tass--2020-01-24--Chinese tourists massively cancel trips from Wuhan to Russia — travel association

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Chinese tourists from China , who were expected to fly to Russia from the airport of Wuhan , massively cancel their trips , Alexander Kukolev , adviser on migration security for the World without Borders travel association , told TASS Thursday .
Representatives of the tourist industry attribute this to the impossibility of departure from a local airport , he said .
According to recent data , the number of people infected with new-type coronavirus in China exceeded 600 people .
The virus killed 18 residents , while 95 of those infected are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were in close contact with the sick , all of them were placed in quarantine .
`` There is a massive cancellation of arrivals to Russia by [ tourist ] groups form from Wuhan to Moscow .
We are observing this trend .
We attribute this to the fact that Wuhan has been closed off by the decision of the Chinese authorities .
< ... > We know about the cancellation of the arrival of seven groups on January 26-30 and February 2 .
Most likely , they will not arrive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people that goes ] through our association , '' the official said .
According to Kukolev , tour operators are reporting about Chinese tourists who will not be able to fly to Russia .
In addition , all employees of the World Without Borders Association working at border checkpoints in contact with Chinese tourists were instructed to work in flu masks .
The World Without Borders Travel Association was formed in 2002 by a number of large Russian tour operators engaged in the reception of foreign tourists in order to jointly promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international market and develop Russian-Chinese tourism .
Today , the association unites nearly 200 enterprises working with the Chinese tourism market .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. Chinese tourists from China, who were expected to fly to Russia from the airport of Wuhan, massively cancel their trips, Alexander Kukolev, adviser on migration security for the World without Borders travel association, told TASS Thursday.
Representatives of the tourist industry attribute this to the impossibility of departure from a local airport, he said.
According to recent data, the number of people infected with new-type coronavirus in China exceeded 600 people. The virus killed 18 residents, while 95 of those infected are in critical condition. More than 5,800 people were in close contact with the sick, all of them were placed in quarantine.
"There is a massive cancellation of arrivals to Russia by [tourist] groups form from Wuhan to Moscow. We are observing this trend. We attribute this to the fact that Wuhan has been closed off by the decision of the Chinese authorities. <...> We know about the cancellation of the arrival of seven groups on January 26-30 and February 2. Most likely, they will not arrive, and this is only [the number of people that goes] through our association," the official said.
According to Kukolev, tour operators are reporting about Chinese tourists who will not be able to fly to Russia. In addition, all employees of the World Without Borders Association working at border checkpoints in contact with Chinese tourists were instructed to work in flu masks.
The World Without Borders Travel Association was formed in 2002 by a number of large Russian tour operators engaged in the reception of foreign tourists in order to jointly promote the Russian national tourism product on the international market and develop Russian-Chinese tourism. Today, the association unites nearly 200 enterprises working with the Chinese tourism market.


tass--2020-01-24--UN welcomes Putin’s initiative to organize summit of UNSC permanent members

THE UNITED NATIONS , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s initiative @ @ @ @ @ the leaders of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to discuss @ @ @ @ @ for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq said on Thursday .
`` I can say simply @ @ @ @ @ Member States as a matter of principle .
To that extent , we welcome any @ @ @ @ @ five permanent members of the Security Council , '' Haq told TASS .
Speaking at @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday , Putin suggested organizing a summit of the leaders of Russia , China @ @ @ @ @ France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs .
He said such a meeting @ @ @ @ @ any country and at any place in the world that the counterparts find convenient .
@ @ @ @ @ words , is ready `` for such a serious discussion '' and plans to send @ @ @ @ @ ’ leaders without delay .

THE UNITED NATIONS, January 23. /TASS/. The United Nations welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s initiative to organize a meeting between the leaders of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to discuss global problems, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq said on Thursday.
"I can say simply that we encourage dialogue among Member States as a matter of principle. To that extent, we welcome any proposals for dialogue among the five permanent members of the Security Council," Haq told TASS.
Speaking at the World Holocaust Forum earlier on Thursday, Putin suggested organizing a summit of the leaders of Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs. He said such a meeting could be held "in any country and at any place in the world that the counterparts find convenient." Moscow, in his words, is ready "for such a serious discussion" and plans to send corresponding messages to these countries’ leaders without delay.


tass--2020-01-24--Ukrainian leader’s policies delay new Normandy Four summit — politician

PARIS , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
A meeting of the Normandy Four ( Russia , France , Germany Ukraine ) can be postponed to a later date unless Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his team start implementing agreements reached at the Paris summit , chairman of the political council of Ukraine ’ s Opposition Platform — For Life party and member of Ukraine ’ s Verkhovna Rada ( parliament ) Viktor Medvedchuk told TASS .
`` If Ukrainian authorities represented by Mr. Zelensky will continue to implement agreements reached on December 9 [ when the Paris summit was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this meeting is unlikely to take place when it is supposed to , '' Medvedchuk said after a meeting with French parliamentarians in the French Senate on Thursday .
The politician noted that practically all decisions outlined in the final communique of the Paris summit failed to materialize on the Ukrainian side except for a prisoner swap .
`` Yes , people returned home , a large swap did take place , but there has been no movement further , unfortunately .
Shelling failed to stop and the ‘ Steinmeier formula ’ did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarified .
Medvedchuk added that Zelensky ’ s team is now suggesting redrafting five points of the Minsk Agreements while Russia opposes any changes to the previously signed documents .
`` Somebody is saying , ‘ what disengagement of forces ?
’ And this somebody is the person occupying the office of the Ukrainian defense minister .
‘ They should disarm !
’ - a great idea , I also believe that everyone should disarm but to achieve that , provisions of the Minsk Agreements should be implemented that will lead to peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this position is maintained by Zelensky ’ s team and the president himself , then we definitely won ’ t start moving forward and everything will remain as it is , just like it was under [ former Ukrainian President Pyotr ] Poroshenko , '' he concluded .
A Normandy Four summit was held in Paris on December 9 , for the first time after a three-year break .
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Emmanuel Macron of Germany , Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine and German Chancellor Angela Merkel gathered in the Elysee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict in Donbass .
The seven-hour talks yielded a final document committing to paper a number of concrete accords .
Among the summit ’ s most expected results was an agreement to exchange prisoners-of-war in Donbass under the formula of ‘ all identified for all identified ’ by the year-end , to disengage forces at three more sections of the contact line by March 2020 and to enshrine the ‘ Steinmeier formula ’ into the Ukrainian legislation which provides a mechanism to grant a special status to Donbass .
The leaders also agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Four format in four months , while making a number of steps toward a political settlement of the Donbass conflict .

PARIS, January 23. /TASS/. A meeting of the Normandy Four (Russia, France, Germany Ukraine) can be postponed to a later date unless Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and his team start implementing agreements reached at the Paris summit, chairman of the political council of Ukraine’s Opposition Platform — For Life party and member of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament) Viktor Medvedchuk told TASS.
"If Ukrainian authorities represented by Mr. Zelensky will continue to implement agreements reached on December 9 [when the Paris summit was held] in such a way, then this meeting is unlikely to take place when it is supposed to," Medvedchuk said after a meeting with French parliamentarians in the French Senate on Thursday.
The politician noted that practically all decisions outlined in the final communique of the Paris summit failed to materialize on the Ukrainian side except for a prisoner swap. "Yes, people returned home, a large swap did take place, but there has been no movement further, unfortunately. Shelling failed to stop and the ‘Steinmeier formula’ did not translate into legislation," he clarified.
Medvedchuk added that Zelensky’s team is now suggesting redrafting five points of the Minsk Agreements while Russia opposes any changes to the previously signed documents. "Somebody is saying, ‘what disengagement of forces?’ And this somebody is the person occupying the office of the Ukrainian defense minister. ‘They should disarm!’ - a great idea, I also believe that everyone should disarm but to achieve that, provisions of the Minsk Agreements should be implemented that will lead to peace," Medvedchuk stressed.
"If this position is maintained by Zelensky’s team and the president himself, then we definitely won’t start moving forward and everything will remain as it is, just like it was under [former Ukrainian President Pyotr] Poroshenko," he concluded.
A Normandy Four summit was held in Paris on December 9, for the first time after a three-year break. Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Emmanuel Macron of Germany, Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine and German Chancellor Angela Merkel gathered in the Elysee Palace to discuss ways of settling the conflict in Donbass. The seven-hour talks yielded a final document committing to paper a number of concrete accords. Among the summit’s most expected results was an agreement to exchange prisoners-of-war in Donbass under the formula of ‘all identified for all identified’ by the year-end, to disengage forces at three more sections of the contact line by March 2020 and to enshrine the ‘Steinmeier formula’ into the Ukrainian legislation which provides a mechanism to grant a special status to Donbass. The leaders also agreed to continue high-level discussion in the Normandy Four format in four months, while making a number of steps toward a political settlement of the Donbass conflict.


tass--2020-01-24--China's Hubei and Guangdong provinces declare first-level public health emergency

BEIJING , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The authorities of the Chinese provinces of Hubei and Guangdong have descalred a first-level public health emergency over the outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
According to the statements released by the administrations of the two regions , all government departments have been mobilized in the effort to contain the outbreak .
The first-level public health emergency envisages mobilization of personnel , government departments and enterprises in fighting against the outbreak , as well as using all necessary materials and resources .
In order to prevent the spread of the outbreak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporarily suspend the operation of companies and educational institutions , restrict access to potentially dangerous areas , make temporary requisitions for houses , cars , equipment and other resources .
Local authorities may also restrict the freedom of movement and migration , institute epidemiological screening for people and transport , put residents into quarantine if they are suspected to have contracted the virus .
On December 31 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection — coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose , cough , sore throat and chest tightness .
Migraines and fever are also possible , and they can last for several days .
The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system , such as the elderly and children .
They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis .
According to latest reports , the number of infected persons in China reached 644 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several cases of the new coronavirus were also confirmed in other countries - three in Thailand , two in Vietnam , one each in South Korea , Singapore , Japan and the United States .

BEIJING, January 23. /TASS/. The authorities of the Chinese provinces of Hubei and Guangdong have descalred a first-level public health emergency over the outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV. According to the statements released by the administrations of the two regions, all government departments have been mobilized in the effort to contain the outbreak.
The first-level public health emergency envisages mobilization of personnel, government departments and enterprises in fighting against the outbreak, as well as using all necessary materials and resources. In order to prevent the spread of the outbreak, local governments may cancel public events, temporarily suspend the operation of companies and educational institutions, restrict access to potentially dangerous areas, make temporary requisitions for houses, cars, equipment and other resources.
Local authorities may also restrict the freedom of movement and migration, institute epidemiological screening for people and transport, put residents into quarantine if they are suspected to have contracted the virus.
On December 31, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection — coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose, cough, sore throat and chest tightness. Migraines and fever are also possible, and they can last for several days. The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system, such as the elderly and children. They present with symptoms similar to those of penumonia and bronchitis.
According to latest reports, the number of infected persons in China reached 644. Eighteen people died from the coronavirus. Several cases of the new coronavirus were also confirmed in other countries - three in Thailand, two in Vietnam, one each in South Korea, Singapore, Japan and the United States.


tass--2020-01-23--Militants attacked Syrian government forces 30 times since Jan. 9 — reconciliation center

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Positions of Syrian government troops have come under shellings by illegal armed groups 30 times since 9 January 2020 , chief of the Russian Center for econciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria Yury Borenkov said on Thursday .
`` Since January 9 of the current year , positions of government troops in the Idlib de-escalation zone have been attacked by illegal armed groups 30 times .
Over this period , terrorist groups have staged as many as 638 shelling attacks on populated localities .
In total , 55 Syrian soldiers and 71 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 149 civilians have been wounded as a result of attacks and shellings since January 9 , '' Borenkov said .
He added that during the day officers of the Russian reconciliation center conducted three humanitarian operations and delivered a total of 2.74 tonnes of food products to the settlements of Jebab in the Daraa governorate , Qantara in the Aleppo governorate , and Hneyz al-Shimaliya in the Raqqa governorate .
The ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the north of Syria came into effect on January 12 .
Government troops stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 9 .
Four de-escalation zones were established in Syria under the agreement reached by the three Syrian ceasefire guarantor nations , namely Russia , Iran and Turkey , in May 2017 .
Three of them are now controlled by Damascus while the fourth one located in the Idlib governorate and partially in the neighboring Latakia , Hama and Aleppo governorates , is still outside Damascus ’ control , with a larger part of it being seized by Jabhat al-Nusra ( a terrorist organization banned in Russia ) militants .
The Russian reconciliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the completion of the military campaign in Syria .
The center ’ s officers regularly travel around the country 's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation .
The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. Positions of Syrian government troops have come under shellings by illegal armed groups 30 times since 9 January 2020, chief of the Russian Center for econciliation of the conflicting sides in Syria Yury Borenkov said on Thursday.
"Since January 9 of the current year, positions of government troops in the Idlib de-escalation zone have been attacked by illegal armed groups 30 times. Over this period, terrorist groups have staged as many as 638 shelling attacks on populated localities. In total, 55 Syrian soldiers and 71 civilians have been killed and 94 soldiers and 149 civilians have been wounded as a result of attacks and shellings since January 9," Borenkov said.
He added that during the day officers of the Russian reconciliation center conducted three humanitarian operations and delivered a total of 2.74 tonnes of food products to the settlements of Jebab in the Daraa governorate, Qantara in the Aleppo governorate, and Hneyz al-Shimaliya in the Raqqa governorate.
The ceasefire in the Idlib de-escalation zone in the north of Syria came into effect on January 12. Government troops stopped combat operations from 2pm local time on January 9.
Four de-escalation zones were established in Syria under the agreement reached by the three Syrian ceasefire guarantor nations, namely Russia, Iran and Turkey, in May 2017. Three of them are now controlled by Damascus while the fourth one located in the Idlib governorate and partially in the neighboring Latakia, Hama and Aleppo governorates, is still outside Damascus’ control, with a larger part of it being seized by Jabhat al-Nusra (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) militants.
The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The center’s officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones.


tass--2020-01-23--European Parliament’s committee approves Brexit bill

BRUSSELS , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The European Parliament ’ s Committee on Constitutional Affairs has held an urgent @ @ @ @ @ the Brexit bill outlining conditions of the United Kingdom ’ s departure from the European @ @ @ @ @ The committee held a vote where 23 out of 26 members supported the agreement while @ @ @ @ @ Earlier on Thursday , Queen Elizabeth II signed the bill into law , finalizing preparations @ @ @ @ @ British side after 10 months of extensions .
Earlier , parliaments of Wales , Scotland @ @ @ @ @ approve the Brexit bill .
All three regional legislatures opposed the divorce between the UK @ @ @ @ @ , their opposition did not influence the eventual outcome .

BRUSSELS, January 23. /TASS/. The European Parliament’s Committee on Constitutional Affairs has held an urgent meeting on Thursday to approve the Brexit bill outlining conditions of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, TASS reports. The committee held a vote where 23 out of 26 members supported the agreement while three members opposed it.
Earlier on Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II signed the bill into law, finalizing preparations for the divorce on the British side after 10 months of extensions. Earlier, parliaments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland refused to approve the Brexit bill. All three regional legislatures opposed the divorce between the UK and the EU. Nevertheless, their opposition did not influence the eventual outcome.


tass--2020-01-23--Queen Elizabeth II signs Brexit bill into law

LONDON , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Brexit withdrawal agreement outlining conditions of the United Kingdom ’ s departure from the European Union drafted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s government has become a law after Queen Elizabeth II signed it on Thursday .
The UK will leave the EU on January 31 .
However , for that to happen the European Parliament needs to ratify the agreement but the EU legislature is not expected to block the process .
Earlier , parliaments of Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland refused to approve the Brexit bill .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and the EU .
Nevertheless , their opposition did not influence the eventual outcome .
The United Kingdom was initially supposed to exit the union on March 29 , 2019 , however , the departure date was postponed a few times as British MPs could not agree the conditions of the exit .
Theresa May , former Prime Minister , had to resign in the face of this unbreakable deadlock , while her successor Boris Johnson managed to win over support of the House of Commons and get his bill through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a snap parliamentary election in December and secured an overwhelming majority in the house which practically rendered all other steps in the process a formality .
After January 31 , the UK will enter a transition period ending on December 31 without any meaningful changes taking place in the relations between the UK and the EU .
However , before that date comes , London and Brussels are supposed to agree a new trade agreement to guide their future relations .

LONDON, January 23. /TASS/. The Brexit withdrawal agreement outlining conditions of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union drafted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government has become a law after Queen Elizabeth II signed it on Thursday.
The UK will leave the EU on January 31. However, for that to happen the European Parliament needs to ratify the agreement but the EU legislature is not expected to block the process.
Earlier, parliaments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland refused to approve the Brexit bill. All three regional legislatures opposed the divorce between the UK and the EU. Nevertheless, their opposition did not influence the eventual outcome.
The United Kingdom was initially supposed to exit the union on March 29, 2019, however, the departure date was postponed a few times as British MPs could not agree the conditions of the exit. Theresa May, former Prime Minister, had to resign in the face of this unbreakable deadlock, while her successor Boris Johnson managed to win over support of the House of Commons and get his bill through. To achieve that, he called a snap parliamentary election in December and secured an overwhelming majority in the house which practically rendered all other steps in the process a formality.
After January 31, the UK will enter a transition period ending on December 31 without any meaningful changes taking place in the relations between the UK and the EU. However, before that date comes, London and Brussels are supposed to agree a new trade agreement to guide their future relations.


tass--2020-01-23--Abbas says wants to discuss "deal of the century" and Palestinian polls with Putin

BETHLEHEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday he wanted to discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin US President Donald Trump ’ s `` deal of the century '' for the Middle East , as well as the problem of the occupation of Palestinian territories and elections in Palestine .
`` Naturally , we need to discuss a number of problems .
I mean , first of all , Israel ’ s statement on the annexation of Palestinian territories , possible announcement of the second part of Trump ’ s ‘ deal of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans have already announced the first part .
Other topics are parliamentary and presidential elections in the State of Palestine , '' he said during talks with the Russian leader .
Abbas also thanked the Russian side for its permanent support to the Palestinian administration and stressed that Moscow never lost an opportunity to draw the world community ’ s attention to the problems of the Palestinians .
According to Abbas , the Palestinian authorities attach great significance to the regular exchange of top-level visits to maintain dialogue on the most topical matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ express gratitude for the support , I mean political , economic , cultural and financial support , and support in the sphere of security , you offer to the Palestinian , '' he said .
`` I can not fail to thank you for the support and work you are doing in the Arab world .
We see it as a proof that the affairs of the Arab world are important for Russia .
Russia has always been present in the Arab world and has been working towards resolution of its problems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , the US administration made public a 40-page document containing economic aspects of the US plan for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict settlement , dubbed in the United States as the `` deal of the century '' .
Thus , it provides for 50 billion US dollar worth investments in Palestine and neighboring countries .
Under the plan , slightly less than a half of the sum would go to Palestine , with the rest meant for Egypt , Jordan and Lebanon .
An international conference on the deal ’ s economic aspects was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 25-26 , 2019 .
The Palestinian administration and a number of Arab nations boycotted the conference , saying such an approach was inappropriate .
Political provisions of the deal have not yet been made public but , as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said , it was clear that it did not provide for the establishment of a separate Palestinian state and was geared to abandon the two-state solution to the problem .

BETHLEHEM, January 23. /TASS/. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday he wanted to discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin US President Donald Trump’s "deal of the century" for the Middle East, as well as the problem of the occupation of Palestinian territories and elections in Palestine.
"Naturally, we need to discuss a number of problems. I mean, first of all, Israel’s statement on the annexation of Palestinian territories, possible announcement of the second part of Trump’s ‘deal of the century.’ As we know, the Americans have already announced the first part. Other topics are parliamentary and presidential elections in the State of Palestine," he said during talks with the Russian leader.
Abbas also thanked the Russian side for its permanent support to the Palestinian administration and stressed that Moscow never lost an opportunity to draw the world community’s attention to the problems of the Palestinians.
According to Abbas, the Palestinian authorities attach great significance to the regular exchange of top-level visits to maintain dialogue on the most topical matters. "I would also like to express gratitude for the support, I mean political, economic, cultural and financial support, and support in the sphere of security, you offer to the Palestinian," he said.
"I cannot fail to thank you for the support and work you are doing in the Arab world. We see it as a proof that the affairs of the Arab world are important for Russia. Russia has always been present in the Arab world and has been working towards resolution of its problems," the stressed.
"Deal of the century"
In late June 2019, the US administration made public a 40-page document containing economic aspects of the US plan for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict settlement, dubbed in the United States as the "deal of the century". Thus, it provides for 50 billion US dollar worth investments in Palestine and neighboring countries. Under the plan, slightly less than a half of the sum would go to Palestine, with the rest meant for Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon.
An international conference on the deal’s economic aspects was held Bahrain’s capital city on June 25-26, 2019. The Palestinian administration and a number of Arab nations boycotted the conference, saying such an approach was inappropriate.
Political provisions of the deal have not yet been made public but, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, it was clear that it did not provide for the establishment of a separate Palestinian state and was geared to abandon the two-state solution to the problem.


tass--2020-01-23--Bavarian minister president to meet with Putin in Moscow next week

BERLIN , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Minister President of Bavaria ( Germany ) Markus Soder will visit Moscow next @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin , Soder told reporters on Thursday in Munich .
`` The visit @ @ @ @ @ government and [ German Chancellor ] Angela Merkel , '' the DPA agency quotes him @ @ @ @ @ is a working visit , '' he noted .
The meeting with Putin is set @ @ @ @ @ 29 .
The Bavarian minister will be accompanied by Chair of the Munich Security Conference @ @ @ @ @ Minister Florian Herrmann .
The agenda of the visit includes meetings with Moscow Mayor Sergei @ @ @ @ @ society .
Former Minister President of Bavaria Horst Seehofer met with Putin twice in 2017 @ @ @ @ @ once on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum .

BERLIN, January 23. /TASS/. Minister President of Bavaria (Germany) Markus Soder will visit Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Soder told reporters on Thursday in Munich.
"The visit is approved by the federal government and [German Chancellor] Angela Merkel," the DPA agency quotes him as saying. "This is a working visit," he noted.
The meeting with Putin is set to take place on January 29. The Bavarian minister will be accompanied by Chair of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger and Bavarian State Minister Florian Herrmann. The agenda of the visit includes meetings with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and representatives of civil society.
Former Minister President of Bavaria Horst Seehofer met with Putin twice in 2017: once in Moscow and once on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum.


tass--2020-01-23--China coronavirus death toll rises to 18

The highest amount of people infected ( 444 people ) has been documented in the Hubei province , followed by the Guangdong province ( 32 ) , the Zhejiang province ( 27 ) , Beijing ( 22 ) and Shanghai ( 16 ) .
According to Chinese officials , there was a first casualty documented outside the Hubei province .
An 80-year-old man felt unwell after returning from Wuhan ( Hubei province ) , where he visited relatives , to the Hebei province .
The man sought medical aid ; however , he succumbed to the illness on January 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of people infected with a new type of coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China has risen to 644 , with the official death toll reaching 18 , the messages by Chinese healthcare and hygiene committees informed .
The Russian Embassy in Beijing informed TASS on Thursday that the diplomatic mission had not been contacted by any Russian citizens currently in Wuhan .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose , cough , sore throat and chest tightness .
Migraines and fever are also possible , and they can last for several days .
The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system , such as seniors and children .
They present with symptoms similar to those of pneumonia and bronchitis .
Cases of coronavirus have been reported outside of China in Thailand ( three cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Japan , the US , Singapore and South Korea ( one case each ) .
The Russian Health Ministry informed earlier that it had begun the search for the vaccine against the virus , holding talks with Chinese researchers on the possibility of getting access to biological materials in order to begin elaborating the vaccine .

The highest amount of people infected (444 people) has been documented in the Hubei province, followed by the Guangdong province (32), the Zhejiang province (27), Beijing (22) and Shanghai (16).
According to Chinese officials, there was a first casualty documented outside the Hubei province. An 80-year-old man felt unwell after returning from Wuhan (Hubei province), where he visited relatives, to the Hebei province. The man sought medical aid; however, he succumbed to the illness on January 22.
BEIJING, January 23. /TASS/. The number of people infected with a new type of coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China has risen to 644, with the official death toll reaching 18, the messages by Chinese healthcare and hygiene committees informed.
The Russian Embassy in Beijing informed TASS on Thursday that the diplomatic mission had not been contacted by any Russian citizens currently in Wuhan.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a new type of pneumonia in the city of Wuhan in central China. On January 7, Chinese specialists determined the virus behind the infection - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. Doctors say that the symptoms of the new coronavirus include running nose, cough, sore throat and chest tightness. Migraines and fever are also possible, and they can last for several days. The risk group includes people with a compromised immune system, such as seniors and children. They present with symptoms similar to those of pneumonia and bronchitis.
Cases of coronavirus have been reported outside of China in Thailand (three cases), Vietnam (two cases), Japan, the US, Singapore and South Korea (one case each).
The Russian Health Ministry informed earlier that it had begun the search for the vaccine against the virus, holding talks with Chinese researchers on the possibility of getting access to biological materials in order to begin elaborating the vaccine.


tass--2020-01-23--Russia ready to boost cooperation with Palestine, sees its concerns, Putin says

BETHLEHEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is willing to ramp up cooperation with the Palestinian side and understands @ @ @ @ @ with Israel , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the beginning of his meeting with @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` The Russian-Palestinian relations have deep roots .
We maintain connections in various @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are ready to expand this cooperation . ''
`` It applies to @ @ @ @ @ it definitely relates to issues of settlement with Israel .
I understand your concerns in @ @ @ @ @ added .
At the meeting with Abbas , Putin also voiced intention to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ with him .
`` We are of course expecting you in Moscow this May , @ @ @ @ @

BETHLEHEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russia is willing to ramp up cooperation with the Palestinian side and understands its concerns about the settlement with Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the beginning of his meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday.
"The Russian-Palestinian relations have deep roots. We maintain connections in various areas," he said. "We are ready to expand this cooperation."
"It applies to economy, humanitarian sphere and it definitely relates to issues of settlement with Israel. I understand your concerns in this regard," Putin added.
At the meeting with Abbas, Putin also voiced intention to discuss the overall situation in the region with him. "We are of course expecting you in Moscow this May," the president added.


tass--2020-01-23--Leaders of over 40 states lay wreaths in honor of Holocaust victims

JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin , French President Emmanuel Macron , Israeli President Reuven @ @ @ @ @ , prime ministers and leaders of 40 states , have laid wreaths in honor of @ @ @ @ @ by Nazi Germany and its supporters during the Second World War .
The memorial ceremony @ @ @ @ @ the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem within the framework of the World Holocaust Forum .
@ @ @ @ @ leading Israeli TV channels .
At the start of the ceremony , Holocaust survivors Colette @ @ @ @ @ a memorial torch in memory of those killed by the Nazi regime .
Following that @ @ @ @ @ government laid wreaths of red , white and yellow flowers .
The World Holocaust Forum @ @ @ @ @ the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem under the patronage of the Israeli president .

JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, along with monarchs, prime ministers and leaders of 40 states, have laid wreaths in honor of 6 million Holocaust victims killed by Nazi Germany and its supporters during the Second World War. The memorial ceremony was held on Thursday at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem within the framework of the World Holocaust Forum. The ceremony was transmitted by leading Israeli TV channels.
At the start of the ceremony, Holocaust survivors Colette Avital and Rose Moskowitz lit a memorial torch in memory of those killed by the Nazi regime. Following that, heads of state and government laid wreaths of red, white and yellow flowers.
The World Holocaust Forum was held on Thursday at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem under the patronage of the Israeli president.


tass--2020-01-23--Israeli president stresses need to fight antisemitism, racism together

`` Antisemitism is a cancerous tumor wrecking society from within .
No country in the world is immune against this evil , '' Rivlin said .
JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Antisemitism is like cancer destroys society from within and there ’ s no immunity to it , therefore , all countries should unite to counter it , Israeli President Reuven Rivlin told the fifth World Holocaust Forum entitled `` Remembering the Holocaust : Fighting Antisemitism '' held at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem on Thursday .
Putin : Nothing in history can hold a candle to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We should fight antisemitism and racism together .
The era of responsibility started after the Second World War because of the horrors of the Holocaust .
We must remembers the horrors of the Holocaust and World War 2 and remember this responsibility , '' he added addressing the Jerusalem forum attendees .
According to Rivlin , the international community today `` must act based on common values . ''
`` I am talking about countering antisemitism , racism and xenophobia , '' he explained .
The fifth World Holocaust Forum entitled `` Remembering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held in January 23 at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem under the patronage of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin .
The forum welcomed heads of 45 states and governments , including Russia , France , the United States , Austria , Greece , Germany and Italy .

"Antisemitism is a cancerous tumor wrecking society from within. No country in the world is immune against this evil," Rivlin said.
JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Antisemitism is like cancer destroys society from within and there’s no immunity to it, therefore, all countries should unite to counter it, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin told the fifth World Holocaust Forum entitled "Remembering the Holocaust: Fighting Antisemitism" held at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem on Thursday.
Putin: Nothing in history can hold a candle to the Holocaust, Siege of Leningrad
"We should fight antisemitism and racism together. The era of responsibility started after the Second World War because of the horrors of the Holocaust. We must remembers the horrors of the Holocaust and World War 2 and remember this responsibility," he added addressing the Jerusalem forum attendees.
According to Rivlin, the international community today "must act based on common values." "I am talking about countering antisemitism, racism and xenophobia," he explained.
The fifth World Holocaust Forum entitled "Remembering the Holocaust: Fighting Antisemitism" is held in January 23 at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem under the patronage of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. The forum welcomed heads of 45 states and governments, including Russia, France, the United States, Austria, Greece, Germany and Italy.


tass--2020-01-23--Macron supports Putin’s proposal to hold summit of UN Security Council members

`` Today , five permanent members of the UN Security Council bear historic responsibility .
Dear Vladimir , I support your proposal to gather us all together , '' Macron said .
`` I would like us to achieve that , as we are the guarantors of world peace . ''
JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin ’ s proposal to hold a summit of five permanent members of the UN Security Council , he said during the World Holocaust Forum on Thursday .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a united international community in the conditions when antisemitism `` rears its head '' once again .
`` Antisemitism is coming back , accompanied by intolerance and hate .
This is not just an issue of the Jewish nation , this is first and foremost an issue of everybody else , '' the French leader added .
The World Holocaust Forum is held on Thursday in Jerusalem , attended by heads of state and government and high-ranking officials from 45 countries , including Russia , France , Italy and the US .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a summit of the leaders of Russia , China , the US , France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs .
Putin said he had already discussed this idea with some colleagues to hear their positive response .
The Russian leader suggested `` holding a meeting of the heads of state from the permanent members of the UN Security Council - Russia , China , the United States , France and Britain - in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient . ''
He noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symbolic in 2020 , the year of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the establishment of the United Nations .

"Today, five permanent members of the UN Security Council bear historic responsibility. Dear Vladimir, I support your proposal to gather us all together," Macron said. "I would like us to achieve that, as we are the guarantors of world peace."
JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for his Russian colleague Vladimir Putin’s proposal to hold a summit of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, he said during the World Holocaust Forum on Thursday.
He also stressed the need for a united Europe and a united international community in the conditions when antisemitism "rears its head" once again. "Antisemitism is coming back, accompanied by intolerance and hate. This is not just an issue of the Jewish nation, this is first and foremost an issue of everybody else," the French leader added.
The World Holocaust Forum is held on Thursday in Jerusalem, attended by heads of state and government and high-ranking officials from 45 countries, including Russia, France, Italy and the US.
Earlier on Thursday, Putin suggested holding a summit of the leaders of Russia, China, the US, France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs. Putin said he had already discussed this idea with some colleagues to hear their positive response. The Russian leader suggested "holding a meeting of the heads of state from the permanent members of the UN Security Council - Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain - in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient." He noted that holding such a meeting would be symbolic in 2020, the year of the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the establishment of the United Nations.


tass--2020-01-23--Dutch foreign minister’s speculations over plane crash in Iran impermissible — Zakharova

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok ’ s attempts at drawing parallels between the MH17 disaster over Donbass in 2014 and the loss of Ukraine ’ s passenger liner near Tehran on January 8 this year for advancing biased accusations against Russia are devoid of sound logic and therefore impermissible , Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday .
`` We believe that the chief Dutch diplomat inappropriately used the tragedy in Iran , which has its own causes and special features , for another series of attacks against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s own hackneyed , subjective approaches to the MH17 flight disaster .
Now , in connection with the loss of flight PS 752 Blok has demanded that Russia should present what he described as satisfactory answers to a number of questions Joint Investigation Team questions .
Without feeling even a little bit shy over the absence of proven facts Blok has come out with some personal feelings Russia ’ s Foreign Minister [ Sergey Lavrov ] feels somewhat uneasy whenever the MH17 issue is raised and that Russians should better recognize their guilt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatives of those who died in the disaster , thus easing tensions , '' she said .
`` Speculations over the Iranian tragedy aimed at propping up biased charges against Russia , is first and foremost impermissible and mean in relation to the victims ’ relatives and dear ones , '' Zakharova said .
`` Blok ’ s ultimatum-like demands Russia should plead guilty to the loss of the Malaysian plane over Ukraine for the sole reason a Ukrainian plane has been shot down in Iran are inappropriate , unacceptable and devoid of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Russia had provided sufficient evidence in the MH17 case testifying that all charges against it were absolutely groundless .
`` Once again Blok overlooked Ukraine ’ s obvious complicity in the disaster , although it was Kiev that had failed to close the airspace over the zone of hostilities in defiance of the Dutch parliament ’ s concerns , expressed in this connection . ''
Malaysia Airlines ’ Boeing 777 ( Flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur ) was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17 , 2014 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers and crew on board .
Austria , Belgium , Malaysia , the Netherlands and Ukraine formed a Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) .
Russian officials have repeatedly expressed distrust towards its activities and pointed to groundless charges and the reluctance to use the conclusions of the Russian side in the investigation .
A Boeing-737 of Ukraine International Airlines crashed on January 8 minutes after leaving Tehran airport .
None of the 176 passengers and crew on board survived .
Later , Iran recognized that its air defenses had downed the plane @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok’s attempts at drawing parallels between the MH17 disaster over Donbass in 2014 and the loss of Ukraine’s passenger liner near Tehran on January 8 this year for advancing biased accusations against Russia are devoid of sound logic and therefore impermissible, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a news briefing on Thursday.
"We believe that the chief Dutch diplomat inappropriately used the tragedy in Iran, which has its own causes and special features, for another series of attacks against Russia and for advertising The Hague’s own hackneyed, subjective approaches to the MH17 flight disaster. Now, in connection with the loss of flight PS 752 Blok has demanded that Russia should present what he described as satisfactory answers to a number of questions Joint Investigation Team questions. Without feeling even a little bit shy over the absence of proven facts Blok has come out with some personal feelings Russia’s Foreign Minister [Sergey Lavrov] feels somewhat uneasy whenever the MH17 issue is raised and that Russians should better recognize their guilt and agree to pay compensations to the relatives of those who died in the disaster, thus easing tensions," she said.
"Speculations over the Iranian tragedy aimed at propping up biased charges against Russia, is first and foremost impermissible and mean in relation to the victims’ relatives and dear ones," Zakharova said. "Blok’s ultimatum-like demands Russia should plead guilty to the loss of the Malaysian plane over Ukraine for the sole reason a Ukrainian plane has been shot down in Iran are inappropriate, unacceptable and devoid of any sound logic."
Zakharova recalled that Russia had provided sufficient evidence in the MH17 case testifying that all charges against it were absolutely groundless.
"Once again Blok overlooked Ukraine’s obvious complicity in the disaster, although it was Kiev that had failed to close the airspace over the zone of hostilities in defiance of the Dutch parliament’s concerns, expressed in this connection."
Malaysia Airlines’ Boeing 777 (Flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur) was shot down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014. The disaster claimed the lives of all 298 passengers and crew on board. Austria, Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Ukraine formed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT). Russian officials have repeatedly expressed distrust towards its activities and pointed to groundless charges and the reluctance to use the conclusions of the Russian side in the investigation.
A Boeing-737 of Ukraine International Airlines crashed on January 8 minutes after leaving Tehran airport. None of the 176 passengers and crew on board survived. Later, Iran recognized that its air defenses had downed the plane by mistake.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin brands Holocaust as ‘dark and disgraceful’ page in history

JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the Holocaust as `` one of the darkest and most disgraceful pages in modern history . ''
However , he has noted that memory of this tragedy can become a lesson and a warning for future generations but only if it is preserved uncensored .
`` Crimes committed by Nazis , their though-out and planned Final Solution to the Jewish Question , as they called it , is < … > one of the darkest and most disgraceful pages in modern history , '' Putin addressed attendees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Remembering the Holocaust : Fighting Antisemitism '' .
He underlined , `` Memory of the Holocaust will be a lesson and a warning only in case it is preserved intact , without reservations and omissions . ''
The Russian president emphasized the fact that the attendees of the forum honoring Holocaust victims are united by common responsibility , duty to the past and the future .
`` We mourn all victims of the Nazism , including six million Jews decimated in ghettos and concentration camps and slaughtered in punitive operations .
Forty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soviet Union .
Therefore , the Holocaust has been and will be a terrible wound for us , a tragedy that we will always remember , '' Putin stressed .
Shocked by what they saw Putin revealed that before his trip to Jerusalem he read through authentic documents - reports of Red Army officers written after the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp .
`` It was very hard , unbearable even , to read these military communiques and documents detailing the way the camp was organized and how the machine of cold-blooded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he admitted .
`` Many of them are hand-written by Red Army soldiers and officers two-three days after prisoners were liberated and convey the shock experienced by soldiers and officers of the Red Army from what they saw , from evidence evoking pain , outrage and compassion . ''
He added that Red Army Marshal Ivan Konev who was in charge of the operation to take control of the then densely populated Silesian Industrial Region of Germany employed the tactics allowing the troops to save as many civilian lives as possible .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atrocities taking place inside Auschwitz , he forbade himself from even taking a glimpse of the camp .
He later wrote in memoir , `` I could not then lose my mental strength , allow the just sense of revenge to blind me when advancing military operations and cause more suffering and victims among Germany ’ s peaceful population . ''
The Russian leader recalled that the 75th anniversary of the liberation Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp is commemorated on January 27 this year .
`` Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from different countries were herded in for torture , atrocious experiments and mass extermination .
Among them Jews make up more than 50 % , '' he said .
`` However , let ’ s not forget that this crime had its accomplices , collaborators .
They often surpassed their masters in violence . ''
Putin pointed out that death camps were maintained not only by Nazis but also their collaborators in many European countries .
`` The biggest number of Jews were slaughtered in the occupied Soviet territories where these criminals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approximately 1.4 million Jews lost their lives in Ukraine , 220,000 people were exterminated in Lithuania .
This , I draw your attention dear friends , is 95 % of the Jewish population of this country before the war .
In Latvia , 77,000 people [ were killed ] and so on .
Only a few hundreds of Latvian Jews survived the Holocaust , '' Putin shared these shocking figures .
`` The Holocaust is an act of deliberate annihilation of people .
However , we must remember that Nazis were preparing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the Russian leader said .
`` Russians , Belarusians , Ukrainians , Poles and representatives of many other nations were declared Untermensch ( subhuman - TASS ) .
Their native lands were meant to serve as living space for Nazis ensuring their bountiful existence , while Slavic and other nations were destined to be either exterminated or become slaves deprived of any rights without their own culture , collective memory and language . ''
Putin addressed the audience reminding them that it was primarily the Soviet people that spelled the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It [ Soviet nation ] defended its fatherland and liberated Europe from Nazism .
To achieve this , we paid the price that has never even been seen in nightmares by any other nation - 27 million deaths .
We will never forget this , '' Putin pledged .

JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described the Holocaust as "one of the darkest and most disgraceful pages in modern history." However, he has noted that memory of this tragedy can become a lesson and a warning for future generations but only if it is preserved uncensored.
"Crimes committed by Nazis, their though-out and planned Final Solution to the Jewish Question, as they called it, is <…> one of the darkest and most disgraceful pages in modern history," Putin addressed attendees of the fifth World Holocaust Forum entitled "Remembering the Holocaust: Fighting Antisemitism". He underlined, "Memory of the Holocaust will be a lesson and a warning only in case it is preserved intact, without reservations and omissions."
The Russian president emphasized the fact that the attendees of the forum honoring Holocaust victims are united by common responsibility, duty to the past and the future. "We mourn all victims of the Nazism, including six million Jews decimated in ghettos and concentration camps and slaughtered in punitive operations. Forty percent of those were citizens of the Soviet Union. Therefore, the Holocaust has been and will be a terrible wound for us, a tragedy that we will always remember," Putin stressed.
Shocked by what they saw
Putin revealed that before his trip to Jerusalem he read through authentic documents - reports of Red Army officers written after the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. "It was very hard, unbearable even, to read these military communiques and documents detailing the way the camp was organized and how the machine of cold-blooded extermination of people was operating," he admitted. "Many of them are hand-written by Red Army soldiers and officers two-three days after prisoners were liberated and convey the shock experienced by soldiers and officers of the Red Army from what they saw, from evidence evoking pain, outrage and compassion."
He added that Red Army Marshal Ivan Konev who was in charge of the operation to take control of the then densely populated Silesian Industrial Region of Germany employed the tactics allowing the troops to save as many civilian lives as possible. After he received a report on horrors and atrocities taking place inside Auschwitz, he forbade himself from even taking a glimpse of the camp. He later wrote in memoir, "I could not then lose my mental strength, allow the just sense of revenge to blind me when advancing military operations and cause more suffering and victims among Germany’s peaceful population."
Purposeful extermination
The Russian leader recalled that the 75th anniversary of the liberation Nazi Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp is commemorated on January 27 this year. "Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people of various nationalities died in this hell where people from different countries were herded in for torture, atrocious experiments and mass extermination. Among them Jews make up more than 50%," he said. "However, let’s not forget that this crime had its accomplices, collaborators. They often surpassed their masters in violence." Putin pointed out that death camps were maintained not only by Nazis but also their collaborators in many European countries.
"The biggest number of Jews were slaughtered in the occupied Soviet territories where these criminals were wreaking havoc. For instance, approximately 1.4 million Jews lost their lives in Ukraine, 220,000 people were exterminated in Lithuania. This, I draw your attention dear friends, is 95% of the Jewish population of this country before the war. In Latvia, 77,000 people [were killed] and so on. Only a few hundreds of Latvian Jews survived the Holocaust," Putin shared these shocking figures.
"The Holocaust is an act of deliberate annihilation of people. However, we must remember that Nazis were preparing the same demise for many other nations," the Russian leader said. "Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Poles and representatives of many other nations were declared Untermensch (subhuman - TASS). Their native lands were meant to serve as living space for Nazis ensuring their bountiful existence, while Slavic and other nations were destined to be either exterminated or become slaves deprived of any rights without their own culture, collective memory and language."
Price of victory
Putin addressed the audience reminding them that it was primarily the Soviet people that spelled the end of the barbaric plans in 1945. "It [Soviet nation] defended its fatherland and liberated Europe from Nazism. To achieve this, we paid the price that has never even been seen in nightmares by any other nation - 27 million deaths. We will never forget this," Putin pledged.


tass--2020-01-23--Putin arrives in Bethlehem from Jerusalem

BETHLEHEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has completed his visit to Israel and has now @ @ @ @ @ will host talks between the Russian leader and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas .
Putin ’ @ @ @ @ @ that the upcoming talks will concentrate on various issues both bilateral ones and the situation @ @ @ @ @ an emphasis placed on the prospects of the Israeli-Palestinian settlement .
He recalled Moscow ’ @ @ @ @ @ legitimate aspirations , including the right to a national independent state .
The talks between @ @ @ @ @ held in the presidential palace .

BETHLEHEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has completed his visit to Israel and has now arrived in Palestine. Bethlehem will host talks between the Russian leader and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov thinks that the upcoming talks will concentrate on various issues both bilateral ones and the situation in the Middle East with an emphasis placed on the prospects of the Israeli-Palestinian settlement. He recalled Moscow’s position supporting Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations, including the right to a national independent state. The talks between Putin and Abbas will be held in the presidential palace.


tass--2020-01-23--Holocaust must not be exploited for political posturing, Putin insists

JERUSALEM , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged against subjecting the memory of the Holocaust @ @ @ @ @ Sadly , the memory of the war , its lessons and legacy have far more @ @ @ @ @ fleeting , momentary political posturing .
This is absolutely unacceptable , '' Putin said , @ @ @ @ @ Holocaust Forum at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem .
He added that `` it @ @ @ @ @ and future politicians , state and social figures to protect the good names of heroes @ @ @ @ @ the civilians , the victims of the Nazis and their collaborators . ''

JERUSALEM, January 23. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged against subjecting the memory of the Holocaust to political posturing.
"Sadly, the memory of the war, its lessons and legacy have far more often become the objects of fleeting, momentary political posturing. This is absolutely unacceptable," Putin said, speaking at the fifth World Holocaust Forum at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem.
He added that "it is the duty of current and future politicians, state and social figures to protect the good names of heroes, dead or alive, the civilians, the victims of the Nazis and their collaborators."


tass--2020-01-23--Zvezda shipyard plans to deliver first Aframax class tanker by Sep - Oct 2020

MOSCOW , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The Zvezda shipyard plans to launch their first Aframax type tanker in May @ @ @ @ @ September - October , chief executive of the shipyard Sergei Tseluiko told TASS in an @ @ @ @ @ the contract , we should float out the first tanker in May and deliver it @ @ @ @ @ However , we will attempt to complete work in advance .
Tankers of such dimensions @ @ @ @ @ the Soviet Union .
Its displacement is 114,000 tonnes , length - 258 meters , @ @ @ @ @ , '' the top manager said .
The shipyard is cooperating with foreign shipyards for @ @ @ @ @ , Tseluiko added .
`` Cooperation has different forms , from establishing joint ventures to @ @ @ @ @ he noted .

MOSCOW, January 23. /TASS/. The Zvezda shipyard plans to launch their first Aframax type tanker in May and deliver the ship in September - October, chief executive of the shipyard Sergei Tseluiko told TASS in an interview.
"According to the contract, we should float out the first tanker in May and deliver it in September - October. However, we will attempt to complete work in advance. Tankers of such dimensions were not made even in the Soviet Union. Its displacement is 114,000 tonnes, length - 258 meters, and width - 46 meters," the top manager said.
The shipyard is cooperating with foreign shipyards for exchange of technologies and experience, Tseluiko added. "Cooperation has different forms, from establishing joint ventures to staff training contracts," he noted.


tass--2020-01-23--Chinese national hospitalized in St. Petersburg tested positive for flu A

`` The Chinese national arrived from Moscow to St. Petersburg on January 20 as part of a group .
She felt unwell in the evening and sought help in a hotel medical post with < … > fever of 37.9 and weakness .
She was taken to hospital for a checkup with a preliminary diagnosis of acute respiratory viral infection .
The express test showed that she has a Type A flu , '' the agency said .
ST. PETERSBURG , January 23 .
/TASS/ .
The third Chinese national who has been taken to hospital in St. Petersburg on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An express test revealed that she has Type A influenza , Russia ’ s consumer watchdog St. Petersburg branch told TASS .
St. Petersburg ’ s healthcare committee announced that the third patient , Chinese national , was rushed to hospital on January 23 from her hotel after she complained of high temperature and signs of intoxication .
She is receiving anti-flu treatment .
Two other patients who were hospitalized on January 22 are stable .
They are treated for acute respiratory viral infection , the committee added .
On Wednesday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized , one of which was taken to hospital from St. Petersburg ’ s Pulkovo Airport straight after arrival from China , while the other - Chinese student - arrived in the city from China a week ago .
Russia ’ s consumer watchdog St. Petersburg branch noted that all three patients had their samples taken and sent to an agency-certified laboratory for further testing that identified their diagnoses and determined that they had not contracted the coronavirus .
On December 31 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization about an outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wuhah in central China .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested .
As a result , infecting agents of such diseases as flu , bird flu , severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) and Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens .
Chinese authorities have confirmed 473 cases with 17 deaths caused by the virus .
Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV is detected in Wuhan , Beijing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Isolated cases of the new pneumonia were reported in Japan , South Korea and Thailand .
Russia ’ s Deputy Health Minister Sergei Krayevoy previously told TASS that the ministry had launched process to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus and is now engaged in talks with Chinese scientists to obtain biological material to proceed with the vaccine .

"The Chinese national arrived from Moscow to St. Petersburg on January 20 as part of a group. She felt unwell in the evening and sought help in a hotel medical post with <…> fever of 37.9 and weakness. She was taken to hospital for a checkup with a preliminary diagnosis of acute respiratory viral infection. The express test showed that she has a Type A flu," the agency said.
ST. PETERSBURG, January 23. /TASS/. The third Chinese national who has been taken to hospital in St. Petersburg on suspicion of coronavirus sought medical care herself. An express test revealed that she has Type A influenza, Russia’s consumer watchdog St. Petersburg branch told TASS.
St. Petersburg’s healthcare committee announced that the third patient, Chinese national, was rushed to hospital on January 23 from her hotel after she complained of high temperature and signs of intoxication. She is receiving anti-flu treatment. Two other patients who were hospitalized on January 22 are stable. They are treated for acute respiratory viral infection, the committee added.
On Wednesday evening, reports emerged that two people were hospitalized, one of which was taken to hospital from St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport straight after arrival from China, while the other - Chinese student - arrived in the city from China a week ago. Russia’s consumer watchdog St. Petersburg branch noted that all three patients had their samples taken and sent to an agency-certified laboratory for further testing that identified their diagnoses and determined that they had not contracted the coronavirus.
Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
On December 31, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhah in central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the infecting agent - coronavirus 2019-nCoV. All cases of the suspected pneumonia were lab tested. As a result, infecting agents of such diseases as flu, bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) were excluded from the list of possible pathogens.
Chinese authorities have confirmed 473 cases with 17 deaths caused by the virus. Novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV is detected in Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and other cities across the country.
Isolated cases of the new pneumonia were reported in Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
Russia’s Deputy Health Minister Sergei Krayevoy previously told TASS that the ministry had launched process to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus and is now engaged in talks with Chinese scientists to obtain biological material to proceed with the vaccine.


tass--2020-01-24--Bulgaria says will declare Russian diplomats involved in spying case personae non gratae

SOFIA , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
Bulgaria ’ s authorities can declare Russian diplomats involved in the espionage case @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva told reporters at a press briefing broadcast @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Russian ambassador to Bulgaria will be invited to a meeting [ at @ @ @ @ @ in the day , and the diplomatic staff involved in the espionage scandal will be @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
On January 24 , Bulgaria ’ s prosecutors launched pre-trial probes @ @ @ @ @ part of the spying case .
At the same time , Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria @ @ @ @ @ Russia had received no official information on the issue .

SOFIA, January 24. /TASS/. Bulgaria’s authorities can declare Russian diplomats involved in the espionage case personae non gratae, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva told reporters at a press briefing broadcast by the Nova TV network.
"The Russian ambassador to Bulgaria will be invited to a meeting [at the Foreign Ministry] later in the day, and the diplomatic staff involved in the espionage scandal will be declared personae non gratae," she said.
On January 24, Bulgaria’s prosecutors launched pre-trial probes involving two Russian diplomats as part of the spying case. At the same time, Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria Anatoly Makarov told TASS that Russia had received no official information on the issue.


tass--2020-01-24--International Army Games to become even more entertaining in 2020 — Russian minister

MOSCOW , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Defense Ministry will make competitions of the International Army Games even @ @ @ @ @ year , increasing complexity of tracks and judges ’ demands , Russian Defense Minister Sergei @ @ @ @ @ the games ’ organizing committee .
`` To make combats even more entertaining , we @ @ @ @ @ and the judges ’ demands , combined certain challenges and introduced new elements to the @ @ @ @ @ .
Shoigu underlined that monumental scrupulous work is ahead to hold the games at the @ @ @ @ @ with engaging federal executive authorities and public organizations .
`` We should pay special attention @ @ @ @ @ , medical service and logistics , '' he noted .

MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. The Russian Defense Ministry will make competitions of the International Army Games even more fascinating and entertaining this year, increasing complexity of tracks and judges’ demands, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told a meeting of the games’ organizing committee.
"To make combats even more entertaining, we raised the complexity of tracks and the judges’ demands, combined certain challenges and introduced new elements to the competitions," he said.
Shoigu underlined that monumental scrupulous work is ahead to hold the games at the highest level possible, particularly with engaging federal executive authorities and public organizations.
"We should pay special attention to integrated safety and security, medical service and logistics," he noted.


tass--2020-01-24--Bulgaria halts criminal proceedings against two Russian diplomats accused of espionage

SOFIA , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
The Bulgarian prosecution launched pre-trial investigations against two Russian diplomats accused of espionage ; however , it was forced to halt criminal proceedings in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations , the prosecution ’ s website informed on Friday .
`` Despite the evidence allowing to prosecute the individuals accused , criminal proceedings against two Russian citizens were halted , '' the statement notes .
`` Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev has informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs [ Ekaterina Zaharieva ] of the evidence gathered regarding the espionage activity carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the territory of the country , '' the prosecution informs , adding that two pre-trial investigations of crimes committed against the Republic of Bulgaria were launched .
The Bulgarian prosecution informs that the investigation was launched against two foreigners , who `` collected state secret information with the aim to disclose it to a foreign state or a foreign organization . ''
`` In the course of the investigation within one of the pre-trial proceedings , it was documented that since 2017 to the present day , a Russian national has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he searched for information on election mechanisms in the country .
It was established that the Russian national is a diplomat accredited as first secretary of the consular department of the Russian Embassy in Sofia , '' the message follows .
According to the prosecution , another Russian citizen `` has been gathering intelligence information , including state and professional secrets , in relation to the country ’ s sphere of energy and energy security since October 2018 to the present day . ''
`` In order to carry out these unlawful activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bulgarian citizens with access to information from said sphere .
Further checks have shown that the Russian citizen has diplomatic immunity as an employee of the Russian Trade Delegation to Sofia , '' the statement says .
Russian Ambassador to Sofia Anatoly Makarov told TASS that the Russian embassy had not been officially informed of the charges .
`` The Russian Embassy has received no official information regarding the charges presented against Russian diplomats , '' Makarov noted .

SOFIA, January 24. /TASS/. The Bulgarian prosecution launched pre-trial investigations against two Russian diplomats accused of espionage; however, it was forced to halt criminal proceedings in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the prosecution’s website informed on Friday. "Despite the evidence allowing to prosecute the individuals accused, criminal proceedings against two Russian citizens were halted," the statement notes.
"Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev has informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs [Ekaterina Zaharieva] of the evidence gathered regarding the espionage activity carried out by two foreign nationals with diplomatic immunity on the territory of the country," the prosecution informs, adding that two pre-trial investigations of crimes committed against the Republic of Bulgaria were launched.
The Bulgarian prosecution informs that the investigation was launched against two foreigners, who "collected state secret information with the aim to disclose it to a foreign state or a foreign organization." "In the course of the investigation within one of the pre-trial proceedings, it was documented that since 2017 to the present day, a Russian national has been involved in espionage activity, during which he searched for information on election mechanisms in the country. It was established that the Russian national is a diplomat accredited as first secretary of the consular department of the Russian Embassy in Sofia," the message follows.
According to the prosecution, another Russian citizen "has been gathering intelligence information, including state and professional secrets, in relation to the country’s sphere of energy and energy security since October 2018 to the present day." "In order to carry out these unlawful activities, the Russian national maintained contact with Bulgarian citizens with access to information from said sphere. Further checks have shown that the Russian citizen has diplomatic immunity as an employee of the Russian Trade Delegation to Sofia," the statement says.
Russian Ambassador to Sofia Anatoly Makarov told TASS that the Russian embassy had not been officially informed of the charges. "The Russian Embassy has received no official information regarding the charges presented against Russian diplomats," Makarov noted.


tass--2020-01-24--Artillery troops fire multiple launch rocket systems to strike enemy in Siberia drills

MOSCOW , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
The personnel of the Central Military District ’ s artillery large unit stationed @ @ @ @ @ southwestern Siberia destroyed a notional enemy force from concealed fire positions at maximum ranges during @ @ @ @ @ s press office reported on Friday .
The troops were assigned the task to perform @ @ @ @ @ to get to the designated area at the required time , assume , camouflage and @ @ @ @ @ the press office said in a statement .
`` During the march , the artillery @ @ @ @ @ upon a notional encounter with the enemy , its attacks from ambushes and also the @ @ @ @ @ overcome notionally contaminated terrain sections , '' the statement says .
In the area of @ @ @ @ @ artillery troops fired 152mm Msta-B and 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled artillery guns and also Uragan multiple @ @ @ @ @ to the statement .
The drills involved over 600 troops and about 50 items of @ @ @ @ @ the press office specified .

MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. The personnel of the Central Military District’s artillery large unit stationed in the Kemerovo Region in southwestern Siberia destroyed a notional enemy force from concealed fire positions at maximum ranges during drills, the District’s press office reported on Friday.
The troops were assigned the task to perform a 100 km forced march to get to the designated area at the required time, assume, camouflage and fortify their fire positions, the press office said in a statement.
"During the march, the artillery troops practiced inter-operability with units upon a notional encounter with the enemy, its attacks from ambushes and also the personnel’s measures to overcome notionally contaminated terrain sections," the statement says.
In the area of their combat employment, the artillery troops fired 152mm Msta-B and 2S3 Akatsiya self-propelled artillery guns and also Uragan multiple launch rocket systems, according to the statement.
The drills involved over 600 troops and about 50 items of military and special hardware, the press office specified.


tass--2020-01-24--Russian Caspian Flotilla sailors uncover enemy underwater drones in drills

MOSCOW , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
The crews of Caspian Flotilla ships employed the latest sonars to detect hostile @ @ @ @ @ of the ships ’ naval bases , the press office of Russia ’ s Southern @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The Flotilla ’ s minesweepers dropped robotized deep-water submersibles , after which the @ @ @ @ @ teams were given the command for their search and detection , '' the press office @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. The crews of Caspian Flotilla ships employed the latest sonars to detect hostile underwater drones in the areas of the ships’ naval bases, the press office of Russia’s Southern Military District reported on Friday.
"The Flotilla’s minesweepers dropped robotized deep-water submersibles, after which the ships’ crews and sonar-operating teams were given the command for their search and detection," the press office said in a statement.


tass--2020-01-24--No plans for Putin-Zelensky meeting, but can be quickly arranged if needed, says Kremlin

MOSCOW , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is not in the works at the moment , but , should the two leaders deem it necessary , a session could be arranged at any moment , says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov .
`` There are no plans for it at the moment , yet we must note that the two presidents have engaged in quite a constructive working contact , '' the spokesman said , adding that a meeting can be arranged at any moment , should the presidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin and Zelensky could have met in Jerusalem on Thursday during the World Holocaust Forum , but Zelensky did not attend the event .
`` It is incorrect to say that a meeting was planned .
It was stated that both Putin and Zelensky would be at the event and , if they deemed it necessary , they ’ d be able to have a brief discussion of important issues on the sidelines , '' Peskov elaborated .
`` Unfortunately , they failed to have the opportunity to be at the same event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin had no significant contacts with the heads of delegations from other countries on the sidelines .
He only held meaningful talks with the Israeli authorities .
`` With everyone else , the president only had the opportunity to greet them , and that ’ s all , '' the spokesman specified .

MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is not in the works at the moment, but, should the two leaders deem it necessary, a session could be arranged at any moment, says Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
"There are no plans for it at the moment, yet we must note that the two presidents have engaged in quite a constructive working contact," the spokesman said, adding that a meeting can be arranged at any moment, should the presidents deem it necessary.
Peskov reiterated that Putin and Zelensky could have met in Jerusalem on Thursday during the World Holocaust Forum, but Zelensky did not attend the event.
"It is incorrect to say that a meeting was planned. It was stated that both Putin and Zelensky would be at the event and, if they deemed it necessary, they’d be able to have a brief discussion of important issues on the sidelines," Peskov elaborated. "Unfortunately, they failed to have the opportunity to be at the same event yesterday."
Peskov also noted that Putin had no significant contacts with the heads of delegations from other countries on the sidelines. He only held meaningful talks with the Israeli authorities.
"With everyone else, the president only had the opportunity to greet them, and that’s all," the spokesman specified.
Meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu


tass--2020-01-24--Kremlin: UN SC permanent members’ summit needed to find ways of easing global tensions

He recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin , speaking in Jerusalem on January 23 , had suggested holding a summit of the permanent members of the UN Security Council `` in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient . ''
MOSCOW , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
A summit of five permanent UN Security Council members is necessary to discuss global challenges and begin to search for ways of easing tensions in the world , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters .
`` What for ?
In order to talk about the critical mass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential for conflicts at the regional and international level , so that the five countries assume responsibility in order to prevent that critical mass from growing further , '' Peskov said .
He added that the five countries ’ leaders should `` put themselves above those disagreements , which exist between these countries , in order to begin to search for ways of easing tensions and address the challenges facing all of humanity now . ''
When asked whether it would make sense to hold the summit , if any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , Peskov noted that the participation of all countries was essential `` to pool efforts to find solutions to the problems facing us . ''
`` We can not solve them alone , '' he added .
Peskov stressed that the countries , which had been invited to gather for a summit , were the founding member-states of the United Nations , which remains `` the only universal , although not entirely perfect , platform in terms of answers to the challenges facing humanity . ''
Peskov said that Moscow will soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , France and the United Kingdom in order to clarify the proposal to hold a summit of the five UNSC permanent members .
`` In the coming days , messages will be sent to the leaders of these countries that will clarify the details of President Putin ’ s proposal , '' he said , adding that the four countries were expected to get the messages `` in the first half of the next week . ''
According to Peskov , the Kremlin will be `` looking forward to a response @ @ @ @ @

He recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking in Jerusalem on January 23, had suggested holding a summit of the permanent members of the UN Security Council "in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient."
MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. A summit of five permanent UN Security Council members is necessary to discuss global challenges and begin to search for ways of easing tensions in the world, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
"What for? In order to talk about the critical mass of challenges in various areas, about the potential for conflicts at the regional and international level, so that the five countries assume responsibility in order to prevent that critical mass from growing further," Peskov said.
He added that the five countries’ leaders should "put themselves above those disagreements, which exist between these countries, in order to begin to search for ways of easing tensions and address the challenges facing all of humanity now."
When asked whether it would make sense to hold the summit, if any of the five countries refused to take part in it, Peskov noted that the participation of all countries was essential "to pool efforts to find solutions to the problems facing us." "We cannot solve them alone," he added.
Peskov stressed that the countries, which had been invited to gather for a summit, were the founding member-states of the United Nations, which remains "the only universal, although not entirely perfect, platform in terms of answers to the challenges facing humanity."
Peskov said that Moscow will soon send officials messages to China, the United States, France and the United Kingdom in order to clarify the proposal to hold a summit of the five UNSC permanent members.
"In the coming days, messages will be sent to the leaders of these countries that will clarify the details of President Putin’s proposal," he said, adding that the four countries were expected to get the messages "in the first half of the next week."
According to Peskov, the Kremlin will be "looking forward to a response" from the leaders.


tass--2020-01-24--Russia’s public vote on constitutional amendments won’t be formality — Kremlin

Public vote on constitutional amendments will be held on the law as a whole — official MOSCOW , January 24 @ @ @ @ @ ’ voting for or against the constitutional amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin will be @ @ @ @ @ spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday .
Responding to a question about whether the @ @ @ @ @ before or after the president signs a relevant bill on the amendments , he said @ @ @ @ @ schedule of this vote will be specified — they are actually being drafted now .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ t view this vote as just a simple formality , '' Peskov added .
@ @ @ @ @ it is not expedient [ to introduce amendments to the constitution ] then that ’ @ @ @ @ @ It is not a formality , it is indeed a vote for or against , @ @ @ @

Public vote on constitutional amendments will be held on the law as a whole — official
MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. Russian citizens’ voting for or against the constitutional amendments proposed by President Vladimir Putin will be the determining factor, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday.
Responding to a question about whether the nationwide vote can take place before or after the president signs a relevant bill on the amendments, he said, "The order and schedule of this vote will be specified — they are actually being drafted now."
"We primarily don’t view this vote as just a simple formality," Peskov added. "If people believe that it is not expedient [to introduce amendments to the constitution] then that’s what it is. It is not a formality, it is indeed a vote for or against," he stressed.


tass--2020-01-24--Israeli national Issachar must appeal for pardon to be granted one, Kremlin says

`` We have Russian laws , and they must be adhered to , '' he stressed .
`` So far , the woman has not appealed for pardon .
This is the situation as of yesterday ( January 23 - TASS ) afternoon .
How can there be a pardon if the woman is not asking for one ? ''
Peskov added .
`` We must follow some formalities to start this process . ''
Peskov reminded that on January 23 , Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova visited Issachar at a detention facility in the Moscow Region `` in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin 's contacts in Jerusalem . ''
The spokesman mentioned Putin ’ s meeting with the convict ’ s mother , Yaffa Issachar , which was held in the presence of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem .
`` You remember Putin ’ s words , he said that everything is going to be alright , '' Peskov pointed out .
`` However , in the afternoon , while still in Jerusalem , we received information from Moskalkova that the woman had not addressed the president with an appeal for pardon .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now . ''
The Kremlin spokesman explained that `` there was a de facto pardon appeal from the side of [ Israeli ] Prime Minister [ Benjamin ] Netanyahu , however , it is not enough to act on from the de jure point of view . ''
In response to a reporter ’ s comment noting that ex-CEO of the now-defunct Yukos oil company Mikhail Khodorkovsky had not sent a pardon appeal before he was granted one , Peskov suggested that the media ask Khodorkovsky about the real sequence of events .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know , but you will probably know in time .
Ask Khodorkovsky , '' he said .
Issachar ’ s defense claimed earlier that there is no need for a pardon appeal for the Israeli national ’ s release .
Naama Issachar , an Israeli and US national , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 , Section 228 and Part 2 , Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code ) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony .
The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19 .
In October 2019 , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked Putin to pardon Issachar .
On December 6 , Israeli Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised the issue at a meeting with Russia ’ s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Rome , expressing hope that the Russian president would consider the request to pardon the Israeli national .
During his trip to Jerusalem on January 23 , Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Issachar ’ s mother that `` everything is going to be alright '' regarding her daughter .
`` I have just met with Naama ’ s mother , '' the head of state said after the meeting .
`` It is clear to me that Naama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family .
I am aware of the position of [ Israeli ] Prime Minister [ Benjamin Netanyahu ] who asks to make an appropriate decision .
All that will certainly be taken into account when the final decision is made , '' Putin said .

"We have Russian laws, and they must be adhered to," he stressed. "So far, the woman has not appealed for pardon. This is the situation as of yesterday (January 23 - TASS) afternoon. How can there be a pardon if the woman is not asking for one?" Peskov added. "We must follow some formalities to start this process."
Peskov reminded that on January 23, Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova visited Issachar at a detention facility in the Moscow Region "in light of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's contacts in Jerusalem." The spokesman mentioned Putin’s meeting with the convict’s mother, Yaffa Issachar, which was held in the presence of Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. "You remember Putin’s words, he said that everything is going to be alright," Peskov pointed out. "However, in the afternoon, while still in Jerusalem, we received information from Moskalkova that the woman had not addressed the president with an appeal for pardon. This is what is slowing down the process right now."
The Kremlin spokesman explained that "there was a de facto pardon appeal from the side of [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu, however, it is not enough to act on from the de jure point of view." In response to a reporter’s comment noting that ex-CEO of the now-defunct Yukos oil company Mikhail Khodorkovsky had not sent a pardon appeal before he was granted one, Peskov suggested that the media ask Khodorkovsky about the real sequence of events. "There is a lot you don’t know, but you will probably know in time. Ask Khodorkovsky," he said.
Issachar’s defense claimed earlier that there is no need for a pardon appeal for the Israeli national’s release.
Issachar’s case
Naama Issachar, an Israeli and US national, 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, Section 228 and Part 2, Section 229.1 of the Russian Criminal Code) and sentenced her to 7.5 years in a standard regime penal colony. The Moscow Regional Court upheld the verdict on December 19.
In October 2019, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin asked Putin to pardon Issachar. On December 6, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that he had raised the issue at a meeting with Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov in Rome, expressing hope that the Russian president would consider the request to pardon the Israeli national.
During his trip to Jerusalem on January 23, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Issachar’s mother that "everything is going to be alright" regarding her daughter. "I have just met with Naama’s mother," the head of state said after the meeting. "It is clear to me that Naama comes from a very good and decent family. I am aware of the position of [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] who asks to make an appropriate decision. All that will certainly be taken into account when the final decision is made," Putin said.


tass--2020-01-24--Urals armored division employs new method of defense against attack drones in drills

MOSCOW , January 24 .
/TASS/ .
The armored division of the Central Military District employed a new method of shielding the armor while on the move against drone strikes during the drills that ended in the Chelyabinsk Region in the Urals , the District ’ s press office reported on Friday .
Under the drills ’ scenario , a notional enemy planned to employ strike drones to attack a column of the tank regiment making a march to the designated area .
`` In order to shield the armor while on the move , the regiment ’ s command @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and motorized infantry companies operating BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and MTLB armored prime movers with the crews of Igla man-portable air defense systems , '' the press office said in a statement .
The anti-drone mobile groups acted both as the forward force and within armored columns , the press office informed .
Forward observers detected drones approaching the armored column and transmitted data to the command post .
The mobile anti-drone groups struck the attacking drones with 2A42 automatic guns of BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and NSVT tank-mounted large-caliber machine-guns , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel , and also over 60 items of military hardware .

MOSCOW, January 24. /TASS/. The armored division of the Central Military District employed a new method of shielding the armor while on the move against drone strikes during the drills that ended in the Chelyabinsk Region in the Urals, the District’s press office reported on Friday.
Under the drills’ scenario, a notional enemy planned to employ strike drones to attack a column of the tank regiment making a march to the designated area.
"In order to shield the armor while on the move, the regiment’s command set up mobile anti-drone groups from tank and motorized infantry companies operating BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and MTLB armored prime movers with the crews of Igla man-portable air defense systems," the press office said in a statement.
The anti-drone mobile groups acted both as the forward force and within armored columns, the press office informed.
Forward observers detected drones approaching the armored column and transmitted data to the command post. The mobile anti-drone groups struck the attacking drones with 2A42 automatic guns of BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles and NSVT tank-mounted large-caliber machine-guns, the statement says.
The drills involved 500 personnel, and also over 60 items of military hardware.