Reuters reported that at least four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in an attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq on Sunday .
Reuters referred to military sources saying that seven mortar bombs had hit the base ’ s runway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forces were also at the base .
It has not been reported yet about who was behind the attack .

WASHINGTON, January 13. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his indignation at an attack of the Balad air base in Iraq and called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. He posted the corresponding message on Twitter on Sunday.
"Outraged by reports of another rocket attack on an Iraqi air base," he tweeted calling on the Iraqi government "to hold those responsible for this attack on the Iraqi people accountable."
"These continued violations of Iraq’s sovereignty by groups not loyal to the Iraqi government must end," he added.
Earlier, an official representative of the headquarters of the Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) told TASS that the US personnel are not present at Balad Air Base.
OIR is carried out both in in Iraq and Syria by a coalition of countries led by the United States.
Earlier Reuters reported that at least four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in an attack on Balad air base in northern Iraq on Sunday. Reuters referred to military sources saying that seven mortar bombs had hit the base’s runway. The agency noted that the US forces were also at the base. It has not been reported yet about who was behind the attack.


tass--2020-01-14--Crimean shipyard confirms readiness to build helicopter carriers for Russian Navy

The Zaliv Shipyard has the country ’ s largest dry dock , which earlier enabled it to build such large-capacity vessels as the Krym and Pobeda supertankers , and also the world ’ s first nuclear-powered LASH carrier and container ship Sevmorput , the press office noted .
`` The Zaliv Shipyard has the necessary equipment and technical potential to build ships of this class and designation , '' the Shipyard press office said , replying to the corresponding question .
MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Zaliv Shipyard in Crimea confirmed its technical readiness to build two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Navy , the Shipyard press office told TASS on Tuesday .
A defense industry source told TASS on Monday that Russia ’ s first two amphibious assault ships would be laid down at the Zaliv Shipyard in Crimea in early May .
`` In line with the plan , the helicopter carriers are to be laid down in early May , [ the ceremony is ] to coincide with celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Victory [ over Nazi Germany ] , '' the source said .
The Russian Defense Ministry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract on the construction of the warships in February , the source added .
TASS reported on January 11 that the amphibious assault ships would be named the Sevastopol and the Vladivostok , after the cities in Crimea and Russia ’ s Far East , respectively .
The amphibious assault ships are expected to displace 25,000 tonnes , have a maximum length of about 220 meters and be capable of carrying over 20 heavy helicopters .
They will also have a dock for landing boats and will carry up to two reinforced marine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men .
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko told the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper in late December last year that the contract on the construction of universal amphibious assault ships was due to be signed in 2020 .

The Zaliv Shipyard has the country’s largest dry dock, which earlier enabled it to build such large-capacity vessels as the Krym and Pobeda supertankers, and also the world’s first nuclear-powered LASH carrier and container ship Sevmorput, the press office noted.
"The Zaliv Shipyard has the necessary equipment and technical potential to build ships of this class and designation," the Shipyard press office said, replying to the corresponding question.
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. The Zaliv Shipyard in Crimea confirmed its technical readiness to build two universal amphibious assault ships for the Russian Navy, the Shipyard press office told TASS on Tuesday.
A defense industry source told TASS on Monday that Russia’s first two amphibious assault ships would be laid down at the Zaliv Shipyard in Crimea in early May.
"In line with the plan, the helicopter carriers are to be laid down in early May, [the ceremony is] to coincide with celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Victory [over Nazi Germany]," the source said.
The Russian Defense Ministry and the Zaliv Shipyard are to sign a contract on the construction of the warships in February, the source added.
TASS reported on January 11 that the amphibious assault ships would be named the Sevastopol and the Vladivostok, after the cities in Crimea and Russia’s Far East, respectively.
Helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy
The amphibious assault ships are expected to displace 25,000 tonnes, have a maximum length of about 220 meters and be capable of carrying over 20 heavy helicopters. They will also have a dock for landing boats and will carry up to two reinforced marine battalions with a total strength of 900 men.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko told the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper in late December last year that the contract on the construction of universal amphibious assault ships was due to be signed in 2020.


tass--2020-01-14--Russia not planning to exchange convicted Israeli woman — senior diplomat

`` As far as I know , an exchange option is not being looked at , '' he stated .
MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is not looking at possible exchange of Israeli national Naama Issachar , who was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison in Russia on drugs smuggling charges , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov said on Tuesday .
`` She was convicted on criminal charges .
As for [ Issachar ’ s ] complaints with the European Court of Human Rights , it is the job of her attorneys .
We can advise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right , '' he said .
Naama Issachar , 25 , was detained at Moscow ’ s Sheremetyevo Airport on April 9 , 2019 when she was in the airport ’ s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi .
The airport ’ s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage .
On October 11 , 2019 , the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling ( part 1 , Article 228 and part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
Issachar admitted her guilt of possessing the drug but denied smuggling charges , saying she had no access to her luggage checked in for the transit flight .
She claimed she never took drugs and had no idea of how the cannabis could happen to be in her backpack .
Moscow ’ s Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19 .

"As far as I know, an exchange option is not being looked at," he stated.
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Moscow is not looking at possible exchange of Israeli national Naama Issachar, who was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison in Russia on drugs smuggling charges, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov said on Tuesday.
"She was convicted on criminal charges. As for [Issachar’s] complaints with the European Court of Human Rights, it is the job of her attorneys. We can advise nothing about that. It is her right," he said.
Naama Issachar, 25, was detained at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on April 9, 2019 when she was in the airport’s transit zone before boarding a connecting flight to Tel Aviv after arriving from New Delhi. The airport’s security guards found 9.6 grams of cannabis in her luggage.
On October 11, 2019, the Khimki City Court in the Moscow Region found Issachar guilty of drug possession and smuggling (part 1, Article 228 and part 2, Article 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. Issachar admitted her guilt of possessing the drug but denied smuggling charges, saying she had no access to her luggage checked in for the transit flight. She claimed she never took drugs and had no idea of how the cannabis could happen to be in her backpack. Moscow’s Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19.


tass--2020-01-14--Russian IT specialists hired by embassy unable to enter US for two years

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian IT specialists hired by the embassy in Washington have been unable to @ @ @ @ @ two years , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov said on Tuesday .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ the embassy ’ s computer network for about two years .
Computers are already there @ @ @ @ @ visas to come and fix things , '' he said at a meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ the Commonwealth of Independent States , Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It also concerns security systems , '' he stressed .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russian IT specialists hired by the embassy in Washington have been unable to enter the United States for two years, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov said on Tuesday.
"We have been unable to launch the embassy’s computer network for about two years. Computers are already there but specialists cannot obtain visas to come and fix things," he said at a meeting of the committee of the affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots of the Russian State Duma lower parliament house.
"It also concerns security systems," he stressed.


tass--2020-01-14--Moscow expects situation with Russians’ trips to Israel to improve shortly

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Tel Aviv have worked out mutually beneficial decisions on the problem of Israel ’ s denial of entry to Russian nationals , and Russia expects that the matter will be settled shortly , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov told journalists on Tuesday .
`` An improper behavior of Israeli border guards can not but cause bewilderment , '' the diplomat said .
`` All these issues were discussed .
We believe that mutually beneficial solutions have been found .
I think that the matter will be settled shortly .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely rightly , '' Ivanov added .
The issue was discussed in December within the framework of Russian-Israeli consultations of the consular services , the diplomat specified .
According to the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv , as of December 1 , figures for that year show that 5,771 Russian tourists were denied entry to Israel .
As many as 568 Russian nationals were not allowed into Israel in October 2019 , while in November - 569 were barred from entering .
All of them were tourists , arriving in Israel with round-trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as a sufficient amount of money required for their stay in Israel .
Israel and Russia have visa-free rules for tourist trips since 2008 .
According to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism , 316,000 Russian tourists visited the country in 2018 .
The flow of Russian tourists to Israel was the third-largest after the United States with 897,000 tourists visiting Israel , and France with its 346,000 tourists .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Moscow and Tel Aviv have worked out mutually beneficial decisions on the problem of Israel’s denial of entry to Russian nationals, and Russia expects that the matter will be settled shortly, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov told journalists on Tuesday.
"An improper behavior of Israeli border guards cannot but cause bewilderment," the diplomat said. "All these issues were discussed. We believe that mutually beneficial solutions have been found. I think that the matter will be settled shortly. It has remained on the agenda of late absolutely rightly," Ivanov added.
The issue was discussed in December within the framework of Russian-Israeli consultations of the consular services, the diplomat specified.
According to the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv, as of December 1, figures for that year show that 5,771 Russian tourists were denied entry to Israel. As many as 568 Russian nationals were not allowed into Israel in October 2019, while in November - 569 were barred from entering. All of them were tourists, arriving in Israel with round-trip tickets, booked and paid for hotels, as well as a sufficient amount of money required for their stay in Israel.
Israel and Russia have visa-free rules for tourist trips since 2008. According to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, 316,000 Russian tourists visited the country in 2018. The flow of Russian tourists to Israel was the third-largest after the United States with 897,000 tourists visiting Israel, and France with its 346,000 tourists.


tass--2020-01-14--Russian troops test-fire latest S-350 anti-aircraft missile system

`` Specialists of air defense missile forces held the system ’ s initial firings at the proving ground in the Astrakhan Region , '' the ministry said , without specifying the period of holding the trials .
MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Aerospace Force for the first time test-fired the latest S-350 'Vityaz ' surface-to-air missile system at a practice range in the southern Astrakhan Region , the Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday .
Russia ’ s first advanced S-350 air defense system to arrive at deployment site in January Combat teams also practiced detecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by MiG-29SMT fighters .
The first S-350 surface-to-air missile system will arrive at its permanent deployment site in the Leningrad Region in the immediate future , the ministry added .
In 2020 , Russia ’ s Aerospace Force is also due to receive four regiment sets of the S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile system and six battalion sets of Pantsyr-S anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers .
The S-350 ‘ Vityaz ’ surface-to-air missile system has been developed by the Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer for battlefield air defense and is capable of striking targets within a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a maximum altitude of 30 km .
The S-350 is designated to fight both aerodynamic and ballistic targets .
An S-350 launcher carries 12 surface-to-air missiles .

"Specialists of air defense missile forces held the system’s initial firings at the proving ground in the Astrakhan Region," the ministry said, without specifying the period of holding the trials.
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russia’s Aerospace Force for the first time test-fired the latest S-350 'Vityaz' surface-to-air missile system at a practice range in the southern Astrakhan Region, the Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday.
Russia’s first advanced S-350 air defense system to arrive at deployment site in January
Combat teams also practiced detecting and notionally striking real air targets simulated by MiG-29SMT fighters.
The first S-350 surface-to-air missile system will arrive at its permanent deployment site in the Leningrad Region in the immediate future, the ministry added.
In 2020, Russia’s Aerospace Force is also due to receive four regiment sets of the S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile system and six battalion sets of Pantsyr-S anti-aircraft missile/gun launchers.
The S-350 ‘Vityaz’ surface-to-air missile system has been developed by the Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer for battlefield air defense and is capable of striking targets within a maximum radius of 60 km and at a maximum altitude of 30 km. The S-350 is designated to fight both aerodynamic and ballistic targets. An S-350 launcher carries 12 surface-to-air missiles.


tass--2020-01-14--Economic ties top agenda of meeting in Russia’s upper house — Iran’s ambassador

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The development of economic cooperation and ties between the Russian and Iranian parliaments @ @ @ @ @ a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council ( upper house of parliament @ @ @ @ @ Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said on Tuesday .
Iran-Russia relations are at their highest @ @ @ @ @ diplomat '' We had a very good meeting today , '' the diplomat commented .
@ @ @ @ @ discussion of inter-regional cooperation between our countries and summed up what was done in this @ @ @ @ @ talked about ways of cultivating economic ties , exchanging visits between the parliaments and using @ @ @ @ @ that our relations at this level can develop as well , '' the ambassador added @ @ @ @ @ the meeting , Jalali pointed to substantial progress in relations between Moscow and Tehran in @ @ @ @ @ defense spheres .
However , trade and economic cooperation leaves a lot to be desired @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. The development of economic cooperation and ties between the Russian and Iranian parliaments were the top-priority issues at a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Ilyas Umakhanov, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali said on Tuesday.
Iran-Russia relations are at their highest in decades, says top diplomat
"We had a very good meeting today," the diplomat commented. "We had a fruitful discussion of inter-regional cooperation between our countries and summed up what was done in this area."
"We talked about ways of cultivating economic ties, exchanging visits between the parliaments and using international parliamentary platforms to ensure that our relations at this level can develop as well," the ambassador added.
At the beginning of the meeting, Jalali pointed to substantial progress in relations between Moscow and Tehran in the political, security and defense spheres. However, trade and economic cooperation leaves a lot to be desired, he added.


tass--2020-01-14--Russia vows to fight Poland’s ploy to rewrite historical truth about WWII in PACE

On January 9 , the Sejm passed a resolution where lawmakers protested against an alleged manipulation of facts and a distortion of history by Russian politicians MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
During upcoming sessions , the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) intends to raise the topic of protecting the historical memory of the war against Nazism and inadmissibility of rewriting or falsifying it , given the backdrop of recent statements coming from the Polish legislature .
That said , the delegation might submit a draft resolution on that issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ( lower house ) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Tuesday .
`` We will discuss this situation within the framework of our contacts with all political groups without exception .
[ Our ] colleagues from the Polish Sejm also work in PACE , '' Slutsky noted .
He did not rule out that the Russian delegation may submit a draft resolution , but `` to do this we must be sure that this resolution will pass , and those in Warsaw who are trying to blot out this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' should this draft resolution be rejected , the legislator added .
According to him , this draft resolution may appear in the foreseeable future , but first of all Russian lawmakers will seek to convince their European colleagues of the inadmissibility of falsifying history .
`` Our task is to consistently convey the truth to those who are unaware of what is going on in Warsaw today , '' Slutsky went on to say .
The goal is to see that more politicians in Europe hear out `` thinkers , including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and realize `` what unacceptable developments are taking place there [ in Poland — TASS ] and what decisions are being made . ''
Russian policymakers will be working on all international platforms to `` convey the truth about how the results of WWII are being distorted , '' he stressed .
On January 9 , the Sejm passed a resolution where lawmakers protested against an alleged `` manipulation of facts and a distortion of history by Russian politicians aimed at discrediting Poland and worsening Polish-Russian relations . ''
Poland ’ s parliamentarians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Soviet Union for the outbreak of World War II .
At Tuesday ’ s parliamentary session , Russian State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized that `` only weak and deceitful politicians refuse to acknowledge the role of the Soviet Union in the victory over fascism . ''
He also stressed that the Polish leadership must remember the price paid for the freedom of the Polish people , pointing to the data on the enormous losses suffered by the Soviet Army in the struggle to liberate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today ’ s statement by the speaker is a united position of the State Duma , our response to the statement from the Polish Sejm .
I want to say that in this situation all factions are united as one , this is our shared stance , our common approach , which I am sure , will be shared by millions of our voters , '' First Deputy Head of the United Russia faction , Andrei Isayev , told reporters .

On January 9, the Sejm passed a resolution where lawmakers protested against an alleged manipulation of facts and a distortion of history by Russian politicians
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. During upcoming sessions, the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) intends to raise the topic of protecting the historical memory of the war against Nazism and the inadmissibility of rewriting or falsifying it, given the backdrop of recent statements coming from the Polish legislature. That said, the delegation might submit a draft resolution on that issue, Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s (lower house) Foreign Affairs Committee Leonid Slutsky told reporters on Tuesday. "We will discuss this situation within the framework of our contacts with all political groups without exception. [Our] colleagues from the Polish Sejm also work in PACE," Slutsky noted.
He did not rule out that the Russian delegation may submit a draft resolution, but "to do this we must be sure that this resolution will pass, and those in Warsaw who are trying to blot out this historical memory won’t succeed," should this draft resolution be rejected, the legislator added. According to him, this draft resolution may appear in the foreseeable future, but first of all Russian lawmakers will seek to convince their European colleagues of the inadmissibility of falsifying history. "Our task is to consistently convey the truth to those who are unaware of what is going on in Warsaw today," Slutsky went on to say. The goal is to see that more politicians in Europe hear out "thinkers, including those in the institutions of civil society" and realize "what unacceptable developments are taking place there [in Poland — TASS] and what decisions are being made." Russian policymakers will be working on all international platforms to "convey the truth about how the results of WWII are being distorted," he stressed. Response to Polish Sejm’s allegations


tass--2020-01-14--Finnish foreign trade minister to visit Moscow to discuss economic ties

HELSINKI , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will visit Moscow on January 15-16 for a meeting of the co-chairs of the bilateral intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation , the Finnish Foreign Ministry reported on Tuesday .
Skinnari is the Finnish co-chair of the commission , while Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak chairs the Russian side .
`` I am glad that I will meet with my co-chairing counterpart .
This meeting offers an excellent opportunity for assessing economic relations between our countries and prospects for their development , '' Skinnari @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of national programs with ambitious goals right now , for example regarding waste management .
It would be good if our neighbors could make more use of Finnish know-how and technologies on that track , '' the minister suggested .
The task of the commission is to improve conditions for the activity of Finnish companies in Russia and help to establish contacts between enterprises , the Foreign Ministry said .
The last time the co-chairs met , was at a session of the commission in 2018 .
The working groups have continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trajectory of transport , customs issues and the timber industry .
Within the framework of his visit , Skinnari will also meet with Russian Minister for Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin and Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov .
Russia is the fifth biggest destination for Finland ’ s exports , and the second biggest exporter for Finland .

HELSINKI, January 14. /TASS/. Finnish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari will visit Moscow on January 15-16 for a meeting of the co-chairs of the bilateral intergovernmental commission for economic cooperation, the Finnish Foreign Ministry reported on Tuesday.
Skinnari is the Finnish co-chair of the commission, while Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak chairs the Russian side.
"I am glad that I will meet with my co-chairing counterpart. This meeting offers an excellent opportunity for assessing economic relations between our countries and prospects for their development," Skinnari said.
"Russia is developing a lot of national programs with ambitious goals right now, for example regarding waste management. It would be good if our neighbors could make more use of Finnish know-how and technologies on that track," the minister suggested.
The task of the commission is to improve conditions for the activity of Finnish companies in Russia and help to establish contacts between enterprises, the Foreign Ministry said. The last time the co-chairs met, was at a session of the commission in 2018. The working groups have continued their activity since then, including along the trajectory of transport, customs issues and the timber industry.
Within the framework of his visit, Skinnari will also meet with Russian Minister for Economic Development Maxim Oreshkin and Minister of Trade and Industry Denis Manturov.
Russia is the fifth biggest destination for Finland’s exports, and the second biggest exporter for Finland.


tass--2020-01-14--Poland’s leadership must apologize for anti-Semitic policies in the 1930s, says speaker

The State Duma speaker also took aim at the Polish Sejm that recently passed a resolution alleging that Moscow was to blame for the start of World War II MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Polish authorities must apologize for the country ’ s policies towards the Jews prior to the outbreak of the World War II , Vyacheslav Volodin , chairman of the State Duma ( parliament 's lower house ) said on Tuesday .
`` Nazi Germany exterminated more than 3 million Jews on Polish soil .
This is a horrifying number , colleagues .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe was exterminated in Poland , '' Volodin pointed out during the Duma ’ s plenary meeting .
`` And this is no coincidence .
Because it was in Poland where hundreds of concentration camps , death camps were built , where Jews , Slavs , POWs of various nationalities were deliberately exterminated . ''
The top legislator is convinced the large number of concentration camps was facilitated by the `` pre-war atmosphere in Poland and its government ’ s position which stoked anti-Semitic sentiment in society creating fertile ground for the subsequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perhaps , we should demonstrate our position now and demand that the current authorities of Poland apologize for what happened in Poland during the pre-war years and for what is happening now , '' Volodin emphasized .
The State Duma speaker also took aim at the Polish Sejm , who recently passed a resolution alleging that Moscow was to blame for the start of World War II .
He struck back at the Polish politicians and suggested that they study the statement made by the 32nd President of the United States , Franklin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role of the USSR in fighting Nazi Germany .
`` Before passing resolutions that aim to smear the memory of the warrior-liberators of World War II… .
Our colleagues in the Sejm would do well to learn the statement by US President Franklin Roosevelt , '' Volodin said .
According to the chairman , those who make decisions that distort history — in Poland or elsewhere — must `` learn it by heart . ''
`` During the difficult days of April 1942 , [ Roosevelt ] said : ‘ On the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past year has been without question the crushing counter-offensive on the part of the great armies of Russia against the powerful German army .
These Russian forces have destroyed and are destroying more armed power of our enemies — troops , planes , tanks and guns — than all the other United Nations put together , ’ '' Volodin quoted Roosevelt ’ s radio address of April 28 , 1942 .

The State Duma speaker also took aim at the Polish Sejm that recently passed a resolution alleging that Moscow was to blame for the start of World War II
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. The Polish authorities must apologize for the country’s policies towards the Jews prior to the outbreak of the World War II, Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the State Duma (parliament's lower house) said on Tuesday. "Nazi Germany exterminated more than 3 million Jews on Polish soil. This is a horrifying number, colleagues. The largest portion of the Jewish people in Europe was exterminated in Poland," Volodin pointed out during the Duma’s plenary meeting. "And this is no coincidence. Because it was in Poland where hundreds of concentration camps, death camps were built, where Jews, Slavs, POWs of various nationalities were deliberately exterminated."
Read also Russian ambassador explains to Poland Moscow's position in discussion over WWII
The top legislator is convinced the large number of concentration camps was facilitated by the "pre-war atmosphere in Poland and its government’s position which stoked anti-Semitic sentiment in society creating fertile ground for the subsequent genocide and the Holocaust." "Perhaps, we should demonstrate our position now and demand that the current authorities of Poland apologize for what happened in Poland during the pre-war years and for what is happening now," Volodin emphasized. The State Duma speaker also took aim at the Polish Sejm, who recently passed a resolution alleging that Moscow was to blame for the start of World War II. He struck back at the Polish politicians and suggested that they study the statement made by the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who acknowledged the key role of the USSR in fighting Nazi Germany.
Read also Poland must apologize for collaboration with Nazis in 1930s — senator


tass--2020-01-14--Libya’s Sarraj heads to Turkey after talks in Moscow — TV

ANKARA , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Head of the Libyan Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Fayez al-Sarraj @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday following Libya talks in Moscow that were also attended by Commander of the Libyan @ @ @ @ @ Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar , NTV reports .
At the same time , the TV @ @ @ @ @ reason behind Sarraj ’ s trip to Turkey .
According to the schedule of Turkish @ @ @ @ @ by his office , a meeting between the Turkish leader and the GNA head is @ @ @

ANKARA, January 14. /TASS/. Head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj has arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday following Libya talks in Moscow that were also attended by Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, NTV reports.
At the same time, the TV channel did not cite the reason behind Sarraj’s trip to Turkey. According to the schedule of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shared by his office, a meeting between the Turkish leader and the GNA head is not planned.


tass--2020-01-14--Russian airlines continue using Iran’s airspace - federal agency

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian airlines continue to use Iran ’ s airspace , the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency informed on its website .
`` Russian airlines continue to use Iran ’ s airspace with security measures recommended by the Federal Air Transport Agency taken , including correcting the flight ’ s routes and schedule , '' the message informs .
The federal agency added that Russian plane crews had not noted any negative factors in the work of the Iranian air control .
`` Members of the session have stated that the measures taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air space are enough for now , '' the message informs .
`` The Federal Air Transport Agency continues to monitor the situation .
If necessary , additional security recommendations will be made for Russian air carriers . ''
On January 8 , Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport .
All people onboard , 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers , were killed .
Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens .
On January 11 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down .
According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh , the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force .
On January 8 , the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency recommended Russian passenger airlines to avoid the airspace over Iran and Iraq , as well as the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman .
The airlines then announced alternative routes .
Rossiya , Pobeda , S7 , Azur Air airlines fly over Iran ’ s airspace , while Aeroflot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The schedule for those flights from Moscow and Tehran has been postponed by several hours starting January 11 .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russian airlines continue to use Iran’s airspace, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency informed on its website.
"Russian airlines continue to use Iran’s airspace with security measures recommended by the Federal Air Transport Agency taken, including correcting the flight’s routes and schedule," the message informs.
The federal agency added that Russian plane crews had not noted any negative factors in the work of the Iranian air control. "Members of the session have stated that the measures taken to ensure safety of flights within the Iranian air space are enough for now," the message informs. "The Federal Air Transport Agency continues to monitor the situation. If necessary, additional security recommendations will be made for Russian air carriers."
On January 8, Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. All people onboard, 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers, were killed. Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens. On January 11, Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff released a statement admitting the plane had been mistakenly shot down. According to Iranian Brigadier-General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the plane was misidentified as a cruise missile by the air defense force.
On January 8, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency recommended Russian passenger airlines to avoid the airspace over Iran and Iraq, as well as the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The airlines then announced alternative routes. Rossiya, Pobeda, S7, Azur Air airlines fly over Iran’s airspace, while Aeroflot carries out direct flights to Tehran. The schedule for those flights from Moscow and Tehran has been postponed by several hours starting January 11.


tass--2020-01-14--Libya’s Sarraj, Haftar invited to Berlin conference on Libya

BERLIN , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The international high-level conference on Libya will take place in Berlin on January 19 , the German government ’ s press service announced .
`` German Chancellor Angela Merkel as agreed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the decision to hold a conference on Libya at the level of heads of state and government on January 19 at the German Chancellery , '' the cabinet underlined .
According to the German government , a number of countries are planning to take part in the conference including Russia , the United States , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey as well as envoys from the UN , the EU and the African Union .
It is stressed that `` head of the Government of National Accord ( GNA ) Fayez al-Sarraj and General Khalifa Haftar are invited to Berlin . ''
The German government recalls that Berlin has been holding consultations since September 2019 with a view to provide support to the efforts of UN Secretary-General and his special envoy , Ghassan Salame to achieve inter-Libyan reconciliation .
`` A few high representative meetings on Libya were held in Berlin in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
On January 12 , a ceasefire in Libya proposed by the Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of a larger initiative to achieve peace in the country entered into force at midnight .
The ceasefire ’ s objective is to stop hostilities between the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Fayez al-Sarraj ’ s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) sitting in Tripoli .
On Monday , representatives of the parties to the conflict arrived in Moscow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ceasefire agreement .
Haftar took a pause to study the agreement .
However , later he left Moscow without putting his signature under the document .
In the early hours of January 14 , armed clashes re-erupted in south Tripoli — the target of a decisive offensive declared by Haftar in December .
The LNA issued a statement declaring `` readiness and determination to win . ''

BERLIN, January 14. /TASS/. The international high-level conference on Libya will take place in Berlin on January 19, the German government’s press service announced.
"German Chancellor Angela Merkel as agreed with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the decision to hold a conference on Libya at the level of heads of state and government on January 19 at the German Chancellery," the cabinet underlined. According to the German government, a number of countries are planning to take part in the conference including Russia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Turkey as well as envoys from the UN, the EU and the African Union.
It is stressed that "head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and General Khalifa Haftar are invited to Berlin."
The German government recalls that Berlin has been holding consultations since September 2019 with a view to provide support to the efforts of UN Secretary-General and his special envoy, Ghassan Salame to achieve inter-Libyan reconciliation. "A few high representative meetings on Libya were held in Berlin in the past few months," it said.
Libya talks
On January 12, a ceasefire in Libya proposed by the Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan as part of a larger initiative to achieve peace in the country entered into force at midnight. The ceasefire’s objective is to stop hostilities between the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and Fayez al-Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA) sitting in Tripoli. On Monday, representatives of the parties to the conflict arrived in Moscow for talks after which GNA envoys signed the ceasefire agreement.
Haftar took a pause to study the agreement. However, later he left Moscow without putting his signature under the document. In the early hours of January 14, armed clashes re-erupted in south Tripoli — the target of a decisive offensive declared by Haftar in December. The LNA issued a statement declaring "readiness and determination to win."


tass--2020-01-14--Syrian PM calls to oppose US presence in Middle East — TV

`` All nations as well as governments of all countries in the region should confront the illegal presence of the US , '' the Al Mayadeen TV quotes the Syrian prime minister as saying .
TASS , January 14 .
Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis has urged all Middle Eastern countries to resist the American presence in the region .
He made the statement on Tuesday in Tehran at a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani .
Parliamentarian blames US for tensions that led to Ukrainian plane crash in Iran Khamis added that Iran ’ s missile strikes on Al-Asad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed the enemies that they have nothing to be proud of . ''
In turn , Rouhani underlined that Washington must withdraw its forces from the region .
`` We believe that Middle Eastern states must not stay silent .
US troops must leave the region , '' he emphasized .
The situation around Iran exacerbated dramatically after the US launched a strike on Baghdad ’ s airport on January 3 killing General Qasem Soleimani , the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards ’ elite Quds Force .
Tehran vowed to respond harshly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by launching missile strikes on two facilities in Iraq used by US military — Al-Asad Air Base and the Erbil airport .

"All nations as well as governments of all countries in the region should confront the illegal presence of the US," the Al Mayadeen TV quotes the Syrian prime minister as saying.
TASS, January 14. Syrian Prime Minister Imad Khamis has urged all Middle Eastern countries to resist the American presence in the region. He made the statement on Tuesday in Tehran at a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
Parliamentarian blames US for tensions that led to Ukrainian plane crash in Iran
Khamis added that Iran’s missile strikes on Al-Asad Air Base and the Erbil airport "showed the enemies that they have nothing to be proud of."
In turn, Rouhani underlined that Washington must withdraw its forces from the region. "We believe that Middle Eastern states must not stay silent. US troops must leave the region," he emphasized.
The situation around Iran exacerbated dramatically after the US launched a strike on Baghdad’s airport on January 3 killing General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ elite Quds Force. Tehran vowed to respond harshly. On January 8, Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes on two facilities in Iraq used by US military — Al-Asad Air Base and the Erbil airport.


tass--2020-01-14--Libya’s Haftar takes two-day time out to hash over agreement reached in Moscow with allies

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has taken two days to discuss agreements reached in Moscow with leaders of tribes supporting the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) before signing the ceasefire document , the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Tuesday .
`` LNA Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar was positive about the final statement but took two days to hash over the document with leaders of tribes supporting the LNA , '' the ministry noted .
The defense agency recalled that the draft statement had been signed by head of the Government of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and High Council of State Chairperson Khalid al-Mishri .
The Russian ministry added that the work that started in the Russian capital would be continued `` because the amount of accumulated domestic Libyan issues requires thorough work to form balanced decisions mutually acceptable for the parties . ''
`` During the talks , the parties reaffirmed commitment to sovereignty , independence , unity and territorial integrity of the country , '' the ministry said , stressing that the parties also expressed determination to fight international terrorism in an uncompromising manner .
The top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sides to extend a ceasefire indefinitely as the main achievement of the talks because it establishes favorable conditions to convene a conference on Libya in Berlin .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar has taken two days to discuss agreements reached in Moscow with leaders of tribes supporting the Libyan National Army (LNA) before signing the ceasefire document, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Tuesday.
"LNA Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar was positive about the final statement but took two days to hash over the document with leaders of tribes supporting the LNA," the ministry noted. The defense agency recalled that the draft statement had been signed by head of the Government of National Accord (GNA) Fayez al-Sarraj and High Council of State Chairperson Khalid al-Mishri.
The Russian ministry added that the work that started in the Russian capital would be continued "because the amount of accumulated domestic Libyan issues requires thorough work to form balanced decisions mutually acceptable for the parties."
"During the talks, the parties reaffirmed commitment to sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the country," the ministry said, stressing that the parties also expressed determination to fight international terrorism in an uncompromising manner.
The top brass lauded the principled agreement given by the sides to extend a ceasefire indefinitely as the main achievement of the talks because it establishes favorable conditions to convene a conference on Libya in Berlin.
Libya talks


tass--2020-01-14--Hainan's Haikou gets 'smart' reversible lane

HAIKOU , January 14 , .TASS/ .
Hainan 's Haikou got a smart reversible lane .
According to www.chinanews.net , @ @ @ @ @ mobile control .
The road is located in Longhua district .
According to the news @ @ @ @ @ traffic police officers can open a special application on their mobile phone , select several @ @ @ @ @ lane dividers will automatically shift in one direction or another depending on traffic , providing @ @ @ @ @ and two in the opposite direction .
According to the publication , a demonstration and @ @ @ @ @ lane took place on January 9 .
The report emphasizes that the innovation has improved @ @ @ @ @ during rush hours .

HAIKOU, January 14, .TASS/. Hainan's Haikou got a smart reversible lane. According to www.chinanews.net, its main feature will be mobile control. The road is located in Longhua district.
According to the news outlet, during rush hours traffic police officers can open a special application on their mobile phone, select several options, after which the lane dividers will automatically shift in one direction or another depending on traffic, providing three lanes in one direction and two in the opposite direction.
According to the publication, a demonstration and commissioning of the 'smart' lane took place on January 9. The report emphasizes that the innovation has improved the efficiency of traffic control during rush hours.


tass--2020-01-14--Libya’s Haftar drawing up forces for another attack on Tripoli — media

`` Haftar ’ s army is drawing up forces south of Tripoli to stage another attack , '' the source was quoted as saying .
ANKARA , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Commander of the Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar is reportedly pulling his army south of Tripoli to stage another offensive on the positions of Fayez al-Sarraj ’ s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , Anadolu Agency said on Tuesday citing a GNA source .
Meanwhile , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier on Tuesday Ankara was ready to `` teach Haftar a lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions .
A ceasefire between the Tripoli-based internationally recognized Government of National Accord ( GNA ) led by Fayez al-Sarraj and the Libyan National Army ( LNA ) forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar took effect in Libya at midnight on January 12 within the framework of an initiative advanced by the Russian and Turkish presidents .
After talks between the delegations of both parties to the conflict in Moscow on January 13 , the GNA delegates signed a ceasefire agreement .
According to Turkey ’ s national defense ministry , the ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a pause and left Moscow without signing the deal .
In the small hours on January 14 , armed clashes resumed in the south of the capital city of Tripoli .
In a statement , cited by the Al Hadath TV channel , the Libyan army has declared its `` readiness and determination to win . ''

"Haftar’s army is drawing up forces south of Tripoli to stage another attack," the source was quoted as saying.
ANKARA, January 14. /TASS/. Commander of the Libyan National Army Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar is reportedly pulling his army south of Tripoli to stage another offensive on the positions of Fayez al-Sarraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA), Anadolu Agency said on Tuesday citing a GNA source.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier on Tuesday Ankara was ready to "teach Haftar a lesson" should he continue attacks on GNA positions.
A ceasefire between the Tripoli-based internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Fayez al-Sarraj and the Libyan National Army (LNA) forces of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar took effect in Libya at midnight on January 12 within the framework of an initiative advanced by the Russian and Turkish presidents.
After talks between the delegations of both parties to the conflict in Moscow on January 13, the GNA delegates signed a ceasefire agreement. According to Turkey’s national defense ministry, the ceasefire has been largely observed.
Haftar reportedly took a pause and left Moscow without signing the deal. In the small hours on January 14, armed clashes resumed in the south of the capital city of Tripoli. In a statement, cited by the Al Hadath TV channel, the Libyan army has declared its "readiness and determination to win."


tass--2020-01-14--Germany, France, UK determined to help resolve conflict between US and Iran

BERLIN , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Germany , France and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ between the United States and Iran , the three European countries ’ foreign ministers said @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
`` We have also undertaken and supported diplomatic efforts , such as France @ @ @ @ @ deescalate tensions and to bring Iran and the US to the negotiating table for a @ @ @ @ @ the ministers noted .
`` The E3 remain fully committed to this diplomatic effort and @ @ @ @ @ soon as conditions allow . ''
Relations between Iran and the United States and Iran @ @ @ @ @ a strike on Baghdad ’ s airport on January 3 killing General Qasem Soleimani , @ @ @ @ @ Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ’ elite Quds Force .
On January 8 , Iran retaliated @ @ @ @ @ two military facilities in Iraq used by the United States .
According to the Pentagon @ @ @ @ @ Air Base and the airport of Erbil were targeted .

BERLIN, January 14. /TASS/. Germany, France and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis between the United States and Iran, the three European countries’ foreign ministers said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
"We have also undertaken and supported diplomatic efforts, such as France’s initiative, to deescalate tensions and to bring Iran and the US to the negotiating table for a comprehensive negotiated solution," the ministers noted. "The E3 remain fully committed to this diplomatic effort and intend to resume it as soon as conditions allow."
Relations between Iran and the United States and Iran exacerbated after the US launched a strike on Baghdad’s airport on January 3 killing General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force. On January 8, Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes on two military facilities in Iraq used by the United States. According to the Pentagon’s spokesperson, Al-Asad Air Base and the airport of Erbil were targeted.


tass--2020-01-14--UK, Germany, France launch dispute resolution mechanism within JCPOA

According to Article 36 of the JCPOA , if Iran or any other member to the deal feels like another party is not meeting its commitments , they can refer the issue to the Joint Commission for resolution LONDON , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The UK , Germany and France are launching a dispute resolution mechanism within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear deal , the joint statement by the countries ’ foreign ministers published on Tuesday informs .
`` We have therefore been left with no choice , given Iran ’ s actions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran is not meeting its commitments under the JCPoA and to refer this matter to the Joint Commission under the Dispute Resolution Mechanism , as set out in paragraph 36 of the JCPoA , '' the message says .
`` We do this in good faith with the overarching objective of preserving the JCPoA and in the sincere hope of finding a way forward to resolve the impasse through constructive diplomatic dialogue , while preserving the agreement and remaining within its framework , '' the statement notes .
`` France , Germany and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to the JCPoA and our determination to work with all participants to preserve it . ''
According to Article 36 of the JCPOA , if Iran or any other member to the deal ( UK , Germany , China , Russia , the US and France ) feels like another party is not meeting its commitments under the deal , they can refer the issue to the Joint Commission for resolution , which launches a special mechanism that includes several procedural steps within the stipulated deadline .
UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
`` It is vital # Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon .
Today , the UK , France and Germany have initiated the dispute resolution mechanism in response to Iran breaking its commitments in the JCPOA nuclear deal .
We want to bring Iran back into full compliance and preserve the deal , '' he stated .
The future of the Iranian nuclear deal was called in question after the United States ’ unilateral pullout on May 8 , 2018 and Washington ’ s unilateral oil export sanctions against Tehran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Europeans in the first place , ignore some of their own obligations in the economic sphere , thus making the deal in its current shape senseless .
Due to this , Iran began the process of stage-by-stage suspension of its commitments under the deal .
In early January 2020 , Iran announced the final stage of reducing obligations under the JCPOA .
The new step of Tehran implies that it will not meet restrictions set by JCPOA on the number of centrifuges for uranium enrichment .

According to Article 36 of the JCPOA, if Iran or any other member to the deal feels like another party is not meeting its commitments, they can refer the issue to the Joint Commission for resolution
LONDON, January 14. /TASS/. The UK, Germany and France are launching a dispute resolution mechanism within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear deal, the joint statement by the countries’ foreign ministers published on Tuesday informs. "We have therefore been left with no choice, given Iran’s actions, but to register today our concerns that Iran is not meeting its commitments under the JCPoA and to refer this matter to the Joint Commission under the Dispute Resolution Mechanism, as set out in paragraph 36 of the JCPoA," the message says.
"We do this in good faith with the overarching objective of preserving the JCPoA and in the sincere hope of finding a way forward to resolve the impasse through constructive diplomatic dialogue, while preserving the agreement and remaining within its framework," the statement notes. "France, Germany and the United Kingdom once again express our commitment to the JCPoA and our determination to work with all participants to preserve it." According to Article 36 of the JCPOA, if Iran or any other member to the deal (UK, Germany, China, Russia, the US and France) feels like another party is not meeting its commitments under the deal, they can refer the issue to the Joint Commission for resolution, which launches a special mechanism that includes several procedural steps within the stipulated deadline. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab commented on the launch of the mechanism on Twitter. "It is vital #Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Today, the UK, France and Germany have initiated the dispute resolution mechanism in response to Iran breaking its commitments in the JCPOA nuclear deal. We want to bring Iran back into full compliance and preserve the deal," he stated.
It is vital #Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Today, the UK, France and Germany have initiated the dispute resolution mechanism in response to Iran breaking its commitments in the JCPOA nuclear deal. We want to bring Iran back into full compliance and preserve the deal. https://t.co/ptaqGXVerH — Dominic Raab (@DominicRaab) January 14, 2020


tass--2020-01-14--Belarus does not consider feasible to pay previous oil price premium to Russia

MINSK , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus does not consider economically feasible to pay the premium to the oil price in the previous amount to Russian oil companies , First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Dmitry Krutoi said on Tuesday .
`` We maintain that there is no sense at present to pay the premium to the Russian oil companies in the amount we negotiated in 2011 in the conditions of the tax maneuver implementation and annual increase in oil price for Belarus on account of the customs duty reduction .
This is simply unfeasible in economic terms , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BelTA news agency .
According to Krutoi , Russian partners so far are not meeting Belarus halfway in reconsideration of the oil price premium .
`` So far , they [ Russia — TASS ] do not want to meet [ Belarus ] halfway in respect of the amount of this premium , '' Krutoi said , cited by BelTA news agency .
Only the company of Mikhail Gutseriev [ co-owner of Safmar Group — TASS ] has considered the request , the official informed .
`` The negotiating process is underway .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We believe it is very difficult to simply wave the Belarusian market aside : we are a major consumer of the Russian oil ( about 10 % of Russian exports ) , '' he went on .
`` Negotiations will continue and I hope the solution will be found , '' Krutoi added .

MINSK, January 14. /TASS/. Belarus does not consider economically feasible to pay the premium to the oil price in the previous amount to Russian oil companies, First Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Dmitry Krutoi said on Tuesday.
"We maintain that there is no sense at present to pay the premium to the Russian oil companies in the amount we negotiated in 2011 in the conditions of the tax maneuver implementation and annual increase in oil price for Belarus on account of the customs duty reduction. This is simply unfeasible in economic terms," the official said, cited by BelTA news agency.
According to Krutoi, Russian partners so far are not meeting Belarus halfway in reconsideration of the oil price premium.
"So far, they [Russia — TASS] do not want to meet [Belarus] halfway in respect of the amount of this premium," Krutoi said, cited by BelTA news agency.
Only the company of Mikhail Gutseriev [co-owner of Safmar Group — TASS] has considered the request, the official informed. "The negotiating process is underway. We have sent our proposals to everyone. We believe it is very difficult to simply wave the Belarusian market aside: we are a major consumer of the Russian oil (about 10% of Russian exports)," he went on. "Negotiations will continue and I hope the solution will be found," Krutoi added.


tass--2020-01-14--Russian cutting-edge corvette test-fires shipborne weapons during trials in Barents Sea

The crews of a nuclear-powered submarine and the Northern Fleet small anti-submarine warfare ship Snezhnogorsk provided for the corvette ’ s trials , simulating the enemy , he said .
`` The corvette operating in the Barents Sea under the program of state sea trials delivered torpedo fire against an underwater and a surface target .
During the fire , a new naval weapon suite was successfully tested , '' the spokesman said .
MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
The Project 20385 lead corvette Gremyashchiy held torpedo fire against an underwater and a surface target , testing new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Northern Fleet Vadim Serga said on Tuesday The corvette has been undergoing trials at the Northern Fleet ’ s combat training ranges since November 13 .
The warship earlier fired Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles against coastal and naval targets in the White Sea , and also test-fired artillery guns .
The Gremyashchiy is the Project 20385 lead corvette laid down at the Severnaya Shipyard on February 1 , 2012 and floated out in June 2017 .
The corvettes of this Project developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and surface ships , provide for troop landing and cope with numerous green-water tasks .
The corvette entered a new stage of trials on December 6 .
Project 20385 corvettes displace 2,200 tonnes , have an operating range of 3,500 miles and their sea endurance is 15 days .
They are armed with Kalibr-NK universal missile systems , Redut anti-aircraft missile complexes and Paket anti-submarine warfare technology .
The corvette was named after the Northern Fleet ’ s legendary destroyer Gremyashchiy that fought during the Soviet Union ’ s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations at sea during the war , the destroyer was awarded the Guards title while its commander , 1st Rank Captain Anton Gurin was bestowed with the Hero of the Soviet Union title .

The crews of a nuclear-powered submarine and the Northern Fleet small anti-submarine warfare ship Snezhnogorsk provided for the corvette’s trials, simulating the enemy, he said.
"The corvette operating in the Barents Sea under the program of state sea trials delivered torpedo fire against an underwater and a surface target. During the fire, a new naval weapon suite was successfully tested," the spokesman said.
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. The Project 20385 lead corvette Gremyashchiy held torpedo fire against an underwater and a surface target, testing new armament in the Barents Sea, spokesman for the Northern Fleet Vadim Serga said on Tuesday
The corvette has been undergoing trials at the Northern Fleet’s combat training ranges since November 13. The warship earlier fired Kalibr and Oniks cruise missiles against coastal and naval targets in the White Sea, and also test-fired artillery guns.
The Gremyashchiy is the Project 20385 lead corvette laid down at the Severnaya Shipyard on February 1, 2012 and floated out in June 2017. The corvettes of this Project developed by the Almaz Central Marine Design Bureau are designated to detect and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, provide for troop landing and cope with numerous green-water tasks. The corvette entered a new stage of trials on December 6.
Project 20385 corvettes displace 2,200 tonnes, have an operating range of 3,500 miles and their sea endurance is 15 days. They are armed with Kalibr-NK universal missile systems, Redut anti-aircraft missile complexes and Paket anti-submarine warfare technology.
The corvette was named after the Northern Fleet’s legendary destroyer Gremyashchiy that fought during the Soviet Union’s 1941-1945 Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. For its successful operations at sea during the war, the destroyer was awarded the Guards title while its commander, 1st Rank Captain Anton Gurin was bestowed with the Hero of the Soviet Union title.


tass--2020-01-14--Parliamentarian blames US for tensions that led to Ukrainian plane crash in Iran

`` The US-bred tensions certainly caused Iran and other countries in the region to alert their defenses .
We have said more than once that all this results in soaring tensions and , consequently , to conflicts , '' Volodin told the State Duma on Tuesday in response to a statement on this score by the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia ( LDPR ) leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky .
MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian State Duma ( parliament 's lower house ) Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has blamed the United States for the exacerbation of tensions in the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian missile at the passenger jet of the Ukraine International Airlines near Tehran .
`` Escalation of tensions is fraught with many risks , including such missile launches .
Our country has reiterated and it says again that it is essential to be guided by international rules and principles that we have , '' Volodin went on .
`` These issues should be discussed in the United Nations , too .
Trying to decide the fate of other people and whole countries the way the United States does merely leads to chaos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boeing-737 passenger jet of Ukraine International Airlines went down on January 8 minutes after leaving Tehran ’ s airport .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said the disaster claimed the lives of 176 people : citizens of Afghanistan , Germany , Iran , Canada and Ukraine and also British and Swedish subjects .
The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces on January 11 issued a statement to recognize that the plane was downed by Tehran ’ s air defenses .
The commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the identification system mistook the passenger liner for a cruise missile .
Tensions in the Middle East surged on January 3 following a US overnight attack near Baghdad airport that killed the commander of the special Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , Qasem Soleimani .
Tehran on January 8 delivered a night-time retaliatory strike against two facilities in Iraq being used by the US military — the Ayn al-Assad air base and Erbil Airport .

"The US-bred tensions certainly caused Iran and other countries in the region to alert their defenses. We have said more than once that all this results in soaring tensions and, consequently, to conflicts," Volodin told the State Duma on Tuesday in response to a statement on this score by the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky.
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russian State Duma (parliament's lower house) Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has blamed the United States for the exacerbation of tensions in the Middle East that led to the launch of the Iranian missile at the passenger jet of the Ukraine International Airlines near Tehran.
"Escalation of tensions is fraught with many risks, including such missile launches. Our country has reiterated and it says again that it is essential to be guided by international rules and principles that we have," Volodin went on. "These issues should be discussed in the United Nations, too. Trying to decide the fate of other people and whole countries the way the United States does merely leads to chaos, wars and tragedies."
A Boeing-737 passenger jet of Ukraine International Airlines went down on January 8 minutes after leaving Tehran’s airport. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said the disaster claimed the lives of 176 people: citizens of Afghanistan, Germany, Iran, Canada and Ukraine and also British and Swedish subjects.
The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces on January 11 issued a statement to recognize that the plane was downed by Tehran’s air defenses. The commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said the identification system mistook the passenger liner for a cruise missile.
Tensions in the Middle East surged on January 3 following a US overnight attack near Baghdad airport that killed the commander of the special Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Qasem Soleimani. Tehran on January 8 delivered a night-time retaliatory strike against two facilities in Iraq being used by the US military — the Ayn al-Assad air base and Erbil Airport.


tass--2020-01-14--Iran’s skies safe for all flights, army commander says

`` The Iranian sky is safer for all flight than at any other point in time , '' the IRNA news agency reports quoting him as saying .
Mousavi also noted that the Iranian leadership should call for `` coordination of the IRGC ( Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - TASS ) and other armed forces to ensure accuracy of the air defense system . ''
TASS , January 14 .
The skies over Iran are currently safer for all flights than ever before , Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Tuesday .
The army commander is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to the Ukrainian plane crash last week will not undermine outstanding achievements of the IRGC . ''
Mousavi offered condolences to families of the Boeing 737 crash victims , saying , `` The recent air disaster that caused deaths of our dear compatriots was bitter and sad and had a profound effect on the security and armed forces of the country . ''
At the same time , he pointed out that the `` tragedy occurred during the crisis provoked by American adventurism . ''
On January 8 , Ukraine International Airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport .
All people onboard , 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers , were killed .
Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko announced on his Twitter page that citizens of Iran , Canada , Ukraine , Sweden , Afghanistan , German and the UK were among those who died in the air tragedy .
On January 11 , the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces disseminated a statement admitting to mistakenly shooting down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( elite forces ) Amir Ali Hajizadeh revealed that the national air defense systems had mistaken the passenger aircraft for a cruise missile .
The situation around Iran exacerbated dramatically after the US launched a strike on Baghdad ’ s airport on January 3 killing General Qasem Soleimani , the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards ’ elite Quds Force .
Tehran vowed to respond harshly .
On January 8 , Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes on two facilities in Iraq used by US military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Erbil .

"The Iranian sky is safer for all flight than at any other point in time," the IRNA news agency reports quoting him as saying. Mousavi also noted that the Iranian leadership should call for "coordination of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - TASS) and other armed forces to ensure accuracy of the air defense system."
TASS, January 14. The skies over Iran are currently safer for all flights than ever before, Iranian Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Tuesday.
The army commander is also certain that "the human error that led to the Ukrainian plane crash last week will not undermine outstanding achievements of the IRGC." Mousavi offered condolences to families of the Boeing 737 crash victims, saying, "The recent air disaster that caused deaths of our dear compatriots was bitter and sad and had a profound effect on the security and armed forces of the country." At the same time, he pointed out that the "tragedy occurred during the crisis provoked by American adventurism."
On January 8, Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. All people onboard, 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers, were killed. Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko announced on his Twitter page that citizens of Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, German and the UK were among those who died in the air tragedy.
On January 11, the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces disseminated a statement admitting to mistakenly shooting down the plane. Commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (elite forces) Amir Ali Hajizadeh revealed that the national air defense systems had mistaken the passenger aircraft for a cruise missile.
The situation around Iran exacerbated dramatically after the US launched a strike on Baghdad’s airport on January 3 killing General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ elite Quds Force. Tehran vowed to respond harshly. On January 8, Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes on two facilities in Iraq used by US military - Al-Asad Air Base and the airport of Erbil.


tass--2020-01-14--Russian watchdog lifts ban on aquaculture supplies for three Chinese companies

MOSCOW , January 14 .
/TASS/ .
Russian veterinary and phytosanitary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor authorized three Chinese eel and sturgeon producers @ @ @ @ @ , the authority said on Tuesday .
`` Based on a guarantee of the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ from three Chinese enterprises ( two eel producers and one sturgeon producer , '' the @ @ @ @ @ temporary restrictions from January 9 in respect of imports of eel , tilapia , sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ species and seafood cocktails from China in view of numerous violations found during the inspection @ @ @ @ @ turn of the last year , including the ones related to insufficient safety control of @ @ @ @ @ Customs Administration of China provided Russia with guarantees preventing supplies of aquaculture products not meeting @ @ @ @ @ certification of such products imported from China , the Russian regulator noted .

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Russian veterinary and phytosanitary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor authorized three Chinese eel and sturgeon producers to supply products to Russia, the authority said on Tuesday.
"Based on a guarantee of the Chinese side, Rosselkhoznadzor authorized supplies from three Chinese enterprises (two eel producers and one sturgeon producer," the regulator says.
Rosselkhoznadzor introduced temporary restrictions from January 9 in respect of imports of eel, tilapia, sturgeon, trout, certain shrimp species and seafood cocktails from China in view of numerous violations found during the inspection of Chinese companies at the turn of the last year, including the ones related to insufficient safety control of aquatic products.
The Main Customs Administration of China provided Russia with guarantees preventing supplies of aquaculture products not meeting safety requirements and independently suspended certification of such products imported from China, the Russian regulator noted.