tass--2020-03-19--Putin calls upon Russians to overcome dividing lines of past and move ahead

SEVASTOPOL , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
In the name of a sustainable and prosperous future , the Russian society needs to overcome the dividing lines of the past and move forward , Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday .
`` If we want to have a sustainable and good future , we need to overcome all those dividing lines of the past and move forward together , '' he said during a meeting with residents of Crimea and Sevastopol .
Among other things , Putin mentioned the 1917 October Revolution , which , in his words , became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences that are yet to be overcome .
`` Without any doubt , the October Revolution is a major event in the global history and a prologue to the enormous national tragedy that left millions of people dead , '' the president said , adding that the consequences of those events need to be `` overcome . ''
`` If we want to have a future , we need to remember our past , and this past should not create division lines among us , no matter how we differ in our assessments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to develop the country and what path we need to chose , '' the Russian leader continued .
`` Despite differences in our approaches , in our understanding of what should be done for the future , tragedies of the past should unite us all with one common idea : things like this must never happen again , '' Putin added .

SEVASTOPOL, March 18. /TASS/. In the name of a sustainable and prosperous future, the Russian society needs to overcome the dividing lines of the past and move forward, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"If we want to have a sustainable and good future, we need to overcome all those dividing lines of the past and move forward together," he said during a meeting with residents of Crimea and Sevastopol.
Among other things, Putin mentioned the 1917 October Revolution, which, in his words, became a prologue to a national tragedy with consequences that are yet to be overcome.
"Without any doubt, the October Revolution is a major event in the global history and a prologue to the enormous national tragedy that left millions of people dead," the president said, adding that the consequences of those events need to be "overcome."
"If we want to have a future, we need to remember our past, and this past should not create division lines among us, no matter how we differ in our assessments of current events and our opinions on how to develop the country and what path we need to chose," the Russian leader continued.
"Despite differences in our approaches, in our understanding of what should be done for the future, tragedies of the past should unite us all with one common idea: things like this must never happen again," Putin added.


tass--2020-03-19--Russian diplomat slams US ‘lies’ about killings of Turkish servicemen in Syria

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
US officials are disseminating plain lies in an attempt to disrupt Russian-Turkish cooperation in Syria , a Russian Foreign Ministry source told TASS on Wednesday , commenting on US top diplomat ’ s claims that ‘ Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military personnel ’ in Syria .
`` Even during a global pandemic of an infectious disease , US officials continue their massive anti-Russian propaganda campaign , disseminating information that is clearly false .
A yet another outrageous statement was made by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo during the March 17 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Regretfully , in a bid to drive a wedge between Russia and Turkey , who are cooperating in Syria , US officials even resort to plain lies . ''
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday that `` Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military personnel '' in Syria .
According to the Russian diplomat , it was the United States who fuelled the conflict in Syria , actively supporting any group waging a war against the Arab Republic ’ s legitimate government , while Russia and Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Syria ’ s province of Idlib . ''
`` Provocative statements coming from the United States demonstrate once again that they want the war in Syria to continue , '' he added .
`` By the way , Pompeo ’ s words of support to Turkey on Idlib lead to an obvious question : does this mean that while counting on help from its NATO ally Turkey in western Syria , where they want the current instability to be preserved , the United States openly betrays them in the east of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see as a threat to their security , '' the source continued .
`` We are convinced that Ankara sees through Washington ’ s deception and blatant double standards . ''
The Russian diplomat said that Syria ’ s eastern regions remain under control of US troops who `` continue to harbor IS [ Islamic State terrorist group , outlawed in Russia ] and other terrorists and foster separatist moods among Kurds in an attempt to undermine sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic . ''
Idlib is the only Syrian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ armed groups 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 .
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria ’ s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks in Moscow on March 5 .
All hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6 , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes of the meeting .
Starting March 15 , Russia and Turkey began joint patrolling on the M4 motorway in Syria , along which they created a security corridor .
Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their commitment to maintaining Syria ’ s sovereignty , agreeing to continue the decisive fight against terrorism .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. US officials are disseminating plain lies in an attempt to disrupt Russian-Turkish cooperation in Syria, a Russian Foreign Ministry source told TASS on Wednesday, commenting on US top diplomat’s claims that ‘ Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military personnel’ in Syria.
"Even during a global pandemic of an infectious disease, US officials continue their massive anti-Russian propaganda campaign, disseminating information that is clearly false. A yet another outrageous statement was made by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo during the March 17 media briefing," the source said. "Regretfully, in a bid to drive a wedge between Russia and Turkey, who are cooperating in Syria, US officials even resort to plain lies."
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo told reporters on Tuesday that "Russia has killed dozens of Turkish military personnel" in Syria.
According to the Russian diplomat, it was the United States who fuelled the conflict in Syria, actively supporting any group waging a war against the Arab Republic’s legitimate government, while Russia and Turkey "are trying to bring peace to Syria’s province of Idlib."
"Provocative statements coming from the United States demonstrate once again that they want the war in Syria to continue," he added.
"By the way, Pompeo’s words of support to Turkey on Idlib lead to an obvious question: does this mean that while counting on help from its NATO ally Turkey in western Syria, where they want the current instability to be preserved, the United States openly betrays them in the east of the country, in Kurdish regions which the Turks see as a threat to their security," the source continued. "We are convinced that Ankara sees through Washington’s deception and blatant double standards."
The Russian diplomat said that Syria’s eastern regions remain under control of US troops who "continue to harbor IS [Islamic State terrorist group, outlawed in Russia] and other terrorists and foster separatist moods among Kurds in an attempt to undermine sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic."
Idlib is the only Syrian region that has been controlled by illegal armed groups 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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan approved a ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib province and other measures aimed to regulate the situation in the region during the talks in Moscow on March 5. All hostilities in Idlib must be stopped on the entire line of contact starting March 6, in line with the declaration signed on the outcomes of the meeting. Starting March 15, Russia and Turkey began joint patrolling on the M4 motorway in Syria, along which they created a security corridor. Moscow and Ankara have confirmed their commitment to maintaining Syria’s sovereignty, agreeing to continue the decisive fight against terrorism.


tass--2020-03-19--Experts say no need to shut down Moscow Metro over coronavirus threat

According to Deputy Director of Russian Transport University ’ s Rapid Transit Systems Center Alexander Chekmarev , coronavirus spread in Moscow can not be called critical , compared to other countries , and there is no reason to close the capital ’ s subway .
MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Transportation experts see no point in closure of Moscow Metro as a coronavirus spread prevention measure , like other world ’ s major cities have done already .
According to the experts Moscow has already implemented a set of measures for protection of the people , and closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the population .
`` In Moscow , the main source of infection is people who came from countries with bad epidemiologic situation and people who contacted them .
Thankfully , no virus spread among common people has been registered so far - or we are talking about single cases .
Therefore , it is inappropriate to shut down the entire metro , which would largely paralyze but city life and business activity , '' Chekmarev told TASS .
Norayr Bludyan , Chair of Moscow Agglomeration Transportation Association noted that the subway is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport structure , and , in a bid to stop coronavirus spread , city authorities would also have to shut down ground and railroad transport , including the nascent Central Diameters and the Aeroexpress trains .
`` Shutting down subway is justified only in cities where it performs 80-90 % of all transportation , i.e .
cities with underdeveloped ground transport .
Otherwise , shutdown of subway alone will not solve the problem and will have no effect , '' he explained .
Subway shutdown must coincide with other no less strict restrictive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only place where residents of Moscow spend a lot of time during the day , Chekmarev said .
`` [ The measures must include ] state of emergency , general restriction of movement , shutdown of companies .
We are talking about change of traditional way of life of city residents .
So far , there is no need for that , '' the expert said .
Russian Passenger Association also sees no need to shut down the Metro , arguing that such move would create more cons than pros , would provoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zotov , the Association head .
`` There is a complex of protective measures implemented in the subway : employees have their temperature checked before work , cashiers are issued antiseptics , the train cars are disinfected with ultraviolet lamps , passenger infrastructure is being disinfected , trains and stations are wiped .
This is why we consider stopping trains an inappropriate measure , '' he explained .
The expert agree that there have been less passengers in public transport recently : this way , people seek to isolate themselves from potential carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ load is indeed lower , it ’ s clearly visible .
Even during rush hours , the trains have more space .
A significant number of employees have switched to remote work or only come to office for separate events .
On the other hand , the situation with the road network has deteriorated : many people seek to isolate and switched to their personal transport , '' Chekmarev added .
According to the expert , recently , traffic began to jam at points where it has not before .
Besides , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grew , '' he noted .
Bludyan , however , does not expect road collapse , but nevertheless called on the employers to switch as many employees to remote work as possible .
`` This might become the only method to reduce transport and road network load , and would somewhat slow infection spread .
We are not talking heavy production , but business structure that actually can set up remote work for their employees , '' he said .
The coronavirus outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO recognized it as a global pandemic .
Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far .

According to Deputy Director of Russian Transport University’s Rapid Transit Systems Center Alexander Chekmarev, coronavirus spread in Moscow cannot be called critical, compared to other countries, and there is no reason to close the capital’s subway.
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Transportation experts see no point in closure of Moscow Metro as a coronavirus spread prevention measure, like other world’s major cities have done already. According to the experts Moscow has already implemented a set of measures for protection of the people, and closure of the metro would only sow panic among the population.
"In Moscow, the main source of infection is people who came from countries with bad epidemiologic situation and people who contacted them. Thankfully, no virus spread among common people has been registered so far - or we are talking about single cases. Therefore, it is inappropriate to shut down the entire metro, which would largely paralyze but city life and business activity," Chekmarev told TASS.
Norayr Bludyan, Chair of Moscow Agglomeration Transportation Association noted that the subway is a part of a huge developed city transport structure, and, in a bid to stop coronavirus spread, city authorities would also have to shut down ground and railroad transport, including the nascent Central Diameters and the Aeroexpress trains.
"Shutting down subway is justified only in cities where it performs 80-90% of all transportation, i.e. cities with underdeveloped ground transport. Otherwise, shutdown of subway alone will not solve the problem and will have no effect," he explained.
Subway shutdown must coincide with other no less strict restrictive measures, because subway is not the only place where residents of Moscow spend a lot of time during the day, Chekmarev said.
"[The measures must include] state of emergency, general restriction of movement, shutdown of companies. We are talking about change of traditional way of life of city residents. So far, there is no need for that," the expert said.
Russian Passenger Association also sees no need to shut down the Metro, arguing that such move would create more cons than pros, would provoke ungrounded chaos and panic, says Ilya Zotov, the Association head.
"There is a complex of protective measures implemented in the subway: employees have their temperature checked before work, cashiers are issued antiseptics, the train cars are disinfected with ultraviolet lamps, passenger infrastructure is being disinfected, trains and stations are wiped. This is why we consider stopping trains an inappropriate measure," he explained.
Self-isolation in personal transport
The expert agree that there have been less passengers in public transport recently: this way, people seek to isolate themselves from potential carriers of the infection.
"Public transport load is indeed lower, it’s clearly visible. Even during rush hours, the trains have more space. A significant number of employees have switched to remote work or only come to office for separate events. On the other hand, the situation with the road network has deteriorated: many people seek to isolate and switched to their personal transport," Chekmarev added.
According to the expert, recently, traffic began to jam at points where it has not before. Besides, "taxi load has increase, taxi prices grew," he noted.
Bludyan, however, does not expect road collapse, but nevertheless called on the employers to switch as many employees to remote work as possible.
"This might become the only method to reduce transport and road network load, and would somewhat slow infection spread. We are not talking heavy production, but business structure that actually can set up remote work for their employees," he said.
About the coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.


tass--2020-03-19--About 38,000 Ukrainians plan to return home amid coronavirus panic — top diplomat

KIEV , March 18./TASS/ .
About 38,000 Ukrainian nationals plan to return home from other countries amid the spread of the novel coronavirus , and 21,000 people have already turned for assistance to diplomatic missions of the country , Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on Wednesday .
`` As of 15:00 ( 16:00 Moscow time ) more than 21,000 citizens requested assistance from Ukraine ’ s diplomatic missions for their return .
This figure is changing every moment , '' the minister said .
`` Overall , the number of citizens planning to return to Ukraine is about 38,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Ministry quoted him as saying .
Dmitry Kuleba specified that over 27,600 people have returned to Ukraine in the past 24 hours .
He assured the people that all concerned ministries and agencies of the country were working to return Ukrainian nationals home .
`` The Foreign Ministry together with the State Border Service have established an efficient scheme for getting Ukrainians back on ground transport across the border with neighboring states , first of all Hungary and Poland , '' he said..
According to Kuleba , Ukraine plans 57 flights to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sri Lanka , the United Arab Emirates , the Dominican Republic , resort islands of the Asian Pacific region .
The hubs from where it will be possible to get them back to Ukraine are Istanbul , Dubai , Abu Dhabi , Prague , Berlin , Vienna , Warsaw , Przemysl , Bratislava , Riga and Vilnius , the minister specified .
Ukraine at the moment reports 14 coronavirus cases with two fatalities .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 130 countries .
The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000 , while 8,000 people have died , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday .

KIEV, March 18./TASS/. About 38,000 Ukrainian nationals plan to return home from other countries amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, and 21,000 people have already turned for assistance to diplomatic missions of the country, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on Wednesday.
"As of 15:00 (16:00 Moscow time) more than 21,000 citizens requested assistance from Ukraine’s diplomatic missions for their return. This figure is changing every moment," the minister said. "Overall, the number of citizens planning to return to Ukraine is about 38,000," the press service of the Foreign Ministry quoted him as saying.
Dmitry Kuleba specified that over 27,600 people have returned to Ukraine in the past 24 hours. He assured the people that all concerned ministries and agencies of the country were working to return Ukrainian nationals home. "The Foreign Ministry together with the State Border Service have established an efficient scheme for getting Ukrainians back on ground transport across the border with neighboring states, first of all Hungary and Poland," he said..
According to Kuleba, Ukraine plans 57 flights to repatriate people, in particular from Egypt, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, the Dominican Republic, resort islands of the Asian Pacific region. The hubs from where it will be possible to get them back to Ukraine are Istanbul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Prague, Berlin, Vienna, Warsaw, Przemysl, Bratislava, Riga and Vilnius, the minister specified.
Ukraine at the moment reports 14 coronavirus cases with two fatalities.
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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 130 countries. The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000, while 8,000 people have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday.


tass--2020-03-19--WHO says Russia prepares for coronavirus spread ‘well’

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian healthcare system prepares for potential increase of coronavirus cases well , WHO Representative to the Russian Federation Melita Vujnovic said Wednesday .
Earlier , the WHO developed recommendations for countries on preparation to COVID-19 spread .
`` [ Russian ] healthcare system prepares well : the number of beds and everything necessary is well calculate .
Everything is ready for those who might need high-technology aid - and we know that 20 % of the infected develop pneumonia and require lung ventilation , '' Vujnovich said .
According to existing research data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including those requiring oxygen support - in one case out of five .
Elderly people and people with chronic diseases are under biggest risk .
Vujnovich noted that Russia complies with all WHO recommendations which would allow to contain the virus spread .
`` Those include monitoring of people who were in contact [ with the infected ] or in risk zone , and of all their contacts as well , mass testing .
[ … ] Isolation with very good conditions , quarantine , '' she said .
`` Besides , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distance ’ in a bid to reduce people ’ s ability to attend mass events , '' she added .
The coronavirus outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic .
Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian healthcare system prepares for potential increase of coronavirus cases well, WHO Representative to the Russian Federation Melita Vujnovic said Wednesday.
Earlier, the WHO developed recommendations for countries on preparation to COVID-19 spread.
"[Russian] healthcare system prepares well: the number of beds and everything necessary is well calculate. Everything is ready for those who might need high-technology aid - and we know that 20% of the infected develop pneumonia and require lung ventilation," Vujnovich said.
According to existing research data, the coronavirus infection causes complications - including those requiring oxygen support - in one case out of five. Elderly people and people with chronic diseases are under biggest risk.
Vujnovich noted that Russia complies with all WHO recommendations which would allow to contain the virus spread.
"Those include monitoring of people who were in contact [with the infected] or in risk zone, and of all their contacts as well, mass testing. […] Isolation with very good conditions, quarantine," she said. "Besides, we observe as Moscow implements the so-called ‘social distance’ in a bid to reduce people’s ability to attend mass events," she added.
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.


tass--2020-03-18--Coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated EU’s inefficiency, says expert

`` These past weeks have demonstrated to the globe total inadequacy of the EU .
This pandemic will be ruinous for the EU as a merely bureaucratic apparatus , but this situation is pushing the member countries towards solidarity and overcoming the differences , '' the political analyst said .
ROME , March 18./TASS/ .
A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has demonstrated European Union ’ s inability to pursue common policy and its incompetence , that will cost the EU the loss of influence , President of Vision & Global Trends Tiberio Graziani told TASS on Wednesday .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other problems of the European Union .
`` Behind the screen of words and statements , the EU in fact has no common strategy in any sector whatever .
Let us take the energy sector , it sees no common policy either , and this is absurd in itself for the group of countries that have no own energy resources , that have to import energy resources , '' he went on to say .
`` The EU is a rather chaotic structure controlled by bureaucrats with limited responsibility , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sanitary crisis , during which each country takes its own decisions .
But all these decisions are subordinated to the dictates of the European Central Bank .
However , for all the widespread shortage of liquidity , it is the European Central Bank that can play an essential role , '' Graziani said .
He admitted that a common coordinating agency to manage the situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus would be set up in Brussels .
`` But certain states are already going their own way in solving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the European Commission to establish centralized coordination , '' the expert believes .
`` The loss of influence and authorities of the EU as the deciding entity is more realistic than exodus from the EU , '' he said .
According to Tiberio Graziani , real reforms in the EU will eventually become possible after the pandemic ends .
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 .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 130 countries .
The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000 , while 8,000 people have died , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday .

"These past weeks have demonstrated to the globe total inadequacy of the EU. This pandemic will be ruinous for the EU as a merely bureaucratic apparatus, but this situation is pushing the member countries towards solidarity and overcoming the differences," the political analyst said.
ROME, March 18./TASS/. A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has demonstrated European Union’s inability to pursue common policy and its incompetence, that will cost the EU the loss of influence, President of Vision & Global Trends Tiberio Graziani told TASS on Wednesday.
He drew a parallel between the current situation and other problems of the European Union. "Behind the screen of words and statements, the EU in fact has no common strategy in any sector whatever. Let us take the energy sector, it sees no common policy either, and this is absurd in itself for the group of countries that have no own energy resources, that have to import energy resources," he went on to say.
"The EU is a rather chaotic structure controlled by bureaucrats with limited responsibility," he said.
"The same applies to the sanitary crisis, during which each country takes its own decisions. But all these decisions are subordinated to the dictates of the European Central Bank. However, for all the widespread shortage of liquidity, it is the European Central Bank that can play an essential role," Graziani said.
He admitted that a common coordinating agency to manage the situation with the spread of the novel coronavirus would be set up in Brussels. "But certain states are already going their own way in solving the problems, and it will be difficult for the European Commission to establish centralized coordination," the expert believes.
"The loss of influence and authorities of the EU as the deciding entity is more realistic than exodus from the EU," he said. According to Tiberio Graziani, real reforms in the EU will eventually become possible after the pandemic ends.
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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 130 countries. The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000, while 8,000 people have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday.


tass--2020-03-18--Number of coronavirus cases in the world exceeded 200,000, WHO reports

`` The WHO received reports of more than 200,000 cases ; 8,000 people have died , '' he said .
GENEVA , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000 , while 8,000 people have died , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday .
Jair Bolsonaro ’ s aide who accompanied him to US diagnosed with coronavirus '' Many nations have faced an escalation of the epidemic and feel overloaded .
We hear you , '' the WHO head noted .
He underscored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all confirmed COVID-19 cases that run in light form , be isolated in hospitals , if possible . ''
If it is not possible , then countries can use public buildings for isolation and treatment of patients with light form of the disease .
In case if hospitals are overcrowded , then therapy may take place at home .
The WHO believes that countries must adopt `` comprehensive approach '' in fighting the coronavirus .
Speaking about development of antiviral medicine , Ghebreyesus disclosed that the WHO and its partners set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries . ''
`` This is a big international research , directed at collecting required reliable data , that will show which treatment is most effective , '' the Director General said , adding that the Organization has called this research `` Solidarity . ''
According to Ghebreyesus , a number of nations , including Argentina , Iran , Canada , France and Switzerland have confirmed their participation .
The WHO head expressed his satisfaction with replenishment of coronavirus fight fund , which has been set up last week .
Currently , $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund by 173,000 private people and organizations .
Calling the coronavirus an `` unprecedented '' threat , he also said that `` this is an unprecedented opportunity to act together against a common enemy . ''
The coronavirus outbreak , which began in late 2019 in China , has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic .
Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far .

"The WHO received reports of more than 200,000 cases; 8,000 people have died," he said.
GENEVA, March 18. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000, while 8,000 people have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday.
Jair Bolsonaro’s aide who accompanied him to US diagnosed with coronavirus
"Many nations have faced an escalation of the epidemic and feel overloaded. We hear you," the WHO head noted.
He underscored that "the WHO continues to recommend that all confirmed COVID-19 cases that run in light form, be isolated in hospitals, if possible."
If it is not possible, then countries can use public buildings for isolation and treatment of patients with light form of the disease.
In case if hospitals are overcrowded, then therapy may take place at home. The WHO believes that countries must adopt "comprehensive approach" in fighting the coronavirus.
Speaking about development of antiviral medicine, Ghebreyesus disclosed that the WHO and its partners set up research of treatment methods "in many countries."
"This is a big international research, directed at collecting required reliable data, that will show which treatment is most effective," the Director General said, adding that the Organization has called this research "Solidarity."
According to Ghebreyesus, a number of nations, including Argentina, Iran, Canada, France and Switzerland have confirmed their participation.
The WHO head expressed his satisfaction with replenishment of coronavirus fight fund, which has been set up last week. Currently, $43 million have been transferred to the fund by 173,000 private people and organizations.
Calling the coronavirus an "unprecedented" threat, he also said that "this is an unprecedented opportunity to act together against a common enemy."
The coronavirus outbreak, which began in late 2019 in China, has spread to over 130 countries and the WHO recognized it as a global pandemic. Russia has registered 147 infection cases so far.


tass--2020-03-18--Brent prices below $25 per barrel first time from May 2003

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Brent oil futures with delivery in May 2020 fell by 13.3 % to @ @ @ @ @ the London-based ICE on Wednesday .
Euro above 88 rubles first time from February 2016 @ @ @ @ @ 24 per barrel last time in May 2003 .
WTI futures prices lost 21.3 % @ @ @ @ @ barrel , down to March 2002 level .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Brent oil futures with delivery in May 2020 fell by 13.3% to $24.9 a barrel on the London-based ICE on Wednesday.
Euro above 88 rubles first time from February 2016
Brent prices were below $24 per barrel last time in May 2003.
WTI futures prices lost 21.3% down to $21.5 a barrel, down to March 2002 level.


tass--2020-03-18--Euro reaching 90 rubles on Forex

Euro reaching 90 rubles on Forex

It will take current pandemic years to travel around the world , says German virologist Lothar Wieler of the Robert @ @ @ @ @ it will take the pandemic two years , or possibly several years to circle the @ @

It would be US ‘golden dream’ to have nuclear weapons in Ukraine — diplomat
Maria Zakharova recalled that Italy and many other countries possess the US nuclear weapons but do not have access to them
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tass--2020-03-18--Coronavirus spread in Russia under control, says Putin

`` Our Ministry of Health and relevant local bodies keep the situation under control , '' he said .
SEVASTOPOL @ @ @ @ @ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Wednesday that the coronavirus spread in Russia is under @ @ @ @ @ noted that local authorities have better understanding of whether schools and other educational facilities should @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We agreed when we created the working group , led by Moscow Mayor @ @ @ @ @ would constantly monitor through regional heads , besides monitoring through the Ministry of Health ; @ @ @ @ @ parallel work through regional heads and act depending on this , '' Putin added .

"Our Ministry of Health and relevant local bodies keep the situation under control," he said.
SEVASTOPOL, March 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Wednesday that the coronavirus spread in Russia is under control.
Besides, Putin noted that local authorities have better understanding of whether schools and other educational facilities should be switched to remote operation.
"We agreed when we created the working group, led by Moscow Mayor Sobyanin, that this group would constantly monitor through regional heads, besides monitoring through the Ministry of Health; the relevant structures would conduct parallel work through regional heads and act depending on this," Putin added.


tass--2020-03-18--Russia will step up fight against coronavirus, pledges Putin

SEVASTOPOL , March 18./TASS/ .
Russia will step up fight against the novel coronavirus , since Russians continue traveling around the globe despite the spread of the virus , President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday .
`` Let me say once again - generally everything is under control here , and I hope things will remain the same in the future .
We will be building up these efforts , given a lot of contacts , '' Putin said when he met with representatives of the Crimean and Sevastopol public .
Although the situation in Asia `` is calming down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , worked very efficiently , '' the situation in some other countries is worse .
`` Things are very bad in Europe , but our people are travelling to all places in vast numbers , '' the president added .
`` It is difficult to comment , some people had plans , buying tours or tickets in advance , others devised their holidays the way ‘ now or never ’ .
Some others simply miscalculated the situation , they didn ’ t know that this or that country will close the borders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the president added .
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 .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 130 countries .
The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000 , while 8,000 people have died , the World Health Organization ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Wednesday .

SEVASTOPOL, March 18./TASS/. Russia will step up fight against the novel coronavirus, since Russians continue traveling around the globe despite the spread of the virus, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"Let me say once again - generally everything is under control here, and I hope things will remain the same in the future. We will be building up these efforts, given a lot of contacts," Putin said when he met with representatives of the Crimean and Sevastopol public.
Although the situation in Asia "is calming down, the Chinese have done good job, worked very efficiently," the situation in some other countries is worse. "Things are very bad in Europe, but our people are travelling to all places in vast numbers," the president added.
"It is difficult to comment, some people had plans, buying tours or tickets in advance, others devised their holidays the way ‘now or never’. Some others simply miscalculated the situation, they didn’t know that this or that country will close the borders, and they really get into difficulty," the president added.
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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 130 countries. The number of coronavirus infection cases in the world has exceeded 200,000, while 8,000 people have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced Wednesday.
Russia reports 147 coronavirus cases.


tass--2020-03-18--Putin expects Russians to support constitutional amendments in April 22 vote

SEVASTOPOL , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin expects that the country ’ s people will take part in the April 22 vote and support the proposed constitutional amendments , as he himself said at a meeting with members of the public in the Crimean city of Sevastopol on Wednesday .
`` I do expect that people will participate in the vote on April 22 and will support these changes , '' he pointed out .
The head of state stressed that the Constitution ’ s fundamental provisions remained unchanged .
`` We are not changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chapters 1 , 2 and 9 , which are the foundation of the Constitution and concern the basic rights of citizens , remain unchanged , '' he emphasized .
Putin added that many things had changed since the adoption of the Constitution in 1993 , as people and society had grown more mature and more demanding , and the government ’ s capabilities had also changed , which was why the need arose to endorse the social character of the state and a number of people ’ s social rights in the Constitution @

SEVASTOPOL, March 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin expects that the country’s people will take part in the April 22 vote and support the proposed constitutional amendments, as he himself said at a meeting with members of the public in the Crimean city of Sevastopol on Wednesday.
"I do expect that people will participate in the vote on April 22 and will support these changes," he pointed out.
The head of state stressed that the Constitution’s fundamental provisions remained unchanged. "We are not changing the Constitution, we are amending it. Chapters 1, 2 and 9, which are the foundation of the Constitution and concern the basic rights of citizens, remain unchanged," he emphasized.
Putin added that many things had changed since the adoption of the Constitution in 1993, as people and society had grown more mature and more demanding, and the government’s capabilities had also changed, which was why the need arose to endorse the social character of the state and a number of people’s social rights in the Constitution.


tass--2020-03-18--Number of coronavirus cases in Serbia up to 89

BELGRADE , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Serbia has increased to 89 , the country ’ s health ministry reported on Wednesday .
By Wednesday morning , there were 83 coronavirus patients in the country and six more cases have been registered during the day .
Two patients are in serious condition .
Earlier , Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a state of emergency and a curfew in the country .
Schools and other educational establishments have been closed until the end of the academic year .
Parliamentary and local elections scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus cases have been reported in all Serbia ’ s neighboring countries , including Montenegro , which reported its two first coronavirus cases on Tuesday .
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million , in late December 2019 .
Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 130 countries and territories , including Russia , which has 1147 coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 200,000 , with more than 8,000 deaths .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

BELGRADE, March 18. /TASS/. The number of the novel coronavirus cases in Serbia has increased to 89, the country’s health ministry reported on Wednesday.
By Wednesday morning, there were 83 coronavirus patients in the country and six more cases have been registered during the day. Two patients are in serious condition.
Earlier, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic declared a state of emergency and a curfew in the country. Schools and other educational establishments have been closed until the end of the academic year. Parliamentary and local elections scheduled for April 26 have been postponed.
Coronavirus cases have been reported in all Serbia’s neighboring countries, including Montenegro, which reported its two first coronavirus cases on Tuesday.
A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December 2019. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported from more than 130 countries and territories, including Russia, which has 1147 coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 200,000, with more than 8,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-18--Tivat okays only one charter flight to evacuate Russians for now

MOSCOW , March 18./TASS/ .
Montenegro has so far given permission for only one charter flight to evacuate Russian nationals @ @ @ @ @ from Russia ’ s Federal Agency for Air Transport ( Rosaviatsiya ) told TASS .
@ @ @ @ @ will continue until all Russian nationals are evacuated from Montenegro .
`` Rosaviatsiya in teamwork @ @ @ @ @ and the Transport Ministry is taking measures to obtain necessary permissions from the official authorities @ @ @ @ @ Russian carriers with an aim to repatriate nationals of the Russian Federation , '' the @ @ @ @ @ the present moment , permission has been received for one flight operated by Aeroflot to @ @ @ @ @ continue with Montenegro until all Russian nationals are repatriated , '' the source said .

MOSCOW, March 18./TASS/. Montenegro has so far given permission for only one charter flight to evacuate Russian nationals from Tivat, a representative from Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya) told TASS.
According to him, work will continue until all Russian nationals are evacuated from Montenegro. "Rosaviatsiya in teamwork with the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Transport Ministry is taking measures to obtain necessary permissions from the official authorities in Montenegro for flights by Russian carriers with an aim to repatriate nationals of the Russian Federation," the source said.
"At the present moment, permission has been received for one flight operated by Aeroflot to evacuate Russians. Work will continue with Montenegro until all Russian nationals are repatriated," the source said.


tass--2020-03-18--Euro above 88 rubles first time from February 2016

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The euro rose by 6.17 % to 88.02 rubles during the trading session @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
The euro was above 88 rubles last time in February 2016 .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The euro rose by 6.17% to 88.02 rubles during the trading session on the Moscow Exchange on Wednesday.
The euro was above 88 rubles last time in February 2016.


tass--2020-03-18--Putin points to failed attempts to create difficulties for Crimeans

SEVASTOPOL , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Foreign attempts to create difficulties for Crimeans , particularly in the energy sector , were dashed by the determination of the peninsula ’ s people , Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with members of the public in the Crimean city of Sevastopol on Wednesday .
He pointed out that Crimea ’ s infrastructure network was improving and energy issues had been resolved .
According to the president , Crimeans could feel the impact of `` attempts to create difficulties '' in the beginning .
`` However , predictably , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first and foremost , by the people ’ s determination and their wish to be together with Russia regardless of external difficulties , '' Putin emphasized .
The president added that the inauguration of the Crimea Bridge had helped a lot in restoring energy supplies and boosting energy projects .
After Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted in a coup in February 2014 , mass protests erupted in Crimea and eastern Ukraine .
On March 11 , 2014 , Crimea ’ s Supreme Council and Sevastopol City Council adopted a declaration of independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimean authorities held a referendum on reuniting with Russia .
Over 80 % of voters participated in the plebiscite , most of them supporting the idea ( 96.7 % in Crimea and 95.6 % in the city of Sevastopol ) .
On March 18 , 2014 , Vladimir Putin signed the treaty on Crimea ’ s reunification with Russia and the Federal Assembly ( parliament ) approved the document on March 21 .

SEVASTOPOL, March 18. /TASS/. Foreign attempts to create difficulties for Crimeans, particularly in the energy sector, were dashed by the determination of the peninsula’s people, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with members of the public in the Crimean city of Sevastopol on Wednesday.
He pointed out that Crimea’s infrastructure network was improving and energy issues had been resolved. According to the president, Crimeans could feel the impact of "attempts to create difficulties" in the beginning.
"However, predictably, those attempts failed, they were dashed, first and foremost, by the people’s determination and their wish to be together with Russia regardless of external difficulties," Putin emphasized. The president added that the inauguration of the Crimea Bridge had helped a lot in restoring energy supplies and boosting energy projects.
Crimea’s reunification with Russia
After Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich was ousted in a coup in February 2014, mass protests erupted in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. On March 11, 2014, Crimea’s Supreme Council and Sevastopol City Council adopted a declaration of independence.
On March 16, 2014, Crimean authorities held a referendum on reuniting with Russia. Over 80% of voters participated in the plebiscite, most of them supporting the idea (96.7% in Crimea and 95.6% in the city of Sevastopol).
On March 18, 2014, Vladimir Putin signed the treaty on Crimea’s reunification with Russia and the Federal Assembly (parliament) approved the document on March 21.


tass--2020-03-18--Montenegro gives green light to Russian plane to repatriate Russian nationals

MOSCOW , March 18./TASS/ .
The Russian embassy in Montenegro has received an official note from the republic ’ s @ @ @ @ @ plane to evacuate the stranded Russian tourists , Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Rossiya-1 @ @ @ @ @ Just half-an-hour ago , our embassy in Montenegro received an official diplomatic note from the @ @ @ @ @ has at last , several days after the issue was raised , has given permission @ @ @ @ @ plane , '' she said .

MOSCOW, March 18./TASS/. The Russian embassy in Montenegro has received an official note from the republic’s government that allows a Russian plane to evacuate the stranded Russian tourists, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Rossiya-1 television on Wednesday.
"Just half-an-hour ago, our embassy in Montenegro received an official diplomatic note from the government of Montenegro, which has at last, several days after the issue was raised, has given permission for the arrival of our plane," she said.


tass--2020-03-18--Foreign Ministry launches website to assist Russians trying to return home from abroad

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Foreign Ministry ’ s Crisis Management Center has launched a website at sos.midhelp.ru in order to assist Russians who are facing difficulties abroad .
The website is designed to provide assistance to Russian nationals amid measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus that various countries are taking .
Those seeking to return home can leave their contact information on the website , contact Russian overseas missions and receive up-to-date information on the coronavirus situation .
The website also contains information on restrictions introduced in coronavirus-affected countries , including quarantines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In addition , the website offers guidelines on the prevention of the infection and other information about the virus .
On Tuesday , the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the establishment of a coordination center aimed at assisting Russians in returning home .
The ministry also called on all Russian nationals stuck abroad to immediately contact the nearest Russian overseas facility .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia .
Since then , cases of the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reported in more than 160 countries , including Russia .
On March 11 , the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .
As of now , over 200,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 8,000 have died .
Russia has identified 147 coronavirus cases as yet .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The Russian Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Management Center has launched a website at sos.midhelp.ru in order to assist Russians who are facing difficulties abroad.
The website is designed to provide assistance to Russian nationals amid measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus that various countries are taking. Those seeking to return home can leave their contact information on the website, contact Russian overseas missions and receive up-to-date information on the coronavirus situation.
The website also contains information on restrictions introduced in coronavirus-affected countries, including quarantines, border closures and public transport suspensions. In addition, the website offers guidelines on the prevention of the infection and other information about the virus.
On Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced the establishment of a coordination center aimed at assisting Russians in returning home. The ministry also called on all Russian nationals stuck abroad to immediately contact the nearest Russian overseas facility.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in more than 160 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic. As of now, over 200,000 people have been infected around the world and more than 8,000 have died. Russia has identified 147 coronavirus cases as yet.


tass--2020-03-18--Number of coronavirus cases in Moscow Region reaches 12

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the Moscow Region has increased @ @ @ @ @ the past 24 hours , Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Wednesday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ cases have been recorded in the Moscow Region as of today , March 18 , @ @ @ @ @ dynamics .
At the same time , the situation is complicated , although it is @ @ @ @ @ Vorobyov said in a video posted on his Instagram page .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the Moscow Region has increased from 10 to 12 over the past 24 hours, Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Wednesday.
"A total of 12 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the Moscow Region as of today, March 18, and there is almost no dynamics. At the same time, the situation is complicated, although it is under our control," Vorobyov said in a video posted on his Instagram page.


tass--2020-03-18--Putin signed law on acquisition of Sberbank’s ordinary shares by government

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law on acquisition of 52.3 % of @ @ @ @ @ the government from the Bank of Russia .
The document was posted on the official @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
The law prescribes that acquisition of Sberbank ’ s shares will be made @ @ @ @ @ money from the National Wealth Fund ( NWF ) .
Investment of NWF money into @ @ @ @ @ corresponds to management objectives of the Fund - ensuring safety of invested funds and stable @ @ @ @ @ Ordinary shares in Sberbank will be sold on market conditions at a weighted average price @ @ @ @ @ full calendar months preceding the month when the first sale and purchase agreement is made @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law on acquisition of 52.3% of ordinary shares in Sberbank by the government from the Bank of Russia. The document was posted on the official website of legal information on Wednesday.
The law prescribes that acquisition of Sberbank’s shares will be made within the framework of investing money from the National Wealth Fund (NWF).
Investment of NWF money into shares of Sberbank of Russia corresponds to management objectives of the Fund - ensuring safety of invested funds and stable revenues from their placement.
Ordinary shares in Sberbank will be sold on market conditions at a weighted average price of such shares for six full calendar months preceding the month when the first sale and purchase agreement is made, the document says.


tass--2020-03-18--Russia’s ex-PM Medvedev calls on West to focus on global problems instead of sanctions

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Security Council Deputy Head Dmitry Medvedev called on the West to redirect the energy they spend on sanction pressure towards solving global problems , such as the coronavirus spread and economic decline , in his social media accounts Wednesday .
`` The Russian economy has long adapted to any pressure , and , since it couldn ’ t be ‘ torn to pieces , ’ maybe , it would be better to redirect one ’ s energy towards problems that really matter to humanity ?
For example , towards fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world economy , which is about to fall in recession .
And many other things , '' Medvedev wrote .
The Security Council deputy head pointed out that a number of international partners , primarily the US and the EU , `` keep introducing or confirming anti-Russian sanctions with paranoid resolve . ''
They are being `` obediently followed by those who dare not say a word against Washington ’ s will , despite suffering losses from this long-standing war that will not change anything . ''
Medvedev suggested that the partners should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their problems , instead of persisting with foolish mentorship . ''
`` Absolutely every country , including the US , the EU , China and Russia , would benefit from rational coordination of power on key challenges to humanity , '' he concluded .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia’s Security Council Deputy Head Dmitry Medvedev called on the West to redirect the energy they spend on sanction pressure towards solving global problems, such as the coronavirus spread and economic decline, in his social media accounts Wednesday.
"The Russian economy has long adapted to any pressure, and, since it couldn’t be ‘torn to pieces,’ maybe, it would be better to redirect one’s energy towards problems that really matter to humanity? For example, towards fighting the coronavirus pandemic and stabilization of the world economy, which is about to fall in recession. And many other things," Medvedev wrote.
The Security Council deputy head pointed out that a number of international partners, primarily the US and the EU, "keep introducing or confirming anti-Russian sanctions with paranoid resolve." They are being "obediently followed by those who dare not say a word against Washington’s will, despite suffering losses from this long-standing war that will not change anything."
Medvedev suggested that the partners should "take care of their own nations and their problems, instead of persisting with foolish mentorship."
"Absolutely every country, including the US, the EU, China and Russia, would benefit from rational coordination of power on key challenges to humanity," he concluded.


tass--2020-03-18--Dollar rate exceeds 80 rubles on Moscow Exchange

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar-to-ruble rate is growing up to 80.01 rubles on the Moscow Exchange @ @ @ @ @ up in comparison with the previous trading closing level , according to the trading data @ @ @ @ @ dollar traded at this level in February 2016 .
The euro is growing by 4.8 @ @ @ @ @ The ruble weakening is amid the decline in oil prices .
The cost of a @ @ @ @ @ with settlement in May 2020 fell by 9.57 % , to $ 25.98 per barrel @ @ @ @ @ on the ICE Exchange in London .
The price of WTI plunged by 15.2 % @ @ @ @ @ barrel .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The dollar-to-ruble rate is growing up to 80.01 rubles on the Moscow Exchange, which is 6% up in comparison with the previous trading closing level, according to the trading data. The last time the dollar traded at this level in February 2016.
The euro is growing by 4.8% to 86.87 rubles.
The ruble weakening is amid the decline in oil prices. The cost of a futures contract for Brent crude with settlement in May 2020 fell by 9.57%, to $25.98 per barrel in the course of trading on the ICE Exchange in London. The price of WTI plunged by 15.2% to $23.15 dollar per barrel.


tass--2020-03-18--Putin signs law on acquisition of Sberbank’s ordinary shares by government

Sberbank CEO says will step down if bank ’ s strategy pivots MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian @ @ @ @ @ law on acquisition of 52.3 % of ordinary shares in Sberbank by the government from @ @ @ @ @ The document was posted on the official website of legal information on Wednesday .
The @ @ @ @ @ Sberbank ’ s shares will be made within the framework of investing money from the @ @ @ @ @ ) .

Sberbank CEO says will step down if bank’s strategy pivots
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on acquisition of 52.3% of ordinary shares in Sberbank by the government from the Bank of Russia. The document was posted on the official website of legal information on Wednesday.
The law prescribes that acquisition of Sberbank’s shares will be made within the framework of investing money from the National Wealth Fund (NWF).


tass--2020-03-18--Russian Agriculture Ministry can reallocate food supplies if needed

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The Russian Ministry of Agriculture will be able to reallocate food supplies with @ @ @ @ @ of necessity , Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko said on Wednesday .
`` The Deputy @ @ @ @ @ food stocks were formed in the country and there is no shortage in any group @ @ @ @ @ of the official says .
`` The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the Russian @ @ @ @ @ able to reallocate food supplies if required , considering the regionalization , '' it reports @ @ @ @ @ continuous delivery of foods for the population and prepare food stocks in retail chains , @ @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The Russian Ministry of Agriculture will be able to reallocate food supplies with consideration of regionalization in case of necessity, Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko said on Wednesday.
"The Deputy Prime Minister particularly noted that food stocks were formed in the country and there is no shortage in any group," the press service of the official says. "The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the Russian Ministry of Agriculture will be able to reallocate food supplies if required, considering the regionalization," it reports.
Abramchenko ordered to ensure continuous delivery of foods for the population and prepare food stocks in retail chains, the press service added.


tass--2020-03-18--Jair Bolsonaro’s aide who accompanied him to US diagnosed with coronavirus

In all , 15 delegation members have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection , according to official data RIO DE JANEIRO , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The head of Brazil ’ s Institutional Security Cabinet General Augusto Heleno announced Wednesday that he had been diagnosed with coronavirus .
The general is one of President Jair Bolsonaro ’ s closest allies and was part of the delegation that visited the US between March 7 and 10 .
`` I announce that my second [ coronavirus ] test , taken in Brasilia ’ s military hospital , was positive , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , does not have elevated temperature or other symptoms .
`` I remain isolated at home and I do not respond to phone calls , '' the 72-year old official concluded .
Besides Heleno , 14 other delegation members have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection .
Last week , Bolsonaro ’ s spokesman , Fabio Weingarten , who also accompanied the President on his trip to the US , was also diagnosed with coronavirus .
During the trip , he was close to the president and contacted him directly .
Besides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram , where he stands next to US President Donald Trump and US Vice President Mike Pence .
Weingarten is quarantined , while Bolsonaro and other members of the delegation were tested for coronavirus .
On March 17 , Bolsonaro ’ s control test returned negative results .
The first infection case in Brazil was confirmed on February 26 , the day after carnival festivities ended .
Currently , there are 290 cases in 17 regions of the republic .
Two cases were lethal .
Earlier , Bolsonaro doubted the scale of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflate the situation .
The coronavirus outbreak was registered in central China at the end of December 2019 .
On March 11 , the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic .
COVID-19 infection cases have been recorded in more than 160 countries .
According to the latest data , over 190,000 people have contracted the virus ; about 8,000 of them have died .
A total of 147 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Russia as yet .

In all, 15 delegation members have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection, according to official data
RIO DE JANEIRO, March 18. /TASS/. The head of Brazil’s Institutional Security Cabinet General Augusto Heleno announced Wednesday that he had been diagnosed with coronavirus. The general is one of President Jair Bolsonaro’s closest allies and was part of the delegation that visited the US between March 7 and 10. "I announce that my second [coronavirus] test, taken in Brasilia’s military hospital, was positive," he tweeted, adding that he feels well, does not have elevated temperature or other symptoms. "I remain isolated at home and I do not respond to phone calls," the 72-year old official concluded.
Read also Brazilian president says he has tested negative for COVID-19
Besides Heleno, 14 other delegation members have been diagnosed with the coronavirus infection. Last week, Bolsonaro’s spokesman, Fabio Weingarten, who also accompanied the President on his trip to the US, was also diagnosed with coronavirus. During the trip, he was close to the president and contacted him directly. Besides, the official posted a photo on Instagram, where he stands next to US President Donald Trump and US Vice President Mike Pence. Weingarten is quarantined, while Bolsonaro and other members of the delegation were tested for coronavirus. On March 17, Bolsonaro’s control test returned negative results. Coronavirus statistics


tass--2020-03-18--FSB quashes underground network of bootleg firearms traders

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s federal security service FSB has quashed a major underground network of bootleg firearms dealers , who operated in 16 regions across Russia .
`` The federal security service and Russia ’ s Interior Ministry have quashed a crime ring of residents of Komi , Crimea , Yakutia , Transbaikal , Khabarovsk , Irkutsk , Kemerovo , Kirov , Omsk , Rostov , Samara , Saratov , Sakhalin , Tomsk , Tula and Chelyabinsk regions , who were involved converting civilian weapons to combat use and manufacturing ammunition , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The homes and work places of bootleg firearms dealers and weapons makers were searched .
The operatives seized 193 pieces of firearms : four machine-guns , 11 assault rifles , 7 submachine-guns , 92 rifles , carbines and guns , 79 handguns and revolvers , two grenade launchers , 13 hand grenades , about 8,000 cartridges , 16 fuses , 7 kilograms of explosives , two silencers , weapon parts ( barrels , locks and drums ) , components ( bullets , cartridge cases ) and equipment for manufacturing ammunition , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expose and upset illegal activities related with the manufacturing and sale of weapons is continuing , '' the FSB said .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russia’s federal security service FSB has quashed a major underground network of bootleg firearms dealers, who operated in 16 regions across Russia.
"The federal security service and Russia’s Interior Ministry have quashed a crime ring of residents of Komi, Crimea, Yakutia, Transbaikal, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, Kemerovo, Kirov, Omsk, Rostov, Samara, Saratov, Sakhalin, Tomsk, Tula and Chelyabinsk regions, who were involved converting civilian weapons to combat use and manufacturing ammunition," the FSB’s public relations center said.
The homes and work places of bootleg firearms dealers and weapons makers were searched. The operatives seized 193 pieces of firearms: four machine-guns, 11 assault rifles, 7 submachine-guns, 92 rifles, carbines and guns, 79 handguns and revolvers, two grenade launchers, 13 hand grenades, about 8,000 cartridges, 16 fuses, 7 kilograms of explosives, two silencers, weapon parts (barrels, locks and drums), components (bullets, cartridge cases) and equipment for manufacturing ammunition, the FSB said.
Ten underground weapon workshops were eliminated.
"The operation to expose and upset illegal activities related with the manufacturing and sale of weapons is continuing," the FSB said.


tass--2020-03-18--Kiev hit by transport collapse, lack of face masks amid coronavirus panic

Ukrainians are ignoring the demands from the government to have no more than ten passengers on buses , trams , trolleybuses and on public minibus routes .
Huge crowds are waiting at the municipal transportation stops .
Meanwhile , police patrols instructed to control the quarantine rules have failed to enforce the rules .
KIEV , March 18./TASS/ .
The Ukrainian capital of Kiev , where subway service has been completely shut down , is now facing traffic jams and overcrowded surface transport , TASS reports from the site .
People in Kiev are outraged .
`` What was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buses are jam-packed .
What kind of a quarantine is it ?
Just take a look — a minibus has even tilted from so many people onboard , '' a local resident complained , who identified himself as Nikolai Ivanovich .
Individuals who used the subway to get to work , now travel by car , while many prefer to get a taxi .
This service has instantly shot up by 20 % in price `` because of a higher demand , '' explained Taras Potichny , who heads the Bolt taxi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ innumerably busier than during the usual morning rush hour .
The biggest problem is getting from the left bank of the Dnieper River to the right .
Despite the quarantine measures , requests to wear facemasks on municipal transport are being widely disregarded .
Sanitary services are not enforcing it , even though they were instructed by the Cabinet of Ministers to do so .
The passengers themselves cite the deficit of surgical masks and their enormously high price .
Drug stores that still have facemasks sell them as a set of 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight times higher than before a coronavirus pandemic was declared .
Meanwhile , people are scarce in the streets .
Shopping centers , markets , restaurants and cafes have been closed .
Only food and household stores are open .
The shelves have enough products , because , as shop assistants say , they were stored in advance in sufficient amounts .
A large number of staff from some ministries , banks , state enterprises and private companies are working from home .
The city ’ s judicial and law enforcement agencies have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being accepted through mail boxes , while court sessions are postponed .
According to the Ukrainian Public Health Center at the Health Ministry , seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on March 17 , bringing the total amount of those infected to 14 .
So far , two people have died .
Quarantine measures were declared across the country on March 12 , and will stay in place until April 3 at the very earliest .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , 2020 , the WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 160 countries .
According to latest reports , over 190,000 people have been infected with the virus globally , and about 8,000 have died .
There are 114 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia .

Ukrainians are ignoring the demands from the government to have no more than ten passengers on buses, trams, trolleybuses and on public minibus routes. Huge crowds are waiting at municipal transportation stops. Meanwhile, police patrols instructed to control the quarantine rules have failed to enforce them.
KIEV, March 18./TASS/. The Ukrainian capital of Kiev, where subway service has been completely shut down, is now facing traffic jams and overcrowded surface transport, TASS reports from the site.
People in Kiev are outraged. "What was the point of closing the metro? Now the buses are jam-packed. What kind of a quarantine is it? Just take a look — a minibus has even tilted from so many people onboard," a local resident complained, who identified himself as Nikolai Ivanovich.
Individuals who used the subway to get to work, now travel by car, while many prefer to get a taxi. This service has instantly shot up by 20% in price "because of a higher demand," explained Taras Potichny, who heads the Bolt taxi service. Kiev’s roads are innumerably busier than during the usual morning rush hour. The biggest problem is getting from the left bank of the Dnieper River to the right.
Despite the quarantine measures, requests to wear facemasks on municipal transport are being widely disregarded. Sanitary services are not enforcing it, even though they were instructed by the Cabinet of Ministers to do so. The passengers themselves cite the deficit of surgical masks and their enormously high price. Drug stores that still have facemasks sell them as a set of 50 for $47, which is about eight times higher than before the coronavirus pandemic was declared.
Meanwhile, people are scarce in the streets. Shopping centers, markets, restaurants and cafes have been closed. Only food and household stores are open. The shelves have enough products, because, as shop assistants say, they were stored in advance in sufficient amounts.
A large number of staff from some ministries, banks, state enterprises and private companies are working from home. The city’s judicial and law enforcement agencies have stopped receiving visitors, and documents are being accepted through mail boxes, while court sessions are postponed.
According to the Ukrainian Public Health Center at the Health Ministry, seven new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on March 17, bringing the total amount of those infected to 14. So far, two people have died. Quarantine measures were declared across the country on March 12, and will stay in place until April 3 at the very earliest.
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. On March 11, 2020, the WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 160 countries. According to latest reports, over 190,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and about 8,000 have died. There are 114 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Russia.


tass--2020-03-18--Aeroflot will suspend flights to Hungary, Egypt, Lebanon

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Russian flagship air carrier Aeroflot is to suspend flights to Egypt , Lebanon and Hungary amid the spread of the coronavirus , the airline said in a statement on its website .
The airline will also reduce the number of flights to Belarus and Armenia .
Flights to Cairo will be suspended from March 22 until the end of the month , flights to Beirut - from March 18 to 22 , and flights to Budapest from March 23 to April 30 .
The frequency of flights to Minsk and Yerevan will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of coronavirus , Russia temporarily restricted entry into its territory for foreigners and persons without Russian citizenship , including those arriving from Belarus , from March 18 to May 1 .
Earlier on Wednesday , it became known that from March 20 , Russia will impose restrictions on flights to the US , the UK and the UAE .
Aeroflot is the only Russian carrier that operates direct scheduled flights to the United States ( including Washington , New York , Miami , etc. )
.
Outside Europe , Aeroflot continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran , Japan , Thailand , Vietnam , India , the Maldives and several other countries .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Russian flagship air carrier Aeroflot is to suspend flights to Egypt, Lebanon and Hungary amid the spread of the coronavirus, the airline said in a statement on its website. The airline will also reduce the number of flights to Belarus and Armenia.
Flights to Cairo will be suspended from March 22 until the end of the month, flights to Beirut - from March 18 to 22, and flights to Budapest from March 23 to April 30.
The frequency of flights to Minsk and Yerevan will be reduced until April 30.
Amid the spread of coronavirus, Russia temporarily restricted entry into its territory for foreigners and persons without Russian citizenship, including those arriving from Belarus, from March 18 to May 1. Earlier on Wednesday, it became known that from March 20, Russia will impose restrictions on flights to the US, the UK and the UAE.
Aeroflot is the only Russian carrier that operates direct scheduled flights to the United States (including Washington, New York, Miami, etc.). Outside Europe, Aeroflot continues to fly to the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, the Maldives and several other countries.


tass--2020-03-18--US Treasury turns down reconsidering Deripaska’s sanctions complaint

The US Treasury is to provide the Russian mogul with an evidentiary memorandum for the denial no later than March 26 , 2020 , according to the Joint Status Report by the US District Court for the District of Columbia MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The US Treasury ’ s Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) has rejected any administrative reconsideration of its decision on imposing sanctions against Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska .
That is according to the Joint Status Report by the US District Court for the District of Columbia dated March 17 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the document , the US Treasury is to provide Deripaska with an evidentiary memorandum for the denial no later than March 26 , 2020 .
After that the tycoon will be able to file any amendments to his complaint `` on or before April 16 , 2020 . ''
The process will continue through legal proceedings , the businessman ’ s spokeswoman told TASS .
According to her , Deripaska filed his complaint to reconsider the decision on sanctions against him through administrative proceedings .
`` Upon request of OFAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the period they were considering his [ Deripaska ’ s ] request .
Now , once they rejected his complaint , the legal proceedings will resume , '' she said .
The spokeswoman added that OFAC had considered the complaint for nine months , starting from June 27 , 2019 .
The US Treasury Department slapped sanctions on Oleg Deripaska and companies controlled by him on April 6 , 2018 .
The sanctions covered Rusal , Basic Element , En+ , Russian Machines , EuroSibEnergo , GAZ Group , B-Finance and the Kuban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Washington time ( January 28 Moscow time ) , the US Department of Treasury announced the removal of sanctions against Rusal , En + and EuroSibEnergo .
However , it cost Deripaska control of his enterprises .
In particular , his share in the En+ holding plunged from 70 % to 44.95 % , while in Rusal , he directly owns only 0.01 % of shares and is not entitled to receive dividends .
The restrictions against the co-owner of those companies , Oleg Deripaska , remain in force .
In March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Treasury in a federal court in Washington .
He branded the sanctions introduced against him in April 2018 as unfair and illegal , and noted that his wealth had shrunk by more than $ 7.5 bln due to these sanctions in the complaint .
In June 2019 , the magnate demanded that sanctions against him be lifted , since the conditions for their introduction were no longer relevant .
In response , the US Treasury declassified some of the documents , which also had become the reason for the imposition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The US Treasury is to provide the Russian mogul with an evidentiary memorandum for the denial no later than March 26, 2020, according to the Joint Status Report by the US District Court for the District of Columbia
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has rejected any administrative reconsideration of its decision on imposing sanctions against Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska. That is according to the Joint Status Report by the US District Court for the District of Columbia dated March 17. The relevant decision was made on March 6.
According to the document, the US Treasury is to provide Deripaska with an evidentiary memorandum for the denial no later than March 26, 2020. After that the tycoon will be able to file any amendments to his complaint "on or before April 16, 2020." The process will continue through legal proceedings, the businessman’s spokeswoman told TASS. According to her, Deripaska filed his complaint to reconsider the decision on sanctions against him through administrative proceedings. "Upon request of OFAC, the legal proceedings were suspended for the period they were considering his [Deripaska’s] request. Now, once they rejected his complaint, the legal proceedings will resume," she said. The spokeswoman added that OFAC had considered the complaint for nine months, starting from June 27, 2019. Sanctions against Deripaska
Read also Court declares Western media publications about entrepreneur Deripaska untrue


tass--2020-03-18--Global coronavirus cases double, exceeding 200,000, reports say

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases across the world has doubled since March 6 @ @ @ @ @ seen from data collected by TASS correspondents based on statements by officials and experts from @ @ @ @ @ .
On March 6 , about two and half months into the epidemic , the @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 .
The global death toll has reached 8,125 .
The estimated average death rate @ @ @ @ @ .
The rate is 3.98 % for China , where the outbreak has passed its @ @ @ @ @ for the rest of the world .
Among countries with over 1,000 confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ the highest in Italy ( 7.95 % ) .
Iran is second ( 6.54 % @ @ @ @ @ ( 4.07 % ) .
According to the Russian coronavirus response center , 147 cases @ @ @ @ @ country so far .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases across the world has doubled since March 6, exceeding 200,000, as seen from data collected by TASS correspondents based on statements by officials and experts from countries hit by the outbreak. On March 6, about two and half months into the epidemic, the number of confirmed cases reached 100,000.
The global death toll has reached 8,125. The estimated average death rate currently stands at 4.06%. The rate is 3.98% for China, where the outbreak has passed its peak, and 4.11% for the rest of the world.
Among countries with over 1,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, the death rate is the highest in Italy (7.95%). Iran is second (6.54%), followed by Spain (4.07%).
According to the Russian coronavirus response center, 147 cases have been identified in the country so far.


tass--2020-03-18--Germany cancels 2020 ILA Berlin aircraft exhibition over coronavirus

BERLIN , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The 2020 ILA Berlin aerospace exhibition that was supposed to take place in @ @ @ @ @ 13 and 17 , is cancelled over the coronavirus situation , the organizers told journalists @ @ @ @ @ s exhibition was supposed to accommodate about 1,000 exhibitors , including the Russian ones .
@ @ @ @ @ clear that we take responsibility for the exhibitors , partners and visitors at ILA 2020 @ @ @ @ @ Association Chief Executive Volker Thum said in a statement .
ILA is one of the @ @ @ @ @ exhibitions .
Set up in 1909 , it is also the world ’ s oldest @ @ @ @ @ purposes .
Earlier , Berlin also cancelled the ITB international tourism fair over the coronavirus @ @

BERLIN, March 18. /TASS/. The 2020 ILA Berlin aerospace exhibition that was supposed to take place in the German capital between May 13 and 17, is cancelled over the coronavirus situation, the organizers told journalists Wednesday.
This year’s exhibition was supposed to accommodate about 1,000 exhibitors, including the Russian ones.
"For us it is clear that we take responsibility for the exhibitors, partners and visitors at ILA 2020," German Aerospace Industries Association Chief Executive Volker Thum said in a statement.
ILA is one of the world’s largest aerospace exhibitions. Set up in 1909, it is also the world’s oldest exhibition of aircraft of various purposes.
Earlier, Berlin also cancelled the ITB international tourism fair over the coronavirus threat.


tass--2020-03-18--Eurovision Song Contest cancelled over coronavirus

THE HAGUE , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest , which was expected to take place in Rotterdam on May 12-16 , has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic , the organizers said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam , '' the statement reads .
`` The uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe - and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EBU ) has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned , '' the organizers added .
The song contest may take place in Rotterdam in 2021 .
`` We are very proud of the Eurovision Song Contest , that for 64 years has united people all around Europe .
And we are deeply disappointed about this situation .
The EBU [ European Broadcasting Union ] , together with the Host Broadcaster NPO , NOS , AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam in 2021 , '' EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand said .
A band named Little Big was chosen to represent Russia in the competition .

THE HAGUE, March 18. /TASS/. The 2020 Eurovision Song Contest, which was expected to take place in Rotterdam on May 12-16, has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organizers said in a statement on Wednesday.
"It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam," the statement reads. "The uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe - and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned," the organizers added.
The song contest may take place in Rotterdam in 2021. "We are very proud of the Eurovision Song Contest, that for 64 years has united people all around Europe. And we are deeply disappointed about this situation. The EBU [European Broadcasting Union], together with the Host Broadcaster NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue to talk to see if it's possible to stage the Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam in 2021," EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand said.
A band named Little Big was chosen to represent Russia in the competition.


tass--2020-03-18--Brent oil falls below $27 first time since September 2003

Brent crude oil falls below $ 28 first time since January 2016 MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The @ @ @ @ @ Brent crude oil with May delivery on London 's ICE fell by 6.9 % reaching @ @ @ @ @ as of 16:23 Moscow time .
The last time oil of this grade was at @ @ @ @ @ .
The price of WTI oil futures lost 10.7 % and reached $ 24.4 per @ @ @ @ @ June 2002 .

Brent crude oil falls below $28 first time since January 2016
MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. The price of futures contract for Brent crude oil with May delivery on London's ICE fell by 6.9% reaching $26.75 per barrel, as of 16:23 Moscow time.
The last time oil of this grade was at this level in September 2003.
The price of WTI oil futures lost 10.7% and reached $24.4 per barrel, the level of June 2002.


tass--2020-03-18--Singapore reports highest daily coronavirus cases increase

SINGAPORE , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
The amount of coronavirus infection cases in Singapore has increased by 47 in @ @ @ @ @ marking the largest daily increase since the first case was confirmed on January 23 , @ @ @ @ @ announced Wednesday .
`` In the past 24 hours , 47 new cases have been @ @ @ @ @ infected abroad , '' the Minister said , adding that the total number of cases @ @ @ @ @ `` We expect significant increase of the number of the infected in the upcoming 2-3 @ @ @ @ @ admitted .

SINGAPORE, March 18. /TASS/. The amount of coronavirus infection cases in Singapore has increased by 47 in the past 24 hour, marking the largest daily increase since the first case was confirmed on January 23, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong announced Wednesday.
"In the past 24 hours, 47 new cases have been registered; 33 people were infected abroad," the Minister said, adding that the total number of cases have reached 313 people.
"We expect significant increase of the number of the infected in the upcoming 2-3 weeks," the official admitted.


tass--2020-03-18--Hainan medics leaving China's Hubei amid receding coronavirus fears

HAIKOU , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
At least 258 medical workers from the southern Chinese province of Hainan , @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak - Hubei Province , returned home amid an improvement in the epidemic @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the news outlet , on March 17 at 17:30 local time ( @ @ @ @ @ two charter flights conducted by Hainan Airlines arrived at Meilan International Airport in Haikou ( @ @ @ @ @ Province ) .
A total of 863 medical workers were sent from Hainan to Hubei @ @ @ @ @ , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of @ @ @ @ @ the city of Wuhan , central China .
Since then , cases of the novel @ @ @ @ @ the WHO — have been reported in more than 160 countries , including Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic .

HAIKOU, March 18. /TASS/. At least 258 medical workers from the southern Chinese province of Hainan, sent to the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak - Hubei Province, returned home amid an improvement in the epidemic, www.hinews.cn reported on Wednesday.
According to the news outlet, on March 17 at 17:30 local time (12:30 Moscow time), two charter flights conducted by Hainan Airlines arrived at Meilan International Airport in Haikou (the administrative center of Hainan Province).
A total of 863 medical workers were sent from Hainan to Hubei.
Coronavirus pandemic
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus — named COVID-19 by the WHO — have been reported in more than 160 countries, including Russia.
On March 11, the WHO declared the outbreak a global pandemic.


tass--2020-03-18--Lavrov: NATO should stop seeing relations with Russia as zero-sum game

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
NATO continues to see cooperation with Russia as a zero-sum game , expanding its military infrastructure closer to the Russian borders , which undermines the efforts to maintain security in Europe , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday during a press conference on the outcomes of the meeting with his Hungarian colleague Peter Szijjarto .
`` In the context of European affairs , Russia-NATO relations are of great importance .
We are unequivocally in favor of building them on the basis of equal and undivided security , as it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this goal proclaimed at the top level within the OSCE is inconsistent with NATO ’ s expansion of its military infrastructure to the east and the attempts of NATO to see joint work as a zero-sum game , '' he said .
According to the minister , Hungary shows a constructive approach towards this issue .
`` We value Hungary ’ s stance on the situation in the Euro-Atlantic region .
Budapest always supports dialogue and stands against artificial confrontation , which I think is the only reasonable stance , '' Lavrov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the meeting with the Hungarian foreign minister , they had discussed Russia-EU relations .
`` We are united in the opinion that these relations are not in their best form , that there are many grounds to promote mutually beneficial projects in various areas , '' the Russian top diplomat said .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. NATO continues to see cooperation with Russia as a zero-sum game, expanding its military infrastructure closer to the Russian borders, which undermines the efforts to maintain security in Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday during a press conference on the outcomes of the meeting with his Hungarian colleague Peter Szijjarto.
"In the context of European affairs, Russia-NATO relations are of great importance. We are unequivocally in favor of building them on the basis of equal and undivided security, as it has been reiterated within the OSCE. Of course, this goal proclaimed at the top level within the OSCE is inconsistent with NATO’s expansion of its military infrastructure to the east and the attempts of NATO to see joint work as a zero-sum game," he said.
According to the minister, Hungary shows a constructive approach towards this issue. "We value Hungary’s stance on the situation in the Euro-Atlantic region. Budapest always supports dialogue and stands against artificial confrontation, which I think is the only reasonable stance," Lavrov noted.
The top diplomat informed that during the meeting with the Hungarian foreign minister, they had discussed Russia-EU relations. "We are united in the opinion that these relations are not in their best form, that there are many grounds to promote mutually beneficial projects in various areas," the Russian top diplomat said.


tass--2020-03-18--First two coronavirus cases confirmed in Zambia

MOSCOW , March 18 .
/TASS/ .
Zambia ’ s Ministry of Health has confirmed the first two novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said on Wednesday .
According to the minister , the patients @ @ @ @ @ Zambia , who travelled to France .
Both have tested positive for the novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ .
All educational institutions in Zambia have been closed for an indefinite period of time @ @ @ @ @ .

MOSCOW, March 18. /TASS/. Zambia’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the first two novel coronavirus cases in the country, Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya said on Wednesday.
According to the minister, the patients are a married couple from Zambia, who travelled to France. Both have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and were put into quarantine.
All educational institutions in Zambia have been closed for an indefinite period of time because of the coronavirus outbreak.