tass--2020-01-11--Steps to be taken to normalize situation in Abkhazia following talks with Russian official

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The meeting between Abkhazia ’ s authorities and Deputy Secretary of Russia ’ s Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev has resulted in a decision on specific steps to normalize the situation and prevent clashes in the country , Secretary of Abkhazia ’ s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS on Saturday .
`` There was only one issue , that is , an analysis of the current situation , an assessment of this situation and [ the need ] to take all possible measures to prevent clashes between people .
< … > We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ units that will implement this decision in order to prevent clashes between people , '' he said , adding that consultations would continue throughout the weekend .
The press service of the Abkhaz president earlier said that Raul Khajimba and Rashid Nurgaliyev had discussed ways of normalizing the socio-political situation in the country .
On Friday , the country ’ s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on the outcome of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections .
Thus , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. The meeting between Abkhazia’s authorities and Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev has resulted in a decision on specific steps to normalize the situation and prevent clashes in the country, Secretary of Abkhazia’s Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS on Saturday.
"There was only one issue, that is, an analysis of the current situation, an assessment of this situation and [the need] to take all possible measures to prevent clashes between people. <…> We will now plan specific actions for the units that will implement this decision in order to prevent clashes between people," he said, adding that consultations would continue throughout the weekend.
The press service of the Abkhaz president earlier said that Raul Khajimba and Rashid Nurgaliyev had discussed ways of normalizing the socio-political situation in the country.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on the outcome of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhaz president, Russian official discuss ways of normalizing situation in the country

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhaz President Raul Khajimba and Deputy Secretary of Russia ’ s Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev have discussed ways of normalizing the socio-political situation in the country , the president ’ s press service reported .
`` On January 10 , Abkhazia ’ s President Raul Khajimba met with Deputy Secretary of Russia ’ s Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev .
Raul Khajimba and Rashid Nurgaliyev discussed the socio-political situation in Abkhazia and ways of normalizing it , '' the press service said .
On Friday , the country ’ s Supreme Court overturned the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9 , when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff .
Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled out .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down .
In response , Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Abkhaz President Raul Khajimba and Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev have discussed ways of normalizing the socio-political situation in the country, the president’s press service reported.
"On January 10, Abkhazia’s President Raul Khajimba met with Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council Rashid Nurgaliyev. Raul Khajimba and Rashid Nurgaliyev discussed the socio-political situation in Abkhazia and ways of normalizing it," the press service said.
On Friday, the country’s Supreme Court overturned the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call rerun elections. Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
The political crisis in Abkhazia erupted on January 9, when protesters demanding the resignation of President Raul Khajimba forced their way into the building of the presidential staff. Khajimba called an urgent meeting of the Security Council to declare that the introduction of a state of emergency was not ruled out. Abkhazia’s parliament met in early session on the same day to vote for a message to the president urging him to step down. In response, Khajimba invited the opposition to negotiate.


tass--2020-01-11--US destroyer crossed course of Russian Navy ship in Arabian Sea, Defense Ministry says

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
The US destroyer crossed traffic lane of the Russian Navy ship in the Arabian Sea , as the American crew was acting unprofessionally , the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday .
The Defense Ministry pointed out that the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea defines that `` when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision , the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way . ''
`` Therefore , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroyer , which was on the left from the traffic lane of the Russian Navy ship sailing ahead , grossly violated the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea , by maneuvering to cross its course , '' the Defense Ministry said .
According to the Russian Defense Ministry , unprofessional actions by the US destroyer crew `` are an intentional violation of international regulations of safety of navigation . ''
Along with this , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry said the US Fifth Fleet ’ s statement that a Russian Navy ship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not true .
`` A widely publicized statement by representatives of the US Navy ’ s 5th Fleet that a Russian Navy ship allegedly ‘ aggressively approached ’ USS Farragut destroyer in the Arabian Sea is not true , '' the statement said .
The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that `` the crew of a Russian naval ship acted professionally making a maneuver which made it possible to prevent collision with the intruder ship . ''
The fact was filmed by onboard cameras of the US Navy Fifth Fleet ’ s destroyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Defense Ministry .
Earlier , the US Fifth Fleet released a statement accusing the Russian warship of `` aggressively approaching '' USS Farragut .
Footage showing the Ivan Hurs , a Russian Project 18280-class intelligence-gathering vessel , was attached to the post .

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. The US destroyer crossed traffic lane of the Russian Navy ship in the Arabian Sea, as the American crew was acting unprofessionally, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
The Defense Ministry pointed out that the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea defines that "when two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way."
"Therefore, on January 9, 2020 the US Navy destroyer, which was on the left from the traffic lane of the Russian Navy ship sailing ahead, grossly violated the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, by maneuvering to cross its course," the Defense Ministry said.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, unprofessional actions by the US destroyer crew "are an intentional violation of international regulations of safety of navigation."
Along with this, Russia’s Defense Ministry said the US Fifth Fleet’s statement that a Russian Navy ship "aggressively approached" USS Farragut is not true.
"A widely publicized statement by representatives of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet that a Russian Navy ship allegedly ‘aggressively approached’ USS Farragut destroyer in the Arabian Sea is not true," the statement said.
The Russian Defense Ministry pointed out that "the crew of a Russian naval ship acted professionally making a maneuver which made it possible to prevent collision with the intruder ship." The fact was filmed by onboard cameras of the US Navy Fifth Fleet’s destroyer posted on Twitter, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
Earlier, the US Fifth Fleet released a statement accusing the Russian warship of "aggressively approaching" USS Farragut. Footage showing the Ivan Hurs, a Russian Project 18280-class intelligence-gathering vessel, was attached to the post.


tass--2020-01-11--Abkhazia’s Supreme Court cancels lower court’s ruling on results of presidential election

SUKHUM , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s Supreme Court overturned on Friday the ruling of the country 's Central Election Commission ( CEC ) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call repeat elections , TASS reported from the courtroom .
Thus , the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia ’ s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful .
`` The Supreme Court ’ s Board of Administrative Cases has issued a ruling < ... > on Kvitsinia 's complaint to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the election as unlawful , saying it shall be canceled completely and a new judgement on the case shall be made .
The CEC decision on the results of the election shall be annulled and a repeat election shall be called within the timeframe established by law , '' Judge Temur Tarba said .
According to the ruling , the presidential election held in Abkhazia on September 8 , 2019 were declared invalid along with the decisions released by the Central Election Commission on September 9 , 2019 .
The Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 came into effect since its announcement .
The opposition activists , who attended the court hearing , gave a round of applause after the ruling had been read out in court .
In 2019 , Abkhazia ’ s Incumbent President Raul Khajimba won the September 8 presidential runoff , securing 47.39 % of the vote .
His closest rival Alkhas Kvitsiniya , leader of the Amtsakhara opposition party , garnered 46.17 % .
The gap in votes between them was just 1,027 .
Some 3,155 citizens voted against all candidates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 9 when protesters , who demanded resignation of President Raul Khajimba , stormed into the presidential administration building .
The president convened an emergency session of the country ’ s Security Council and said after the session that a state of emergency could be declared in the country .
At its emergency session , Abkhazia ’ s parliament passed a resolution calling on the president to step down .

SUKHUM, January 11. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s Supreme Court overturned on Friday the ruling of the country's Central Election Commission (CEC) on results of the presidential election and ruled to call repeat elections, TASS reported from the courtroom.
Thus, the court board sustained opposition activist Alkhas Kvitsinia’s appeal against the ruling of the trial court that recognized the results of the presidential runoff election as lawful.
"The Supreme Court’s Board of Administrative Cases has issued a ruling <...> on Kvitsinia's complaint to recognize the CEC decision on the results of the election as unlawful, saying it shall be canceled completely and a new judgement on the case shall be made. The CEC decision on the results of the election shall be annulled and a repeat election shall be called within the timeframe established by law," Judge Temur Tarba said.
According to the ruling, the presidential election held in Abkhazia on September 8, 2019 were declared invalid along with the decisions released by the Central Election Commission on September 9, 2019. The Supreme Court’s ruling as of January 10, 2020 came into effect since its announcement. The opposition activists, who attended the court hearing, gave a round of applause after the ruling had been read out in court.
In 2019, Abkhazia’s Incumbent President Raul Khajimba won the September 8 presidential runoff, securing 47.39% of the vote. His closest rival Alkhas Kvitsiniya, leader of the Amtsakhara opposition party, garnered 46.17%. The gap in votes between them was just 1,027. Some 3,155 citizens voted against all candidates.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters, who demanded resignation of President Raul Khajimba, stormed into the presidential administration building. The president convened an emergency session of the country’s Security Council and said after the session that a state of emergency could be declared in the country. At its emergency session, Abkhazia’s parliament passed a resolution calling on the president to step down.


tass--2020-01-11--Putin, Merkel to discuss situation in Middle East, conflict in Ukraine

MOSCOW , January 11 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Moscow with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who will arrive in Russia on a working visit at the invitation of the Russian head of state .
The Kremlin press service earlier reported that the Russian and German leaders planned to discuss pressing global issues , including the situation in Syria , Libya and the escalation in the Middle East after the US airstrike at Baghdad airport on January 3 .
Putin and Merkel will also discuss ways of resolving the intra-Ukrainian conflict from the perspective of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Measures and the agreements reached at the Normandy Four summit held in Paris on December 9 , 2019 .
The two leaders agreed to hold a bilateral meeting during the Normandy Four summit in Paris , Federal Government Spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters at a press briefing on Friday .
He earlier said that during the talks in Moscow the two sides would discuss global issues , specifically , Syria , Libya , Iraq , Iran and Ukraine and would address bilateral issues .
Commenting on the upcoming meeting , Seibert stressed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global stage and , as a permanent member of the UN Security Council , it is vital for resolving political conflicts .
According to the German government , during the meeting , Putin and Merkel are expected to discuss pressing international issues , including the situation in Syria , Libya and the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East in the wake of the January 3 US airstrike .
`` Obviously , tensions between the US and Iran , along with a number of other issues , can be the subject-matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin in Moscow , '' Seibert said .
He also noted that Russia , along with Turkey , was an important partner in the Libyan settlement .
Berlin welcomed the initiative put forward by Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to establish a ceasefire in Libya at midnight on January 12 .

MOSCOW, January 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Moscow with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who will arrive in Russia on a working visit at the invitation of the Russian head of state. The Kremlin press service earlier reported that the Russian and German leaders planned to discuss pressing global issues, including the situation in Syria, Libya and the escalation in the Middle East after the US airstrike at Baghdad airport on January 3.
Putin and Merkel will also discuss ways of resolving the intra-Ukrainian conflict from the perspective of the implementation of the 2015 Package of Measures and the agreements reached at the Normandy Four summit held in Paris on December 9, 2019.
The two leaders agreed to hold a bilateral meeting during the Normandy Four summit in Paris, Federal Government Spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters at a press briefing on Friday. He earlier said that during the talks in Moscow the two sides would discuss global issues, specifically, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Iran and Ukraine and would address bilateral issues. Commenting on the upcoming meeting, Seibert stressed that Russia is an important player on the global stage and, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, it is vital for resolving political conflicts.
Middle East issues
According to the German government, during the meeting, Putin and Merkel are expected to discuss pressing international issues, including the situation in Syria, Libya and the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East in the wake of the January 3 US airstrike. "Obviously, tensions between the US and Iran, along with a number of other issues, can be the subject-matter of the talks between the chancellor and President Putin in Moscow," Seibert said.
He also noted that Russia, along with Turkey, was an important partner in the Libyan settlement. Berlin welcomed the initiative put forward by Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to establish a ceasefire in Libya at midnight on January 12.


tass--2020-01-10--Belarus introduces environmental tax on oil transit

MINSK , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree introducing the environmental tax on @ @ @ @ @ products through the country , the presidential press service said on Friday .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ source of funds for response to potential environmental after-effects in case of an accident at @ @ @ @ @ other contingencies related to movement of oil and oil products over the territory of Belarus @ @ @ @ @ of 50 % has been set for entities performing transportation of oil and oil products @ @ @ @ @ said .
Transit transportation of oil and oil products through main pipelines over the territory @ @ @ @ @ as the taxation object , the press service added .

MINSK, January 10. /TASS/. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree introducing the environmental tax on transit of oil and oil products through the country, the presidential press service said on Friday.
"For the purpose of forming a source of funds for response to potential environmental after-effects in case of an accident at a main oil pipeline or other contingencies related to movement of oil and oil products over the territory of Belarus, an income tax rate of 50% has been set for entities performing transportation of oil and oil products," the press service said.
Transit transportation of oil and oil products through main pipelines over the territory of Belarus is also recognized as the taxation object, the press service added.


tass--2020-01-10--US destroyer crossed course of Russian ship in Arabian Sea, says Russia's Defense Ministry

Current stage of standoff between US , Iran not over yet , Japanese expert warns The pundit did not rule @ @ @ @ @ US and Iran could occur in the future

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
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tass--2020-01-10--EEC to consider banning nicotine-containing non-smoking mixes in EAEU

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Eurasian Economic Commission ( ECE ) will consider the possibility of banning nicotine-containing non-smoking mixes on the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union ( EAEU ) , an official with the EEC press service told TASS .
`` Following the statement by the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation , the commission will certainly consider this issue with the participation of the EAEU member states to make a unified decision , '' the official representative of the EEC said .
At the same time , he noted that the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda of meetings of the EAEU agencies .
On January 10 , Russia ’ s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev held a working meeting with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and Head of Russian consumer safety watchdog , the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being , Anna Popova .
In particular , they discussed circulation of nicotine-containing chewing mixes and candies .
The Prime Minister said that such mixes should be banned in Russia .
He added that the similar initiative should be spread on the territory of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that his ministry had already prepared a draft bill banning such products and sent it for approval by the Health Ministry .
The watchdog and the Interior Ministry conducted about 150,000 inspections to prevent the spread of non-smoking nicotine-containing products , Medvedev wrote on Facebook after the meeting .
`` I gave instructions to Rospotrebnadzor ( Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being - TASS ) and the Interior Ministry to take measures and stop the distribution of non-smoking nicotine-containing products in our country .
Together , both departments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
During the control measures , about 1 million pieces of non-smoking nicotine-containing products were detected , all of which was withdrawn from circulation .
In addition , five manufacturers of nicotine mixtures were suspended .
In more than 20 regions of Russia , regional acts have already imposed a ban on the circulation of nicotine mixes , and in another 15 regions similar measures are being prepared .
The EAEU members are Armenia , Belarus , Kazakhstan , Russia and Kyrgyzstan .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. The Eurasian Economic Commission (ECE) will consider the possibility of banning nicotine-containing non-smoking mixes on the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), an official with the EEC press service told TASS.
"Following the statement by the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, the commission will certainly consider this issue with the participation of the EAEU member states to make a unified decision," the official representative of the EEC said.
At the same time, he noted that the issue has not yet been put on the agenda of meetings of the EAEU agencies.
On January 10, Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev held a working meeting with Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and Head of Russian consumer safety watchdog, the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being, Anna Popova.
In particular, they discussed circulation of nicotine-containing chewing mixes and candies. The Prime Minister said that such mixes should be banned in Russia. He added that the similar initiative should be spread on the territory of the entire EAEU.
The Interior Minister said that his ministry had already prepared a draft bill banning such products and sent it for approval by the Health Ministry.
The watchdog and the Interior Ministry conducted about 150,000 inspections to prevent the spread of non-smoking nicotine-containing products, Medvedev wrote on Facebook after the meeting.
"I gave instructions to Rospotrebnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being - TASS) and the Interior Ministry to take measures and stop the distribution of non-smoking nicotine-containing products in our country. Together, both departments conducted about 150,000 inspections," he wrote.
During the control measures, about 1 million pieces of non-smoking nicotine-containing products were detected, all of which was withdrawn from circulation. In addition, five manufacturers of nicotine mixtures were suspended. In more than 20 regions of Russia, regional acts have already imposed a ban on the circulation of nicotine mixes, and in another 15 regions similar measures are being prepared.
The EAEU members are Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan.


tass--2020-01-10--Ukraine has no claims to Iran concerning plane crash investigation

KIEV , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Iran is demonstrating all-round cooperation with the Ukrainian side ion what concerns the probe into the crash of Ukraine ’ s Boeing-737 passenger jet near Tehran last Wednesday , Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said on Friday .
`` We are receiving full information from Ira .
We have access to the plane ’ s fragments , to the crash site , '' he said , adding that Ukrainian specialists have been granted access to the plane ’ s flight recorders .
Generally , in his words , Ukraine has no grounds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinating the probe with Ukraine .
`` We observe cooperation so that our specialists could arrive at conclusions , '' he said .
He did not confirm information voiced by a journalist that the Iranian ambassador had left the country .
`` We don ’ t have information that the Iranian ambassador has left Ukraine , '' he said .
According to the Ukrainian top diplomat , Kiev feels no pressure from any country concerning the investigation into the crash .
On January 8 , a Boeing-737 of the Ukrainian International Airlines bound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Imam Khomeini Airport .
The crash killed all 176 people on board - citizens of Afghanistan , Germany , Iran , Canada and Ukraine and also British and Swedish subjects .

KIEV, January 10. /TASS/. Iran is demonstrating all-round cooperation with the Ukrainian side ion what concerns the probe into the crash of Ukraine’s Boeing-737 passenger jet near Tehran last Wednesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said on Friday.
"We are receiving full information from Ira. We have access to the plane’s fragments, to the crash site," he said, adding that Ukrainian specialists have been granted access to the plane’s flight recorders.
Generally, in his words, Ukraine has no grounds to say that the Iranian authorities are not coordinating the probe with Ukraine. "We observe cooperation so that our specialists could arrive at conclusions," he said.
He did not confirm information voiced by a journalist that the Iranian ambassador had left the country. "We don’t have information that the Iranian ambassador has left Ukraine," he said.
According to the Ukrainian top diplomat, Kiev feels no pressure from any country concerning the investigation into the crash.
On January 8, a Boeing-737 of the Ukrainian International Airlines bound for Kiev crashed minutes after leaving Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport. The crash killed all 176 people on board - citizens of Afghanistan, Germany, Iran, Canada and Ukraine and also British and Swedish subjects.


tass--2020-01-10--Heavy touchdown of Nordwind airplane in Antalya occurred due to strong wind

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The heavy touchdown of Russia ’ s Nordwind aircraft in the Antalya airport @ @ @ @ @ to strong wind , the Russian air carrier says on its website on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ the Antalya airport occurred on January 10 , 2020 when performing the flight without passengers @ @ @ @ @ going around due to a windshear , with the subsequent go-around and safe landing .
@ @ @ @ @ elements were found after landing , '' the airline said .
Nobody sustained injuries as @ @ @ @ @ , Nordwind added .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. The heavy touchdown of Russia’s Nordwind aircraft in the Antalya airport in Turkey took place due to strong wind, the Russian air carrier says on its website on Friday.
"The heavy touchdown in the Antalya airport occurred on January 10, 2020 when performing the flight without passengers from Moscow to Antalya when going around due to a windshear, with the subsequent go-around and safe landing. Damages of nose landing gear elements were found after landing," the airline said.
Nobody sustained injuries as a result of the incident, Nordwind added.


tass--2020-01-10--Abkhazia’s special services checking reports about Ukrainians’ participation in riots

SUKHUM , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s special services are verifying reports about possible participation of citizens @ @ @ @ @ protests in Sukhum .
It is not ruled out that there are Ukrainian nationals among @ @ @ @ @ Abkhazian Security Service Mukhamed Kilba told TASS on Friday .
`` We have such information @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said , adding that Ukrainian nationals are among such foreigners .
`` @ @ @ @ @ reports . ''
He said that Georgian nationals could also be involved in the protests @

SUKHUM, January 10. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s special services are verifying reports about possible participation of citizens of other countries in the protests in Sukhum. It is not ruled out that there are Ukrainian nationals among them, Secretary of the Abkhazian Security Service Mukhamed Kilba told TASS on Friday.
"We have such information. It is being verified," he said, adding that Ukrainian nationals are among such foreigners. "Corresponding services are verifying these reports."
He said that Georgian nationals could also be involved in the protests.


tass--2020-01-10--Trump to attend World Economic Forum in Davos

WASHINGTON , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
US President Donald Trump plans to visit the World Economic Forum in Davos @ @ @ @ @ the US administration told TASS on Friday .
`` The President will attend the World @ @ @ @ @ official said .
The Davos Forum will be held from January 21 to 24 , @ @

WASHINGTON, January 10. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump plans to visit the World Economic Forum in Davos, a high-ranking official of the US administration told TASS on Friday.
"The President will attend the World Economic Forum," the official said.
The Davos Forum will be held from January 21 to 24, 2020.


tass--2020-01-10--Russian, US defense chiefs discuss Middle East crisis by phone

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu focused on the situation in the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ US Defense Secretary Mark Esper , the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ and US Defense Secretary Mark Esper have held talks by phone , '' the Russian @ @ @ @ @ to the defense ministry , they `` focused on the situation in the Middle East @ @

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu focused on the situation in the Middle East in a phone call with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.
"Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and US Defense Secretary Mark Esper have held talks by phone," the Russian Defense Ministry said.
According to the defense ministry, they "focused on the situation in the Middle East."


tass--2020-01-10--Dollar falls below 61 rubles first time since May 22, 2018

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar fell by 0.49 % on the Moscow Exchange to the level @ @ @ @ @ of 18:29 Moscow time , the dollar fell by 0.66 % to 60.89 rubles .
@ @ @ @ @ was below the mark of 61 rubles on May 22 , 2018 At the same @ @ @ @ @ by 0.45 % to 67.73 rubles .
The price of Brent crude oil futures contract @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ICE decreased by 0.7 % and amounted to $ 64.91 per barrel .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. The dollar fell by 0.49% on the Moscow Exchange to the level of 60.99 rubles.
As of 18:29 Moscow time, the dollar fell by 0.66% to 60.89 rubles.
The last time the dollar was below the mark of 61 rubles on May 22, 2018
At the same time, the euro depreciated by 0.45% to 67.73 rubles.
The price of Brent crude oil futures contract with March delivery on London’s ICE decreased by 0.7% and amounted to $64.91 per barrel.


tass--2020-01-10--Nissan ex-chief Ghosn says he has documents evidencing his innocence

`` All the charges are not supported by proof , '' the ex-CEO said .
Ghosn added he was ready to confirm his innocence in court .
MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Former CEO of the French-Japanese automobile alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Carlos Ghosn told Japanese reporters on Friday in Beirut that he has a number of documents evidencing his innocence , Kyodo news agency reports on Friday .
The ex-top manager alleged at a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday that Japan ’ s officials and the management of Nissan colluded against him and said that he was was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported earlier , an international order to arrest the ex-businessman was received in Lebanon from Interpol .
According to Kyodo , Japanese authorities made the relevant request to Interpol .
Carlos Ghosn fled Japan where he had been under house arrest facing a court trial in Tokyo .
On December 31 , 2019 , Ghosn confirmed that he was in Lebanon .
Carlos Ghosn and former Nissan executive director Greg Kelly were arrested on November 19 , 2018 , on suspicion of violating Japan 's financial laws .
Investigators said that Ghosn failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yen ( over $ 80 million ) , when he was the chair of Nissan Board of Directors between 2010 and 2018 .
Other charges were brought against him as well .
In March 2019 , Ghosn was released from the Tokyo District Prison on bail of one billion yen ( around $ 9 mln ) , but was taken into custody again on April 4 after additional charges were filed .
In late April 2019 , a court in Tokyo ruled to release him on bail of 500 million yen ( approximately @ @ @ @ @

"All the charges are not supported by proof," the ex-CEO said. Ghosn added he was ready to confirm his innocence in court.
MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. Former CEO of the French-Japanese automobile alliance Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Carlos Ghosn told Japanese reporters on Friday in Beirut that he has a number of documents evidencing his innocence, Kyodo news agency reports on Friday.
The ex-top manager alleged at a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday that Japan’s officials and the management of Nissan colluded against him and said that he was was a victim of political prosecution.
As reported earlier, an international order to arrest the ex-businessman was received in Lebanon from Interpol. According to Kyodo, Japanese authorities made the relevant request to Interpol.
Carlos Ghosn fled Japan where he had been under house arrest facing a court trial in Tokyo. On December 31, 2019, Ghosn confirmed that he was in Lebanon.
Carlos Ghosn and former Nissan executive director Greg Kelly were arrested on November 19, 2018, on suspicion of violating Japan's financial laws. Investigators said that Ghosn failed to declare his reward of nine billion yen (over $80 million), when he was the chair of Nissan Board of Directors between 2010 and 2018. Other charges were brought against him as well.
In March 2019, Ghosn was released from the Tokyo District Prison on bail of one billion yen (around $9 mln), but was taken into custody again on April 4 after additional charges were filed. In late April 2019, a court in Tokyo ruled to release him on bail of 500 million yen (approximately $4.5 million).


tass--2020-01-10--Robert Pattinson: I feel quite close to madness

Director Robert Eggers , who earned recognition for his directorial debut , The Witch , has come out with a new movie – a psychological horror flick called The Lighthouse .
The film , which will be released in Russia on January 16 , 2020 , was presented this year in the program of the Cannes Film Festival `` Two Weeks of Directors '' and managed to gain a number of rave reviews from critics .
There are two lighthouse keepers in the story , who are forced to work hand in hand under terrible conditions .
The role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Willem Dafoe , and his new assistant , who has to endure humiliation from a comrade , was played by British actor Robert Pattinson .
In an interview with TASS , Pattinson talked about what had struck him in the script , how much the feelings of his hero coincided with his own , and why he shaved off his mustache .
- What do you know about madness ?
- I must have some connection to it , because whenever I see a character who has lost their grip on reality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel quite close to it .
- Close to the madness in general .
I meet people who everyone says are mad and I talk to them and they don ’ t really seem mad to me at all .
This film is not traditional .
- Was there something about the shooting process or the plot that surprised you ?
- The first time I read it , I was thinking – it is unusual combination of a very detailed , historically accurate , researched colloquial language .
Even the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – you can see that it was very particular , you can see that the writer had really figured out exactly how these guys would talk and how they would behave .
Normally that would be an incredibly serious movie , but suddenly you see these slapstick comedy elements and it goes entirely surreal at the end , while maintaining the same colloquial dialect .
I have never really seen anything like that .
- Where did you find inspiration for such a dark and dramatic role ?
- I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for a part that was really extreme and really loud and when this came I immediately connected to it .
I think this movie is so strange and so different that I don ’ t think I would be drawing from anywhere really .
- As I understand , you have never been in a film that is one actor only .
Was it difficult and what could you say about your partner ?
- No , I have never done something with just one actor .
It ’ s nice .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Especially when it ’ s only one other actor and we are basically in the same set the whole time .
Which makes it feel similar to what the characters are going through , because you are just seeing each other all the time .
I loved Willem ’ s work and I was very excited about working with him but I was pretty nervous at the beginning .
We didn ’ t really talk that much to each other during the shoot .
We only really talked at length afterwards , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done so many amazing performances .

Director Robert Eggers, who earned recognition for his directorial debut, The Witch, has come out with a new movie – a psychological horror flick called The Lighthouse. The film, which will be released in Russia on January 16, 2020, was presented this year in the program of the Cannes Film Festival "Two Weeks of Directors" and managed to gain a number of rave reviews from critics. There are two lighthouse keepers in the story, who are forced to work hand in hand under terrible conditions. The role of the senior was played by Hollywood actor Willem Dafoe, and his new assistant, who has to endure humiliation from a comrade, was played by British actor Robert Pattinson. In an interview with TASS, Pattinson talked about what had struck him in the script, how much the feelings of his hero coincided with his own, and why he shaved off his mustache.
- What do you know about madness?
- I must have some connection to it, because whenever I see a character who has lost their grip on reality, it always really appeals to me. I feel quite close to it.
- Close to the character?-
- Close to the madness in general. I meet people who everyone says are mad and I talk to them and they don’t really seem mad to me at all. This film is not traditional.
- Was there something about the shooting process or the plot that surprised you?
- The first time I read it, I was thinking – it is unusual combination of a very detailed, historically accurate, researched colloquial language. Even the way they approach the work and the lighthouse – you can see that it was very particular, you can see that the writer had really figured out exactly how these guys would talk and how they would behave. Normally that would be an incredibly serious movie, but suddenly you see these slapstick comedy elements and it goes entirely surreal at the end, while maintaining the same colloquial dialect. I have never really seen anything like that.
- Where did you find inspiration for such a dark and dramatic role?
- I don’t really know, I think I was looking for a part that was really extreme and really loud and when this came I immediately connected to it. I think this movie is so strange and so different that I don’t think I would be drawing from anywhere really.
- As I understand, you have never been in a film that is one actor only. Was it difficult and what could you say about your partner?
- No, I have never done something with just one actor. It’s nice. It’s an unusual feeling. Especially when it’s only one other actor and we are basically in the same set the whole time. Which makes it feel similar to what the characters are going through, because you are just seeing each other all the time. I loved Willem’s work and I was very excited about working with him but I was pretty nervous at the beginning. We didn’t really talk that much to each other during the shoot. We only really talked at length afterwards, but he is like a hero, he has done so many amazing performances.


tass--2020-01-10--Japan fails to convince Russia it will deploy US Aegis Ashore missiles only for defense

TOKYO , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Japan has failed to convince Russia that it intends to deploy US Aegis Ashore missile systems on its territory solely for defensive purposes , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said after talks with his Japanese counterpart Takeo Mori on Friday .
Both diplomats held their meeting as part of the 11th round of the Russia-Japan strategic dialogue .
`` We have heard the Japanese side ’ s previous position and this position does not convince us .
We don ’ t believe that the deployment of these systems will serve solely the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypothetical strikes from North Korea .
In these systems we see certain potential that may adversely affect the Russian strategic containment arsenal , '' the high-ranking Russian diplomat said , replying to a question from TASS .
Japan plans to deploy two Aegis Ashore missile defense systems in the Yamaguchi Prefecture in the southwest of the country ’ s main island of Honshu and in the Akita Prefecture in its north by 2023 , although the local authorities have not yet given their consent to this deployment .
They have numerously voiced their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their powerful radars may be hazardous for the health of local residents .
Tokyo wants the missile defense systems to shield actually the country ’ s entire territory from ballistic missile strikes .
Tokyo estimated the expenditures on the acquisition of two US Aegis Ashore missile systems at 268 billion yen ( almost $ 2.5 billion ) .
However , Japan ’ s Defense Ministry believes that real spending may prove to be higher .
Russia has numerously voiced its concern over risks that will be created for its security due to Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US missile shield on its territory .

TOKYO, January 10. /TASS/. Japan has failed to convince Russia that it intends to deploy US Aegis Ashore missile systems on its territory solely for defensive purposes, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said after talks with his Japanese counterpart Takeo Mori on Friday.
Both diplomats held their meeting as part of the 11th round of the Russia-Japan strategic dialogue.
"We have heard the Japanese side’s previous position and this position does not convince us. We don’t believe that the deployment of these systems will serve solely the task of Japan’s defense against hypothetical strikes from North Korea. In these systems we see certain potential that may adversely affect the Russian strategic containment arsenal," the high-ranking Russian diplomat said, replying to a question from TASS.
Japan plans to deploy two Aegis Ashore missile defense systems in the Yamaguchi Prefecture in the southwest of the country’s main island of Honshu and in the Akita Prefecture in its north by 2023, although the local authorities have not yet given their consent to this deployment. They have numerously voiced their apprehensions that the missile launching systems with their powerful radars may be hazardous for the health of local residents.
Tokyo wants the missile defense systems to shield actually the country’s entire territory from ballistic missile strikes.
Tokyo estimated the expenditures on the acquisition of two US Aegis Ashore missile systems at 268 billion yen (almost $2.5 billion). However, Japan’s Defense Ministry believes that real spending may prove to be higher.
Russia has numerously voiced its concern over risks that will be created for its security due to Japan’s plans to deploy elements of the US missile shield on its territory.


tass--2020-01-10--New US Ambassador Sullivan to arrive in Moscow on January 16

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
John Sullivan , a new ambassador of the United States to Russia , @ @ @ @ @ January 16 , the press service of the US embassy in Moscow told TASS on @ @ @ @ @ will arrive on the 16th , '' a spokesman for the embassy said .
John @ @ @ @ @ Huntsman in the position of US ambassador to Russia .
Huntsman tendered his resignation in @ @ @ @ @ October 3 , 2019 , he ended his tenure as ambassador in Moscow .
Two @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump had nominated US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan for the office of @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. John Sullivan, a new ambassador of the United States to Russia, will arrive in Moscow on January 16, the press service of the US embassy in Moscow told TASS on Friday.
"Ambassador Sullivan will arrive on the 16th," a spokesman for the embassy said.
John Sullivan is to replace Jon Huntsman in the position of US ambassador to Russia. Huntsman tendered his resignation in early August 2019. On October 3, 2019, he ended his tenure as ambassador in Moscow. Two weeks earlier, US President Donald Trump had nominated US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan for the office of new Ambassador to Russia.


tass--2020-01-10--Cargo turnover at Hainan's Yangpu port up by 27.13% in 2019

SANYA , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The cargo turnover of the Hainan Yangpu port in 2019 increased by 27.13 % reaching 708,000 TEU ( the equivalent of a standard 20-foot container ) .
At the same time , 99,000 TEU of the total container cargo flow accounted for international trade , www.hinews.cn reported .
This indicator increased by 125.7 % year on year .
The total cargo turnover at the Yangpu port last year amounted to 50.15 million tonnes ( an increase of 19.25 % ) .
International freight traffic increased by 13.98 % to 27.85 million tonnes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ready the Yangpu port for compliance with the requirements necessary to ensure cargo transportation at the level of about 10 million TEU annually .
In 2019 , the port administration expanded the chain of international cargo transportation , which currently fully covers all major ports of Southeast Asia .
Over the past year , four new domestic and four international routes have been launched .
Thus , their total number now reaches 22 .
By 2035 , the Chinese authorities intend to turn the port city of Yangpu in the northwest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distributing the flow of goods from various Chinese regions to Southeast Asia and Oceania , Europe and North America .
As stated in the `` Comprehensive Plan for the Formation of a New Integrated Sea and Land Corridor '' of the State Committee for Development and Reform of China , the project aims to accelerate and increase the effectiveness of regional and global trade and economic projects , to provide advanced customs and logistics services .
The new zone will become a unique transboundary axis connecting the regions of China bordering with Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern provinces , providing them with access to the territory of ASEAN member-states .
Due to this and a persistent customs regime easing , the administrative-territorial units of China with a relatively low gross regional product will become involved in international trade .
In 2020 , the volume of cargo transported through the port will exceed 1 million standard containers and will continue to increase in the future .
By 2025 , it will be able to turn into a regional transportation hub .
Further , up to 5 million containers per year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the Beibuvan port zone , separated from it by the strait , will be able to pass up to 10 million containers .
This will relieve the ports of Shanghai and Shenzhen , which now account for the main transshipment of goods sent to the countries of Southeast Asia .
In recent years , the Yangpu port has become a major logistics hub , which plays an increasingly important role in the regional maritime transportation system .
Its development , the portal points out , contributes to the improvement of the business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project to create an experimental free trade zone in the province .
Local authorities intend to continue to improve the port 's infrastructure , increase its competitiveness and openness , increase container traffic , and open new routes for them .
The Hainan authorities have been actively working on the construction and promotion of a pilot free trade zone , the creation of which the President of China Xi Jinping announced in April 2018 at the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the island province and the Hainan Special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creation of a pilot zone will start the globalization of the island 's economy and increase the attractiveness of the Chinese province for foreign investors .

SANYA, January 10. /TASS/. The cargo turnover of the Hainan Yangpu port in 2019 increased by 27.13% reaching 708,000 TEU (the equivalent of a standard 20-foot container). At the same time, 99,000 TEU of the total container cargo flow accounted for international trade, www.hinews.cn reported.
This indicator increased by 125.7% year on year. The total cargo turnover at the Yangpu port last year amounted to 50.15 million tonnes ( an increase of 19.25%). International freight traffic increased by 13.98% to 27.85 million tonnes. In 2020, the authorities will work to ready the Yangpu port for compliance with the requirements necessary to ensure cargo transportation at the level of about 10 million TEU annually.
In 2019, the port administration expanded the chain of international cargo transportation, which currently fully covers all major ports of Southeast Asia. Over the past year, four new domestic and four international routes have been launched. Thus, their total number now reaches 22.
By 2035, the Chinese authorities intend to turn the port city of Yangpu in the northwest of Hainan Island into a key point for distributing the flow of goods from various Chinese regions to Southeast Asia and Oceania, Europe and North America. As stated in the "Comprehensive Plan for the Formation of a New Integrated Sea and Land Corridor" of the State Committee for Development and Reform of China, the project aims to accelerate and increase the effectiveness of regional and global trade and economic projects, to provide advanced customs and logistics services.
The new zone will become a unique transboundary axis connecting the regions of China bordering with Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, with its southern provinces, providing them with access to the territory of ASEAN member-states. Due to this and a persistent customs regime easing, the administrative-territorial units of China with a relatively low gross regional product will become involved in international trade.
In 2020, the volume of cargo transported through the port will exceed 1 million standard containers and will continue to increase in the future. By 2025, it will be able to turn into a regional transportation hub. Further, up to 5 million containers per year will be transported through the port, while the Beibuvan port zone, separated from it by the strait, will be able to pass up to 10 million containers. This will relieve the ports of Shanghai and Shenzhen, which now account for the main transshipment of goods sent to the countries of Southeast Asia.
In recent years, the Yangpu port has become a major logistics hub, which plays an increasingly important role in the regional maritime transportation system. Its development, the portal points out, contributes to the improvement of the business environment in Hainan and the implementation of the project to create an experimental free trade zone in the province. Local authorities intend to continue to improve the port's infrastructure, increase its competitiveness and openness, increase container traffic, and open new routes for them.
The Hainan authorities have been actively working on the construction and promotion of a pilot free trade zone, the creation of which the President of China Xi Jinping announced in April 2018 at the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the island province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone. According to plan, the creation of a pilot zone will start the globalization of the island's economy and increase the attractiveness of the Chinese province for foreign investors.


tass--2020-01-10--Germany hails Russian-Turkish initiative to push for ceasefire in Libya

BERLIN , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Germany hails the initiative , announced by the Russian and Turkish presidents , Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan , to declare a ceasefire in Libya starting from midnight on January 12 , German Foreign Ministry Spokesman Rainer Breul said at a briefing on Friday .
`` In general , we welcome ceasefire , '' Breul said .
`` In this context , any influence on the parties to the conflict should be viewed positively . ''
`` It is a step in the right direction .
Readiness of the sides on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paramount importance , '' Breul added .
In the meantime , Steffen Seibert , the German government ’ s spokesman , pointed out that Russia , like Turkey , `` is an important partner '' in resolving the Libya crisis .
`` Chancellor [ of Germany Angela Merkel ] discussed Libya in yesterday ’ s phone call with Turkish President Erdogan .
They share the opinion that only a political solution could settle the Libya conflict , '' he said .
Currently , Libya has two supreme executive authorities , namely the internationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj , and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani , seated in the east of the country , along with the elected parliament , which is supported by the Libyan National Army .
On December 12 , Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli , aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there .
On January 5 , Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops ’ deployment to Libya upon the invitation from Sarraj ’ s government .

BERLIN, January 10. /TASS/. Germany hails the initiative, announced by the Russian and Turkish presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to declare a ceasefire in Libya starting from midnight on January 12, German Foreign Ministry Spokesman Rainer Breul said at a briefing on Friday.
"In general, we welcome ceasefire," Breul said. "In this context, any influence on the parties to the conflict should be viewed positively."
"It is a step in the right direction. Readiness of the sides on the ground to lay aside weapons is of paramount importance," Breul added.
In the meantime, Steffen Seibert, the German government’s spokesman, pointed out that Russia, like Turkey, "is an important partner" in resolving the Libya crisis.
"Chancellor [of Germany Angela Merkel] discussed Libya in yesterday’s phone call with Turkish President Erdogan. They share the opinion that only a political solution could settle the Libya conflict," he said.
Currently, Libya has two supreme executive authorities, namely the internationally recognized Tripoli-based Government of National Accord headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, and the interim government of Abdullah al-Thani, seated in the east of the country, along with the elected parliament, which is supported by the Libyan National Army. On December 12, Haftar announced the launch of a win-the-war offensive against Tripoli, aiming to eradicate terrorist groups operating there. On January 5, Erdogan announced the beginning of Turkish troops’ deployment to Libya upon the invitation from Sarraj’s government.


tass--2020-01-10--Russia, Turkey agree on ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib

ANKARA , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Turkey have reached an agreement on a ceasefire in the Syria @ @ @ @ @ starting from January 12 , Turkey ’ s ministry of national defense said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ an agreement with the Russian Federation , a ceasefire will be declared in the Idlib @ @ @ @ @ January 12 , 2020 , '' it said .
Meanwhile , chief of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ Opposing Parties in Syria , Yuri Borenkov , said on January 9 that a ceasefire @ @ @ @ @ Idlib de-escalation zone starting from 14:00 Moscow time on Thursday .
Idlib is the only @ @ @ @ @ still controlled by illegal armed groups .
A norther de-escalation zone was set up in @ @ @ @ @ shelter to militants and their families who were reluctant to voluntarily surrender arms in Eastern @ @ @ @ @ s southern regions .
Twelve Turkish observation stations are operating in the Idlib governorate .

ANKARA, January 10. /TASS/. Russia and Turkey have reached an agreement on a ceasefire in the Syria’s Idlib de-escalation zone starting from January 12, Turkey’s ministry of national defense said on Friday.
"As part of an agreement with the Russian Federation, a ceasefire will be declared in the Idlib de-escalation zone from 00:01 on January 12, 2020," it said.
Meanwhile, chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria, Yuri Borenkov, said on January 9 that a ceasefire would be imposed in the Idlib de-escalation zone starting from 14:00 Moscow time on Thursday.
Idlib is the only large Syrian region that is still controlled by illegal armed groups. A norther de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants and their families who were reluctant to voluntarily surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and in Syria’s southern regions. Twelve Turkish observation stations are operating in the Idlib governorate.


tass--2020-01-10--Putin, Egypt’s president discuss ways to achieve peaceful settlement in Libya

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a phone call with Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to talk peaceful ways of settling the Libyan crisis keeping in mind the joint statement adopted by the Russian and Turkish presidents in Istanbul on January 8 .
`` An opinion was expressed that international efforts should be redoubled to settle the crisis in Libya by peaceful means and through establishing political dialogue between the parties to the conflict , '' the Kremlin press service said on Friday following the phone call between the leaders .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire to be established in Libya at midnight on January 12 .
`` Presidents Erdogan and Putin have called for a ceasefire in Libya which should enter into force on January 12 at midnight , '' Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a briefing with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov following the high-level meeting of the two leaders in Istanbul .
Moreover , the Russian and Egyptian leaders hashed over developments in Syria and the Middle East as well as the bilateral relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda were considered , including the situation in Syria and the Persian Gulf region , '' the press service said .
Putin and el-Sisi touched upon the bilateral issues , primarily in the sphere of nuclear energy .
`` Determination to continue developing multifaceted Russian-Egyptian cooperation was reaffirmed , '' the statement says .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has had a phone call with Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to talk peaceful ways of settling the Libyan crisis keeping in mind the joint statement adopted by the Russian and Turkish presidents in Istanbul on January 8.
"An opinion was expressed that international efforts should be redoubled to settle the crisis in Libya by peaceful means and through establishing political dialogue between the parties to the conflict," the Kremlin press service said on Friday following the phone call between the leaders.
In the joint Russia-Turkey statement adopted in Istanbul, Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a ceasefire to be established in Libya at midnight on January 12. "Presidents Erdogan and Putin have called for a ceasefire in Libya which should enter into force on January 12 at midnight," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told a briefing with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov following the high-level meeting of the two leaders in Istanbul.
Moreover, the Russian and Egyptian leaders hashed over developments in Syria and the Middle East as well as the bilateral relations. "Other topics on the international agenda were considered, including the situation in Syria and the Persian Gulf region," the press service said.
Putin and el-Sisi touched upon the bilateral issues, primarily in the sphere of nuclear energy. "Determination to continue developing multifaceted Russian-Egyptian cooperation was reaffirmed," the statement says.


tass--2020-01-10--Hainan's airports to receive 6.7 mln passengers during Chinese New Year

HAIKOU , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Hainan 's airports will receive more than 6.7 mln passengers during the Chinese New Year festivities ( due to begin on January 25 ) , Xinhua reported .
Despite the fact that the holidays begin on January 24 and run through January 30 in China , the activity all over the country during the Lunar New Year begins long before New Year 's Eve and lasts 40 days — this year from January 10 to February 18 .
According to the news agency , within 40 days , Meilan Airport in the administrative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve 22 , 091 flights which is by 3 % more year on year .
At the same time , passenger traffic is projected to increase by 2 % , to 3.58 million people ( about 89 , 500 travelers a day ) .
Phoenix Airport , located in the south of the island in the resort town of Sanya , is expected to operate 16,880 flights , which is by 8.2 % more than last year ’ s period .
At the same time , the number of passengers will grow by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 79,000 people a day ) .
Some Chinese airlines , in particular Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines , will increase the number of flights to key destinations connecting Haikou with Beijing , Shanghai and other cities during the holiday season .
According to Xinhua , this will increase the volume of traffic by 250,000 passenger seats .
The Chinese New Year , or Spring Festival as the Сhinese call it , will begin on January 25 , 2020 , with a White Metal Rat as its symbol .
For the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important family holidays , during this time it is customary to meet with relatives and friends .
Many Chinese citizens use vacations for tourism , go on trips , both within the country and abroad .

HAIKOU, January 10. /TASS/. Hainan's airports will receive more than 6.7 mln passengers during the Chinese New Year festivities (due to begin on January 25), Xinhua reported.
Despite the fact that the holidays begin on January 24 and run through January 30 in China, the activity all over the country during the Lunar New Year begins long before New Year's Eve and lasts 40 days — this year from January 10 to February 18.
According to the news agency, within 40 days, Meilan Airport in the administrative center of Hainan, Haikou, will serve 22, 091 flights which is by 3% more year on year. At the same time, passenger traffic is projected to increase by 2%, to 3.58 million people (about 89, 500 travelers a day).
Phoenix Airport, located in the south of the island in the resort town of Sanya, is expected to operate 16,880 flights, which is by 8.2% more than last year’s period. At the same time, the number of passengers will grow by 4.6% amounting to 3.16 million (about 79,000 people a day).
Some Chinese airlines, in particular Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines, will increase the number of flights to key destinations connecting Haikou with Beijing, Shanghai and other cities during the holiday season. According to Xinhua, this will increase the volume of traffic by 250,000 passenger seats.
The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival as the Сhinese call it, will begin on January 25, 2020, with a White Metal Rat as its symbol. For the Chinese, this is one of the most important family holidays, during this time it is customary to meet with relatives and friends. Many Chinese citizens use vacations for tourism, go on trips, both within the country and abroad.


tass--2020-01-10--Russian diplomat discusses situation in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen with Iranian envoy

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa , Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali discussed the latest developments in the Middle East at their meeting on Friday , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said in a statement .
`` During their talk , the sides discussed the essential issues of the Middle East agenda with the emphasis on the situation developing in Iraq , Syria , Libya and Yemen .
The sides stressed the importance of active efforts by all the involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , '' the statement says .
At the same time , `` the sides reiterated the persistent course of Moscow and Tehran towards continuing effective interaction in regional affairs , including within the Astana format on Syria , '' according to the statement .
The meeting was held at the request of the Iranian diplomat , Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry said .
The situation in the Middle East deteriorated sharply overnight to January 3 when a US airstrike killed Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) General Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad Airport .
Iran retaliated overnight to January 8 with missile strikes against two military facilities housing US forces in Iraq : the Al Asad base and Irbil Airport .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. Russia’s Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East and Africa, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov and Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali discussed the latest developments in the Middle East at their meeting on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"During their talk, the sides discussed the essential issues of the Middle East agenda with the emphasis on the situation developing in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen. The sides stressed the importance of active efforts by all the involved parties in de-escalating the situation in the region," the statement says.
At the same time, "the sides reiterated the persistent course of Moscow and Tehran towards continuing effective interaction in regional affairs, including within the Astana format on Syria," according to the statement.
The meeting was held at the request of the Iranian diplomat, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said.
The situation in the Middle East deteriorated sharply overnight to January 3 when a US airstrike killed Commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (the elite wing of the Iranian military) General Qasem Soleimani near Baghdad Airport. Iran retaliated overnight to January 8 with missile strikes against two military facilities housing US forces in Iraq: the Al Asad base and Irbil Airport.


tass--2020-01-10--Abkhazia to discuss protests in capital with key Russian security official

`` We will definitely [ discuss it ] , since it is about stability and security for both states , '' he said adding that the talks would involve both representatives of Abkhazia ’ s Security Council and President Raul Khajimba .
SUKHUM , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazia ’ s authorities will discuss protests in Sukhum with Russian Security Council ’ s Deputy Secretary Rashid Nurgaliev , and his meeting with President Raul Khajimba has been also planned , Abkhazia ’ s Security Council Secretary Muhamed Kilba told TASS on Friday .
According to Kilba , Nurgaliev ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beforehand , but in the wake of recent developments in Abkhazia , clashes in the republic ’ s capital will top the talks .
`` Under the plan of cooperation signed by the central office of Abkhazia ’ s Security Council and the Russian Federation , this scheduled trip has also been designated , '' he said noting that initially Nurgaliev ’ s visit to Abkhazia had been scheduled for the second half of January .
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters stormed into the presidential administration building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president convened an emergency session of the country ’ s Security Council and said after the session that a state of emergency could be declared in the country .
At its emergency session , Abkhazia ’ s parliament passed a resolution calling on the president to step down .
In response , Khajimba called on the opposition to begin negotiations .

"We will definitely [discuss it], since it is about stability and security for both states," he said adding that the talks would involve both representatives of Abkhazia’s Security Council and President Raul Khajimba.
SUKHUM, January 10. /TASS/. Abkhazia’s authorities will discuss protests in Sukhum with Russian Security Council’s Deputy Secretary Rashid Nurgaliev, and his meeting with President Raul Khajimba has been also planned, Abkhazia’s Security Council Secretary Muhamed Kilba told TASS on Friday.
According to Kilba, Nurgaliev’s trip to Sukhum had been scheduled beforehand, but in the wake of recent developments in Abkhazia, clashes in the republic’s capital will top the talks.
"Under the plan of cooperation signed by the central office of Abkhazia’s Security Council and the Russian Federation, this scheduled trip has also been designated," he said noting that initially Nurgaliev’s visit to Abkhazia had been scheduled for the second half of January.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters stormed into the presidential administration building demanding resignation of President Raul Khajimba. The president convened an emergency session of the country’s Security Council and said after the session that a state of emergency could be declared in the country. At its emergency session, Abkhazia’s parliament passed a resolution calling on the president to step down. In response, Khajimba called on the opposition to begin negotiations.


tass--2020-01-10--Next OPEC+ ministerial meeting to be held on March 6 in Vienna

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The next meeting of the joint ministerial committee of OPEC and non-OPEC states @ @ @ @ @ in Vienna , the Organization said on its website on Friday .
An extraordinary meeting @ @ @ @ @ place on March 5 , prior to the OPEC+ meeting .
Furthermore , meetings in @ @ @ @ @ The subsequent OPEC meeting is planned to take place on June 9 in Vienna , @ @ @ @ @ meeting on June 10 .
The OPEC+ production reduction pact is aimed at stabilizing crude @ @ @ @ @ in the agreement ( 24 crude exporters , including Russia ) agreed to adjust the @ @ @ @ @ the first quarter of 2020 at a meeting on December 6 .
Now starting January @ @ @ @ @ production cuts will rise by 0.5 mln barrels per day from the current quota to @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia ’ s quota has been increased from 228,000 to 300,000 barrels per day @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. The next meeting of the joint ministerial committee of OPEC and non-OPEC states is scheduled to March 6 in Vienna, the Organization said on its website on Friday.
An extraordinary meeting of OPEC member-states will take place on March 5, prior to the OPEC+ meeting.
Furthermore, meetings in June were also scheduled. The subsequent OPEC meeting is planned to take place on June 9 in Vienna, followed by the OPEC+ ministerial meeting on June 10.
The OPEC+ production reduction pact is aimed at stabilizing crude prices. The countries participating in the agreement (24 crude exporters, including Russia) agreed to adjust the terms of the deal for the first quarter of 2020 at a meeting on December 6. Now starting January 1, 2020 their oil production cuts will rise by 0.5 mln barrels per day from the current quota to 1.7 mln barrels per day. Russia’s quota has been increased from 228,000 to 300,000 barrels per day from the level of October 2018.


tass--2020-01-10--Protesters vow to demonstrate until new election of Abkhazia’s president is called

SUKHUM , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Protesters in Abkhazia will stay in the square in front of the presidential @ @ @ @ @ has been made to call a re-election of the head of state , one of @ @ @ @ @ , Akhra Avidzba , told TASS .
`` I wish to see clarity regarding a @ @ @ @ @ the people .
We ’ ve gathered here with this intention .
We will end @ @ @ @ @ prevails over ambitions .
We will leave the building when a re-election is called , @ @ @ @ @ stressed that the protesters were against resolving the conflict from the position of strength .
@ @ @ @ @ said , is the incumbent , Raul Khajimba , should observe the Constitution , including @ @ @ @ @ concerns elections .
He argues that in the September 2019 election both presidential candidates collected @ @ @ @ @ the votes , while an election victory requires a majority of no less than 50 @ @ @ @ @

SUKHUM, January 10. /TASS/. Protesters in Abkhazia will stay in the square in front of the presidential staff building until a decision has been made to call a re-election of the head of state, one of the rally’s organizers, Akhra Avidzba, told TASS.
"I wish to see clarity regarding a new election. So does the people. We’ve gathered here with this intention. We will end the rally when common sense prevails over ambitions. We will leave the building when a re-election is called," Avidzba said.
He stressed that the protesters were against resolving the conflict from the position of strength. Their main demand, he said, is the incumbent, Raul Khajimba, should observe the Constitution, including that part of it which concerns elections. He argues that in the September 2019 election both presidential candidates collected less than 50% of the votes, while an election victory requires a majority of no less than 50% plus one vote.


tass--2020-01-10--This week in photos: A Christmas tree fling, Australia’s tragic fires, and Iran air crash

Current stage of standoff between US , Iran not over yet , Japanese expert warns The pundit did not rule @ @ @ @ @ US and Iran could occur in the future

Lukashenko says Putin promises he would regard attack on Belarus as attack on Russia
The Belarusian leader pointed out that NATO was quickly building up forces on the border with Belarus in Poland and in the Baltic countries
Read more


tass--2020-01-10--US policy of maximum pressure on Iran will bear no fruit, says Russian diplomat

TOKYO , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The US policy of maximum pressure on Iran will bear no fruit , Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters on Friday after talks with his Japanese colleague Takeo Mori .
The meeting between the Russian and Japanese diplomats took place in Tokyo within the framework of the 11th round of the Russian-Japanese strategic dialogue .
`` We think that this ill-advised step that seeks to raise the stakes can end in a disaster .
We call on the USA , who is essentially responsible for the escalation , not to fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy of maximum pressure on Tehran can bear any fruit .
This policy will not bring the results necessary to the US , provoking another wave of tensions and increasing the risk of open conflict instead , '' he said .
Tensions around Iran escalated following a US drone strike near Baghdad 's airport on January 3 , which killed General Qassem Soleimani , the head of Iran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ' Quds Force .
On January 8 , Iran targeted Iraq ’ s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in retaliation for the attack .

TOKYO, January 10. /TASS/. The US policy of maximum pressure on Iran will bear no fruit, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters on Friday after talks with his Japanese colleague Takeo Mori.
The meeting between the Russian and Japanese diplomats took place in Tokyo within the framework of the 11th round of the Russian-Japanese strategic dialogue.
"We think that this ill-advised step that seeks to raise the stakes can end in a disaster. We call on the USA, who is essentially responsible for the escalation, not to fall under its own illusions thinking that the policy of maximum pressure on Tehran can bear any fruit. This policy will not bring the results necessary to the US, provoking another wave of tensions and increasing the risk of open conflict instead," he said.
Tensions around Iran escalated following a US drone strike near Baghdad's airport on January 3, which killed General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. On January 8, Iran targeted Iraq’s Ain Al-Asad air base and a facility in Erbil, which house US troops, in retaliation for the attack.


tass--2020-01-10--Abkhazian president staying at his official residence

SUKHUM , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba is currently staying at his official residence in Sukhum @ @ @ @ @ Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS on Friday .
`` He is at his official @ @ @ @ @ , adding that the president continued to perform his duties is full .
A political @ @ @ @ @ January 9 when protesters demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba broke into the presidential administration @ @ @ @ @ an emergency meeting of the country ’ s Security Council and said after it that @ @ @ @ @ be imposed in the country .
Abkhazia ’ s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session @ @ @ @ @ issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down .
In response @ @ @ @ @ opposition to begin negotiations .

SUKHUM, January 10. /TASS/. Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba is currently staying at his official residence in Sukhum, Secretary of the Abkhazian Security Council Mukhamed Kilba told TASS on Friday.
"He is at his official residence," he said, adding that the president continued to perform his duties is full.
A political crisis erupted in Abkhazia on January 9 when protesters demanding resignation of President Raul Khadjimba broke into the presidential administration building. The president convened an emergency meeting of the country’s Security Council and said after it that a state of emergency could be imposed in the country. Abkhazia’s parliament gathered for an extraordinary session on the same day and issued an appeal to the president calling on him to step down. In response, Khadjimba called on the opposition to begin negotiations.


tass--2020-01-10--Abkhazia’s president to hold meeting with opposition

SUKHUM , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba and opposition figures calling for his resignation have agreed to hold a meeting on Friday brokered by members of the national Civic Chamber , its Secretary Daniil Ubiria told TASS .
`` There is a mutual consensus among both of them ( the president and the opposition - TASS ) to hold talks through the mediation of the Civic Chamber ’ s members in order to look for ways to overcome the strife , '' he said .
The official added that the four most reputable members of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks .
According to him , the meeting is set for 16:00 ( local time ) on Friday .
Ubiria noted that the main objective of the negotiations is to prevent the conflict from exacerbating any further .
`` Any confrontation that can cross a red line , and enable violence is the end of Abkhazia ’ s statehood .
The president understands this as well as those who are struggling for power today , but not all of them unfortunately , '' he added .
Abkhazia plunged into a political crisis on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office of Abkhaz President Raul Khajimba demanding his resignation and stormed the building .
After a session of the national Security Council chaired by Khajimba , the president appealed to public , urging citizens not to yield to incitement or provocations , but to stay calm .
He did not rule out , however , that a state of emergency could be declared in the country amid the developments in the capital city of Sukhum .
The Abkhaz parliament later convened for an urgent meeting to adopt an appeal to the president asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in turn , urged the opposition to hold talks .

SUKHUM, January 10. /TASS/. Abkhazian President Raul Khajimba and opposition figures calling for his resignation have agreed to hold a meeting on Friday brokered by members of the national Civic Chamber, its Secretary Daniil Ubiria told TASS.
"There is a mutual consensus among both of them (the president and the opposition - TASS) to hold talks through the mediation of the Civic Chamber’s members in order to look for ways to overcome the strife," he said. The official added that the four most reputable members of the chamber were chosen to assist in the talks.
According to him, the meeting is set for 16:00 (local time) on Friday. Ubiria noted that the main objective of the negotiations is to prevent the conflict from exacerbating any further. "Any confrontation that can cross a red line, and enable violence is the end of Abkhazia’s statehood. The president understands this as well as those who are struggling for power today, but not all of them unfortunately," he added.
Abkhazia plunged into a political crisis on January 9 when protesters converged outside the office of Abkhaz President Raul Khajimba demanding his resignation and stormed the building. After a session of the national Security Council chaired by Khajimba, the president appealed to public, urging citizens not to yield to incitement or provocations, but to stay calm.
He did not rule out, however, that a state of emergency could be declared in the country amid the developments in the capital city of Sukhum. The Abkhaz parliament later convened for an urgent meeting to adopt an appeal to the president asking him to step down. The leader, in turn, urged the opposition to hold talks.


tass--2020-01-10--Seething US-Iran discord to contribute to ruble’s strengthening, say experts

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
The US-Iran standoff may contribute to the strengthening of the Russian currency , experts interviewed by TASS suggest .
Nevertheless , the influence of the situation on the world ’ s emerging markets and the overall global economy remains debatable and dependent on various scenarios of events unfolding in the future .
The US launched a strike on Baghdad ’ s airport on January 3 killing Iran ’ s Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani .
Early on January 8 , it was reported that Tehran retaliated by launching a missile barrage on US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US-Iran conflict pushed the price of oil up ( due to potential US strikes on Iranian oil facilities ) , as well as the price of gold ( due to mounting geopolitical risks ) .
Experts interviewed by TASS believe that oil prices may soar above $ 70 per barrel , which in its turn may become the reason for the Russian currency to strengthen .
What experts are predicting for the Russian market BCS Premier Senior Analyst Sergey Suverov thinks that a spike in the oil price is likely to bolster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further intensification of the conflict could drive investors away from risky assets .
`` The influence on the ruble ’ s exchange rate is contradictory .
On the one hand , the dollar as the main global currency rises amid geopolitical uncertainty , but on the other hand , a spike in the oil price fuels the ruble ’ s strengthening .
The conflict ’ s development and its escalation jeopardize stock markets and is fraught with investors withdrawing from risky assets , particularly from emerging markets , '' he explained .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the oil supply , sending commodities prices higher and bolstering the ruble ’ s exchange rate in the short term , Vasilisa Baranova , an analyst with the ACRA analytical credit rating agency , suggests .
However , that effect is likely to be moderate due to regular Forex purchases by the Russian Finance Ministry , which reduce the dependency of the ruble ’ s exchange rate on oil price fluctuations , she noted .
Baranova also pointed out that the shift by investors to higher-quality assets while a simultaneous decline in demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including the ruble , will weaken it .
In its base-case scenario , ACRA expects the average annual exchange rate of the ruble at around 66-67 rubles per dollar in 2020 .
Finam ’ s Sergei Drozdov suggests that the ruble will hardly respond to the oil price hike or the Middle East conflict , whereas Russian stocks will continue hitting all-time highs , regarding both the MOEX and RTS indices .
`` Such surges will not affect the Russian economy overall .
Oil ( price ) hikes will be positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be quick and minor , '' he explained .
The investment guru assumes that it is difficult so far to predict in which direction the ruble ’ s exchange rate will move against the dollar .
However , the ( ruble ’ s ) exchange rate may rise to 63-64 rubles should adverse developments on stock markets emerge , Drozdov said , adding though that he does not rule out that the Russian currency will strengthen further to 60-61 rubles due to the current consolidation .
US-Iran strife and its effect on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely to have any influence on the global economy .
At this stage , the incident looks local , and unlikely to unfold adversely in the future .
Even Western experts say that it will most likely shift to the diplomatic level .
Moreover , 2020 marks the [ onset ] of the American presidential race , so US President Donald Trump is unlikely to rush into a war with Iran , the risks are far too great , '' Drozdov stressed .
On the other hand , the deterioration of US relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` The US president needed to distract attention from the impeachment [ process ] .
America has always traditionally dodged domestic problems by creating trouble spots somewhere globally : most recently in the Middle East .
Previously , it happened during the 2008 crisis as the US escalated friction with Iraq and Libya to divert attention from its economy , '' he noted .
The expert added that in case of any further escalation , the oil price might breach the $ 71 per barrel mark , `` which will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drones attacking the infrastructure of Saudi Arabia ( in September 2019 - TASS ) . ''
Meanwhile , Sergey Suverov from BCS expects the possibility of an oil price hike above $ 70 per barrel would trigger global inflation and bring the world economy closer to recession , thereby boosting stagflation risks in the US .
Senior Manager at the NCR Rating Agency Alexander Proklov shares the view that the key question today is how far the US-Iran conflict will go and how long it will last .
Nevertheless , the expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Middle East to have a major effect on the global economy .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. The US-Iran standoff may contribute to the strengthening of the Russian currency, experts interviewed by TASS suggest. Nevertheless, the influence of the situation on the world’s emerging markets and the overall global economy remains debatable and dependent on various scenarios of events unfolding in the future. The US launched a strike on Baghdad’s airport on January 3 killing Iran’s Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani.
Early on January 8, it was reported that Tehran retaliated by launching a missile barrage on US facilities in Iraq. The escalation of the US-Iran conflict pushed the price of oil up (due to potential US strikes on Iranian oil facilities), as well as the price of gold (due to mounting geopolitical risks). Experts interviewed by TASS believe that oil prices may soar above $70 per barrel, which in its turn may become the reason for the Russian currency to strengthen.
What experts are predicting for the Russian market
BCS Premier Senior Analyst Sergey Suverov thinks that a spike in the oil price is likely to bolster the Russian ruble. However, any further intensification of the conflict could drive investors away from risky assets.
"The influence on the ruble’s exchange rate is contradictory. On the one hand, the dollar as the main global currency rises amid geopolitical uncertainty, but on the other hand, a spike in the oil price fuels the ruble’s strengthening. The conflict’s development and its escalation jeopardize stock markets and is fraught with investors withdrawing from risky assets, particularly from emerging markets," he explained.
The escalating Mideast tensions may put pressure on the oil supply, sending commodities prices higher and bolstering the ruble’s exchange rate in the short term, Vasilisa Baranova, an analyst with the ACRA analytical credit rating agency, suggests. However, that effect is likely to be moderate due to regular Forex purchases by the Russian Finance Ministry, which reduce the dependency of the ruble’s exchange rate on oil price fluctuations, she noted. Baranova also pointed out that the shift by investors to higher-quality assets while a simultaneous decline in demand for the riskier assets of developing markets, including the ruble, will weaken it. In its base-case scenario,
ACRA expects the average annual exchange rate of the ruble at around 66-67 rubles per dollar in 2020. Finam’s Sergei Drozdov suggests that the ruble will hardly respond to the oil price hike or the Middle East conflict, whereas Russian stocks will continue hitting all-time highs, regarding both the MOEX and RTS indices. "Such surges will not affect the Russian economy overall. Oil (price) hikes will be positive for Russia’s budget, though they will be quick and minor," he explained.
The investment guru assumes that it is difficult so far to predict in which direction the ruble’s exchange rate will move against the dollar. However, the (ruble’s) exchange rate may rise to 63-64 rubles should adverse developments on stock markets emerge, Drozdov said, adding though that he does not rule out that the Russian currency will strengthen further to 60-61 rubles due to the current consolidation.
US-Iran strife and its effect on the global economy
"The conflict is unlikely to have any influence on the global economy. At this stage, the incident looks local, and unlikely to unfold adversely in the future. Even Western experts say that it will most likely shift to the diplomatic level. Moreover, 2020 marks the [onset] of the American presidential race, so US President Donald Trump is unlikely to rush into a war with Iran, the risks are far too great," Drozdov stressed. On the other hand, the deterioration of US relations with Iran is still unsurprising, he added.
"The US president needed to distract attention from the impeachment [process]. America has always traditionally dodged domestic problems by creating trouble spots somewhere globally: most recently in the Middle East. Previously, it happened during the 2008 crisis as the US escalated friction with Iraq and Libya to divert attention from its economy," he noted. The expert added that in case of any further escalation, the oil price might breach the $71 per barrel mark, "which will be gradually neutralized similar to the situation with the drones attacking the infrastructure of Saudi Arabia (in September 2019 - TASS)."
Meanwhile, Sergey Suverov from BCS expects the possibility of an oil price hike above $70 per barrel would trigger global inflation and bring the world economy closer to recession, thereby boosting stagflation risks in the US. Senior Manager at the NCR Rating Agency Alexander Proklov shares the view that the key question today is how far the US-Iran conflict will go and how long it will last. Nevertheless, the expert does not expect the short-term crisis in the Middle East to have a major effect on the global economy.


tass--2020-01-10--Ukraine's security chief discusses Iran plane crash with Canadian, UK, Swedish ambassadors

`` During the meeting , the sides have discussed the course of investigation of the Boeing 737 flight PS 752 in Iran , '' the message stated .
According to Danilov , `` a group of Ukrainian experts is working at the site of the tragedy . ''
`` Every hour , we receive reports .
Our main aim is to get to the bottom of what happened , '' he added .
Earlier on Friday , Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky called on all international partners , namely the US , Canada and the UK , to provide data and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation commission .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristayko later informed that US Charge d ’ Affaires in Ukraine Kristina Kvien had provided him with important data .
The Ukrainian top diplomat added that he expects Zelensky to hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
On Wednesday , Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport .
All people onboard , 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers , were killed .
Most victims were Canadian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pristaiko announced on his Twitter page that citizens of Iran , Canada , Ukraine , Sweden , Afghanistan , German and the UK were among those who died in the air tragedy .
On Thursday , the US Newsweek magazine reported that the Ukrainian aircraft could have been downed by missiles launched by Iranian air defense systems .
The publication cited preliminary information gathered by the Pentagon and US intelligence services .
Meanwhile , Iran strongly condemned the accusations put forward by the US and a number of other countries that its air @ @ @ @ @ @ @

"During the meeting, the sides have discussed the course of investigation of the Boeing 737 flight PS 752 in Iran," the message stated. According to Danilov, "a group of Ukrainian experts is working at the site of the tragedy." "Every hour, we receive reports. Our main aim is to get to the bottom of what happened," he added.
Earlier on Friday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky called on all international partners, namely the US, Canada and the UK, to provide data and proof regarding the crash to the Ukrainian investigation commission. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristayko later informed that US Charge d’Affaires in Ukraine Kristina Kvien had provided him with important data. The Ukrainian top diplomat added that he expects Zelensky to hold talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
On Wednesday, Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 travelling from Tehran to Kiev crashed near the Iranian capital shortly after takeoff from the Imam Khomeini International Airport. All people onboard, 167 passengers and 9 crewmembers, were killed. Most victims were Canadian and Iranian citizens. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko announced on his Twitter page that citizens of Iran, Canada, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, German and the UK were among those who died in the air tragedy.
On Thursday, the US Newsweek magazine reported that the Ukrainian aircraft could have been downed by missiles launched by Iranian air defense systems. The publication cited preliminary information gathered by the Pentagon and US intelligence services. Meanwhile, Iran strongly condemned the accusations put forward by the US and a number of other countries that its air defense missiles brought down the plane.


tass--2020-01-10--Russia’s IAC ready to help investigate Ukrainian plane crash in Tehran

MOSCOW , January 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Interstate Aviation Committee will be prepared to furnish assistance in investigating the crash of Ukraine ’ s Boeing-737 passenger liner in Tehran , should it get a request from Iran , the IAC said in reply to a question from TASS .
`` The IAC enjoys international recognition as an independent investigator .
It possesses vast experience of probing into more than 800 air incidents and the required equipment and specialists with experience of investigating incidents involving Boeing-737s .
If requested by Iran , the IAC will be prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the IAC said .
According to the IAC ’ s press service the Iranian side has informed the IAC about the crash but requested no assistance in conducting the probe so far .
On January 8 , a Boeing 737 passenger plane belonging to Ukraine International Airlines went down minutes after taking off from Tehran 's Imam Khomeini International Airport bound for Kiev .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said the crash killed all 176 people on board , noting that among them were citizens of Afghanistan , Germany , Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Swedish nationals .

MOSCOW, January 10. /TASS/. Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee will be prepared to furnish assistance in investigating the crash of Ukraine’s Boeing-737 passenger liner in Tehran, should it get a request from Iran, the IAC said in reply to a question from TASS.
"The IAC enjoys international recognition as an independent investigator. It possesses vast experience of probing into more than 800 air incidents and the required equipment and specialists with experience of investigating incidents involving Boeing-737s. If requested by Iran, the IAC will be prepared to furnish any assistance in conducting technical investigation," the IAC said.
According to the IAC’s press service the Iranian side has informed the IAC about the crash but requested no assistance in conducting the probe so far.
On January 8, a Boeing 737 passenger plane belonging to Ukraine International Airlines went down minutes after taking off from Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport bound for Kiev. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said the crash killed all 176 people on board, noting that among them were citizens of Afghanistan, Germany, Iran, Canada and Ukraine and also British and Swedish nationals.