tass--2020-02-06--Russia’s Strategic Missile Force employs Yars ICBMs in large-scale drills in Siberia

`` As part of the tactical drills , the Yars road-mobile missile systems went on combat patrol routes .
Special attention is paid to countering an air attack and repelling subversive and reconnaissance groups , '' the ministry ’ s press office said in a statement .
MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Over 2,500 troops are involved in a tactical exercise with Yars mobile intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) systems of the Novosibirsk missile formation , Russia ’ s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday .
Russian official says it is impossible to intercept Yars missile with existing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops will perform a march to a distance of up to 100 km and practice the tasks of equipping and camouflaging field positions .
Overall , the drills involve more than 300 items of military hardware , including such latest models as the Listva remote-controlled mine-clearing vehicle , the Taifun-M combat anti-saboteur vehicle , a wheeled road vehicle and the ARS-14KM decontamination and degassing station .
The RS-24 Yars is a Russian strategic missile system comprising a mobile or silo-based solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRVed ( multiple independently targetable vehicle ) warheads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under the supervision of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Solomonov .
The Yars is a modification of the Topol-M missile system .

"As part of the tactical drills, the Yars road-mobile missile systems went on combat patrol routes. Special attention is paid to countering an air attack and repelling subversive and reconnaissance groups," the ministry’s press office said in a statement.
MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Over 2,500 troops are involved in a tactical exercise with Yars mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) systems of the Novosibirsk missile formation, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.
Russian official says it is impossible to intercept Yars missile with existing systems
During the drills, the missile troops will perform a march to a distance of up to 100 km and practice the tasks of equipping and camouflaging field positions.
Overall, the drills involve more than 300 items of military hardware, including such latest models as the Listva remote-controlled mine-clearing vehicle, the Taifun-M combat anti-saboteur vehicle, a wheeled road vehicle and the ARS-14KM decontamination and degassing station.
The RS-24 Yars is a Russian strategic missile system comprising a mobile or silo-based solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRVed (multiple independently targetable vehicle) warheads. The ICBM was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under the supervision of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yuri Solomonov. The Yars is a modification of the Topol-M missile system.


tass--2020-02-06--OMV does not expect early resumption of Nord Stream 2 construction

MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
Austria ’ s OMV , which is a partner of Gazprom in the Nord Stream 2 project , does not expect a quick resumption of works to complete the construction of the gas pipeline , OMV CEO Rainer Seele told a conference call on Thursday .
`` The Nord Stream 2 pipeline placement company is working on the plan but so far they are not ready to present that plan , so we do not believe there will be a short term resumption of the pipeline work , '' Seele said responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project will be resumed .
Nord Stream 2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states .
The new 1,200 kilometer pipeline , basically following the same route as Nord Stream , will traverse economic zones and territorial water of five countries , namely Russia , Finland , Sweden , Denmark , and Germany .
The pipeline ’ s capacity will be 55 bln cubic meters of gas a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act ( NDAA ) specifying the annual budget and expenditures of the US Department of Defense for 2020 fiscal year ( started on October 1 ) , which obliges the Administration to impose sanctions on Russia 's Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines .
Swiss pipeline laying company All Seas suspended its work on the Nord Stream 2 project in the Baltic Sea .
On February 4 , Handelsblatt newspaper reported citing US diplomatic sources , that the US intends to impose new sanctions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia attempts to complete its construction .
According to the newspaper , European investors or companies desirous to buy gas flowing over the pipeline can be affected this time .
Diplomatic sources do not exclude new sanctions can be in force as early as in February or in March .
However , Russia has no doubt that it will be able to complete the Nord Stream 2 project on its own .
President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that by the end of 2020 the construction will be completed despite the fact that Gazprom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months .

MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. Austria’s OMV, which is a partner of Gazprom in the Nord Stream 2 project, does not expect a quick resumption of works to complete the construction of the gas pipeline, OMV CEO Rainer Seele told a conference call on Thursday.
"The Nord Stream 2 pipeline placement company is working on the plan but so far they are not ready to present that plan, so we do not believe there will be a short term resumption of the pipeline work," Seele said responding to a question how soon the work on the project will be resumed.
Nord Stream 2 is an international project for the construction of a gas pipeline that will run across the bottom of the Baltic Sea from the Russian coast to Germany bypassing transit states. The new 1,200 kilometer pipeline, basically following the same route as Nord Stream, will traverse economic zones and territorial water of five countries, namely Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. The pipeline’s capacity will be 55 bln cubic meters of gas a year.
In late December 2019, US President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) specifying the annual budget and expenditures of the US Department of Defense for 2020 fiscal year (started on October 1), which obliges the Administration to impose sanctions on Russia's Nord Stream 2 and TurkStream pipelines. Swiss pipeline laying company All Seas suspended its work on the Nord Stream 2 project in the Baltic Sea.
On February 4, Handelsblatt newspaper reported citing US diplomatic sources, that the US intends to impose new sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia attempts to complete its construction.
According to the newspaper, European investors or companies desirous to buy gas flowing over the pipeline can be affected this time. Diplomatic sources do not exclude new sanctions can be in force as early as in February or in March.
However, Russia has no doubt that it will be able to complete the Nord Stream 2 project on its own. President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that by the end of 2020 the construction will be completed despite the fact that Gazprom had to postpone the project for several months.


tass--2020-02-06--Turkey sets up four new observation points in Syria’s Idlib, media reports say

According to the report , the Syrian army took position around the strategic city of Saraqib , located on the junction of the Aleppo-Damascus and Aleppo-Latakia highways .
On Wednesday , the militants abandoned the city and headed towards northern Idlib area .
MOSCOW , February 6 .
/TASS/ .
The Turkish military set up four new observation points in Syria ’ s Idlib province in a bid to thwart the advancement of the Syrian forces , who chase the retreating terrorists , Riyadh-based Al Ekhbariya TV channel reported Thursday .
Earlier , the Syrian Army Command said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the line between the towns of Binnish , Ma ’ aret Masrin and Taftanaz .
Damascus views Turkish actions as an `` attempt to prevent the Syrian Army from completing the destruction of Nusra Front terrorists in Idlib province . ''
The Syrian military claim Turkey supports the militants that fight the government forces .
According to Al Jazeera Thursday report , the Syrian artillery shelled the former military airfield in Taftanaz .
Neither Ankara , nor Damascus have yet commented on the shelling .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2017 , a de-escalation zone was set up there , accommodating militants from other Syrian regions who refused to surrender .
There are 12 Turkish observation points set up in the province .
On February 4 , Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu justified dispatch of military vehicles to Idlib , citing necessity to reinforce the Turkish observation points .

According to the report, the Syrian army took position around the strategic city of Saraqib, located on the junction of the Aleppo-Damascus and Aleppo-Latakia highways. On Wednesday, the militants abandoned the city and headed towards northern Idlib area.
MOSCOW, February 6. /TASS/. The Turkish military set up four new observation points in Syria’s Idlib province in a bid to thwart the advancement of the Syrian forces, who chase the retreating terrorists, Riyadh-based Al Ekhbariya TV channel reported Thursday.
Earlier, the Syrian Army Command said in a communique that the Turkish forces took positions on the line between the towns of Binnish, Ma’aret Masrin and Taftanaz. Damascus views Turkish actions as an "attempt to prevent the Syrian Army from completing the destruction of Nusra Front terrorists in Idlib province." The Syrian military claim Turkey supports the militants that fight the government forces.
According to Al Jazeera Thursday report, the Syrian artillery shelled the former military airfield in Taftanaz. Neither Ankara, nor Damascus have yet commented on the shelling.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that remains under militant control since 2012. In 2017, a de-escalation zone was set up there, accommodating militants from other Syrian regions who refused to surrender. There are 12 Turkish observation points set up in the province.
On February 4, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu justified dispatch of military vehicles to Idlib, citing necessity to reinforce the Turkish observation points.


tass--2020-02-07--Russia thanks Estonia, Finland for help in saving Russian sailors

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Foreign Ministry has thanked the rescue services of Estonia and @ @ @ @ @ to Russian sailors , who suffered a shipwreck off Estonia last night .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ 6-7 Russia ’ s fishing boat The Pongoma ( with a crew of seven , @ @ @ @ @ of registration St. Petersburg ) sank off Estonia , '' the Russian Foreign Ministry said @ @ @ @ @ were taken to rescue the Russian sailors : two are in the hospital in Helsinki @ @ @ @ @ from a hospital in Tallinn .
Their lives are not at risk .
We express @ @ @ @ @ Estonian rescue services for their prompt and professional assistance . ''
The Russian Foreign Ministry @ @ @ @ @ Russian embassies in Finland and Estonia maintained permanent contact with the shipwreck survivors .
`` @ @ @ @ @ has been contacted for determining the procedure of taking the Russians back home , '' @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has thanked the rescue services of Estonia and Finland for prompt assistance extended to Russian sailors, who suffered a shipwreck off Estonia last night.
"In an overnight incident on February 6-7 Russia’s fishing boat The Pongoma (with a crew of seven, all Russian citizens, port of registration St. Petersburg) sank off Estonia," the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "All necessary measures were taken to rescue the Russian sailors: two are in the hospital in Helsinki. Five have been discharged from a hospital in Tallinn. Their lives are not at risk. We express gratitude to the Finnish and Estonian rescue services for their prompt and professional assistance."
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that consular officials of Russian embassies in Finland and Estonia maintained permanent contact with the shipwreck survivors.
"The ship’s owner has been contacted for determining the procedure of taking the Russians back home," the Foreign Ministry said.


tass--2020-02-07--Central African Republic seeks weapons, equipment from Russia, says ambassador

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
The leadership of the Central African Republic ( CAR ) would like to obtain some types of Russian weapons and military equipment , but there have been no formal requests so far , Russian Ambassador to the Central African Republic Vladimir Titorenko told TASS .
`` As soon as an official request from the CAR ’ s authorities to Russia for the supply of a new batch of weapons is received , it will be analyzed by Russia ’ s relevant authorities , '' the envoy assured .
`` It is up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Central African Republic , its leaders have repeatedly expressed their desire to receive certain types of weapons and military equipment , in addition to small arms up to 14.5 mm in caliber .
Otherwise , armed gangs will be more powerful than the government army , and this defies any logic , in particular , the national reconciliation agreement of February 6 , 2019 . ''
`` Otherwise , how will the central authorities regain control of the entire territory of the country ? ''
the diplomat observed .
The first batch of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African Republic in late January-early February 2018 .
Five military and 170 civilian instructors were sent there as well to train local military personnel .
In September 2019 , Russia handed over the second batch of weapons to the CAR on a non-repayable basis .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. The leadership of the Central African Republic (CAR) would like to obtain some types of Russian weapons and military equipment, but there have been no formal requests so far, Russian Ambassador to the Central African Republic Vladimir Titorenko told TASS.
"As soon as an official request from the CAR’s authorities to Russia for the supply of a new batch of weapons is received, it will be analyzed by Russia’s relevant authorities," the envoy assured. "It is up to them to decide. As for the Central African Republic, its leaders have repeatedly expressed their desire to receive certain types of weapons and military equipment, in addition to small arms up to 14.5 mm in caliber. Otherwise, armed gangs will be more powerful than the government army, and this defies any logic, in particular, the national reconciliation agreement of February 6, 2019."
"Otherwise, how will the central authorities regain control of the entire territory of the country?" the diplomat observed.
The first batch of Russian weapons was delivered to the Central African Republic in late January-early February 2018. Five military and 170 civilian instructors were sent there as well to train local military personnel. In September 2019, Russia handed over the second batch of weapons to the CAR on a non-repayable basis.


tass--2020-02-07--Japan’s PM to attend WW2 Victory Day events in Moscow

TOKYO , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to travel to Moscow in May to take part in Victory Day celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of victory in World War II , Kyodo news agency reported Friday .
According to the agency ’ s source in the Japanese government , Tokyo would like to hold talks between Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow either on May 8 or 10 .
Earlier on Friday , the PM delivered a speech at the National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern territories ) , saying that Tokyo and Moscow should gradually resolve the peace treaty issue and find a solution that can be acceptable to the both nations .
`` To find such a solution which can satisfy both sides , we will move the negotiating process step by step , '' he said .
Moreover , the Japanese prime minister underlined that understanding between the nations should be achieved and relations of mutual trust and friendship should be built to this end .
Abe also pointed out that it is crucial to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern Kuril Islands .
Moscow and Tokyo have been in talks to sign a peace treaty since the mid-20th century .
The main stumbling block to achieving this goal is the contention over the ownership of the Southern Kuril Islands , called the Northern Territories in Japan .
After the end of World War II , the Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union .
However , the ownership of Iturup , Kunashir , Shikotan and the Habomai Islands and neighboring small and uninhabited islands has been challenged by Japan .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia ’ s sovereignty over the islands is beyond doubt .
In 1956 , the Soviet Union and Japan signed a joint declaration on ceasing the state of war , but no peace treaty has been signed so far .

TOKYO, February 7. /TASS/. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to travel to Moscow in May to take part in Victory Day celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of victory in World War II, Kyodo news agency reported Friday.
According to the agency’s source in the Japanese government, Tokyo would like to hold talks between Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow either on May 8 or 10.
Earlier on Friday, the PM delivered a speech at the National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories (Japan refers to the Kuril Islands as northern territories), saying that Tokyo and Moscow should gradually resolve the peace treaty issue and find a solution that can be acceptable to the both nations. "To find such a solution which can satisfy both sides, we will move the negotiating process step by step," he said. Moreover, the Japanese prime minister underlined that understanding between the nations should be achieved and relations of mutual trust and friendship should be built to this end. Abe also pointed out that it is crucial to continue joint Russian-Japanese business activities on the southern Kuril Islands.
Moscow and Tokyo have been in talks to sign a peace treaty since the mid-20th century. The main stumbling block to achieving this goal is the contention over the ownership of the Southern Kuril Islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan. After the end of World War II, the Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union. However, the ownership of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai Islands and neighboring small and uninhabited islands has been challenged by Japan. At the same time, Russia’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly said that Russia’s sovereignty over the islands is beyond doubt. In 1956, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a joint declaration on ceasing the state of war, but no peace treaty has been signed so far.


tass--2020-02-07--Defense of Israeli national Issachar vows to seek exoneration in Russian court

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Defense of Israeli national Naama Issachar , sentenced in Russia for drug smuggling and pardoned by the president , is going to file an appeal against the sentence and turn to the European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) , the defense said in a statement .
`` The defense of Naama Issachar , in accordance with her instructions , prepares a complaint against the Khimki city court sentence from October 11 , 2019 , and against the appeal ruling by Moscow Region court from December 19 , 2019 , which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sentence of the innocent , '' the statement reads .
`` Besides , the defense continues to prepare a complaint to ECHR on numerous violations of rights of Naama Issachar committed during her unjustified criminal prosecution . ''
The complaints would be filed in the ECHR and the First Common Court of Appeals in Russia ’ s Saratov .
The attorneys believe the presidential pardon does not mean restoration of Issachar ’ s violated rights .
`` This can only be achieved by cancellation of the unjust sentence , '' the defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 , 2019 , in Sheremetyevo airport , where she awaited plane change during her flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv in the airport ’ s transit zone .
Her luggage attracted a service dog , and the customs officers discovered some 10 grams of hashish in Issachar ’ s bag .
The Khimki City court found Issachar guilty on one count of drug smuggling and one count of drug possession and sentenced her to 7,5 years .
On January 29 , Russian President Vladimir Putin , who discussed Issachar ’ s case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Naama ’ s mother Yaffa , pardoned the sentenced Israeli girl .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. Defense of Israeli national Naama Issachar, sentenced in Russia for drug smuggling and pardoned by the president, is going to file an appeal against the sentence and turn to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the defense said in a statement.
"The defense of Naama Issachar, in accordance with her instructions, prepares a complaint against the Khimki city court sentence from October 11, 2019, and against the appeal ruling by Moscow Region court from December 19, 2019, which the defense considers unlawful and unjust, leading to sentence of the innocent," the statement reads. "Besides, the defense continues to prepare a complaint to ECHR on numerous violations of rights of Naama Issachar committed during her unjustified criminal prosecution."
The complaints would be filed in the ECHR and the First Common Court of Appeals in Russia’s Saratov. The attorneys believe the presidential pardon does not mean restoration of Issachar’s violated rights.
"This can only be achieved by cancellation of the unjust sentence," the defense said.
Issachar was apprehended on April 9, 2019, in Sheremetyevo airport, where she awaited plane change during her flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv in the airport’s transit zone. Her luggage attracted a service dog, and the customs officers discovered some 10 grams of hashish in Issachar’s bag. The Khimki City court found Issachar guilty on one count of drug smuggling and one count of drug possession and sentenced her to 7,5 years.
On January 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who discussed Issachar’s case with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Naama’s mother Yaffa, pardoned the sentenced Israeli girl.


tass--2020-02-07--Moscow expects Mexico to provide proposals on cooperation with Russian companies

The role that Russia can play in the plans on Mexico 's economic development will be discussed at the meeting @ @ @ @ @ trade and economic cooperation , the diplomat said .
`` Receiving particular proposals from our @ @ @ @ @ , in which they would view the contribution of Russian companies as useful , is @ @ @ @ @ .
Moscow invites Mexican colleagues to voice and discuss such proposals at the forums that @ @ @ @ @ this year , Lavrov said .
`` We invited our colleagues today to send their @ @ @ @ @ will be held this year .
We will be glad to receive proposals , in @ @ @ @ @ possible for Russian companies to participate in the country ’ s economic expansion , '' @ @ @

The role that Russia can play in the plans on Mexico's economic development will be discussed at the meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, the diplomat said. "Receiving particular proposals from our Mexican friends on the fields, in which they would view the contribution of Russian companies as useful, is essential," he noted.
Moscow invites Mexican colleagues to voice and discuss such proposals at the forums that will be held in Russia this year, Lavrov said. "We invited our colleagues today to send their representatives to respective forums that will be held this year. We will be glad to receive proposals, in which fields Mexico considers it possible for Russian companies to participate in the country’s economic expansion," he noted.


tass--2020-02-07--Coronavirus to be uncertainty factor for global economy in coming quarters —Bank of Russia

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Bank of Russia notes remaining risks of a significant slowdown in the @ @ @ @ @ new coronavirus being the uncertainty factor for coming quarters , the regulator said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ a further slowdown in global economic growth persists , including under the influence of geopolitical @ @ @ @ @ global commodity and financial markets , which may affect the exchange rate and inflation expectations @ @ @ @ @ be an additional uncertainty factor over next quarters , '' the Bank of Russia says @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. The Bank of Russia notes remaining risks of a significant slowdown in the global economy, with the new coronavirus being the uncertainty factor for coming quarters, the regulator said on Friday.
"The risk of a further slowdown in global economic growth persists, including under the influence of geopolitical factors, intensified volatility in global commodity and financial markets, which may affect the exchange rate and inflation expectations. The coronavirus situation will be an additional uncertainty factor over next quarters," the Bank of Russia says in a comment.


tass--2020-02-07--Russian Central Bank leaves 2020 GDP growth outlook unchanged at 1.5-2%

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Central Bank decided to leave its outlook on Russia ’ @ @ @ @ @ at 1.5-2 % with a gradual increase to 2-3 % in 2022 , the regulator @ @ @ @ @ following its first board meeting this year on Friday .
`` The Bank of Russia @ @ @ @ @ growth forecast unchanged .
The GDP growth rate will gradually increase from 1.5-2.0 % in @ @ @ @ @ 2022 , '' the press release said .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. Russia’s Central Bank decided to leave its outlook on Russia’s GDP growth in 2020 at 1.5-2% with a gradual increase to 2-3% in 2022, the regulator said in a press release following its first board meeting this year on Friday.
"The Bank of Russia has left the 2020-2022 GDP growth forecast unchanged. The GDP growth rate will gradually increase from 1.5-2.0% in 2020 to 2-3% in 2022," the press release said.


tass--2020-02-07--Russia in talks with India to upgrade T-90S Bhishma main battle tanks

LUCKNOW /India/ , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and India are holding consultations on the upgrade of India ’ s T-90S Bhishma main battle tanks , CEO of Russia ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) Alexander Mikheyev told TASS at the DefExpo international arms show on Friday .
`` Consultations are underway on the upgrade of [ Indian ] T-90S tanks in two areas : the digital ballistic calculator and the automatic target tracker , '' the Rosoboronexport chief executive said .
There is no talk about upgrading the T-90S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` It does not seem possible to upgrade the T-90S tank to the [ T-90 ] MS level because these are tanks of different generations , '' the Rosoboronexport chief said .
The T-90S Bhishma is the main battle tank for the Indian Army .
According to the data of the Military Balance 2019 handbook published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies ( IISS ) , over 1,025 T-90S tanks are operational in the Indian Army at present .
The DefExpo-2020 international land , naval and homeland security exhibition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9 .

LUCKNOW /India/, February 7. /TASS/. Russia and India are holding consultations on the upgrade of India’s T-90S Bhishma main battle tanks, CEO of Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) Alexander Mikheyev told TASS at the DefExpo international arms show on Friday.
"Consultations are underway on the upgrade of [Indian] T-90S tanks in two areas: the digital ballistic calculator and the automatic target tracker," the Rosoboronexport chief executive said.
There is no talk about upgrading the T-90S Bhishma tank to the T-90MS level, he said.
"It does not seem possible to upgrade the T-90S tank to the [T-90] MS level because these are tanks of different generations," the Rosoboronexport chief said.
The T-90S Bhishma is the main battle tank for the Indian Army. According to the data of the Military Balance 2019 handbook published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), over 1,025 T-90S tanks are operational in the Indian Army at present.
The DefExpo-2020 international land, naval and homeland security exhibition runs in Lucknow in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9.


tass--2020-02-07--Russian Central Bank lowers key rate to 6%

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Central Bank decided to cut the key rate for the @ @ @ @ @ first board meeting this year by 0.25 bp to 6 % per annum and holds @ @ @ @ @ key rate reduction at its upcoming meetings , the regulator said in a press release @ @ @ @ @ 7 February 2020 , the Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to cut the @ @ @ @ @ to 6.00 % per annum .
Inflation slowdown is overshooting the forecast .
Households ’ @ @ @ @ @ of businesses remain stable overall .
In 2019 H2 , the growth rate of the @ @ @ @ @ '' the Central Bank said .
`` If the situation develops in line with the @ @ @ @ @ of Russia holds open the prospect of further key rate reduction at its upcoming meetings @ @ @ @ @ .

Biden says alternative to sanctions against Russia would be Third World War
"Russia will pay a serious price for this short term and long term, particularly long term," the US leader stressed
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tass--2020-02-07--'Abuse, coercion, false accusations': Moscow slams US enforced extraditions of Russians

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Since 2008 , the US enforced apprehension of 53 Russian nationals in third countries , says Russian Foreign Ministry report on human rights , published Friday .
According to the report , those apprehended face prejudice and suffer psychological abuse .
`` Since 2008 , a total of 53 Russian nationals have been apprehended in third countries on American orders .
The Russian nationals extradited to the US usually face prejudice from American investigators and judges , '' the ministry says .
`` They suffer psychological abuse .
Through various methods , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admission of guilt and plea deals , despite the falsehood of the accusation .
If they refuse , they are sentenced to significant prison terms . ''
In its report , the ministry mentioned Maria Butina , sentenced to prison in April 2019 .
During the investigation period , Butina was held in harsh conditions and was intimidated with threats of a long prison sentence , forcing her to perjure herself and strike a plea deal , the diplomats note .
`` In violation of the bilateral Consular convention , the American authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-day period about the apprehension of Russian nationals .
The US categorically refuses to review the Russian nationals ’ sentences , despite their obvious injustice , '' the mission noted .
`` Russian repatriation requests for Konstantin Yaroshenko and Viktor Bout , filed in accordance with the Council of Europe 1983 Convention are rejected .
Humanitarian issues are not considered '' .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. Since 2008, the US enforced apprehension of 53 Russian nationals in third countries, says Russian Foreign Ministry report on human rights, published Friday. According to the report, those apprehended face prejudice and suffer psychological abuse.
"Since 2008, a total of 53 Russian nationals have been apprehended in third countries on American orders. The Russian nationals extradited to the US usually face prejudice from American investigators and judges," the ministry says. "They suffer psychological abuse.
Through various methods, including direct threats, they are coerced into admission of guilt and plea deals, despite the falsehood of the accusation. If they refuse, they are sentenced to significant prison terms."
In its report, the ministry mentioned Maria Butina, sentenced to prison in April 2019. During the investigation period, Butina was held in harsh conditions and was intimidated with threats of a long prison sentence, forcing her to perjure herself and strike a plea deal, the diplomats note.
"In violation of the bilateral Consular convention, the American authorities fail to notify Russian missions within a three-day period about the apprehension of Russian nationals. The US categorically refuses to review the Russian nationals’ sentences, despite their obvious injustice," the mission noted. "Russian repatriation requests for Konstantin Yaroshenko and Viktor Bout, filed in accordance with the Council of Europe 1983 Convention are rejected. Humanitarian issues are not considered".


tass--2020-02-07--Russia, India ready to produce Ka-226T light multirole helicopters

The sides have actually resolved all the issues related to the JV ’ s operation , he said .
`` As of now , the Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited joint venture has been set up with the participation of the Indian corporation HAL and the Russian Helicopters Group .
The joint venture is fully prepared to produce Ka-226T helicopters in the interests of the country ’ s defense , security and law-enforcement agencies , '' the chief executive said .
LUCKNOW /India/ , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
The Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited joint venture is fully ready to produce Kamov Ka-226T @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s state arms seller Rosoboronexport ( part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec ) Alexander Mikheyev said at the DefExpo 2020 international arms show in India on Friday .
`` Now technical consultations are underway with the Indian side , during which we expect the last issue to be resolved : the extent of the local production , '' Mikheyev added .
The Ka-226T helicopter meets the wishes of the Indian side , the Rosoboronexport chief said .
`` If necessary , the joint venture will be ready to carry out work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Russian Helicopters Group signed a roadmap with the Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited ( IRHL ) JV at the DefExpo-2020 international arms exhibition on February 6 on the local production of Ka-226Ts in India .
The document defines the basic stages and the time limits of organizing the production of the Ka-226T helicopter and its components in India after the date of signing the relevant contract .
In particular , the roadmap stipulates the time limits of setting up the production in India , carrying out contracting work with suppliers , transferring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment and assembly sets , training Indian personnel and other key stages of the project for organizing the local production of the Ka-226T helicopter in India .
In 2015 , Russia and India signed an inter-governmental agreement on delivering Ka-226T lightweight helicopters to India and setting up their local production in that country .
The document stipulates the delivery of 60 Russian-made helicopters and the production of 140 rotorcraft in India with the 50-70 % local content .
Moscow also proposed that New Delhi explore the possibility of manufacturing the Ka-226T seaborne version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s production capacities .
The DefExpo-2020 international land , naval and homeland security exhibition runs in Lucknow in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9 .

The sides have actually resolved all the issues related to the JV’s operation, he said.
"As of now, the Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited joint venture has been set up with the participation of the Indian corporation HAL and the Russian Helicopters Group. The joint venture is fully prepared to produce Ka-226T helicopters in the interests of the country’s defense, security and law-enforcement agencies," the chief executive said.
LUCKNOW /India/, February 7. /TASS/. The Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited joint venture is fully ready to produce Kamov Ka-226T light multirole helicopters, CEO of Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state hi-tech corporation Rostec) Alexander Mikheyev said at the DefExpo 2020 international arms show in India on Friday.
"Now technical consultations are underway with the Indian side, during which we expect the last issue to be resolved: the extent of the local production," Mikheyev added.
The Ka-226T helicopter meets the wishes of the Indian side, the Rosoboronexport chief said. "If necessary, the joint venture will be ready to carry out work on the helicopter’s further upgrade."
The Russian Helicopters Group signed a roadmap with the Indo-Russian Helicopters Limited (IRHL) JV at the DefExpo-2020 international arms exhibition on February 6 on the local production of Ka-226Ts in India.
The document defines the basic stages and the time limits of organizing the production of the Ka-226T helicopter and its components in India after the date of signing the relevant contract.
In particular, the roadmap stipulates the time limits of setting up the production in India, carrying out contracting work with suppliers, transferring the design documentation, delivering the technological equipment and assembly sets, training Indian personnel and other key stages of the project for organizing the local production of the Ka-226T helicopter in India.
In 2015, Russia and India signed an inter-governmental agreement on delivering Ka-226T lightweight helicopters to India and setting up their local production in that country. The document stipulates the delivery of 60 Russian-made helicopters and the production of 140 rotorcraft in India with the 50-70% local content. Moscow also proposed that New Delhi explore the possibility of manufacturing the Ka-226T seaborne version for the Indian Navy at India’s production capacities.
The DefExpo-2020 international land, naval and homeland security exhibition runs in Lucknow in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 5-9.


tass--2020-02-07--Press review: Impeachment fiasco may help re-elect Trump and US advances into Central Asia

The completion of the impeachment trial , in which US President Donald Trump was acquitted , will solidify his position during the election campaign and improve his chances of being re-elected in November 2020 , experts interviewed by Izvestia said .
Besides , the impeachment bid , which the US leader had repeatedly castigated as a witch-hunt , drove the Republican Party to rally around him .
This , along with the image of a solid winner , will enable him to win over undecided voters .
Of course , the outcome of the impeachment trial can be called a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Foundation for United States Studies at Moscow State University Yuri Rogulev .
`` He had to be on the defensive for several years , first due to Robert Mueller ’ s probe and then because of the impeachment process .
Now , he can do what he does best , that is , pursue an offensive policy acting from the position of strength , '' he pointed out .
Referring to Trump ’ s re-election chances , Rogulev stressed that the incumbent US president had a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he does not need to spend money on campaigning , since he appears on TV and in the press daily .
As for the alleged `` Russian meddling '' hoopla , both Congress and the US intelligence community will continue to keep a close eye on the situation , Rogulev added .
Alexey Portansky , a Professor of the Higher School of Economics , explained to Izvestia that Trump would extensively use the botched impeachment bid in his election campaign .
He will show that this unjustified crusade was directed against him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expert noted .
The novel coronavirus epidemic has become a serious test for the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Whereas in December and in the first three weeks of January , China ’ s media outlets tried to downplay the danger of the infection focusing on positive events , the tone changed dramatically in the second half of the month .
Media reports began to say that it was the party that could protect people from the deadly virus .
The Communist Party ’ s Political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation .
However , President Xi Jinping , who is also the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party ’ s Central Committee , is not among its members .
According to some political commentators , Xi does not want to be identified with efforts by local officials , who made a number of mistakes in the fight against the disease .
Against this backdrop , Reuters reported some time ago citing a senior official in Beijing that the annual sessions of the Chinese parliament and the People ’ s Political Consultative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually take place on March 5 .
`` The decision to put off the session would be absolutely logical , since the main government bodies are under a quarantine .
Several thousand delegates plus hundreds of journalists who were expected to come to the capital at that time would probably be unhappy that their lives were at risk , '' Alexander Lomanov , Deputy Director of the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations , told the paper .
He noted that China had failed to provide a timely response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view , restrictive measures should have been imposed before the New Year ’ s holidays began .
`` Some in the West suggest that students returning to universities and colleges could rebel .
I believe , however , that young people in China can express their discontent with only one thing .
The country ’ s leaders warned that people should be prepared for ‘ black swan ’ events , that is , an unexpected disaster .
However , when that ‘ black swan ’ appeared , the government ’ s reaction was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : US to beef up its presence in Central Asia The US Department of State has unveiled America ’ s new strategy for Central Asia .
Judging by the document and statements made by US diplomats , Washington is ready to vie for influence in that region with Moscow and Beijing , Kommersant writes .
The new strategy stresses , in particular , that Central Asia is now viewed by Washington as an important geopolitical strategic region regardless of US presence in Afghanistan .
However , it contains little information on what precisely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future .
It is clear though that the United States seeks to weaken the ties between the Central Asian states on the one hand , and Russia and China on the other , while pulling the region towards Afghanistan and Pakistan .
Meanwhile , Kommersant ’ s sources in Russia ’ s government agencies said after familiarizing themselves with the document that they had expected more , because Washington announced that strategy a few months ago promising some kind of a breakthrough .
One of the sources suggested that this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that it should also have a classified part .
At the same time , Russia is concerned about Washington ’ s potential steps in the region , particularly in the area of security .
According to some reports , plans are in store to create an anti-crisis center in Kazakhstan to train specialists to protect nuclear facilities .
The United States is also in talks with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on transit flights to and from Afghanistan through their airspace by US warplanes and reconnaissance aircraft .
Moscow believes that the Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region with the help of such projects and agreements in order to use it to contain Russia and China .
Russia refuses to accept a new reduction in oil production of 600,000 barrels per day , which is expected to stop the ongoing drop in oil prices amid the coronavirus outbreak in China , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
This provisional cut in oil output was recommended on Thursday by the OPEC Joint Technical Committee .
According to media reports , Russia has asked for more time for consultations .
Moscow ’ s reluctance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in export revenues .
Exports from Russia decreased by 2.1 % over the past year , while net exports dropped by more than 11 % .
At the same time , the country continues to increase the physical volume of production and exports of hydrocarbons .
`` Russia is interested in high oil prices .
However , by cutting production , it cedes its market share to other countries .
According to the latest data for 2019 , Saudi Arabia supplied 7 % more oil to China ( 83.32 mln tonnes or 1.67 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 77.64 mln tonnes or 1.55 mln barrels per day ) .
Thus , Russia ceded its title of China ’ s main oil supplier , '' Vyacheslav Abramov , director of the BCS Broker sales office , told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
Alexey Antonov , an Alor Broker analyst , did not rule out that Moscow had taken a wait-and-see-attitude .
`` The hysteria around the coronavirus outbreak is gradually subsiding , the winter season in Europe is nearing its end .
Everything seems to indicate that the market can return to normalcy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shock therapy from OPEC , '' the paper quotes him as saying .
Izvestia : Russians can be tested for immunity to coronavirus The novel coronavirus can become part of a program to monitor Russians ’ herd immunity to various infections , specialists from the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology informed Izvestia .
`` Everyone is now closely following the development of the 2019-nCoV epidemic , which is raging in China and which has already penetrated into other countries , '' Vladimir Gushchin , who heads the institute ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the paper .
`` Given the spotlight and general anxiety , I can assure you that if the virus retains its relevance as an epidemiological factor , it will certainly be included in the analytical system of the all-Russian monitoring of herd immunity in the future . ''
`` It is not improbable that [ in the future ] the coronavirus will be something mundane , and we will be vaccinated against it .
If the immunity is short-lived , then revaccination is possible .
To determine that , the monitoring of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he specified .
The response of the immune system to diseases should be of interest to scientists , without doubt , says member of the Russian State Duma ’ s ( lower house ) Healthcare Committee Boris Mendelevich .
However , it is essential to make sure that they are concerned not only about the coronavirus , he noted .
`` We have a large number of pathogenic viruses .
The fatality rate from the novel coronavirus is about 2 % .
During the SARS outbreak , it reached 10-15 % .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criterion when choosing a disease for research , '' the lawmaker explained .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews

Izvestia: What awaits Trump after botched impeachment crusade The completion of the impeachment trial, in which US President Donald Trump was acquitted, will solidify his position during the election campaign and improve his chances of being re-elected in November 2020, experts interviewed by Izvestia said. Besides, the impeachment bid, which the US leader had repeatedly castigated as a witch-hunt, drove the Republican Party to rally around him. This, along with the image of a solid winner, will enable him to win over undecided voters.
Of course, the outcome of the impeachment trial can be called a victory for Donald Trump, says Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Foundation for United States Studies at Moscow State University Yuri Rogulev. "He had to be on the defensive for several years, first due to Robert Mueller’s probe and then because of the impeachment process. Now, he can do what he does best, that is, pursue an offensive policy acting from the position of strength," he pointed out. Referring to Trump’s re-election chances, Rogulev stressed that the incumbent US president had a number of advantages over other candidates. For one, he does not need to spend money on campaigning, since he appears on TV and in the press daily. As for the alleged "Russian meddling" hoopla, both Congress and the US intelligence community will continue to keep a close eye on the situation, Rogulev added. Alexey Portansky, a Professor of the Higher School of Economics, explained to Izvestia that Trump would extensively use the botched impeachment bid in his election campaign. He will show that this unjustified crusade was directed against him by schemers in the Democratic Party, the expert noted. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Coronavirus outbreak can disrupt upcoming session of China’s parliament The novel coronavirus epidemic has become a serious test for the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Whereas in December and in the first three weeks of January, China’s media outlets tried to downplay the danger of the infection focusing on positive events, the tone changed dramatically in the second half of the month. Media reports began to say that it was the party that could protect people from the deadly virus. The Communist Party’s Political Bureau set up a commission to monitor the situation. However, President Xi Jinping, who is also the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee, is not among its members. According to some political commentators, Xi does not want to be identified with efforts by local officials, who made a number of mistakes in the fight against the disease.
Read also Number of coronavirus cases in China surpasses 31,100
Against this backdrop, Reuters reported some time ago citing a senior official in Beijing that the annual sessions of the Chinese parliament and the People’s Political Consultative Conference could be postponed. Both events usually take place on March 5. "The decision to put off the session would be absolutely logical, since the main government bodies are under a quarantine. Several thousand delegates plus hundreds of journalists who were expected to come to the capital at that time would probably be unhappy that their lives were at risk," Alexander Lomanov, Deputy Director of the Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, told the paper. He noted that China had failed to provide a timely response to the coronavirus outbreak. In his view, restrictive measures should have been imposed before the New Year’s holidays began. "Some in the West suggest that students returning to universities and colleges could rebel. I believe, however, that young people in China can express their discontent with only one thing. The country’s leaders warned that people should be prepared for ‘black swan’ events, that is, an unexpected disaster. However, when that ‘black swan’ appeared, the government’s reaction was inappropriate," he said. Kommersant: US to beef up its presence in Central Asia The US Department of State has unveiled America’s new strategy for Central Asia. Judging by the document and statements made by US diplomats, Washington is ready to vie for influence in that region with Moscow and Beijing, Kommersant writes. The new strategy stresses, in particular, that Central Asia is now viewed by Washington as an important geopolitical strategic region regardless of US presence in Afghanistan. However, it contains little information on what precisely the Americans are going to do there in the future. It is clear though that the United States seeks to weaken the ties between the Central Asian states on the one hand, and Russia and China on the other, while pulling the region towards Afghanistan and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Kommersant’s sources in Russia’s government agencies said after familiarizing themselves with the document that they had expected more, because Washington announced that strategy a few months ago promising some kind of a breakthrough. One of the sources suggested that this is just a declarative part of the document, adding that it should also have a classified part. At the same time, Russia is concerned about Washington’s potential steps in the region, particularly in the area of security. According to some reports, plans are in store to create an anti-crisis center in Kazakhstan to train specialists to protect nuclear facilities. The United States is also in talks with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on transit flights to and from Afghanistan through their airspace by US warplanes and reconnaissance aircraft. Moscow believes that the Americans seek to gain a foothold in the region with the help of such projects and agreements in order to use it to contain Russia and China. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia opposes more cuts in oil production Russia refuses to accept a new reduction in oil production of 600,000 barrels per day, which is expected to stop the ongoing drop in oil prices amid the coronavirus outbreak in China, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. This provisional cut in oil output was recommended on Thursday by the OPEC Joint Technical Committee. According to media reports, Russia has asked for more time for consultations. Moscow’s reluctance to cut production stems from a decrease in export revenues. Exports from Russia decreased by 2.1% over the past year, while net exports dropped by more than 11%. At the same time, the country continues to increase the physical volume of production and exports of hydrocarbons. "Russia is interested in high oil prices. However, by cutting production, it cedes its market share to other countries. According to the latest data for 2019, Saudi Arabia supplied 7% more oil to China (83.32 mln tonnes or 1.67 mln barrels per day) than Russia (77.64 mln tonnes or 1.55 mln barrels per day). Thus, Russia ceded its title of China’s main oil supplier," Vyacheslav Abramov, director of the BCS Broker sales office, told Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Alexey Antonov, an Alor Broker analyst, did not rule out that Moscow had taken a wait-and-see-attitude. "The hysteria around the coronavirus outbreak is gradually subsiding, the winter season in Europe is nearing its end. Everything seems to indicate that the market can return to normalcy by the end of February without the shock therapy from OPEC," the paper quotes him as saying. Izvestia: Russians can be tested for immunity to coronavirus The novel coronavirus can become part of a program to monitor Russians’ herd immunity to various infections, specialists from the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology informed Izvestia.
Read also Face masks made mandatory in Russia’s Khabarovsk to prevent coronavirus spread


tass--2020-02-07--he Sunhak Peace Prize Committee held the 2020 Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony

SEOUL , South Korea , Feb. 7 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee held the 2020 Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony commemorating the centenary of the founder on February 5 , 10 am , at KINTEX , Ilsan , Republic of Korea .
The 2020 Sunhak Peace Prize was awarded to President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal and Bishop Munib A. Younan , the International Honorary President of Religions for Peace .
Marking the centenary of the founder Rev .
Sun Myung Moon , a special Founders ' Centenary Award was presented to former UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized for successfully shortening the presidential term from seven to five years and reviving the economy through transparent policies , thereby spreading mature democracy to neighboring countries on the African continent where long-term dictatorship and poverty still abound .
Bishop Younan was recognized for his 40-years of work to promote harmony among Judaism , Christianity , and Islam in the Middle East and in particular to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict .
Former UN Secretary-General Ban led the UN towards achieving a sustainable world with unyielding dedication in the face of unprecedented global challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , climate change , terrorism and refugee issues .
In his acceptance speech , President Sall emphasized that peace requires social components of inclusive economic growth that contributes to poverty eradication and reduction of inequality .
He reaffirmed his determination to take lead in ending the conflicts on the African continent and achieving social and economic development .
Bishop Younan called out to the religious leaders `` to raise their voices for peace based on justice and to speak boldly against the waves of hatred and oppression '' and said , `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on justice until the last breath of my life . ''
Former UN Secretary-General Ban stated that `` there are still more than 700 million people going to bed with a hungry stomach '' and that receiving this prize gave him `` much more added commitment , added motivation that I should do much more because there are still many people who are yearning for peace , prosperity , and for their human rights to be respected and protected . ''
The ceremony was attended by more than 5,000 people , including former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from various governmental , academic , industrial , media , and religious organizations worldwide .
The Sunhak Peace Prize is awarded to individuals and organizations that have greatly contributed to the peace of future generations and human development .

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sunhak Peace Prize Committee held the 2020 Sunhak Peace Prize Award Ceremony commemorating the centenary of the founder on February 5, 10 am, at KINTEX, Ilsan, Republic of Korea.
The 2020 Sunhak Peace Prize was awarded to President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal and Bishop Munib A. Younan, the International Honorary President of Religions for Peace. Marking the centenary of the founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon, a special Founders' Centenary Award was presented to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
President Sall was recognized for successfully shortening the presidential term from seven to five years and reviving the economy through transparent policies, thereby spreading mature democracy to neighboring countries on the African continent where long-term dictatorship and poverty still abound.
Bishop Younan was recognized for his 40-years of work to promote harmony among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the Middle East and in particular to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban led the UN towards achieving a sustainable world with unyielding dedication in the face of unprecedented global challenges and crises, including global economic crisis, climate change, terrorism and refugee issues.
In his acceptance speech, President Sall emphasized that peace requires social components of inclusive economic growth that contributes to poverty eradication and reduction of inequality. He reaffirmed his determination to take lead in ending the conflicts on the African continent and achieving social and economic development.
Bishop Younan called out to the religious leaders "to raise their voices for peace based on justice and to speak boldly against the waves of hatred and oppression" and said, "I will continue to work for peace based on justice until the last breath of my life."
Former UN Secretary-General Ban stated that "there are still more than 700 million people going to bed with a hungry stomach" and that receiving this prize gave him "much more added commitment, added motivation that I should do much more because there are still many people who are yearning for peace, prosperity, and for their human rights to be respected and protected."
The ceremony was attended by more than 5,000 people, including former and current heads of states and representatives from various governmental, academic, industrial, media, and religious organizations worldwide.
The Sunhak Peace Prize is awarded to individuals and organizations that have greatly contributed to the peace of future generations and human development.
CONTACT: Gayeon Roh, +82-2-3278-5158, sunhakprize@naver.com
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1087527/Sunhak_Peace_Prize_Younan.jpg
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1087526/Sunhak_Peace_Prize_Ban.jpg


tass--2020-02-07--Russia offers India to build latest minesweepers on Indian soil

LUCKNOW /India/ .
February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia is ready to set up the production of the latest Project @ @ @ @ @ in India , Russia ’ s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation told TASS @ @ @ @ @ show on Friday .
`` We are offering Indian partners to set up the production @ @ @ @ @ , Project 12701 ‘ Alexandrit-E ’ mine countermeasures ships and Project 75-I diesel electric submarines @ @ @ @ @ in India program , '' the federal defense agency said .
Under this program , @ @ @ @ @ set up the local production of Russia ’ s Ka-226T helicopters and Kalashnikov AK-203 assault @ @ @ @ @ said .

LUCKNOW /India/. February 7. /TASS/. Russia is ready to set up the production of the latest Project 12701 ‘Alexandrit-E’ minesweepers in India, Russia’s Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation told TASS at the DefExpo international arms show on Friday.
"We are offering Indian partners to set up the production of various classes of aircraft, Project 12701 ‘Alexandrit-E’ mine countermeasures ships and Project 75-I diesel electric submarines inn India under the Make in India program," the federal defense agency said.
Under this program, active work is underway to set up the local production of Russia’s Ka-226T helicopters and Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles in India, it said.


tass--2020-02-07--Estonian defense chief urges president to reject Russia’s potential Victory Day invitation

`` I don ’ t recommend [ accepting the invitation ] , especially considering the current situation , '' the minister said in an interview with the Sakala newspaper Friday .
TALLINN , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Juri Luik , Estonia ’ s Minister of Defense , believes the country ’ s President Kersti Kaljulaid must not visit Moscow on May 9 , should she receive such an invitation .
Putin : 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany to be celebrated in best way possible Luik pointed to recent statements by the Russian Foreign Ministry `` about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact , and on Poland and the Czech Republic . ''
`` In this context , attending the parade as an honored guest would send an entirely wrong signal , as if we indirectly support Russia ’ s rhetoric , '' the minister said .
On April 18 , 2019 , Kaljulaid visited Moscow to attend the opening ceremony of the renovated Estonian embassy .
Later , Russian President Vladimir Putin met her at the Kremlin , and called the absence of contacts between the officials of the two nations abnormal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 .

"I don’t recommend [accepting the invitation], especially considering the current situation," the minister said in an interview with the Sakala newspaper Friday.
TALLINN, February 7. /TASS/. Juri Luik, Estonia’s Minister of Defense, believes the country’s President Kersti Kaljulaid must not visit Moscow on May 9, should she receive such an invitation.
Putin: 75th anniversary of Victory over Nazi Germany to be celebrated in best way possible
Luik pointed to recent statements by the Russian Foreign Ministry "about the continuity of Estonia’s history, the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, and on Poland and the Czech Republic."
"In this context, attending the parade as an honored guest would send an entirely wrong signal, as if we indirectly support Russia’s rhetoric," the minister said.
On April 18, 2019, Kaljulaid visited Moscow to attend the opening ceremony of the renovated Estonian embassy. Later, Russian President Vladimir Putin met her at the Kremlin, and called the absence of contacts between the officials of the two nations abnormal. Kaljulaid invited Putin to visit Estonia in 2020.


tass--2020-02-07--Russia to deploy two ‘hypersonic missile hunters’ on Kola Peninsula in Arctic — source

`` Two Rezonans-N radar stations will be deployed on the Kola Peninsula in 2020 to boost the combat potential of the Northern Fleet .
One radar is already being fielded while the second station has been delivered to the peninsula and is due to be deployed by the end of 2020 , '' the source said .
MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Two Rezonans-N radars capable of spotting hypersonic targets will be deployed on the Kola Peninsula in the Russian Arctic by the end of the year , a source in the defense industry told TASS on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such stations : two in the northern Arkhangelsk Region and one on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Russian Arctic .
Therefore , five ‘ hypersonic target hunters ’ will be monitoring missile-threat directions within the Fleet ’ s responsibility area by the end of the year , the source added .
Rezonans radars operate in the meter band and employ the principle of wave resonance , which allows detecting aircraft based on stealth technology and also hypersonic targets flying at a speed of up to Mach 20 .
The radar is capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on aerodynamic targets at a distance of 600 km and at a range of 1,200 km on ballistic targets , at an altitude of up to 100 km .
As another source in the defense industry told TASS in January , Russia ’ s General Staff has decided to order five more Rezonans-N radar stations .
They are expected to be deployed in the Arctic east of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago .
The Pentagon has said that developing hypersonic weapons for the US Armed Forces is priority No .
1 .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at least one American hypersonic missile prototype is due to be tested by 2022 .

"Two Rezonans-N radar stations will be deployed on the Kola Peninsula in 2020 to boost the combat potential of the Northern Fleet. One radar is already being fielded while the second station has been delivered to the peninsula and is due to be deployed by the end of 2020," the source said.
MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. Two Rezonans-N radars capable of spotting hypersonic targets will be deployed on the Kola Peninsula in the Russian Arctic by the end of the year, a source in the defense industry told TASS on Friday.
The Northern Fleet earlier received three such stations: two in the northern Arkhangelsk Region and one on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Russian Arctic. Therefore, five ‘hypersonic target hunters’ will be monitoring missile-threat directions within the Fleet’s responsibility area by the end of the year, the source added.
Rezonans radars operate in the meter band and employ the principle of wave resonance, which allows detecting aircraft based on stealth technology and also hypersonic targets flying at a speed of up to Mach 20. The radar is capable of detecting targets and issuing target acquisition on aerodynamic targets at a distance of 600 km and at a range of 1,200 km on ballistic targets, at an altitude of up to 100 km.
As another source in the defense industry told TASS in January, Russia’s General Staff has decided to order five more Rezonans-N radar stations. They are expected to be deployed in the Arctic east of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.
The Pentagon has said that developing hypersonic weapons for the US Armed Forces is priority No. 1. According to the data of the US Air Force, at least one American hypersonic missile prototype is due to be tested by 2022.


tass--2020-02-07--Russian trawler sinks off Estonian coast, crew rescued — media

TALLINN , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
A Russian fishing trawler sank off the coast of Estonia overnight into Friday , seven crew members were rescued , the ERR news website reported .
According to ERR , Estonia ’ s Police and Border Guard Board received a distress call from the vessel at 23:40 ( 21:40 GMT ) on Thursday .
The trawler `` was suffering a rudder malfunction with two sections of the vessel flooded , '' the news website quoted the board ’ s spokesperson as saying .
Estonia carried out a rescue operation together with Finland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trawler in distress .
A tanker flying the Liberian flag was the first to come to its rescue .
`` The crew were discovered in a life raft and wearing life jackets , and winched to safety , '' ERR said .
Two crew members , said to be injured , were airlifted to the hospital by a Finnish rescue helicopter , while an Estonian police helicopter took the other five to a clinic for a medical check-up .
The news website pointed out that all of the trawler ’ s crew @ @ @ @ @

TALLINN, February 7. /TASS/. A Russian fishing trawler sank off the coast of Estonia overnight into Friday, seven crew members were rescued, the ERR news website reported.
According to ERR, Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board received a distress call from the vessel at 23:40 (21:40 GMT) on Thursday. The trawler "was suffering a rudder malfunction with two sections of the vessel flooded," the news website quoted the board’s spokesperson as saying.
Estonia carried out a rescue operation together with Finland, informing all vessels in the vicinity of the trawler in distress. A tanker flying the Liberian flag was the first to come to its rescue. "The crew were discovered in a life raft and wearing life jackets, and winched to safety," ERR said.
Two crew members, said to be injured, were airlifted to the hospital by a Finnish rescue helicopter, while an Estonian police helicopter took the other five to a clinic for a medical check-up.
The news website pointed out that all of the trawler’s crew members were Russian nationals.


tass--2020-02-07--Face masks made mandatory in Russia’s Khabarovsk to prevent coronavirus spread

KHABAROVSK , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Khabarovsk has made the wearing of face masks obligatory to fight the spike in respiratory diseases and prevent the spread of the coronavirus , the city administration said Friday .
`` This decision has been made by the city commission on the prevention and liquidation of emergencies .
Wearing filter masks is obligatory for transport , retail , and bank employees , teachers , doctors and everyone who comes in contact with large numbers of people every day , '' the message says , adding that wearing masks outdoors is not required .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be changed every two hours .
The city is also curtailing mass events in social , medical , educational , commercial , services and catering organizations .
`` These compulsory measures are caused by a spike in the seasonal flu and common cold in Khabarovsk , as well as to prevent the coronavirus , should the infection permeate into the city , '' said Tatiana Skorik , Deputy Chairwoman of the city administration ’ s Health , Fitness and Sports Department .
The city commission on emergencies assured that there are enough masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sale restrictions introduced last week .
`` We have some 40,000 masks in stock at the moment , '' says Denis Ulybyshev , head of the ‘ Pharmacia ’ regional budgetary institution .
`` On February 12 , we plan to receive 50,000 more .
[ … ] Last week , a sale restriction was introduced , ” he noted in which “ no more than 15 masks , ” could be acquired by one person .

KHABAROVSK, February 7. /TASS/. Khabarovsk has made the wearing of face masks obligatory to fight the spike in respiratory diseases and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the city administration said Friday.
"This decision has been made by the city commission on the prevention and liquidation of emergencies. Wearing filter masks is obligatory for transport, retail, and bank employees, teachers, doctors and everyone who comes in contact with large numbers of people every day," the message says, adding that wearing masks outdoors is not required. Masks are only mandatory indoors and must be changed every two hours.
The city is also curtailing mass events in social, medical, educational, commercial, services and catering organizations.
"These compulsory measures are caused by a spike in the seasonal flu and common cold in Khabarovsk, as well as to prevent the coronavirus, should the infection permeate into the city," said Tatiana Skorik, Deputy Chairwoman of the city administration’s Health, Fitness and Sports Department.
Mask sale restriction
The city commission on emergencies assured that there are enough masks in stores for everyone, despite the sale restrictions introduced last week.
"We have some 40,000 masks in stock at the moment," says Denis Ulybyshev, head of the ‘Pharmacia’ regional budgetary institution. "On February 12, we plan to receive 50,000 more. […] Last week, a sale restriction was introduced,” he noted in which “no more than 15 masks,” could be acquired by one person.


tass--2020-02-07--Over 70 Russian kids to be evacuated from Syria in near future

MOSCOW , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
More than 70 Russian children will be evacuated from Syria in the near future , Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children ’ s Rights Anna Kuznetsova told reporters on Friday .
`` We can say for sure that preparations are underway to evacuate more than 70 kids in the near future , '' Kuznetsova pointed out .
According to her , Russian experts got access to Syria ’ s Al-Roj camp and took DNA samples from 21 children .
`` As many as 53 kids are expected to return home from the Al-Hol camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Several children are about to arrive in Damascus .
These children will return on the next flight because their documents are almost ready , '' the presidential commissioner specified .
The problem of Russian children in Iraq and Syria emerged after a number of Russian citizens had joined the ranks of the Islamic State terror group ( outlawed in Russia ) active in the region .
Many of them brought their wives and kids with them , while others got married and had children in Iraq and Syria .
Many of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Efforts to bring these Russian children back home are being conducted at President Vladimir Putin ’ s instruction .
In 2017 , the children ’ s rights commissioner set up an inter-agency commission to facilitate the return of Russian children from war zones .
Together with the Foreign Ministry , the Emergencies Ministry , the Interior Ministry , the Health Ministry and other state agencies , the commission developed a roadmap for the return of Russian kids from Iraq and Syria .

MOSCOW, February 7. /TASS/. More than 70 Russian children will be evacuated from Syria in the near future, Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova told reporters on Friday.
"We can say for sure that preparations are underway to evacuate more than 70 kids in the near future," Kuznetsova pointed out. According to her, Russian experts got access to Syria’s Al-Roj camp and took DNA samples from 21 children.
"As many as 53 kids are expected to return home from the Al-Hol camp, their DNA samples have been collected. Several children are about to arrive in Damascus. These children will return on the next flight because their documents are almost ready," the presidential commissioner specified.
Evacuation of kids
The problem of Russian children in Iraq and Syria emerged after a number of Russian citizens had joined the ranks of the Islamic State terror group (outlawed in Russia) active in the region. Many of them brought their wives and kids with them, while others got married and had children in Iraq and Syria. Many of those kids lost their parents in the hostilities.
Efforts to bring these Russian children back home are being conducted at President Vladimir Putin’s instruction. In 2017, the children’s rights commissioner set up an inter-agency commission to facilitate the return of Russian children from war zones. Together with the Foreign Ministry, the Emergencies Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Health Ministry and other state agencies, the commission developed a roadmap for the return of Russian kids from Iraq and Syria.


tass--2020-02-07--Abe calls for peace treaty with Russia on mutually beneficial conditions

`` We will advance the negotiations one step at a time to find a solution that both sides would accept , '' Abe said .
TOKYO , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Japan and Russia must develop a peace agreement solution , which both nations would accept , going forward one step at a time , Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday during the annual `` Rally for Return of the Northern Territories '' [ a Japanese term for the South Kuril Islands . ]
To that end , the two nations must reach understanding and build relations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister said .
He underscored the importance of further development of joint Russian-Japanese economic activity in Southern Kuril Islands .
The annual rally was also attended by the foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi , who vowed to advance the negotiations on the territorial dispute and sign a peace treaty between Japan and Russia .
For the third year in a row , the rally goes without such wording as `` islands , unlawfully occupied by Russia . ''
Back in the day , Prime Minister Abe and his government renounced such language in so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Despite that , the rally scene , where the Prime Minister and other delegates spoke , was decorated with a huge poster reading `` Return the Northern Territories . ''
In accordance with the governmental decree , the `` National rallies for Return of the Northern Territories '' are held annually on February 7 , in remembrance of the first Russian-Japanese treaty , signed in 1855 .
These rallies are traditionally attended by the ministers , majority and opposition lawmakers , and former Southern Kuril residents .
Moscow and Tokyo have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades , with the Southern Kuril Islands sovereignty remaining the main obstacle .
Following the World War II , the entire archipelago has been included into the Soviet Union territory .
However , Japan claims sovereignty over islands Iturup , Shikotan , Kunashir and Habomai minor island group .
Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly claimed that Russian sovereignty over the islands is cemented in the international law and can not be challenged .

"We will advance the negotiations one step at a time to find a solution that both sides would accept," Abe said.
TOKYO, February 7. /TASS/. Japan and Russia must develop a peace agreement solution, which both nations would accept, going forward one step at a time, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday during the annual "Rally for Return of the Northern Territories" [a Japanese term for the South Kuril Islands.]
To that end, the two nations must reach understanding and build relations of mutual trust and friendship, the prime minister said. He underscored the importance of further development of joint Russian-Japanese economic activity in Southern Kuril Islands.
The annual rally was also attended by the foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who vowed to advance the negotiations on the territorial dispute and sign a peace treaty between Japan and Russia.
For the third year in a row, the rally goes without such wording as "islands, unlawfully occupied by Russia." Back in the day, Prime Minister Abe and his government renounced such language in so as not to harm the negotiations process. Despite that, the rally scene, where the Prime Minister and other delegates spoke, was decorated with a huge poster reading "Return the Northern Territories."
In accordance with the governmental decree, the "National rallies for Return of the Northern Territories" are held annually on February 7, in remembrance of the first Russian-Japanese treaty, signed in 1855. These rallies are traditionally attended by the ministers, majority and opposition lawmakers, and former Southern Kuril residents.
Moscow and Tokyo have been stuck in negotiations on peace treaty for decades, with the Southern Kuril Islands sovereignty remaining the main obstacle. Following the World War II, the entire archipelago has been included into the Soviet Union territory. However, Japan claims sovereignty over islands Iturup, Shikotan, Kunashir and Habomai minor island group. Russian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly claimed that Russian sovereignty over the islands is cemented in the international law and cannot be challenged.


tass--2020-02-07--Russian top diplomat arrives in Venezuela

CARACAS , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas @ @ @ @ @ his tour of Latin American countries , a TASS correspondent reported .
Lavrov has already @ @ @ @ @ Mexico .
Venezuelan top diplomat Jorge Arreaza welcomed Lavrov and other members of the Russian @ @ @ @ @ The Russian foreign minister is expected to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and hold @ @ @ @ @ Rodriguez .

CARACAS, February 7. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, the last leg of his tour of Latin American countries, a TASS correspondent reported. Lavrov has already made visits to Cuba and Mexico.
Venezuelan top diplomat Jorge Arreaza welcomed Lavrov and other members of the Russian delegation at the airport. The Russian foreign minister is expected to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and hold talks with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.
Lavrov last visited Venezuela in August 2011.


tass--2020-02-07--Defense Ministry: Israel's air strike at Damascus could have affected passenger plane

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

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


tass--2020-02-07--Number of coronavirus cases in China surpasses 31,100

The commission said that over 186,000 people remain quarantined in China .
BEIJING , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
The number of people infected with the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV has surpassed 31,100 in China , the death toll climbed to 636 , and 1,540 people recovered from the virus , China 's National Health Commission reported on Friday .
WHO to convene global forum on coronavirus research on February 11-12 Most cases are reported in Hubei province ( 22,100 ) , where 618 people died from the new coronavirus , and 817 others recovered .
In Zhejiang ( 970 cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no deaths from the coronavirus were reported , and 70 and 91 people recovered respectively .
One person died from the the new coronavirus in Beijing ( 274 cases ) .
In Heilongjiang province bordering Russia 277 people were infected ( three people died ) , and in Inner Mongolia province bordering Russia - 46 people .
Over 24,700 people remain under medical supervision in China .
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan .
Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia .
The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .

The commission said that over 186,000 people remain quarantined in China.
BEIJING, February 7. /TASS/. The number of people infected with the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV has surpassed 31,100 in China, the death toll climbed to 636, and 1,540 people recovered from the virus, China's National Health Commission reported on Friday.
WHO to convene global forum on coronavirus research on February 11-12
Most cases are reported in Hubei province (22,100), where 618 people died from the new coronavirus, and 817 others recovered. In Zhejiang (970 cases) and Guangdong (954 cases), no deaths from the coronavirus were reported, and 70 and 91 people recovered respectively.
One person died from the the new coronavirus in Beijing (274 cases). In Heilongjiang province bordering Russia 277 people were infected (three people died), and in Inner Mongolia province bordering Russia - 46 people.
Over 24,700 people remain under medical supervision in China.
The Chinese authorities registered an outbreak of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV in the city of Wuhan. Cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in 24 other countries and territories, including in Russia. The World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.


tass--2020-02-07--Russia, Mexico have good prospects for expanding military-technical cooperation — Lavrov

MEXICO CITY , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Mexico may expand cooperation in the military-technical sphere , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday at a press conference following his visit to Mexico .
Lukoil to start offshore drilling in Mexico in September 2020 , says CEO '' We have rather good beginnings in the sphere of military-technical cooperation .
Around 50 Russian-manufactured helicopters are working in Mexico , a center for their servicing is functioning , as well as a center for pilot training , '' Lavrov said .
The Russian foreign minister added that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other spheres as well , such as energy , mechanical engineering , shipbuilding , aviation , railways , pharmaceuticals , chemical industry , agriculture .
`` When it comes to future prospects , the Mexican side is currently considering a concrete proposal from Rosoboronexport , including on preliminary contracts on helicopter deliveries , '' Lavrov said .
The Russian foreign minister added that there are already 50 helicopters Mi-8 and Mi-17 in Mexico .
He noted that Russian military equipment is well known in Latin America .
`` Our military-technical equipment has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries value the quality , the conditions of delivery , the price and terms of service , '' he said .

MEXICO CITY, February 7. /TASS/. Russia and Mexico may expand cooperation in the military-technical sphere, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday at a press conference following his visit to Mexico.
Lukoil to start offshore drilling in Mexico in September 2020, says CEO
"We have rather good beginnings in the sphere of military-technical cooperation. Around 50 Russian-manufactured helicopters are working in Mexico, a center for their servicing is functioning, as well as a center for pilot training," Lavrov said.
The Russian foreign minister added that the two countries have good prospects for cooperation in other spheres as well, such as energy, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, aviation, railways, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry, agriculture.
"When it comes to future prospects, the Mexican side is currently considering a concrete proposal from Rosoboronexport, including on preliminary contracts on helicopter deliveries," Lavrov said.
The Russian foreign minister added that there are already 50 helicopters Mi-8 and Mi-17 in Mexico. He noted that Russian military equipment is well known in Latin America.
"Our military-technical equipment has a good reputation. Many Latin American countries value the quality, the conditions of delivery, the price and terms of service," he said.


tass--2020-02-07--Russia and Mexico have similar positions on situation in Venezuela — Lavrov

`` If we talk about the importance of national dialogue without preconditions , then this is our position and the position of Mexico .
Those who think , as our Western colleagues do , that dialogue is needed for one aim - to discuss the criteria of regime change , then this does not look like mediation but more like forcing the scenarios from outside , '' he added .
`` You have started your question with a phrase on whether Russia can coordinate conditions for Maduro 's exit .
We have already discussed this , the European Union formed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lima Group formed an initiative on this , '' Lavrov added .
`` We do not consider such initiatives as useful or productive , '' he noted .
`` We do not bring proposals to other capitals , and we always respect our partners , with whom we have dialogue , '' Lavrov said in a response to a question on what proposals Russia will bring to Caracas .
`` We have agreed that any attempts to resuscitate neo-colonial doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine and to repeat scenarios of infamous color revolutions may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lavrov said .
`` In particular , we have similar positions on the situation in Venezuela and around it .
Just like Russia , Mexico calls for resolving all issues that exist in this country and that have accumulated , exclusively through dialogue between the government and the opposition , '' he added .
MEXICO CITY , February 7 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and Mexico have similar positions on the normalization of the situation in Venezuela , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday at a press conference following his visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington that there are no options other than removing the incumbent government , incumbent president from power , '' the Russian foreign minister said .
`` This is not our approach and not the approach of our Mexican partners .
We support dialogue without preconditions , only then the sides can negotiate mutually acceptable solutions on overcoming the existing crisis .
If the outcome of the dialogue is predetermined , then this is not mediation but dictat , '' he concluded .
`` Both Russia and Mexico call for resolving all issues of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the basis of the Monroe Doctrine , as we hear from Washington about their intentions , not on the basis of attempts to provoke a military confrontation to set a pretext for a military intervention , but exclusively by peaceful means , through dialogue between all political forces , '' Lavrov said .
He reminded that Mexico supported Norway 's initiative on promoting the `` Oslo process '' on establishing dialogue between Venezuela 's government and opposition .
`` Unfortunately , this process stalled because of the whims of self-proclaimed Mr Guaido , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` However , there are positive shifts .
I mean national dialogue that was launched between the government of President Maduro and patriotic opposition members .
It is clear that it does not include all political forces in the country .
Just like Mexico , we call for it to be more inclusive , '' he stressed .
`` No one can solve the problems of Venezuelans for them , but others may very well try to prevent them from negotiating .
We see such attempts aimed at setting a pretext for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Russia and Mexico agree that this will be categorically unacceptable , '' he added .
`` I have heard more threats from Washington — to punish all those who cooperate with Venezuela in one way or another .
We have grown used to it already .
We have grown used to hearing US officials say , 'Yes , Washington remains committed to the Monroe Doctrine , and the Monroe Doctrine should be fulfilled ' , '' Lavrov said .
`` If Latin American countries feel comfortable with this , it is their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister noted .
`` I think that this is offensive to all Latin Amercian countries , regardless of their position on Venezuela or any other international issue , '' Lavrov noted .
The political crisis in Venezuela exacerbated on January 23 , when Juan Guaido , Venezuelan opposition leader and parliament speaker , whose appointment to that position had been cancelled by the country ’ s Supreme Court , declared himself interim president at a rally in the country ’ s capital of Caracas .
Several countries , including the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group members ( excluding Mexico ) , Australia , Albania , Georgia and Israel , as well as the Organization of American States , recognized him as the legitimate leader .
Incumbent President of the country Nicolas Maduro , in turn , blasted the move as a coup staged by Washington and said he was severing diplomatic ties with the US .
In contrast , Russia , Belarus , Bolivia , Iran , Cuba , Nicaragua , El Salvador , Syria and Turkey voiced support for Maduro .

"If we talk about the importance of national dialogue without preconditions, then this is our position and the position of Mexico. Those who think, as our Western colleagues do, that dialogue is needed for one aim - to discuss the criteria of regime change, then this does not look like mediation but more like forcing the scenarios from outside," he added.
"You have started your question with a phrase on whether Russia can coordinate conditions for Maduro's exit. We have already discussed this, the European Union formed an initiative on this, the so-called Lima Group formed an initiative on this," Lavrov added. "We do not consider such initiatives as useful or productive," he noted.
"We do not bring proposals to other capitals, and we always respect our partners, with whom we have dialogue," Lavrov said in a response to a question on what proposals Russia will bring to Caracas.
"We have agreed that any attempts to resuscitate neo-colonial doctrines like the Monroe Doctrine and to repeat scenarios of infamous color revolutions may lead to a dangerous escalation," Lavrov said. "In particular, we have similar positions on the situation in Venezuela and around it. Just like Russia, Mexico calls for resolving all issues that exist in this country and that have accumulated, exclusively through dialogue between the government and the opposition," he added.
MEXICO CITY, February 7. /TASS/. Russia and Mexico have similar positions on the normalization of the situation in Venezuela, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday at a press conference following his visit to Mexico.
"We hear statements from Washington that there are no options other than removing the incumbent government, incumbent president from power," the Russian foreign minister said. "This is not our approach and not the approach of our Mexican partners. We support dialogue without preconditions, only then the sides can negotiate mutually acceptable solutions on overcoming the existing crisis. If the outcome of the dialogue is predetermined, then this is not mediation but dictat," he concluded.
"Both Russia and Mexico call for resolving all issues of this country [Venezuela] not on the basis of the Monroe Doctrine, as we hear from Washington about their intentions, not on the basis of attempts to provoke a military confrontation to set a pretext for a military intervention, but exclusively by peaceful means, through dialogue between all political forces," Lavrov said.
He reminded that Mexico supported Norway's initiative on promoting the "Oslo process" on establishing dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition. "Unfortunately, this process stalled because of the whims of self-proclaimed Mr Guaido," the Russian foreign minister noted.
"However, there are positive shifts. I mean national dialogue that was launched between the government of President Maduro and patriotic opposition members. It is clear that it does not include all political forces in the country. Just like Mexico, we call for it to be more inclusive," he stressed.
"No one can solve the problems of Venezuelans for them, but others may very well try to prevent them from negotiating. We see such attempts aimed at setting a pretext for a military intervention," Lavrov said. "Russia and Mexico agree that this will be categorically unacceptable," he added.
"I have heard more threats from Washington — to punish all those who cooperate with Venezuela in one way or another. We have grown used to it already. We have grown used to hearing US officials say, 'Yes, Washington remains committed to the Monroe Doctrine, and the Monroe Doctrine should be fulfilled'," Lavrov said.
"If Latin American countries feel comfortable with this, it is their sovereign right," the Russian foreign minister noted. "I think that this is offensive to all Latin Amercian countries, regardless of their position on Venezuela or any other international issue," Lavrov noted.
The political crisis in Venezuela exacerbated on January 23, when Juan Guaido, Venezuelan opposition leader and parliament speaker, whose appointment to that position had been cancelled by the country’s Supreme Court, declared himself interim president at a rally in the country’s capital of Caracas. Several countries, including the United States, most of the EU states, Lima Group members (excluding Mexico), Australia, Albania, Georgia and Israel, as well as the Organization of American States, recognized him as the legitimate leader. Incumbent President of the country Nicolas Maduro, in turn, blasted the move as a coup staged by Washington and said he was severing diplomatic ties with the US. In contrast, Russia, Belarus, Bolivia, Iran, Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Syria and Turkey voiced support for Maduro.