tass--2020-02-07--Macron says France not ready to reduce its nuclear arsenal

`` Unilateral disarmament of a nuclear power like us will leave us and our partners vulnerable in the face of coercive pressure and extortion .
I reject this prospect , '' Macron said .
PARIS , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
France is not ready to reduce its nuclear arsenal in a unilateral manner without guarantees from other states , French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday during a speech at the Ecole Militaire in Paris .
He added that France ’ s nuclear arsenal is incomparable with the arsenals of the US and Russia .
`` In its pursuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of disarmament in the name of global security and stability .
It shows unique results , having dismantled all ground-to-ground nuclear components , testing centers , enterprises producing fissile materials for weapons , and also having reduced its arsenal , which now includes less than 300 warheads , '' Macron stated .
Earlier , Macron stressed the need for European states to come up with an international agenda in the sphere of arms control .
He noted that he expects to have an expanded international discussion on the new Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states apart from the US and Russia .
The French president stressed the importance of prolonging the New START ( Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty ) after 2021 , also noting that the existing Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons `` is the only means of preventing a nuclear war .
`` .

"Unilateral disarmament of a nuclear power like us will leave us and our partners vulnerable in the face of coercive pressure and extortion. I reject this prospect," Macron said.
PARIS, February 7. /TASS/. France is not ready to reduce its nuclear arsenal in a unilateral manner without guarantees from other states, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday during a speech at the Ecole Militaire in Paris.
He added that France’s nuclear arsenal is incomparable with the arsenals of the US and Russia.
"In its pursuit of peace, France follows the logic of disarmament in the name of global security and stability. It shows unique results, having dismantled all ground-to-ground nuclear components, testing centers, enterprises producing fissile materials for weapons, and also having reduced its arsenal, which now includes less than 300 warheads," Macron stated.
Earlier, Macron stressed the need for European states to come up with an international agenda in the sphere of arms control. He noted that he expects to have an expanded international discussion on the new Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which would include other states apart from the US and Russia. The French president stressed the importance of prolonging the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) after 2021, also noting that the existing Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons "is the only means of preventing a nuclear war.".


tass--2020-02-07--Last year was positive for Russian-Japanese ties, says Russian envoy

TOKYO , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Japan reached a number of important agreements in 2019 and , therefore , it can be regarded as successful in the Russian-Japanese relations , Russia ’ s Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin told TASS on Friday .
`` I would definitely recognize last year as an asset in the Russian-Japanese ties , '' he said , underlining that such praise can be attributed to the fact that the two leaders reached a number of crucial agreements to comprehensively and gradually develop the ties , while implementation of these large-scale decisions amounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that efforts and joint steps to develop the bilateral relations were advanced in all key areas of the Russian-Japanese agenda .
In the sphere of politics and security , the Russian envoy to Japan particularly highlighted the contacts held between secretaries of the two national Security Councils , including the visit of Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev to Tokyo last September .
Galuzin also mentioned the ‘ 2+2 ’ format meeting between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers in 2019 .
The diplomat also said that Russia and Japan actively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border , law enforcement and anticorruption agencies , especially lauding the bilateral cooperation aimed against drug trafficking .
`` Russia and Japan along with relevant UN agencies cooperated to strengthen Afghanistan ’ s and Central Asian countries ’ potential to counter drag trafficking , '' he said , adding that it would be great to `` apply this useful practice and valuable experience to counterterrorist cooperation . ''
Galuzin separately mentioned trade and economic cooperation with Japan .
`` Last year , we witnessed a number of significant events proving that mutual interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation propel the sides to reach major new important joint projects , '' he underscored , primarily hailing the bilateral cooperation aimed at ensuring energy security .
According to him , a crucial step was taken in this sphere last year - Russia ’ s Novatek corporation and consortium of Japan ’ s Mitsui & Co and Jogmec companies launched a project to develop gas fields on the Russian Yamal Peninsula .
`` This serves as another proof that the Russian-Japanese cooperation is firstly mutually beneficial and promising and , in addition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reliable supplier of energy resources that are strategically important and vital for every country , '' the ambassador stressed .
This status of Russia , he continued , is proven in both Europe and Asia Pacific .
The diplomat was positive about what last year meant for the bilateral relations from the cultural and humanitarian exchanges ’ standpoint .
`` The program of cross-years of Russia and Japan that ended in late June was very important as it allowed the public in our countries to get to know each other ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sports better , '' he emphasized .
He believes that it brought Russia and Japan closer to each other and deepened mutual understanding and friendship between our nations .
`` Naturally , considering everything I said earlier , not for a minute do I disregard the fact that there is still more to explore in our relations with Japan .
The potential is not fully tapped yet , we have room to grow and where to intensify our cooperation , '' he is confident .

TOKYO, February 7. /TASS/. Russia and Japan reached a number of important agreements in 2019 and, therefore, it can be regarded as successful in the Russian-Japanese relations, Russia’s Ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin told TASS on Friday.
"I would definitely recognize last year as an asset in the Russian-Japanese ties," he said, underlining that such praise can be attributed to the fact that the two leaders reached a number of crucial agreements to comprehensively and gradually develop the ties, while implementation of these large-scale decisions amounted to their contents.
Galuzin also said that efforts and joint steps to develop the bilateral relations were advanced in all key areas of the Russian-Japanese agenda.
Politics and security
In the sphere of politics and security, the Russian envoy to Japan particularly highlighted the contacts held between secretaries of the two national Security Councils, including the visit of Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev to Tokyo last September. Galuzin also mentioned the ‘2+2’ format meeting between the Russian and Japanese foreign and defense ministers in 2019.
The diplomat also said that Russia and Japan actively engaged in cooperation between their military, border, law enforcement and anticorruption agencies, especially lauding the bilateral cooperation aimed against drug trafficking. "Russia and Japan along with relevant UN agencies cooperated to strengthen Afghanistan’s and Central Asian countries’ potential to counter drag trafficking," he said, adding that it would be great to "apply this useful practice and valuable experience to counterterrorist cooperation."
Trade and economy
Galuzin separately mentioned trade and economic cooperation with Japan. "Last year, we witnessed a number of significant events proving that mutual interest and prospects of mutual profits from the cooperation propel the sides to reach major new important joint projects," he underscored, primarily hailing the bilateral cooperation aimed at ensuring energy security.
According to him, a crucial step was taken in this sphere last year - Russia’s Novatek corporation and consortium of Japan’s Mitsui & Co and Jogmec companies launched a project to develop gas fields on the Russian Yamal Peninsula. "This serves as another proof that the Russian-Japanese cooperation is firstly mutually beneficial and promising and, in addition, confirmed Russia’s reputable status of a reliable supplier of energy resources that are strategically important and vital for every country," the ambassador stressed.
This status of Russia, he continued, is proven in both Europe and Asia Pacific.
Cultural and humanitarian exchanges
The diplomat was positive about what last year meant for the bilateral relations from the cultural and humanitarian exchanges’ standpoint. "The program of cross-years of Russia and Japan that ended in late June was very important as it allowed the public in our countries to get to know each other’s achievements in culture, education, science and sports better," he emphasized.
He believes that it brought Russia and Japan closer to each other and deepened mutual understanding and friendship between our nations.
"Naturally, considering everything I said earlier, not for a minute do I disregard the fact that there is still more to explore in our relations with Japan. The potential is not fully tapped yet, we have room to grow and where to intensify our cooperation," he is confident.


tass--2020-02-07--Sanctions on North Korea unlikely to be eased, says Russian ambassador

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Western members of the UN Security Council will hardly agree to ease sanctions on Pyongyang , Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora said in an interview with TASS .
According to him , the humanitarian situation in the country is very complicated and sanctions are one of the reasons why .
`` I don ’ t believe that sanctions will be eased because the Western countries will not let the UN Security Council make such a decision , '' Matsegora pointed out .
`` The logic of what these human-loving people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they seek to use the blockade to strangle North Korea ’ s economy and create intolerable conditions for its people so that they rise up against their government and overthrow it , and afterwards , Washington and Brussels will help those who manage to live through this disaster to build a new non-nuclear democratic country , '' he explained .
The Russian envoy added that those who made such plans did not take humanitarian issues into account .
`` However , these plans are no secret to Pyongyang , '' Matsegora noted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had recently stated `` that the country ’ s enemies won ’ t achieve their goals and , since the country will have to live under sanctions for a long time , the Workers ' Party of Korea is ready for a head-on breakthrough battle , '' the Russian ambassador emphasized .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. The Western members of the UN Security Council will hardly agree to ease sanctions on Pyongyang, Russian Ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora said in an interview with TASS.
According to him, the humanitarian situation in the country is very complicated and sanctions are one of the reasons why. "I don’t believe that sanctions will be eased because the Western countries will not let the UN Security Council make such a decision," Matsegora pointed out. "The logic of what these human-loving people think and do is quite simple: they seek to use the blockade to strangle North Korea’s economy and create intolerable conditions for its people so that they rise up against their government and overthrow it, and afterwards, Washington and Brussels will help those who manage to live through this disaster to build a new non-nuclear democratic country," he explained.
The Russian envoy added that those who made such plans did not take humanitarian issues into account. "However, these plans are no secret to Pyongyang," Matsegora noted, adding that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had recently stated "that the country’s enemies won’t achieve their goals and, since the country will have to live under sanctions for a long time, the Workers' Party of Korea is ready for a head-on breakthrough battle," the Russian ambassador emphasized.


tass--2020-02-07--Russia’s Rosoboronexport, Indian DRDO to develop propellants for missiles and rockets

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport and India ’ s Defense Research @ @ @ @ @ ) signed a contract at the DefExpo international arms show on the joint development of @ @ @ @ @ missiles , the Defense Ministry of India reported on Friday .
The contract stipulates the @ @ @ @ @ systems and the entire range of high-energy materials required for missiles , carrier rockets and @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
These products are expected to be used in compact and energy-efficient @ @ @ @ @ .
The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory , which makes part of the DRDO , @ @ @ @ @ DRDO ’ s behalf .
The DefExpo-2020 international land , naval and homeland security exhibition @ @ @ @ @ Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9 .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) signed a contract at the DefExpo international arms show on the joint development of high-performance propellants for rockets and missiles, the Defense Ministry of India reported on Friday.
The contract stipulates the development of advanced pyrotechnic ignition systems and the entire range of high-energy materials required for missiles, carrier rockets and munitions, the ministry said in a statement.
These products are expected to be used in compact and energy-efficient propulsion systems, it said.
The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, which makes part of the DRDO, signed the contract on the DRDO’s behalf.
The DefExpo-2020 international land, naval and homeland security exhibition runs in Lucknow in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9.


tass--2020-02-07--Snowden seeks to extend Russian residence permit, lawyer says

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Former National Security Agency ( NSA ) contractor Edward Snowden ’ s Russian residence permit will expire in April 2020 and paperwork is underway to extend it , Snowden ’ s Russian lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said at an expert meeting dubbed `` Business Risks and Opportunities in 2020 '' in Moscow on Friday .
`` I hope that Russia will not extradite him to the US .
I saw him just yesterday .
His residence permit will expire in April 2020 and we are working to extend it for several years , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Snowden leaked information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services , including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders .
Fleeing from prosecution , Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries , including Russia .
On August 1 , 2014 , he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years , which was later extended for another three years .
In the United States , Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act .
He may face up to ten years in prison on each of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated that they consider Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. Former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden’s Russian residence permit will expire in April 2020 and paperwork is underway to extend it, Snowden’s Russian lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said at an expert meeting dubbed "Business Risks and Opportunities in 2020" in Moscow on Friday.
"I hope that Russia will not extradite him to the US. I saw him just yesterday. His residence permit will expire in April 2020 and we are working to extend it for several years," the lawyer pointed out.
In 2013, Snowden leaked information on the methods of electronic surveillance by US intelligence services, including illegally wiretapping foreign leaders. Fleeing from prosecution, Snowden sent requests for asylum to some countries, including Russia. On August 1, 2014, he received a Russian residence permit valid for three years, which was later extended for another three years.
In the United States, Snowden is charged with two counts of violating the Espionage Act. He may face up to ten years in prison on each of the counts. The US authorities have repeatedly stated that they consider Snowden a traitor who caused grave damage to national security.


tass--2020-02-07--Moldovan government resumes cooperation with Russia, PM says

`` I held talks with Russia ’ s former prime minister and with the current one , '' he pointed out .
According to Chicu , the resumption of dialogue has made it possible to expand the list of Moldova ’ s export goods that are not subject to customs duties and issue additional permits to Moldovan transportation companies to deliver cargo to Russia .
`` We agreed to extend the contract on gas supplies and reduce the price of Russian gas by $ 60 per 1,000 cubic meter , '' Chicu noted .
He added that agreements had also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s infrastructure facilities .
`` We have agreed that the Russian government will provide a loan with a focus on infrastructure investment , '' the prime minister noted , adding that talks were in final stages .
Moldovan President Igor Dodon said earlier that Russia would grant Moldova a loan of about $ 300 mln for the development of the country ’ s infrastructure facilities .
According to him , some of the relevant projects may be implemented before the end of the year .
Former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Moldova .
A new cabinet led by Ion Chicu was formed in Moldova in November 2019 .
Soon afterwards , the country ’ s new prime minister made a visit to Moscow .
Moldova ’ s former Prime Minister Maia Sandu repeatedly announced plans to visit Russia but never acted on them , while her predecessor Pavel Filip had barred state officials from visiting Russia .
This was one of the reasons for the lack of contacts between the two countries .
Meanwhile , President Dodon and his Party of Socialists keep @ @ @ @ @ @

"I held talks with Russia’s former prime minister and with the current one," he pointed out. According to Chicu, the resumption of dialogue has made it possible to expand the list of Moldova’s export goods that are not subject to customs duties and issue additional permits to Moldovan transportation companies to deliver cargo to Russia.
"We agreed to extend the contract on gas supplies and reduce the price of Russian gas by $60 per 1,000 cubic meter," Chicu noted. He added that agreements had also been reached concerning Russian investment in Moldova’s infrastructure facilities. "We have agreed that the Russian government will provide a loan with a focus on infrastructure investment," the prime minister noted, adding that talks were in final stages.
Moldovan President Igor Dodon said earlier that Russia would grant Moldova a loan of about $300 mln for the development of the country’s infrastructure facilities. According to him, some of the relevant projects may be implemented before the end of the year. Former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak also confirmed plans to provide a loan to Moldova.
A new cabinet led by Ion Chicu was formed in Moldova in November 2019. Soon afterwards, the country’s new prime minister made a visit to Moscow. Moldova’s former Prime Minister Maia Sandu repeatedly announced plans to visit Russia but never acted on them, while her predecessor Pavel Filip had barred state officials from visiting Russia. This was one of the reasons for the lack of contacts between the two countries. Meanwhile, President Dodon and his Party of Socialists keep calling for cooperation with Moscow.


tass--2020-02-07--Defense Ministry: Israel's airstrike on Damascus could have affected passenger plane

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
An Airbus-320 with 172 passengers on board could have been targeted by Syrian missile defense systems because of Israel 's airstrikes on the Damascus suburbs on February 6 , the plane was escorted out of the danger zone and assisted in landing at the Hmeymim air base , official spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry Igor Konashenkov told reporters on Friday .
During the attack of Israeli fighter jets near Damascus airport , a passenger plane with 172 passengers on board en route from Tehran to Damascus was preparing to land , Konashenkov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` the lethal zone of artillery fire , '' he added .
`` Only thanks to the prompt actions of dispatchers at Damascus airport and the effective work of the automated system of monitoring air traffic , the Airbus-320 was escorted out of the danger zone and assisted in successfully landing at an aerodrome at the Russian air base Hmeymim , '' he added .
`` The Israeli General Staff 's military air operations using passenger jets for cover or [ for ] blocking of retaliatory fire by Syrian missile systems is becoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force , '' he noted .
He said that the Israeli Air Force hit the outskirts of Damascus with airstrikes on February 6 without entering Syria 's airspace .
Israeli fighter jets fired eight air-to surface missiles .
The Syrian military used its missile defense systems to repel the airstrikes .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. An Airbus-320 with 172 passengers on board could have been targeted by Syrian missile defense systems because of Israel's airstrikes on the Damascus suburbs on February 6, the plane was escorted out of the danger zone and assisted in landing at the Hmeymim air base, official spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry Igor Konashenkov told reporters on Friday.
During the attack of Israeli fighter jets near Damascus airport, a passenger plane with 172 passengers on board en route from Tehran to Damascus was preparing to land, Konashenkov said. The passenger plane narrowly escaped "the lethal zone of artillery fire," he added.
"Only thanks to the prompt actions of dispatchers at Damascus airport and the effective work of the automated system of monitoring air traffic, the Airbus-320 was escorted out of the danger zone and assisted in successfully landing at an aerodrome at the Russian air base Hmeymim," he added.
"The Israeli General Staff's military air operations using passenger jets for cover or [for] blocking of retaliatory fire by Syrian missile systems is becoming a typical trait of the Israeli Air Force," he noted.
He said that the Israeli Air Force hit the outskirts of Damascus with airstrikes on February 6 without entering Syria's airspace. Israeli fighter jets fired eight air-to surface missiles. The Syrian military used its missile defense systems to repel the airstrikes.


tass--2020-02-10--WHO expert team departs for China amid coronavirus outbreak

GENEVA , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
A World Health Organization ( WHO ) expert team has departed to China , WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on Twitter .
`` I ’ ve just been at the airport seeing off members of an advance team for the WHO-led 2019-nCoV international expert mission to China , led by Dr Bruce Aylward , a veteran of past public health emergencies , '' the tweet reads .
On January 28 , the WHO announced that during the director general ’ s talks with the Chinese authorities , the parties had agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China as soon as possible in order to gather additional information about the novel coronavirus and hammer out a global response to the epidemic .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the WHO about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease .
According to recent data , over 37,200 cases of patients infected with the virus and 813 deaths have been confirmed in China .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency .

GENEVA, February 10. /TASS/. A World Health Organization (WHO) expert team has departed to China, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on Twitter.
"I’ve just been at the airport seeing off members of an advance team for the WHO-led 2019-nCoV international expert mission to China, led by Dr Bruce Aylward, a veteran of past public health emergencies," the tweet reads.
On January 28, the WHO announced that during the director general’s talks with the Chinese authorities, the parties had agreed that the WHO would send experts to China as soon as possible in order to gather additional information about the novel coronavirus and hammer out a global response to the epidemic.
Coronavirus outbreak
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities notified the WHO about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease.
According to recent data, over 37,200 cases of patients infected with the virus and 813 deaths have been confirmed in China. Over 2,700 patients have recovered from the virus. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.


tass--2020-02-10--West understands that global problems cannot be resolved without Russia - Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
All of Russia ’ s partners , including those who have imposed anti-Russian sanctions , admit that global problems are hard or even impossible to resolve without Russia and all stand for dialogue with Moscow , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily .
When asked whether it is right to say that there is the so-called Lavrov school in the present-day diplomacy , the Russian top diplomat said he would refrain from personifying diplomacy of today .
He stressed that Russia ’ s foreign policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed , the goals and the modality of our foreign policy are determined by the course set by the head of state .
This course that is committed to paper in all editions of Russia ’ s foreign policy concept since 2000 has made it possible to us to develop principally new qualities on the international arena , to restore our status as a great power , '' Lavrov stressed .
`` I would call things by their true names , the status of a key player on key global problems , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems are difficult , if not impossible , to resolve .
And it is recognized by all out partners , including the Western nations which keep on saying that the tough course towards Moscow should be continued , '' he said .
He said that Russia ’ s present-day foreign policy continued the traditions set by outstanding diplomats Alexander Gorchakov , Andrei Gromyko , Yevgeny Primakov .
`` The most important achievement of present-day diplomats is that , tasked by the president , we continue to work not to let break down this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible ways , '' he added .

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. All of Russia’s partners, including those who have imposed anti-Russian sanctions, admit that global problems are hard or even impossible to resolve without Russia and all stand for dialogue with Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily.
When asked whether it is right to say that there is the so-called Lavrov school in the present-day diplomacy, the Russian top diplomat said he would refrain from personifying diplomacy of today. He stressed that Russia’s foreign policy is determined by the president. "Indeed, the goals and the modality of our foreign policy are determined by the course set by the head of state. This course that is committed to paper in all editions of Russia’s foreign policy concept since 2000 has made it possible to us to develop principally new qualities on the international arena, to restore our status as a great power," Lavrov stressed.
"I would call things by their true names, the status of a key player on key global problems, the status of a country without which global problems are difficult, if not impossible, to resolve. And it is recognized by all out partners, including the Western nations which keep on saying that the tough course towards Moscow should be continued," he said.
He said that Russia’s present-day foreign policy continued the traditions set by outstanding diplomats Alexander Gorchakov, Andrei Gromyko, Yevgeny Primakov. "The most important achievement of present-day diplomats is that, tasked by the president, we continue to work not to let break down this tradition, to strengthen it in all possible ways," he added.


tass--2020-02-10--Russia worried over Kiev’s statements about revision of Minsk accords - Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is alarmed to hear Kiev ’ s statements on the revision of the Minsk agreements in case of the absence of immediate steps towards their implementation , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiskaya Gazeta daily .
`` We are worried over [ Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim ] Priskaiko ’ s recent statements that in case no positive steps are taken in the near future , by Russia again , Kiev may look at an alternative to the Minsk agreements , '' he said .
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our American colleagues , and the Kiev authorities with their backing , have been enthusiastically pushing for : control of the border first and then everything will be all right . ''
Lavrov recalled that Russian President in reply to such words had repeatedly drawn attention to `` who are consolidating under neo-Nazi slogans in Ukraine and how they threaten to use force . ''
`` Even the new government and the new Verkhovna Rada say that a force scenario can not be ruled out , '' the Russian top diplomat went on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people be given control over the border ?
If it come that way , there could be no talk about [ Donbass ’ ] special status , local elections , and the rest . ''
`` They will simply strangle the local population , '' he noted .
`` And even if Ukraine ’ s authorities don ’ t want to use force against Donbass ’ residents , I don ’ t see that paramilitary battalions , which are quite strong there , are ready to implement the orders of the supreme commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian President Vladimir ] Zelensky visited the frontline to persuade to disengage forces and weapons in the areas that were agreed back in 2015 . ''
Ukraine refused to put on paper a plan concerning the disengagement of forces along the entire line of contact in Donbass because the US had insisted on it , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview .
`` It ’ s really not a secret , we know that Ukraine took such a stance at the Normandy Four summit at Washington ’ s insistence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Minsk Agreements to be implemented , it doesn ’ t want security to be ensured on both sides of the line of contact , '' he said .
`` Apparently , it is in the US interest to maintain the conflict in a controlled state in relation to the United States ’ plans for the post-Soviet countries , '' the Russian top diplomat added .

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russia is alarmed to hear Kiev’s statements on the revision of the Minsk agreements in case of the absence of immediate steps towards their implementation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiskaya Gazeta daily.
"We are worried over [Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim] Priskaiko’s recent statements that in case no positive steps are taken in the near future, by Russia again, Kiev may look at an alternative to the Minsk agreements," he said. "And what kind of alternatives? The ones our American colleagues, and the Kiev authorities with their backing, have been enthusiastically pushing for: control of the border first and then everything will be all right."
Lavrov recalled that Russian President in reply to such words had repeatedly drawn attention to "who are consolidating under neo-Nazi slogans in Ukraine and how they threaten to use force." "Even the new government and the new Verkhovna Rada say that a force scenario cannot be ruled out," the Russian top diplomat went on to say. "And should these people be given control over the border? If it come that way, there could be no talk about [Donbass’] special status, local elections, and the rest."
"They will simply strangle the local population," he noted. "And even if Ukraine’s authorities don’t want to use force against Donbass’ residents, I don’t see that paramilitary battalions, which are quite strong there, are ready to implement the orders of the supreme commander in chief. All saw how [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky visited the frontline to persuade to disengage forces and weapons in the areas that were agreed back in 2015."
Ambassadorial exchange
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Ukraine soured because of Kiev’s policies and Moscow will have no objections if Ukraine decides to resume the exchange of ambassadors, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.
"It was not our fault. Ukraine withdrew its ambassador and threatened to sever diplomatic relations," he said. "However, some people are saying that [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky may return the country’s ambassador [to Moscow]. We will not object to that," Lavrov added.
Ukraine recalled its ambassador to Russia for consultations in 2014. Russia did the same in 2016.
The Russian top diplomat pointed out that close economic and humanitarian ties still existed between Moscow and Kiev. "It is unreasonable to keep building barriers, no matter if it is air and railway transport or communication between people," he noted.
Lavrov went on to say that he had held only one meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Vadim Pristaiko, and his meetings with Ukraine’s former top diplomat Pavel Klimkin had only taken place on the sidelines of the Normandy Four talks and the ministerial meetings of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). "Every time, we met during these events and held either one-on-one conversations or meetings involving our aides," Lavrov said. "I can’t say that those conversations were aggressive. Many of our Ukrainian partners seek to adopt a pragmatic approach to issues that are harmful particularly to Ukraine and Ukrainians," he added.
At the same time, Ukrainian diplomats act differently in public, the Russian foreign minister said, noting that the influence of radical nationalists could be the reason.
"However, we are interested in maintaining contacts," Lavrov emphasized.
Disengage forces
Ukraine refused to put on paper a plan concerning the disengagement of forces along the entire line of contact in Donbass because the US had insisted on it, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview.
"It’s really not a secret, we know that Ukraine took such a stance at the Normandy Four summit at Washington’s insistence, because the US doesn’t want the Minsk Agreements to be implemented, it doesn’t want security to be ensured on both sides of the line of contact," he said. "Apparently, it is in the US interest to maintain the conflict in a controlled state in relation to the United States’ plans for the post-Soviet countries," the Russian top diplomat added.
Lavrov pointed out that an agreement on the disengagement of forces along the entire line of contact had been reached ahead of the summit and Ukraine had supported the initiative. However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky demanded at the December 9 meeting in Paris that the previously reached agreements be reviewed, saying that since the disengagement of forces in three areas - near the Petrovskoye, Zolotoye and Stanitsa Luganskaya settlements - had taken over five months, then the entire line of contact would take ten to 15 years.
"The logic is strange," the Russian foreign minister noted. "If there are delays before the disengagement process is conducted in a settlement, then it could even take half a century. Then again, Putin suggested writing it down that the parties would begin with another three settlements but the final goal they would work to achieve is to withdraw forces from the line of contact. Complete denial was the response," Lavrov said.
"Still, we are confident that the Contact Group - which is a platform for resolving all issues concerning prisoner exchanges and the disengagement of forces - will remain focused on ensuring the full implementation of all agreements and paying attention to humanitarian and economic issues, though Kiev keeps ignoring the way they need to be resolved under the Minsk Agreements, as well as the political process," Lavrov emphasized.
The Normandy Four summit, which took place in Paris on December 9, involved French President Emmanuel Macron, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. The four leaders reaffirmed their commitment to implementing a comprehensive ceasefire in Donbass before the end of 2019. They also voiced support for a plan to carry out the disengagement of forces in three more areas in Donbass.
Progress in resolving Donbass issue
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has shown political will, ensuring progress in resolving the conflict in the country’s southeast, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview.
"It certainly is a positive thing that Zelensky showed political will despite a very complicated political situation in Ukraine and finally implemented the decisions made at two Normandy Four summits, held in Paris in 2015 and in Berlin in 2016," he pointed out. "Progress has been achieved in detainee exchanges and the disengagement of forces," Lavrov added.
The Russian top diplomat noted that an agreement on gas issues had been reached following a Paris meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Kiev and the self-proclaimed Donbass republics had carried out a detainee exchange in late December.
"It is very important that the December 2019 summit in Paris adopted a document, which emphasizes the need to continue the disengagement of forces and deter ceasefire violations, as well as the importance of the political process in accordance with the Minsk Agreements, including the Steinmeier Formula, and the need to enshrine the special status of Donbass in Ukrainian laws," Lavrov added.


tass--2020-02-10--US can deploy shorter-and intermediate-range missile in Asia Pacific if it wants - Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The United States can easily deploy its shorter-and intermediate-range missiles in the Asia Pacific region , if it wants , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily .
`` The Americans have plans to deploy intermediate-and shorter-range missiles in the Asia Pacific region .
Japan and South Korea are mentioned in this context .
Both countries however said they have no plans to deploy such missiles .
But if the Americans really want to deploy their missile there , I don ’ t think it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that such missiles could be deployed on exotic islands in the central part of the Pacific .
According to the Russian top diplomat , these plans are geared to contain China but the geographical reality is that if missiles are deployed in those areas a large part of Russia will be exposed .
And once deployed in Japan and South Korea , these missile may reach the entire territory to the Urals Mountains .
`` Naturally , we will be forced to react .
That is why we are telling the ASEAN and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Korea , about the risks these ‘ games ’ are fraught with , '' Lavrov stressed .

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. The United States can easily deploy its shorter-and intermediate-range missiles in the Asia Pacific region, if it wants, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily.
"The Americans have plans to deploy intermediate-and shorter-range missiles in the Asia Pacific region. Japan and South Korea are mentioned in this context. Both countries however said they have no plans to deploy such missiles. But if the Americans really want to deploy their missile there, I don’t think it is impossible," he said, adding that such missiles could be deployed on exotic islands in the central part of the Pacific.
According to the Russian top diplomat, these plans are geared to contain China but the geographical reality is that if missiles are deployed in those areas a large part of Russia will be exposed. And once deployed in Japan and South Korea, these missile may reach the entire territory to the Urals Mountains.
"Naturally, we will be forced to react. That is why we are telling the ASEAN and Asia Pacific nations, including Japan and South Korea, about the risks these ‘games’ are fraught with," Lavrov stressed.


tass--2020-02-10--EU seems to be obsessed with anti-Russian sanctions - Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The European Union ’ s anti-Russian sanctions look rather like an obsession that has little link with the realities of practical politics , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta .
It is just `` a small but very aggressive group of nations '' that is pushing the European Union to continue confrontation with Russia and keep in place the anti-Russian sanctions until `` Moscow implements the Minsk agreements , '' Lavrov noted .
`` The Russophobic minority in the European Union is openly capitalizing on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has little to do with practical politics , it rather looks like an obsession with the sanctions , '' he stressed .
According to the Russian top diplomat , Ukraine ’ s former President Pyotr Poroshenko was in the habit of using this position of the European Union and `` the new Ukrainian authorities are also using it now . ''
`` They [ Ukraine ’ s authorities ] are not going to do anything because if they do nothing the Minsk agreements will never be implemented and the European Union , following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions in place .
While Ukraine will receive donation from the West , '' he said .
He drew attention to the fact that European businesses was suffering `` losses of many dozens , if not hundreds , of billions of euros '' from the anti-Russian sanctions .
`` Many representatives from the European Union member nations tell us in private conversations that they are against the sanctions , that these sanctions are harmful .
But they have the principle of solidarity , the principle of consensus , '' he noted .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a consent among all .
And is someone , and there are a lot of them , as they tell us in bilateral contacts , is against the sanctions , there can not be any consensus .
And what we have now is this Russophobic minority abusing this consensus rule to make all the rest stick to this absolutely ungrounded and absurd position that the sanctions should depend on the implementation of the Minsk agreements , '' Lavrov said .
Following the developments in Ukraine and Crimea ’ s reunification with Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions against Russia , which have been extended and expanded regularly ever since .
Talks on visa-free travel and a new framework cooperation agreement were suspended , a number of Russian officials were banned to enter the European Union and their assets were frozen .
Apart from that , the European Union imposed trade , financial and defense-related restrictions .
In response , Moscow imposed a ban on imports of a number of food products from the European Union .

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. The European Union’s anti-Russian sanctions look rather like an obsession that has little link with the realities of practical politics, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta.
It is just "a small but very aggressive group of nations" that is pushing the European Union to continue confrontation with Russia and keep in place the anti-Russian sanctions until "Moscow implements the Minsk agreements," Lavrov noted. "The Russophobic minority in the European Union is openly capitalizing on the principle of consensus."
"It has little to do with practical politics, it rather looks like an obsession with the sanctions," he stressed.
According to the Russian top diplomat, Ukraine’s former President Pyotr Poroshenko was in the habit of using this position of the European Union and "the new Ukrainian authorities are also using it now." "They [Ukraine’s authorities] are not going to do anything because if they do nothing the Minsk agreements will never be implemented and the European Union, following this logic, will keep the anti-Russian sanctions in place. While Ukraine will receive donation from the West," he said.
He drew attention to the fact that European businesses was suffering "losses of many dozens, if not hundreds, of billions of euros" from the anti-Russian sanctions. "Many representatives from the European Union member nations tell us in private conversations that they are against the sanctions, that these sanctions are harmful. But they have the principle of solidarity, the principle of consensus," he noted.
"As far as I understand, consensus is a consent among all. And is someone, and there are a lot of them, as they tell us in bilateral contacts, is against the sanctions, there cannot be any consensus. And what we have now is this Russophobic minority abusing this consensus rule to make all the rest stick to this absolutely ungrounded and absurd position that the sanctions should depend on the implementation of the Minsk agreements," Lavrov said.
Following the developments in Ukraine and Crimea’s reunification with Russia in 2014, the European Union imposed sanctions against Russia, which have been extended and expanded regularly ever since. Talks on visa-free travel and a new framework cooperation agreement were suspended, a number of Russian officials were banned to enter the European Union and their assets were frozen. Apart from that, the European Union imposed trade, financial and defense-related restrictions. In response, Moscow imposed a ban on imports of a number of food products from the European Union.


tass--2020-02-10--Voter turnout in Azerbaijan’s parliamentary polls stands at 47.81%

BAKU , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
The voter turnout in Sunday ’ s early parliamentary election in Azerbaijan was 47.81 % , the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) said on Sunday .
According to the CEC , more than 2.5 million people cast their ballots in the polls .
The voter turnout at the parliamentary polls in 2015 was 55.7 % Early parliamentary polls were called by President Ilham Aliyev in December 2019 after the parliament ’ s voluntary dissolution .
The early parliamentary polls in Azerbaijan were held on the basis of majority voting in single-mandate constituencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vying for 125 seats in Azerbaijan ’ s parliament .
Eleven of them were nominated by voter groups , 246 by 19 political parties and 1,057 were self-nominated .
Under the law , no vote is held abroad unlike in presidential polls and referendums .
The election will be considered valid regardless of the turnout as there is no threshold .
As many as 883 observers representing 59 international organizations have been accredited for the polls .
The most representative mission of 380 members was sent by the Office for Democratic Institutions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe ( OSCE ) .
The mission of the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ) consists of 252 experts , while the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ( PACE ) has a mission of 25 members .
The number of local observers has exceeded 77,000 , including more than 30,000 from political parties .

BAKU, February 9. /TASS/. The voter turnout in Sunday’s early parliamentary election in Azerbaijan was 47.81%, the Central Election Commission (CEC) said on Sunday.
According to the CEC, more than 2.5 million people cast their ballots in the polls.
The voter turnout at the parliamentary polls in 2015 was 55.7%
Early parliamentary polls were called by President Ilham Aliyev in December 2019 after the parliament’s voluntary dissolution.
The early parliamentary polls in Azerbaijan were held on the basis of majority voting in single-mandate constituencies. A total of 1,314 candidates are vying for 125 seats in Azerbaijan’s parliament. Eleven of them were nominated by voter groups, 246 by 19 political parties and 1,057 were self-nominated. Under the law, no vote is held abroad unlike in presidential polls and referendums. The election will be considered valid regardless of the turnout as there is no threshold.
As many as 883 observers representing 59 international organizations have been accredited for the polls. The most representative mission of 380 members was sent by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The mission of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) consists of 252 experts, while the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has a mission of 25 members. The number of local observers has exceeded 77,000, including more than 30,000 from political parties.


tass--2020-02-09--China to allocate over $10 bln to fight novel coronavirus

TASS , February 9 .
Chine plans to allocate a sum of 71.85 billion yuan ( about 10.3 billion US dollars ) to fight the novel coronavirus , the Chinese finance ministry said on Sunday .
Actual spending on that purpose stood at 31.55 billion yuan as of February 8 , Finance minister Liu Kun said , adding that efforts are geared to support those who need money .
The ministry promised to focus on ensuring sustainability of the economy as the epidemics has impacted the country ’ s macroeconomic activities and small and medium-sized businesses may face serious troubles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late December 2019 , Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial metropolis in central China with a population of 11 million .
The infecting agent was identified as coronavirus 2019-nCoV .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from 24 other countries , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canada , the United States , Thailand , and Russia .
By now , the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 37,200 , with 813 people killed by this coronavirus .
As many as 2,729 have recovered .

TASS, February 9. Chine plans to allocate a sum of 71.85 billion yuan (about 10.3 billion US dollars) to fight the novel coronavirus, the Chinese finance ministry said on Sunday.
Actual spending on that purpose stood at 31.55 billion yuan as of February 8, Finance minister Liu Kun said, adding that efforts are geared to support those who need money.
The ministry promised to focus on ensuring sustainability of the economy as the epidemics has impacted the country’s macroeconomic activities and small and medium-sized businesses may face serious troubles after the New Year holidays.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial metropolis in central China with a population of 11 million. The infecting agent was identified as coronavirus 2019-nCoV. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci.
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from 24 other countries, including Australia, Vietnam, India, Canada, the United States, Thailand, and Russia. By now, the number of confirmed cases of the disease in China has exceeded 37,200, with 813 people killed by this coronavirus. As many as 2,729 have recovered.


tass--2020-02-09--Russian observer says Azerbaijan’s parliamentary polls were open and fair

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Sunday ’ s early parliamentary polls in Azerbaijan were fair and open , with practically no violations reported during the voting , Leonid Kalashnikov , who led the Russian State Duma ’ s delegation of observers , said on Sunday .
`` The elections are valid .
The voting was really open , fair , free , and democratic , '' Kalashnikov , who is chairman of the State Duma ’ s committee for the affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States , Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ channel .
According to the Russian lawmaker , eleven candidates are vying for each parliamentary seat .
`` I visited about ten polling stations today .
I spoke with observers .
Practically no violations were reported , '' he said .
The polling stations across Azerbaijan closed at 7 p.m. local time .
The voter turnout as of 5 p.m. was 44.84 % The early parliamentary polls in Azerbaijan were held on the basis of majority voting in single-mandate constituencies .
A total of 1,314 candidates are vying for 125 seats in Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were nominated by voter groups , 246 by 19 political parties and 1,057 were self-nominated .
Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan have been held under the majority system in single-seat constituencies since 2005 .
As many as 883 observers representing 59 international organizations were accredited for the polls .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. /TASS/. Sunday’s early parliamentary polls in Azerbaijan were fair and open, with practically no violations reported during the voting, Leonid Kalashnikov, who led the Russian State Duma’s delegation of observers, said on Sunday.
"The elections are valid. The voting was really open, fair, free, and democratic," Kalashnikov, who is chairman of the State Duma’s committee for the affairs of the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian integration and relations with compatriots, said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel.
According to the Russian lawmaker, eleven candidates are vying for each parliamentary seat. "I visited about ten polling stations today. I spoke with observers. Practically no violations were reported," he said.
The polling stations across Azerbaijan closed at 7 p.m. local time. The voter turnout as of 5 p.m. was 44.84%
The early parliamentary polls in Azerbaijan were held on the basis of majority voting in single-mandate constituencies. A total of 1,314 candidates are vying for 125 seats in Azerbaijan’s parliament. Eleven of them were nominated by voter groups, 246 by 19 political parties and 1,057 were self-nominated. Parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan have been held under the majority system in single-seat constituencies since 2005. As many as 883 observers representing 59 international organizations were accredited for the polls.


tass--2020-02-09--Death toll from bus crash in Kemerovo region up to 2 - traffic police

TASS , February 9 .
The death toll from a bus crash in Russia ’ s Siberian Kemerovo region has @ @ @ @ @ 29 more people being injured , a traffic police spokesman told TASS on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ people was rammed by a truck in the Kemerovo region earlier on Sunday .
According @ @ @ @ @ truck driver lost control of the vehicle on the slippery road and went onto the @ @ @ @ @ bus .
The accident claimed two lives : the truck drives died instantly and a @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In all , twenty-nine people sought medical assistance , '' the traffic police @ @ @ @ @ case was opened on charges of rendering services falling short of safety requirements causing a @ @ @ @ @ part 2 , article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code ) .

TASS, February 9. The death toll from a bus crash in Russia’s Siberian Kemerovo region has risen to two, with 29 more people being injured, a traffic police spokesman told TASS on Sunday.
A passenger bus carrying 51 people was rammed by a truck in the Kemerovo region earlier on Sunday. According to preliminary data, the truck driver lost control of the vehicle on the slippery road and went onto the oncoming lane to ram the bus.
The accident claimed two lives: the truck drives died instantly and a woman died later in hospital.
"In all, twenty-nine people sought medical assistance," the traffic police spokesman said.
A criminal case was opened on charges of rendering services falling short of safety requirements causing a human death through negligence (part 2, article 238 of the Russian Criminal Code).


tass--2020-02-09--Belarus plans to buy Russian oil at world prices

MINSK , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Belarus is ready to buy Russia oil at world market prices , Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Krutoi said on Sunday .
`` As for the agreement on oil , the oil market , the Russian side has agreed that Belarusian oil refineries will buy oil under agreements with Russian oil companies at the world market prices , '' BelTA agency quoted him as saying .
`` This is what our president [ Alexander Lukashenko ] , the Belarusian side insisted on throughout the talks , '' he said .
`` Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms .
We want to buy oil at global prices . ''
According to Krutoi , Russian President Vladimir Putin shared this approach .
`` Moreover , he promised that the Russian government will offer all possible assistance in our work with Russian oil companies to see to it that supplies to Belarusian oil refineries are carried out on the terms I mentioned above , '' he said , adding that `` the intensity of contacts between our economic entities has increased . ''
`` And we see that about 100 million tonnes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia are produced and supplied by not very big companies , '' he noted .
Nevertheless , in his words , the Belarusian side will continue talks with `` the big five '' Russian oil majors , namely Rosneft , Lukoil , Tatneft and others .
`` The Russian energy minister [ Alexander Novak ] has promised to meet with all of them soon to outline the new conditions for the work on the Belarusian market and facilitate new contracts .
However Belneftekhim concern and our refineries will continue to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market .
We will begin such talks literally next week , '' he said .

MINSK, February 9. /TASS/. Belarus is ready to buy Russia oil at world market prices, Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Krutoi said on Sunday.
"As for the agreement on oil, the oil market, the Russian side has agreed that Belarusian oil refineries will buy oil under agreements with Russian oil companies at the world market prices," BelTA agency quoted him as saying.
"This is what our president [Alexander Lukashenko], the Belarusian side insisted on throughout the talks," he said. "Belarus doesn’t need any special exclusive terms. We want to buy oil at global prices."
According to Krutoi, Russian President Vladimir Putin shared this approach. "Moreover, he promised that the Russian government will offer all possible assistance in our work with Russian oil companies to see to it that supplies to Belarusian oil refineries are carried out on the terms I mentioned above," he said, adding that "the intensity of contacts between our economic entities has increased." "And we see that about 100 million tonnes of oil out of the overall output in Russia are produced and supplied by not very big companies," he noted.
Nevertheless, in his words, the Belarusian side will continue talks with "the big five" Russian oil majors, namely Rosneft, Lukoil, Tatneft and others. "The Russian energy minister [Alexander Novak] has promised to meet with all of them soon to outline the new conditions for the work on the Belarusian market and facilitate new contracts. However Belneftekhim concern and our refineries will continue to work with absolutely all companies on the Russian oil market. We will begin such talks literally next week," he said.


tass--2020-02-09--Minsk, Moscow to continue gas talks in coming weeks

MINSK , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow and Minsk will continue gas talks in the coming weeks , with minor adjustments in the agreed solutions being possible , Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Krutoi said on Sunday commenting on the Sochi talks between the two countries ’ leaders on February 7 .
`` Sectoral ministers jointly with Gazprom will continue talks in the coming weeks .
Certain adjustments are not ruled out .
But in general , I think , agreements have been reached .
The sides are ready for further constructive talks on the basis of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' BelTA agency quoted him as saying .
According to Krutoi , the sides have not yet discussed gas prices for 2021 .
`` Bearing in mind that the current gas contract covers only two months - January and February , the key task today is to resolve the problem for March-December 2020 , '' he said .
Deputy head of the Russian president ’ s administration Dmitry Kozak said after Friday ’ s talks between Russian and Belarusian Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko that the sides had agreed to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current year .
In late December 2019 , Russia and Belarus agreed that the gas price for Belarus in January-February 2020 would stay at the last year ’ s level , i.e .
at $ 127 per 1,000 cubic meters .
Lukashenko said earlier that his country planned to buy about 20 billion cubic meters of Russian gas in 2020 .
It was then planned to keep the current prices of $ 127 per 1,000 cubic meters .
The Belarusian side however said the fair price for gas should equal to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus oil transportation .

MINSK, February 9. /TASS/. Moscow and Minsk will continue gas talks in the coming weeks, with minor adjustments in the agreed solutions being possible, Belarusian First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Krutoi said on Sunday commenting on the Sochi talks between the two countries’ leaders on February 7.
"Sectoral ministers jointly with Gazprom will continue talks in the coming weeks. Certain adjustments are not ruled out. But in general, I think, agreements have been reached. The sides are ready for further constructive talks on the basis of the calculations we have as of today," BelTA agency quoted him as saying.
According to Krutoi, the sides have not yet discussed gas prices for 2021. "Bearing in mind that the current gas contract covers only two months - January and February, the key task today is to resolve the problem for March-December 2020," he said.
Deputy head of the Russian president’s administration Dmitry Kozak said after Friday’s talks between Russian and Belarusian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko that the sides had agreed to keep the 2019 gas price for Belarus throughout the current year. In late December 2019, Russia and Belarus agreed that the gas price for Belarus in January-February 2020 would stay at the last year’s level, i.e. at $127 per 1,000 cubic meters.
Lukashenko said earlier that his country planned to buy about 20 billion cubic meters of Russian gas in 2020. It was then planned to keep the current prices of $127 per 1,000 cubic meters. The Belarusian side however said the fair price for gas should equal to the one for Russia’s Smolensk region, plus oil transportation.


tass--2020-02-09--Moscow, Minsk defend their own interests being committed to cooperation - Kremlin

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
Russian and Belarusian Presidents , Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko , are doing much to develop bilateral relations although they are committed to their countries ’ interests , Russian president ’ s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday .
`` You know that both Lukashenko and Putin are doing much to develop our bilateral relations .
Both Russia and Belarus are sovereign states and they both defends , first of all , their own interests .
That is why priorities are obvious and that is why each president behaves correspondingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come together for the sake of our own union-state interests and we see it , '' he said in an interview with the Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin program on the Rossiya-1 television channel .
However , he noted , a number of issues are still unsettled after the talks between the two leaders .
`` Expert opinion , expert estimates are needed to resolve them , '' he added .
Putin and Lukashenko had several rounds of talks in Russia ’ s Sochi on February 7 .
They first met tete-a-tete and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , some members of the Russian delegation were unable to reach Sochi in due time because of the bad weather .
After that , the leaders played ice hockey and then returned to the negotiating table again , with all members of the delegations present .
Deputy head of the Russian president ’ s administration Dmitry Kozak said after the talks that Russia and Belarus had agreed on gas supplies in 2020 on the 2019 terms .
He said Moscow and Minsk would continue consultations on integration matters .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. /TASS/. Russian and Belarusian Presidents, Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, are doing much to develop bilateral relations although they are committed to their countries’ interests, Russian president’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday.
"You know that both Lukashenko and Putin are doing much to develop our bilateral relations. Both Russia and Belarus are sovereign states and they both defends, first of all, their own interests. That is why priorities are obvious and that is why each president behaves correspondingly - defends own interests. But they come together for the sake of our own union-state interests and we see it," he said in an interview with the Moscow. Kremlin. Putin program on the Rossiya-1 television channel.
However, he noted, a number of issues are still unsettled after the talks between the two leaders. "Expert opinion, expert estimates are needed to resolve them," he added.
Putin and Lukashenko had several rounds of talks in Russia’s Sochi on February 7. They first met tete-a-tete and then were joined by the delegations. However, some members of the Russian delegation were unable to reach Sochi in due time because of the bad weather. After that, the leaders played ice hockey and then returned to the negotiating table again, with all members of the delegations present.
Deputy head of the Russian president’s administration Dmitry Kozak said after the talks that Russia and Belarus had agreed on gas supplies in 2020 on the 2019 terms. He said Moscow and Minsk would continue consultations on integration matters.


tass--2020-02-09--One killed, over 20 injured in bus crash in West Siberia

KEMEROVO , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
One woman died and more than 20 others were injured when a bus @ @ @ @ @ West Siberia ’ s Kemerovo Region , the local emergencies medicine center told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ born in 1948 died on the operating table , she received fatal injuries , '' @ @ @ @ @ others have been injured and two of them are in severe condition .
10 people @ @ @ @ @ s admission unit and are being examined by doctors .
10 others received medical assistance @ @ @ @ @ the spokesperson said .

KEMEROVO, February 9. /TASS/. One woman died and more than 20 others were injured when a bus and a truck crashed in West Siberia’s Kemerovo Region, the local emergencies medicine center told TASS on Sunday.
"A woman born in 1948 died on the operating table, she received fatal injuries," a spokesperson said.
Twenty-two others have been injured and two of them are in severe condition. 10 people are in the hospital’s admission unit and are being examined by doctors. 10 others received medical assistance at a first-aid station, the spokesperson said.


tass--2020-02-09--Utair blames emergency landing in northwestern Russia on wind shift

KHANTY-MANSIYSK , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Utair airline has blamed a wind shift for the emergency landing of its plane at the airport of Usinsk , in northwestern Russia ’ s Komi Republic .
`` During the landing of Boeing 737 a sharp unpredictable wind shift occurred at the airport of Usinsk , '' the press service said .
The airline stressed that the crew managed to keep the plane on the runway until a complete stop thanks to their high professional skills .
`` When the plane was already on the runway its landing gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew was working : the captain had more than 6,900 flight hours on Boeing and the second pilot had 3,600 flight hours , '' the spokesperson said .
The crew successfully carried out the evacuation effort after the plane had stopped .
`` There are no injuries .
One passenger , who sustained a knee injury , sought medical assistance . ''
The Boeing 737 was en route from Moscow ’ s Vnukovo airport when it was forced to make an emergency landing .
According to the republic ’ s Emergencies Ministry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the airport said the plane was carrying 100 people .
All of them have been evacuated .
The Komi Republic ’ s head said two people have sought medical assistance .
The airport of Usinsk has been temporarily closed to deal with the aftermath of the incident .

KHANTY-MANSIYSK, February 9. /TASS/. Russia’s Utair airline has blamed a wind shift for the emergency landing of its plane at the airport of Usinsk, in northwestern Russia’s Komi Republic.
"During the landing of Boeing 737 a sharp unpredictable wind shift occurred at the airport of Usinsk," the press service said.
The airline stressed that the crew managed to keep the plane on the runway until a complete stop thanks to their high professional skills. "When the plane was already on the runway its landing gear’s breakdown occurred. An experienced crew was working: the captain had more than 6,900 flight hours on Boeing and the second pilot had 3,600 flight hours," the spokesperson said.
The crew successfully carried out the evacuation effort after the plane had stopped. "There are no injuries. One passenger, who sustained a knee injury, sought medical assistance."
The Boeing 737 was en route from Moscow’s Vnukovo airport when it was forced to make an emergency landing. According to the republic’s Emergencies Ministry, 94 people were onboard the aircraft. However, the airport said the plane was carrying 100 people. All of them have been evacuated.
The Komi Republic’s head said two people have sought medical assistance. The airport of Usinsk has been temporarily closed to deal with the aftermath of the incident.


tass--2020-02-09--Passenger plane makes emergency landing in northwestern Russia - source

TASS , February 9 .
A Boeing-737 passenger plane has made an emergency landing at the airport of Usinsk , @ @ @ @ @ Republic , a source in local emergencies services told TASS .
`` During the landing @ @ @ @ @ hit the runway .
According to preliminary data , no one has been injured , @ @ @ @ @ The plane was flying from Moscow ’ s Vnukovo airport and is owned by Utair @ @ @ @ @ Utair airline , en route from Vnukovo to Usinsk ( flight 595 ) , made @ @ @ @ @ airport of Usinsk .
There are no injuries .
There were 94 passengers and six @ @ @ @ @ been evacuated , '' a source at the airport said .
According to the Russian @ @ @ @ @ 94 people onboard the plane .

TASS, February 9. A Boeing-737 passenger plane has made an emergency landing at the airport of Usinsk, northwestern Russia’s Komi Republic, a source in local emergencies services told TASS.
"During the landing the aircraft’s tail hit the runway. According to preliminary data, no one has been injured," the source said.
The plane was flying from Moscow’s Vnukovo airport and is owned by Utair airline.
"Boeing-737 of Utair airline, en route from Vnukovo to Usinsk (flight 595), made an emergency landing at the airport of Usinsk. There are no injuries. There were 94 passengers and six crew members. People have been evacuated," a source at the airport said.
According to the Russian Emergencies Ministry, there were 94 people onboard the plane.


tass--2020-02-09--OPEC+ ministers not planning early meeting over coronavirus, Baku says

BAKU , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Azerbaijan ’ s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov expects that no early ministerial meeting @ @ @ @ @ will be held because of the novel coronavirus outbreak .
`` Obviously , no early @ @ @ @ @ plus format will be held , '' the minister told reporters on Sunday .
The @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus in the OPEC plus format , he noted .
`` There were proposals on @ @ @ @ @ the middle or the end of February .
However , the situation was analyzed and @ @ @ @ @ in March as planned , '' the minister said .
The energy minister noted that @ @ @ @ @ prices , which have dropped more than 10 % percent , but the situation was @ @ @ @ @ in terms of oil prices recovery is changing .
That ’ s why we expect @ @ @ @ @ discuss the issue in early March , '' the minister said .

BAKU, February 9. /TASS/. Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov expects that no early ministerial meeting in the OPEC plus format will be held because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
"Obviously, no early ministerial meeting in the OPEC plus format will be held," the minister told reporters on Sunday.
The countries will continue consultations on coronavirus in the OPEC plus format, he noted. "There were proposals on rescheduling the March meeting for the middle or the end of February. However, the situation was analyzed and the meeting will be held in March as planned," the minister said.
The energy minister noted that coronavirus has really affected oil prices, which have dropped more than 10% percent, but the situation was stabilizing.
"The situation in terms of oil prices recovery is changing. That’s why we expect that we will meet and discuss the issue in early March," the minister said.


tass--2020-02-09--Seven new coronavirus cases reported on cruise ship quarantined in Japan

TOKYO , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese doctors have registered seven more cases of the novel coronavirus among those onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan , Asahi TV channel reported on Sunday .
This brings the total number of passengers and crew members diagnosed with coronavirus to 70 .
The new patients ’ nationality has not been reported .
There are nearly 3,700 people onboard the Diamond Princess from 50 countries , including Russia .
There are no Russians among those who have contracted the virus .
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sailed back on February 3 .
Among the passengers was a Chinese national who was later found to be infected with the novel coronavirus .
He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25 .
The Japanese authorities ordered the cruise ship to be anchored off Yokohama for the people aboard to be given health screenings .
The cruise ship has been kept in 14-day quarantine , which will last until February 19 .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 37,000 , and more than 810 people have died .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it @ @ @ @ @ @ @

TOKYO, February 9. /TASS/. Japanese doctors have registered seven more cases of the novel coronavirus among those onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, Asahi TV channel reported on Sunday.
This brings the total number of passengers and crew members diagnosed with coronavirus to 70. The new patients’ nationality has not been reported.
There are nearly 3,700 people onboard the Diamond Princess from 50 countries, including Russia. There are no Russians among those who have contracted the virus.
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama, Japan, on January 20 and sailed back on February 3. Among the passengers was a Chinese national who was later found to be infected with the novel coronavirus. He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25. The Japanese authorities ordered the cruise ship to be anchored off Yokohama for the people aboard to be given health screenings. The cruise ship has been kept in 14-day quarantine, which will last until February 19.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 37,000, and more than 810 people have died.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.


tass--2020-02-09--Turkish military convoy enters Syria’s Idlib - TV report

TASS , February 9 .
A convoy of Turkish military hardware crossed the border with Syria on Sunday and entered @ @ @ @ @ News Arabia has reported .
According to the report , the convoy consisted of tanks @ @ @ @ @ carrying munitions .
Al Mayadeen TV channel reported that Syrian armed opposition members in Idlib @ @ @ @ @ families to Afrin , located in the north of the Aleppo Governorate near the border @ @ @ @ @ army ’ s quick advancement to Idlib ’ s southern areas has angered Turkey , @ @ @ @ @ against government forces .
Al Mayadeen TV channel reported earlier that 195 pieces of Turkish @ @ @ @ @ vehicles and tanks as well as trucks carrying munitions , crossed the border with Syria @ @ @ @ @ Monday , another military convoy headed to Idlib .
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu explained @ @ @ @ @ to Idlib was aimed at reinforcing 12 observation points of the Turkish army .

TASS, February 9. A convoy of Turkish military hardware crossed the border with Syria on Sunday and entered the Idlib Governorate, Sky News Arabia has reported.
According to the report, the convoy consisted of tanks, armored vehicles and vehicles carrying munitions.
Al Mayadeen TV channel reported that Syrian armed opposition members in Idlib and Aleppo started moving their families to Afrin, located in the north of the Aleppo Governorate near the border with Turkey.
The Syrian army’s quick advancement to Idlib’s southern areas has angered Turkey, which is supporting militants fighting against government forces. Al Mayadeen TV channel reported earlier that 195 pieces of Turkish military equipment, including armored vehicles and tanks as well as trucks carrying munitions, crossed the border with Syria on February 2. On Monday, another military convoy headed to Idlib.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu explained on Tuesday that military assistance to Idlib was aimed at reinforcing 12 observation points of the Turkish army.


tass--2020-02-09--China thanks Russia for its assistance in fighting coronavirus

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
China has expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in fighting the coronavirus outbreak , the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday .
Earlier in the day , the Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered humanitarian aid to China ’ s Wuhan hit by the novel coronavirus ( 2019-nCoV ) .
`` During the humanitarian aid delivery , the Chinese representatives expressed sincere gratitude to Russia for its help in fighting the outbreak , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed .
At China ’ s request the humanitarian cargo weighting over 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection , which certain affected Chinese regions lack now , '' it said .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the overall number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has exceeded 37,000 , and more than 810 people have died .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. China has expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance in fighting the coronavirus outbreak, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, the Russian Emergencies Ministry delivered humanitarian aid to China’s Wuhan hit by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
"During the humanitarian aid delivery, the Chinese representatives expressed sincere gratitude to Russia for its help in fighting the outbreak," the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed.
At China’s request the humanitarian cargo weighting over 23 tonnes includes various medical means of individual protection, which certain affected Chinese regions lack now," it said.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 37,000, and more than 810 people have died.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.


tass--2020-02-09--Russian-North Korean friendship treaty marks 20th anniversary

PYONGYANG , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and the Democratic People 's Republic of Korea on Sunday marked the @ @ @ @ @ Treaty on Friendship , Good-Neighborly Relations and Cooperation between the two countries .
The treaty @ @ @ @ @ developing relations between the two neighboring states in the new historic period , '' the @ @ @ @ @ on its Facebook page .
`` On February 9 , 2000 the Treaty on Friendship @ @ @ @ @ between the Russian Federation and the DPRK was signed in Pyongyang , '' the statement @ @ @ @ @ which replaced the 1961 friendship treaty between the Soviet Union and the DPRK , was @ @ @ @ @ ’ foreign ministers , Igor Ivanov and Paek Nam-sun .
The treaty , which was @ @ @ @ @ boosted bilateral ties in many areas and ensured the continuity of deep traditions of good @ @ @ @ @ of Russia and North Korea , the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang said .

PYONGYANG, February 9. /TASS/. Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Sunday marked the 20th anniversary since signing the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborly Relations and Cooperation between the two countries.
The treaty "laid the foundation for developing relations between the two neighboring states in the new historic period," the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang wrote on its Facebook page.
"On February 9, 2000 the Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborly Relations and Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the DPRK was signed in Pyongyang," the statement reads.
The document, which replaced the 1961 friendship treaty between the Soviet Union and the DPRK, was signed by the two countries’ foreign ministers, Igor Ivanov and Paek Nam-sun.
The treaty, which was signed 20 years ago, boosted bilateral ties in many areas and ensured the continuity of deep traditions of good neighborly relations between the people of Russia and North Korea, the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang said.


tass--2020-02-09--Interior ministry confirms 10 killed in Kazakhstan’s clashes

NUR-SULTAN , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
The death toll in mass riots in Kazakhstan ’ s southern Zhambyl region @ @ @ @ @ 10 , Deputy Interior Minister Alexei Kalaichidi told reporters on Sunday .
`` During mass @ @ @ @ @ killed and 43 others were hospitalized .
As of today , 39 people remain in @ @ @ @ @ .
According to him , five police officers were injured and three of them received @ @ @ @ @ flared up in the Zhambul ’ s region ’ s Korday district overnight to February @ @ @ @ @ Tokayev announced that the situation was stabilized .
He blamed provocateurs for the bloodshed and @ @ @ @ @ punished for failing to prevent the riots .

NUR-SULTAN, February 9. /TASS/. The death toll in mass riots in Kazakhstan’s southern Zhambyl region has climbed from eight to 10, Deputy Interior Minister Alexei Kalaichidi told reporters on Sunday.
"During mass riots, 10 people were killed and 43 others were hospitalized. As of today, 39 people remain in hospital," Kalaichidi said. According to him, five police officers were injured and three of them received gunshot wounds.
Mass riots flared up in the Zhambul’s region’s Korday district overnight to February 8. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the situation was stabilized. He blamed provocateurs for the bloodshed and vowed that officials would be punished for failing to prevent the riots.


tass--2020-02-09--Death toll in Thai mall shooting rises to 26

BANGKOK , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
At least 26 people died and another 57 were wounded when a soldier @ @ @ @ @ in the northeastern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima , Thailand ’ s Prime Minister Prayut @ @ @ @ @ According to the prime minister , `` 27 people , including the shooter , died @ @ @ @ @ wounded , '' and 32 of them are still in hospital .
The attack could @ @ @ @ @ dispute over a land deal , Reuters reported , citing the prime minister .
On @ @ @ @ @ Thomma , 32 , shot dead his commander and two other people at a military @ @ @ @ @ a stolen car .
The soldier was firing at passers-by randomly on his way to @ @ @ @ @ .
Once inside , he kept shooting and took a group of people hostage .
@ @ @ @ @ was killed by security forces in the mall .

BANGKOK, February 9. /TASS/. At least 26 people died and another 57 were wounded when a soldier went on a shooting spree in the northeastern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Sunday.
According to the prime minister, "27 people, including the shooter, died, and 57 others were wounded," and 32 of them are still in hospital. The attack could have been prompted by a dispute over a land deal, Reuters reported, citing the prime minister.
On Saturday, Sgt Maj Jakrapanth Thomma, 32, shot dead his commander and two other people at a military camp before getting away in a stolen car. The soldier was firing at passers-by randomly on his way to the Terminal 21 shopping mall. Once inside, he kept shooting and took a group of people hostage. Early on Sunday, he was killed by security forces in the mall.


tass--2020-02-09--Situation in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region back to normal after clashes

NUR-SULTAN , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in several populated localities in Kazakhstan ’ s Zhambyl region , where a state of emergency had been declared over violent clashes on Saturday , has returned back to normal , the press service of the country ’ s prime minister said on Sunday .
According to the prime minister ’ s office , deputy premier Berdibek Saparbayev visited some of those areas on Saturday night .
`` The situation in those populated areas is normal .
On [ Saturday ] afternoon , residents were assured that there will be no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control , '' the statement says .
`` A governmental commission that had arrived from Nur-Sultan will stay in the Kordai district to control the situation in the area , '' the government said .
During an earlier meeting with local elders in the village of Sortobe , the deputy premier called upon local residents to stay calm and not to respond to provocations .
`` Our task is to ensure the public order and safety of the population , '' he said .
`` We will restore order , so I ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the necessary capabilities and resources to do so , '' the governmental press service quoted him as saying .
The premier added that a team of investigators will look into all circumstances of the incident to identify those behind it .
He stressed that the clashes were a result of a domestic dispute , adding that `` there is no inter-ethnic context here . ''
Eight people were killed in a series of violent clashes in a rural area of Kazakhstan ’ s Zhambyl region .
A total of 37 people remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Kamalzhan Nadyrov .
The state of emergency has been in place in the Zhambyl region ’ s Kordai district from 21:00 local time ( 18:00 Moscow time ) on Saturday .

NUR-SULTAN, February 9. /TASS/. The situation in several populated localities in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region, where a state of emergency had been declared over violent clashes on Saturday, has returned back to normal, the press service of the country’s prime minister said on Sunday.
According to the prime minister’s office, deputy premier Berdibek Saparbayev visited some of those areas on Saturday night.
"The situation in those populated areas is normal. On [Saturday] afternoon, residents were assured that there will be no more disturbances and the situation is under control," the statement says.
"A governmental commission that had arrived from Nur-Sultan will stay in the Kordai district to control the situation in the area," the government said.
During an earlier meeting with local elders in the village of Sortobe, the deputy premier called upon local residents to stay calm and not to respond to provocations.
"Our task is to ensure the public order and safety of the population," he said. "We will restore order, so I ask you to remain calm. We have all the necessary capabilities and resources to do so," the governmental press service quoted him as saying.
The premier added that a team of investigators will look into all circumstances of the incident to identify those behind it.
He stressed that the clashes were a result of a domestic dispute, adding that "there is no inter-ethnic context here."
Eight people were killed in a series of violent clashes in a rural area of Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region. A total of 37 people remain in hospitals, according to Deputy Health Minister Kamalzhan Nadyrov. The state of emergency has been in place in the Zhambyl region’s Kordai district from 21:00 local time (18:00 Moscow time) on Saturday.


tass--2020-02-09--UN invites Libya’s joint military commission to convene again in Geneva on Feb. 18

GENEVA , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
The United Nations invited Libyan 5+5 Joint Military Commission ( JMC ) , which is made up of five high-ranking officers from the two sides of the conflict , to convene again in Geneva on February 18 .
`` As both sides agreed to the need to continue the negotiations in order to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement , UNSMIL has proposed 18 February 2020 , as the date for a new round of talks of the 5+5 JMC , in Geneva , '' the United Nations Support Mission in Libya ( UNSMIL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
The first round of the JMC talks , which had started on February 3 , 2020 , concluded on Saturday afternoon at the Palais des Nations in Geneva , in the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya , Ghassan Salame .
According to UNSMIL , the military commission talks constitute one of the three intra-Libyan tracks UNSMIL is organizing , along with the economic and political tracks .
The mission expressed its appreciation to both sides for coming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the responsibilities they had been entrusted with , '' adding that the discussions were held in the `` professional and positive '' atmosphere .
`` UNSMIL takes note of the existing consensus around the importance of maintaining the truce that had been announced on 12 January this year , of the necessity to respect it and refrain from violating it , '' the statement says .
The UN mission also noted `` the widespread consensus '' between both sides with regard to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya , defending its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and resources from any foreign interference . ''
The parties also agree on the need to `` stop the flow of non-Libyan fighters and send them out of the country ; and to continue the fight against the UN-identified terrorist groups , '' such as al-Qaeda , ISIS , Ansar al-Sharia ( all of them outlawed in Russia ) .
`` Both sides expressed their support to ongoing exchanges of prisoners , returns of mortal remains , '' the UN mission said .
`` While both sides agree to the need to expedite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes , particularly in the areas affected by clashes , a full understanding could not be reached on optimal ways to restore normalcy to these areas . ''
Ghassan Salame told a briefing on Thursday that during the JMC meeting , progress has been made on many important issues and we have before us a significant number of points of convergence . ''
On January 19 , a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government .
In the final document , participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya 's internal affairs , suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood .
The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring .
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord , and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country which is supported by the House of Representatives ( parliament ) and the Libyan National Army .

GENEVA, February 9. /TASS/. The United Nations invited Libyan 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC), which is made up of five high-ranking officers from the two sides of the conflict, to convene again in Geneva on February 18.
"As both sides agreed to the need to continue the negotiations in order to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement, UNSMIL has proposed 18 February 2020, as the date for a new round of talks of the 5+5 JMC, in Geneva," the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said in a statement published on Sunday.
The first round of the JMC talks, which had started on February 3, 2020, concluded on Saturday afternoon at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, in the presence of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, Ghassan Salame.
According to UNSMIL, the military commission talks constitute one of the three intra-Libyan tracks UNSMIL is organizing, along with the economic and political tracks.
The mission expressed its appreciation to both sides for coming to Geneva and "for upholding in earnest the responsibilities they had been entrusted with," adding that the discussions were held in the "professional and positive" atmosphere.
"UNSMIL takes note of the existing consensus around the importance of maintaining the truce that had been announced on 12 January this year, of the necessity to respect it and refrain from violating it," the statement says.
The UN mission also noted "the widespread consensus" between both sides with regard to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Libya, defending its borders and safeguarding "national decision-making process and resources from any foreign interference."
The parties also agree on the need to "stop the flow of non-Libyan fighters and send them out of the country; and to continue the fight against the UN-identified terrorist groups," such as al-Qaeda, ISIS, Ansar al-Sharia (all of them outlawed in Russia).
"Both sides expressed their support to ongoing exchanges of prisoners, returns of mortal remains," the UN mission said. "While both sides agree to the need to expedite the return of Internally Displaced Persons to their homes, particularly in the areas affected by clashes, a full understanding could not be reached on optimal ways to restore normalcy to these areas."
Ghassan Salame told a briefing on Thursday that during the JMC meeting, progress has been made on many important issues and we have before us a significant number of points of convergence."
On January 19, a conference on Libyan settlement was held in Berlin at the level of heads of state and government. In the final document, participants in the conference called for a ceasefire, pledged to refrain from interfering into Libya's internal affairs, suggested to set up a unified government and launch reforms for restoring statehood. The sides in the conflict also agreed to setting up a special commission for ceasefire monitoring.
There are currently two executive bodies operating in Libya - the internationally recognized Government of National Accord, and the transitional cabinet in the east of the country which is supported by the House of Representatives (parliament) and the Libyan National Army.