tass--2020-02-09--Moscow considers all possible options regarding its property in US — ambassador

WASHINGTON , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s US Ambassador Anatoly Antonov has commented on various aspects of the Russian-US relations , including the current situation regarding the arrest of Russian diplomatic property in the United States , Russian President Vladimir Putin 's initiative to host a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the 'hockey diplomacy ' announced by his US colleague .
Russia continues to analyze the situation surrounding the arrest of its diplomatic property in the United States , the ambassador told TASS .
`` We keep analyzing the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the case .
Of course , we will take action only if we are absolutely sure that it will bring us positive results , '' he said .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov said in mid-January that new information regarding legal aspects of the diplomatic property issue may appear soon .
On September 2 , 2017 , the US authorities closed Russia ’ s consulate general in San Francisco , the trade mission in Washington and its rented office in New York .
The former two facilities are Russia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moscow described the seizure of Russian diplomatic property as an openly hostile step and called on the United States to immediately return these facilities .
On March 26 , 2018 , Washington closed Russia ’ s consulate general in Seattle ( rented premises ) and the consul general ’ s residence ( Russia ’ s diplomatic property ) .
The Russian Embassy in Washington is trying to explain to US officials the essence and ‘ added value ’ of Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s proposal to organize a summit of the five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( P5 ) , Russia ’ s US ambassador told TASS .
`` I can only say that during out contacts with US official circles and the business community , we are trying to explain the essence and ‘ added value ’ of the proposal , put forward by our president , '' he said .
`` But it ’ s not my task to comment on whether something fits or not into the pre-election agenda and the political schedule of [ US President ] Donald Trump . ''
Antonov said that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initiative from `` the administration , lawmakers or other members of ruling circles . ''
`` This might be due to the domestic political events in the United States that dominated ithe media landscape in the past weeks , '' he suggested .
On January 23 , speaking at the World Holocaust Forum , Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested organizing a summit of the leaders of Russia , China , the United States , France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs .
He said such a meeting could be held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point on the globe the counterparts find convenient . ''
Moscow , in his words , is ready `` for such a serious discussion '' and plans to send corresponding messages of these countries ’ leaders without delay .
Earlier , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that China and France had already supported the initiative .
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on February 6 Russia had not yet received responses from the United States and the United Kingdom .
Russia ’ s ambassador to the United States named Russia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as possible venues for a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev and US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien .
`` Contacts between security councils of Russia and the United States are an important platform for addressing bilateral and international problems , '' Ambassador Anatoly Antonov told TASS .
`` Previous national security advisers , Herbert McMaster and John Bolton , spoke to us about their consultations with Patrushev only in a positive way . ''
`` I ’ m sure that we will preserve the continuity of dialogue , aimed first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By the way , O ’ Brien recently spoke of the need to improve them .
We assume that new meetings between the heads of security councils can take place in Russia , the United States , or on a neutral territory , '' the Russian diplomat went on .
However , he added that `` at least an invitation from the accepting side is required '' in order to start preparations for Patrushev ’ s visit to the United States .
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said last October that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s visit to Russia is being coordinated .
Prior to that , US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman said in an interview with the Kommersant daily that O ’ Brien ’ s possible visit to Russia to establish dialogue with Patrushev was being considered and would take place rather sooner than later .
Antonov has also expressed his support for the proposal to develop bilateral relations through ‘ hockey diplomacy , ’ put forward by the US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan .
`` We support any initiative to develop interstate contacts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public organizations and between citizens of our states , '' the Russian ambassador said .
Antonov said that three years ago , Russia invited US teams to participate in an international children ’ s tournament in the central Russian town of Novomoskovsk ( Tula Region ) .
`` And we noticed that this had indeed produced results : children , their parents and fans have found new friends in Russia and discovered our country , '' he continued .
`` We can only wish success to Sullivan and confirm that ‘ hockey diplomacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other sort of diplomacy aimed at producing a positive and mutually beneficial result , '' the diplomat added .
On February 1 , US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan visited an ice hockey match between Moscow ’ s clubs Spartak and Dinamo at the Arena CSKA stadium and took part in the ceremonial puck drop to start the game .
During the event , he told reporters that ice hockey might help `` break the ice '' between the United States and Russia to start a conversation about shared interests and values .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage in `` hockey diplomacy '' in Russia .

WASHINGTON, February 9. /TASS/. Russia’s US Ambassador Anatoly Antonov has commented on various aspects of the Russian-US relations, including the current situation regarding the arrest of Russian diplomatic property in the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin's initiative to host a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the 'hockey diplomacy' announced by his US colleague.
Diplomatic property issue
Russia continues to analyze the situation surrounding the arrest of its diplomatic property in the United States,the ambassador told TASS.
"We keep analyzing the situation. We are assessing all possible outcomes of the case. Of course, we will take action only if we are absolutely sure that it will bring us positive results," he said.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov said in mid-January that new information regarding legal aspects of the diplomatic property issue may appear soon.
On September 2, 2017, the US authorities closed Russia’s consulate general in San Francisco, the trade mission in Washington and its rented office in New York. The former two facilities are Russia’s government property and enjoy diplomatic immunity. Moscow described the seizure of Russian diplomatic property as an openly hostile step and called on the United States to immediately return these facilities.
On March 26, 2018, Washington closed Russia’s consulate general in Seattle (rented premises) and the consul general’s residence (Russia’s diplomatic property).
Putin's initiative
The Russian Embassy in Washington is trying to explain to US officials the essence and ‘added value’ of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to organize a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5), Russia’s US ambassador told TASS.
"I can only say that during out contacts with US official circles and the business community, we are trying to explain the essence and ‘added value’ of the proposal, put forward by our president," he said. "But it’s not my task to comment on whether something fits or not into the pre-election agenda and the political schedule of [US President] Donald Trump."
Antonov said that he has so far seen no reaction to the initiative from "the administration, lawmakers or other members of ruling circles."
"This might be due to the domestic political events in the United States that dominated ithe media landscape in the past weeks," he suggested.
On January 23, speaking at the World Holocaust Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested organizing a summit of the leaders of Russia, China, the United States, France and Britain in 2020 to discuss world affairs. He said such a meeting could be held "in any country and at any point on the globe the counterparts find convenient." Moscow, in his words, is ready "for such a serious discussion" and plans to send corresponding messages of these countries’ leaders without delay.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that China and France had already supported the initiative.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on February 6 Russia had not yet received responses from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Patrushev-O'Brien meeting
Russia’s ambassador to the United States named Russia, the United States or ‘neutral territory’ as possible venues for a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev and US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien.
"Contacts between security councils of Russia and the United States are an important platform for addressing bilateral and international problems," Ambassador Anatoly Antonov told TASS. "Previous national security advisers, Herbert McMaster and John Bolton, spoke to us about their consultations with Patrushev only in a positive way."
"I’m sure that we will preserve the continuity of dialogue, aimed first of all at stabilizing the Russian-US relations. By the way, O’Brien recently spoke of the need to improve them. We assume that new meetings between the heads of security councils can take place in Russia, the United States, or on a neutral territory," the Russian diplomat went on.
However, he added that "at least an invitation from the accepting side is required" in order to start preparations for Patrushev’s visit to the United States.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said last October that the date for O’Brien’s visit to Russia is being coordinated. Prior to that, US Ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman said in an interview with the Kommersant daily that O’Brien’s possible visit to Russia to establish dialogue with Patrushev was being considered and would take place rather sooner than later.
Hockey diplomacy
Antonov has also expressed his support for the proposal to develop bilateral relations through ‘hockey diplomacy,’ put forward by the US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan.
"We support any initiative to develop interstate contacts, between official representatives and agencies, between public organizations and between citizens of our states," the Russian ambassador said.
Antonov said that three years ago, Russia invited US teams to participate in an international children’s tournament in the central Russian town of Novomoskovsk (Tula Region).
"And we noticed that this had indeed produced results: children, their parents and fans have found new friends in Russia and discovered our country," he continued.
"We can only wish success to Sullivan and confirm that ‘hockey diplomacy’ really works, just like any other sort of diplomacy aimed at producing a positive and mutually beneficial result," the diplomat added.
On February 1, US Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan visited an ice hockey match between Moscow’s clubs Spartak and Dinamo at the Arena CSKA stadium and took part in the ceremonial puck drop to start the game. During the event, he told reporters that ice hockey might help "break the ice" between the United States and Russia to start a conversation about shared interests and values.
In mid-January, the US diplomat promised to engage in "hockey diplomacy" in Russia.


tass--2020-02-09--US spy Whelan learning Russian in detention — watchdog

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
US citizen Paul Whelan , who is in Russian custody on espionage charges , managed to improve his knowledge of Russian while in detention , said Ivan Melnikov , the executive secretary of the Russian capital ’ s prison watchdog .
Moscow court to keep US spy suspect Whelan in custody until March 29 '' When members of the Public Monitoring Commission visited him , observers noted that Whelan has become more fluent in Russian than right after his arrest , '' the Moscow Public Monitoring Commission ’ s executive secretary said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a cellmate , who was a fluent English speaker and helped him to get accustomed to new conditions .
Melnikov also said that Whelan complained about medical services in the Russian detention center .
`` When Public Monitoring Commission visited him , he spoke negatively of medical aid .
He requires a surgery , but only pharmacological therapy is possible in [ pretrial ] detention .
This is not enough .
He is constantly having episodes of pain due to his illness , '' the official continued .
At the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Whelan had rejected a proposal to undergo surgery while in detention in the hope of being operated on it in a normal hospital later .
US citizen Paul Whelan , 48 , who also holds British , Canadian and Irish citizenship , is a global security chief at BorgWarner , a Michigan-based automotive components company .
The Russian Federal Security Service ( FSB ) said Whelan was detained on December 28 , 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission .
A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 20 years behind bars .
At present , the suspect is familiarizing himself with the case files .
Once the procedure is completed , his indictment will be sent to prosecutors for approval .
After that , the case will be referred to a court .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. US citizen Paul Whelan, who is in Russian custody on espionage charges, managed to improve his knowledge of Russian while in detention, said Ivan Melnikov, the executive secretary of the Russian capital’s prison watchdog.
Moscow court to keep US spy suspect Whelan in custody until March 29
"When members of the Public Monitoring Commission visited him, observers noted that Whelan has become more fluent in Russian than right after his arrest," the Moscow Public Monitoring Commission’s executive secretary said.
According to earlier reports, Whelan once had a cellmate, who was a fluent English speaker and helped him to get accustomed to new conditions.
Melnikov also said that Whelan complained about medical services in the Russian detention center.
"When Public Monitoring Commission visited him, he spoke negatively of medical aid. He requires a surgery, but only pharmacological therapy is possible in [pretrial] detention. This is not enough. He is constantly having episodes of pain due to his illness," the official continued.
At the same time, the detention facility’s staff said Whelan had rejected a proposal to undergo surgery while in detention in the hope of being operated on it in a normal hospital later.
US citizen Paul Whelan, 48, who also holds British, Canadian and Irish citizenship, is a global security chief at BorgWarner, a Michigan-based automotive components company. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said Whelan was detained on December 28, 2018 in Moscow while on an alleged spy mission. A criminal investigation was launched against him on espionage charges carrying a penalty of anywhere from 10 to 20 years behind bars.
At present, the suspect is familiarizing himself with the case files. Once the procedure is completed, his indictment will be sent to prosecutors for approval. After that, the case will be referred to a court.


tass--2020-02-09--Thai mall shooting leaves 25 dead, over 60 injured — TV

BANGKOK , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
A total of 25 people were killed and over 60 injured in Saturday ’ s shooting spree at a mall in the northeastern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima , a spokesperson for the country ’ s health ministry said on Sunday .
According to updated casualty reports by the Thai PBS TV channel , a total of 63 people were injured .
13 of them were taken to a local hospital , eight have been operated on .
Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that the gunman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mall for several hours , was killed in a police operation .
According to earlier media reports , several previous attempts have been unsuccessful .
`` Thanks to the police and the military who resolved this incident , '' he said , adding that Thai doctors were ready to provide all necessary medical assistance to every victim of the attack .
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha departed to Nakhon Ratchasima , where he will hold a news conference and meet with survivors .
On Saturday , Sgt Maj Jakrapanth Thomma , 32 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people at a military camp before getting away in a stolen car .
The soldier was firing at passers-by randomly on his way to the Terminal 21 shopping mall .
Once inside , he kept shooting and took a group of people hostage .

BANGKOK, February 9. /TASS/. A total of 25 people were killed and over 60 injured in Saturday’s shooting spree at a mall in the northeastern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima, a spokesperson for the country’s health ministry said on Sunday.
According to updated casualty reports by the Thai PBS TV channel, a total of 63 people were injured. 13 of them were taken to a local hospital, eight have been operated on.
Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday that the gunman, who remained holed up in the mall for several hours, was killed in a police operation. According to earlier media reports, several previous attempts have been unsuccessful.
"Thanks to the police and the military who resolved this incident," he said, adding that Thai doctors were ready to provide all necessary medical assistance to every victim of the attack.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha departed to Nakhon Ratchasima, where he will hold a news conference and meet with survivors.
On Saturday, Sgt Maj Jakrapanth Thomma, 32, shot dead his commander and two other people at a military camp before getting away in a stolen car. The soldier was firing at passers-by randomly on his way to the Terminal 21 shopping mall. Once inside, he kept shooting and took a group of people hostage.


tass--2020-02-09--US sets up new military bases in northeast Syria — Anadolu

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
The United States has been setting up new military bases in northeastern Syria to gain foothold in oil-rich regions of the country , Turkey ’ s Anadolu news agency has reported .
According to the agency ’ s sources , US servicemen started creating a base near Tal Brak , a village in northern Al-Hasakah Governorate , in a bid to block Russian servicemen the way to the Rmelan district that houses Syria ’ s main oil fields .
Equipment and materials for the construction have been redeployed from Iraq .
Another base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortifications in the south of Al-Hasakah , to control oil extraction in the Deir ez-Zor governorate .
US President Donald Trump announced US troop pullout from the zone of the Turkish military operation in northern Syria , but said that his country would not give up control over oil fields in the north of the Arab republic .
The Russian Defense Ministry has said that the United States were smuggling Syrian oil to other countries , while oil caravans are guarded by US private security companies and special forces .
US Special Representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s presence in the region was legitimate as Washington wants to make sure that oil deposits in the northeast of the republic do not fall into the hands of terrorists .
In late November , Jeffrey said that in line with the Syrian constitution , the oil belongs to the people of Syria .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. The United States has been setting up new military bases in northeastern Syria to gain foothold in oil-rich regions of the country, Turkey’s Anadolu news agency has reported.
According to the agency’s sources, US servicemen started creating a base near Tal Brak, a village in northern Al-Hasakah Governorate, in a bid to block Russian servicemen the way to the Rmelan district that houses Syria’s main oil fields. Equipment and materials for the construction have been redeployed from Iraq.
Another base will be set up in former Kurdish fortifications in the south of Al-Hasakah, to control oil extraction in the Deir ez-Zor governorate.
US President Donald Trump announced US troop pullout from the zone of the Turkish military operation in northern Syria, but said that his country would not give up control over oil fields in the north of the Arab republic.
The Russian Defense Ministry has said that the United States were smuggling Syrian oil to other countries, while oil caravans are guarded by US private security companies and special forces.
US Special Representative for Syria James Jeffrey said his country’s presence in the region was legitimate as Washington wants to make sure that oil deposits in the northeast of the republic do not fall into the hands of terrorists. In late November, Jeffrey said that in line with the Syrian constitution, the oil belongs to the people of Syria.


tass--2020-02-09--Syrian troops advancing from Idlib and Aleppo meet in Tal al-Eiss — TV

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Two separate formations of the Syrian armed forces , advancing from the governorates @ @ @ @ @ met late on Saturday in the Tell Iss district on the Aleppo-Damascus highway , the @ @ @ @ @ Al Mayadeen , has reported .
According to Al Mayadeen , Syrian servicemen advancing from @ @ @ @ @ out of 16 populated localities north of the city of Saraqib and entered the town @ @ @ @ @ , another group of Syrian solders , who advanced from southwestern areas of Aleppo , @ @ @ @ @ As a result of the operation , governmental troops are expected to restore control over @ @ @ @ @ , a strategically important road linking the country ’ s north and south .
The @ @ @ @ @ , linking Damascus with industrial regions in the north and the country ’ s economic @ @ @ @ @ under the control of terrorist groups from 2014 .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. Two separate formations of the Syrian armed forces, advancing from the governorates of Idlib and Aleppo, met late on Saturday in the Tell Iss district on the Aleppo-Damascus highway, the Beirut-based pan-Arab TV channel, Al Mayadeen, has reported.
According to Al Mayadeen, Syrian servicemen advancing from Idlib countryside drove militant groups out of 16 populated localities north of the city of Saraqib and entered the town of Tal al-Eiss. Meanwhile, another group of Syrian solders, who advanced from southwestern areas of Aleppo, also approached this district.
As a result of the operation, governmental troops are expected to restore control over the entire 432-km Aleppo-Damascus highway, a strategically important road linking the country’s north and south.
The Hama-Aleppo section of the highway, linking Damascus with industrial regions in the north and the country’s economic capital, Aleppo, remained under the control of terrorist groups from 2014.


tass--2020-02-09--Russian plane delivers humanitarian aid to China

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
A plane of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry landed in China early on Sunday to deliver humanitarian cargo of personal protective items and medicines .
`` An Il-76 plane of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry arrived in China .
It delivered 183 cubic meters of humanitarian cargo - medicines and personal protective equipment , '' the ministry ’ s press service said .
The Ilyushin Il-76 plane of the Russian Emergencies Ministry with a batch of humanitarian aid on board took off from Zhukovsky International Airport near Moscow at 13.33 local time on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government .
Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov earlier said that Russia would send 2 million medical face masks to China as humanitarian aid .
The total weight of the cargo will be 23 tonnes .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
According to the latest data , the total number of coronavirus cases in China has exceeded 37,100 , a total of 811 people have died , some 2,600 have recovered .
Outside China , 288 coronavirus cases have so far been reported in 24 countries , with 1 death .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. A plane of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry landed in China early on Sunday to deliver humanitarian cargo of personal protective items and medicines.
"An Il-76 plane of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry arrived in China. It delivered 183 cubic meters of humanitarian cargo - medicines and personal protective equipment," the ministry’s press service said.
The Ilyushin Il-76 plane of the Russian Emergencies Ministry with a batch of humanitarian aid on board took off from Zhukovsky International Airport near Moscow at 13.33 local time on Saturday.
Assistance to China is provided on instructions from Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov earlier said that Russia would send 2 million medical face masks to China as humanitarian aid. The total weight of the cargo will be 23 tonnes.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.
According to the latest data, the total number of coronavirus cases in China has exceeded 37,100, a total of 811 people have died, some 2,600 have recovered.
Outside China, 288 coronavirus cases have so far been reported in 24 countries, with 1 death.


tass--2020-02-09--At least 21 dead, 33 injured in Thai shooting spree — health ministry

BANKGKOK , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
At least 21 people were killed and 33 injured when a soldier opened fire at a shopping mall in the northeastern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima , Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters on Sunday .
Speaking to reporters in front of the Terminal 21 shopping mall , where the gunman is still holed up , Anutin tasked health authorities with putting medical crews on alert and making sure that hospitals have enough donor blood for transfusions .
On Saturday , Sgt Maj Jakrapanth Thomma , 32 , shot dead his commander @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp before getting away in a stolen car .
The soldier was firing at passers-by randomly on his way to the Terminal 21 shopping mall .
Continuing shooting inside the mall , he took 16 people hostage .
The Khao Sod newspaper reported later that the hostage situation `` appears to have been resolved . ''
So far , law enforcement officers have made several attempts to stop the gunman , but failed .
The Thai Health Ministry confirmed earlier in the day that one police officer was killed and two injured during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacker .
Early on Sunday , Reuters reported , citing eyewitnesses , that shots and a series of blasts were heard in the building .

BANKGKOK, February 9. /TASS/. At least 21 people were killed and 33 injured when a soldier opened fire at a shopping mall in the northeastern Thai city of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thai Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters in front of the Terminal 21 shopping mall, where the gunman is still holed up, Anutin tasked health authorities with putting medical crews on alert and making sure that hospitals have enough donor blood for transfusions.
On Saturday, Sgt Maj Jakrapanth Thomma, 32, shot dead his commander and two other people at a military camp before getting away in a stolen car. The soldier was firing at passers-by randomly on his way to the Terminal 21 shopping mall. Continuing shooting inside the mall, he took 16 people hostage. The Khao Sod newspaper reported later that the hostage situation "appears to have been resolved."
So far, law enforcement officers have made several attempts to stop the gunman, but failed. The Thai Health Ministry confirmed earlier in the day that one police officer was killed and two injured during the most recent operation to neutralize the attacker.
Early on Sunday, Reuters reported, citing eyewitnesses, that shots and a series of blasts were heard in the building.


tass--2020-02-09--China reports 37,100 novel coronavirus cases, 811 deaths

MOSCOW , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
The overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has reached 37,100 , 811 of them died , China 's National Health Commission said on its website on Sunday .
According to the official data , the number of confirmed cases in China grew by more than 2,600 in the past 24 hours , the death toll - by 89 .
To date , over 2,600 people have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals .
Out of the 77,100 recorded patients , 6,188 have developed severe pneumonia .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday that the death toll in mainland China stood at 812 , and the number of confirmed cases increased to 37,251 .
The number of confirmed cases outside China reached 316 , the broadcaster said .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. The overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has reached 37,100, 811 of them died, China's National Health Commission said on its website on Sunday.
According to the official data, the number of confirmed cases in China grew by more than 2,600 in the past 24 hours, the death toll - by 89.
To date, over 2,600 people have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals.
Out of the 77,100 recorded patients, 6,188 have developed severe pneumonia.
Meanwhile, China’s Central Television reported on Sunday that the death toll in mainland China stood at 812, and the number of confirmed cases increased to 37,251.
The number of confirmed cases outside China reached 316, the broadcaster said.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.


tass--2020-02-09--WHO chief urges to fight misinformation on coronavirus

GENEVA , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the global community to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the outbreak of the novel coronavirus ( 2019-nCoV ) in China .
Speaking at a news conference in Geneva on Saturday evening , the WHO head said that `` people must have access to accurate information to protect themselves and others . ''
`` At WHO , we ’ re not just battling the virus ; we ’ re also battling the trolls and conspiracy theorists that push misinformation and undermine the outbreak response , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO risk communications and ‘ infodemic ’ management team has been actively tracking misinformation in multiple languages . ''
The WHO team is addressing rumors `` by publishing `` myth busters '' and Live Q & A interviews with experts - on our website and social channels and through the media.
`` The global organization is also engaging with search engines and social networking sites , asking them `` to filter out false information and promote accurate information from credible sources like WHO , CDC and others . ''
Speaking about the financing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding requested by the WHO from donors for the next three months , Ghebreyesus thanked the countries and foundations that had already allocated the money .
Among them , he mentioned the United States , the United Kingdom and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation .
`` But the response requires more funding and we call upon all donors to please step up , '' he said .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .
According to the latest figures by Ghebreyesus , China has confirmed 34,598 cases of the novel coronavirus .
The death toll in China stands at 723 .
Outside China , 288 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 24 countries , with 1 death .

GENEVA, February 9. /TASS/. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the global community to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China.
Speaking at a news conference in Geneva on Saturday evening, the WHO head said that "people must have access to accurate information to protect themselves and others."
"At WHO, we’re not just battling the virus; we’re also battling the trolls and conspiracy theorists that push misinformation and undermine the outbreak response," he said.
In his words, WHO risk communications and ‘infodemic’ management team has been actively tracking misinformation in multiple languages."
The WHO team is addressing rumors "by publishing "myth busters" and Live Q&A interviews with experts - on our website and social channels and through the media. "
The global organization is also engaging with search engines and social networking sites, asking them "to filter out false information and promote accurate information from credible sources like WHO, CDC and others."
Speaking about the financing of anti-coronavirus efforts and the $675-million funding requested by the WHO from donors for the next three months, Ghebreyesus thanked the countries and foundations that had already allocated the money. Among them, he mentioned the United States, the United Kingdom and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
"But the response requires more funding and we call upon all donors to please step up," he said.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations. According to the latest figures by Ghebreyesus, China has confirmed 34,598 cases of the novel coronavirus. The death toll in China stands at 723. Outside China, 288 coronavirus cases have so far been reported in 24 countries, with 1 death.


tass--2020-02-09--Zelensky hopes to hold Normandy talks in Berlin in two months

KIEV , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed hope that the next summit of the Normandy Quartet ( Russia , Germany , France and Ukraine ) will take place in Berlin in two months , as was planned during the latest talks in Paris .
`` Two months after the Normandy [ meeting ] in Paris and , I hope , two months before another meeting in Berlin , I asked [ the Pope ] to assist in releasing Ukrainians , captured in Donbass , in Crimea and Russia , '' Zelensky said after meeting Pope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a brief statement released via the Telegram messenger .
The Ukrainian leader described the meeting with the Pontiff as `` the moment of truth '' and vowed to do his best to make the conflict in eastern Ukraine only a `` terrible flashback '' from the past .
A Normandy Four summit was held in Paris on December 9 , 2019 , for the first time after a three-year break .
Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia , Emmanuel Macron of Germany , Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine and German Chancellor Angela Merkel gathered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settling the conflict in Donbass .
The seven-hour talks yielded a final document committing to paper a number of concrete accords .
Among the summit ’ s most expected results was an agreement to exchange prisoners-of-war in Donbass under the formula of `` all identified for all identified '' by the yearend and to disengage forces at three more sections of the contact line by March 2020 .
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said on February 4 that representatives of Russia , France , Germany and Ukraine were discussing the possibility to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference due on February 14-16 .
However , he disavowed his statement after the French Foreign Ministry officially stated on Wednesday that it could not confirm the information .

KIEV, February 9. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky expressed hope that the next summit of the Normandy Quartet (Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine) will take place in Berlin in two months, as was planned during the latest talks in Paris.
"Two months after the Normandy [meeting] in Paris and, I hope, two months before another meeting in Berlin, I asked [the Pope] to assist in releasing Ukrainians, captured in Donbass, in Crimea and Russia," Zelensky said after meeting Pope Francis in Vatican on Saturday, in a brief statement released via the Telegram messenger.
The Ukrainian leader described the meeting with the Pontiff as "the moment of truth" and vowed to do his best to make the conflict in eastern Ukraine only a "terrible flashback" from the past.
A Normandy Four summit was held in Paris on December 9, 2019, for the first time after a three-year break. Presidents Vladimir Putin of Russia, Emmanuel Macron of Germany, Vladimir Zelensky of Ukraine and German Chancellor Angela Merkel gathered in the Elysee Palace to discuss ways of settling the conflict in Donbass.
The seven-hour talks yielded a final document committing to paper a number of concrete accords. Among the summit’s most expected results was an agreement to exchange prisoners-of-war in Donbass under the formula of "all identified for all identified" by the yearend and to disengage forces at three more sections of the contact line by March 2020.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadim Pristaiko said on February 4 that representatives of Russia, France, Germany and Ukraine were discussing the possibility to hold a Normandy format meeting in Munich at the level of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference due on February 14-16. However, he disavowed his statement after the French Foreign Ministry officially stated on Wednesday that it could not confirm the information.


tass--2020-02-09--Turkey sends convoy of 300 trucks, armored vehicles to Syrian border — agency

ANKARA , February 9 .
/TASS/ .
Turkey has sent another convoy of 300 trucks and armored vehicles to its border with Syria , the Anadolu news agency reported on Saturday .
The military vehicles have been deployed to the Turkish southernmost province of Hatay that borders Syria .
In the past few days , Turkey has been redeploying its forces to areas bordering the Idlib de-escalation zone .
On Friday , the country sent several units of special operations force there .
The deployment of additional forces to the border with Syria comes against the background of intensified tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkey made another attempt to establish a ceasefire in the region , but terrorists only stepped up their attacks .
As a result , military specialists from Russia and Turkey were killed .
In response , the Syrian army launched a counterattack against extremists , seizing the town of Saraqib near Idlib on February 5 .
The situation is further complicated by the February 3 incident near Saraqib , in which Turkish forces had come under the Syrian army ’ s fire .
The incident killed five servicemen and three civilian personnel .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ army of troop movement in advance .
On the same day , Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that in response to the incident , the Turkish army had carried out attacks on dozens of targets in Idlib .
The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria ( part of the Defense Ministry ) said in a statement that Turkish forces had come under Syrian government forces ’ fire because Ankara had failed to inform Russia about the movement of its troops .
Terrorists retreating to Saraqib were the actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks .
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 .

ANKARA, February 9. /TASS/. Turkey has sent another convoy of 300 trucks and armored vehicles to its border with Syria, the Anadolu news agency reported on Saturday.
The military vehicles have been deployed to the Turkish southernmost province of Hatay that borders Syria.
In the past few days, Turkey has been redeploying its forces to areas bordering the Idlib de-escalation zone. On Friday, the country sent several units of special operations force there.
The deployment of additional forces to the border with Syria comes against the background of intensified tensions in Idlib. Earlier, Russia and Turkey made another attempt to establish a ceasefire in the region, but terrorists only stepped up their attacks. As a result, military specialists from Russia and Turkey were killed. In response, the Syrian army launched a counterattack against extremists, seizing the town of Saraqib near Idlib on February 5.
The situation is further complicated by the February 3 incident near Saraqib, in which Turkish forces had come under the Syrian army’s fire. The incident killed five servicemen and three civilian personnel. Ankara claimed to have informed the Syrian army of troop movement in advance. On the same day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that in response to the incident, the Turkish army had carried out attacks on dozens of targets in Idlib.
The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria (part of the Defense Ministry) said in a statement that Turkish forces had come under Syrian government forces’ fire because Ankara had failed to inform Russia about the movement of its troops. Terrorists retreating to Saraqib were the actual target of the Syrian army’s attacks.
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.


tass--2020-02-10--Pobeda flight makes emergency landing in St. Petersburg due to technical malfunction

ST. PETERSBURG , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
A Pobeda flight en route from Russia ’ s St. Petersburg to @ @ @ @ @ has made an emergency landing at the airport of departure due to a technical malfunction @ @ @ @ @ airport operator told TASS on Monday .
`` On February 10 , 2020 , a @ @ @ @ @ technical malfunction on board and plans to return to the airport of departure .
A @ @ @ @ @ to meet the plane .
The aircraft has landed safely , '' the spokesperson said @ @ @ @ @ passengers were taken to an airport terminal .
Pulkovo Airport continues to operate normally .

ST. PETERSBURG, February 10. /TASS/. A Pobeda flight en route from Russia’s St. Petersburg to the Urals city of Yekaterinburg has made an emergency landing at the airport of departure due to a technical malfunction, a spokesperson for the airport operator told TASS on Monday.
"On February 10, 2020, a Pobeda flight DP515 reported a technical malfunction on board and plans to return to the airport of departure. A rescue team was immediately dispatched to meet the plane. The aircraft has landed safely," the spokesperson said.
The flight’s passengers were taken to an airport terminal. Pulkovo Airport continues to operate normally.


tass--2020-02-10--Spread of coronavirus will slightly affect Russia's GDP — Accounts Chamber

`` This will affect the pace of economic growth , but not significantly .
It may be within 0.1-0.2 percentage points , '' he said .
MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The spread of the new coronavirus will have little effect on Russia 's GDP , within 0.1-0.2 percentage points , head of the Accounts Chamber Alexei Kudrin told reporters .
In his view , Russia 's income will decline due to lower oil consumption by China .
`` This will affect oil , and we see it already .
Therefore , it will affect incomes even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China - TASS ) is restored by the end of the year .
But , most likely , in annual terms , it won ’ t fully restore by the end of the year and will still be less than last year .
This will affect both prices and incomes of our country , `` Kudrin said .
Nevertheless , according to the Chairman of the Accounts Chamber , Russia has the opportunity to increase the growth rate of the economy .
`` If the government tries to build up potential using other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are large private resources in Russia today , including those that are not fully invested - if the mood changes , and this can happen regardless of the coronavirus , then we can even build up ( economic ) growth rate .
Although we lose in one sector , there are still other opportunities , '' Kudrin concluded .

"This will affect the pace of economic growth, but not significantly. It may be within 0.1-0.2 percentage points," he said.
MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. The spread of the new coronavirus will have little effect on Russia's GDP, within 0.1-0.2 percentage points, head of the Accounts Chamber Alexei Kudrin told reporters.
In his view, Russia's income will decline due to lower oil consumption by China.
"This will affect oil, and we see it already. Therefore, it will affect incomes even if the volume of oil consumption (in China - TASS) is restored by the end of the year. But, most likely, in annual terms, it won’t fully restore by the end of the year and will still be less than last year. This will affect both prices and incomes of our country, "Kudrin said.
Nevertheless, according to the Chairman of the Accounts Chamber, Russia has the opportunity to increase the growth rate of the economy.
"If the government tries to build up potential using other factors - as you know, there are large private resources in Russia today, including those that are not fully invested - if the mood changes, and this can happen regardless of the coronavirus, then we can even build up (economic) growth rate. Although we lose in one sector, there are still other opportunities," Kudrin concluded.


tass--2020-02-10--Russian companies face shortage of China-made components, says minister

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russian enterprises face the shortage of China-made components due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia in the country , Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told reporters on Monday , adding though that there are no severe problems with supplies .
`` Indeed , there is such an issue , which is the result of respective restrictions due to the outbreak of ( pneumonia ) epidemic in China , whereas we are not interested in restricting cooperation , '' he said .
`` I can not say that it is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minister added .
Moscow will search for alternative suppliers if real problems with components deliveries from China arise , Manturov noted .
Earlier reports said that Russia ’ s truck manufacturer Kamaz might adjust its production plan starting March 2020 in case of a further spread of the novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia in China and other countries that produce car components .
Meanwhile Russia ’ s top carmaker Avtovaz said earlier that the company had a sufficiency of required car components produced in China , though it is still estimating the risks related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease .
The number of confirmed cases in China has exceeded 40,200 , 909 patients have died , while 3,300 people recovered .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries , including Russia .
The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a @ @ @ @

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russian enterprises face the shortage of China-made components due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia in the country, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told reporters on Monday, adding though that there are no severe problems with supplies.
"Indeed, there is such an issue, which is the result of respective restrictions due to the outbreak of (pneumonia) epidemic in China, whereas we are not interested in restricting cooperation," he said. "I cannot say that it is a severe problem as of today," the minister added.
Moscow will search for alternative suppliers if real problems with components deliveries from China arise, Manturov noted.
Earlier reports said that Russia’s truck manufacturer Kamaz might adjust its production plan starting March 2020 in case of a further spread of the novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia in China and other countries that produce car components.
Meanwhile Russia’s top carmaker Avtovaz said earlier that the company had a sufficiency of required car components produced in China, though it is still estimating the risks related to the coronavirus outbreak.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease. The number of confirmed cases in China has exceeded 40,200, 909 patients have died, while 3,300 people recovered. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries, including Russia. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.


tass--2020-02-10--Russian energy chief vows Nord Stream 2 construction to be finalized despite US resistance

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be finalized despite the `` unprecedented '' resistance from the United States , Russia ’ s Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an article in the Energy Policy magazine published on Monday .
`` The decision on its construction was taken jointly with European consumers in 2012 .
Five foreign companies - Engie , OMV , Shell , Uniper and Wintershall - participate in the project .
That is why it is acknowledged that we all are jointly responsible for its implementation as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strong support of European partners , '' he said .
`` The gas pipeline will enable the Russian Federation to optimize gas supplies , while the northern and central European countries - to enhance energy security through receiving fuel directly from Russia , which guarantees stability , quite a competitive price and the minimum number of intermediaries , '' Novak said .
`` Despite the unprecedented resistance from a number of countries , primarily the US , the construction of the gas pipeline will be finalized , '' the minister noted .

"The decision on its construction was taken jointly with European consumers in 2012. Five foreign companies - Engie, OMV, Shell, Uniper and Wintershall - participate in the project. That is why it is acknowledged that we all are jointly responsible for its implementation as soon as possible, and we feel the strong support of European partners," he said.
MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline will be finalized despite the "unprecedented" resistance from the United States, Russia’s Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an article in the Energy Policy magazine published on Monday.
"The gas pipeline will enable the Russian Federation to optimize gas supplies, while the northern and central European countries - to enhance energy security through receiving fuel directly from Russia, which guarantees stability, quite a competitive price and the minimum number of intermediaries," Novak said. "Despite the unprecedented resistance from a number of countries, primarily the US, the construction of the gas pipeline will be finalized," the minister noted.
The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is set to run from the Russian coast along the Baltic Sea bed to the German shore through the exclusive economic zones and territorial waters of five countries - Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, thus bypassing transit countries of Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and other Eastern European and Baltic states. Each of the pipeline’s two stretches will have a capacity of 27.5 bln cubic meters. Gazprom's European partners in the project are Germany’s Wintershall and Uniper, Austria’s OMV, France’s Engie and Royal Dutch Shell.
US President Donald Trump signed the country’s military budget for the 2020 fiscal year at the end of 2019, which includes a provision on the need to impose sanctions against Russia’s Nord Stream 2, particularly against companies that agreed to participate in the project.
The Switzerland-based Allseas, which laid pipes for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, suspended its pipelay activities and withdrew vessels involved in the project due to the threat of US’ sanctions.
Novak said at the end of last year that the construction of the gas pipeline might be finalized using the ship-laying vessel ‘Akademik Chersky’, adding though that additional preparations were required for the work in the Baltic Sea. The ministry projects that the gas pipeline might be launched by the end of 2020.
As of today, over 2,300 kilometers of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline have been laid (out of approximately 2,460 kilometers), which amounts to 93%.


tass--2020-02-10--Russia, China to assess prospects of laying gas pipeline via Mongolia

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia and China continue negotiations on the ‘ western route ’ of gas @ @ @ @ @ of Siberia 2 ) contemplating deliveries of 30 bln cubic meters of gas per year @ @ @ @ @ prospects of laying the pipeline across Mongolia , Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in @ @ @ @ @ Policy magazine .
`` Different routes of the line are currently discussed , including via @ @ @ @ @ in the project .
An assessment of feasibility of pipeline deliveries of gas from Russia @ @ @ @ @ of this country is currently underway , '' Novak said .
The Russian Ministry of @ @ @ @ @ to set up a working group to prepare a feasibility study of a gas pipeline @ @ @ @ @ the Russian government official said in December of the last year .

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russia and China continue negotiations on the ‘western route’ of gas supplies to China (Power of Siberia 2) contemplating deliveries of 30 bln cubic meters of gas per year and the parties are assessing prospects of laying the pipeline across Mongolia, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in his article in the Energy Policy magazine.
"Different routes of the line are currently discussed, including via Mongolia, which demonstrates interest in the project. An assessment of feasibility of pipeline deliveries of gas from Russia to China across the territory of this country is currently underway," Novak said.
The Russian Ministry of Energy and Gazprom were instructed to set up a working group to prepare a feasibility study of a gas pipeline via Mongolia to China, the Russian government official said in December of the last year.


tass--2020-02-10--Russian Navy ship on anti-piracy mission in Indian Ocean visits Oman

KALININGRAD , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Baltic Fleet guard ship Yaroslav Mudry currently on an anti-piracy mission in the Indian Ocean has made a scheduled business call at the port of Salalah ( Oman ) , the Fleet ’ s press office reported on Monday .
`` During its anchorage at the Omani port , the crew of the Yaroslav Mudry will replenish fresh water , fuel and food supplies and technically inspect the ship , '' the press office said in a statement .
The Russian Navy ship will wrap up its visit to the Omani port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will continue its anti-piracy watch in the Indian Ocean , the statement says .
In accordance with its long-distance deployment plan , the Baltic Fleet ’ s naval group that also includes the sea tug Viktor Konetsky and the tanker Yelnya will continue accomplishing anti-piracy assignments in the Indian Ocean until the end of February , the press office added .
The Baltic Fleet ’ s ships embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet ’ s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region on October 1 and set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December , the warships took part for the first time in the naval phase of the Indra-2019 Russian-Indian drills , in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers and in the Russian-Japanese anti-piracy exercise .

KALININGRAD, February 10. /TASS/. The Baltic Fleet guard ship Yaroslav Mudry currently on an anti-piracy mission in the Indian Ocean has made a scheduled business call at the port of Salalah (Oman), the Fleet’s press office reported on Monday.
"During its anchorage at the Omani port, the crew of the Yaroslav Mudry will replenish fresh water, fuel and food supplies and technically inspect the ship," the press office said in a statement.
The Russian Navy ship will wrap up its visit to the Omani port on February 18, after which it will continue its anti-piracy watch in the Indian Ocean, the statement says.
In accordance with its long-distance deployment plan, the Baltic Fleet’s naval group that also includes the sea tug Viktor Konetsky and the tanker Yelnya will continue accomplishing anti-piracy assignments in the Indian Ocean until the end of February, the press office added.
The Baltic Fleet’s ships embarked on their long-distance deployment from the Baltic Fleet’s main naval base of Baltiysk in the westernmost Kaliningrad Region on October 1 and set off for the Indian Ocean. In December, the warships took part for the first time in the naval phase of the Indra-2019 Russian-Indian drills, in the Maritime Security Belt Russia-China-Iran naval maneuvers and in the Russian-Japanese anti-piracy exercise.


tass--2020-02-10--Russia marks decline in cargo traffic with China, sees no systemic risks yet

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Cargo traffic between Russia and China is declining due to the coronavirus , but so far there are no systemic risks , Deputy Prime Minister , Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev told reporters on Monday .
`` We have closed border crossings , therefore , there is a decline [ in cargo traffic ] , of course .
So far we do not see any systemic risks , '' he said .
Trutnev also noted that the government is taking all necessary measures to combat coronavirus .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underway , necessary measures are being taken in the Far East , '' he said .
On January 30 , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to shut down border crossings in the country ’ s Far East to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
On December 31 , 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On January 7 , Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency .
According to recent data , over 40,200 cases of patients infected with the virus and 909 deaths have been confirmed in China .
Over 3,300 patients have recovered from the virus .
Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries , including Russia .

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Cargo traffic between Russia and China is declining due to the coronavirus, but so far there are no systemic risks, Deputy Prime Minister, Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev told reporters on Monday.
"We have closed border crossings, therefore, there is a decline [in cargo traffic], of course. So far we do not see any systemic risks," he said.
Trutnev also noted that the government is taking all necessary measures to combat coronavirus. "As for measures, the work is underway, necessary measures are being taken in the Far East," he said.
Coronavirus outbreak
On January 30, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered to shut down border crossings in the country’s Far East to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
On December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On January 7, Chinese experts identified the 2019-nCoV coronavirus as the cause of the disease. The WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global health emergency.
According to recent data, over 40,200 cases of patients infected with the virus and 909 deaths have been confirmed in China. Over 3,300 patients have recovered from the virus. Coronavirus cases have also been reported in 24 other countries, including Russia.


tass--2020-02-10--US begins withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, media reports say

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The United States has started withdrawal of its troops from Iraq @ @ @ @ @ on Monday citing Iraqi parliament member Ali al-Ghanimi .
According to al-Ghanimi , US troops @ @ @ @ @ military bases in Iraq .
In his words , the American have confined their presence @ @ @ @ @ the one near the city of Erbil in northern Iraq and Ain al-Asad airbase in @ @ @ @ @ kilometers west of Baghdad .
He noted that the United States were seeking to find @ @ @ @ @ but `` the Iraqi parliament and the Iraqi people insist that American troops be withdrawn @ @ @ @ @ ''

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. /TASS/. The United States has started withdrawal of its troops from Iraq, Al Arabiya TV said on Monday citing Iraqi parliament member Ali al-Ghanimi.
According to al-Ghanimi, US troops are beginning to leave 15 military bases in Iraq. In his words, the American have confined their presence by two big bases, the one near the city of Erbil in northern Iraq and Ain al-Asad airbase in the Anbar province some 180 kilometers west of Baghdad.
He noted that the United States were seeking to find a lodgement at these bases but "the Iraqi parliament and the Iraqi people insist that American troops be withdrawn from all the bases."


tass--2020-02-10--Kremlin says overhaul of previous government’s decisions inappropriate

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The work of the previous Russian government has been commended by Russian President @ @ @ @ @ be inappropriate to talk about an overhaul of the former government ’ s decisions , @ @ @ @ @ reporters on Monday .
His statement came in response to a question regarding the Russian @ @ @ @ @ ’ s recent reversal of an order for international cooperation , approved by the previous @ @ @ @ @ This question is completely inappropriate , I think it would be impossible and counterproductive to @ @ @ @ @ said .
He reminded that `` the outcomes of the work of [ former Russian @ @ @ @ @ s government have been commended by President Putin many times . ''
`` Medvedev ’ @ @ @ @ @ results , and the current government is not starting anew , '' the Kremlin spokesman @ @

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. The work of the previous Russian government has been commended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, it would be inappropriate to talk about an overhaul of the former government’s decisions, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.
His statement came in response to a question regarding the Russian Ministry of Education and Science’s recent reversal of an order for international cooperation, approved by the previous Cabinet of Ministers.
"This question is completely inappropriate, I think it would be impossible and counterproductive to answer it," Peskov said. He reminded that "the outcomes of the work of [former Russian PM Dmitry] Medvedev’s government have been commended by President Putin many times." "Medvedev’s government achieved some significant results, and the current government is not starting anew," the Kremlin spokesman stressed.


tass--2020-02-10--Russia to review each case of unlawful US sanctions independently, Kremlin says

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow would review each case unlawful sanctions imposed by Washington independently and react according to the situation , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday , answering a question regarding possible US sanctions over Russian support to the Venezuelan government .
`` Any hypothetical speculations are barely possible in this case , '' Peskov said , adding that the US and a number of other nations resort to trade and other restrictions towards third countries that are unlawful from the international law standpoint .
They `` resort to this practice more and more often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own interests in world trade , Peskov noted .
`` We consider this practice harmful , we believe that many nations suffer from this practice , we consider this practice a violation of international law , '' the spokesman said , adding that `` one must react according to situation and very carefully review each specific case . ''
On February 6 , US Special Representative on Venezuela Elliott Abrams opined that Russia might soon face consequences for its support to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro .
Earlier , the US administration announced that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Rosneft oil company , in combination with other restrictive measures , involving Venezuelan authorities , led by President Maduro and his supporters abroad .

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Moscow would review each case unlawful sanctions imposed by Washington independently and react according to the situation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, answering a question regarding possible US sanctions over Russian support to the Venezuelan government.
"Any hypothetical speculations are barely possible in this case," Peskov said, adding that the US and a number of other nations resort to trade and other restrictions towards third countries that are unlawful from the international law standpoint.
They "resort to this practice more and more often lately," primarily for serving their own interests in world trade, Peskov noted.
"We consider this practice harmful, we believe that many nations suffer from this practice, we consider this practice a violation of international law," the spokesman said, adding that "one must react according to situation and very carefully review each specific case."
On February 6, US Special Representative on Venezuela Elliott Abrams opined that Russia might soon face consequences for its support to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Earlier, the US administration announced that Washington considers introducing sanction against Russia’s Rosneft oil company, in combination with other restrictive measures, involving Venezuelan authorities, led by President Maduro and his supporters abroad.


tass--2020-02-10--Abe, Putin may meet in Moscow May 9, says top Japanese diplomat

`` As far as I know , regarding a meeting between the Japanese and Russian leaders , it will be held on May 9 in Moscow .
The issue of the prime minister ’ s participation in the ceremony on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Germany is currently in the works , '' he said .
In his New Year greetings to Abe , Putin expressed his confidence that the year of Russian-Japanese interregional and twin-city exchanges would contribute to the rapprochement between the two countries , stressing that he would be glad to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union 's Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany .
Russia and Japan have been in talks to sign a peace treaty since the mid-20th century .
The main stumbling block to achieving this is the status of the Southern Kuril Islands .
After the end of World War II , the Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union .
However , the ownership of Iturup , Kunashir , Shikotan Islands and the Habomai Islands is being challenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry has stated many times that Russia ’ s sovereignty over the islands is beyond doubt .
In 1956 , the Soviet Union and Japan signed a joint declaration on ceasing the state of war and restoring diplomatic and consular relations , but no peace treaty has been signed so far .

"As far as I know, regarding a meeting between the Japanese and Russian leaders, it will be held on May 9 in Moscow. The issue of the prime minister’s participation in the ceremony on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Germany is currently in the works," he said.
In his New Year greetings to Abe, Putin expressed his confidence that the year of Russian-Japanese interregional and twin-city exchanges would contribute to the rapprochement between the two countries, stressing that he would be glad to see the Japanese prime minister at the celebrations in Moscow on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany.
Russia and Japan have been in talks to sign a peace treaty since the mid-20th century. The main stumbling block to achieving this is the status of the Southern Kuril Islands. After the end of World War II, the Kuril Islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union. However, the ownership of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan Islands and the Habomai Islands is being challenged by Japan. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has stated many times that Russia’s sovereignty over the islands is beyond doubt. In 1956, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a joint declaration on ceasing the state of war and restoring diplomatic and consular relations, but no peace treaty has been signed so far.


tass--2020-02-10--China thanks Russia for support in fighting novel coronavirus

BEIJING , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The Chinese authorities express their sincere gratitude to the Russian government and public @ @ @ @ @ support in the battle against novel coronavirus pneumonia , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang @ @ @ @ @ The Russian government provided medical assistance to China , which was delivered to the city @ @ @ @ @ told reporters at a regular press briefing .
`` China expresses its sincere gratitude to @ @ @ @ @ to continue cooperation with Russia and fight the spread of coronavirus together . ''

BEIJING, February 10. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities express their sincere gratitude to the Russian government and public for their moral and material support in the battle against novel coronavirus pneumonia, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Monday.
"The Russian government provided medical assistance to China, which was delivered to the city of Wuhan," he told reporters at a regular press briefing. "China expresses its sincere gratitude to Russia. We are ready to continue cooperation with Russia and fight the spread of coronavirus together."


tass--2020-02-10--Sixty new coronavirus cases reported on cruise ship quarantined in Japan

Meanwhile , the Russian Embassy in Japan confirmed that there were no Russians among those who had contracted the virus onboard the ship .
That brings the total number of passengers and crewmembers diagnosed with the novel coronavirus to 130 .
The new patients ’ nationality has not been specified .
TOKYO , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Japanese specialists have recorded 60 more novel coronavirus cases among passengers and crewmembers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan , TBS television reported on Monday .
`` There are no Russian citizens among those infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the embassy said .
There are nearly 3,700 people from 50 countries , including Russia , onboard the Diamond Princess .
All infected people were evacuated from the ship and taken to the hospitals in Japan ’ s Kanagawa Prefecture .
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama , Japan , on January 20 and sailed back on February 3 .
Among the passengers was a Chinese national who was later found to be infected with the novel coronavirus .
He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be anchored off Yokohama for the people aboard to be given health screenings .
A two-week quarantine , which will last until February 19 , was imposed on the cruise ship .
On December 31 , 2019 , the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan , an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million .
The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7 , 2020 .
Apart from China , 24 other countries , including Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the latest data , the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 40,100 , 908 people have died and 3,281 recovered .
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern , characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations .

Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in Japan confirmed that there were no Russians among those who had contracted the virus onboard the ship.
That brings the total number of passengers and crewmembers diagnosed with the novel coronavirus to 130. The new patients’ nationality has not been specified.
TOKYO, February 10. /TASS/. Japanese specialists have recorded 60 more novel coronavirus cases among passengers and crewmembers of the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, TBS television reported on Monday.
"There are no Russian citizens among those infected with the virus onboard the cruise ship," the embassy said.
There are nearly 3,700 people from 50 countries, including Russia, onboard the Diamond Princess. All infected people were evacuated from the ship and taken to the hospitals in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture.
The cruise ship departed from Yokohama, Japan, on January 20 and sailed back on February 3. Among the passengers was a Chinese national who was later found to be infected with the novel coronavirus. He went off the ship in Hong Kong on January 25. The Japanese authorities ordered the cruise ship to be anchored off Yokohama for the people aboard to be given health screenings. A two-week quarantine, which will last until February 19, was imposed on the cruise ship.
On December 31, 2019, the Chinese authorities reported to the World Health Organization about an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, an economic and industrial metropolis with a population of 11 million. The virus - 2019-nCoV - was identified on January 7, 2020. Apart from China, 24 other countries, including Russia, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. According to the latest data, the overall number of people who contracted the novel coronavirus in China has exceeded 40,100, 908 people have died and 3,281 recovered.
The World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple locations.


tass--2020-02-10--Russia to arm Tu-160 strategic bombers with hypersonic missiles — source

`` The possibility of deploying Kinzhal missiles on Tu-160 aircraft is being considered .
The work on this option is due to be completed this year , '' the source said .
MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s top military brass plans to arm Tupolev Tu-160 supersonic strategic bombers with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles , a source in the defense industry told TASS on Monday .
The source did not specify , however , whether operational or upgraded Tu-160 bombers would be armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles .
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry told TASS in July 2018 that there were plans to test Kinzhal hypersonic missile systems aboard a Tu-22M3 long-range bomber .
The Tu-160 is a multimode supersonic strategic missile-carrying bomber with a variable sweep wing .
Russia ’ s top brass announced its decision in 2015 to restart the production of the Tu-160 strategic bomber in its upgraded Tu-160M version at the Kazan Aircraft Enterprise .
On February 2 , an upgraded Tu-160M prototype derived from an operational Tu-160 bomber took to the skies for the first time .
The upgraded bomber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications , a new radar and electronic countermeasures system .
The bomber is capable of carrying up to 12 strategic cruise missiles on two multi-position rotating launchers inside the fuselage .
The Kinzhal is the latest Russia airborne system that consists of a MiG-31K aircraft as a delivery vehicle and a hypersonic missile .
According to media reports , a Kinzhal missile is the airborne version of the Iskander tactical missile system .
Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled the Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile system in his State of the Nation Address to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a squadron of MiG-31K aircraft armed with hypersonic missiles is on experimental combat duty in Russia ’ s Southern Military District .

"The possibility of deploying Kinzhal missiles on Tu-160 aircraft is being considered. The work on this option is due to be completed this year," the source said.
MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russia’s top military brass plans to arm Tupolev Tu-160 supersonic strategic bombers with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, a source in the defense industry told TASS on Monday.
The source did not specify, however, whether operational or upgraded Tu-160 bombers would be armed with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
TASS has no official confirmation of this information yet.
Another source in the Russian defense industry told TASS in July 2018 that there were plans to test Kinzhal hypersonic missile systems aboard a Tu-22M3 long-range bomber.
The Tu-160 is a multimode supersonic strategic missile-carrying bomber with a variable sweep wing. Russia’s top brass announced its decision in 2015 to restart the production of the Tu-160 strategic bomber in its upgraded Tu-160M version at the Kazan Aircraft Enterprise.
On February 2, an upgraded Tu-160M prototype derived from an operational Tu-160 bomber took to the skies for the first time. The upgraded bomber features advanced flight and navigation equipment, communications, a new radar and electronic countermeasures system. The bomber is capable of carrying up to 12 strategic cruise missiles on two multi-position rotating launchers inside the fuselage.
Kinzhal hypersonic missile system
The Kinzhal is the latest Russia airborne system that consists of a MiG-31K aircraft as a delivery vehicle and a hypersonic missile. According to media reports, a Kinzhal missile is the airborne version of the Iskander tactical missile system. Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled the Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missile system in his State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly in March 2018. Currently, a squadron of MiG-31K aircraft armed with hypersonic missiles is on experimental combat duty in Russia’s Southern Military District.


tass--2020-02-10--Number of foreigners infected with novel coronavirus in China reaches 27

BEIJING , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
The number of foreign nationals infected with the novel coronavirus in China has @ @ @ @ @ have died , three others have recovered , Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said @ @ @ @ @ have already informed the respective states of their death .
< … > One of @ @ @ @ @ ethnic Chinese , he is a US citizen , '' he told reporters at a @ @ @ @

BEIJING, February 10. /TASS/. The number of foreign nationals infected with the novel coronavirus in China has reached 27, two people have died, three others have recovered, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Monday.
"We have already informed the respective states of their death. <…> One of those who died is an ethnic Chinese, he is a US citizen," he told reporters at a regular press briefing.


tass--2020-02-10--Obama left Trump with horrible legacy, Russian top diplomat says

The minister recalled how Obama was , `` resentful over Edward Snowden ’ s asylum , '' and cancelled his visit to a summit in Moscow , where `` a very interesting document on strategic stability was being prepared for signing . ''
MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Former US President Barack Obama left his successor Donald Trump a horrible legacy when he left the Oval Office , says Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov .
Russia ready to discuss its weapons with US in context of possible treaties — Lavrov '' He had this quirk of placing personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also displayed it in December 2016 , when he , already an outgoing president , ‘ slammed the door ’ by seizing Russian diplomatic properties and by forcing the diplomats out .
By doing so , he left Trump with a horrible legacy in relations with Russia , which still has a certain effect , '' the top diplomat added .
On September 2 , 2017 , the US authorities , under the pretext of the sanctions , closed the Russian consulate general in San Francisco , the trade office in Washington and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former two objects are Russian state property and they enjoy diplomatic immunity , while the latter was rented by Moscow .
Russia viewed the diplomatic property seizure as a blatantly hostile act and called on the US to return these objects immediately .
On March 26 , 2018 , Washington announced the seizure of the Russian consulate general in Seattle ( rented ) and the residence of the consul general ( Russian diplomatic property ) .

The minister recalled how Obama was, "resentful over Edward Snowden’s asylum," and cancelled his visit to a summit in Moscow, where "a very interesting document on strategic stability was being prepared for signing."
MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Former US President Barack Obama left his successor Donald Trump a horrible legacy when he left the Oval Office, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Russia ready to discuss its weapons with US in context of possible treaties — Lavrov
"He had this quirk of placing personal [things] above government. He also displayed it in December 2016, when he, already an outgoing president, ‘slammed the door’ by seizing Russian diplomatic properties and by forcing the diplomats out. By doing so, he left Trump with a horrible legacy in relations with Russia, which still has a certain effect," the top diplomat added.
On September 2, 2017, the US authorities, under the pretext of the sanctions, closed the Russian consulate general in San Francisco, the trade office in Washington and its division in New York.
The former two objects are Russian state property and they enjoy diplomatic immunity, while the latter was rented by Moscow. Russia viewed the diplomatic property seizure as a blatantly hostile act and called on the US to return these objects immediately.
On March 26, 2018, Washington announced the seizure of the Russian consulate general in Seattle (rented) and the residence of the consul general (Russian diplomatic property).


tass--2020-02-10--Boeing 737 prepares for emergency landing in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk over flaps failure

KRASNOYARSK , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Nordstar airlines passenger Boeing 737 , conducting a flight from Krasnoyarsk to Moscow @ @ @ @ @ in airport of departure over flaps failure , the airport press service told TASS .
@ @ @ @ @ headed to Moscow ’ s Domodedovo airport .
After takeoff , its flaps failed to @ @ @ @ @ a decision to burn the fuel and return to the airport of departure , '' @ @ @ @ @ The emergency landing is expected at around 11:20 Moscow time .

KRASNOYARSK, February 10. /TASS/. Nordstar airlines passenger Boeing 737, conducting a flight from Krasnoyarsk to Moscow, prepares for emergency landing in airport of departure over flaps failure, the airport press service told TASS.
There are 100 people onboard.
"The Nordstar Boeing 737 headed to Moscow’s Domodedovo airport. After takeoff, its flaps failed to retract. The crew made a decision to burn the fuel and return to the airport of departure," the press service said.
The emergency landing is expected at around 11:20 Moscow time.


tass--2020-02-10--Russia ready to discuss its weapons with US in context of possible treaties — Lavrov

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow is ready to discuss its new weapons with Washington in context of new possible agreements and in consideration of all factors that influence the strategic stability , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Rossiyskaya Gazeta .
`` We have already mentioned that our military is ready to discuss some of these new weapons - at least the Avangard [ hypersonic missile system ] and Sarmat [ intercontinental ballistic missile ] - in context of the [ New START ] Treaty , '' the minister said .
`` [ Other new Russian weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s criteria , but we are ready to discuss other [ weapons ] too . ''
These weapons were developed because of dissolution of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty , Lavrov noted .
`` Today , several decades after the Treaty got terminated , any questions regarding new weapon systems must be discussed only within the context of all factors that influence the strategic stability , '' he underscored .
He expressed concerns regarding the US ’ s so-called Prompt Global Strike doctrine , which involves use of non-nuclear strategic weapons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It aims to reach any point of the Earth within one hour at most .
Of course , it is a new destabilizing factor , '' Lavrov explained .
`` Other factors are Washington ’ s now official refusal to join the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and its plans to bring weapons into space . ''
`` Of course , we are ready to discuss our new weapons and new weapons of other nations , and do it in consideration of all factors that influence the global stability , '' the minister said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit our weapons while those who make this offer continue developing their own weapons without limitations , of course , this discussion would lead us nowhere . ''

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Moscow is ready to discuss its new weapons with Washington in context of new possible agreements and in consideration of all factors that influence the strategic stability, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
"We have already mentioned that our military is ready to discuss some of these new weapons - at least the Avangard [hypersonic missile system] and Sarmat [intercontinental ballistic missile] - in context of the [New START] Treaty," the minister said. "[Other new Russian weapons] do not fit under the Treaty’s criteria, but we are ready to discuss other [weapons] too."
These weapons were developed because of dissolution of the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, Lavrov noted.
"Today, several decades after the Treaty got terminated, any questions regarding new weapon systems must be discussed only within the context of all factors that influence the strategic stability," he underscored.
He expressed concerns regarding the US’s so-called Prompt Global Strike doctrine, which involves use of non-nuclear strategic weapons, and which has gained traction recently.
"It aims to reach any point of the Earth within one hour at most. Of course, it is a new destabilizing factor," Lavrov explained. "Other factors are Washington’s now official refusal to join the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and its plans to bring weapons into space."
"Of course, we are ready to discuss our new weapons and new weapons of other nations, and do it in consideration of all factors that influence the global stability," the minister said. "If we are offered to limit our weapons while those who make this offer continue developing their own weapons without limitations, of course, this discussion would lead us nowhere."


tass--2020-02-10--Top Russian diplomat urges EU against using Russophobia to bolster integrity after Brexit

MOSCOW , February 10 .
/TASS/ .
Russia will welcome a more integral and independent post-Brexit European Union if it @ @ @ @ @ of Russophobia , Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta @ @ @ @ @ helps it [ EU ] to be a more cohesive association and strengthen its independence @ @ @ @ @ Russophobia - London played a considerable role in it , that ’ s what it @ @ @ @ @ welcome this trend , '' Lavrov said .
According to the minister , the United @ @ @ @ @ aloof and play its own game inside the EU .
`` They received economic and @ @ @ @ @ kept a distance politically and tried to advance their interests in the EU as well @ @ @ @ @ - there ’ s nothing to hide here , '' he stressed .
`` They @ @ @ @ @ taking place in the EU for a reason , '' Lavrov noted .
`` Therefore @ @ @ @ @ think that the EU will be hit hard by Brexit . ''

MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. Russia will welcome a more integral and independent post-Brexit European Union if it is not achieved by means of Russophobia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper.
"If it helps it [EU] to be a more cohesive association and strengthen its independence and self-sufficiency not based on Russophobia - London played a considerable role in it, that’s what it was - we will only welcome this trend," Lavrov said.
According to the minister, the United Kingdom always tried to stay aloof and play its own game inside the EU. "They received economic and trade benefits, but always kept a distance politically and tried to advance their interests in the EU as well as Washington’s interests - there’s nothing to hide here," he stressed. "They opted out of many process taking place in the EU for a reason," Lavrov noted. "Therefore, I don’t think that the EU will be hit hard by Brexit."


tass--2020-02-10--MMC's drones used in the battle against the new coronavirus outbreak

BEIJING , Feb. 10 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The beginning of 2020 is special to most Chinese - with a sudden coronavirus outbreak firstly occurred in Wuhan , China , all cities joined to fight with efforts .
Shenzhen MicroMultiCopter ( MMC ) quickly launched the UAV prevention solutions and invested a service team of over 200 people rushing to the front line with over 100 drones deployed in many cities such as Shanghai , Guangzhou , Zhaoqing , Foshan and other areas to participate in the battles , by which the risk of virus spreading among front-line staffs is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of artificially patrolling , the drones are capable of uninterrupted patrols in 360 degrees to observe the ground condition through 40x zoom cameras .
Crowds and those who does n't wear masks in public places are found and dispersed by the commanders through onboard megaphones .
Daily broadcasting by drones is carrying out in different streets and communities , larger area is covered than using traditional loudspeakers .
II .
Disinfectant spraying From stations , supermarkets to small courtyards where there is a need , MMC drones are used to spray disinfectant in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , using drones can avoid direct contact especially in those places required regular disinfection .
III .
Aerial thermal sensing The drone with thermal camera will automatically sense each person through high accuracy infrared which has been widely used in crowded areas to assist in onsite management and evacuation .
IV .
Traffic control Since 1st Feb , MMC teams have been working with traffic police at many highway points .
Traffic flow , congestion situation was captured .
With larger coverage than fixed cameras , MMC drones greatly helped commanders figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years where we must drive to patrol and gather information , we can now discover everything using drones , '' a local traffic police praised with his thumb-up .
`` At first , our drones are used only in aerial broadcasting , and it goes deeper in front-line use since the situation is getting more serious , further functions are required so we quickly formed a online R & D team and carried out the solutions , '' said Lu Zhihui , chairman of MMC .
As a company with complete supply chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only complete solutions but also UAV key parts for different applications and OEM/ODM cooperation .
With the experience cooperating with its global partners , MMC is committed to boosting automation level so people can work in greater safety , with lower cost and by higher efficiency .

BEIJING, Feb. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The beginning of 2020 is special to most Chinese - with a sudden coronavirus outbreak firstly occurred in Wuhan, China, all cities joined to fight with efforts. Shenzhen MicroMultiCopter (MMC) quickly launched the UAV prevention solutions and invested a service team of over 200 people rushing to the front line with over 100 drones deployed in many cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhaoqing, Foshan and other areas to participate in the battles, by which the risk of virus spreading among front-line staffs is greatly reduced.
I. Aerial broadcasting
Instead of artificially patrolling, the drones are capable of uninterrupted patrols in 360 degrees to observe the ground condition through 40x zoom cameras. Crowds and those who doesn't wear masks in public places are found and dispersed by the commanders through onboard megaphones. Daily broadcasting by drones is carrying out in different streets and communities, larger area is covered than using traditional loudspeakers.
II. Disinfectant spraying
From stations, supermarkets to small courtyards where there is a need, MMC drones are used to spray disinfectant in public places. Compared to traditional way, using drones can avoid direct contact especially in those places required regular disinfection.
III. Aerial thermal sensing
The drone with thermal camera will automatically sense each person through high accuracy infrared which has been widely used in crowded areas to assist in onsite management and evacuation.
IV. Traffic control
Since 1st Feb, MMC teams have been working with traffic police at many highway points. Traffic flow, congestion situation was captured. With larger coverage than fixed cameras, MMC drones greatly helped commanders figure out solutions very quickly.
"Unlike previous years where we must drive to patrol and gather information, we can now discover everything using drones," a local traffic police praised with his thumb-up.
"At first, our drones are used only in aerial broadcasting, and it goes deeper in front-line use since the situation is getting more serious, further functions are required so we quickly formed a online R&D team and carried out the solutions," said Lu Zhihui, chairman of MMC.
As a company with complete supply chain of industrial UAV, MMC provides not only complete solutions but also UAV key parts for different applications and OEM/ODM cooperation. With the experience cooperating with its global partners, MMC is committed to boosting automation level so people can work in greater safety, with lower cost and by higher efficiency.
CONTACT: info@mmcuav.com