tass--2020-03-12--Russia’s Glavkosmos to promote Soyuz commercial flights on US market jointly with ILS

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Glavkosmos ( part of Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos ) will promote commercial flights aboard Soyuz manned spacecraft jointly with the US-based International Launch Services , Inc. ( ILS , a subsidiary of the Khrunichev Space Center ) , Glavkosmos CEO Dmitry Loskutov said on Thursday .
ILS earlier obtained permission from the US Department of State for promoting the services for the launch of Soyuz carrier rockets on the US market .
The company will also be able to offer services for space tourists aboard Soyuz manned spacecraft .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assigned the task of resuming commercial piloted programs , including jointly with ILS .
For Glavkosmos as the foreign economic activity operator of the State Corporation Roscosmos , interacting with foreign counterparties is a natural task , '' the company ’ s press office quoted the chief executive as saying in a statement on its website .
Glavkosmos has substantial experience in taking part in the projects related to commercial manned space flights , Loskutov said .
As the Glavkosmos chief executive recalled , Japanese journalist Toyohiro Akiyama was one of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flights .
He made a space travel to the Mir orbital station in December 1990 under the Russian company ’ s contract with the Tokyo Broadcasting System ( TBS ) .
Glavkosmos is the Roscosmos subsidiary whose main task is to promote the output and services of Russian space industry enterprises on the international market and implement complex international projects .
Over more than 30 years of its history , the company has signed more than 120 international contracts and launched over 140 satellites as hosted payload .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Glavkosmos (part of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos) will promote commercial flights aboard Soyuz manned spacecraft jointly with the US-based International Launch Services, Inc. (ILS, a subsidiary of the Khrunichev Space Center), Glavkosmos CEO Dmitry Loskutov said on Thursday.
ILS earlier obtained permission from the US Department of State for promoting the services for the launch of Soyuz carrier rockets on the US market. The company will also be able to offer services for space tourists aboard Soyuz manned spacecraft.
"Since recently, our company has been assigned the task of resuming commercial piloted programs, including jointly with ILS. For Glavkosmos as the foreign economic activity operator of the State Corporation Roscosmos, interacting with foreign counterparties is a natural task," the company’s press office quoted the chief executive as saying in a statement on its website.
Glavkosmos has substantial experience in taking part in the projects related to commercial manned space flights, Loskutov said.
As the Glavkosmos chief executive recalled, Japanese journalist Toyohiro Akiyama was one of the world’s first commercial participants in space flights. He made a space travel to the Mir orbital station in December 1990 under the Russian company’s contract with the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS).
Glavkosmos is the Roscosmos subsidiary whose main task is to promote the output and services of Russian space industry enterprises on the international market and implement complex international projects. Over more than 30 years of its history, the company has signed more than 120 international contracts and launched over 140 satellites as hosted payload.


tass--2020-03-12--Russia hopes for full implementation of US-Taliban agreement — diplomat

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Moscow hopes for the prompt elimination of all hurdles standing in the way of implementing the US-Taliban agreement , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
`` Russia welcomed its signing and hopes for its complete implementation , '' the diplomat stated .
`` We expect that in the near future all hurdles standing in the way will be eliminated and a solution achieved that will allow for the release from custody of five thousand Taliban and one thousand government troops ahead of direct intra-Afghan talks on peace and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conformity with the agreement , '' Zakharova commented .
She voiced concern over a critical situation , which is `` fraught with further destabilization of the already complicated internal political situation in the country and negative effects on yet-to-be launched inclusive intra-Afghan talks , '' which became a realistic possibility after the conclusion of the Doha agreement .
`` We are calling upon all responsible political figures in Afghanistan to be guided exclusively by national interests and to focus their efforts on advancing the process of national reconciliation , leading towards an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a peaceful , united and independent state , free from terrorism and drug crime , '' Zakharova said .
She added that Russia would be prepared to further provide `` all-round assistance to the friendly Afghan people for the sake of achieving the aforesaid goals . ''
On February 29 , the United States and the Taliban movement ( outlawed in Russia ) concluded a peace deal .
Under the agreement negotiations between the Taliban and the other Afghan parties on a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire were to begin on March 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 supporters of Taliban and up to 1,000 people held by the Taliban are to be released in a confidence-building move .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Moscow hopes for the prompt elimination of all hurdles standing in the way of implementing the US-Taliban agreement, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"Russia welcomed its signing and hopes for its complete implementation," the diplomat stated. "We expect that in the near future all hurdles standing in the way will be eliminated and a solution achieved that will allow for the release from custody of five thousand Taliban and one thousand government troops ahead of direct intra-Afghan talks on peace and the country’s post-war reconstruction in full conformity with the agreement," Zakharova commented.
She voiced concern over a critical situation, which is "fraught with further destabilization of the already complicated internal political situation in the country and negative effects on yet-to-be launched inclusive intra-Afghan talks," which became a realistic possibility after the conclusion of the Doha agreement.
"We are calling upon all responsible political figures in Afghanistan to be guided exclusively by national interests and to focus their efforts on advancing the process of national reconciliation, leading towards an end to the civil war and the revival of a peaceful, united and independent state, free from terrorism and drug crime," Zakharova said.
She added that Russia would be prepared to further provide "all-round assistance to the friendly Afghan people for the sake of achieving the aforesaid goals."
On February 29, the United States and the Taliban movement (outlawed in Russia) concluded a peace deal. Under the agreement negotiations between the Taliban and the other Afghan parties on a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire were to begin on March 10. Before the intra-Afghan talks up to 5,000 supporters of Taliban and up to 1,000 people held by the Taliban are to be released in a confidence-building move.


tass--2020-03-12--Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman holds first video conference briefing

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has for the first time held her briefing in the unusual for the journalists format of a video conference , answering as many as 16 questions .
Zakharova ’ s weekly briefings , where journalists have an opportunity to directly ask vital questions , are popular among the Russian and foreign journalists .
Last week , all journalists accredited to the briefing had to go through temperature checks at the entrance to the press center of the Russian Foreign Ministry .
This time , the ministry acted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization , moving the briefing online .
At first glance , today ’ s briefing was in no way different to the previous ones .
Against the background of the familiar banner , the Russian diplomat voiced the working schedule of the foreign minister , as well as answered 16 questions from journalists , that were sent ahead in writing or as a video .
Meanwhile , Zakharova and a ministry cameraman were the only audience in the hall .
For slightly more than an hour , the spokeswoman was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation in Afghanistan , Syria and Ukraine , investigation into the MH17 crash , fresh reports about an alleged Russian meddling .
Most questions , as it had been expected , focused on the novel coronavirus and the way it affected the schedule of the Russian diplomats .
Zakharova does not know what will be the format of her next briefing .
At the end of the Thursday ’ s briefing , she promised the journalists to inform them in advance .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 4,300 deaths .
The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has for the first time held her briefing in the unusual for the journalists format of a video conference, answering as many as 16 questions.
Zakharova’s weekly briefings, where journalists have an opportunity to directly ask vital questions, are popular among the Russian and foreign journalists.
Last week, all journalists accredited to the briefing had to go through temperature checks at the entrance to the press center of the Russian Foreign Ministry. This time, the ministry acted in line with the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization, moving the briefing online.
At first glance, today’s briefing was in no way different to the previous ones. Against the background of the familiar banner, the Russian diplomat voiced the working schedule of the foreign minister, as well as answered 16 questions from journalists, that were sent ahead in writing or as a video. Meanwhile, Zakharova and a ministry cameraman were the only audience in the hall.
For slightly more than an hour, the spokeswoman was commenting on international topics, including the situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine, investigation into the MH17 crash, fresh reports about an alleged Russian meddling. Most questions, as it had been expected, focused on the novel coronavirus and the way it affected the schedule of the Russian diplomats.
Zakharova does not know what will be the format of her next briefing. At the end of the Thursday’s briefing, she promised the journalists to inform them in advance.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-12--Israel’s strikes in Syria undermine regional security — Russian diplomat

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Israel ’ s airstrikes in Syria only add to the tensions and destabilize the situation in the region , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday .
`` We are concerned over Israel ’ s continued practice of delivering unilateral airstrikes on the Syrian territory in violation of the sovereignty of neighboring Arab nations , '' she stated .
`` The latest such attack was staged by Israeli warplanes on March 5 from Lebanon ’ s airspace .
As a result , one Syrian soldier was killed and more than ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced that such arbitrary military actions undermine regional stability and heighten tensions , '' she stressed .
On March 5 , Israeli warplanes delivered missile strikes at military facilities in Syria ’ s central Homs and southern al-Quneitra governorates .
According to Sham FM radio station , at least 12 missiles fired from the Israeli warplanes were intercepted by Syria ’ s air defense forces .
According to the Al-Hadath television channel , missile strikes targeted two military airdromes after they had received Iranian weapons meant for Shia soldiers fighting for the government @ @

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Israel’s airstrikes in Syria only add to the tensions and destabilize the situation in the region, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"We are concerned over Israel’s continued practice of delivering unilateral airstrikes on the Syrian territory in violation of the sovereignty of neighboring Arab nations," she stated. "The latest such attack was staged by Israeli warplanes on March 5 from Lebanon’s airspace. As a result, one Syrian soldier was killed and more than ten were wounded."
"We are convinced that such arbitrary military actions undermine regional stability and heighten tensions," she stressed.
On March 5, Israeli warplanes delivered missile strikes at military facilities in Syria’s central Homs and southern al-Quneitra governorates. According to Sham FM radio station, at least 12 missiles fired from the Israeli warplanes were intercepted by Syria’s air defense forces. According to the Al-Hadath television channel, missile strikes targeted two military airdromes after they had received Iranian weapons meant for Shia soldiers fighting for the government army.


tass--2020-03-12--Upcoming meeting on Libya in Rome postponed due to coronavirus

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Italian Foreign Ministry ’ s Director General for Political and Security Affairs Sebastiano @ @ @ @ @ Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov during Thursday ’ s phone call that a meeting of the @ @ @ @ @ set to take place in Rome on March 19 would be postponed .
The phone @ @ @ @ @ initiative of Italy , the Russian Foreign Ministry informed .
`` During the talks , @ @ @ @ @ in Libya in detail , focusing on the importance of coordinated efforts of the international @ @ @ @ @ political regulation of the Libyan crisis .
In this context , Cardi stated that the @ @ @ @ @ Committee on Libya planned for March 19 in Rome would be postponed due to the @ @ @ @ @ message informs .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Italian Foreign Ministry’s Director General for Political and Security Affairs Sebastiano Cardi has informed Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov during Thursday’s phone call that a meeting of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya set to take place in Rome on March 19 would be postponed. The phone call was held at the initiative of Italy, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed.
"During the talks, they discussed the current situation in Libya in detail, focusing on the importance of coordinated efforts of the international community to aid the soonest political regulation of the Libyan crisis. In this context, Cardi stated that the meeting of the International Follow-up Committee on Libya planned for March 19 in Rome would be postponed due to the coronavirus epidemic," the message informs.


tass--2020-03-12--Russia has all tools to maintain financial stability, says PM

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin assured that Russia has all the tools necessary to maintain financial stability , he said opening a government meeting .
`` The president and the government have the situation in the Russian economy under control .
We have all the tools to go through it calmly , without shocks .
We have enough resources to maintain financial stability , '' Mishustin said .
He recalled that in the past few days , financial and oil markets have been influenced by negative events , such as the coronavirus epidemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agreement to reduce production .
`` We did not initiate the withdrawal from the agreement [ OPEC+ deal ] .
On the contrary , we proposed to extend the agreement on the existing terms , at least until the end of the second quarter or for a year , so as not to complicate the situation that has developed with the spread of coronavirus , '' Mishustin said .
Mishustin emphasized that Russia 's position was absolutely well-founded and justified , since energy demand was already declining due to a slowdown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade , but OPEC countries decided not to renew the agreement .
Saudi Arabia , being the leader OPEC announced an unprecedented decline for its oil prices and increased production to record levels , which in turn led to a fall in markets , he added .
At the same time , he emphasized the measures that the Russian monetary authorities are taking to maintain financial stability .
In particular , he mentioned the Bank of Russia suspending purchases of foreign currency on the market for 30 days , as well as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currency in order to compensate for budget losses .
According to Mishustin , these measures have already yielded a certain result .
OPEC+ countries are `` in the same boat '' as far as the oil prices situation is concerned , although they were differently prepared for market instability , Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier , commenting on reports of an alleged price war being waged against Russia in this sphere .
`` I want to recall that Riyadh itself has denied reports that there is any kind of price war , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Reducing the price of oil and oil products is a general trend , we are all in the same boat together in this situation , '' Peskov said .
`` It ’ s another matter that all countries were more or less prepared for such a drop in prices . ''
At the talks on March 6 , the OPEC+ ministers were unable to agree on further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production .
Starting from April , all production restrictions will be lifted .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin assured that Russia has all the tools necessary to maintain financial stability, he said opening a government meeting.
"The president and the government have the situation in the Russian economy under control. We have all the tools to go through it calmly, without shocks. We have enough resources to maintain financial stability," Mishustin said.
He recalled that in the past few days, financial and oil markets have been influenced by negative events, such as the coronavirus epidemic and the OPEC decision to withdraw from the agreement to reduce production. "We did not initiate the withdrawal from the agreement [OPEC+ deal]. On the contrary, we proposed to extend the agreement on the existing terms, at least until the end of the second quarter or for a year, so as not to complicate the situation that has developed with the spread of coronavirus," Mishustin said.
Mishustin emphasized that Russia's position was absolutely well-founded and justified, since energy demand was already declining due to a slowdown in the global economy and decline in international trade, but OPEC countries decided not to renew the agreement. Saudi Arabia, being the leader OPEC announced an unprecedented decline for its oil prices and increased production to record levels, which in turn led to a fall in markets, he added.
At the same time, he emphasized the measures that the Russian monetary authorities are taking to maintain financial stability. In particular, he mentioned the Bank of Russia suspending purchases of foreign currency on the market for 30 days, as well as the Ministry of Finance announcing sale of foreign currency in order to compensate for budget losses. According to Mishustin, these measures have already yielded a certain result.
OPEC+ countries are "in the same boat" as far as the oil prices situation is concerned, although they were differently prepared for market instability, Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier, commenting on reports of an alleged price war being waged against Russia in this sphere.
"I want to recall that Riyadh itself has denied reports that there is any kind of price war, especially against Russia," he said. "Reducing the price of oil and oil products is a general trend, we are all in the same boat together in this situation," Peskov said. "It’s another matter that all countries were more or less prepared for such a drop in prices."
At the talks on March 6, the OPEC+ ministers were unable to agree on further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production. Starting from April, all production restrictions will be lifted.


tass--2020-03-12--Statements on Russia’s involvement in MH17 crash are ungrounded — diplomat

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Statements regarding Russia ’ s involvement in the Malaysian MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine have no grounds and are based on dubious sources , Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday .
`` A lot of fake news have been disseminated in the last few days .
I would like to recall that Russia is not a party to the process .
Besides , statements regarding our country ’ s involvement in the catastrophe have no grounds and are based on dubious sources , '' Zakharova stated .
On March 9-10 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boeing crash took place .
Zakharova pointed to `` a brazen policy of the prosecution , who openly force the review of this complex case and demand that the court formally approve the imposed version of the events as soon as possible . ''
`` I will only provide one example .
The Dutch prosecutors already quote some anonymous witnesses , allegedly in possession of incontestable evidence of the defendants ’ guilt .
At the same time , using the old 'highly likely ’ formula , the society is being intimidated with Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify the witnesses , intimidate them , and obstruct the reconstruction of the true picture of the tragedy , '' the diplomat said .
The charges have been filed against three Russians and one Ukrainian national .
Defense of one of the accused has already called on the court to carefully review the case materials , which comprise more than 30,000 pages .
`` The defense raised questions that both [ Russia ] and the Dutch lawmakers asked repeatedly — why Ukraine failed to close its airspace over the armed conflict zone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigated to the end , '' the spokeswoman said .
The diplomat pointed out that tens of other legitimate questions , raised not only by Russia , but by `` the politicians , journalists , civil society representatives who reject the mainstream version , who were actually force-fed with it , '' also remain unanswered .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Statements regarding Russia’s involvement in the Malaysian MH17 Boeing crash in Ukraine have no grounds and are based on dubious sources, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Thursday.
"A lot of fake news have been disseminated in the last few days. I would like to recall that Russia is not a party to the process. Besides, statements regarding our country’s involvement in the catastrophe have no grounds and are based on dubious sources," Zakharova stated.
On March 9-10, the first court hearings on the Malaysian Boeing crash took place. Zakharova pointed to "a brazen policy of the prosecution, who openly force the review of this complex case and demand that the court formally approve the imposed version of the events as soon as possible."
"I will only provide one example. The Dutch prosecutors already quote some anonymous witnesses, allegedly in possession of incontestable evidence of the defendants’ guilt. At the same time, using the old 'highly likely’ formula, the society is being intimidated with Russian intelligence services, who allegedly seek to identify the witnesses, intimidate them, and obstruct the reconstruction of the true picture of the tragedy," the diplomat said.
The charges have been filed against three Russians and one Ukrainian national. Defense of one of the accused has already called on the court to carefully review the case materials, which comprise more than 30,000 pages.
"The defense raised questions that both [Russia] and the Dutch lawmakers asked repeatedly — why Ukraine failed to close its airspace over the armed conflict zone, and why this fact has not been investigated to the end," the spokeswoman said.
The diplomat pointed out that tens of other legitimate questions, raised not only by Russia, but by "the politicians, journalists, civil society representatives who reject the mainstream version, who were actually force-fed with it," also remain unanswered.
Need for impartiality


tass--2020-03-12--Uragan multiple rocket launchers wipe out enemy force in Siberia drills

Under the drills ’ scenario , the teams of Uragan multiple rocket launchers were assigned the task of striking the targets that simulated the notional enemy ’ s supply convoy and logistics center at a distance of 8 km to 20 km .
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The teams of Uragan multiple launch rocket systems wiped out a notional enemy ’ s logistic installations and an arms and ammunition supply convoy during drills in the Kemerovo Region in Siberia , the press office of Russia ’ s Central Military District reported on Thursday .
`` The troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optical reconnaissance stations to detect and reconnoiter the targets , '' the press office said in a statement .
The data on the enemy ’ s location was transmitted to the artillery command and control post with the help of the Strelets reconnaissance and communications station , the press office specified .
The artillery personnel made calculations , taking into account weather conditions and the ballistic specifics of the rocket ’ s flight , to reliably strike the targets , after which they eliminated the notional enemy by salvo fire and disrupted its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The drills that ran at the Yurginsky training ground involved over 500 troops and about 40 items of military and special hardware , the press office specified .

Under the drills’ scenario, the teams of Uragan multiple rocket launchers were assigned the task of striking the targets that simulated the notional enemy’s supply convoy and logistics center at a distance of 8 km to 20 km.
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The teams of Uragan multiple launch rocket systems wiped out a notional enemy’s logistic installations and an arms and ammunition supply convoy during drills in the Kemerovo Region in Siberia, the press office of Russia’s Central Military District reported on Thursday.
"The troops employed Orlan-10 unmanned aerial vehicles and Fara optical reconnaissance stations to detect and reconnoiter the targets," the press office said in a statement.
The data on the enemy’s location was transmitted to the artillery command and control post with the help of the Strelets reconnaissance and communications station, the press office specified.
The artillery personnel made calculations, taking into account weather conditions and the ballistic specifics of the rocket’s flight, to reliably strike the targets, after which they eliminated the notional enemy by salvo fire and disrupted its further advance, the statement says.
The drills that ran at the Yurginsky training ground involved over 500 troops and about 40 items of military and special hardware, the press office specified.


tass--2020-03-12--Surge in Russia’s temperatures more than twice the global warming rate, report says

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The average annual temperature in Russia has been rising at a rate of @ @ @ @ @ years , the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring said in a report on @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
`` Russia ’ s average annual temperature kept rising by 0.47 degrees Celsius @ @ @ @ @ period of 1976-2019 .
That is more than 2.5 times faster than the global warming @ @ @ @ @ period ( 0.18 degrees per ten years ) , '' the report reads .
According @ @ @ @ @ Scientific Director Roman Vilfand , the 2019-2020 winter was Russia ’ s warmest on record @ @ @ @ @ in the 2015-2016 winter season by 1.3 degrees Celsius .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The average annual temperature in Russia has been rising at a rate of 0.47 degrees Celsius every ten years, the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring said in a report on the country’s climate conditions.
"Russia’s average annual temperature kept rising by 0.47 degrees Celsius every ten years over the period of 1976-2019. That is more than 2.5 times faster than the global warming rate recorded during the same period (0.18 degrees per ten years)," the report reads.
According to the service’s Scientific Director Roman Vilfand, the 2019-2020 winter was Russia’s warmest on record, beating the record set in the 2015-2016 winter season by 1.3 degrees Celsius.


tass--2020-03-12--Parliament gets Constitution-related verdicts from 58 regions, may study them March 14

`` The Federation Council has received the results of voting from 58 regional legislatures , two-thirds of Russia ’ s regions , just as article 136 of the Russian Constitution provides for .
I am sending a proposal to Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko for including this issue in the agenda of the March 14 session , '' Klishas said .
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s Federation Council ( upper house ) has received verdicts regarding the bill on amendments to the Constitution from 58 regional legislatures .
The Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss a resolution on the results of the bill ’ s consideration in regions at an early meeting on Saturday , March 14 , the committee ’ s chairman , co-chairman of the working group on the Constitution Andrei Klishas said , adding that all conclusions were positive .
The Federation Council met for a plenary session on Wednesday to vote for a bill on amendments to the Constitution .
The proposed changes expand the powers of parliament , introduce certain restrictions obligatory for senior officials and the possibility of being elected president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the incumbent head of state will be able to run for president again after the amendments take effect .
On the same day the bill was forwarded to the 85 regional legislatures for consideration .
In case of support from two-thirds of the regional parliaments the Federation Council will be obliged to pass a resolution on the results of the bill ’ s consideration in the regions .
Under article 9 of the Constitution the amendments to the fundamental law shall be adopted in accordance with procedures established for a federal constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by no less than two thirds of the regional legislatures .
However , in this particular case in accordance with the rules proposed in President Vladimir Putin ’ s bill only article 3 of the law will come into force at first .
Two other articles of the bill : number one ( the proposed amendments to the Constitution as such ) and number 2 ( on the nation-wide public vote on the proposed amendments ) are to be submitted to the Constitutional Court for consideration .
The bill on amendments to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the nation only if the Constitutional Court ’ s conclusion is positive .

"The Federation Council has received the results of voting from 58 regional legislatures, two-thirds of Russia’s regions, just as article 136 of the Russian Constitution provides for. I am sending a proposal to Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko for including this issue in the agenda of the March 14 session," Klishas said.
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russia’s Federation Council (upper house) has received verdicts regarding the bill on amendments to the Constitution from 58 regional legislatures. The Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building suggests the upper house of parliament discuss a resolution on the results of the bill’s consideration in regions at an early meeting on Saturday, March 14, the committee’s chairman, co-chairman of the working group on the Constitution Andrei Klishas said, adding that all conclusions were positive.
The Federation Council met for a plenary session on Wednesday to vote for a bill on amendments to the Constitution. The proposed changes expand the powers of parliament, introduce certain restrictions obligatory for senior officials and the possibility of being elected president no more than two times, however, the incumbent head of state will be able to run for president again after the amendments take effect.
On the same day the bill was forwarded to the 85 regional legislatures for consideration. In case of support from two-thirds of the regional parliaments the Federation Council will be obliged to pass a resolution on the results of the bill’s consideration in the regions.
Under article 9 of the Constitution the amendments to the fundamental law shall be adopted in accordance with procedures established for a federal constitutional law and take effect after their approval by no less than two thirds of the regional legislatures. However, in this particular case in accordance with the rules proposed in President Vladimir Putin’s bill only article 3 of the law will come into force at first. Two other articles of the bill: number one (the proposed amendments to the Constitution as such) and number 2 (on the nation-wide public vote on the proposed amendments) are to be submitted to the Constitutional Court for consideration. The bill on amendments to the Constitution will be put to the vote across the nation only if the Constitutional Court’s conclusion is positive.


tass--2020-03-12--Austria reports first coronavirus death

Austria reports first coronavirus death

VIENNA , March 12 .
The first death of coronavirus in Austrian was reported in the capital city of Vienna on Thursday , the press service of the city administration has said in a statement .
It was a 69-year-old patient who had earlier visited Italy .
When he was infected with the novel coronavirus , the patient was already suffering from other diseases .
`` A 69-year-old man returning from Italy and suffering from other diseases died last night at Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital , '' the statement said .
A total of 302 coronavirus cases have been confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country .
On March 10 , the country banned major public gatherings until the end of March , including open-air events involving more than 500 people and closed-door events with the participation of more than 100 people .
Universities , schools and kindergartens will move to online learning from March 16 .
The organizers of cultural and sports events , conferences and exhibitions , the administrations of museums and clubs have declared suspension of work until the end of March under the orders from the government .
In late December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
Overall , more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000 , with about 4,300 deaths .
The WHO has officially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a pandemic .

VIENNA, March 12. The first death of coronavirus in Austrian was reported in the capital city of Vienna on Thursday, the press service of the city administration has said in a statement.
It was a 69-year-old patient who had earlier visited Italy. When he was infected with the novel coronavirus, the patient was already suffering from other diseases. "A 69-year-old man returning from Italy and suffering from other diseases died last night at Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital," the statement said.
A total of 302 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Austria, in all nine regions of the country.
On March 10, the country banned major public gatherings until the end of March, including open-air events involving more than 500 people and closed-door events with the participation of more than 100 people. Universities, schools and kindergartens will move to online learning from March 16. The organizers of cultural and sports events, conferences and exhibitions, the administrations of museums and clubs have declared suspension of work until the end of March under the orders from the government.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-12--Russian economy’s growth rates may drop to zero in 2020 — Accounts Chamber

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Economic growth rates in Russia may decelerate to zero under the current macroeconomic @ @ @ @ @ Accounts Chamber Alexei Kudrin said on Thursday .
Russian economy is strong enough to get @ @ @ @ @ — Kremlin '' Economic growth rates will be close to zero in this year .
@ @ @ @ @ other indicators will be lower , '' he said .
The Russian budget may not @ @ @ @ @ $ 39.8 bln ) of oil and gas revenues against the oil price of $ @ @ @ @ @ US dollar rate of 72 rubles , Kudrin said .
`` If we target current @ @ @ @ @ ] price of approximately $ 35 [ a barrel ] and the [ dollar ] @ @ @ @ @ , then we will not receive around 3 trillion rubles ( $ 39.8 bln ) @ @ @ @ @ .
Accordingly , the budget deficit can be slightly less than 2 % of GDP @ @ @ @ @ said .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Economic growth rates in Russia may decelerate to zero under the current macroeconomic indicators, head of the Accounts Chamber Alexei Kudrin said on Thursday.
Russian economy is strong enough to get through volatility in oil market — Kremlin
"Economic growth rates will be close to zero in this year. Accordingly, values of all other indicators will be lower," he said.
The Russian budget may not receive 3 trillion rubles ($39.8 bln) of oil and gas revenues against the oil price of $35 a barrel and the US dollar rate of 72 rubles, Kudrin said.
"If we target current figures: the [oil] price of approximately $35 [a barrel] and the [dollar] rate of about 72 rubles, then we will not receive around 3 trillion rubles ($39.8 bln) of oil and gas revenues. Accordingly, the budget deficit can be slightly less than 2% of GDP this year," he said.


tass--2020-03-12--Over 100 new coronavirus cases reported in Denmark in the last 24 hours

STOCKHOLM , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The number of coronavirus cases in Denmark has grown by 101 over the past 24 hours , amounting to 615 , the Danish Patient Safety Authority reports on Thursday .
No deaths have been reported as of yet , 1,366 people have been isolated .
Coronavirus tests have involved 2,751 patients .
On Wednesday , the Danish government ruled to close all educational establishments - kindergartens , schools and university over the outbreak .
All government officials not engaged in vitally important tasks will be sent home for two weeks with their salaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged will continue their work .
Police have also urged the people not to have public gatherings involving more than 100 people .
In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
Overall , more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000 , with about 4,300 deaths .
The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .

STOCKHOLM, March 12. /TASS/. The number of coronavirus cases in Denmark has grown by 101 over the past 24 hours, amounting to 615, the Danish Patient Safety Authority reports on Thursday.
No deaths have been reported as of yet, 1,366 people have been isolated. Coronavirus tests have involved 2,751 patients. On Wednesday, the Danish government ruled to close all educational establishments - kindergartens, schools and university over the outbreak. All government officials not engaged in vitally important tasks will be sent home for two weeks with their salaries paid. Medics taking care of the aged will continue their work.
Police have also urged the people not to have public gatherings involving more than 100 people.
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 100 other countries have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.


tass--2020-03-12--Moscow denies reports about Trump contacting Kremlin to discuss situation on oil market

When reporters asked him to comment on a publication in the Politico newspaper about the recent contacts between the US leader and the Kremlin he said : `` No , there were no [ contacts ] . ''
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has denied reports that US President Donald Trump recently contacted Kremlin to discuss the situation with the oil price decline .
Earlier the Politico newspaper reported that Trump spoke with Russian officials this week following the collapse in energy prices on world markets .
However , the publication does not name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could speak with .
The newspaper notes that the White House does not confirm information about such negotiations .
According to Politico sources , Trump previously held telephone conversations with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia , Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud , discussing the `` volatility of the energy market . ''
At the talks in Vienna on March 6 , the OPEC+ ministers were unable to agree on further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production .
OPEC proposed to reduce production by another 1.5 million barrels per day until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia did not accept this .
From April , all production restrictions will be lifted .

When reporters asked him to comment on a publication in the Politico newspaper about the recent contacts between the US leader and the Kremlin he said: "No, there were no [contacts]."
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has denied reports that US President Donald Trump recently contacted Kremlin to discuss the situation with the oil price decline.
Earlier the Politico newspaper reported that Trump spoke with Russian officials this week following the collapse in energy prices on world markets. However, the publication does not name any specific Russian officials the American leader could speak with.
The newspaper notes that the White House does not confirm information about such negotiations. According to Politico sources, Trump previously held telephone conversations with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, discussing the "volatility of the energy market."
At the talks in Vienna on March 6, the OPEC+ ministers were unable to agree on further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production. OPEC proposed to reduce production by another 1.5 million barrels per day until the end of this year, but Russia did not accept this. From April, all production restrictions will be lifted.


tass--2020-03-12--OPEC+ technical committee meeting canceled

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The meeting of the OPEC+ Joint Technical Committee ( JTC ) scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ a source in one of the delegations told TASS on Thursday .
`` JTC meeting @ @ @ @ @ '' the source said .
Saudi Arabia earlier refused to participate in the Committee ’ @ @ @ @ @ participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand @ @ @ @ @ last week .
All the limitations on oil production will be lifted from April 1 @

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The meeting of the OPEC+ Joint Technical Committee (JTC) scheduled for March 18 is canceled, a source in one of the delegations told TASS on Thursday.
"JTC meeting will not be held," the source said.
Saudi Arabia earlier refused to participate in the Committee’s meeting.
OPEC+ agreement participants failed to decide on further oil production cuts in view of the falling demand due to the coronavirus spread last week. All the limitations on oil production will be lifted from April 1.


tass--2020-03-12--ExoMars mission to take off for Red Planet in 2022

The joint ESA-Roscosmos project team evaluated all the activities needed for an authorization to launch in order to analyze the risks and the schedule , the European Space Agency said on its website .
The launch of the ExoMars mission is now scheduled for August-September 2022 , Roscosmos said .
`` The Roscosmos State Space Corporation and the European Space Agency ( ESA ) have decided to postpone the launch of the second ExoMars mission to study the Red Planet to 2022 , '' the statement says .
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The launch of the Russian-European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for the summer of 2020 has been postponed to 2022 , Russia ’ s State Space Corporation Roscosmos said in a statement on Thursday .
`` With due consideration of the recommendations provided by European and Russian Inspectors General , ExoMars experts have concluded that tests necessary to make all components of the spacecraft fit for the Mars adventure need more time to complete , '' the ESA said .
Meanwhile , Roscosmos said on its website that the final stage of the preparations for the ExoMars mission had been disrupted due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in European countries .
`` The parties had to recognize that the final phase of ExoMars activities are compromised by the general aggravation of the epidemiological situation in European countries , '' the statement says , following the results of a meeting between Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin and ESA Head Johann-Dietrich Woerner .
`` We have made a difficult but well-weighed decision to postpone the launch to 2022 .
It is driven primarily by the need to maximize the robustness of all ExoMars systems as well as force majeure circumstances related to exacerbation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left our experts practically no possibility to proceed with travels to partner industries , '' Roscosmos quoted Rogozin as saying .
In turn , the ESA chief said that the parties wanted to make themselves 100 % sure of a successful mission .
`` We can not allow ourselves any margin of error .
More verification activities will ensure a safe trip and the best scientific results on Mars , '' Woerner said .
The ESA chief also said that the parties had accumulated a solid body of knowledge `` to complete the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' In late December 2019 , a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus ( previously known as 2019-nCoV ) was reported in China ’ s city of Wuhan , an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million .
Outside China , the worst affected countries are Italy , South Korea and Iran .
Overall , more than 100 other countries , have reported confirmed coronavirus cases .
Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday .
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic .
ExoMars is a joint program of the European Space Agency and Russia ’ s Roscosmos federal space agency to study Mars .
The project aims to study the Martian surface , its atmosphere and climate .

The joint ESA-Roscosmos project team evaluated all the activities needed for an authorization to launch in order to analyze the risks and the schedule, the European Space Agency said on its website.
The launch of the ExoMars mission is now scheduled for August-September 2022, Roscosmos said.
"The Roscosmos State Space Corporation and the European Space Agency (ESA) have decided to postpone the launch of the second ExoMars mission to study the Red Planet to 2022," the statement says.
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The launch of the Russian-European ExoMars mission to study the Red Planet scheduled for the summer of 2020 has been postponed to 2022, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos said in a statement on Thursday.
"With due consideration of the recommendations provided by European and Russian Inspectors General, ExoMars experts have concluded that tests necessary to make all components of the spacecraft fit for the Mars adventure need more time to complete," the ESA said.
Meanwhile, Roscosmos said on its website that the final stage of the preparations for the ExoMars mission had been disrupted due to the deterioration of the epidemiological situation in European countries.
"The parties had to recognize that the final phase of ExoMars activities are compromised by the general aggravation of the epidemiological situation in European countries," the statement says, following the results of a meeting between Roscosmos Chief Dmitry Rogozin and ESA Head Johann-Dietrich Woerner.
"We have made a difficult but well-weighed decision to postpone the launch to 2022. It is driven primarily by the need to maximize the robustness of all ExoMars systems as well as force majeure circumstances related to exacerbation of the epidemiological situation in Europe which left our experts practically no possibility to proceed with travels to partner industries," Roscosmos quoted Rogozin as saying.
In turn, the ESA chief said that the parties wanted to make themselves 100% sure of a successful mission. "We cannot allow ourselves any margin of error. More verification activities will ensure a safe trip and the best scientific results on Mars," Woerner said.
The ESA chief also said that the parties had accumulated a solid body of knowledge "to complete the remaining work as quickly as possible."
ExoMars and coronavirus
In late December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, an economic and industrial megacity with a population of 12 million. Outside China, the worst affected countries are Italy, South Korea and Iran. Overall, more than 100 other countries, have reported confirmed coronavirus cases. Russia had 28 coronavirus cases as of Wednesday.
The World Health Organization says that the novel coronavirus cases across the globe have exceeded 118,000, with about 4,300 deaths. The WHO has officially described the situation with the novel coronavirus as a pandemic.
ExoMars is a joint program of the European Space Agency and Russia’s Roscosmos federal space agency to study Mars. The project aims to study the Martian surface, its atmosphere and climate.


tass--2020-03-12--Shipbuilders to lay down additional series of Project 22350 frigates for Russian Navy

ST. PETERSBURG , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Severnaya Shipyard in St. Petersburg in northwestern Russia ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) will lay down an additional series of Project 22350 frigates for the Russian Navy , Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko announced on Thursday .
`` I want to assure you , the staff , that the book of orders formed and signed with enterprises of the United Shipbuilding Corporation , in particular , with the Severnaya Shipyard , will enable it to utilize its capacities at least in the next ten years .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will lay the keels of additional frigates , '' the deputy defense minister said after the ceremony of floating out the Project 20380 corvette Retivy at the Shipyard .
The defense official declined to specify the number of ships planned for keel-laying but explained that this related to Project 22350 frigates .
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy ’ s most advanced warships in their class .
These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots .
They are armed with Oniks and Kalibr missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Project 22350 lead frigate Admiral Gorshkov entered service with the Russian Navy in July 2018 .
The Project ’ s first serial-produced frigate Admiral Kasatonov was put afloat in 2014 and its trials are currently at their final stage .
The Project 22350 frigate Admiral Golovko was laid down on February 1 , 2012 .
Four more frigates of this Project are at various stages of their construction at the Severnaya Shipyard .

ST. PETERSBURG, March 12. /TASS/. The Severnaya Shipyard in St. Petersburg in northwestern Russia (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) will lay down an additional series of Project 22350 frigates for the Russian Navy, Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko announced on Thursday.
"I want to assure you, the staff, that the book of orders formed and signed with enterprises of the United Shipbuilding Corporation, in particular, with the Severnaya Shipyard, will enable it to utilize its capacities at least in the next ten years. In the near future, we also expect and will lay the keels of additional frigates," the deputy defense minister said after the ceremony of floating out the Project 20380 corvette Retivy at the Shipyard.
The defense official declined to specify the number of ships planned for keel-laying but explained that this related to Project 22350 frigates.
Project 22350 frigates are expected to become the Russian Navy’s most advanced warships in their class. These frigates displace 4,500 tonnes and can develop a speed of 29 knots. They are armed with Oniks and Kalibr missiles and Poliment-Redut air defense missile systems.
The Project 22350 lead frigate Admiral Gorshkov entered service with the Russian Navy in July 2018. The Project’s first serial-produced frigate Admiral Kasatonov was put afloat in 2014 and its trials are currently at their final stage. The Project 22350 frigate Admiral Golovko was laid down on February 1, 2012. Four more frigates of this Project are at various stages of their construction at the Severnaya Shipyard.


tass--2020-03-12--Putin not planning any contacts with OPEC+ partners yet

`` So far no contacts have been planned .
However , if necessary , they will be immediately arranged , '' he said .
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russian President Vladimir Putin is not planning any contacts with OPEC+ partners for the time being , but they can be quickly arranged if necessary , Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday .
Commenting on reports of the alleged price war against Russia on the oil market , the Kremlin spokesman noted that all OPEC+ countries are `` in the same boat '' in the current situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prices is different .
`` I would like to recall that Riyadh itself has denied reports that there is any kind of price war , especially against Russia , '' he said .
`` Reducing the price of oil and oil products is a general trend .
In this situation we are all in the same boat , '' the Kremlin representative said .
He added however that different countries were ready for it `` to a lesser of a greater extent . ''
At the talks on March 6 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production .
From April , all production restrictions will be lifted .

"So far no contacts have been planned. However, if necessary, they will be immediately arranged," he said.
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin is not planning any contacts with OPEC+ partners for the time being, but they can be quickly arranged if necessary, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
Commenting on reports of the alleged price war against Russia on the oil market, the Kremlin spokesman noted that all OPEC+ countries are "in the same boat" in the current situation, although their readiness for the drop in prices is different.
"I would like to recall that Riyadh itself has denied reports that there is any kind of price war, especially against Russia," he said.
"Reducing the price of oil and oil products is a general trend. In this situation we are all in the same boat," the Kremlin representative said. He added however that different countries were ready for it "to a lesser of a greater extent."
At the talks on March 6, the OPEC + ministers failed to agree on further parameters of the deal to reduce oil production. From April, all production restrictions will be lifted.


tass--2020-03-12--Dollar above 75 rubles first time from September 6, 2019

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The dollar rose by 3 % during the trading session on the Moscow @ @ @ @ @ rubles , according to trading data .
The dollar rate was at the level of @ @ @ @ @ February 29 , 2016 .
The euro added 2.8 % during the trading session and @ @ @ @ @ the same time , Brent oil futures with delivery in May 2020 fell by 7.14 @ @ @ @ @ barrel on the London-based ICE .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The dollar rose by 3% during the trading session on the Moscow Exchange on Thursday to 75.16 rubles, according to trading data.
The dollar rate was at the level of 75 rubles last time on February 29, 2016.
The euro added 2.8% during the trading session and reached 84.48 rubles.
At the same time, Brent oil futures with delivery in May 2020 fell by 7.14% to $33.14 a barrel on the London-based ICE.


tass--2020-03-12--Shipbuilders in Russia’s northwest float out latest corvette for Black Sea Fleet

ST. PETERSBURG , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Severnaya Shipyard ( part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation ) floated out the Project 20380 corvette Retivy , the Shipyard announced on Thursday .
`` Today the Project 20380 corvette was floated out .
The ship is under construction for the Black Sea Fleet on order from the Defense Ministry of Russia , '' the Shipyard ’ s representative said during the launch ceremony .
The Retivy is the Project 20380 fifth ship under construction at the Severnaya Shipyard , according to the representative .
`` The previous four corvettes built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Soobrazitelny , the Stoiky and the Boiky — were delivered to the Navy in 2007-2014 and are in service with the Baltic Fleet , '' the representative informed .
The dockside trials of the corvette Retivy are scheduled for the end of this year , the representative stated .
Project 20380 ships developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering ( St. Petersburg ) are designed to accomplish green-water escort and strike missions and patrol coastal waters .
They are armed with universal artillery guns , surface-to-air missile/artillery systems , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Project 20380 corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter .

ST. PETERSBURG, March 12. /TASS/. The Severnaya Shipyard (part of the United Shipbuilding Corporation) floated out the Project 20380 corvette Retivy, the Shipyard announced on Thursday.
"Today the Project 20380 corvette was floated out. The ship is under construction for the Black Sea Fleet on order from the Defense Ministry of Russia," the Shipyard’s representative said during the launch ceremony.
The Retivy is the Project 20380 fifth ship under construction at the Severnaya Shipyard, according to the representative.
"The previous four corvettes built by the Shipyard — the Steregushchiy, the Soobrazitelny, the Stoiky and the Boiky — were delivered to the Navy in 2007-2014 and are in service with the Baltic Fleet," the representative informed.
The dockside trials of the corvette Retivy are scheduled for the end of this year, the representative stated.
Project 20380 ships developed by the Almaz Central Design Bureau of Marine Engineering (St. Petersburg) are designed to accomplish green-water escort and strike missions and patrol coastal waters. They are armed with universal artillery guns, surface-to-air missile/artillery systems, supersonic missiles and automatic artillery launchers. The Project 20380 corvettes can carry a Ka-27 helicopter.


tass--2020-03-12--Russian defense firm delivers regiment set of S-400 systems ahead of schedule

The official handover ceremony took place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in the southern Astrakhan Region .
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Russia ’ s top brass has received the first regiment set of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ anti-aircraft missile systems this year from Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer , the Company ’ s press office reported on Thursday .
`` We have delivered the first regiment set of S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ systems this year to the state customer ahead of schedule .
The delivery/acceptance tests have passed successfully , '' the press office quoted Almaz-Antey CEO Yan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Russia ’ s Defense Ministry , the military hardware was tested at the proving ground where flyovers were carried out with the tracking of real air targets , in compliance with the customer ’ s requirements , the chief executive said .
Russia ’ s S-400 ‘ Triumf ’ ( NATO reporting name : SA-21 Growler ) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007 .
It is designed to destroy aircraft , cruise and ballistic missiles , and can also be used against ground installations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming .

The official handover ceremony took place at the Kapustin Yar proving ground in the southern Astrakhan Region.
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Russia’s top brass has received the first regiment set of S-400 ‘Triumf’ anti-aircraft missile systems this year from Almaz-Antey defense manufacturer, the Company’s press office reported on Thursday.
"We have delivered the first regiment set of S-400 ‘Triumf’ systems this year to the state customer ahead of schedule. The delivery/acceptance tests have passed successfully," the press office quoted Almaz-Antey CEO Yan Novikov as saying.
Upon its delivery to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the military hardware was tested at the proving ground where flyovers were carried out with the tracking of real air targets, in compliance with the customer’s requirements, the chief executive said.
Russia’s S-400 ‘Triumf’ (NATO reporting name: SA-21 Growler) is the latest long-and medium-range surface-to-air missile system that went into service in 2007. It is designed to destroy aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, and can also be used against ground installations. The S-400 can engage targets at a distance of up to 400 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km under intensive enemy fire and jamming.


tass--2020-03-12--Chinese officials say COVID-19 peak is over in China

`` The peak of the novel coronavirus outbreak in our country is over , the number of new cases of the disease is becoming lower and lower , '' Xinhua news agency quotes Mi Feng as saying .
MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
/TASS/ .
The peak of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) in China is over , China ’ s National Health Commission Spokesperson Mi Feng said during a briefing on Thursday .
The official noted that no cases of COVID-19 had been detected in the Hubei province , except its capital city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number of new cases in Wuhan , the epicenter of the outbreak , has dropped to a single digit , with only eight cases reported on Wednesday , he added .
In late December 2019 , Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization ( WHO ) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan , central China .
On March 11 , WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) as a pandemic .
The disease has spread to over 100 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have been infected with the virus globally , and 4,300 have died .
The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea , Iran and Italy .
There have been 28 cases of the virus documented in Russia .

"The peak of the novel coronavirus outbreak in our country is over, the number of new cases of the disease is becoming lower and lower," Xinhua news agency quotes Mi Feng as saying.
MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. /TASS/. The peak of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in China is over, China’s National Health Commission Spokesperson Mi Feng said during a briefing on Thursday.
The official noted that no cases of COVID-19 had been detected in the Hubei province, except its capital city of Wuhan, in the past week. The number of new cases in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, has dropped to a single digit, with only eight cases reported on Wednesday, he added.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. On March 11, WHO officially characterized the situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The disease has spread to over 100 countries. According to WHO, over 118,000 people have been infected with the virus globally, and 4,300 have died. The largest outbreaks of COVID-19 outside of China have been detected in South Korea, Iran and Italy. There have been 28 cases of the virus documented in Russia.


tass--2020-03-12--EAL Helps Stabilize Global Supply Chain Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

SHANGHAI , March 12 , 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- All nine all-cargo aircraft of Eastern Airlines Logistics ( EAL ) , a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd ( CEAH ) , have been put into this month , which has led to a strong growth in the volume of all-cargo aircraft 's capacity .
With 10 cargo flights per day , EAL has maintained a sound momentum in its cargo transportation .
EAL achieved a steady increase in capacity input and cargo volume for four consecutive weeks in February .
By the end of February , the outbound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the return cargo volume increased by more than 50 % year-on-year .
Such performance has provided a firm foundation for the world to combat the COVID-19 and stabilize global supply chain logistic-wise .
Affected by the COVID-19 , a large number of international and domestic flights have been suspended since late January , placing a huge impact on air logistics , which further led to tremendous damage of the supply and marketing chains of enterprises , especially multinationals .
With the resumption of work in China 's domestic enterprises after Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first to see a rising demand as passenger and maritime transportation was still in the low .
To meet the market demand , China Cargo Airlines , a subsidiary of EAL , has put an unrented Boeing 747 all-cargo aircraft back into operation since Feb. 15 .
From Jan. 24 to Mar .
1 , EAL 's all-cargo aircraft and the luggage compartment of the China Eastern Airlines ' passenger jets have carried more than 3,000 tons of epidemic prevention materials and 138,000 tons of equipment needed to restart the global supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradual resumption of work and production , global manufacturers have also resumed their shipments , while EAL 's all-cargo airlines have covered 40 international and regional logistics sites , including Chicago , Los Angeles , Amsterdam , Frankfurt , Singapore , Bangkok , Osaka , Tokyo , and Seoul .
Earlier this month , the daily outward cargo volume by EAL 's all-cargo aircraft has reached 946 tons , an increase of 60 percent before the work resumption , as well as an annual increase of 30 percent compared to the previous year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 816 tons per day , a year-on-year increase of 54.5 percent .
Parts of the cargos were emergency materials needed for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 , while most of them were spare parts to ensure work resumption of Chinese and foreign enterprises , as well as commodities and daily necessities people purchased online .
By combining road and air transportation and cooperating with global suppliers , the EAL is providing global door-to-door services .
Lately , some U.S. carmakers were facing a breakdown and losing millions of U.S. dollars each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world-renowned auto parts supplier was cut off .
Learning this message , the EAL tailored a specific logistics solution for the supplier within just a few days , becoming the only Chinese airline whose plan has been selected .
At this critical moment for work resumption , the manufacturer handed over 600 tons of auto parts to EAL for transportation in the first quarter , planning to ship them to the U.S. by 6 charter flights .
It is noteworthy that with the effective control of the epidemic domestically , China is sending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign companies , and the all-cargo aircraft transportation is playing an active role in responding to the epidemic and natural disasters in the global context .
On March 9 , local time , 70 tons of materials aided by China arrived at an airport in Karachi , via a widebody B747 of EAL to help Pakistan better respond to the COVID-19 and locust plague .
China Eastern Air Logistics Co. , Ltd. , headquartered in Shanghai is a company offering comprehensive logistics services under the CEAH .
Its capacity includes bellyholds of over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nine all-cargo aircraft .
The company is a pilot for the mixed ownership reform in the civil aviation sector of China , and its shareholders , apart from the CEAH , also include Legend Holdings , Global Logistic Properties , Debang Logistics , and Greenland Group .

SHANGHAI, March 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- All nine all-cargo aircraft of Eastern Airlines Logistics (EAL), a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd (CEAH), have been put into this month, which has led to a strong growth in the volume of all-cargo aircraft's capacity.
With 10 cargo flights per day, EAL has maintained a sound momentum in its cargo transportation. EAL achieved a steady increase in capacity input and cargo volume for four consecutive weeks in February. By the end of February, the outbound cargo volume increased by 30% year-on-year, and the return cargo volume increased by more than 50% year-on-year. Such performance has provided a firm foundation for the world to combat the COVID-19 and stabilize global supply chain logistic-wise.
Affected by the COVID-19, a large number of international and domestic flights have been suspended since late January, placing a huge impact on air logistics, which further led to tremendous damage of the supply and marketing chains of enterprises, especially multinationals.
With the resumption of work in China's domestic enterprises after Feb. 10, the freight transportation sector was the first to see a rising demand as passenger and maritime transportation was still in the low.
To meet the market demand, China Cargo Airlines, a subsidiary of EAL, has put an unrented Boeing 747 all-cargo aircraft back into operation since Feb. 15. From Jan. 24 to Mar. 1, EAL's all-cargo aircraft and the luggage compartment of the China Eastern Airlines' passenger jets have carried more than 3,000 tons of epidemic prevention materials and 138,000 tons of equipment needed to restart the global supply chain.
At present, with the gradual resumption of work and production, global manufacturers have also resumed their shipments, while EAL's all-cargo airlines have covered 40 international and regional logistics sites, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Bangkok, Osaka, Tokyo, and Seoul. Earlier this month, the daily outward cargo volume by EAL's all-cargo aircraft has reached 946 tons, an increase of 60 percent before the work resumption, as well as an annual increase of 30 percent compared to the previous year. The return cargo volume stands at 816 tons per day, a year-on-year increase of 54.5 percent.
Parts of the cargos were emergency materials needed for the prevention and control of the COVID-19, while most of them were spare parts to ensure work resumption of Chinese and foreign enterprises, as well as commodities and daily necessities people purchased online.
By combining road and air transportation and cooperating with global suppliers, the EAL is providing global door-to-door services.
Lately, some U.S. carmakers were facing a breakdown and losing millions of U.S. dollars each day as their transportation connection with a world-renowned auto parts supplier was cut off. Learning this message, the EAL tailored a specific logistics solution for the supplier within just a few days, becoming the only Chinese airline whose plan has been selected.
At this critical moment for work resumption, the manufacturer handed over 600 tons of auto parts to EAL for transportation in the first quarter, planning to ship them to the U.S. by 6 charter flights.
It is noteworthy that with the effective control of the epidemic domestically, China is sending more flights to transport aid materials to foreign companies, and the all-cargo aircraft transportation is playing an active role in responding to the epidemic and natural disasters in the global context.
On March 9, local time, 70 tons of materials aided by China arrived at an airport in Karachi, via a widebody B747 of EAL to help Pakistan better respond to the COVID-19 and locust plague.
China Eastern Air Logistics Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shanghai is a company offering comprehensive logistics services under the CEAH. Its capacity includes bellyholds of over 700 passenger aircraft of China Eastern Airlines and nine all-cargo aircraft.
The company is a pilot for the mixed ownership reform in the civil aviation sector of China, and its shareholders, apart from the CEAH, also include Legend Holdings, Global Logistic Properties, Debang Logistics, and Greenland Group.
Image Attachments Links: Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=359718
CONTACT: Ms. Wang, Tel: +86- 10- 63074558


tass--2020-03-12--No plans for now to postpone nationwide vote on constitutional amendments — Kremlin

MOSCOW , March 12./TASS/ .
There have been no recommendations as of yet to postpone the nationwide vote on constitutional @ @ @ @ @ , the situation with the novel coronavirus in Russia is nowhere near an epidemic , @ @ @ @ @ journalists on Thursday .
`` There have been no indications to this respect for now @ @ @ @ @ discussion or decisions in this respect , '' Peskov said when asked whether the voting @ @ @ @ @ fears .
`` We are all closely monitoring the developments , especially the government task @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` For the present , we are nowhere near an epidemic [ of @ @ @ @ @ ] , this can be said definitely given the number of cases diagnosed here .
@ @ @ @ @ it is the task force that must explain what could be the schemes under this @ @ @ @ @ '' Peskov added .

MOSCOW, March 12./TASS/. There have been no recommendations as of yet to postpone the nationwide vote on constitutional amendments scheduled for April 22, the situation with the novel coronavirus in Russia is nowhere near an epidemic, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday.
"There have been no indications to this respect for now, no recommendations, no discussion or decisions in this respect," Peskov said when asked whether the voting could be postponed amid coronavirus fears. "We are all closely monitoring the developments, especially the government task force," the spokesman said.
"For the present, we are nowhere near an epidemic [of the novel coronavirus in Russia], this can be said definitely given the number of cases diagnosed here. As to the rest, it is the task force that must explain what could be the schemes under this or that epidemiological situation," Peskov added.


tass--2020-03-12--MH17 court hearings is attempt to manipulate facts for pre-determined concept — envoy

The diplomat underscored that flight recorders of the crashed plane had been handed over to the Malaysian officials Second day of the trial of four men charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 BRUSSELS , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The Dutch trial of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash is an attempt to manipulate facts in favor of predetermined concept , says Russian Envoy to the EU Vladimir Chizhov .
`` It is a strange process .
The first logical question you get is why this case is reviewed by some district — which means local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — why does the court try four actually random people , none of whom , most importantly , is present in the courthouse ?
What is this all for ?
A point that this is being done to pacify and calm the victims ’ relatives sounds more than dubious .
I believe , it is done only to reopen their wounds whereas all of them , without doubt , deserve compassion , '' he noted .
Chizhov underscored that he oversees the entire MH17 crash story very carefully since day one , July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that an attempt by a group of nations to determine the cause of MH-17 tragedy has very fast degraded to an attempt to manipulate all conclusions in compliance with pre-determined parameters .
At no stage of existence of the so-called Joint Investigative Team ( JIT ) a question has been raised of why Ukraine is included in its membership , while Russia , on the contrary , is strictly forbidden from participating in its work .
Malaysia , a country whose plane and whose crew conducted the flight , was included in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begun its work .
The investigation refuses to give answer why Ukraine failed to close its airspace over the military conflict region .
It was their duty , which they failed to fulfill , '' the diplomat underscored .
Chizhov also recalled another key detail .
`` Few people remember that flight recorders of the Malaysian Boeing have been discovered , identified and officially handed over to the Malaysian officials [ by representatives of the Donetsk People ’ s Republic ] .
And Malaysian authorities confirmed that the flight recorders had been handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about the EU ’ s official reaction to this tragedy , I can disclose a conversation I had with one colleague from a European body a few days after the catastrophe .
He warned me : ‘ Vladimir , cursor has shifted not in your favor.
’ He meant the EU ’ s political course towards Russia .
It was followed by the EU ’ s new economic sanctions against Russia , '' Chizhov noted .
Commenting on a statement made by High Representative of the European Union Josep Borrell before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Russia to cooperate with the investigation , Chizhov said that `` any statement , made either by the European foreign policy agency or any government , if made ahead of a court hearing , is nothing else but a bid to meddle in its proceedings .
`` They try to point fingers at Russia .
However , all these alleged arguments against Russia are built upon our alleged refusal to collaborate with the investigation , even though , all these years , it has been the other way around : Moscow offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data .
It conducted serious investigative experiments and worked with the missile maker directly .
However , no results of all this activity has been taken into account by the JIT . ''
The Boeing-777 passenger plane operated by Malaysian Airlines crashed on July 17 , 2014 , en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur in Ukraine ’ s Donetsk Region .
As a result , 298 people were killed , the majority of them Dutch citizens .
The Joint Investigation Team ( JIT ) , consisting of representatives of Australia , Belgium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was established to investigate the crash .
Initially , the experts said that the plane was taken down by the Buk air defense system , and in 2019 , they claimed that they had identified four people — three Russian and one Ukrainian national — suspected of involvement in the incident .
According to the investigation , the four men were involved in delivering the Buk system from Russian territory to the location where the missile was fired .
The trial is being held amid substantial disagreements between Russia and the West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international investigators ’ findings .
Russian officials have repeatedly expressed distrust in the joint team ’ s work and pointed out that prosecutors ’ arguments were groundless .
They also stressed that international investigators were reluctant to use Russia ’ s conclusions in the course of the investigation .

The diplomat underscored that flight recorders of the crashed plane had been handed over to the Malaysian officials
Second day of the trial of four men charged with murder over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight 17
BRUSSELS, March 12. /TASS/. The Dutch trial of the Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash is an attempt to manipulate facts in favor of predetermined concept, says Russian Envoy to the EU Vladimir Chizhov. "It is a strange process. The first logical question you get is why this case is reviewed by some district — which means local — court in the Netherlands? Next — why does the court try four actually random people, none of whom, most importantly, is present in the courthouse? What is this all for? A point that this is being done to pacify and calm the victims’ relatives sounds more than dubious. I believe, it is done only to reopen their wounds whereas all of them, without doubt, deserve compassion," he noted. Selective membership
Read also One of four suspects on MH17 crash case denies his responsibility - attorney
Chizhov underscored that he oversees the entire MH17 crash story very carefully since day one, July 17, 2014. "I can say that an attempt by a group of nations to determine the cause of MH-17 tragedy has very fast degraded to an attempt to manipulate all conclusions in compliance with pre-determined parameters. At no stage of existence of the so-called Joint Investigative Team (JIT) a question has been raised of why Ukraine is included in its membership, while Russia, on the contrary, is strictly forbidden from participating in its work. Malaysia, a country whose plane and whose crew conducted the flight, was included in the JIT after the Team had already begun its work. The investigation refuses to give answer why Ukraine failed to close its airspace over the military conflict region. It was their duty, which they failed to fulfill," the diplomat underscored. Chizhov also recalled another key detail. "Few people remember that flight recorders of the Malaysian Boeing have been discovered, identified and officially handed over to the Malaysian officials [by representatives of the Donetsk People’s Republic]. And Malaysian authorities confirmed that the flight recorders had been handed over untouched." Pointing fingers


tass--2020-03-12--Kremlin says onset of global economic recession potentially 'on the horizon'

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/ TASS / .
The likelihood of a global economic recession and the aggravation of @ @ @ @ @ the global economy have become factors that foster turbulence around the world , said Russian @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` Coronavirus has very deep consequences for the global economy now and could @ @ @ @ @ for the global economy , '' he said .
`` This is generally a set @ @ @ @ @ global economic recession , which may be somewhere on the horizon , '' Peskov said @

MOSCOW, March 12. / TASS /. The likelihood of a global economic recession and the aggravation of the influence of coronavirus on the global economy have become factors that foster turbulence around the world, said Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday.
"Coronavirus has very deep consequences for the global economy now and could potentially have more serious consequences for the global economy," he said. "This is generally a set of signs of a possible global economic recession, which may be somewhere on the horizon," Peskov said.


tass--2020-03-12--Kremlin: Putin accepts idea of removing presidential term limits amid global challenges

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
The complex global situation is one of the reasons why Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted State Duma member Valentina Tereshkova ’ s arguments in favor of removing limits on presidential terms , Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday .
Kremlin : Putin did not say anything about his participation in 2024 election yet '' The global situation is no secret , it is very complex if not turbulent .
Many countries , including ours , are facing external instability , '' he said .
According to Peskov , `` in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow the incumbent president to remain in office . ''
`` In such tough times , it is important to maintain stable , firm and consistent policies , '' the Russian presidential spokesman emphasized .
`` Apparently , this was Tereshkova ’ s reason , these were the arguments that President Putin accepted , '' Peskov added .
`` The constitutional provision limiting presidential terms will remain in place and an exception will be made only for the incumbent president in relation to the amendment package , and , which is more important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is what Tereshkova ’ s initiative was about , '' he noted .
When asked why Putin had changed his view on the need to limit presidential terms , Peskov pointed out that the global situation , including the situation around Russia `` was definitely one of the crucial reasons . ''
Russia ’ s Federation Council ( the upper house of parliament ) approved a bill amending the country ’ s Constitution at a plenary meeting on Wednesday .
The bill sets a limit of two presidential terms .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed by lawmaker Valentina Tereshkova , which says that Russia ’ s incumbent and former heads of state can run for president regardless of the time spent in office before the amendment came into force .
However , President Putin said that the Constitutional Court must check the amendment before it took effect .
Putin submitted the bill to the State Duma ( the lower house of parliament ) in late January , following his 2020 State of the Nation Address .
The document particularly expands the authority of Russia ’ s parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding foreign passports and residence permits and ensures the supremacy of the Constitution within Russia ’ s legal system .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. The complex global situation is one of the reasons why Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted State Duma member Valentina Tereshkova’s arguments in favor of removing limits on presidential terms, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.
Kremlin: Putin did not say anything about his participation in 2024 election yet
"The global situation is no secret, it is very complex if not turbulent. Many countries, including ours, are facing external instability," he said. According to Peskov, "in such tough times, some countries moved to allow the incumbent president to remain in office." "In such tough times, it is important to maintain stable, firm and consistent policies," the Russian presidential spokesman emphasized.
"Apparently, this was Tereshkova’s reason, these were the arguments that President Putin accepted," Peskov added.
"The constitutional provision limiting presidential terms will remain in place and an exception will be made only for the incumbent president in relation to the amendment package, and, which is more important, in light of the current situation, this is what Tereshkova’s initiative was about," he noted.
When asked why Putin had changed his view on the need to limit presidential terms, Peskov pointed out that the global situation, including the situation around Russia "was definitely one of the crucial reasons."
Constitutional amendments
Russia’s Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) approved a bill amending the country’s Constitution at a plenary meeting on Wednesday.
The bill sets a limit of two presidential terms. However, the senators also approved an amendment proposed by lawmaker Valentina Tereshkova, which says that Russia’s incumbent and former heads of state can run for president regardless of the time spent in office before the amendment came into force. However, President Putin said that the Constitutional Court must check the amendment before it took effect.
Putin submitted the bill to the State Duma (the lower house of parliament) in late January, following his 2020 State of the Nation Address. The document particularly expands the authority of Russia’s parliament and Constitutional Court, bars officials from holding foreign passports and residence permits and ensures the supremacy of the Constitution within Russia’s legal system.


tass--2020-03-12--Roerich’s paintings from Serbia to be handed over to two Russian museums

MOSCOW , March 12 .
/TASS/ .
Nicholas Roerich ’ s paintings , which Russia will receive from Serbia in exchange for Page 166 of the Miroslav Gospel , the oldest Serbian manuscript , as part of bilateral state agreements , will replenish the collection of the Roerich Family Museum Institute in St. Petersburg and the Roerich Estate Museum in Izvara , the Leningrad Region , Russian Deputy Minister of Culture Olga Yarilova told TASS .
According to Yarilova , all necessary procedures for exchanging the valuable exhibits could be completed by this coming summer .
`` Serbia has already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this exchange .
We are almost ready as well .
The proposal on approving and ratifying the agreement is currently being considered by the Russian government .
We expect all internal procedures to be completed during the spring session , '' she explained .
`` The paintings are in good condition , no restoration is required .
They will be handed over to two museums : the Roerich Family Museum Institute in St. Petersburg and the Roerich Estate Museum in Izvara , the Leningrad Region , '' she said .
The Miroslav Gospel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oldest Cyrillic manuscript kept at the National Museum in Belgrade .
However , one of its pages was brought to Russia in the 19th century by Archimandrite Porphyrius ( Uspensky ) who found the manuscript in the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos .
It has been kept in Russia ’ s National Library in St. Petersburg .
Given the significance of this document for Serbia , Russia agreed to return the page from the manuscript in exchange for seven early paintings by Roerich , which ended up in Serbia during WWII .
Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valuable cultural artefacts during Russian President Vladimir Putin ’ s visit to Belgrade in January 2019 .
An accord on transferring the page of the ancient Cyrillic manuscript to Belgrade was inked during then Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ’ s visit to Serbia in October 2019 .
The document also envisages that Serbia will hand over seven of Roerich ’ s early works to Russia .
On January 24 , 2020 , the Serbian parliament passed a law on swapping Page 166 of the Miroslav Gospel for seven paintings by Roerich .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ drafts a law on ratifying the agreement , the government then submits it to parliament , after which it has to be approved by the State Duma ( lower house of parliament ) .

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Nicholas Roerich’s paintings, which Russia will receive from Serbia in exchange for Page 166 of the Miroslav Gospel, the oldest Serbian manuscript, as part of bilateral state agreements, will replenish the collection of the Roerich Family Museum Institute in St. Petersburg and the Roerich Estate Museum in Izvara, the Leningrad Region, Russian Deputy Minister of Culture Olga Yarilova told TASS.
According to Yarilova, all necessary procedures for exchanging the valuable exhibits could be completed by this coming summer. "Serbia has already completed the internal procedure, required for this exchange. We are almost ready as well. The proposal on approving and ratifying the agreement is currently being considered by the Russian government. We expect all internal procedures to be completed during the spring session," she explained.
"The paintings are in good condition, no restoration is required. They will be handed over to two museums: the Roerich Family Museum Institute in St. Petersburg and the Roerich Estate Museum in Izvara, the Leningrad Region," she said.
Miroslav Gospel
The Miroslav Gospel written around 1180 is Serbia’s oldest Cyrillic manuscript kept at the National Museum in Belgrade. However, one of its pages was brought to Russia in the 19th century by Archimandrite Porphyrius (Uspensky) who found the manuscript in the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. It has been kept in Russia’s National Library in St. Petersburg. Given the significance of this document for Serbia, Russia agreed to return the page from the manuscript in exchange for seven early paintings by Roerich, which ended up in Serbia during WWII.
Moscow-Belgrade agreements
Russia and Serbia reached an agreement on exchanging valuable cultural artefacts during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Belgrade in January 2019. An accord on transferring the page of the ancient Cyrillic manuscript to Belgrade was inked during then Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Serbia in October 2019. The document also envisages that Serbia will hand over seven of Roerich’s early works to Russia.
On January 24, 2020, the Serbian parliament passed a law on swapping Page 166 of the Miroslav Gospel for seven paintings by Roerich. Under the established procedure, Russia first drafts a law on ratifying the agreement, the government then submits it to parliament, after which it has to be approved by the State Duma (lower house of parliament).