tass--2020-02-28--Hainan's Wenchang to launch major power-generating station in March

HAIKOU , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
China 's Hainan will launch in March a combined power and gas generating station which is considered to be one of key objects of the thirteenth five-year plan ( 2016-2020 ) in China .
According to www.hinews.cn , the power station will be operating in Wenchang in the province 's north-east .
The news outlet writes that this project by China Southern Power Grid is the first of its kind on the Island of Hainan .
Construction and engineering works are complete by 80 % .
In conformity with plans , the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready for work , will start operating .
The facility contains s four power units , the capacity of each one reaching 460 MW .
Investments in this energy program exceeded 5.4 billion yuan ( $ 770 million ) .
The project is aimed at providing a growing demand for electricity in the city , where several important infrastructure facilities are under construction at once , one of them being an international aerospace town .
In April 2018 , President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the island province .
By 2050 , according to the authorities , the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy , developed tourism , top-notch scientific , technical and financial potential , and modern medicine .
The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan .
By 2025 , the Chinese government intends to create an `` international center for tourism and consumption '' on Hainan .
In order to do so , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural landscapes , thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels , which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline .
The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world .

HAIKOU, February 28. /TASS/. China's Hainan will launch in March a combined power and gas generating station which is considered to be one of key objects of the thirteenth five-year plan (2016-2020) in China. According to www.hinews.cn, the power station will be operating in Wenchang in the province's north-east.
The news outlet writes that this project by China Southern Power Grid is the first of its kind on the Island of Hainan. Construction and engineering works are complete by 80%.
In conformity with plans, the first generator turbine, which is already completely ready for work, will start operating. The facility contains s four power units, the capacity of each one reaching 460 MW. Investments in this energy program exceeded 5.4 billion yuan ($ 770 million).
The project is aimed at providing a growing demand for electricity in the city, where several important infrastructure facilities are under construction at once, one of them being an international aerospace town.
In April 2018, President Xi Jinping said that the Chinese authorities intend to actively involve Hainan in globalization and to draw foreign investors to the island province. By 2050, according to the authorities, the island should become a unique international cluster with an advanced economy, developed tourism, top-notch scientific, technical and financial potential, and modern medicine. The branches of the best universities and offices of the most powerful corporations in the world will be located on the Island of Hainan.
By 2025, the Chinese government intends to create an "international center for tourism and consumption" on Hainan. In order to do so, the "Eastern Hawaii" with their unique natural landscapes, thick rainforests and great climate will establish a developed network of hotels, which blend perfectly with white sandy beaches stretching along the coastline. The combination of an exotic subtropical nature and a modern eco-friendly infrastructure will boost tourist inflow to the island from the most distant parts of the world.


tass--2020-02-28--Pets belonging to Hongkongers with confirmed coronavirus to be quarantined, says paper

`` ... from now on , we will ask the owners to send their pets to the [ Agriculture , Fisheries and Conservation Department ] for quarantine just to make sure they are not infected , '' the specialist said .
MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
All pets belonging to the Hongkongers with confirmed Covid-19 will be quarantined for two weeks , the South China Morning Post reported on Friday quoting Chuang Shuk-kwan , head of the communicable disease branch of the Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong .
Earlier on Friday , the Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the virus was possibly passed from a human to a pet .
Preliminary tests showed symptoms of the disease in the dog belonging to a man earlier diagnosed with the novel coronavirus .
As of now , 94 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Hong Kong .
Two people have died .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 50 countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
According to the latest data , the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 78,800 , as many as 2,788 people have died and over 36,100 have recovered .
The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern , describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .

"... from now on, we will ask the owners to send their pets to the [Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department] for quarantine just to make sure they are not infected," the specialist said.
MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. All pets belonging to the Hongkongers with confirmed Covid-19 will be quarantined for two weeks, the South China Morning Post reported on Friday quoting Chuang Shuk-kwan, head of the communicable disease branch of the Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong.
Earlier on Friday, the Hong Kong authorities reported the first case in which the virus was possibly passed from a human to a pet. Preliminary tests showed symptoms of the disease in the dog belonging to a man earlier diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.
As of now, 94 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Hong Kong. Two people have died.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese health officials reported a cluster of cases of acute respiratory illness to the World Health Organization in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - now named COVID-19 (2019-nCoV), otherwise known as the novel coronavirus - was identified on January 7, 2020.
Apart from China, 50 countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 78,800, as many as 2,788 people have died and over 36,100 have recovered.
The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, describing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.


tass--2020-02-28--Russia's S7 will continue charter flights to South Korea by mid-March at least

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
S7 airline plans to make charter flights between Russia and South Korea by @ @ @ @ @ the company ’ s press service told TASS on Friday .
`` More than 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ flights between Russia and South Korea with departures in March .
We plan that passengers @ @ @ @ @ S7 charters .
The charter flight schedule has been prepared until the middle of March @ @ @ @ @ company said .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. S7 airline plans to make charter flights between Russia and South Korea by mid-March at the least, the company’s press service told TASS on Friday.
"More than 10,000 passengers that purchased tickets for flights between Russia and South Korea with departures in March. We plan that passengers will be returned home by S7 charters. The charter flight schedule has been prepared until the middle of March so far," the company said.


tass--2020-02-28--Putin, members of Russia’s Security Council alarmed at escalation in Idlib

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of Russia ’ s Security Council have voiced their utmost concern about the recent escalation in Syria ’ s Idlib , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday after the president ’ s emergency meeting with permanent members of Russia ’ s Security Council .
`` [ They have held ] a detailed conversation about the situation around Syria ’ s Idlib and voiced their extreme concern over the flare-up in that Syrian region , which was triggered by terrorist groups who stepped up offensives against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters .
Russia did everything possible for the security of Turkish forces at observation posts during the Syrian government troops ’ offensive against terrorist formations in Idlib , according to Russia ’ s Security Council .
`` None of these Turkish servicemen either suffered or came under threat at these posts .
The tragic deaths of Turkish troops occurred at the places of offensive operations by terrorist formations , among which , incidentally , there are numerous foreign mercenaries , including citizens of the former Soviet Union , '' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not report about the presence of Turkish forces there , despite our inquiries , '' Peskov pointed out .
Putin and members of the Russia ’ s Security Council expect that Ankara will do everything possible to ensure security of Russian missions and citizens in Turkey .
`` The participants in the meeting were hopeful that the Turkish authorities will do their best to ensure security of Russian missions and Russian nationals in Turkey , '' Peskov said .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of Russia’s Security Council have voiced their utmost concern about the recent escalation in Syria’s Idlib, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday after the president’s emergency meeting with permanent members of Russia’s Security Council.
"[They have held] a detailed conversation about the situation around Syria’s Idlib and voiced their extreme concern over the flare-up in that Syrian region, which was triggered by terrorist groups who stepped up offensives against the Syrian army," Peskov told reporters.
Russia did everything possible for the security of Turkish forces at observation posts during the Syrian government troops’ offensive against terrorist formations in Idlib, according to Russia’s Security Council.
"None of these Turkish servicemen either suffered or came under threat at these posts. The tragic deaths of Turkish troops occurred at the places of offensive operations by terrorist formations, among which, incidentally, there are numerous foreign mercenaries, including citizens of the former Soviet Union," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"The Turkish side did not report about the presence of Turkish forces there, despite our inquiries," Peskov pointed out.
Putin and members of the Russia’s Security Council expect that Ankara will do everything possible to ensure security of Russian missions and citizens in Turkey.
"The participants in the meeting were hopeful that the Turkish authorities will do their best to ensure security of Russian missions and Russian nationals in Turkey," Peskov said.


tass--2020-02-28--Wuhan's war on COVID-19: How China mobilizes the whole country to contain the virus

BEIJING , Feb. 28 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CGTN recently looked back on China 's efforts to fight the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak in a recent report and released an original video .
A health crisis struck China on the cusp of the new year .
Wuhan , a metropolis of 11 million residents in central China 's Hubei Province , would become the epicenter of a new coronavirus .
On January 23 , Chinese authorities placed a lockdown on Wuhan , a transportation hub with a population 1.3 times that of New York , to contain the disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local health care system under tremendous stress .
An unprecedented rescue mission and nationwide battle against the epidemic began .
The first batch of medical teams from outside Hubei arrived on the Chinese New Year 's Eve .
Meanwhile , Chinese companies were ordered to build a 1,000-bed hospital within 10 days .
Work on a second facility with 1,300 beds followed two days later .
Since then , eight top Chinese scientists , including veteran respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan , have led research teams to guide disease control and treatment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wuhan surpassed 5,000 in early February , Wuhan authorities began converting gymnasiums and exhibition centers into temporary hospitals to admit mild cases .
More backup of medical staff continued to arrive in the embattled provincial capital .
On February 9 , Wuhan 's airport saw the arrival of 6,000 medical workers on a single day .
The Chinese government called on 19 other provinces , municipalities and regions to send medics to affected cities in Hubei .
As the total number of confirmed cases in the city surpassed 20,000 , the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,400 army medics .
Over the past month , China has dispatched over 330 medical teams composed of 41,600 medics to the province .
On the front line , over 3,000 medical workers have been infected with the coronavirus , and more than 20 succumbed to the disease .
To plug a shortage of protective suits , masks and other medical supplies , Chinese manufacturers from various industries were mobilized , including those that normally make cars and cellphones .
With the opening of two new special hospitals and 13 temporary facilities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tens of thousands of new beds were added to accommodate more patients .
New confirmed cases in Wuhan started to decline by late February , in line with a nationwide downward trend of new infections .
Throughout China 's battle against COVID-19 , Chinese scientists and health authorities have worked closely with other countries and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) and shared the country 's experience with international peers .
The WHO has spoken highly of China 's contribution to disease prevention and control .
`` China 's efforts have bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps have come at greater cost to China itself , '' said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .

BEIJING, Feb. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CGTN recently looked back on China's efforts to fight the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak in a recent report and released an original video.
A health crisis struck China on the cusp of the new year. Wuhan, a metropolis of 11 million residents in central China's Hubei Province, would become the epicenter of a new coronavirus.
On January 23, Chinese authorities placed a lockdown on Wuhan, a transportation hub with a population 1.3 times that of New York, to contain the disease.
Rapidly rising numbers of infected cases put the local health care system under tremendous stress. An unprecedented rescue mission and nationwide battle against the epidemic began.
The first batch of medical teams from outside Hubei arrived on the Chinese New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, Chinese companies were ordered to build a 1,000-bed hospital within 10 days. Work on a second facility with 1,300 beds followed two days later.
Since then, eight top Chinese scientists, including veteran respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan, have led research teams to guide disease control and treatment in Wuhan.
After the total confirmed cases in Wuhan surpassed 5,000 in early February, Wuhan authorities began converting gymnasiums and exhibition centers into temporary hospitals to admit mild cases.
More backup of medical staff continued to arrive in the embattled provincial capital. On February 9, Wuhan's airport saw the arrival of 6,000 medical workers on a single day.
The Chinese government called on 19 other provinces, municipalities and regions to send medics to affected cities in Hubei.
As the total number of confirmed cases in the city surpassed 20,000, the Chinese Air Force sent in cargo planes carrying 1,400 army medics.
Over the past month, China has dispatched over 330 medical teams composed of 41,600 medics to the province.
On the front line, over 3,000 medical workers have been infected with the coronavirus, and more than 20 succumbed to the disease.
To plug a shortage of protective suits, masks and other medical supplies, Chinese manufacturers from various industries were mobilized, including those that normally make cars and cellphones.
With the opening of two new special hospitals and 13 temporary facilities, as well as other quarantine sites, tens of thousands of new beds were added to accommodate more patients.
New confirmed cases in Wuhan started to decline by late February, in line with a nationwide downward trend of new infections.
Throughout China's battle against COVID-19, Chinese scientists and health authorities have worked closely with other countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) and shared the country's experience with international peers.
The WHO has spoken highly of China's contribution to disease prevention and control. "China's efforts have bought the world time - even though those steps have come at greater cost to China itself," said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Please find the original content here:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-02-27/Wuhan-s-war-on-COVID-19-How-China-mobilizes-to-contain-the-virus-OqUh2Doeti/index.html?utm_source=bluef&utm_medium=media6&utm_campaign=Coronavirus
CONTACT: Jiang Simin, Jiang.simin@cgtn.com, +86-010-8506-1466, +86-188-2655-3286


tass--2020-02-28--Situation in Idlib does not give NATO cause to retaliate — Russian foreign minister

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The situation in Syria ’ s Idlib does not give NATO cause for @ @ @ @ @ the alliance ’ s fundamental documents , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ , which regulates the relations between NATO states , stipulates the right to demand consultations @ @ @ @ @ territorial integrity and political independence is threatened , '' Lavrov commented .
`` There is @ @ @ @ @ with the situations when a NATO member is attacked , as the article says , @ @ @ @ @ and North America .
Then the mechanism of consultations and retaliation is deployed .
I @ @ @ @ @ current situation in Syria falls under any of these situations stipulated in these articles of @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The situation in Syria’s Idlib does not give NATO cause for joint retaliation in accordance with the alliance’s fundamental documents, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.
"The Washington Treaty, which regulates the relations between NATO states, stipulates the right to demand consultations if a country’s territorial integrity and political independence is threatened," Lavrov commented. "There is Article 5, which deals with the situations when a NATO member is attacked, as the article says, on the territory of Europe and North America. Then the mechanism of consultations and retaliation is deployed. I do not think that the current situation in Syria falls under any of these situations stipulated in these articles of the Washington Treaty."


tass--2020-02-28--Russia warns the West against once again banking on terrorists in Syria

He criticized statements from Western representatives , who maintain that the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham ( one of the names of the Russia-banned Jabhat al-Nusra ) is rehabilitating , ceasing to be extremist .
MOSCOW , February 28./TASS/ .
The Western nations should not repeat their own mistakes by banking on terrorists in order to achieve their geopolitical goals , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned at a news conference on Friday .
`` I want to most seriously warn our Western colleagues against repeating their mistakes , when stakes are put on a union with terrorists to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries , be it in Afghanistan or Iraq , Libya or Syria , '' he said .
This is done `` with the hope that after the terrorists have been used for achieving concrete geopolitical goals , they can be controlled .
This has never been the case in history , and I urge all our colleagues to remember that no deals are possible with the terrorists , and certainly [ it is impossible ] to bank on them for solving the problems that are within the context of the Syrian settlement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lavrov reiterated that US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS James Jeffrey had repeatedly expressed the opinion that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , recognized by the UN Security Council as a terrorist organization , is getting rid of extremists and becomes part of the settlement process in Syria as `` it is primarily focused on fighting the Assad regime . ''
The Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that this view had already got shared by Western political analysts , while the UK-based International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders of that terrorist group in which he repeated Jeffrey ’ s words .
`` And commentaries [ in Western countries ] are increasingly often made in this vein , '' he stated .

He criticized statements from Western representatives, who maintain that the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (one of the names of the Russia-banned Jabhat al-Nusra) is rehabilitating, ceasing to be extremist.
MOSCOW, February 28./TASS/. The Western nations should not repeat their own mistakes by banking on terrorists in order to achieve their geopolitical goals, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned at a news conference on Friday.
"I want to most seriously warn our Western colleagues against repeating their mistakes, when stakes are put on a union with terrorists to reach the geopolitical goals of overthrowing regimes in other countries, be it in Afghanistan or Iraq, Libya or Syria," he said. This is done "with the hope that after the terrorists have been used for achieving concrete geopolitical goals, they can be controlled. This has never been the case in history, and I urge all our colleagues to remember that no deals are possible with the terrorists, and certainly [it is impossible] to bank on them for solving the problems that are within the context of the Syrian settlement," the Russian diplomat added.
Lavrov reiterated that US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS James Jeffrey had repeatedly expressed the opinion that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, recognized by the UN Security Council as a terrorist organization, is getting rid of extremists and becomes part of the settlement process in Syria as "it is primarily focused on fighting the Assad regime."
The Russian diplomat drew attention to the fact that this view had already got shared by Western political analysts, while the UK-based International Crisis Group even interviewed one of the leaders of that terrorist group in which he repeated Jeffrey’s words.
"And commentaries [in Western countries] are increasingly often made in this vein," he stated.


tass--2020-02-28--Moscow cannot prevent Syrian Army from reacting to terrorist activities in Idlib — Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Syrian Army has the right to suppress terrorists in the Idlib province and Moscow can not prevent it from doing so , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday .
`` The Syrian Army has every right to respond to repeated ceasefire violations in the Idlib zone and suppress terrorists .
We can not stop the Syrian Army from implementing the provisions of UN Security Council resolutions on the uncompromising fight against all forms of terrorism , '' Lavrov emphasized .
The top diplomat reaffirmed Moscow 's full commitment to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Russian and Turkish presidents and urged Ankara to begin to abide by them too .
`` We reaffirm our full commitment to those agreements , which have been reached by the Russian and Turkish presidents regarding what has to be done in the Idlib de-escalation zone : to disengage the normal opposition from terrorists , demilitarize the inner belt in that zone so that no one can shell Syrian army positions and the Russian military base from there and to ensure the unhindered use of the motorways , which pass through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal with our Turkish counterparts .
Nevertheless , it is essential to start implementing these agreements , since things did not work out properly for a year and a half , '' he stated .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The Syrian Army has the right to suppress terrorists in the Idlib province and Moscow cannot prevent it from doing so, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday.
"The Syrian Army has every right to respond to repeated ceasefire violations in the Idlib zone and suppress terrorists. We cannot stop the Syrian Army from implementing the provisions of UN Security Council resolutions on the uncompromising fight against all forms of terrorism," Lavrov emphasized.
The top diplomat reaffirmed Moscow's full commitment to the agreements on Syria’s Idlib reached by the Russian and Turkish presidents and urged Ankara to begin to abide by them too. "We reaffirm our full commitment to those agreements, which have been reached by the Russian and Turkish presidents regarding what has to be done in the Idlib de-escalation zone: to disengage the normal opposition from terrorists, demilitarize the inner belt in that zone so that no one can shell Syrian army positions and the Russian military base from there and to ensure the unhindered use of the motorways, which pass through that zone. That remains our common goal with our Turkish counterparts. Nevertheless, it is essential to start implementing these agreements, since things did not work out properly for a year and a half," he stated.


tass--2020-02-28--Russia’s Northern Fleet continues tests of hypersonic weapons

The ministry ’ s board meeting discussed , in particular , the fulfillment of the Northern Fleet ’ s plan of activity for 2019-2025 .
`` The trials of new armament , including hypersonic weapons , continue .
All this will make it possible to qualitatively boost the combat potential of the Russian Navy ’ s Northern and other fleets , '' Shoigu told the ministry ’ s board meeting .
Russia test-launched its Tsirkon hypersonic missile from a ship for the first time when the Project 22350 frigate Admiral Gorshkov fired the weapon from the Barents Sea against a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in defense circles of Russia ’ s North-Western Federal District told TASS on Thursday .
`` In accordance with the program of the Tsirkon ’ s state trials , the Admiral Gorshkov test-launched this missile from the Barents Sea against a ground target at one of military testing ranges of the Northern Urals in early January , '' one of the sources said .
The other source confirmed this information , noting that `` the range of the Tsirkon ’ s flight exceeded 500 km . ''
The source added that the test-launches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery vehicles would be continued in 2020 .
`` After the program of test-launches from the board of the Admiral Gorshkov is over , these missiles will be test-fired from nuclear-powered submarines , '' the source commented .

The ministry’s board meeting discussed, in particular, the fulfillment of the Northern Fleet’s plan of activity for 2019-2025.
"The trials of new armament, including hypersonic weapons, continue. All this will make it possible to qualitatively boost the combat potential of the Russian Navy’s Northern and other fleets," Shoigu told the ministry’s board meeting.
Russia test-launched its Tsirkon hypersonic missile from a ship for the first time when the Project 22350 frigate Admiral Gorshkov fired the weapon from the Barents Sea against a ground target in January, two sources in defense circles of Russia’s North-Western Federal District told TASS on Thursday.
"In accordance with the program of the Tsirkon’s state trials, the Admiral Gorshkov test-launched this missile from the Barents Sea against a ground target at one of military testing ranges of the Northern Urals in early January," one of the sources said.
The other source confirmed this information, noting that "the range of the Tsirkon’s flight exceeded 500 km."
The source added that the test-launches of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile from seaborne delivery vehicles would be continued in 2020. "After the program of test-launches from the board of the Admiral Gorshkov is over, these missiles will be test-fired from nuclear-powered submarines," the source commented.


tass--2020-02-28--Coronavirus spreads to 50 countries, continues pressure on stock market

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The novel coronavirus continues its spread across the globe as first confirmed infection cases were reported by Belarus , Lithuania , Nigeria and New Zealand on Friday .
The number of states that confirmed coronavirus cases , has already exceeded 50 .
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to assume their responsibilities to fight the spread of COVID-19 , adding that the disease can still become out of control with dramatic consequences in global health and the global economy .
The World Health Organization suggests though that it is too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that the situation outside China is worrisome , insisting though that its spread can be contained if every country is ready to detect cases early .
He mentioned eight states , including Russia , which had not reported further cases for more than two weeks .
The situation continues affecting the economy .
Key Asian indexes closed in the red , while the US stocks plunged by around 4.5 % .
Dow Jones lost almost 1,200 points , marking the worst one-day point drop ever .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the 2008 global financial crisis as estimated by Associated Press and Bloomberg .
Russia ’ s MOEX and RTS indexes fell to October 2019 levels as they opened down below 2,800 and 1,350 points , respectively .
Global oil prices also continue their decline as the cost of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery decreased by almost 3 % early on Friday , with the price approaching the $ 50 per barrel mark .
The oil price was last below that level in the summer of 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been confirmed over the past 24 hours , while 44 people have died .
That brings the total number of infected to over 78,800 , while around 36,100 have recovered , according to the figures provided by the authorities .
The death toll has almost reached 2,800 people .
In South Korea , which has emerged as the biggest focal point outside the People ’ s Republic of China , the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has exceeded 2,000 people , while 13 people have died .
Hyundai Motor was forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ulsan after a worker tested positive for the new coronavirus .
South Korea ’ s Kospi index was down over 2 % .
As more than 900 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed and eight people died in Japan , the officials have announced the closures of all schools in the country due to its spread threat .
Japan ’ s key Nikkei index dropped by 3.67 % on Friday ( the decline reached 4.5 % during the day ) , while the Topix index went down by 3.65 % .
The situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed cases and 17 deaths .
Russia decided to suspend train service between Moscow and the French city of Nice as the train runs through the Italian territory , starting March 5 .
Flights operated by Aeroflot and Alitalia from Italy to Sheremetyevo will be serviced in Terminal F , to which flights from China and South Korea have been moved .
Russians have been recommended to refrain from travelling to Italy .
The number of infected in the United States has doubled as at least 33 new cases have been confirmed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead a task force to combat the spread of the coronavirus , noted though that the risk of the coronavirus spread in the US remains low .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The novel coronavirus continues its spread across the globe as first confirmed infection cases were reported by Belarus, Lithuania, Nigeria and New Zealand on Friday. The number of states that confirmed coronavirus cases, has already exceeded 50.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to assume their responsibilities to fight the spread of COVID-19, adding that the disease can still become out of control with dramatic consequences in global health and the global economy.
The World Health Organization suggests though that it is too early to declare a coronavirus pandemic. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that the situation outside China is worrisome, insisting though that its spread can be contained if every country is ready to detect cases early. He mentioned eight states, including Russia, which had not reported further cases for more than two weeks.
The situation continues affecting the economy. Key Asian indexes closed in the red, while the US stocks plunged by around 4.5%. Dow Jones lost almost 1,200 points, marking the worst one-day point drop ever. Stocks are poised for their worst week since the 2008 global financial crisis as estimated by Associated Press and Bloomberg.
Russia’s MOEX and RTS indexes fell to October 2019 levels as they opened down below 2,800 and 1,350 points, respectively.
Global oil prices also continue their decline as the cost of futures contracts of Brent crude oil for May 2020 delivery decreased by almost 3% early on Friday, with the price approaching the $50 per barrel mark. The oil price was last below that level in the summer of 2017.
In China, 327 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed over the past 24 hours, while 44 people have died. That brings the total number of infected to over 78,800, while around 36,100 have recovered, according to the figures provided by the authorities. The death toll has almost reached 2,800 people.
In South Korea, which has emerged as the biggest focal point outside the People’s Republic of China, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has exceeded 2,000 people, while 13 people have died. Hyundai Motor was forced to suspend production at one its factories in Ulsan after a worker tested positive for the new coronavirus. South Korea’s Kospi index was down over 2%.
As more than 900 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed and eight people died in Japan, the officials have announced the closures of all schools in the country due to its spread threat. Japan’s key Nikkei index dropped by 3.67% on Friday (the decline reached 4.5% during the day), while the Topix index went down by 3.65%.
The situation in Italy remains difficult, with 650 confirmed cases and 17 deaths. Russia decided to suspend train service between Moscow and the French city of Nice as the train runs through the Italian territory, starting March 5. Flights operated by Aeroflot and Alitalia from Italy to Sheremetyevo will be serviced in Terminal F, to which flights from China and South Korea have been moved. Russians have been recommended to refrain from travelling to Italy.
The number of infected in the United States has doubled as at least 33 new cases have been confirmed in California. Vice President Mike Pence appointed to lead a task force to combat the spread of the coronavirus, noted though that the risk of the coronavirus spread in the US remains low.


tass--2020-02-28--Media: Workers returning to Hainan's key construction sites

SANYA , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The first charter flight conducted by the Hainan Airlines brought 119 workers from the southern Chinese province of Guizhou to Hainan .
The workers are implementing one of the largest construction projects in the city of Sanya in the south of the island .
According to the Hainan Daily newspaper , the move will help restore the economy 's normal functioning in the province amid coronavirus .
The flight Guiyang-Sanya ( Guiyang is the administrative center of Guizhou ) arrived at Phoenix International Airport on February 24 .
This is the first group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a charter flight .
It is noted that during the flight the cabin 's air ventilation was improved , additional disinfection measures were taken , and the workers were all wearing medical face masks .
At Phoenix Airport , the passengers went through all the necessary checks and procedures .
Following coronavirus test results , they will return to work .
According to the newspaper , in March the work at all construction projects in Sanya will be resumed .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 55 countries and territories , including Russia .
According to Chinese authorities , over 83,380 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has reached 2,850 , while over 36,600 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

SANYA, February 28. /TASS/. The first charter flight conducted by the Hainan Airlines brought 119 workers from the southern Chinese province of Guizhou to Hainan. The workers are implementing one of the largest construction projects in the city of Sanya in the south of the island. According to the Hainan Daily newspaper, the move will help restore the economy's normal functioning in the province amid coronavirus.
The flight Guiyang-Sanya (Guiyang is the administrative center of Guizhou) arrived at Phoenix International Airport on February 24. This is the first group of workers who were brought to Hainan on a charter flight. It is noted that during the flight the cabin's air ventilation was improved, additional disinfection measures were taken, and the workers were all wearing medical face masks.
At Phoenix Airport, the passengers went through all the necessary checks and procedures. Following coronavirus test results, they will return to work.
According to the newspaper, in March the work at all construction projects in Sanya will be resumed.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Coronavirus cases have been reported in at least 55 countries and territories, including Russia. According to Chinese authorities, over 83,380 people have been infected with the virus in the country. The death toll has reached 2,850, while over 36,600 patients have recovered. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19.


tass--2020-02-28--Russia’s Northern Fleet to receive six warships and submarines by year-end

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The Northern Fleet will soon receive the nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir and the @ @ @ @ @ Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry ’ s board meeting on Friday .
Overall @ @ @ @ @ are due to arrive for the Northern Fleet by the year-end , the defense chief @ @

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The Northern Fleet will soon receive the nuclear-powered submarine Knyaz Vladimir and the frigate Admiral Kasatonov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at the ministry’s board meeting on Friday.
Overall, six warships and submarines are due to arrive for the Northern Fleet by the year-end, the defense chief said.


tass--2020-02-28--Putin, Erdogan can meet soon

Putin, Erdogan can meet soon

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan do not rule out that they could meet in the immediate future .
According to the Kremlin press service , the two leaders held a telephone conversation on Friday .
`` Both sides highlighted the need for additional measures to stabilize the situation in northwestern Syria , '' the press service noted .
The Kremlin stressed that the parties `` agreed to intensify relevant inter-agency consultations and explore the possibility of holding a top-level meeting in the immediate future . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the situation in Syria and voiced grave concern over the escalation of tensions in Idlib resulting in loss of life , including among Turkish military servicemen , '' the statement reads .
Both sides also `` highlighted the importance of improving coordination between the Russian and Turkish Defense Ministries . ''
The presidents hashed over the priorities of the fight against terrorism in a phone call , the Kremlin press service informed .
`` The fight against international terrorist groups was highlighted as a priority , '' the statement reads .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian-Turkish agreements made in 2018 and 2019 .
The situation in Idlib escalated in early February after the Russian and Turkish militaries had made another attempt to ensure a ceasefire .
In response , terrorists intensified their attacks .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on February 19 that Ankara was ready to use all of its military strength if a military operation in Idlib began .
He added that such an operation was just a matter of time as all preparations for it had been completed .
The situation in Idlib deteriorated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an airstrike by Syrian government forces had killed 33 Turkish soldiers .
Shortly after that , the Turkish armed forces carried out strikes against Syrian troops , clarifying that more than 200 targets had been hit .
Meanwhile , the Russian Defense Ministry said Russia ’ s Aerospace Forces had nothing to do with the incident .
Idlib is the only region in Syria still largely controlled by illegal armed groups .
A de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 , and militants who refused to lay down their arms moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghouta and the country ’ s south .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan do not rule out that they could meet in the immediate future.
According to the Kremlin press service, the two leaders held a telephone conversation on Friday. "Both sides highlighted the need for additional measures to stabilize the situation in northwestern Syria," the press service noted.
The Kremlin stressed that the parties "agreed to intensify relevant inter-agency consultations and explore the possibility of holding a top-level meeting in the immediate future."
"[They] continued to exchange views on the situation in Syria and voiced grave concern over the escalation of tensions in Idlib resulting in loss of life, including among Turkish military servicemen," the statement reads. Both sides also "highlighted the importance of improving coordination between the Russian and Turkish Defense Ministries."
The presidents hashed over the priorities of the fight against terrorism in a phone call, the Kremlin press service informed.
"The fight against international terrorist groups was highlighted as a priority," the statement reads. The two leaders also discussed the implementation of Russian-Turkish agreements made in 2018 and 2019.
Situation in Idlib
The situation in Idlib escalated in early February after the Russian and Turkish militaries had made another attempt to ensure a ceasefire. In response, terrorists intensified their attacks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on February 19 that Ankara was ready to use all of its military strength if a military operation in Idlib began. He added that such an operation was just a matter of time as all preparations for it had been completed.
The situation in Idlib deteriorated again on Friday. Ankara said that an airstrike by Syrian government forces had killed 33 Turkish soldiers. Shortly after that, the Turkish armed forces carried out strikes against Syrian troops, clarifying that more than 200 targets had been hit. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said Russia’s Aerospace Forces had nothing to do with the incident.
Idlib is the only region in Syria still largely controlled by illegal armed groups. A de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017, and militants who refused to lay down their arms moved there from the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta and the country’s south.


tass--2020-02-28--Brent below $50/bbl first time since July 2017

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil futures prices with delivery in May 2020 dropped by more than @ @ @ @ @ a barrel on the London-based ICE today , according to trading data .
The last @ @ @ @ @ at the level below $ 50 per barrel at the turn of July 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ futures with settlements in April fell by 4.5 % to $ 44.95 per barrel , @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile the dollar added 2.42 % against the ruble to 67.6 rubles per dollar @ @ @ @ @ 2.97 % and amounted to 74.7 rubles .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Brent oil futures prices with delivery in May 2020 dropped by more than 4% to $49.66 a barrel on the London-based ICE today, according to trading data.
The last time Brent oil prices were at the level below $50 per barrel at the turn of July 2017.
At the same time WTI futures with settlements in April fell by 4.5% to $44.95 per barrel, their lowest since January 2019.
Meanwhile the dollar added 2.42% against the ruble to 67.6 rubles per dollar. The euro rose by 2.97% and amounted to 74.7 rubles.


tass--2020-02-28--ZTE ranks top 3 with 2,561 families of 5G declared Standard-Essential Patents to ETSI

SHENZHEN , China , Feb. 28 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation ( 0763.HK/000063.SZ ) , a major international provider of telecommunications , enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the mobile Internet , today announced that it has declared 2,561 families of 5G Standard-Essential Patents ( SEP ) to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute ( ETS ) , thereby being included global top 3 , according to the latest 5G industry patent report distributed by The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany ( BMWi ) .
The report is jointly made by IPlytics and Technical University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competitiveness of independent innovation in the 5G era , ZTE has more than 5,000 5G patents , being among the `` Tier-1 Camp '' of global patent deployment .
ZTE has applied for more than 74,000 global patent assets , including over 34,000 granted patents worldwide .
Moreover , the company has more than 3,900 chipset patent applications , covering Europe , the U.S , Japan , Korea and other countries .
As a major contributor and participant in the research of global 5G technologies and standards , ZTE has submitted over 7,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To date , ZTE has carried out in-depth 5G cooperation with more than 70 operators globally , securing 46 5G commercial contracts around the world .
Moreover , the company has successfully implemented over 60 use cases , established strategic cooperation with over 300 industry customers , and cooperated with more than 200 leading product providers .
With intelligent property as one of its core strategies for development , ZTE has established a complete intellectual property management system and explored a patent operation strategy for itself .
By means of the high-quality global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innovations and gained global market competitive advantages , thereby bringing innovative products and high-quality services to customers .
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems , mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers , operators , companies and public sector customers .
As a part of ZTE 's strategy , the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge .
Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen ( H share stock code : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 000063.SZ ) , ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries .
To date , ZTE has obtained 46 commercial 5G contracts in major markets , such as Europe , Asia Pacific , Middle East and Africa ( MEA ) .
ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations .

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK/000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the mobile Internet, today announced that it has declared 2,561 families of 5G Standard-Essential Patents(SEP) to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETS), thereby being included global top 3, according to the latest 5G industry patent report distributed by The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany (BMWi). The report is jointly made by IPlytics and Technical University of Berlin.
Committed to building the core competitiveness of independent innovation in the 5G era, ZTE has more than 5,000 5G patents, being among the "Tier-1 Camp"of global patent deployment. ZTE has applied for more than 74,000 global patent assets, including over 34,000 granted patents worldwide.
Moreover, the company has more than 3,900 chipset patent applications, covering Europe, the U.S, Japan, Korea and other countries. As a major contributor and participant in the research of global 5G technologies and standards, ZTE has submitted over 7,000 5GNR/5GC proposals to international standardization organizations.
To date, ZTE has carried out in-depth 5G cooperation with more than 70 operators globally, securing 46 5G commercial contracts around the world. Moreover, the company has successfully implemented over 60 use cases, established strategic cooperation with over 300 industry customers, and cooperated with more than 200 leading product providers.
With intelligent property as one of its core strategies for development, ZTE has established a complete intellectual property management system and explored a patent operation strategy for itself. By means of the high-quality global patent deployment, ZTE has achieved sustainable innovations and gained global market competitive advantages, thereby bringing innovative products and high-quality services to customers.
ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, operators, companies and public sector customers. As a part of ZTE's strategy, the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE sells its products and services in more than 160 countries.
To date, ZTE has obtained 46 commercial 5G contracts in major markets, such as Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA). ZTE commits 10 percent of its annual revenues to research and development and takes leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations.
Media Contacts:
Margaret Ma
ZTE Corporation
Tel: +86 755 26775189
Email: ma.gaili@zte.com.cn


tass--2020-02-28--Putin, Erdogan discuss Syria’s Idlib over the phone

`` Today , a phone call between presidents Putin and Erdogan has been held at the initiative of the Turkish leader .
The talks were detailed .
They discussed the need to do everything possible to implement the original agreements on the de-escalation zone [ in Idlib ] , '' he said .
MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call on Friday , during which they hashed over the implementation of the agreements on Syria ’ s Idlib , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of holding new contacts on Idlib at different levels .
`` A possibility was discussed to shortly hold necessary contacts at this or that level .
Literally an hour-and-a-half ago , reports came that the Russian and Turkish negotiators who worked in Ankara yesterday and the day before yesterday , had agreed to continue work today , '' Lavrov informed .
Tensions in Syria ’ s Idlib escalated once again in the early hours of Friday .
Turkey stated that 33 of its military officers had been killed in an attack of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey struck over 200 Syrian military targets .
The Russian Defense Ministry told reporters that militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra ( terrorist organization outlawed in Russia ) had attempted to launch a major offensive in Idlib .
The Turkish military officers that came under fire of the Syrian military were among the advancing militants , the ministry noted .
The Russian Aerospace Forces did not participate in the attack , the defense officials informed .
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups , including the Jabhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria ’ s southern regions .
The Turkish army used to have 12 observation outposts in the province .
The Al-Mayadeen TV channel reports that in January and February , Turkey has increased its military presence in Idlib .
It now has 40 observation posts in the province .

"Today, a phone call between presidents Putin and Erdogan has been held at the initiative of the Turkish leader. The talks were detailed. They discussed the need to do everything possible to implement the original agreements on the de-escalation zone [in Idlib]," he said.
MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call on Friday, during which they hashed over the implementation of the agreements on Syria’s Idlib, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed.
Putin and Erdogan also allowed the possibility of holding new contacts on Idlib at different levels. "A possibility was discussed to shortly hold necessary contacts at this or that level. Literally an hour-and-a-half ago, reports came that the Russian and Turkish negotiators who worked in Ankara yesterday and the day before yesterday, had agreed to continue work today," Lavrov informed.
Tensions in Syria’s Idlib escalated once again in the early hours of Friday. Turkey stated that 33 of its military officers had been killed in an attack of the Syrian government forces. In response, Turkey struck over 200 Syrian military targets.
The Russian Defense Ministry told reporters that militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra (terrorist organization outlawed in Russia) had attempted to launch a major offensive in Idlib. The Turkish military officers that came under fire of the Syrian military were among the advancing militants, the ministry noted. The Russian Aerospace Forces did not participate in the attack, the defense officials informed.
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups, including the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group, since 2012. A northern de-escalation zone was set up in Idlib in 2017 to give shelter to militants who refused to surrender arms in Eastern Ghouta and Syria’s southern regions. The Turkish army used to have 12 observation outposts in the province. The Al-Mayadeen TV channel reports that in January and February, Turkey has increased its military presence in Idlib. It now has 40 observation posts in the province.


tass--2020-02-28--Russian Navy ships transit Black Sea straits in Mediterranean deployment

`` Two frigates of the Black Sea Fleet have started to pass simultaneously through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits towards the Mediterranean Sea .
The frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Grigorovich armed with the precision Kalibr-NK missile systems are making a planned transit from Sevastopol to the distant maritime area where they will join the Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce , '' the press office said in a statement .
SEVASTOPOL , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Black Sea Fleet frigates are passing through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits in their Mediterranean deployment , the Fleet ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performing their sea transit , the ships ’ crews accomplished a set of shipborne drills at the Fleet ’ s training ranges in the Black Sea .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s third frigate of this series , the Admiral Essen , has been performing tasks in the Mediterranean Sea since December 2019 , the press office said .
The Black Sea Fleet ’ s frigates represent a new series of Project 11356R/M ships ( the Project 11357 designation is also used ) .
These are multi-purpose frigates ( guard ships ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels , submarines and ground installations , carry out patrols and defend sea lanes .
The frigates of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface , coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km .
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1 , Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems , A-190 100mm universal artillery guns , torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers .
The frigates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter ( Ka-27 or Ka-31 ) .
The Soviet Navy ’ s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy ’ s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present .
The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period .
Its main rival was the US Navy ’ s 6th Fleet .
The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31 , 1992 , a year after the disintegration of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce .
Russia ’ s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations , including warding off threats to Russia ’ s national and military security .

"Two frigates of the Black Sea Fleet have started to pass simultaneously through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits towards the Mediterranean Sea. The frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Grigorovich armed with the precision Kalibr-NK missile systems are making a planned transit from Sevastopol to the distant maritime area where they will join the Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce," the press office said in a statement.
SEVASTOPOL, February 28. /TASS/. Russian Black Sea Fleet frigates are passing through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits in their Mediterranean deployment, the Fleet’s press office reported on Friday.
While performing their sea transit, the ships’ crews accomplished a set of shipborne drills at the Fleet’s training ranges in the Black Sea.
The Black Sea Fleet’s third frigate of this series, the Admiral Essen, has been performing tasks in the Mediterranean Sea since December 2019, the press office said.
The Black Sea Fleet’s frigates represent a new series of Project 11356R/M ships (the Project 11357 designation is also used). These are multi-purpose frigates (guard ships) for operation in distant waters. They are designed to destroy enemy surface ships and vessels, submarines and ground installations, carry out patrols and defend sea lanes.
The frigates of this Project are armed with eight launchers of Kalibr-NK cruise missiles that are capable of striking surface, coastal and underwater targets at a distance of up to 2,600 km.
The warships of this Project are also armed with Shtil-1, Palash and AK-630M air defense missile and artillery systems, A-190 100mm universal artillery guns, torpedo tubes and RBU-6000 rocket launchers. The frigates also have a take-off and landing strip and a hangar for an anti-submarine warfare helicopter (Ka-27 or Ka-31).
Russian Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron
The Soviet Navy’s 5th Mediterranean Squadron served as a prototype for the Russian Navy’s permanent Mediterranean taskforce operating at present. The 5th operational Soviet Squadron dealt with the tasks of naval presence in the Mediterranean theater of operations during the Cold War period. Its main rival was the US Navy’s 6th Fleet. The Soviet Squadron was disbanded on December 31, 1992, a year after the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
In 2013, Russia started to create a new operational Mediterranean taskforce. Russia’s new permanent Squadron is dealing with planned and urgent combat missions arising in the Mediterranean theater of operations, including warding off threats to Russia’s national and military security.


tass--2020-02-28--Four Iranian MPs test positive for coronavirus

TEHRAN , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Four Iranian parliamentarians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus , member of @ @ @ @ @ Vakili said in a tweet on Friday .
Thirty Majlis lawmakers underwent testing for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ four of them have tested positive , he wrote in his Twitter account .
On @ @ @ @ @ Iranian parliament ’ s National Security and Foreign Relations Commission Mojtaba Zonnour said that he @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Earlier , on Tuesday , Iranian MP Mahmoud Sadeghi and Iranian Deputy Health @ @ @ @ @ that they had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Besides , Iranian Vice President for Women @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) , IRNA news agency informed on Thursday .

TEHRAN, February 28. /TASS/. Four Iranian parliamentarians have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, member of the parliamentary presidium Mohammad Ali Vakili said in a tweet on Friday.
Thirty Majlis lawmakers underwent testing for coronavirus. At the moment, four of them have tested positive, he wrote in his Twitter account.
On Thursday, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Relations Commission Mojtaba Zonnour said that he had tested positive for the virus. Earlier, on Tuesday, Iranian MP Mahmoud Sadeghi and Iranian Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi also confirmed that they had tested positive for COVID-19. Besides, Iranian Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), IRNA news agency informed on Thursday.


tass--2020-02-28--Press review: Turkey ups the ante in Syria and why the US, China are expelling journalists

Syrian troops have managed to seize the Al-Ghab Plain though the air forces are facing serious resistance for the first time since 2015 .
Izvestia ’ s sources point out that the enemy is widely using advanced anti-aircraft weapons .
Turkish-backed militants keep trying to carry out an offensive and once again block the strategic M5 highway .
They have already seized the town of Saraqib .
However , experts believe that their success is temporary .
Idlib is filled with portable air-defense systems , which creates difficulties for warplanes and unmanned aerial vehicles that the Syrian government forces use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Boltenkov explained .
Anyway , the enemy ’ s use of anti-aircraft weapons did not stop the Syrian Army ’ s successful offensive in southern Idlib , where Turkey ’ s presence is minimal and terrorists from the Jabhat al-Nusra ( terror ) group ( outlawed in Russia ) failed to provide effective resistance .
On Wednesday , Syrian troops seized the hills surrounding the Al-Ghab Plain and on the next day , they took control of most settlements along the plain , where heavy fighting had been going on for several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a counter-offensive against Saraqib , which was supported by their allies .
For now , Turkish troops don ’ t seem to be willing to engage in direct fighting , focusing on artillery support , but they are generously providing militants with weapons and armored vehicles .
However , the terrorists ’ success in the Saraqib area is only temporary , military expert Vladislav Shurygin pointed out .
`` The Syrian Army ’ s main strike group had been redeployed to the south and the units that remained near Saraqib are not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thwart a militant attack supported by Turkish artillery , '' he explained .
`` It is not an easy task to defend Saraqib because it is located on flat land .
Once the operation in the south of the province is over , Syria ’ s strike forces will return and will once again force the militants and terrorists to retreat towards Idlib .
They have no chance of regaining control of the M5 unless Turkey enters the conflict , '' Shurygin added .
Meanwhile , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues threatening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syrian Army back to the line established by the Sochi agreements .
His ultimatum will expire on February 29 .
Given Turkey ’ s threats , the prospects for a meeting between Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin remain unclear .
The United States and China have entered into a tit-for-tat conflict as far as the media goes .
In response to the expulsion of Wall Street Journal reporters from China , the White House plans to get back at Chinese media outlets working in the US .
The visas of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled .
Beijing has vowed to take retaliatory steps , Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes .
Deputy Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences ’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations Alexander Lomanov told the paper that `` the media fray clearly shows that relations between the US and China have plunged to a serious low because all this is happening amid the coronavirus outbreak . ''
`` China is going through tough times .
The country ’ s authorities are fighting the virus , at the same time trying to hold the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular moment to designate a number of Chinese state media outlets as foreign agents , '' he added .
The move comes amid an anti-China campaign in the Western media .
`` They allege either that China ’ s one-party system is ineffective , which is why the epidemic broke out , or that the authorities are infringing on people ’ s freedom by putting them under quarantine , '' the expert pointed out .
The last straw came with a Wall Street Journal article that labeled China `` the real sick man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an insult referring to the humiliation China had to endure in the late 19th and early 20th century .
`` This is why I am pessimistic about the future of US-China relations .
The Chinese are used to propaganda wars and they understand that their achievements don ’ t make America happy .
However , the fact that Washington ’ s information attack came at such a time will keep torturing their minds , '' Lomanov emphasized .
Mankind won ’ t be able to defeat COVID-19 and it will break out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu outbreaks , Russian medical specialists told Izvestia .
Every year , the virus will target the most vulnerable , including the elderly , as well as those with chronic diseases and a weak immune system .
In the future , people around the globe may need regular vaccinations but it will take at least a year to create a vaccine .
`` The scope of the current outbreak and the death rate are not the main reason for concern .
The virus may settle in humans who don ’ t show any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment over a long period of time , '' Professor at Novosibirsk State University ’ s Faculty of Science Sergey Netesov said .
COVID-19 outbreaks will come in waves in the future , Dean of the Department of Biological and Medical Physics at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology ( MIPT ) Alexander Melerzanov pointed out .
`` As a rule , coronavirus incidences surge in the fall and winter .
If we take this particular strain , it will be possible to control it like various flu strains , but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasized .
The risk is high that humans will keep contracting COVID-19 , said Alexander Lukashev , the Director of First Moscow State Medical University ’ s Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology , Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases .
This is how the widespread respiratory syndrome coronaviruses came to be , which are not dangerous and circulate among humans in the form of acute respiratory viral infections .
`` The novel coronavirus situation points to a scenario implying that it will become part of our lives , '' the expert said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unprecedented in the history of modern virology , it is hard to predict how the situation will unfold , '' he added .
On Saturday , the Democratic presidential primaries will take place in South Carolina .
US Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders was the one who won the two previous primaries in New Hampshire and Nevada .
In South Carolina , presidential hopeful Joe Biden will have a chance to improve his standings because more than half of the state ’ s voters are African-Americans who support him , as he served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Vedomosti writes .
Three days after the South Carolina primaries , the big event — Super Tuesday — is scheduled to occur , when voting will take place in 14 states at once .
According to RealClearPolitics , Sanders is the most popular candidate in all those 14 states .
However , many in the Democratic establishment still believe that in order to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump , the party needs a more moderate candidate .
Ex-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg , who will enter the race on Super Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , unlike Biden , Bloomberg is seen as a stranger to the Democrats and has little chance of gaining wide support , said Yevgeny Minchenko , president of Minchenko Consulting .
From an emotional standpoint , the situation is changing for the Democrats , the expert said .
`` When Biden , the mainstream moderate , was the frontrunner , followed by the socialist Sanders , it was one thing .
In such a situation , it was clear to most Democrats for whom to campaign .
However , Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , besides , he is facing financial issues , while Sanders has seen a surge in donations , particularly after his Nevada win .
Bloomberg , too , has no funding problems , '' Minchneko noted .
Biden is now being pushed back by `` turncoat '' Bloomberg , who , like Trump , has switched parties , the expert noted .
Democrats don ’ t have much of a choice and it only increases Trump ’ s chances , which already look stronger because the failed impeachment bid has united Republican voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchange rate in Russia has exceeded 66 rubles per dollar for the first time since September 2019 .
Stock indexes have plunged to their lowest levels in months .
The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus outside of China is making investors withdraw from risky assets , and ruble assets have turned out to be the weakest ones due to a decline in oil prices , Kommersant notes .
International investors are overwhelmed with panic because the epidemic , which they thought was a local one , is now rapidly spreading across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle of the week , when the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that Americans needed to get ready for a possible coronavirus outbreak , which might have a huge negative impact on everyday life in America , '' Sberbank Commodity Market Strategist Mikhail Sheibe noted .
The coronavirus scare will continue to influence markets , including the oil market , as economic and transport activities decline , said Head of Equities at Otkritie Asset Management Vitaliy Isakov .
Markets fell due to concerns that COVID-19 would reduce fuel demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the US as well .
`` Coronavirus fears and an oil price drop , the biggest since May 2019 , are the reasons behind the ruble ’ s decline , '' Finam analyst Sergei Drozdov told Nezavisimaya Gazeta .
If a nightmare scenario , namely a global pandemic , comes true , the ruble exchange rate may fall to 70 rubles per dollar in the spring or summer , Chief Analyst at BCS Premier Anton Pokatovich said .
However , in his words , if the worst expectations are shattered and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the rate will reach 67-68 ruble per dollar in the near future .
TASS is not responsible for the material quoted in these press reviews .

Izvestia: Turkey raising stakes in Syria
Read also Turkish troops shelled by Syrian forces were among militants — Russian top brass
Syrian troops have managed to seize the Al-Ghab Plain though the air forces are facing serious resistance for the first time since 2015. Izvestia’s sources point out that the enemy is widely using advanced anti-aircraft weapons. Turkish-backed militants keep trying to carry out an offensive and once again block the strategic M5 highway. They have already seized the town of Saraqib. However, experts believe that their success is temporary. Idlib is filled with portable air-defense systems, which creates difficulties for warplanes and unmanned aerial vehicles that the Syrian government forces use to adjust artillery fire, military expert Dmitry Boltenkov explained. Anyway, the enemy’s use of anti-aircraft weapons did not stop the Syrian Army’s successful offensive in southern Idlib, where Turkey’s presence is minimal and terrorists from the Jabhat al-Nusra (terror) group (outlawed in Russia) failed to provide effective resistance. On Wednesday, Syrian troops seized the hills surrounding the Al-Ghab Plain and on the next day, they took control of most settlements along the plain, where heavy fighting had been going on for several years. In response, militants launched a counter-offensive against Saraqib, which was supported by their allies. For now, Turkish troops don’t seem to be willing to engage in direct fighting, focusing on artillery support, but they are generously providing militants with weapons and armored vehicles. However, the terrorists’ success in the Saraqib area is only temporary, military expert Vladislav Shurygin pointed out. "The Syrian Army’s main strike group had been redeployed to the south and the units that remained near Saraqib are not the best ones, so they failed to thwart a militant attack supported by Turkish artillery," he explained. "It is not an easy task to defend Saraqib because it is located on flat land. Once the operation in the south of the province is over, Syria’s strike forces will return and will once again force the militants and terrorists to retreat towards Idlib. They have no chance of regaining control of the M5 unless Turkey enters the conflict," Shurygin added. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues threatening to launch an operation to push the Syrian Army back to the line established by the Sochi agreements. His ultimatum will expire on February 29. Given Turkey’s threats, the prospects for a meeting between Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin remain unclear. Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Beijing, Washington embark on tit-for-tat media battle
The United States and China have entered into a tit-for-tat conflict as far as the media goes. In response to the expulsion of Wall Street Journal reporters from China, the White House plans to get back at Chinese media outlets working in the US. The visas of up to a dozen of Chinese journalists may be cancelled. Beijing has vowed to take retaliatory steps, Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes. Deputy Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of World Economy and International Relations Alexander Lomanov told the paper that "the media fray clearly shows that relations between the US and China have plunged to a serious low because all this is happening amid the coronavirus outbreak." "China is going through tough times. The country’s authorities are fighting the virus, at the same time trying to hold the economy together. And the Americans choose this particular moment to designate a number of Chinese state media outlets as foreign agents," he added. The move comes amid an anti-China campaign in the Western media. "They allege either that China’s one-party system is ineffective, which is why the epidemic broke out, or that the authorities are infringing on people’s freedom by putting them under quarantine," the expert pointed out. The last straw came with a Wall Street Journal article that labeled China "the real sick man of Asia." Beijing took it as an insult referring to the humiliation China had to endure in the late 19th and early 20th century. "This is why I am pessimistic about the future of US-China relations. The Chinese are used to propaganda wars and they understand that their achievements don’t make America happy. However, the fact that Washington’s information attack came at such a time will keep torturing their minds," Lomanov emphasized. Izvestia: Coronavirus will turn into flu-like seasonal illness
Mankind won’t be able to defeat COVID-19 and it will break out from time to time just like regular flu outbreaks, Russian medical specialists told Izvestia. Every year, the virus will target the most vulnerable, including the elderly, as well as those with chronic diseases and a weak immune system. In the future, people around the globe may need regular vaccinations but it will take at least a year to create a vaccine. "The scope of the current outbreak and the death rate are not the main reason for concern. The virus may settle in humans who don’t show any symptoms and emit the infection into the environment over a long period of time," Professor at Novosibirsk State University’s Faculty of Science Sergey Netesov said. COVID-19 outbreaks will come in waves in the future, Dean of the Department of Biological and Medical Physics at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) Alexander Melerzanov pointed out. "As a rule, coronavirus incidences surge in the fall and winter. If we take this particular strain, it will be possible to control it like various flu strains, but not fully defeat it," the scientist emphasized. The risk is high that humans will keep contracting COVID-19, said Alexander Lukashev, the Director of First Moscow State Medical University’s Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases. This is how the widespread respiratory syndrome coronaviruses came to be, which are not dangerous and circulate among humans in the form of acute respiratory viral infections. "The novel coronavirus situation points to a scenario implying that it will become part of our lives," the expert said. "However, since the current developments are unprecedented in the history of modern virology, it is hard to predict how the situation will unfold," he added. Vedomosti: Democratic support for Bernie Sanders keeps growing
On Saturday, the Democratic presidential primaries will take place in South Carolina. US Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders was the one who won the two previous primaries in New Hampshire and Nevada. In South Carolina, presidential hopeful Joe Biden will have a chance to improve his standings because more than half of the state’s voters are African-Americans who support him, as he served as Barack Obama’s vice president, Vedomosti writes. Three days after the South Carolina primaries, the big event — Super Tuesday — is scheduled to occur, when voting will take place in 14 states at once. According to RealClearPolitics, Sanders is the most popular candidate in all those 14 states. However, many in the Democratic establishment still believe that in order to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump, the party needs a more moderate candidate. Ex-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who will enter the race on Super Tuesday, may become Sanders’ main rival. However, unlike Biden, Bloomberg is seen as a stranger to the Democrats and has little chance of gaining wide support, said Yevgeny Minchenko, president of Minchenko Consulting. From an emotional standpoint, the situation is changing for the Democrats, the expert said. "When Biden, the mainstream moderate, was the frontrunner, followed by the socialist Sanders, it was one thing. In such a situation, it was clear to most Democrats for whom to campaign. However, Biden’s campaign has run out of steam, besides, he is facing financial issues, while Sanders has seen a surge in donations, particularly after his Nevada win. Bloomberg, too, has no funding problems," Minchneko noted. Biden is now being pushed back by "turncoat" Bloomberg, who, like Trump, has switched parties, the expert noted. Democrats don’t have much of a choice and it only increases Trump’s chances, which already look stronger because the failed impeachment bid has united Republican voters, the expert stressed. Media: Coronavirus fears weaken Russian ruble


tass--2020-02-28--Turkish aircraft, artillery hit over 200 Syrian army targets in Idlib

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish aircraft , UAVs and artillery have hit over 200 targets of the Syrian army in Syria ’ s Idlib , Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Friday .
`` Over 200 targets and facilities of [ the Syrian ] regime came under intense strikes from combat planes , UAVs and artillery .
Five helicopters , 23 tanks and ten armored fighting vehicles were destroyed , '' the minister was quoted by NTV television as saying .
He also added that 23 pieces of artillery equipment and two air defense systems were destroyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Syrian army were neutralized , '' Hulusi Akar stated , adding that Turkey continued strikes in Idlib `` in accordance with the worked out plan . ''
The minister reiterated that the decision on massive strikes on Syrian forces was made after the death of 33 Turkish military in Idlib .
`` This attack came despite the fact that the location of our troops [ in Idlib ] had been coordinated in advance with the Russian Federation .
Strikes [ on Turkish soldiers ] continued despite our warnings .
An ambulance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want to note that there were no armed groups whatsoever during the attack in the area where our force were located , '' he stressed .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. Turkish aircraft, UAVs and artillery have hit over 200 targets of the Syrian army in Syria’s Idlib, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Friday.
"Over 200 targets and facilities of [the Syrian] regime came under intense strikes from combat planes, UAVs and artillery. Five helicopters, 23 tanks and ten armored fighting vehicles were destroyed," the minister was quoted by NTV television as saying. He also added that 23 pieces of artillery equipment and two air defense systems were destroyed.
"As many as 309 military of the Syrian army were neutralized," Hulusi Akar stated, adding that Turkey continued strikes in Idlib "in accordance with the worked out plan."
The minister reiterated that the decision on massive strikes on Syrian forces was made after the death of 33 Turkish military in Idlib. "This attack came despite the fact that the location of our troops [in Idlib] had been coordinated in advance with the Russian Federation. Strikes [on Turkish soldiers] continued despite our warnings. An ambulance car came under attack. Besides, I want to note that there were no armed groups whatsoever during the attack in the area where our force were located," he stressed.


tass--2020-02-28--Chief designer of Sukhoi-34 Rollan Martirosov dies at 84

MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The chief designer of Russia ’ s multifunctional fighter-bomber Sukhoi-34 , Rollan Martirosov @ @ @ @ @ , a source in the aircraft building industry told TASS on Friday .
`` To @ @ @ @ @ away yesterday , '' the source said .
Martirosov was born in Moscow on October @ @ @ @ @ joined the Sukhoi design bureau in 1959 after graduation from the Ordzhonikidze Moscow Aviation Institute @ @ @ @ @ way up the career ladder from engineer to chief designer .
Martirosov was engaged in @ @ @ @ @ including Sukhoi-24 and Sukhoi-24M .
He carried out technical supervision of the main solutions used @ @ @ @ @ , which allowed for creating a plane meeting the Defense Ministry ’ s requirements .

MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The chief designer of Russia’s multifunctional fighter-bomber Sukhoi-34, Rollan Martirosov, has died at 84, a source in the aircraft building industry told TASS on Friday.
"To our regret Rollan Martirosov passed away yesterday," the source said.
Martirosov was born in Moscow on October 6, 1935. He joined the Sukhoi design bureau in 1959 after graduation from the Ordzhonikidze Moscow Aviation Institute. He walked all the way up the career ladder from engineer to chief designer. Martirosov was engaged in designing many Sukhoi planes, including Sukhoi-24 and Sukhoi-24M.
He carried out technical supervision of the main solutions used in the Sukhoi-34 fighter bomber, which allowed for creating a plane meeting the Defense Ministry’s requirements.


tass--2020-02-28--Euro rises above 74 rubles on Moscow Exchange first time since August 29, 2019

Spread of coronavirus outside of China presents negative scenario for ruble — experts MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
@ @ @ @ @ Exchange grew by 2.97 % and reached 74.7 rubles .
The last time the euro @ @ @ @ @ 74 rubles on August 29 , 2019 .
The dollar rose by 2.42 % to @ @ @ @ @ time the dollar was above 67 rubles on September 3 , 2019 .

Spread of coronavirus outside of China presents negative scenario for ruble — experts
MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The euro on the Moscow Exchange grew by 2.97% and reached 74.7 rubles.
The last time the euro was above the level of 74 rubles on August 29, 2019.
The dollar rose by 2.42% to 67.6 rubles. The last time the dollar was above 67 rubles on September 3, 2019.


tass--2020-02-28--US Internal Revenue Service initiates court hearings of Oleg Tinkov, says TCS Group

Russian banker Oleg Tinkov says he lost $ 250 mln in one day due to US sanctions MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
The US Internal Revenue Service has initiated court hearings of Oleg Tinkov in London , TCS Group ( parent company of Tinkoff Bank ) said in a statement on Friday .
The hearings are taking place in February-April 2020 .
Oleg Tinkov has not been a US citizen since 2013 .
The businessman is attending the court hearings in his capacity as a private individual , so the situation does not affect any of the operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Tinkov is confident that it will be resolved as swiftly as possible , TCS Group noted .
A source in the press service of Tinkoff Bank told TASS that the group `` reported about the participation of Oleg Tinkov in court hearings initiated in the US Internal Revenue Service independently to make sure that all legal norms with regard to a public company with listings in London and Moscow are transparently observed . ''
The price of depositary receipts of TCS Group plunged 10.8 % on the London Stock Exchange to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publication .

Russian banker Oleg Tinkov says he lost $250 mln in one day due to US sanctions
MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. The US Internal Revenue Service has initiated court hearings of Oleg Tinkov in London, TCS Group (parent company of Tinkoff Bank) said in a statement on Friday.
The hearings are taking place in February-April 2020.
The case concerns resolution of potential tax issues.
Oleg Tinkov has not been a US citizen since 2013. The businessman is attending the court hearings in his capacity as a private individual, so the situation does not affect any of the operating companies in Tinkoff Group, the company said. Tinkov is confident that it will be resolved as swiftly as possible, TCS Group noted.
A source in the press service of Tinkoff Bank told TASS that the group "reported about the participation of Oleg Tinkov in court hearings initiated by the US Internal Revenue Service independently to make sure that all legal norms with regard to a public company with listings in London and Moscow are transparently observed."
The price of depositary receipts of TCS Group plunged 10.8% on the London Stock Exchange to $21.05 per share following the statement publication.


tass--2020-02-28--Plane makes emergency landing at Moscow Vnukovo Airport due to cracked windshield

Pilots who belly-landed airliner in Moscow suburban cornfield to get Hero of Russia titles MOSCOW , February 28 .
/TASS/ @ @ @ @ @ plane en route from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport to Bangkok has made a successful emergency landing @ @ @ @ @ to a cracked windshield , a source in the emergency services informed TASS .
`` @ @ @ @ @ incident .
No one has been injured , '' the source stated .
There were @ @ @ @ @ crew on board .
The Rossiya Airlines aircraft left Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport bound for Bangkok @ @ @ @ @ The crew reported a cracked windshield when the plane was flying over Kazakhstan .
The @ @ @ @ @ Moscow and to land at Moscow Vnukovo Airport , where the aircraft will undergo a @ @ @ @ @ will change over to another aircraft .

Pilots who belly-landed airliner in Moscow suburban cornfield to get Hero of Russia titles
MOSCOW, February 28. /TASS/. A Boeing 777 passenger plane en route from Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport to Bangkok has made a successful emergency landing at Moscow Vnukovo Airport due to a cracked windshield, a source in the emergency services informed TASS.
"The plane has landed without incident. No one has been injured," the source stated. There were over 190 passengers and 14 crew on board.
The Rossiya Airlines aircraft left Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport bound for Bangkok at 07:55 Moscow time. The crew reported a cracked windshield when the plane was flying over Kazakhstan. The pilots decided to return to Moscow and to land at Moscow Vnukovo Airport, where the aircraft will undergo a technical examination. The passengers will change over to another aircraft.


tass--2020-02-28--Special police units protect Russian overseas facilities in Turkey

ANKARA , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Turkish special police forces are ensuring the security of Russia ’ s overseas @ @ @ @ @ Embassy Spokesperson Irina Kasimova told TASS on Friday .
`` Security measures have been tightened @ @ @ @ @ Russian overseas facilities in Turkey .
Special police forces have been deployed in order to @ @ @ @ @ taking comprehensive measures in this regard , '' she pointed out .
Russian Ambassador to @ @ @ @ @ that threats had started coming in amid rising tensions in Syria ’ s Idlib province @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Grushko , in turn , stated on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference @ @ @ @ @ ensure the safety of Russian diplomats .

ANKARA, February 28. /TASS/. Turkish special police forces are ensuring the security of Russia’s overseas facilities in Turkey, Russian Embassy Spokesperson Irina Kasimova told TASS on Friday.
"Security measures have been tightened at the embassy and other Russian overseas facilities in Turkey. Special police forces have been deployed in order to ensure security. Turkey is taking comprehensive measures in this regard," she pointed out.
Russian Ambassador to Turkey Alexei Yerkhov said earlier that threats had started coming in amid rising tensions in Syria’s Idlib province. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, in turn, stated on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference that Moscow expected Ankara to ensure the safety of Russian diplomats.


tass--2020-02-28--Jailed Russian pilot Yaroshenko may have suffered mild stroke

NEW YORK , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko , who is currently serving a prison sentence @ @ @ @ @ Russian diplomats that he might have suffered a mild stroke , the Russian embassy in @ @ @ @ @ .
The staff of the prison in the US city of Danbury ( Connecticut ) @ @ @ @ @ adequate medical aid , the embassy added .
`` Konstantin Yaroshenko told our diplomats over @ @ @ @ @ ’ s medical personnel had not provided him with any medical assistance .
The health @ @ @ @ @ worsening .
Konstantin does not rule out that he may have had a mild stroke @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It is astonishing that in these conditions , our multiple requests have been @ @ @ @ @ stressed .
`` The Russian national was told to wait one or two weeks for @ @ @ @ @ that the fact that he is able to move on his own serves as a @ @ @ @ @ that he does not require urgent care . ''

NEW YORK, February 28. /TASS/. Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko, who is currently serving a prison sentence in the US, told Russian diplomats that he might have suffered a mild stroke, the Russian embassy in the US informed on Facebook. The staff of the prison in the US city of Danbury (Connecticut) has not provided him with adequate medical aid, the embassy added.
"Konstantin Yaroshenko told our diplomats over the phone that the prison’s medical personnel had not provided him with any medical assistance. The health condition of our compatriot is worsening. Konstantin does not rule out that he may have had a mild stroke," the diplomats noted. "It is astonishing that in these conditions, our multiple requests have been ignored," the statement stressed. "The Russian national was told to wait one or two weeks for a doctor. It seems that the fact that he is able to move on his own serves as a sign to the prison administration that he does not require urgent care."


tass--2020-02-28--NATO to hold emergency consultations on Syria’s Idlib

BRUSSELS , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
NATO will hold emergency consultations on Friday at Turkey ’ s request to @ @ @ @ @ s Idlib .
According to the information on NATO ’ s website , the North @ @ @ @ @ the ambassadors of all 29 NATO member-states , `` will meet on Friday 28 February @ @ @ @ @ Turkey to hold consultations under Article 4 of NATO ’ s founding Washington Treaty on @ @ @ @ @ '' Under Article 4 , any member country can request consultations with its NATO partners @ @ @ @ @ its security is threatened .

BRUSSELS, February 28. /TASS/. NATO will hold emergency consultations on Friday at Turkey’s request to exchange information on Syria’s Idlib.
According to the information on NATO’s website, the North Atlantic Council, which includes the ambassadors of all 29 NATO member-states, "will meet on Friday 28 February, following a request by Turkey to hold consultations under Article 4 of NATO’s founding Washington Treaty on the situation in Syria."
Under Article 4, any member country can request consultations with its NATO partners, if it believes that its security is threatened.


tass--2020-02-28--First case of coronavirus documented in Nigeria

The Nation daily informed citing medical officials that the infected man is an Italian citizen who arrived from Milan PRETORIA , February 28 .
/TASS/ .
Nigeria ’ s Federal Ministry of Health informed of the first documented case of novel coronavirus in the country in a message published on Twitter on Friday .
`` The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) case in Lagos State Nigeria .
The case which was confirmed on 27/02/2020 is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) case in Lagos State Nigeria .
The case which was confirmed on 27/02/2020 is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020 @ WHO @ BBCWorld # CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/uF79NYzvAz — Federal Ministry of Health , NIGERIA ( @ Fmohnigeria ) February 27 , 2020 The Nation daily informed citing medical officials that the infected man is an Italian citizen who arrived from Milan .
`` The case is an Italian citizen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February from Milan , Italy , for a brief business visit , '' Lagos state Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi stated .
`` He fell ill on the 26th February and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing .
COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital , part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control . ''
`` The patient is clinically stable , with no serious symptoms , and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abayomi added .
The government of the Lagos state , populated by 21 mln people , has been strengthening measures to avoid further spread of the virus , the official noted .
`` We have immediately activated the State Emergency Operations Centre to respond to this case and implement firm control measures , '' he said .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
Coronavirus cases have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories , including Russia .
According to Chinese authorities , over 83,380 people have been infected with the virus in the country .
The death toll has reached 2,850 , while over 36,600 patients have recovered .
WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency and named the virus COVID-19 .

The Nation daily informed citing medical officials that the infected man is an Italian citizen who arrived from Milan
PRETORIA, February 28. /TASS/. Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health informed of the first documented case of novel coronavirus in the country in a message published on Twitter on Friday. "The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus (Covid-19) case in Lagos State Nigeria. The case which was confirmed on 27/02/2020 is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020," the message informs.
The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus(Covid-19) case in Lagos State Nigeria. The case which was confirmed on 27/02/2020 is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020 @WHO @BBCWorld #CoronaVirusUpdates pic.twitter.com/uF79NYzvAz — Federal Ministry of Health, NIGERIA (@Fmohnigeria) February 27, 2020
The Nation daily informed citing medical officials that the infected man is an Italian citizen who arrived from Milan. "The case is an Italian citizen who entered Nigeria on the 25th of February from Milan, Italy, for a brief business visit," Lagos state Commissioner for Health Akin Abayomi stated. "He fell ill on the 26th February and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control." "The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos," Akin Abayomi added. The government of the Lagos state, populated by 21 mln people, has been strengthening measures to avoid further spread of the virus, the official noted. "We have immediately activated the State Emergency Operations Centre to respond to this case and implement firm control measures," he said.